The plains of Myr seemed boundless, and the approaching Dothraki were like an endless, spreading cloud.
A chaotic era was dawning, in the East, and in the West.
Gendry stood atop the earthen ramparts, below which several layers of anti-cavalry fences had been erected, with deep trenches beneath them. Four banners fluttered in the air, bearing four different symbols, which were sure to strike fear into the Dothraki.
Qyburn followed behind him; though Old Maester was advanced in age, he was quite robust. Behind Gendry were Anguy and Grey Wolf.
"Your Highness, the situation in King's Landing and Westeros has changed," Qyburn said to Gendry. "Because of The Imp, the wolf and the lion have fractured. Kingslayer attacked Lord Eddard at night and fled King's Landing, and the bandits sent by Tywin are ravaging the Riverlands. In King's Landing, there's also been quite a stir: Lord Eddard has temporarily imprisoned Littlefinger in The Red Keep's dungeon."
"That is somewhat interesting, that Littlefinger with a voice as sweet as a lark. But if Stark has not left King's Landing, then it is a stalemate. The situation in the Riverlands must be quite bad now too."
"Indeed, the Riverlands have begun to bleed. Lord Hoster is old and ailing, and now his impetuous son, Ser Edmure, commands Riverrun's defenses," Qyburn replied. Lord Hoster, once tall and robust in his youth, was now a gravely ill old man.
"Tywin will send men from Gold Tooth, and Ser Edmure will likely dispatch Lord Vance and Lord Piper to guard the gates, but they will surely be no match for Tywin and Kingslayer," Gendry analyzed.
"The Riverlands, like The Reach, are wealthy, but also full of many Lords. I fear Ser Edmure's influence is too small, making it difficult for him to mobilize all the Lords," Qyburn continued. "The Conqueror granted authority to House Tully, but their vassal Lords are difficult to control. House Bracken, Blackwood Family, House Vance, and Frey Family have larger territories and more substantial forces. Mallister Family of Seaguard has more noble blood, and Mouton Family of Fountainhead is wealthier. And then there's Harrenhal, a mighty castle fit only for a King."
Gendry memorized the names of these nobles; he would inevitably deal with these Lords in the future. However, House Tully would certainly face immense difficulties in controlling so many powerful Lords.
"Harrenhal is a cursed city," Anguy couldn't help but interject. Almost everyone had heard those stories. "Before, there was a family that researched dark magic in Harrenhal and was later exterminated by the King."
"Indeed, that did happen, Boy," Qyburn chuckled. "If not for that, House Tully would have the powerful aid of Harrenhal. Alas, House Harroway was cursed and is now on its last legs. In their time, their wealth and strength dominated the Riverlands."
House Tully's strong ally was once House Harroway. In the era when Minisa Harroway married Hoster Tully, House Harroway was House Tully's largest vassal. But now the curse of Harrenhal was slowly manifesting, and House Harroway's population was dwindling.
"What about Catelyn? That foolish woman messed things up like this, where did she go?" Anguy couldn't help but ask Qyburn.
"Catelyn went to The Eyrie after the failed kidnapping. Someone saw the lady on the mountain pass in the Vale; her red hair is very easy to recognize," Qyburn said. "Lysa Tully has always been obedient to Littlefinger. If she hears about Littlefinger's situation, I'm afraid Lady Catelyn won't be able to leave The Eyrie."
"Well, that is quite chaotic," Gendry said. House Stark of Winterfell now had the Duke and several Children in King's Landing, the Lady in The Eyrie, and only young ones left to rule Winterfell.
"Winterfell will likely send troops soon. This great war is about to begin, and the flames of war will rage fiercely in the Riverlands," Qyburn said calmly. Politicians and soldiers should be somewhat ruthless; only then can they calmly analyze the big picture and the welfare of millions.
"I believe there are two key points in the war," Gendry said. "Harrenhal and King's Landing. King's Landing is the capital, and the mighty castle of Harrenhal is a central hub." In truth, Gendry wasn't particularly interested in occupying King's Landing. It's a port city, which brings immense defensive pressure, and the populace of King's Landing is also very difficult to manage.
"Furthermore, many Lords in the Riverlands and Crownlands were formerly part of The King's party, such as Fountainhead and House Harroway. If we are strong enough and fast enough, these Lords will quickly side with us," Qyburn said.
"I've long wanted to return to Westeros with you, to shoot that beast, The Mountain, and his master, Tywin," Anguy said fiercely. He was an ordinary person and understood the suffering of the common folk even more.
"We will have that opportunity," Gendry looked at Anguy. "But for now, let's take Khal Drogo and resolve our worries about the future."
"Yes."
"King's Landing is my homeland; I will return there sooner or later. And I think the time for us to return to Westeros won't be too long," Gendry said. The current situation in Westeros was like many powder kegs, one after another exploding.
"I heard there's a white stag in The Kingswood. This white stag needs to be seen by the destined person to be obtained," Gendry looked to the west and suddenly uttered this sentence. Qyburn's eyes flashed with a sharp glint, but he didn't continue speaking... Inside the Tower of the Hand, Eddard still glared at the King and Queen.
"Is this your so-called justice?" Eddard fumed. "If so, then I'm truly glad I didn't continue as your Hand." Eddard felt somewhat disheartened; politics shouldn't be like this. Politics should be fair and just, not like Robert's equivocating and feigning deafness.
The Queen looked at her husband. "If anyone dared to speak to a Targaryen in that tone before—"
"Do you take me for Aerys?" The King interrupted her.
"I take you for the King of the Seven Kingdoms. By law and by kinship, Jaime and Tyrion are both like your brothers. Now, House Stark's people almost captured one and drove away the other, and this man insults you with every word he speaks, yet you just stand there meekly, asking him if his leg hurts one moment, and if he wants a drink the next." The Queen looked at the King, her words growing more hurtful with each sentence.
Robert's face darkened, full of rage. "You wretched woman, how many times do I have to tell you to shut up?"
Cersei's expression was utterly contemptuous. "The gods above have truly played a cruel joke on us," she said. "You should be wearing skirts and acting like a woman; it should be me, armored and going into battle like a man."
The King's face turned purple with fury. He swung a fierce punch, sending her stumbling against the table and falling heavily to the ground.
Cersei didn't utter a sound. She reached out her slender fingers to touch her face; the smooth, pale skin of her cheek was already beginning to redden. By tomorrow, half her face would be swollen. "I shall wear this as a badge of honor," she declared.
"Then wear it quietly, or I'll give you more honor," Robert promised. He shouted for someone, and Ser Meryn Trant, tall and grim in his white armor, entered the room.
"The Queen is tired. Escort her to her chambers." The knight helped Cersei up and led her out without a word.
Robert picked up the wine bottle again and refilled his cup. "Eddard, you saw how she treats me."
The King sat down, caressing his wine cup. "This is my dear wife, the mother of my Children." His anger had vanished; now Eddard saw only sadness and fear in his eyes... "Your Grace, I have an important matter I wish to discuss with you," Eddard said to the King. The shadow of Rhaegar seemed to perpetually haunt the King. The King had won that war, but he had never truly moved past it.
"Tomorrow I am going hunting in The Kingswood. Join me, my old friend," the King pleaded. "Perhaps then we can also talk."
Eddard pondered, but ultimately could not refuse his friend's request.
"Then it's settled," the King finally managed a small smile, then pulled out his object. The heavy, hand-shaped silver badge, which he tossed onto the bed. "Like it or not, you're my fucking Hand. I forbid you to leave."
..."The blood oranges are ripe," Prince Doran commented in a weary voice. The Red Viper, Oberyn, pushed his brother onto the balcony.
Oranges continuously dropped onto the marble floor, splitting open, slowly filling the air with a rich, sweet scent. Prince Doran sat beneath the orange trees, able to smell that fragrance.
The only sounds of merriment came from the children's laughter by the fountain pool.
"The Water Gardens are the place I cherish most in this world," Prince Doran remarked.
"I cherish it here too, but I have more important matters," The Red Viper said.
"Are you really going? You might die on that battlefield," Prince Doran sighed. "The Dothraki are numerous, their horsemanship is superb, and they are fearless in death."
"This is a rare opportunity. After so many years, I've finally seen a glimmer of hope. The fires of war are igniting all over Westeros, and we at least need a little help. As far as the eye can see, brother, we have no allies in Westeros; we can only look outside for new friends."
"You are right, but our previous plans, concerning Viserys and Daenerys, will now come to naught," Doran sighed.
"Enough, brother, stop talking about your failed schemes. If your eyes still work, you should know how many people your daughter has slept with. Of course, that's nothing in Dorne, but for a Queen, I think you understand the implications. It's all because you kept it from her. The former Sealord died, and you never offered them any help. What kind of alliance is that?"
"Prudence is Dorne's protective color, Oberyn. Think of the Dornishmen who died on the battlefield, ten thousand Dornish warriors. Our numbers are the fewest in the Seven Kingdoms; even a small war will cripple us, we cannot afford too much population loss, brother."
"Yet I see opportunity. That Boy will also lead an army to the continent, like The Conqueror of old. He will be the new Conqueror."
"I admit your admiration for him. He certainly has his shining qualities, but, but Oberyn, I cannot gamble Dorne's fate with you."
"Then I at least have myself, don't I?" The Red Viper looked at his elder brother. "Now everyone is hunting, and I want to hunt too."
"It's best if you don't get involved yourself. If you truly insist, I will not give you a single soldier. You are only permitted to bring the knights who like you. I hope you come back alive, brother. You know how difficult it is to sustain an angry kingdom; Dorne cannot do without you."
"I will live. This life is for one person, to kill The Mountain," The Red Viper smiled. "No one has ever been able to kill a viper."
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