A/N: Came down with throat infection and a nasty cold, bad combination that knocked me out in bed and robbed my concentration to write. Pardon the wait.

Chapter XII: The Seeds of War

3rd POV:
Sunspear

The air of tension in the Royal Palace of Sunspear was like a tightly-coiled spring ready to release itself at the slightest touch, like a pinprick of cold ice on everyone's necks. These past few weeks had been a hectic hive of activity, with many anticipating an end to the long peace under Martell rule.

Princess Meria Martell, the Yellow Toad, sat like a crooked hag upon her throne of burnished ironwood, tall and erect and proud like a Queen. Unbowed, unbent, unbroken, as fits her house's words. Her wrinkly fingers tapped impatiently upon the armrest, her son Nymor shifting uneasily next to her.

Before them stood an assembly of nobles, engaging in a monotonously dangerous routine of scheming and double-talking as they waited for the rest to arrive.

"It's really happening, isn't it, Mother?" Said Nymor, "To think we'd go to war against our own kind."

"They ceased to be our kin the moment they made that awful display," Said Meria, her ragged voice tinged with venom, "No fewer than three loyal houses exterminated root and stem, after that disastrous battle!"

"Mother, our spies have confirmed the facts no fewer than three times," Said Nymor, "House Rada is not responsible for their extermination."

Meria sighed, saying, "I know, son, I know. But I am not angry with House Rada for this. I am angry and wary of this Askari, Azaz's eldest son. If not for his retaliation, the three houses would not have been subject to such a cruel fate in the first place. If not for his actions, we would not have a bloc of nobles suddenly gaining the power to challenge our seat of power. He has great ambitions, boy, and they involve dethroning our entire house."

"And it must be involving their ancient feud with our house," Said Nymor, "When the Red Princes imposed their bans on Rhoynish culture and language."

"Ancient bans that have no meaning whatsoever, and Houses have held ancestral grudges for even less," Said Meria, "But historical baggage is a flimsy reason. No, I suspect Askari has altogether different reasons."

"But what, Mother?" Said Nymor, "I admit that his actions indicate a possibly hostile attitude towards us, but I cannot fathom precisely what his intentions are. Although I can haphazard a guess."

"Go on," Said Meria.

"Well, the three houses were all loyal to us, and they replaced those formerly loyal to House Rada after the War of Four Houses," Said Nymor.

"Which my ancestor Larra saw fit to orchestrate to weaken House Rada," Said Meria, "They were growing too powerful by that time and posed a real threat to House Martell's rule."

"Indeed, Mother," Said Nymor, "And yet fate has seen fit to reverse the damage done, and in a spectacular fashion."

"Oh, do not get me started on the projected losses in profits," Said Meria, "He only had a few years and he's already outcompeting us in food prices! Food available for cheap in greater quantities! It's no wonder the smallfolk and the merchants are buying more from them! Worse, I hear they've devised a new kind of furnace that smelts large quantities of steel in less time!"

Meria took a deep breath, stilling herself.

"Once I thought that with our numerical superiority we would be able to handily crush House Rada if war broke out between us," Said Meria, "Now though, with those 'monsters' in his employ, his vastly superior equipment and training and greater food supply… I'm not so sure."

"Indeed that is the case, Mother," Said Nymor, "He's deliberately doing all these actions to bolster his direct power. And notice this: His new vassals were smallfolk who gained their titles by merit, and not nobility."

"From what I know, the local nobility in his area were decimated," Said Meria, "But I also admit he could have at least tried to find survivors of other noble houses and simply elevate them. To not do so at all is… perturbing."

"Yes, and I can only fathom one reason why: He wants to break the power of the nobility," Said Nymor.

"What?" Meria said.

"Think about it," Said Nymor, "Even if not his direct intention, the extermination of the three houses meant that there was no one left to contest his rule of the three provinces, allowing him to name new people at his own prerogative. Furthermore, it shows the people that noble or not, he will tolerate no one breaking the law – his law."

"…By the Seven, that boy is a far greater danger than I thought," Said Meria, "No matter, we will not give up without a fight. Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken, that is what House Martell always has been."

"And always shall be," Repeated Nymor.

Then Ryon Yronwood, knight of House Yronwood, went up to Meria and said, "Princess Meria, the nobles of all houses have gathered here for your declaration as per your summons."

"All of them?" Meria asked.

"All… save House Dayne," Said Nymor, "Along with Houses Wyl, Manwoody and Fowler."

Meria bit back a curse.

"Very well," Said Meria, "Forget about the minor houses. For now, hold off on the proclamation. We've yet to bring in our distinguished general."

"As you command, Princess Meria," Said Ryon.

Meria leaned back into her throne, fuming silently.

"Fowler I can understand, given their feuds with my husband's house of Yronwood," Said Meria, "Harmen's sour over the fact that I chose to marry from his rival rather than his house, but Oberyn came through for me during one of House Wyl's rebellions. Manwoody and Dayne, they were Kings like Fowler before Nymeria's war, and for them to simply not act right now is perhaps both disappointing and expected. House Wyl, they're as rebellious as the days of their founding. And yet, considering the timing…"

"You think they reached an agreement with House Rada or something?" Said Nymor, "If not to ally, maybe at least a non-aggression pact."

"The latter's the only possibility, Son," Said Meria, "House Rada has never had a strong relationship with the Stone Dornish, especially after Nymeria's War when they lost their kingly status."

"Aye," Said Nymor.

"No matter," Said Meria, "We can do without their help. We still outnumber House Rada's forces four to one, and we can simply have raiders slip through the cracks and damage their infrastructure. They cannot possibly overwhelm every single marauder band we send through."

"Indeed we can, but I don't know, I just… I've had this awful feeling," Said Nymor.

"It's never good to be so paranoid, Son," Said Meria, "Caution is warranted in the Game of Thrones, yes, but being overcautious can be equally detrimental – opponents can exploit this to their advantage."

"…Maybe you're right, Mother," Said Nymor.

Just then, a man entered the throne room, and all attention turned to the newest arrival.

Grizzled and middle-aged, his body was strong and straight and carried itself with a dignified and confident poise, his face fixed in eternally calm stoicism. Brown curly hair, bright brown eyes and tanned skin made for a roguishly handsome man, his hand resting comfortably on his curved sword.

"Princess Meria, I came here as soon as I received the word," Said the man, "We are going to war?"

"Indeed, Lord Quentyn," Said Meria, "It's good to have you here."

"My grandfather would have wanted this, Princess," Said Quentyn, "Nothing less for the unifier's House."

Quentyn Sand, descended from Meria's husband Qoren Yronwood, served as one of Dorne's distinguished generals in countless battles and skirmishes, be it against the Ironborn, Dornish rebels or the Reachmen and Stormlanders in the Marches. With two decades of war experience beneath his belt, he was a treasured gem in the Dornish armies.

"And with this, everything is ready," Said Meria, "Ryon, it's time."

Ryon bowed to her, and then clapping his hands he boomed in a loud voice, "Ladies and Lords of Dorne, Princess Meria speaks!"

The clamour died down, and Meria slowly stood up from her throne, helped by Nymor as he offered his arm for stability.

"People of Dorne!" Meria shouted, "Today marks a grim day for us Dornishkind, a day that I never thought would ever see coming in my twilight years!"

Even in her old age, Meria's voice carried steel and weight and carried itself crystal clear across the entire throne room.

"Today marks the day that we are going to war against a mortal enemy," Said Meria, "We Dornish are no strangers to war, having warred consistently with the Reachmen and Stormlanders over control of the Dornish Marches! Time and time again we have fought, and each victory or defeat we suffered, we paid in full the blood price!"

"Hear, hear!" The crowd chorused.

"But for as long as we fought foreigners, we have also fought our own kind in countless civil wars since the beginning of time, since Dorne was first given its name as a land, before it was a united Kingdom under the great Princess Nymeria the Uniter!" Meria continued, "And now I am aggrieved to say we are once again on the cusp of civil war."

Shocked murmurs erupt among the gathered audience, some forced, most genuine, and a rare few actors betraying no expression.

"Much as I regret to say this, House Rada stands opposed to the established order!" Meria shouts, waving her free hand with growing passion, "If left to grow and fester, he will eventually eclipse our power and glory! Already he rakes in tidy profits of industry, cajoling greedy merchants and opportunistic nobles to his side in exchange for great benefit! Already he amasses a great army numbering in the thousands, equipped with arms of proper steel and drilling the soldiers day and night like hounds were upon his heel!"

"Down with the traitors!"

"Down with the bastards!"

"Down with House Rada!"

The chanting grew to a fever pitch, and very soon the huge majority of voices joined in, voicing their discontent and their approval.

"Princess Meria!" Said Ryon, "Give us the order!"

At this Meria smiled, and she said, "Raise the banners! This day, we go to war!"

"Hoorah for Princess Meria!" Said Ryon, "Down with the traitorous House Rada!"

"Down with the traitors! Down with the traitors! Down with the traitors!"

Quentyn Sand merely nodded his head in acceptance, his face betraying nothing.

Nymor, on the other hand, remained uneasy.

IIOII

Arsalm (Swordport)

News of war spread throughout the land of Dorne as Lords and Ladies marshalled their levies and raised their banners. Smiths churned out no tools but arms by the crateful, fletchers carted out arrows by the bushel, and stables were emptied of steeds overnight. Throughout Dorne many answered the call to arms by House Martell, eager to gain glory or cut down the upstart House Rada rising above its station.

A few houses turned a blind eye, swayed by Rada gold or jealous of House Martell.

And overnight, House Rada had a target painted on its head.

House Rada's armies marshalled to fill defensive lines set up across its territory, manning forts and watchtowers and shifting towards a war footing. Wagons laden with hardtack, dried jerky and water barrels formed snaking trains, the army's lifelines moving with all due haste.

And in the war room of Arsalm's Keep, stood Askari with his father, mother and advisors, and a few visitors. It was like the calm before the storm, the wide and spacious room dim in the moonlight. The skies were dark, and a new moon was out, and if not for the lit torches would have cast the entire room in a pitch black nightmare.

"Gentlemen, this is the moment we've been waiting for," Said Azaz, "At long last, we're going to war with House Martell."

"I've been waiting for this, but I have to admit we're still disadvantaged," Said Askari, "But we've made all our preparations as well as they can be made."

"Do not worry, Young Master," Said Huang Xue, "The will of Heaven is with us today, and according to my divination, I foretell a great victory against the ancient fossils of Dorne."

"Our navy's also top-of-the-line with the latest models Lord Askari's gracefully provided to the Arsenal," Said Erkin, smiling with supreme confidence, "Their superior seaworthiness and durability will trump the galleys our opponents will use, and in my hands they are the weapons of the Gods."

"All-in-all, we're in a good position," Said Azaz, "But now I have to wonder about the role of these three in our plans, especially with the looming war."

They turned their attention to the new arrivals, Arron Darrel, Belandra Qeffar and Obela Lleryn. All three stood resolutely with no awkward shifting, their breaths even and their eyes shining with light.

"I must admit, I've had reservations that anyone else would come to us seeking an alliance, considering that we are warring with the ruling House of Dorne," Said Aisha, her inquisitive eyes narrowing slightly, "And considering the timing…"

"I know it seems suspicious, Lady Rada," Said Arron, "But I will say that we have a personal vendetta against House Martell, first and foremost."

Aisha nodded, saying, "From what my agents have discovered, all three of your houses have fallen on hard times as well, both politically and financially. House Arron is losing lucrative trade deals to House Dalt; House Qeffar has lost its talented leadership, and its sole ruler lacks respect from its vassals; House Lleryn is also losing lucrative trade deals, and has recently suffered a raid from the Stepstones that killed and enslaved hundreds as a result."

"…You have the right of it there, Lady Rada," Said Obela, "And right now, we want to change that by allying with you."

"Who doesn't want to rise to greater heights?" Said Askari, "Who doesn't want to become richer?"

"Fine words from a player," Said Arron with a smile, "Young as you may be."

"Heh, I'm already a grown man, Arron," Askari said smilingly, "I mean, isn't the age of majority six and ten here?"

"Age of majority?" Asked Belandra.

"It means when you reach the age people consider you an adult," Said Askari.

"My son always gives strange terms every now and then," Said Azaz, "In any case, you are all taking a great risk, and I cannot – I will not – have you backing out or backstabbing us at any time, you understand?"

"We have much to gain and little to lose," Said Arron, "Or rather, what other options do we have? I don't see a brighter future under House Martell."

"Certainly nothing that means greater wealth and technology," Said Belandra, "I'd say House Martell would just drag us all into poverty like the cursed house it is."

Azaz looked at Askari, who nodded. Huang Xue and Erkin did likewise.

"Alright then," Azaz said with a slight smile, "Welcome to the alliance."

And the three nobles shook their hands.

"So what is our role in the upcoming war?" Asked Obela, "Please keep in mind that we're in no position to directly oppose the Martell host, however."

"It's alright, Lady Lleryn," Said Huang Xue, "In fact, with your involvement, we just need to make a few adjustments."

Pointing to the map of Dorne on the table, Huang Xue said, "We've formed an ironclad blockade along the Greenblood river, forcing House Martell to attack us on other fronts, and would force them to spend valuable time on a land march. Furthermore, they have to march through your lands to attack our eastern flank while their other loyalists under House Uller attack from the west."

"Ordinarily, I would say the Martell navy outnumbering us is concerning, but war isn't purely a game of numbers," Said Erkin, "And considering I am at the helm, there's no chance of them or anyone else trouncing us."

"You're awfully confident, aren't you?" Asked Belandra.

Erkin's only response was to smirk, and Askari merely shrugged at her inquisitive look.

"But what about the other houses that didn't participate?" Asked Arron, "Dayne and Wyl and the others. You wouldn't have happened to have a hand in this, didn't you?"

Aisha merely cast a knowing look and nodded.

"Of course," Said Arron, "At least we've softened the odds a little."

"Then before we continue, there's one more thing I need to ask you all," Said Askari, his eyes narrowed and his voice low, "How much are you willing to risk for this war? It's not just prestige and money, but our very lives and reputations on the line."

The three turncoat nobles looked at each other for a moment, then at the others, then back at each other again. Then as one they nodded, relaxed yet slightly taut.

"We're in, for better or worse," Said Obela.

Askari exchanged glances with the others and nodded, and looking satisfied, he stood up and said, "Then what I'm about to say now doesn't leave this room at all, understand me?"

At the turncoats' nods, Askari then said, "We formed a secret alliance with House Targaryen. And… we've been promised lordship of all Dorne in exchange for vassalage to them."

The three nobles exchanged gasps of shock, and Arron then said, "But why, Lord Askari? I don't think you need House Targaryen's power to conquer Dorne! If you want you could be King, maybe even resist all other invaders who set foot on our soil! If this gets out-"

"Rather, why even suborn yourself to House Targaryen in the first place?" Asked Belandra, "That's one thing I fail to comprehend. For all I know, you could simply be King of a united Dorne under your rule and achieve all your objectives just the same."

"Belandra is right," Said Obela, "With your two talented officials and a strong power base at your command, I think you could form proper anti-dragon tactics and protect Dornish independence against the Targaryens. Why do this instead? Why do something that could make you hated by the rest of your kind?"

Askari took a deep breath and said, "Dornish independence… is severely overrated, as is House Martell. Far as I know, I don't care if I have to whore myself out if I can make Dorne a better place. And furthermore, I don't think I want to risk a years-long war trying to go toe-to-toe with the Targaryen dragons. Ballistae might have a chance, yes, but they're not ideal. Unless we have flying creatures of our own, or potent magical weapons capable of killing dragons with little difficulty, that's a no-go."

"…I hate to admit it, but you're right, Lord Askari," Said Obela through grit teeth, "And I don't really care for historical baggage in any case."

"But if this gets out, it will severely hurt our cause," Said Belandra, "From what we hear, you plan to make yourself Prince of all of Dorne."

"That's just a rumour spread by Princess Meria," Said Aisha, "Though that rumour alone has rankled many feathers as well."

"And we've already agreed to the alliance, there would be no sense in backing out now," Said Arron.

"Then I take it we're all aboard?" Asked Azaz.

"Where else would we be, unless the ship sinks?" Said Belandra.

"The only ship that's sinking is House Martell's," Said Azaz, "And I'll be damned if I follow her to the watery grave."

"Excellent," Said Askari, "Now then, here's what I need you all to do…"

IIOII

1st POV:

With the alliance of the three houses confirmed, I now had a trump card to use against the Martells. Aside from having to fight our superior vessels, their famed sand steeds will have to deal with our cataphracts and horse archers on top of that.

But just because the cards are seemingly stacked in my favour doesn't mean I'm resting on my laurels. Oh no, I want to win all the way.

And that is why I've scheduled this meeting with several individuals with a 'special' set of skills I've been eagerly hoping to obtain, but which I've had to put off for several years.

With Huang Xue and Erkin busy with other errands, only Saida's accompanying me as my trusted bodyguard, dressed in Dornish scalemail and wielding her trusty spear. My parents are likewise busy with work or their family, and by their request I had this meeting kept strictly confidential.

"Good morrow to you all," I said, "I'm sure you all have questions about this meeting, so let me start off with this: I am Askari Rada, and I want to employ you."

The leader of the people before me – all dressed in immaculate Rhoynish robes and wielding staves – seemed to look at me with terribly sour faces. We're meeting in a secret room underneath the Keep in Arsalm, and it's the perfect place because other than being Rada territory, no one would really pay attention to strangers in a crowded town. Dark and dank, the only audible sounds are the soft crackling of lit torches and breaths of all attendees. Secure by doors of steel, few can barge their way in by brute force, and the keys safe in a secure vault and under watch by the most trusted loyalists of House Rada.

"No noble of Dorne has ever willingly sought our services since the Red Princes, Master Askari," He said, saying my name like it was an alien word, "Why should we trust that you won't betray us the moment we serve our purpose?"

"Garen, I called you here precisely because you're too valuable to discard like that," I said, "And because the Martells are stupid fools for turning their backs on you all."

"Forgive us if we sound sceptical, noble master, given that we've had to endure centuries of isolation," Said Garen, face looking like he swallowed a bull's penis, "And persecution by those we once called our own kind, not since more than a few of our fellow Rhoynar converted to the Faith of the Seven – a faith that vehemently opposes the existence of magic."

"You don't need to tell me twice," I said, "But things are about to change, and this is a chance for you all to gain positions of power – positions to contest highly influential figures on Westeros. And that means contesting the Sevenist Faith."

Garen narrowed his eyes at this, saying, "Exactly how, noble master?"

"Simple, by forming a newly organised religion preaching the teachings of Mother Rhoyne," I said.

Garen and all his fellow wizards looked flummoxed, and he then said, "A-Are you serious? Do you even know what you're saying? Forget what the other Houses may think, the Faith may try to sabotage us in every way possible! We cannot just form a new theology and expect it to not face opposition!"

"Oh, but that's where you're wrong," I said smilingly, "You see, there's going to be an opportunity for precisely that."

"I beg your pardon, noble master, but I must insist we know exactly what sort of opportunity is going to allow this to happen without opposition, at least openly?" Asked Garen, "I know I'm repeating myself, but the Faith will attempt to sabotage us in every way possible, given how firmly entrenched they are in Westerosi politics and how much sway they hold over the populace. Even if the Sevenist Dornish don't cry for our extermination, the rest of the Andals certainly will."

At this point, Saida looks ready to just skewer Garen, but I hold up a hand to forestall her, no matter how irritating Garen is proving.

"I get your point, I do," I affirm, "But no Faith Militant can fight against Dragons."

"Dragons? What do you mean, Dragons? They died out a long time ago!" Said Garen, "The only Dragons left are those of House Targaryen, but they keep to their islands!"

"And that is where you're wrong, Garen," I said, "Its current patriarch has grand ambitions for Westeros."

"Grand ambitions?" Asked Garen, "What kind of ambitions? Conquest?"

"Oh yes," I said with a nod, "Aegon Targaryen's planning to conquer all of Westeros."

At this, the Water Wizards share collective gasps, and all around I could see them looking uncertain.

"Oh, I see…" Said Garen, "The Andals don't have the means to fight Dragons, and they'll simply all be burnt to ash if they tried. Even with our kind, the Rhoynish had a hell of a time fighting the Valyrian Dragonlords."

"And they will undoubtedly force laws upon the Faith to limit their influence to a greater extent, since they themselves are a magic-wielding people," I confirmed, "Which is why should the time come when Aegon conquers Westeros, we will have the greatest opportunity to restore the Water Wizards to a political hierarchy and reinstitute the Mother Rhoyne as the patron deity of us Dornish."

"You're serious?" Asked Garen, "You're saying-"

"Yes, I'm saying that the descendants of our greatest enemy are also our best chance of reasserting the Rhoynish culture and faith," I said, feeling a headache coming, "So will you please let me finish?"

"You cannot be serious, Master Askari," Said Garen, looking desperate to prove me wrong, "Are you suggesting we ally with the Targaryens of all people?"

The look on my face and Saida's said it all.

And soon the gathered Water Wizards erupt into an avalanche of accusations and shouting and pointing fingers in my direction, and I see fit to simply plug my ears with my fingers, closing my eyes.

I could vaguely hear Saida slamming something and shouting at the top of her lungs, most of the words intelligible to me, but then I feel a gentle tap on my shoulder. I open one eye to see Saida tapping my hand, and I see that the Water Wizards have gone silent, hoping for an explanation no doubt.

Saida then chooses that moment to ask me, "My Lord, permission to speak?"

I nod and gesture for her to do so.

"Garen, are you honestly comfortable and happy with your lifestyle and that of your fellow Water Wizards?" Asked Saida, "Can you say things are good as they are?"

"What?" Asked Garen.

"Think about it this way," Said Saida, "You may be content or just fine with this lifestyle, but can you truly bear to see House Martell keep Dorne as it is – rejecting of Rhoynish culture, religion and magic – when a minor house like House Rada takes steps to make it better, reclaim our heritage?"

This time I see hesitation among the Water Wizards, many casting glances at each other in silence. Saida nods to me, and then I decide to add my piece.

"Let me make it clear to you all: House Martell or independence is not our way forward," I said, "It's the way to stagnation."

"And I suppose you have a better idea, young master?" Said Garen.

I leaned forward, leaning my chin on crossed hands.

"Do you have one, Garen? Or any of your companions, for that matter?" I asked.

At that, Garen made to say his piece, but another voice interjected.

"No matter what you may say about House Martell, House Targaryen is an objectively worse option."

I turn to see a young woman step forward, harsh features fixing a narrow-eyed stare at me.

"Marei, please," Said Garen, "I have this handled."

"No, you don't, Garen," Said Marei, her features softening slightly before hardening as she faces me, "I don't know what you're thinking, Master Askari, and I don't know what you know, but I do know this: Allying with House Targaryen will set much of Dorne against you. Maybe you could make a secret alliance, but if it gets out, you may face betrayal within your ranks. And as Dornish, you should know this: We are proud and fanatically independent people, and we'd rather die than bow to someone."

…I have to give her credit, she does have a good mind on her shoulders.

"And on the chance I do proceed with that?" I asked, suddenly feeling tense.

"Then I'll be the first to kill you," Said Marei, eyes darkening.

And before my eyes, she draws water from a waterskin with a motion of her hands, moving to fix a noose around my neck. By instinct I grab at it, but I'm virtually powerless against her. Saida is likewise restrained, a water rope around her hands and neck. I also see Garen and the other Water Wizards using their magic, restraining Marei and forcing the water ropes to disappear.

I inhale a gasp of air in relief, and as Saida helps me up, she aims her spear at Marei looking to gut her.

"Wait, Saida," I said, my voice subdued.

"But My Lord, she tried to kill you!" Said Saida.

"I said stand down," I said, "I'm not done yet."

Reluctantly Saida withdraws her spear, but still levels a glare at Marei.

"Please do not do something you'll regret, Master Askari," Said Marei, her eyes almost pleading, "Please."

Goddamn if I wasn't fearing for my life right now, but I can't possibly back down either.

"You kill me, you kill the best chance we have at making Dorne a financial power to be reckoned with," I said.

"What?" Asked Marei.

"You don't know?" I asked, "You don't know how much richer we are, how stronger our armies and navies are? You don't know about-"

"Yes, I know about your ridiculous-sounding victory," Said Marei, "And forgive me if I or my compatriots don't believe it, but we've endured far too much persecution and isolation to trust others at this point."

I heave a long sigh.

"So you don't want to try and gamble for your fate?" I asked, "Cause I am."

Garen looks at me again, but this time I see less hesitation and more a willingness to listen.

"So tell me, Garen, as leader of your cadre of Water Wizards, do you want to do something for the betterment of your kind, of all Dorne?" I asked, "Or are you just going to lie down and die, and make the death of Dornish magic a self-fulfilling prophecy?"

"No, Garen, don't do it!" Said Marei, "Please!"

And Garen, drawing a dagger, plunged it through Marei's forehead between the eyes. His shocked compatriots let go, letting Marei's lifeless corpse drop to the floor.

Fuck, I didn't expect that.

Garen, taking a few moments to breathe deeply, wipes his dagger clean and sheathes it, then kneels down to close Marei's eyes, his own eyes brimming with unshed tears.

He then turned to face me and asked, "Tell me, Master Askari, are you truly willing to pursue such a dangerous path? To ally with House Targaryen and be branded a traitor?"

I replied, "I don't like being hated, but neither do I like hypocrites holding power. And I'm already in this deep – no sense backing out now."

Garen nodded to himself, and he then said, "I admit I'm still apprehensive of such a thing myself, and like you I don't wish to be branded a traitor, but… you do have a point. As such… are you willing to accept our service, Master Askari?"

I stood up and walk towards Garen, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"You'll have to talk to my father Azaz; he's still the ruling Lord of House Rada," I said, "But I am willing."

I extended my hand to him, and Garen shook it.

And his eyes no longer held any semblance of hesitation.

"For the future of our people," Said Garen.

"For the future of Dorne," I said.

And the future of the World.

A/N: And now the Water Wizards make their appearance. I find it a little sad that most Dorne-centred fics I read didn't really feature them, to be honest. There's a load of things you can get done with Water Magic.