Attack in the Whispers

[Ori]

Raven brought letters bearing the sigil of House Crabb have flown into keeps across Westeros. From the barely legible scrawl that they contained, it seems that an army has arrived at the Whispers. Strangely, these enemies bear the banner of House Yronwood.

They stormed the Whispers through the various crumbling walls of its Keep. Plainly, House Crabb was defeated in the ensuing battle. The fate of the various family members is unknown and we can all only hope for the best. The number of enemies is unknown as well, but we can assume it is at least into the thousands.

Lord Alric was standing above a table alone in his private chambers. Upon his table was the usual glass of wine, half-eaten loaf of bread, and a few stags left out in carelessness. However taking up the majority of the table was a massive map of Crackclaw Point. Lord Alric stood there a while reading the raven from the Whispers and checking back at the map in an attempt to pinpoint where his raiders had gone too. Though he had some hunches, he could not be sure.

Eventually Lord Alric called for the Maester and told him to take a letter for King's Landing,
"Copy my words exactly, wise old man. 'Your Grace, as I am sure you are aware, an army of some sort has appeared in the Whispers. House Crabb was powerless to stop them, but I have an army raised in Rook's Rest that could fight these enemies of the Crown. However, I fear that still may not be enough to stop them. Send me an army, Your Grace. It only need be a few thousand men. Send me an army and I'll send you this Yronwood Invader's head.' Did you get all that, Maester?"

The Maester gave a slight nod, silently.

"Good. You are dismissed. Tell me if any news of the Whispers comes in."

With that, the Maester left and Lord Alric went back to his map.

[Gandalfus]

A letter arrives.

It seems off that the whispers were attacked only a few weeks after you asked for them to be granted to you, and under Dornish banners. I doubt the Dornish were behind this since our increased ship patrols would have seen them. I am coming myself.

Sincerely,
Your king.

[Ori]

Lord Alric called up his Maester and told him to oversee all the preparations for the arrival of the King. A small feast was to be held in his honor when he arrived.

[Gandalfus]

The king arrives on the royal flagship, and was escorted into the castle.
Hail, lord Alrick.

[Ori]

Your Grace, Lord Alric fell to one knee, it is an honor to receive you at my humble Keep. May I show you to the great hall? The feast shall soon be ready.

[Gandalfus]

He nods.
We also have things to discuss concerning the whispers. I wish to see them for myself after the feast.

[Ori]

Of course, Your Grace, but better with a full belly, as my Father always used to say. Lord Alric said as he got up from his knee. Follow me, Your Grace, I suspect the servants will be putting out the dishes now. Lord Alric led the King to the great hall where the hearth was burning brightly and servants were busily running in and out of the kitchens, hastily trying to put together the feast before the King arrived. Lord Alric took his seat at one end of the room's lone long table.

[Gandalfus]

He nodded and sat down, only touching things he had seen lord Alric eat and drink.

[Ori]

The feast continued for a long while. It was at least an hour or two until dishes were being carted away and the various knights and other guests had a look of content upon their faces. Though when Lord Alric turned towards his Grace he saw a look of impatience and cautiousness rather than one of content. Little wonder, he came here to talk not to eat. I suppose this could only be delayed so long... Seven give me strength.

Your Grace, pardon me saying, Lord Alric said to the King while he lifted himself out of his chair, but I believe we have business to discuss. I beg of you to come to the top floor of my Keep with me. There is a mighty view of the coast from there that might contest the Eeyrie's view, and enough wine to last us a century if we must. Lord Alric gave a little bow at the end of that.

[Gandalfus]

Aegon followed lord Alric, accompanied by his brother.

[Ori]

Lord Alric made his way up the winding staircase with Aegon and his brother close behind. When they reached the top Alric barged through the door and motioned for his royal guests to sit down at the table, then sat down on the opposite end himself. Lord Alric turned his gaze towards the mighty window on the east side of the room. There he could see the waves batter against the rocky coast of Rook's Rest. As well as the mighty flagship of House Targaryen. It put to shame the petty boats and canoes of House Staunton. Father never was a sea-faring man. But Alric dare not keep his guests waiting. He quickly turned back towards them and began,

Now, your Grace, let us talk. I understand you wanted to come yourself. I would hope you're hear to send me soldiers, but I fear that is not the case.

[Gandalfus]

He nodded sternly.
Yes. I have heard that whispers is captured, even though our fleets reported no ships coming in from dorne. What happened?

[Ori]

Honestly, I have no idea. One day a raven flies in from the Whispers with some half-story of attackers with a Yronwood banner. If a ship didn't come in from Dorne like you said, then where did they come from?

[Gandalfus]

He rolled his eyes.
I expect a better answer.

[Ori]

Alric shrugged, I could find you an answer. I could capture the leader of these attackers and torture him into tell us. But I don't have enough men to beat him in the field.

[Gandalfus]

He looked annoyed.
They bear Yronwood banners yes? then someone has tricked us. I am going to the whispers with some soldiers to see who it is. With or without you, lord Alric. make your choice.

[Ori]

I apologize Your Grace. From what I've heard of Dorne, I thought you'd be too busy there to spend a long time in Crackclaw Point but if you truly want to go after these brigands or Dornishmen or Gods' know what else, I will not hesitate to ride out with you.
He paused for a moment, as if to consider his next few words.
Your men are welcome to stay in Rook's Rest for as long as you choose. But if you'll forgive me I must retire to my quarters and rest up, it has been a long day.
With that Alric left the room and hurried down to the Private Quarters.

[Gandalfus]

He whispered to his brother.
I have a funny feeling about this...

[Ori]

As Alric entered his chambers he paused and held the door open for a bit, as if to check and make sure he wasn't being followed.
After a few minutes of pacing and looking back at his map, Alric called in his Maester.

"My Lord, you sent for me."
Aye, wise old man. I need council. The King wants to ride out to the Whispers personally. I, of course, will go with him. But then what? If the Brave Companions see me and the King hunting them down, they'll surely let loose fowl and revealing rumors about me.
"My Lord, perhaps you shouldn't go with his Grace."
I can't let him go alone. That would be far too suspicious.
"No my Lord, go before him. Raise an army, and crush the Brave Companions without him. Then bring him Mirion Mudd's head."

Lord Alric considered it for a moment. If he went out and destroyed his own monsters, mayhaps he could return his favor with the King. And if House Crabb was properly removed by the Brave Companions all the easier to assume control.

Maester, take a letter and send it to the Whispers. The Brave Companions should receive it.
Tell them, 'I have heard of the great victory at the Whispers. I will soon be riding out with many more men to reinforce you. You are to bring all your men to the Whispers Keep so that we can combine our forces into one great army.'
The Maester hurried to write down the words as fast as they were coming out "Yes my Lord, but I fear the men you possess is not enough to defeat the Brave Companions in battle."
Aye... Alric thought for a moment. Take another letter to Prendahl na Ghezn, Commander of the Storm Crows. We shall offer him 5,000 stags for a contract to last until the end of the year. As soon as they arrive, we shall begin our march on the Whispers.

When we arrive at the Whispers, we will trick the Brave Companions into opening the gates, then once they have completely destroy their forces. We'll even have riders patrolling the region to hunt down anyone who runs from the conflict. I'll bring... Extinguish any remaining Crabbs and bring Mirion Mudd's head to the Dragon King as a show of loyalty.

Alric sat down in his chair and gave out a sigh.

Very good, Maester. If anyone asks, you were merely giving me something to help me sleep. You are dismissed.
"Yes my Lord." The Maester gave a quick bow and walked out of the room.

[Gandalfus]

They better hurry, the kings ships was preparing to leave...