Lord Harroway's Town

[Marie]

"I think the same of you," she said with a smile. "I'm glad you think so, though, because there are many who would rather see me dead than sitting atop the Iron Throne."

[The Smith]

"Well I will not let them." Eustace laughed, and shook his head abashed, "As if you needed me. But I will do what I can to help. You need only ask, and I will be there in what ever capacity required."

[Marie]

"That's good to know. I will be sure to come to you when I know how best you can serve me. For now, your loyalty is enough. I'm sure it will please Selwyn too."

She grinned at him, looking happier than she had since they met.

[The Smith]

"I have not been able to please Selwyn in many years. I am not going to try and start now." Eustace replied, "As long as I please you, that is enough for me. Is there anything else my Queen?"

[Marie]

She shook her head.

"No, unless you can think of some way to mollify your fellow lords. I've business to attend to with regard to my followers, while I wait for Selwyn and the army to arrive."

[The Smith]

Eustace bowed, and took her hand and kissed it, "Your Grace." Then he turned and walked away.

[Marie]

/////////////

Rhaenys summons Lord Tully's messenger to her.

[Lord Connor Tully]

The messenger enters her tent, still hooded and cloaked. When he sees the Queen Oswell drops his hood and grins. "It is good to see you are well my Queen." He drops to a knee and bows his head.

[Marie]

"I'm as well as can be expected in the circumstances," she said. "Rise, Lord Tully, and tell me your news."

[Lord Connor Tully]

Oswell rose, "I have had men probing the camps around Harrenhal...asking what their intentions are and who they serve. I have most interesting news. The Dornish are yours, they are led by a Lord Vaith who seems to be a strange man, but they are yours all the same. The Reach camp is led by the maesters, for now they fight for you, though they wish to have Oldtown as their own. My man said is was strange to see them armed and armored. I regret to report that the Westermen camp would not speak with my messenger. He was able to speak with the Traitors Sons though. They say their captain is held within Harrenhal."

[Marie]

"Ser Talyn is held within Harrenhal?" Rhaenys repeated. "That is strange...He deserted us to return to his father's side. Why would Thatcher imprison his own son?"

Because he found out that it was a ruse, perhaps? Mother help us, I hope not!

[Lord Connor Tully]

"Beg your pardon your highness, the men Amyrio spoke with said that they were not traitors...that they were here for you." Oswell looked at her, trying to gauge her reaction. "I do not know why he was taken but I know he is held against his will. They asked for us to help rescue him, though it could offer no help."

[Marie]

"That is strange, when Thatcher rode out against all ordres. Clearly his villainous father does not regard even his kin in a good light," she said. "What would you have me do about the situation?"

[Lord Connor Tully]

"If what his men say is true, then he is as much an ally as I. But I fear there is nought to do for him right now save a full assault on the keep. We have the men your highness, why risk your life to meet this traitor? Why not let us do what we know how to." Oswell wanted nothing more than to storm the walls of Harrenhal and bring the bastard to justice.

[Marie]

"I'd allow it if I could, my lord, but my sister Kyma is Lord Thatcher's prisoner. He might kill her out of sheer spite if we stormed the castle. The risk is too great. Kyma behaved badly but she will have suffered more than enough already. Yuo woudn't want to see her harmed, would you?"