Bounds of Ambition 5

<Ambition_GM> The year is 276 after Aegon's Conquest...
<Ambitious_GM> Lord Tywin enters the Argent Keep, intent on intercepting Ser Kevan at the Maester's tower.
* Averden hobbles in not long after his liege, cautiously minding his distance.
<Ambitious_GM> Shortly after ascending the Maester's tower, Tywin returns, Ser Kevan close behind.
<Ambitious_GM> He comes to a stop before Averden. "It's time we spoke, Gavel."
<Averden> "Of course, my Lord." Averden nods, deeply. He gives a look to the Black Watchmen with him, and the lord of Casterly Rock, alone.
<Ambitious_GM> Tywin enters the main hall as Ser Kevan approaches Lord Hosgavel.
<Ambitious_GM> "Lord Hosgavel, please clear the hall."
<Ambitious_GM> Hosgavel servants look to their lord.
<Ambitious_GM> Lady Marsilla enters the hall at this juncture, some confusion on her face.
<Kastlan> "Of course, my Lord." Kastlan proceeds to clear the hall of any remaining subjects and soldiers. He puts his arm around Marsilla trying to comfort her and leads her out.
* Averden watches in silence.
<Ambitious_GM> "Not you," Tywin demands from across the Hall.
<Ambitious_GM> "Who else is privy to your problem with these brigands," he emphasizes the last word almost mockingly.
* Kastlan stops short of the door. Takes a breath, and turns to face Tywin Lannister, Kevan and his cousin. He briskly walks back.
<Kastlan> "... My Lord, I, like you, don't believe they are mere "brigands."
<Averden> "Just us, my liege," says Averden. "None else know the matter of it. I have been careful in holding my thoughts to heart til I may have more information -- though I do have some conclusions."
<Ambitious_GM> "Indeed?" Tywin asks taking a seat.
<Averden> "Just so. Not a fortnight past, I sent men here on the understanding that these brigands have been roosting in the Durain, a spot of wood between Hosgavel's land and that of the Dulvers. One of these outlaws was caught in my woods, and he confessed the lot were holed up on that border. My understanding is that when Kastlan went to scour them on my instructions, he found a small army of them."
<Ambitious_GM> Lord Tywin and his brother exchange a glance at this.
<Ambitious_GM> "How many?"
<Averden> "Kastlan reports they fought a good two hundred of them. They call themselves the 'Stone Band,' but I cannot recall the last time I saw such a band."
<Ambitious_GM> "Brigands," Tywin repeats, his piercing eyes on Averden.
* Averden clicks his cane against the stonework. "My Liege, I cannot see how men of that count might sustain themselves, in the woods of all places, without aid. I have had my suspicions for a time, but I am increasingly of the mind that Dulver is abetting them."
<Ambitious_GM> Tywin grunts at the accusation.
<Averden> "Our longest standing grievances with Harald are by now known to you, but I do not level this claim lightly."
<Ambitious_GM> "I will not," he slams his fist on the table, "have the squabbles of my banners interfere with business concerning the realm!"
* Averden does not flinch.
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "My Lord, if I may interject. These "brigands" were in my demesne, and in turn, your demesne as well. An all out calamity is not what we want. I know we should have told you of this sooner and sought your council. This I will take responsibility for. I'm the one who dispatched them."
<Ambitious_GM> "In one moon's time, Hosgavel, Lannisport will be host to the nobility of the Seven Kingdoms. You, your kin, and that fool Dulver will be held personally responsible for eventualities in the lands you hold in my name."
<Ambitious_GM> He pauses.
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "Understood, my Lord."
<Ambitious_GM> Ser Kevan looks at his brother, seeking permission before speaking up.
* Kastlan_Hosgavel Clearly disappointed, but holding posture and presence.
<Averden> "A parcel? If I may, Ser -- was it from Market Town, down the Tumblestones?"
Ambitious_GM> "When rode East in--" Kevan and Tywin lock glances again.
<Ambitious_GM> "You will tell me all you know, Gavel."
<Averden> "A woman was rescued from these brigands in the woods. She is still here, in fact: Lady Eva Stone, daughter of Mayor Esra."
<Averden> "She said she was bringing goods to Lannisport. I spoke with her not long before you arrived."
<Ambitious_GM> Tywin gives an affirming nod to his brother across the table.
<Ambitious_GM> "Your brigands," Tywin rises from his seat, "tell me of their fate."
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "Most perished in the skirmish. We have about a dozen being put to work in the mines."
<Averden> "Kastlan took many of them captive, and they have been put to work in the mines nearby. However, their commanders were also brought in. I am told they were well-equipped. I was just about to send for them to be brought from the quarry, actually, as I wanted to see them for myself."
<Ambitious_GM> "Kevan will have a word with your guest before we part at dawn-break. You will get to the bottom of this, and ensure no eventualities occur by Tourney's time. The leaders of these brigands are not to be killed.
<Averden> "Of course, my Lord. You have my word on all counts."
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "She's in one of our guest chambers."
<Ambitious_GM> "And Averden, I will hear no more of your quarrels with the Dulvers."
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "My Lord."
<Averden> "You will not," says Averden Gavel, bowing his head.
<Ambitious_GM> "I require a work-space. In private," Tywin demands of Kastlan.
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "Consider it done. You can use my maester's tower, or one of our guest chambers."
<Ambitious_GM> "Proximity to the Maester will serve me well," he nods.
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "Right this way, my Lord." Kastlan guides Tywin out of the Hall and up to the tower.
<Ambitious_GM> The Lord of Casterly Rock ascends the tower once more, with little intention to reintegrate to the rest of the Argent Keep's guests.
<Vararro> Meanwhile at the Red Masons camp Vararro prepares himself to head back towards the keep. Not only to find out what is going on but to inquire about the maps that haven't arrived yet.
<Ambitious_GM> There is some tension in the air as the Lannister men appear visibly on edge.
* Averden takes a deep breath. He nods to Kevan, and heads for the entryway.
* Vararro enters the courtyard of the keep and heads for the main entryway, intent on making his way to the Maester.
<Ambitious_GM> Lady Marsilla enters the main Hall, satisfied that business is concluded. She allows the servants to resume their duties within, when she spots Vararro.
<Ambitious_GM> "Please come in, Ser. The hall is available for our guests once more," she smiles pleasantly at the Braavosi.
* Vararro stops and offers a polite bow. "It is appreciated my Lady, not to trouble you but do you know if your Maester is available? We were due a conversation."
<Ambitious_GM> "I believe he is at work in his tower, ser, aiding Lord Tywin," she nods.
<Vararro> "Lord Tywin...ah yes an important Lord above lord Gavel. Thank you milady." Vararro offers another Braavosi bow and begins to set off in search of Maester Kaladin.
* Maester_Kaladin strides towards the Main Hall.
<Vararro> Entering the Main Hall Vararro sees Maester Kaladin enter and waves him over. "Maester Kaladin."
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<Ambitious_GM> Master-at-arms Ryllan approaches Kaspar, some twenty men in tow. "Lord Hosgavel's compliments, smith. Able bodies ready to work. What is it you require?"
<Kaspar> "I need people to gather the wood and metal. The wood will need to worked in a pole for the lancers. Me and my apprentice will handle the rest, Ryllan."
<Ambitious_GM> "We will need axes," Ryllan replies.
<Kaspar> "I think have five axes I can spare."
<Ambitious_GM> Ryllan nods. "They will do. Go on, lads."
<Ambitious_GM> Ryllan's men take the axes and follow him out of the courtyard.
<Kaspar> "Thank you, Ryllan. You have no idea how much I am indebted to you."
* Kaspar and Mose begin the prep work for the lancers.
* Ser_Hoster walks over to the forge to inquire about my gauntlet
<Ambitious_GM> A band of woodsmen haul material over to the forge while another troop chops away, forming the lance poles as the smith works away at the forge.
<Ambitious_GM> Erik, the smith's apprentice looks up to find Ser Hoster approaching.
<Kaspar> "Alright, lad. Lad?" looks over at Mose.
<Ser_Hoster> "Greetings lad, I wanted to check up on that gauntlet. I look foolish wearing just one."
* Kastlan_Hosgavel has quit (Ping timeout)
<Ambitious_GM> The boy pauses his work sanding down one of the poles, "Aye, ser. You'll like our progress!"
<Kaspar> "Progress was going fine then that's a bit of a... problem." He continues working and stopping only when he needs to.
<Ser_Hoster> "Ha! if Kaspar worked on it you can bet it will be better than when I got the thing!"
<Ser_Hoster> " I see. Lord Tywin's doing no doubt. Anything I can do to pitch in?"
<Ambitious_GM> He runs back to retrieve the gauntlet. When he returns, it is wrapped in a cloth. He places it down before the knight and unwraps it.
* Ser_Hoster picks up the gauntlet to inspect and try it on
<Ambitious_GM> "You'll notice the silver trim there, ser. A nice touch don't you think?"
<Ser_Hoster> "Indeed. Folks might mistake me for respectable!"
<Ambitious_GM> "No mistake, ser," the boy shakes his head.
<Kaspar> "I appreciate the offer of help, Ser Knight. I think we have this under control. Well, for now at least."
<Ambitious_GM> "Rivets too tight?" he asks, looking intently at the gauntlet in Ser Hoster's hand.
<Ser_Hoster> "Ha! Good lad. Don't let me hold up your work any longer it won't do to keep Lord Tywin waiting!"
<Kaspar> "You are a Knight, Ser. You are respectable figure to us."
<Ambitious_GM> The boy nods to his Master's assertion.
<Ser_Hoster> "Well I wouldn't be much without this armor or this axe so a skilled blacksmith is pretty respectable to me."
<Ambitious_GM> "We'll have her finished soon, ser. Isn't that right Master Kaspar?"
<Ser_Hoster> "I have no doubt of that, take care good blacksmith!"
<Kaspar> "Your words are too kind. Aye, lad. Hopefully, we will. The sooner we make all these lances, the sooner we can make the fine Ser's .gauntlet."
* Ser_Hoster walks off to see if Lord Gavel has finished his meeting
* Kaspar continues working away.
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* Vararro approaches the Maester. "I was hoping you could do me the favor of retrieving the maps I need from the Maesters Tower. I understand Maester Roland is currently there with Lord Tywin. It would be odd for me to just barge in. But a Maester, in a Maesters Tower. Not so out of place."
* Averden_Gavel steps outside, descending the steps. He spies Hoster, and waves him over.
* Ser_Hoster sees Lord Averden and walks over "My Lord, I see that your meeting is over. How can I be of assistance?"
<Maester_Kaladin> "Oh yes, of course, I do apologize for our beforehand interruption. Let us make our way now."
<Vararro> "Excellent."
<Averden_Gavel> "Hoster, my boy -- have you seen Kaladin?"
* Vararro follows Maester Kaladin towards the Maesters Tower
<Ser_Hoster> " I just came from the forge my lord and I did not see him."
* Averden_Gavel considers this for a moment. "Then, please, find Kastlan and have him pull the bandit leaders up from the mines. It's time I saw them for myself. I'll find Maester Kaladin myself."
<Ser_Hoster> "As you command my lord." Ser Hoster walks off in search of Lord Hosgavel.
* Maester_Kaladin and Vararro arrive at the Maester's tower. Kaladin knocks twice in succession on the door.
<Ambitious_GM> The calls of crows explode in intensity as the door comes open.
<Ambitious_GM> Maester Roland waves you in, before walking into an adjoining chamber.
<Maester_Kaladin> "Maester Roland, it is good to see you again. I do hope I'm not interrupting."
<Ambitious_GM> "Only just, Maester Kaladin," he calls from the room, shuffling as he searches for clean parchment.
<Maester_Kaladin> "Oh? Is something the matter?"
<Ambitious_GM> He emerges just outside the doorframe. Before he can answer, Lord Tywin calls him in. He bows courteously to you, and returns inside.
<Vararro> "So where does a Maester keep maps Maester Kaladin?"
<Maester_Kaladin> "I do believe we have a guest," Kaladin says as he emerges from the doorframe and notices Tywin Lannister. "My Lord," Kaladin says in surprise as he bows respectfully.
<Ambitious_GM> He raises a hand, pausing Roland's inquiry.
* Vararro makes a face before stepping into view and following suite with a courteous Braavosi bow.
<Vararro> "My lord."
<Ambitious_GM> "The Citadel has been generous to the Hosgavels," he observes.
<Maester_Kaladin> "My Lord, allow me to introduce myself as Maester Kaladin under Lord Gavel's retinue. As such, I am most honored to be in you presence, and happy to serve," Kaladin says as remains his bow.
<Ambitious_GM> "Lord Gavel must think highly of your counsel, Maester."
<Ambitious_GM> His gaze turns to Vararro, then back to Kaladin.
<Maester_Kaladin> "It pleases me to think as much, my Lord," Kaladin says remaining his position, eyeing Vararro.
<Ambitious_GM> Tywin sets down the document in his hand, and shifts posture on his chair.
<Ambitious_GM> His eyes narrow with impatience.
* Maester_Kaladin rises, with his head bowed."If it would not impede Maester Roland, I might ask of his services."
<Ambitious_GM> Roland looks nervously at Kaladin.
<Ambitious_GM> It is not until Tywin gives him a nod that the Maester speaks up, "Y-yes, Maester Kaladin? How may I be of assistance?"
<Maester_Kaladin> "Maester Roland, if you may recall, Vararro was seeking assistance in a manner of cartography, specifically maps surrounding the Argent Keep, I believe," Kaladin says whilst eyeing Vararro.
<Ambitious_GM> "A man willing to make the effort to see his work done," he says approvingly. "What is your name, mercenary?"
<Ambitious_GM> Roland doesn't interrupt. He nods to Kaladin, and goes to a corner of the room where the maps have been laid out.
<Vararro> "Vararro Stassiros, my Lord Tywin."
<Ambitious_GM> "Stassiros," he repeats. "Braavosi."
<Ambitious_GM> "Were you among the men who clashed with Gavel's brigands?"
<Vararro> "Yes my lord."
<Ambitious_GM> "At the Stepstones, I fought great warriors of the Free Cities. A man like yourself must have a great deal of experience in martial matters."
<Vararro> "You honor me with those words Lord Tywin. I did aspire to be the First Sword of Braavos before I left my country my lord."
<Ambitious_GM> "Tell me, mercenary. What is your assesment of the men you fought for Lord Gavel? These... brigands?"
<Vararro> "Brigands or bandits are hardly the right word for them in my mind. They were well supplied and organized. In my mind they were perhaps a local mercenary group. Or perhaps even bannermen of someone, removed from their colors of course."
<Ambitious_GM> Roland finishes gathering the requested maps, and hands them to Kaladin.
<Ambitious_GM> Tywin nods.
<Vararro> "I've also never heard of a group of brigands or bandits to congregate in such numbers. With a man of military bearing leading them no less."
<Ambitious_GM> "Perhaps Gavel was right to bring you into service. Go on. Serve your employer," he nods to the door.
<Ambitious_GM> Maester Roland approaches Lord Tywin once more, preparing quill in hand.
<Vararro> "Thank you my lord. If you also have need of my services I would be happy to oblige." Vararro turns and gathers the maps from Maester Kaladin and offers a deep bow to Lord Tywin before backing away and leaving the Maesters Tower, maps in hand.
<Ambitious_GM> Below, the main Hall is being prepared for the service of supper.
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "Marsilla, please get the last of the Arbor Gold from the wine cellar. I'll present it to our guests." Kastlan says as he kisses her on the forehead.
<Ambitious_GM> "Of course, my love."
* Kastlan_Hosgavel smiles to her and continues to oversee the preparations.
<Ambitious_GM> The Hall is prepared, candles are lit, a slow-burning incense fills it with a sweet aroma, and the servants are sent to call the house guests to dine. At the request of Ser Kevan, Eva Stone is reserved a place near his own. Yet even as you arrive, the head of the table remains empty. Lord Tywin remains in the Maester's Tower.
<Kastlan> "One of us should retrieve him." Kastlan whispers to Lord Gavel quietly.
* Averden_Gavel shakes his head. "You are welcome, Cos, to send a servant up to invite him," he says in a low voice. "But I can assure you, Lord Tywin's absence is very intentional."
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<Ser_Hoster> "Lord Gavel wanted me to ask you to have the bandit leaders brought up from the mines my Lord."
* Kastlan_Hosgavel slides the bottle of Arbor Gold to Ser Hoster. "Care for a swig? From the Arbor. Say what you want about the Redwynes, they know their wine."
* Ser_Hoster nods respectfully and accepts "Indeed they do my Lord."
* Kastlan_Hosgavel beckons to one of the servants and makes arrangements to have the leader of the brigands brought to Argent Keep.
* Kastlan_Hosgavel scrutinizes Ser Hoster for a moment. "How long have you been in my cousins guard, Ser Hoster?"
<Ser_Hoster> " I have been in the guard for about 4 years now my Lord. Before that I was squired to Lord Averden and as a child I had the honor of serving as a cupbearer in his court."
* Kastlan_Hosgavel finishes his glass of Arbor Gold and proceeds to pour another, taking it Ser Hoster. "Odd. I don't recall ever seeing you. How old are you now?"
<Ser_Hoster> " I am six and twenty my lord. I misspoke before I have been a knight for four years but I was still working as a guard in between that."
* Kastlan_Hosgavel gives an extended chuckle. "Don't tell me a couple swigs of wine makes you lose your gumption now."
<Ser_Hoster> "Ha! It will take more than one swig my Lord, numbers however...." he trails off looking slightly embarrassed
* Kastlan_Hosgavel drops subject rather suddenly. "What are your thoughts on my cousin? Speak freely, Ser, I implore you."
<Ser_Hoster> "I find him to be a kind and generous man as well as a good mentor. It's not just anyone that would let a lowly peasant boy into his court."
* Kastlan_Hosgavel seems to be containing laughter. "The un-rehearsed version, please." Kastlan says as he slides the quarter-full of Arbor Gold back to Ser Hoster.
* Ser_Hoster has another drink "Perhaps that was a bit much but I do hold your cousin in rather high regard. Could do with a few less mutton legs though."
* Kastlan_Hosgavel breaks into contained laughter. "Right you are. Keep the Arbor Gold. Sup should be served within the next hour. If you'll excuse me," Kastlan gets up a bit sheepishly, "I'm going to make sure we have enough for the dear Lord Gavel."
<Ser_Hoster> "Thank you my Lord very kind of you."
* Ser_Hoster bows as Lord Hosgavel walks away.