The Greyjoy Problem

[Horas]

Horas Blackwood enters the council chambers. He is dressed entirely in black as a symbol of mourning for his murdered uncle. He addresses the Small Council. His manner is calm, as usual, but there is iron in his voice.

"While the king has decreed that West must be dealt with first, Balor Greyjoy remains the greater threat to the realm. This cannot be more apparent after his recent victory over the Redwyne Fleet. My agents also inform me that Tomas Clegane, the man responsible for murdering my uncle, has also been working with the Greyjoys."

"Balor Greyjoy has been chipping away at the strength of our fleet. If he achieves superiority at sea, we are lost, for we will be unable to invade the Iron Islands. We must destroy the Iron Fleet in one decisive blow. I have already ordered the construction of more ships at Seaguard, and I urge that more ships be made at the Arbor and King's Landing as well. What is most important, however, is that the vast majority of the ships at Dragonstone and King's Landing be immediately sent to join up with the Redwyne and Mallister fleets."

"If we can amass all of our ships in one place, the combined navy of the Seven Kingdoms will shatter the Greyjoys. If we do not, Greyjoy will continue to win victory after victory against our disorganized forces."

[The Smith]

Lord Piers Bettley- Laughing he says, well Greyjoy is no fool. Deal with the man. What is it we want. Him to Surrender, his fleet to be as our fleet, and the re-payment of taxes. Of course there should be a harsh fine for his treatment of Lannister lands, but we can hardly punish him to harshly when we plan on doing worse to the Westerlands our selves.

Lord Redwyne looks pale- One of my sons was killed that day, they other was taken by Greyjoy. I am afraid I agree with Lord Piers, I do not think we can afford the cost of attacking Pyke itself.

Lord Stark-War is war, and even if he over stepped the bounds a little, he should be punished but then allowed back into the realm. We can use the Ironborn's forces.

Grand Maester Nehmen-Did not say anything on the Matter.

Lord Commander Eddard Tully-That was Riverrun Beetle, not Lannister Lands. And we should hang greyjoy like the common murderer he is. This talk of deals and negotiation makes me ill.

[Horas]

Horas stares coldly at Lord Bettley, Lord Redwyne, and Lord Stark in turn. Then he says,

"I will not be satisfied with anything less than Lord Balor's head. The only negotiation I will agree to is one that ends with Greyjoy's throat being slit."

[Percy Rivers]

Callen sat for a moment, "After Balor withdrew from the Riverlands I offered him amnesty, yes he attacked the Riverlands without my consent, but he did do it my name. With this newest act he has spit upon that mercy."