Along the Goldroad

[Erik]

The procession of Western lords and knights slowly makes its way towards King's Landing.

Tyberion, in a fine mood, rides back along the column, chatting with the others. He comes alongside Ser Lyn Payne, and jerks his head to the side, indicating the field to the column's right.

"Could I have a word, away from prying ears, Ser Lyn?"

[Quenton Baratheon]

Elsewhere in the procession, Dudley breaks off from a self-imposed silence and turns to Lyonel.

"You would hope to find your father then," he asks knowingly and with sympathy.

"You are not the only one. I fear for Monty myself." The golden evening light casts shadows across his face that accentuate his mournful expression.

[Aerys]

Lyonel grinned at Dudley's slip of the tongue and jested.

"I confess Monty sometimes treats me as a father would his son when we were growing up together, but he still sees me as the annoying little brother."

He said more solemnly.

"But yes, I hope to find him. My mother is frantic with worry, although Grandfather hasn't said much. All we know is that he has been fighting with the King's forces in the war. I hope he didn't fight against the West at Harrenhal. It would have broken his heart if he had been forced to."

[Quenton Baratheon]

Dudley looked nonplussed for a second, before throwing his head back in disgust with himself, rolling his eyes. "Oh forgive me Lyonel," he said with a sheepish grin.

"He cannot have fought against the west, of that I am sure. There is just... no way the Monterys I have known all these years could possibly have done that." He stated these words in a way that suggested absolute confidence, but a flicker of his top lip suggested the possibility of doubt. It would have been a very difficult position to get away from he mused.

"There were men of Ashemark serving at Harrenhal. My wife's brother, Ser Jeffry being one of them."