Game of Thrones: King of Magic

Oberyn Martell. King's Landing.

Ellaria and I were in the gazebo of one of the Red Castle gardens. Usually there were a few servants here again, but now it was empty except for us, Olenna Tyrell and her two bodyguards, Right and Left, as she herself called them, standing at our respective sides. And even though her body had grown old and her face wrinkled, her keen gaze had gone nowhere.

- I never thought I'd see the Martells at Red Castle. I'd rather my idiot son had a brain than this. I don't know if you came here to remind me of yourself or just to piss someone off," she grinned. - And I didn't think the Martells would want to talk to an old woman like me any more.

I grinned as well, and Ellaria smiled politely.

After talking to Solomon, I decided to head straight to King's Landing, sending a raven to my brother along the way. There was no point in delaying with the promise, after all Solomon was no liar, I would even bet my spear on that. He was also extremely handsome and attractive, and Ellaria fully supported that opinion.

My brother's reply to my letter came rather quickly, and in it he indicated that he was skeptical of a possible cure. However, he was also not opposed to trying it, for I had added a few details to the letter regarding Solomon, namely his magic, reputation, and my impression of him.

Other than that, I usually preferred to be in a brothel, because there wasn't the nauseating smell of shit that permeated the city, and there were more good-looking girls and boys around. But to fulfill my part of the bargain, I needed to be in the castle... with the Lannisters, because that was the only way I could get on their nerves.

- Why would you do that, Lady Olenna? Though you are no longer young, your clarity of mind still surpasses most of Westeros," I began. - And why the innuendo? There is no animosity between Willas and I, nor has there ever been. We even correspond from time to time.

- My grandson is too soft, and through my efforts Margaery is not like that, - Olenna waved away. - Well, what's the occasion of your invitation? I suppose with the new Hand that's on her way here now?

- You guessed it. And I'm glad we agree on that.

- Uh-oh. That doesn't take much brains. But still, what do you want from me? I doubt you're a fan of dried fruit.

- That's an idea, my love," Ellaria said. - It would be interesting to try them, wouldn't it?

- First things first, my dear, and then fun," I smiled, to which Olenna rolled her eyes and Ellaria nodded. - The reason you brought Lady Margaery with you is rather obvious. However, both you and I know what the Crown Prince is like. Also, she is not the first contender for his party, for there are Stark daughters traveling here as well.

- I'm glad she's not the last. And the Martells want an alliance? My Margaery is too good for your brother's son.

- I didn't mean Quentin or a marriage between our families in general, but something else.

- Not marriage? In that case, whatever you propose will sound like the buzzing of an elusive fly over a foul-smelling pile.

- And we don't want an alliance, but rather a partnership. You may hold a grudge against us for Oberyn's actions, but it is not your eldest grandson who will be the next Lord of Highgarden," Ellaria interjected, drawing Olenna's attention. - We offer the Tyrells an almost guaranteed chance at the queen's crown, and in return we want your help in overthrowing the Lannisters from their golden perch. We all know Cersei's temperament, and she's sure to oppose your granddaughter.

- Oh, I'm sure she will. And you suspect the lions of Jon's death, I suppose? - Olenna asked.

- As if you don't, my lady," I grinned, at which she made a surprised face with an obvious note of sarcasm. - We'll take the Lannisters' attention away from you, giving you time to find proof. There may be others involved, but I will also take that role if necessary.

- Sounds too good to be true," Olenna commented. - And the new Hand?

- Eddard Stark is a man of honor and a stickler for the truth. He'll help us even if we don't tell him anything," I said, realizing she'd asked the question knowing the answer to it. - So, are you willing to cooperate?

Olenna hesitated, while Ellaria and I waited patiently for her decision.

It was definitely disadvantageous for her to disagree with our proposal. I made it clear to the Spike Queen that Dorne had no plans to conflict with Reach now or later, and that we didn't really care who sat on the Iron Throne. There was no point in counting the Prince, because he's too stupid for that and will become a puppet either in the hands of his mother, just like now, or someone else.

- Well, I have nothing to lose," she finally said.

- Glad to hear it," I smiled and stood up, and Ellaria repeated after me. - Have a good day, my lady. And if you think about it, we'd love to have you join us.

- I doubt it very much," she said finally, and we left the garden and went to our room.

The Tyrells were done. We had about a month and a half to prepare the ground before the royal family returned with the Starks. The Hand's office was guarded by Lannister men, but Lord Stark would handle it. However, identifying the weak link among the servants and bribing them was no problem. Olenna's granddaughter would take over the maid of honor, and her reputation allowed her to do so without any trouble.

The Baratheons are not for intrigue, so there was no point in having such a conversation with them, but not with Spider and Littlefinger. The former would rather listen, and the latter... Well, if he gets in our way, we'll have to take action.

-0-

Daenerys Targaryen. Near Norvos.

Khalasar stopped near Norvos, one of the Free Cities ruled by "bearded priests," whatever that means. Drogo had gone to collect tribute from its inhabitants, while I had gone to a class on military science. Right now it was just me, Fina, and her in her tent. I don't know why Shiro wasn't here as usual, but apparently the teacher had given him some assignment or something.

It's been about a week since I was given the ultimatum. At first I couldn't find a place to be, and my thoughts were constantly jumbled together, making it hard to sleep or study. But after a couple days, I felt a little better, and it was from that point on that I started going through my life in my head, looking for the answer to the question of what I wanted and not someone else. Not my brother, not Lord Solomon, not my teacher or Shiro, but just me.

It was only recently that the thought began to dawn on me that... I had done nothing of my own free will. Even the desire to return the Iron Throne to the Targaryens was something my brother instilled in me, back when we were traveling together. And it was so ingrained in my mind that I never wondered if I wanted it, and everything that was happening around me now was nothing more than the consequences of his wishes.

- I'm waiting for an answer, girl," I heard my teacher's stern voice and looked up, quickly remembering the question I'd been asked.

- To wage war one must consider not only the number of troops, but also weather conditions, terrain, and logistics. Rain can wash out roads, stopping an army's advance, narrow roads, rocky paths and dense forests can be used for ambushes, and without provisions, an army can't fight effectively.

- And? You're forgetting something.

- Uh... Well... Well... I think it was..." I mumbled, trying to remember, until my teacher clucked her tongue.

- Troop morale," she said.

- Oh, right! Without it, some soldiers may desert, either during the battle or before it starts. It is not the loss of funds or warriors that ends a battle, but the refusal to fight. It is the target of the enemy's night raids, when soldiers are recuperating, and the destruction of supply lines. Tired and lacking in morale and food, warriors lose even those battles where they are outnumbered many times over.

- Hmm... That'll do, though you needed a hint," the teacher nodded, to which I sighed in relief. - An example?

- It's..." I hesitated a bit. - The Dothraki aren't exactly suited for war in Westeros. Rain or snow would severely affect their mobility, morale would be far lower than here in Essos, and capturing strongholds and castles would be impossible. No siege weapons and no allies inside that could open a passageway inside...

I came to this conclusion a couple days ago when the topic of reconquering Westeros came up in class. Yes, there are plenty of Dothraki, but what's the point if I can't capture key sites? If I had dragons, there would be no question, but....

Those dragon eggs they gave me for my wedding were like stone. I don't know how to hatch them, or if it's even possible. After several attempts, I failed to get any results at all. It was all to no avail. And that added to the reasons I was beginning to doubt the success of returning to Westeros.

- That's better," the teacher said and took a sip from the glass in her hand. - We're done for the day. We can go now.

- Uh... Can I ask you a question, teacher? - I asked, to which I received silent consent. - Dragon eggs... Will Lord Solomon's magic be able to bring them to life? And... will he help me if I ask...?

- Will he? Definitely he can," the teacher answered calmly, and a happy expression appeared on my face. - I just doubt he'll decide to help you with it.

- But... Why...? - I asked frustratedly, to which the teacher grinned and nodded towards Fina.

- My lord has already assisted you by providing you with training that surely surpasses any other in the entire world. Without him, you would be nothing more than a simpleton with great ambition. Any more help, or rather, asking for help, will only disappoint him in you. And you can hardly offer him anything worthwhile in return, because he has everything. People? Red temples, and not only, will give their lives for him at his word. Money? If he can create a sword out of nothing, what's a couple gold coins worth? Land can be bought, and women are the same as men. You have essentially nothing, Princess.

I was used to her coldness and directness, but her every word cut into my heart like a red-hot blade, and the last phrase made me clench my hands into fists, so hard that my nails dug into my palms and threatened to pierce my skin. My lips quivered, and my eyes drooped into a cloudy shroud of bitter tears, but....

She was right, and I had no right to be angry about it. I have nothing. Basically nothing. No money, no men, no power, and Khalasar belongs to Drogo. A pretty face, a slender body, and the blood of a nearly extinct bloodline hated by the Seven Kingdoms is what I have.

Did Lord Solomon know this? I suppose so, and that's why he brought teacher and Shiro to me. They trained me, showed me what the world looked like, and... gave me value. With that knowledge, I could have been an advisor, maid of honor, or assistant to some noble lady or lord, but... would I have been okay with that?

I--I--I--

- So all my efforts have been in vain, girl? - said the teacher, to which I looked up. - I don't really care about that, though. But what about you? You studied hard, spent your time and energy for what? So that now, right in front of me, you can feel sorry for yourself and want to hide from the world? Are you really as mediocre as you want to appear?

I froze as soon as the teacher said a certain word. And upon hearing it, it was as if a fire had started in my heart. That word hurt me. It hurt what I had and what I was proud of. "Her," and only 'her' I'd had since I was born, and now 'her' was demanding to contradict the teacher, to show that her opinion was wrong, and to prove otherwise.

- You're wrong...

- Hmm? Your voice is too quiet and insignificant. Say it louder.

- You are wrong," I stated confidently, looking the teacher straight in the eye. - I am not mediocre. I am a Targaryen, and I have dragon blood in my veins. We were feared and respected because we tamed dragons, the greatest power the world has ever known. "Mediocrity does not apply to me on any level, and so you are wrong.

- Then prove it," the teacher smirked. - Words are only words unless they are backed up by deeds. And all I'm hearing now is empty talk.

- I will prove it, teacher. And not just to you, but to everyone else. I will prove that Targaryen blood is not mediocre, and that it still has power," I said and headed for the tent. - You will take it back. That is my promise to you.

- In that case, I'll look forward to it, girl. - The teacher grinned and I left her and Fina followed me.

I know the answer now. I'm not content with becoming someone else's shadow. It's others who will become my shadow that flap their dragon wings. My wings. And I will prove it, no matter what it takes.

-0-

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