Chapter 399: Trust
After the others dispersed, Samwell led Nathalie to a crooked tree by the riverbank.
This tree, known to the Dornish as the "Desert Beggar," bore as many thorns as leaves and was a reliable indicator of a nearby water source.
"Sam, I've read the letter from Lady Ynys that you showed me," Nathalie said.
"What do you think?" Samwell asked, his tone carrying a hint of examination.
Nathalie recalled the letter's contents.
It was, indeed, a plea for aid, but Lady Ynys' tone was peculiar. It was laden with guilt and desperation. She claimed to have willingly stayed behind in Godsgrace, feigning surrender to the Golden Company. According to her, she had devised a plan to open the western gate on the night of the full moon, aiding Samwell's army in eliminating the mercenaries.
Lady Ynys even emphasized her sincerity by mentioning that she had sent her two sons as hostages to demonstrate her loyalty.
This left Nathalie puzzled.
To her understanding, House Allyrion hadn't truly wronged Samwell. Though they had once sent troops to attack House Yronwood at House Martell's behest, this was a forgivable act under the circumstances.
Furthermore, as a member of House Yronwood herself, Lady Ynys had no reason to risk her life by staying in the castle. If surrendering was her intent, she could have fled the city with her sons before the Golden Company arrived.
Could it be that Lady Ynys feared abandoning the castle would tarnish her family's honor?
"I don't understand Lady Ynys' actions," Nathalie admitted, voicing her confusion. "If she truly cared about her family's honor, wouldn't she have at least staged a token resistance against the Golden Company?"
Samwell chuckled and shook his head.
"She's a Yronwood. What obligation does she have to risk her life defending House Allyrion's castle?"
Natalee's confusion deepened.
Seeing her puzzled expression, Samwell explained Lady Ynys' prior betrayal, recounting how she had leaked his plans to House Martell.
Nathalie's eyes widened in realization.
"So, she's staying behind to redeem herself?"
"Exactly," Samwell said with a smile. "So, do you think we can trust her this time?"
Nathalie considered this before answering hesitantly,
"I think we can. After all, she even sent her sons to you."
Samwell laughed and ruffled her hair.
Nathalie's confidence wavered at his reaction.
"Sam, do you think Lady Ynys is lying to us again?"
"Honestly, I don't know if she's lying," Samwell admitted. "I scouted Godsgrace from above, and the situation appears consistent with what she wrote. But some things can't be seen from the sky—and even when seen, appearances can be deceiving.
"Whether Lady Ynys truly wants to atone or is merely pretending to surrender doesn't matter much. What's important is that you must never trust anyone completely. Always harbor some doubt.
"As a high lord, trust is a luxury, and on the battlefield, it can be fatal. Making plans based on the word of an unverified ally, especially an ambiguous one, is a fool's move."
"I understand," Nathalie said, nodding. "If Lady Ynys can't be trusted, should we assault Godsgrace directly?"
"That will depend on the situation," Samwell replied.
---
Godsgrace
Lady Ynys Yronwood stood atop the castle's main tower alongside Jon Connington.
The fortress, situated at the confluence of the Vaith, the Scourge, and the Greenblood rivers, was a rare patch of green amid the yellow desert sands.
Yet Jon's gaze remained fixed northward, as if peering beyond the desert to the horizon's edge.
"Ser Jon, what are you looking at?" Lady Ynys asked in a soft, delicate tone designed to stir a man's protective instincts.
"My home," Jon replied wistfully.
"Your home is Griffin's Roost, isn't it? That's thousands of leagues from here. How could you possibly see it from here?"
Jon smiled faintly and turned to the woman beside him.
Despite having borne two children, Lady Ynys radiated charm.
Noticing the intensity of his gaze, Lady Ynys blushed slightly. She brushed back a lock of windblown hair and averted her eyes.
"Ser Jon, do you intend to face King Caesar's army here in Godsgrace?"
"Yes," Jon replied, withdrawing his gaze. "Truth be told, confronting Samwell head-on is unwise, but…"
His voice trailed off as he thought of Young Griff—Aegon VI—and his reckless, shortsighted decisions. Bitterness swelled within him.
The boy, repressed for too long, yearned desperately for glory.
At that age, Jon mused, who didn't crave glory? Who wasn't prone to rashness?
Lady Ynys sensed his unease and offered a soothing smile.
"Godsgrace is a stronghold. With its defenses, you are sure to hold against King Caesar."
"Let's hope so," Jon said with a small smile before descending the tower.
Lady Ynys followed.
At the base of the staircase, they encountered Ser Franklin Flowers.
Lady Ynys excused herself politely, leaving the two men to speak.
"What is it?" Jon asked, though his eyes lingered on Lady Ynys' retreating figure.
"Samwell's forces have been spotted to the west, just two or three days from Godsgrace," Ser Franklin reported.
Catching Jon's gaze, he smirked mischievously and added,
"Lady Ynys would make an excellent match, don't you think? She's of House Yronwood, her children are the heirs of Godsgrace, and uniting with her would solidify ties with two of the most influential families in eastern Dorne. You've spent your life fighting. Isn't it time to settle down?"
Jon shot him a sharp look and shook his head.
"You think of women at a time like this? Besides, Lady Ynys… she isn't trustworthy."
Ser Franklin blinked in surprise.
"She isn't? But since we've arrived, she's been nothing but cooperative. She even admitted to betraying Samwell before, so…"
"Where are her sons?" Jon interrupted.
"Her sons?"
"Yes. Lady Ynys has two sons, yet neither of them is here. Where do you think they've gone?"
Ser Franklin's expression darkened.
"Are you saying Lady Ynys is pretending to surrender and is actually aiding King Samwell?"
"It's likely," Jon said grimly.
"Why?" Ser Franklin growled, his voice laced with frustration. "Ever since we landed, the Dornish lords have refused to cooperate with us. The Torents of Sandstone, the Allyrions of Godsgrace—it's all the same!
"Why are they so eager to side with Samwell? Prince Aegon is a trueborn Targaryen and has Martell blood! What are these Dornish lords thinking?"
"Because Samwell has real dragons," Jon replied with a bitter sigh. "We underestimated how difficult this war would be. Even with Stormlands and Reach forces tied up in the north by the Lannisters, Samwell alone is enough to keep us in disarray here in Dorne."
Ser Franklin clenched his teeth, his eyes glinting with malice. Lowering his voice, he said,
"If Lady Ynys intends to betray us, why not kill her outright?"
"No," Jon said, shaking his head slowly. "Don't touch her, and don't let on that we suspect her. Godsgrace is about to become a hunting ground. Whether we are hunters or prey remains to be seen."
(End of Chapter)