281 AC
Sunspear
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!...," the man kept repeating like a broken record.
"Get. Off. Me." I said exasperatedly to the Pedro Pascal look-alike who currently had me locked in a tight hug.
The JollyMan docked in Sunspear about an hour ago. Before we got off the ship, I went to the Captain for one last thing. Inspecting his memories, I learned that he and his First Mate were the only ones who knew about Elia's true identity. It had been the two of them who had rowed the boat that brought us to the ship in the first place. Everyone else on the ship believed that their passengers were merely some Westerosi nobles trying to escape the sacking of the capital.
I left them each a bag of transmutated gold for their troubles, as well as modified their memories to make them believe that they really had been transporting a frightened noble family and not a dornish princess and the last of the Targaryens.
With that taken care of, we finally disembarked the ship. Elia carried little Aegon in her arms while I held Rhaenys' hand as we walked out of the small port. The people of Dorne would have surely thrown a parade at the miraculous return of their princess and escorted her to the palace themselves, but the goal was to make everyone believe that she was dead. So I threw a couple of Notice-me-not charms over us and started walking into the city.
Sunspear was a beautiful place, a walled settlement protected by three winding walls, encircling one another and containing miles of narrow alleys, hidden courts and noisy bazaars. It was a lively place where one could spend the entire day without seeing the same place twice. However, now that she was finally home, Elia was eager to see her family again. So she directed us to the three-fold Gate, where the gates lined up one behind the other, avoiding the labyrinthine structure of the city and allowing straight passage to the palace via a brick road.
A couple of confundus charms easily saw us through the gates and soon we were standing outside the Old Palace - ancestral home of House Martell. It looked like something out of the pages of The Arabian Nights, rising from the hot sunbaked landscape like a mirage of sand-coloured stone and shadow.
Towers in Ryonish fashion sprang up all around the Keep, but two structures immediately drew my eye. One of them was the Spear Tower, a tall and slender spire rising up to 150 feet, with a gilded spear affixed on top. It was aptly used as a prison, as I could not imagine a greater torture than to confine someone in the sweltering heat of the desert sun at such high altitude.
The other one, the one we headed towards, was the Tower of the Sun. Elia eagerly guided us through the tower that housed the thrones of the dornish princes. It was here that Ser Manfrey Martell, Castellan of the Keep nearly had a heart attack when Elia and company suddenly appeared before his eyes. It took a few moments to convince the man that the princess and her children were still alive, and that I was not the Stranger bringing their souls over for one last visit.
Understanding the need for secrecy, the overjoyed man took us quietly to Prince Doran's solar. Oberyn, who had been yelling at Doran to gather their army and avenge their sister, was struck dumb when said sister along with her children walked into the room. Unlike Doran and the Captain of his guards, Areo Hotah, Oberyn didn't even wait for an explanation before wrapping his sister up in a tight hug and started crying his heart out. After Elia said that she only escaped the burning capital because of my help, her emotional sibling pounced on me, leading to the current situation.
"Alright Oberyn, that's enough." Doran smiled after greeting his sister and niece himself. "Why don't you take Elia, Rhaenys and Aegon to their room? I'm sure they could use some rest after such a harrowing journey."
Oberyn looked at Elia and Rhaenys' weary faces and days old clothing and immediately began to lead them to their new room. As he passed by me, he smiled and thanked me again for my help.
"Please excuse my brother's overzealous behaviour," said Doran, once he, Manfrey, Areo and I were the only ones left in the room. "When we received news about Elia and our nephew and neice's supposed demise, it was as if someone had taken a knife and carved out a portion of our hearts from our still beating chests." He looked at me and gave a happy sigh. "You have no idea how good it is to see them alive and well again."
"It's alright, prince Doran. I have a younger sister myself, she means the world to me," I smiled. "I understand your feelings perfectly. You can rest easy now. They are here...they are safe."
"Thanks to you," he said. With a smile, he came forward and surprisingly bowed to me. "As a prince of Dorne, I thank you for protecting our princess and returning her safely to us. From this day forward, you will forever be a friend of Dorne and our doors will always be open to you." Doran declared formally, before he straightened. "As a brother, I don't have the right words to convey my gratitude for what you have done for my family. All I can say, is that if there is anything you ever need, anything at all, all you have to do is ask."
I could hear the tightly controlled emotions in his voice. The dornish passion seemed to run just as strong within him as it did in Oberyn. Only in Doran's case, it was reined in with the bridle of responsibility.
"Now, you must be tired. Although you mysteriously lack the stink that men usually gather during a voyage, I believe a refreshing bath and some actual food will do wonders for your constitution." He smiled and turned to his castellan. "Manfrey, please take Ser Benjamin to our finest courtyard and make sure that he receives the utmost care and attention."
I followed Manfrey Martell closely not to get lost in the labyrinthine structure of narrow halls, arched doorways and shaded courtyards. The design of the Old Palace built with thick sun-resistant stone, helped keep the interior cool in the scorching dornish heat. I think the passageways were intentionally created maze-like as a subtle defence mechanism against outsiders. Most of the windows were slender, with wooden shutters or intricately carved screens that allowed in filtered light and breeze.
Soon, we arrived at our destination - a quaint little courtyard surrounded by shaded gardens, cool fountains and reflecting pools. The interior of the house was decorated with mosaic tiles, rich tapestries and colourful silks. It seemed that news of my arrival had already been passed on, for there stood three beautiful palace maids besides a bathtub that looked like it could easily fit ten people.
Gently declining their offers to help me bathe, I bid adieu to the lovely ladies. A happy sigh escaped my lips as I lowered myself into the cool water in the tub. After travelling on a ship, I finally understood why every sailor in Piratesof the Caribbean looked so scruffy. They never bathed! You don't get to waste even a bucket of freshwater on washing or cleaning when that same amount of water could save your life when you're dying of thirst. The closest equivalent to a bath on the sea is a rainstorm. If you are lucky enough not to get swept overboard, you emerge refreshed out of nature's free shower.
While on the ship, I maintained my personal hygiene standards by casting cleaning charms everyday on me and my clothes. Still, that's a poor substitute for an actual bath. Languishing in the ginormous tub, I begin to think about things back home. It has been 10 days since I left. They must be looking for me everywhere by now. The Anywhere Door was ready, and I would soon be leaving this world. But before that, there was one last thing to do.
I had just put on the clothes laid out for me when there was a knock on the door. I opened it to find Elia standing outside wearing a beautiful new dress herself.
"Hmm, not bad," she said, looking up and down at the saffron-coloured shirt and breeches with a critical eye. "It looks much better on you than black."
"Thank you." I smiled. "Would you like to come in?"
She shook her head. "My brother is having a small luncheon arranged for us. I was wondering if you would like a tour of our gardens before that," she offered.
"I'd love that," I quickly accepted her kind invitation.
And so we set off towards the palace gardens. They stretched across several hectares, divided into terraces, courtyards and shaded paths filled with orange trees, myrtles, palms and cyprus trees. There was a deep sense of tranquility: the soft murmur of fountains, the sent of citrus blossoms and the play of sunlight filtering through lush greenery. The air was warm but shaded by high walls and vine-draped trellises.
"You have a beautiful home, Elia," I said, sitting down on a tiled bench beneath a shaded patio. "You were very lucky to be born and raised here."
"Yes...lucky," she said, with some bitterness creeping into her voice. "For a long time, I believed myself to be so. I was Princess Elia Martell of Dorne, envy of all the maidens of Westeros." She chuckled, her eyes on the columns and arches framing the fountain in front of us. "It was only later that I learnt: greater the privilege, greater the responsibility."
We were silent for a while, before I tentatively asked, "Rhaegar?"
She nodded. "Rhaegar," she said, her eyes directed forward, yet focused far away. "I was so happy when I was chosen to be his bride. Rhaegar Targaryen was the prize that every noble lady in the known land was vying for, and he was all mine," she smiled. "It was going to be perfect, and for a time we truly were happy. But then..." the smile slipped off her face and a melancholic look took its place.
"He started spending more and more time in the library. Apparently, he had come across an old prophecy predicting the end of our world, and how the only one who could stop it was the-prince-who-was-promised," she scoffed. "He became obsessed with it. 'The dragon must have three heads, Elia,' he would say. If Rhaenys was a symbol of our affection, then Aegon was the product of Rhaegar's fixation. And then, that thrice-damned tourney happened and everything came to an end," she sighed.
I looked at her. "Do you miss him?"
"I miss the man he once was, not what he later became," she said simply.
"And Lyanna? Do you blame her for the war?" I asked.
She shook her head. "Lyanna Stark didn't cause the war, my foolish husband's actions did. I remember her from Harrenhal, a beautiful girl of six and ten that any man would have been lucky to have. But it wasn't her that Rhaegar desired...it was her bloodline. His need for a third child born of ice and fire that I couldn't provide, sparked the flame that ultimately burnt down King's Landing and the Targaryen dynasty."
She stopped talking, and once again we sat in companionable silence for a while.
"I am leaving tomorrow," I said at last. She turned her head sharply to look at me. "You are safe now, as are your children." I lightly smiled. "My work here is done."
She sighed. "I was afraid you were going to say that," she said after a while. "It's a shame, I enjoyed our little talks. I have never felt so comfortable in a man's company, except Oberyn's. Not even my late husband was such a good conversationalist... although that might be because he just wasn't interested," she theorised. "Must you leave so soon?" she asked. "Surely you can stay for a few more days?"
"Sadly, the manner of my departure was quite sudden. I didn't even get the time to explain where I was going or why. My friends and family must be worried sick by now." I explained. "Besides, there is something else I need to do here before I can leave."
"What's that?" she asked.
I briefly debated whether to tell her or not, before deciding... eh, why not?
"I had a vision last night," I smoothly lied. "Lyanna Stark is currently being held in the Tower of Joy. She will go into labour any day now. If I don't intervene, she will die while giving birth to her son."
Elia frowned. "You can see the future?"
"Possible futures," I corrected her. "The future is never set. It's ever-changing, based on the interaction of variables in the universe. And I can't see it whenever I want." I added. "Fate, magic, the universe... whatever you want to call it, shows me a glimpse if it wants something changed."
"Does it happen often?" she asked.
I shook my head. "Nope, very rarely, in fact."
She seemed to accept that. Then she started laughing.
"What's funny?" I asked.
"You said Lyanna will give birth to a boy?" she enquired and I nodded. She chuckled. "Rhaegar was sure it would be a girl. He was going to name her Visenya, completing the original trifecta." She slowly shook her head. "Just goes to show how wrong he was."
"I will come with you to the Tower of Joy," she decided after a few moments.
"Are you sure?" I asked. "You don't have to."
"I want to," she smiled. "It will be easier to deal with the Kingsguard if I'm there. Besides, as a woman who has given birth twice, I know Lyanna could use all the support she can get."
I smiled at her kindness. "Thank you, Elia."
"You can thank me by leaving behind some of that delicious 'chocolate'," she smiled mischievously. "I swear, you have ruined the taste buds of my daughter and I with that delightful treat."
We shared a chuckle, sitting on that tiled bench. In front of us stone and blossom rhymed, in the garden that held both soul and time.
///////////////////////////////////////
"I admit, I'm disappointed to hear you leaving," said Doran, during lunch. We were seated in a private dining room in the tower of the Sun, usually reserved for members of the Martell family. "I had wished to throw a feast in your honour, but...people might question why we are celebrating when we should be mourning." he smiled wryly.
"Do you have to leave so soon?" asked Oberyn. "You just arrived a few hours ago. Surely, you can rest here for a couple of days."
"I'm afraid delaying is not an option, prince Oberyn." I shook my head. "I have to leave at first light. Several lives depend on me getting there in time."
Doran sighed at length. "Very well. What can we do to help?" he asked.
"I need provisions... enough to last for three weeks atleast," I said. "And I need a detailed map of Dorne, especially the area surrounding the Red Mountains."
"Very well. Maester Caleotte will provide you with a map and I shall speak with my seneschal, Ricasso," said Doran. "The supplies will be ready by the time we leave tomorrow."
"We?" I repeated.
"Indeed." Doran smiled. "Elia told us about your intention of saving Lyanna Stark, and I agree wholeheartedly. However, I cannot let my sister whom we almost lost," - his gentle gaze flickered towards Elia - "march into the desert alone."
"So, we will be coming along with the two of you," finished Oberyn. "Areo will assemble some guards and we will set off on horseback at sunrise."
I did some calculations. It took us nine days to reach Sunspear. By now, Eddard Stark must have lifted the siege of Storm's End and will be riding hard along the Kingsroad.
"How long will it take us to reach the Tower on horseback?" I asked.
"Well, the Tower of Joy is located near the Prince's Pass, which is about 400 miles from here." said Oberyn. "We will only be able to travel during the late mornings and early evenings, as it is usually too hot to travel in the middle of the day and too cold to travel by night. Taking everything into consideration, I'd say it'll take about 13 days to reach our destination."
"That won't do. It'll be too late by then." I shook my head. "There is another way. We can be there within a few hours at most." I said.
"A few hours?" Oberyn repeated incredulously. Elia, Doran and even Areo Hotah, who had so far been standing stock still behind his prince, looked at me in surprise. "How?" asked Oberyn.
"You'll see," I smirked. "However, if we were to travel that way, there cannot be more than seven people." I warned them. "Including myself, Elia, Rhaenys & Aegon, you and your brother, there's only room for two more. I'd recommend a Maester and perhaps the Captain of your guards."
Doran seemed to hesitate at this piece of information. "Ser Benjamin, the Kingsguard keeping watch on the Tower will be Arthur Dayne, Oswell Whent, and Lord Commander Gerold Hightower, the finest warriors in Westeros," he warned. "If a disagreement were to happen, I will not be able to guarantee your safety with just myself, Oberyn and Areo."
"You are very kind, prince Doran." I smiled. "You need not worry, however. If the Kingsguard get too uppity, I'll deal with them."
Oberyn smirked at my words, while Doran looked at me as if deciding whether my words rose out of arrogance or actual ability.
"Brother," called Elia, and Doran turned to look at her. "I trust Ben," she declared. "I have seen him do impossible things. I wouldn't be here if not for him, neither would my son and daughter. Please, trust him," she said.
Doran folded like a wet blanket at his sister's earnest plea.
"Very well," he sighed. "I'll have Maester Caleotte and Areo accompany us. We will leave at sunrise in..." Looking at me, he sighed again. "... however way you have chosen."
After that, there was no more talk of the impending journey. Instead, we spent the time eating fine food and discussing about the current state of the seven kingdoms.
/////////////////////////////////////////
"Well, here we are!" said Oberyn. "About time you disclosed the secrets of your magical travelling abilities, don't you think?" he smirked at me.
The first rays of the sun were just beginning to peek over the horizon, the morning air of the desert not having lost its quiet chill yet. Elia, Rhaenys, Aegon, Doran, Oberyn and Areo were already present in front of me in the courtyard, alongwith a mild-mannered middle-aged man dressed in a grey robe and wearing a chain made of metal links. This was Maester Caleotte, one of the two maesters in service of prince Doran.
"Of course." I smiled. "Prince Doran, are the supplies ready?"
"There they are." he pointed to a stack of boxes and baskets neatly arranged nearby.
"Good." I walked over and put my hand on the provisions, transferring them into my storage ring.
"Whoa!" Rhaenys' sleepy eyes widened in surprise, alongwith everyone else's. "Where did they go?" she asked, looking around.
"Don't worry, Rae," I chuckled. "I just stored them in another dimension. We can retrieve them anytime we want." I clapped my hands. "Now, everyone please stand back a little."
They exchanged glances before stepping back a few steps. I put my hand forward and summoned an item I had picked up from the Room of Lost Things.
"A carpet?" Elia questioned, looking at the beautiful hand knitted rug lying on the floor.
"Not just any old carpet...a magic carpet." I couldn't help the huge smile that emerged on my face. I could hardly believe my luck when I found it tucked in a corner while I had been dumpster-diving or rather room-diving. It needed a couple of patches, but after I was done modifying it, it was faster, safer and stealthier than anything in the magical markets of the Middle-East.
I took off my shoes and sat down cross legged on the carpet. "Hop on," I invited them to do the same.
Rhaenys was the first to follow my example. Taking off her shoes, she sat down beside me. Elia, with Aegon in her arms, joined me on the other side. Soon, everyone was seated in a comfortable albeit confused manner.
"Alright, we're seated," began Oberyn. "Now whaaaaaa..."
Oberyn was not the only one panicking. Everyone around me gasped audibly as the carpet shifted and hummed with a life of its own. Slowly it began to rise, leaving the solid ground behind.
"Ben!" called Elia, her voice shrill and body tense. "What's happening?"
"Relax," I laughed as the rug rose above the Keep. "I told you its a magic carpet...a magic flying carpet."
With a final collective scream and a singular laugh, the flying carpet blasted off over the beautiful sea of shifting sands.