In Gulltown

[Erik]

"Why make the effort? Stop the raiding? If they did that, we'd have no wealth at all, and you Greenlanders wouldn't fear us. We promote a little disharmony, makes for stronger men."

[The Smith]

Tyberion nodded, "I can agree with that. It is the same in my family except we hone ourselves to a different form of battle, and the weak are trimmed away with out compassion."

[Erik]

"So I have heard. Well, to each man his own battlefield."

[The Smith]

Tyberion smiled, "Indeed. I expect the Queen to take the shields from you shortly. If she tries what will your reaction be?"

[Erik]

Ragnor is silent for a moment in thought. "I don't know, exactly. We can't stand against the rest of Westeros, that much is plain. If we must leave, do what we did last time and ensure that the Reach is only getting back four charred, empty islands."

[The Smith]

Tyberion nodded, "Well as your friend I will do what ever is possible to guarantee you keep them."

[Erik]

"I would appreciate that. And if there is anything in my power that I can do to help you, simply name it. If one of your sons lacks a wife, my Ganieda has a young sister who is of an age for a betrothal."

[The Smith]

Tyberion thought a moment and then shrugged, "I will returned home and speak with them. I have so many I have lost track if any remain unmarried." He laughed.

[Erik]

Ragnor nods. "All right. Send a raven. How go the discussions with the Queen?"

[The Smith]

"It did not go well. She plays games with honor. She told me the meeting was over, and then when I went to leave she claimed I needed to ask her. She is a mean, calculating bitch." Tyberion's lip snarled.

[Erik]

"I've noticed. Smarter than we all thought, perhaps, or at least more calculating."

[The Smith]

"Not smarter. She did not realize I was threatening her. I have four Lord Paramounts on my side if she starts trouble, and two sworn at worst to remain neutral. Yet she treats me like garbage." Tyberion frowned, "It is not wise of her."

[Erik]

"Well, don't be too rash. It looked poorly for Selwyn's father, remember, but foolish decisions ensured that we still suffered through more of his reign."

[The Smith]

Tyberion smiled casually, "Oh, I am never rash, you needn't worry about that. When the board is cleared at the end of the game I will still be in play, of that I can also guarantee you." He chuckled once or twice before trailing off.

[Erik]

"But what's our next move? Something needs to be done to keep Queenie in line."