[D12] A protector of The Faith[Abelar]

"My lord, thank you for speaking against Merryweather at my trial. It takes courage to speak against one so powerful, especially when the remainder of the court is complacent."

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Where in the sept are we? I would assume I'm not really welcome in the public worship area, so maybe down in my personal cell?

Down in Abelar's cell, the septon is more relaxed. Merryweather's idle talk of bounties has made him tense today.

"Indeed. The Faith needs the support of men of conviction in these times. I fear that half the Reach does not dare address matters of right and wrong, lest such action bestir the pieces they have lain on the board. Even Lord Starling does not dare anger Merryweather, after the man attacked his daughter's handmaiden. Instead, he offers her hand, likely in return for an alliance that could place Starling and Merryweather banners beside one another."

OOC: I was a little unclear in my last post.

What I was trying to say is that Starling is going to offer his daughter in a political marriage (even if not to a lord), and that the politics of it could result in Starling joining a multi-house alliance that includes Merryweather. In retrospect, that was not particularly obvious based on what I wrote.

Should I just correct him IC and move on, or edit my prior post?

"Of course, Lord Yelshire. I misspoke. What I meant was that while Lord Willem will marry her to a knight of prowess and renown, he will likely do so in order to secure an alliance with that knight's house. A house that may or may not be allied with Merryweather." He brushes something off his nose. "It would be an most unwelcome irony if Lady Lysette found herself to be a bargaining chip used to secure a coalition that includes Merryweather."

He gazes across his cell, which is now largely packed up. "Speaking of which, have you heard the rumor that Merryweather seeks to put a bounty on my head?"

"I would expect you are right about Merryweather. He wants to put the thought of reward in people's heads, in hopes that it reaches some blackguard whose wits are as dull as his sword is sharp." Abelar sighs. "I too would labor to thwart such actions, but I must admit that I will be a bit of a plump target on the road to Oldtown. Even if I arm myself, I'm just one man and I lack the training and vigors of youth."

"You do me a great kindness, my lord. The protection of your knights is most welcome. I would be pleased to accompany you to Goldenram, only . . . " Abelar brushes his nose. "I wonder if the prudent move would be to proceed to Oldtown before any summons issues."

"It is said that Septon Roswyn now presides over the Starry Sept, as well as any tribunal that I must face. He and I have clashed before. I wonder if my time would be better spent gathering support among the brothers and sisters in Oldtown than in waiting while Septon Roswyn to bend their ears unopposed." I must tread carefully here. "Prior to the reign of the current High Septon, I was nominated for a position in the Most Devout. To make a long story short, Septon Roswyn opposed me in this, but I thought it untactful to mount a campaign of persuasion. They chose another." The septon meets Yelshire's gaze. "Suffice it to say, I do not wish for a reprise of that unfortunate episode. Not when the stakes are so much higher." He does not elaborate, preferring to leave the interpretation of the "stakes" up to Yelshire. To be sure, they include Abelar's continued service in the faith, but could also include the coming civil war or even Abelar's fantasy of the return of the Faith Militant.

"If Lord Mullendore will accommodate, then I shall be in his debt as well. If I understand you right, I will ride with you and your men as far as Goldenram, then take up with a Mullendore party in Uplands--possibly the procession of Lord Jon's bones--and go to Oldtown with them." He ponders the suggestion. I do not know Mullendore, but time on the road will give me time to bend ears. If I can win allies among the Hightower bannermen, this will box Roswyn in. Marring a young boy's regency with controversial expulsions from the faith may be frowned upon.

"And you, my lord? Will you be turning to matters at Goldenram, or do you yourself have another destination?" Yelshire is no fool. War is coming, which requires preparations.