Chapter 554: The Curse Affects Nine Generations

The final battle in the Westerlands unfolds at Lannisport, culminating in a decisive victory for the Targaryen army with the assistance of their Iron Fleet and dragons. Tywin Lannister, the leader of the rebel forces, is captured.

Translation:

Tywin Lannister had long ruled the Westerlands with an iron grip, his authority unquestionable. But when he fell, the remaining nobles of the Westerlands lacked the cohesion to stand against their enemies and swiftly bent the knee.

However, Oberyn Martell, known as the Red Viper, was not inclined to show mercy to the Lannister family. Vengeful and unforgiving, he fulfilled his promise to Tywin: he would decimate the Lannister line and nail Tywin's name to the pillar of shame.

The Lannisters were prolific breeders. Their ancestor, "Clever" Lann, was said to have swindled Casterly Rock from the Casterlys. Lann lived an astonishing 312 years, siring a hundred brave sons and a hundred agile daughters, all handsome men and beautiful women.

In time, the Lannister lineage grew too large for Casterly Rock, leading some branches to settle in nearby villages. These villages eventually became towns and then cities, evolving into the modern-day Lannisport. This explained the city's staunch resistance against the Targaryen forces.

Now, Oberyn had successfully captured Casterly Rock and Lannisport. To avenge the stubborn resistance of the Westerlands and the wrongs done to his sister, Elia Martell, he ordered the massacre of all Lannisters in the city. No one remotely related to Tywin was spared; it was guilt by association to the ninth degree.

Oberyn intended for Tywin to witness the obliteration of his family line. At first, Tywin seemed unfazed. But as the deaths mounted, his eyes became bloodshot, his initial rage turning into numbness.

He watched helplessly as his nephews, including Kevan's eldest son Lancel and Tygett's son Tyrek, were led to the executioner's block and beheaded before him.

"Lord Tywin, it seems the Lannister name will now rest with the son you loathe the most," said Oberyn, his face a mask of insincere smiles, triggering Tywin's helpless fury.

The Red Viper was a master at psychological torture, always probing the limits of his victims' endurance without pushing them into madness. Gregor Clegane, known as "The Mountain," had already been subjected to Oberyn's brutal treatment and yet retained his sanity.

With the Westerlands secured, Oberyn's name became synonymous with demonic cruelty, enough to make even infants stop crying. His retribution had extended to anyone in Lannisport with golden hair, leading to widespread persecution by Targaryen soldiers.

"Seize him! He is the last of the Lannisters!"

Citizens with a hint of golden hair in Lannisport dared not venture into the streets. Even their homes were no sanctuary, as soldiers broke in to capture any potential "Lannister remnants."

News of this impending massacre reached King's Landing, and the Small Council had to intervene. Only then did Oberyn halt his troops, preventing further escalation.

Yet the Lannister name was practically wiped out in the Westerlands, at least for a time. The only exceptions were Tyrion Lannister, now a royal advisor, and the imprisoned former queen.

But for Tyrion, who had always been treated with disdain by his own family, there was little room for empathy. Alone in the dead of night, he might indulge in a drinking bout, followed by a fit of tears.

This information was provided by Varys, the Master of Whisperers.

Tyrion's reaction upon receiving the news was observed by members of the Small Council. He ordered several women in the brothel, drank to his heart's content, vomited, and cried. Yet, the next day, he attended the Small Council meeting as if nothing had happened, perhaps bidding farewell to a life once lived.

Meanwhile, in far-off King's Landing, Oberyn's actions in Lannisport had stirred a major outcry.

"How many petitions is that for today?" said Viserys Targaryen, sitting in the king's study in Maegor's Holdfast.

"The third," replied Varys, his hands tucked into his wide sleeves.

"Oberyn's deeds in Lannisport are truly difficult to put into words," said Varys cautiously. "He has touched upon the red lines of all nobility, naturally resulting in strong backlash."

Viserys crumpled the third petition from the nobles and tossed it into a nearby wastebasket. Varys then broached another sensitive topic.

"Your Grace, there is another matter. My little birds report that a man named the High Sparrow had contact with Aegon. The zealots angered by Balerion's desecration of the Starry Sept tried to storm the Red Keep. They call themselves the Holy Swordsmen. They have been dealt with, but the High Sparrow's connection with Aegon is concerning."