Chapter Nineteen: The Viper at Sea
The sea salt spray had begun to sting of defeat, Oberyns fury burned as he looked in all directions at the prow. So far his search for Rhaenys had yielded nothing, it had been almost a year since they'd set sail. They still hadn't reached Naath. His men began to mutter suspiciously, giving each other sideways looks as the rations dwindled and feelings of unrest rose. The captain had shook his head in disbelief, they should've made it to Naath months ago. Every time they seemed to be getting close the storms would scatter their ships and sabotage their progress. Oberyn began to feel like a caged cat, ready to strike at any second. He recalled the heated discussion with the Captain.
"I don't care if every last man dies on this ship, you will get us to Naath" he hissed passionately to the captain who blanched against his words.
"I beg your pardon lad but if the crew die your ship ain't going nowhere!" he retorted angrily, "I can't control these storms! They're unusual that be for sure, they seem to follow us"
The Captain rubbed the beard on his face as he mused on how unusual these storms were, while Oberyn stood across from him his face downturned looking at the maps.
Oberyn looked up from where he was seething across the table, "I must get to Naath" he responded, low and dangerous.
"At what cost? Your life? Because these storms are only getting worse, we won't survive the next one. The last one almost snapped the mizzenmast"
Oberyn rubbed his face in irritation, "You aren't listening"
"No," snapped the Captain, "you're not listening. If we keep this up we will be shark food at the bottom of this wretched sea. If we turn back now-"
Oberyn snapped, slamming his fist he screamed angrily so the veins on his neck popped, "We must get to Naath!"
The Captains face hardened, he began gathering up the maps, "I've tried to reason wit ye but some men just have ears that is painted on"
Without another word he limped from the room, the sound of his wooden leg knocking down the hallway only deepening Oberyns anger. He reached for the first object closest to him and smashed it against the wall in anger. Again Oberyn slammed his fist into the table but softer this time, dragging a chair across he sat and took out the golden chain of the dragon in front of the blazing Martell sun. He let it dangle from his fingers and catch the light, the dragon gleaming where the sun crossed its metallic surface.
'Where are you Rhaenys?' he whispered as he gazed at the necklace for a long time. He kissed the pendant and stowed it away in his shirt, the cool sensation of it pressed against his hot skin soothing.
Now he hung over the railing of the prow stewing as the sea spray felt like the sea slapping him across the face.
He remained there until the stars glittered brightly in the sky, and a cool breeze blew across the water. He replayed the Captains conversation over in his mind, while he paced the deck stretching his mind to think of something he could do.
He meandered to the galley and spoke briefly with the ships cook, who was very unhappy to chat with him but gruffly answered his questions nonetheless. Sailors passed around him talking loudly and casting dark glances his way, but none accosted him he was still the Red Viper after all.
When the moon was high in the sky, Oberyn impatiently rapped on the Captains quarters, a female who was talking inside suddenly stopped and after some hushing noises the door opened a crack.
"Who the fuck-" started the Captain, but he stopped when he saw Oberyn. "What can I do for you?" he questioned suspiciously.
Oberyn gave him several short orders, to which the Captain began to argue but Oberyn simply grinned and said, "If I don't return by the turn of the moon, leave without me and tell my brother I'm lost"
"But- Lord Oberyn. Please wait-" started the Captain, who had shut the door momentarily to throw on some clothing. But Oberyn had disappeared. He searched through the ship for Oberyn, and discovered one of the rowboats missing. He hauled a lantern off the side of the boat and looked out into the gently rolling waves calling out to Oberyn, warning him to come back. But the only response he got was from the waves crashing against the hull and rolling around them. He swore and scurried away below deck.
Oberyn pulled the oars with a gleam in his eye, for the first time he felt his pulse quicken just like when he was meeting a foe. Naath, he was coming. He looked up to the bright blanket of stars stretching overhead and looked for the constellation, when he found it he circled the row boat and rowed. As long as he followed those stars he would find Naath.
Oberyn underestimated the calmness of the ocean and the ferocity of the storms, the closer he got to approaching Naath the more wild the seas grew. He fell overboard several times in rough seas and barely held on, barely surviving drowning. He swallowed so much sea water his throat burned from coughing and throwing it up out of his lungs so frequently. His resolve didn't falter until he saw the sky light up with lightning as a fresh storm rolled towards him. His heart sank a little as he watched the waves rise as high as the Red Keep towering above him. As it broke towards him, water rushing growling, thunder booming above him he called out to Rhaenys one more time before everything went black.
It felt like time and space stretched all around him in a never ending darkness that roared in his ears and made lights twinkle in his eyes. But finally the roaring stopped and all he could hear was the rhythmic lapping of waves. Groaning, and in agony, Oberyn tried to move but the searing pain in his body caused him to black out again. Still the waves lapped and crashed around him. He became faintly aware of hands underneath him and being dragged, followed by the grittiness of sand beneath him. But the roaring darkness crashed over him again and engulfed him in its embrace.
He flitted fitfully in wild dreams of dragons, snakes and snow ceaselessly chasing him as he tried to find his way to Naath. One minute he was running the next minute he was drowning in a pit of searing hot sand. On and on the dreams went, flickering and changing so frequently his head ached. His focus didn't falter, Rhaenys, I want Rhaenys. Suddenly the dreams ceased, and a quiet calm settled over him allowing Oberyn to feel the comfort of his body lying somewhere. With a start he tried to jump into action but his body ached and seared with pain. Trying to open his eyes he was blinded by brightness and suddenly a cacophony of sounds of daily life clattered around him. He lay in a primitive hut, on a thin mattress of thatched palm fronds and a thin blanket was hastily strewn across his body. A small woman had her back to him her skin as dark deep brown as the wood of his ship. He strained to see what she was doing his eyes hurt so badly from being closed so long.
She tried to tend to him and spoke to him in a strange and foreign tongue, which he didn't understand. He tried to fight her help but he was too weak and in the end he submitted to her care. Most of which he took with a face flushed in anger as much as embarrassment of his situation. Slowly he began to regain his mobility, and the woman was satisfied with his progress. When he could walk a little unassisted the woman clapped her hands together and helped him to sit. She bustled from the hut and to Oberyns amusement returned with some men wielding spears. He was forced at spear point to his feet and marched from the cabin, the woman smiled and bowed to him as he was pushed out. Oberyn was confused, men with spears and stern faces only meant one thing but the woman was smiling. This sent his mind into overdrive, he took in as much as he could with his weak eyes. The light still affected his vision and every now and then his eyes would blur and the world would distort cruelly causing him to lose his footing. The armed men always pulled him up and kept him marching onward until he had made his way through a well built village into the center where a large tent of animal skins was erected. At the points of each side of the tent totems were erected that stood taller than seven men and the tent was bigger than any other structure on the island. He was bid to remain outside while his guards entered before him, after a short time they returned and spears pointed at him marched him at spear point into the tent.
Once inside Oberyns face relaxed, the searing bright sun and loud, clattering sounds of the village seemed to fall away to be replaced with a cool dimness punctuated only by the clouds of incense which burned in clusters in front of the totem poles. A dais was erected across the room at which a young woman of dark skin and elaborate braids circling through her scalp sat watching him approach. Oberyn was taken aback to see her face adorned with delicate filigree chains which hooked through piercings on her nose and covered her face in a golden like veil. Her eyes though were wise, and kind but fierce and they watched every step he took in approaching her. Oberyn felt a strange feeling in his gut, and once in the position he was meant for they forced him to kneel and put his forehead in the dirt floor.
"You may rise," spoke the young woman in a thick Westerosi tongue. His heart leapt a little, finally he could ask some questions and hopefully get some answers. Stiffly he stood, his body still was not ready for many movements. It felt like he had shattered every bone in his body.
"You trespass on our island," accused the woman from her dais, "You have unlawfully landed here, why?" Her voice was hard and demanding.
Oberyn cleared his throat, "Please I meant no disrespect. I come in search of the dragons"
There were murmurs in the tent amongst the people gathered there, Oberyn stared patiently at the woman studying her expression and reaction. The golden veil of jewellery showed little and her eyes remained unchanged.
"There are no dragons here, you are mistaken" her voice was calm, and steady.
"Please," he pleaded slightly stepping forward which caused spears to cross his face abruptly, the guards growled in warning.
Oberyn looked through the wall of spears to the woman, "I come in search for one dragon, I must know if she lives"
He went to pull out the necklace which prompted more spears to threaten him. He raised his arms in response breathing heavily, after a moment he slowly moved just one hand to his pocket whilst keeping the other raised. He produced the golden chain, the womans interest was piqued, he saw her eyes widen slightly. He let it dangle in the space between them, his arm reaching through the wall of spears. It swung between them spinning as it swung, the woman watched it with her eyes. With a slight glance to the guard beside her she indicated he take it. The guard lumbered forward and snatched the necklace, he took it back to her and dropped it into her open hand. She closed her brown hand over it and brought it up to her eyes to inspect. She turned it over and over in her hand and stared at the dragon and sun sigil for a long time. After a moment she handed it to her guard and nodded, he took the necklace and left the tent.
Oberyn tried to follow and opened his mouth to protest when he was held back by a spear that promptly found itself pointed at his throat.
"We thank you for your gift Lord Oberyn, it is indeed the gifts that are most difficult to give that are received most gratefully. Your gift has bought you a boat to leave this island. I must warn you, to never try to return. You won't survive a second time" her voice was thick with warning that did nothing to deter Oberyn from his quest.
She rose to leave but Oberyn interrupted, "Wait, please"
In response their eyes met, Oberyn was pleading and her gaze was cold and closed.
"Who are you?"
His answer caused her to stiffen but she lifted her head proudly and responded, "I am Myriah, daughter of Merandyn former Queen of Naath. I come from a long and noble line of Queens and Kings who have ruled Naath since our civilisation was created"
"Please correct my ignorance Lady Myriah, I do not recall hearing Naath particularly rich in gold. Where did you acquire such a breathtaking adornment? Naath is not known in Westeros for its riches or its metals. I am merely curious"
Oberyn indicated her face that was so heavily adorned in breathtaking golden filigree.
"There is much the world does not know of us, and likely never will," she spoke evenly, deftly avoiding answering his question.
"Surely those storms make trade difficult" he pressed.
"Naath does not trade, and we no longer allow our citizens to be stolen into slavery" the heat rose in her voice slightly as she spoke.
Oberyn quirked his eyebrow, "So the gold is from Naath then?"
He whistled slightly, "Naath is sitting on riches it seems"
Myriah did not respond immediately, after a time she simply said, "Thank you for your gift Lord Oberyn, safe travels. Guards, shackle him"
Before he had time to protest Oberyn felt the cold metallic shackles clamp around his legs and arms. He laughed at their speed, and looked to Myriah.
"Is this necessary? I am a Lord, this is not a treatment befitting my status"
Myriah had turned to leave but looked over her shoulder and said coldly, "You are a well travelled man, even on Naath we have heard stories and know your reputation. You are a dangerous man, and must be treated as such"
Oberyn laughed as he was led out of the tent, "There must be Westerosi here then for news to travel, who is hiding here? Show yourself!"
The enormous guards ignored Oberyn and dragged him from the tent. Myriah watched him leave her face passive, showing no emotion except for a slight crease between her brows.
The guard lumbered through the forest, along a well worn path. In his enormous hand he clasped the golden necklace, it swung from his hand as he strode along shining brightly as the sun caused it to gleam. Nodding to the Targaryen guards they allowed him entry without question, their dragon helmets covering their faces and stern expressions. Entering the coolness of the cave the guard began the climb into the mountain. Every few paces burned a torch which illuminated the wide steps carved in to the rock and the spectacular rock carvings of dragons leaping and dancing along the walls. Unperturbed by the darkness and coolness of the mountain the guard pressed on, having made this journey countless times, his footsteps echoed around him. Meanwhile the dragons carved into the walls gleamed with unearthly life. At the top he paused to catch his breath, and wipe sweat from his brow before continuing onward through the lavishly carved wooden doors in front of him. Instantly light poured over him and he squinted a little as he stepped into the Targaryen palace. Black marble stretched in all directions with threads of white veins snaking all around. The walls were a gilded golden colour and covered with colourful murals of Targaryen history, while overhead crystal chandeliers twinkled multicoloured prisms of light across the walls. Inside it was still cool, and quiet but voices could be heard that grew louder as the guard approached the gilded door carved in the shape of a three headed dragon. The guard stopped at the door and knocked three times, then stepped back and waited patiently. The door opened and warmth emanated outward, a silver haired boy looked out curiously before smiling at the guard and allowing him passage. The boy bounded along his side chattering loudly and remarking on the necklace in his hand.
"Rhaeon," came a voice of warning across the room, the young boy smiled and bounded to his mother. Lyanna and Rhaegar sat together in elegant thrones of intricate carvings, one a dragon, the other a wolf. Rhaeon ran to his mothers embrace, settling to sit on her lap and looking expectantly to their guest. From around the room the remaining children watched, their interest piqued.
"Why is the Red Viper on Naath?" questioned Rhaegar tightly.
Without a word the guard rose his hand and let the chain dangle from his fingers.
"He comes in search, for Rhaenys" he responded in his gruff voice, thick with Naathi accent.
Across the room Rhaenys stood, her dark brown silver flecked eyes focused on the chain. She looked to her father who nodded, before she crossed the room to examine the pendant.
"How did he get that?" pressed Rhaegar, the guard merely looked and shrugged.
"My Lady did not ask"
Rhaegar looked troubled, which caused Lyanna to crease her brow in concern.
"Rhaegar what is it?"
"You don't know Oberyn like I do my love, if he had that necklace he will never leave without answers. He had that necklace made for you when you were born Rhaenys. It's Dornish made from Dornish gold, which is rare indeed. It could never be replicated, the hand by which that was made is no longer living"
"Where did he get it from then?" demanded Lyanna, "And why is he only just coming here now after so long"
"Answers," said Rhaenys clasping the necklace in her delicate fingers and taking it from the guard. She fastened it around her neck and let it settle at her breast.
"He must only have come into its possession recently, otherwise he would've come searching earlier. Damn it Elia why didn't you come with us?!" cursed Rhaegar.
"She sacrificed herself to keep us all safe, they would never have stopped searching if they knew we all escaped" spoke Lyanna soothingly, placing her hand on Rhaegar's arm.
Rhaegar flushed, "I should never have left her" his voice broke a little, "Aegon, Rhaenys please forgive me"
Across the room Aegon, now a young man stood and moved across the room to loop his arm through his sisters.
"Father, I won't lie I miss my mother. But I barely remember her, and the love from you and Lyanna has always been strong. She would be proud of how we have managed."
Rhaegar smiled, "And that wisdom is why you are my heir son"
Aegon bowed deeply to his father.
Rhaegar looked to his oldest daughter, "Rhaenys, can you handle this? We can't have him lingering here" warned Rhaegar, "our plans are only beginning to take shape"
Rhaenys curtsied, "With your blessing Father I'll ensure Uncle gets the answers he seeks"
"And doesn't return" emphasised Rhaegar.
Rhaenys nodded, "And doesn't return"
"Rhaena," called Rhaegar, "for now settle the storms you set up to protect us. Oberyn needs to be able to leave, but the moment he is free of our waters reinstate them"
Rhaegar and Lyanna watched Rhaenys exit the room and when she was gone Lyanna looked to her husband nervously.
"I do not want to suggest what I'm about to but does he need to be dealt with another way?"
Rhaegar gripped the handles of his throne tightly, "I can't kill him my Love. He survived the magic we set up to protect us. Caraxes is our God of the Sea, he survived those seas and so the Gods must have a reason for it. I cannot interfere with their plans"
Lyanna nodded knowing her husband was right absentmindedly she stroked Rhaeon's silver hair, she had learnt Valyrian magic and knew of their Gods and customs. It didn't help the unsettling feeling in her gut.
"Why do I feel a foreboding with his arrival?"
Rhaegar looked to his wife, "Because his arrival indicates it is time, Valyria needs to reawaken"
Lyanna clutched his husbands arm and spoke with a low voice so the children couldn't hear, "I have had such terrible dreams of Valyria, you know that place is full of demons….."
"I must go there, it's the only way" he replied in the same low voice.
"Rhaegar please…." she pleaded with almost a whisper, "at least let me accompany you…..to strengthen what you can do"
"It is the will of the Gods of Valyria, while she lays broken and defiled by demons the world will never know peace. I must restore it, alone, if not for me for Aegon, it's his birthright as my first male heir"
"Your birthright is Westeros…." retorted Lyanna.
"Not anymore," he said with finality, "Valyria is the first home to our ancestors, and it's time we went home"
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The boat bobbed happily on the waves, the rhythmic moving of the current much more peaceful and calm than the start of his journey. Oberyn sat on the deck staring back at Naath, the sun was below the horizon and the villages had lit their fires. Delicious smells of cooking wafted across the bay causing his gut to rumble. Begrudgingly Oberyn checked what stores he had and found it generously stocked, even with wine and ale. His instructions had been clear, he must leave Naath, but he refused to do so. He would stay until he knew if his family was alive or dead, nothing anyone on this backward island would convince him otherwise. So he made himself a meal and sat on the deck and watched the stars, sipping on his wine and smiling to himself as the wind gently caressed his skin. He wasn't going anywhere, these people will give him what he seeks. They just didn't know it yet. The waves lapped against the boat making splashes which concealed the dark figure swimming around the boat. Her powerful tail splashing water here and there, her head burst through the water and the moonlight shone off her bright silver hair. She hung in the water, bobbing with the waves, her powerful tail keeping her steady under water. She waited, and when she saw the dark silhouette of wings rise from the mountains she used her tail to propel herself up out of the water. Grasping the weapon at her side she flew up into the air and took aim, when she was sure she blew the drugged dart towards her target. As she dove back into the watery depths she saw him slump to the side and knew her aim had been true.
The dark dragon flew around the island and across the bay, hurtling towards the ship with Rhaenys astride. Her dark and silver flecked braided hair streaming behind her, her black leather dragon armour making her look ready for battle. Wordlessly she conversed with her dragon and together they managed to tow the boat away from Naath towards a wall of swirling storms and raging seas. The lightning cracked all around them as waves surged and rolled, but as they passed through they simply disappeared and the sea immediately calmed.
They towed the boat out to sea and Rhaenys looked back to see the storms begin to rage in their wake. Once the ship was far away enough from the storms wrath she patted her dragons neck gently, immediately the powerful creature slowed.
"I'll be back," was all Rhaenys said before she leapt from dragon back to hurtle to the ships deck. The closer she got her fall became controlled until she landed lightly a few feet away from Oberyn crumpled on the deck. His half eaten meal lay scattered across the deck from the force of the dragons towing. Rhaenys knelt by her Uncles side and looked over his face for a short time. A smile tugged on the corner of her lips, she had always longed for her mothers people. Lyanna loved her she knew that but she wasn't Dornish, she could never truly understand her like she needed deep down. There was a fire in her gut that blazed with fiery passion, the only other sibling who felt that was Aegon but he was so much like their father that Rhaenys often felt alone. Rhaenys grasped the necklace around her neck, the golden dragon flying in front of the golden sun. It was hard and cold in her hands, but it was hers and meant for her, from him. Her eyes flicked from the necklace in front of her to his face behind it, and his crumpled form. With a flick of her hand he levitated above the deck to be guided below deck. Once under the deck Rhaenys made Oberyn comfortable and sat in front of him. The ship continued to move with the waves underneath them, and the light had faded. Flames sprung into the torches and lamps around the room illuminating the space under the deck. She sat and patiently waited for Oberyn to wake, every now and then she leant forward to examine his face. After a time she impatiently tapped her foot, she had waited so long to meet her mothers family she felt like she couldn't wait anymore. Oberyn groaned here and there but when she got tired of waiting, Rhaenys waved a hand under his face and a small shower of sparkles radiated up from her palm. Oberyn breathed them in and slowly his eyes fluttered open.
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One minute Oberyn had been sitting enjoying a meal and the next moment he fluttered his eyes open and he was under the deck. Everything was illuminated by burning lamps and his vision blurred and his head felt heavy. Instantly he knew the sensation, he'd been drugged or poisoned. Alarm rang through his mind and he tried uselessly to reach his blade, but he heard the movement of a person and he saw a shadow cross his blurred vision. Heart hammering he froze and tried to pretend he was still sleeping.
"This is a nice blade," spoke a female's voice, Oberyns heart leapt, it sounded just like Elia.
He turned his head and saw the slight shape of a woman, her long hair framing her face and the light behind casting shadows across her face.
"Elia?" his voice croaked in disbelief.
The woman shook her head sadly, "No Uncle, Rhaenys"
Oberyns mouth opened in shock, and his eyes widened. For a moment he considered this was a dream, and he was dreaming for what he wished.
"No, you're dead" he murmured weakly and with sorrow turning his head away.
The woman fell to her knees and knelt by him, he turned to look and some light was cast across her face and he saw his sisters profile. This woman shared Elia's face, but her eyes…..her eyes were different.
Slowly he put his hand up to her face to ensure she was real and felt tears splash over his fingers.
"Rhaenys?" he asked in confusion.
The woman nodded and pressed the dragon and sun necklace into his palm.
"You came bearing this" she said simply, he looked down at the necklace and tears streamed from his eyes.
"I knew you were alive," he said fiercely as his strength returned, "I could feel it all these years"
Without hesitation Rhaenys sobbed in happiness and threw her arms around Oberyn in a rough embrace, which he returned just as fiercely.
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Oberyn and Rhaenys sat across from each other, the food between them barely touched. Their initial happiness had reduced to a feeling of discomfort, neither knew what to say to the other.
Oberyn slowly began to eat as he looked her over, "You are almost exactly the same as your Mother, except for your eyes…"
"I have my Fathers eyes," murmured Rhaenys in response.
Oberyns face flushed in anger at the mention of Rhaegar.
"Your Father…." he began in anger.
Rhaenys looked up with anger across her face, "He was the one who insisted you be rescued and sent back to Westeros, unharmed. Others who have trespassed here have not been so lucky" she spoke heatedly and passionately.
"I should be grateful then, to have the mercy of the man who abandoned my sister, his wife and your mother? Condemned her to die? He's not even man enough to face me himself!" the fury in his voice had risen from sarcasm to almost a shout.
Rhaenys sat back and looked to her uncle evenly, "My mother chose to stay, she sacrificed herself to allow us to escape and live. She defied my Fathers orders to retreat"
"Defied? His orders?" spoke Oberyn incredulously, his eyebrows raised.
"You know what I mean Uncle, he did not want her to remain there"
"How could you know this? By the word of your Father alone? I do not think that is a reliable source" spoke Oberyn with scorn.
Rhaenys shifted uneasily, and didn't answer.
"Well? Please enlighten me blood of my sister, how do you know your Father speaks truthfully?" He challenged.
Rhaenys looked to her Uncle and replied calmly, "I have seen it"
"How? That's impossible" his face was unbelieving.
Rhaenys shrugged, "It's really not, do you know why we retreated here?"
Oberyn sat back and looked at his niece skeptically, "I do not. I did not know for sure you were living until that necklace was placed into my hand"
His statement piqued her interest but she did not address how that came to be.
"The Blood of Valyria had awakened, but it was weak and needed time to strengthen. Now it is strong, and is ready"
"What is the Blood of Valyria?"
Rhaenys smiled and opened her hand, a shower of golden rain emanated from her hand.
"The Blood of Valyria is an ancient magic, that runs in the blood of every Valyrian descendant but which has been dormant for thousands of years. My family nearly died out and with it the magic, but my Father discovered how to awaken it and has grown his own and that of my siblings"
"Aegon? He's alive?"
"Yes Uncle, Aegon lives and is a man grown. He is much like Father where I'm more like…."
"Elia. By the Gods you are an image of her," he leaned forward, "I can't tell you how much I miss my sister" suddenly his voice was full of melancholy.
Rhaenys flushed and looked down, "You're not alone. I miss her also"
"Do you remember her?"
Rhaenys nodded, "Of course, I often would ask Meleys to show me her"
Oberyn looked confused, "I don't understand"
"My half sister, Meleys, she can see both ways along the thread of time. That is how I know what Father says is true. I have seen the events around Mother unfold"
Oberyn leaned forward, "How can I see for myself? I want to know what happened to her"
Rhaenys shook her head, "No Uncle, you don't. It's not something you should see"
Oberyn looked away in anger, "The people who took her from us still walk this Earth unpunished…."
"If you're referring to my Father then stop"
Oberyn eyes flicked to Rhaenys, "He left her for another woman"
"She gave him her blessing" debated Rhaenys.
Oberyn scoffed, "Like she had a choice, he would've gone anyway"
Rhaenys shook her head, "He needed those children to be legitimate"
"What children?" Oberyns gaze sharpened, he leant forward and whispered fiercely, "what children?!"
"Rhaegar has children with Lyanna, they married before she gave birth to them"
Oberyn laughed dangerously, "So once again the people of Dorne will be betrayed"
"What do you mean Uncle?" replied Rhaenys irritably.
He looked back to her and pointed to her, "You are Rhaegar's first born, you are his true heir. You should sit the Iron Throne, that is your birthright"
Rhaenys said nothing, just pursed her lips together.
"You disagree?! You will allow yourself to be looked over for a half sibling? Who doesn't truly fit the rule of succession?"
"Uncle, what is the sigil of my House?" said Rhaenys quietly
"What?" her question caught him off guard, he was confused.
"The sigil of my House," spoke Rhaenys calmly, "you must know it, it was the ruling House for centuries"
"Not in Dorne it wasn't" retorted Oberyn hotly.
"No," conceded Rhaenys, "not in Dorne, but the rest of Westeros"
"The three headed dragon," answered Oberyn impatiently.
Rhaenys nodded and leaned forward placing her slender tanned elbows on the table to get closer to Oberyn, "The three headed dragon, I am one of those heads. Don't be mistaken, Father has not looked me over. But the Three Heads must be balanced, and it will be"
"So your Father plans a return to Westeros then," smirked Oberyn.
"No he doesn't actually. Westeros is not his birthright anymore"
Oberyn looked surprised, "I don't understand"
"Father wants something more valuable to us, he wants Valyria"
Oberyn laughed, "Your father is a fool. He will die there, everyone knows the land is cursed"
"The Blood of Valyria has awakened and it will not let harm come to its saviour"
"You sound like a fanatic" accused Oberyn.
"You haven't seen what he can do" shrugged Rhaenys.
Oberyn ate some food from his plate before speaking again, "So Rhaegar sent you to speak with me, and to take me away from Naath. Why?"
"You are the first person to discover the dragons live, and I'm here to tell you we will return to Westeros. Be prepared Uncle, to stand by our side as allies"
Oberyn let her words wash over him, and did not answer immediately.
"I will not support the return of the Targaryens, unless you are Queen. It was my sisters only wish"
"It has already been decided who will rule, and I've already told you."
"When will you come? Back to Westeros that is"
"The dragons will come when Westeros is lost, when men cry out for a saviour, when they beg for the light of day again. We shall rise to the call with Valyria behind us"
Oberyn didn't look convinced, "Prophecies can be misleading my sweet girl"
Rhaenys smiled, "As can the words of men. Uncle we want your support and that of House Martell, will you be our first Westeros ally?"
"If words of men are unreliable how can you be sure my word will be true?" queried Oberyn with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
Rhaenys smiled, "Because you crossed treacherous seas to find me on a whim I was alive. And I know my mothers family are true and loyal"
"How could you know that? You've never met your mothers family" spoke Oberyn with a hint of sorrow.
Rhaenys blushed, "I feel an intense affinity to my mothers people, sometimes I feel more Martell than Targaryen if I'm being honest"
"Not with that hair" joked Oberyn to which Rhaenys laughed. His heart clenched a little to hear her laugh, another trait so close to her mothers it hurt him to hear it after so long.
A silence sprung up between them, Oberyn lost in sad memories and Rhaenys fiddling with her hands in her lap. For the first time in her life she was nervous, and didn't know what to say next.
After several moments Rhaenys looked up to meet Oberyn's gaze and she thought she saw a slight glistening of tears.
"You're right Rhaenys, the word of men is unreliable but not when it comes to House Martell and our family. When the time comes we will stand with you, and Aegon when you take the Iron Throne"
"Aegon isn't taking the iron throne," she blurted out, she saw anger cross Oberyns face.
"Who then?"
"Aegon is my Fathers heir, he is heir to Valyria"
Oberyn leaned forward and peered into Rhaenys face closely, "Who is the three headed dragon?"
Rhaenys lifted her head, "I am one part of it, there are two others"
Oberyn paused, "So," he spoke slowly, "Aegon is heir to Valyria and you will come to Westeros, but who else…."
"For now," interrupted Rhaenys, "you just need to know one of them will be me"
Oberyn laughed, "Forgive me, I have a habit of wanting to know everything, especially when it comes to my long lost family"
"Will you ever forgive my Father?" deftly changing the subject Rhaenys looked curious.
Oberyn sat back and turned his face to the side exhaling in frustration, "letting go of hatred over night is not an easy thing to do. If what you say is true, I can let some of it go"
"Aegon and I need that Uncle"
"Why didn't Aegon come to speak with me?"
"Because you came in search of only me, I was sent to speak with you"
"Sending children instead of coming himself" commented Oberyn in annoyance.
Rhaenys shook her head, "No, he knew you would listen to me. And you would fight him on everything he said, just like how you made that comment now"
Oberyn smirked, "You know how to influence people, your mother was good at that too."
He let out a breath and continued, "I will extend some forgiveness to your Father but I expect him to talk with me himself the next time we meet"
Rhaenys inclined her head, "A fair request which will be honoured"
Oberyn extended his hand across the table, which Rhaenys took and they shook firmly.
"We look forward to your return my niece"
"And we look forward to returning Uncle, give our regards to Uncle Doran. But speak of us to none other"
BTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTW
Rhaenys stood on the deck of the boat, with Oberyn beside her. Every so often he would flick his gaze to stare at her, it was incredible how much she was like Elia. But unlike Elia she exuded a strength and power, unlike her mother, who was strong but appeared frail. Adorned in black Targaryen armour and elaborate braids she looked like a warrior, and this made Oberyn proud. Rhaenys caught his gaze and smiled, her brown and silver flecked eyes radiant.
"Thank you Rhaenys, I feel a weight lifted from my soul just laying eyes on you. I hope to meet your brother soon too" spoke Oberyn softly and calmly.
"You will, when it's time. He is my Fathers heir after all, they couldn't risk him leaving the protection of the island yet"
"As are you," reminded Oberyn, "I look forward to the day you reign over Westeros as your mother should have"
Rhaenys smiled, "I must leave you Uncle, it's time for you to go home"
"I don't want to leave you" admitted Oberyn, "I just found you"
"I look forward to visiting Dorne one day soon, I feel it calling me despite never having been there"
Oberyn chuckled, "The Sand gets into your veins somehow, I feel it calling me too and I've lived there my whole life" he smiled at the thought of it.
"Heed that call Uncle, go home and prepare for us, we are coming"
Oberyn nodded and felt a tear raise in his eye, he couldn't believe he was standing here with his sisters daughter.
"I must go now" said Rhaenys calmly, the wind tugging at the ends of her long hair.
"How?" was all Oberyn could say, but Rhaenys had closed her eyes and tilted back her head. She opened her eyes and they shone with a silvery purple light, "She comes" her voice had changed, it was deep and thick with magic.
In the distance a dark shape straddled the horizon, Oberyn turned and shielded his eyes. It came closer and with a start Oberyn realised what it was, a dragon? He couldn't believe his eyes. The dragon called loudly from a distance and it reverberated all around them, Oberyns mouth dropped open in amazement.
"You are a dragon rider?" he asked in shock.
"I told you Uncle, we will have Valyria behind us. What did you think I meant?" she had a mischeavous grin on her face, which made Oberyn laugh loudly.
The dragon screeched again and despite himself Oberyn crouched in fear, but he never took his eyes off the magnificent creature. It was enormous, taking up almost all of his vision. It's burnished black body gleamed with a dull gold through its scaled skin. As she passed over the ship, Oberyn looked up with his mouth open wide, his eyes transfixed on her creamy underside followed by her long black tail which was longer than his ship.
Oberyn couldn't believe how large this dragon was, she was at least twice as long as his ship alone and seemed as high as a mountain.
The dragon spread her wings and tilted around to encircle the ship, flying in a circle but so close to the boat one could reach out and touch her. The boat rocked wildly with the force of the wind from her wings, Oberyn rushed to the side his heart hammering in excitement. Holding out his hand Oberyn got a brush of rough scales which were hot to touch. The dragon screeched again loudly, and Oberyn jumped back in alarm before laughing again.
"Is she yours?" he turned back to look at Rhaenys, who smiled in response her eyes still shining.
"Meraxyn hatched when I was learning to walk. We have been together ever since I can remember"
Oberyn continued to watch the dragon in amazement, "Uncle, it's time for me to go."
Rhaenys held her arm out for her Uncle, fervently he grasped her elbow and she grasped his.
"You don't understand how happy this has made me Rhaenys, and now-" he looked to the dragon hovering above the ship, her wings flapping with a defeating leathery sound.
"Now, I will spend my days preparing Dorne for your arrival. How will we know you'll be coming?"
Rhaenys looked to her Uncle and said solemnly, "When chaos takes over Westeros we will come"
Oberyn didn't like the sound of it, "Chaos?"
"Yes Uncle, it's closer than you think. The more people who think they can sit the Iron Throne instead of a Targaryen, the worse it will become. The current king has a thread of Targaryen blood, so for now there is an uneasy peace. But soon-" she shook her head, "Protect Dorne dear Uncle, for there is a storm coming" she warned.
Tearing his gaze away from his niece Oberyn looked to the dragon once more, her face was terrifying. Spikes ran down the middle of her face ending at the ferocious snout, her eyes were a deep gold and watched with a malicious glint. Oberyn and the dragon locked eyes and he felt himself fall to his knees as the fear of dragons took over his body.
"Good bye Uncle," said Rhaenys with a smile, hastily he got to his feet in time to see her vault off the deck of his ship and land perfectly between the dragons spines. In response Meraxyn spread her wings and soared once more around the boat, which Oberyn watched with pride and amusement. Blood of his sister, dragon riders, he couldn't contain his happiness as he waved to Rhaenys. At last the dragon departed and he watched it become engulfed by the horizon and stood there for some time watching the space where she once was.
"We shall rise to the call, with Valyria behind us" her words bounced around his mind and for the first time in a long time Oberyn was excited. With exuberance he readied the ship to return to his waiting fleet, for the first time in a long time he felt a purpose and a burning ambition within his soul.