Contents
THE WATCHER
Overview
At Sunspear, Ser Balon Swann presents Ser Gregor’s skull, and Doran Martell feigns compliance with Cersei’s wishes to return Myrcella and Trystane. In private, Doran reveals a plot to murder Trystane en route and assigns the Sand Snakes covert missions. Ellaria pleads against endless vengeance, but Doran moves carefully toward counterplay.
Summary
Areo Hotah observes a feast in Sunspear as Ser Balon Swann presents an ebony chest containing the skull of Gregor Clegane. Doran Martell publicly frames it as justice for Elia. The Sand Snakes test Swann with japes and barbs while Arianne engages him politely. Talk turns to Cersei’s letter requesting Myrcella and proposing Doran for the small council.
Doran appears to accept, planning a journey to the Water Gardens and then to court. Swann’s unease shows when sea travel is mentioned. The feast ends and Doran withdraws with Arianne, Ellaria, the Sand Snakes, and Hotah, where the women debate vengeance versus restraint, Ellaria urging an end to blood-feuds.
In the solar, Doran insists Myrcella’s maiming be blamed on Darkstar and demands the Sand Snakes swear obedience. He reveals intelligence that Cersei intends an ambush in the kingswood to kill Trystane and frame “outlaws” shouting for the Imp, with Swann as witness. The revelation shocks the Sand Snakes.
Doran refuses to harm his guest. Instead, he crafts a counter: Obara will guide Swann to hunt Darkstar; Nymeria will go to King’s Landing to claim Dorne’s council seat; Tyene will infiltrate the Faith and get close to the High Septon. Myrcella will confirm Darkstar’s guilt, and a raven will be sent before any return.
As plans settle, Doran reiterates his cautious philosophy, rooted in protecting children at the Water Gardens. After the Sand Snakes depart, Doran tells Arianne of reports from Lys of a great Volantene fleet, possibly bearing elephants and conceivably tied to Daenerys, and orders departure for the Water Gardens at dawn, while Hotah tends him.
Who Appears
- Areo HotahCaptain of guards and POV; observes the feast, gauges threats, and attends Doran throughout.
- Prince Doran MartellRuler of Dorne; accepts Gregor’s skull, reveals Cersei’s plot, assigns covert tasks, and leads a cautious strategy.
- Ser Balon SwannKingsguard envoy; delivers Gregor’s skull, uneasy at Doran’s plans, targeted for manipulation regarding Darkstar.
- Arianne MartellHeir of Dorne; manages courtly exchange with Swann, supports Doran’s narrative, and learns of fleet news.
- Nymeria Sand (Lady Nym)Sand Snake; urges vengeance, swears obedience, assigned to take Dorne’s seat on the small council.
- Obara SandSand Snake; fiery and blunt, presses for war, tasked to guide Swann to hunt Darkstar.
- Tyene SandSand Snake; sweet-seeming and deadly, swears obedience, sent to ingratiate herself with the High Septon.
- Ellaria SandOberyn’s paramour; argues against perpetual vengeance and prioritizes protecting children.
- Maester CaleotteDornish maester; presents Gregor’s skull and attends Doran during the feast.
- RicassoBlind seneschal; leads the royal toast during the feast at Sunspear.