538 Chapter 538 - Victory Celebration
Viserys Targaryen rode in on his black dragon, making his appearance in Sunspear.
Since the onset of the new year, the Targaryen forces had seen significant victories. In just half a month, they'd won two major battles. The 'Battle of the Lame' at Sunspear was even larger than the 'Battle of the Bronze Gates' in the Stormlands. This was due to the Riverlands having a larger army, far surpassing the Dornish forces.
Reports indicated that the Riverlands had an army of over 30,000 before the White Walkers' invasion. Their numbers swelled to between 80,000 and 100,000 once the war began. But this well-equipped Riverland army met its match in Sunspear. They were ambushed and slaughtered by the Dothraki, suffering heavy losses.
The Lord of Highgarden, Mace Tyrell, and his young son Loras were beheaded. Willas Tyrell, the heir to House Tyrell, was captured alive, while Garlan 'the Gallant' Tyrell died fighting. His body was cremated with honor by the Dothraki.
"Your Grace."
"Your Grace."
As Viserys entered the great hall of Sunspear, Dornish nobles led by Anders Yronwood quickly stood up to greet him.
This young king demanded respect. Viserys, despite his youth, was known for his decisive actions. His face might be that of a handsome youth, but his eyes held a killer's glint. His demeanor reflected his past actions.
"Khal!"
"Dragonrider Khal!"
"Blood of my blood!"
The Dothraki chieftains filled the other side of the hall, with Khal Drogo at the forefront, followed by powerful Kos. They all looked fierce and extended all the way to the end of the hall.
Though dressed in their flamboyant animal hides and bronze belts, with traces of blood from yesterday's battle still on them, they all stood to greet Viserys in reverence.
Seeing these unruly barbarians being so obedient to Viserys left the Dornish lords in awe. The Dornish always felt somewhat apart from the rest of the Seven Kingdoms, often derogatorily referred to as 'savages'. But after dealing with the Dothraki, they felt quite 'civilized' in comparison.
After their victory against the vastly larger Riverlands army, which felt as easy as having breakfast, the Riverlands forces were decimated. If not for Anders Yronwood's plea, all the captured Riverlands soldiers would have been massacred by the Dothraki, who spared only boys below the height of a cartwheel, fearing future vengeance.
Young Loras died for this very reason. He might have escaped had he not been slightly taller than his peers.
The Dornish initially thought the Dothraki were mere mercenaries hired by Viserys Targaryen. They were surprised to see the Dothraki show him such deference.
Viserys simply nodded, walking past them to sit at the main seat of Sunspear's hall. He then gestured, "Sit."
Both Dornish nobles and Dothraki leaders took their seats.
"Your Grace, we are grateful for the timely aid of your forces," Anders Yronwood, commander of the Dornish army, began with slight embarrassment.
One Dothraki leader remarked, "Your people seem not so skilled in battle."
Viserys, understanding the Dothraki tongue, silenced the laughing Dothraki with a glance. He then addressed Yronwood.
"The Targaryens and Dorne have always shared a close bond. My queen hails from Dorne, and my daughter, Daenerys, bears Dornish blood."
"We have always been friends."
Lifting his goblet, Viserys continued, "To the friendship between Dorne and House Targaryen."
The Dornish lords echoed, "To your Grace, may your reign be long and prosperous." The Dothraki had varied toasts, ranging from praising the great Khal to the dragons.
After the ceremonial drinks, it was time for official matters.
