Benjen Responds to Belric's Summons

[Benjen Snow]

As Lady Saesha had said, Lord Belric summoned for Benjen, presumably to assess him in person. Benjen was in his finest clothes (which, admittedly, weren't very fine). A doublet the color of oak and black trousers, complete with black boots and his sword belt. He knocked on the door of Lord Belric's Solar, awaiting response.

[Lord Belric Blackfort]

27th day 2nd moon

"As you will, come in." Belric said, having been waiting for Benjen's arrival.

[Benjen Snow]

Benjen entered and bowed to Lord Blackfort, "I am responding to your summons, My Lord. I assume that the Lady Saesha has informed you that I wish to offer my service to you in a more permanent manner?" He tried to be as cordial as possible without beating around the bush. He respected Lord Belric, true, but there were only so many social niceties he could dispense in a single day, and he didn't want to reach his limit halfway through the conversation.

[Lord Belric Blackfort]

"Yes, of course. It is good to see you Snow, glad to have you in Harrenhal." Belric spoke simply. "In what facet are you looking to apply yourself?"

[Benjen Snow]

"In all honesty, my lord, I figure that there's no point in turning away from something I'm good at," Benjen said, still standing at attention. "During the Blackfyre War, I served under you and your family as a scout and an ambush leader, and I would like to continue doing such, should you decide to renew my service."

[Lord Belric Blackfort]

"I have not forgotten your deeds, Snow." Belric said, offering Benjen a seat. "When the time comes for me to plan an ambush, you will be the first man to know. But these are times of peace. While that lasts, how do you plan to fill your time?"

[Benjen Snow]

"Until such a time as my true skills are needed again, I would keep the peace within your borders. I have heard tell that there are bandits near Harrenhal, smarter than the average footpad," he explained. "I would ask your permission to join any groups that would be tasked with eliminating them."

[Lord Belric Blackfort]

"Very well, I am certain your sword will be put to good use. Do what you can to seek out our enemies, banditry is not to be tolerated within my lordship." Belric swept a few items from his desk, placing a map of Harrenhal's lands overtop. "Where will you start?"

[Benjen Snow]

Realizing that Lord Belric was putting him in command, he went over to the map and began examining it. "More permanent encampments are likely to be along the riverbanks and far from main roads," he said, gesturing at the major rivers. "Furthermore, any abandoned structures in the area could be used for shelter from the elements. I'm not as familiar with these lands as I'd like to be, so I'll need a few men that are familiar with the area, as well as a handful of decent soldiers. All in all, a group of ten to fifteen should be enough for these kinds of expeditions."

[Lord Belric Blackfort]

"Take ten guards with you, as well as whomever you need as a guide. I am sure some of my family will want to join you as well, they do not like to sit idly. I figure fifteen men in all should suffice." Belric looked over the places on the map that Benjen had pointed out. "Be sure to coordinate with Edmure, he will be ruling in my stead while Lady Blackfort and I are in Riverrun. Do not throw the lives of my men away, Snow. There is no glory in kill bandits, and I would rather smother them with overwhelming numbers than let the disaster of the Clay Pits be repeated."

[Benjen Snow]

Benjen had heard about the Clay Pits from folk in passing, and about how messy it was, "My Lord, I don't like losing men under my command, just as I'm sure you don't like losing men that trust you with their lives. I'll do everything I can to ensure everyone makes it back alive. Are there any members of your family that I should speak to about going out on these expeditions?" He knew that, at the very least, Benjen and Dacey would have the skills he needed to work well on these missions. Furthermore, the fact that they had both survived the Clay Pits in (relatively) good shape would definitely serve as a morale booster for the troops.

[Lord Belric Blackfort]

"That is good to hear Benjen, I will hold you too it." Belric shifted his weight in his chair. Having to make all of these decisions was wearing on his ass. "I would talk to Ser Willis, and perhaps my bastard brother Symon, if you can coerce him from the yard."