22. DOWN THE RIVER ROAD
-You wished to see me? -she asked, entering Edmure's chambers and observing her little boy, all grown into a man, await for her sitting behind his desk, overlooking some paperwork that were usually her incumbency.
-Yes, sister. Please, take a seat.
He sounded way more formal now, maybe after being told by their father what was expected of him. He had being attending the great hall in the afternoons, adjudicating disputes and trying to establish a rule of his own. He seemed tired, worn out, and with a tendency to sulk. Sometimes, not even Saera would be able to extract a smile from him, and Catelyn knew that more was happening inside her little brother's mind than what he was letting be known.
-Tomorrow when you leave, I want you to take Storm, and have him as your ride. -he went directly to the point.
-No! -she couldn't explain her reluctance, but it came from deep inside her heart- I cannot make you part with him.
-I cannot let you leave without something bonding us.
She understood it then.
-My love, I will always be your big sister...
-I will not have this any other way, Catelyn. I need you to let me take care of you at least once. And Storm is the only thing meaningful enough for both of us, so he is yours now. And his stable boy has been warned that he will go to the West with you.
Catelyn's eyes were burning with tears that hadn't rolled yet. She knew it would hurt him to part with his horse, she saw as they grew closer and closer with the years. She knew that Edmure was already in pain.
-Listen to me... -she said, walking around the desk and holding his hands, now callous for holding a sword on his training- This is too much of a change. You will be parting with me already, I do not wish to take away your friend as well.
-He will keep you safe and fast on the roads. -his voice was breaking.
-I know, and I love you for worrying like this, but I cannot take him. It wouldn't be fair on him to be away from you. He already lost so much, with Spirit gone.
-You lost so much... -Edmure's beautiful blue eyes were swimming in tears now- Please, Cat...
-No. -she said simply, pulling her boy onto her arms and allowing him to sob- Storm is yours and he is not a thing to be given away. You earned him with your love and care.
-Please... -he wasn't sure what he wished with his begging, but he seemed to feel like Catelyn was the only one to make it go away- How can I do what you do?
-You had plenty of practice. I am not abandoning you to your own devices. The castle will carry on as normal, once it adjusts to the changes.
He remained on her arms, allowing her to cuddle him and soothe his pained worries. Her heart was bleeding, and she was not even leaving yet. How would she manage to part with him, with her father and uncle? How would she part with Riverrun?
-Edmure, you need to care for father.
-I know. Maybe father should find a wife.
-Maybe he should. -she said knowing very well that he wouldn't- But in the meantime, we are his children and we will care for him, right?
-Right.
Tywin found a sobbing wife back at their chambers.
-What is wrong? -he quickly pulled her against his chest, trying to soothe her.
Catelyn told him about the meeting with her brother, and she could see he was struggling to grasp the concept.
-Edmure is a grown man, Catelyn. He will be fine.
-Yes, he will. But you were also a grown man when Lady Genna left for the Twins. Didn't it hurt you at least a little bit?
He seemed to remember the occasion, and without saying anything, he just accommodated her better on his arms and pressed his lips on her temple. Catelyn knew that her entire family was struggling with her departure, maybe just as much as she was. Sometimes she would think how wonderful would it be if Tywin just remained there with her forever, but that was the dreams of summer child, and that she was not.
Mounting a mare, after saying her goodbyes to her family, she promised herself that she wouldn't cry. In one of the bends in the road she could look back and see the castle, sparkling on the bright light of that morning, and fought a stubborn tear that insisted to roll.
-Look ahead, my love... -Tywin said, next to her, reaching out to wipe the tear away from her face- As there's beautiful things to come.
They travelled in a very small entourage. Tywin, Catelyn, Rowan, Enya, their personal servants and a reduced guard. Ground was covered very quickly, and both women could feel the excitement growing. Both refusing to think about what was being left behind and focusing in the next chapter. By the end of the day, they had arrived at the Inn half-way from Riverrun to Golden Tooth, being there their next planned overnight.
During the travels, Catelyn could get to know Lord Rowan better. Enya and Tywin had an established friendship of their own, constantly jesting with their slightly abrasive humour. So it was only right if she did the same to Enya's intended. He was truly as endearing as he was handsome, with awkwardness and quirks proper of cerebral men. He spoke what he thought even to Tywin, and was appreciated by it. He knew far too much about too many things, and he would be the first to tire and every stop made on the first day was at his request.
-Rowan needs space from time to time. –Tywin said to both ladies- He can get easily overwhelmed, and I like that, as it gives me balance in a way. He is the happiest at home, with his routines.
-My younger brother is like that. –Enya said- I can deal with him, as I have learned that the best course of action is to acknowledge and respect his limits.
-He is limitless in many ways. –Tywin added, taking a sip of water and handing the canteen to his wife- So his shortcomings are not relevant.
By noon on the next day, they caught up to Catelyn's household. Four carriages moved her ladies and their belongings, protected by her guards. They were making good progress, predicting arriving at Golden Tooth for supper on the next day. They made sure everything was fine with them, and that they were comfortable and safe. Lady Genna looked as excited as the rest of them. She hadn't been in the Rock since her Twins birth and she was going to see them.
By nightfall, they stopped at an Inn by the edges of the Town. As usual, the place had been warned and prepared to receive them accordingly. There, Catelyn was introduced to one of Tywin's trusted advisers. Tybolt Hetherspoon was very polite, but had absolutely no time for more than forced pleasantries towards his new Lady. He side-eyed Enya, and looked Catelyn up and down with unspoken disdain. Tywin didn't notice it, but Lord Rowan did. However, before he could say anything, Enya took him away for a second and asked for it not to be made into something. That she and Catelyn had agreed on allowing people to come to their conclusions about their new Lady, and come around at their own time.
-Injured men were brought here for their treatments. –Tywin told Catelyn, when they could be alone on their chambers before supper- The tents are not far from here. In the morning, I must pay them a visit. You do not have to join me, as I know you still hold the grief from those situations.
-Lord Hetherspoon must be here overseeing their care. –she commented, drying her freshly washed face with a linen towel.
-His domains are not too far from here. He is working together with Gawen Lefford, the Lord of Golden Tooth, to maintain the infirmary. You might meet Lord Lefford tomorrow. You probably met his son, Leo, on Gerion's wedding.
-Indeed. –she smiled remembering the young man, that was very courteous and pleasant.
-But as I said… -he reiterated his point- You do not have to visit them.
Now aware that her Lord Husband had matters to attend to in that area, and that they would not be leaving before noon, Catelyn was glad for the extra rest she could have that morning. But as always, she was awake with dawn. Afraid of bothering her sleeping husband, she left their bed and joined Enya, who had shared a room with their maids, and that was already getting dressed for the day.
-I need you to come with me. –Catelyn said, once they were both ready.
Followed by her guards, after quickly drinking some tea and eaten some honey dripped bread, both ladies walked across the large clearing towards the tents, where they could observe the movement of silent sisters and some young men from the Citadel looking to forge another loop on their chain. Enya strategically positioned herself behind Catelyn a couple steps, allowing for her to introduce herself to the matronly woman, sat at a table, ripping some rags whilst drinking ale. She seemed to be the person in charge there, judging by her orders been passed to the rest of the help, despite a couple fancy Lords claiming the praise for it.
-I am Catelyn Lannister. –she said, fully aware that the woman knew who she was.
-Must I stand? –she asked, with an unbothered tone.
-No, please, keep doing what you are doing. –Catelyn smiled- I see you are busy with those bandages. I'd like to greet our soldiers, maybe pray with them.
-If you a wondering if they are awake, some of them never sleep. –the woman indicated the entrance of one of the tents and looked over her shoulder as Catelyn didn't utter any other word and just marched on- Hey, girl… -she whispered to Enya, trying to grab her attention- Make sure that she doesn't faint in there. She won't appreciate that muck on her pretty dress.
Enya just opened one of her sly smiles, and turned on her heels to follow Catelyn, that was already shaking hands with a legless man, propped on a chair under the sun. They both greeted the people working there, whilst ordering them to keep to their functions and not be bothered by their presence. There were a couple dozen men on the first tent, all looking somewhat re-established, but still injured and needing care. Catelyn spoke to every single one of them, asked their names and how they were being treated, and also thanking them for their bravery and promising to include them on her prayers.
On the second tent, she was received by an apprentice from the Citadel. He explained that men were being kept in different tents by the gravity of their condition, despite rank and status. It seemed to work best. At that time, a frazzled woman, dressed in an apron covered in varying types of bodily excrements, came to informed that they confirmed gangrene in a man's broken limb. For an instant, Catelyn's head spun, remembering when she was the one receiving those kinds of information and deciding on how to act on them. But she held herself well, asking what would happen now.
-We need to move him away from here. I find it more humane to move them to there… -and pointed at a smaller tent, with a couple sided raised to allow sunlight in- For any procedures. To not disturb the others. Mrs. Rhonde.. –he indicated the matronly lady still ripping bandages at the table- Makes sure that they will have what is necessary for any situation.
-She looks like a formidable woman. –Catelyn smiled, knowing the emptiness present on that woman's eyes, not long ago, inhabited hers. Her manners were irrelevant, as on that moment, she was the one of real importance there.
-She is indeed.
After meeting some more unfortunate souls, and even seating with some of them in greater distress, saying a prayer and holding their hands for a little while, Catelyn asked if she had met all of them, to which the young Apprentice said yes. She learned that only two men died during the night. After thanking them for their service and dedication, both ladies made their way back to the Inn.
Heading her way, Tywin, Lord Rowan, Lord Hetherspoon and another noble man. They properly greeted the ladies, introducing Lord Lefford, as Catelyn had suspected the man to be.
-There are Riverlanders on those tents. –she said, after some more empty pleasantries- At least a dozen.
-Yes, my lady. –Lord Lefford answered, not understanding her remarks.
-It pains me, Lord Lefford… That I nursed some of them back to health on my castle, under my roof, to see them in a mouldy tent, with filthy ground, under the will of the elements during the beginning of fall.
Their mouths were aghast, slightly infuriated expressions on their faces.
-But even worse that this is being done to my people… -she continued- You are doing it to your own.
She looked at Tywin before marching back to the Inn and saw as he gave her a small nod of approval. She went to clean herself and prepare for the road. A silent rage had been born on her chest. "You cared for me before" –one of the man had said to her, and now he was rotting on a pile of dump straw. Once ready, she made her way back to the dining hall, to have lunch before getting back on the road. On a large table, Tywin and his companions seemed to discuss important matters. She indicated that her and Enya would eat on a different table, but Tywin asked them to join him.
-You are unhappy with what you saw. –Tywin said, after she took a seat by his side- And I agree, those conditions should be better.
-I would find it barely acceptable if the weather were suitable. –she said- Summer, end of Spring. But not when those violent storms have been punishing the land for moons, since before any Rebellion. I cannot fathom how this was even an option, when I can see the stronghold of Golden Tooth from here.
Both Lords were silent, under her gaze.
-What do you suggest, my Lady? How can this be made to your content?
-Move them to a suitable, safe, warm and clean environment. Not the Riverlanders, those I will care for myself. But your people. I find that dignity and peace help them heal faster.
-Based on the conditions observed here today… -Lord Rowan spoke, consulting a book he always carried- The funds given by Lord Tywin were either misused, or underused.
Silence grew among them.
-What was it, then? –Tywin asked- Are those soldiers laying on soiled ground because you were deceitful or incapable?
No response was given, and Catelyn could see Tywin's expression darkening, his patience wearing thin. When he punched the table, making plates and cutlery clatter, only the two Lords were jolted.
-You don't even hold that many injured people here. –Tywin's tone was lethal, but quiet.
-They die like flies under such conditions, my Lord. –Enya spoke- The forest edge is lined with graves for a reason.
-Do better. –Tywin told them, shutting any attempt of excuses or apologies, leaving the table.
They tried to leave, but Catelyn stopped them.
-You are not excused, yet. –she said, her face calm and placid as the surface of a lake- Do you need help? Do you wish for help?
-How can we do better? –Lord Lefford asked- I do not see that great of an issue, when this is what exists by the battlefields.
-How many battles happened in Golden Tooth? –Catelyn asked, knowing the answer to be none. Their silence lingered, answering her question for them- Precisely. I am not trying to undermine you, my lords. But this is not acceptable.
That afternoon was spent there, by that table, where the young apprentice from the Citadel and Mrs. Rhonde explained their needs to the ones that claimed to be in charge of the Infirmary. Catelyn took notes, asked questions about ways of getting them supplies, distances between locations and how much of the original budget was left. Lord Rowan started arranging to move those who were well enough the Hetherspoon Castle, that was much more accessible than the Golden Tooth Stronghold. That decision only being made after Tywin, Enya and the young Apprentice visited both locations. Catelyn secured more funds, to move the Riverlanders back to Riverrun, and sent one of her guards back home with a message to her father, warning of their arrival.
By nightfall, Lord Hetherspoon's tone and attitude towards Catelyn had changed. She spoke to them with respect, however still making herself heard. Her ethics when it came to get those issues fixed were strong, assertive and compassionate. She showed herself knowledgeable, experienced, and willing to learn. She made sure to secure more funds for the transition of the soldiers, which would help the Lord immensely, and dismissed the need of disclosing what had gone wrong with the gold previously awarded to them.
-We do better now. –she said, when Lord Rowan handled them a bag of gold coins- What happened before is behind us now.
Laying in bed, next to Tywin, staring at the ceiling, Catelyn was exhausted. Extended next to her, unable to fall asleep, knowing now that she would not abstain herself from speaking her mind, he chuckled.
-I suspected they had been embellishing funds. –Tywin said, slightly amused- I did not pay much attention, with everything else happening.
-You hadn't seen this before?
-I knew it was tents. –he said- I passed by quickly in my way to Riverrun. I just did not expect dishonesty from Tybolt.
-He is the vassal, and Lord Lefford is the one answering directly to you. There's only so much opposition he can raise.
-Lefford is a bit of a fool, you will see. –he said- These men fought under his banner, on their majority. And by being treated this way, I doubt that their loyalty is anything but fickle now.
-We did good today. –she said, tucking herself on his arms, resting her head on his chest- I may have gained some enemies, but it was the right thing to do.
They left with first light, and for the next two days not much happened, besides Catelyn being introduced to some of Tywin's relatives on his maternal side, the late Lady Jeyne Marbrand of Ashmark. His uncle, Lorent Marbrand, looked old and frail, but received his new good-niece with a large smile. Lord Tyget, his son, was good friends with Tywin, and one of his most loyal supporters. His two sons were at Lannisport, occupying their places as officers of House Lannister. His young daughter Brenna was so enchanted with Catelyn and Enya that it was promised that after the end of the Rebellion, she would be able to join them at court.
The journey westwards was stating to become taxing once they approached Casterly Rock. Dozens of barracks, camps and infirmaries were scattered on the fields on each side of the River Road. And they now inspected every single one of them, finding them to be in much better conditions than what was found on Golden Tooth. Catelyn had been introduced to so many people, that she and Enya had started keeping a record of when and where they met who.
They were received with mixed feelings and reactions, but it mattered not.
That night, Catelyn could smell the ocean, knowing that they were very close now. Tywin had shown her the mountain that contained Casterly Rock, on the distance, looking lonely on the bay. He had described it to her before, but tonight his excitement lead him to talk of it to her some more.
-You will be overwhelmed at first, and it will be confusing. Your Residency will have everything you will need, and with time you get yourself acquainted with the workings of the castle. It is large, and by existing inside the mountain, it is confusing. Cersei and Jaime would often get lost on their explorations when they were children. The Residency faces the bay and the Sunset Sea. It is quite high on the cliff face of the mountain, inaccessible from any outside attackers now that Dragons are gone.
-You mentioned before that you occupy a Tower. –she said- Is it far?
-Not anymore, my love. My chambers will be down the hall from yours. The tower will remain my office, as it is close to the assembly halls and the Seat Room. Your chambers open to a raised garden surrounded by a stone wall that faces the sea.
-How far are we? –she asked, looking at the distant orange glow that would be Lannisport.
-Half a day away.
-What are the expectations for tomorrow?
-Well… -he pondered- We will avoid the Sea Road, and approach the Castle by the North Side, which is closer to the Residency. Most of the way up can be done on horseback, but once we arrive at the entrance to Darren's Tunnel, it will already be effectively the castle. The Court will expect us there. I am not privy on any celebrations, due to the current state of things. However, you must arrive looking the part.
-I need to ask you this… -she looked at him, uncertain- Which part must I represent? Lady Lannister or Catelyn Tully?
-Why not both? –he asked- This is a decisive moment for you. It is your introduction to your new home. You are the Lady of Riverrun and Casterly Rock.
-Would it offend you if I wore my father's colours?
-No. –he smiled- Not in the slightest. You will see a variety of people there. There will be moments when Lannister Garments will be required, but not tomorrow.
-Thank you. –she kissed him- I can barely wait to arrive. –her blue eyes sparkled with the light of the candles, giving Tywin the certainty that every choice he had made so far in his life could only be the right one.
Every single one of those choice led him to her.
Author's note: I am very grateful for anyone that enjoyed this story with me. It brings me a lot of joy to have finally posted it.
This is all I have written so far, and I do have an outline for future parts. They will be shorter than the main story, and some time jumps will be part of it. I will always make sure to base said jumps and tell the story with a good context. The subsequent little tales spun of this story will be posted here, I am just not sure when. I might have some time soon to write it down, but I make no promises. I will not mark the story as finished, but will update the description to say that the main story is concluded for the moment.
Once again, thank you for the support! I hope you enjoyed it.