The matter of Dragonstone

[Ser Kenneth Coyn]

"I am in favor of a blockade, and attempting to weaken the garrison's stockpiles with agents. When they are looking at starvation they will submit."

[wookie]

Benfry rubbed his chin in unease
"I agree with Irwyn that any assault would cost many lives. I dislike the idea but is there no way to use an assassin or perhaps a small force may land and fire the boats in the harbour? Either that or we send word that Prince Avery must account for his actions to the King in person, as Rickon has already ordered once before. Should further stalling result, then we would have no option but to order his death. We have 1 rebellious Baratheon at the Wall already - to put 2 up there seems an act of foolhardiness"

[Imry Willfyre]

"I see no point in keeping Prince Avery on Dragonstone at the very least, and I think the Seven will have good use for him somewhere in hell. He is twice-over a turncloak and a threat to the stability of the realm. I agree with the Lord Regent", Durran Caron said brushing back a strand of his graying brown hair, "If we can avoid an assault, I am all for it, but if we cannot I know Lord Regent Dondarrion is ready to commit soldiers and ships to the cause. I don't see any reason for hesitating any further, we know that Horas Blackwood is still alive and active and the longer we allow him time on Dragonstone, the longer he has to potentially contact and communicate with the Crow. True it is only a possibility, but we must take it as a serious one."

[The Stranger]

Rickon nods. "Very well. We will demand that Prince Avery present himself before us, on pain of treason. Than We will ask our lords to raise their fleets and a full complement of soldiers, for a blockade of Dragonstone. Lord Regent, Lord Hand, please determine the details, and give the orders to the Lords Paramount."

[wookie]

Benfry nods gravely

[Ser Kenneth Coyn]

Alexander nods, "I think that the Stormlands and the loyal members of the Crownlands should lead the attack if they need extra ships then a fleet can sail from the Arbor if need be."

[wookie]

"The Vale fleet and Crownland ships can support them. Though Roland and Aranya have left this gathering, they were as resolved to end this Avery dilemma as any" Benfry interjected

[wookie]

/////////////

Benfry reconvened the council in the wake of Avery's letter
"It seems the Prince is willing to come out of his hidey-hole after all Lord Coldiron. He answers the King's request for a meeting. However, he brings 10 warships and 500 men with him to do so, which to my mind is a provocation. Those 500 men will not be permitted into the Red Keep. Prince Avery may have an escort as befitting his rank but the vast majority of his men will be kept outside and will be watched by the goldcloaks and King's Men, bar 20 or so which will remain with me and Ser Mychel, Ser Elwood and Ser Betram in the company of the King. Do any of you have anything you wish to add?" he looks around the table

[The Stranger]

"Don't even let them off their ships." Coldiron said, "Who knows what trouble they could cause running around the city. Avery, his little escort, and nobody else. March his ass to the Red Keep, and than when its done, back to his ship, or preferably off to the Black Cells."

[The Stranger]

King Rickon nodded, "Given the outcome of the trial, there can be only two possible outcomes."

[Tallahar]

Tallahar nods, "To give the man a 500 strong escort would just be stupid. He is come to face charges so he should be escorted by Gold Cloaks or Kings Men."

[Ser Kenneth Coyn]

"A small escort allowed off the ship and no more and they must remain outside the throne room when we do have his chat."

[Erik]

Erik raises an eyebrow in thought as he nods his head.

"Of course, it would all be much simpler if Avery never made it to the city at all. It's possible that ten ships could disappear. Plenty of pirates out there, after all."

[The Stranger]

King Rickon glared at Lord Coldiron. "Lord Coldiron, I do not appreciate what you are implying. He has come as my command, he may travel unimpeded."

[Tallahar]

Tallahar smiles, "So on the return trip could be when pirates attack." Tallahar smiles, "I am only joking Your Grace."