On the banks of the Trident, at the Ruby Ford crossing.
The last light of sunset brushed the rushing waters of the Trident, staining the Westerlands camp on the bank a somber gold and red.
Inside the vast command tent, a crimson Lannister lion banner hung behind the seat of command, and candlelight flickered across Tywin's cold face.
He held a secret letter that had just arrived by raven.
The letter concerned the latest rumors in King's Landing, vicious speculation about Cersei and Jaime's parentage.
Bang!
A dull crash shattered the silence of the command tent.
Tywin slammed his palm against the hard oak tabletop with such force that the inkwell, documents, and maps jumped.
Beside him, Kevan stiffened slightly at this sudden eruption of fury.
He had never seen his brother lose his composure like this.
"Lowborn maggots! Filthy sewage!"
He snapped his head up, his eyes fixed on Kevan. "Kevan! Write to Cersei at once. Tell her by raven to find every last one of those gossiping scum and hang them from the walls of the Red Keep! Let the crows peck out their eyes! Let all of King's Landing see what comes of slandering the royal family and defaming the Lannisters! Keep killing until no one dares utter another word!"
Kevan shuddered inwardly and bowed at once. "Yes. I will arrange it immediately."
He hesitated, keenly noticing that his brother's furious orders mentioned only Cersei, while deliberately avoiding another name: Tyrion.
But he dared not ask further, offering only a cautious reminder. "Cersei is probably already overwhelmed-and His Grace Joffrey-"
"Joffrey?!"
Tywin's fury seemed to find a new outlet. He rose abruptly, his voice climbing. "Don't mention that spoiled boy! Look at what he has done! What sort of mother has Cersei been? She cannot even control