Game of Thrones: Rise of Kings

Dawn, the dawn of all things, spreads as the light dispels the fog of night, and the air is filled with the fragrance of grass, mixed with the smell of horse manure.

The Dothraki people fold up their tents as usual and mount their horses. Until Khal Mongo issues new orders, the tribe will continue marching toward the outskirts of Qohor.

A marching group of more than 40,000 people would be a significant undertaking in other countries, requiring complete logistical supply capabilities and a strict command system. But for the Dothraki, this is simply life.

Riding is life, as are killing and plundering, living day by day until death.

The sun rises and sets; as long as the khal can still ride, all is well.

The tribe notices that their Khal Mongo often talks with an old man named Oliver. Is the khal planning to appoint this old man, who cannot ride, as his blood guard?

Another day, as the sun sets, a patrol scout team does not return. Khal Mongo claims the missing scouts were sent further to explore water sources.

After the seventh sunset, the tribe reaches the Sarn River on the western edge of the Dothraki Sea, where they halt their advance. Some of the missing scouts return safely.

The next morning, in the Dothraki camp, Mongo rides his fiery red warhorse to the city ruins on the Sarn River, guided by the old man Oliver.

"This is Ves Kvo."

The breeze sweeps through as Oliver reaches out to touch the stone wall of the ruins, a fascinated smile spreading across his weathered face.

As is well known, the Dothraki do not build. Mongo stops his warhorse and smiles:

"Ves Kvo, a Dothraki name."

In this world, it's rare for a Dothraki man to live as long as Oliver.

His prominent cheekbones hold up weathered skin, and beneath his wrinkled forehead are warm, cloudy eyes exuding peace and tranquility. Mongo notices the old man's arms are particularly slender and long.

After a moment of silence, Oliver's absent-minded eyes begin to shine, and he says:

"Tangazan Fein called this capital city Shanas, and Ves Kvo was the Dothraki name, meaning the City of Worms."

Mongo is stunned, hearing a foreign language. Before he can speak, Oliver continues:

"All prosperity faces dusk, and all prosperity ends. Tangazan Fein is the self-proclaimed language of the tall people, also known as the Sarnori."

Having said this, Oliver offers no further explanation and continues toward the Sarn River behind the ruins.

Mongo watches the old man's hunched figure, pondering.

Initially, he sought someone familiar with the Dothraki Sea and paid little attention to Oliver's origins, knowing only that he excelled in geography.

Today's encounter reveals the old man's hidden depths.

To rule a nation, one must understand its history and culture. As a knight, Mongo had learned from a khas's doctor about the historical legends passed down by the Dothraki.

The Dothraki Sea was not always so vast. It was once known as the Essos Prairie, home not only to the Dothraki but also to the "High People," a tribal nation that eventually built the Kingdom of Sarnor around the Sarn River. At its height, fifty city-states guarded the capital, Shanas, creating a civilization lasting over two thousand years. The Sarnori name originated from this.

As Oliver said, all prosperity ends. The Sarnori underestimated the rising Dothraki until it was too late. The Sarnor Kingdom fell to the Dothraki horses, leaving only a stronghold of fewer than 20,000 residents, Saias.

Since then, Dothraki horses have trampled the Essos grassland, transforming it into the Dothraki Sea.

The Sarnori had slender limbs, brown skin, and dark pupils and hair like the night. Oliver is clearly not a simple Dothraki but shares a close relationship with the Sarnori.

However, Mongo is not overly concerned about Oliver's intentions. The Sarnor Kingdom has been destroyed for hundreds of years, and Oliver has lived in the tribe for decades before Mongo became khal.

Thinking this, Mongo sets aside his thoughts and follows on horseback.

Passing through the city ruins, he reaches a bridge across the Sarn River.

Ahead, the bridge connects to a wide avenue extending straight to the horizon like a spear.

At this moment, Oliver straightens his back, revealing a trace of a Dothraki warrior's shadow.

Hearing the sound of hooves behind him, Oliver turns with a happy expression, stepping heavily on the smooth, ribbon-like road and says with a hearty smile:

"The Valyrian Road is made of lava, wide enough for three carriages side by side. The Valyrians' architectural carving skill is as renowned as their Valyrian steel forging technology."

Having watched the original series, Mongo knows about Valyrian steel. It's a magical steel, lighter yet harder and sharper than others. After the Valyrian catastrophe, existing Valyrian steel weapons are extremely rare and precious, each with its own name and story.

Mongo doesn't respond, but the road astounds him. He dismounts to examine the wide lava road, half a foot above the ground.

In their heyday, the Valyrians built the Valyrian Road connecting all major cities on Essos. Though Valyria fell four centuries ago, these roads remain pristine.

Oliver points to the western horizon and says:

"This Valyrian Road leads directly to the ruins of Weiss Kadoc. There was once a city called Esalia, a Valyrian colony."

Mongo focuses intently, then draws the dagger from his belt, offering the handle to Oliver:

"Using the Sarn River, its tributaries, and the Valyrian Road, can you now draw a map of the cities of Weiss Walker and Weiss Kadoc?"

"This..." Oliver hesitates, then retracts his hand, saying calmly and sincerely: "My khal, allow me to speak frankly."

Mongo returns the dagger to his belt and nods for Oliver to proceed.

Oliver, without hesitation, says:

"If you wish to determine routes and positions, my map is sufficient. If you wish to know the enemy's position and number, your scouts are sufficient. But if the khal wishes to decide a war, you must study the terrain yourself. The vastness of the Dothraki Sea is indescribable. It takes three years for the tribe to pass through once. My map and your scouts cannot secure victory."

Mongo understands the terrain's importance, which is why he sent scouts and sought the map in Oliver's mind.

Is this insufficient to determine the outcome? Watching the rushing Sarn River, he recalls suicidal bravery and attempts to stop the flow, one with courage, the other with numbers.

The thrill of becoming khal, leading 40,000 tribes, and commanding 20,000 roaring warriors under his command is fleeting.

Calming down, he recalls his previous plans: cavalry, speed, surprise attacks, grassland charges, great victories. Familiar war scenes vanish; his mind is blank.

Now, he realizes Oliver is right, and he has been arrogant.

Terrain assists the army, predicting the enemy and winning through calculated dangers and distances. Those who know this and use it in war will win; those who don't will lose.