Saiden Scarlet

Saiden Scarlet is the son of Elena, and Alexandros Scarlet, and thus a member of House Scarlet. Saiden has two siblings in Renault, and Darion Scarlet, of which Renault is a high ranking member of House Scarlet and runs the Castle Scarlet region near Westbridge, while Darion Scarlet is the head of the House Scarlet forces since their father is no longer able to take to the field due to his declining health in his old age. Saiden is married to Jessica Scarlet with whome he has two children in the form of Taimen, and Urmen Scarlet of which Taimen has entered the House Scarlet forces and stands along his father in the Lorderon region, while his young son is administrative in mindset and assists Alexandros in running Hearthglen.

Saiden as a young boy would spend time at the Lucernian Academy where he took classes alongside other important nobles such as Jamie Lannister, Brandon Starke, and Darius Crowley. During this time he became a rival of Jamie Lannister of whom he saw as extremely arrogant and unfit for the position he was eventually going to inherit. He would travel briefly to Lahmia where he would spend nearly a year training with a sword master there in the art of the water dancing style of sword fighting. Returning to Lucerne as a much improved fighter he spent many years honing his craft, and expanding his reputation through competing in tournaments. Saiden Scarlet first made his name known when he took part in the War against Gondor, and got high praise from Robb Starke. He took this praise and took his training into high gear, so much so that he won the sword fighting category in the tournament of Lucerne in 87 A.D. Following this victory he was inducted into the Order of the Red Dragon, and has risen to the rank of second stage Dragon Knight. Taking part in the Invasion of Westbridge along with much of Lucerne he led the Scarlet House second brigade to a large victory against the escaping members of House Malfoy when they were able to capture several of them before they escaped forever. Following this he was assigned with his second brigade to Lorderon where he sits near border bridge and prepares for what many believe is the invevitable conflict with Bolten. When the Scarlet`s are contacted by the leadership of House Cole he woul lead the talks that eventually lead to his son marrying the eldest daughter of House Cole in Kristen Cole, and the alliance of the Coles with the Kingdom of Lucerne. With Mordor incoming to attack the lands of western Bolten House Scarlet led by Saiden Scarlet would cross the border and join with the forces of House Cole in moving south towards Hayford and where everyone believed the main attack would be launched.

Early History
Saiden Scarlet was born in Stormwind along with the rest of his house, and while young he was sent to the Lucerne Academy, and it was here where he would get his first taste of sword skill. During the duels they did regulary he was paired with Jamie Lannister, and the Lannister basically tore up one side him and down the other. This embaressed Saiden to no end, and made him want to be better and better. He became slowly better and better at fighting and on his 17th birthday he challenged Jamie Lannister to a rematch, and this time he was able to hold his own with Jamie who was known throughout as a beyong skilled swordsman.

War with Gondor
Main Article : Stormwind War with Gondor

Saiden Scarlet first made his name known when he took part in the War against Gondor, and got high praise from Robb Starke. While the forces of House Scarlet, and House Lannister were the largest forces in the region their was a sizable force of House Scarlet taking part in the conflict due to the perceived belief by Bill Lovie that House Scarlet was the most loyal of his houses. Saiden was given the command of a brigade of troops and he used this brigade to besiege and capture the village of Buerdun which was defended by some two hundred Gondor soldiers and a simplistic castle.

Tournament in 87 A.D.
He took this praise and took his training into high gear, so much so that he won the sword fighting category in the tournament of Lucerne in 87 A.D. The tournament was the first tournament celebrating the ascension of Andrew Lovie to the position of King of Lucerne and as such it was a magnificent event attended by all the most powerful fighters in the realm. Everyone knew that the event was more about showcasing talent then it was about the show, so the men involved knew that victory or at least showcasing their skill would give them a huge opportunity in this new era.

Order of the Red Dragon
Main Article : Order of the Red Dragon



Battle of Berne
See Also : Ezio Ederiz


 * "There were two option when it came to Ezio Ederiz. Option one was that he was a trap. Sean had sent him to make us believe him and we would be caught in a trap of his making. Option two was that he was telling the truth. If this was correct then we couldn't just ignore him, but the real question was how would we ever know until it was too late to turn back."


 * -William Lovie III.

Ezio enclosed in the message the entirety that he knew about the defences of Berne, and a message that the city was ready to be joined with William. He had hoped that if he gave as much information that Andrew would still attack even if he didn't believe Ezio, but he also understood the distinct possiblity that William wouldn't believe him and would just continue to siege the city. Ezio waited at the tower for some time alongside the rebels that he had gained control of, and waited patiently for a response. He got his anwser when a Lucernian messenger approached the tower, and sent a letter up to Ezio. In the letter Andrew told Ezio that he needed to come down from the tower so that they could discuss this, and that no harm would come to him if he did this. For all Ezio knew Andrew was his fathers son and thus suffering from the same madness as his brother, but he knew he had to do something so he trusted the devil he didn't know over the mad man that he did. Ezio gave command of the tower over to his top man in the form of Martin Arryn of whom had snuck his way into the tower and convinsed the men to join the rebellion.


 * ORDER_OF_THE_Golden_Dragon.jpg"I felt fear being pulled alongside those golden armored men. This whole thing just reminded me why I didn't get personally involved in these political matters. As I regretted my decision to put myself in this kind of danger I remembered the brave look in Amber's eyes as she surrendered herself to save her child. If she could have that kind of strength then I could, and would do everything in my power to save her."


 * -Ezio Ederiz

When Ezio got to the bottom of the tower he was grabbed by some five men all clad in golden armor, and these men escorted him to the Lucernians camp. One of the men idetified himself as James Junnsworth and told Ezio that if he planned to harm the kind he would be doing it over all of their bodies. When he arrived at the camp he immediatly knew which one Andrew was when he saw the golden haired boy walking up to him in his magnificant armor. Restrained by the men around him he saw how little he was trusted by the arranged forces, but he wasn't bitter as he could understand their fear. He spoke as best he could and told Andrew of what was happening inside the fortress, and that every day they delayed the citizens inside were being killed in ever increasing numbers. As the conversation continued Ezio accompanied Andrew inside his tent with Jasper and then spoke openly of the murder of Allison, the rapes, and for Andrew the most horrifying news that Amber Heard was captured and now held in a cage beside Sean's throne.



Infiltrating the tower

 * "For whatever it was worth I believed him. I looked in his eyes and it told me that he was being truthful. In this world you really have to trust your gut, and my gut was telling me to go all in on this."


 * -William Lovie III.

With Ezio done telling him what was happening William told him he needed some time to think and that while he trusted him, he needed to plan on the best way forward. Ezio told him that he had control of the first tower, and thus he could get some of Andrew's men inside that tower if that would make him feel better about the whole thing. Andrew liked this plan, and it was then that he asked whether or not Hanna Arryn, and her sister Aria were safe inside the city, and Ezio told him that House Arryn was now in hiding in the city outside of Byron Arryn who was being forced to sit and watch Allison's body be violated by Sean Lovie. Andrew was thankful that Hanna was fine, and because of this he told Ezio that he would have his anwser in an hour. With that Andrew called in his commanders and they discussed their options about how to move forward. After talking for some time it became clear that they needed to gather more troops, and especially Andrew wanted to have some of his up and coming leadership involved so that they would feel important to him. He planned to travel to Forks where he would meet with these leaders and make them aware of their involvement and then they would launch the attack. He got Ezio back in the tent, and he told him that he needed to allow his men to take control of the first tower, and that this would amount to his test of loyalty. Ezio agreed without hesitation and left with Jasper to make the arrangements.



Meeting in Forks
"It took days to travel to Forks, and days to travel back to Berne, and thus it's hard for me not to wonder what might have been had we of just moved against the fortress with just House Lovie's forces. Atleast I got to see Bella, and it was in the comfort that she offered me that I knew exactly why she was the one for me."

-William Lovie III. After talking to Ezio and having silently infiltrated the first tower with his help Andrew accepted that this was the only plan that had any quick hope of success. In order to do this he needed the most elite force he could get, so he begin calling his banner houses in, as well as commanding several houses travel to Forks to meet him. All the houses that had been called clearly had to send representitives but when they arrived this mission clearly could be seen as a silent attack that didn't require huge numbers. House Clegane, House Swan, House Scarlet, and House Lovie were the houses that would be leading the attack along with leadership from many other houses in Lucerne. As Andrew waited for Bella to arrive so that he could see her, he spent many hours talking with the leadership of the houses that were going to be involved of which included Hedrik Clegane of whom he wanted to one day be a very important figure in the Kingdom of Lucerne. In his talk with Hedrik Clegane he and Hedrik discussed how Andrew was trusting heavily in this traitor of the True Sons of Lucerne, and also discussed how his older lover Amber Heard had been captured likely as a last minute threat to William in order to make him turn back. It was late when Bella arrived in Forks, accompanied by Emmett and when they did he said his quick hellos to Emmett for he and Bella made their way to stay in room in the House Swan estate of which he was technically a member of House Swan. After being together romantically he talked openly about how scared he was of seeing Sean there, and also he feared that he was going to be made to make a choice in that final room between killing Sean and keeping his old friend Amber alive. Bella already knew of the old relationship between the two, as Alice had told her of this long ago, and because of this she undertood that he cared for this girl, but he loved her. Bella tried to make him feel better about it, but there really wasn't much you could say to that horrible of a situation so she just held him while he went through it all with her. The next day he had to leave, and he said his goodbye to Bella before travelling with the main force back to Berne where upon his arrival the Lucerne Civil War would end one way or another.

Sneaking Inside
When William Lovie arrived back at Berne flanked by the forces of House Swan, Scarlet, Clegane, and many of their vassals he entered the command tent and prepared alongside his commanders the method by which they would do this. Ezio told them that the only real way into the valley of Berne was to take control of the towers defending the passes, and this was possible since they controlled the first tower. From the first tower they would attack the second tower, and then the third, and fourth control towers which would allow them to bring the entire army into the Valley where the defenders would be unprepared for their entry. Once this was achieved they must take control of the fifth tower which was inside the City of Berne itself and was connected through a long tunnel which could be locked from the inside meaning if they failed to take it before they were noticed it would be shut and they would have to attack the main walls. With this plan in place William Lovie would send the forces of House Scarlet led by Darion, and Saiden Scarlet to enter the First Tower where they would push their full forces and they alone would be responsible for working alongside the rebels in order to take control of the towers. They would be assisted by the Order of the Golden Dragon of whom was forced to follow William Lovie of whom was going to assist here alongside Edward Cullen and several members of the Order of the Blue Dragon, as well Hedrik Clegane would convinse Andrew to let him join the forces attacking the towers.



Battle of Berne
Main Article : Battle of Berne


 * "The Towers all held so many moments where everything could have gone terribly wrong. It was by the shere luck of the dragon that we were able to sucede as easily as we did."


 * -Saiden Scarlet

With the main force now preparing to enter the first pass into Berne they only needed to see the responce from the second tower to know when to move in, and they would get that call the first night as they would be signaled by a flag hanging from the wall set out by the tower forces. The Tower forces would wait until night, and that night as they moved forward the few gaurds meant to make sure such infiltration of the towers were not possible were rebels and thus they allowed the tower forces to infiltrate the towers, and within they found the mercenary forces of Sean Lovie in the form of the Stormblown. The fight for the tower was swift as with most of their forces asleep the few on sentry duty found themselves being attacked by a huge number of troops flooding into the tower. As the Stormblown moved to raise the alarm they found the alarm room locked, and when they finally broke inside they found inside several rebels of whom killed the Stormblown that tried to enter the room. With the tower taken Hedrik Clegane III. would raise the flag thus giving the main force the safe call to enter the first pass. At the third tower they would basically be allowed in as the rebels had taken complete control over this tower, and the few members of the Stormblown that were present inside the tower were barely able to get out of their beds before they were killed by the vengeful rebels and the incoming Lucernians.


 * Oskar_Kinner.jpg"I watched each flag go up and each time a piece of me felt better as I knew my king was safe for yet another moment. It was his bravery that made people love him, but in these moments his braveary was horrifying for those of us who were forced to watch from afar."


 * -Joshua Jackson

The fourth tower was the true test of the attack as while it was held by the forces of House Krinner who was a member of the rebellion the tower held the largest contingent of the Stormblown outside of the city itself. As the Lucernians made their way into the tunnels approaching the fourth tower they were spotted by a Stormblown soldier of whom alerted the rest of the force to a betrayal, and with this becoming clear the forces of House Krinner would assemble under the command of Danzal, and Benjamin Krinner of whom defended the tunnel route heading towards the fifth tower so that none of the Stormblown could warn their comrades, and inside the tower House Krinner under the command of Oskar Kinner the defenders would block the gate into the alarm room thus preventing for a time the forces of the Stormblown from gaining entry to the alarm. A fierce battle would commense between the defenders in House Krinner and the Stormblown. As the forces of Lucerne attempted to enter the fight they were forced to attack through defended barriers quickly set up by the forces of the Stormblown in order to resist the attackers. During the fighting here Davion Scarlet would become famous for defeating the Stormblown second in command in single combat after they entered the last room of the tower and it was held by the Stormblown second in command. With his death the rest of the Stormblown slowly surrendered, and with that the flag was raised and the main army understood that the way into the valley was clear.

The Fifth Tower



 * "The Sound of that horn going off could have meant the masacre of our entire force. It could have meant the deaths of thousands but the bravery of the three Arryn brothers. They could have stayed hidden and not risked death but instead they did what was right and resisted a tyrant and they saved thousands. History may say that I won that day but I know the truth of who was responsible for our victory."


 * -William Lovie III.

As the main army moved into the valley silently in the darkness of the night the tower forces moved into the tunnels approaching the fifth and final tower. Ezio had told them that they had to get to the other end without being stopped or elce the way would be blocked and there would be no way in except a truly visious fight for the valley. As they entered the tunnel and were only two minutes away everyone including the main force heard a massive horn go off, and the rebels told William that someone had set off one of the alarms of the towers. With this all sence of stealth went out the window and the tower force charged into the tunnel in the hopes of reaching the gate controls before it was shut. As they ran down the tunnel they watched as the masive porticul gate was slowly shutting, and then suddenly as they were getting closer it slowed and then stopped and they could hear the cries of battle at the other side, and as they reached it they entered a brutal battle between members of House Arryn and the Stormblown who were trying to shut the gate. With the entry of the Lucernians the battle went away from them, but the Stormblown surivors were able to retreat in good form and make their way towards the Berne Keep where they would blow the alarm horn again and the Stormblown throughout Berne would retreat to the keep alongside those still loyal to Sean Lovie. With the stormblown in full retreat the defenders that were on the wall moved completely into the rebellion allowing the main force to enter through the front gate, as the rebels opened the gate letting them inside. The rebels, and the tower forces would move throughout the city, and kill or capture anyone still flying the colors of the Stormblown and as well as this making sure that everyone knew that the city was Lucernian again and they had nothing to fear.

Game of Rivers
Main Article : Lucerne control of the Riverlands



The Kingdom of Lucerne following the capture of Berne, and the internal reorganization under William begin to heavily target the Riverlands for their next conquest. The region south of the Riverlands called Fairmarket was the first problem in the way as without control of Fairmarket then the threat of a land based offensive was going to be moot. Fairmarket was not very heavily populated but had two main population centers in the form of the large city of Fairmarket, and the western stronghold of Whellia. With this in mind the forces of House Starke, House Lannister, and House Scarlet would mobilize against Fairmarket. Representitives of the Kingdom of Lucerne were sent into Fairmarket, and the capital of the same name, and these diplomats were either killed outright or tortered and sent back nearly dead. Only in the west where House Wilde was dominent would the sent diplomats return safely. In the case of House Wilde when it seemed that conflict was coming they would send one of their members in the form of Andrik Wilde of whom would enter Fairmarket with the command to wait there with fifty men in case the defence failed. With diplomacy having failed the Invasion of Fairmarket was launched, by the combined forces of Lucerne of whom moved in three different spots against the defence of Fairmarket.

Invasion of Fairmarket


The leadership of Fairmarket was led by House Jennet of whom deployed their forces alongside nearly twenty thousand mercenaries hired from the Riverlands. While unreliable they gave them significant numbers and made a once easy invasion more of a problem. Eddard, Robb, and Brendan Starke led the forces of House Starke into the center of the attack. In the west Saiden, Darion, and other Scarlets led the attack but found that the forces of House Wilde and their vassals were reluctant to engage in actual conflict and were doing more retreating then anything elce. In the east the mercenarie forces of Fairmarket were joined by a small army sent from the Island of Frey of which were called freedom fighters but were sent by the Freys as an insult.

Watching the coast disappear, and the vast city of Riverrun appear on the horizon I was shocked at its scope. The port itself ran for miles, and the port was guarded by two large castles on both edges, and in the distinct center was a massive tower the size of which I hadn`t seen since I saw the Cloud Tower back in Lucerne. Eddard approached from behind me, and I felt his hand go to my shoulder. ``Its quite the sight isn`t it Saiden.`` I looked still at Riverrun as he spoke, and the tide of Blue Flags carrying the Tully Fish were so many that it made the city appear blue.

``Were you as intimated the first time you were, or is it just me.``

``When I came here to marry Catelyn I was beyond scared.`` He walked away and towards the mast, and I followed in behind him. ``'''Back then the tower you see in the center was nothing but a wall, and now look at it. Its funny the way things change.'''`` He stared out into the port, and behind us I looked and saw the form of my squire, and other nobles coming from beneath. My family vassals in Sigmund Mien, and Tirrion Fraizen came into sight and Tirrion gave me a bow as he caught glimpse of me looking. I laughed at the gesture of Tirrion who through his mother was my blood relative and was older then me, and yet he still managed to be beyond loyal.

``Will Lady Catelyn be meeting us on the deck alone.``

``I would assume her brother Edmund will meet as well, along with any of the Lords that are in the city.`` He turned towards me and rested his hand on my shoulder. ``'''Never forget that you and I are Lords of Lands larger and more powerful then these Riverlords. While you may be intimidated by the larger port and the castles, never forget that they know what we represent. We represent a threat that their ships, and their trade cannot hope to resist.'''`` The boat finally reached the dock, and men poured themselves onto the side throwing ropes to the dock hands, and letting us go ashore.

Following behind Eddard he was enveloped in an intimate hug by his wife Catelyn, and looking at the two I couldn`t help but be envious of that kind of love. I had married Jessica when I was very young and she was already past her bloom. She was a beautiful women I would never say otherwise, but her beauty hid an anger and pettiness that was entirely unbecoming. For years I tried to love her, but despite her good and loyal work for me she was still nothing I cared for truly. Not the way Eddard loved his cat. Not the way William loved Bella. It was just so much lesser then what it should be. ``Lord Saiden shall you accompany us.`` It was a question but the man saying it said it with a hint of laughter and I realized I must have looked ridiculous lost in thought standing on the edge of the boat. I turned and bid my squire Fredick Clegane II. to bring my sword shield and I followed behind Eddard.

As we walked I looked into the bay and watched the ship of Jack Shephard, and the representatives of House Lovie  that had been sent to further the talks. We all knew that with Riverrun so went the entire Riverlands, and other then some hot spots the talks were going extremely well especially with the constant threat of the large Lannister and Starke combining with my houses forces. ``Fredrick have you ever seen ships this big.`` The young boy looked around and he was so awe struck it made me laugh.

``No my Lord I havn`t.``

``Well lets get moving, and perhaps we can find a pretty Brannish girl for you to marry while were here.`` It saddened me that this honorable young man was so mistreated by his father. Apparently his father had spent years working at a betrothal for his younger son, while letting poor Fredick the second of his name sit idle training with the Clegane forces. As he followed closely behind me I wondered whether there was some kind of silent failing in the father that had led to that kind of neglect, but the evidence was so widespread maybe loving your child unconditionally was the rarer act.

Before I knew it we reached the base of the tower, and a giant tent was arrayed where Eddard, his wife and her brother the lord of Rivverun had gathered around a table. A skinny man in purple armor with a intricate beard approached me from the side, and clasped his hand on my shoulder. ``Lord Scarlet I bid you welcome to our beloved Riverlands.`` As he stared at me it dawned in his face that I had no idea who he was, and he laughed. ``I`m sorry my Lord where are my manners.`` He dusted his hands on his jacket before outstretching his hand for me to shake. ``'''I am Bryndan Blackwood son of Lord Tytos Blackwood of the Raventree. I am very glad to see your people today, as it is long due that Lucerne and Riverlands be joined together. In the coming days know that I am willing and greatly hopeful to help you with everything your people may need.`` '''Going back to the notes my Maester had given me on the boat, I remembered back to the Blackwood`s and realized the company I was with.

Byrdan Blackwood was the heir to the seasoned but not elderly Tytos Blackwood, and despite being the third oldest was the heir. Apparently some kind of mishap had broken faith in the oldest boy, and since then Bryndan had become the voice of House Blackwood. Maester Seryn told me that the Blackwood`s would be beyond important to us, and thus without another moment pause I reached and shook his hand. ``Lord Bryndan I believe Raventree has a lot to gain from our friendship.``

Invasion of Westbridge
Main Article : Invasion of Westbridge

Taking part in the Invasion of Westbridge along with much of Lucerne he led the Scarlet House second brigade to a large victory against the escaping members of House Malfoy when they were able to capture several of them before they escaped forever. While Saiden and his brigade had went in the front bridge of Westbridge and thus were heavily involved in the fighting it was their quick movement during the battle that gained them the fame that they would get. Once they crossed the bridge, and Saiden understood that the battle was done he ordered his men to follow him on some boats that they found and they quickly made their way across the river where they reached the other coastline and then massed near the estates in the north, and they mowed down dozens of House Malfoy members as they attempted to escape the falling city.

Lorderon
Main Article : Lorderon

House Cole turns away

 * Kristen_Cole_Maybe.jpg"I sat in that meeting and watched as the words of that madman Ramsey Bolten were echoed in Roose. Speaking to him afterwards I got the impression that he was no longer willing to deny his young bastard, and despite my honest chritisims he would not budge. It was in that moment I knew I couldn't watch as my family was destroyed because of the decisions of madmen. It was in that moment I turned my back on the fools in Dreadfort and charted my own path."


 * -Josh Cole

As the war in Bolten rose to prominence it was Josh Cole that saw the error of conflict with Lucerne, and when Roose commanded all the banners to send their forces to Karhold for the attack on the west, it Josh that begin to bring the elements of House Cole back to Deephome where he begin to plan for what he wanted to do in this new Ramsey Bolten dominated Kingdom of Bolten. He begin sending messengers to Lorderon and would communicate that he was interested in discussing a meeting of the minds, which he wanted to happen on the river border of the two kingdoms. House Scarlet, and House Menathil would arrange the meeting, and would send a few men to join Diane in her hopeful diplomatic mission with Josh Cole. Diane Portmane would go about meeting Josh Cole on a barge in the river bordering the two kingdoms she would arrange the deal that gave House Cole the future control of a huge tract of land south of Lorderon and a position as Noble House within the Kingdom of Lucerne. Josh Cole would be impressed with the generocity they showed him, and in return for this he promiced that when the time came he would turn his forces against Bolten and allow the Lucernians to cross the bridge in peace. He would also demand that his daughter Kristen Cole would be married off, and he was offered Taimen Scarlet as the choice and learning how high up Taimen was in House Scarlet he was beyond happy to accept the offer. As the army of Bolten marched on Jeutenburg it was Josh Cole that lied and said that the forces of House Scarlet were threatening and he couldn't pull his forces back. Following this act of good faith Taimen and Kristen Cole would be married in the Temple of Lorderon thus sealing the arrangement between House Cole and the Kingdom of Lucerne.

I don`t know how long I was sitting in that room on the boat, but by the time the Cole`s finally made their way into the room I had watched the day turn to darkness. Walking into the meeting I had heard of the the looks of this Cole Lord, and knew instantly from the scar on his face that the taller man was Josh Cole lord of the Coles. Accompanying him were three others of which only one I recegnized from reports, and that was the one directly behind him of whom I knew to be his vassal Baryn Shelt. I had heard rumors of the anger and jelousy that had been shown by Baryn Shelt whenever his liege lord was insulted, and for that alone I was suprised by his arrival.

``Well Lord Scarlet we are here, and prepared to discuss the issues at hand.`` I knew Lord Cole was a proud man, but for him to enter the room as if he was just damn important that we were wasting his time was quite annoying. The man had sent us letters begging us in careful words to take his people in and protect us, and perhaps that made him ashamed of his current weakened position.

``My King William third of his name has sent new offers for this meeting, and I`m sure a man of your understanding will see the judgement of a union of your houses and the Kingdom of Lucerne.`` Not much had changed in the new offers. More land was given to them, including some important port space in the west, but in terms of the real stuff it was more about the willingness to not force House Cole to intervene militarily unless completely neccessary that was going to excite this cowardly lord.

``Your King has become known for his rewards for those who please him, but my conserns lie with those he has destroyed when they misplease him.`` Many on our side of the table flinched openely at the insult to a king that not only I had great respect for. He had done so much for us in such a short time, and to hear someone besmirtch him nearly caused Tirion Fraizen to leap from his chair. Before anything could come of the comment I raised my hand to silence everyone before speaking.

``My King has only destroyed those that did not see the wisdom in joining with the winning side.`` I looked at the smug look on Lord Cole`s face and just wanted to reach across the table and smash him with my fist. Knowing that was going to somewhat derail the alliance talk I paused myself watching for a reaction, but Lord Cole didn`t respond he just begin speaking silently with the man to his left that I didn`t know. ``Judging from your history you shall surely see the wisdom of surviving.`` Baryn Shelt was off his chair before I had even finished speaking, and I knew I shouldn`t have gone that far, but the arrogance of this man to make us plead with him to join was infuriating.

``What do you suggest about my lords character.`` Laiden Rivers got up from my side and I saw the hint of movement towards his sword, and hoped to god sence would win out amongst the fools in this room. Knowing I had to calm the situation down, I spoke in the calmest tone I could possibly muster.

``Of course we mean no offence, but it is clear to everyone who is paying attention that the Boltens cannot win a conflict against Lucerne.`` Switching the insults to the Boltens seemed to alieve the persieved slight on his Lords honor and thus Baryn Shelt sat himself down once again.

``This may be correct but what promices do we have that your Kingdom will hold our current positions in regards to the future.`` I pushed the alliance papers to the side of the table indicating it would outline all of the anwsers he sought.

``My King has outlined the result of what your alliance with us will mean for your people.`` Without a second thought Baryn Shelt rose from the table and retreieved the alliance papers from William and brought them back to his Lord. Josh looked at the papers for some time and it was clear to me that he would see them fairly. A positon of Arch Duke within the hypothetical province of Westros. His loyal vassals all expanding to Grand Lords, and most importantly was the fact that not a single inch of his land was lost due to his alliance with us.

`` I see here that King William is willing to agree to marriage contracts as well.`` This was obviously something he had been thinking on as it was a small point on one of the lines near the bottom.

``He is willing to listen to our advise on these matters yes that is correct.`` Leaning forward I knew I had been commanded to offer a good match, and alongside my brother Darius I had decided that my son Taimen as an offer, and if that was unsatisfactory then several of the daughters of my brother Darius would be offered instead.

``Well Lord Saiden is there any amongst your family that you would offer.`` His face had twisted from arrogance, and there was now a truly obvious look of excitement splashed across him.

``I have my son of whom is my oldest and heir to my position.`` I turned around and whispered for Laiden Rivers to leave the room and find my son. ``My commander will go and fetch my son.`` When I looked at him his eyes were shining as clearly he had not thought he was going to get such a significant offer from us.

``In return for such a proposal I would gladly offer my oldest daughter Kristen Cole.``

``I would agree to this marriage.`` I knew the first thing we had to do was make sure his daughter wasn`t an ugly duckling, or was five, but the agreement was in place now.

``Excellent news.`` He made motions for his men to raise from the table, but I did not move nor did any of our men.

``We will need you to do certain things in order for us to know that you are on our side.`` He sat himself back down followed switfly by his men.

``And what would these things be Lord Saiden.``He probably already knew exactly what he would be forced to do, but knowing the man he wanted time to digest things in his mind.

``Firstly when the Boltens command you to move south, you will send none of your forces.``

``This will be difficult especially do to the prisoners that are held by the Boltens.`` The way he said it was more like he was expecting us to get his hostages out of the Dreadfort instead of just giving a reason.

``This aspect is non negiotable but we will do our best to get your people out of Dreadfort safely.`` A look of genuine suprise came to his face as if he had no idea such a thing was even possible.

``A siege of Dreadfort is optimistic at this point don`t you think.`` As he spoke this Laiden returned throught the doors with my son Taimen in tow. Upon looking at my son this Lord Cole smiled aprovingly obviously happy that my son wasn`t a cripple or a fool.

``'''We will not need a siege quite yet. We have men prepared to free as many young ones as we can from the Bolten`s grasp.'''``

``You have a man in the Dreadfort.`` He looked impressed as he said it, clearly understanding how difficult infiltrating the Dreadfort was.

``We do.``

Fredrick Clegane II.
See Also : Fredrick Clegane II.

Squired for him

Jasper Hale
See Also : Jasper Hale