NABC [17] The Ruler of Stormlands
[17] The Ruler of Stormlands
Chapter 17: The Ruler of Stormlands
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The journey from Dorne was more grueling than I’d anticipated. God’s Grace lay far behind us, a few hundred kilometers away, so the journey was getting a bit better. The harshness of the Dornish sun was replaced by the cooler winds as we trudged through Prince’s Pass. The land shifted around us—a place where sand and rock gave way to craggy hills and pine needles underfoot.
The pass was both a natural marvel and a reminder of just how far the borders of Dorne stretched. We rode in silence, with only the sound of horse hooves accompanying us. I’d almost grown fond of that sound.
The path curved between steep cliffs, shadowed by jagged peaks that seemed to pierce the sky. Around Kinvara and I, the Sand Snakes rode with ease, their eyes always scanning the trail, watchful for threats. It was Tyene who broke the quiet, her eyes half-lidded in boredom as she glanced my way.
“What do you think of this, Pri- er, Your Grace?” she stammered and asked.
“I like the gentler wind. Though I have to admit, I wouldn’t have been able to appreciate it this much if I hadn’t experienced the harshness of the Dornish Sun. Anyways, how long do you think we need to travel from here?” I asked in casual interest. I already knew the answer. I had naturally done my re
“We’re prepared for whatever may come,” I said, my gaze steady. Beside me, I could feel the quiet readiness of the Sand Snakes, their eyes locked on Renly’s knights.
Margaery’s voice slipped into the conversation, soft. “You should join us, if only for a night. We’re camped not far from here. I’m sure we could all benefit from a bit of company. The roads are lonely, after all.”
I smiled politely. “Gracious, but no. We’re on a tight schedule, I’m afraid.”
Renly raised an eyebrow. “So quick to move on, and yet you’ve nowhere pressing to be. Curious.”
“The Lord’s work is ever pressing,” Kinvara interjected smoothly, her tone unwavering. “We appreciate the offer, my lord. But we must keep moving. Time is short, and the light must reach those who need it most.”
Renly watched her for a moment, his smile remaining though the curiosity in his eyes sharpened. He nodded slowly. “Very well. I won’t hold you. But beware, the path ahead grows darker. Friends may turn into enemies when least expected.” His gaze held mine, the words hanging in the air like a veiled warning.
“Wise words, my lord,” I said. “Perhaps we’ll meet again under different circumstances,” I said, but my eyes were now on Margaery.
“Perhaps,” Renly echoed before pulling the reins of his horse and turning back to his camp. “Safe travels, Priestess. And remember—King Renly always appreciates those who recognize true kingship when they see it. We shall meet again when I take King’s Landing.”
He smiled, and then they were gone, the thunder of hooves fading into the distance.
I waited until they were well out of earshot before glancing toward Kinvara. “Take King’s Landing, he says,” I muttered, loosening the annoyed grip I hadn’t realized I still held on my horse’s reins.
Kinvara’s smile was unfaltering. “An ambitious man, a kind one too. Unfortunately, I don’t think he’s powerful enough. But this encounter did go better than expected. The Lord of Light guides us well, my prince. Trust in his flame.”
“Yes, yes,” I said dismissively, turning my horse toward the direction we were heading. North. Toward King’s Landing. “Let’s keep moving.”
The Sand Snakes exchanged glances, Tyene scoffing softly under her breath. I didn’t bother asking what she thought. But as we rode on, the golden fields stretching before us, I felt the tension ease. We were close.
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Author Note: Although the Ai Images rarely gets it right, but Kinvara always has a red jewel on the necklace around her neck.
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