Hello all! Welcome back to my Fireborn series! As promised, here is my fourth installment; Blazing Liberation. This will cover season 4, and include some more Robb POV because that's fun to write!
I'm shaking things up; it's not going to be Jae's POV in the beginning of the chapter. She will have a large chunk of it, so don't worry - it's still mostly about Jae. There will also be the start of a "How to Train Your Dragon" plot with Jae and Davvi.
As always I only own Davvi, Jae, and Robb's new character development and plot. Bold is Dothraki, italics is Valyrian.
Enjoy!
King's Landing (Robb's POV)…
There's nothing down here to keep my sane. All I can see is my wife dying, my mother being murdered. I've been confined to the cells below the Red Keep since my arrival in King's Landing a fortnight ago. Days feel like years down here. There's no sun, no moon to tell me what time it is. Sweat clings to my body, and I feel my strength leaving every second. My chest and stomach ache from the arrows that were pulled out. My only company is a maester who tends to my wounds methodically and the guards who bring me food and water. Stale food, but food nonetheless. But my skin has become sunken and pale. Covered in dirt. The cell smells as badly as you could imagine. My bath is water tossed onto my still-dressed body, my clothes moldy.
The only thought that gives me hope is that I am not alone. My sister is here, somewhere in the castle. And were I to escape, I could get her, and we could leave together. Escape into the night, go North and never return. I lost everything to my mistake, and I don't think I can ever come back from that. The guards are not quiet. They often gloat about how the Boltons now have the North, the Karstarks and the Umbers backing them willingly, without hesitation. How could I have been so foolish? My mother is dead, a woman who deserved the best is dead, all because I couldn't keep a damn promise.
With a shout closer to a wounded howl I throw my empty plate across the room, watching it shatter against the brick wall. Right on time, the guards open the door and burst through, an amused look on their faces. "Look at this. The Young Wolf still has a temper."
"Don't matter. King'll have his head soon enough." The other one smirks, then slams his hand against my face, knocking me down. "He can keep it next to your mum's and that damn dog of yours."
"Grey Wind wasn't a dog." I mutter, voice shaky. "He was a direwolf."
"Dog, direwolf. Either way, he's dead. Just like you will be. Keep the noise down. We can't hear ourselves think." With that they are sweeping out of the cell, leaving me on the floor.
Breathing in, I sit up with great effort, body supported by my knees. I bow my head and clasp my hands.
I am not a praying man. I have not been for many moons. But I sit here now, on my knees, pleading to the Old Gods, and the New. Please look out for Sansa. Keep her safe from Joffrey. And help give me hope. Please, give me hope. If I shall die… let me die with dignity.
Across the Narrow Sea (Jae's POV)...
I lay on a hill above my sister, looking skyward as Davvi flies over me, having just returned from her hunt. It's been a week since Yunkai's slaves were freed, but we did not stay. I wish we had, at least to make sure they remained free. But my sister insisted we continue, her advisors eager to agree. So all I could do was follow her order, a sinking feeling in my gut that we hadn't done enough.
Shrieking gets my attention, and I sit up to see Rhaegal and Viserion flying towards my sister and Drogon, fighting over a bloodied animal. I watch as my sister jumps when the bloodied carcass drops in front of her and stand, running towards her.
I arrive at the boulder just as Drogon is fighting for a piece of animal with his brothers. "Shh. Shh." Dany tries to soothe her obvious favorite, but he only snaps his head back and roars at her, causing my sister to lean back and yelp. Pleased, he roars once more and flies up into the sky with his brothers.
"Dany, are you alright."
She looks up at me and steels her face. "I am fine, hāedar." Little sister, in Valyrian.
I smile "You haven't called me that in awhile, Daenerys."
"I know." She warily looks to the sky, then her eyes fall upon Davvi, flying on her own, large wings spread as she twirls. "Davvi is doing well."
"Yes." I smile up at the dragon, laughing as she flies down and lands next to me, nuzzling into my leg. "Are you tired?" She just purrs, and I stroke the top of her head. "You flew longer today. But your left wing seems stronger than the other." She purrs again.
My sister clears her throat and I turn to her, hand still on the back of Davvi's head. "You've been training Davvi?"
"Yes." I nod. "Since we left Yunkai. She seemed ready for it."
"A dragon is not a pet, hāedar." My sister reminds me, a gentle look on her face and voice hard.
"No, it is not." I agree. "But she does not have to figure out who she is on her own."
My sister looks into my eyes, searching for something. "Why do I feel as though you are not just speaking about Davvi?"
"Because I'm not."
Our moment is broken when Jorah walks up the boulder. "They're dragons, Khaleesi, Princess. They can never be tamed. Not even by their mothers."
"No." I nod, then kiss Davvi's rough cheek. "But then again, a little wildness is never a bad thing."
"Princess." He bows out of respect, and I roll my eyes and laugh.
"One of these days, Jorah, you will learn to stop bowing to me."
"Are they ready, Ser Jorah?" My sister asks, interrupting us though there is an amused look on her face.
"Yes, Khaleesi." We rise and I watch Davvi join the other three dragons, flying around and screeching at them when they attempt to come at her. I watch in pride as she holds her ground… sky… and the dragons back off, fighting amongst themselves.
Realizing Jorah and Dany are a ways away from me I rush after them, arakh and Blackfyre swinging at my hips.
The Unsullied are lined up in perfect formation as always, our khalasar with them. Ser Barristan and Missandei stand at the front waiting for us to arrive, and I bypass my old swords teacher to hug my friend. After over a month of her getting used to it, I smile when she finally fully wraps her arms around mine.
"Hello, my friend. How is Davvi?"
"She is good, Deia. Keeping the others in line."
"Just like you." I smile and wrap my arm through hers, waiting for my sister.
"Ser Barristan." My sister greets.
He bows his head. "Your Grace."
She looks around, then stares back up at him. "Where's Daario Naharis?" At her words I peer around for my new friend, then notice my battle partner is missing.
"Deia, where is Grey Worm?"
"Gambling, Your Graces." He answers, as though that will settle the matter.
"Gambling?" Dany asks, and Ser Barristan gestures towards the parted middle of the Unsullied formation.
My sister sighs and holds out her hand for me to take. We walk together, but I look back and nudge my head. Missandei follows us, rushing over to take my hand as we keep moving.
I seem to always forget how many follow my sister, because after walking a mile past our Unsullied we come upon the former slaves of Yunkai who did choose to follow us. Most stayed, but nearly 100 freed souls came with us. They all shout "Mhysa" and "Mīsio". They bow to us, and I bow my head in response, smiling down at a little girl playing with a crown of wildflowers.
Finally we reach the ends of my sister's following. Grey Worm and Daario sit across from each other, legs crossed and arms out. The former has a dagger in his hands, the latter his arakh.
"How long have they been at this?" Dany asks.
"Since midnight, Your Grace." Missandei answers.
I huff. "If I knew they were holding a competition, I would have joined."
Missandei smiles at me, shoulders relaxed. "Perhaps it is good that you did not know?"
"Are you suggesting I'd lose?" I ask, and Missandei grins even wider.
"Of course not, my friend."
We walk over to the two men, who finally notice we've arrived. "Ser Worm is stronger than he looks. But I can see his arms beginning to shake." Daario comments.
"What's the prize to winning this stupid contest?" My sister asks, though I can tell she's at least a little amused.
"The honor of riding by your side on the road to Meereen." He looks up at my sister, and I jokingly huff.
"We fought in a battle together. Why am I not a prize to be won?" I ask haughtily, and Daario bows his head, though speaks in a joking tone.
"A thousand apologies, Princess Jaenarys."
I snort.
"The honor goes to Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan, as neither of them kept me waiting this morning." Dany tells the two men. "You two will ride in the rear guard and protect the livestock."
"And that is why you should've competed for me." I offer, my sister laughing at the look on my face.
"You, allowing men to compete for you? Who are you and what have you done to my sister." I laugh with her then look down at the two men.
I clear my throat. "The last man holding up his weapon will be left behind, and can find a new Queen to fight for." I offer, making to turn and walk away. My sister and Missandei walk ahead, but I stay rooted in my spot.
"You like this girl?" I hear Daario ask in Valyrian. "Must be frustrating."
"You are not a smart man, Daario Naharis." Grey Worm responds.
"I'd rather have no brains and two balls." I turn and glare up at him, eyes narrowed.
"I'm very tempted to tie you to a sheep and watch it drag you after us." I tell him in the common tongue. Daario winks and walks after my sister, and I turn to look at a disgruntled Grey Worm. He rolls his shoulders back and nods at me, then we walk back through the crowd together.
I sit on the ledge overlooking the large body of water beneath us. Behind me, the Unsullied and the rest of our people continuing to march. Missandei and Dany stand next to me, observing the same scenery. "Have you ever been to Meereen?" I hear my sister ask, and I look up at my friend as we wait for her to answer.
"Several times, Your Grace. With Master Kraznys." I spit when I hear his name. "It is alright, my friend. He cannot hurt me anymore."
"And?" Dany asks, continuing her line of questioning.
"They say 1,000 slaves building the Great Pyramid of Meereen."
I smirk, and throw a stone into the water below. "And now a freed army marches to her gates."
"Do you think the Great Masters are worried?" Dany asks.
I throw another rock, then laugh when Davvi swoops in out of nowhere, treating the rock like a toy. "Men are always afraid when they realize they're about to lose to a woman. Women."
Footsteps approach us, and I look over my shoulder to see a contrite Daario walking towards my sister, whose arms are crossed. "You were told to ride at the back of the train."
"Yes, my Queen. But I need to speak to you about something important. A matter of strategy."
"Then you can say it in front of Jaenarys. She's your general, after all." Realizing Dany is being willfully oblivious, I stand and dust off my loose tan dress with red swirls embroidered.
"Actually, Deia and I have to go." My sister raises an eyebrow. "Yeah. Bye."
"Jaenarys, get back here!" She whispers harshly, but I snort and take Missandei's hand. My best friend smiles.
"Your Grace." She bows respectfully then joins me in our exit, the two of us laughing hysterically when we are out of earshot. "Does your sister know he likes her?"
"Oh, without question. But men always love her." I add, without any contempt in my voice.
"I'm sure the same can be said for you. You're truly a rare beauty."
I shake my head, and smile sadly. "Thank you, Deia. As are you. But men do not love me, not like they love you and Dany."
"Men don't love me."
I think about Grey Worm, and the way he looks at her. "You would be surprised. It is fine, Deia. I'm sure I will meet the one when the time is right."
"Halt!" A man screams in Valyrian, and Missandei and I turn in the direction of the front of our train. Dany hurries to join us, hand clutching three flowers. Together we rush through the parted army, and I cover my mouth in horror when I see the reason for our stopping. Tears fill my eyes, and I touch my stomach, as if what it's in front of me was my own.
A girl barely six, stiff as a mountain and paler than Dany's white mare has been tied and nailed to a post, arms positioned so they point towards Meereen. I stumble, then find myself supported by Caraxes, my stubborn and aging black stallion.
"There's one on every mile marker between here and Meereen." I hear Jorah announce, then push past everyone - including my sister - to stand in front of the little girl.
"How many miles are there between here and Meereen?" Dany asks.
"163, Your Grace." Jorah answers.
"I'll tell our men to ride ahead and bury them. You two don't need to see this." Ser Barristan gently offers.
Before anyone can respond I whip out a small dagger I keep strapped to my calf and slice the ropes holding the girl up then pull out the nails on her feet and hands, catching the frail body in my arms. "I will bury them myself."
"And I shall join you. We will look upon each and everyone of their faces. Remove her collar, though. Please?" Dany requests.
I smile sadly and fix the girl so I'm carrying her like a man carries his bride. "You didn't need to even ask, Dany. They deserve to be free in death." She nods. With that, I'm walking up a hill above the front of our army. My sister follows me, but the rest stay behind.
I set the girl down gently and cut her collar, then hand it to Dany. She squeezes my shoulder and kneels next to me, and together we dig into the sand, dirt, and grass with our bare hands, uncaring of being dirtied. Wiping my brow I stand and pick the girl back up, carefully placing her in her grave. My sister and I cover her body, and she places the three flowers above the new mound. "I'm sorry you got so dirty, Dany." I whisper, feeling the tears sliding down my cheeks.
She sighs and takes my hand. "What's a body covered in grime, compared with giving an innocent soul dignity? Besides, I wouldn't want you to have to do this alone."
I nod at her words and we rest our heads against one another. "Thank you, Dany. But I have 163 more graves to dig."
"Then so do I, Nary." She kisses my temple to seal her promise, and together we rejoin the others, no less unprepared for the horrors we are about to bear witness to.