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Post by The Forgotten God on Jul 21, 2015 18:46:58 GMT -5
"His armies are six thousand miles away. The sorcerer can fly. Even Dothraki cannot do that," he said. "And he has millions of opponents according to Joanna's spies. Our lords think local, prince. They see cows on another side of a border they cannot live without, or they see a fuckable woman who is married to some crusty lord without issue, or they simply don't like someone." He shook his head. "Vhagus would be a useful fantasy to parley into obedience if we had him attacking us, threatening us. I want to rule the world, don't you? That isn't a particularly realistic dream."
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Post by Amelia Royce on Jul 21, 2015 18:51:57 GMT -5
"Lord Serrett, Vhagus Blackfyre lifted an entire river bed with his magic so that my cavalry could cross it," Benjen responded. "He has sellswords, with ships that can cross the sea and it is only a matter of time before he works out how to get the Dothraki to cross. You forget that Aegon the Conqueror needed only dragons and a small army to take Westeros. I know about ruling, about local lands. But I am not short sighted."
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Post by The Forgotten God on Jul 21, 2015 18:55:02 GMT -5
"No," he agreed. "But you may be like Joanna; she can count men a mile distant but can't read a book in front of her face without a special lens. Aegon had three dragons and a rebellion against Harren the Black. Vhagus has one dragon. If he destroys Meereen, Yunkai, New Ghis, Volantis, and Braavos, then I shall feel a pang of fear," Tomas said. "But I find it supremely unlikely the man can live that long."
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Post by Amelia Royce on Jul 21, 2015 19:03:41 GMT -5
"Then you do not know the men," Benjen replied, drinking some more of the wine. "There is worse to come perhaps, before Vhagus. If you know of any able men who are looking for something to do, my friend Amelia will be traveling to the Wall soon. She has informed me that she wishes to have men of all regions come with her."
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Post by The Forgotten God on Jul 21, 2015 19:12:21 GMT -5
Tomas starts responding, then manages the self control to reply as to why Amelia wanted lots of men around her. "Seems an odd vacation spot. I prefer the Arbor in our hands. But, please, my prince, whyever does she wish to head to the Wall?" He smiles at the thought, for some reason.
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Post by Amelia Royce on Jul 21, 2015 19:16:25 GMT -5
Benjen knew exactly the sort of thoughts Tomas was having and didn't fault the man, though he admired his self control. "She thinks there is something very very serious happening in the lands north of the Wall. The things she has told me make me willing to believe her and I will be sending some of my men with her."
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Post by The Forgotten God on Jul 21, 2015 19:20:27 GMT -5
"Well, King Brynden wishes to have his Arbor back," he said. "But as a token of our alliance with your realm, I will find some men," he promised. "But I cannot have peace with the Ironborn whilst they claim the Arbor."
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Post by Amelia Royce on Jul 21, 2015 19:22:25 GMT -5
"That situation causes a problem no doubt, though if I remember correctly Amelia is going to speak to lord Mason and arrange a meeting," Benjen informed the man, finishing his wine.
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Post by The Forgotten God on Jul 21, 2015 19:27:46 GMT -5
"I look forward to this," Tomas said, shaking his head. "They will say all is fair and raid and war, we will get angry because they're utter and irredeemable assholes, they'll make some faux-apologetic noise, and I'll have to storm out, because if I come back to the Rock with a treaty giving up the Arbor, Joanna will cut my cock off the next time I dare have it around her, and then Arania Hightower will boil me alive in a vat of oil." He shook his head. "I think the Goldlands' stance on the matter needs no arbiter."
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Post by Amelia Royce on Jul 21, 2015 19:30:43 GMT -5
"Nevertheless there will have to be one," Benjen responded, taking an odd delight in the man's annoyance. "Doesn't have to be you, Tomas, if you don't feel up for it."
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Post by The Forgotten God on Jul 21, 2015 19:42:05 GMT -5
"As much joy as having Killion Greyjoy leer at my wife's tits would no doubt be to you," he said, "I suppose I can sit through this farce. I recall the last one ended so well that we only went to war over it." He stopped. "Actually, the queen should represent the crown with me here. It may allay her fears regarding my intentions," he said.
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Post by Amelia Royce on Jul 21, 2015 19:46:06 GMT -5
Benjen raised an eyebrow in surprise, a small smile coming to his lips. "A good choice, Tomas. It'll probably best to hold this meeting after all the festivies and events. Wouldn't want any real bloodshed to occur during the melee."
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Post by The Forgotten God on Jul 21, 2015 19:52:02 GMT -5
"Who wouldn't?" Tomas asked seriously. "I don't think anyone much cares, right now, save the royals. And some of them think bleeding the conflict out is the only answer."
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Post by Amelia Royce on Jul 21, 2015 19:54:44 GMT -5
Benjen thought on that for a moment before setting his glass down. "I think I need a walk."
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Post by The Forgotten God on Jul 21, 2015 19:59:00 GMT -5
Tomas nodded. "If you see Joanna...do yourself a favor and just stay away," he advised. "It's probably for the best."
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