After The False Spring - The South

[Blair]

Master of Coin was hardly the most thrilling job. Whilst Lord Tully had a basic understanding of the realms finances he had no desire to reform the office. The main advantage was that after the months of tension, and near war he could now retreat to the sun of King's Landing. Sipping on a glass of the finest arbor red; freshly delivered by the Regents men himself Lord Tully could almost feel himself drifting off as he laid back in his carriage.

As his mind drifted into an easy slumber Lord he realized the banality of the situation. The entire realm had almost thrown itself in the depths of war; the King himself had been murdered in the capital and the honourable Lord Rickard Stark was to take the black. Yet in this moment all that surrendered his carriage were the rolling hills of the Riverlands.

**

The piercing shriek of the bugle woke lord Hoster, and caused the convoy of his household guard to burst into action. A circle formed a protective ring around his carriage as the Lord sprung to life. Peering out of the narrow gap he could see the the much trusted standard of a red horse on a brown background-it was the banner of Lord Bracken. Whilst known for their long running feud with house Blackwood they'd been trusted as one of the most loyal banner lords of the Riverlands.

'What troubles you dear sers?' The commander of the Tully Household guard shouted, opening his helm at the sight of the 3 riders from House Bracken.

'I must request Lord Tully company, we bring word from Riverun' The leanest of the riders demanded reaching into his pocket causing a near panic as several guardsmen put there hands upon their hilts, ready to defend their liege. 'Relax-tis merely a message from your lords Home. I was instructed by my dear lord Bracken to give this scroll directly to Lord Tully''

Upon hearing this Lord Tully appeared out of his carriage, his velvet travelling cloak was a rainbow of blue and red yet underneath bore a man with a look of concern on his now weary face. 'What is the meaning of this?'' Lord Tully barked stepping down and walking toward the Bracken men. In one swift movement he grabbed the piece of parchment, and studied the brief scrawl.

The Kracken has landed
Bryden 'Blackfish' Tully, in stead of Lord Hoster Tully


A silence had settled over the surrounding men as each waited for Lord Tully's reaction. Bearing a calm, yet resolute face the Lord turned to his squire. 'Unload my helm and armour, we must march back to Rivverun. Ser Ayren, take the lead.'' His men could only splutter with agreement at being marched back home after days preparing for the voyage south

The House of Lord Bracken was only an hours ride away, and would be a safe destination as Lord Tully tried to work what in seven hells had actually happened. He'd faced threats from the Ironborn, most likely they'd tried to land in Seagard, or had burnt some fishing vessels. For all his feuding with his brother he knew that he'd only send such a warning if something of grave importance had happened. Looking out onto the green fields of his home Lord Tully knew that somewhere the rubbery tentacles of the Kraken had done what they do best-destroy.