The Four Siblings

Tychus Lannister was born at Casterly Rock in the year 264 AC as the eldest child of Tywin and Joanna. A feisty little infant he came out yelling and kicking refuse to nurse from any woman except his own mother. Tychus' blonde hair was a darker shade than that of his parents (balayage) but what made him stand out were his eyes. Unlike most of his kin who had emerald green eyes. Tychus' eyes were cool and pale, like two pieces of green ice. As she looked into those eyes, Joanna knew that Tychus would be unlike any of her children and for that matter any Lannister before. Indeed when Tywin once stroked his cheek with his finger the baby Tychus grabbed it with both hands and squeezed as though he was trying to strangle it.

Two years later Tychus became the older brother to the twins Cersei and Jamie. The twins were inseparable but as they got older they started interacting with their elder sibling curious about what he was like and the three formed a strong bond. Tywin's sister Genna always said that every little girl needs a big brother, and this could not be truer than for Cersei Lannister. Despite being the girl it was clear she was the dominant of the twins since whenever she wanted to do something Jaime would often follow her lead. But even Cersei bowed to the commands of Tychus. At first, it was mostly out of intimidation since Tychus was much bigger than either twin, but that changed one night when Cersei had a nightmare and even her twin could not calm her down. The door to their room opened and it was Tychus not their parents that came into the room, Cersei told him about her nightmare and Tychus wrapped the little girl in his arms and comforted her until she drifted back to sleep. Outside the room, Joanna witnessed this interaction with a smile happy that her children got along this well.

From that point on Tychus was her closest confidant and the only person Cersei ever truly listened to. Over the years Tychus would take the role of an older brother rather well as was one of the very few people that could tell the twins apart effortlessly. Whenever Jaime caused mischief, it was Tychus who took the blame and braved their father's belt. One such incident was when they poured red paint around the eyes of the gods in the sept in Lannisport making it look like blood. The septons thought it was a horrible omen and fasted for two months. When Cersei had a problem, it was Tychus whom she went to for help. But besides his interaction with his siblings, Tychus usually kept to himself. He never interacted much with his more distant relatives preferring the company of his parents, siblings, aunt, and uncles. Among his family, his uncle Tygett and his mother Joanna were the adults he was closest to Joanna understood him better than anyone else and Tygett had become a surrogate father to him since Tywin was mostly away serving as Hand.

Shortly after his sixth nameday Tychus began his martial training. Tygett took a personal hand in his tutelage and found that Tychus was a fierce and vicious combatant. His fighting style was akin to a berserker, he was good with a sword and better with a mace, but the weapon he favored above all others was the axe. Being ambidextrous Tychus was able to wield one in both hands with ease. It was said that while Jaime was better with a sword and lance, Tychus was unstoppable with the axe. In the beginning, he used what were little more than hatchets, but as he got older he used larger weapons, His main weapons were two axes with large crescent blades and curved back-spikes. Though the size changed over time the design remained the same. Tychus was not above dirty fighting using anything to gain the advantage, fists, feet, rocks, sticks, teeth and even spit. Anything and everything is fair in war, that was his creed. He later adopted his own fighting tactic which detailed the traits of a perfect blow against an enemy, 'Strike Fast, Strike Hard and Strike Deep."

Tychus was always an energetic child and had difficulty sleeping, so he had taken to running barefoot at night along the secluded halls of Casterly Rock until weariness finally overcame him. This allowed him to explore more and more of his home and learned of places that even his father was either unaware of or didn't remember. He would even make occasional jumps off the cliffs of Casterly Rock and later started scaling those same cliffs. These nightly activities made both his hands and feet callous.

One day Tychus went to the twins room and found them on the bed naked as their namedays touching each other. Though nothing serious was happening Tychus understood enough to know this was not how normal siblings play even ones as close as twins. Cersei and Jaime whirled around and covered themselves with the sheets when they realized Tychus was in the room. Their eyes were wide and they both looked like cats that ate the canary and was about to burp out a feather.

Instead of going straight to their parents Tychus quickly closed the door and turned to the twins with his hands on his hips. Though his eyes looked rather bored by the sight before him as he took a seat next to the bed. "What are you doing?" he asked simply.

The twins looked at each other surprised by his reaction before Jaime spoke. "We-we're only playing," he stammered.

"Naked?" Tychus asked bemused, "that's a new trait for a game."

"We love each other," Cersei insisted. "We came in the world together, we belong together. The Targaryens have done this since the beginning so how can it be wrong."

"Ah love," Tychus replied with a smile, "a curious concept." His voice then turned singsong, "but like all young love, it withers on the vine."

Cersei crawled over and grasped Tychus' hand, "please don't tell mama or papa," she begged.

Tychus chuckled, "if you get into this kind of trouble it will be your doing not mine."

The twins looked at each other as their brother got up, "you're not going to tell?" Jaime asked.

Tychus shook his head, "I have no reason to and it's not my place to do so. If you want to continue with these 'games' then I won't try and stop you." The twins breathed a sigh of relief and Tychus continued, "however there is one thing I want you to do for me."

"Anything," the twins said in unison.

"You two need to be more careful in next time. If that door opens again it might be mama, or papa or one of the servants who will certainly tell."

"We will Tychus we will," the twins chanted."

Tychus nodded, "good, now get dressed mama and papa have called for you and you're already late."

Once Jaime came of age, Tychus became his constant sparring partner. Even at six Jaime was already showing potential, but Tychus soon discovered that Jaime wasn't the only one who had an interest in swordplay. On more than one occasion Tychus noticed that the twins often switched places so Jaime would be sewing and wearing a dress while Cersei sparred in the yard. At first, Tychus believed it was a trick they played on the adults since they had difficulty telling them apart. Then, one time, Tychus went out into the training yard at the earliest dawn to train as usual when he heard grunting and whacking. Turning the corner he saw Cersei there hacking away at a dummy with a wooden sword. Amused at her attempts Tychus leaned on the wall and watched her for a bit. Getting a thought Tychus returned to his room to collect something. He came back to two items in his right hand hidden under a cloak. "Have you killed it yet?" He called out.

Cersei turned around her eyes wide but they quickly relaxed a bit once she realized who it was. Tychus smiled, "dummies don't strike back little sister." he walked over and held out his left hand gesturing to the sword in her hand. Reluctantly she handed it over, Tychus took it and looked it over, "this is Jaime's if I'm not mistaken." Cersei nodded admittedly, and Tychus smirked, "he will be missing this once his training starts," he turned to walk away and gestured Cersei to follow, his sister obeyed after putting the sword back he led her to one of the deeper parts of the castle. By now Cersei was nervous wondering what her brother was doing.

Finally, they came to an open empty room Tychus turned around and released his cloak revealing two more wooden swords in his right arm. He took one and tossed it at Cersei's feet. Cersei looked at Tychus confused, "I don't understand Tyk," she said.

"You want to learn how to fight do you not Cersei?" Tychus asked. "Well, where best to start?" Cersei contemplated it for a moment and with a huge grin on her face picked up the sword and took a stance.

The tutelage under their brother caused Jaime and Cersei to look up to Tychus as a role model. He was softer on his sister due to her gender but as she improved he pushed her harder. Tychus actually used the position he had to his advantage especially with Cersei. If Tychus wanted Cersei to do something for him all he had to do was threaten to stop training her if she didn't comply. The secluded places Tychus showed her also gave Cersei and Jaime a place to sneak off to. He even showed them the bowels of the castle where the lions were kept. Tychus was even bold enough to pet one of them but quickly withdrew his hand when the beast tried to bite it off.

The siblings rarely saw their father, but when they did Tywin spent most of it tutoring Tychus. Being the Heir to Casterly Rock Tychus had the bulk of father's attention. Despite his preference for arms, Tychus was far from simple-minded. In his studies, he proved to be shrewd, cunning and good at thinking on his feet. Under his father's harsh tutelage, Tychus learned economics, battle tactics, politics and court affairs. While Tychus did well with the two formers, he had little interest in the two latter as he considered it as he called it 'perfumed nonsense'. Tychus also took an interest in foreign languages such as Valyrian and Dothraki.

Jaime had spent much of his life living under his Tychus' shadow. Father often compared him to his tougher stringer and more intelligent older brother. "Your brother was never this sloppy," he often told Jaime whenever he screwed up much to the boy's annoyance. Jaime was always doing his best and working to improve yet compared to his brother it never seemed like enough. He was able to grasp martial skills easily enough but when it came to the books, Jaime struggled with even the simplest reading. Thankfully this didn't put a strain on Jaime and Tychus' relationship. Tychus did his best to help his younger brother be his own man and Jaime often look to his older brother for guidance. Together Tychus along with their father worked with Jaime to help him improve to at least the understanding level.

Once he reached his eighth nameday, Tywin and Joanna took the children to court. During their stay, King Aerys asked Joanna if nursing had ruined her breasts. The comment embarrassed his mother and enraged his father. Tychus retained a smile but his eyes turned murderous. Joanna was quick to notice this had to place a hand on the boy's shoulder to keep him calm. When they were in their chambers Tychus turned to his father. "How could you let that cunt talk that way about mother!" He asked through gritted teeth.

"Aerys has always been eccentric," Tywin calmly explained, "but he means no harm by them."

Tychus hmphed, "a pity his name is Targaryen and not Tarbeck." Tychus made a vow to himself that if he ever heard Aerys speak that way again he would pull his vocal cords from his neck.

Despite his warnings, Cersei and Jaime grew careless and it was only a matter of time before they got caught. One day a handmaiden caught them in the middle of the act and reported the incident to their mother before Tychus could catch her. Joanna had the twins separated and confronted Tychus when she realized that he knew about it.

"You knew about Cersei and Jaime," she stated as a fact. Tychus looked up from the book he was reading and nodded. "Why did you not tell me about this?" She asked.

Tychus shrugged, "all siblings have secrets, it is not my place to spoil them."

Joanna was shocked that Tychus took this so lightly and realized how deep his loyalty went. something she found both touching and disturbing.

"Will you tell father about this?" He asked.

Joanna shook her head. "I can't tell your father, gods know how he will react to this. But if they remain here Jaime and Cersei will just find other ways to get around the precautions I make."

"So what will you do?"

Joanna sighed, the only way is to separate them. "Your brother and sister spend too much time together. It will do them good if the interacted with other people." Joanna decided that Jaime would be fostered at Dorne due to her close friendship with the ruling Princess.

Sadly her plans would never come to fruition as Joanna would die giving birth to Tychus final sibling Tyrion. The tragedy would shift the sibling's lives forever. As she lay dying and the children said their farewells, Joanna took her eldest son aside. "Look after Tyrion for me," she pleaded. "Care for him for your father will not and your sister will follow his example. You and Jaime must be his shield against a world that will scorn him. Promise me Tychus. Promise me." Tychus nodded and readily accepted her request, though he didn't relish the idea of having to coddle his dwarf brother forever, to honor his mother's memory he agreed.

Tychus didn't take the death of his mother well and shortly after she drew her last breath, he ran out and hacked mercilessly at a tree with his axe. The Lannister family was never the same after the loss of Joanna, it was as if there was now less light in their world. Tychus was never the same after the loss of his mother, he became cynical and bitter, colder, harder, and far more aggressive. He distanced himself even more than before and interacted only with his siblings. To vent his anger Tychus had taken up a new hobby, wood chopping. Tychus never had any love for the faith. The only one he had any regard for was the Stranger since in his mind he was the only god who was actually doing his job without fail. Now with the loss of his mother that disregard turned to hatred. He denounced the faith almost entirely and sought solace in the Stranger.

The handmaiden who had mummed on the twins did not long last Joanna. Tychus didn't want her to go squealing to Tywin about the twin's affair. So Tychus slipped into her chambers in the dead of night and smothered her with a pillow. All the while had had a cold, dead-eyed expression on his face. At the age of just nine Tychus Lannister had taken his first life.

Both his aunt and uncles feared that Tychus would blame his newborn brother for Joanna's death and treat Tyrion horribly for it just like his father and sister. While Tywin and Cersei hated him and Jaime loved him, Tychus was indifferent towards Tyrion. But Tychus was true to his word and kept the promise he made to his mother. One time he caught Cersei twisting the infant Tyrion's cock, Tychus grabbed her arm and warned her to never do it again. Fearful of angering her brother, Cersei agreed and kept her distance from Tyrion as much as possible. Whenever Tychus heard ill things being said about Tyrion many of those people often found themselves with their tongues ripped out or worse never appearing again.

Tywin naturally disapproved of his heir's interactions with Tyrion. "You mustn't waste your time with Tyrion, you have better things to do than coddle a monster."

Tychus eyes narrowed at that statement. "I promised mother that I would look after him. Would you have me dishonor her memory by breaking my promise to her?"

"That...creature killed your mother!" Tywin replied angrily.

Tychus frowned, "women die in childbirth all the time father. This world is full of tragedy, are you truly so petty as to blame an infant for them."

Tywin stood up and gave Tychus his infamous unflinching gaze. "What do you know of tragedy boy?" He asked dangerously, "because you experience the loss of a mother that makes you wise about the subject?"

Tychus kept his eyes locked with his father throughout the entire exchange. Instead of backing off Tychus slowly drew himself from his seat. His face as expressionless as a statue, after a moment he said calmly. "You are correct, father, I can't possibly consider myself wise about the matter, but that makes little difference to me. Tyrion is my brother, a Lannister of Casterly Rock. Whether you accept it or not is your own demon to face, but don't make your demons our own. The sooner you accept it, the better things will be for all of us."

With that, Tychus retreated from the room leaving his aunt and uncles speechless and his father shocked. Tygett and Gerion were widely impressed but had the sense to hide it from their brother. Genna was taken back to the time when Tywin was only ten and he spoke out against her marriage to Emmon Frey. Tychus wasn't being a defiant child. he was being a brother defending his younger sibling as Tywin did all those years ago. This would be the first link in a chain of events that formed a rift between father and son.

Joanna had been close friends with the Princess of Dorne. Shortly after her death, the princess of Dorne visited the Rock, with her children Oberyn and Elia. The two women had apparently planned to marry Tychus to Elia and Oberyn to Cersei. Elia spent some time with Tychus to get to know him better. Despite the fact that Tywin ordered his children to keep Tyrion out of sight, Tychus naturally disregarded his father's orders and showed him to the Oberyn and Elia when they asked to see him.

"That's not a monster," Oberyn said disappointed with what he saw. "That's just a baby."

Tychus simply frowned, "my father doesn't see it that way."

Elia placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, "I'm sorry about your mother," she tried to comfort him. "My mother always spoke highly of her." The look on his face made it clear to her that the subject of his mother was an uncomfortable one. But before she could change the subject, Tychus chose to continue it rather than avoid it.

"My mother's death has changed things forever. My father chooses to be childish about it, and unfairly blames Tyrion for petty reasons."

"Your father is going through a difficult time," she tried to reason. "Give him some time, he'll come around."

Tychus shook his head, "My father will covet his bitterness until the hells freeze over, that is his way Elia, time won't change it."

Later Tychus took Elia to the godswood so they could speak in private. As they talked she was surprised at his maturity, it was almost easy to forget that he was only ten. Soon Tychus brought up a topic that had been on her mind the entire trip. "Be honest Elia, do you truly wish to marry me, or are you just going along with what our mother's arranged?"

Elia thought about it and finally shook her head, to her surprise Tychus smiled and nodded. "I agree, You're a good woman Elia and deserve an equally good man to wed. Sadly I'm not a good person, a marriage to me will be an unhappy one for you. You deserve better and if the gods are willing you will get it."

Elia stared at him, 'how can a ten-year-old boy think that of himself,' she wondered, yet something in his icy grey orbs told her that there was something she didn't know. So she cupped his face and made him look at her and she smiled sadly. "I may not know you and I may not know what is in that head of yours. But I do know you're a good man Tychus even if you don't realize it." With that she left, leaving Tychus to think on her words.

Despite Joanna's initial plan to see her children married to the Dornish, her husband was not so keen on the idea. Tywin believed the Martells were of too low a standing despite the fact that they were a Great House. He was firmly determined that Cersei would be wedded to Prince Rhaegar, and Jaime was destined for a more suitable match.

Even though he too thought the match would not work too well due to the drastically personalities and lifestyles, Tychus knew that his father's reasons were petty. The Martells took it as a slight and just before they left Tychus privately apologized to the siblings for his father's arrogance and explained his own thoughts on the matter. Elia, of course, was understanding, and even hot heated Oberyn couldn't help but agree.

Not long after the Martells departed Tychus was in his father's chambers playing another game of Cyvasse. Often Tychus and Tywin would have conversations during these games. Recently Tywin noted that Tychus had been categorizing House Lannister's vassal lords so he decided to speak to his son about it. "Why are you so interested in our vassal's soldiers," Tywin asked.

"House Reyne of Castamere," Tychus replied.

"What about them?"

"Each of the great lords has a powerful vassal capable of usurping them. The Starks have the Boltons, the Arryns have the Royces, The Tullys have the Freys, the Tyrells have the Hightowers and the Martells have the Yronwoods. Until you dealt with them we had the Reynes."

"What is your point?' Tywin wondered.

"The point is we allow our vassals to grow too strong while some like the Hightowers are loyal, some like the Boltons and Yronwoods have highly dubious loyalty. Such a thing is dangerous to us, especially if they are permitted to field a large force."

Tywin rubbed his chin, "so what are you suggesting?"

"There should be a limit to the amount of influence each house has, these Lords are over indulgent. We should also establish a standing army of professional soldiers that answers solely to House Lannister."

"How big a standing army did you have in mind?"

Tychus shrugged, "Judging from the full strength of the Westerlands, no less than 30,000 men Our noble houses would have no more than 500 men each and the knightly houses should only have a household guard of 100 men.

"Some of our houses need more than just 500 men and some who can't manage such a garrison," Tywin pointed out.

Tychus frowned, "perhaps but only a handful should be allowed more such as Lefford, Crackhall, Brax, Marbrand, Banefort, and Prestor. They all have proven their loyalty in the past. I think 1-2,000 men is reasonable enough."

Tywin nodded, "perhaps such a thing should be applied in time. But for now, we keep them in line through other means."

After killing his father's dragon with a catapult Tychus redirected the conversation. "Why did you have to reject the Martells, they are a great house and the siblings seem decent enough."

Tychus shook his head, "Your sister will marry Prince Rhaegar."

"It is unwise to make a boast that isn't set in stone."

Tywin glared at him, "if everything goes according to plan, our family will rise to heights never before known in our family history."

Tychus smiled and replied with a single word, "If."

Coming of Age

Not long after Tychus turned ten Tywin and Hoster Tully started planning for him to be betrothed, Lysa Tully. To plant the seed better he had Tychus squired by Hoster's younger brother Brynden who Tychus idolized. During his time in Riverrun, Tychus was seated next to Lysa, Tychus was courteous to her and spoke kindly. They sneaked kisses in secluded halls and even explored each other on occasion, but Tychus made extra care not to take her maidenhead. The ward of Riverrun Petyr Baelish often lurked about and it was no secret that Lysa liked him, not that Tychus minded since he served to distract his betrothed while he focused on his training.

In his fostering, Tychus accompanied the Blackfish on a bandit hunt. They tracked the bandits for days until they finally caught up with them. There was about twenty of them around a campfire eating a stolen chicken. When Ser Brynden gave the signal they attacked. Tychus was the first to kill a bandit hurling a throwing axe into the man's skull. He then drew his long axe and drove it into another man's stomach. After killing two more bandits, Tychus found himself facing the leader. After Blackfish and the rest of his men had dealt with the rest of the bandits, they stopped and watched Tychus fight the leader. The leader was large and strong, but Tychus fought like a madman possessed dodging and hacking and blocking. Finally, Tychus used the spike on his axe to rip the man's tendon. The bandit leader collapsed to his knees getting low enough for Tychus to lop off his head.

Brynden saw a look in his Tychus' eyes that he never saw before. Tychus was standing over the body of the bandit leader. He had a serene smile on his face and his icy green eyes shined with satisfaction and something else. Something that Brynden could only place along the lines of hunger. Little did the Blackfish know that this was only the beginning, Tychus had tasted blood and he wanted more.

Since then Tychus now regularly went on these hunts with the Blackfish. It was during these hunts that Tychus showed a shocking display of brutality. While Brynden and the others wished to rid the area of the outlaws, Tychus came with the desire for carnage. He would ride hard into the fray severing head and limb alike. if the axe blades didn't get them then the backspikes did, ripping open stomachs and cracking skulls and piercing armour. It was utter ruthlessness and Tychus Lannister relished in it. The Rivermen had taken to calling him 'The Hungry Lion', a name he wore proudly. The commoners even made a rhyme of it.

Don't Kill, don't steal, don't rape at Night
Honor and recognize the Guest Right
For the Hungry Lion prowls the land
With sharpened axe and bloodied hand
He'll leave you broken, deformed or dead
And the mighty Trident will run red.

One thing about Tychus was he had a habit of going into combat wearing only a cloak and breeches leaving his feet and chest bare. Brynden thought this was out of recklessness, "your arrogance if going to get you killed." he told Tychus one day.

Tychus frowned, "in battle, men often rely on their armour to protect them. While some tend to grow overconfident, others hope that it is enough to deflect any danger to them. By not wearing armour, I know I'm vulnerable and it teaches me to be vigilant."

In 276 Tychus attended the Tourney at Lannisport celebrating the birth of Prince Viserys. Here Tychus participated in the melee and emerged victorious making him the youngest person to ever win a melee in history at just twelve years old. He fought with such aggression and viciousness that even the kingsguard were in disbelief.
Thanks to Tywin and Gemma, Cersei had it in her head that she would be betrothed to Rhaegar and she was ecstatic about it. She cheered every time he unhorsed an opponent and when he played his harp, Cersei was brought to tears. Tychus rolled his eyes at the sight of the prince's playing 'the prince should have been born a woman, he thought.

Before the start of the tourney, Cersei and two friends went to visit Maggy the Frog, a known fortune teller. The woman gave Cersei a foreboding prophesy that she would outlive all her children and a Valonqar would end her life. Cersei feared that the little brother was Tyrion. At the end of the tourney, Cersei felt her world come crashing down when King Aerys announced the Betrothal of Prince Rhaegar to Princess Elia, instead of Cersei.

"You are my most able servant Tywin, but kings do not wed their heirs to their servants," Aerys said calmly.

Tywin and Tychus were furious, Tywin because his pride had been wounded and Tychus because the king had basically insulted not only his sister but the rest of his family as well. He wanted to slit the king's throat right then and there but instead, Tychus left the hall swiftly pleading weariness. But Tygett among others noted veins popping out of his muscles.

Tychus wasted no time in going to his little sister who had been reduced to tears by the news. As he held his little sister in his arms, he comforted her as he uses to do.

"I don't understand," Cersei wept, "why does the king hate us."

"He is afraid of our father and the power of our family," Tychus replied

Cersei bowed her head, "first mother, then the frog-woman and now this, what did I do to make the gods hate me?"

Tychus turned to Cersei confused, "what frog woman?"

Cersei told Tychus everything about Maggy the Frog and her dark prophecy. "She says a little brother will kill me," Cersei hiccupped, "Tyrion is my little brother."

Tychus continued to hold her and he gave her a smile. "She said little brother, but there are many men in the world who are a little brother, even Jaime. Tyrion will not harm you."

"How can you know that?" Cersei demanded, "How do you know anything about it."

Tychus rubbed her back as she clutched his arm. "don't think about the future Cersei, it doesn't matter. All that matters is the here and now." Cersei was too young to understand what that meant but she did her best to listen. After that, she became indifferent towards Tyrion being neither cruel nor kind to him.

After the embarrassment Tywin endured at the tourney, Tychus suggested strengthening ties with Steffon Baratheon by offering Cersei to Stannis Baratheon. He pointed out that he was already losing a friend in Aerys, Their was no need to lose on in Lord Steffon. Tywin dismissed the idea stating that Stannis was only a second son. In truth Tywin didn't want to admit the hard reality, his son had been right the whole time.

Rise of the Demon

Tychus would forever cement his own reputation in 277 at the Defiance of Duskendale. When King Aerys was captured and imprisoned by Denys Darklyn, Tywin took Tychus and a large host of men to Duskendale to deal with the rebellious lord. But Tywin was unable to act since Lord Denys threatened to kill the king if that happened. Ser Barristan Selmy of the Kingsguard decided to sneak into the Dunfort to rescue the king.

Disguised as a beggar. Ser Barristan snuck into the town, but before he could start scaling the Dun Fort itself. He was joined by a hooded figure. The figure pulled back his cloak and revealed himself to be Tychus was clad only in a pair of trousers, and a cloak that hid his boarding axe. Despite his attempts to send him away Tychus stubbornly refused so Ser Barristan had no choice but to accept his help

As discreetly as possible Ser Barristan and Tychus made their way through the castle, His bare feet and no armour allowed him to move quietly and quickly through the town and the halls of the Dun Fort. The two made short work of any guard that happened to get in their way until they reached the dungeons and found the king. Once the king was freed Tychus offered to create a distraction while the king and his guard. While Tychus kept the Dun Fort garrison busy, Ser Barristan and King Aerys stole two horses and rode to the safety of Tywin's siege lines. As soon as the king was safe. Tywin immediately rode in to rescue his son. When they battered the gates of the Dun Fort what lay behind the gates was a sight to behold.

Darklyn guards laid dead everywhere, some beheaded some gutted like pigs and other's were dismembered and crying in pain. This wasn't a battle this was a slaughter. The Lannisters noted that a set of doors had been hacked to pieces as they made their way to the great hall. When they arrived they found Tychus and the Darklyn family, the scene before them shocked everyone present. Tychus was standing in the dead center of the room with his back to the doorway. His body was covered in scars and drenched in blood from the hair on his head all the way down to his bare feet. His right hand clutched his bloody axe and his left hand was wrapped around the throat of Lady Serala, Lord Darklyn's wife. The defiant lord in question was huddled with the rest of his family in a corner holding a bloody stump where his right-hand use to be cowering from the thirteen-year-old.

Tywin could hear his son breathing deeply as he slowly turned his head in acknowledgment to who had arrived. "Took you long enough," he growled before turning back to the Darklyns. Tywin noticed that Aerys was eyeing all this with great fascination.

The king's men moved to secure the Darklyns, Ser Barristan took notice of Lord Darklyn. "What happened to Lord Darklyn's hand?" Ser Barristan asked when he noticed Denys' injury.

Tychus smirked, "he would let go of his little strumpet so I helped him with his choice." Tychus turned to his father. "Is there anything to eat in this shit stained castle?" Tywin was surprised that after what had just happened Tychus mind was on food.

When the guards tried to relieve Tychus of Lady Serella, the boy tightened his grip. "Leave it, I have some dogs to feed." Tywin and King Aerys watched as Tychus dragged her outside and towards the town where the townspeople had gathered just outside the fort to see what had happened. They gasped at the site of Tychus' blood-stained body but the gasped turned to cheers as they saw his hostage. Tychus lifted the trembling woman up for all to see. "BEHOLD," he cried out, "the whore of the Dun Fort. This evil witch poisoned the mind of your beloved lord against his own king. Now I say to you, WHAT SHALL YOU HAVE DONE WITH HER!" The crowd jeered and roared as they shouted suggestions.

"FLAY HER!"

"BURN HER!"

"DROWN HER!"

"GIVE HER TO THE BROTHELS!"

"HIT HER WITH A ROCK!"

In the end, Tychus threw her to the crowd for them to have their own way with her. "She's all yours," he declared. What truly happened to Serella of Myr the gods only know and accounts vary through witnesses. But what was known was that Tychus and Aerys were seen laughing gleefully at the spectacle.

Tychus later dived into the bay to wash the blood from his body and returned to find that the soldiers had found something to eat. As a reward for his actions, King Aerys granted him a favor. He offered knighthood which Tychus refused much to everyone's surprise. He had always found the concept of knighthood to be a humorous topic. Being anointed by holy oils and restrained by the ideals of honor was the last thing Tychus wanted. Too often he had seen unworthy people being knighted and worthy ones passed over. The fact that Knighthood tied him to the Faith of the Seven, made him even less attracted to it. Tychus simply said that serving the kings was its own reward." The rivermen called him the Hungry Lion, but the people of Duskendale gave him a new title. 'The Demon of the Rock', the name stuck.

Tychus' fostering at Riverrun ended a year later with the betrothal of Tychus Lannister and Lysa Tully. Tychus returned to the Rock with his new betrothed. Lysa was so excited to visit the Rock, knowing she would soon be Lady of it someday. Tychus insisted that the marriage be postponed until Lysa reached her 16th nameday when she became a woman grown, a reasonable request both Tywin and Hoster agreed to. Tychus later participated in the Tourney of Storm's End winning the melee there as well.

When Elia Martell was later wed to Crown Prince Rhaegar, Tychus hoped that the prince would be faithful to her. Tywin was angered by the fact that his golden daughter had been passed on for a dornish of lower standing. This, in turn, angered Tychus as he happened to be fond of Elia considering her a true friend.

General Tychus and The Fangs of Maw

Once his fostering had ended and Tychus was now a man grown, Tywin decides it was time to give his heir his most important task yet and summoned him for a private talk. Tychus entered his father's solar and found his father seated.

"You summoned me, father?" Tychus asked.

Tywin nodded and gestured for him to take a seat. Once Tychus was seated, Tywin began. "You are a man now and as my eldest son it is time for you to take on actual responsibilities."

"What sort of responsibilities?" Tychus asked.

"As Hand of the King, my place is at the capital so I have decided to name you acting Lord of the Rock in my absence."

This took Tychus off guard frankly he did not expect to get this so soon and figured he had a few more years before this happened. "Why me and not your brother uncle Kevan, he is your most trusted advisor."

Tywin studied his son and said, "you're my son."

Tychus rubbed his chin and nodded, "what would you have me do?"

When Tywin addressed the siblings of his plans they were naturally worried. "Are you sure this is wise Tywin?" Kevan asked, "giving Tychus such responsibility, he has a 'reputation'."

Tywin was fully aware of the reputation Tychus had built over the years. It was said that many of the servants were terrified of him and rumors had spread that he studied dark sorcery. Furthermore, Tychus seemed to relish in these rumors and made no attempt to extinguish them. "I am fully aware of his reputation brother," Tywin replied, "which is exactly why I'm giving him this task. He needs a distraction from such things and this is the perfect task for it."

"We simply worry he might abuse this newfound authority," Tygett explained.

"That is what you three will be here for," Tywin replied. "Should he get out of line you will bring him back to heal."

Tychus immediately set to work the moment his father arrived in Kings Landing. To the surprise of his aunt and uncles, despite his nature, Tychus did not abuse the responsibility he was given. As acting lord, Tychus displayed a cold yet calm, and logical demeanor. He was firm yet fair when dispensing judgment and was able to do a fairly good job maintaining order, and making sure the coffers stayed full.

Kevan, Tygett, and Gemma were astounded by this apparent change in attitude and questioned him about it. To which Tychus replied, "war requires warriors, ruling requires businessmen. Adjust and adapt that is the true meaning of survival of the fittest."

Tywin would make occasional visits to make sure everything was running smoothly and was pleased to know that things remained in order. With his new responsibilities, Tychus had very little time for himself, Still he tried to make time for his siblings. He made sure his sister kept up with her swordplay and brothers didn't fall behind in their studies. One day after a brief visit from father, the Maester complained that Tyrion had not shown up for his studies as usual. Going to his chambers Tychus found Tyrion crying in his room. Tychus sighed, he knew this was likely his father's doing. Taking a seat on the bed Tychus places a hand on his brother's head. "What is it, little brother?"

Tyrion looked up, "f-father hates me," he wept quietly. "he called me an ill-made repulsive creature that doesn't deserve to live." He looked down, "a-and he's right, I'm short, I'm ugly, I can't run or ride a horse, I can't do anything."

Tychus shook his head and locked Tyrion's chin between his thumb and forefinger before giving him a light slap to get his full attention. "None of that forget what father says to you it will never matter. Now you listen to me Tyrion, You've got the makings of greatness in you, I can see that in your eyes. But you have to take youe=r life by the reins and make your own path and you stick to that path no matter the obstacle. Because when the time comes when you get to test the cut of your cloth and show the world what you are truly capable of. I just hope i'm there to catch a sliver of the light coming off you that day."

Tyrion wiped away his tears and smiles and hugged his brother tightly, Tychus returned the smile and patted his little brother on the head. "Now if I'm not mistaken you have some studying to do. I'll not have your brains turned to mush on my watch. Tyrion nodded and scurried off. Tychus reflected on how Tyrion would one day surpass his own intelligence.

One of his first acts involved the Clegane family. He took the young Sandor Clegane under his wing and became his personal mentor in arms. He also arranged for Sandor's little sister to be made a companion for Cersei. Even though she wasn't too thrilled about it due to the Clegane girl's lower status, she raised no objections. Tychus did this to get them away from their monstrous older brother Gregor whom Tychus considered subhuman. He also studied the vassal houses looking for new blood to bring to court and possibly turn into field commanders, chief among them were Lyle Crakehall, Addam Marbrand, Harwyn Plumm and Daeron Vikary. But two more caught his attention Ser Mors Westford and Alester Sarwyck. Mors was one of the best knights in the Westerlands and Alester while not being a great warrior like the rest was noted by the Lannister who saw something in him.

One of his next major actions was to prepare the coastline to defend against ironborn raids. To this end he took to fortifying the castles and settlements along the coast, chief among them was the Crag. Despite their poor status, Tychus recognized that the Westerlings were a loyal family of integrity so he decided to restore them to a respectable house. Furthermore, the Crag was near the Coast which Tychus recognized was vulnerable to attack. To accomplish this he gave Ser Elys Westerling control over the Pendric Hills which had a gold mine. Using gold from his own vaults, Tychus repaired the Crag and bolstered its defenses with stronger walls and taller towers. Thanks to Tychus, and the gold they obtained from the Pendric Hills, House Westerling was able to recover some of its former glory making them prominent again.

One other thing he took a personal hand in was dispensing justice. Tychus ensured that the law applied equally to both the highborn and the commoner. Not only believe in passing the sentence and swinging the sword but also the joy he got out of it since he wasn't able to hunt bandits as often as he like. This was made abundantly clear when Tychus executed one of Rolph Spicer's cousins. Not even his own soldiers were safe as Tychus executed several dozen of them who were found guilty in various acts of rape, murder and created a marked drop in the number of criminals in the Westerlands

Despite all of this, Tychus' biggest contribution during his reign was the reformation of the Lannister Fleet and army. At this point in time, the Westerlands could only field 60 large ships of various types. Tychus decided that the richest house needed an extended navy. The houses Banefort, Westerling, Crackhall, and Prester were given 10 war galley's each to defend the Lannister waters. House Farmen assigned 20 war galleys and 10 dromonds due to them being on an island. House Lannister would boast the largest force of 50 dromonds. The flagship of this fleet was a 300 oared galleon with an iron lion prow named the Golden Roar. Tychus used his newly built fleet to hunt down pirates and the occasional ironborn reaver. One attack led to an encounter between the Heir to Casterly Rock and the heir to the Iron Islands Balon Greyjoy. Balon, believing that the Westerlands would be vulnerable in the hands of a boy led an attack on the western shores terrorizing the settlements there. Once word reached Tychus he immediately set sail and managed to intercept the heir to Pyke at Feastfires. Tychus tore Balon's ships apart before boarding the one Balon was on. Without fear nor care for the boy's brutal reputation, engaged him in single combat. A duel in which the man barely survived after receiving a deep gash to the chest. Tychus captured him and brought him back to the rock where a maester patched him up. Balon's father Quellon offered gold in exchange for his son but Tychus refused. Instead, Tychus demanded 25 good longships for Balon's safe return one ship representing a year of Balon's life. After the deal was agreed to and the ships they received inspected Balon was sent home. Still the raids continued and after a particularly brutal encounter which involved such savagery that the Ironborn raids stopped entirely.

With their fleet problem resolved, Tychus also took the time to organize House Lannister's forces. Knowing such a move may attract attention from King Aerys who with his unstable mind would easily believe that the Lannisters were mobilizing against him, Tychus disguised the act as simply expanding the city watch. After ensuring that his men were properly and fully equipped, Tychus would spend his time as acting lord putting these men through ceaseless drills making them as trained as possible. By the time his tenure ended, House Lannister would have a standing army of 10,000 men. It comprised of 2,000 Heavy Horse; 2,000 Archers and 6,000 Heavy Infantry. It was a number Tychus hoped to expand when he became the true Lord of Casterly Rock.

But Tychus like most young men soon grew restless and yearned for something to happen. His chance came with the emergence of the Kingswood Brotherhood in 281, King Aerys sent his kingsguard to deal with the outlaws but also called for assistance from Tychus's aid. The King's call was aidedd by the fact that Princess Elia and her entourage had been apprehended by the outlaws. The young Lannister wasted no time in seizing the opportunity and rode out with a small force which included Lyle Crakehall, Addam Marbrand, and Harwyn Plumm to help deal with the outlaws. During the hunt, Tychus captured Big Belly Ben and tortured him for Elia's location. He would meet up with Jaime and together they found where Elia was being held and it was guarded by the Smiling Knight. Jaime clashed with the outlaw first. Jaime was able to hold his own but, the Smiling Knight was a deadly swordsman and was more experienced. It is likely he would have killed Jaime had Tychus not intervened. After Jaime had been defeated, Tychus stepped in and continued the fight. As the two men clashed Tychus offered to make the man one of his sworn swords, the knight replied he would only except if Tychus defeated him.

Eventually, Arthur Dayne and the rest of the Kingsguard arrived they watched the two perform their deadly dance of axe against sword. Eventually, Tychus was able to disarm the Smiling Knight. Though both men were exhausted, the outlaw conceded his defeat and knelt before Tychus. The kingsguard protested and urged him to execute the outlaw, Tychus refused and raised the smiling knight up as Ser Lirigon (lirigon being the valyrian word for smile).

"I hope you know what you're doing trusting that snake," Arthur Dayne warned the boy.

Tychus gave a sly smile and said, "don't concern yourself about it, he's MY snake now."

The Smiling Knight was just the first of many people that Tychus would gather to form a personal band of companions. This band was made up of outlaws, sellswords, bastards, highwaymen and hedge knights. Many of whom had ill repute but all were highly skilled. Among them was Fletcher Dick, another member of the Brotherhood, Karl Tanner, an up and coming assassin from Kings Landing, Bronn a sellsword, Lothor Brune a Freerider, Aegon Bloodborn Frey an outlaw and Blackshield Flowers, a bastard from the Uplands. All tough, ruthless and cold and Tychus was the most ruthless of them all. The Smiling Knight even became Tychus' personal attack dog.

When Tygett questioned him about it Tychus simply pointed out. "Father always said a lord needs a beast from time to time. But I say why to settle for a single beast when you can have a whole pack." So the Kingswood Brotherhood died and the Fangs of Maw were born. With Tychus busy with managing the Rock, the Fangs of Maw took up the responsibility of hunting down brigands, convicts and other 'enemies of the Rock. Their exploits became as known as their leaders such as the gold Road Hunt and the Lann's Point Massacre. and like Tychus a poem was made about them.

Beware the Fangs of Maw

That's Prowling All the Time

Hunting any Monster Lurking

Beneath the Ground and Grime

No Matter if You Run or Hide

Either way your dead

For in the Darkness of the Night

They'll Come to Take Your head

King Aerys attempted to appoint Tychus into the Kingsguard, but Tychus refused much to the King's bitter disappointment and his father's relief. Tychus reasoned to the king that only Honorable knights are worthy to be kingsguard and stated that since he was neither of those things it would be improper. "I don't intend on living a celibate life as a glorified bodyguard."

"So what do you want then?" Asked Gerold Hightower.

Tychus smiled, "I want to see the world, to travel to the farthest corners as Corys Velaryon did, from the ruins of Valyria to the lands of the southern continent and the lands beyond Asshai. I want to conquer and kill and spread bastards though Essos like wildflower seeds. I am master of my fate and no one else. Those that heard Tychus declaration were stunned at his blatant and vulgar honesty. To everyone's surprise, Aerys laughed, "the boy has ambitions, a subject I am no stranger to." he declared. Though Tychus was angry at being compared to such a weedy man he accepted the compliment.

Little did anyone realize that their lives would be changed forever at a castle in the Riverlands called Harrenhal.