[Letter] Owen Will This Be Over

To Leo of House Tyrell, Lord of Highgarden and Warden of the South,

I have heard accounts of what transpired at Horn Hill now from yourself, Lord Blackmont, and Lord Baratheon. I trust that I do not need to elaborate on why this event has shocked me.

Death is not a suitable punishment for trespassing, and as far as every account I have been given has stated, that was the Blackmont troops' only crime. Not even if I had given Lord Tarly permission to remove them from his lands-- which I did not, as I was assured that they would be leaving-- would the murder and torture of twenty soldiers following orders be acceptable. Men of honor treat their enemies with respect in battle. They abide by the rules of warfare, and in times of peace, are charged with stewarding their lands according to the king's law. I had thought Lord Tarly, of all people, would hold to the laws of gods and men regarding criminals and conflicts. Lord Blackmont disobeyed my command and will be dealt with accordingly. He kept men in Tarly lands, and Tarly was within his rights to remove them, forcibly driving them back into the pass or capturing them for ransom fines or exchange. Instead, your vassal tortured the trespassers until their deaths, and such a thing may only be called murder.

I trust in your ability to hold your region to the high standards of honor and decency that House Tyrell itself sets forward. The Reach is a region of old and noble families who hold honor in highest regard. Some of the finest men in the realm call your region home, and I count your people amongst my most loyal and valued subjects. Thus I am sure you are as determined as I to uphold that standard.

I also trust in your judgment. You must agree that Lord Tarly's crimes have necessitated that he be removed from his seat, and the lordship passed on to his heir. If you wish to take his head, I would urge you to consider offering him a life on the Wall in penance. I will leave any additional actions up to your discretion.

After justice has been found, I would urge to you transport the remains of the trespassers to Dorne so that their families may lay them to rest. I think it proper that the exchange of noble bodies planned by the Lords of Dorne becomes a mutual exchange of remains, rather than the one-way exchange that was planned, to ensure that both of your regions receive their own for burial.

If you disagree with the punishment that I have laid before you, then I ask that you ensure that Lord Tarly makes his way to King's Landing to be tried before the royal court, whether he goes voluntarily or whether you must transport him by force.

Daeron of House Targaryen, Second of his Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm