Meeting at the Hightower

[Marie]

"Unfortunate. Yet Lord Oswyn sits here now and Lord Oswyn is an honourable man. I do not believe he would do such a thing. Nor can I believe the same of his kinsmen. I know the Dornish far less well, of course. Unfortunately I do not know why either the Stormlanders and the Dornish might consider Mace an enemy. Perhaps someone would care to enlighten me?" Gwayne asked.

[Lord Oswyn Baratheon]

"I appreciate your kind words, Lord Hightower, however I can vouch for my own honor." Oswyn said with a grateful nod, before turning to the queen.

"Your Grace, I am unaware of this bad blood between the Tyrells and Baratheons. There have been minor disputes between the Reach and Stormlands, as all neighbors must have from time to time, but nothing that would warrant murder. If I had required blood from your uncle, I would have requested it on the field of honor, not seen him butchered in such a cowardly manner."

[The Stranger]

Finn caught Oswyn's eye for a moment and smiled politely but did not speak.

[Horas]

Lord Bayard arrives last. "My condolences for you, Your Grace, under these trying circumstances. As always, my full resources are at your disposal." He is guided to his seat by his manservant, and sits. "Has Lord Tyrell been informed yet?"

[Marie]

"I wrote to him," Gwayne announced. "It was an unpleasant yet necessary duty."

[Horas]

"Perhaps you could tell us the specifics of the details, Lord Gwayne. I know such things will be grisly to hear of, but they may contain an important clue." His voice changes tenor, from sympathetic to authorative. "I understand he was killed in his guest chambers at the Hightower. What time was he found? What weapon was used? Have you conducted a search of your servant staff to ensure that everyone is accounted for?"

[Marie]

"He was found in the early hours of the morning, I believe. We'd all been up late feasting and drinking, yet the servant woke me from my bed. The weapon was a dagger, Valyrian steel with a plain hilt. I have it here. I have instructed those I trust to pursue the investigation but as yet there is no word on whether anyone in particular is missing. I believe we must all check that our retinues are not missing a member. My priorities were, of course to close off the city, to send word to Lord Tyrell and speak with the Small Council. I have also written to my lords bannermen."

[Horas]

Bayard listens intently as Gwayne lists off the particulars. When he is done, Lord Royce speaks briskly. "As Master of Laws, I believe I am well positioned to conduct this investigation. Your Grace, do I have your authority to act on this matter?"

[The Smith]

"You have my compete faith Lord Bayard. Of course." Rose replied.

[Horas]

Bayard bows his head respectfully in the direction of the Queen's voice, but then he is back to business. "Thank you, Your Grace. Very good. Lord Hightower, it would please me if you would assemble the head of your servants, the head of your guard, and whichever man or woman was the first to discover Ser Mace's body. Have your people send them up to my quarters in an hour's time. Ser Finn," Bayard addressed the man, but did not look at him, for he had not yet heard him speak, "if you should be kind enough to walk with me to my quarters after this meeting, I should like to speak to you as well."

[Marie]

"It will be done," Gwayne vowed. "I hope you will let me know if I or any other of my people can be of use and also keep me aware of such developments as you find them."

[Horas]

"Of course, Lord Hightower. I appreciate your cooperation in this matter," Bayard replies.

[The Stranger]

"Of course my lord," Cave's bastard agreed swiftly.