Chapter 20

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Oberyn Martell.

Oberyn was no longer the little boy that had first left the walls of his native Sunspear. He had seen the world. A couple of years ago he had ended his journey with his own mercenary company and returned to his beloved and beautiful Dorne. Only occasionally travelling between the houses of Dorne. But a couple of weeks ago, his brother Doran, the head of House Martell summoned him urgently from his guests at the Dain's.

As it turned out, Doran wanted to "probe" the eastern neighbour of the Seven Kingdoms by sending a small embassy there, led by his son Quentin and Oberyn.

Many in Westeros didn't like this new empire that had become very powerful thanks to one man who had gone from street urchin to emperor, rumoured to have magic, dragons and an army of hundreds of thousands of swords. Even eight of the nine former Free Cities have fallen under Darken Rahl's hand. And that's an indicator! It is quite difficult to hold such a freedom-loving people. And no one has ever heard of anyone rebelling against Rahl openly.

Besides, even the Dothraki, absolutely all of them, swore allegiance to him as the Great Khal of their people and joined the empire. Now they do not fight among themselves or with the Free Cities, but head east or south by the tens of thousands.

In their last war in the Summer Isles, they had performed quite well. At least that's what the mother of his fourth daughter, Sarella, wrote to him. She is a native of those islands and now serves in the Dharian merchant fleet. And Sarella herself had expressed a strong and unyielding desire to go there to study, in a country that was both far away and so close to them at the same time. The academy opened by the Emperor was not full of prejudice like the Citadel of the Maesters, they allowed both boys and girls to study there, and everyone regardless of their social status. And that, in Oberyn's eyes, was another plus, if not for Emperor Rahl, then for his cronies who had promoted the idea.

Oberyn took his brother's request with little, but still enthusiasm, for he himself wanted to see what this Darken Rahl and his state were all about. Besides, as Doran had shared his ideas with him, Darken Rahl would be an excellent substitute for his daughter Ariana's marriage and an ally in the fight against the Lannisters. Plus, it is rumoured to be in D'Hara where the last of the 'dragons', Daenerys Targaryen, resides. And it would be nice to betroth her to Quentin.

But the main official reason for their embassy is to make good relations, trade arrangements and an invitation to stay in Sunspear.

So, shortly after this conversation with his brother, he, Quentin, his beloved Elaria and the four daughters - the older snakes (Obara, Tiena, Nymeria and Sarella) sailed out of Sunspear towards Panizharth.

It was a relatively short journey, only two days to Viselny Island. Really, so he thought by old standards. But they'd made it in three. And the reason for that was the patrols that had spotted three ships that were quite fast and carried, or rather could carry, both contraband and small groups of warriors. So they were being scrutinised thoroughly.

Elaria and Tiena were not happy about it, but Obara as well as her father understood the patrolmen and even in some way approved of their diligence. After all, the Martells' own patrols at sea were sometimes quite negligent in their duties.

On the third day they did arrive at Panisheart.

And Oberyn was truly impressed. It would not have occurred to him that just ten years ago there were only forests and rocks on the island, and a beautiful huge city that struck the eyes of the Prince of Dorne.

The Red Serpent noted that the tales of magic were probably true, because then how did Visel Island, which was quite low, "grow" three hundred metres up!

Next it was the turn of the huge harbour, the suburbs and the three districts of the capital. And the higher they climbed, the more Oberyn was convinced that the ruler of these lands was not a simple man.

His daughters were a little more impressed than he was, and Elaria couldn't even close her mouth in amazement. Soon they were met by the only acquaintance of the Martell family - Mellaria, his brother's wife and Quentin's mother, who immediately rushed to his mother to hug her after a long separation.

The last time he had seen her before his trip to the Ironwoods, where he had been for a long time, he was now sixteen years old. And he's grown older, but he still loves his mother just as much as before. This made Oberyn's lips touch a smile and even a smile of mortification. True, both Tiena and Nymeria only snorted at Quentin's intemperance.

However, perhaps it was due to the fact that their aunt held the position of Master over the Whisperers in D'Hara. Her suzerain is a man who could easily order his men to invade Westeros, and Dorne might be his closest target.

- It is good to see you, my dears. - Mellaria said with a smile.

- Mellaria, you are still as beautiful as you were when I first saw you. - Oberyn smiled at her and kissed her hand.

- You mean you just said it like I'm old? - Oberyn frowned at the master over the whispers. - To be honest I didn't think you'd stop complimenting women. What's Elaria looking at?

- You just misunderstood it, Mellaria," laughed the Red Serpent's mistress, "I guess you've been at your post in Panizhart for too long and have forgotten how they sound.

- Let's assume I believed it, or forgave him. Let us not stand at the door. The Emperor is having a conversation with his Dragon Lords, and he will see you afterwards.

- Dragons..." Oberyn checked the word thoughtfully. - I've only seen and heard sculptures and stories about them so far. But I've never seen one in person.

Mellaria turned to the prince and smiled enigmatically.

- Patience, Oberyn. Make sure you don't shit your trousers when you see them. Especially not Nightmare. He's ridden by Darken Rahl himself. And this dragon is a giant that strikes terror into the hearts of men. Some have even died at the mere sight of them. And as for where they are now. Nightmare is on the hunt, and the other eight dragons are sleeping in these "eggs". - She pointed to egg-like towers of different colours. - You'll still have time to look at them.

The journey upstairs to the chambers they had been assigned at the behest of Doran's wife took a long time, during which time she managed to find out some "minor" purposes for the arrival of her, or rather her husband's, close relatives.

Sarella was sure she would get into the Academy. Mellaria, after all, had corresponded most with her niece and knew full well that the latter was quite intelligent and savvy.

Obara here wanted to see more of the glorious warriors of Hyrkun that now served Ral, while Tiena and Nymeria were happy to just visit some place with her father.

With Quentin, however, she retreated almost immediately to her chambers as soon as she had said goodbye to Oberyn, Elaria, and the serpents.

- What do you think, Oberyn? - Sand asked him. - The palace is far more beautiful than the Water Gardens and the Sunspear, and it surpasses even Volantis and Pentos.

- It surpasses even King's Landing, my dear. - smiled Red Serpent looking through the wide window at the capital of this empire spreading below. It's cleaner, prettier, richer, it has order and no Lannisters or any of the other crap I hate.

- And it was all built in just ten years. - Sarella joined the conversation. - Could this Rahl be a sorcerer after all?

- Magic exists, my dears. - Oberyn turned to them. - I have seen much in my wanderings, but nowhere have I seen a mage have the power to build such a thing. And besides...

Oberyn cut his speech short at the halfway point. For the roar of the dragon had echoed for miles around.

Snakes and Elaria immediately jumped to Oberyn, who with widened eyes from surprise, watched the three dragons that circled over the palace.

- So it's true. - Martell muttered. - They were reborn from the flames. And this Darken Rahl commands them.....

- I think there's someone on those dragons. - Sarella spoke up. - There, look.

- The dragons have their own riders. We call them Dragon Lords.

It was a young woman in scarlet robes and a tightly braided, charcoal-coloured braid.

- I take it you are one of the glorious Mord-Sith? - Oberyn asked her.

- Yes. My name is Nyssa. - The blue-eyed woman nodded demurely. - My Emperor asked me to tell you that he will not be able to meet with you today, officially or privately. Matters of national importance have forced him to leave the capital for Braavos. If it's convenient for you, Master Rahl would like to meet tomorrow at noon.

- As His Grace wishes. - Oberyn nodded.

Oberyn hummed to himself. It didn't take much thought to realise his brother's intention. To shift the D'Harans' attention from Quentin to him. To make everyone think that Oberyn was the real head of the embassy. And Quentin was just a front and a novice in the business. So be it. The Red Serpent's nephew has his own goals and objectives on this journey. One does not interfere with the other. So the prince smiled at the woman who pierced him with her cold and even murderous gaze through and through.

"The Mord-Sith must really be as dangerous as our agents said. - A thought ran through his mind. - It reeks of confidence, cruelty, and ruthlessness..."

- Which dragon among these belongs to His Majesty? - He asked Mord-Sith as he was about to leave.

- They all belong to Him. He simply allows his faithful servants to saddle the eight dragons. But the dragons serve and obey the Emperor first and foremost. The riders, on the other hand, serve as battle companions.

- Is his Grace so greedy that he doesn't give them to anyone? - Tiena grinned.

Nissa turned to the snake.

- Darken Rahl has great power, wisdom, influence, and ability. This power that you see HIM, all light, is also HIS. Be it bright day, or black night. He claims everything that comes into his sight. Whatever he wants will belong to HIM! What belongs to Master Rahl belongs to him alone. No Dragon Lords, no noble lords, no favourites or minions of the Emperor, have the right to claim what is rightfully his. And those who dare to do so will meet an unenviable fate. - Then Nyssa frowned even more and added. - Everything that our Lord has built, he has built with labour and his own efforts. Nothing was given to him for nothing. And that's why he won't share dragons or anything else with anyone for nothing. He owed nothing and nothing to anyone.

There was silence for a few moments, broken only by the click of Mistress Nissa's heels.

- I want to get to know him more and more. - Oberyn muttered and turned back to the window to watch the soaring fire creatures. And as the eighth rose up, they all headed north.

But the ninth dragon was nowhere to be seen. And then a thought struck Oberyn. Why had he even told them where he was going? He didn't have to. And besides, why were all the dragons he had going there? War? "Aggressive negotiations"? Humiliation? "Walkabout?"

More questions were overwhelming him by the minute. Then Elaria was able to rouse her lover after all. The serpents had left the chambers as well, and no one else was with them. So the next few hours, they spent enjoying each other.

Obara Sand.

Obara stepped outside of the People's Palace to walk around the city. With her were her younger sisters Nymeria, Tiena, and Sarella. As well as a small guard in the form of Herold Dane of the Dark Star, their father's squire Damon Sand, nicknamed "Bastard of the Gift of the Gods", and another old warrior-archer from the Summer Isles, Alltur, who used to serve as an aide to Sarella's mother on her ship, as well as another boy squire of Ser Herold.

This eight were quite a colourful bunch, as per the older serpent's opinion:

Obara Sand - was the daughter of a prostitute from Staromest, aged twenty-six. A strong, tall, broad-boned woman with close-set eyes and rusty brown hair that she inherited from her mother. Not beautiful, but not ugly. She was quite fond of wearing leather armour, and that was all that was soft about her. She usually has a coiled whip at her side, and a round shield of steel and copper behind her back. And quite good with a spear, in her opinion and the assurance of her father, who taught her that.

Nymeria Sand is the daughter of a noble lady of Volantis, aged twenty-three. She has a slim and supple build. Straight, black hair braided in a braid, but it lay in a sharp cape on her forehead, like her beloved father's. She had high cheekbones, full lips and the milky white skin she had inherited from her mother. From her father, however, Nymeria inherited not only her intelligence and part of her looks, but also a voluptuousness for both sexes. Always carrying many knives and in a dark alley or cramped room, she is as dangerous as the older snake.

Teena Sand is the daughter of a septa, twenty-one years old. She maintains the image of a sweet and pious woman, however she is the most insidious and dangerous Snake, more versed in medicine and poisons than any other.

Sarella Sand - was the daughter of a merchantwoman, the black-clad owner of a ship from the Summer Isles, now owned by the ruler of the local lands. Sarella was now almost seventeen years old. She has always been known for her irrepressible curiosity and for always going where she is not welcome. And so she had asked to come on this journey to attend the Academy, where some of the Citadel's Maiters, the best merchants and bankers in Braavos, Asshai sorcerers, and teachers of many disciplines taught.

Ser Herold Dane, nicknamed "Dark Star", is a famous knight of the Dane family. He is also the cousin of the famous knight of the Royal Guard, Erthur Dane. According to their father, he is the most dangerous man in Dorne when it comes to battle. Ser Herold Dane had Valyrian features of appearance with a little addition from Dornish blood: eagle nose, high cheekbones, strong chin. His beard was shaved, but his thick hair fell over his shoulders in a waterfall like silver stream, split in two by a streak as black as pitch. His mouth was presented with a wicked smile, and his tongue even more wicked. The eyes in the light of the setting sun seemed black at times, but up close you could see that they were violet. At times Obara seemed to be a Valyrian copy of his father with a slight dash of madness.

Damond Sand - A handsome tall young man with blue eyes, russet hair and a strong jaw. Wears a short trimmed beard, when he smiles, he has the cute dimples on his cheeks that Oberyn and many others he knows like. Even the somewhat stiff Obara sometimes admires them. He is no longer a child, though. He's almost twenty years old and is quite a skilful warrior, though he's still a squire, not a knight.

Allatur, on the other hand, is a man of over fifty years of age, or even six decades under his belt. No one recognised this on purpose. But his grey beard and dreadlocks tied in a single tail were even whiter than Ser Herold's hair. The man himself was coal black in colour. But he was also very wiry, and to Obara's memory was the best archer she had ever seen in her life.

The last in their company, however, was a boy squire who was purely Dornish in appearance. He was no different from many of the other lads his age, grey mediocrity. Still, together they should have been attracted to each other by their looks.

But it was only when they walked into their first tavern that they realised that wasn't the case at all.

The Dragon Fang Tavern was full of people, though there was enough room for the newcomers. They sat down in a corner of the tavern and ordered themselves some beer, wine, and some snacks. Obara began to scrutinise the tavern's visitors.

There was such a variety here that even Braavos could envy. And she had been there once before with her father. There were Westerosians, people of Valyrian appearance, Dothraki, summer islanders, and legionaries of the Emperor's army. People of different ages, suits, fortunes, and positions. Therefore, the eight from Dorne did not attract much attention.

Tiena and Lady Nim were bantering and flirting with Dane's young squire. The boy was answering inappropriately with a crimson face and trying to hide it over a pint of ale. Dane smirked and looked around for someone he could have a good time with.

Obara was just enjoying the wine for now.

Sarella was the first to go scouting and gathering information.

It took over half an hour before the fourth in command snake returned to her own. At this time, Nymeria, who just moments ago had gone upstairs with a local maid in her arms, was already absent. Tiena, to Obara's surprise, had decided to "finish" the young squire and apparently to take his virginity. Dane, on the other hand, was pawing at the sissy peddler who was nestled on his lap. Only Allathur sat glumly chewing slowly on his chicken.

Soon a flushed Nymeria returned.

- You're quick. - smiled Obara. - Have you become very quick with your fingers? Or did your maid run away from you?

- I can really pleasure anyone in a matter of minutes if I want to. - replied her sister nonchalantly. - And as for why I came back so quickly, it was because I learnt some information. Interesting information for you, too, Ser Dane.

The knight became animated, but did not let the peddler out of his embrace.

- What's the story?

- There's a tournament coming up. There will be archery competitions, a saddle fight, a skirmish, and there will be additional competitions: crossbow shooting, knife fighting, spear fighting, and single sword fights. For the first three traditional for us competitions is given twenty-five thousand dragons, for the rest from ten to fifteen. But this time there will be another competition and the main prize will be a Valyrian sword.

- A Valyrian sword? - Dane and his squire, who was distracted from Tiena for the first time, exclaimed at the same time.

- Yes. - the snake smiled contentedly. - But in addition to it, the winner will have the opportunity to join the First Cohort, which is Rahl's personal guard.

- But we are from Dorne.

- These tournaments in D'Hara are open to noblemen and commoners alike. And people of all ages, male or female. It's a great way to meet or shine in front of the upper class of Panizharth.- I've also learnt some very interesting information. - Sarella immediately stated. - This particular tavern is quite popular with many generals and even courtiers of the People's Palace. As well as officers. And also, it seems that members of the Small Council of Darken Rahl sometimes come here incognito.

- Why here? - Tiena wondered.

- No one knows, but it's been that way for the entire existence of the capital and this place in particular. Perhaps a tradition that has developed over time.

Everyone was thinking about what they had heard, except for Allatore, who stood up silently and went to the table where two Summermen, also archers and perhaps a little younger than him, were sitting. One of them was a woman, and she was probably the one the old archer approached first.

Obara noticed this, for Allatur had always warned her when he left, even to take a piss, and he didn't like to leave his first ward. But she realised that the two men were old acquaintances of his, and that they were having a nice conversation at the table where several other people were sitting besides them. She recognised one of them as being from the North. He had a bear embroidered on his cat. Mormont! But who he was she did not know. Obara had little familiarity with the North, the Riverlands, and the Vale. Next to Mormont sat a boy of similarly northern appearance, perhaps even his squire. She noted to herself that he was quite handsome, even handsomer than her sisters. Probably the son of a lord, or perhaps he was from the Outlands. There's a lot of them out there. And also with them sat some merchant, remotely in appearance resembled even their father, only his hair was longer and dressed in rich clothes of purple colouring. And from the looks of it, the four mercenaries sitting a little further away were with him.

Allathur had returned.

- Lady and Ser Herold would you not mind the company of my old mates from the Summer Isles and their D'Harian friends?

- Why, Allatur, we would be delighted. - Lady Nim and Tiena nodded, and the others agreed as well.

In a minute the men had already pushed the two tables into one and ordered more drinks and more food. A merchant of Qarth, named Toldos, who looked a lot like Oberyn Martell, decided to treat everyone, and ordered a lot of viands, even more he sent a boy to his ship to send a message to his captain to send another barrel of tincture and a couple of barrels of wine from Asshai.

Dane was able to recognise the Mormont unknown to the serpents, it was a northerner after all:

- Ser Jorah? - Dane exclaimed in surprise. - I honestly did not believe my eyes, I thought it was just a similar person, and I drank a lot of wine today. But it's true, you are.

- Hello, Ser Herold. - "The Bear" smiled at him. - And I didn't expect to see you here. The last time I saw you was at the storming of Pyke?

- Indeed we did. You and I were both knighted then. It was a glorious battle then.

- It was. What brings you here?

- Prince Quentin and Prince Oberyn came here as ambassadors from Doran. We are their retinue. We have a meeting with His Majesty tomorrow. Now we were just bored, so we thought we'd take a walk and find out more about the country. Perhaps you could tell us about it? I understand you've been here a long time since your exile from the North.

Jorah Mormont sighed for a moment, but then he put on a smile.

- I am. I will soon be officially captain of one of the battalions of His Majesty Darken Rahl's First Cohort. I live with my wife at court, though we have an estate in the Silver District. So you are most welcome in my home.

- I think we will take advantage of your offer somehow. Right, Lady Obara?

- You are Obara Sand after all? - Mormont said semi-affirmatively. - And you are Lady Nymeria, Tiena, and... Sarella? - he remembered the names of the snakes.

- You have heard of us? Our father's bastards? - Obara was a little surprised. - I didn't think we were famous anywhere.

- John told me all about it a couple of weeks ago, lady. - He patted the boy on the shoulder so hard that he almost choked on his beer.

All the Dornish men turned their attention to the young man.

He was sturdily built, wearing a leather doublet of scarlet and black colours with the emblem of the Empire on his chest. At his side were two half-utornik swords, and on his belt was a dagger. He remained calm even after words and Jorah's attention. Calmly he wiped his mouth and glanced at him with his grey eyes.

- And how does a mere squire know about us? - Tiena asked in a husky voice.

- My name is Jon Snow, and I apologise for not introducing myself. - Jon said. - And the Emperor told me about you.

- The emperor himself spoke to you Jon? - Dane's eyebrows went up. - Ser Jorah must really know his way around the People's Palace. - And he chuckled enviously.

- Erm. - Jorah shrugged uncomfortably. - Actually, it's thanks to John that I've been able to rise so high. I was first a mercenary in the Golden Swords for a while, and then I became a lieutenant under John's command. He's a captain, and he has his own private warrior squad. And he's the one who helped me buy the estate here and even helped me get into the First Cohort. And yes, he is a squire, but he is His Majesty's squire, one of his aides and his personal apprentice.

This was a bit startling to most of the Dornish, but Obara began to suspect that Mormont was understating or embellishing something. "How did a bastard from the North have so much influence here at his age? Could it be that he was the Emperor's lover? Why? He's quite smarmy'' flashed through the older snake's mind.

- And how did a bastard from the North achieve such great success in Panisheart and become Emperor Darken's squire?

Jon smiled slightly and replied:

- "Just a chance, a happy accident in which I 'died'. When my father and I were sailing to Jon Arryn five years ago, I accidentally fell overboard on a ship and was picked up by sailors from that country. The captain of that ship was on his way to deliver a personal order to Master Rahl. I wanted to be a boy on the ship so I wouldn't have to go back to the North. My father probably still thinks I died on that voyage. Master Rahl recognised me as a Northerner, and his memory was good, though it is still excellent. And during his last conversation with the captain, he had seen the whole crew and had not seen a single boy, much less a Northerner. He wondered how I came to be with them. And then he offered me to serve him as a squire. The position had just opened up. I accepted, though I had no idea how much I would rise through faithful service to him. Then I became his apprentice, and then I took part in the battles fought by D'Hara's warriors. And I have gained much in land and money, so I will be able to visit Dorne and the North with my head held high one day.

- Dorne? - Sarella wondered. - Why Dorne?

- I was born there. I want to visit my father and find out where I was born, and I want to find out a lot of things from him.

- And who is your father, Jon Snow? - Dane asked.

- Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell.

Nymeria and Dane almost choked on their drinks.

- I'd heard that the Silent Wolf had a bastard, but I never thought I'd meet him in person. - Dark Star grinned. - And why didn't you, Jon, at your young age, want to return to the North?

- I was superfluous there. They'd be better off without me, and my father's wife wasn't too keen on me. - The brunet shrugged his shoulders and sank into his own memories.

The questioning of the young squire went on for quite a while. John answered in detail, but he didn't tell him much. And he tried to avoid talking about his master at all. Then a messenger from his squad arrived and gave him a letter. And after that he was compelled to leave the company, accompanied by a messenger.

And the evening and night was entirely at the disposal of the remaining men.

Continuation follows....