章節 21: Chapter 21
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***
People's Palace. Noon the next day.
The Dorne delegation was received as they were supposed to be at lunchtime.
They appeared before the ruler of the local lands in full. Obara and Sarella were reluctant at first, citing their origins. But Mellaria calmed them all down by saying that Ral did not look at the origin of the person he was talking to. He looks first and foremost at what he is. Besides, they came as part of an embassy. And so all the legitimate Martells and bastard sisters, along with Oberyn's mistress and other members of the princes' entourage with guards, appeared in the Throne Room before the mysterious Darken Rahl.
Quentin was greatly impressed by this Hall, even Oberyn noted that Emperor Rahl had taste.
It was remarkable for its splendour, not only for the finishes, but also for the grandiosity of its size, which it seemed to the Red Serpent that the Hall could hold his entire old mercenary squad, and still have room for a brothel. Though maybe it seemed so to him because of the first impression and the height of the ceiling. Still, this hall was huge no matter what.
Elements of opulent decoration created the illusion of boundless space: the alternation of large windows with high quality mirrors visually expanded the boundaries of the hall, given that they are three or four human statures high, surrounded by a picturesque colonnade, opens up the space in height.
The white slabs of marble shone with their whiteness mirroring the people standing on them. If one endeavoured to look beneath Elaria's feet, one could see that the Dornish woman stood without undergarments.
The throne was represented by a high chair made of dragon bone and purple-coloured silk and jewels. It stood on a hill, and in order to get up there, it was necessary to walk up several steps, and the way to the throne was covered with a long carpet of the same colour as the eyes of the Valyrians. By the way the same colour was the chief colour in many parts of the hall and the robes of the courtiers that stood on either side of the Donians.
And in addition to their nobles and loyal guards from the First Cohort, the hall was filled with statesmen, Mellaria among them.The Small Council on the right side of the throne, they sat on purple chairs, on the left side of the throne were eight red chairs, six of which were occupied and only two of which were empty.
The prostrating and greeting of ambassadors was an annoying element to Oberyn, and he didn't even pay attention to such things, even though they hadn't even begun, but only swept his eyes over those present here. And finally latching onto the one who sat on the throne.
Darken Rahl himself!
His long black hair was tied into a high ponytail that hung down behind him.
A camisole and tight trousers of black with small inlays of silver and purple fitted his body closely, topped off by knee-high boots. The clothes were exquisite, and in addition to the costliness of the materials of the emperor's outfit he wore jewellery: gold and silver rings and bracelets, which were decorated with emeralds, sapphires, rubies, diamonds and many other stones. They perfectly complemented the picture of his appearance. On top of that, Rahl wore a crown of pure Valyrian steel with nine prongs. On the largest was a small badge in the shape of his House's crest - a white skull and a violet dragon made of small stones.
Both Quentin and Oberyn had heard the story that Ral had been given this crown by Master Quokhor a couple of years ago as a gift for his birthday. On the inside of this crown are the names of all nine of his dragons. Ral is also rumoured to have cast a spell on this crown, so it is sometimes feared when he leaves it for when he doesn't need it.
The herald announced loudly:
- Before you is Darken Ral the First of his name. Guardian of Peace, Tranquility, and Justice. Emperor of D'Hara, Master Ral, Ruler of Essos, Prince of the Nine Free Cities, King of Kings, Supreme Khal of the Dothraki Sea, Father of Dragons, Infallible, Dragonlord, Great Liberator, Grand Prince of the Summer Isles, Master of the Summer, Jade, Smoky, Narrow, and Studded Seas, Father of Nations, King of the Steps, True Lord of Hyrkun, King of Sarnor, King of Omber, King of Giskar and Lhazar, and Great King of Sothorios. The true blood of Ancient Valyria. He who is the Invincible One!
The herald then began to introduce the Dornish.
Oberyn, on the other hand, grinned openly.
"Usually the one with such long introductions or puffery has a small cock or it doesn't work properly at all," a thought ran through the prince's mind.
His daughters, on the other hand, began to discreetly talk amongst themselves. Not all but Tiena and Nymeria. Sarella was scrutinising the Emperor, while Obara was paying more attention to the guards and Rahl's personal guard.
Oberyn's gaze also fell on two tall, even taller than Grigor Clegane, warriors clad in Valyrian steel armour. If you melted down that armour and melted it down for men like Ser Herold Dane, you'd have three or even four full armours. And that's just from the healthiest bodyguard. He had an impressive array of weapons: two two-handed swords over his shoulders, a pair of daggers at his sides, and a huge hybrid of a halberd and a hammer in his hand. His other 'fellow' had a cleaver at his side, a single dagger and a huge hybrid of halberd and axe.
Also standing next to the throne was a young man of about fifteen or sixteen years of purely Nordic appearance with dark hair pulled back and grey eyes that somehow bore watching the whole thing. He was similarly clad in Valyrian armour and two swords behind his back. From his daughters' account of last night's drinking, this is Jon Snow, Ned Stark Lord Winterfell's bastard Ned Stark and old mate of the Usurper. The boy had become a significant figure here and had somehow managed to earn two swords of such noble steel at once. Immediately, Oberyn's smile spread even wider.
"Would that Tywin Lannister had known that the sword of this steel, which his clan lost so long ago, is worn by bastards in Panisheart. And it is received two by two, by men of less noble birth for merit. And all the gold of Casterly Rock won't help him get the sword he wants."
- Are you in a very good mood, Prince Oberyn? Or did our conversation with Prince Quentin make you laugh? - The voice of the man on the throne was loud, but still with a note of kindness and consideration.
Now Oberyn and even some of his daughters were mentally cursing,
as they realised they'd been left out of the conversation Quentin had started and Rahl had turned it on them. And they paid even more attention to him when they realised that Ral looked very much like a Dornishman. Sarella, even turned to Elaria in a whisper and spoke, about how the emperor looked like her father.
Oberyn was even somewhat in agreement with that. He had a typical Dorne appearance, only the eyes are the same colour as the Targaryens. Though no, his skin is tan, not naturally tinted.
- I apologise to Your Majesty if I've offended you. It just brings back memories of travelling through Essos a few years ago. Those were wonderful times. Beautiful palaces, people, wine and women.
- I sincerely hope that the People's Palace will leave you with the same pleasant impressions after your stay. - Darken smiled at him. - I always welcome good friends and guests to my home. And I try to make sure that everyone here enjoys themselves to the best of my ability.
- I am sure you are a good steward of your lands. - Oberyn nodded.
- In your title, Master Rahl, I have heard of nine Free Cities. - Oberyn's nephew took over the conversation. - Do you intend to start a war with Braavos?
- War? - Rahl raised an eyebrow in surprise. - Why would I go to war with a city that swore allegiance to me yesterday?
- Hmm. We didn't know that. Only that you went there with your Dragon Lords.
- Yes. - in a few moments Darken's face changed from surprise to bitterness. - My subjects... A few nobles from Braavos were very greedy individuals and foolish. So they decided to attack and kill my people, my merchants who had served me faithfully for years. For this I destroyed those clans and the small army that tried to stop me. But in that raid, I lost my general and friend Ser Blackheart. Now John will have to take his place. - and glanced meekly at the young man. - He is well suited to the role. And the General cared for him like the son he never had. I think this will honour the will and memory of my fallen knight as well.
- Can a dragon be ridden freely by anyone you wish? - Sarella interjected.
And her sisters and cousin and even her father immediately frowned. This act of hers was a gross breach of etiquette. However much she was disliked in Dorne, even though she was Oberyn Martell's daughter, it might well be taken as an insult here.
But to Oberyn and Quentin's surprise, Darken Rahl did not raise an eyebrow at the snake's antics.
- Anyone I wish to see as Dragonlord," he corrected her. - he corrected her.
- I apologise for my daughter, Your Majesty. She is quite energetic from childhood and inquisitive.
- Not at all, Prince Oberyn. - Rahl waved his hand. - I realise that I myself have a natural curiosity and hunger for knowledge. I try to instil it in others as well. That's why I've set up the Academy, where all talented individuals can prove themselves.
- This is very interesting Your Majesty, but I can say little about it. I haven't seen it yet, unlike the Maester's Citadel.
- I've heard of your turbulent youth from Lady Mellario. I believe you even got a few links in the Maester's chain there? But then you turned to mercenary work?
- Indeed I did. - Oberyn nodded. - Those were good times.
- Well, I'm sure the days ahead will bring more adventures and... experiences. - grinned Rahl. - In any case, I'm glad we've met.
- I am also Your Majesty. And I can assure you that we came here with good intentions and assurances of friendship.
- Those words touched my heart. I am not always wanted as a friend and that is why I have so many ill-wishers that not only want to let all my deeds go down the drain, but also want to kill me. - and turned his head towards his master over the whisperers. - I remember the last time you Lady Mellario reported to me that I had been ordered around by just one faceless man fifty-seven times?
- That's fifty-nine, Your Majesty.
- Even so, who for those two times?
- One is a banker from the former Iron Bank, soon to be merged into the Imperial Bank. And the other is an old acquaintance of ours from Westeros.
- Hmm. Him again? It's getting annoying. Oh, well, we'll deal with that later. I hope you enjoy your stay with me. There will be a feast in your honour tonight. In addition, there will be a tournament in the near future, as well as Jon's initiation into the Dragonlords.
- We will be glad to accept your hospitality and attend these festivities, Your Majesty. - Quentin replied. - But we would also like to bring small modest gifts from our homeland.
The servants presented several mirrors, rare game birds and weapons. Or rather one spear, a purely Dornish weapon. One that was worthy of the king in both quality and appearance.
- A Dornish spear. - Darken's eyes lit up with mirth and... anticipation. - Quite a gift. I'm more often trained with swords and sabers, but my weapons master taught me how to use a spear, but I'm far from a master at it.
- Well, I wouldn't mind giving you a lesson or two, Your Grace, if it pleases you. - Oberyn said.
- I would be most grateful. Any time you like, I'm willing to test my strength. - and smiled. - As for your settling in here. I think your sister-in-law has made that commitment? I don't mind, but I think John will be a great help to you as well. So feel free to ask my apprentice any questions or concerns you may have.
- We'd be grateful,your majesty.
***
A few hours later, Oberyn, Elaria, the serpents and Prince Quentin and Ser Herold were strolling around in the company of Mellaria and Jon, who showed them the nooks and crannies of the palace and told them everything that interested them.
During another of Mellaria's fascinating stories about the history of the trophy exhibits in one of the palace's halls, she was interrupted by Oberyn.- That's all fine, but there's something I'd like to ask. Not about the trophies, but about the people.
- You want to ask about the people to whom those swords and armour belonged? - Snow asked.
- No. I just heard you both talking about a military campaign two years ago and the owner of this armour was taken prisoner by the so-called Mord-Sith. There are many rumours about them and one more beautiful than the other. But I still haven't figured out what's true and what's fiction?
Mellario and John looked at each other briefly and then smiled.
- Are you Prince sure you want to know exactly what you are asking? - John inquired courteously. - We can ask one of them to tell us for herself what they do and how they become a Mord-Sith. First-hand information, as they say.
- I'd be glad to.
- Then I don't suppose you'd mind if I answered your questions? - came a vaguely familiar voice filled with ice.
It was that dark-haired Mord-Sith Nyssa.
- You have once again managed to silently approach us. - Tiena said with a smile. - Can all Mord-Sith do that, or is it just you?
- Many. It depends on experience. But my sisters are not the only ones who can do it. We were trained by Weapons Master Miriam Scarlet, who is not only a member of the Small Council, but also a general and commander of the First Cohort. She's a warrior from Sarnor.
- How interesting. So Emperor Rahl doesn't mind having a warrior general? We don't treat women that well in Westeros. - Obara noted.
- There are cultural differences everywhere. - The grey-eyed woman shrugged. - This is not the only woman serving in Master Rahl's army. There are Sarnor warriors, the Amazons of Girkun, women who serve in His Majesty's separate mercenary companies, which were created by Miriam, and many others.
- And your "sisterhood", what is it? Are you his bodyguards? Or are you his mistresses? - Oberyn asked again.
- We are warriors, mistresses, masters of torture, punishers, handmaidens and whatever else our Lord wishes us to be. But first and foremost we are in the business of 'educating' people.
- "Educating"?
- Yes. Through pain, they learn the truth of life, the values and rules of life. And in our hands, they change their views into the right ones. And become more docile and compliant. And our ageels are helping us with that. - and pulled out of a special niche an oblong red wand.
- So this little stick can bring pain? - With a half smile Red Serpent touched the agegil and immediately regretted it. - Ahhhh!
- Oberyn. - Elaria Sand flew up to her lover. - What's wrong?
- The pain. - he hissed, holding up his hand.
- Usually people don't want to touch an Agiel again after the first attempt. Not everyone can avoid that fate, though. You're a lucky man in a way. You're Master Rahl's guest, not someone I've been assigned to train.
- Is there some kind of spell on this stick that prevents anyone other than its owner from holding it? - Sarella asked.
- No. Look. - and put the Agiel to her cheek.
Immediately the Dornish saw that the whole cheek, part of her chin was covered with black veins, and her eye began to spread with red spots because the capillaries were bursting. Only then did she remove her instrument from her face.
- Pain is felt by every living thing. And Mord-Sith feels everything the same as the one she is training. Ordinary people give up in front of her and don't last very long under the touch of the Agiel, but we can hold it in our hands for hours without unclenching it. We are far more resilient than normal humans. The Mord-Sith believe emotions must be managed. Feelings like pity, sadness, love make people weak. But feelings like rage, pride, loyalty... these feelings add strength. Master Rahl teaches us to control emotions and manage pain.
- Love does not make a man weak, Mistress Nyssa. - it was Elaria who spoke it.
- Rhaegar Targaryen's love for Lyanna Stark made not only him weak, but the entire Targaryen family. And as a result he fell, and with him were exterminated many glorious clans of Westeros and now there in power those who seem to have given the command to Grigor Clegane to kill and rape Elia, your sister Prince Oberyn. And in addition to her, her children are dead. That's a well-known fact that can't be disputed. As you can see, blind love for someone, if it's not the one you serve, leads to death and needless suffering.
- Now, now, Nyssa, don't be so hard on yourself, you've gone over the Martell House's calluses, and they have vulnerable hearts.
Four more men entered the hall. Two knights and two ladies. One of the knights was identified as Jorah Mormont, and the other wore armour with the House Velaryon crest and a dull helmet behind which you could only see the knight's eyes.
And the two ladies who walked under his arm were quite similar. Only one was about ten years younger than her old friend.
The Dornish immediately realised that this was Princess Daenerys Targaryen. Ashy hair that fell below her shoulder blades, violet eyes and pale skin without moles, and though only fourteen years old, she had a rather stocky figure that was dressed in the colours of her House. But more handsome than the princess was a woman with the Velarion crest and the same Valyrian appearance wearing a blue and white dress.
Oberyn missed a few heartbeats, for he recognised Alice, his first love, immediately. Even after all these years.
- Lady Velarion. - The Mord-Sith greeted her with a nod, and at the same time the princess. - Princess Daenerys.
- Your Highness, I thought you had dancing lessons now. - Jon was genuinely surprised.
- I'm a little to blame here. I was bored, and Mellario can't keep me company while I walk. And all the courtiers' wives and daughters were at the reception. I was too lazy to go. And now there's no one to catch.
- And for this, you pulled the princess away from such important activities?
- Don't frown, John, you look like Miriam at these moments. And I tell you, when a man looks like a woman, it smacks of sodomy. And it would hurt me to see you surrounded by only men. And at your age.
- You know my preferences. - sighed tiredly.
- Yes, yes. Fire and blood! - She waved her hand and turned her head to Tiena and Nymeria. - That's what men are interested in, the blood and flame that burns their enemies. Well, and this young man is also interested in red-haired maidens. I told Darken not to put him in that redhead's training, now he's out of the reach of most women. And yet he's so handsome and desirable to so many. Just think of the many Mord-Sith who tried to pressure him to--
- Alice, you've been talking too much today. - Mellario scolded her friend. - Why would I do that? - She glanced at Oberyn, who stood there pale as chalk.
- Well, I told you, I'm bored. No one to talk to. And then I noticed two maidens who were clearly starting to get a crush on this cute little brat. But, alas, I don't want their hearts to be broken like mine was. So much hope and desire can burn out and make them unhappy.
- We are glad to see you Princess. - Quentin bowed to her and immediately received her hand for a kiss. - Still you are as beautiful as rumoured.
- You shouldn't trust rumours Prince Quentin. - Denis smiled at him. - They sometimes deceive not only the eyes, but also the hopes.
- The words of the queen. - Admired the brunet.
- The Emperor's.
- Pardon me?
- His Majesty said those words to me when we first met.
- I'm sure His Majesty is wise enough to be invoked.
- He is. - Nyssa picked up the thread of the conversation. - He also said that studying is a very important part of life. One lives, and one learns all the time. And these lessons, any lessons that fate, friend or foe, is willing to give, must be learnt to the full. And I think you, Your Highness, should still go to your teacher.
- I think Mistress Nyssa is right, Your Highness. - Snow supported her.
- Ugh. - Denys grinned. - Well, since you insist, I shall have to go there. I hope I shall see you again. - She turned to the Dornish and bade them farewell, leaving with Ser Jorah.
- Father? - The older snake touched Oberyn's shoulder worriedly. - Are you all right?
- Y-yes. I...I will go to my chambers. I need to rest. I'm tired today. I apologise. - and rushed away to the surprised looks of his daughters, his nephew and Dane. Only Elaria, Mellaria and Jon realised what was going on.
And Alice Velarion smiled wryly, but quickly hid the smile while the Dornish were distracted.
- Oh, yes!" the Lady of the Tides exclaimed. - I completely forgot to ask you John. When is that tournament and when is your initiation into the Dragonlords.
- The tournament is in four days. And Master Rahl plans to hold a ceremony at the end of it.
- That's wonderful. I'm really looking forward to attending. I hope Red Serpent doesn't have a headache then. Well, I won't bore you. I'm gonna take a walk upstairs.
And left them alone.
Jon sighed and thought: "Why do I think Lady Velaryon will soon be giving Oberyn Martell more than just Oberyn Martell a good time?! Where the son goes, so goes the mother. You can see the kinship. Who do I look like? My mother or my father."
To be continued...
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