Chapter 41
AN: What up guys! I got another update for ya. This one is longer than the previous one due to Obery's POV being double compared to the other two. I thank you all for the support you showed me and this fic. If I'm lucky the next update might be on Friday, I can't promise anything really but I will try as I have already started writing the next chapter. Now on to the reviews:
Force Smuggler: As always man, thanks.
alsdjhfgijkwebgh: I'm not going to bother responding any more than this.
Guest: Yeah, but technically it was all of the Targaryen just Aerys while Rhaegar absconded with Lyanna to Dorne. Rhaella and Viserys were innocent.
Batros940: Thanks man, a lot of people like that actually.
Velin63: Well here's the next chapter, hope I didn't keep you waiting too long.
Myr
Jon
The trip from Tyrosh to Myr had lasted longer than expected due to Jon and his retinue being forced to take a longer route in effort to avoid a dothraki khalasar that had decided to camp out on the road to Tyrosh. The once small group of three knights and a poacher had expanded, now adding the Sword of the Morning, Ser Torman Peake, and about three dozen knights and warriors. Jon was familiar with House Peake and as far as both he and Loras knew there was no Torman Peake in Westeros. The confusion was cleared when the knight explained that he is descended from a branch of house Peake that once ruled over the second of the three castles his family owned, Whitegrove. The current head of exiled Reach house was Tormans father, lord Laswell Peake, a well respected officer in the Golden Company. At first, Torman seemed distant and not one to talk much but after many days of riding together, he finally started to interact more with Jon and the rest of his company. He told his own story and of his family. One thing Jon noticed was the look Ser Torman had been giving Loras when he thought no one was looking, it was a look of contempt. The Peakes were one of the Reach houses that sided with Daemon Blackfyre in hopes of increasing their status among the nobility but failed. After the rebellion was over, house Tyrell with the aid from the crown striped house Peake of most of their lands.
On their way to the city, Arthur spoke about the commanders of the Golden Company. The current captain general of the free company was a man called Ser Harry Strickland, the man who once served as the company's paymaster. He was a passable swordsman in Arthur's eyes but not one of the bravest. What the man lacked in spine he made up with brains, that was how he had managed to rise through the ranks of the company all the way to becoming its commander even when better warriors were also contending for the title. Captain Balaq, the commander of the company's archers, Black Balaq is a white-haired summer islander with skin as dark as soot. A man who keeps to his people's reputation as excellent archers, a proud warrior.
Lysono Marr, the company's spymaster was not a man Arthur trusted, but lord Connington had assured him on more than one occasion that Marr won't turn traitor, for all the distrust the man generates even among his own brothers in arms, he is loyal to the company. Not to mention the possible rewards the sellswords could gain if they fought for Jon in his effort to take the Iron Throne. Arthur spoke about the many sergeants that made the officer core of the company but Jon failed to remember all of them.
"Once we reach the camp, a meeting will be organized, there you will meet with the officers and negotiate with them. Connington had years to work his way to the upper echelons of the company and has managed to secure support from a number sergeants and Marr. Strickland is an unknown, he has indulged lord Jon but had never outright said that he will commit his men to our cause," Arthur said as they rode. Arthur wore a white cloak but not the armor and Dawn was strapped to his back, ready to be pulled out of its scabbard and used at any sign of danger.
"Are you sure that they will support me, I'm a Targaryen after all?" Jon said, his doubt evident.
"They were loyal to the Blackfyres and the Blackfyres are dead, there is no further reason for them to stay in exile. If offered a way to return home and earn titles and gold while at it, they will take it," Arthur said with certainty.
"You sound like it's a done thing like I already persuaded them," Jon said, eyeing Arthur critically.
"I know men, your grace. All men wish for many things in life but above all they wish to have a home and lands to call their own, to see their children grow without the hardships they had to endure. The men of the company are sellswords but they are still men like any other."
Jon hoped that Arthur was right and that the soldiers that once fought so hard for the Blackfyres won't immediately attack him and skin him alive as soon as he says that he is a Targaryen. At the thought of the Targaryens, he remembered that soon he will be meeting with his aunt and uncle also. He honestly did not know how that meeting will turn out, will they accept him as kin or will they blame him for the downfall of their house. Both Arthur and Ashara depicted the siblings in a positive light but a lifetime as a bastard had taught him many things and one of them is people will act differently around different people. He prayed to the Old gods that all turns out well.
Jon gave out a small sigh. "I hope you are right Ser Arthur."
As if sensing Jon's concerned thoughts Loras chimed in from behind them. "Don't worry Jon, if the sellswords opt to harm you in any way you will have us looking out for you back."
Jon turned around to look at his companions appreciatively. "I know and I thank you for that."
"You said there is ten thousand of them, how the hell are we going to fend all of them off?" Grenn chimed in also, his tone louder than necessary per usual.
"Nothing of the sort will happen, you have my guarantee. No harm will come to his grace or yourselves while in the companies camp," Arthur said reassuringly.
"We thank your Ser Arthur for the boost in confidence but it never hurts to have a backup plan," Robar said.
"And what is our backup plan?" Loras asked.
"It worse comes to pass, we have Grenn toss you at them and leave you while we make a run for it. There are enough jewels on your armor to buy at least another well-made set, plundering it should keep them busy for long enough," Robar answered, a small smirk appearing on his lips.
Loras's expression turned into a frown. "You are just jealous I'm a better swordsman than you."
Jon could not help but chuckle, the brotherhood that had been forged between himself, Loras, Robar, and Grenn is a strange one but strong nevertheless. They had learned much about each other on this long journey and even discovered new things about themselves. One of the best ways to jape about Loras is to say something about his looks, when it comes to Grenn just question his intellect although he was starting to learn to control his temper and Robar never gave in to any provocations, almost always laughing along. Grenn embodied strength, Loras loyalty, Robar dedication and Jon could not be more glad to have them at his side.
Jon returned his attention to Ser Arthur who had a faraway stare in his eyes. "Ser Arthur are you alright?"
Arthur shook his head and looked at Jon. "I'm sorry your grace, just old memories coming back."
"Good ones I hope;" Jon said.
Arthur smiled. "Yes, Aerys's rule was not the proudest chapter of the kingsguards history but that does not mean that my brother and I did not have similar moments like this. I still remember the shock I felt the first time I caught prince Lewys paramour trying to sneak out of the White sword tower. I brought her in for questioning, not believing her story but once Barristan, Jonothor, and Oswell saw us they laughed, apologized to her, and let her be on her way. Can you guess what they told her?"
"No," Jon said.
"Sorry, he's new, he still needs to learn the ropes," Arthur said and chuckled, Jon joining him. "We had our moments."
"I wish I could have met them, they sound like a good bunch," Jon said.
"They were," Arthur said nodding, a melancholic look forming in his eyes. "Oswell never took anything seriously, Lewyn was if you combined the best traits of Oberyn and Doran, Jonothor always had some kind of fun story to tell, we used to say that if he was never knighted that he would have become a mummer or minstrel. Ser Gerald for all of his stoicism was a man you could always turn to, a father figure among the kingsgaurd so to speak."
"I have met Ser Barristan during a tourney in Kings Landing but only briefly. He is a good man, I do not hold any ill will towards him for his actions. My father always said that the Bold is an honest and honorable man and I agree with the sentiment."
Arthur nodded. "Aye, he was like that when we parted before the Rebellion, we will see if he still holds true to those ideals."
"What about the Kingslayer, Ser Jaime?" Jon asked, he was not sure if he should have asked but he was interested in the story of the man who broke his oaths, a man whose actions contributed to the start of the current war in Westeros. Jon noticed the pained look on Arthur's face and was about to apologize and tell the knight to leave it but Arthur spoke.
"He was never supposed to be named to the kingsgaurd. People say that you are a man grown once you reach six and ten but even at that age you are still a child and a child he was, the youngest knight to ever be inducted into our order. Aerys only named him to the kingsgaurd to keep him as a hostage against Tywin Lannister, all the good that did. When he first came to the Red Keep he was ecstatic to have joined us, to have become a knight of the kingsguard but all of that faded when the scope of Aerys's madness revealed itself to the boy. We were honor bound to serve the king as much as he hated it, we could do nothing but carry out his commands. A mistake that none of us was brave enough to rectify. It should have been one of us to end Aerys and his madness, not a green boy."
Jon was surprised by Ser Arthur's words, he had expected anger at the oath breaker, scorn for what the Kingslayer had done but certainly not pity. He had expected Arthur to condemn Ser Jaime for his actions and yet he blamed himself for it. "But he killed his king, one he swore to protect."
"We all swore oaths, ones to the gods and people and ones to the king who sits on the Iron throne, we broke our first oaths to keep the second, all of us but Ser Jaime. I don't condemn him for slaying Aerys, the mad monster had it coming, I wish it had been me instead of him, that way things might have turned out differently. But I do condemn him for failing to uphold his promise to keep princess Elia and the children safe. Killing a king is not a light matter to do, I can only imagine what went through the boy's mind as he did it but he still could have done his duty and kept the rest of the royal family safe, he could have stopped the Mountain. I doubt that even Tywin Lannisters mad dog would be stupid enough to harm his lord's son. I condemn him for that failure and shall judge him for it when the time comes."
Jon processed the knight's words, he never expected anyone to defend Jaime Lannister apart from his own family let alone the Sword of the Morning. On one hand, Ser Jaime killed the man who he swore to protect but on the other, that same man was a monster against who have of the realm rose up in revolt. Jon's mind was filled with conflicted thoughts. There is much about the rebellion he still does not know, things he will have to demand from those who support him. Jon was broken out of his thoughts by Arthur's voice.
"We have arrived," Arthur said and Jon looked in the same direction as Arthur. From the hill they were riding on the walls of the free city could be seen and an army camp right beneath them.
Golden Company camp
Connington
Jon Connington, the former lord of Griffins Roost, the man who once served as the Hand of the king to the Mad Aerys not out of any loyalty to him but to prince Rhaegar, the man who represented hope for many among the royal court and the seven kingdoms, sat alone in a large tent that was prepared for the meeting of the Golden companies captains and sergeants with Rhaegars son. Jon was honestly conflicted about this matter, his loyalty would always lay with Rheagar and his memory and to House Targaryen but this Jon Snow, this Aemon Targaryen, he didn't know what to make of him. The boy is a product of Rhaegars love for Lyanna Stark, a love that started a war and toppled the Targaryen dynasty. When he first heard of Rhaegars demise at the hands of that bastard Robert Baratheon he was devastated, for a time he had blamed himself thinking that if he had chosen to stay in Westeros instead of honoring the Mad King's command to go into exile. Arthur was the one who helped him finally stop blaming himself fully but he could never stop wondering what could have been if he stayed. What could have been if he managed to slay Robert Baratheon on that day? He had defended himself for a time saying that no one, not even Tywin Lannister could have done better that time to which the former captain general of the company Myles Toyne said:
"There is where you're wrong. Lord Tywin would not have bothered with a search. He would have burned that town and every living creature in it. Men and boys, babes at the breast, noble knights and holy septons, pigs and whores, rats and rebels, he would have burned them all. When the fires guttered out and only ash and cinders remained, he would have sent his men in to find the bones of Robert Baratheon. Later, when Stark, Arryn and Tully turned up with their host, he would have offered pardons to the both of them, and they would have accepted and turned for home with their tails between their legs."
And Toyne was right, Tywin would have done that without a second thought, the man's solutions always were the safest if undeniably brutal, you don't need to worry about an enemy if he does not exist.
He felt great sorrow when he learned about the fates of Rhaegars and Elia's children and how brutally Tywins mad dogs had decided to dispose of them. He even felt sorrow for Elia, a woman he long thought never deserved Rhaegar.
"Rhaegar," Connington thought sadly. "His silver prince."
He had loved Rhaegar since the moment he laid his eyes on him, the memory of the silver hair and those purple eyes still fresh in his mind just as all those years ago, Jon knew that his love could never be requited, not in a way he wanted, Rhaegar was the crown prince, an heir to the throne and needed a wife, someone to give him heirs of his own. He was admittedly jealous of Elia when the Silver prince married her. Jon knew that Rhaegar only married her for duty and not love, the marriage being arranged only as a ploy by Aerys to spite Tywin Lannister even more, but that notion did not help him much when it came to what he felt. It was after that event that he made up his mind, he could not love Rhaegar but he could still be there for him whenever he was needed and one day serve at the prince's side when he finally takes the Iron throne. But that did not happen, he became Hand, lost a battle to the rebels, lost all titles, all the power he once hand and was sent into exile for his failure. He had never criticized Rhaegar but the one stupid decision he had made, that mistake being running off with the Stark girl, he could never forgive the man he once loved, and still loves even to this day.
Jon took a sip from his wine cup and shook his head. There was no point in reminiscing on the past right now, he needed to focus on the imminent future. The son of Rhaegar, the man that would be king will arrive soon. From what he knew, the boy favored the Stark side of his family, which thankfully aided in keeping the boy safe. Arthur had told him about the deal he had with the crannogman, lord Reed, once the two of them reunited in Pentos. Jon disapproved of the deal made as he didn't trust any man that fought for the rebels. Not to mention that at that time he was uncertain about the whole thing involving Aemon, and for years he actually harbored hopes that Arthur and Richard would change their minds and pick Virerys to be king instead, queen Rhaella had already crowned the boy on Dragonstone before he and his sister fled to Bravos with Ser Willam. While on the topic of the royal children, Ser Barristans mission to rescue the hotheaded princess was successful, something which he never doubted considering what man's skill. After the Bold brought Daenerys back to the company's camp, she received an earful from him due to her stupid attempt at playing hero. She defended herself, of course, not relenting for a moment, the girl was as headstrong as she was beautiful. Rhaegars mother Queen Rhaella looked almost the same as the young princess but she lacked the raging fire in her eyes. In the end, Jon ordered her restricted to a tent next to his and guarded at all times, she protested but his decision was final, and to make sure she did not manage to leave the tent he put Barristan to watch over the princess. Selmy had proved himself loyal in Jons eyes when he delivered the princess and the prince back safely and even more when he knelt before the prince, thinking Viserys to be the true heir but was stopped by the prince and told to wait a little longer with pledging his oaths. Jon was broken out of his thoughts when Asher Forrester walked inside the tent with his usual shit-eating grin on his face.
"Wake up, lord Rooster, Marr sent me to tell you that we have visitors," Asher said as he took the pitcher of wine and poured himself a cup. Jon already knew who the visitors were and it was about time they arrived, they were late. He wasn't sure for how long he could keep the commanders interested.
"That wine is for the officers," Jon pointed out.
"I know, it's the best in the camp and that's why I'm drinking it," Asher said smugly and downed the cup in one go. "Ah, refreshing. Dornish Red is it?"
"That's coming out of your pay," Jon said and Asher looked at him with mock surprise.
"It's just some wine, my lord, there is no need to push me," Asher said in an innocent tone.
Connington narrowed his eyes at the exiled northern noble. Asher was a good and honorable man, that much Jon will give him but he liked to act like an ass just for the sake of it. No wonder the Lost Legion wanted his head after what happened during their joined job in Volantis, Legions commander Tazal swore that he will cut off both Asher's head and balls for what he did. Then there was the whole thing with stealing from Croft and the Hellhounds. Luckily for him, Asher was good with a blade and that was reason enough to keep him around.
"Enough slacking around, go inform the royals and Ser Barristan about our arrivals," Jon commanded. Asher simply smirked and left the tent, leaving Jon to sigh in annoyance. Not too long of a wait later the visitors arrived at the tent being led by one of Jon's men. The first one to enter was Arthur, followed by a man dressed in overly lavish green and gold armor, then by a man in red armor, a man dressed in a suit of armor that had seen better days, and finally, a man who caused Jon to stop and stare at him. He was dressed in gray armor, had dark hair, a long face and gray eyes, a Stark if there ever was one. But as he stared more he saw things that did not match any memory he had of Brandon or Eddard Stark. For starters, the boy was slender in build, had a different nose shape, and had higher cheekbones. For a moment an image of the Silver prince appeared in front of Connintons eyes in the place of this young man. He quickly shook his head and turned his gaze onto Arthur.
"Jon, it's good to see you again," Arthur said embracing the Griffin lord. Jon returned his friend's embrace before breaking it.
"Likewise Arthur," Jon said. "Are these…?"
"Aye, let me introduce you. These are our king Aemon Targaryen and his companions, Ser Loras Tyrell, Ser Robar Royce, and Grenn," Arthur said pointing at each of the young men. Jon quickly registered the names of the lads before his gaze turned to the young man that would be king and Jon knelt.
"Your grace," he said bowing his head.
"There is no need for that now lord Connington, rise," Aemon said and Jon did as bidden. "Ser Arthur spoke very highly of you and I know you were a close friend of my birth father. He has also told me everything you had done over the years and I thank you for that, your effort will not be forgotten."
"Thank you, your grace, it is my duty to serve to the best of my abilities. I served as hand to your grandfather..."
"That man might share blood with me but he was never my grandfather. He burned my grandfather alive, my uncle strangled himself as he desperately tried to reach out for a sword in an attempt to save his father. Aerys will never be kin of mine lord Connington, never," Aemon said in a cold tone but Jon could notice the hatred in it.
Jon stared at the king for a moment, pale blue eyes meeting dark gray. "Of course, your grace. Forgive me."
Aemons features softened. "There is nothing to forgive my lord, but I think that what I said should be known."
Jon was about to respond when all of the sudden a large white beast strolled into the tent, it took Jon a moment to realize that it was a horse-sized wolf, The appearance of the large beast caused the Griffin lord to jump back in fright and pull out his blade. Soon another smaller wolf appeared, it was smaller than the white one but still bigger than a normal wolf. To his surprise instead reacting from fright or cation, the other occupants of the tent laughed.
"Easy there Jon, you have nothing to worry about, they won't bite you," Arthur said reassuringly.
"Look at them," Jon said pointing his sword at the beast. "You can't tell me that they can't harm a man."
"Oh trust me my lord they definitely can but not without my order. Please forgive me I thought they listened better when I told them to wait outside," Aemon said.
"Relax, Jon, they won't do you any harm," Arthur said and after a moment of hesitation, the Griffin lord sheathed his blade but remained at a safe distance.
"I have never seen wolves that big," Jon said eyeing the creatures warily.
"That is because they aren't just wolves, they are direwolves," Aemon corrected. Jon barely believed his own ears, direwolves. It was as if you told him that the dragons roamed the skies once more. Direwolves were supposed to be as extinct as the dragons, they have not been seen in Westeros for hundreds of years. Jon had many questions prepared for the future monarch but he never thought that one of them would be how he even managed to acquire direwolves in the first place. The former hand composed himself quickly but still eyes the wolf with uncertainty.
"Direwolves aside, it is an honor to finally meet you, your grace. I have heard some things about you but I would like to question you on some things if that is alright with you," Jon said.
"I don't see anything wrong with that my lord, I will try to answer your question to the best of my abilities," the king replied. The king was cordial, which is a good sign.
"We have some time before the company's officers arrive to meet with you, I hope you know what you intend to say to them," Jon said.
"I gave the topic some thought, yes and I think I do know," Aemon responded.
"Good," Jon said with a sigh. "Please sit your grace, it's better to talk civilly while sitting than standing."
Dorne
Sunspear
Oberyn
Prince Oberyn Nymerious Martell, the Red Viper of Dorne could be described as many things, handsome was one of the first things that came to mind, witty, intelligent, fearsome, a womanizer, a great warrior, athletic, deadly, dangerous, unpredictable, a man of many tastes and with a great lust for adventure. His older brother Doran often says that he is rash while others say that he is bloodthirsty, a few would even call him half-mad, and truthfully we would agree with them, even with the half-mad part, that probably is the result of his grandfathers Uller blood in him. But one of the things he prided himself on as much as he did his battle prowess and knowledge of poisons was his prowess in bed, his eight beautiful daughters being the proof of that. And he was currently partaking in one of his favorite pastimes.
The prince was currently laying sprawled out naked on the bed in the largest brother the Shadow city had to offer, with his beloved Ellaria laying on top of him and two other women laying at his sides, the three women as naked as he was, their bodies on full display. The last night was filled with all kinds of pleasures for the four of them, he had brought all three women to the highs of ecstasy during their coupling, and they him, he had emptied himself in them so many times that he lost count. Some would call him a manwhore for his behavior but he honestly did not care about random people's opinions of him, the only opinions that mattered were that of his family and they had no issues with his escapades. Oberyn was about to join his current lovers and take a small rest when the sound of boots hitting the floor came outside of the room he was currently staying in. A moment later, the doors flew open and a number of Martell guards entered the room.
"Forgive the intrusion prince Oberyn but prince Doran is asking you to join him in Sunspear at once," the head guard, a sergeant said not really caring about the scene in front of him. Some would call the mans behavior disrespectful but the man had been in the service of his house for decades and was well accustomed to Oberyn's behavior, the man was the very definition of a gruff loyal soldier and it wasn't the first time Doran had sent him to find Oberyn so they were both used to it.
"At once? I'm sure whatever my brother thinks I did now isn't true, I'm a bit busy as you can see," Oberyn said smiling brightly. Another characteristic he prided himself on was his charisma but it seems that charisma won't be enough to get him out of this today.
"Let me rephrase that my prince, Prince Doran is ordering you to come to Sunspear at once, it is a matter of great urgency," the guard corrected himself.
Oberyn might have been slightly annoyed due to his fun being cut so short but he knew Doran better than anyone else and if his brother deems something urgent then it probably is. The question at this moment is what exactly has riled his brother up so much that he had to send guards to fetch him immediately, this intrigued Oberyn greatly. Usually, Doran does this when Oberyn is gone for more than a day or when a bannermen is coming to visit. At least he should be happy Doran did not order Hotah to drag him out of the brothel, that would have been an embarrassing sight. Oberyn turned his gaze from the guards to the sleeping form of his lovely paramour.
"Ellaria, Ellaria," he whispered softly as he shook her all so lightly. His paramour only grumbled softly and put her hands around his neck. "Allaria I need you to wake up love."
Finally, Ellaria opened her eyes all so slightly. "What is it?"
"I need to you get off of me, it seems my brother is demanding that I attend him at Sunspear."
Ellaria opened her eyes fully to look at Oberyn and then in the direction of the guards who were standing there waiting for him "Do you have to go, can't you stay a bit longer?" she pleaded.
Oberyn kissed her softly on the head. "It is something urgent I'm afraid, I promise to make it up to you later," Oberyn smirked. "I'm leaving you in good company, I don't think you will be bored. I will return as soon as I see what this is about. Or you can come with me."
Ellaria grumbled something. "I think I'm going to stay in bed for now."
"As you wish," Oberyn said. Ellaria allowed him to get out of bed and then took his spot between the two whores. Oberyn quickly put his clothes and boots on before exiting the brothel with the guards. He mounted his sand steed, a stallion as black as sin, with a mane and tail the color of fire and rode towards his family's ancestral seat.
As soon as he rode through the gates of the castle he was quickly led towards his brother solar by his cousin and the castellan of Sunspear, Manfrey. He asked his cousin what was this all about but the man only shook his head, saying that the only thing he knew was that lady Mellario had arrived a mere hour ago and had immediately insisted to meet her husband in his solar. This news surprised the Red Viper. It was been years since his brother and his wife had their final falling out after which she decided to leave Dorne and return to her girlhood home of Norvos. Many questions passed through the prince's mind, mostly revolving around why she decided to return now and will she be staying. At the doors of his brother's solar, he was greeted by the looming form of Areo Hotah, his brother's constant shadow and bodyguard. After a brief greeting Hotah ushered Oberyn inside.
"Brother, I hear that we have an important guest, If I knew that was the case I would have arrived sooner to greet them," Oberyn said in a flamboyant manner. "My apologies, but Ellaria knows how to keep a man occupied."
Inside the solar he found his older brother Doran sitting in his wheelchair behind his desk. In front of the desk with two chairs each being occupied. The gazes of all three people turned to Oberyn, First, he met his brother's gaze before moving on to the two other people present. To say that he was surprised at the sight of the first visitor was correct and his expression showed it. There in the left chair was his brother's estranged wife, lady Mellario of Norvos, they had not seen each other in years. Before he could say any greetings his gaze moved towards the occupant of the second chair only to find his heart skipping a bit, his mind barely processing what he was seeing, he was staring at a ghost, a dead woman. To his utter shock and disbelief, there sitting in front of him was none other than Ashara Dayne. At that moment his mind stopped for a brief second until the shock wore off just enough for him to speak.
"Ashara?" was all he could say.
"Hello Oberyn," Ashara greeted him with a kind smile. "It's been a long time."
Oberyn barely registered that he rushed towards her without thinking and embraced his childhood friend. The move obviously caught her off guard slightly but after a moment she returned the embrace.
"I-I thought you were dead….you threw yourself off the tower..."
"A ruse I decided to play, one that was necessary. I'm sorry if my supposed death brought you pain, that was never my intention Oberyn," Ashara said apologetically.
"Why?" he said, his tone barely above a whisper.
"That is why I'm here right now," Ashara said. "Mellario and I actually. It is a long story Oberyn, I don't think right now we have the time to tell all of it but I will do my best with the short version."
"Oberyn," Doran's calm voice was heard. "I understand your feelings about reuniting with a lost friend but from what Mellario told me so far, I urge you to leave the reunion for later, now we have important matters to deal with."
Oberyn took a moment to compose himself, he just found out that his childhood best friend was alive and well all these years and could not yet ask for the answers he wanted. Something had brought Ashara out of hiding and that something had brought Mellario and herself together also, so whatever it was it was important and must concern Dorne and House Martell. He was not the politician his brother was but he was not naive either, he could come to his own conclusion. He had to regain control over his emotions at least until he gets some kind of an explanation.
Oberyn looked at Mellario, he had managed to regain more of his composure. "It is good to see you once more Mell."
"Oberyn," Mellario said with a curt nod, her eyes blazing at Oberyn. So things haven't changed one bit since the last time they saw each other, her fury has not diminished one bit. Mellario still blames him for Quentyn being sent to the Yronwoods to foster. Back then when he was more of a monstrous young fellow he would not have seen anything bad about what he had done during his duel with lord Yronwood but now after years have passed and with having children of his own he understood why Mellario hated him so much and understood her pain. He was truly sorry for Quentyn having to pay for his actions, that was never his intention to begin with.
"Lady Ashara now that we are all here, would you indulge us with an explanation? I can assure you that I'm as curious to know what happened to you as my brother. I'm also interested in what brought you and my wife together," Doran said, his cautious eyes never once leaving the sight of his wife. His brother is many things, cautious, pensive, a subtle man and some could describe him as cold but that was far from the truth. Oberyn knew just how much his brother loved his wife, how much it hurt him when she opted to leave him, and how her parting words pierced his heart but he was never allowed to show it, he had to stay strong so as not to appear weak to their enemies and even their bannermen.
Ashara sighed and looked at Oberyn, there was an uncertain glimmer in her eyes. Oberyn wondered why that was. "I will make this story as quick and as detailed as I can, for me it all started when Eddard Stark rode into Starfall with one of his companions, my family's blade Dawn, and my wounded brother..."
The story that Ashara told the two Martell princes was astounding, to say the least, and also made Oberyn's blood boil, that son of whore Rhaegar had not only ran off with the Stark bitch but also annulled his marriage with his sister Elia and married the northern wolf whore. Not only that but the whore gave birth to a bastard who now claims to be the rightful heir to the throne that was supposed to belong to his nephew. No words could describe the anger he was feeling at that moment, he honestly wished that he was able to bring Rhaegar Targaryen back to the land of the living only to kill him again. It took all the control he possessed not to release a storm of fury at Ashara. His friend spoke about the Targaryen siblings, her bother Arthur who was also alive and well, and about the loyalists hiding in Essos. His fury finally broke the bounds that held it when Ashara told them about how the bastard found them on his own and decided to take the throne from the Lannisters and sent her and Mellario to ask help from Dorne in that undertaking.
"YOU WOULD DARE COME HERE AND ASK THAT OF US, IN THE NAME OF THAT BASTARD," Oberyn shouted, he was pretty sure everyone in Sunspear could hear him. "That insult to Elia's memory, to the memory of her children! That bastard has no claim to that throne and Dorne will never support him! You have some nerve even asking! If I knew I would not have hesitated to track him down and kill him to end the shame he brings to my house, he should die like his whore of a mother..." Oberyn continued to shout, his face contorted in a hideous look of rage and his black eyes filled with murderess intent. He was about to continue his rant when Mellario interrupted him.
"You always were a selfish hypocrite Oberyn Martell," Mellario said and Oberyn turned to look at her.
"What did you just say?" he half shouted as he glared at her.
"You heard me, you are a selfish hypocrite. You dornish pride yourselves on your openness and your different way of life and yet when someone else does the same as you, you call them bastard or whore. You yourself have eight daughters you sired almost all to different women and only gods know with how many hundreds of men and women you have shared your bed. You spit on the boy's mother and father and yet you yourself have done much worse. The boy did not have a say in being born like any other child in this world. The marriage between Elia and Rhaegar was strictly political. I loved Elia, I know that there was no love between her and Rhaegar, you know this as well as I do. All she wanted was to return to her home with her children. Rhaegar found someone who loved him back, he annulled his marriage to your sister and kept their children as his heirs. If Aerys had not killed a lord paramount and his son the war could have been avoided and everyone could have got what they wanted. But that did not happen. That boy you say deserves to die grew up being hated because everyone thought him a bastard, he never knew the warmth of mother's embrace, he never had anyone to sing him to sleep as a child, never knew his true parents and the love they could have given him. You out of all the people in the world have no right to judge Rhaegar and Lyanna or their son. That boy you hate for no reason other than him not being a product of your sister's womb has extended an olive branch to House Martell, he is ready to give you justice for Elia and her children so they could rest in peace once and for all. Elia would have hated you if she saw how far you have fallen. And you always said that we don't kill innocent children in Dorne. He is not the king you wanted to see on the Iron throne I understand that but he is your next best choice, I met him, he is young and yet he is honorable and kind. He will uphold any oath he swears. This is a chance for Dorne to get justice and a seat at the winning table and all you have to do is say yes."
The solar was filled with silence as Mellario finished her speech, the three other occupants stunned by the indignation the woman delivered it. Oberyn stared at his god-sister, barely being able to believe that she could say something like that, it was an affront to Elia's memory, never mind the insult to his name. Ashara was the first to break the silence.
"I would have put it more delicately than that but Mellario speaks true. Elia would not have wanted any harm to fall upon a guiltless person. House Martell has suffered due to ambitions of house Lannister and others, it is high time that the debt is paid in full."
Oberyn was about to retort when his brother raised a hand and stopped him. His brother's critical eyes went over Ashara and Mellario. "This Aemon Targaryen, what support does he have?"
Ashara looked at Mellario before looking at Doran. "He is kin with the Starks and through them, he also has the Tullys, also we have a number of loyalist houses, not to mention the royal fleet."
"The royal fleet?" Doran's eyebrows shot up.
"Indeed, it has not been destroyed in the storm, they managed to get out of it by the skin of their teeth. They have been hiding in the Stepstones all this time, hunting pirates and slavers while posing as ones themselves."
This revelation came as another surprise, one which clearly intrigued his brother evidenced by the thoughtful look on his face.
"That explains the lack of pirate activity against Dornish ships in the past decade or so," Doran said, his chin resting in his hand.
"As you can see the Targaryen loyalists have already been helping Dorne, it would only be right to return the favor," Mellario said.
"Fuck that!" Oberyn shouted. "The deserts of Dorne will freeze over before any Dornishman sides with the Stark bastard."
"You might have forgotten but Arthur and I are Dornish," Ashara pointed out.
"Why now?" Doran calmly asked.
"Beg your pardon?" Ashara said.
"I mean why come to us now and not earlier? You had plenty of time to do so and yet you did not. The Starks and Tullys will be allies only as long as the Lannisters hold power, when the lions are beaten what then? Robb Stark has declared himself the King in the North, I'm not so certain that he will give up his crown willingly. Dorne might have been largely isolated from the rest of the seven kingdoms for years but that does not mean we do not keep up with the events going on right on. And I know I'm right to assume that the support of the loyalists apart from the fleet isn't enough, so the question is why approach house Martell now?"
Ashara looked at Doran, there was sadness and anger in her eyes. "We had a decent start after the war ended, the fleet had managed to get away and hide while Arthur, lord Connington and Ser Willam started to bring in the men who went into exile to escape the Baratheon rule together. Ser Richard also joined them at that time. All seemed to go well, we managed to evade any assassins sent and kept a low profile. When he heard that the king has left the safety of Winterfell and is headed toward Highgarden he could not be happier, it was a stroke of good luck. We thought that with him away from the North and among those who were loyal to the dragons we will have an easier time of getting to him, off guiding him..."
"And yet something happened," Doran said.
Ashara looked at Doran will blazing eyes. "We were betrayed," she said. "With Robert winning in the Greyjoy rebellion he solidified his status as king and thanks to that some among our ranks started to have doubts if we could truly achieve a Targaryen restoration. That doubt grew until a third of those who we thought loyal turned their backs on us and tried to destroy any hope of a Targaryen sitting on the Iron Throne again in hopes of getting rewarded by the Usurper. One night as most of the senior members were gathered for a meeting they sprung their trap. They wanted to kill everyone and take the royal children so they could hand them over to Robert. In the end, my brother rallied those around him and managed to foil their scheme but at the end of that bloody night the damage had been done, a good number of good men lay dead among them Ser Willam. We lost much that night and the remaining leaders like Jon Connington and Ser Richard became more distrusting, they were scared of the possibility of the Usurper finding us and sending someone to end us for good. As for the plan that concerned the Reach it was put on hold while later being implemented to a minimum. We hoped for more time but this war happened and Arthur and Richard decided to rush things, seeing the conflict as a perfect opportunity. That is why things are moving so fast right now, we need to be quick if we wish to beat the Lannisters and Tyrells while their hold over the realm is tenuous. That is why I was sent to negotiate with House Martell now with the help of lady Mellario. I hope that Dorne will be wise enough to see the opportunity in front of them, this offer will be given only once."
The room went silent once more with Doran staring directly into Asharas violet eyes. Oberyns brother was pondering his next action, Oberyn knew that. What interested him was his decision would be, Doran would never side with a son of a woman who stole Rhaegar away from Elia, and yet his brother had not declined the offer. Finally, Doran broke the silence.
"Your offer lady Ashara is interesting, I can see the benefits that they could bring house Martell but it is a risky proposition. If Dorne sides with this Targaryen then we will have to join the war currently being waged, you know how well that ended for us the last time, thousands of good men died," Doran said.
"Thousands always die when wars are fought my prince," Ashara said.
"Your words ring true my lady. You will have to give me some time to think this over, this is not a decision which can be made lightly."
"I understand prince Doran, you better not drag your decision making, for all of our sake," Ashara said.
"Rooms have been arranged for you, Areo will show you to them," Doran said and then called for his fateful guard who followed his prince's orders, the two ladies exiting the solar and following the captain of the Martell household guard. Doran glanced at his wife one final time before she exited the solar. Once they were left alone Doran sunk back into his chair, a look of exhaustion on his face. "She has not changed one bit."
"Mellario or Ashara?" Oberyn asked, now standing riht in front of his brother.
"I meant Mellario but now that you mention it, the same goes for your friend," Doran said. "This is an unexpected situation we find ourselves in, brother."
"Don't tell me you are actually considering it," Oberyn said with a hint of disbelief in his voice.
"As much as I share your dislike of Rhaegar and everything he did, I have to agree with Mellarios sentiment that the boy is not guilty of his father's actions. I grieve for Elia and her children as much as you do, I would do anything to bring them back but that is impossible. The only thing we can do is bring their murderers to justice. For years the Lannisters remained untouchable due to their connection to the Iron throne, if we tried to repay the debt a war would have broken out. We would have done as we always did when invaders came, we would retreat to the deserts but the Lannisters and the Baratheons would not stop until everything in Dorne is just ash and bones. The Targaryens wanted to rule Dorne while the Lannisters would attempt to destroy it just because we decided to cross them. But now the tables have turned, the lions are fighting and losing to the wolves, they might have the support of the Tyrells but the Starks have a veteran army under their command, and the Young Wolf has humiliated Tywin Lannister at every step, going as far as to raid the lions own lands. If this Aemon Targaryen joins the fray and joins forces with the Starks and Tully that would increase the number of enemies they have to fight. I doubt that this wanna-be king is without an army even if he is asking for aid from Dorne."
"So what then? You want us to side with a bastard wolf? Never!" Oberyn protested, he could feel his blood starting to boil with rage.
Doran hummed. "As much as I hate to say it this might be our best chance at gaining what we have sought for so long. If we join the loyalist forces and launch an attack north that would cause the lions and the roses to fight a war on two fronts, north and south. The royal fleet could block the Blackwater bay but only if the Redwynes either turn cloaks or are defeated."
"You think that the Redwynes would turn their back on the Tyrell, they are kin."
"They might be kin but in case you forgot, Paxter Redwyne has a succession crisis on his hands, he was twin sons, and whoever doesn't get the Arbor will feel betrayed. He can always mitigate the situation somehow but the resentment between the brothers will always be there. If he sides with the Targaryens he will be able to ask for rewards, a title, and a castle for his other son, and perhaps even try to steal Highgarden from the Tyrells. It is a well-known fact that any house in the Reach has a better claim to Highgarden than the Tyrells."
"Fine. But do you really think the loyalist houses will fight to him, the Starks overthrew the Targaryens and he is half Stark," Oberyn said, trying to make his brother see things more clearly.
"By what Ashara had told us the boy has the support of Rhaegars entire inner circle. He shares blood with the current king in the North, if provided with concrete evidence of Rhaegars and Lyanna's marriage the boy will be seen as a legitimate heir to the throne. All that needs to be done is to make sure that the Lannisters are dealt with, to make sure that they never pose a threat to anyone ever again. We already have Myrcella, she is with Trystane in the Water Gardens, but I doubt that Tywin will give up over a threat to his granddaughter's life, to him a male heir is more important, not that I believe that he actually cares about her."
"You are really thinking about bending the knee to this fraud? This mummer?" Oberyn asked his brother, he could barely believe what he was hearing.
"Oberyn, if the Lannisters win this war they will cement their hold over the seven kingdoms for generations to come. They are vulnerable now, they have lost two threads of their army and the quickest way to reach the capital from the West is blocked by some twenty thousand angry Northman. The Stormlands always had mixed loyalties, Stannis might be their rightful overlord but they have no love for him, and if a Targaryen comes to their shores I guarantee that many of the lords who have bent the knee to the Lannisters since Staniss's failed attempt to take Kings Landing will switch sides at the first opportunity. The question about the Reach is which house will be the first one to stab the Tyrells in the back. So it is up to us to make sure house Martell and Dorne get what is owned, for Elia," Doran said with a determent glint in his eyes.
Oberyn did not like this, he did not like this one bit. To him, this mummer's dragon represented a living insult to his sister's memory but Doran spoke truly, this is probably the best chance they have at getting their revenge against Tywin Lannister. There was also what Mellario said about him being a hypocrite, he was many things but a hypocrite was not one of them, never. In the end, he did not have to like it to know that this was the best way to get justice for his sister and her children. His fury was still blazing but he got a hold of himself. "For Elia. I will see the heads of Tywin, The Mountain, and Lorch resting on pikes at the gates of Sunspear, I swear it by the old gods and the new."
"Indeed brother, we will finally get justice for Elia and if we play our cards right house Martell might get even more," Doran said, a thoughtful look etched on his face. Oberyn knew that at that moment his brother was scheming something.