Highton

[Percy Rivers]

Ser Preston snorted. "Don't be the fool, I can hardly attack you with ten men. If any peace is ended it is because of the Stoney Shore, not Winterfell's actions."

[barker520]

Jack looked at him, incredulous. "First you claim to be a hostile force, and now you mock us. I do not know what your goals are, but if you are looking for a fight, you're on the right track." The men around him grumbled their agreement, a few chuckling.

[Lord Howland Royce]

Wat Shepard, Dan Goldsbane and nine other men arrives at Highton, they are all armed with staffs, except Dan who has a sword. Wat the Brown had been sent back to Barrowton as soon as they had left Lord Ryswell's Keep and Wat the White had likewise stayed at the Keep. They had each been given their orders.

Wat frowns as he watch the scene. Ser Preston was back it seemed. Wat and his men approached the gate and arranged themselves between the gate and Ser Preston's party.

"What's the problem?" Wat asked outloud for both Jack and Ser Preston to answer.

[barker520]

Jack grumbled. "Seems this man wants to come into our town and act all uppity, like hes better than us. Callin' himself a hostile force and whatnot."

[Lord Howland Royce]

Wat raised his eyebrows. "Did you give him any reason to call himself a hostile force? I've been gone two months and shit allready happens. Is this regarding the revolts in the Rills, Barrowton and Torrhen's Square? I've talked to them and it is true that they had no particular reason to do so."

[barker520]

Jack shrugged. "If standin' here on the battlements is reason to get hostile, I guess I'm guilty, by the gods." He spat. "Welcome home, Wat. I sure am glad to see ya, that's the truth."

[Lord Howland Royce]

Wat nods at that. "And I you, friend". As the gates open Wat and his party rides in. Wat turns to the knight. "I'd offer you a better meal than water and bread, but I suppose that's fine with such short notice. You must be cold since you have ridden all the way from Winterfell. Me and the men are used to the cold of late, though that has changed the last couple o' months. Come in, Ser".

[barker520]

Jack, slightly ashamed of the confrontation he caused, hangs back and then greets his son warmly. "Dan, tell me of your travels!" The two fall into easy conversation, as only close family can.

[barker520]

Jack suddenly remembers Wat only has nine men with him in the great hall. Turning to his men, he gathered twenty more and entered the hall, making sure these "peaceful" envoys made no hasty moves.

[Percy Rivers]

Ser Preston made no move to remove his weapon this time, but he followed after Wat. "The smallfolk in the Rills and the surrounding area have been given an ultimatum. Disarm, and return back to their homes. They must turn in their leaders, most of which will be sent to the Wall, however those who have commited any act such as murder or rape shall be hanged."

Ser Preston looked grimly at Wat. "Please, I ask that the Stoney Shore does not follow suit and rebel as well."

[Lord Howland Royce]

"I have talked to them," Wat sighed. "They will not accept any bloody lords. Ultimatly the death of the smallfolk willing to raise their arms will be on my hands and those who fought for me. Aye, even yours Ser Preston. You should have taken me to the bloody Wall and taken control of Stoney Shore in the name of your lord and all this would be avoided. I see no other choice than a battle".

Wat walked up to the solar past three guards as Jack's men filled the great hall.

He said in a louder voice, "Maybe this will be the chance for the Lord Stark to show that he can make tough decisions. The lords of Stoney Shore weren't planning a bloody rebellion, Ser. Writting truly is magic.. You will be detained and treated with dignity until it all is over. Maybe the wolf pup won't think that you had any hands in this. Farewell, Ser Preston".

The guards and Jack's men, numbering thirty three, move to detain Ser Preston and his ten men.

[Percy Rivers]

"You do realize that this is an act of rebellion?" Ser Preston said, his voice cold.

[Lord Howland Royce]

"It was ever thus," Wat replies.

[Percy Rivers]

"And that ultimately you can't win?" Ser Preston asked.

[Lord Howland Royce]

Wat smiles sadly. "If not, we have atleast tried. Ultimatly lords will be forced to be kinder to their smallfolk. I and the Highfolk of Stoney Shore and the rest deem that sacrifice worthy."