Horn Hill

[The Flint]

The one boy disappears with the Uplands knight.

[mark]

Robb Tarly is also informed of the newcomers, and is delighted with the news.

[Ser Kenneth Coyn]

Lord Commander Benfry is given a solar at Horn Hill to work out of and warm water is brought so he can change. He is told that Aemon Webber will be arriving shortly to speak with him.

[wookie]

Benfry takes the time to shave and change into a set of clean clothing and tries to wash off the worst of the grime.

Osmund brings his wagon into the stables and potters about trying to be useful

[The Flint]

A shortwhile later an older gentlemen with long grey hair and a neatly trimmed grey beard, wearing Black chainmail, and holding a walking stick enters. He bows.

"Lord Regent, our hearts are lifted by your arrival."

[wookie]

Benfry turns to greet the new arrival
"General Webber, I presume? I'm pleased to be meeting anyone at all, in the circumstances" his face clouded momentarily with grief
"What news of the King? Did Roland get him out?" he asked hopefully

[Ser Kenneth Coyn]

Ser Keldon, Alexander's Chief of Staff enters the Solar as well. "Indeed Roland has the King safe behind the Bloody Gate and news arrived today that the Stormlanders have surrounded the capital."

[The Flint]

Webber nodded sagely, "It is true. The King is safe in the Vale. We, the Vale, the Stormlands, and even the Iron Born have risen to his defense. The West and the Mander are shaky in their loyalty. It seems that the Ravens and the Dornish stand alone."

[wookie]

Benfry looked relieved at the news of the King's position and then confused as the rest came out.
"It is not like Horas to be so careless in his planning. He may be a treacherous snake, but this is the first time I've thought he was foolish or reckless"

[The Flint]

Aemon nodded, "There is still room for treachery so we must be cautious. The Dornish are mustering near Prince's Pass, and will bring 40,000 men to the fight. The Mander, or the West could still prove decisive if they attempt to intervene. But Lord Horas counted on his coup to be swift and decisive. With the Far Reach and Vale raising for you, the conflict became more drawn out, and confusion and uncertainty grew in his allies."

[wookie]

Benfry nodded uncertainly. He wished his brother Tytos was here, he was the tactican and general, not he. He wondered whether Tytos even lived. The guards had bragged of the death of all of his brothers after all.

"We need to talk to the Mander then. Horas has committed unforgivable acts of violence and greed, aided by Lord Frey and Princess Tristeza". He frowned at mention of the Dornish and sighed.
"No army has conquered Dorne in history and it would be futile to attempt it now. If we can seal them up in Dorne, they will pose no further threat. We cannot do this without the Mander's support in some way" he paused, looking quizzically at the two men
"Lord Irwyn is a mighty general, but we need a mighty negotiator. That could save the lives of many should we sway Lord Rindwynd. He has a reputation as a noble man, surely he must have some misgivings over the bloodthirsty actions of Lord Blackwood. Many may have bent the knee in fear. If we give them reason to hope instead..." he left the rest unsaid

[The Flint]

The Spider General nodded, "Yes milord. The Lady Varner, Lord Rindwynd's own sister, has written to him, but so far he has not replied. I understood him to be at King's Landing, and not at Highgarden himself. Just recently the Mander sent a negotiator here, and said if our troops marched north to aid our allies, they would consider the movement on their territory an act of war, and side against us. Obviously such a statement is backhanded support for Lord Blackwood."

[Ser Kenneth Coyn]

"Indeed, the Mander proves a sticking point as do the Dornish, their 40,000 men could easily overwhelm the few defenders left at Nightsong guarding the pass but if we move our troops from Horn Hill then we open ourselves up to attack from the Mander," Ser Keldon says. "Fortunately, the Dornish have failed to march North and that might allow us time to come to Nightsong's aid. I think we could win without the Mander if they remain neutral but their involvement for the traitors would be a difficult situation."

[wookie]

Benfry nodded and rubbed his shaved chin, feeling a phantom afterimage of his straggly beard.
"Well time is now our ally again. Horas cannot sit and wait as his support dwindles..."

He stood up and stretched his sore muscles, he felt out of shape in his long confinement.

"Who do we think we prove the more active particpant then? Lord Fowler has a fearsome reputation but I confess I do not know who would lead the Mander's armies against us. Lord Tallahar?" he said

[The Flint]

"That would seem likely, with assistance from Clumsy Tyrell, and Lord Ashford, all accomplished fighters, especially with harassment tactics, which would cut us deep if we marched and they struck our rear and baggage train."