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***
274 A.D.
Strait of Lisieux
«Get the fuck out of here! - My shout, full of rage and hatred, sounded sharp and unexpected to most of the people on board. It blew like a storm across the ship, waking the still-sleeping crew and knocking the drowsiness out of the few who had been on watch during those hours. - I'll kill you, you Dornish bastard!
«Try me! - Shouted the alternatively gifted one last time, before leaping out of my quarters in a lightning bolt and, judging by the stomping of feet in the corridor, running upstairs to the deck.
"Well, no. That was the last straw." - I thought, quickly pulling on my pants and running out after him. Once on deck and taking a good look around, I quickly found the problem that had been weighing on my mind and eating away at my nerve cells for four days now. Oberyn Martell was climbing the mainmast cables like an Ulto monkey, trying to escape my wrath. He hopes not.
«Command, obey my orders! - I shouted at the top of my lungs, drawing the attention of all the sailors and Northerners already on deck. - Whoever catches this freak. - I pointed at the prince, who was already on the rails, with a resentful look on his face. - He'll get a fully paid shore leave from me as soon as we arrive in Volantis!
Judging by the cheers and the joyful crowd that rushed to the ropes, they liked the reward very much. Nothing, a couple of dragons for a little revenge could be spent.
Martell was spinning.
Martell was spinning.
Martell swore.
Martell fought and bit.
But numerical advantage and high morale work wonders. Within ten minutes, Oberyn lay before me, tightly bound and a little battered. It's all right, it's good for him.
«Put him down. - The order to the sailors standing nearby was carried out immediately. Waiting until he was put on his feet and kept from another attempt to break free, I, firmly, with all my considerable strength, squeezing that skull with my hand, began to speak. - You noble little shit, you're out of line. I don't know how it is in Dorne, but sneaking in on another man while he's asleep with your "unique" suggestions is not our custom. - I couldn't resist giving him a little slap on the wrist, making him bow his head slightly. He wanted to say something, of course, but again the hand on his head and the hand squeezing that empty part of his body prevented him from opening his mouth. - You've only been here four days and already the whole crew hates you. Always drinking, prying, interfering, bullying, and fighting with everyone. You're lucky I got you out of Norashi's bunk in time, or Hoar would've ripped your balls off. - Remembering that the only thing that had saved me from a scandal was Volkan, who had accidentally noticed that asshole dragging Hoar's mistress, the Black Panther's cook, down to the bottom of the hold, I thanked the gods again for our walking sonar, which had kept us out of any storm in the Narrow Sea. - Because of you, I must now be constantly careful not to fall into the hands of the Ironwoods! And they won't leave me alone until they catch you. Bastards! - I hit the nearest mast with all my might, leaving a small trail of blood. - That's enough. Tie him to the mainmast with a rope and throw him out to sea for a couple hours. Let him freshen up and think about what he's doing.
Judging by the smiles of the sailors and the speed with which they began to carry out the order, the Prince of Dornish had also really got them. So soon, to the accompaniments of the three-level mate of the Dornish asshole and the joyous laughter and hooting of the crew, one black-haired body flew overboard, tied with a rope beforehand so as not to drown.
«That's it, now we'll be quiet for a while. - I said, having straightened my back so well that it crunched in several places, and smiled heartily, glad to have done something nasty. - Take it out in about three hours. It should be enough to cool the hot desert blood. Now let's get to work!
«Aye, m'lord!" I was answered by the roar of sailors and boarding parties drawn from the Northern Clans. That was followed by the usual hustle and bustle of any ship, with the XO replacing the sleeping Edward, who was on night watch by habit, in charge of the orderly chaos, the quartermaster and a few carpenters checking the stability of the foremast, and the rest of the sailors just resting because of the wind and the ship's readiness for any mishap.
I, having taken some fresh meat and fruit, preserved thanks to the ice I had bought in the Sun Spear, went to the hold, where our most important guest was waiting for me.
- Excuse me, Mr. Felix. - I was distracted from my thoughts by the voice of Volkan, who had approached me so quietly that I hadn't even noticed him. He was really short for his ten years, though, especially for a man of the North, who had always been known for his great stature and strength. The orphan's poor nutrition, which did not provide enough material for growth, and the eagle chick he was clutching to his chest, had had their effect. The little king of the sky was already twice as big as his southern relatives, occupying almost all the space on the boy's chest, and what would happen to him in the future, even I was afraid to imagine. According to the foresters' stories, they often saw adult northern eagles, as big as humans and easily able to drag a small dog... or a child of 6-7 years old in their claws. Scary beasts. But we must admit that thanks to this eagle we avoided a strong storm that unexpectedly caught us in the Narrow Sea. He conveyed the sense of danger to Volkan in advance, and he told me about it. Here I did not fail and ordered to anchor near the nearest uninhabited island, of which there were many on the Steps, in a small cove that had been found by some miracle. Later, when everyone realized what an ass... ahem, unpleasant situation we could get into, the boy was almost hailed as a new god. Even Victarion, who wanted to throw him overboard the most, apologized, saying that we could have lost at least one ship in that storm. So now Volkan is loved, respected, and often fed by almost the entire crew, who sincerely wish him a speedy mastery of all werewolf abilities. - Can I ask you something?
«Sure, ask Volkan. - Slightly surprised, I answered. He's a modest guy with a slight case of sociophobia, so it's hard to expect him to take initiative.
«Isn't it dangerous to do that? - He asked, raising his voice slightly, and seeing my raised eyebrow, he continued. - He is the Prince of Dorne and the son of Lady Edara. Is that any way to treat a member of noble blood?
I grinned at the question from a boy who could have been my younger brother, and turned and knelt down, putting my hands on his shoulders.
«Volkan, you're a good guy, but you don't understand a lot of things. - I said, looking him straight in the eye. Standing up and continuing on my way to our bear, I only had to beckon him to follow me. It's time to open the boy's eyes, because this is not the straight and rude North, where most people, because of not the best life, simply do not find time for intrigues, but the South, where you need to be able to see through the events at least shapelessly. - First of all, have you noticed that everyone on this ship addresses me as "my lord"?
«Yes, m'lord.
«But I don't have the title of lord. - The fact of the matter surprised the boy who didn't know the hierarchy of the Seven Kingdoms.
«But why...
«do they call me my lord? - I asked a rhetorical question, turning around slightly. - It's simple. It's the law of the sea.
«Sea... law? - The boy, for whom the only laws he knew were the rules and traditions of his own clan, stretched out uncertainly. He probably hadn't even heard of the others.
«As long as a ship's master is on a ship at sea, he is a full lord in his territory. He can judge, punish, fine, marry, and do whatever he wants to any crew member, even the captain. - I enlightened the ship's shapeshifter as I slowly descended the ladder lower and lower into the hold. - The so-called title of "sea lord." But yelling "Sea Lord!" all the time is too stupid and tiresome, so everyone's been saying just lord or my lord for a while now. Just because of that, I can punish Oberyn however I want. As long as the prince is on my ship, I'm in charge, not him. Do you understand?
By the end of the explanation, we had already arrived at the right place and were able to look at our "live goods". The bear, who had given birth almost a week and a half ago, had already recovered and was now lying quietly recovering from the last effects of labor. Already now she looked even better than when we took her away. Her fur was thicker and silkier, her claws stronger and sharper, and her beady black eyes had gotten rid of the imperceptible veil that covered them, becoming truly alive and shining. Beside her, tucked into the area of her chest, lay two small newborn bear cubs. When these two had been born, they had seemed to everyone like two little pink lumps, with sparse fur and covered ears and eyes. Now, almost two weeks later, their ears are finally fully formed and their eyes have opened. It is an incredibly cute and beautiful sight. So they can't be separated from their mother for at least another week, and then they will be able to walk on their own. But we'll be in Volantis soon, and I don't know how Triarch Alcaro Levak will react to such a change in goods. Let's hope it's good.
«Yes. - Vokan finally answered, after a moment's thought. - And the second reason?
«The second reason is more difficult for you to understand, but I'll try to explain it clearly. - I said, going into the bear's cage and putting the food from the galley into her bowl. After the birth she became more "loyal" to people, or rather to me, Robin and Joan, who helped her then. - Have you heard anything about the Great Dornish Earthquake thirty years ago?
«No. - Sadly answered the lad, judging by the look of embarrassment at his ignorance. Though Rick and Dick, who had taken over his tutelage, were tutoring him, they had so far only managed to teach him the basics of the alphabet. It'll be a long time before he gets to the historical events of Westeros.
«Then I must tell you more about him. Thirty years ago, one of the worst earthquakes in the history of the continent occurred in the Red Mountains, separating Dorne from the rest of the kingdoms. Thousands of mountain Dorneans died, half of Castle Vile collapsed, and hundreds of gardens in the castles of Celestia and the Iron Forest were destroyed. But that was not the most important thing. One of the two paths leading to Dorne, the Bone Path, was completely wiped out. It, along with Prince's Gorge, was one of the main sources of income for the house that controlled it. It was the Ironwoods. - After putting all the food in a bowl and scratching the bear behind her ear, I said, remaining silent for a few seconds. I needed to catch my breath and wet my parched throat from the long conversation, which I immediately did. There's a reason I always carry a jug of lemon water with me. My throat was always soaked and I didn't have to worry about scurvy. - It was a disaster for them. Their home had long held the title "Keepers of the Stone Way," and even their coat of arms, a black gadroon on a field of sand, and the motto, "We Keep the Way," reflected the importance of the Stone Way to their home. After the massive destruction, bringing huge monetary costs, and loss of prestige, due to the loss of the symbol, their house was very much depressed. Probably if things continued like this, they would soon lose their title of flag bearers as well, slowly shriveling and dissolving into the sands of time. But fate does not like subjunctive moods. The head of the Ironwoods, Olivar Ironwood, came to power in this house the day before last. He did not smear snot on his face and grieve for lost greatness, and immediately went to work. First, he opened the treasuries of his ancestors and rebuilt the gardens destroyed by the disaster, combining designs from Volantis and Dorne itself. Because of this, the gardens of the Ironwoods are considered the second most productive, after the Daines of Starfall. - At this point I had to pause to get out of the dozing bear's cage so as not to disturb the little ones. After that, the two of us headed back to the deck, continuing the story along the way. - Second, he realized that since he had lost the title of Guardian of the Stone Way, he needed to become a guardian of something else. Olivar chose the sea. In just a few years, numerous shipyards and dozens of new small warships had been built on the Red River. The Ironwoods had become the only noble house in all of Dorne with any sort of navy. They took control of nearly all of the Dornish Sea, except for the coast of the Stormlands, and the northeastern part of the Steps, becoming the guardians of those waters. Aegon V Targaryen, our king before last, nicknamed the Incredible, even gave them the new title of "Guardians of the Dornish Sea" for their help during the War of the Nine Thorn Kings. So now the Ironwoods are one of the most powerful and wealthy houses of Dorne, taking tribute across nearly all the islands of the Steps and the nearby seas.
By the end of the tale of the Ironwood clan's re-emergence, Volkan and I were already standing on the bridge of the ship watching an interesting performance. The sailing ship itself, with a tailwind, has a speed of about 20 kilometers per hour. The human limit, if it is a professional athlete and it is short distances, 9 kilometers per hour. Oberyn was unfortunately not a professional swimmer, nor would it help him, so now he was simply and uncomplicatedly being dragged backwards along the crests of the waves. Unpleasant, painful and wildly boring. And the best part is that he has to constantly control his breathing so he doesn't go rock bottom, so he can't yell or swear.
«Back to our situation. Do you know why the Prince of Dornish was dragged drunk to our ship and told to take him to Volantis? - I finally asked, admiring the suffering of one asshole. On what I received a natural negative shake of the head. - In short, the situation is as follows. Almost a year ago, this asshole was caught in bed with the mistress of Edgar Ironwood, brother of the very Olivar who raised their house, and the past head of their house. Edgar himself was rumored to be a man of enormous size, ferocious, and very hot-tempered. For such an insult, he challenged the prince to a duel. Given Oberyn's origins, the strength of his family, and his youth, the duel was to be non-lethal, a so-called "duel of honor" and last until first blood. Both duelists suffered wounds, but our prince recovered, while his opponent did not. Ironwood's wounds became inflamed and he died quickly. Because of this, many thought that Martell had used poison and gave him some nickname I don't remember. The Ironwoods were naturally furious at the death of the head of the family and demanded Oberyn's life in return. His brother, Doran, the future ruler of Dorne, if the rumors are true, has been negotiating with them for a long time and, apparently, in order not to embarrass his strongest bannermen, decided to send his brother to live in the Free Cities before he caused more trouble. And we were so unfortunate to be caught in the middle. Now if Ormund Ironwood finds out who helped that asshole get out of Westeros, we'd better not show up on the steps or in the Sea of Dornish. We'll be robbed and killed without question.
There was silence for a few minutes, interrupted only by the cries of the gulls that sometimes flew so deep into the strait between the Fox and the continent and the songs of bored sailors resting on deck in their spare time.
«What a heavy man. - Volkan finally said, staring unblinkingly toward our passenger, who had once again gone underwater with a stone.
«In every way. - I added, grabbing the rope that was dragging Oberyn behind the ship and began to pull it a little at a time, trying to drag the prince, who was already faint from fatigue, back to the ship. - Hey, help me! I don't want him to die, especially not this stupidly!
***
«You okay? - I entered our noble guest's quarters without knocking. Oberyn looked the same as he did four hours ago. Bad.
«I'm fine. Leave me alone. - He sniffled and wrapped himself even more tightly in his furs. The young prince's body was not prepared for such an ordeal. Almost two hours of beating on the waves, though the warmest, but still morning sea. Frozen, humiliated and beaten. Not every aristocrat can endure that.
«You knew what you were getting into. - I said, coming closer to him and handing him a flask of fortified and undiluted wine. He needs to warm up, because colds in this world, like in ours, are easy to cure, but people still die. - Some captains in my place would just turn you over to the Ironwoods for a reward or toss you into the sea, saying you were drunk and drowned when you arrived in Volantis. And they wouldn't even have a claim against them. Why act like an arrogant and spoiled brute when you're nothing like that? Lord Quargil's methods of upbringing were known even in the Citadel. He would not have produced the man you are trying to appear to be.
A silence fell over Edward's quarters, where the prince had been placed for lack of a proper suite. We were both silent, each of us thinking about something else. Oberyn sat quietly on the bed, staring unblinkingly at the floor. Only the occasional tensing of his fists spoke of active thought, showing that the Dornish man's thoughts were not of the rosiest kind. Meanwhile, I was thinking more about what I would do in Volantis. We'll be there in three days, and we have to sell all our goods in the week before the Triarch election. It won't be easy, because I'm not the only smart one who brought exclusive goods from the North, but I had two advantages - the bear, which attracts attention, and my eloquence, which I hope I haven't lost during these two years of study.
«Have you been to the Citadel? - The Dornian finally asked, apparently having finished his self-exploration and grasped my reservation. I could see that he wasn't going to open his soul to me, and I wasn't particularly eager to be his personal psychologist. So the change of subject didn't irritate me.
«Yeah. I went there for two years. Left a couple months ago and decided to become a free trader, in the service of myself.
«Just walked right in and became a merchant? I don't know much about money and how to make it. I've spent most of my life just spending it, but is it possible to become a merchant with three ships worthy of a noble?
«As you can see, you can.
«But where does the money come from?
«Where most of your kind get it.
«Is it from kind gentlemen paying a handsome boy? And you refused me, though I would have spared no expense for you.
«Go to hell! I earned it myself.
«Of course, of course.
So, word by word, we had a very interesting conversation.
***
Volantis... Heir to Valyria... One of the nine great Free Cities and the oldest and largest of them all. Standing at the mouth of the great river Roina in southwest Essos, this city was striking in appearance alone. In the past it had been a center of trade between the Valyrians and the Roinarians, and after the Rock of Valyria it had attempted to forcefully subjugate the other Free Cities and recreate the majestic Valyrian Freehold. But it was brutally defeated, after a century of wars later called the Bloody Age. Nevertheless, the city still has vast areas on the fertile Roina and beyond under its rule, such as the Orange Coast, home to some of the tastiest fruit in the entire world, the banks of the Volaina River, providing the city with wheat and livestock, and the famous Seloru River backwaters, where a rare crop like rice is grown. And one must not forget the smaller vassal cities, such as Volon Teris, Valisar, and Seloris.
"Though if you think of the size of these cities... each of them is the size of King's Harbor. But that's not surprising. When you can have Dothraki coming to visit every day, you'll want to live within the safety of the city walls."
So Volantis is the richest and strongest of the nine Free Cities, overtaking even Braavos, which prefers to work through money and diplomacy rather than navy and military force, in terms of sheer power.
«At last we have arrived. - Said I, standing on the bow of the ship and looking at one of the nine man-made wonders of the world, the Long Bridge of Volantis. They say it was built because of the high tides and strong currents of the Roina, which prevented normal river crossing. Therefore, Triarch Vhalaso the Generous, ruler at the beginning of the Blood Age, ordered a bridge to be built across the river. Because of these same tides and currents, as well as the width of the river, which reached nearly a thousand yards, construction became an almost impossible task. Taking over forty years and requiring an investment of millions of dollars, it paid for itself. It is said Vhalaso himself, who did not live to see the end of construction for only a few years, was buried in the main support of the bridge. Once completed, no other bridge in this world can compare to the Long Bridge, unless you count the Bridge of Dreams in the ruins of the Rojnar Woes. According to the builders, it's strong enough to support the weight of a thousand elephants and looking at the hundreds of houses like mushrooms growing out of the structure, I'm inclined to believe it.
«What are you so happy about? - Oberyn's cheerful voice distracted me from thinking and purely professional assessment of the pros and cons of the architectural solutions used in the construction of this miracle. - Can't wait for me to ride off into the sunset, making your life dull and dreary again?
With the Dornish prince, after a memorable conversation and a good fight that followed, I've developed a rather warm relationship. I lost the practice fight, for lack of experience and the prince's better training, but the Dornish didn't get away unscathed, once taking a blunted axe blade to the ribs. Still, despite my training and good genetics, I was a mediocre warrior. That tournament in Lannisport had been won by surprise and the uniqueness of my fighting style. Having met someone who had trained as much as I had and seen my sparring with the Highlanders, I lost, though not outright.
So the remaining days were spent in practice bouts, interrupted only by drinking the ship's wine supply and dragging Oberyn away from the few women I had on the ship.
"It's true what people say - if Dornish men don't fight, they fuck, and if they don't fuck, they fight." - I thought and still answered my passenger. - She wasn't boring before you. I hope I don't see your face here again after you leave.
«No. Don't get your hopes up. - The black-haired man grinned even wider and looked at the docks that had already appeared in his field of vision and whistled. And following his gaze I realized the reason. There the arriving sailors were greeted by representatives of the world's oldest profession. Dressed in the most revealing dresses and painted with the most colorful cosmetics, they cheerfully beckoned to the arriving sailors who had not seen a woman for a long time. - Until you and I go to all the brothels of Volantis and fuck the most gorgeous local whores, I will not leave you.
«But--
«You don't have to talk about your job. You'll sell your stuff, and if you don't, I'll be happy to buy it back. Your furs are worthwhile, after all. - Oberyn said, taking me by the neck with his hand and winking at the boat passing by, where a beautiful, white-haired Volantian woman was sitting, blushing a little at the attention she was getting.
He was right. Soon we would dock at the docks of Volantis and the fine process of trade would begin. I had waited too long for this. It was time to relax.
***
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