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Post by Ser Kenneth Coyn on Nov 16, 2009 13:08:17 GMT -5
Part of the Far Reach Road System constructed by Alexander Irwyn under the regency of Francis Varner, the Honeyholt road runs north from Oldtown to Bandallon along the river of the same name.
The road in need of some repair after years of conflict, connects the Keeps of Bandallon, Brightwater and Honeyholt with Oldtown, a number of smaller holdfasts are constructed along the road for protecting travellers from bandits although many have been abandoned as the Wars against the Other prevented proper funds for maintenance
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Post by Ser Kenneth Coyn on Nov 16, 2009 16:10:35 GMT -5
Along the Honeyholt road a young rider not 18 years passed his name day dressed in leather and with a longsword at his hip heads south towards Honeyholt at a slow walk. Behind him a dwarf on a minature pony is working on a new tune. He hums as he plays a lute made of bone and hardwood.
"Old Man Thatcher was a dreadful old soul and a dreadful old soul was he. . .
He called for his wife and he called for his pipe and he called for his hangmen three. . .
No you can't . . . said Trant
Thread the needle said the Beetle
Snatch her said the Thatcher . . ."
"Mother have mercy that is terrible," Kenneth said finally turning around as the Dwarf contemplated the next rhyme.
"It makes no sense and barely rhymes, besides if you sing that in an inn you'll likely be drug out and made to ride the rail if not by Thatcher's men then by the tavern people for such a hideous rhyming structure."
The dwarf looked annoyed but said nothing for a long time.
Finally he added, "Ser Kenneth do you think we will get to Honeyholt today?"
"Nah early tomorrow is my best guess," Kenneth said as the two traveled onward towards Honeyholt where Lord Beesbury was rumored to be hosting a small tourney for the local landed knights.
"You know you should be at King's Landing participating at a real tournament," the Dwarf added.
"Yes well I don't have the money to travel there and besides the competition is too good. . . my brother would kill me if I lost my horse and armor on the very first pass."
"Well whoever, took it would be doing you a favor if you ask me," the Dwarf responded.
"That helm looks like it should come with a free bowl of brown. . ." Jonathon said before quickly adding, "but it looks good on you though."
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Post by The Stranger on Nov 16, 2009 16:51:55 GMT -5
Across the road, three men with staves were standing. They had only roughspun tunics, and they looked tired, and irritable.
"Hail there," cried one.
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Post by Ser Kenneth Coyn on Nov 16, 2009 16:53:57 GMT -5
"Hail," Kenneth said outstretching his hand in greeting, he pulled back on the reins to slow his courser.
The dwarf slowed down as well he looked uneasily at either side of the road. "I have a bad feeling about this," he whispered to Kenneth.
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Post by The Stranger on Nov 16, 2009 20:27:37 GMT -5
"Stop to pay the Lord's Toll," the largest of the three men said. "Two dragons, one for each of yer horses."
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Post by Ser Kenneth Coyn on Nov 16, 2009 20:39:50 GMT -5
"Its not even a full sized horse," Jonathon protested
"Shush," Kenneth said to the Dwarf, "I have traveled this road twenty times and there has never been a toll here before," Kenneth said.
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Post by The Stranger on Nov 16, 2009 20:43:59 GMT -5
"Times ain't ever been as hard as they is right now," the man replied, "There ain't no one at Oldtown making for the... what's the word,"
"The upkeep."
"Right, the keep'in up, No one paying that no more... So we've gotts to do it ourselves."
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Post by Ser Kenneth Coyn on Nov 16, 2009 20:54:43 GMT -5
"You have no right to collect a toll, now clear the road or I'll have you taken in for banditry." Kenneth said partly drawing his longsword.
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Post by The Stranger on Nov 16, 2009 20:57:37 GMT -5
"How do you know we ain't..."
"authorized."
"Authorized. We've the Lords' seal we do, see for yourself." The man held up a piece of paper that fluttered in the wind.
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Post by Ser Kenneth Coyn on Nov 16, 2009 21:01:17 GMT -5
"Bring it here" Kenneth motioned to the man with the paper. "The rest of you stay over there."
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Post by The Stranger on Nov 16, 2009 21:04:36 GMT -5
"You come here, you're the one with castle-forged steel in your mitts. Ain't friendly-like," the man suggested.
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Post by Ser Kenneth Coyn on Nov 16, 2009 21:13:05 GMT -5
"Yes but you are the one trying to pretend to be something your not." Kenneth said his horse moving away awkwardly. "Now if you don't show me your paperwork I'll have to bring you in for Banditry," Kenneth says that like it would be an easy thing to do.
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Post by The Stranger on Nov 16, 2009 21:15:47 GMT -5
The man raised the paper so that Coyn could see it. There was kind of yellow smudge of what was obviously wax, but it was impossible to make out what it was from here.
"You see! A real seal..!" The man says, sounding vaguely proud of himself.
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Post by Ser Kenneth Coyn on Nov 16, 2009 21:26:21 GMT -5
"What is that candle wax?" the dwarf said with a laugh, "I could make that same seal for a couple of copper stars. Now get out of the way. . . don't you know your talking to Ser Kenneth Coyn, I was there when he drove off twenty highwaymen by himself, he'd take care of you three without breaking a sweat," the bard said with only a touch of hyperbole.
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Post by The Stranger on Nov 16, 2009 21:28:03 GMT -5
The man with the staff advanced, holding his letter before him like a charm.
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Hope you all are well and happy.