Parlay along the Red Fork

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

Lord Stevron Bracken had ridden hard to assault Raventree Hall from Riverrun, but has now found himself pinned by substantial armies led by Warren Blackwood and Lord Rhodri Arryn.

A parlay is called, attended by Blackwood, Rhodri, and Ser Miles the Greenhand, Kingsguard. They await Lord Bracken. Lord Rhodri's scouts have informed them that no Ironborn force is in the area.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

"Mi'lords, strange news," Ser Galwyn Fell says, riding up hard to the command tent where Arryn, Blackwood and Oldflower await Lord Stevron Bracken. "A large force is marching towards the Red Fork, the banners are Dornish."

[The Smith]

A single unarmed knight rides to met with the parlay, "We surrendor. Lord Bracken has taken his own life. The rest of us are now free from this madness. We will lay down arms."

[Horas]

"Aye," Warren Blackwood says, "They come to reinforce us, though I had not thought they would arrive so quickly."

Warren nods at the Bracken knight. "That saves us the trouble of an execution, I suppose. Your surrender is accepted."

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

"He has taken his own life? And who stands now as Lord of Stonehedge? Has Stevron Bracken issue?" Lord Rhodri asks. "And what of his allies amongst the Ironborn? Our scouts have not uncovered them -- where have they gone?"

Turning to Blackwood, "They come to reinforce us? Are we Seven Kingdoms once again?"

[The Smith]

"Bracken took his own life when he realized that no help was coming. The Ironborn have betrayed a betrayer. Just rewards I say." The knight spat into the dirt, "As for Bracken's issue he has seven daughters from 17 to 3. But none of them are married."

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

"I am sure King Callen will give careful thought as to finding a good and faithful husband for the eldest. Perhaps she can be presented in King's Landing to swear her fealty, and discuss with him her future union," Lord Rhodri says. "I can think of one already. But I will leave that decision to future days."

The Tullys need a castle, and here is one presented, Rhodri thinks.

[Horas]

Warren shakes his head. "We are Six Kingdoms still, but Princess Emelia is a friend of the Blackwoods. She rides to help us clear our lands of the Kraken. And Bracken has no friends left -- all of the riverlords have resworn their vows to my house."

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

"As is proper, as you are Lords Paramount," Rhodri says. "As to the Dornish, I regard them well. And if they are friends to my friends, we shall have no trouble. But the question remains as to whether these Ironborn may be found. I fear they heard the thunder of our approach and fled to their boats."

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

Friend of the Blackwoods. Odd of them to take such an interest so far from home, and a family with which they share no ties. But they call themselves 'friends'. This bears watching, Rhodri thinks.

[Horas]

"I fear that is the case as well. Perhaps we should send word to King's Landing and the Arbor. We'll need a powerful fleet to take Pyke," Warren says.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

"Indeed. We can prepare messages for your Maester in Raventree Hall," Lord Rhodri says. But I wonder if our quarry will be the Lions not the Krakens now.

[Horas]

"I will have it done," Warren says. "And I will remind King Callen to release my father. He knows more of war than any man in the Six Kingdoms," Warren momentarily swells with pride, "And there is no man better suited to lead our combined forces."

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

"Warren, I know House Blackwood stands with the Old Gods. May I visit your Godswood now that I am close to Raventree Hall? It is said to be the largest and best preserved from Andal axes south of the Neck," Lord Rhodri asks.

[Horas]

"We would be honored by your visit," Warren says, "But doesn't house Royce worship the Seven?"