[Courtnay] The Game Begins

[skyman]

Paul Mekeln had arrived with his entourage, and quickly a meeting had been arranged amongst him, Lord Adam, Henry Tallfern, and Ser Courtnay. Ser Robert had been sent for, but he was unable to be roused.

Paul was a paunchy fellow in his late twenties, with whiskers that could not quite be described as a mustache and beard. He came across as only slightly more intelligent than his near-idiot father Ranner.

"So it seems you have an interesting ward," he said. "We have received word that there has been a great catastrophe in Valyria. She might be of more use at our castle, where we can more easily question her about such things."

"What sort of catastrophe?" asked Henry.

"We don't know. But it is possible that most of the dragons are dead," said Paul. "The Brentons have told us of a survivor who babbled of terrible flames and destruction before he died."

Lord Adam glanced at his brother Courtnay. The Brentons were certainly trying to supersede the Calderrons in favor, as always.

"I imagine it would be best if I took her back soon, before she grows too attached to this place," said Paul.

[sleepingdragon]

"A great catastrophe? In Valyria?" Ser Courtnay could scarcely imagine anything that could seriously damage that great empire, but if something had... If their empire is damaged or fallen...their seas will no longer be as well patrolled as before, he thought.

Lying fucking Brentons, how convenient that their survivor could speak Common. A concerned look, wholly feigned, passed across Courtnay's face.

"Milord," Courtnay said respectfully to Paul, "the girl has undergone some great trauma. If catastrophe has befallen Valyria, then it would seem that many or all of those she knows and loves are gone, and her home as well. The girl has begun to recuperate and knows this place a little. Would it not be cruel to take her away from the Rock and place her amongst yet another group of strangers?"

[skyman]

"Cruelty is not our concern when the welfare of the house is at stake, ser," said Paul, "as much as it pains me." It sounded as if it pained him little. "Our house has the facilities to care for her."

While Ser Courtnay seethed inwardly, Lord Adam broke in. "Our facilities are most adequate. We are not as backwater as the Brentons might suggest."

Courtnay reiterated the point about moving her making it more difficult to get her in a useful state, and Paul shrugged as if mere persistence had worn him down. "Very well then. I suppose it matters little. Do make sure to report any information you glean to us, though. And be warned, Maester Kalland might very well suggest to the king that she be brought to Storm's End."

Paul leaned back, apparently not wanting to discuss the matter further. "So, what have you got planned for this evening?"

[sleepingdragon]

Courtnay sat back and said nothing for a while, recovering from the irritation of having to deal with this simpleton. Then he said, "Your lordship will be treated to a display of arms and seamanship." Courtnay had arranged this with Adam, primarily as a way of being able to avoid most of the festivities and have as little contact with the Mekelns as he could. "We will demonstrate clearly what will happen to those who stand against us."