Chapter 123 Dragonstone
The Flowing Water Garden is a beautiful place in Sunspear City. The area is lushly green and shaded, with tall palm trees swaying leisurely in the breeze. The clear stream meanders through it, with sparkling waves and the sound of gurgling water is like the sound of nature. The colorful flowers are dazzling and fragrant, attracting countless colorful butterflies to dance.
Exquisite fountains are dotted here and there, with water splashing everywhere and shining brightly in the bright sunshine. And the tranquil lake is like a huge mirror, clearly reflecting the blue sky, white clouds and the surrounding charming scenery.
In a magnificent room, Prince Doran convened a family meeting, and all direct members of the Martell family were present. Everyone looked at Prince Doran with doubts on their faces, curious about the specific content of this meeting.
Seeing that everyone had arrived, Doran, who was sitting in a wheelchair, took out a piece of exquisite parchment from the box next to him, handed it to his eldest son Quentin Martell, and then said: "This is more than ten We signed a marriage contract with the Targaryen family many years ago. The marriage contract was between you and Daenerys of the Targaryen family. This marriage contract is rarely known. Now, I want you to go to the Stepstone Islands to find Dany. Lys Targaryen demands that the other party fulfill the engagement and take her back to Dorne.”
Princess Arianne on the side heard this and immediately raised objections: "Father, I heard that Daenerys Targaryen is going to marry Gavin Belerys, the Lord of the Stepstone Islands. Not only does the other party now have a huge... Dragon, and also has a huge fleet and army. Even if we have a marriage contract in hand, Quentin will rashly go to take away the other party's fiancée, which will definitely anger Gavin Belleris, and I am afraid that Quentin's safety will not be guaranteed by then. "
Prince Doran heard his daughter's objection, waved his hand and said: "The exact information we just obtained is that Daenerys Targaryen owns a red baby dragon. A Targaryen surname plus a dragon is worthy of our visit. Do."
On the side, "Red Viper" Oberyn Martell also objected: "If Daenerys really has a dragon, then Gavin Belerys will not let it go easily. And such behavior will be harmful to anyone." It is a humiliation for everyone, and war between Dorne and the Stepstones is very likely."
Young Tristan Martell also spoke up: "Father, what my uncle said is true. Once Done does this, war will inevitably break out between Dorne and Gavin Belerys. The fleet on the Stepstone Islands is far more powerful than Dorne. , and the opponent also has a giant dragon. The losses that the black shark "Earl" caused to us in Dorne did not last long. The Dornish people have never been good at sea battles. I think Daenerys's young dragon is not worth it. We take risks.”
Prince Doran nodded after hearing this and said: "Of course I know, so I plan to give Gavin Belerys a fiancée." After saying that, he looked at his daughter Arianne aside and said: "I plan to marry him and give him a fiancée." What do you think about marrying him?"
After hearing this, Arianne felt quite reluctant. In Dorne's inheritance laws, men and women are equal and gender differences are ignored. As the eldest daughter, Arianne is the heir to Sunspear. However, if she chooses to marry Gavin, a powerful lord from the outside world, she may lose her inheritance rights, and the lords under her rule will support her younger brother Quentin. ·Martel.
Arianne was silent for a moment and then said: "I don't think Gavin Belerys will give up the opportunity to marry Daenerys Targaryen, who has a claim to Westeros, and instead form an alliance with Dorne."
After hearing this, Prince Doran said calmly: "Gavin Beleris's Stepped Islands are controlled by our Broken Arm in Dorne, one-third of the trade routes. We can cut off the trade routes at any time and choke Gavin Beleris's Lifeline. The economy of the Stepstone Islands is controlled by our Dorne, and it is reported that he is currently at war with Lys. I predict that he will not easily start a two-front war. Moreover, because of Daenerys, the Iron Throne may attack at any time. War begins on the Stepstone Islands, and Gavin needs allies at this time, and we in Dorne are the only ones who can help him."
Oberyn Martell immediately said after hearing this: "If Quentin succeeds in marrying Daenerys, will we become the primary target of the Iron Throne? In order to completely destroy the Targaryen family, Robert Baratheon even He didn't even care about glory. The exact news came from Braavos that Viserys Targaryen was killed by the killer he sent. Once Daenerys came to Dorne, there was no barrier from the sea. I'm afraid Bo will attack immediately."
After hearing this, Prince Doran shook his head and explained: "As far as I know, the current Iron Throne is incapable of starting a war. Robert Baratheon is profligate and the kingdom's finances are already overwhelmed. Even if a war breaks out between the Iron Throne and us in Dorne, The other party has no chance of conquering Dorne." After a pause, he looked at Quentin Martel and said, "This is just an attempt. Discuss the marriage with Gavin first. If he doesn't agree, then find an opportunity to talk to Dany in private. It would be best if you can get Daenerys with a dragon. After all, this trip is dangerous, you decide whether to go or not.”
After hearing this, Quentin Martell stood up and said firmly: "Father, I want to give it a try. Whether it is marrying Daenerys or marrying Gavin Belerys, it is undoubtedly a good thing for our Martell family. It’s a good thing.”
Daolang nodded and said, "That's it. Pay attention to safety."
On the rough sea, a ship flying the crowned stag flag bravely moved forward in the strong wind and waves, riding the wind and waves, and slowly sailed towards Dragonstone Island.
Dragonstone is like a ferocious beast rising from the sea, with jagged rocks and steep cliffs like sharp fangs, which is daunting. On the steep cliff, stands an ancient and majestic castle, which seems to be a witness of the years, and it still stands tall despite the wind and rain. The castle is built on the mountain, winding up, and blends in with the rocks.
A team of ceremonial guards got off the ship first. They lined up neatly, dressed in gorgeous clothes, holding colorful flags and spears, with solemn expressions. The sea breeze blew by, and the colorful flags fluttered.
Robert Baratheon also got off the ship, and as soon as he stepped onto the shore, he saw the messenger who came to greet him. However, it was not Stannis who came to greet him, but Axel Florent, the acting lord of Dragonstone. Robert felt a little rude about Stannis' absence. His brows furrowed slightly, but soon relaxed again. He did not intend to dwell on this matter too much.
Robert asked directly, "Where is Stannis?" Axel Florent hurriedly responded respectfully, "Waiting for Your Majesty in the Map Room." Robert snorted, a hint of dissatisfaction flashed in his eyes, and then strode past him and walked towards the castle.
He walked up the winding stairs, and his heavy steps were a little difficult. After a while, he was panting slightly, and fine beads of sweat oozed out of his forehead. He was no longer as young and energetic as he was in the past. At this moment, he was out of breath just by climbing these steps.
Soon, he was led by the waiter through the winding corridor. On the walls on both sides of the corridor were hung ancient portraits and sculptures, as if telling the glory and honor of the past.
Finally, they came to the Map Room. Robert reached out and pushed open the ancient and heavy door, and a stale smell came to his face. He saw Stannis waiting there, standing quietly in front of a huge map table with an expressionless face.