Prologue
"Maya! Stop dreaming!" my sister Ayanna called. I had watched our servants carry our last boxes on board of the ship. What would Westeros be like? It would surely be interesting to get to know a different culture. I had to admit that I didn't know much about the continent across the Narrow Sea. My parents had told me a thing or two, but only facts that mattered for merchants, for example that they had very good wine in Dorne and the Arbor. I had also heard the sailors talk about the Lannisters who always pay their debts and the people in the North that pray to trees.
"Are you sure you didn't forget anything?" Ayanna wanted to know.
"Yes, I am. What about you? You are the one who would always forget everything." I replied.
"Pretty sure." My little sister grinned at me. Then, for a moment, she looked thoughtful, as if she was remembering something. Had she forgotten something? Then she grinned again and said, "I tricked you, didn't I?" "You are so childish." I complained. She could be so annoying, never taking anything seriously. "That's because I am the younger one and you are my very responsible and mature older sister." She shrugged.
Right then, our mother joined our conversation, complaining that father was being late. He probably was still negotiating with the Iron Bank. That was the reason why we went to Westeros after all, to deal with their debts. We were going south to King's Landing, their capital. We were going to live in the royal court of Robert of the House Baratheon the first of His Name, King of the Andals and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. Why did they have such long titles anyway? We in Braavos didn't bother with such trivialities.
"Oh, look, there is Syrio!" Ayanna exclaimed excitedly. He was a water dancer who would accompany us to King's Landing. As children, we had had some dancing lessons with him and he had stayed close to our family ever since. We said "Valar morghulis" to each other and talked while waiting for father to arrive. Which he did. In the nick of time, as he always did.
"What took you so long?" mother wanted to know. She was not the most patient of all people. "I apologize for being so late, but you know how this business works. It is a miracle that these discussions have come to an end at all." Father tried to explain.
Then we went on board and departed at last. We watched as the Titan of Braavos grew smaller and smaller. I had no idea I would not get to see it again for quite some time.