Solomon. Braavos.
The next morning came, and after getting cleaned up, I made my way to the outdoor terrace of the Red Temple, where I was usually called for breakfast. The building was rectangular in shape and had a flat roof, on which was the terrace with a small annex where there was a large brazier with a burning flame.
And there was enough space to divide it for different needs. There were three sections in all: the terrace, the place from which sermons were preached, and a sort of seating area with flowerbeds and benches. From there, almost the entire Island of the Gods was visible, creating a mesmerizing and peaceful view.
Even if I didn't always respond to invitations, the table was always set for two people, Lina and me, so I didn't have to wait around, making it inconvenient. Yes most of the time they were replaced by walking around town and snacking on that bread, but today there was a reason to stay at the temple. And for that I would go in search of it right after breakfast.
When I arrived, my eyes found Lina sitting at the table, absorbed in her own thoughts. Her usual playful mood was still present, but every now and then a slight frown would slip across her face.
As stated earlier, the table was set for two. The dishes on it consisted of light foods like roasted fish, fruits, a glass of wine, and freshly baked bread, which could be called healthy food. This is rare in this era. It allowed me to keep my body toned without eating to excess.
I walked to the table and took a free chair, then looked at Lina, who still hadn't noticed me.
- Good morning, Lina. You seem a little pensive today. Is something wrong? - I asked and took a sip of wine.
- Oh, I apologize, "my king," I didn't notice you. It's rare that you're here," Lina said in her usual manner, "And I wouldn't say anything's wrong, just a couple of intrusive thoughts.
- Hmm? Like what?
- It's alright, you don't need to worry," she shook her head, and started to eat her breakfast, "I take it you need something? You don't usually keep me company.
- You could say that. Though, I thought you were busy with your morning prayers. Is today some kind of special day? - I asked in a skeptical tone, pointing my head outside the temple.
After my prank in the Pearl Coast, almost every day is special. Because of the drastic change in the weather, the power of every religion in all of Braavos has erupted with renewed vigor.
Every morning and every evening, the Island of the Gods was overflowing with worshipers hoping to pray away the "wrath of the gods" that had fallen upon the city. The clouds that covered the sky, the sudden rain and the flashing lightning reminded the inhabitants of the end of Valyria, and so they threw all their energies to placate the "gods". Generous donations poured in, and the temples and their surroundings were filled with crowds of worshipers. This is actually what is happening now.
Of course, no one has learned the real reason, or even guesses about it. Although, Lina, most likely, guessed what was the matter, but did not show it. Even in spite of her temperament, she doesn't meddle in my affairs unless I raise the issue myself. But that's just me, I guess.
- I don't always do it, only when I can. I have other duties, after all. - Lina giggled.
I smiled.
As it turns out, Lina is very... lazy, to put it most accurately. No, of course, she does her job well, but that leaves her with plenty of free time, which is usually used for frivolous conversations with various people. She does all the necessary things quickly and accurately, but she also prefers not to take on things that can be left out, thus freeing up her schedule.
To summarize, about two-thirds of her workday is given to her alone. One would think that for Lina, she wouldn't be the best candidate for the position of High Priestess, but that is far from the case. There is no shortage of benefits here for the temple itself.
She uses her free time to make connections, and any connections that might be beneficial. And it's not just the upper class of the city, like at that Tarmo reception where she was given special attention in the form of friendly banter or something similar, but someone smaller as well.
As I strolled through the city, about a quarter of the merchants and nobles greeted me with a mention of Lina. Some simply inquired about her well-being. Others asked me to give her a few friendly words, and some asked about her relationship with me.
Of course, her character and behavior played a role here. With her carefree and playfulness she manages to find a common language with almost any person, from what class it would not be. Even the orphans that walk around the neighborhood call her "good sister", which I heard several times with my own ears.
If Kinvara is serious and busy, Lina is the opposite of her. And I can't say she's not suited for her position. Based on all this, and my own observations, the Red Temple is one of the four most powerful forces in Braavos, along with the Black and White House, the Iron Bank, and the Sea Lord, only because of her. I don't know how old she is, but she's still blooming and fragrant at heart.
- So, what can I do for you, "my king"? - Lina asked, putting down her cutlery and drinking her wine.
- 'I would like you to send a letter to Lady Kirana. I need to visit her and find out the right time to do so.
- Hmm? Kirana? - She was surprised, and interest danced in her eyes. She placed her elbows on the table, putting her glass down, and cupped her face with her palms - You found out about the showdown between them, eh? May I know more about it? Somehow I think the cause of the conflict lies right in front of me, and it is very simple in its content. The stolen man? Gold? Territory, perhaps? Or a mother-daughter relationship? I would very much like to find out!
I smiled crookedly, watching her enthusiasm and eyes practically glowing with interest.
Ah, yes. I'd forgotten about her insight. It was clear from her words, though, that the conflict between them was known among a certain circle of people.
- Well, you're close to the truth. I'll tell you later when I've resolved their issue," I said, "And it's rude to pry, Lina. Keep your curiosity in check.
- But you're the one doing it," she pouted, "What's it worth to you to let me in on the details?
- You could say I was forced into it, so it doesn't count, - I laughed - So, will you fulfill my request?
- Of course, of course," Lina nodded, "But I'd like to hear the details later.
- It will depend on the circumstances.
Our meal went on at the same pace. Lina asked about life in Winterfell, her impressions of Pentos, and what she thought was the most interesting thing about my first meeting with Kinvara. Her reaction to my story was about what I expected-a slight giggle and playful teasing. Lina was amused by my actions at that moment, for Kinvara's behavior was indeed unexpected and unusual.
At some point, one of the priestesses entered the terrace, and as she approached us, she bowed respectfully and caught our attention.
- I apologize for the distraction, High Priestess, lord Solomon.
- It's alright Tullia, you don't need to worry, - Lina waved her hand and smiled - Is something wrong?
- There are guests in the temple," she began, and then turned to me, "They seek an audience with you, lord Solomon.
- Me? - I was surprised, and so was Lina - They didn't say their names?
- It's the Martells, Master Solomon.
Hmm? If I'm not mistaken, the Martells rule Dorne, one of the southernmost parts of the Seven Kingdoms. Famous for its sands, its hot climate, its treatment of bastards, and relations in general. The last two points were what got me interested in digging a little deeper, as with the Starks.
A couple of local texts that complemented the ones I'd read in Winterfell mentioned why Dorne was so different. A certain Queen of the Roynars, Nymeria, fled Valyrian Freehold and the dragons with her men, landing in Dorne. She became the consort of Mors Martell, the head of the house a thousand years ago, and because of this the region adopted some of the traditions of Nymeria's people. This is actually why the Martells' coat of arms is a spear against the sun, as Mors' coat of arms was a spear and Nymeria's coat of arms was the sun.
While in the rest of the Seven Kingdoms it is accepted that a woman should be refined, beautiful, malleable and so on, there is no such tradition in Dorne thanks to Nymeria. The Martells are interesting, but nowhere near as interesting as the Starks.
- What shall we do with them, "my king"? - Lina asked, to which I thought for a moment.
- I suppose they could be listened to. They must have a good reason for crossing the Narrow Sea just to see me.
- Good, then I'll join you as soon as I fulfill your request," Lina nodded. "Tullia, will you escort lord Solomon to his guests?
- As you command, High Priestess.
-0-
A short while later.
The priestess led me to the guest room, bowing and leaving me in front of its entrance. I nodded briefly and entered, where there were two men and a middle-aged woman in rich robes.
The man had a sullen face with deep creases, thin arched eyebrows, and large eyes as black and shiny as mineral oil. Thick black hair with barely noticeable graying fell back from a promontory on his forehead as sharp as his nose.
The woman, on the other hand, looked rather... ordinary. No offense to her, but both Kinvara and Lina were definitely superior in appearance. She had dark eyes and black hair, but there was something appealing about the look. Like Artist, but much weaker.
When they saw me, their eyes widened a little in surprise, or even shock, I'd say, and their bodies froze for a moment. Then, when they recovered, they glanced at each other briefly, and then nodded and smiled at each other. I don't know why, but it seemed a little suspicious to me.
- I suppose you know me, since you've come to meet me? - I began, to which they nodded affirmatively.
- Yes, through our mutual friend, Halon," the man said, to which I raised an eyebrow.
I wonder if he's not lying. Also, the man didn't emphasize the word 'friend', his speech was smooth and confident, which means he really thinks so. Who are the people in front of me if he considers them friends? That said, I don't know much about his life before we met, though I didn't really ask.
- Halon?
- I had been traveling around Essos for a while, visiting the Free Cities, being a member of the Younger Sons, and even putting together my own mercenary unit. By pure chance, I met Halon, who I actually became fast friends with. Though, at first, we built a purely business relationship rather than a friendship. After all, he was the son of a Magister, as you know, and I was the previous Prince of Dorne.
He paused and accepted the woman's outstretched glass of wine, then wet his throat.
- 'I hope I am not boring you with my story, Lord Solomon?
- You may address me simply as "Solomon." I'm not a fan of formalities," I said, "And you haven't introduced yourself.
- I apologize, sometimes something so commonplace slips my mind," the man laughed, and the woman shook her head, "Oberyn Martell, younger brother of Doran Martell, the current Prince of Dorne. And this is Ellaria Sand, my mistress and the light of my life. And Halon mentioned it, so if you don't mind, I'll drop the formalities.
- I'll be glad to do that," I nodded, "And you can go ahead. I hadn't asked Halon much about his life.
- No wonder. He's not exactly eager to share his life with anyone himself," Oberyn grinned, "Back on topic, at the time I thought it would be a good idea to befriend him. Halon has shown himself to be a discreet, loyal, intelligent and capable man who one would want to recruit in case of anything. After all, there are very few such men in Westeros.
- That's true," Ellaria nodded, "As far as we've heard, you first appeared at Winterfell. I must say you were very lucky to meet the Starks. They are, to be honest, very simple. Honor and duty are good, but the Starks aren't the most subtle and... knowledgeable.
Well, that's true. At least, that's how it was before I got here.
- When I heard about the arrangement between Halon and his father, I offered him a move to Sunspear and a high position, but he declined. As you know, he's also stubborn as a sheep, and he wanted to achieve the goal you helped him achieve. News of his father's death and his new position inspired me to contact him again.
- And that's why you're here?
- His tales of your magic and the rumors surrounding you surprised me to my core," Oberyn smiled broadly and looked at me expectantly, "May I see that spear Halon wrote about? It's my favorite weapon, and I can't wait to see it with my own eyes. Red as blood, deadly as poison, and beautiful as the sands of Dorne.
Hmm? I doubt that's the only reason they're here. More likely, Oberyn just wants to make sure of my magic. Besides, he didn't answer the question.
One thought, and in front of me, across my eyes so that the point was pointed at the wall, a Gae Bolg floating in the air appeared and instantly attracted the duo's attention.
The aura didn't scare them, at least not much, but they were definitely fascinated by the Noble Phantasm of Ireland's ancient hero.
Oberyn was especially affected, as his eyes practically lit up with admiration and explored every pattern of the weapon. He was like a child that saw a toy and immediately fell in love with it, casting everything else aside into a distant drawer. I think I even noticed saliva coming out of his mouth.
- It's beautiful... It's truly beautiful..." he murmured.
- ...I can't believe that such a work of art is actually a weapon. - Ellaria added, also mesmerized by the beauty of the spear.
Well, I'll give them time to come to their senses. After all, you don't always get to see the weapons sung about in legends, right?
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