Horn Hill's War Room

[Ser Jayk Redwyne]

Ser Jayk Redwyne strode into the room, bowing formally to Hightower before saying,

"My Lord Justin, Ser Samuel. I am here to represent Lord Redwyne, my father. You were saying that Braavos might prove a problem? They have been growing in strength recently, it must be admitted, but there is a little barrier known as the Narrow Sea between us and them. Narrow it may be, but it is still a large body of water which requires a large fleet to safely cross. The Redwyne Fleet is at your service.

[The Flint]

"Ser Jayk, I'm not quite sure what you are suggesting" Cyrus said firmly.

[Ser Kenneth Coyn]

Loren looks uncomfortable, he had shared similar thoughts as Samuel. "I am sorry Cyrus, but maybe Samuel has a point. Our cause is and always has been justice, the fight in Dorne was not so much about Dorne's independence, it had been independent for years, as it was Martell's arrogance in thinking that she could start a war and then ignore its consequences when it suited her."

"The Baratheon's have never delivered justice. They have a propensity to reward traitors and punish faithful servants with scorn. They have abandonded our Faith and brought countless troubles on our realm."

"If we said that Rodrick's injustics has broken our bonds of fealty then why do we expect his son to be any better, especially after we kill his father?"

[The Flint]

"Well if we declare independence why should we march to the Stormlands? If we are our own Kingdom, why do we give a damn about Stormlanders?"

[Ser Kenneth Coyn]

"The only reason would be that the enemy of my enemy is my friend although if are goals are not aligned with Lord Dondarron then perhaps it is not bad to let two enemies bleed themselves out some. Let Rodrick and the Stormlands bleed themselves out, let the Mander incompetently execute their own rebellion and then when the dust settles reassess what is best. If the Stormland or Mander provide us to strike a decisive blow against Rodrick then we march if not then we let them weaken each other."

Loren scratched his head, "we should support the other sides as much as possible to prolong their conflict but not risk much of our own combat power unless absoloutely critical."

[Ser Jayk Redwyne]

"My apologies, Cyrus, I mistook you." Jayk shook his head, and was quietened by embarrassment. He could have sworn that for a moment the man's hair had appeared blond. A trick of the light perhaps? The Redwyne's answer to Cyrus's question was a murmur. "Because if King Rodrick remains on the throne, he will surely march against us to prevent our independence."

[The Flint]

"He's already going to march against us because of our declaration of rebellion Ser Jayck. The question is whether we are seeking a unified Westeros, or our own Kingdom. If we seek a crown we may loss legitimacy in the eyes of some of the lesser lords and knights who felt our cause righteous."

[Ser Jayk Redwyne]

"I understand that; my point stands, that if we chose the path of independence we would have to fight Rodrick eventually, since he would be sure to try to retake the Far Reach. It seems that we are fated to fight him. It would be better to strike him now, while he is occupied and while we may secure allies for ourselves, than later when he may have consolidated his kingdom."

[Ser Kenneth Coyn]

"Not a bad strategy if the other kingdoms were worth a shit," Dorian said from the corner of the solar.

"If Rodrick could be baited into a trap that might be beneficial, although I doubt his tacticians would fall for any ruse. Our plan should be to force Rodrick to fight where we want him. If he hopes to destroy his former Lord Hand's army first then perhaps that is our only bait," he cut an apple with a knife and then continued.

"If Lord Dondarron takes his loyal units and fights a tactical retreat to Nightsong and Rodrick follows we would have him in a position where we could envelope his forces there with our own forces and that of whatever rabble the Mander has."

"We must convince Rodrick to come to us and not send troops to support this Keep or that Keep. Lord Dondarron must be convinced to avoid a fight until Rodrick can be lured away from his base."

[The Flint]

"The inital strategy always called for Rodrick to be forced to make a move in one direction or the other. If we could bring in deep into the stormlands that would be sufficient." Cyrus breathed.

"I am worried about the Mander. Lord Craych gave Lord Justin his words of alliance, but these other Tyrells, they are... erratic." Cyrus said grunting.

[Ser Kenneth Coyn]

"Damin is a fucking cunt," Loren blurted out now that they were out of ear shot of their guest. "The man had the nerve to insult my father in front of the entire realm and I would have punched him in his fucking large nose if I had not promised Lord Justin to play nice," Loren said angrily.

"The Tallahar branch of the Tyrells will go with the wind seeking whatever honor and reward they think they can obtain. I think it is best to keep them occupied so they don't shit in our pot," Loren said.

"If we can't trust the Mander to play nice then we have to be more cautious with our aid," said Dorian, "and I think the closer we can get Rodrcik to Horn Hill the better. Course no plan has ever survived contact with the enemy."

[Ser Jayk Redwyne]

"Can we rely upon Rodrick to come south to meet us? I agree that if we are to meet his army in battle, we should do it as a whole, rather than dispersing the lords to the protection of their own keeps. Will he march against us soon, however, or will he attempt to settle lands further North?

"Raids from Dondarrion might provoke Rodrick into moving more hastily."

[Ser Kenneth Coyn]

Dorian turned to the newcomer, "It is logical that Rodrick would turn first to the Stormlands, he has the greatest base of power there besides the Crown's own holdings. He has only a modest army now and will need those numbers if he plans on menacing any one else."

"Raids might provoke a reaction, but it would likely turn more against our cause. These people are supposed to be our brothers not some worthless foreigner."

[Ser Jayk Redwyne]

"Which is why I recommended Dondarrion conduct the raiding. If Lord Hightower wishes to declare independent sovereignty..." Jayk shrugged. "Nevertheless, you have a point; destroying some knight's holding is not likely to win any friends, and furthermore it is dishonourable. I did not truly mean to suggest lasting damage be caused; but perhaps even the rumour of forces approaching the King's lands would prove a reminder of our presence."

The knight rubbed his forehead. "I fear I am thinking in blockades, which are relatively bloodless, but I can see how they would be difficult to prosecute anywhere near to King's Landing. What else might provoke him to march further south?"

[Ser Kenneth Coyn]

Loren looked pensive, "I think the King is provoked enough, he hung his own relative outside of Duskendale." Loren shifted in his seat.

"Rodrick will march south. . . the only questions is when and where? We cannot control the when as much as we can hopefully influence the where. At any rate I am not sure there is much advantage in an early confrontation, we will have only one shot we must seize the opportunity when it happens. Defeat of our armies will almost certainly lead to others declaring their support for the King. We have only one chance to make a first impression. "