Riverrun Castle

[lordbalorgreyjoy]

As they got the rookery, stepping over the bloodstains in the centre of the room, Balor looked around for some parchment.
Finding some he began drafting a note to Callen
"Sire, We have taken Riverrun but have encountered heavy resistance. There is no sign of the Northlanders coming to aid so we have the Lannisters to our west and the remnants of the Blackwoods to our left. I can handle one but not both together. I ask that you send forces to secure or otherwise neutralise the Lannister threat and I will handle the riverlords. Signed, Balor, Lord of Pyke and the Iron Islands"

Turning to Edmure he said "Would you like to send a message to your lord? I have no secrets from my allies so feel free to read my missive" he turned away, looking for a Kings Landing raven to select.

[Percy Rivers]

Edmure thought for the moment, "Are we sure the Lannister's are our enemies yet? Perhaps we should find out first, it could mean taking on only the Riverlands vs taking on both."

[lordbalorgreyjoy]

Balor eyed Edmure amusedly "Who's flag do you think we just took down from this castle?"
He continued "I met with Baldwin not so long ago and obtained certain assurances. Any changes in Lannister power are unlikely to be to our benefit, I promise you. I always plan for enemies. After all, who loves the ironborn? I was willing to be civilised with Riverrun but they spat upon my good wishes. So be it. They paid the iron price and more, as will any who choose to stand against me" his pale eyes flashed dangerously, maddingly for a moment. He turned to Edmure "If Callen does not come, then I may not be able to hold this citadel against his enemies. If he truly wishes to rule over the Seven Kingdoms, he must do so with fire and sword, not words"

[Percy Rivers]

Edmure nodded, "Aye, I agree. Go ahead and tell Callen to raise his banners, he'll reinforce you soon enough. All I mean about the Lannisters is wait, we shouldn't provoke them, it's not that I doubt you or your men Balor, but if Callen is able to reinforce you, and keep the Lannisters in line, it would be for the best."

[lordbalorgreyjoy]

Balor smiled "I don't seek war with the Lannisters, Edmure. I just expect it"
With that, he looses the raven to Kings Landing

[Percy Rivers]

Edmure watched the raven fly off. "Forgive me for not taking a part in todays battle. I'm only mediocre with an axe and a knife, and that's only with a deck beneath me."

[lordbalorgreyjoy]

Balor shrugged "It was mostly undefended. Curse that fool of a guard who barred me entry. Had I more time I may have parlayed, but my men are anxious for plunder and this was the easy battle to boost morale. I have no doubt the others will be harder"

[lordbalorgreyjoy]

As they exit the rookery and cross the courtyard, Balor spies Fengri One-Eye, one of Halon's men "Fengri? What are you doing here? You have news from Halon?"
Fengri grinned crookedly "Aye, milord Greyjoy. We have left Bracken and are harrying the crow's forces" he looked about him "I may have had more fun here it seems" he grins lewdly before carrying on "Halon has sent word that Raventree's forces are more than they first appeared. Nigh on 4,000 men have gathered so far with more coming by the day. They are mostly squires and old men but still"
Balor's eyes clouded over and he glanced at Edmure "You see why I needed Callen?" he muttered. He straightened his shoulders and told Fengri "Thank you for the message. Head off and grab some food. I will soon have another mission for you"
Fengri One-Eye nods and heads towards the makeshift commissary

[Percy Rivers]

"Well perhaps now that it looks like the Blackwoods are not able to defend their vassals the other lords might be more inclined to submit. Isn't lord Bracken trying to sway them?"

[lordbalorgreyjoy]

Balor smiled crookedly at Edmure "Bracken is so greedy he blinds himself as to his supporters. The other riverlords may not actively oppose us but it is a stretch to say they will help us. Mallister will never be a friend of the ironborn and he is one of the strongest. Where he leads, many follow".

[lordbalorgreyjoy]

After he has rested, Balor speaks to Fengri and sends him north to the ruins of Oldstones, with messages for Bella Blacktyde.
Fengri, sighs and looks about the plundered castle with longing, but departs on the swiftest horse left alive

[Percy Rivers]

OOC: Is Balor kind of like Victarion and Euron put together?

Edmure found Balor occupying Lord Tully's chambers. Snow fell outside the open window, it was not a torrent yet. Sometimes the snow would even melt so that there was none during the day leaving a muddy, sodden ground, this was just the beginning of winter. He leaned against the door, not bothering to take a seat. "What are your plans now? Hold Riverrun? Or move on to Harrenhal?"

[lordbalorgreyjoy]

ooc: Not sure really. He's more of a colder calculating man like Balon than his brothers.

Balor stretched and got out of his bed. It was well furnished and soft, like the greenlanders themselves. "For now I will secure this castle. Had they had the men I have, we could never have taken it so easily. Blackwood is still gathering his men, as I am. I expect the rest of my men from Pyke soon. Once we have them, we will march."

With that, he gets out of bed and begins giving orders to his men. Soon they begin work on repairing what little damage was done to the fortifications. He also sends a large contingent (1,500 men under Lord Drumm) to the surrounding villages to take supplies. The grain silos may be destroyed but he meant to make sure he had enough supplies should they be forced to wait under siege.

[lordbalorgreyjoy]

Near Oldstones, Bella supervised the disembarking of the 5,000 men lead by Lord Harlaw. She gave directions for Riverrun and they headed off. She used the men she had to man the ships with a skeleton crew and they sailed back to Pyke. She left 2 fully manned ships behind to act as a link for Riverrun should the worst happen but as she sailed she was confident. The final men were gathering at Pyke and she would return at their head of their contingent soon. Then the riverlands would truly see their power. She grinned broadly at the thought.

[Percy Rivers]

Edmure paused for a moment choosing his words carefully. "Balor you need to reign in your raiders. They're turning the people against you. I can understand raiding the Blackwood caravans and their lands. But it would make your conquest easier if we can win the loyalty of more riverlords. When I was sailing for the Archon of Tyrosh in his war against Pentos he said this to me "A conquest will go much easier when the people despise their own rulers. Enlist the smallfolk in your raids, let them get a share of the spoils. Win their support." He pulled out a piece of parchment. "These are laws Callen drafted in Summerhall. Follow them, and your conquest will be much more simpler, and you will not have to worry so much about being crushed by the Blackwoods. The other lords will join you."