Chapter X: Let Grudges be Buried
14 BC
Sunspear
Meria could scarcely believe her ears when the news arrived from an agent of House Rada, bearing crucial news of treachery that occurred in the lands of House Qeffar.
"By the Seven, to think such treachery was afoot…" Meria muttered, massaging her forehead firmly, "I know House Ardera has suffered much in Corentyn's Rebellion, but to think he would so willingly murder one of his close associates, and to cover a plot to pin the blame on House Martell of all people…!"
"We have to act, Mother, and fast," Nymor pointed out.
"Yes, Son. I know," Meria affirmed, "Issue my edict: Lord Falion Ardera and by extension his whole house is guilty of orchestrating treason against House Martell through his harmful plot against House Qeffar, part of which involved unjustly pinning the blame on us. As such, House Rada is hereby charged with the duty of putting this traitor to rest. Any and all who support House Ardera are also adjudged traitors and thus to be dealt with accordingly."
"As you command, Princess," Saluted one of the scribes as he left to perform his duty.
"Mother, how do you think the other nobles will react to this?" Nymor questioned.
"Surely you can guess for yourself, Son?" Meria questioned.
"I simply wish to hear your thoughts on this," Nymor answered.
Meria sighed, "It will assuage their concerns for the time being. To be truthful, however, they will be looking to pounce upon House Rada when an opportunity arises."
"They are envious of them, after all, and no matter their efforts to curry favour with them, House Rada seems content to strike out on its own fortune. I mean, they're wealthy enough to stand on equal ground with Houses like Yronwood and Dayne," Nymor shook his head, "Although I suspect they will start gathering power of their own."
"Do you think they will attempt to do to House Rada what House Ardera almost did to House Qeffar?" Meria questioned.
"I believe you already know the answer to that, Mother," Nymor stated.
Meria sighed again, "Do you think there are any houses who would side with House Rada, rather than against it?"
Nymor shrugged, "Only the truly desperate, or those who have some sort of grudge against our family - nothing like Falion's grudge."
Meria could only silently nod in agreement.
IIOII
Outskirts of Tahor-Nai
Despite House Rada's lands being relatively near to the Princely domain under House Martell, it still took at least two to three days on horseback for the edict to be delivered by courier. Once it was received with many thanks, House Rada was swift to deploy its troops to Tahor-Nai to meet House Ardera's army in battle.
With their plan foiled and their name blackened for all eternity, House Ardera would not go down without a fight, and rather than hunker down in their castles Falion ordered his troops to sally forth and meet the invaders in pitched battle.
One may call him foolhardy when considering the huge numerical disparity between the forces - one thousand of his own compared to House Rada's ten thousand - but that was exactly why preparing for a siege was not an option for Falion either.
And unexpectedly to everyone, House Hornet declared for House Ardera, deploying an additional thousand troops to reinforce their small army. A miniscule drop in an ocean, but help was help, and Falion gratefully accepted the unlikely alliance with House Hornet.
Now, in the dead of night, Arin and his inner circle were gathered around a table in the command tent debating their next move.
"In all honesty, considering the huge disparity between our two forces, this battle is as good as won, Young Master," Huang Xue stated, "With this battle over, we shall have the valid excuse to purge Houses Ardera and Hornet for good."
"Yes, although I have to question what exactly are House Hornet's motives?" Sainalia put forth, "They certainly do maintain favourable trade with House Ardera but little else aside from the usual diplomacy of platitudes between nobles, and from what my spies tell me their relationship is cordial at best. Nothing to suggest any plot being hatched by them either."
"Perhaps they are simply striking before we can retaliate, or they despise House Rada for whatever reason," Elanzo suggested with a nonchalant shrug, "Honestly, I'd say the latter is far more believable."
"What I really want to know is the motives of House Hornet's current patriarch, Lord Dylan," Arin stated.
"I think we can leave that for after the battle," Huang Xue stated, "After all, they are going nowhere."
"That will be all, dismissed," Arin ordered.
Later that night, House Rada launched a surprise attack upon the allied encampment, catching the enemy armies by surprise.
Archers first loosed volleys of arrows that felled countless dozens. By the time a shieldwall was established, a cavalry charge followed next, and while trained spearmen comprised part of the infantry, they were no match for the elite Cataphracts who mowed them down, lances and hooves brutalising their meagre shieldwall as the rest of the infantry rushed in for the kill.
House Ardera was given top priority, most of their troops and all their commanders killed along with Falion Ardera himself. Lord Dylan Hornet, on the other hand, was captured after a short and merciless beating, his eye blackened and his split lip bleeding heavily, with most of the Hornet troops merely subdued and awaiting judgement.
Forced to kneel before Arin, Lord Dylan Hornet - a man twice Rada's age - glared hatefully at the man before him.
"Lord Dylan Hornet, you stand accused of treason against House Martell for allying with House Ardera - a House that was close to subsuming and eliminating House Qeffar," Huang Xue began, all generals in attendance for the trial, "What say you in your defence?"
"He killed my brother! He killed my nephews! He killed my sisters-in-law! He must pay for his crimes!"
The frothing rage with which Dylan ranted and raved shocked countless in attendance, and the troops quickly moved to subdue him but were stopped with a wave of Arin's hand.
"So?" Arin said.
"So? So!? Do innocent lives matter little to you, you monster!?" Dylan shouted, eyes blood red and wide with rage.
"They were nobles," Arin stated.
"And? Does that give you reason to just slaughter them like livestock!?" Dylan questioned.
"Exactly," Arin answered.
Dylan felt his rage increase tenfold, his heart threatening to burst and his body trembling like a volcano.
"They held to the old ways, which were in contrast to mine," Arin explained, "Given time, they would oppose me and even create problems for my family, friends and people. Therefore, I decided to get rid of them before they can become such trouble."
"What? Nobles rule the people, the people pay tribute in exchange for our protection! It has always been this way for millennia!" Dylan argued, "You cannot simply change them overnight!"
"You are right," Arin admitted to everyone's surprise, "And that is why the conservative nobles must be extinguished, down to the very last. Conservatives like you, who are anathema to change."
Dylan purpled in rage even further at Arin's words.
"Now, because of your actions, I will have to kill your two sons and exile your three daughters to Essos, never to return to Westeros," Arin finished, "So ends the legacy of House Hornet, one of countless Greenblood Houses to spit on the heritage of the Rhoynar."
He waved towards the guards, "Execute him."
"Curse you!" Dylan roared as he was dragged away.
"What a world we live in, when idiots and imbeciles erupt into hysterics," Elanzo sighed, shaking his head.
"Human beings are creatures who crave familiar comforts and fear change, Elanzo," Huang Xue added, "Most especially the elites who benefit."
Arin merely said nothing, staring at the place where Dylan Hornet was once forced to grovel before him.
"What about the captive troops, My Lord?" Asked Sainalia.
"Those guilty of various crimes, punish them accordingly and dismiss them from the army," Arin ordered, "The rest, take into ours."
"As the Young Master commands," Sainalia bowed.
IIOII
Once again, ancient Houses were exterminated and dispossessed, never again to hold high positions in Dornish society. Once again, it was House Rada who had done the deed. This time, however, House Martell was the one who ennobled the new houses to take over rulership of the affected provinces.
As per Arin's recommendation (completely altruistic), Meria appointed new nobles who had no ties to other houses, were young of age, and who had to struggle hard to earn their new positions. They were more warriors than bureaucrats, however, and had little to no experience in governing lands.
Thankfully for them, House Rada had already taken care of the initial groundwork, so the bureaucracy was more or less handled. They had, however, inherited lands that were marginally productive compared to their western neighbour, and though they were appointed by House Martell, they were a distant figurehead.
House Rada, on the other hand, were their immediate superiors who could decide their fate. When faced with the choice for survival in this rapidly changing climate of Dorne, who else could they rely on to protect and nurture them?
To all who heard of this news and what transpired, it was commonly believed that all along, House Rada was simply acting in the best interests of House Martell and Dorne, bringing to heel traitorous houses who would sooner leech off the people and even challenge Princess Meria for the throne. After all, why would he not otherwise defer to Princess Meria's authority when evidence of Falion Ardera's treachery came to light?
Why would he otherwise dispose of ancient houses and remove all avenues for them to restore their ancestral seats?
Why else would he exile all boys ten-and-two or younger to the wall and all women to Essos on Meria's orders?
Why else would he quickly send his people to take control of the provinces' governments in light of ensuing vacancies in government due to his merciless purging of the nobles and wealthy merchants by association?
Better yet, why else would he sign trade agreements and foster closer relations with House Targaryen of all people, receiving generous shipments of building material and intellectuals in exchange for great profit - profit he distributed to the people who contributed to the economy?
At least, that was the official and accepted explanation among the people of House Rada, who benefited greatly from the increased trade and construction projects throughout their lands. Furthermore, with Arin's greater emphasis on proper governance and meritocracy rather than military might and status, the new governors and nobles had initiated a manhunt for any and all people capable of reading, writing and counting, whether it be distant relatives, the landless poor or even slaves.
Of course, House Rada's continued prosperity elicited much jealousy from countless other Houses, yet the memory of Arin's purgings and his mighty armies were still fresh, and who knew how far and wide his agents had spread? Who knows what devilish tactics would Arin use against them on the battlefield or closer to home?
And much as they wished to, if they simply declared war without House Martell's approval or a valid cause, they would be no different than this villain who did things as he pleased with no respect for traditions or the consequences.
That did not mean they could not prepare, however; many houses quickly tried adopting some of his measures from paving roads to setting up schools, new agricultural methods and so on. Unlike Arin who placed focus on meritocracy, however, many still favoured nobles and wealthy merchants, and due to most of the appointed people being relatives recommended through blood and connections and so on instead of talent, the efficiency of their systems was severely hampered as a result.
Still, there was always time to learn.
And it was during this time that Arin would come to meet two unexpected allies: Houses Lleryn and Darrel. Two minor houses who, like House Qeffar, had suffered harsh circumstances and wished to benefit from an alliance with House Rada.
IIOII
Arsalm
Arron Darrel, Lord of his House and the Town of Kaitynor (Stinkwater), a grizzled, jaded veteran of countless wars at the age of fourty-and-eight, bore of numerous scars on his person, most prominent of which was the terrible burn scar across the left side of his forehead stretching down to his left eye, where he wore an eyepatch. Horizontal scars stretched from the corners of his mouth into an artificial smile, his black curly hair tied into a ponytail. On each hand, both his pink fingers were missing, and both wore gloves that concealed multiple scars within. His good blue eye was fixed in an eternal glare - dour until his dying days.
Obela Lleryn, a matronly woman radiating elegance and confidence in every step, was the epitome of feminine beauty men would kill to marry. At twenty-and-five, her face looked no older than ten-and-eight, her curvaceous body the perfect balance of trimmed and slender. Her long silken black hair was braided into a crown, her hazel eyes shining with charm and charisma, gentle and compassionate, yet shining with the cunning of a political player.
Both were gathered before Arris and Aimelia, who held court as Arin was away in Tahor-Nai handling the aftermath of Ardera's Rebellion.
"We greet you, Lord Arris and Lady Aimelia of House Rada, for we wish to seek an alliance with your house in exchange for security," Aaron greeted, his voice hoarse and raspy.
"Under ancient customs, we welcome you both and grant you guest rights," Arris greeted back, "Please accept our offering of bread and salt."
A servant came forward and brought forth plates of bread and salt, offering them to Arron and Obela as they each took a slice of bread and dipped into the salt - crystal clear and free of impurities - before they took a bite.
The bread was crispy yet soft, aromatic and flavourful, and they unconsciously hummed approvingly at the taste.
"This is… good bread and salt," Arron grudgingly admitted.
"Yes, perhaps some of the best we've ever had," Obela added.
"All thanks to our master bakers and salt workers who provide," Arris smiled, nodding to the servant who withdrew the bread and salt, "So tell me, honoured guests, for what reason do you wish to seek alliance with House Rada?"
Arron was the first to speak, "I wish to repay House Rada for an owed debt."
"House Rada rarely ever had dealings with House Darrel," Aimelia pointed out.
"I am aware, Lady Aimelia," Aaron nodded, "It was when your Son Master Arin slew Falion Ardera."
"Truly?" Aimelia said.
"Indeed, and it was Falion who cost me my eye and my fingers," Arron continued, his eyes dark and wrothful, "I will not say much, only that he was the one who arranged for me to be captured and tortured, and eventually, for my elder brother to be assassinated."
Arron's eyes twitched furiously, his hand clenching tightly.
"For that reason, I owe Master Arin and wish to make common cause with him," He concluded, "I know you wish to know more, but for many reasons I cannot say too much."
Aimelia nodded in understanding, letting the matter slide.
"And you, Lady Obela?" Asked Arris, "What reason have you to ally with House Rada?"
"Money," Obela answered simply.
"Money?" Questioned Arris.
"Lots of money," Obela reiterated, "My territory is home to strong sailors and fishermen and several farmers skilled in growing blood oranges, but little else. Truthfully, in the past few years we have lost much trade income and are desperately trying to stay afloat. At first, I was thinking of taking a loan from the Iron Bank, I admit, but then I heard of House Rada's profitable industries."
"Go on," Arris beckoned.
Obela nodded, "The reputation of the Iron Bank is fearsome, for they ruthlessly collect their dues no matter the debtor's reasons, and considering the perilous financial straits of my House, I believed it better to instead seek the help of House Rada."
"Surely House Martell could help you instead?" Arris questioned, eyes scrutinising her body language.
Obela shook her head, "Truthfully, if it were House Martell's money I obtained, than no matter how much effort and time I put into the improvements I plan for my territory, in the end it means I owe money to House Martell, and I will have to answer any obligations they ask of me."
Arris nodded in satisfaction.
"As such, House Rada is the safer and more profitable option," Obela finished, "Not only are you a rich house, you have talented personnel knowledgeable in revolutionary methods that have served as the bedrock of your economical power."
Arris smirked at that, "My son always said this: 'Before you can think of grandiose schemes, first the country must be enriched.'"
Obela giggled at that, "Your son possesses great wisdom, I see."
"I would probably say otherworldly," Arris shrugged.
Arron merely snorted at this.
"Be warned, however, that betrayal will not be tolerated," Aimelia warned, "If not us, then it shall be our son who metes out the justice of Mother Rhoyne upon you."
Arron and Obela nervously nodded.
"Very good," Aimelia smiled, "So, let us talk about the terms of our alliance…"