A Letter

Lord Leyton Hightower of Oldtown,

It is with great hope that the raven carrying this message finds you and your House well. It has been many years since we fought the Usurper, and his rule has proven to be the disaster we imagined. I would suffer that horrid year spent on the field below Storm's End again, Lord Tyrell's jokes about Dornishmen and all, if I thought we could change the outcome. Do you think of those times when you gaze out on the Whispering Sound from Castle Hightower?

My son, Berowne, has decided to travel to King's Landing for the Usurper's Tourney. As you know, it was to my great grief and horror that my eldest son, Benarys died of a flux last year. He excelled at everything he did. I had no doubts about his ability to lead House Cockshaw to greatness as his great-great grandsire Bastian did during the Blackfyre Rebellion. Berowne has his talents, I cannot deny it, though it would be deadly to trust to his aim. The Tourney may give him the opportunity to show his strengths and learn to politic. However, I worry that Berowne may be a bit flamboyant and foolish. There are times I think his mother bedded down with a Tyrell. Certainly, none of her fierce Dornish blood has surfaced in him. He's more salty pickle than salty Dorne. If my father would have lived to see him grown, he would have found him ridiculous.

As a sworn vassal to your House, I have asked Berowne to stop at Hightower on his way to the Tourney to bring you tribute and discuss local issues. He will be accompanied by a trusted knight in my service, his squire, the Maester of my House and a very reliable man-at-arms. If it is not too presumptuous, please take measure of my son and help me to find a good match for him. The Costayne's are ever plotting to acquire the lands around Kingfisher Bay and I have no doubt are maneuvering to marry him to one of their own. I will not forget how Timeon Costayne killed Bastian's brother, Rolph, in the Blackfyre Rebellion. A union between our two houses is unthinkable. Fortunately, Berowne seems most taken with himself these days, focusing on jousting, tournament glory and all that nonsense. Lady Jade tells me I am losing too much sleep over Costayne's pox scarred daughter and insists that Berowne has much more refined tastes, may The Seven be so kind.

Berowne should be arriving within the week. I await your sage counsel and advice.

Your loyal friend,

Lord Benedict Cockshaw