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Game of Thrones: A Cold Wind Blows - Chapter 1b: Iron in the River


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"I tell ya my lord these were longboats. They hailed from the Iron Islands or you can declare me a puffer fish."

Patrek Mallister could not hold back the laugh at that comment. "My Lord father knows beyond all doubt you are not a puffer fish Jeagan. In fact a man would have to be beyond blind and deaf to make that sort of mistake. The captain of the Sea Spray did not smile at the boys retort. A boy of only nine Patrek was jovial enough but he had not yet learned when a matter called for seriousness. Lord Jason Mallister also did not share his sons laugh.

"Why would the Iron Men be bring longboats so close to Seagard captain? Surely if they were truly planning a attack they would not be scouting right in front of our eyes with their war ships. Balon Greyjoy is a cocky man but no one accused him of being foolish."

"Mayhaps the man is testin what we do in this sorta situation m'lord. I can't fathom the reason of it either but if they are bringing longboats so close to us shouldn't we be doin somethin?"

Lord Mallister had to admit it seemed sound. Often times when a enemies movements seemed to make no sense it was more often because they just did not want you to figure out what they intended. "If nothing else Rivverrun should be made aware." He glanced to his Maester who nodded in agreement. "Maester Darrik if you could send a raven to Rivverrun, Old Town, and Lannisport. Warn Lord Tully what we have been seeing and warn Old Town and Lannisport to keep their guard up. If Balon is planning something we should be ready. Can you think of anything else to do at this time?"

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Darrik bit his lip for a moment, quiet in contemplation. "I would say, if we are to determine what the Islanders will do, we must know what they have been doing." he replied sagely. "I'll also send to the maesters in Old Town and Lannisport, and Maester Luwin of Winterfell too, for any information of about the activities of the Islanders, in and out of their sands."

After the meeting had been concluded, he proceeded directly to the rookery, and sighed as he prepared the ravens for delivering the very important messages he had written.

Click to reveal..

DC: 15

Check: 1d20+ Handle Animal 5 + Raven Special 1 + Cha Mod 2.

To Riverrun, Old Town, and Lannisport for warning them about the Islanders:

Totals: 9, 10, 15

To the Maesters of Old Town, Lannisport and Winterfell:

Total: 27, 12, 28

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After three days finally a message returned by raven. Maester Luwinn in Winterfell sent reply that he had also gotten reports of Iron Men activity along the stony coast and they were advising caution to the out lying villages. Lord Manderly had also called in his knights and were sending them to patrol the coast in case any ships had landed. As the Maester approached the lord's chamber to bring the news he heard raised voices through the door.

"I am telling you that you are being mocked! Half the Trident is starting to say you can't do anything on your own. I know he is a maester but he is still from them free cities and not like us here. Some are even whispering that he doesn't truly follow his vows."

He heard Lord Mallister responding but couldn't quite make out what he was saying. Then several pairs of boots started walking for the door.

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Darrik composed his face to hide any ign of his hearing immediately, as he mused over this news. It was obvious that with his ability and influence, there would be the jealous and the suspicious. He had great weight, but had Darrik not done so much as House Maester? This would have to be considered.

He started towards the door, to further add to the illusion of knowing not what had been just spoken.

Click to reveal..

Bluff to hide the fact he's heard:

1d20+ Bluff 5 + Misdirection Special 1 + Cha Mod 2 + Favored Skill 2

Result: 15

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The door swung open as three ship captains came walking out. Jaegen was among them as well as Lorost and Richard the two captains of the only longboats that Seaguard had at its disposal. The other two gave him a look up and down and kept walking but Jaegen stopped a moment.

"Maester Darrik has there been any word? Have the Iron Men attacked anywhere yet?"

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"No." Darrik replied in a voice calm, but tinged with worry. "However, Maester Ludwin of Winterfell has reported that ships too have been spotted off the coasts, and Lord Manderly dispatched patrolling knights. I recommend we do the same and dispatch a second raven to Riverrun to update Lord Tully."

Then, a thought struck him rather severely. "I would guess that they are testing where we are weakest." he added.

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"Or where we are strongest." Jaegen growled. "These men have strange ways sir and they are not always looking for the easiest fight they can get. Greyjoy is up to somethin and the Others take any who says different." The man walked off muttering to him self as he followed after his fellow captains.

Inside the room Lord Mallister stood at the window with a cup of wine in his hands. He stared out at the sea as if expecting to see an answer rise up over the waves.

"I have two long ships and a dozen fishing vessels. If something were to happen it would take eight months for Stannis to bring his fleet up here. If I call for him and there is no need for concern I look the fool. Tell me Darrik if we had to do you think we could hold them here for that long?"

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Darrik laughed humorlessly, but with an air of assurance. "If we're lucky, maybe. But I doubt we'd need to hold out for that long, if they dare siege us. The Islanders are seaborne raiders. They're not used to besieging, and supplies of course are a major issue for them. The rocks of theirs are bare, and have little but metals and fish. I suggest we stay alert though. If they attack, it'll be a raid most likely. I'll send an updated message to Riverrun, in case the first didn't reach House Tully."

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"Perhaps you are right..." Mallister continued staring out at the sea. "There was a time that they did siege keeps though. To pay the Iron price they would call it. I do not trust Greyjoy and I do trust the word of my captains. Something is coming. We shall start sending patrols out along the rivers. Send the raven and let Lord Holester know the situation, at least as much of it as we know right now."

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Darrik nodded. "As you wish, Lord Mallister." After bowing and departing, he proceeded to the rookery and prepared another message to Riverrun.

As he did so, he reflected upon the discussion between Jaegen, Lorost, Richard and Lord Jason Mallister. Suspicious, he considered gathering more information on the captains' activities. He dismissed the thought. They were honorable men, though mistaken. It would not do good for House Mallister for any intrigue or actions against them.

But he would remain alert. After all, there could be worse folk opposing him.

Click to reveal..

Sending to Riverrun

DC: 15

1d20+Cha Mod 2 + Handle Animal 5 + Ravens Special 1

Taking 10

Total: 18.

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The next week passed rather quickly. Darrik met with the lord about the matters of the house. He schooled his children. He cared for the rookery. None of the patrols had sent back word of Iron Men activity and the captains had not seen anything new. While he was in the middle of going over figures there was a call from the gate. One of the patrols had returned and was calling that they had wounded. Darrik and Mallister rushed to the front gate. They were expecting the group of six they sent out but instead only two of them remained. With them were eight others. And they were carrying twelve more.

"My lord! We were ambushes by the Iron Men. A passing lord and his escort came upon the fight and helped us. But many of them are wounded.

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Darrik immediately sent a page to summon the healers, since unlike many maesters, he'd not trained in the art of healing. While they were waiting, he procured a quill and paper to write out what they had to report.

He himself was nervous. The Iron Men were known for such tactics, but this was their first move, and it behooved the House to be prepared for what may come next. "Where, when, and how did this ambush occur? How many attacked you?"

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As the wounded were being pulled off of horses one of the men looked to the maester. "Less than an hours ride from the kings road. We also on the ride back saw evidence of several groups moving around the river lands, my best guess would be three or four groups but there could be more further out. It looks like they took row boats up the rivers and landed in different areas."

After he helped the men down the man walked up to Lord Mallister. "I am Lord Halys Hornwood from the north. We were on our way to Kings Landing when my scouts spotted the ambush. I am sorry for the rest of your men."

Lord Mallister nodded. "I am sorry for the ones you lost but thankful for the aid. If you could come with me I would wish a word." Turning to Darrik. "Send a raven to Riverrun and Winterfell and let them know their are Iron Men ashore. Then join us."

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Darrik nodded and went off to the rookery. It was as he feared. An incursion by the Iron Men, and a major one at that. This he dwelled on as he prepared yet more messages detailing the threat. Then, as he walked to the council room, it occurred to him that coordination wasn't rare, but definitely not common to the Iron Men. Obviously, the scouting had been to test the targets, but why this strategy?

Click to reveal..

Messages to Winterfell and Riverrun:

DC 15

1d20+ Cha Mod 2 + Handle Animal 5 + Ravens Special 1

Taking 10s

Totals: 18,18

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As Darrik entered the Lord's chambers a dozen men had been gathered . The maester recognized the eight captains of Lord Mallister's ships. As he entered Lord Hornwood turned and nodded. "Good Maester Darrik, allow me to introduce my son Daryn." The lad couldn't even be eight yet but he stood and bowed as if he were already a Lord him self. "And the man who I am hoping will soon be Lord Rorx Kanadel. We were on our way to Kings Landing to see the king when we encountered your men."

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Hearing his name mentioned Rorx turns from the Captain he had been talking to in time to catch the end of Lord Hornwoods comments. Stepping forward he extends his hand as he addresses the Maester.

"Maester Darrik, I hope you will be able to help us to see through to the objective of this raid."

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Darrik took Rorx's hand and nodded. "Unless I am mistaken about the size of these groups, they're trying to pillage several targets at once. If and when they'd join up again, the combined force would be rather difficult for any local force to take on. I cannot imagine any other reason."

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"I guess that means we should try to take them out before they meet back up again."

He looks around to include the two Lords in the conversation, "Do we have the strength to take on these groups, and any ideas as to where they may be planning to attack?"

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Jaegen spoke up. "With all due respect my lords this ain't no raid that I have ever seen. Iron Men do not land and split up when they intend to raid. This is something new. And if the Lord Hornwood says they are as far east as the Kings Road that speaks to me like they are positioning. That Kraken is up to somethin I tell ya."

A couple of the other captains nodded in agreement. Jaegen was well respected among them even if he just captained a fishing ship. Lorost on the other hand shook his head. "My fellow captain is paranoid my lord. There is no way Greyjoy would allow his people to start a war with the north and the neck. He knows full well all that must be done to stop him is for Stannis to bring his fleet around and that would be the end of Pyke. As much as I hate to say it I agree with good maester Darrik here that this is nothing more but a well organized raid. If we bring Wave Crasher and Wind Catcher to the mouth of the rivers and you have knights drive the Iron Men back to their boats we can give them a send off that should scare em away for a year or better."

Lord Mallister listened to the council. He looked at Jaegan for a moment looking like he wanted to side with him before finally nodding. "I believe it would be unwise for us to raise alarm of a new rebellion so close to the last one finishing. All we have seen is raiders on the ground and that is hardly a new threat for us."

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Interesting. Lorost is an opponent for sure. Having now recognized Lorost as the one who'd warned about him, plus the choice of certain words, Darrik resolved to be wary of Lorost. But right now, considering Jaegan's words...

"You did tell me earlier my lord that it would be eight months if we did send that call for aid. Plenty of time to deal considerable damage and be prepared when Stannis comes calling. Not that I change my position at all. Merely noting the possibility, unlikely as it is."

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Rorx turns to Halys, Lord Hornwood, "My lord I was too involved in the fighting, did you get a clear count of how many were in the group we encountered?" He then addresses the council, "Regardless of the ultimate aim of the attack, what are the most likely targets of the groups we tracked on our way here, and can we get enough men in place to do anything about them?"

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"In the Blue Fork?" Darrik murmured, worriedly as he considered the targets. "If they don't go want to go far, Fairmarket is a prime target. Or even Seaguard could be approached largely from the river."

That was an advantage of such a move. Many equally valid targets, which one? Even more so, the Trident was technically open, which was even worse.

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Lord Mallister looked to each person in the room. "I appreciate your council. For now we will dispatch the house knights and tell them to order the other patrols back to the keep. I do not wish to gather all of my sea strength in to one location. I am highly concerned that we have gotten no response from Rivverrun from our last two ravens. The king needs to be warned for if the Iron Men are here in greater numbers then you think we do not have the strength to send them back."

He poured him self another glass of wine and filled Lord Hornwood's cup as well. "Lord Hornwood and I need to speak privately. I want everyone back here after dinner." With that he dismissed the room.

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"No. Only two years." Darrik replied. As they went to the rookery, Darrik outlined his history with Mallister. "Before then, I was studying at the Citadel. I came to the Seven Kingdoms with a senior Maester, from Pentos. Only a lad then."

They arrived at the rookery, and Darrik began writing out another message. He indicated a desk with a map on it. "A reference map of mine. Look as you wish."

He finished the message and sent it while Rorx was looking.

Click to reveal..

Message to the King in King's Landing:

DC 15

1d20 + Cha Mod 2 + Handle Animal 5 + Ravens Special 1

Taking 10

Total: 18

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Darrik considered Rorx in turn. "Only to a small degree, mostly in Logistics and an amount of Grand Strategy." He paused, remembering a remark by Lord Mallister during the earlier meeting.

"Also, a fair deal of the land south we control, making spread patrols rather inefficient and risky, as you have seen for yourself." A worried sigh came from Darrik. "If only we had some contact from Riverrun. I've sent to House Tully, long before this particular turn of events started."

Immediately, he started scrawling another message. "Damn if we clear out the rookery, but I'm sending another one." he growled. "Also Rorx, would you think it worth sending a force to Riverrun, to clear up what's going on?"

Click to reveal..

Message to Riverrun

DC 15

1d20 + Cha Mod 2 + Handle Animal 5 + Ravens Special 1

Taking 10

Total: 18

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"I've heard of House Tully and the fortress of Riverrun, and from what I've heard I would not expect them to let the Ironmen have free reign over the area. On the other hand the Ironmen would have to be staging a massive effort if they were to threaten Riverrun itself. Perhaps as you say it is time for a man rather than a bird to take word and to see to their responce."

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At dinner most in the hall were solemn. Word had gotten around about the Iron Men in the river lands. The lords Mallister and Hornwood were not present. Lord Mallister's son was also absent from the meal. Most likely the three were eating in the solar. After dinner Darrik and Rorx walked up the stairs to the room. When they arrived Lord Mallister stood at the table waiting with a white cloth over the table. The cloth covered several objects of a similar size.

"Close the door." Lord Hornwood ushered the two of them completely in to the room and closed the door. "I do not know who I can trust with this information. However I doubt the northmen were involved in this so I have included Lord Hornwood in my council." He pulled the cloth off the table to reveal several ravens. Each of them were marked to show they had been trained by the citadel. "If the Iron Men are close enough to be taking out ravens we have not found them. That can only mean someone here is intercepting our messages."

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What? But, inconceivable! Darrik stopped short, giving off the full impression of one stabbed through the stomach with a sword. After a couple moments to regain his breath, he asked the obvious question.

"But... why? Who here would benefit from sabotaging us? What could someone gain by helping the Iron Men?"

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"The Iron Men are not the types to offer rewards to traitors. They have that much honor. However I do not see how else to explain these." Lord Mallister waved his hand over the dead birds. "I can see only one possible solution left. Lord Tully must be warned about this and right now there is only one person I can trust to deliver the message, that is you Maester. Lord Hornwood has agreed to escort you to Riverrun. At Riverrun you should be able to get ravens out to warn Winterfell and King's Landing about what is going on."

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Rorx nods solemnly at the news of the sabotage, "Your counsel on the road will be welcome Maester Darrik. I would be glad to know more about the land we travel through. If they seek to ambush us, then they will meet with as little success as the first group we encountered"

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