The Discovery of the True King

[Watercress]

Loras sat on the deck of the ship, seething with tension and energy as the Galley sailed lazily onward, across the scenic Summer Sea. He was lying there in full armour, in the company of those few knights who accompanied him. A half-dozen of fine young knights of the Reach - none a year or more younger or older than their dear friend Loras Tyrell. Most prominent and dear among them was one Walter Flowers - the bastard son of a minor, unknown knight from Bitterbridge. It was his idea, his spark, that had propelled Loras into his current course of action. As the knights chatted lazily away, speaking of war, Westros, and fine women back home, the sun seemed to catch Walter's armour at a fine angle indeed, illuminating his face. And as Loras stared silently at his friend, a deep, unhatched emotion took it's first stirrings within his soul - unbeknownst to all, even to Loras himself.

-

Loras and Walter had been close since birth - raised together in the court of his father. Indeed, both had held squireship with the Lord of Old Oak, and had become firm friends in the common service of the House of Oakheart. Yet the two had parted for about a year or two after this, as Loras went to Highgarden to be knighted, and Walter went his own way. Indeed, Loras was taken by surprise when Walter came to Highgarden a month or so ago, eager to greet his squire-friend. Staying at the court of the Tyrells, Walter confided with Loras about a new passion of Walters - the dear boy, now Knight, had involved himself with the seedy underbelly of Reach society - those few still holding their loyalties to the Dragon rather than the Stag. Their ranks were varied - some jilted lords, some bored warriors, some downright scum. But their base emotion, their base loyalty to the House of Targaryen, was a common undercurrent to all of the Reach, including many Tyrells. Even if they did not associate with such men, many were sympathetic; Loras among them. And as a eager, impetuous, and bored lad of 16, Loras sworn with Walter that they would strive to bring the Dragons back to Westeros.

Walter it seemed had heard rumour, or letter, or whisper, that the young Aegon Targaryen, thought by many as slain during the Sack of King's Landing, still lived, as a refugee in Essos. Walter shared with Loras his dream of meeting with the young pretender, and swearing his fealty to the Dragon King. Loras soon became infatuated with the idea, and hatched a scheme to do so. As Mace rode north to treat with the King, Loras and Walter saw their opportunity. Willas Tyrell was left as Regent of Highgarden, and Loras was able to convince his brother to allow him to courier correspondence to the Prince Oberyn of Dorne, whom Willas frequently corresponded and conversed with, as both men sharing a passion for Horseflesh. Oberyn was uncle to the prospective Aegon, and so the young Knights of the Reach were eager to gain his support in their mutual endeavour. And so with mail in hand, and a group of five fellow friends and knights in tow, Walter and Loras sailed down from Highgarden to Oldtown, and now took a ship to Sunspear - glittering capital of the House Martell.

Their scheme, their adventure, had just begun.

[Pericles of Athens]

After days of sailing they arrive just off the coast of Sunspear, its hotter here than back in the Reach and the whole of the Tyrell crew can tell, the beating heart of Dorne and the seat of house Martell.. the Princes of Dorne. And what a capital it is.. great buildings and bazaars litter the city, three massive walls encircle its heart, above it all rises the Spear Tower standing over one hundred and fifty feet tall with a gilded spear at the top adding thirty more. As the ship pulls into port the crew can see the Tower of the Sun, a great domed buliding which holds the Martell throne room this is where they will find the Princes of Dorne, this is where they will find the Red Viper..

[Watercress]

Loras and his party descended from the Galley the moment the crew of the vessel laid down the gangplank, and they hurried down into the docks with haste. They marvelled for a short time at the truly unique, even alien, structure and landscape of the city of Sunspear. They were used to green fields, grape orchards, and fine stone buildings. Here they saw desert, dust and sandstone, all across their field of vision. They would not have time to observe for long - Loras bid his followers move quickly, and head for the Tower of the Sun, a unmissable structure in the cityscape.

Arriving quickly, they spoke for a short time with the Palace Guards - explaining their origin, and their purpose. Of course they were treated with some suspicion - The Martells and Tyrells, and thus Dorne and the Reach, were on uneasy terms ever since the tourney in which the Prince of Dorne crippled Willas Tyrell, although this hostility to the Martells was not shared by Willas himself. Anyway, they were allowed in, and arrived in the throne room. The six knights bowed before the assembled Martells, and Loras stepped forward.

'Hail, Princes of Dorne. I bring correspondance from my fair brother Willas to the Prince Oberyn, should he wish to receive it.'

Loras produced a envelope from his person, a quite hefty package, sealed with the flower of Tyrell.

[Pericles of Athens]

They were meet by Prince Doran seated on the throne of Martell and Prince Oberyn sharpening his blades.

Tyrells in my throne room? Now i've seen everything. So you are here to see my brother are you..

Doran was cut off by Oberyn, who sheathed his blades and walked toward the Tyrells

Brother if they they have something for me I will receive it..

He walks toward the men and takes the letter from Loras's hands, he precedes to open it..

[Watercress]

OOC: Just as a note, the letter isn't important to the actual storyline of this It's just a piece of canon lore that Loras is utilising as an excuse.

Loras waited with surprisingly patience as the Dornish Prince read the message from his brother. He had actually not read the letter beforehand - they talked always of such mundane, boring things. Horses, a frequent theme. After a few short minutes, Loras piped up.

'And, er, Prince Oberyn, I was also wondering whether I might speak with your privately. Just a little inquiry, that's all.'

Loras struggled to keep a straight face, and he began to enact his carefully thought out plan.

[Pericles of Athens]

Oberyn looks over the Tyrells for a few seconds before speaking

I could have guessed you didnt come here to give me a letter. Tyrell, anything you have to say to me you can say infront of my brother. So speak, what did you come all the way to Dorne to talk about?

[Watercress]

'Uhm...well, the simple thing is...'

Loras squirmed under the Martell scrutiny. His usual proud, inpetous self was sidelined by his base nervousness. Walter decided to step up to the plate in Loras' 'absence'.

'Well, I have good reason to believe your Targaryen nephew may still live.'

[Pericles of Athens]

Oberyn body was calm, but he was struggling to find his words at last he found them.


My.. my nephew, you mean Aegon.. Wait, what do you mean good reason, who told you this, where is he?

His brother Doran did not move pondering what was said.

[Watercress]

Loras Tyrell nodded to Walter, permitting him to retell the tale.

'Well, I've heard quite a few rumours, and stories, and indeed direct merchantmen and travellers tell me that Aegon still lives - over the Narrow Sea, in one of the city-states of the east. Now normally I would not be privy to here-say and slander, but the frequency of these tales, and the exotic nature of many of the storytellers has only fostered the validity of these claims. Myself and dear Loras are eager to go and find the true King - perhaps even bring him back, restore him to the Iron Throne. With the Seven's graces, of course.'

[Pericles of Athens]

And you want me to help you on this search?

Brother I know how much you wants this to be true but don't waste your time chasing ghosts.

Brother you know if there's even the smallest chance of me finding him I'll be going, and you won't be able to stop me..

Doran shakes his head knowing his brothers words are true.

So Tyrell what are you willing to do what are any of you willing to do to bring the rightful king back to his kingdoms?

[Watercress]

Loras stuttered, in a quite untypical manner for the 'Knight of Roses'.

'Well, uhm, anything, Lord Martell. Myself and my company are eager indeed to go and search for the Targaryen heir, and we would dedicate and if need be take our lives in the discovery and defence of the true king. All we ask for is passage to Essos - and if any of your courtsmen wills it, an opportunity for them to join us.'

[Pericles of Athens]

The prince grins

Were gonna put that to the test

Soren's sighs again

Fine but your not going alone.. your taking see Gargalen and 4 members of the Princeguard, I'm not going to lose another member of my family.

When do you and your men plan to move out?