59 Too Far Behind
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~~~(POV: Raenon Targaryen)~~~
~~~(Current Age: 16 Years)~~~
~~~(Location: The Red Mountains, Westeros)~~~
~~~(Date: 300 AC)~~~
Dany and I have traveled as far as we can in the last few days. But now that we've reached The Red Mountains, I know for a fact Tywin is too far ahead of us. He's got days, maybe even a week, on us. We can cover that ground quickly on dragonback.
But not quick enough. It's morning, and the sun is just starting to rise as I'm packing up camp. My eyes drift to Dany as she tends to Raevor. Gently scratching his chin and giving the attention the dragon wants. She's been getting the rest she needs, but I can see she's stressed.
I know what that stress is cause I'm feeling it too. The Martells are our friends, and they're under attack. After getting the little bit of camping gear I brought packed, I make my way over to Dany.
Hugging her from behind, and she leans into me. My hands find their way to her stomach, where our third child grows. Her hands rest on top of mine, and the silence between us comforts me in this moment of worry.
I've never felt this way in my life. Sure, I've been stressed and worried, but only when my life or family was on the line, not for another family. Oberyn doesn't know any of this, and I left before I could tell the Tyrells to send a message to my ally.
"As much as I'd love for us to remain this way... We're wasting time, and I want to save our friends..."
Dany gently pulls away and makes her way over to Raevor. The dragon bends down and even helps her on. Knowing she doesn't move as well as she did when she wasn't pregnant.
Rhaenys waits for me with a look in her eyes. She senses what I'm feeling. Rhaenys is my best friend. It's a different friendship. One that I've had since I left The Shadow Lands. One that I built in Asshai. She's grown so much since then.
To think, she used to fit in the palm of my hand... Now, she's the biggest dragon since Balerion. I walk toward her, and she does the same for me as Raevor did for Dany.
I look over to Dany, and she's waiting for me with a smile.
"My beautiful sister... Let us reach Sunspear as soon as we can... That's Tywins target. If he can take the capital and home of House Martell, then he'll feel as though he's already won."
As the words leave my lips, a look of determination appears on Dany. A moment later, she's off in the sky with Raevor. Rhaenys lifts off the mountain edge, and we follow behind.
My mind enters a place that I'm familiar with... It's the same place I enter when I know a life-and-death battle will begin. Who knows how much Tywin and his armies have already pillaged... We're just getting into Dorne.
Oberyn would want to be here... If he knew his home was under attack, he'd be the one to meet the enemy on the front lines. Having Tywin on the other side would only further motivate that feeling.
But who would watch over Aly and Jae? Oberyn needs to stay in Meereen. To watch over our people and protect the newly established rule. So, in hindsight. It's best for House Targaryen that Oberyn does not know. But that's a deadly line to tread.
It might mean something that Dany and I are trying so hard to intercept Tywin, but there isn't anything more we can do than hope we're not too far behind.
Tywin is dangerous, and everything he does has a purpose or goal. There are no wasted moves. Varys told me that Tywin was the reason Robert Rebellion succeeded after my father's death. He was the reason the rule of Robert was solidified.
Jon Arryn was a name that I was frequently informed about. Oberyn taught me what he knew about the man that created the debt Westeros had with Braavos. Now, that's gone. Thanks to me. It was a smart move. I destroyed the economics of Westeros.
Strengthened my claim and power. But The Lannisters have recovered faster than I hoped, and now I'm seeing the results. After all, Dorne suffered from my actions in Braavos too.
The only places spared were the places Dany, and I rule.
"What are you thinking about?"
Dany glides closer to me, and we fly calmly through the sky. There are no ravaging winds and no need to yell to speak to each other.
"How this will affect Oberyn. I worry he'll want to leave Meereen to come home and help rebuild. But we need him with us. His support and command of his forces make our transitions easy."
The Martell forces that are under our command are helpful. I highly doubt they'd be as effective if Oberyn wasn't there to lead them. The Unsullied listen and follow Dany and me, but The Martell army is here on orders from their King.
They're not loyal to us, only House Martell.
"If that's his wish, would you stop him?"
That's a good question... Would he stop me in a revered situation... No, Oberyn would help me. So, I'll do the same.
"I'll not stop him, Dany. I'd help him. But that's a bridge we haven't reached yet. Let's focus on the things in front of us."
~~~(POV: Tywin Lannister)~~~
~~~(Current Age: 66 Years)~~~
~~~(Location: Personal Tent, Outside Sunspear, Dorne, Westeros)~~~
~~~(Date: 300 AC)~~~
The battle was long and difficult, but we've ravaged Sunspear. The capital of Dorne is nothing but a husk now. My brothers are preparing the ships so we can return to Kings Landing without running into Raenon and his dragon.
Going back the way we came would be foolish, but my plan has worked. I've dealt a devastating blow to Raenon and his allies. He's not defeated yet, but his plans have been halted.
I've been receiving messages there is turmoil and strife in Kings Landing. Joffrey has become worse, and Cersei can't control him anymore. However, there is good news. We've finally found a suitable wife for Joffrey and one that ensures us a powerful ally.
Sansa Stark is gone, taken by The Hound. Likely heading North. She would've been my second choice, but what we've gained now isn't an issue.
"Lord Hand, the ships are ready. The troops are being loaded aboard. Shall we begin packing camp?"
Looks like my time in Dorne is over.
~~~(POV: Oberyn Martell)~~~
~~~(Current Age: 43 Years)~~~
~~~(Location: The Great Pyramid, Meereen, Essos)~~~
~~~(Date: 300 AC)~~~
"Sunspear has been pillaged and broken... Tywin's target was never Highgarden; it was Dorne. It was Sunspear... It was House Martell... Raenon only found out too late and tried to intercept Tywin. But he failed. I'm sorry, Lord Oberyn..."
My family... My daughters... My brother...
"What about my family?!!"
The anger and hate I've bottled so far spill over. Tywin has done it again. He's taken people most precious from me. First, it was Elia... Now, I've lost everyone...
"Doran Martell and Trystane Martell are dead. But your daughters weren't in the capital during the attack."
My brother and nephew... They're gone...
"TYWIN BE DAMNED!!!"
I stand up and make my way toward the door. But Ellaria stops me, trying to calm me down. The man delivering the message isn't finished yet.
I don't want to remain to hear what has to be said.
"Lord Oberyn... You're the last male heir of House Martell... You're King of Dorne..."
This isn't what I want to hear!!!
"GET OUT, NOW!!!"
I'LL HAVE THE LIONS HEAD FOR THIS!!!
~~~(POV: Daenerys Targaryen)~~~
~~~(Current Age: 16 Years)~~~
~~~(Location: Outside Sunspear, Dorne, Westeros)~~~
~~~(Date: 300 AC)~~~
"I've gotten word back from Oberyn. He's not happy. But I don't blame him."
Rae stands next to me with an arm around me... Comforting me... The height difference makes it a little difficult... But not any less uncomfortable... Tears are streaming down my eyes...
I can't help but cry for these people... Dorne and its Lords are helping us, and this is the reward and thanks they get.
"This is our fault, Rae... If we didn't ask for House Martell's help, they wouldn't have been targeted like this..."
The feelings of doubt and pain swell within me. But before I can say anything else, Rae turns me to look at him. And he stares into my eyes. His hand runs up my cheek, wiping the tears away.
"Tywin choose to do this, Dany. This isn't on us."
It's hard to accept that line of thinking...
He brings me in for a hug, which I desperately need. My pain and doubt wash away the longer we embrace each other.
"We must return to Highgarden. Once we're done there, we'll return to Meereen."
Ahh, yes...
Margaery.
The woman I'll be sharing Rae with... It's not something I like, and I never thought I'd have to do it. But it's unavoidable.
Perhaps she'll crumble under pressure. Cause the only way she's getting any children from Rae is if she joins the bed Rae and I share. She'll have to accept a bed of three.
Either way, Rae remains mine. So it's her move next.
