Casterly Rock.
The great lion of the Westerlands crouched atop the cliffs overlooking the Sunset Sea, silently watching its tides ebb and flow.
Inside the castle, in a spacious study.
Lord Tywin Lannister sat behind his desk, reviewing accounts from lords across the Westerlands.
His face betrayed no expression. His pale green eyes were like two uncut gemstones, razor-sharp.
A maester hurried inside.
He respectfully presented a roll of parchment.
"My lord, a letter from King's Landing."
"It was delivered by a special courier. It must be urgent."
Only then did Tywin look up and extend his hand.
Unfolding the letter, Tywin quickly scanned its contents.
The study was quiet, save for the faint rustle of parchment.
When Tywin reached the line "Jaime Lannister has resigned from the Kingsguard," his expression finally softened, almost imperceptibly.
He slowly raised his head and handed the letter back to the maester.
"Reward the messenger with ten gold dragons."
Tywin's voice was calm and even, revealing no emotion.
The maester withdrew to carry out his order.
Once again, Tywin was alone in the study.
He rose and walked onto the balcony, gazing down at the turbulent waters of the Sunset Sea.
In Westeros.
1 gold dragon = 210 silver stags = 11,760 copper pennies.
That meant 1 silver stag = 56 copper pennies.
1 copper star = 8 copper pennies.
An entire table laden with fine food and drink-mutton, duck, oat bread, ale, and the like-cost only one silver stag, with a generous handful of copper coins left over as change.
A grilled sausage and a horn of ale cost just one copper penny.
A full suit of fine armor, including mail, a gorget, greaves, and a greathelm, cost only 800 silver stags, or roughly four gold dragons.
Of course, such fine armor could