Journey from White Harbour to Moat Cailin

[Ser Leyton Hightower]

"Are you suggesting we proceed unarmed knowing there is some sort of force ahead that likely does not have our best interests at heart?" Leyton asked. "I would rather not be caught unaware myself. I have seen firsthand the destruction wrought by an ambush during my time in the stepstones."

[Marie]

"No, we should be aware, of course, but if we look like a militant force, they may attack us. They will - I pray = not attack us for being peaceable. Remember, Leyton, most of the Northerners are heathens. "

[Erik]

Before long, a group of riders wearing Stark grey cantered into view. Their numbers could not be easily assessed, as only a few could ride abreast on the road.

Their leader rode out ahead and called to the pilgrims, "Who marches through my lands without my leave?"

[Ser Leyton Hightower]

Leyton beckoned for Gyles to join him, moving forward at a slow stride. His sword hung at his side, and he had managed to garb himself in his plate prior to the arrival of the riders. The glimmering metal served to distinguish him from his mud stained comrades.

"We march on behalf of the High Septon." Leyton declared once he was close enough to the riders. "We are marching for Moat Cailin, in order to leave your lands. Our intents are peaceful."

Leyton decided against a retort to Stark's assertion that the Queen's lands were his own. He gazed at the riders with stony indifference.

[Erik]

"You would have done better to never enter my lands at all. You may claim peaceful intent, but you are those gathered to try and end my reign on behalf of that fat old priest in Baelor's sept, are you not?" Eirek spurred his horse forward a few paces, his hand resting on the greatsword beside him. "And who are you, boy?"

[Ser Leyton Hightower]

"I am Ser Leyton Hightower." Leyton replied icily, opting to respond to Stark's provocative comments with some of his own. "And these are not your lands, but those of the crown."

He did not respond to the question of their intent.

[Erik]

"You are in the North, Ser Boy, and have been since you crossed the White Knife. And I am Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the North. That makes them mine, held in trust to keep the Queen's peace. And it would seem you are marching an army with the intent to disturb that peace."

[Ser Leyton Hightower]

"I have told you our intent." Leyton replied. "If you doubt my word you need only send men to investigate the land we have already traveled through. They will find it unscathed."

He considered referring to Stark as Wolf, but opted against it.

[Marie]

Septon Gyles gave Leyton a warning glance and spoke up. "We are on our way to speak with the High Septon to seek his guidance, and to beg the queen's forgiveness for disturbing her peace. We shall leave your lands in peace, I guarantee it."

[Erik]

"I did not give you leave to speak, priest." Eirek snapped at the septon, giving him a look of disgust. "You will leave my lands. You will turn your motley band around. You will return to White Harbor. What you do from there is not my concern, but might I suggest a ship?"

[Ser Leyton Hightower]

"We lack the coin to arrange for a ship, nor are we likely to find one able to carry two hundred men in the port of white harbour." Leyton replied. "We cannot travel back, only forward. It is the fastest and only way out of your lands. If you wish us gone, you will allow us to proceed."

[Erik]

"Do you truly think that I care about your financial difficulties, Ser Boy? Plan your crusade better, next time. I have given my command. You have one hour to turn your flea-bitten pauper army around."

He turned his horse back toward his men and began riding slowly away.

[Ser Leyton Hightower]

Leyton turned his back on the departing riders. "What are we to do?" He asked Gyles. "I am in favor of staying put. If word reaches the south that Stark attacked a group of peaceful travellers surely all practicers of the faith will be infuriated."

[Marie]

"They did not come to White Harbor, did they?" Gyles sighed. "We cannot go back else we will be stranded in White Harbor but Stark will not allow us to go forward either. It seems to me that we will have to make the appearance of compliance but elsewise seek a different route south. I would suggest negotiating but I do not believe a heathen like Stark will agree to any terms me might propose."

[Ser Leyton Hightower]

"But what different route might we find? Travelling off the road would only lend credence to stark's untrue assertions that our intent is malicious. I propose we remain on the road. I have written to my cousin, Lord Gwayne already, and we can send another letter now to the queen herself, defending the legality of our actions . If stark attacks us, he will surely be seen as the perpetrator." Leyton asserted.