Pyke

[Percy Rivers]

Edmure felt the warmth flood through him as he pulled a dry tunic over his head. He had made his way back to his ship where he chose his garmets carefully. He pulled some boiled leather over his body and slipped his small dagger into it's sheath and hung the small hatchet he carried at his side. The only decoration he allowed himself was a small ring he had taken from a pirate he had once fought. He pulled a warm cloak out of his chest of clothes and wrapped it tightly around himself. As he was about to leave he bumped his foot into a chest at the foot of his bead. Realizing it was the chest full of Lannister coins he thought for a moment. "Hmm, those could come in handy." He ordered two of his crewmen to leave their repairs and follow him up to the Pyke.

Outside his ship he found Lord Botley waiting for him with another horse. The rain pounded around them as they rode up the winding path to the Pyke.

[lordbalorgreyjoy]

It was a short ride in truth, and soon enough they were at the main keep on Pyke.
The Kraken's jaws opened and they rode in. It was small by mainland standards, but heavily constructed & fortified. This was a keep built for war, not peace.
After dismounting, they made their way straight to the main hall and through the immense wooden doors, decorated with a burnt in Kraken shape. As they entered, Edmure felt every eye on him and every one was unfriendly. Lord Balor sat on the Seastone chair, obviously he had been informed he was coming. Edmure thought there were more captains and men of importance gathered here than was normal and wondered why.
"Speak, stranger." Lord Balor said, completely ignoring Lord Botley "I know you are here from the exiled staglord. What does he command of me?" this last sentence fair dripped of sarcasm.

[Percy Rivers]

Edmure got to one knee, he knew he would have to choose his words carefully, he knew enough of Ironborn culture and customs from his years at sea. "My lord Greyjoy, I speak to you as a sailor, a captain, and a king, for every captain is a king on his own ship. I have been drowned, and by the grace of the Drowned God I am here." Edmure was no follower of the Ironborn religion, but it would not help him to say that here. "Callen Baratheon has sailed with me these past few years, and has learned what it means to be one with the sea. He also understands that to be truly worthy of the Iron Throne he has to take it, for a kingdom should not be simply given. He asks you my lord for your support, that you and he might take the glory that should rightfully be yours."

[lordbalorgreyjoy]

Lord Balor clapped "Well said. You sound like an ironborn. You failed, however, to tell me what I would get from this arrangement. Why should I risk my life and the lives of my men to see Callen back on the Iron Throne?"

[Percy Rivers]

Edmure thought for a moment, did he have the authority to promise things in Callen's name? After a few moments of quiet thought he made up his mind. If Callen had sent him on this message in his name, he might as well have given him his authority as well. "The Blackwoods were the first to rebel against Rodrick during the war, for that they have been made the lords paramount of the Trident. Perhaps you could take their land? Perhaps even Harrenhal? It was an Ironborn castle once, why not again?"

[lordbalorgreyjoy]

Lord Balor gave a sudden bark of laughter "You do know us well, stranger! Black Harren's folly has been driving the ironborn mad with desire for hundreds of years" Lord Balor sat back in the Seastone Chair, glancing about the room at his men "Still...I do not deny I am tempted. Those lands were taken from the ironborn by the first Aegon. He had the strength and power to do so. His dragons gave him that. What is to stop these new Targaryens doing the same? I hear dragons are again loose in the world. I do not want to die in flame as Harren did." Lord Balor sat still for a moment, fingers pressed against his temple in thought. He looked once more and a slow smile formed "Done, Seaworth." he said "You know our ways and if Callen has changed as much as you say, perhaps he has as well. I'm glad of his word on this" Lord Balor's smile grew wide and savage "Of course, I was going to take back the riverlands with or without his leave. The first of my ships left last week."

[Percy Rivers]

Edmure's eyes registered shock for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "My lord you are right to take the initiative. As to the dragon I can only guess what Callen will do. He's inventive though, he'll figure out something."

[lordbalorgreyjoy]

Lord Balor smiled coldly "Well if he doesn't it'll be the shortest rebellion in Westeros I'd wager" he stood and made to leave the audience chamber "So are you with us, Ser Seaworth? I'd like you close by should anyone mistake my intentions"

[Percy Rivers]

Edmure kept his grey eyes on Balor, he wanted to get back to Callen as soon as possible, but could see no way out of Balor's offer. "Aye, I'm with you, but I'm no knight my lord. I have never taken any vows except to my king."

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

OOC: Sorry to interject, but I just wanted to add how pleased I am the former Donal's taken on the Ironborn. Feels more complete to have them in the story.

[Percy Rivers]

OOC: I know what you mean, I was kind of missing the Greyjoys

[lordbalorgreyjoy]

ooc: I still want to clarify that I was in no way sucidal as Donal so his death actually was an 'accident' as it were but I'm pleased to be able to spread my ruthless s.o.b. wings as it were

[lordbalorgreyjoy]

Lord Balor smiled, coldy. "Very well Edmure. Let us see what has been wrought so far. We sail to the east, to take Black Harren's throne!" he clapped Edmure on the shoulder "They tell me you fancy yourself the sailor? If that be true, I have a new ship for you. The Iron Price is one of our finest warships. Swift, sturdy and as vicious a ship we have, You will not mind of course, if Ulgar Steelhand looks after the crew? He is...skilled at motivating men."

[Percy Rivers]

Edmure shook his head, "My lord, I do not mind having Ulgar upon my ship, that I am fine with, but the one in charge of the crew should be my choice. You'll allow this small change if the saying about a captain being a king aboard his own ship is a saying you take to heart. How about Amos Pyke? He was born and raised here, and has served me well as second mate."

[lordbalorgreyjoy]

Lord Balor looked at Edmure for a moment, then shrugged "As you will, Seaworth. Just remember that you sail under my command for the nonce".
A large burly man entered the room bearing an opened parchment. With surprise, Edmure spotted the glint of maester's rings beneath his long grey beard. This maester looked more like to hold an axe, than a quill he thought. "A message from Lord Baldwin Lannister, mi'lord" he said gruffly "He calls a council to discuss the death of King Aemon" he handed over the letter and Lord Balor read it with an amused smile on his face "My, my. Such a gathering of the very cream of Westerosi nobility. I'm half tempted to burn the Rock down around them. Perhaps this Aedon would give me more for that deed than Callen ever could..." he paused and his lips quirked oddly as he looked at Edmure "Still, it's never wise to make a bargain with a mad king. Lord Stark thought he could reason with Aerys and was burnt alive for his error. So I will go, if for no other reason than to see if I can take the Riverlands by words" his tone said what he thought of that.
"Come Edmure, it seems we have a slight detour to make before we continue" Lord Balor stood and walked down the room quickly, barking orders "Eurik! Andor! Get my ship ready and make sure the men who travel with me know how to hold their temper. I don't want a repeat of what happened last time we parlayed!" "But sire, they had a chest of gold just sitting there...." Eurik's words trailed off as they walked out towards the courtyard.