A/N: With everything going on right now please don't forget to: Be smart and stay safe.

To those who are still having to go out there to work during all of this you have my utmost gratitude and admiration for what you're risking & sacrificing. Please, be safe.

Our Blades Are Sharp 2: The Red Reign

By Spectre4hire

Five

Sam:

I'm leaving.

Lord Commander Mormont was sending him to Winterfell.

Sam still couldn't believe it. In the last few weeks he had just begun to like Castle Black, and his duties as a steward. True, he did not have friends, but his brothers were nicer to him now.

By ignoring me. Sam did not let that bother him while he continued to pack up his things.

Commander Mormont told Sam that Domeric and Sansa Bolton were hosting the Harvest Feast at Winterfell and that the northern nobility that wasn't fighting in the south would be there.

'We need them, Tarly.' Lord Commander's grouse tone always made Sam want to flinch.

It's too much like Father's. He hadn't then.

'Me?' It came out more as a squeak then he would've liked. 'Why not Benjen Stark?' He thought him the better choice, he was a Stark and Lady Sansa's uncle.

Who am I? I'm just Sam, a newly made Brother of the Night's Watch.

'Benjen is going north of the wall to do some scouting,' Lord Commander informed him gruffly. 'You were raised in the Reach with southern nobility,' he told him, 'I can't send some raper or thief. We need to show that there's still good noblemen in the Watch still.'

Sam smiled. It wasn't much, but it was deafening praise coming from Mormont. 'I understand, Lord Commander.' He had stood straight and proud like father used to make him stand when he'd host visiting Reach lords at Horn Hill.

'Do not slouch,' he'd snap, 'We don't need the lords seeing your sagging belly.'

Sam stuffed one of his black tunics into his bag, trying to forget about his father.

Mormont had looked him over. 'You'll stay at Winterfell as long as they'll have you. You need to speak on our behalf not just to them, but all the nobility gathered. The wildling army is coming and the Watch needs men, supplies, help.'

Lord Commander Mormont had thought a crow's presence at Winterfell would ensure that they wouldn't be forgotten or ignored back at the Wall. It's easy to discard or ignore a letter but for Sam to be there, he'd be a constant reminder to the Watch and the help they'd need. Sam saw some sense in it, he'd be an envoy for the Night's Watch.

'The Starks are friends of the Watch.' Lord Commander Mormont was confident in his belief that Sam's stay would be welcomed and long.

Sam had thought to point out that the Starks were not at Winterfell. It was the Boltons, but decided against it.

The flayed man, Sam shivered. He had studied the different families and their standards back at Horn Hill. He much preferred reading in a cozy seat then being hit repeatedly by a blunted sword from whatever frustrated Master-At-Arms his father could find.

'Books,' His father sneered, 'Is it a bloody book on our standard?' He'd demand. 'No, it's a hunter.' He pulled the book from Sam's trembling grasp. "Our words are 'First in Battle,'" he poked Sam's chest hard with his finger.

'Yes, father,' He'd dutifully say. He'd try not to cry because that would only send him into a darker rage.

Sam sighed. I'm a Brother of the Night's Watch. He reminded himself, and they were reassuring words. Maester Aemon had even said I was a good steward. He wasn't used to such compliments.

It hadn't been hard for Sam to figure out who Maester Aemon was. The name alone stood out, and then Sam read up on how Aegon the Unlikely's brother went to the Wall to fully insure the security of his brother's reign and his illegitimacy for it, taking oaths first as a maester and then as a Brother of the Night's Watch. They were both older brothers who stepped aside to let their younger brothers rule. Aemon had done so graciously. He had taken the Black to insure his brother's reign would be secured. Sam had taken the Black on his father's insistence, his threats.

'My father served the Targaryens,' he had told him after he figured it out.

'We don't have fathers anymore, Sam, only brothers.' Aemon had given him a small, but sad smile. 'And we serve the Night's Watch.'

Sam was going to miss Maester Aemon. He was one of the few who were nice to him and he always had time to listen or talk to him. He had already said his goodbyes to him, knowing he shouldn't be out in this sort of cold weather for too long if it could be helped.

Aemon had instructed him to write to him and also to look into the Stark's library. He had said it boasted an impressive collection of old tomes.

Sam had happily agreed. He had already found so many old and interesting books in the Castle Black library. He could not wait to see which ones he'd find at Winterfell. He had asked Maester Aemon if he could bring some of the books with him so he could finish. Maester Aemon had told him if anyone else had asked, he'd say no, but he trusted Sam.

He only wished the maester could've seen Sam's smile at that.

It was a small retinue accompanying Sam to Winterfell with only two Brothers, who'd return to Castle Black afterwards. They were supposed to travel by horses, but Sam suggested they use a wagon. Lord Commander Mormont had been suspicious of the request, and saw it as Sam being lazy. So he explained that if they brought a mostly empty wagon to Winterfell when the two Brothers would depart back to Castle Black, the Boltons may feel obliged to give and pack what supplies they could to return with.

Lord Commander had then chuckled and agreed to it.

The wagon looked to have seen better days when Sam approached it. The canvas was worn, black, and dirty. The wood was old and looked rickety, but Sam tried not to look too closely. He put his last bag into the back of the wagon, and was about to climb in when a voice stopped him. Surprised, Sam stumbled, but thankfully caught himself. He didn't need his Brothers to see him fall on his face.

They're counting on me, Sam knew it, and he couldn't let them down. He did see Ser Alliser in the crowd and he was smirking, but he didn't look at him too long. He can't bother me anymore.

Sam turned to where he heard the voice.

It was Maester Aemon. He was bundled up tight and thick in black robes and furs. He looked wider than Sam ever saw him. The maester was using both his blackthorn cane and Clydas, one of his stewards to help support him. Clydas was nearing sixty or the age itself, but next to Aemon, he almost looked young.

Sam hurried over to him. "Maester Aemon," he was unable to keep the surprise out of his voice. "You should be inside."

"Should I?" His milky white eyes were on Sam. The way they looked at him, Sam sometimes wondered if the maester really was blind. His gaze looked just as sharp even with dim eyes.

"I wanted to see you off, Sam," He said simply, smiling.

"You already did," Sam reminded him, while quietly touched that he saw the need to see him again. Father, couldn't wait to be rid of me.

"Is there a rule that I cannot do so twice?" His soft voice carried a hint of amusement.

Sam chuckled. "No, maester," He stepped forward closer when beckoned by Aemon.

"The Watch is depending on you, Sam," He gently reminded him. His pale, wrinkled hand reached out and touched Sam's cloak. "Remember your vows while at Winterfell," He cautioned, "The Gods see fit to test us all."

Sam shook his head, before stopping, realizing such a gesture was useless. "I won't." He hoped his voice was enough to convey that Aemon could count on him. "I'll bring help to the Watch, before the wildlings come. I promise."

His links rattled in the breeze. Aemon nodded, looking to believe him. "Then this is not truly goodbye, Sam," He smiled.

"No, Maester Aemon," Sam agreed, "It isn't."

Kevan:

He was ready to call an end to the small council meeting when the doors opened abruptly to show a hurried servant dressed in Lannister colors. He gave a quick bow and moved over to him, holding two letters.

Kevan frowned, but took them. He felt the eyes of those around the table on him. He was the acting Hand for his brother once more. Tywin had gone out of the city to prepare it for the siege, having moats dug and earth walls put up, and other sorts of traps to slow down Renly's approach. Fighting had broken out several times around the Kingswood between the two sides. The skirmishes were small, but they felt the loss more than Renly's army. Everyone lost outside of the city meant they could not help defend it, where their presence was worth much more for them.

He opened the first letter, read it and then reread it, when he couldn't believe its contents. He felt his grip around it tighten and he was sure his expression betrayed his surprise.

"Uncle?" Tyrion's voice got him to look up.

Kevan cleared his throat, and put the first letter down. His mind was still going over and over the brief, but devastating message that it contained.

He looked around the small council table, Tyrion sat to one side of him, acting as Master of Laws and doing it well. Varys, the Master of Whisperers, sat beside him, his hands were tucked into the folds of his robes, giving Kevan a look of curiosity that didn't truly look genuine. Grand Maester Pycelle looked affronted that he was not given the messages first. Petyr Baelish's smile was bland, while his eyes kept his thoughts well concealed. He raised an eyebrow when their eyes met, and then to Kevan's other side sat his niece, the Queen.

"Antlers has fallen to Stannis Baratheon," Kevan's words were met with stunned silence.

"Impossible," Tyrion gaped from where he sat, "Neither him nor Lord Stark seem the kind of men to break their word."

"I told you not to trust them," Cersei told the table. "I knew the wolves would come, and I was right." A look of satisfaction came over her while her eyes showed she was savoring her triumph.

"Savages," Pycelle dismissed with a shake of his head, "led by heretics who follow a Red Witch."

"A stag taking Antlers," Petyr Baelish smirked. "And I thought Stannis without a sense of humor."

Kevan saw that the second letter had a broken Lannister seal. He opened it, and he felt his anger rising with each word he took in. "The Starks did not break the truce," He nearly crumpled the letter in his hand, looking up to see her smug expression. "You broke it." His voice was soft, but the anger beneath it made it come out hot and harsh. "You broke the truce," He said louder, waving the letter.

She paled slightly at the accusation before she rallied. "What nonsense is this?"

Her lies and arrogant tone only fanned his anger. "You gave Amory Lorch permission to go into the Riverlands," He showed them the letter so that everyone at the table could see her signature, and her seal that had been used.

"Out," He suddenly ordered the small council, "Everyone save for Tyrion and my niece." He turned to them to ensure they understood that he was not of a mind for his patience to be tested.

Varys slipped from his seat and bobbed his head. His expression carefully put together to convey his dismay at what had befallen Kevan's family.

The old maester blustered about being of service, but seemed to take the hint from Kevan's silence. He still left very slowly. Kevan was certain his limp was being exaggerated to get him to change his mind and let the old man sit and rest. It did not work.

Petyr's expression was of pity and sympathy. He looked sincerely distraught at this new information. It was nearly convincing as he quietly and quickly left. Pycelle was the last to leave, not giving up his hope that he'd be asked to stay until he reached the doors. When the door finally closed behind the maester, Kevan turned to her.

"You impress me, Cersei."

"Thank you, Uncle."

"It wasn't a compliment," He replied bluntly. "Just when I believe you have exhausted yourself of foolish choices you go and make newer and bigger ones." He tossed the letter onto the table in disgust. From the corner of his vision he saw Tyrion reach across the table to grab it with some difficulty due to his stature.

"You gave the seat of Harrenhal to the corrupt captain of the gold cloaks. A man who just went through this city killing children," Kevan began to list them, "And they were on your orders!" He sent this Janos Slynt to the Wall, let the north have him with the rest of the rapers and thieves. The fool didn't want to go until Kevan offered to introduce him to the headsman instead of the brothers in black.

"You allow Ser Barristan to be dismissed from the kingsguard," He said incredulously, "I almost have to believe you're a spy, working against this family because how can you make those choices and still believe you are somehow helping the Lannister name?" He raised a finger to her in warning, "This is what you call counsel? I call it madness and stupidity."

"I struck first," She raised her chin at him, "If Lorch wasn't so incompetent it would've worked to our advantage," She remained unrepentant in her actions and had the gall to think she was not to blame.

"Thinking you are clever is not the same as actually being clever," Kevan saw Tyrion's face crease into his own amused smile.

"Our castles bordering the Riverlands are scarcely defended," His tone was anything but calm while he continued to grapple with his fury towards the Queen.

And what a Queen she was, he wanted to sneer.

"We emptied the castles to pull all of our men back in an effort to defend this city. We needed every man to fight Renly," He told her. "We knew the Starks would honor their word, and we would put them back when the truce was set to expire. Now you've given them cause and all but invited them into the Crownlands and Westerlands," He shook his head. "If they're able to take the Golden Tooth they can march on the Rock with little standing in their way."

The only army standing between and the Golden Tooth was the one that his cousin Stafford Lannister had raised, but it was in the northern part of the Reach marching on Old Oak. There they were raiding and burning everything in their path to try to delay Renly or to get him to split his army to send men to stop them.

"The Rock has never fallen." She would not back down.

"It's never had to face a threat as great as your stupidity and arrogance before," Kevan shot back.

"Uncle," Cersei persisted even now. "I am the Queen."

She believed she was without blame but it was intellect she was without.

"Perhaps there is another role you can serve in Court besides Queen, my dear niece," Kevan pondered, "Yes, instead of wearing silk gowns you should be wearing motley and Moon Boy can wear the dresses. After all, he's given Robert as many sons as you have."

She was indignant and her cheeks were red. Whatever vain, foolish bluster she was about to give he cut it off sharply. "Guards," He called for his men who were outside. They came in quickly. "Take the Queen to her chambers and ensure she stays there until I call upon her."

"Uncle!" She protested, "You can give no such order!" Her words dripping with venom, she stood from her seat and pointed an angry finger towards him. "Escort my Uncle back to his chambers."

To Kevan's satisfaction his guards never hesitated in taking her into custody. "Let go of me!" They did, but they ushered her out of the chambers, stoic to her outbursts and curses. She looked back with eyes burning with hatred before she was unceremoniously pushed out of the room.

Only when she was gone did Tyrion laugh. "Oh, Uncle, forget about giving me a name day gift. This was it."

"Tyrion," Kevan warned his nephew. He was not in the mood for his humor.

"Forgive me, Uncle," He bowed his head, "It isn't every day where your dream is realized."

"Is your dream the complete destruction of our house?" He asked tartly.

That got Tyrion's smile to vanish. "It isn't, Uncle."

"Because of your sister's foolishness, we must change some of our plans."

These were matters he had discussed with his brother before he departed. They did not leave on the best of terms. The memory of his brother's cold anger and colder dismissal had stayed with him long after their conversation. No, their argument.

Kevan knew he was being left behind as punishment.

He would not listen, he lamented, He would not see it. It was frustrating, but a part of him knew his brother would refuse to acknowledge it even coming from him, but Kevan had to say it.

"You are to leave at first light," Kevan pushed it aside. "You are to carefully ride through the Reach to return to Casterly Rock at once. You may take the Gold Road for part of it, but I would not advise taking it the entire trip," He did not trust the Riverlands, while Renly had emptied much of the Reach to march on the capital. He hoped Tyrion and a small retinue could move through quickly enough not to be detected.

"I will send word to Stafford to have his army turn around and retreat back into the Westerlands," Kevan prayed raven or rider that the message could get there in time before any invading army could secure a foothold in their lands. "We need the army back to protect the Rock and Lannisport."

Tyrion gave a sober nod, "Do you think it could fall?"

Kevan frowned. Even at the lowest depths of his father's failures, he never would have thought or considered the Rock capable of being taken by an enemy, but now, he paused. And that alone was a condemnation of their chances.

"I do not," He finally said, he believed it, but his confidence was shaken. "You will not be traveling alone. You will go with Princess Myrcella." She has suffered enough, she never should've been brought back to this city. "You will take Horas and Hobber Redwyne with you to the Rock." He would not give up such valuable hostages. If the capital was to fall, keeping Lord Redwyne's sons as hostages would be needed to help with potential negotiations and to ensure the Redwyne fleet could not move against the Rock.

"I understand," Tyrion agreed, "What of you, Uncle?"

"I will stay," Kevan saw no other choice for him nor would he take one. Tywin has never led me to defeat. A city is no easy thing to take and his brother has spent weeks shoring up its defenses and preparing for Renly's army.

I fight for Casterly Rock. I fight for the Lannister name. I fight for Tywin. I am his man until the end.

It was Tywin who he fought with in the War of the Ninepenny Kings. It was Tywin who led them to victory over the Reynes and Tarbecks. It was his brother who restored glory to the Lannister name and brought back its might and demand for respect. What has Renly done? What has Renly won?

"I shall see to your instructions."

"Tyrion," Kevan stopped him from leaving. They had more to discuss. None of it easy, "You understand your responsibility? We are trusting you with the Rock, Tyrion. Our families," He thought about his dear Dorna and his beloved Janei. Will I see them again? He tried to push the question away. There was no room for doubt when one was defending.

"The legacy of the Lannisters," Kevan continued, "It is being put in your hands. Do you understand?"

"I do, Uncle," He said slowly. His short stature seemed to straighten up with determination.

It was a reassuring sight for Kevan. "I will caution you that in order to protect it, you may need to surrender it. As well as Tommen and Myrcella."

He looked taken aback by the suggestion, "Stannis or Renly will surely-"

"I know," Kevan stopped him, he did not want to think about such fates towards two innocents.

Their parents have damned them. Damn them!

"That is why you must be vigilant for the right opportunity if it presents itself."

"Right opportunity?"

"Yes, Renly is marching on the capital, Stannis is in the Crownlands," Kevan listed off their enemies and their encroaching position, "But what about the Starks? If you could surrender into their custody," Kevan let the suggestion float in the air between them. He knew that Lord Stark would protect Tommen and Myrcella from being executed.

The problem was that he didn't know where the Starks were, but Kevan thought if Robb Stark was at Antlers with Stannis then he or his giant wolf would've been spotted. Perhaps, it is only Lord Stark with Stannis' army, or maybe the Starks were somewhere else. They could be in the Riverlands or on the move. If they're on the move… Kevan knew where they would be marching.

"The Lannister name must survive after this war, Tyrion," Kevan implored him, "Our hold on the Rock must remain."

Tyrion's expression was grim, and his mismatched eyes were difficult to read. "What of Tommen?"

"Do not raise our banner for Tommen." Kevan suddenly felt so old and weary. "He can take vows to become a maester, or a septon or a member of the Night's Watch, but he'll live, Tyrion. I want him to live. You try to put a crown on his head neither Renly nor Stannis will feel any guilt upon removing it and his head," Kevan felt the pang in his chest at having to think of such a brutal end for a boy who didn't deserve it. "Let him live a long and happy life,"

Tyrion's face betrayed his own anguish upon thinking of the potential demise of their niece and nephew. "I will think on your words, Uncle," he cleared his throat, "And of my father?"

"You know him well enough to know our fate if we lose the city," Kevan said solemnly.

I fought all my life for House Lannister to die for it will be just as great as an honor.

However, it was not an honor he would not allow his sons to share. They had lives to live, women to marry, sons to father.

Kevan leaned back into his seat and sighed.

In defeat or victory, he prayed, Please, let the Lannister name live on.

A/N: It is implied that Kevan knew the truth about the kids' parentage, but he still fought for them as well as having no qualms in serving under Joffrey and Tommen. I don't see it changing here either, because I think his first loyalty has and will always be to his brother, Tywin.

I'm sorry to those who wanted to see Kevan tell Tywin on page about Jaime and Cersei, but I just didn't see him waiting so long. I think even coming from Kevan, Tywin would not want to see it, because he couldn't afford to due to what it would mean to his legacy. Tywin's obsession with his family's legacy has blinded him to the sins and flaws of his family.

You can respectfully disagree with these takes, but I hope at the very least you can understand why I went the way that I did. I'm trying the best I can to predict and then apply these AU changes in a very complex world filled with such a diverse and deep cast of characters.

Thanks to all those who took the time to review. Your support means a lot to me.

Until next time,

-Spectre4hire