Chapter 39 Chapter 38 Tyrion

There was a neighing sound behind him, and it came from an impatient mount in a gold robe lined up on both sides of the road.Tyrion also heard Lord Gyles coughing.Earl Gales, Ser Adam, Jalabah Thor and others were not the companions he longed for, but his lord thought that it would be inappropriate for a dwarf to escort Prince Doran across the Blackwater River. Joffrey should have come to meet him himself, he thought as he waited, but the boy is sure to screw everything up, that's why Father sent me.Two days before, they had heard the king talking aloud about the jokes about the Dornishmen he had heard from Mace Tyrell's men. "How many Dornish men are needed to shoe the horses? No more, no less, exactly nine. One to work, and eight to carry the horse." Tillisubaru knew that such words could not be whispered in Doran Martell's ear.

They came, banners gradually emerging from the remnants of the green forest in the distance, accompanied by puffs of dust.From there all the way to the river was nothing but charred tree stumps, his masterpiece of the last battle.So many banners, he thought eccentrically, as thousands of horses kicked up and kicked up the ash, just as Tyrell's vanguard smashed Stannis from the flank.It appears that Martell brought half the great nobles of Dorne to King's Landing.He tried to imagine what that meant, and the more he thought about it, the more uneasy he became. "How many flags do you see?" he asked Bronn.

The mercenary cavalry narrowed his eyes and observed carefully. "Eight...no, nine." Tyrion looked back. "Come here, Pod. Describe each banner to me, and tell me which house they belong to." Podrick Payne urged his pony closer.He was the royal standard-bearer today, carrying Joffrey's stag and lion banner, somewhat overwhelmed.Bronn carried Tyrion's own banner, a gold Lannister coin on a crimson ground. He has grown taller.Tyrion thought, as Pod climbed in his stirrups and tried to look.Soon, he was like everyone else, taller than me.Under Tyrion's watchful eye, the boy Pod studied the heraldic genealogy of the Dornish people carefully, but his old habit of speaking nervously persisted. "I can't see clearly, the wind keeps blowing..."

"Bron, tell this kid what you saw." Bronn was wearing a new coat and cloak today, with the emblem of chains on fire on his chest, just like the knight in the story. "A red sun on an orange field," he cried, "pierced by a spear." "Martell," Podrick Payne said impatiently, obviously heaving a sigh of relief, "House Martell of Sunspear, my lord, this is the banner of the Prince of Dorne." "Even my horse knows that," said Tyrion dryly. "Take another, Bronn." "A bunch of yellow balls on a purple flag." "You mean the lemons?" Pod asked hopefully. "The lemons on the purple flag? These are the... Darts of Lemon Grove?"

"Really?... The next one is a big black bird on a yellow flag, with a white or pink thing on its paw... The wind is blowing, so I can't see clearly." "That's Bremont's vulture, with a baby in its talons," Pod said. "This is the Bremont family of Bremont City, sir, lost a cow." Bronn laughed and said, "Boy, are you reading again? Reading can damage your eyes, so you won't be able to use your sword well. Next, the white skull on the black flag." "The crowned skull of the Manwoodi family, the skull with a golden crown on a black background." Pod became more confident with each correct answer, "They come from King's Tomb City."

"Three black spiders?" "That's the scorpion, ser. House Koggle of Sandstone. Their banner is three black scorpions on a red ground." "Yellow at the top and red at the bottom, curved in the middle." "The Fire Emblem of Hellgate Castle belongs to the Uller family." Tyrion was taken aback.This kid is not stupid, even though he stutters. "Go on, Pod," he urged, "if you get perfect marks, I'll give you a present." "Black and red pancakes," said Bronn, "with a golden hand in the center." "The Ailion family of Divine Favor City."

"Uh... a red chicken... pecking at a snake, it seems." "The Goggins of the Salt Coast. Excuse me, sir, but that's not a chicken, it's a cockatrice, born of a snake hatching from a rooster, with a red body and a long black snake in its beak." "Very well!" said Tyrion. "And one last, boy." Bronn scanned the approaching Dorne banners. "A golden feather on a checkerboard green flag." "A quill, sir, to be precise. It is the coat of arms of House Jordyn of Thor." Tyrion laughed loudly: "Nine are all right, even I can't do it myself." This is of course a lie, but it can give the kid some confidence, so why not do it.

It seems that the Martell family has a large group of dignitaries to accompany them.The families Pod just named are all deeply rooted and leafy, with vast territories, and they are by no means easy.The nine great houses of Dorne, led by patriarch or heir, came together, and Tyrion knew they were not here to see the dancing bear.There must be some information in it.I wouldn't like information.He was beginning to feel that it had been a mistake to send Messaila to Sunspear. "My lord," said Pod a little shyly, "there are no sedan chairs in the procession." Tyrion looked back sharply.Sure enough, the kid was right.

"Doran Martell always traveled in a palanquin," said the boy. "It was a palanquin, richly carved and hung with silk curtains, with suns embroidered on it." This Tyrion knew too.It is said that Prince Doran is over fifty years old and suffers from gout.Could it be that he wants to hurry this time? He thought to himself, is it because he is afraid that the sedan chair will become the target of robbers? Or is it difficult to pass through the mountain pass through the bone road? Could it be that the other party's gout has recovered? An ominous premonition rose spontaneously.

Waiting is frustrating. "Flags forward," he ordered, "meet them." He kicked off, with Bronn and Pod trailing behind him.When the Dornishmen saw what they were doing, they galloped too, and their banners fluttered in the wind.On the saddles with intricate carvings hung their favorite round iron shields, short spears for bundle throwing, and the double-curved Dornish bows they were used to shooting from horseback. King Daeron I recorded that the Dornish people are divided into three groups: the "salt people" who live by the sea, the "sand people" who live in the desert and narrow river valleys, and the "stone people" who live in the mountains and passes of the Red Mountains. The "salt people" and the Royna people have the most serious mixed blood, while the "stone people" basically maintain the local style.

In Daolang's team this time, the three major ethnic groups were all present.Their characteristics are obvious: the "salt people" are soft and dark, with smooth skin of olive color and long black hair blowing in the wind; the "sand people" are even darker. Long bright scarves tied on; the "stone men" are the best and most beautiful of the three, descended from the Andals and the First Men, with brown or blond hair, though their faces are a little roughened by the Dorne sun . The visiting princes wore silk or satin robes with fluttering long sleeves and gemstone belts. The armor was densely decorated or inlaid with polished copper, shiny silver and red soft gold. Others are as white as snow, all of them are slender and swift, with slender necks and pretty faces.The famous horse born in the Dorne desert may be smaller than the northern horse and cannot support full body armor, but it is said that it can run for two days and one night without feeling tired at all. The leader of the opponent rides a charcoal black horse, but the mane and tail are fiery red.The rider is tall, slender and graceful, as if blending into his mount.A light red silk robe fluttered over his shoulders, and his shirt was decorated with layers of copper plates. It seemed as if thousands of bright new copper plates were shining while he was running.A bronze sun was adorned on the front of the tall gilt helmet, and a round shield hung behind the horse, and the polished surface was embossed with the coat of arms of House Martell with the golden spear and the sun. Martell's sun, ten years younger, Tyrion thought as he reined in his horse. He was as strong as they were told, and even more ferocious than they were.He knew it was the opponent he was about to face. As the saying goes, "The Dornish warrior Miwa Shah is the only one who wins the world."He forced himself to smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, my lords. I have been sent here by His Majesty King Joffrey, upon hearing of your arrival, to extend warm greetings and welcomes on his behalf. My lord father - the present Hand of the King - is equally warm Welcome, my lords." Then he asked pretentiously, "My lords, who is His Royal Highness Prince Doran?" "My brother, Prince Doran, is in poor health, and it is temporarily inconvenient to travel," the other party took off his helmet.It was a long and melancholy face, with a pair of big black eyes under slender arched eyebrows, as bright as a kerosene pond, a forehead as sharp as a nose, and only a few silver strands in the lustrous black hair.An out-and-out "salt man". "He sent me here as a representative to attend the king's council—if His Majesty allows it." "Your Majesty must be very pleased that a great hero like Prince Oberyn of Dorn is by his side to advise you." Tyrion said thoughtfully. Sure enough, it was broken. Now there is a good show in King's Landing. "Your Majesty also welcomes these distinguished guests you have brought." "Permit me to introduce you to my companions, Lord Lannister. This is Ser Denzel Dart of Lemongrove, and this is Lord Tremond Gorgonlus. These two are Harman U Lord Le and his brother Ser Urik. These are Ser Roger Arion and his bastard son, Ser Daemon Sand, from the City of God's Favor. These are Dagos Manwood Lord Fiddler and his brother Sir Meath, and his sons Morse and Dickon. This is Sir Aaron Kogle. Oh, and ladies of honor, this is Miss Mirri Jordyn , the heir of the city of Torun. These three are Countess Laura Bremond, her daughter Jonessa, and her son Penrose." He raised his slender right hand, signaling a dark-haired woman behind the team to step forward. "This is Ellaria Sand, my mistress." Tyrion swallowed.His mistress! And an illegitimate daughter, it would be no wonder Cersei would be furious if she were to be allowed to attend the wedding.My sister will definitely do everything possible to exclude him. It is hard to imagine that if she sits in a high position, she will offend all the noble ladies at the same table.Could it be that Prince Doran's purpose is to ask his younger brother to stir up disputes? Prince Oberyn reined in, facing his Dornish companions, after his introductions. "Ellaria, my lords, ladies and gentlemen, have you seen it? Our good King Joffrey loves us so much that he sent his own uncle, the little devil, to take care of us!" Bronn snorted, and Tyrion feigned joy. "My lords, it is a great honor to meet you, but I am not alone. Don't you think it is a bit of a burden for such a little man?" Is it too heavy?" His own team also followed, so he - a roll call in return. "Permit me to introduce you to my party. This is Ser Fremont Brax, Heir of Horndale. This is Lord Gales of Rosby. This is Adam Marbrand Sir, Lord Commander of the City Watch. This is Prince Jalabhar Thor, from the Isle of Safflower. This is Ser Harris Swyfer, father-in-law of my uncle Ser Kevan. This is Mellon Sir Crakeher. These two are Sir Philip Ford and Ser Bronn of the Blackwater, both heroes of the war against the traitor Stannis. This is my squire, young Pod Rick, from the Pyne family." Tyrion spoke out the names of each, but these people were far less prominent and resounding than Prince Oberyn's companions.Both sides are well aware of this. "My lord Lannister," said Countess Bremond, "we have traveled a long way and traveled a long way. At this moment, we really want to rest early and have some light meals. May I enter the city immediately?" "Of course, my lady," Tyrion said, turning his horse, to Ser Adam Marbrand.So the gold-cloaked cavalry, who accounted for the main body of the honor guard, took action and escorted the team to the Blackwater River and King's Landing City on the other side. Oberyn Nameros Martell, Tyrion murmured his name until the prince himself rode beside him.Dorn's red viper, the seven hells, how should I deal with him? Of course, what Tyrion knows about him is just hearsay...but those rumors are terrible.It is said that Prince Oberyn was caught cheating on Lord Yronwood's mistress when he was not yet sixteen.The old man was physically strong and known for his violent temper, so he asked for a duel, but due to the prince's background and age, he agreed to stop the blood when he saw it.The result of the duel was mutual wounding, and the honor of both sides was preserved, but Prince Oberyn recovered well before long, and Lord Yronwood died of his wounds festering.It is believed that Oberyn applied poison to his sword, and from then on both his opponents and friends called him the "Red Viper." This happened many years ago. The young man at that time is now over forty years old. The only thing that remains the same is that the rumors surrounding him have become more and more terrifying.It is said that he traveled the Nine Free Cities, and traded with the Poisoners, and learned all manner of dark art; Bing, at first played for the Second Sons, and later formed his own team.Rumors abound about his tournaments, his battles, his duels, his mounts, and even his sexual tastes... Rumors abound that he sleeps with both men and women, and that throughout Dorne there are his illegitimate daughters, called "Sand Snake".As far as Tyrion knew, Prince Oberyn had no sons. Worst of all, he was the one who maimed Highgarden's heir. He was the most unwelcome guest in the Seven Kingdoms in this marriage to the Tyrells.Bringing Prince Oberyn into King's Landing, which now hosts Lord Mace Tyrell, his two sons, and thousands of Highgarden men, is nothing short of fuel for the pyre.One wrong word, one inappropriate joke, or even one unwanted look, and soon a fight will break out, and allies in our family will turn against each other. "We met," the Prince of Dorne said softly as they walked side by side on the Kingsroad, over burnt fields and tree trunks, "but I don't think you remember. You were shorter then than you are now." .” Tyrion hated his mocking tone, but warned himself not to be provoked by him. "When did it happen, my lord?" he asked politely and with interest. "Oh, many years ago, when my mother ruled Dorne, and your father was Hand of another king." The difference between him and the current king may be less than you think, Tyrion thought sourly. "When I visited Casterly Rock with my mother, her man, my sister Elya, etc., I was only... oh, fourteen or fifteen, roughly, and Elya was a year older than me. Remember your brother and sister It was eight or nine years old, and you were just born." Your visit will really estimate the time.Tyrion's mother died giving birth to him, so the Martell family came when the family mourned at Casterly Rock.Especially his father, he must have died at the time.Duke Tywin seldom mentioned his wife, but Tyrion heard several uncles talk about the love between his parents.At that time, my father served as the Prime Minister of King Aerys for a long time. People said that Lord Tywin Lannister ruled the Seven Kingdoms, and Lady Joanna ruled Lord Tywin. "When your mother died, Tywin wasn't what he used to be, little one," Uncle Jillian had told him, "and his feelings died with him." Jillian was Lord Tytos Lannister The youngest of four sons and Tyrion's favorite uncle. Now things are gone, the little uncle disappeared at sea, and Mrs. Joanna died because of Tyrion. "What do you think of Casterly Rock, Your Highness?" "Not much. Your father stayed away during our visit, leaving Ser Kevan to take care of it. The room he gave me had a feather bed and myrish rugs, but it was dark and windowless, I told Ilya, this is not so much a guest room as it is a dungeon. The sky over there is too dark, the drinks are too sweet, the women are too simple, the food is too bland... and you are the most disappointing to us." "I was just born at that time, how can I disappoint you?" "You are a villain in everyone's mouth," the black-haired prince replied, "yes, you were a small piece of meat back then, but you have become famous all over the world. When you were born, we were in Old Town, and the whole city was talking about the Prime Minister Get monsters, everyone thinks this is a bad omen for the future of the country." "Yes, and with that came famine and pestilence and war," Tyrion said with a sour smile. here." "Oh," said Prince Oberyn, "your birth did bring your father down. I have heard the brothers of the Beggars preach that your father made himself greater than King Aerys, but only the gods Talent is above kings, so they sent you as a curse to teach your father that no mortal can stand equal to them." "I've tried so hard, and it's a pity he won't learn his lesson," Tyrion sighed affectively. "Go on, I like stories." "We were disappointed to find that you were born with nothing special. Along the way people said that you had a stiff curly tail like a pig, and a strangely large head, almost half the size of your body, and you Born with thick black hair and a beard, an evil eye and lion paws. You have teeth so long you can't shut up and between your legs you have not only a man's butt but also a woman's vagina .” "Well, it saves a lot of trouble to be alone when you can fuck yourself, don't you think? And fangs and lion's claws can come in handy now and then. Well, I see your disappointment already." Bronn laughed, but Oberyn didn't smile. "We would never have seen you if it hadn't been for your dear sister. Your family never brought you out in those days, let alone showed them to guests, and we only heard the sound of babies coming from the depths of Casterly Rock at night. Crying. I have to admit, your crying at that time was amazing, you could cry for hours, and nothing could cure anything but a woman's tits." "Well, it hasn't changed until now." This time Prince Oberyn finally laughed out loud, "We really have the same taste. Lord Gogenlus once told me that he dreamed of a sword in his hand and a corpse shrouded in horse leather. I told him I dream: breasts in my mouth, drunk and tender." .” Tyrion grinned. "You mentioned my sister?" "Cersei promised Elia that she would satisfy our curiosity. The day before we left, my mother and your father were discussing matters, and she and Jaime took us to your room. Your nanny wanted to bring We kicked him out, but your sister sent her away with a few words. 'He's mine,' she said, 'and you're just a cow,' and you have no right to interfere with me. If you don't shut up, I'll tell my father to Pull out your tongue, anyway, cows only need udders, not tongues." "Yes, Her Majesty, she has been charming since she was a child," said Tyrion with interest.My sister actually said "he is mine", I really didn't expect it, but unfortunately, she probably didn't have such thoughts after that. "Cersei unwrapped you with her own hands so we can take a closer look," continued the Prince of Dorne. "You do have evil eyes, black down on your scalp, and a head larger than most newborns...but you don't. No tail, no beard, no fangs, no lion claws, and only a little pink bump between the legs. After hearing so many bizarre legends, it turned out that the bane of Lord Tywin was just a red, slightly deformed leg Ugly baby. Ilya screamed when she saw you like a little girl sees a cat and a dog. I think you must have heard that, even though you are ugly, how much she wants to raise you. I told your sister , you are such a poor monster, she replied: 'Who said that? This guy killed my mother.' Then twisted your little life, as if to tear it off. You screamed and screamed, but she couldn't hear it, and finally Your brother Jaime said, 'Stop! You're hurting him!' before Cersei stopped. 'What's the matter?' she assured us, 'everyone says he won't live long, and he ain't gonna live long anyway Big'." The sun was high overhead and the autumn heat was hot, but Tyrion Lannister felt icy cold to the bone when he heard all this.My dear sister, he touched the scar on his nose, and glared at the Dornishman with that "evil eye."Why is he telling me this? To test me? To taunt me like Cersei? Want to hear me scream? "That's a good story, you must tell my father, I promise he'll be as happy when he hears it as I am. Especially the part about the tail, you know, I had a tail, but Dad cut it off with his own hands." Prince Oberyn chuckled, "You really are getting more interesting as you grow older." "Really? But I want to grow taller." "Speaking of interesting... I just heard a strange rumor from Lord Bukele's attendants. It is said that you set up a tax specifically for women?" "To be precise, it's a tax on the prostitution industry," Tirisubaru replied uneasily, "Damn it, what does it have to do with me? It's obviously forced by my father!" "Uh...a copper coin at a time. The Prime Minister thinks that this can improve The morals of the capital." The real purpose was to raise money for Joffrey's wedding.Needless to say, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, all the grievances of the people will be vented on Tyrion.According to Bronn, the street called it "the dwarf's copper." "Spread your legs, bitch, for half-humans!" People laughed and cursed in brothels and taverns. "It seems that I have to bring a purse of copper coins, the prince and the common people must abide by the law." "Do you have to go to a place like that?" Tyrion glanced behind him at Ellaria Sand, who was walking with the other women. "Could you have gotten tired of her on the journey?" "How is it possible? She and I are so close and blessed," Oberyn shrugged. "Really, we haven't shared a beautiful blonde yet. Ellaria has always been bitter about it. Do you know where to find this stuff?" "I'm a married person." Although there is no consummation. "Not in whorehouses." Unless you want to see them hanged. Oberyn suddenly changed the subject, "It is said that there were seventy-seven courses at the king's wedding feast?" "Are you hungry, Your Highness?" "I have been hungry for a long time, but not for food. Please tell me, when will the 'justice' you promised be realized?" "Justice." Yes, of course he's here for that, I should have known. "Surely you and Sister Ling are very close?" "Elia and I have been together since we were young, inseparable, just like your brother and your sister." Is it? Hope not. "Your Highness, Prince Oberyn, the war and marriage have kept us busy these days, and we have no time to attend to the horrific murder sixteen years ago. If there is any negligence, I sincerely apologize. I promise, only When the time is right, we will deal with it immediately. At the same time, any contribution made by Lord Dorne to maintain the unity of the kingdom will help to increase the energy and speed of my father's investigation—" "Dwarfs," cried the Red Viper deep and cold, "I'm not interested in your Lannister lies. Do you think we're bullying sheep, or brainless fools? My brother isn't bloodthirsty, but For sixteen years, he hasn't been sleeping. In the second year after Robert took the throne, Jon Arryn came to Sunspear, and we blamed him and questioned him a hundred times. I tell you! It's up to me , I don't care about investigations and pranks, I just want revenge for Elia and her children, revenge! First kill that stupid Gregor Clegane... But, the matter does not end here. Kill this Before you bastard, I want to find out who is behind the scenes and tell you, it’s best not to let me know that it’s your father.” He smiled, “An old monk once said that my birth was really a great mercy of the gods, you know this What do you mean, my lord little devil?" "I don't know," Tyrion replied cautiously. "Hmph, if the gods want to play tricks on the world, they should make me the eldest son and Doran the third son. As you can see, I am bloodthirsty. Well, it is me you have to deal with, not me The sickly, wary, old brother." Half a mile ahead, the sun shone on the Blackwater River, and also on the walls, towers, and halls of King's Landing on the other side of the river.Tyrion looked back at the procession following along the Kingsroad. "You sound like a marshal holding a heavy army," he said, "but I counted carefully, and you only brought three hundred people. Please look across the river, do you see anything?" "See what? See this dung heap called King's Landing?" "good." "Hmph, not only can I see it, but I can also smell it." "You should smell it well, Your Royal Highness, smell it carefully. Of course, the stench from half a million people is stronger than that from three hundred people, you should know that. Smell the smell of gold robes? There are about five of them. Thousands. My father's own army is nearly 20,000. Don't forget, the strongest in the city is the rose. Roses smell sweet, don't they? Especially when there are so many together, it is indeed extraordinary. Fifty thousand , 60,000, or even as many as 70,000 roses were planted in the city or in the wilderness on the outskirts of the city, some of them were fighting outside, but there were countless left behind." Martell shrugged dismissively. "Back in Goodorne—before we wed Darren—there was a saying, 'A flower bows to the sun.' If these roses should bother me, I'd gladly crush them all." "As you crushed Vilas Tyrell?" The Dornish people's reaction was not as violent as expected. "Almost half a year ago, I had just received a letter from Vilas, and we had a mutual love of cooking horsemeat. He never blamed me for the accident at the tourney. In fact, I shot him in the breastplate, but his Unfortunately his foot got entangled in the stirrup, and he fell down and was pinned down by the mount. I sent my maester to heal him, but the maester could only keep his thigh, and his knee was all broken. If you really want to blame, it's his fault Stupid dad. How could Vilas Tyrell be asked to participate in such a fierce jousting when he was as young as grass? That fat man thought he was born to be established in the jousting just like his two younger brothers. Merit, he wanted a Leo the Lance, but crippled his eldest son." "They say Ser Loras is stronger than Leo the Lance," said Tyrion. "Renly's little rose? I don't believe it." "Believe it or not," said Tyrion, "but Ser Loras has beaten many knights with great skill, even my brother Jaime." "What do you mean by beating? At most, he was shot off in a jousting. If you want to scare me with him, tell me, who has he killed?" "Ser Robert Royce, for example, and Ser Eamonn Cue. Also, he was seen fighting bravely with Renly's ghost at the Battle of the Blackwater." "Everyone? Just those who see ghosts?" The Dornishman chuckled. Tyrion stared at each other for a long time, "Sataya's brothel on Silk Street is good, Danxi has honey-colored red hair, Mary has long straight blond hair, they are both first-rate talents, but I advise You, Your Royal Highness, you must not let them leave your side." "Can't leave?" Prince Oberyn raised a thin black eyebrow, "My dear little devil, why is that?" "Didn't you just say that you dream of having breasts in your mouth, drunk and tender?" Yubi Tyrion kicked his horse and ran towards the waiting ferry on the south bank of the Blackwater River. He had had enough of the Dornishmen's cunning.Father should really send little Joe to ask him the difference between a Dornishman and a bull in front of the Red Viper.Thinking of this, he couldn't help laughing.It seems that before the red poisonous snake meets the king, it has to organize its language well.