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Post by Ser Kenneth Coyn on Mar 18, 2008 22:48:30 GMT -5
Alexander Irwyn and his closest advisers arrive at the ancestral home of the Tarly's at Hornhill. The fortifications are expansive after the last upgrades during the war with Prince Andry.
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Post by Horas on Mar 18, 2008 23:10:26 GMT -5
A messenger arrives at Horn Hill and requests to speak to Lord Alexander Irwyn on behalf of Lord Horas Blackwood.
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Post by Ser Kenneth Coyn on Mar 18, 2008 23:26:18 GMT -5
The messenger is brought before Alexander after a thorough search reveals no weapons, poisons or other dangerous items.
Alexander is overlooking a relief map that shows the terrain surrounding Horn Hill. Alexander stands when the messenger arrives, keeping a safe distance.
"A messenger, from Horas Blackwood," the guard says remaining close by.
"I apologize for the search but there is no other choice, I am sure you understand, please deliver your message."
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Post by Horas on Mar 18, 2008 23:30:42 GMT -5
The man nods. "It is no bother, milord. Lord Blackwood wishes to know why you have gathered this army."
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Post by Ser Kenneth Coyn on Mar 18, 2008 23:40:07 GMT -5
"Probably the same reason that Lord Horas took the Red Keep, I felt unsettled by the future and decided to take measures to increase my security." Alexander uncorks some Arbor Red. "Wine, Ambassador?"
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Post by Horas on Mar 18, 2008 23:57:22 GMT -5
"Thank you, milord," the man says, accepting the goblet.
"Lord Horas understands that these are uncertain times. He is willing to forgive you calling your banners without his consent and furthermore, offer you the Regency of the Far Reach, should you disband your army promptly."
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Post by Ser Kenneth Coyn on Mar 19, 2008 0:12:00 GMT -5
Alexander sits down and sighs, "There lies the problem, I don't want the regency, I don't want a damn thing other then the realm to remain at peace." Alexander drinks some wine.
"I was disturbed by Lord Piers choice to replace him, as I had equal doubts in Benfry's abilities. However, it was a legal appointment and one that should be abided by. I fought proudly with the Riverlanders to overturn the villainy of Prince Andry and his Braavos compatriots, now I am expected to ignore the same treason because it is politically expedient for me to do so?"
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Post by Horas on Mar 19, 2008 0:24:10 GMT -5
"If I may be so bold as to say it, my lord, raising an army will do precious little to keep the realm at peace. Lord Horas is the man best suited for the Regency. And according to the High Septon, Benfry Smith was never legally regent of the Seven Kingdoms."
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Post by Ser Kenneth Coyn on Mar 19, 2008 0:44:59 GMT -5
"The High Septon is a shallow man, I talked to him and he is selfish and knows nothing of the faith he serves, he is a spoiled man with no love of his office but the power it brings him and I would not trust his judgment to decide an archery contest let alone who is right to lead this realm." Alexander obviously not compelled by the wisdom of the High Septon.
"I am not a politician, ambassador, I am a soldier. I follow orders to the best of my ability so that the politicians can divide up their own pieces of the pie in peace."
Alexander coughs, "but I do know that as a general I am naked without my men so any ability to shape the landscape withers with my army."
Alexander shutters, "I will reduce my army, if Lord Blackwood will agree to allow the regency be confirmed by a vote of the current Lord Paramounts. The only way I see peace returning to the realm is if the man chosen to lead in place of the King is respected and trusted by the other Lords of the realm. A war between the kingdoms will only mean more war no matter who wins. I think this can be settled with negotiations and not steel and crossbows."
Alexander says this knowing how naive this must sound to a seasoned politician.
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Post by Horas on Mar 19, 2008 1:10:19 GMT -5
"I am afraid I do not have the authority to give you an answer on that one way or another," the dignitary says, "Though I assure you Lord Blackwood is open to negotiations. Though I would have thought that the actions of the other Lord Paramounts would have assured you that Lord Horas does indeed rule by majority consent -- Dorne, the Mander, the Riverlands, the Westerlands, and the North have all recognized him as Regent, and no kingdoms have declared against him."
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Post by Ser Kenneth Coyn on Mar 19, 2008 1:31:08 GMT -5
"Well, like I said most of the realm is doing what is politically expedient. Besides any man who did oppose Lord Blackwood is in prison."
Alexander coughs, "Tell Lord Blackwood that I do not have any doubt in his ability to rule, but as a principled person I found his way of taking power woefully beneath him. If he will submit to a conclave where any worthy individual interested in the position of Lord Regent, including Benfry if he so chooses, is allowed to participate and he is willing to standby the decision of the Lord Paramounts and the King, as while not of age to rule I think he is of age to make a reasonable thought, then I will not march and I will return my men to their homes and wives unless there are other threats to deal with and work with others in disagreement to come to the conclave peacefully."
"If Lord Blackwood has the same support today under duress as he does later without threat of punishment then, he will easily win and have my support as well. Also as has been our custom, I t is my intention that the Lords of the Far Reach decide who shall be the Regent for the young Hightower. We are not Barbarians like the Westernmen and I think we can choose a suitable leader without the attention of the Iron Throne. If Lord Blackwood accepts this offer and pledges not to march against the Far Reach, then I will hold a conclave immediately and that individual will represent the Far Reach at the conference."
Alexander sits down almost out of breath from his long proposal.
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Post by Horas on Mar 19, 2008 1:52:50 GMT -5
"And how would you propose such a conclave be held? I do not believe any who may support Benfry would be willing to come to King's Landing. My master has a certain reputation, after all. And I do not think Lord Blackwood will be willing to leave the seat of his power. Your suggestion is idealistic, but I am afraid it may be unfeasable."
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Post by Ser Kenneth Coyn on Mar 19, 2008 2:00:16 GMT -5
"Let the votes be cast by raven, the seals could be verified by the Maesters at the Citadel and the results resent when all have voted. That way all could be comfortable in their locations and the votes secret and safely counted without undue political influence. That way even the North could participate from the Wall."
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Post by Horas on Mar 19, 2008 2:11:34 GMT -5
"Even maesters can follow politics, my lord. They could change the votes as easily as anyone else."
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Post by Ser Kenneth Coyn on Mar 19, 2008 2:23:40 GMT -5
"Then each of the representatives could send a member to Old Town to supervise the voting and we could publish the results so that each member could verify his vote was cast correctly." Alexander says tiredly.
"The fact of the matter is, Lord Blackwood might not even accept these terms, which would make you and I debating how the process would work meaningless. However, if he and the other Lord Paramounts accept the proposal for a peaceful end to the conflict then I will guarantee a way find a way to make it work so all are satisfied with the process." Alexander pours himself more wine and offers the ambassador some as well.
"I know I am idealistic and stubborn but as an honorable man trying to do the right thing in these terrible times, this is the only solution that will satisfy my craving for legitimacy. I am a general and as such I like to build large armies, but never use them." Alexander says with a smile. While Lord Blackwood might think this is a meaningless gesture, It will mean conquering the Far Reach's army without raising a man."
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