Horas & Tristeza

[wookie]

Benfry summons a special gathering of the Small Council to debate the rumours circulating regarding the dead crow and his bride.

"Some of you may already be aware or suspect as much, but I have it on good authority that Horas Blackwood, the foul murderous wretch that he is, still lives and may in fact be at large in the Riverlands" he paused and tossed a scrap of parchment onto the table

"I have just heard that Lady Tristeza has vanished from Braavos. Much as I would like to entertain the fantasy that she has fled further eastward or been slain secretly, I must suspect that she is on her way back to Dorne, if not already there. We cannot allow both Horas & Tristeza to forment further revolt against the realm. I have already ordered the Riverlands scoured in search of the carrion crow and Westermen have been stationed in Golden Tooth to keep watch. Lord Tully is also looking but is scarce a lad himself. Lord Irwyn has just returned rule to the Dornish and returned home with our thanks. This sudden disappearence does not bode well for his retirement being permanent. I ask the Council for their support and aid in plucking these two thorns from the King's side" he frowned and looked at the map displayed on the table.

"I image that Raventree Hall is too obvious a place to begin the search for Horas but I think it wise to search the area none the less to see what we can flush out. At the same time if we increase our spies amongst those dornish nobles still known to be at least friendly if not openly so, to the Martell name. I also want a spy in the household of Lord Qorgyle. He will become involved soon, either with her or a target for her assassins. Either way any trouble will begin with him. Thoughts?"

[The Smith]

Elena looked at her notes before speaking, "Lord Blackwood is a danger. He attempted to have Lord Tully assassinated, but we were able to intercept his assassin. She is being questioned now."

"As for Lady Tristeza we are almost certain she has not left Braavos. We think despite the rumors she is in the Palace still. But we are not sure."

[House Dustin]

"Regardless the direction of the intelligence, I agree with the Lord Regent. We must place some eyes and ears to defend the newly made Lord Paramount of Dorne. As for finding Horas, is Lord Irwyn the right man? Do we need a hammer or a needle?"

[wookie]

"Both, I'd say. In hunting you send in the dogs to flush out the game and then the hunters get a clear shot. If we send large parties of men to search Raventree Hall & Stone Hedge, if our quarry should flee the area then perhaps our agents nearby can spot it and sound the alarm. In terms of swiftness, I have already ordered 4,000 westermen to muster at the Golden Tooth. They can provide the manpower, we just need to decide on the leadership of the searchers"

He paused and then continued "Does Lord Tully know of his near miss? I trust that we have men close to him to keep him safe from harm?"

[wookie]

Benfry nodded at his words
"In the matter of rewards, we need to be careful. He has faked his death once already - how hard would it be to do so again. We need hard evidence of his death, no rings, personal effects or a rotting head will be adequate"

[wookie]

Benfry nodded
"A public execution would be best for the realm, or his body taken intact and whole if killing him is the only way to bring him in. Still, we are setting the hounds before the hare - first we need to catch him! Perhaps a reward of 1,000 dragons to get the sellswords & hedge knights after him, while our 'needles' do their work?"

[House Dustin]

"I say we offer the Lordship of Harrenhal for him."

[wookie]

Benfry blinked
"That is a high price to pay. The largest castle in all of Westeros for 1 man?" he sounded unconvinced

[House Dustin]

Roland smiled thinly. "Aye, but a cursed castle, and a draw on the Crown's resources to maintain the far and oversized keep... And Horas is something of a prize."

[wookie]

Benfry looked uncertain about handing over such a token
"It was the seat of Kings..." he said uneasily.

[The Smith]

Elena shook her head, "Wait if some Wildling mercenary found him. Or a Dothraki Freedrider. No coin first. A great amout, but not the largest keep in the land."

[House Dustin]

Roland nodded. "So once, was Duskendale in its richer times. It was merely a suggestion, but we must soon offer that lordship to someone, even if not that who brings us Horas."

[wookie]

"Duskendale is to Harrenhal as a sandcastle is to the Wall. It shall remain a crown possession until King Rickon or his brother have enough heirs to occupy it, Storms End & Summerhall. I believe we already have a castellan maintaining it, though his name escapes me for the moment. I think if we offer a large sum of money with the possibility of lordship for the man, then we can decide later exactly which lordship to grant."

[House Dustin]

"Maintaining all these castles will bankrupt the Crown, Benfry, but that is another matter. A thousand dragon bounty ought to get all sorts of unsavory individuals after him. Whom shall we call to lead the hose you've gathered in the Westerlands?"

OOC - Trying to think of any Westermen, and/or non-Irwyn leaders since I think Alex wants a rest.

[wookie]

"I know Ser Justin Prester to be an honourable man, as well as a skilled commander, so I believe he is leading the force currently" Benfry replied