Journey through Dorne

Theirs was not a rowdy party given that several of their members were out of favour with the princess. Rhaegar learned that travelling in Dorne was a slow process, however, because of the heat. But two days into their journey, Ser Arron, who was acting as rearguard, reported horsemen heading towards them from the mountains. "The black adder of House Wyl," he said. "Will we wait for them?"

The party was much smaller than Rhaegar's own. He counted nine riders in total. Six of them, all men, wore the black adder on their tunics, and one of them carried a matching banner. There was a boy of about twelve, whose tunic also bore the sigil. The other two riders were female and both seemed to be in their twenties. The younger of the two galloped up to them on a frisky sand steed whose coat was the colour of sand, the mane and tail paler still.

"My lords!" The woman cried. "Show me this prince, if you will!"

Lord Fowler, dropping back beside Rhaegar, whispered, "Lord Wyl's eldest daughter." He raised his voice. "Lady Alayne, this is my grandson, Rhaegar. Rhaegar, may I present Lady Alayne, of House Wyl."

Lady Alayne extended an imperious hand to Rhaegar. "Well met, princeling."

Lady Alayne continued to smile. "Oh, you don't need to know my guards, nor my bedmaid. The boy is my cousin Deziel, and my squire. I thought it important to travel with attendants, though I brought fewer than my father wished. If he had his way I would have knights, a lady companion, a page and a man to tend my horse. And another dozen guards, at least." She shrugged. "I like my small party."

"I will travel with you, yes. I'm curious about this venture of yours and would like to learn more about it," she said. "So would my father. Alas, he felt it prudent to remain at home."

"I am sure the noble lords Yronwood, Fowler and Manwoody will do their best, though you will certainly need to befriend those close to the princess. But so far you have given House Wyl no particular reason to support you. You do realise this will cause division and strife in Dorne if Princess Sarella will not consent to the use of Dornish forces."

She kept her expression sober and unyielding. She was evidently a very proud woman and one who knew her own importance.

Her eyes danced. "I should hope so. I hope it is a good vintage. I cannot abide bad wine. I am charged to be friendly to you and to determine whether we can assist one another. So your invitation is gladly accepted. I have never met a dragon, after all."

//////

The party continues east.

The lords were shown into the castle, where they were requested to wait for the elderly Lady Allyrion.

"Careful with her," Lord Jonos warned "She's a frail creature, though a most capable ruler in her time. Treat her with respect and you will surely do well."

Soon enough Rhaegar and his grandsire were led up to a stiflingly hot solar where a woman in her seventies lay wrapped in blankets on a sofa. Beside her sat a balding man of perhaps fifty, who looked enough like her to be her son; they had the same dark eyes and their noses looked rather like beaks. Two plump, middle-aged maids were also in attendance. The old woman was swiftly introduced as Lady Alyse Allyrion and the man as her son and heir, Mors Allyrion. The old woman's voice was faint so that Rhaegar had to lean close to hear her.

"I do not believe I saw you in all my life. So you are Yronwood's grandson. Speak plain. Why are you here?"

"For what purpose?" Lady Allyrion asked. "I was told you bring a Dornish escort so one assumes this is not a matter of a simple invasion. What would a Targaryen want with Sunspear, pray tell?"

She indicated that one of the maids should plump up her pillows as she sat straight.

Lord Yronwood murmured to Rhaegar that he should elaborate on his intentions.

"What is that to me? I am not an Yronwood or a Martell, and I am certainly not a Targaryen. Your doings are of no interest to me. So why come to Godsgrace?"

"Indeed. That is good to know, and I thank you for the courtesy, but I am afraid I cannot host your party. You have rather a lot of men with you, and my cooks are not prepared for such an invasion. You ought have sent a rider ahead," Lady Allyrion scolded. Your'e wasting your time, though. Princess Sarella will never consent to a fool's errand. She imprisoned the sons of those who supported Lord Yronwood and his kinsman - your father. I presume? - in their earlier venture. I would not like to imagine what she will do to those too reckless to learn from their past mistakes."

The old lady looked keenly at Lord Yronwood as she spoke, but he merely nodded acknowledgement. Lady Allyrion looked at Rhaegar again, waiting.