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Chapter 4

298AL

The men did not salute him as he walked by but Oberyn did not need them to. He knew he was their commander, their leader, and so did they. The Coiled Serpents had just finished a contract with Myr and were camped on the outskirts of the city whilst Oberyn reviewed the latest offers of work. The company currently stood at nearly 250 men and each was in a good mood after being paid for their latest contract. Whores were walking through the camp selling themselves, a Northman was wrestling a Tyroshi on a wager and someone had even found a case of Arbor wine which was being consumed at a ferocious rate.

As Oberyn entered his tent he knew he wasn't alone. He could smell her.

"Hello my Prince"

"Ellaria." He responded, "I was not expecting a visit from you for some time. What has happened? Are the girls well?"

She embraced him. "They are at the Water Gardens with your brother, they all grow stronger every day."

"Then why are you here Ellaria? I assume it is not just to lay with me" Oberyn asked, staring deep into her eyes.

She smiled "I bring your word from Prince Doran. Robert the Usurper is dead. You are to return to Westeros, the time for vengeance will be upon us soon and your brother wants you in Dorne ready."

"Dead? How?" he queried

A voice came from behind him, "Gored by a boar whilst hunting. A fat pig killed by a fat pig. Poetic really."

Oberyn turned and faced his daughter Nymeria.

"Father"

"Nymeria" He kissed her cheek and stood back. He had not seen her in nearly 10 years but he recognised her immediately. She had inherited her mother's beauty but his eyes.

She spoke up " Forgive my lateness. It has been a long journey and I liked the look of one of your sellswords."

Oberyn smiled, she was his daughter in spirit too "Nothing to forgive child, it was good of your to accompany Ellaria from Dorne. She is too rare a beauty to travel unprotected. I can see 4 daggers beneath your clothing but no doubt you carry far more."

Nymeria smiled "10 in total Father. I was taught well."

Ellaria moved to his side and spoke "We have a ship waiting at Pentos to return us to Dorne. We must leave as soon as you can, Doran and vengeance is waiting."

Oberyn smiled "Allow me to gather a few possessions and we can leave immediately."

"But what of your men?" Ellaria asked, "What of the Coiled Serpents?"

Oberyn turned and looked at her. He thought of the men who he had fought side by side with for nearly 5 years across all of Essos. He thought of the young Myrish archer who had saved his life when he was cornered by a shadowcat with only the hilt of a sword to defend himself. He thought of the five men, two Tyroshi, a Braavosi, a Stormlands bastard and a Valeman, who stood with him for what seemed an age against the Ironborn until reserves arrived. He thought of all his men - their bravery, their skill and their loyalty despite being sellswords. He thought of the pride he actually felt towards the Coiled Serpents, a feeling normally reserved for his daughters only.

Then he thought of her.

"Fuck them. We leave in the hour."