Oberyn Martell was staying in one of the houses owned by the Antaryon family. And so I arrived along with Viserys and Daenerys, their hair was still dyed black, but that did not seem to stop the Dornishman from figuring things out.
We were seated at the table, and food was brought. Dornish food.
"Prince Oberyn, I may be many things, but a fool I am not. So I will say it, you know about them." I did not need to clarify, as he nodded.
"Yes," He confirmed, a grin on his face. "I sadly could not meet you the last time I came here, Your Grace," He spoke as he looked at Viserys, and I nearly facepalmed.
"Prince Oberyn, I must remind you then that discretion is paramount. I assume that your brother is aware then?"
The look in his face was starting to freak me out, as if he was so satisfied... "I am actually here to find out if they are alive, which they are. I doubt that any in Westeros truly know."
"For now... I will be entirely honest, I am not their guardian, I am merely doing anything I can to keep them and myself alive. So I cannot tell the Prince not to go with you and marry your niece... having said that, I would advise against it."
"Hey!" Viserys exclaimed, seemingly offended, so I turned towards him.
"Boy, do you know how Robert Baratheon gained the throne?" The suddenness of the question surprised Prince Oberyn as well, and so I pressed the advantage. "He won it because regardless of the many defects of that man, his sheer charisma swayed many lords, and his refusal to mete out heavy punishments to those that supported your Father earned him the loyalty of the houses that fought for King Aerys... If you want to take back that Kingdom of yours you will need more than the money in your pockets, the sack of gold and jewels you brought, and a marriage into House Martell, and no, something tells me that the Golden Company is not a valid option either."
Viserys seemed to have shut down, a frown on his face, and so I took a deep breath.
"With all due respect, you need to learn discipline, which Tormo is doing a good job of drilling into you, and you need to learn how to talk in public. You want to dethrone the Usurper? You'll need to outfight him and out-talk him, you need to make sure every man woman and child, or at least every Lord and Knight hear of you and do not associate you with your Father's madness, and don't start, King Aerys was mad, and your older Brother was not much better," I pre-empted his complaint, "but they must hear of you and learn that not only is Viserys Targaryen not mad, but he will be a damn better King than that Baratheon Oaf and his admittedly very competent hand."
There was almost a full minute of uncomfortable silence, before Prince Oberyn chuckled.
"Those are some... interesting views, but you would be correct," Taking one of the Dornish Peppers and eating it quickly he added, "However, so long as Justice for Elia, Aegon and Rhaenys is made, you will have the loyalty of Dorne," He said as he turned towards Viserys, that seemed to mollify him, and I nodded.
"What happened to Princess Elia... Good God it was horrible, but I believe we should not talk about such things at the moment." I motioned briefly towards Daenerys, the seven-year-old was very uncomfortable.
"Agreed," Oberyn said quickly, "Could I convince you of coming to Dorne some time? I am sure that the people of Sunspear would appreciate a play like those of yours."
That got me to laugh. "I am afraid that I am on an exclusive contract with the Sea Dragon Troupe, so at least for the next five years I can't give you any of my plays."
"So I have to convince Master Maelio?" He asked with a grin.
"Perhaps" I told him.
He left Braavos five days later, but it appeared that the Troupe would not travel across the sea any time soon. Maelio was unconvinced once all was said and done.