Trouble at the Border

The summer sun was a harsh mistress, even in the bountiful lands of the Reach. The farmer tilled their plot and the laborer worked their craft, while the lord and his knights protected them from the ills of the world. As it was, as it always had been. It was wisdom that Lord Randyll Tarly lived by - he knew his duty to his liege and to his vassals - and expected the rest of the world to do no less. Alas, it was a foolish dream for everyone to know their place. That is why he was here - at Bitterbridge.

The Lord of Horn Hill scanned the plains between the Mander and the Blueburn from atop his horse, surrounded by his personal retinue of knights and serjeants. People as far as the eye could see, slowly trickling in like beads on string down the roseroad. Despite the time that had passed since the destruction of King's Landing, thousands of refugees were still making their way from the charred remains of the capital to greener pastures. Randyll said nothing while his mind worked - how many criminals, rabblerousers and common good-for-nothings were among these people? Too many, he thought, far too many locusts who would ruin the bounty of the Reach. He would not allow it.

So, with Highgarden's blessing, he was here at Bitterbridge. The roseroad was the main road into the Reach proper, and Bitterbridge the only major crossing for those with only the clothes on their back to use. It would be a simple thing to close it and order these people to return to where they belonged, but he would need the strength of the north-western lords - Caswell, Footly, Meadows, Ashford and Merryweather. Despite his title as Lord Marshal of Highgarden, there were still procedures to these things. Titles and egos to show respect to.

Thus, Randyll Tarly sent messages, in his capacity as Marshal of Highgarden, to the five major houses of the northwest - stating his intentions to deal with the refugees from King's Landing, and in the name of House Tyrell requesting their cooperation, men, and material support for this endeavor. With Lord Caswell, controlling the vital castle and bridge across the Mander, Tarly would pay a personal visit to ensure his support.