Diplomacy and negotiations had never really appealed to Prince Rolland, who in the words of Maester Olyvar could best be described as “impetuous.” It was not a trait valued in diplomats, but the war demanded much of everyone. If Durran and Erich were out campaigning in the Reach, Rolland would do his duty. If his King required him to treat with Dornishmen, so be it.

Erich hadn’t said that he had to like it, however. His elder brother had left the business in Dorne unfinished, which did not sit well for him, but there was another host forming and his military expertise would be needed there.

Rolland had no such experience. He had objected at first, to Erich. I do not know how to treat with diplomats, brother!

That thing you are doing right now, Erich had responded coolly, that is all you need to do.

You know it is more complicated than that, Rolland responded irritably. His brother’s mockery did little to salve his temper.

His brother had little more to say on the matter though as he mounted his horse, preparing to ride west to Gallowsgrey. No, he said as the horse started away from the stables. It really is not!

Now Rolland arrived at Blackhaven, greeted by the Dondarrions’ castellan. They held a modest feast in his honor, as befit a Prince of Storm’s End. Erich had slept in the same bed as he had the night prior, on the same mission. He ventured down to the Wyl River, the agreed-upon location for negotiation, and sent a runner forth to Wyl proper.

A contingent of Dondarrion and Durrandon guards stood at his back, distant enough that they would have difficulty listening in but close enough to be at his side before an Yronwood sword cleared its sheath. Overhead flapped the three banners, the gold-and-black of his house, the black-and-purple of his host’s, and the seven-colored banner of peace.

Soon, he figured, they would be joined by a fourth. For now he squinted against the Dornish sun, shielding his steel blue eyes with a hand as he watched the shimmering image of his rider vanishing off and to the south.