The Lion and the Rose: The North

[Elkins]

Newly minted Warden of the North Lord Roose Bolton was in truly rare form after his cunning power grab at the twins, but his return to the Dreadfort gave him nothing but headaches. Most irritating, was the reality that for the moment he was Warden in name only. Fealty has yet to be sworn by some of the great houses of the north, some would be easier than others. Of other main Northern houses' the Karstarks were the most likely to bend the knee. There is no love lost between their former lords the Starks after they took their lord's head and with new Lord Harrion in Frey custody, sending a trusted emissary to Karhold to entice them to swear fealty is course of action. House Umber would be the same with the Greatjon with the Frey's. After those two Houses swear their loyalty Roose intends to call a gathering of all the Northern lords for a full discussion on the future of the North, perhaps at the Dreadfort or even in Winterfell. A scattered approach he knew would never work, so summoning all the major lords of the North would be vital to the survival of his power grip on the North.

Opening Moat Callin is the other matter on the mind of Roose as he comes home to Ramsey and his foul creature that was once Theon Greyjoy. His plan is simple, offer to legitimize the bastard if he can successfully use Theon to bargain for the withdrawal of the Ironborn from the North. With their "king" (lord)  dead their chain of campaign has been decapitated they could be persuaded to leave by their new "king" or perhaps have Ramsey use his little pet to put an end to the ironborn garrisoned at the Northern stronghold another way. Without the moat, Bolton knew his men could not get passed the neck with the crannogmen still loyal to the Starks and ready to pounce on any Boltons who stumbled near. Something would have to be done to shore up the ranks, specifically with Stannis in the north but writing to king Joffery would be a tough deal after already giving him the North. Perhaps an overture to the Frey's to join Roose's southern army, perhaps a thousand strong would suffice and Roose took to writing the letter right away, finishing and stamping it with the pink wax seal with the flayed man.   [/center]