The Rose Road

[The Stranger]

The Rose Road, as it travels through the King's Wood

[The Stranger]

Ser Osney Santagar, in light mail, sat aside his Dornish steed Scorpion, its breed known for its stamina in the hot Dornish sun. Just behind him rode his squire, Scot Royce on his rouncey, his hunting dog Buck following along. Behind them, a few followers, carrying his pavilion, as well as leading the large black destrier named Oasis.

as they turned the bend, they came to a group of six men, leaning against quarterstaffs around a cart blocking the path.

The Dornish knight brought the company to a slow halt, as he turned to his squire. "See what the problem is." He said quietly. resting his hands upon the pommel of his saddle.

[House Dustin]

Scot nodded at Osney and felt his own pace quicken and his breathing deepen. He turned back to business and spurred forward, stopping 15 yards short of the cart. "Well met," he called to the men.

[The Stranger]

The man looked up at him.

"hail and well met." The man replied." He was leaning on his staff behind the cart, and the others were as well. All seemed to be stout, solid looking men. The cart itself was in bad shape, but Scot could detect no reason why it would be blocking the road.

[House Dustin]

"Ser Osney of House Santagar needs the road, my good man." Scot eyed the cart, thinking that he knew how this would go. "Is there something wrong with your cart?"

[The Stranger]

"It's stuck in a rut," The man replied, "otherwise we'd be glad to make way."

Try as he might, from his position Scot could see no rut, at least on this side of the cart.

[House Dustin]

"I see no ruts. Perhaps those staves are for prying it loose?"

[The Stranger]

"Uh, Exactly the purpose 'ser, but I'm sure hitching those horses would get her moving right quick wouldn't it? The man said.

He seems awful sure of himself for a small folk.

[House Dustin]

Scot shook his head a little and laid his hand on the pommel of his sword. "I do not believe the cart is any rut. Clear the road or I shall have to bring the matter to Ser Osney."

[The Stranger]

"Tis as much our fucking road as yours." The man said as he planted his feet, and lifted his quarter staff.

"So no, We ain't moving. Now give us the fucking horses, and whatever in them packs as well."

[House Dustin]

"It is the King's road, filthy brigand!" Scot drew his blade, wheeled his horse, and spurred back to Ser Osney and his company.

[The Stranger]

Ser Osney watched all this with a tight smile on his lips. He drew his own sword.

"Not friends of ours then?" He said, as Scot came back to his line.

[House Dustin]

Scot shook his head tightly. His face looked a little pale as he said, "Common brigands, ser."

[The Stranger]

"I am not inclined to give them the road, are you?" Ser Osney said, a smile spreading on his face.

The Brigands were staying behind their cart, but had made no move to back down.

[House Dustin]

Scot shook his head again. His pallor was gone and color was returning to his flesh. "I have killed once before, Ser. I suppose it could be necessary today."