The decision had been made. Everyone bowed and withdrew.
Hoster's younger brother, Blackfish Brynden Tully, finally spoke. His voice was as hoarse as a whetstone. He didn't look at the petition, only at his brother's face. "On my way back from the Bloody Gate, I passed through Vicon Gorge."
"The place is rife with competing powers. House Legg, House Wayn, House Moore of the Vale, and House Enford, a vassal of House Frey, each occupy a portion of the land for their own reasons."
"But, my dear brother, we can't deny this: despite the chaos, things were stable before the young man arrived."
"House Legg effectively rules the western part of Vicon Gorge, and for years, the Kingsroad has spared us a great deal of trouble."
"However you look at it, the Kingsroad is safe now. Merchants are willing to travel it, and the tax revenue has returned. That's a fact."
"If this young man starts a war over legal claims, Vicon Gorge will soon be in turmoil, and the Kingsroad will be cut off again."
Hoster's aged head shook, sending his graying hair swaying. "He's doing it for his own benefit. Do you think he's doing it to uphold House Tully's rule?"
"The tolls on the Kingsroad have made his family rich."
"And House Legg's actions show contempt for Riverrun."
White-haired Hoster continued, his voice dry and slow. He had to catch his breath after every sentence.
"They consorted with bandits in secret, trying to settle land disputes through illegal plots and schemes. That has undermined the peace under my rule."
Hoster's fingers tapped lightly on the oak tabletop, making a dull sound.
"How many men does this Suleiman have?"
Blackfish stroked his chin, as if considering the question. "By my estimate, all the smallfolk he can muster amount