บท 184: Chapter 184: Four Daughter’s Kingdom, “Confederation”
Cassius was hesitant about Viserys's invitation, especially given that they had just attacked their so-called "allies." Reluctant to fully engage, he decided to send only his deputy in his place. Feles understood the caution; after all, Myr was already on edge.
The atmosphere within the victorious coalition was tense. Manfrey carefully managed the city, which felt like a powder keg ready to explode. With nearly 30,000 troops, 20,000 prisoners, and over 30,000 slaves who had just witnessed bloodshed, it was as if he was sitting on a pile of highly explosive gunpowder that could ignite with the slightest spark. The only thing keeping the situation under control was the 10,000 troops at his disposal, which he used to coordinate and suppress potential unrest as much as possible.
Fortunately, Viserys and Dany's popularity among the slaves provided a reliable ally in this delicate situation. The armies of Myr and Pentos were confined to the harbor and their camp, keeping tensions from boiling over. The Lyseni were no less ambitious; having taken an island, they were eager to seize the main island of Tyrosh as well. Manfrey felt like a juggler trying to keep six or seven plates spinning at once, and he hadn't slept well in over two weeks.
But no matter how exhausting the task, he knew he had to shoulder it. Doran's health had improved, allowing him to take over day-to-day administration. If Manfrey didn't prove his worth now, he might never get another chance to wield power.
Greenguts, with his distinct pink bald head, reported to him, "Ser Manfrey, Prince Oberyn and Prince Viserys have returned."
Manfrey's anxiety was palpable as he asked, "Did they succeed?"
"Yes," Greenguts replied excitedly. "They've successfully taken Pentos!"
"That's good. Let's go see them," Manfrey said, finally allowing himself a sigh of relief.
Meanwhile, the military port was filled with laughter and celebration. The surprise attack on Pentos had been a lucrative success, and the old commander generously rewarded his men. As Regis watched Viserys and the Red Viper descend from the warship, one thought filled his mind—two cities in just twenty days! Such an accomplishment was truly impressive.
He felt that the thirty years of his life before meeting Viserys paled in comparison to the less than two years he had spent under his command. At this pace, the Iron Throne seemed almost within reach. Spider Webber and the Windblown shared the same sentiment; they had decided to follow Viserys to the end. Even if it meant dying on the way to the Iron Throne, they would still be remembered as part of a legend.
Viserys, however, wasn't thinking that far ahead. He was deep in conversation with the Red Viper, discussing his plans for the Four Daughter's Kingdom.
"You want to rebuild the Triarchy?" Red Viper asked.
"The Four Daughter's Kingdoms, to be precise," Viserys corrected.
"What's the difference? Aren't you still aiming for the Iron Throne?" Red Viper's primary concern was the interests of Sunspear and Dorne. Viserys had discussed his plans with him on their journey, including the agreement that after the battle, Sunspear would station 1,000 men in Tyrosh, with Viserys responsible for provisioning them. But the core interests of House Martell lay in Dorne and Westeros. If Viserys lost sight of his ambition, it would be a significant setback for them as well.
"How could I lose my ambition?" Viserys reassured him. "Didn't we agree to kill Tywin and Robert together?"
After calming the Red Viper, Viserys continued, "Prince Oberyn, if the Long Night were to fall tomorrow, how long would Dorne's food supplies last?"
"The Long Night? Why bring that up now?" Red Viper asked, full of skepticism.
"I'm not talking about a long winter," Viserys replied, meeting Red Viper's gaze and enunciating each word carefully. "I mean the Long Night."
"But we're still in the middle of summer, and autumn hasn't even come yet. How could you know when even the Maesters can't predict it?" Despite his doubts, a chill ran down Red Viper's spine at Viserys's words. He had experienced winter twice, and because Dorne was in the southernmost part of Westeros, the impact had been minimal. But the Long Night was different—legendary and terrifying.
The Long Night, if it came, would bring an endless, frigid darkness, a time when nothing would grow, and White Walkers would roam the land. It would last for a generation until a hero emerged to end it. Though these stories were often dismissed as myths, coming from Viserys, who had already shown him many wonders, the Red Viper couldn't help but take the warning seriously.
"You may be skeptical about my prophecy," Viserys continued, "but this year is 296 AC, and next year the Citadel will announce the arrival of autumn. Dorne must stockpile as much grain as possible. That is my advice."
Red Viper nodded slowly. "Alright, I'll take your advice back to Prince Doran."
Then, realizing something, he asked, "Is that why you want to establish a kingdom? To grow grain?"
"No," Viserys replied, shaking his head. "Now is not the time for us to reclaim the Iron Throne."
It was still a year before the events of A Song of Ice and Fire would begin. At this time, the alliance of the "stag, wolves, falcons, and fish" remained strong, with Jon Arryn alive and well at the helm. Ned Stark was still dutifully managing his responsibilities, even spending time with Catelyn every few days.
Viserys, however, was looking beyond the present, preparing for the Long Night that he believed was coming. He wanted to use the year or so before the War of the Five Kings to build his strength as much as possible. Once Jon Arryn and Ned were dead, he planned to march into Westeros with his army, ensuring that the realm retained enough vitality to survive the impending darkness.
But for now, Viserys knew he was still too weak to control Tyrosh alone. His ambitions extended beyond Tyrosh—he aimed to control the entire Stepstones and the Disputed Lands. As for the concept of a "confederation," the Red Viper found it difficult to grasp, let alone comprehend its purpose. Despite his reservations, he was drawn to Viserys's vision and, if given a choice, would rather stay by Viserys's side to witness the birth of this so-called "confederation" than venture to King's Landing.
...
In the Throne Hall of Tyrosh Palace, representatives from all sides had gathered. Hoyt, unable to leave Pentos, sent Denzo in his place. Denzo wasn't there to negotiate for more benefits—he had already gained plenty from the spoils of House Berent. His presence was more of a formality, signaling to everyone that Pentos now had a new master. He also intended to bring the Pentos soldiers back with him.
Tregar and Feles of Lys had arrived early. As Tregar watched a tall man leading a group of soldiers in charge of security, he felt a shiver run down his spine. For some reason, Jorah Mormont seemed even more imposing than before. The despondency that had clung to him after abandoning Lynesse had been replaced with a commanding presence, his tall stature and House Mormont's genetics making him tower nearly a head above most men. His long experience in battle had also given him a palpable aura of menace.
Enemies meeting face to face rarely manage to hide their animosity, and Jorah was no exception. He glared coldly at Tregar, his expression a mix of contempt and suppressed fury. Though Jorah longed to kill Tregar, he knew better than to jeopardize Viserys's plans.
Tregar, sensing the tension and aware that he had wronged Jorah in the past, decided to make the first move. "Lord Mormont, it's been a long time."
Tregar knew that while Jorah might not yet be his equal, he was one of the first to pledge loyalty to Viserys. There was no telling how far Jorah might rise in the future. It was better to mend old wounds before they festered.
Jorah stared at him icily, his every instinct urging him to strike, but he restrained himself. He wouldn't let personal grudges derail Viserys's carefully laid plans.
Jorah had come to a conclusion: Lynesse was a bitch not worth his regret. She had cost him his inheritance of Bear Island, driving his father to join the Night's Watch prematurely so Jorah could take over as Lord. The guilt he felt over this betrayal haunted him, but he realized that Lynesse was the kind of woman who chased wealth, and he was better off without her.
"Lord Tregar," Jorah replied curtly.
Tregar felt a flicker of relief. If Jorah was willing to respond, there was hope for reconciliation. "I've heard much about your exploits against the pirates and your success at Dragon's Flame Fortress. I wonder if you'd allow me the honor of hosting a banquet in your name?"
"No need for a banquet," Jorah responded, his voice cold. "Just make sure you return my ship."
Jorah's words, delivered with his head slightly bowed so that shadows obscured his face, sent a shiver through Tregar. Jorah had already resolved to leverage the situation for his benefit, and Tregar realized he couldn't simply return the ship empty. He would have to offer Jorah something better—perhaps an upgraded ship, filled with lavish gifts.
As Lys's representative, Tregar's demands included a return to the pre-war status quo with Tyrosh. He wanted to see the Stepstones and the two lakes divided equally and hoped to reclaim Dragon's Flame Fortress. He even suggested replacing the previous permanent contract with a monetary payment—a request that could only be described as fanciful. Viserys, of course, would never agree to such terms and would consider it a victory if Tregar managed to secure even one of those concessions.
Myr's Cassius, on the other hand, only sent a deputy. Their main goal was to quietly withdraw from the alliance and secure a transit port, avoiding the fate that had befallen Pentos. Sunspear, having already reaped substantial rewards, was not pressing for further gains.
Meanwhile, Dany and Arianne had arrived early, but Viserys was conspicuously absent. The two women had completely severed their relationship, and despite entering the hall together, they sat apart. Arianne couldn't hide her displeasure as she watched the crowd gather around Dany, her expression dark and stormy. But when a voice from outside called a name, her mood brightened instantly.
"Prince Viserys is here!" the herald announced.
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