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Post by melon on Nov 17, 2007 15:07:52 GMT -5
"You play games within games. Don't you Francis Varner. Very well then but I want some say in this boy as well. Robert was like a son to me and I wish to see this boy raised well."
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Post by The Flint on Nov 17, 2007 15:13:28 GMT -5
Francis' face didn't redden, or show any displeasure.
"You will have as much say as any of the Hightower's Bannerlords Lord Tallahar. Your opinion will be respected in council as much as many, and more than most. But too many guardians disrupt a home like too many chefs disrupt a kitchen. The boy will be raised well, and he will be a Lord you and your descendants will be proud to serve, just as me and mine will be proud to serve him. That is all the discussion I will have on this topic at this time."
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Post by melon on Nov 17, 2007 15:15:55 GMT -5
"So you will raise him to be weak with a Maester. All I ask for his a few years to raise him as a Knight so he can lead me that way. I have never said your talents were bad I am only asking that he can see the other way to fight." Tallahar is now yelling at Francis.
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Post by The Flint on Nov 17, 2007 15:21:21 GMT -5
Francis remains undaunted, and does not raise his voice.
"I will raise him to rule, Lord Tallahar." Francis says, when the room quiets. "The Maester will see to his mind. When the boy is old enough to pick up a blade, we can discuss who will teach him to wield it. But you are not earning yourself the privilege with this outburst. I am the Lord Regent, and you will respect my decisions, in this as in all issues of state. Now can you accept that, or can you not?"
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Post by melon on Nov 17, 2007 15:23:46 GMT -5
Tallahar grumbles, "I will do as long I as I see the boy. I wish to see Roberts son for myself."
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Post by The Flint on Nov 17, 2007 15:27:45 GMT -5
Francis raises his arms, "You saw the boy at the Banquet the night before Tall, but if it will please you, than very well." Francis rings a bell, and a servant enters. "please have the nurse bring in Lord Justin please." Francis says, and the servant beats a haste retreat. A few moments, the door opens again, with the wetnurse holding a baby boy in her arms. She is flanked by four armored men in Hightower colors.
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Post by melon on Nov 17, 2007 15:33:05 GMT -5
Tallahar turns to Francis, "The men were not needed." He walks over and looks down at Justin, tears spring in the corner of his eyes, "He does he so does. I failed you father Justin but I will not fail you." The baby looks up at Tallahar his eyes wide.
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Post by The Flint on Nov 17, 2007 15:38:13 GMT -5
Francis breaks a thin lipped smile. "The men accompany the boy everywhere, they are not for you Dawn Raider, if they were, I should think I would need twice as many." Francis had no doubt there were men out there who would murdered an infant to secure their own aims, but he doubted Tallahar was one of them. Francis let the legendary fighter coo over the child some more, and than motioned for the nurse to take the boy away.
"You know Maester Alesander did the same thing. Came in with a loud voice, concerned about bastards and the proper raising of young children. And when he saw the child, he melted same as you. That boy will serve just fine as a leader of men I think."
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Post by melon on Nov 17, 2007 15:40:52 GMT -5
Tallahar turns there are a few tears sliding down his cheek, "He looks so much like Robert the same Hair and the same eyes. Tallahar looks around the Solar. I miss him you know I wish I was there to see Robert one last time before the Stranger took him."
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Post by The Flint on Nov 17, 2007 15:44:28 GMT -5
Francis nodded. Good men and bad alike fell in that tent. "I know you would Tall. He fought bravely, know that. Without his courage I doubt any would have escaped that meeting alive. Than it would be Lyas Bolton or maybe Lord Harlaw fostering young Justin." Francis shuddered at the thought.
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Post by melon on Nov 17, 2007 15:46:08 GMT -5
Tallahar face turns grime at the sound of those two names, "I would of cut there heads off."
"Now I think it is time for that wine you offered Francis."
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Post by The Flint on Nov 17, 2007 15:53:49 GMT -5
"Perhaps some day that will be an option for us. But not now." Francis undid the stopper and poured Tallahar some wine. As Tallahar sipped it Francis stood and came around behind the desk, putting a hand on Tall's shoulder.
"I'm going to ask you a question Tallahar, and I'm only going to ask once. Answer honestly, with your true feelings, and whatever the answer is, we shall deal with it. Can you serve under me as Regent. I know you're a Tyrell, and I'm a Varner, and the fate of the Reach weighs heavy on you. But it is time for a new way forward, and I mean to take the people of the Far Reach there, over the next 15 years or so, until Justin is a man and can rule his land himself. If I can count on your steel for that, than I will be glad to have it. But if I cannot, than tell me now, and we can arrange ways to peacefully part company."
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Post by melon on Nov 17, 2007 15:57:19 GMT -5
Tallahar laughs, "You saw how I did things when I was Master of Laws I want no responsibility. I will serve under you as Regent because you are a Smart man not because someone else said so." Then Tallahar's voice turns cold, "But understand this Francis. If you ever use Justin for your own means and try anything to harm him I will punish you personal."
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Post by The Flint on Nov 17, 2007 16:02:40 GMT -5
Francis doesn't look offended.
"I'm the second son of a Reach lord Tall. Where I am I am for some wits, and mostly good fortune. I will lend what I have of both to the Far Reach. When Justin comes of age I will be nearly forty or there about. And that's about the right time to settle down one one's own lands, and watch the exploits of one's children. I won't do what Fossoway often did, and lie and say this job does not suit me, or that there is not profit it in. But I will say that I plan to leave the Far Reach and the Hightower stronger than it was left to Justin for him to use as he wills when he arrives of age. I will be glad to have your help in that endeavor."
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Post by melon on Nov 17, 2007 16:11:56 GMT -5
"Thank you Francis."
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