THE LADY OF STARFALL DEALS WITH A SNAKE

That evening they bury the people killed in the lord's solar. After they were pulled out of the blood soaked throne room the Silent Sisters took the bodies to the courtyard so that they could be cleaned and prepared. When there were not enough Silent Sisters to reach them all in a timely manner, Allyria pressed all servants of strong constitution to aid them in the hauling of the bodies and the digging of graves.

Dressed in black Allyria stands alongside Edric who wears vestments in the same, alongside a small entourage of the nobles of the court, watching from a low rocky hill as the smallfolk go to work. It's not often that men die putting themselves so directly between their liege lord and their enemies and Allyria has decreed that these guardsmen be buried near the crypt of the old Dayne lords. She watches as the servants come carrying the prepared bodies out from the gates of the castle walls and lower them down into their graves as the Septons recite the Petition to the Stranger and toss down the first handful of dirt into the graves.

The graveyard is on a plateau on the northern end of the island the castle sits on. Here the mists seem to gather, so that in the twilight of dusk the sepulcher at the center seems to rise up from smoke, surrounded by an army of markers in the shape of seven pointed stars. Allyria overlooks this all and thinks of how accustomed she's become to the sight. Arthur, Ashara, Alexander and his wife Dorothea - an entire generation of the Dayne line is dead, with Allyria always being the one having to preside over their burials here. She looks over to the stone structure that leads down to the crypt and remembers not how they were laid to rest but of how they would sometimes come and play in the graveyard when they were young. She and her sister Ashara would try to prove their bravery to one another by wandering deeper and deeper into the shadowy graveyard at sunset. Sometimes Arthur would come to play with them, but usually he was practicing swordsmanship with Alexander and Gerold. Darrion Brownstone would play with Allyria and Ashara sometimes as well, but only when coaxed. Fearful of stepping outside of his station Darrion was, and is still, wary of breaking with decorum, even if Ashara and Allyria assured him that they would take the blame if they were ever caught out. Even then he would only go as far as the first row of gravestones and no further, for fear of upsetting the spirits residing there.

The dead deserve their rites, and she tries to keep her mind on prayer, but she's hungry to know why this happened, what caused that bloody display of blasphemy and violence. A pair of the pagan savages were taken prisoner, and she knows that they are now being sharply questioned down in the dungeons. I should go now, see what has been learned, she thinks to herself. But what does she know of interrogation? What does she know of foreigners, she who's lived within the walls of Starfall all her life? No, those matters are best left to more experienced men. Allyria's has done well minding the coin in the coffers and the squabbling of the lesser lords, but when it comes to war, without a Sword of the Morning to lead House Dayne, it's Ser Brownstone that has the expertise in securing the prisoners and Maester Cidrio in understanding them.

Tomorrow morning the small council will convene and Brownstone will give his report. Then she'll weigh the options and see what needs to be done about the rogue swanship somewhere off the southern coast of Dorne. And if Edric wants to play lordling again?, Allyria asks herself. Well, he's not Lord just yet - he'll have to mind his aunt's orders. She's sure her little Edric will understand. She doesn't know how he'll react to her overstepping him, but he'll understand. She looks over to him now, standing next to her, listening attentively to the Septim's words, his eyes with a knowing look of the tragedy before them. He was a squire and it hardened him. He will be a good lord, Allyria thinks to herself, just not quite yet.

Early the next day Allyria is up and walking through the castle halls just as the sun crests over the horizon. As she hurries past the windows she sees the long shadows cast by the rising sun on the stones and hills of the landscape. Voices echo throughout the halls as she nears the small council room.

Tall ceilings provide for ample walls where maps and diagrams are hung, depicting the various well-tread war strategies of House Dayne. A wide window opens eastward so that one can look across the water and see the dry, rust-colored Dornish landscape. Under this there is the long pale-wood table that hosts conversation. Ser Brownstone, Maester Cidrio, and Edric are already seated at the table. Along with them are two of House Dayne's most loyal bannermen - the lanky stony Dornishman Ser Briar and the squat salty Dornishman Ser Rodrigo, each dressed in dark brown leathers and purple brooches signifying their loyalty to Starfall. Although Allyria isn't late, she finds the council already embroiled in conversation.

"We can mention it later-," says Ser Rodrigo.

"Mention what?" asks Allyria.

The bannermen cease their talking to stand and bow their heads at the arrival of the stewardess of Starfall. Ser Brownstone and the Maester follow suit. Edric simply looks up at her and smiles.

"A Sarella Sand arrived earlier this morning in the twilight," says Ser Brownstone.

"Oberyn's daughter?" asks Allyria.

"The very same," says Ser Brownstone. Although he plays the stoic warrior, when Allyria looks in his dark brown eyes she sees concern.

"She wishes to address the small council," says Ser Briar.

"She speaks for House Martell," says Ser Rodrigo.

Could this be about the Darkstar?, Allyria thinks to herself

"Y-yes," says Allyria, "forgive me my lords, I'd expected to discuss the foreigners and their-"

"We've already discussed that," says Edric cheerfully.

Allyria tilts her head at hearing his voice.

"Yes," says Maester Cidrio, amused, "the young Lord Dayne was the first of us here, he and Ser Brownstone and I discussed the search effort down the bay-"

"We were waiting for you before beginning the interrogation summaries of course my Lady," says Ser Brownstone with a bow of his head, "but then your bannermen brought word of Sarella's arrival."

Sers Briar and Rodrigo look at her now, bowing their heads once more.

"We'll hear her speak first," says Allyria, "Oberyn's daughters don't leave Sunspear without good reason."

The guards are sent and the guards return, this time with the Sand Snake in tow.

Allyria's never seen Sarella Sand before though of course she's heard of her. Gossip says that she was born of a trader from the Summer Isles that Oberyn managed to find himself in bed with. He's managed to find himself in bed with strange women often. That Sarella Sand has skin the color of teak is not surprising, nor is her short kinked black hair, nor her onyx like eyes. What is surprising is how Oberyn appears in her face, like a shade. Allyria remembers his sharp nose and his viper's eyes and these two features are perfectly recreated within the dark frame of this bastard Islander girl. She wears a green dress in the classic Dornish style - flowing cloth and exposed shoulders - and only a few modest gold rings as jewelry. Her poise is confident and knowing and her eyes smile much too much.

"Lady Sarella Sand, daughter of Oberyn Martell," says Ser Brownstone as an introduction.

Sarella gives a perfunctory curtsy.

"I hope the Seven find you well," says Sarella, "I bring news for the Lord of Starfall."

"I am-" begins Edric.

"The Lord of Starfall is not of age yet" says Allyria, "I am still stewardess of Starfall, at least until the coming year."

Edric's face relaxes slightly. If Allyria didn't know him better, she'd hardly notice the way he doesn't look at her.

"What news do you bring Sarella Sand?" asks Edric. He sits straight up in his chair.

"My uncle, Prince Dorian, bid me to return to Sunspear. As Castle Starfall was on my way back, he thought it would be highly improper if I did not stop by and pay respects to House Dayne."

"House Dayne is honored to receive the esteem of House Martell," says Allyria. She smiles and nods, prompting the rest of the council to do the same.

"He also wants to know what you intend to do about your cousin Gerold Dayne," says Sarella.

"Gerold?" asks Edric.

"The Darkstar," whispers Allyria to herself.

"Oh, yes," says Edric, thinking the whisper meant for him, "what about cousin Gerold?"

Sarella gives him a curious look.

"My lord," says Sarella, "the Darkstar is guilty of the murder of Ser Arys Oakheart, knight of the Kingsguard, and guilty of an attempt on the life of the princess Myrcella Baratheon. Has this news not reached you?"

Maester Cidrio busies himself with his chain. Ser Brownstone looks to Allyria, but Allyria pretends not to notice him.

"No," says Edric, "I was away serving as a squire to Lord Beric Dondarrion."

Sarella's curious gaze turns to Allyria now.

"An attempt on the life of a princess is a serious charge," says Sarella, "and my uncle Prince Doran aims to see that justice is done. As the Darkstar is of House Dayne's cadet branch, my Prince thought it best if House Dayne would aid in finding him. If only to avoid the appearance of House Dayne conspiring with its rogue swordsman."

Allyria furrows her brow and nods as if to say, of course.

"Were you aware that the Darkstar made an attempt on the princess's life?" asks Sarella.

"Yes, everyone has heard by now," says Allyria.

"Well, not everyone," says Sarella. She motions to Edric.

"We've not had anyone come to confirm the accounts themselves," says Allyria, "but neither do we doubt the account of princess Myrcella. We've sent a raven to High Hermitage to demand an explanation but we've received no word. We've also sent ravens to Sunspear to try and assure Prince Doran that the Daynes of Castle Starfall knew nothing of the Darkstars murderous intentions, but we've not received word from him either."

Sarella's gaze wanders to the Maester, then to the three Sers. Briar and Rodrigo raise their eyebrows. Brownstone says nothing.

Sarella Sand smiles. Allyria thinks of how much she resembles her father at that moment.

"Do not be alarmed my lady," says Sarella, "my uncle the Prince doesn't think you guilty. That's why he knows he can count on you to lend your bannermen to help my sister Obara and Ser Balon Swann to wrest High Hermitage from the rogue Dayne."

"Of course," says Edric emphatically, "House Dayne is responsible for its cadet branch, and will see that these wrongs are righted."

"My lord," begins Ser Brownstone, "our garrison, our fleet, is attending to the matter of the foreigners-"

"You are truly a good and just Lord, Edric Dayne of Castle Starfall," interrupts Sarella, "the Prince of Dorne will be pleased to know House Dayne remains loyal in these trying times."

"House Dayne will always remain loyal to the Sunspear," says Allyria, "and our young Lord is indeed a good Lord. I do not want to give the impression we are seeking clemency on behalf of the Darkstar, we are not. But we have problems of our own - savages of unknown number besiege our coasts and terrorize our lands, our fighting men are required here."

"I'm sure that your fighting men are more than able to handle a few bandits," says Sarella Sand.

"They are more than simple bandits," says Allyria, "and we don't know how dangerous they are yet. Lending our troops now may imperil Castle Starfall - and would deprive the Sunspear of an able ally."

Sarella smiles a skeptical smile.

"Is this true, Lord Dayne?" asks Sarella.

"It is," says Edric, "these raiders are different. They killed one of their own in the lord's solar, and killed many of our men in the confusion afterward. Yes, we will need to keep some of our men near for protection, of course." He gives a quick nod of agreement, "A good lord must also defend his lands."

"Murder? In the lord's solar?," says Sarella. The Sand Snake's eyes focus on the little lord. Allyria imagines a forked tongue tasting the air.

"Yes," says Allyria, "we don't know what to make of these foreigners'…display. But based on the make of their ships, and on the resilience of their fighting men, we are having to take caution now in a way that we've not had to do since the times of Robert's Rebellion."

Sarella thinks on this for a moment, looking around at the other faces in the room.

"It's unfortunate that House Dayne must deal with such a threat," says Sarella, "but if I were to report to my uncle that House Dayne is hesitant to offer its full aid in hunting down the Darkstar he may become suspicious. He may believe, as some of the more skeptical members of his court appear to believe, that the Darkstar acts on word from Castle Starfall, for unfriendly reasons."

"Nothing could be further from the truth!" says Allyria. She pounds on the table with her fist, almost spitting the words out. "House Dayne would not involve itself in such cretinous acts."

Sarella, and other members of the council too, are taken aback at Lady Allyria's tone.

"My apologies Lady Dayne," says Sarella, "I did not mean to imply otherwise, but people smell change on the wind, and they wonder what will become of venerable House Dayne in these times."

"Yes I'm aware of those eyeing Dawn now during House Dayne's time of hardship," says Allyria, "some of them even had the gall to offer themselves as suitors as soon as rumors began that my once betrothed is dead."

Edric looks down as if in thought.

"Would you help me understand the nature of the threat then?" asks Sarella, "perhaps the Sunspear can offer aid once the Darkstar is dealt with, to help you with these more-than-bandits."

"Certainly," interjects Edric, "we were about to go over the summaries of the interrogations."

Allyria is somewhat hesitant to allow the Sandsnake to hear what's occurred - Starfall is beset on all sides by Houses willing to gain from its disadvantage. But what else can she do? It's not as if she can deny the girl without creating the perception that she is providing aid to the Darkstar.

"Let us hear your report then, Ser Brownstone," says Sarella, "I imagine we will be sharing logistics once we combine our forces to rid Dorne of your marauding bandits, we might as well hear it now. The better to plan for."

"That makes sense, doesn't it Maester?" asks Edric.

"Ah," says Maester Cidrio. He looks from Allyria to Edric then back again. "Well, I suppose that-"

"Of course it does!" interjects Ser Briar.

"Our lands rest along the coast," says Ser Rodrigo, "we'll need all the help we can get if that four-masted ship of theirs is as tough as Ser Brownstone has claimed."

"Four-masted ship?" asks Sarella.

Allyria motions to Ser Brownstone, who begins.

Of the three Atlacal who were taken alive only one managed to survive his wounds. A man named Naolin, one of the foreign warriors, cut down five guards, had his leg broken, and had a spear run through his chest before he was detained. Although initially recalcitrant, he broke his silence late in the night, delirious from lack of blood and sleep. In this state Naolin often repeated that he is a warrior, like them, and that he simply does as he's commanded. And down in one of the dark mildewy cells underneath Castle Starfall, he answered everything they commanded him to answer.

Like the others he claims to be from a land on the other side of the Sunset Sea, which he calls Ayamictlan. He is pledged to an emperor named Tlon, and he says that his duty is to safeguard the ambassadors while they explore eastward, searching for foreign lands with their small fleet of three ships. The reasons for this exploration appear rooted in their foreign religion - Maester Cidrio takes over giving the summation here - Naolin claims that his emperor searches for foreign riches and sacrifices in order to appease a sun god. The strangest thing though, Maester Cidrio notes, is how straightforward the captive was about this. Naolin explained how people have their hearts ripped out and their heads sliced off with the same straightforward tone of voice that someone might use to explain why a sept must have seven walls. This method of death did not seem to bother Naolin in the slightest. It was only after Naolin witnessed the reaction that Ser Brownstone and Maester Cidrio had to this knowledge that he became worried. He pleaded and panicked and pointed to the ambassadors green book, struggling to explain that the people were killed out of mercy. These Atlacal believe that without sacrifices the sun will die and the world will fall into darkness and chaos forever. That's why they came to treat with them in such daunting vessels - tribute must come from far and wide if their sun god is to be satisfied.

"The prisoner made it clear that kingdoms receive the favor of the emperor Tlon if they supply sacrifices," says Ser Brownstone, "and that if we simply give them what they want, they'll leave."

"Unthinkable," says Ser Briar.

"Nightmarish," says Ser Rodrigo.

"Do...do you find this captive believable, Ser Brownstone?" asks Sarella. Little waves of skepticism and confusion move across her face as she tries to read the mood of the small council around her, trying to suss out if this is a ruse. Allyria isn't surprised. She wouldn't believe it herself if she hadn't seen that same disregard for life from the two ambassadors.

"Yes," says Ser Brownstone, "it's in line with what we learned from the ambassadors. In it's own gruesome way it also explains their behavior, as well as the pictures in their book."

"Did the prisoner say where the other ships went?" asks Allyria.

"One departed to a farther shore they sighted days ago," says Ser Brownstone, "although what shores they could have seen isn't clear. By what the captive described it must be somewhere along the Reach's eastern coast."

"And the third ship?" asks Edric.

"Sailed back to give a report," says Ser Brownstone, "to inform their emperor about their discovery, perhaps to come back with aid."

The small council falls silent.

"What happened to the ship here, the- what did they call it?" asks Sarella.

"The Sun's Sentinel," says Maester Cidrio.

"Yes, where did that one go?" asks Sarella.

"It sank four of our galleys before it slipped away on a favorable wind," says Edric, "the rest of our galleys are heading out to sea to try and find it."

"The foreign ship had two ballistae on either side of it, and they shoot true," says Ser Brownstone, "they could sink a ship with just two successful strikes." Then, at seeing Sarella's incredulous look, he adds: "I saw them myself."

"Forgive my skepticism," says Sarella Sand, "I meant no offense, only to see my duty through."

"No offense is taken," says Allyria.

"I believe I speak for House Martell when I offer condolences for the men who died fighting," says Sarella Sand, "I am sure Prince Doran will offer aid to our close allies, charged here with defending Dorne's western flank. As for the Darkstar-"

"I will send another raven to High Hermitage," says Allyria, "to allow the Darkstar one last chance to explain himself. As his family we owe him at least that much. But-" this she says in response to Sarella raising her finger, "but we will pledge infantrymen to assist in the Darkstar's capture, should he give battle."

"Mounted riders would be quicker," says Sarella.

"They would," says Allyria, "but mounted riders are best kept near at hand, to respond to any further appearances of the foreign barbarians. Isn't that right Ser Brownstone?"

"I-Yes, yes of course my lady," says Ser Brownstone, "once the barbarians are dealt with, the mounted riders can head north to offer aid, if they should still be needed."

"Then can House Martell rely on a fair number of infantrymen? The Darkstar doesn't seem the negotiating kind. And if the rumors that Ser Barristan Selmy has departed for Essos are true, the Darkstar may well be the most skilled fighter in Westeros now living. Speaking for myself, I am surprised, although thankful, that Gerold Dayne is not the Sword of the Morning."

"I hope that decision reflects well on House Dayne," says Allyria, "in the eyes of Prince Doran."

"I'm sure it will my lady," says Sarella.

Sarella looks up into the air, thinking.

"Lord Dayne," says Sarella, "may I borrow a raven? My uncle will want to know of this development. If it would help bring the Darkstar to justice, he may have ships that can be made available to search the seas south of Dorne."

"The ravenry is yours," says Edric.

"And if I may, I'd like to ask if I could be furnished with supplies for my trip back east," says Sarella.

The precise number of men to be pledged is haggled over for the rest of the meeting as the Sers hash out the hypotheticals of a battle at High Hermitage and a naval battle with a rogue ship. Afterwards Maester Cidrio and Edric rise to go and continue the interrogation of the prisoner. Allyria allows for Edric to see the prisoner on the condition that there are four guards accompanying him and only if Maester Cidrio keeps the conversation away from their savage religion. Sarella Sand, with surprising boldness and Edric's acquiescence, accompanies them to see this barbarian warrior for herself. As she watches them leave Allyria can see Sarella's onyx eyes alternating between a wide eyed curiosity and a doubting pensiveness.

When there is no one else left in the small council room but Allyria and Ser Brownstone, Ser Brownstone speaks.

"My lady, if I may, what will you write the Darkstar?" he asks, "if you tell him that the Sunspear is planning to march on-"ut given Edric's place as last living male heir, and given also Allyria's unwed status,

"The Darkstar already knows the Sunspear is marching on him," says Allyria, "he's cruel but he's not mad. He is aware of the severity of his actions."

"But why would he try to kill the princess?" asks Ser Brownstone, "I've sent word to the guards to ask the merchants that have been up the Torrentine, but there are no rumors as to his motive."

"I don't know," says Allyria, "but we cannot afford to give the impression we are at all part of his schemes. Not now."

Allyria's mind returns to the sight of the foreign savages, these Atlacal, cutting down the fighting men of House Dayne in the lord's solar. She thinks also of the vultures circling, waiting to take advantage of either an unmarried woman or a naive boy, whichever of the two ends up commanding the reigns of House Dayne and the ancestral home of her dead family.

Under all this weight Allyrica can do nothing but sigh.

"We'll...we'll send some men north to High Hermitage," says Allyria, "but we'll have them wait for the Sunspear's delegation before intervening"

"So," says Ser Brownstone, "the plan is to let the sand snake and the kings guard take the upstart miscreant."

Allyria looks at him now. Gerold Dayne was cruel to everyone in his youth, but he was most cruel to the superstitious, fearful, and lesser noble Darrion Brownstone. Darrion's suffering imbued him with a disdain for the Darkstar that often manifested itself in a diminishing of the Dayne's skill, a hateful devaluation of his prowess. Allyria hears that current in his voice now.

"I have no doubt the Darkstar could cut them both down by himself," says Allyria, "and I have to wonder how many fighting men the Sunspear is willing to commit to taking him."

Ser Brownstone begins to speak but Allyria interrupts him.

"The Sand Snake is right," says Allyria, "the Gerold Dayne is now the greatest swordsman in Westeros now living. He knows it. His men know it. The Princes of eastern Dorne know it. And if he rebuffs this attempt to capture him, the lordlings might cast their lots accordingly."

Allyria feels at her necklace, the Lodestar. In Dorne women have helmed great Houses, but no woman has ever wielded the Sword of the Morning. The weapon is almost a banner in and of itself. And if the wielder of the Dawn should try and claim himself the true heir of Starfall, now that the main line of the Daynes is almost spent…Well, what would he do to potential challengers here in Starfall? To Edric? History has more than enough examples, she knows. And she knows too that the Darkstar is as cruel as he is dangerous.