Chapter 34: Death in the Vale

*Sigh* Oberyn looked at the waters below as the ship that carried both him, his sister and niece had just sailed past Dorne.

He had a heated argument with Ronan and Ned regarding what their supposed destination should be. Oberyn wanted his family away from the war. But Ronan and Ned couldn't just let them go back.

He could easily tell that neither liked the fact that they had to resort to such underhand practices. But Ronan stood fast in his decision, showing exactly why he was a widely regarded person.

He told several reasons why he had to hold them.

One amongs them is to draw House Martell away from the Royal Coalition. The main reason for this is to draw more people to their side, making the premise of war detrimental.

Another is to tie their hands. With hostages they can keep the Targaryens from making any aggressive moves. With royal hostages on their side, they would think twice before inflicting any harm to the their own hostages. Granting a certain level of protection to the Stark children and their fellow hostages.

And the obvious use of Hostages is to force the opposing side into the negotiation table.

These factors alone should have been enough to guarantee them a win, if not outright victory.

But at the moment they are in desperation.

This would have been good and all that but another thing is the fact that the other side also have hostages. And another major difference to the rebels side that makes their disadvantages even more apparent is the fact that the rebel side care about their relatives that have been taken captive, the royal may not.

It made sense, and quite frankly Oberyn is surprised that they still desired to resolve the issue despite the fact that they obviously had been the one that was hurt the most.

Ned's reason is to spare lives where they can. But Ronan simply agreed so that he may have a clean conscience when all hell breaks lose.

For Oberyn, hearing how Ronan said his reason, he is inclined to believe the man. There is strength in his words after all. But Oberyn isn't so easily fooled. He had known the man for but mere days but he could tell that the young Lord is not as simple. Perhaps not as simple as he believed himself to be.

Weeks passed by quickly. He spent most of his days with his sister that had begun to show signs of improvement to both her mental and physical state.

Healing potions and a specified diet, and Oberyn was happy to see his sister soon surpassed the beauty she once had. They both laughed and cried seeing her getting better. Her frail state, soon left behind. And he watched from the side as his sister spent every waking moment caring for her daughter in ways she couldn't before.

Their laughter still echoed within his mind. And he couldn't help but smile at such magical moments.

'Magic...who would have thought.'

Hearing a hail from the captain. He turned to look as Gulltown of The Vale made itself known to their eyes.

Several minutes passed as their giant ship arrived but surprisingly, they didn't make to the pier. Still despite the distance people stared, some slack jawed at the sight of the ship. He actually agree to their expressions. He had, after all, been sporting the same face when he first gazed upon it. This was not a trade ship, it is a Warship that easily surpassed any Warship he had seen before, one from House Sieghart.

Noticing the lack of action at the deck, Oberyn asked the Captain.

"Captain, shouldn't we prepare to disembark soon?"

"Apologies my lord. But we cannot risk your safety at the moment. Fret not though. Lord Sieghart himself has already informed us that there would someone to meet us here instead. For now we stay aboard."

"Very well captain. My thanks."

The captain bowed at his response. Oberyn can't really disagree. His relative's safety is most Paramount right now. Touching the earring he ended up overthinking again. He released a sigh. He truly wished he knew how it worked. He wondered if it was the distance or a time limit itself. 'If it is the latter then I must have exhausted it already.' Oberyn had felt the decline in the connection between him and both Eddard and Ronan through the earring.

He has so much questions. So many things to be said between them. He had half a mind to escape from the ship with his family and reach for Dorne but Oberyn knew it would have been pointless.

He had seen them in action. Outnumbered and outskilled, he isn't willing to take the risk, so he merely followed.

Taking in the sights of the city, he soon began to notice certain things that felt off. And the more he observed the more his concerns came.

There are too many men gathering at the docks. The people are walking around and looking but no one is buying. More and more began to get at the docks. Most seemingly happy to get a good look at the warship. But his concern is their stances of those that did not.

"Their posture is too straight." whispered the Captain.

That had Oberyn's eyes slightly widening. That's right. Knights carry a certain dignity or pride about them that makes people want others to know that they are knights. A cut above the common folk. And it all starts with the way they stood.

Oberyn looked around and noticed most of the crew are slowly and quietly preparing the ship. The anchor is being raised slowly. The Azure and Ruby knights are stern and despite their hands not gripping their weapons, the parting of their feet and the slight lowering of the backs clearly indicated they were ready to strike when need be.

Oberyn, donning lighter clothes still had his new spear at hand. Running his hands through it, more as to calm himself but taking care not to show his agitation. Something is afoot but through all possibilities he could think of, one always came to the front of his mind. House Grafton is a loyal to the crown.

'Wars must be fought not just against those that stood against us. But also those that stood beside us. After all, no one wants to die for someone else, be they Kings or peasants.'

The words of his brother echoed through his mind.

Again he wrestled against his mind regarding his doubt in Ronan's men. He focused on Gulltown, and already knew that they are trying to trap them. And so Oberyn focused instead on his 'allies'. A term he couldn't help but use loosely.

Minutes later, a rider came standing by the docks. He gazed at their ship, neither too far nor too close. Judging by his clothes, he is clearly of nobility.

Oberyn was about to step forward but the Captain held his shoulder as he stepped forward instead.

"Lord Grafton, pleasant greetings to you."

Grafton on the other hand is scowling at the man. The captain had yet to port nor had he stepped down from the ship and instead greeted him from atop the deck. Most of all, the Captain deigned him but a small nod in greeting. That obviously did not sit well with the man.

"Come closer. I need come aboard."

"Apologies my lord. But I cannot do that."

Everyone stopped what they were doing. That sent the alarms in Oberyn's head into high alert. While many were looking at the captain wide eyed. Most were looking to the lord.

In the silence Oberyn saw a crew mate make hand signals with the Captain. One he responded with a small nod.

"As Lord of Gulltown I command you to allows us aboard this ship!"

"I serve one man my lord. You are not him." the Captain answered calmly. "As per his orders no one is to board this ship until our recepient arrives."

Grafton gritted his teeth. He had hoped to catch them off guard. But the cold expression of the Captain told him everything he needed to know. They are aware. Looking at the bow of the ship, he saw that the chain anchor is still up. The ship is just floating in the water, a short distance from the pier.

A rider came at him with great haste and whispered what he didn't want to hear. Yohn Royce is at the gates. The same gates he had ordered sealed hoping to trap the foreigners here.

Grafton could not think of a way in. The foreigners were far too cautious. The calmness in the captain despite speaking with the lord of the land is unexpected and most definitely unwelcome.

The Captain watched as the Lord stood there contemplatively for a couple of minutes. He had half a mind to leave, but his orders took precedence. Then all of a sudden, his instincts scream at him to move as Grafton suddenly smiled.

"HARD STARBOARD!!!"

He had just given his orders when several ballista bolts sailed through the air and fired at them from behind. The loud clanging of metal vibrated throughout the ship. The ship shook in the waters. Each spear crashing loudly against the rear.

The crew continued to move refusing to be distracted. Though slightly frightened, his first mate steered the ship hard to the right. The captain then pressed three specific buttons on his bracelet. After he was done, the sails then unfurled automaticaly and the ship lurched forward all of a sudden. Several sailors lost their footing but quickly continued to their post. The ship then began to sail forward as it steered right.

The Captain gritted his teeth. That was a last resort. This warships were not meant to use such functions as they were not designed for it. He knew that doing so would render the ship to slow significantly for several minutes. And a lot can happen in several minutes specially in a battlefield.

Six men turned the two ballistae at the deck and waited until they saw their targets. Once the ship had veered enough to the side they then returned fire.

*Boom!!! Boom!!!*

Two ships soon began to sink as huge holes at the bow of the ship rapidly filled with water.

Their ships is fast for sure but it in the midst of an ambush it felt too slow for the crew. The other ships all began swarming towards them. Again, another volley of spears reached them. Each one finding their mark. The clanging of metal hitting their magically reinforced ship endured. Yet a slight panic spread through them as they felt the ship vibrate once more. But to the Captain that stood at the helm, he felt instead a slight bit of fear.

Looking at his bracelet, he saw that the shining jewels had been reduced from ten to two.

A swishing sound made it to his ears. Seeing two more of their own ballistae hit their mark. One was hit right at the deck, throwing off the crews overboard and the second hit the helm of the ship itself, removing any means of steering the ship.

Turning his attention forward the Captain smiled sinisterly as their ship has completed it's turn.

"Open gunports! Starboard side!"

"Take aim!"

The captain counted 'one, two, three!'

"FIRE!!!"

Explosions echoed in quick succession. As each explosive bolt reached the enemy ships. The cries and screams of pain reached their ears. Yet the crew stuck to their training and paid attention for the next order.

Though not as destructive as the two ballistae, is just as deadly on it's own, specially in great amounts.

The Captain smiled slightly as three more ships were rendered smoking. One looks to be completely disabled with it's main mast toppled over.

'Six more to go!'

The ships continued with their path towards their ship. They intent on ramming his. Which is not good with the current levels of protection left. Two ballista shots and then the ship would lose it's protection. He would have to rely on the strength enchantments on the ship but he would rather not if he could.

"Take us into the open waters! Now!"

Oberyn spoke to the Captain. "What of Ronan? The one he assigned to meet us!?"

"I'm sorry Prince Oberyn but if they had not reached us first, then they have either been held back by force, captured or dead."

"Where are we to go to then?"

"Across the Narrow Sea. The ships there would protect us. We set sail for Braavos."

"No." Oberyn immediately interjected. The captain paused and look to the Oberyn to hear his reason.

Oberyn though is slightly hesitant. He doesn't know if he should be doing what he is about to do. But right now he couldn't come up with other choices.

The other ports in the Vale cannot be trusted. Specially if a city like Gulltown could turn against his Paramount, then who knows how the lesser Lords would react.

The Riverlands is far more questionable.

The North doesn't have the naval power to defend them.

And the Stormlands makes him shiver slightly. Robert had changed since the tourney but it doesn't remove the kind of man he once was. He would rather not taste the patience of the Lord who had his fiance taken from him.

*Tsk* 'I don't have a choice do I?'

"Go to Pentos Captain."

"My lord?"

"Braavos is not a bad choice, nor is it good one either. It is a land brought by coin. I would rather not have the safety of my family measured by it's weight. Sail for Pentos, House Sieghart can keep us safe there, right?"

The Captain nodded his head. But the understanding in his eyes placated Oberyn slightly.

The Captain then shifted his attention back to the approaching ships.

"Do not let them ram us! Evasive manuvers! Keep them on the starboard side! Prime the Ballistas. Wait for my signal!"

"""Aye, Captain!!!"""

Seconds later four ships aligned to with the guns. The Captain then looked to the Gunnery officer.

"Order them to fire!"

Seconds later, the gunports again released a volley of explosive bolts against the enemy ships. When the dust settled two more ships had sunk.

Captain's voice rang again.

"Take aim!" The clanging of mechanism could be heard. As gears twist and turn as the two ballista took aim for a ship each.

'one, two, three!'

"FIRE!!!"

*THWUMM!!!* With ballistas powerful recoils as the two lances sailed through the air and with a loud crash hit the hull of one ship and the bow of another, sinking two more.

"""Yeah!!!!"""

The crew cheered. Watching the majority of the opposition sink gave them renewed vigor. The Captain though narrowed his eyes at the approaching ships.

'They aren't stopping?'

He is a veteran sailor. He had sailed across the Narrow Sea for many years and fought upon it's waters than most. He knew that even pirates have a sense of self preservation. Specially against a singular ship that just sunk 11 ships Infront of them. And suddenly he came to a realization. There is one that is mad enough to do just that. Those who believed themselves rightful owners of the seas.

"IronBorn incoming! Swords at the ready!"

His statement poured a cold bucket upon the crews faces as their expressions froze while the Knight's eyes sharpened. They of course knew how to deal with an IronBorn.

'KILL OR BE KILLED!'

The knights that had been stoic and silent throughout it all had their swords drawn and their shields ready.

Two ships then came up right next to them. The pirates now clearly in their sights. Each one sporting a maniacal greed in their faces. The crew immediately loaded their crossbows. And the Knights at the ready.

All of a sudden almost all of the pirates swung from their ship aboard theirs. As several hooks were thrown to bind both ships. Yowling and cheering like children in a toy shop.

The crew didn't waste time shooting them down midswing. Dozens fell upon the waters, but reloading the crossbows took time which allowed a dozen more to board them.

Each pirate was met with a knight. Oberyn himself joined the frey spinning and twisting his spear as he fought two pirates.

Oberyn with a wide swing caught the foot of a pirate making him fall on his back. Giving Oberyn breathing room to measure his distance from the other pirate. As he dodged a wild swing while taking a step back. With a quick stab he struck trough the pirates skull. Oberyn then dodged again as he yanked his spear as another came at him. He dodged with with precision and grace, as he slowly built distance between them. Tensing his leg he sudden lunged at the man a he hit him with the shaft of the spear. The pirate was put on his ass as Oberyn suddenly turn and thrusted the sharp end of the spear against the one who had tried to sneak behind him.

Before the pirate could get up Oberyn swiped his spear around him, keeping the shaft leveled at his waist, making the pointed blade make a wide swing, hitting the pirate at his throat. Blood gushed out of him like a fountain as the poor man tried to stop the bleeding with his hands, the pain so overwhelming he could not keep the tears and snot from flowing as he trashed on the deck trying to close the wound.

"Portside incoming!" Yelled the First mate.

"Open FIRE!!!"

Oberyn looked to the port side of the ship and watched as two dozen explosive bolts made quick way of the ship and everyone in it. He could feel the heat and warmth as blood and body parts flew everywhere as men were blown apart before they could even set one toe on the ship. The explosions caught on the hooks as well, not allowing the second ship from anchoring itself into theirs.

The two ballistas where being overwhelmed as several pirates that do land did their best to reach it along with the helm. Oberyn made a rush towards the closest ballista and began killing pirates left and right.

As soon as he reached the ballista he noticed that it was badly damaged and the knights were trying to defend the last bolt available. Oberyn dropped his spear and made a grab for the 'unnecessaily intricately carved' spear and then rushed to the other ballista.

The pirate's shouts and vigor doubled once they saw what Oberyn was carrying.

Chaos ensued as the pirates grew in desperation. More and more began dropping into the ship. And despite being blown apart and shot mid air more are still pouring.

Oberyn ran with a spear in hand. The knights of course noticed and begun defending him ferociously. Oberyn was suddenly thrown to the ground and then he struggled against a pirate that had tackled him. The pirate was then beheaded by a knight, bathing Oberyn in the man's blood. But he immediately ran to ballista.

The madness was overhwelming. As more and more ships from the port caught up to them and continued boarding the ship. Arrows sailed through the air from other ships, hitting more allies than enemies. The small ballistas at the side continued shooting down as many as they could spreading blood and gore everywhere. The knights continued to cut down relentlessly. Piling limbs and organs across the deck.

But it was not a losing fight, at least the opposition believed it so. And frankly it was frightening the pirates slightly. That each knight seemed to have an endless pool of energy. Shouts of curses, pleads for mercy, screams of pain and anger.

Rage, fear, desperation, hesitation and through the mix there is joy in it. Those who relished in the glory of the kill. Then all this emotion centered into two in an instant. Despair and Victory.

With a loud clicking sound. The spear was placed on the ballista. Gears thrummed as five people pushed and pulled it. Their target, is the starboard ship being filled by other ships, serving as a bridge for others to theirs.

With a loud *thwum!* the spear was launched. *BOOM!* It hit the center of the deck, bringing down the mast, and turning everyone on it into a pile of flying flesh.

They cheered as the ropes fell to the water and their ship now unbound. They returned to the fight with renewed determination as their ship soon began picking up speed. Oberyn himself stood and fought mercilessly alongside the crew and the knights.

Minutes passed slowly, and with a loud *thud!* the last of their foes died. They looked behind only to cheer as they saw the ships slowly but surely lagg behind their own.

Oberyn then rushed to his sister's cabin with the orders of the captain not registering to his mind.

After several turns, he arrived at a hallway filled with at least a dozen dead men. And Dame Valka kneeling and breathing heavily alongside two more Ruby Knights before the door of his sister's room. They made eye contact and noticed the other no worst than the other. Oberyn nodded as he continued to his sister's side.

Opening the door, he was greeted by his sister, her back pressed into the corner as she held her daughter, sleeping in her arms.

Unharmed and untouched. Her clothes, not a ruffle out of place. Heir hair, elegantly done and despite her puffy eyes, she smiled at his presence. Sighing in relief. Oberyn collapsed in into the wooden floor as slowly he lost conciousness. Finally, he let go of the weight of battle from his strained body.

~~~ Break ~~~

Marq Grafton had the look of horror in his face as he watched the distance between his ship and their enemies widen with each passing second.

Coin, men, and information. This was all provided to him by the crown to secure the Martell Princess'. Several promises were made to obtain the King's faith. But now, he had nothing to show for it. He knew then what he needed to do.

If the crown wins, he will die.

He needed something to to obtain alliance with the opposition. He had men, ships and supplies. All necessary in war but he needed something with more 'value'. One that will make sure his contributions to the coming war will not simply earn him pardon but also rewarded.

He pulled at his hair, eyes bloodshot and his head is growing red. Showing his rapidly growing anger. With a yell, he beat his fist on an unsuspecting man beside him. After he was done he released a cry of rage and despair.

He had lost, everything. And he doesn't know what to do next.

(AN: what do you think? Unnecessary? Truth be told I wasn't sure I should even write this chapter. I could have just written a brief summary and then returned to our MC. But this is kinda what I wanted to explore.

Sorry but I'll be continuing this writing style. This won't be an MC centric fic. I am sure of that now.

Not that it was before. 😅

There will be a hand full of MC chaps in the coming weeks but it won't last long.

Thanks for reading. Let me know what you think. ✌️😁)