Command Tent at Highgarden

Maekar is already present, standing at Aegon's right hand, wearing a light suit of chain and boiled leather, covered by a heavy black riding cloak as if in preparation for a long journey.

Ser Anders Rowan arrives. He is a big man, over six foot tall, with broad shoulders, a sturdy torso and thick, muscular arms and legs. The sigil of House Rowan is embroidered on his otherwise plain surcoat, under which he wears mail and plate , and carries his helm under his arm. He looks bone weary and in need of a hot bath.

"My prince, ser," he greets the brothers.

The others he did not acknowledge, not yet.

Baelor had just returned from another scouting run, and still carried his bow in hand, wearing a chain shirt and boiled leather over a black tunic and breeches.

Rhaena arrived, and moved to stand next to Maekar on the other side from Aegon. She crossed her arms as soon she was standing there, looking blank. After greeting her brothers she nodded to Ser Anders, whom she knew from the camp.

Upon seeing her younger sister, her expression lifted a little and she raised a hand waving back to Daenya.

When everyone was present except Rhaegar, and Lord Dustin, Maekar turned to his brother. "Perhaps we should begin? The hour grows late and we would be wise to march at first light tomorrow," he said quietly.

Once everyone who was summoned had arrived, Aegon began. "Lords and ladies. For those of you who do not know, I have assumed command of this host." That was entirely for the benefit of the two Andal commanders in the room Aegon had not yet spoken to. "Ser Maekar is my second."

Despite the enormity of the task ahead of them, being back in the field was an almost comforting feeling.

"We head south along the Roseroad toward Oldtown tomorrow. I want eyes in the sky at every step of the way. Four dragons scouting at all times; I want to know everything that moves around us, including behind us.  Forward scouts, if you see some place which could hide an ambushing force -- a copse of trees you can't see through, a cave network -- mark it in your mind and return.  Lord Dustin's outriders will sweep it to make sure it is clear before we proceed."

"If we are attacked on the route to Oldtown we should expect it at night, when we cannot see them coming.  Ser Anders, I want increased sentries at night.  Our pace should be deliberate enough to not exhaust the men.  Dragonriders, pitch your tents near your dragons, so that you might be ready to fly at a moment's notice."

"As we march south I want to recruit what local lords we can to our armies.  As of our last information, every castle in the region save for the Hightower is in loyalist hands.  It is doubtful they have many men remaining to them, but even a few hundred would bolster our presence on the ground.  Maekar has already volunteered to treat with Lord Tarly.  If you believe you are well suited to treat with one of the other lords, speak up.  To make them more pliable, you are authorized to offer them Hightower lands, where they border, and freedom from Hightower sovereignty when applicable.  You may also offer their sons and daughters positions as pages, squires, and ladies in waiting at court."

"What we most need is eyes in Oldtown itself.  If anyone knows a way to effect that, I would hear it."

Aegon finished, opening the floor for discussion.

[OOC reminder:  this is happening before the dead Aemy stuff.]

OOC - maybe Horas could edit his post to reflect that, else one of the other people will have to comment on the Hightower loyalty?