I and Robar were standing in the Small Council chamber before the King and the members, along with Prince Duncan. A few were looking at both of us with great interest while some whispered amongst each other. I suspected that this was due to the campaign against The Red Scorpions and possibly awards to be given out. What had made me apprehensive was why Robar was also present together with me.
"Tywin, did you rest well?"
"Yes, your Grace, it was great to sleep in my own bed after these months."
"Very good, I'm sure you're wondering why you and Robar are here!?"
I looked and Robar and he looked at me, Robar had long since stopped being as nervous as he had spent close to a year at court. I nodded at him as we had both agreed that I would do the talking. "We are, your Grace."
"The Small Council met this morning and we also discussed at length the awards to be given out to everyone who partook in this campaign. It is true, many men were lost and this sellsword company was allowed to act with impunity for more than a year within the Seven Kingdoms. But, thanks to the actions of everyone. They were dealt with quickly and completely.
You in particular played a major role in the entirety. You alerted me to the actions of the Red Scorpions, took an active role in the campaign along with Lord Commander Duncan and Prince Duncan. More than anything else, were able to quickly get the information from the sellsword captains.
Now more than ever we will have to be vigilante against threats from the Essos, in particular, The Blackfyre remnants and The Golden Company. There is nothing to fear from any actions taken directly however it is what they represent; a banner to rally our hidden enemies. Like beasts, they will strike at any signs of weakness within The Crown and The Seven Kingdoms.
Tywin of House Lannister, Heir to Casterly Rock, I brought you to King's Landing to serve in my court. To cultivate and strengthen you as is the practice with the heirs of noble houses, also to strengthen relations between House Targaryen and the Great House of Lannister.
Before this campaign I had valued your words far beyond any other of your peers your age. Now you have proven yourself to be truly exceptional. Unfortunately, your age is an issue. You are but 11 name days and I will earn the ire of many Lords of the realm, if I were to offer you a seat on the Small Council as a councillor.
You will also earn jealousy as well as the greedy attention of others who may harm your forward progression in the future. As such I am at this time withholding any titles or positions, I may bestow upon you until your 15th name day. At that time, if your character is as steadfast and your judgement is sound, I shall appoint you a seat at the Small Council."
'Well shit, that was a little more than I was expecting, I expected he would offer me something fancy or shiny, or even make me the youngest knight of The Seven Kingdoms, but instead a job offer. That was a little unexpected but I guess he must have gotten pushback from the members of the Small Council, sighting my age.'
King Aegon V continued. "I know that at your age you do not think as others of your own age do, but I would hate to send you away disappointed. Instead, I wish to offer you a different position." He said, before he had my curiosity, now he had my attention.'
"This position, also involves you Robar the Lion's Sheild, I have also paid attention to you as you are the person that Young Tywin has chosen to keep at his side. Your loyalty and devotion as a sworn sword is unshakable as Lord Commander Duncan had attested to as well. You are valiant and unflinching in battle and as I have heard you were even willing to die to protect young Tywin one time.
As such my proposal to both of you, Tywin, you will continue as my cupbearer, that way you will continue to serve me during small council meetings. Robar, I wish to appoint you to a position that has been unfilled for some time. According to Grand Maester Alyster, since my Grandfather King Daeron II Targaryen's time. I wish to appoint you as Lord Confessor. You will answer directly to Tywin and he will answer to me and work in consort with the Master of Whispers. What do you say?"
I imagined that I would now have a shocked look on my face as Robar did if it hadn't been for 'Deception'. I was caught off guard by his words but I understood the words that he left unsaid. Robar was stunned and looked at me as he wasn't sure how to respond to the offer.
I quickly answered having understood what was being offered here, but the King had something specific in mind. Why else would he be reinstating the Lord Confessor. "Your Grace, we will gladly accept what is offered, we only ask that you enlighten us about what the duties of the Lord Confessor will include in this instance."
King Aegon V smiled and answered. "Very keen observation, the actions of the Red Scorpions have only shown The Seven Kingdoms are vulnerable if even a small sellsword company will risk doing as they please. Now with likes of Maelys Blackfyre commanding one of the largest; The Golden Company. It is only a matter of time before they will take direct action.
Until every last Blackfyre is gone, the realm will always be in danger from their actions. As Lord Confessor I will have you see to the interrogating and if required, torturing of anyone suspected of being a Blackfyre sympathizer. Also, any who would threaten House Targaryen or the stability of the Seven Kingdoms." He finished in a solemn tone.
Prince Duncan followed; "Robar, having seen you in action, I believe that you are very honourable and dedicated to your duties, as such I believe that you will be well suited to the task. Tywin, you have demonstrated that you are extremely talented and from what his Grace told me, you are extremely discrete, who better to oversee and assist the office of the Lord Confessor."
I got nods from The King, Lord Commander of the King's Guard, The Prince and even the Master of Whispers. All the others remained neutral, some even scrutinizing both me and Robar. These must have been the hold-outs, who opposed me because of my age. It was understandable as to any sane person, would be sceptical of a boy of 11 holding any kind of significant power at that age.
"Is there anything else you would like to know or bring up?" King Aegin V asked.
After a moment of contemplation, I looked at Robar and he shook his head. Robar wasn't an idiot, he was what people on modern-day Earth would call an introvert, he didn't like speaking to strangers much less speaking to the people in front of him as his whole life, he had been put down by nobles for being base born. Something that had changed since coming to King's Landing.
Few knew who he was other than he was my sworn sword and there weren't many who would take the chance to insult him to his face as it would be an insult to me. Only the fools back in the Westerlands who still thought House Lannister was weak because of Tytos would openly mock a Lannister. At court, even as a royal cupbearer, anyone with sense would understand that I was being groomed by the King for a future leadership role, more so than ever by him appointing Robar as Lord Confessor and me to oversee him.
I finally responded after devising a scheme that would kill many birds with one stone. "We have no further questions, but there is a matter I would like to discuss in private with you Your Grace."
....
It was now in the middle of the evening; we were in the King's Study after the small council meeting had been concluded. Present was King Aegon V, Lord Commander Duncan, Prince Duncan and Lord Edwyle Stark and Master of Whispers Lord Farring, Robar and myself. From what I had observed, these were the men who had supported our appointment and conveniently were the people we would need support from to get the job done.
As everyone else sat I poured a cup of hot tea for each of them. Then I began; "Your Grace, for this to work I will need 2 things. I am requesting to be given command of around 50 men to assist with this endeavour."
"You will have the assistance of the gaolers here at the Red Keep plus the Lord Commander of the Gold Cloaks will be receiving a command to assist as necessary. Why would you need so many men?" Lord Edwyle Stark interjected, I could tell from his tone that he was playing devil's advocate.
"Yes Lord Hand, but if the reason for reinstating the Lord Confessor position is to ferret out potential spies or enemies who are plotting against the Crown or the Sven Kingdoms, I advise that we remove any possible leaks. No disrespect to the Gold Cloaks, but they can be easily bribed as well as the goalers.
Not to mention that depending on any information we receive, I would advise that any prisoners from outside of King's Landing be brought to the Capital by specially trained and trusted men, to prevent them from escaping, freed or assassinated." As I spoke, I could see the realization on their faces, that these were not points they had considered.
"The Red Keep is also a terrible location to house any such prisoners, there are too many entrances and exits that can be used to gain access and for escape. That is why I need this many men, I am also asking to be allocated a small piece of land, where I advise a small keep with a dungeon be built."
"Where do you suggest that this keep be built?" The king asked?
"If there are any suitable preexisting structures, nearby, that can be reconstructed and additions made to suit the purpose of what we seek to do. Keep in mind that it should be away from any roadways that would attract attention. We can even disguise it as the residence of the Lord Confessor."
The King deliberated on my words just as the others did, they hadn't considered these points and were weighing the pros and cons. I interjected again; "I would also like to add that this is an opportunity to be proactive with the security of the Capital as well, if I remember correctly, there was also someone who went by the name of the Basilisk. I plan to also tackle these types of persons if given the opportunity, the men will not be idle or the property wasted."
With this, I could see that everyone was now looking a little bit more favourable to my suggestion. The King responded; "I can see that you are taking this seriously and you have made some valuable points. Answer me this, how do you intend to recruit these men?
"I will use some of my personal men as well as I will take my time and recruit from the smallfolk and if any of you nominate anyone. Preferably young men who have no allegiances to any noble houses, no families would be ideal, as well as, that they will have nothing that can be leveraged against them. Strict discipline will need to be enforced, create a strong brotherhood amongst them and allegiance to the Crown.
If I elevate them to a position above their station, this will earn their loyalty. Have them take oaths of secrecy punishable by death, to reinforce the seriousness as well as the importance of their duties, even after they leave the service of the Lord Confessor if they decide to settle and have families. That doesn't mean that they still won't be able to be used as they can be placed in positions of importance and used as informants by paying them a stipend."
Everyone was now looking at me, it was evident that they were shocked. The King who had been sipping on his cup of tea now had different look on his face. "Tywin, I see you have a firm grasp of what you will need to do. Make a list of your requirements to get started and I will meet with the Master of Coin and try to allocate the funds needed. Lord Commander Duncan, I want you to assist Tywin in locating a suitable property nearby.
Lord Hand, you will see to it that all the missives are drawn up to those who will need to be informed about Robar's appointment.
Robar, by now I am sure that you understand that Tywin will be the one in charge and that your appointment is in name only, I do not doubt your capabilities nor do I want you to resent me. You are acting in service of your Lord, as your epithet 'The Lion's Sheild', there are those who believe the Tywin is too young to hold this position. I wish you to shield him from the gazes of those would seek to oppose and undermine him."
"Certainly, Your Grace, I could never resent you for this as I only wish to serve my lord Tywin to the best of my ability. He saw value in me when others hadn't. He has always treated me with respect and despite the difference in our stations, treats me as a friend. I will proudly accept this task." Robar quickly responded with pride.
"Ok that should be it for now, we can continue in the morning when you complete the list. Also, there will be a feast for the men who took part in the campaign on the morrow night. I will be handing out some rewards and showing my appreciation to them and commemorate the sacrifice for the ones who died."
"Very well, your Grace." I said, both me and Robar got up and were about to leave.
"Also, Tywin, before you leave, I must ask, what kind of tea is this?" King Aegon V asked as he drained his cup.