15 Ch. 15 The Return

When we arrived at my father's tent, I made myself comfortable on one of the small stumps the soldiers brought in for improvised chairs. Hunting bandits requires one to be able to travel quickly, so many small comforts were left back at the Rock.

My father moved over to a saddlebag beside his bedroll and pulled out a bottle of Arbor Gold. I have no idea why he brought such an expensive wine to hunt bandits. But I should never underestimate the priorities of those raised with great wealth.

He poured me a generous amount of wine in one of the traveling cups before pouring himself a more modest amount. He signaled for me to drink while he took a seat across from me. I saw no reason to refuse and began to sip on the sweet wine.

"This day came all too soon. For that, I apologize." Father said as he took a sip of wine.

"I was twenty when I first killed a man. We were preparing to bed down for the night after putting Tarbeck Hall to the torch when our scouts reported the approach of 3,000 men led by Roger Reyne.

"He was a fool man leading foolish men. He may have caught us unaware, but we were still 8,000 men on our feet. I remember being able to see everything so clearly. I was able to pull together a few hundred mounted men and led them into an assault on Reyne's left flank.

"Like so many times in the training field, my lance never wavered as I bore down on some fool of a knight. I struck hard and true, right in his visor. My lance struck him so hard, it pieced through both sides of his helm and was ripped from my grasp. I didn't even hesitate to draw my sword and continue the charge." My father paused to take a sip of his wine.

"When the fighting was over, and we stood victorious, I felt an overwhelming surge of joy and happiness. Not at having killed, or that we had won, but because we triumphed over those that would see us dead. I have never regretted it."

My father took the bottle of wine and refilled my glass. I didn't even realize I had finished it. After placing the bottle to the side, my father gave me a pointed look.

"This does not make you a murderer or some monster. You did not order the death of a man. You ordered the fulfillment of justice, justice to the realm, and to the victims of those bandits. You did your duty to the Lannister name and to our people." Father said as he placed his hand on my shoulder. With a bit of a smile, "I am proud of you, Lancel. We all are."

"Thank you, father," I said with a relieved smile.

My father nodded his head and gave me a smile of my own. "Now, why don't we find out what the bottom of this bottle looks like?"

**Eleventh Day of the Seventh Moon, of the year 293 A.C**

The journey back to Casterly Rock was much more enjoyable than I thought it would be after dealing with the bandits. I felt much better after sharing a bottle of wine with my father. Although I had the majority of the Arbor Gold, I barely caught a buzz, and that ended within the hour.

Cresting a small hill on the River Road, I get my first glimpse of Casterly Rock in nearly a month. The colossal structure with its tall towers and the high wall is a welcome sight. The open gates of the Lion's Mouth were like a beckoning call. The small crowd of people waiting to receive us just inside the gates an even more welcome sight.

Lord Melwyn Sarsfield must have sent a raven when we past Sarsfield the day before. We didn't stop at Castle Sarsfield, but we rode by close enough to be easily recognized as Lannister forces. It's not that I didn't want to see my aunt again, but I wanted to return home more. I'm sure she'll visit the Rock soon anyway.

Just before we reach the massive gates, I bring my destrier to a halt and turn her to face the Lannister men riding behind. My father wheeled his own steed around and eyed me curiously.

I ignored my father's look and waved the men to come closer. With curious looks of their own, the mounted soldiers maneuvered their mounts as close as they could.

Raising my voice to be heard by as many men as possible, I began to address the soldiers. "Men of the Westerlands, I'll not hold you up long. I wanted each man to know, your service has not gone unnoticed. It is thanks to your dedication and your actions that have eliminated a threat to our people. And for that, you have my gratitude. Gentlemen, it was an honor to ride with you. Captain Slate! Get these men settled and then get them drunk on me!"

I toss a small money purse with a few gold coins to Captain Slate as the men gave shouts of joy. This is one of the few things I've actually spent my stipend on, and I consider it money well spent. There is more than enough to get a dozen barrels of ale.

The soldiers were still shouting when I wheeled my mount around and trotted through the open gates. My father silently studying me as we rode abreast. When I glanced over, my father nodded his head in approval. "Well done. If you continue this, the men will love you," My father said.

Turning my eyes back to the crowd, "Good, I'll take all the love I can get. Because soon, they will be cursing me." I replied. Before he can question my comment, "Uncle Tywin achieved his goal by sending me out. I have many ideas that will improve the army."

My father lets out a snort as he's dismounting. "Of course, you would figure it out."

A pair of stable boys run over to claim the reins of our horses. Father drops the subject as we walk the short distance to my mother and brothers. I'm sure we'll be discussing my plans for the army before the week is out.

There are several servants waiting off to the side, but the sight of Lord Tywin standing to the back is a true surprise. I didn't expect the Lord of Casterly Rock to greet us at the gates, and I sure as hell didn't think he would be considerate enough to allow us to greet my mother and brothers before him.

With a small greeting, my mother curtsies to my father and she offers him her hand. The boys give our father a rough bow as he gently kisses the back of our mother's hand. Father gives Mother a loving smile before stepping over to greet Willem and Martyn.

I step in front of Mother with a happy smile and give her a small bow of my head. She breaks protocol by reaching out and cupping my cheek with her hand. "Welcome home, my son," my mother whispered.

Once the formal greetings are finished, father and I turn to the lord of the castle. Tywin doesn't mince words, he just hands father a rolled message.

Father takes Tywin's actions in stride as if he knew Tywin would react like this. To be honest, Father is probably used to this kind of greeting from his brother.

I glance at Tywin before looking towards my father. He seems like he doesn't know how to handle the news contained in the message.

As if sensing my thoughts, my father summarizes the message for me. "A month ago, The Laughing Lion, was spotted docked at Volantis, flying the Lannister banner."