Asha sits in the great hall of Ten Towers looking over the assempled captains and crews celebrating. She is disheartened that so few have come. Besides Harlaw, only members of Botley, Stonetree, Volmark, and Myre are present. In addition to Lord Rodrik, the other Harlaws present are Sigfryd, Hotho, Boremund, and Ser Harras. Asha notes that her uncle, Lord Rodrik Harlaw, is not present and asks the steward, Three-Tooth, if he has gone to his books. Three-Tooth answers in the affirmative and that Lord Tristifer Botley is with him. Asha wonders why Tristifer is lord instead of Lord Sawane's eldest son, Harren, and is uncomfortable about speaking to Tristifer. She tells Three-Tooth to see to her captives, Sybelle Glover and her children, Gawen and Erena. Erena is sick, and Asha warns Three-Tooth to make sure the baby is cared for and does not die. Asha climbs the Book Tower and hails her uncle, Lord Rodrik. He is pleased she is there, as she had been expected earlier. Asha explains she was delayed because the winds were against them and because Lady Sybelle's milk dried up on the voyage and she needed to find a wet nurse. Her men could only find a goat instead, and this is why the baby is not doing well. Rodrik informs her that she is come too late. Asha asks where all the ironmen are, as she means to drive Euron from the Seastone Chair. Rodrik tells her that Harlaw, Stonetree, and Volmark have gathered along with some Myres. These are all Harlaw houses, and Asha wonders where the houses of the other islands are. Rodrik says that Lord Baelor Blacktyde came to consult him and then sailed for Old Wyk. Asha is confused, and Rodrik reveals that Aeron called the kingsmoot. Asha is amused at first, but Rodrik says that other priests such as Blind Beron Blacktyde, Tarle the Thrice-Drowned, and the Old Grey Gull have taken up Aeron's call and the captains are gathering at Old Wyk. Asha says she must go there then, but Rodrik counsels against it. He has always thought that talk of kings is folly and the old way is dead. He feels that the ironmen should side with one of the warring kings in exchange for new lands. He also feels that Asha will never be elected since she is a woman. Asha will not be deterred. Rodrik says that if she stays he will name her his heir to Ten Towers, though not to all of Harlaw, but this does not interest her either. She takes her leave.

Out in the yard, she is stopped by Tristifer. She asks if if it true that he is now Lord Botley, and he explains that his elder brother was killed by crannogmen at Moat Cailin, making him the heir, but that he is lord in name only since Euron dispossesed him of his lands. Half were given to Waldon Wynch, the first lord to swear fealty to Euron, while the other half are now ruled by Tristifer's uncle, Germund. Asha promises to restore his lands when she is queen, but Tristifer cares for nought but her. He had been fostered at Pyke after Maron and Rodrik died along with four other boys to replace the children lost to war and soon took a fancy to Asha. Asha returned his favor at first, but began to lose interest when he began to speak of how many children she would bear him, since she wanted to be a warrior. Soon after, Maester Qalen discovered them together, and Tristifer was sent away to foster with Lord Baelor Blacktyde. Tristifer professes his continuing adoration, which bothers Asha since she no longer has any feelings for him. She asks it he will speak for her at the kingsmoot, and he responds that while he will, he sees the idea as folly. He believes that Euron means to come to power through blood and treachery and that he has gathered many captains, including Orkwood of Orkmont, Pinchface Jon Myre, Left-Hand Lucas Codd, Harren Half-Hoare, the Red Oarsman, Kemmet Pyke the Bastard, Rodrik Freeborn, and Torwold Browntooth. She points out that they are men of small account and not important. Tristifer says he will go with her and be his wife as well, Alannys has already given her consent. Asha says he does not really want her, but he claims he loves her and needs her and they were meant to be together. She tells him she has had many men, which shocks him but does not weaken his resolve. He finally grabs her arm, causing her to put her dirk to his throat. She reminds him she is his queen not his wife and stalks away.