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Post by The Flint on Nov 7, 2009 23:41:02 GMT -5
The ranks of the Armies of the King are lined up. Lord Wydman's 3,500 Valemen hold the right flank, Lord Edmure's 4350 Mandermen hold the left. 2500 troops beneath the Black and red banner of the Dragon hold the center, strengthened with 560 of the Traitors' Sons.
Talyn Thatcher rides forward with three pages. One holds the Targaryen banner, one holds the banner of the Sons, and one holds a peace banner. They stop out of missile range, and await a response.
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Post by The Smith on Nov 7, 2009 23:43:53 GMT -5
Lord Daemian Bolton rode out alone to meet Lord Thatcher. Stopping his horse before his old friend, he smiled wearily, "I do not suppose you are going to murder me under the parlay flag? It would save a lot of lives."
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Post by The Flint on Nov 7, 2009 23:47:30 GMT -5
Talyn shook his head sadly, "I'm pleased to see you again Lord Bolton, although not like this. And to murder you would save no lives, but it would damn a few souls. Your northmen would not sit still to see you struck down coldly, I think. I'll admit that I am surprised to see you ride forth from beyond the walls. I presume it was your Mistress' doing? It has not been her first bad decision as Lady of the North," he sighed.
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Post by The Smith on Nov 7, 2009 23:49:35 GMT -5
"When I fall, Ser Remin Manderly will take command. He will most likely surrender. I choose him because he values his life more then his honor." Bolton sighed, "I do think some of my men will press on. I tried to leave the most loyal back at Moat Cailin, but they would not allow it."
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Post by The Flint on Nov 7, 2009 23:54:16 GMT -5
Talyn nodded in understanding, "It pains me to see the North deprived of its only real leadership," Talyn said, "but I will not insult you by trying to dissuade you from your present course. If you were to... fall... in single combat, would your men honor an oath to disband and fight no more, or would they return to Stark's banner?"
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Post by The Smith on Nov 7, 2009 23:58:49 GMT -5
"You can not offer terms that I could accept. So I must defeat you on the field." Bolton replied.
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Post by The Flint on Nov 8, 2009 0:04:28 GMT -5
Talyn nodded, but did not respond right away. He gazed over the lines of Northern troops, the same length, but half the depth of his own.
"I had hoped the possibility to spare lives might entice you, but as you say, there are no terms I can offer, since I can not accept any outcome except the removal of this force from the field, whether through surrender or destruction, and I can not offer anything, since even if I were to lose, my replacement would require the same."
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Post by The Smith on Nov 8, 2009 0:06:43 GMT -5
Bolton sighed, "I understand your desire, and share them. But there comes a time when choices need to be made. I have already made mine. My father would be disappointed I am sure."
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Post by The Flint on Nov 8, 2009 0:09:59 GMT -5
Talyn smiled broadly, and bobbed his head, "I know the feeling my friend, believe me, I know that feeling. Shall we commence then upon returning to our own lines?"
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Post by The Smith on Nov 8, 2009 0:12:26 GMT -5
Bolton nodded, and stared up at the sun. "I wish it were colder. I miss the winter."
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Post by The Flint on Nov 8, 2009 0:17:11 GMT -5
Talyn nodded, even though he could still see his own breath in the crisp morning air, "I know what you mean," He said, "as terrible as it was, things were easier then... made more sense."
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Post by The Smith on Nov 8, 2009 0:21:28 GMT -5
Bolton smiled, "I long for a time when the Dreadfort was stuffed full of complaining refugees and I had absolutely no fucking idea how I was going to keep them feed, and out of an Other's gullet. I must be fucking insane." He turned, and looked at his own lines, "It was good to have a noble purpose. And it was good to have a challenge to rise to."
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Post by The Flint on Nov 8, 2009 0:26:55 GMT -5
Talyn coughed in agreement, "Noble purpose. After those days what is this..." he gestured at Bolton's lines, and then his own, "but butcher's work. A bloody mess, and not worth the price. Are you sure I can't convince you to single combat? With luck we may go together like Erryk and Arryk, and not have to put up with this nonsense anymore."
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Post by The Smith on Nov 8, 2009 0:29:40 GMT -5
"At moments like these I envy Aaron Royce." Bolton replied, "And you still may get your chance. I will ride with the van in the assault."
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Post by The Flint on Nov 8, 2009 0:34:13 GMT -5
Talyn raised his eyebrow, "You envy Royce the wall or the lack of principles?"
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Hope you all are well and happy.