章 5: Chapter 5 - Upended Customs
14 BC
Former Gargalen Lands
House Gargalen of Salt Shore, one of several Greenblood Dornish Houses who once ruled a seventh of the southeastern coastline of Dorne, one of several Rhoynar houses founded when Nymeria and her Ten Thousand Ships embarked on a conquest of Dorne under the banner of House Martell.
A house that ruled its lands for seven centuries. A house that, like countless other Dornish houses, spat on the heritage of Nymeria and the Rhoynar when the Red Princes issued their edicts banning Rhoynish language and culture. A house who, like its five comrade houses, met an ignominious and gruesome end in what came to be known as the War of Crimson Salt [1].
Salt Shore, or Ghohedrane in Rhoynish, now came to house the new capital of House Rada in the town of Ny-Tahor [2] (Green Oasis), situated in the northeastern parts of Ghohedrane not far from the border with Ifarahoy. A relatively mid-sized town, it was once prosperous for mineral trade, but the mines were thoroughly exploited and income dwindled as a result, so a good portion of its inhabitants left for greener pastures elsewhere.
The town still held a significantly advantageous position, however, due to being centrally located among all of House Rada's lands, and it was for this reason that Arin chose it as House Rada's new centre of government.
The first thing he did was to order the emptied mines repurposed as mushroom farms officially, to provide edible ingredients for the staple diet. Unofficially, it served as the new headquarters of the newly-dubbed Hydromancers - Arin's order of Water Wizards - with Garen serving as its Grandmaster. According to Arin, though he did not have intentions of instigating conflict with the Targaryens, it always paid to have a trump card on hand.
With the Hydromancers' headquarters decided, Arin worked to lure bureaucratic and scholarly talents to House Rada's lands to fill in the vacancies resulting from the houses' extinction. To that end, he offered many incentives from good pay to off-days, placing high focus on talent and skill rather than blood and status. He further enforced this meritocratic policy by changing the way nobles in Rada lands were graded; rather than be graded by how well you fight wars or by noble status, nobles as landholders were graded by how well they governed their lands in adherence to Rada policy. If they did well, they were promoted. If not, they were demoted.
To ensure a steady supply of accountants and other people who could do arithmetic, Arin organised a new school system where men and women of all ages could learn to read and write, and do basic mathematics. Here, Arin introduced a revolutionary concept which came to be known as Rada numerals (Arabic numerals, actually).
For example, a number as large as ten thousand, four hundred and eighty-five could instead be written as 10,485 in Rada numerals. This, combined with double-entry bookkeeping, made accounting and banking far easier than ever before, and all the merchants and governors based in Rada lands quickly adopted the new system.
Countless acolytes and low-ranked Maesters from the Conclave flocked en masse to House Rada's lands, serving as the new school teachers. They educated countless children from as young as five, and even adults at the age of ten-and-six to thirty. Here, Arin went out of the way to organise a school lunch system, where children up to the age of ten-and-two could eat lunch provided by the school for free. Once they reached ten-and-three, they had to start paying for lunch with their own pocket money.
Many parents appreciated this, believing it a great opportunity to teach children the importance of money management.
As talented men flocked to Rada lands eager for opportunity from all parts of Dorne and beyond, Arin and his parents, Elanzo and Huang Xue burned the midnight oil to organise them according to their varied talents.
Those skilled in the arts of intrigue and subterfuge were put under Sainalia and her Hashashins, who swiftly enforced order in the shadows with merciless and efficient assassination of wrongdoers where the law could not.
Those skilled in arithmetics were named clerks to various mayors and nobles in service to House Rada, taking over administration of the land from taxes to infrastructure. Top performing bureaucrats were given high court positions, effectively strengthening the central government's ability to refine, implement and enforce policies. Those who displayed an aptitude for diplomacy were mentored in the finer details by Aimelia, whose tutelage was rather strict and unforgiving but invaluable.
Those skilled in the military were drafted into the military, and depending on how well they distinguished themselves, earned promotions into officer roles. Sailors were drafted into a growing navy commissioned by House Rada, trained to operate the new ship models built by shipbuilders in every harbour.
Finally, several Orphans were turned into the clergymen of the resurgent Mother Rhoyne religion, to proselyte to the conquered subjects and convert them from a cruel, magic-hating and biassed faith to a faith that genuinely cared for them no matter their ways. They are the priests and priestesses of Udohanism [3] - the name for the Rhoynar religion.
The others were organised into a magical military arm of House Rada: The Hydromancers, a support unit made to help an army push forward on the battlefield or hold a firm defence, or to launch an effective ambush along a river.
And yet, what House Rada truly needed was manpower; Dorne was never one of the most populous countries in the whole known world, and this never changed even with the coming of the Rhoynar, owing to both a lack of dedicated logistical and infrastructural development by Nymeria's successors especially when sustainable agriculture was concerned.
To tackle this, Arin proposed the following:
"We shall enter into an agreement with Braavos, and have them free slaves to send to us."
Arris merely heaved a sigh, rubbing his head in exasperation, while Aimelia simply nodded in reluctant acceptance. Elanzo and Huang Xue, on the other hand, smiled as if approving of Arin's out-of-the-blue proposal.
"There you go again with your ideas…" Arris muttered, "Although it does seem more feasible this time."
"However, I don't know if Braavos would approve of us maintaining closer relationships with the Targaryens of all people, if their history is anything to go by," Aimelia pointed out, "Who knows? They might choose to reject our offer."
"Maybe," Arin conceded, "Though if they do, it just shows how shallow they are; Humans are more moved by benefit than anything else."
"As the Young Master says," Huang Xue said, "However, Elanzo and I believe they will want to accept our offer."
"How so?" Arin asked.
"The people of Essos are a greedy and unscrupulous folk, and Braavos is no different," Elanzo explained, "But the people of Braavos pride themselves on being descended from freed slaves who escaped Valyrian tyranny and being the greatest power at sea; they will not shirk the opportunity to bolster that reputation, especially through performing a righteous act for a greater cause in the eyes of the Heavens."
"I concur with Elanzo," Huang Xue added, "And frankly, we need to keep as many options open as possible; who knows if people may suddenly not wish to migrate to our lands for whatever reason?"
Arris simply sighed again, shrugging his shoulders.
"At this point, you're old enough to make your own decisions, Son," Arris stated, "And besides, you've come this far and you've never led us astray; I trust you."
Aimelia smiled supportively at Arin, and he smiled back at his parents.
"Then it's settled," Arin declared, "Mother, could I ask you to be our envoy to Braavos?"
"Of course, Son. Whatever you need," Aimelia answered.
IIOII
Braavos, Sealord's Palace
Ormallos Tarys, Sealord of Braavos, was enjoying a rather fruitful discussion with Aimelia of House Rada from Dorne. According to her, in exchange for a hefty sum, Braavos was to free slaves and send them to House Rada's lands every season. Surely there was nothing wrong with that, is there?
However…
"You also have trade agreements with House Targaryen?" Ormallos questioned.
"Indeed, Sealord Tarys," Aimelia replied calmly, "Simple trade agreements and a general improvement of relations, I assure you."
"Truly? I would believe you wish to ally with House Targaryen, Lady Aimelia," Ormallos voiced.
"Is there anything wrong with that, Sealord?" Aimelia asked.
"Are you not descended from the Rhoynar, whose homeland was destroyed by Valyria of old?" Ormallos pressed on, "Why would you try to make friends with the descendants of those enemies, much less the very last of the Forty Families that once ruled Valyria?"
"Why keep proclaiming that you despise slavery when you are not doing more to suppress the practice in the rest of Essos?" Aimelia countered, eyes hardening, "Better still, why not launch a military campaign against the practising cities like Astapor, for that matter?"
Ormallos clenched his jaw for the briefest moments, and though he largely deflated his eyes were likewise hardened, his breaths heavy and slow.
"If you take issue, I'll tell you this," Aimelia stated, "We are in a very precarious position, so we can't be picky with our allies."
"...Pardon my earlier behaviour," Ormallos bowed after letting out a deep breath, "I admit I tend to be a very passionate man regarding my beliefs, but it was no excuse. Regardless of your family's plans regarding the Targaryens, I wholeheartedly support your offer."
"Then I hope this marks the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership between our two sides, Sealord Tarys," Aimelia smiled with satisfaction.
"Likewise," Ormallos echoed, shaking Aimelia's hand.
Yet as Aimelia turned to leave, she snuck a glance at Ormallos who still remained seated.
And she saw a flicker of smouldering anger - the kind one suffered when his pride was hurt.
IIOII
Ny-Tahor
For several weeks, Arin and his parents had to put off all matchmaking plans due to the War of Crimson Salt and the resulting aftermath, putting out smaller fires here and there to bring the country under order.
Once the immediate crisis passed, they could now put their focus on securing a match for Arin - an ancient duty as old as time.
"Who do you have in mind?" Asked Arin.
"Honestly, we didn't have many prospects before, but we're quite dry on this front," Arris sighed heavily, "Mother preserve me, but too many of our 'fellow' Greenblood Dornish are ardent Martell loyalists due to both cultural and historical obligations, so they aren't a viable match much less the other noble houses of Dorne."
"I don't trust them," Arin declared.
"I suspect you don't, and at this point neither do I," Aimelia nodded, "Though it leaves us with too few options. Actually… I think we might have a few options. Two, to be more precise."
Arin stroked his chin thoughtfully at his mother's words.
"Who do you have in mind?" He asked.
"Hm… from what I recall about Sainalia's findings, the current ruling Lady of House Qeffar of Qorenport, Belandra, is struggling with discontent vassals who dislike her apparent weakness and indecisiveness," Aimelia began, a worried look in her eyes, "If we're going off rumours alone, she doesn't seem very reliable as a spouse."
"Sibei jialat (Really difficult), things like this tend to happen," Arin shrugged.
"Sibei what?" Questioned Aimelia.
"Sibei jialat," Arin reiterated, "Just means really difficult or something."
"I honestly don't know if that's supposed to be an actual language or something," Arris pointed out.
"It does sound like a southern Yi-Tish dialect, in my opinion," Huang Xue informed.
"Aiya, what does it matter?" Arin waved off, "Anyway, the other option, Mother?"
"Obela Lleryn, Lady of House Lleryn of Janipar (Viper's Nest)," Aimelia continued, "She is a highly talented politician and general who spent years fighting as one of the Sand Snakes before being recalled after her father's untimely demise. She is known to use her sensuality to devastating effectiveness in politics, but tends to be highly impulsive and acts before she thinks."
"Anyone else?" Arris asked, "I'd rather not have to start with just two options."
"I'm afraid we don't have any other options, dear son. In fact, the fewer the better in this case," Aimelia countered, "Although if neither option works, we can simply match you with one of the Orphans."
"Works just fine for me," Arin shrugged, "Although I have to say I don't like impulsive people in general; could you help organise a meeting with Belandra please?"
"I certainly can," Aimelia smiled, "When would you like to meet her?"
"As soon as possible," Arin stated.
[1] War of Crimson Salt - The official name for the war between House Rada and its immediate eastern and western neighbouring houses, it has since become synonymous with the beginning of House Rada's rise to power and prominence.
[2] Ny-Tahor - The temporary capital of House Rada up until after Aegon's Conquest, it has served a crucial purpose as a governmental centre of administration and a wealthy hub of commerce under Arin's governorship.
Eventually, Arin Rada, as the new Lord of House Rada, changed the capital due to its central location serving him better than Ny-Tahor, but Ny-Tahor itself never lost importance and continues to thrive as a city today.
[3] Udohanism - The name of the religion centered around the Rhoynish Pantheon with the Mother Rhoyne as its Chief Goddess. Unlike the Faith of the Seven, it did not originate as an organised religion. Instead, it was split into different individualistic temples with their own doctrines and practices according to the city-states they resided in. The name is derived from the Rhoynar words 'Undonai' and 'Trunhanoc', which mean 'unity' and 'tranquillity' respectively. Its adherents are called Udohanics.
After the fall of the Rhoynar City-States to Valyria, much of that theocratic knowledge was lost save for the doctrine of Ny Sar, which emphasises progressive ideas in both religion and everyday life and communal ties between people.
Originally, Arin suggested that their official religion be designated 'Rhoynism', as worship of the Mother Rhoyne was most dominant. As more Orphans joined House Rada, bringing their different theologies and religious practices dedicated to other Rhoynish Gods, the name was then changed to Udohanism after extensive consultation with countless religious elders.
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