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Post by Horas on Jun 23, 2008 14:26:58 GMT -5
A man in his mid thirties with his dark hair tied back in a tail arrives at Dragonstone aboard a sleek merchant ship. He names himself Captain Quintus Shore and tells whoever detains him that he must speak with the Prince on an urgent matter.
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Post by Aerys on Jun 23, 2008 16:30:12 GMT -5
Quintus Shore is admitted into the Chamber of the Painted Table.
Prince Avery is seated in the raised single chair in the room.
The Prince is flanked by two guards in full armor and fully armed.
Another two guards stand just inside the great oaken door entrance to the room.
Avery is introduced to Qunitus Shore by one of the guards.
"Welcome to Dragonstone Captain. I am told you wish to speak to me on an urgent matter."
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Post by Horas on Jun 23, 2008 17:09:48 GMT -5
Quintus surrenders his weapons to the guards, then bows before the prince. "Yes... I come on behalf of Mistress Swiftwaters." He casts a glance around the others in the room. "May I speak freely?"
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Post by Aerys on Jun 23, 2008 17:14:35 GMT -5
"Of course" replied the Prince. "These are my most trusted men."
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Post by Horas on Jun 23, 2008 17:29:40 GMT -5
Captain Shore nods. "Then first I must tell you that Marei Swiftwaters has died. I will be the go-between between you and my master now, and I can be contacted through the same channels you used with her."
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Post by Aerys on Jun 23, 2008 18:55:42 GMT -5
Prince Avery's face blanched.
"Mistress Swiftwaters is dead? How? More importantly who?"
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Post by Horas on Jun 23, 2008 19:45:20 GMT -5
"I am not privy to all of the specifics," Quintus says gravely, "But it is my understanding she was captured by agents of Piers Bettley while on an assignment. She was tortured, but refused to give up any information, so they slit her throat."
"A grisly end, but there is little we can do but move on, and hope that in time her death is avenged."
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Post by Aerys on Jun 23, 2008 22:10:58 GMT -5
Prince Avery grimaced.
"I share your sentiments Captain. Let us hope she is avenged."
He sighed.
"We live in dangerous times Captain. Mistress Marei knew the risks certainly but it is a sad end for such a woman."
He paused for a moment reflecting.
"But as you say Captain we must move on. What else do you have to impart."
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Post by Horas on Jun 24, 2008 1:25:36 GMT -5
"I am curious as to your plans, my Prince. If I may be so blunt, my master believes an invasion of Dragonstone is iminent. And he does not believe any of the great houses will speak against it."
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Post by Aerys on Jun 24, 2008 1:33:28 GMT -5
The Prince nodded, as if he was expecting such news.
"I have my servant speaking with the Regent. He is keeping me regularly informed by raven.
"If invasion is imminent I would appreciate the services of as many sell sails as possible.
"If the invasion is by, I assume, my 'beloved' nephew then it becomes imperative that he is seen as the aggressor and is subsequently defeated."
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Post by Horas on Jun 24, 2008 1:45:11 GMT -5
"The reality of politics, my lord, is that the lords and common folk do not care who is the agressor, or who is in the wrong and who is in the right. We can give the people thoughts to mull over, but we can't control their opinions," Captain Shore says. "Your Grace," he adds belatedly.
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Post by Aerys on Jun 24, 2008 19:14:28 GMT -5
The Prince nodded.
"That may be so Captain Shore, but the King and Small Council surely cannot allow the realm to sink into anarchy by allowing a lord to attack other lords without reason or provocation.
" If the Small Council does not come to my assistance if Dragonstone is attacked, then they cannot claim the high moral ground or claim that the rule of law prevails. Others throughout the realm will then take their cue from their inaction."
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Post by Horas on Jun 24, 2008 21:30:32 GMT -5
"Charges of kidnapping have been leveled against you. Should the Small Council find you guilty, the realm would see King Rickon as well within his rights to discipline a disobedient and unruly bannerman. And rumors fly that you have disobeyed a royal command as well, and refuse to see the king... If this is true, it only adds more fuel to your pyre." Captain Shore bows his head. "If your nephew Breck attacks Dragonstone, it will only be with the King's blessing."
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Post by Aerys on Jun 24, 2008 23:30:32 GMT -5
"Now that the blizzard has ended, I intend leaving for King's Landing, when my preparations are done here."
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Post by Horas on Jun 25, 2008 2:31:33 GMT -5
Quintus nods. "I assume you have left orders for your bannermen should the King decide to detain you?"
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Hope you all are well and happy.