The North attacks the faith

[Marie]

"That is true, certainly," Gwayne agreed. "I presume we are speaking of this businses in the North? I fear you gentlemen have the advantage of me. I have not been privy to more than the common knowledge of this matter. Has war been declared now?"

[Horas]

"Not officially," Bayard replies, folding his hands on the table. "But soon. White Harbor will be friendly, presuming we can arrive before Lord Stark sacks it. The Boltons are still up in the air; the rest of the Northern houses we should count on to be hostile, save perhaps the bannermen of the aforementioned."

[Marie]

"There is no possibility of a peaceful resolution then?" Gwayne asked. "I'm a warrior to be sure, and I will gladly arrange for the ships of the Arbor and Oldtown to be put to such a cause but I would prefer to hope for peace if at all possible."

[Horas]

"It was discussed at length at the last meeting of this Council," Bayard says, turning his eyeless gaze vaguely in Gwayne's direction. "It seems now that peace is unlikely without Lord Stark's surrender, and even if I were a gambling man I would not bet on it."

[Marie]

Gwayne began to wonder just how much he had missed. He disliked feeling at a disadvantage but he knew he could not express that.

"That is unfortunate. Yet I could not in good conscience commit my men without the assurance that peace was not considered first. But as it is...well then, I am happy to write to my uncle at the Arbor."

[Horas]

"The Vale shall commit its full strength as well, of course," Bayard says, that as much for the benefit of the other counselors as for Gwayne. "What forces cannot be transported by sea will reinforce Lord Tully in siegeing Moat Cailin." His next words are addressed to the Hand. "I would suggest you dispatch messengers to the rest of the Queen's bannermen to call them to arms. The secret, such as it is, cannot last much beyond that, so the swifter we can form up the better."

[Lord Oswyn Baratheon]

Oswyn inclined his head in greeting to Saxon and Gwayne as they entered, pleased that two of the men he had vouched for now had seats on the council.

"We must act with as much haste as is prudent." Oswyn agreed. "We must land and triumph before the worst of winter is upon us."

[Marie]

"I'd hoped to host a tourney but I see now that it won't be possible," Gwayne said. "I will postpone it for after this war, I believe. I don't wish to disappoint the queen, but I see now that I must instead prepare for war again."

[The Stranger]

"It is a minor thing, but Lord Edric Stark remains in King's Landing, and continues to send dispatches to Winterfell. If hostilities are imminent perhaps it would be prudent to make him comfortable for the duration. My understanding is that Lord Stark has jailed at least one Manderly boy, and the trick to hostage exchanges is you have to have one to participate."

[Lord Oswyn Baratheon]

"I cannot imagine Her Grace would be pleased at that course of action, but it would certainly be prudent." Oswyn replied, after considering the proposal.

[Marie]

"Perhaps it would be best to confine Edric Stark to a tower cell where he may be given every comfort due to his rank. But...what of the wolf? I cannot imagine the beast will go quietly into captivity if its master is threatened. It may be necessary to undertake some ruse in order to get the pair of them safely away. But I am sure our queen will understand that it is for the good of the realm," Gwayne ventured. "And as long as Stark is treated with every courtesy, there should be no cause for concern."

[Lord Oswyn Baratheon]

"It would be foolish to let something as petty as the man's pet infringe upon our designs." Oswyn rebuked, bitterly remembering the dispute with his ex-wife involving her own beasts. "He may be afforded the luxuries befitting of a noble, but he is a hostage of war nonetheless. If the beast resists on its master's behalf, it should be put to the sword, ruse be damned."

He left unsaid that he thought direwolf would make thrilling quarry.

[The Stranger]

"I am as sentimental as the next man, But I agree with Lord Oswyn. If the master and beast goes quietly it is for best. I assume Commander Donnel can handle that assignment Lord Royce?"

[Marie]

Gwayne sighed.

"You misunderstand me, Lord Oswyn. My point is that the men who seek to take Stark into custody will be risking their own lives on account of the beast. Direwolves are damned dangerous, as all men know. I would prefer not to see men killed in such an enterprise, as may well happen if Stark chooses to resist imprisonment. I for one would not commit my men at arms to such a dangerous task without at least trying a less risky tactic. Of course, you are free to disagree with me if you care to volunteer your own guards for the job. Though certainly I am sure the City Watch could handle it, though not without a possible loss of life."

He paused, looked around at the other lords hoping for support.

"Let us not forget, my lords, that slaying Stark's wolf may be seen as a deliberate attack upon their house. While it is clear that Stark's brother is threatening the realm, I think it best not to provoke matters further without just cause. I think we should at least attempt to lock away both Edric Stark and his beast for the duration of this conflict. Perhaps he might be persuaded to declare for us, if he is treated kindly during his imprisonment. Winterfell may well need a new master by the time the conflict is over, and the Northmen would surely prefer a Stark over all others."

[The Stranger]

"Invite Lord Edrick to a meeting with the Queen. Surely he does not take his beast with him. Then detain him, problem solved." Saxon said, "Now if we can move on from pet-related issues...?"