The Choker

[Deleted]

A camp set up on the Neck in order to question and assess folk in ascertaining the whereabouts of the God's Eye.

[The Stranger]

There is a brief disturbance at the border of the camp, as a man rides forward. He's wearing mail, and a surcoat, with two towers joined by a bridge... a Frey. Behind him are a dozen other mounted knights.

"Whose camp is this?" the man says in a clear, loud voice.

[Deleted]

Sojen had been in his tent, but emerged at the summons, his spear in his hands. His retainer, Din Coul, carried a large parcel on his back, and had his rapier loose in his belt.

"I am Sojen Manderly, and this is my camp." He paused. "Ser Frey."

[The Stranger]

"What is your purpose here on our lands?" The Frey says.

[Deleted]

Sojen smiled. "Hunting for bandits, Ser. Heard o' the God's Eyes? They've been terrorizing the Riverlands and the North. I aim to put an end to it."

[The Stranger]

"Of course I've heard of them. They terrorize too many of our villages. But We don't need any Northern help! Probably a bunch of your cousins. Lord Banefort commands you to either move along, or turn back. But he'll not have you here foraging."

[Deleted]

"We wouldn't forage!" Din cried, his hand trembling on his sword. "These are men trusted by the King's Ha-"

"I'm sure, the good Ser Knight is uninterested in our men's origins, Din." Sojen interrupted, giving his retainer a look. "But he is correct. We would not forage, we are here to rid the realm of these bandits. I take it on as my duty considering you Riverlanders have been bothered by these brigands for months, and have yet to bring them to a head."

There was a general muttering of agreement among the men.

"So how about you let the capable handle this task, eh, Ser Frey?"

[The Stranger]

"Forgive me, I am not an ambassador," The Frey knight says, "so I may not have chosen my words carefully enough, but the last was not a suggestion. Lord Banefort orders you to move off his lands, at all due speed."

[Deleted]

"Or else?" Sojen asked, standing up straighter.

[The Stranger]

"Or else Lord Banefort will execute his rights. His land, his law. Now move along."

[Deleted]

Sojen chuckled. "Are you the executioner then?" His men chuckled as well, albeit nervously.

[The Stranger]

"Osgood, light you're torch!" The Frey man replies. After a brief moment, there is a light of torches, and Sojen can see a number of men-at-arms in frey livery. Some of them have crossbows.

"If you want to hunt bandits on his lordship's land, you best write him a letter and get permission first."

[Deleted]

Sojen just laughed and nodded to his men. The assembly drew their weapons and readied themselves.

"You Riverlanders think you're very-" Sojen began, but attempting to take the element of surprise, launched himself at Ser Frey.

[The Stranger]

The Frey man's hand drops as he goes for his sword, Quarrels are loosed and the fight is one.