"Lord Sunderland could have surrendered, but when he saw no dragon, he decided to try his chances in battle. I don't like this any more than you do," the king nodded with a sigh. "But this sets an example. An ugly one, but an example and a warning that none would dare ignore. Now, even if some Lords decide to defy House Stark in the future at their peril, their bannermen, servants, and retinue might not agree to follow such folly, knowing that they too would not be spared the consequences."