The sun blasted through the doorway that led onto the balcony, and the grey drapes did little in keeping it out. It was early morning, but the city of Mereen was already roasting. Traders voices and the smell of spices drifted up from the street below, as the Haedaryen siblings sat in their room above the tavern.
"We need to be more careful. And make the death of Mormont our first priority. Otherwise, we will lose everything."
"Why not just kill him now and blame it on these sons of the harpy?"
"Nobody will believe that, Vaekar. The entire court will know about us, and our purpose will be lost. We need to tread carefully. You know how to do that, brother?"
"I'm not stupid Vaenys. We don't kill him now, fine. Why?"
"You aren't stupid in terms of martial matters, Vaekar. I need you to gauge the strength of the unsullied, whilst Vaenys will spy on the court, and I'll find the sons of the harpy. The court will open soon, make some excuse for me. Be back here at suppertime. "
"Who put you in charge, little brother?"
"Father."
Aerion swept out of the room, laughing at his sister's wit. Vaenys always teased Vaekar, so it was impossible to tell that they were twins. He was worried about his hot-headed brother. Vaenys could handle herself, and had a way with words. Vaekar just had a way with swords. He sighed, and looked around for the brightly coloured walls of Mereen. The taverns closest to them were the seediest, and most brightly coloured in their own way. It was there he would find the harpies.
They were good. Damned brilliant, as a matter of fact. Of course, none were better than he was, but you only had to look at Vaekar Haedaryen to know that. The finest fighter of Volantis would kill this Jorah Mormont, and the Targaryen whore. Maybe he'd have some fun with her first. The only thing he was concerned about was the unsullied. They drilled in perfect time, and when they fought, they were brilliant. One had even put him on his back, but out of the three battles he'd fought, he'd won two of them. Then there was his brother. He could beat Aerion bloody, he'd proven that enough times in Volantis. To him, it was simple. Run into the great pyramid, kill the bitch, sail away. Intrigue meant nothing when the spies were all dead. But the other two insisted on pretending to be intelligent and doing this sneakily. No matter, he could wait, and then strike.
"Aerion Haedaryen, step forward."
Shit. Had that knight spilled his guts already? This was bad, but she would do her best. Hopefully, Vaekar hadn't gotten drunk and told everyone of their plans already. She may have a chance yet.
" My sincerest apologies, your grace, but the sea doesn't agree with my brother at all well. He was extremely brave to introduce us to you yesterday, and it took it's toll on him. He is currently recovering, but I will do my best to ensure his immediate presence, if it would please your grace?"
"It would. I must speak with him urgently. Ser Jorah, go with Vaenys and ensure Aerion is here before nightfall. Take four unsullied with you, in case the sons of the harpy attempt to attack you."
Vaenys walked out of the great hall, hearing the knight's barks as he obeyed his mistress. Barks was definitely the right word, he doted on her like a dog. She hoped that he would lose her in the tangle of corridors, but-
" My lady, please wait for us, it is far too dangerous to be on those streets alone."
"I managed the journey here quite easily, Ser. You don't need to worry."
"The queen has given us a command, and you are duty bound to obey. Please, wait for us." She sighed.
"Very well."
Aerion sat with his brother, wondering where Vaenys was. Supper was a meagre affair of meat and cheese, and the tavern had been a battleground for two drunkards. Overall, he had made no progress whatsoever, and now his sister was missing. Things were moving too fast. Suddenly, a knock on the door woke him from his melancholy hubris, and into the red brick room, with the broken chairs and messy table. He opened it, to see Jorah Mormont and four unsullied , all with weapons drawn.
"The queen has ordered you to court. Come with us."
His sister was nowhere to be seen.
