Bits and pieces

Ser Mallister and his people are in King's landing, gathering knowledge on the new septon and the Avengers. Rummaging about the harbor talking to sea captains quite a bit of information is gathered. First, the Avengers can hardly be called mercenaries anymore, they are not for hire, and are so many that an army is a much more fitting description.

They are currently "protecting". They are a couple thousand strong in the city, and are staging for an invasion of Volantis. It also seems that their leader personally convinced the city council to let them into the city. Wonder how he scared/bribed his way into that? He reputedly emanate cold, enough to turn glasses of water into ice. Sounds like an exageration. But the things we killed in that crypt certainly felt cold. The Avengers use the symbol of Damon Blackfire, and he rules his men with an iron fist.

Regarding the septon, Ella and Willard visit the cathedral. The first person they talk to is a priestess who knew the septon. He was ordered to Seagard, and was not happy about it. He went to Lannisport first, and came back looking worried and scared. Later he was visited by a large guy with long haired, described as very similar to Pyke. She also says that the septon is very good at political games, that he could have had quite a career ahead of him. Not surprising to me.

Ella also 'talks' to another initiate, who has unusually high thoughts about himself, relatively poor self control and a strong dislike of polishing shoes. But talkative. At least to such a pretty thing. I would not mind talking to Ella myself. Anyway, the initiate knows that the first letter was from Tywin himself, and that the letter was sharp. He also knows more details about Pykes role; it seems fairly clear that he was there to ensure that the septon went to Seagard, and also that the septon performed whatever task he was given by Tywin when he got there.

The initiate goes on, and says that it is probable (how he gathered this I don't know) that he wants the parts of Riverlands west of Tully back, these belonged to Lannister some time back. Knowing about Tywin, you can be sure that his goals is ambitious, that is the only type of goal he bothers with. Finally, the initiate had gathered that Tywin probably fears Lord Mallister, that he has a lot of influence and can gather the lords to resist Tywins plans for the Riverlands.

With our knowledge of Pykes connections we then also know that Tywin and Walder somehow are in bed together, unless Pyke is playing two horses of course. It will be interesting times for us.

While all this is gathered and a lot of travelling is performed, I have gathered enough Ironborn effects and info to raid Harlaw. So we set out at night, find a suitable village/fort and sack it. It is fairly easy, my men and their sordid talents make short work of the small castle and its defenders, and we round up about 80 of them and two boats and set out. At sea we give 40 of them to the Iron God, and proceed to Ehrengard. I go ashore with the troops, we dress up in Ironborn garb, and we sack 3 little villages. at each place we live some Ironborn bodies and equipment, and at the last we leave one boat. Then we go home. Interesting to see how this will work out. Should at least spread some fear in Ehrengard, make it easier to 'discuss' things with them.

When all are back we meet in Seagard, with Jason. He instructs Barret to set up surveillance in Kings Landing: interview boats coming from Lys/Volantis to assess the situation with the Avengers. Regarding the situation in the Riverlands, we have 3 options now, Jason states:

• Bend to Tywins choice of leading house
• Try to become Tywins favourite
• Try to take power for ourselves

The last is my much preferred alternative. We start by supporting Blackwood against Bracken, and telling the Lannister neighbour about Tywins plans; he hates the Lannisters with a passion. Then we need a few more houses on our side...

Of Septons and Men

Riverrun (Ella)

Tempers are running high after the attempted murder of Lord Mooton. Several of the nobles demand Kiara held responsible for the assault. Of course the real motivation is not justice, but politics. Barrett sends Rha and myself to locate Lord Mallister. As we leave the great hall, Lord Bracken is trying to incite Lord Blackwood, guards intervening and all.

Lord Mallister comes down and starts to settle the crowd, judging by the murmuring they are not too impressed by Edmure’s response to the situation.

All of a sudden, a bolt surges through the air and strikes the Blackwood heir. His father screams out a heart wrenching “Nooooo!” as all others fall silent. A second later, the rattle and clank of metal resounds as the whole hall draw their weapons.

Lord Mallister and Lord Tully climb on top of the table and try to command the room. Lord Mallister urges everyone to remain calm; there can be no more bloodshed. Then Lord Tully commands us all to evacuate the great hall. On my way out, I hear Brynden giving Edmure a verbal beating for his lack of leadership.

Jason gives us the task of finding out what Kiara’s true involvement in the incident with Lord Mooton was.

Walys Mooton sadly passes, what a shame, he was quite the looker. His passing will certainly not improve the tension at Riverrun either.

We decide to go talk to the Lannister guards. They are after all the perpetrators, if not the brains behind Lord Mooton’s death.

Generally, there is a greater sense of apprehension, guards are more heavily armed, and more alert. There is more or less a human wall between Lords Bracken and Blackwood at all times, to prevent further escalation of the situation.

Claiming our cause, we get access to the two Lannister guards detained in the dungeons. In a matter of seconds it is clear that one of them has some sense, whereas the other is a complete moron.  We manage to convince the non-idiot we can have him take the black, with a fraudulent statement penned by Barrett. The non-idiot confesses that he has had a relationship with Kiara. He says further that Henry Bracken hates the Blackwood-heir and requested a scene be made, to provide an assassin the opportunity to take out the heir with a crossbow. Meanwhile, Kiara had been giving the halfwith grief over Lord Mooton wooing her. The two guards had made the ingenious plan that they could get Lord Mooton out of Kiaras hair, and at the same time benefit from doing Henry Bracken a favour.

We try to get this information to Lord Mallister, but he is with the dying lord in his last hours. We pass on a note to Jason. I stay outside the chambers waiting for him, while Barrett goes to Jason’s room. Rha, Marrok and Thugzilla keep guard in the basement.

After some time Lord Mallister exits the room and I fill him in on the latest development. We head down to the cellar. As we approach, we see Barrett is on his way down with guards. Seems there has been a skirmish on the lower levels. Barrett says casually that he expects that Lord Bracken will be coming up shortly, as we stand there puzzled.  Indeed lord Bracken comes up, showing signs of battle and several injuries. After some sorting out, Lord Bracken is ordered to be arrested. Our boys have certainly held themselves in battle against the knight and other henchlings of the Bracken lord. Marrok is clearly hurt, but Rha appears unscathed. He is not very impressed with the knight. Barrett gets the message across to the Tully guards that the prisoner has to be kept alive.

There is heavy chiming of bells. Old Lord Tully must finally have found his way over.

Barrett informs Lord Mallister that he has uncovered the true motives behind the guard’s actions. Lord Mallister tells Barett to elaborate and get to the point. Jason is not pleased with the fact that Lord Blackwood now knows about Lord Bracken’s plan. Lord Mallister says that we must contain the situation. He will honour the promise made to the guard that he will be able to take the black. It will be on Barrett to make sure he keeps quiet. I suspect Barrett will find a solution to that…

Lord Mallister orders us to wait in his chambers. After two hours, he enters again. He has had a talk with Lord Bracken, and released the prisoner. There will be an investigation into who killed the Blackwood heir. In all likelihood, a random guard will take the fall for it. Rather that, than civil war. Barrett is to secure transportation for the Lannister-guard to the Wall.

Barrett finds it easier to end the Lannister guard’s life, than to bring him to the Wall. We continue towards King’s Landing.

We enter through the Gate of Gods. This city is always a fine sight. Barrett chooses a nice inn for us and we start hunting for information. We are advised that the Black Goat is a convenient place to learn more.

Seagard (Joyeuse)

I hear a knock on the door to my chambers and go to open it. Outside I find our dear Septon to be. I invite him in, which I soon regret. He is aware that the materials for our sept have arrived, and that the building can begin. He is not, however, very pleased with the sept being outside the city walls. This is not news to me, of course, but in my naïveté I had not anticipated that the Septon, a holy man, would stoop to the level of actually threatening me. He has heard rumours about my promiscuity, and warns about what the consequences might be, if I do not follow his wishes. After all I am Castellan with my father in Riverrun. I am taken aback at first, his arguments and attack on me take its toll. I manage to resume my pose, and keep a calm exterior. Inside I am seething with the insolence of this maggot. Time to play. I ensure him that I am but a young woman led astray by my fellows. I confess that I have indeed have forbidden thoughts, and that I was tempted to fulfill the ideas put in my mind by wanton friends. However, in my prayers I found that this was not a path to that the Seven would accept. I prayed to the Maiden in particular to guide me and keep me pure. Surely, the Septon must believe me and not the evil tongues of those wanting ill fortune on my house and I? My pulse racing to see whether he would see the “truth”, he finally succumbs. The sept will be built on the outside of the walls as my father wanted.

I am invited to open the grounds for building of the Sept. It is important for the people to see the joint effort of House Mallister and the Church, so I attend, all smiles.

I receive a letter from my father. Lord Tully has passed. He instructs me to proclaim this and mourn the late Lord for three days and nights.

An unexpected detour

As planned, I head out with an entourage towards King's Landing. In addition to my own crew of Marrok, Ella and Braden, lord Willard and Rha decide to come along. We aim to find some dirt on our dear new Lannister septon, as well as gather information on where The Avengers might be located presently. I don't have a lot of connections in King's Landing, but enough to to at least get started.

After an uneventful week of traveling we arrive in Fairmarket. Hanging around the local inn we learn pick up some gossip:

• Brigands have been unusually active in targeting riverboats as of late. The local magistrate apparently doesn't give the matter a lot of weight, leading to speculation that he's in on it. 
• Holster Tully is on the brink of death. While his son Edmure is well enough liked, he's seen as rather weak, leading to some nervousness as to what will happen in the Riverlands when the old man finally croaks. 
• In King's Landing, rumor says that Cersei isn't quite as faithful as a good wife should be. King Robert is apparently too busy fornicating, drinking and hunting to give much of a damn. 
• From Seagard, there is word that the Mallisters are putting on a big tournament, and that a sept is finally being built. 

To get the more inside scoop, we go to meet my main connection in Fairmarket, Riley. He runs a store selling all matters of goods. I'm not too interested in his fish though - information is probably his most profitable trade. After exchanging initial pleasantries, this is what Riley tells us: 

• Fenton Pyke was here before we went to Braavos, but has not been since since. However, his henchlings were here around 10 days ago, asking after someone fitting Joy's description. Fair to say that Fenton probably knows, or will know, that Joy is back in Seagard. 
• The magistrate is indeed in cahoots with the brigands. Their leader is one Mumbling Arnold. I tell Riley that if he manages to get any info on the brigands' location or the magistrate's involvement, a big reward is in his future. Bigger than the 1 gold I pay for his not very good booze. If he needs some female charms to assist him, Ella can be of assistance. She has a way to get info out of males. Can't really see why...

Sure enough, after a couple of days, a couple of Riley's guys show up with a clerk of the magistrate in tow. Ella gets to work on the poor guy, and manages to get the info we need out of him without as much as a bruise. Well, besides the ones he already had. 

This is what she learns: 

• There is no proof that the magistrate is on the take in any books. 
• He uses a servant he trusts (one Rob) to collect the money from the brigands. Rob goes out to meet Mumbling Arnold every few weeks. 
• There were 3 bands in all, one was wiped out. The remaining ones are the Iron Laws (50-60 men) and the Discarded Brothers (80-100 men). 
• The magistrate has another weakness: apparently he's quite fond of young boys. 

Ella also pays the clerk another visit later that night, paying him a handsome sum (for a clerk) to stay on the take. She obviously makes it quite clear what will happen to him should he decide to be brave/run away/etc. 

All of this info leads me to believe that we should go to Riverrun before we head towards King's Landing. We know Edmure is seen as a weak leader. If he quashes two big bands of brigands and catches a corrupt magistrate as one of the first actions of his rule, he will surely be seen in a better light. Additionally, the Mallisters' star will shine brighter with the Tullys, since we provided the information he needed. And finally, twe definitely want Edmure (or preferably Blackfish, though that seems exceedingly unlikely) to take over the reins in Riverrun over any of the alternatives besides ourselves. Propping him up makes it more likely that his reign will be longer, and thus benefit us. All in all, enough to take detour. Our business in King's Landing can wait anyway. 

After some days, we arrive at Riverrun. Most of the noble families have gathered in and around the castle, though notably there are no Frey representatives present. We're escorted into the keep to a room where Lord Jason is engaged in a conversation with Lord Blackwood, a staunch ally of ours. After some short introductions, we get Lord Jason to ourselves and present our (or should I say my...) plan. Lord Jason does indeed like it, and agrees that we should try to implement after the current situation with Lord Holster is resolved. He then asks to speak to me alone...

...and it becomes readily apparent why. Edmure has become quite smitten with a young lady. Wonderful, except she's a Lannister. Very much not wonderful. We discuss Lord Jason's ambitions for Joy, seeing as how she would be a more than appropriate match for Edmure. However, Lord Jason is loathe to see House Mallister lose some of its status, which it surely would given that there are no other heirs. As such, he would prefer Joy to stay in Seagard and build her own fortune. 

Anyway, Jason asks me to somehow break up the budding relationship between Edmure and this Kiera Lannister. Stranger take me...not an easy proposition, but I suppose there's always a way. I discuss the matter with Ella, lord Willard and Rha. We don't really have any stellar ideas and discard a bunch of suggestions. We decide on a fairly risky plan: have lord Wyllis Mooton charm the Lannister girl. In exchange, he will get to champion for Joy in the coming tournament. I find quite a bit of amusement in the fact that he could have gotten that favor for free, but hey, I like taking advantage of a sucker as much as the next guy. A charming and nice sucker, but a sucker nonetheless. 

We learn a few facts about Keira: 

• Second child of Kevan Lannister, Tywin's younger brother
• 17 years old
• Very beautiful
• Unfortunately, no dirt to be found as she's been quite anonymous.   

After some convincing, I manage to have Wyllis do this favor for us. Or rather as I explained to him, for the safety of Joy, the Riverlands and indeed the kingdom itself. I almost convinced myself of that last part. 

So for the next few days,we hang back and observe, letting lord Wyllis work his considerable charms on the Lannister girl. This is what we observe: 

• Keira tries to stay close to Edmure much of the time, but not always. It seems unlikely that she's quite as smitten with him as he is with her. Not surprising that she's received instructions from the family. 
• The pro-Tully camp is not at all pleased about Keira's presence 
• Some of Edmure's closest friends might be an in. These are the very young Robb Stark (14), Lucien Blackwood (early 20s) and Lord Desmond Grell (50s). Even more advantageous, lord Desmond has a beautiful daughter of his own, Serena Grell. Lord Willard tries to convince Edmure to consider Serena as a potential match, but mysteriously fails. 

Meanwhile, Ella spreads rumors among the serving staff (which she poses as one being part of) that Keira apparently isn't a maiden. Heavily disguised, I spread the same rumor among the guards. After a short while, one Gregor, a mean-looking man from the Lannister party, starts aggressively chasing the rumormongers. We decide to have Ella disappear as a serving girl for her safety, figuring the work might be done. 

After 3 nights, it's apparent that Edmure is growing increasingly, well, pissed off at Wyllis. Lord Willard notices that a pair of thugs from the Lannister party seem to be following Wyllis' every move. Concerning...unfortunately, both Wyllis and the tugs disappear while we are otherwise occupied. Myself, lord Willard and Ella rush after them, hearing muffled screams of pain from a room. Lord Willard opens the door, and we see the two thugs on top of lord Wyllis, one of them choking him, the other stabbing him in the belly with a wicked-looking knife. Apparently the Lannisters do not appreciate the competition. 

Ella cries for help from the guards, while lord Willard and I engage the thugs. I do my best to simply stay alive until Willard can come save me, which he luckily does quite handily. I quickly check on Wyllis: he's alive, thank the Mother. The guards arrive and take the two unconscious thugs to the dungeon, and bring Wyllis up to the maester. While it's unfortunate that the young lord was injured, I do believe this might work out for the better for our side...