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Post by The Flint on May 29, 2009 20:49:59 GMT -5
"Perchance was there a Piper or a Bolton left at the Wall who might have come up to see whether we survived? Three leaves on Gold, I do not recognize," He looked at Brandon Tarly for a moment before continuing,
"In any case until we ascertain their intentions we take no chances. We'll set up our pikemen here to block the road. Tallbody, take the cavalry and have them form up to our left flank. If you see a flaming arrow, that's your signal that they are foes not friends, and you take them from their flank. Understood?"
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Post by Sam on May 29, 2009 20:51:57 GMT -5
Bran had slung himself back up into the saddle, but still waited while Thatcher spoke to the scout. He lifted his bow, and moved the quiver of arrows into a more conformable spot for mounted firing. He waited for Thatchers orders rather casually, trying his flask again, but discovering to his mild disappointment that it was still empty.
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Post by The Smith on May 29, 2009 20:59:30 GMT -5
Tallbody nodded, he turned his horse effortless and raised his sword. As he galloped east the other horse man formed up on him.
The Pikemen fanned out, and took position easily.
The sun crossed the sky. First scouts came up, stopped, eyed the line warily and rode back away.
Later three mounted and armored figures rode forward under a banner of peace, and stopped just in sight of the van.
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Post by The Flint on May 29, 2009 21:04:03 GMT -5
Talyn rode forward with his own banner and Selwyn's. He stops at a distance where he can be heard at a shout.
"Hail and well met! This is the Queen Rhaeyns and Lord Hand Selwyn's van. I am Ser Talyn, commanding, announce yourselves and be welcomed."
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Post by The Smith on May 29, 2009 21:12:30 GMT -5
The man spat, "I am Lord Daemian Bolton, I am with Lady Thorelda Oakheart, and Ser Neddrick Flowers. We search for the King and his dragons."
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Post by The Flint on May 29, 2009 21:16:39 GMT -5
Talyn nodded, "It's the Queen and her dragons. Selwyn knelt to Saella, and she is dead. He serves now as her daughter's hand." He shrugged visibly as if to say he did not have a hand in any of that decision-making. "They are behind us about a day or so. I am sure Lord Selwyn will be pleased to see you. Is this your full strength?"
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Post by The Smith on May 29, 2009 21:28:06 GMT -5
Lord Bolton frowned, "So then it is true." He looks around, "She is dead? Have we lost? Do we come to late?"
Lady Oakheart's hand moves, and she touches a sword belted around her waist. It is completely incongruous with her gowns.
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Post by The Flint on May 29, 2009 21:33:11 GMT -5
"No. We have won! The Others are defeated, and even as we speak the main force is preparing to march south. What can you tell us of the route south, and the situation below the wall?" Talyn asks.
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Post by The Smith on May 29, 2009 21:40:06 GMT -5
Ser Neddrick said, "F-f-f-f-f" He took a deep breath, "F-f-fuck."
Lady Oakheart cursed as well, "I knew we would be too late. I want to murder more of those white souled demons. The Stranger take your souls."
Lord Bolton's face is concealed behind his long stringy beard, and his long greasy black hair that curtains his face, but his voice does not sound disappointed, "The North breaths for the first time in years. The force you left at the wall has tripled as men and women arrive to fight. We have scouted at least three other forces like our own searching for the King."
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Post by The Flint on May 29, 2009 21:47:49 GMT -5
Talyn was not, to be honest, impressed by these come-latelys. He knew as the years grew more distant, the number of people who had been there when Saella fell from the sky would grow to tremendous numbers, and their stories would be more remarkable and impressive than those who had truly been there, no doubt.
"I see. If you could have one of your men detail to our scouts where they are, we can start consolidating them so we don't miss each other like ships passing in the night. No sense in your whole troop moving north, but if you wish to offer your fealty to the Queen, Lord Bolton, Lady Oakheart, I am sure she would be pleased to hear it. Brandon, go fetch the Squire and tell him everythings alright, and to be prepared to round up the men that Lord Bolton has mentioned."
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Post by The Smith on May 29, 2009 21:59:49 GMT -5
Lady Oakheart nodded, and looked to Bolton, "I will ride in. Are you coming?"
Bolton thought a moment, and then shook his head. "I will ride with this man."
Lady Oakheart said, "I will leave my men with you." She turned and rode with Ser Neddrick north.
Bolton sneered at her back, and then turned to look at Thatcher, "I will send scouts out with yours, or alone to find those other forces if you wish."
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Post by The Flint on May 29, 2009 22:08:20 GMT -5
"Let us pair our scouts together Lord Bolton. Tallbody is our commander of scouts, your men can pair up with his." Talyn said, "what can you tell me of events in the south?"
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Post by The Smith on May 29, 2009 22:15:29 GMT -5
"Men and woman who have been hold up for years are creeping to keeps now." Bolton replied, "Lords are reappearing, and taking control of empty keeps. Towns are still more then half empty though. When we reach the wall, I will not be surprised to see every Northern banner waiting." He coughed, and sneered, "They dare not cross the Wall. They hold it though. Cravenly lot."
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Post by The Flint on May 29, 2009 22:21:16 GMT -5
"Fortunately the men we had were enough." Talyn replied, "In any case we will be pleased to see them. Have you heard about any keeps or holdfasts the Cult may still hold?"
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Post by The Smith on May 29, 2009 22:24:14 GMT -5
Bolton shook his head, "They seemed to be weak in the North. They only murdered Lord Manderly on the first night. I have heard a force moved up the neck and took Moat Cailin." He shrugged, and brushed dark hair out of his face, "You will have the whole north to cross before them to face."
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Hope you all are well and happy.