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Post by Sam on Nov 18, 2008 15:30:34 GMT -5
A knock comes from behind the door, and it opens to reveal Ser Samuel Tarly, and his father behind him. "Lord Hightower," Samuel murmured. He did not look at his father's face, and so he did not see what Lord Tarly saw about the wound, that the life was slowly bleeding out of their overlord.
"The High Septon has issued an edict demanding a Trial of Seven to resolve this war," he said softly, "and Rodrick has accepted. I request your permission to be one of the seven men defending our cause, in the eyes of gods and men," he added, standing straightly, though looking down at Lord Justin who lay pale on his bed.
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Post by Fel on Nov 18, 2008 15:32:25 GMT -5
Wulf nodded to the wine, though Nors asked for ale if there was some, Blacktyde said nothing.
"That's good, it'd be a shame to see you dead Hightower, though let's hope the gods aren't sparing you so Rodrick can kill you in his own fashion," he grinned.
"So it's to be a trial of seven. I know why Rodrick accepted such a challenge. Seven skilled warriors isn't what he lacks currently."
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Post by The Flint on Nov 18, 2008 15:35:27 GMT -5
"Aye. And he's arrogant to boot." Justin coughed, "But we have no choice. Were we to refuse, we would lose all support. It would be like your Iron born following a man who purchases trinkets," he coughed heavily for a moment, "instead... instead of paying the iron price." He smiled weakly. "So I must accept. If your Lord does not wish to hold himself apart, I understand, you have different gods. But if you wish, We could use your strength."
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Post by Fel on Nov 18, 2008 15:44:42 GMT -5
"Who the seven deem true or false is no matter to Qhored, but if there's to be such a trial he would prefer his current allies won, it would be a shame to have to ally with a Lannister instead." He winked.
"Old Nors and Blacktyde here have agreed to fight in this test of skill, they are the fiercest warriors on the Islands. I would offer my axe aswell, but I have no desire to fight my sister's husband."
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Post by The Flint on Nov 18, 2008 15:46:13 GMT -5
Hightower laughed, "Its alright, we have no shortage of men looking to fight your sister's husband. If these men would join us I like our chances."
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Post by Sam on Nov 18, 2008 15:53:30 GMT -5
Samuel counted to himself silently, though his lips could be seen mouthing the words. 'Ser Charles, Ser Osney, Loren, father, myself', Lord Blacktyde and Nettley.'
"I agree, my lord," Samuel said. "I like our chances as well."
His grin turned into a concerned frown after a moment though. "Will you be able to travel to the capital, milord?" he asked.
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Post by The Flint on Nov 18, 2008 15:56:03 GMT -5
"I will travel, but you will not Samuel. Lord Blacktyde shall take your place. I can not in good conscious risk both a man and his heir in the same fight. Lord Irwyn's place shall be taken by Nettley. I appreciate your dedication, but I must think of our realm's future as well." he coughed spasmodically.
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Post by Sam on Nov 18, 2008 16:05:09 GMT -5
Samuel stared at Hightower, his mouth agape, as if he were trying to speak but no words came. The freeze passed, however, and he turned still with his back straight and proud, unbuckling his sword-belt and handing the blade and scabbard to his father.
"This is rightfully yours, father, and I hope it will increase the odds in this fight even if I am not there to wield it," he said softly.
"May the Warrior protect you," he added so quietly that he could barely be heard, and then he bowed to Lords Hightower, Blacktyde, and Tarly, and then swiftly walked from the room.
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Post by The Flint on Nov 18, 2008 16:08:35 GMT -5
"Samuel," Hightower coughed, "Samuel come back. This is not a punishment.. Oh bloody hell." Justin rested his head on his pillow. "Are we always in such a hurry to die, when we are young?" He asked no one in particular.
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Post by Fel on Nov 18, 2008 16:51:37 GMT -5
"So it's to be Old Nors, Blacktyde, Santagar, Graceford and the Tarly?" Wulf asks, counting on his fingers. "Who will the final two be?"
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Post by The Flint on Nov 18, 2008 16:54:49 GMT -5
"William Dawnrose, on behalf of the Mander, and my brother-in-law, Lord Cyrus Varner. His mother was Lord Royce's sister, so its fitting enough." Hightower says weakly.
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Post by Fel on Nov 18, 2008 16:58:18 GMT -5
Wulf snorted at the mention of William. "Dawnrose has the belly for it? I'm surprised."
"This Varner, he's skilled? I have not heard of him."
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Post by The Flint on Nov 18, 2008 17:01:48 GMT -5
"He's skilled Ser, taught by the Clankiller himself... and he is...motivated." Hightower breathes heavily. "I can not speak to Lord Dawnrose's motives, but I am told he bested Ser Arthur Graves on the field not long ago, so he seems apt enough."
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Post by Sam on Jan 25, 2009 22:14:36 GMT -5
Lady Tarly's party arrives at Horn Hill a little less than a moon's turn after they left the capital. The Knightly escort had ensured that nobody had molested the carriage along the road, and so the Lady Bella and her guards made their way up to the castle, she carrying her sleeping son in her arms.
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Hope you all are well and happy.