The Tower of the Hand

[Tallahar]

"Reasonable time has it not been long enough for Lord Harlaw to order that his men leave the Shields. If he does not would the Royal Fleet help or would I have to ask the Hightowers."

[The Smith]

"I can not say when the Royal fleet would be used on its own subjects." Smallwood replied, "Perhaps you should petition Lord Harlaw more forcefully."

[Tallahar]

"He would not listen to the King I do not think he would listen to me."

[The Smith]

Smallwood nodded, and grabbed a page. He sends the lad running for Lord Harlow.

[Tallahar]

Lord Oakheart took a seat across from Yancey and as far from Bealor as possible.

[Fel]

A long time later the boy returned with Lord Qhored Harlaw. Qhored entered the room and looked around. He snorted, "so the Mandermen have finally plucked up the courage to bring up this issue? And people say your lot are cowards."

[Tallahar]

"I simple gave you time to do as the King ordered you to do Lord Harlaw. Since you did not and the Royal Fleet has returned from Driftmark I thought it was the correct time to bring it up." Lord Oakheart said in an even tone.

"So will you be leaving Ironborn?" Bealor asked with scorn in his voice.

[Fel]

Qhored turned to Bealor, surprised to see him speaking. "Dawnrose," he said with a cruel grin, "I have heard excellent things about your sister, please send my regards."

"And you're mistaken Oakheart, the king issued no such command to me."

[Tallahar]

"I believe he did. At the council he made me Lord Paramount of the Mander including the Shields. I think that is telling you to leave them Lord Harlaw." Winister smiled at Qhored.

Bealor went for his sword and then stopped. "I'll have her say goodbye to you as you leave the Shields. How about that?"

[Fel]

Qhored sneered, "is this why my time is being wasted, Oakheart? Because you've been lying to the Hand? The king never mentioned whether you had lordship of the Shields or not."

[Tallahar]

"The Hand himself agrees with the Shields being part of the Mander and the Hand speak with the Kings voice so that must be what the King decided."

[Fel]

Qhored turned to Smallwood, waiting for him to speak.

[The Smith]

Smallwood looked at Dawnrose, "Boy, go fetch us some wine. We will need to quench our thirsts." Looking to the men in the room, "The King has not been as clear on this issue as he has a duty to be. I do not remember him specifically saying that Winister."

[Tallahar]

"I remember him demanding Lord Harlaw that if he wished to keep the Shields he had to kiss his Graces ring. Something Lord Qhored did not do."

Bealor nodded to the Hand and left to get wine.

[The Smith]

"I think the King's mood shifted after the gathering." Smallwood replied, "Lord Harlaw may be allowed to keep those islands. If an appropriate demonstration of his loyalty can be made."