Qohor was a lonely city of that there was little doubt. Viserys looked down on the city from the slight ridge they were positioned on and scowled. It had taken two weeks for them to reach the city and in that time Viserys had still failed to wash. He was fairly certain he smelt worse than death now but still the knight had no remarked on it. In fact it seemed to be the only thing he didn't remark on at all. They had spent the majority of their journey in silence Viserys choosing not to allow the knight to know who he was.
True there was a possibility he already knew judging by the discussion they'd had at the beginning of their journey but Viserys would rather stay safe.
Qohor was not as large as Pentos or Myr but it was a city nevertheless. The last few days had been spent travelling through a forest called 'The Forest of Qohor'. Viserys wondered what genius had named the forest that. Qohor's walls stood rought three times higher than Viserys on his horse protecting the city within. Within smoke could be seen billowing out and the faint sounds of clashing steel was easy to hear. Above all the other buildings rose a larger one upon which was a black statue of what appeared to be a goat. Viserys remembered the city well enough to remember Qohor worshiped the Black Goat as their God.
"Do you know the tale of Qohor and Khal Temmo?" asked Ser Drake as pushed his horse forwards and Viserys followed.
"I can't say I do," Viserys said coldly. He always made sure he sounded cold when speaking to the knight.
"Over four hundred years ago Khal Temmo rode on Qohor with a massive khalasar. Qohor hired the Bright Banners and the Second Sons to assist as well as purchasing thee thousand Unsullied. Do you know of the Unsullied?"
"Amuse me."
"The Unsullied are slave warriors from Astapor," the knight said ignoring Viserys's snide comment, "some say they're the greatest fighters in the world."
"That is doubtful." Viserys spat and the knight glance back at him.
"Anyway. When the khalasar rode on Qohor the city was defeated. The companies were broken and fled and the Qohorik forces were destroyed. When the Unsullied arrived the khalasar had retreated intending on taking the city the next day. When the khalasar came the next day they found the Unsullied waiting for them. They attacked the Unsullied ranks eighteen times trying to break through and all attempts failed. By the time they were done twelve thousand Dothraki lay dead on the field and six hundred Unsullied remained. Khal Temo was among the dead. The remaining Dothraki cut their braids and threw them down in front of the Unsullied before abandoning their conquest." Viserys listened to this last piece with interest as they rode beneath the open gates of Qohor and into the city.
The city looked no grander on the inside than it had done on the outside. Small huts seemed to count for houses and every other building was not a house at all but a blacksmith where the sounds of metal rung forth.
"You say that the people of Qohor purchased the Unsullied?" inquired Viserys loudly as the ringing pressed on and Ser Drake looked back to him.
"Yes." Viserys was silent for a moment as his brain set into gear.
"How much would it be to buy an army of these Unsullied?"
"It depends how large the army," Drake spoke with a frown.
"How about eight thousand if what you tell me of them is true." Ser Drake's eyes widened.
"The Unsullied are not cheap… why would you need such a force?"
"I was merely speculating." Viserys lied. Perhaps in time he would be able to buy an army… of course he's need money for that.
Viserys continued to follow Ser Drake as they moved down the filthy streets of Qohor. Viserys watched as the ladies would move aside in distress whilst most of the men with arms the size of tree trunks didn't seem to care if they crashed into the horses or passed them. Soon they came to what appeared to be some kind of stables, which was odd since it was so far inside the walls of the town.
"I'll need you to be getting off that," Ser Drake said as he jumped off his horse and Viserys frowned.
"What?"
"The horse, get off it." Viserys glowered at the man who wasn't smiling. "Please?" Viserys decided to comply and he jumped off as Drake took the reins. "Thank you." Drake said as he led the beast round the side of the stables and Viserys followed.
Round the side of the stables was a strange sort of desk where at sat a man looking through papers. As Ser Drake approached he glanced up and glowered until he saw the silver horse.
"You found her!" exclaimed the man in a silent voice as he jumped up from where he was sitting and came round the desk to stroke the horse. Viserys snatched up a piece of paper from the desk and attempted to read it. Unfortunately he had no idea what it said.
"I did indeed. I'm just sorry it took so long." Ser Drake replied folding his arms and watching the man fondly. Viserys looked the man over. He had a long beard that reached to his chest, his eyes were a dull grey and he wore simple brown attire. Viserys also came to wonder why the man was speaking in the common tongue but decided not to say anything.
"I was starting to fear you were not going to return!" the man exclaimed hugging the horse affectionately. The horse just seemed to be slightly bewildered.
"I always planned to return at one time or another."
"Still, most would have never returned."
"I'm not most people." Ser Drake said with a smile and the man released his horse.
"If there is anything you need or want, anything at all, just tell me and if it's within my power I shall reward it to you happily."
"There's no need to-"
"What about the horse?" asked Viserys quickly and the peasant blinked at him.
"I'm sorry?"
"The silver horse. Would you give the knight the horse?" snapped Viserys stopping himself from rolling his eyes. The man looked a bit bewildered as he looked from the horse to Viserys.
"There's no need. I don't need the horse."
"Let him answer the question," Viserys said sourly watching as the man blinked.
"Well… yes I suppose…"
"Right," Viserys looked to Ser Drake expectantly and he laughed.
"You think I'll get you the horse?"
"No. I'm commanding you to give me the horse." Viserys snapped forcing the smile from the knight's face.
"What if I said no?" No one backtalk's to the dragon! However Viserys found he had no reply to this. There were no threats or clever quips and he watched as the knight sighed and pulled out a pouch of coins before handing it to the man.
"My friend wants the horse. I know how much you love the beast and I promise I shall take good care of her. I don't think such a magnificent animal should be simply paid as a debt so I am handing you the gold you originally gave me for finding it and more on top of that. Will that be enough?" The man grasped the pouch tightly before nodding.
"Please take good care of her."
"I will and if I ever pass through again I will try and bring her here so that you can meet her again."
"Thank you Ser. I would most like that." Ser Drake nodded before walking over with the horse and forcing the reins into Viserys hand. "Here's your bloody horse boy."
Viserys was pleasantly surprised by these events and took the horse without question before returning to the front of the stables. As they walked Viserys noted the dark mood of Ser Drake but he kept silent as Drake mounted and Viserys looked to his horse. It was his horse now. It was the only thing other than clothes and a sword he now officially owned. The saddening thing was that the horse was only means to an end. It was a beautiful thing and fit for a king to ride but it would serve little purpose other than getting Viserys from one place to another. Yet again what else were horses for?
"So what are your plans?" asked Ser Drake boldly as he came up beside Viserys and Viserys blinked.
"That is none of your business."
"So far in this city you've followed me and stolen a mans pride horse from him and for what?" Viserys clenched a fist.
"For my means."
"Which are what?" Viserys chose to keep quiet much to the knight's distaste, "how about we go and have a drink?"
The tavern was rowdy to say the least and rather degenerated. The walls looked like they were liable to fall over or disintegrate within the next couple of seconds as men slammed mugs together and laughed loudly. The barmaid was catching a lot of eyes but the gargantuan man who kept by her was causing those eyes to mind their own business.
Ser Drake had bought a mug of wine for both of them when Viserys had refused beer. Viserys was not unhappy to have wine back although it brought back fowl memories of Vaes Dothrak. As they drank Viserys noted Drake's mood from his actions. He seemed sharper and angrier than usual. Maybe he was unhappy Viserys had made him buy the mare if that was so then the knight would have to get used to it. Viserys by all rights was a king and he would regain his throne.
Ser Drake had ordered an extra mug of wine for both of them and Viserys watched as the maid came with the mugs. She was a short thing but with shocking blue eyes. Her hair was in a tight bun but Viserys didn't mind. Here in the tavern he could lie back and just be himself again there was no need to hide here.
"Your drinks sirs," the maid said putting down the mugs and Viserys smiled smugly.
"Thank you my dear," he quipped and the girl went red before curtseying and heading away. It was good timing. Viserys had just finished his last load of wine and he happily downed the next one in a matter of seconds. The knight was not drinking so much.
"So lets have a talk you and I," Ser Drake said leaning forwards with his hands clasped together, "what you did with that poor stableman was wrong." Viserys lay back in his chair with a smirk.
"Wrong? Who cares what's wrong? Who are you to say what's wrong? I needed a horse and the man was only to keen to oblige."
"He was not keen. Had it been my wish you would not of gotten the horse."
"Yet it is tied in the stables nevertheless with my name on it." Viserys said idly and slowly Ser Drake inhaled and then exhaled.
"Fine then Sebastian how about we talk on some fairer terms?" Viserys had come to terms with being Sebastian over their travel.
"But of course."
"Good. I'm going to make it clear that right now we're throwing all your lies and deceit out of the window. This is going to be the truth," Viserys glanced up and the man ploughed on, "firstly I know you're not who you say you are. You're a Targaryen." Viserys suddenly felt very cold.
"What makes you think that?" Viserys asked coolly and the knight chuckled slightly.
"Like I've told you Targaryen. I've travelled all of the free cities. I've travelled further east than some would ever believe and I've seen Westeros. Now in Lys you have people with fair hair so light that it almost seems to be silver but after a few more moments you see it isn't silver at all. The only family I've only heard of having silver hair and purple eyes is the Targaryens. I know this because I've heard the tales from Westeros and I saw Rhaegar Targaryen battle at the Trident. You have the same coloured hair and the same coloured eyes. I'm assuming you're his brother aren't you?" Viserys felt as if he had been smacked in the face and kicked in the balls. The knight had known. The knight had known from the first few seconds he'd laid eyes on Viserys and had said nothing.
For some reason Viserys felt betrayed. He'd never trusted Ser Drake but he had travelled with him. Drake had hinted he may know whom Viserys was when they had been travelling but Viserys had not known for certain. Now there was no doubt what the knight knew and did not know.
There was no point concealing it. The dragon would face the truth.
"I am Viserys Targaryen the rightful King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. My brother was Rhaegar Targaryen and my father was Aerys Targaryen but you may have known him as 'The Mad King'." Viserys spat out this last bit and said it all in hush so none others could hear. Ser Drake nodded at these words.
"I think that maybe the first truth I've actually heard from you since I met you." Ser Drake said sipping from his mug and Viserys glowered. This knight was awfully full of himself. If he'd known who Viserys was all along then he should've been far more respectful. Viserys watched as the knight took another drink before sighing.
"So what do you want?" he asked it as if he was wondering about the weather.
"I want what is mine by right," snarled Viserys silently, "the usurper is sitting on my throne."
"How do you intend to take it back?"
"With blood and fire." Viserys snarled causing the knight to smile slightly.
"Your families words… clever… but with all due respect. How do you intend to take back the seven kingdoms? Hopes and ambitions can only get you so far. What you speak of is not something you can simply ask and be rewarded with. What you ask is something that must be taken."
"I will take it," Viserys hissed venomously, "I had a plan. I was going an army behind me in exchange for my sister… they didn't hold up their end of the bargain." Ser Drake frowned slightly.
"Your sister?"
"She stayed with Khal Drogo the backstabbing whore, her and the stupid knight."
"A knight? Of Westeros?" Drake asked apparently flabbergasted.
"Well he's not a real knight. He got exiled and ran to me. He pledged his services to me and then betrayed me the lowborn bastard." Viserys's anger was rising dangerously now as it all came flooding back.
"Ah I see… although I am still confused. How will you go about conquering these kingdoms if you do not have an army?" Viserys lay back slowly as his anger subsided.
"That's the thing. I need an army and I have no way to get it anymore. Khal Drogo was my last chance and he marched my army in the wrong direction the barbaric idiot."
"So what are you planning to do?" Viserys looked to the knight.
"Why should I tell you?"
"Perhaps I'll want to help you."
"How am I meant to know you're not working for the usurper?"
"As I keep pointing out. If I were working for Robert Baratheon you would already be dead. Tell me and your secrets will be safe." Viserys wasn't sure whether to trust that but in all honesty he wasn't certain what his plan was either.
"I need an army. These Unsullied sound like the perfect soldiers but they need to bought with gold I do not own. Therefore I'm going to have to somehow earn money."
"I see your problem. If you were to work for the money you want you would be working until you were dead. Only the richest are able to purchase large numbers of Unsullied."
"Then that's it. I need to become rich." Viserys said bluntly and the knight chuckled as he always did.
"You make it sound so simple."
"I know it isn't," Viserys snapped angrily remembering how he had run from city to city selling his goods to keep Daenerys and himself alive, "I travelled the free cities trying to keep alive."
"So I remember hearing whispers about. 'The Beggar King' wasn't it?" Viserys glared at the knight.
"Only half of that title is reality I promise you and I am no beggar."
"Perhaps but it does not take away from the fact that currently you have no money to raise an army in your name and I think we can both agree that you will need money to establish an army." Viserys wondered whether that was meant to be some clever insult but let it pass.
"I need money."
"Indeed you do but firstly I think we must take care of something much more precious than mere coins."
"Which is what?" asked Viserys harshly.
"Your life. I doubt I am the only one who has noted your silver hair and unique eyes Targaryen. Others would have seen and there are little birds everywhere. It is not so common here but they do exist and they will not take long in taking to the skies and reporting to the spider in King's Landing and once the spider learns of your presence there is no guarantee that he will not tell Robert Baratheon." Viserys had not thought of this as the knight sipped his mug again.
"Then we move."
"Yes but not tonight. Birds take time to fly and it is a long way from here to King's Landing. At sunrise tomorrow we shall move. It will be easiest if we run for Lys. The spider has few spies there and your features will blend well there. We will have to pass through Volantis but that cannot be avoided. Volantis almost constantly has ships moving to or from Lys. Once in Lys I will meet with some old friends who owe me a good number of favours and we can proceed from there. Give it time and we should have enough money to buy ourselves Unsullied and if not them then at least some sell swords." Viserys looked the knight over as he sat there with a confident smile.
"Why are you helping me?" asked Viserys warily, "you are a sworn knight of Westeros."
"I am but when Robert knighted me it was still your father who ruled. I took vows to serve the king and protect the weak. By right of succession my duty of service passed to you Targaryen and as I have pointed out before there is no doubt you are weak." Viserys had heard the knights 'weak speech' so many times now it didn't anger him any more.
"Then pledge your sword to me."
"I wouldn't go that far little king," the knight smiled making Viserys shudder in anger, "I'll serve you, yes, but pledge my sword to you? I'm not entirely sure I want to serve you to the letter little king. I'll serve you as long as it holds honour to its name and I'll keep you safe if that is required of me but for me to pledge my sword to you is asking too much. I must see you are fair of judgement before I do that."
"Are you questioning the dragon?" growled Viserys considering drawing his blade right now in the tavern.
"Why yes I suppose I am little king."
"You will address me as your grace!" Viserys said loudly but no one turned to them.
"I will call address you as 'your grace' when you learn to tame that uncontrollable tongue of yours." Viserys clasped the hilt of his sword but thought better of it as he was about to draw it. He didn't need more attention.
"Fine. I am hungry."
"That I can do," Ser Drake promised whistling for the maid.
Viserys closed the low wooden door behind him lazily and looked about the room. The room was small and cramped much to Viserys's dislike but it smelt better than the Dothraki tents he had been forced to sleep in three weeks before. Two beds sat against different walls one by a black window and the other by a small table. The table had a selection of mouldy fruit displayed upon it that Viserys immediately disregarded. Small chests sat at the foot of each bed but Viserys didn't have anything to store in them. The entire room was lit by a single candle, which flicked slightly in its place on the table by the fruit. However what really caught Viserys's eyes was the tub he had ordered, steam rising from it.
Ser Drake had said he fancied to stay up for a time longer and had remained downstairs whilst Viserys was told his bath was prepared. Viserys put a slender finger into the bath. The water was warm and at a good temperature. A coarse brush had been placed on the table.
It took Viserys a short time to strip himself down and lower himself into the tub enjoying the sense of cleanliness that washed over him like a tidal wave. He leaned back joyously and watched, as the dirt just seemed to abandon him and take to the water.
The water seemed to become dirt once Viserys dunked his head under the water and used his hands to free his silver hair. The tub may now be filthy but Viserys enjoyed the warmth the water produced making him feel slightly regal like he should do. He grabbed the brush from the table and cleaned himself down before exiting the tub and looking himself over.
His body was almost spotless and the pale white he remembered. He was heavily tanned in many places but not burned in one by the sun. His hair was no longer tinged by brown and flowed exuberant silver in the dim light. He felt like a king again.
His feelings were quickly crushed again when he realised he would have to wear the same dirty clothes again. He would have to remind Ser Drake to purchase some come the morning. He quickly donned his clothing, which was as filthy as he's left it but there was no changing that.
He did not know when Ser Drake would resign to sleep as well but Viserys didn't much care as he climbed into bed and almost immediately fell asleep.
...
Author's Note;
Wow, didn't realise this chapter was a good 1,000 longer than the others but never mind. I picture Qohor as I imagined it would seem, sorry if it doesn't match your version. Please review so I know where I'm going wrong and where I'm going right, I'll update soon :)