House Kenning (Kayce)

Arms of House Kenning of Kayce. Words: 'Sound the Horn'

House Kenning of Kayce is a house of Ironborn descent, formerly situated on Lann's Point in the Westerlands. Their previous seat was Kayce, before Harrag Hornblower was overthrown in 40 A.I. by the Queen Elsa Reyne, and a conspiracy of Harrag's own bannermen.

Map of Kayce as it stood at the time of the Coming of the Andals.

History

During the two centuries prior to the beginning of the Andal Invasions, the power of the High Kingdom of the Iron Islands was waning. During the early years of the reign of Garth VII Gardener, the Ironborn lost the Misty Islands at the Mouth of the Mander - especially embarrassing because their king Torgon Greyiron had once held his seat on Greyshield before donning the Driftwood Crown. The Mudds of the Riverlands then managed to recapture the Cape of Eagles with the aid of Andal mercenaries - before setting them up as lords, creating a steel barrier to the Ironmen in the Riverlands.

The decline of Ironborn power did not go unnoticed. Gerold I Lannister had long chafed at the Ironborn launching raids along his coastline, particularly from their stronghold at Kayce, which had been established by Gundor Goodbrother during the Age of Heroes. He sought to end the sacks of Lannisport once and for all, building a fleet with the intention to sail to the Iron Islands. He found an unexpected ally in Herrock 'Whoreson' - the son of an Ironborn commander who had supposedly been fathered on one of the town whores. He had the affection of all the brothels in Kayce, it was said - and so he arranged for King Gerold to take the town. Whilst the Lannister forces approached by night, Herrock Kenning blew his horn - and the whores opened a postern gate for him. The Westerland army flooded Kayce - taking the Ironborn unawares - and captured the town. Kenning would then arrange for his own longships to follow Lannister ships and the newly submitted Farman longships as they launched a daring raid on the Iron Islands themselves, seizing a hundred hostages.

For his part - Herrock Kenning was named the Lord of Kayce, and gifted all the lands of the headland known as Lann's Point. Kenning in exchange adopted the gods of the west, and swore not to raid within the Kingdom of the Rock.

The reaction to the acts of Herrock 'Whoreson' through the West are mixed. Some are delighted to have Ironborn of their own to unleash on their foes, and see them as an ideal defence against future raids. Others see them as dishonourable turncloaks for whom the noose is too kind a fate. Some think a bit of both - but appreciate having rabid dogs to do their bloody work where needed.

Notable Members

• Herrock Kenning, called the 'Whoreson'. Seized Kayce from the Ironborn and delivered it to the Kings of the Rock. Established House Kenning of Kayce.

• Harrag Kenning (Hornblower), lord of Kayce during the early Andal Invasions.

Houses Sworn to House Kayce

• House Prester of Feastfires
• House Tarwick of Clever Cove
• House Lantell of Kynhold