(Doran Martell’s POV)

As he waited patiently in his solar for Cregan to arrive, Doran cast his mind back, going over how the bastard of Brandon Stark and Ashara Dayne had changed things. Doran had predicted some, but not all of those changes, and yet, as he looked over the young knight’s life, Doran found little that didn’t in some way advance the plans he and Oberyn had.

Doran chuckled, remembering how, when he’d first heard of the northern bastard, he had wondered if it might be possible to ensure Cregan became Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. It wouldn’t have taken much to have Ashara swear that they were married in front of a weirwood. However, that idea had been discarded almost instantly. The Usurper sat on the throne, and Eddard Stark had been confirmed by the false king as Warden of the North, and given all that Ser Cregan had altered in Dorne from those early days in the Usurper’s reign, Doran now found himself glad that Ser Cregan was baseborn for he feared what changes the young knight might’ve brought if left to rule the North instead of shape things in Dorne.

Returning to Lord Eddard, Doran felt no anger toward the current Lord of Winterfell. He respected him for standing up against an unjust decree, and that respect had grown when Doran learned of the Lord of Winterfell’s reaction to the brutal actions of the Lannisters and their men in King’s Landing on the day it fell to the Usurper. The sheer audacity of the Lannisters filled Doran with a simmering rage. If their roles had been reversed, and King Aerys had called for Doran’s head, Doran would’ve rebelled. Seven hells, if not for Elia and her children being held hostage in the capital, Doran would never have sent Dornish men to fight for the Mad King. The thought of his kin dying in such a pointless conflict stoked the anger that lay just beneath his composed exterior.

With the war over, Doran had to work on weakening the Alliance between the Starks, Arryns, Lannisters, and Baratheons, and when Lord Eddard returned to the North – after returning Dawn to House Dayne – Doran had his way to begin the process. Cregan and the connection Lord Eddard felt toward his nephew, going so far as to send his brother Benjen to Starfall, had opened that door further than Doran would ever have been able to do otherwise.

While there had been some unfortunate events brought forth by the connection to the North, the obvious example being when Doran had almost lost his daughter and the future queen of Westeros to the Ironborn, it had generally worked in Dornish favour. Even that incident had benefited Dorne, as by fighting beside the Usurper against a common foe, it gave the impression to Lord Jon Arryn that Dorne accepted the stag on the Iron Throne when that would never be the case.

Through Cregan, Dornish influence had grown in the North. Obara was wed to Benjen Stark, and through him, controlled Moat Cailin, the only land route into the North from the South. Doran had not enjoyed needing the seal of the Usurper to have Obara named a Martell, but it was but one small part of the larger plan to remove the Baratheons and Lannisters from their false positions. Dornish influence in the North was only growing stronger as the second son of Lord Eddard, along with his bastard daughter and one of the grandchildren of the Lord of White Harbour – who was now a major trade partner of Dorne – was fostering in Sunspear. With the confirmation of the betrothal of Beron Stark to Wylla Manderly, Doran now had more influence with and respect from their Lords which would be useful when war next came to Westeros.

Another change Ser Cregan had brought about was with Oberyn. The marriage of his brother to the sister of Lord Aldric Dayne had secured the support of one of the major houses of Dorne while showing that they wouldn’t be ignored because of their connections to the Targaryens. Doran could still recall Elia’s letters where she spoke of Ashara, and how she saw the daughter of House Dayne as the younger sister she’d never had. Hells, Elia had even, at one time, considered having Aegon squire for the then Ser Alebert, heir to Starfall. That hadn’t happened, but by approving the match – after ensuring with Oberyn that it was one he deserved – Doran had secured the loyalty of the Daynes and, through them, the western edge of Dorne for when the Targaryens returned to Westeros. It had also brought forth a useful change in Oberyn.

Both Doran and his brother desired revenge for what had happened to Elia and her children. Yet, while Doran was happy for Oberyn to be the wild, attention-drawing brother while he worked in from the long grass readying to strike. Cregan and Lady Ashara had, along with Ellaria Sand helped distract Oberyn from any rash action, Cregan might not share blood with House Martell, but he was every inch Oberyn’s son, and over the last few years had settled well into the role as the son of the Red Viper. Going so far as to play on that title for the one he used to assault and capture Dustspear.

The next change, and the one Doran most approved of even if, as things were progressing it might well become the most difficult to control, was the one that Arianne had undergone. For many years she had been difficult, particularly when Doran’s wife, Lady Mellario had returned to Norvos. Yet, after first taking Cregan to her bed, Arianne had become more focused and dedicated to learning how to rule, even going so far as to offer suggestions to Doran’s Council.

That would be needed when it was time to wed her to Viserys Targaryen and have her take her place as queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Doran feared that when that time came, removing the Bloody Wolf from his daughter’s side would be tricky, yet, with the great gift Ser Cregan had brought and continued to bring to House Martell, it was a problem Doran was allowing, and even, however dangerous it might be, to grow.

The heritage of House Nymeros Martell, brought to them by Princess Nymeria of the Rhoynar, and long thought lost, had been returned to them by Cregan. While Doran could not now, and likely never would in their lifetimes, be able to publicly thank the Bloody Wolf for the gift of returning the magic of the Rhoynar to the last of its royal blood it was something Doran wished he could do. Until then, he would support Cregan in his plans, be that in the Stepstones as he worked to expand the reach of Sunspear, or in fostering bonds with the next generation of Northern nobles.

Of the three Northerners fostering in Sunspear, it was not the now betrothed pair of Beron Stark and Wylla Manderly that held most of Doran’s interest, but the bastard, Alysanne Snow. Cregan and Lady Ashara had both sworn to the Gods that they did not believe the girl was anything but Lord Eddard’s bastard. Doran, however, was uncertain if he believed them. Lord Eddard was, unlike the Usurper, Brandon Stark, or Oberyn before he settled down, not one to seek comfort outside his marriage.

That he would, between King’s Landing and Starfall, move to collect his bastard daughter and take her north was an odd move. Doran had placed it to one side, not thinking about it again until the bastard arrived in his throne room. The actions that had led to Alysanne Snow being in his court were troublesome, so much so that Tyene Sand had been dispatched to Oldtown to serve a year and a day with the Silent Sisters. However, it had not only strengthened the bond Doran had forged with Lord Eddard, as the Warden of the North had approved of the punishment given to Tyene but placed the probable daughter to Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark in his hands.

Yet, for all that Doran was slowly suspecting that Alysanne was indeed the daughter of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, he knew she was no threat to his plans. The Seven Kingdoms had made clear several times over the centuries that they would not follow a Queen on the Iron Throne. Still, Alysanne might have some role to play in events to come.

When she had first arrived in Sunspear, Doran had thought she, like his daughter and others, would find herself under the sway of Ser Cregan. However, in an unexpected but useful development, it seemed her attention had, with Cregan’s blessing, shifted to Arianne’s sworn shield: Daemon Sand.

Even if she was never confirmed as the daughter of Rhaegar, a match to Ser Daemon was a good one. As bastards, neither had much opportunity to rise far in the world, as it should be. Add in that Ser Daemon was loyal to House Martell, and Alysanne was under Arianne’s wing, then a potential threat to the Targaryens, when they returned, had been turned into a possible tool.

Lord Eddard had, if Doran’s suspicions were correct, gone to extreme lengths, including besmirching his honour, to protect his sister’s only child. If it were ever revealed that Alysanne was a daughter of the dragon, the Usurper would want her dead, which Doran knew Lord Eddard would never allow. Doran did not expect the North to rise in support of the Targaryens when they returned, but having them remain at best out of the war, and at least reluctant allies of the Baratheons and Lannisters, weakened the Usurper’s base.

Doran allowed himself a gentle chuckle as he considered the way several pieces had fallen under his control, and every one of them could, to varying degrees, be traced to Cregan. The greatest of those pieces was the return of magic to House Nymeros Martell. Yes, it seemed Cregan believed the Starks could regain their magic, but in The Great Game, the ability of water magic was a more powerful tool than being able to enter and control the mind of a beast. The fact Doran no longer needed even a stick to move around was, to him, proof of that.

Yet, for all the changes that now benefited him, there was one thing that continued to concern Doran. That was how, by comparison, his son Quentyn paled in comparison to the bastard. Lord Anders wrote frequently, speaking in glowing terms of Quentyn’s growth and maturity, even hinting that his daughter Gwyneth would make a fine match for the boy. The problem was that from spies Doran and Oberyn maintained in Yronwood, Doran knew that while Quentyn was improving, Cregan had long ago left him behind, leaving Quentyn choking on the dust of the steed taking the bastard to glory. From the more recent reports Doran had read, Quentyn had learnt of Cregan’s growing fame and had grown to resent the boy for it.

When it came time to wed Arianne to Viserys Targaryen and have Quentyn named heir to Sunspear, Doran would need a way to either remove Cregan from the board or ensure he was kept clear of his children. Or at least his older ones. That was why he was awaiting the young knight today, as while the plan was in its infancy, Ser Cregan’s focus on the Stepstones presented Doran was a way to shift his pieces around without, hopefully, having to sacrifice one that had grown from a simple soldier into a useful knight and commander. That said, even if Cregan fell in the Steps, Dustspear could be taken and maintained by Sunspear while the carnage and chaos of Ser Cregan’s campaign would weaken the strength of the pirates there when it came time for Viserys to return and claim the Iron Throne.

Doran looked at the goblet of wine on his desk, and with his musing over and time until Cregan arrived, he lifted a hand. While he lacked the skill of his daughter or the creativity of his brother, Doran was still a water mage, and the wine floated upwards into the air, slowly taking on the shape of a snake. Oberyn might be the Red Viper, but it wasn’t the loud, bright snake that should concern someone but the quiet one that moved slowly and unseen until it was ready to strike.

A knock at the door turned Doran’s attention to the matter at hand, and after lowering his hand and having the wine snake return to the goblet, he spoke. “Enter.”

The door was pushed open, the large frame of Aero Hotah being the first Doran saw. The man had come from Norvos with Lady Mellario, but when Doran’s wife had returned home over their disagreement over Quentyn’s fostering with Lord Anders and Arianne serving as cupbearer of the former Sealord of Braavos, Aero had remained. Doran had asked Aero why he’d remained and the Norvosi had explained that he’d done so to ensure the safety of Arianne.

As the door opened further, the young man Doran had been expecting, stepped forward and Doran looked over Ser Cregan. He wore a loose shirt, purple to draw attention to the eyes that came from his mother, and open enough to bare most of his chest. Over his shoulders, Ser Cregan wore a cloak of black, and Doran knew it would be emblazoned with the sigil created for the young knight by Arianne and Alysanne Snow.

Most bastards chose to either invert the colours of the parent that came from a noble house, or quarter a standard that used the sigils of both parents if each was trueborn. Arianne and Alysanne had created something different, and yet there was little Doran could find to fault their creation. Perhaps it was a touch overly dramatic, but the choice to represent each of the houses Ser Cregan was connected to was a fine one. As was basing the direwolf that dominated the sigil around Ymir, the black of the wolf matching Ser Cregan’s hair for shade if not intensity, while the piercing blue eyes of the massive beast drew attention to the centre of the sigil.

As Doran knew Cregan wouldn’t marry Arianne, he prayed daily that his daughter would not bring forth a bastard with the Bloody Wolf, he was relieved that his prayers had been heard and answered. His daughter was not carrying Ser Cregan’s child, and for that he was grateful. That dubious honour had fallen to Lady Asha Greyjoy. While House Greyjoy no longer ruled the Iron Islands, Lord Rodrik Harlaw did, and he was Lady Asha's uncle. Because of that, Ser Cregan now had connections, albeit tenuous ones, to three houses with influence over different sections of the Seven Kingdoms.

Doran had sent ravens to Lord Rodrik, Lord Victarion Greyjoy, and Lord Jon Arryn in King’s Landing telling them of Lady Asha’s condition. No reply was expected from Lord Victarion, as the man had not responded to a single raven sent with details of his niece’s time in Sunspear, but Doran knew Lord Rodrik would respond and, because it was the Throne that had made Asha Greyjoy a ward of House Martell, he expected something from King’s Landing as well.

“You summoned me, my Prince?” Ser Cregan asked once he was halfway to Doran’s desk.

“I have,” Doran replied, “please be seated.” As Ser Cregan moved forward, Doran gave Aero a nod, letting the Captain of the Guards know he could close the door. “I do hope I have not pulled you from anything important?” He asked once the young knight was seated.

“No, My Prince. I was just spending time with Lady Asha and my mother,” Ser Cregan replied. “Might I presume that her condition is why I have been summoned?”

“It was. At least in the main,” Doran replied, drawing a nod of understanding from the Bloody Wolf. Young he might be, but Cregan had a keen mind, one Doran had helped shape and nurture over the years through cyvasse and discussions while a game was played. “Privately, I am sure you can determine another reason why we are speaking in my solar.”

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“Without overstepping, I suspect you wish to know my intentions for the Stepstones after my recent campaign.”

“Yes, that is another reason why I summoned you, and one we shall get to in due course,” Doran replied, leaning back in his seat. Ser Cregan’s brow creased, meaning he was entirely unaware of Doran’s primary reason for the summons, which was something Doran was going to enjoy. “First though, I should ask how you and Lady Asha are handling the change in circumstances.”

Ser Cregan laughed, though it lacked some humour. “As well as could be expected, My Prince, though, with a night to ponder the matter, I am certain now that I look forward to being a father and being able to guide my child.”

“Words every parent should speak and hold true,” Doran commented, remembering people – highborn and lowborn alike – who didn’t heed those words. “Will this change your plans for the future?”

“No, My Prince. If anything, it has me more committed than ever.”

“Good.” Doran nodded, pleased at those words.

His Seneschal, Ricasso had told him over their morning briefing that the wood and stone brought from Dustspear had the potential to be of immense value to Sunspear. Or at least that was what the Master builder and blacksmith had told Ricasso last night when summoned to the palace after examining the samples Ser Cregan had brought from Dustspear.

The cost of importing quality timber and iron from elsewhere was something that held the Shadow City back from growing as quickly as Doran wished. While Dustspear was a fledgling colony, it was another source of resources to be brought in, and Doran knew favourable terms would be easy to gain from Cregan.

“Are you aware that I have sent ravens to Lady Asha’s uncles as well as King’s Landing?”

“Yes, My Prince. My father explained that yesterday, and while Asha is perhaps more set against informing others of her condition, I know you could not avoid the matter.” Ser Cregan’s expression dropped slightly as he continued. “I only wish my father had been less… jovial about the matter than he was.”

Doran chuckled and picked up his goblet. “Yes, my brother has been amused at becoming a grandfather again ever since Maester Caleotte confirmed Lady Asha’s condition.”

“Understandable, My Prince,” Ser Cregan replied as Doran took a sip of his wine. “Though I fear how the Throne or Lord Rodrik might react.”

“I do not believe you have much to fear there,” Doran answered as he lowered his goblet. “Lord Rodrik, nor Lord Victarion Greyjoy, has any power to demand Lady Asha’s return. As for the Throne, I do not believe The Hand of the King will pass the matter along to the Small Council or the Iron Throne. Even if he did, from what I have heard of our King,” Doran disliked calling the Usurper by that title, but it was always wise to pretend he submitted to the rule of the Baratheons when speaking with any bar his brother, “he would be impressed more than insulted that you placed a child into Lady Asha.”

Ser Cregan made a face, though no comment came to explain it. Doran was certain the young knight held a similar position regarding the Usurper and his Lannister backers as Doran and Oberyn held. However, he was not going to press on the matter until the time was right, if it ever was, to bring the knight in on the plans he had for the Seven Kingdoms.

“Lady Asha and her brother, Theon, might be wards of Sunspear and Winterfell respectfully, but their placement was determined by the Throne, not by the houses involved. To overturn that decision would undermine the authority of the Throne; something the Hand of the King will work diligently to ensure does not occur.”

“That is a relief, My Prince. While Asha and I have no intent to marry, we want to raise our child together.”

Doran nodded, accepting the words. It was an unusual situation, but with Cregan being a bastard, the chances of a marriage to a highborn lady such as Asha Greyjoy – even if many in the Seven Kingdoms didn’t consider the Ironborn noble – were slim. In most cases, after the child was born, or perhaps even before, a marriage would be arranged for Lady Asha to an elder Lord or highborn knight who would not complain about having a soiled lady as their bride.

“Then I shall offer prayers to the Gods, New and Old, that your child is born strong and your wishes for them granted.”

“Thank you, My Prince.” Cregan lowered his head at Doran’s words, though Doran knew the young knight would not want the prayers to go to the Seven. Cregan, like the Northerners who now resided in Sunspear, worshipped the Old Gods. Septon Dontar considered their beliefs in the Old Gods heretical and had demanded the boy be converted, or sent away after Oberyn had married Lady Ashara. A subtle threat to summon Lord Eddard Stark by Lady Ashara – and an implication he might take the matter to the Iron Throne – had ended the Septon’s public demands, though Doran knew Dontar still spoke out against the Old Gods during sermons.

Eventually, it could be an issue, but with Cregan’s star rising, and the support of himself, his brother and daughter, Doran knew there was little Septon Dontar could do to alter the opinion of Sunspear’s court. Still, some Lords and Ladies had expressed, if not concern, then worried interest, about the influence of the Old Gods within Dorne.

“Before we turn to speaking of your recent campaign, and plans for your next one, I wonder if you have perhaps given any thought to taking on a page or squire?”

Ser Cregan’s eyes widened for a moment, making clear the question had caught him unaware. “I… I had not, My Prince, at least beyond start thoughts. Beyond my age and relatively new knighthood, what I have done, and will be doing, to secure Dornish interests, makes me reluctant to consider either position. It might leave me needing to pay my men to clean and prepare my armour and weaponry, but at least they chose to follow me into battle. A situation I am unsure I would wish to offer to one unknown to the horrors of combat.”

“Your intent is a fine one and does you credit, Ser,” Doran commented, drawing a nod of appreciation from the young man as he showed another hint of intelligence and thoughtfulness that Doran had found lacking in many of the Lords and Ladies of Dorne. To say nothing of those from beyond the Red Mountains. “However, while a boy becoming a squire or page might not truly comprehend the dangers of war, their fathers do, and it is they that have the final say on with whom a boy will train.” He paused there, letting the matter sit for a moment and took another sip from his goblet. Cregan waited quietly, as Doran wanted, though he made no move to drink from the goblet prepared for him. “While you are newly knighted and young, your star is rising in my court, Ser Cregan. Your return this time might not match that from taking Dustspear,” Doran glanced to one side, indicating the shelf where the skull of the Grim Prince rested, “however, you have coin, prestige, and influence that many would hope to exploit by having you take their son as a page or squire. Such as the dockmaster of the Shadow City.”

Ser Cregan took a moment, going over the point before he replied. “Jekar is a smart boy, My Prince, and I understand he trains with others, including your son Trystane, in the yard. However, I believed he had more intention to become a sailor than a knight.”

Doran allowed a faint smile to creep onto his face. Once more Cregan was displaying an intellect and wisdom far beyond his years. That had Doran relieved that he had not gone through with his plan to make the boy the Lord of Winterfell. From all he had heard, Lord Eddard had done well in the role, but it was clear he was focused more on maintaining the North than advancing it, to say nothing about preparing it for the next war whenever that came.

“Do you, perhaps, my Prince, have a candidate in mind for me to consider?”

Doran’s smile grew as Ser Cregan understood where he was being led, but laid the groundwork to deny Doran’s suggestion. “I do. Two have been brought to me and while both names might have crossed your mind, I am uncertain if you gave them the consideration they deserved.” Doran leaned forward, wanting to observe Ser Cregan’s reaction to the names. “How would you feel about taking Edric Dayne as a squire,” Ser Cregan seemed to freeze even as Doran continued, “or perhaps my son, Trystane?”

“My Prince?”

Doran leaned back and laughed, enjoying the shock that covered Ser Cregan’s face. Bastard he might be, but the young man was hard to catch unawares, and those few times Doran or Oberyn had, he’d recovered quickly. Seeing him lost for such a long moment at the names Doran had put forward was something Doran would enjoy telling Oberyn of when they next spoke.

He would also speak with his brother about enhancing Ser Cregan’s education toward unexpected information. While he was now recovering, the surprise and shock made clear that the names had not been ones Ser Cregan had considered deeply. If the Gods remained on his side, Ser Cregan had a role to play in events to come, and Doran needed the young knight – and possibly future Lord – to learn to school his reaction to shocks better, else those better trained in playing The Game would be able to exploit him. Just as Doran was doing now.

“Is there something about my suggestions that offends you, Ser Cregan?”

“No, My Prince!” Ser Cregan’s reply was swift, showing even unbalanced, he wasn’t out of the game. “It is simply that… the names you suggested were not, as you said, been deeply considered by myself.”

“But you had thought about taking the boys?”

“Yes, My Prince. Edric is heir to Starfall, and thus will one day be one of the most powerful Lords in Dorne while your son is a Prince of Dorne. It’s just that, to be blunt, My Prince, I am a bastard. Taking either as a squire would insult their houses, and those who had also hoped to take the boys as squires to secure friendships and alliances with Houses Dayne and Martell.”

“If you were but a simple bastard, with no fame, name, or fortune, what you have said would be true. However, you have all three. You are a bastard of a Great House and another House with good standing, you have earned honour and glory before you were a page, and as a knight, have moved to earn a name worthy of the title you bear. A Stark by blood you may be, but you are the Bloody Wolf of Dorne and a knight whose name and glory, as I have said, are rising high in my court. Many beyond the red sands might fail to see your skill, valour, and vision, but I do.”

“You honour me with your words, My Prince,” Ser Cregan responded, and Doran wondered how he would deflect the attention and the offer. “I would be honoured to simply consider your son or Edric as my squire. However, I must remind you, My Prince, that I will soon be entering battle against men with little honour or civility. Taking either boy into such a situation is a risk I am uncertain I am willing to consider.”

“Having a page or squire enter battle is a concern every knight, at least those who are worthy of the title, has to consider.” Doran’s thoughts raced to the mad dog of Tywin Lannister. One day, Gregor Clegane would pay for what he did to dear Elia, but that was not today. “Your plans for Redwater, and I suspect for all the Stepstones, are bold, and will see you and any man with you, be they knight, sellsword, or squire, placed in danger. That said, I have faith in your plans, and your desire to protect your men from needless death, as befits a good commander.”

If Cregan was caught out by Doran hinting that he might become the Lord of Dustspear or even the Stepstones, he didn’t show it. “I am honoured by your faith in my ability to lead, My Prince.”

Doran’s lips twitched. Ser Cregan had caught the suggestion that he might become a Lord but was smart enough to not dwell on it when other matters were at hand. “The honour is mine for having your allegiance. The taking of Dustspear and the defeat of the Grim Prince has proven your worth to the entire court. The offer to take Edric and Trystane as squires is a way for myself, and Dorne, to reward and recognise your actions, and make clear to all your importance to House Nymeros Martell.”

Ser Cregan lowered his head, accepting the praise, though when it rose Doran caught a flicker of confusion in the young knight’s eyes. “Forgive me, My Prince, but squires? As in both of them?”

Doran’s smile grew. “Yes. I understand your confusion, while it is not uncommon for a knight, especially one from a powerful and rich house, to have multiple squires and pages at the same time, for one born a bastard, it is. Taking both, which I hope you shall do, is a sign to all regardless of your birth status, you have importance and influence within Dorne.” Doran lifted his goblet and took another sip. “While young Edric is my page, even with the improvement in my health,” he lifted his goblet toward Ser Cregan, thanking the man for the help with that issue, “I will be unable to take him as a squire and see to his training. I have spoken to Edric of this several times in the last year, and each time when asked for another to squire for, your name is the first he mentions.”

“I am honoured he thinks highly of me, but I fear his father, Lord Aldric, would not approve of the change. Lady Joenne more so because I might be seen as a threat to her child becoming Lord of Starfall.”

Doran chuckled as he placed the goblet back on his desk. “Thanks to your mother, I’m aware of your goodaunt’s concerns about your status and religious choices, however, the choice is not hers. Thanks to the efforts of your parents, and young Edric I suspect, Lord Aldric has granted his permission for you to take Edric if you so desire. With his second son serving as a page for Lord Beric Dondarrion and two more children, he feels the dangers of sending Edric with you is acceptable.”

"Then I would be honoured to train the next Lord of Starfall," Ser Cregan replied; a flicker of something unspoken in his eyes. "However, I have concerns about training your son. Though he is not in line to inherit Sunspear, he is a Prince of Dorne. The honour of taking a prince as a squire is one I feel I may not be worthy of in comparison to others."

"Many have spoken to me about the chance to train Trystane. Do you perhaps feel unworthy because you lack the land and title compared to the Lords of Westeros?" Ser Cregan nodded slowly, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes.

Doran suspected that the young knight was being careful, lest he think Doran believed he was hoping to be made the Lord of Dustspear. Doran could, in theory, make him so, but he would not, at least not yet. Placing part of the Stepstones under the control of Sunspear would bring the wrath of many of the Free Cities, as well as King’s Landing. While plans existed to remove the Usurper, they were far from ready to begin, and as such Doran had to be careful with each step he made.

“Then you undersell yourself once again, Ser. Young you might be, but your mind is sharper than many Lords and Ladies three times your age. Your skill with the blade is, when age considered, impressive, and your ability to plan and command actions with an ability to see beyond the immediate area hints at an advanced understanding of warfare.” Doran leaned forward, his hand moving toward his goblet. “There is, also, as you have shown others in my family, something I feel you are uniquely qualified to teach my son.” As he spoke, the remaining wine in the goblet rose into the air, moving around to ensure it caught Ser Cregan’s gaze.

“The magic of the Rhoynar is not exactly my speciality, My Prince,” Ser Cregan replied, his hand lifting as a small firebird appeared in his palm. “Either your daughter or brother would be more suitable for his magical training.”

Doran nodded, lowering his hand, and returning the wine to the goblet. “Perhaps,” he began as Ser Cregan flicked his fingers out, dispelling the firebird, “but my daughter could only train her brother in magic, not the other areas that are required for a knight. As for my brother, adding Trystane to him, when he already has your cousin as a squire, carries the risk of insulting your uncle in Winterfell.” Doran knew Cregan would know that was flimsy reasoning, but he was also intelligent enough to not attempt to correct Doran’s comment.

“Yes, My Prince.”

Doran’s smile grew once again. “Good,” he said, leaning back fully into his seat. It was clear Ser Cregan was accepting of taking both boys as squires – mages too if Edric had any of Cregan’s skill with magic though Doran hoped that was not to be the case – but the decision had to be his and not Doran’s. “I understand your reluctance to consider, to say nothing of taking, one or both boys as squires. However, before you reach a final decision, might I suggest observing and speaking with the pair to determine their interest? They should, if I have the time right, be in the yard beginning their morning training under the eye of Ser Orland.”

“Yes, My Prince.”

Doran nodded, signalling that the meeting was over. “We shall speak again tomorrow,” Doran said as Ser Cregan moved toward the door. “Consider your choice of which boy, or both, you shall take, and we will also discuss your next campaign.”

“Yes, My Prince,” Ser Cregan replied again with another bow.

Doran watched the young knight leave his solar before turning his thoughts to the near future. Cregan would take both boys as squires; Doran was certain of that. To do otherwise would insult Lord Aldric and himself, and Cregan was too intelligent to make such a fateful error. The boys, if all went as intended, would learn well under the tutelage of Cregan and Daemon, who Doran knew would return with Cregan to Dustspear.

The Bastard of Godsgrace might be Arianne’s sworn shield, and expected to protect the heir to Sunspear, but Doran knew that to his daughter, Ser Cregan was more valuable to protect with the danger he was in. He did not agree with her logic as to why she sent her sworn shield with Ser Cregan, but he did approve of her making clear the importance Sunspear placed on Ser Cregan.

Beyond a new source of materials for the Shadow City, Dustspear served as a bastion of Martell might into the Stepstones. If Cregan succeeded in taking Redwater and other parts of the Stepstones, then his influence, and by extension Doran’s, would spread through a vital channel for naval trade. As that happened, others in Westeros and Essos would come to notice Cregan, and Doran was not willing to surrender such a useful, and growing more powerful, piece he had been cultivating. Perhaps he might not even wish to lose him later, but a knight was worth far less than a king.

If, by chance, bad fortune, or a lack of skill, Ser Cregan fell, then Dustspear would be secured and integrated into Sunspear’s sphere of control. Provided he was ready, Doran planned to place the island under Trystane’s command, thus ensuring Martell domination of the seas near the Broken Arm.

There was, Doran knew, a chance that Trystane would fall in battle, and the thought weighed heavily on him. Still, it was a risk he was prepared to take. Trystane was third in line for the Spear Chair and thus a minor piece, albeit one that carried value. Ser Cregan understood this and would ensure both Trystane and Edric were protected from the worst of the battles. Yet no one, knight, prince, or king, could predict the future. If Trystane fell and Ser Cregan did not, it would be interesting to see how the knight managed the situation and how it might sever the bond he shared with Arianne. Though severing that bond before the arrival of Viserys Targaryen would be beneficial, Doran felt the Gods would ensure Ser Cregan moved heaven and earth to see that Trystane and Edric survived to be knighted.

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