188 Chapter 187: Wilderness Camp
Viserys watched the council members in the room jeer, feeling somewhat helpless as he shook his head.
He had initially resisted the idea of a marriage alliance with Princess Martell due to some preconceived notions. However, after giving it some thought, he realized that Arianne was still just a little girl, not yet the restless woman who later schemed to support Myrcella and stir up turmoil throughout Dorne.
Moreover, this political alliance was crucial for House Targaryen.
Viserys had enjoyed many favors from Dorne over the years, and he needed a powerful ally like them for support. If the two sides could form a marriage alliance, it would make their bond even stronger.
In the future, it would play a crucial role in both the north and south pincer movement, as well as landing in Dorne.
What should he do?
Viserys was somewhat troubled.
However, after experiencing countless harsh realities over the years, he had become much more pragmatic compared to his earlier idealism.
He decided to meet this Dornish princess first.
With that thought, Viserys shook his head slightly, placed his hands on the table, and scanned the faces of everyone present with his pale violet eyes. Then, he pursed his lips and spoke.
"Let's discuss this matter after Princess Arianne arrives."
"For now, let's continue with the matter at hand - our plans for the two new castles, a camp, and a town."
The castles and camps Viserys planned were to be built on land reserved for House Targaryen, which would also be their assets in the future.
Viserys then had a guard bring over a map, which was unfolded on the table for everyone in the council chamber to see clearly.
It was a map of the eastern coast of the continent of Essos, centered on Andalos, with the easternmost point reaching Norvos and the southernmost point reaching the Great Plains.
Viserys then pointed to an ancient road that ran from the coast of Braavos to the Bay of Lorath.
At the eastern edge of the River Rhoyne, where this ancient road lay, was the junction of the Disputed Lands' mountain range and the Norvoshi Mountains. Continuing east from here, one could reach the Bay of Lorath or even bypass the Norvoshi Mountains to reach the Axe. It was a suitable route for military expeditions.
"We shall build a permanent camp here."
Viserys' finger fell precisely on the only mountain pass between the two mountain ranges, and he spoke solemnly.
"Oberyn's army will be stationed here."
The location of this mountain pass was crucial, especially for a city-state like Andalos without city walls.
The pass was not far from Andalos, and having an army stationed there to establish a permanent camp would serve important functions, such as securing the border and setting up checkpoints to inspect incoming and outgoing goods.
In fact, the army of Andalos was already stationed there, as this had been a plan approved by the higher-ups.
"I understand."
As the commander of the Second Army, Oberyn had just donned the medal of the Legion's commander and nodded slightly. However, his quick-witted mind prompted him to ask an additional question.
"Your Majesty, is the construction of a permanent camp here meant to guard against Norvos?"
The mountain pass happened to block the main road leading to Norvos, so Oberyn asked the question.
"No."
Viserys shook his head slightly and spoke seriously.
"To guard against Braavos."
"Hmm?"
Hearing Viserys' words, Oberyn froze in place for a moment, then lowered his head and widened his eyes to look at the map before him.
After a while, the clever Oberyn seemed to finally see the clues and understand Viserys' true intentions.
"So that's it."
"Will Braavos turn against us?"
Oberyn's eyes narrowed as he asked the question.
"I don't know."
"But it's better to be prepared in advance."
Viserys didn't look up from the map on the table as he spoke, not seeing Oberyn's bitter smile.
He then pointed in the opposite direction.
Here was the location of the Andalos port, which was also where the Dragonstone fleet was currently docked.
"Build a large town here."
Viserys decided to greatly develop this town, attracting a large population, promoting economic trade, and increasing its potential.
After all, having a port naturally provided the advantage of waterways. If merchants wanted to go to Norvos, this place might be closer than Pentos.
Everyone in the Small Council nodded slightly, as this idea was within their expectations.
As the port had grown alongside Andalos' development, it had gradually begun to thrive, with merchant ships docking, trade convoys coming and going, and supplies being replenished.
Naturally, nearby villagers gathered to do business with these trade convoys and merchant ships. With the investment of wealthy merchants, a small town began to develop spontaneously.
All Viserys had to do was provide more policies and financial support, taking money from the royal treasury to build this town. In the future, it would become an important part of the Targaryen royal family's assets, a merit that would benefit generations to come.
With the plans for a camp and a town complete, the last items were the two castles Viserys planned to build.
"The first castle will be here."
Viserys pointed to the end of the Velvet Hills, west of Andalos, which was one of the two main roads leading to Pentos.
One route followed the Rhoyne River by boat, disembarking at the banks of the Trident and then traveling overland directly to Pentos.
The second route was a flat, all-land road that went straight from Andalos to Pentos, bypassing the Velvet Hills from the west.
Viserys' finger was now pointing at this strategically important location. If one looked at the topography of the entire eastern coast of Essos, this place was like an outwardly protruding tip, with its sharp end pointing directly towards Dragonstone and King's Landing.
"Build a 'Sentinel's Tower' here to scout for potential naval attacks from Stannis."
Stannis' royal fleet was now Viserys' greatest concern, given that they had risen to prominence during the War of the Usurper and had defeated the Dragonstone fleet.
The planned 'Sentinel's Tower' was essentially a watchtower or beacon, with a castle below it. It would house troops, construct a small military port, and patrol ships in the area to guard against enemies suddenly sailing from across the Narrow Sea.
"And the second one will be here."
Viserys then pointed to the site of the ruins of Ghoyan Drohe on the banks of the Trident, where a great battle had once taken place.
Viserys had extended his reach to this location during his previous expansion and had decided to make use of the abandoned city-state to build a castle here.
"Build a 'Fort of Valiant Souls' here to honor the brave souls who once fiercely resisted the Dothraki invasion."
Viserys had extended his reach to this location during his previous expansion and had decided to make use of the abandoned city-state to build a castle here.
"Build a 'Fort of Valiant Souls' here to honor the brave souls who once fiercely resisted the Dothraki invasion."
With these plans in place, Viserys and his council set to work on implementing these defensive measures and expanding the infrastructure of their kingdom. They knew that securing the loyalty of the people and preparing for any potential threats would be key to the stability and prosperity of their rule.
