Robert's court at the foot of King's Landing
The Year of the Wolf (3 years later)
The setting sun had not yet descended behind the hills, and the endless fields were bathed in a golden veil of light. The hoofs of horses beat in the distance, the royal team galloped free. Jon Snow himself was on horseback, able to control his horse with only the squeeze of his thighs. He could feel the force of the wind as he rode through the coastal countryside. He loved the company of his brothers, who herded the pack with loud shouts and the crack of their whips before nightfall. At the crack of the whip, the speeding horses changed direction like startled wild beasts in the forest when a hungry predator was approaching. The summer sun's rays caressed his face, signalling his kinship with the fire in his wolf's blood. Jon Snow followed with his eyes the whiteness of the distant mountains, the line of the Crown Lands' eastern lawns stretching out to a day's ride. They had scoured the lands beyond the Wall in recent years with members of the Night's Watch, but found nothing there but pointed spears and half-rotten ropes of bear traps under the snow-covered pines. But what lies inland, beyond the mysterious mountains on the other side of the Wall, nothing is certain. Ever since Tywin's two battalions were destroyed in the campaign against Stannis Baratheon, the subjugated houses have been moving everywhere. Some of the usurper's entourage whisper that something is brewing across the sea, others talk of the increasingly frequent incursions of wild folk into the northern territory, just the usual raids. The castle of Jon Snow's uncle, Castle Grey, with its narrow slits and low roof of solid wooden beams, seemed defensible. Eddard, upon news of the crushing defeat of Tywin Lannister's armies on the southern lawns, had the Lord of Casterly Rock build a few watchtowers in front of both the valley and the castle. Although it was unthinkable that the wildlings that prowled the Wall would venture there, he saw fit to renovate the castle's neglected defences, the moats and walls where the Andal adventurers of the land had ruled before Tywin's father, the High King Tytos. Jon Snow looked past the warlord's tent and the high-topped wooden hut of the quartered Royal Guard commander, taking stock of the wolf banners, watching the Lannister ensigns flutter in the evening breeze. From a distance, he caught sight of the men huddled outside the castle. Horses, dogs and a few unfamiliar rows of newly pitched, ornate tents. Some of the larger tents had only just been erected, but already the fires were burning, and around them men in long beards and leather coats sat in their robes, watching the young men returning from their hunts. In front of the largest tent was a stake, bearing the golden lion of Lannister, the flag of the House of Tywin, resembling a three-branched crown. A knight stood in front of the pillar, his starched leather armour with studs that looked like shining jewels. He fixed his stiff gaze on Eddard's bastard, as if it were his duty to watch over Lord Tywin's safety.
- Jon Snow, good to see you!
The broad-shouldered man in armour embroidered with the golden lion's crest bowed his head.
- Did your father summon me?" asked Jon Snow, seeing the steward approaching from the throne room.
- As you know, my father has sent an envoy to the Karstark leader. You too are expected in the Grand Chieftain's tent.
Jon Snow went to Tywin Lannister's tent with his father last time to have a wife chosen for him according to the law, just as Casta had been chosen three years ago. But Jon Snow did not want others to decide who he would marry. His wife must come from House Stark, a branch of the Wolf clan, to preserve the purity of the blood. Was he insulting Robert, or the Lord of Casterly Rock himself? That's probably why Tywin summoned him again. But he would have liked to see Winterfell. He wanted to feel the presence of his ancestors in the infinite power of water, as he had when he stood on the shores of the Narrow Sea. Soon after he saw Wylla there by the sea, he decided to break the ancient custom and left the white silk shawl with the daughter of the Prince of Blackwood. He wanted to look into those sea-blue eyes again. He had never seen eyes so blue before. Behind the steward, a few of the King's bodyguards in plate armour and lion helmets approached, looking like members of the guard who were keeping Tywin's living room safe.
- Jon Snow!
Master Creylen had to pick up his chunky legs to keep up with Jon Snow.
- Your brother, Lord Casta awaits you. He understands you've made an appointment with him.
- 'He has taken the initiative,' said Jon Snow, as he jumped off his horse and strode to the corral to push aside the gate rail. - Tell him I'll join him soon!
- And another thing Jon Snow!
Jon Snow's felt-soled feet hit the tree with a loud crack. The beam holding up the gate of the corral was caught, moved with a well-aimed kick. He was in no mood to talk to the old steward, any more than he was in the mood for another surprise from Tywin. He knew that Robert wanted to make him commander of the Royal Guard, and the thought of the responsibility made him uncertain.
- Lord Casta says he wants to speak to you alone. After the meeting with the Lord of Casterly Rock is over.
- What should I speak to him alone about?
- He didn't say.
Jon Snow looked over the head of the old servant, who stood before him, bowing his head in surrender. He had been serving Tywin longer before he was born. He was accustomed to conveying important messages between high ranking people, and to do so without putting himself first. The meeting in Tywin's tent had already begun. Ser Jaime Lannister was seated opposite Tywin at a table set with ornate tablecloths. The blue silk robe of the Governor of the West seemed to bring back memories of the sea, the eyes of Wylla and the sight of the magnificent ships with carved bows of the merchants of the Summer Isle that Jon Snow remembered so happily. Jaime was a young man, only a few years older than Casta. When he looked at Tywin's son, he had the strange sensation of seeing Tywin himself. The firm face, the strong chin. Introductions were missed by Jon Snow, and Tywin's brothers and sisters could only be counted by the steward, the grandchildren being mostly "Lannister bastards."
- How many riders can the king give me if I avoid the Cailin Trench from the north?" asked Tywin from the high chair where he sat cross-legged as usual. - For that could take weeks at this time of year.
Casta sat on Tywin's right, on a platform lined with wolfsbane, and watched with narrowed eyes. On Tywin's left sat Ser Kevan, Tywin's eldest brother, and next to him Gerion, the youngest. They both listened intently to the conversation. Tywin only nodded silently as Jon Snow entered the tent to his designated spot. He bowed as he sat down between them. He'd learned in his years at the Lannister court that no one, not even the talented but ruthless Robert, could draw his bow with such power and such speed when it came to shooting boar or deer. Not even Casta himself has mastered the fighting skills of the allied Lannisters here as easily as Jon Snow. He felt a tightness in his chest as he looked at his brother, who had been listening quietly to Tywin's words.
- We must hurry if we are to finish these traitors before the coming winter. I would need at least one more battalion to take on Stannis' armies.
- King Robb Stark knows," nodded Ser Kevan, "The King of the North knows everything. That is why he asks you, noble general, to waste no more time! As you are no doubt aware, the fleets are moving across the Narrow Sea. Stannis, now that we have been forced to withdraw, threatens to launch a campaign if the Lord of Winterfell does not return his rightful land, which he has insolently called his "stolen empire". The King of the North must not withdraw a single battalion from the northern grasslands. Moreover, there are bad rumours that the Dothraki raiders of the South Lawn, the rebellious Khalasar and the horse tribes, are acting at Stannis' instigation. The usurper's hand is long, and those fingers, filthy with the blood of innocents, reach far!
- And these men here you brought with you, Ser Kevan?
- Yours. Though he could not spare an army, the King of the North has sent you his best warriors. All of them trained in battle. And I've come to help you fight, my noble warlord.
- Where did you fight last?
- I fought the cavalry lords of Vaes Dothrak under Robert. I led an army over the Casterly Rock. And I know the north grasslands well, my lord. I was a war advisor to King Robb's court for two years. If you ask anyone about me, they'll know exactly how many battles I led the Governor of the West to victory.
Tywin nodded.
- No offence, but how many springs have you seen, Ser Kevan?
The knight cocked his head.
- I have seen fifty-eight springs, my lord.
- Robb Stark is generous to send such an experienced man.
- "It is nothing," Ser Kevan bowed his head, "I was happy to take on the task he has given me.
- I have always known that the Lord of Winterfell acts by the order of the gods. And we are here to uphold the Seven Kingdoms with a strong arm.
- 'He is King of the North,' the knight said with full conviction, as Casta and Jon Snow touched their chests with their right hands.
- King of the North," Tywin repeated in a hoarse voice.
Jon Snow averted his gaze from the knight, realising that he was watching him. Ser Kevan had been called here by Tywin to keep an eye on Robb. That was certainly his intention. This knight in shining armour could hardly be of any real help in a campaign, but he was just the man to give Robb Stark, loyal to Tywin until his death, authority.
- I'll leave the details of the attack plan to you, Ser Kevan! - Tywin said finally, without looking at him. - Lord Casta! And you will lead as commander the army I will send to destroy the Dothraki, Khalasar and other enemies on the southern grasslands. Ser Kevan will accompany you and provide you with wise counsel as Robb Stark wishes.
Casta, as he crossed his arms over his chest and bowed, Jon Snow felt the shock and confusion in his brother's soul.
- All will be as you wish, noble Lord Tywin!
- Ser Jaime,' Tywin now addressed his son, 'you hold the territory bordering the Dornish! If their warriors prove untrustworthy, you will show them the power of House Lannister and the truth of the Lion's Roar sword!
Jaime folded his muscular arms over his shoulders and bowed.
- 'You are the light of the day, Father, the eternal protector of our House!
- Good!
Jon Snow sat speechless, wondering if the ruler was entrusting him with a mission. Tywin's gaze passed over him and settled on Casta again.
- Lord Casta! Ser Tygett is my second brother and squire of the Marbrand. This winter he is stationed in the line of the Deer Valley. I know he has suffered the insolence of rebels against the King. Seek him out and tell him: The blood of Tytos, Lord of Casterly Rock, calls him to war for the safety of our people and our blood!
- 'I will!' Casta bowed his head again.
He looked up, and there was a shadow of pride in his eyes. Tywin snapped his fingers and clapped his hands, heavy with rings of dignity, together twice in succession.
- Now let us give a fitting tribute to the leader of the Karstarks!
The servants appeared, bearing trays of gold and silver, meat and bread. Jon Snow could clearly see Casta paled as he reached for the drink offered to him.