|
|
Post by The Smith on Dec 28, 2007 2:07:22 GMT -5
"That is true. And I have prevented a war. I have summoned all the Westermen here. Stop whining Horas, I had to be sure you were to be trusted. Otherwise I had to terminate you." Piers replied a light smile on his face.
|
|
|
|
Post by Horas on Dec 28, 2007 2:14:53 GMT -5
Horas does not appear entirely satisfied with the response, but says nothing else along the same line and seats himself in one of the formerly occupied chairs.
"Who are you thinking of favoring with the regency?" Horas asks, "Randal's death was quite unfortunate. He possessed the exact amount of... pliability."
|
|
|
|
Post by The Smith on Dec 28, 2007 2:18:06 GMT -5
Piers laughs, "I favored Cedric, but his presumption is annoying. Benedicta I have grave misgivings. Marten I do not know well enough. Maurin is a good friend. Also Lord Banefort is close to Sara and Jeyne. Your thoughts?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Horas on Dec 28, 2007 2:25:13 GMT -5
"I am aware you are close friends with Maurin, but I think it is bad policy to allow bannermen to go about murdering their liegelords without punishment. Hence I would be very reluctant to grant the regency to Maurin or Marten. I share your misgivings about Benedicta, and Cedric is a charming snake who may do in lieu of someone more suitable."
Horas shrugs. "Perhaps now would be a good time to marry off the young Jeyne. Appoint not a regent, but a lord of our own making that we can trust."
|
|
|
|
Post by The Smith on Dec 28, 2007 2:27:36 GMT -5
"The same thought had occured to me. But there is a shortness of good canidates. At this point it would still be wise to pick a Westerman. But one of her standing, and the right pliability is hard to find." Piers replied.
|
|
|
|
Post by Horas on Dec 28, 2007 2:45:32 GMT -5
"Mmmm," Horas says, considering, "True enough. Banefort might be adequate, but I am unwilling to trust such power to a man I know so little of. What is your opinion of this Jonas Westerling? I hear he was Randal's second, and cut from the same mold."
|
|
|
|
Post by The Smith on Dec 28, 2007 2:49:15 GMT -5
"He may be acceptable. But he is the kind of man to follow. Unless one of us is constantly in the Westlands he will be swayed." Piers looked at Horas and laughed, "But you like pliable don't you."
|
|
|
|
Post by Horas on Dec 28, 2007 2:54:47 GMT -5
Horas shrugs. "Randal was something of a fool at times, but he always had the sense to come back to the side that could hit the hardest. As long as that remained us, we had nothing to worry from him. The same may hold true of his good-brother." Horas looks at Piers speculatively. "Of course, there is one other man admirably suited for the job that we have not yet discussed. A former lord of Lannisport, highly admired in the West, and skilled enough to get the job done. Being King Regent and Lord Regent of the West at the same time might raise a few eyebrows, but the Westermen should be able to swallow the breach of custom for our beloved Lord Bettley."
|
|
|
|
Post by The Smith on Dec 28, 2007 2:58:13 GMT -5
Piers eyes twinkle, and for a moment a large devilish smiles plays across his lips. "When we discuss this with the suitors you should push forward that notion to make some of the men sweat. I do not think so, you have, rightly chastised me for spending too much time out of King's Landing. And I do not need all of the Westerlands heaped on my plate."
|
|
|
|
Post by Horas on Dec 28, 2007 3:08:40 GMT -5
Horas nods, as though expecting the response. "I thought as much. Though do consider it. You would merely need to be the figurehead for the title. There is no reason your lovely wife could not tend to your duties as Warden of the West on a long-term basis."
"Perhaps we should hear what our suitors have to say for themselves before passing final judgment, however," Horas gives a slight smile, "One of them might have an extraordinarily good bribe for us."
|
|
|
|
Post by The Smith on Dec 28, 2007 3:12:12 GMT -5
"Bribes I have moved beyond. But seeing a man and measuring him in person is something I still desire to do." Piers replied, "Changing the subject. Who should we appoint as Master of Whispers?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Horas on Dec 28, 2007 3:13:45 GMT -5
Horas raises an eyebrow. "Do you not think Lord Varner will return?" he asks.
|
|
|
|
Post by The Smith on Dec 28, 2007 3:15:57 GMT -5
"He may, but if he wants the world to think he is dead, we should replace him." Piers replied, "Also he did not know I was going to be stabbed. I do not think you would have let that happen when you held the post."
|
|
|
|
Post by Horas on Dec 28, 2007 3:19:58 GMT -5
"Your flattery is appreciated, Lord Bettley," Horas says, the barest ghost of a smile on his face. "If you would not mind, I have a very capable young officer who could sieze the job. I am having difficulty thinking of any out-of-house candidate remotely suited for the job right now. She is female, however, which might pose a problem."
|
|
|
|
Post by The Smith on Dec 28, 2007 3:24:55 GMT -5
Piers shakes his head, "Normally I would be pushing my own agents, but right now I do not know which ones I can trust. Is she pretty?" Piers smiled got very large.
|
|
Hope you all are well and happy.