Chương 15: Chapter 13 - True Colours
Chapter XIII: True Colours
2 BC
Sunspear
All of Dorne was reeling at the recent news that swept the Princedom like a wildfire - a fire that threatened to cleanse the desert of all life.
Barely a week after House Targaryen cemented its conquest of the lands surrounding Blackwater Bay, House Rada had issued a call-to-arms across all its lands, to every mayor of every town and every alderman of every village, declaring a revolt against House Martell. Within two weeks, the entirety of Dorne was in an uproar over this rebellion.
How could they not have seen this coming? House Rada was certainly suspicious with its ruthless dispatching of corruption and the securing of additional land under its direct rule, but they had otherwise paid their dues and never showed any disposition towards rebellion or dissension. They helped end the traitorous House Ardera and foiled a plot aimed at House Martell, and a brutal feud between two triumvirates in which their house was caught in the middle.
And through their relentless innovation, other houses began following suit and tried copying their methods to varying degrees of success. Some grew richer, others grew poorer, but it ushered in a new age of growth for Dorne.
Many believed that despite their blatantly obvious moves to gain additional power and wealth, they were disinterested in rocking the ship too much, that in the end they would respect the status quo - their deference to House Martell was ample evidence.
Some believed that they did this simply to reinforce House Martell's power; some believed that with House Rada's relative inaction, they were simply increasing their own power for the sake of security and not for grand ambition; a select few believed that House Rada, in spite of their outward deference to House Martell's authority, in secret they were plotting to seize power.
Now, they had to confront the new reality that the third theory was now reality.
Worse still, Houses Qeffar, Lleryn and Darrel spurned House Martell and chose to declare for House Rada. House Qeffar was more or less understandable, considering House Martell's failure to help them against House Ardera, shameful as it was to admit. House Darrel too, with how terribly it suffered at the hands of House Ardera under Lord Falion. House Lleryn, however, was by far the absolute worst; despite admittedly falling on hard times, they suffered no true calamity - no failure of House Martell - that drove them to House Rada; all they needed was more money which they would have given. Instead, they chose to obtain their wealth through cooperation with House Rada, and the greedy coin-counters saw fit to repay that debt through joining in their treachery towards House Martell.
The Three Turncoat Houses [1] - as they came to be called - would instantly be derided as traitors along with the two replacement Houses, Doratarn and Goran, who took over the lands of Houses Ardera and Hornet respectively.
"Damn the Radas, damn this Arin, damn them all!"
Meria flew into a fiery temper the moment news of House Rada's rebellion reached her ears. Instantly after her shout, she was wracked by a fit of wet, hacking coughs, straining to keep herself upright as her son and granddaughter quickly moved to support her.
She quickly waved them off, though not harshly, as she righted herself.
"In all honesty, we should have seen this coming, Mother," Nymor said, face darkening with restrained rage and denial, "I never would have thought in our wildest dreams that House Rada would do such a thing!"
"And now the greatest threat to our rule is right on our doorstep," Meria muttered, weary once the fury sapped from her heart, "We've little time to prepare."
And Meria slammed a withered, meaty fist on the armrest of her throne.
"Damn this boy who thinks he can do as he pleases!" She cursed, her voice loud and true despite being hoarse, "Unbent, Unbowed and Unbroken! Such are House Martell's words! We will never surrender to this upstart, especially one who kneels to the same dragons who torched our ancestors' homeland! One who willingly discards his pride is a traitor to all Dornishkind!"
And all the court rang out in bloodthirsty cheer at Meria's words.
"Give us the order, Grandmother!" Deria exclaimed.
"Call the banners, we end this threat here and now!" Meria ordered, "For Dorne! For the Sunburst Throne!"
And all chanted in unison:
"For the Sunburst Throne!"
IIOII
2 BC
Choryaic [2]
The fortress-city of Choryaic, a city slated to be a rich and prosperous trade nexus as an intersection connecting various trade routes from all over Ifarahoy. Fortified with thick, star-shaped walls and a large, deep moat surrounding the city premises, any invader would have to settle for a months-long siege to take the city.
The actual city itself had only the walls, moat, keep and sewer systems in place, leaving much empty space within the city limits for the taking, which was promptly filled by rows of neatly lined-up tents. Soldiers milled about, engaging in banter, cooking meals in pots and pans or patrolling the streets and ramparts whenever on duty.
In the central keep, Lord Arin and his inner council convened to deliberate their next move, peering over a map of Dorne with countless tokens and markings on its weathered face.
"The Targaryens will need at least three months to establish the infrastructure they need before moving on the Ironborn realm of House Hoare, so we must not be idle," Arin started, pointing towards the Martell Domain, "We absolutely must destroy the Martell warhost at the eastern border of Tucosar, and then seize control of House Dalt's lands before marching on Sunspear itself."
"To that end, especially to broaden our control of Dorne's eastern coastline, we must take Planky Town and then put it to the torch," Elanzo stated, moving a token to where the Greenblood Reefs [3] were situated, "We can use the citadel in the Greenblood Reefs as a forward outpost to control the river and as a staging point for further incursions into the Princely Demesne."
"Excuse me for interrupting, but why not hold Planky Town instead?" Asked Sainalia, "Its strategic position is too important to ignore, and as you said, the citadel's strategic location is valuable."
"Because it's made of wood, Sainalia, and unfeasible to hold if the enemy uses fire," Elanzo answered matter-of-factly, "A town created by lashing together boats and boating platforms? That is a disaster waiting to happen, in my opinion. Unless you want to burn yourself when the enemy uses fire arrows, be my guest."
"Perhaps, but what if the Martells manage to scrounge together a navy to contest us on the waters? I believe the Stepstone Pirates would be willing to fight for them for the right coin," Sainalia pointed out, her eyebrow twitching in irritation.
"That is a good point," Elanzo admitted, "However, these pirates are mercenaries and fight only for profit; the moment they start losing to us, they'll turn tail and run. Simple as that. And we all know how much 'naval power' House Martell truly has."
Sainalia developed a facial tick on her forehead, "I do not know whether you are speaking facts or trying to annoy me."
"Take your pick," Elanzo shrugged nonchalantly, as if ignorant of Sainalia's growing irritation.
Sainalia simply huffed and let it go, crossing her arms with a deep frown.
"Elanzo's arrogance aside, I share his opinion about Planky Town and the pirates," Huang Xue added, "We have no need to worry about the naval front; what we need to focus on are the battles on land, and once we take down House Dalt and conquer Sunspear, the rest of Dorne shall be like headless chickens. Here is where I propose what many would call a most cowardly and dastardly plan."
"I'd rather be a dastardly villain than a useless gentleman," Arin stated with a confident smirk, "Tell us."
Huang Xue nodded with a devious smile, "Once we deal with House Martell, we shall turn all their loyal vassals against each other once the bulk of their military is defeated in battle. That way, it becomes easier for us to mop up the remnants as they exhaust themselves in pointless civil war. This way, we shall be able to conquer all of eastern Dorne up to the western ends of the Greenblood River within a month, allowing us to fortify our conquests in preparation for the westward march."
"I like it already," Arin smiled.
"Same here, Huang Xue," Elanzo smirked approvingly, "Why, I believe the both of us are favoured by the Gods themselves."
"However, even if the Martells lack our excellent strategies and troop quality, I doubt they will take us lightly. In fact, considering we 'accidentally' leaked our military strength estimates, they will be doubly cautious of us," Another general put forth, sounding more serious and cautious than his colleagues.
Franklyn Doratarn, newly-ennobled Lord of Ny-Tahor, was a rising star in the military. Known to have an easygoing yet professional demeanour, he already dispatched several bandit clans in the lands of the Three Turncoat Houses and in the lands of the now-extinct Houses Ardera and Hornet.
"Perhaps especially due to the fact that both your house and House Oanor have chosen to side with us, rather than the house who raised you to lordly status?" Elanzo pointed out.
"Oh yes, most certainly," Franklyn smirked, before adopting a more serious expression, "In all honesty, House Rada is the one who truly took care of us. House Martell? They simply named us nobles of poor provinces and then patted themselves on the back. Gave us a lump sum of money and that was that. Lord Arin, on the other hand, made sure to consistently check on us, suggest changes to our policies, and gave us talent in exchange for beneficial favours. I tell you, my daughter jumps for joy whenever 'uncle' Arin comes visiting."
"I didn't realise she likes me so much," Arin commented, "Does she wish to become my paramour, perhaps?"
"I hope not, My Lord," Franklyn jokingly said, "I mean no offence; I do believe you are a suitable partner for my daughter, but Her Ladyship would not like anyone trying to get between you two."
"Hmph," Arin smirked, "That's Belandra."
"In any case, once we take down House Martell, how long do you think we need to secure eastern Dorne?" Franklyn questioned, "I was of the mind that it would take six months at least, probably longer."
"Six months at the minimum, a year at best," Huang Xue put forth, "In all honesty, while we have the people to just barely fill in all vacancies that will ensue, according to my estimates; much of Dorne simply lacks the kind of infrastructure needed to support large-scale military deployments, and that will be a severe impediment to our conquest of Western Dorne, where the most powerful ex-kingly houses reside."
"House Yronwood will be our foremost foe, and though our 'friends' in the Reach will deal with the Red Mountain Dornish, that doesn't mean we can afford to simply mobilise our armies so quickly," Elanzo agreed, "And while our navy allows us swifter movement and control of the seas, the Greenblood River does not extend its reach into the deserts and Red Mountains."
"So, one way or another, we will have to play the waiting game once the east is in our hands," Sainalia nodded.
"What of the Free Cities, especially Braavos?" Asked Arin, suddenly looking pensive as his eyes narrowed and his shoulders became rigid, "I can't imagine they'll stay silent the moment they learn of my alliance with House Targaryen."
"They certainly will not," Sainalia affirmed, "I hear from our spies in Braavos alone that the Sealord and the Iron Bank are in extensive talks with regards to our alliance, and though most do not want to provoke the dragons, a few keyholders do not hold that same opinion. Other City-States like Volantis are trying to curry favour with us, perhaps wanting to counter Braavos's influence. And yet, I doubt they will truly take it seriously, given Aegon's focus on Westeros."
When House Rada introduced brand-new, high-quality products to the Essosi markets, an impromptu tug-of-war ensued between the various City-States as they vied for more favourable trade terms with the rising economic power in Dorne. Myr, in particular, despised the crystal clear glass of Ifarahoy being sold for cheap in bulk, which threatened their monopoly on the glass trade.
As for city-states like Astapor, Tyrosh and Lys, who depended heavily on the slave trade, they took House Rada's slave-freeing agreement with Braavos as a minor inconvenience at best; they were just freeing slaves, after all, not directly infringing on their lands, their territory or their slave trade.
"Elanzo himself already said they care only for profit, and they are quite content with their own local status quo," Arin shrugged, "Not worth mentioning."
"Quite true, Lord Arin," Elanzo nodded, "Still, perhaps just to keep them from having second thoughts, I propose that after we take down House Martell, we send in troops and ships to conquer the Stepstones."
"That puts us next to Tyrosh and Lys," Huang Xue pointed out, though his eyebrows were raised in curiosity.
"Exactly, and though they will be upset at a foreign power on their doorstep, they will not begrudge safer trade routes through the Narrow Sea," Elanzo countered, "And perhaps a few extra 'gifts' to sweeten the deal."
"I wonder if Lord Aegon would care that we conquered the Stepstones without his permission, though," Sainalia muttered aloud, "Even if he has faith in his dragons, could he tolerate a perceived slight to his authority?"
"I doubt he'd like any blow to his ego," Arin admitted, "However, the Stepstone pirates have also raided Targaryen shipping lines from time to time, and he doesn't like that. So, we do the same trick with House Targaryen as we did with House Martell-"
"Seek their permission first," Sainalia smiled, "An excellent plan, My Lord. You are most wise."
Arin shrugged with a nonchalant demeanour.
"In the end, the best solutions are the simplest ones," He stated, "No need for convoluted schemes."
IIOII
Arsalm
Belandra Rada, once Belandra Qeffar, sighed as she shifted aside the latest pile of paperwork as a clerk relieved her of such a cumbersome burden.
"Whew…"
She stretched her arms high in the air, feeling the stretch on her back loosening whatever knots built up in her back and shoulders, before slumping heavily in her chair.
"To think my husband was dealing with this much in just two years before our marriage… and I still fail to adjust in ten years…? This is bloody murder…"
"No need for crocodile tears, my dear daughter," Aimelia softly smiled and patted her back, "I sympathise with your hardship."
"...You never looked very phased by all this, dear mother," Belandra muttered.
"Hahaha…" Aimelia softly laughed, her eyes suddenly looking dead, "Back then, we had to handle thrice as much paperwork."
"Thrice!?" Belandra exclaimed in shock.
"That's right, Belandra," Arris said as he entered the study, "In fact, Arin had to handle the lion's share of it all while he and Huang Xue hungrily scoured the country for people who could read, write and count. It was only just before he met you that he could finally relax a little. I mean, we did have to integrate the governorship of no fewer than six annexed provinces."
"Fuck… Fuck me in the ass," Belandra mouthed in shock, "I honestly have to respect my husband for dealing with such work with fewer personnel."
"And that is why you get to enjoy a reduced workload, my dear daughter," Aimelia softly smiled, though she appeared more menacing and imposing with every passing second, "So… mind if you tone down your complaints a little bit?"
"Um, yes, Mother," Belandra nodded hastily, slightly scared by the scary glint in her mother-in-law's eyes.
"That aside, I think we ought to be more cautious right now," Arris said, his tone more serious as he placed a silver emblem of twin swans on the table, "This was found on several assassins who snuck into our glass fabricae [4] just two days earlier."
Aimelia took the emblem and frowned heavily at the insignia.
"That's Myr's insignia," She stated, "I've lost count of how many times they've tried to sabotage our glass industry, and this makes, what, the hundredth attempt?"
"The Myrish Magisters, are they still doing this nonsense?" Belandra commented, "Why do they not just improve their own manufacturing process and make better glass?"
"Because they're rich and arrogant pricks who think they own the world and everyone should bow down to them," Arris scathingly remarked, "Then again, as Elanzo said, they live in their own world and cannot comprehend how competitive and merciless the outside world really is."
"So how should we deal with them?" Aimelia asked.
"Leave them to my Son; he'll know how to deal with such types, just as he dealt with Falion Ardera," Arris confidently declared.
Belandra shivered at the thought of how easily Falion and his goons were dispatched, but was also reassured by Arin's confidence and capabilities.
[1] Three Turncoat Houses - A term used to refer to Houses Darrel, Qeffar and Lleryn, said Houses would cement their allegiance to House Rada during what came to be known as the War of Blackened Rivers, where House Rada would lead a revolt against House Martell.
[2] Choryaic - The name was derived from Choryane, the city of Prince Garin the Great who lost against the Valyrians in the Second Spice War in a failed attempt to curb Freehold aggression, the greatest and most powerful of all Rhoynar City-States until their downfall at the hands of the Valyrian Freehold.
The city itself would come to be a thriving and prosperous hub of commerce in the generations after Aegon's Conquest, and served as the new provincial capital of Ifarahoy three generations after Arin's rule.
[3] Greenblood Reefs - Refers to the set of islands at the mouth of the Greenblood River leading to the Narrow Sea.
After Planky Town was put to the torch, a new trade town sprang up around the stone citadel that once protected said town, becoming a new city with a rich mariner and mercantile tradition.
[4] Fabricae - A term used to refer to the different kinds of industrial manufacturing sites throughout House Rada's lands. Eventually the term became widespread as Arin Rada's business models became more widely employed throughout Westeros.
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