Disputed Lands
The Disputed Lands is a region of southwestern Essos. It has long been contested between the Free Cities of Lys, Myr, and Tyrosh, often involving skirmishes and small wars.
What is now called the Disputed Lands was once a prosperous region during the era of the Valyrian Freehold. Usually employing sellswords, the Free Cities have contested the Disputed Lands since the Doom of Valyria four centuries ago, however. The region was left a waste when Pentos and Tyrosh supported by Braavos, House Durrandon, and House Targaryen freed Lys and Myr from Volantene control during the Century of Blood.
[ The Century of Blood was a period of chaos in Essos which lasted for approximately one century. It began following the destruction of the Valyrian Freehold in the Doom of Valyria, which took place in 114 BC. ]
The Triarchy of Lys, Myr, and Tyrosh unified the region for over thirty years, but eventually the union eventually tore itself to pieces.
The Golden Company, formed in 212 AC in the aftermath of the First Blackfyre Rebellion have often fought in the Disputed Lands. Alongside many other free companies that operate in Essos.
The Tattered Prince fled for the Disputed Lands rather than become Prince of Pentos. Prince Oberyn Martell from Dorne rode with the Second Sons in the Disputed Lands before forming his own company.
Whenever there was peace between the free cities , the Disputed lands were divided between them , and whenever there was war , the Disputed lands would become a battlefield between thousands of hired sellswords fighting for the cities that would hire them.
For a few years , there was peace in the Disputed lands , but everyone knew that it was only temporary. After all " Peace is only an armistice in an endless War."
But the recent turn of events that shifted the balance of power in the region , would see war returns sooner than anyone would hope for.
The borders of Myr / A frontline village
Life at the village was beautiful and simple. People would tend to their farms and herd. Unaware , and uncaring , of the events the events that were happening around them. They would often hear the news later than citizens of the free cities. Sometimes they would receive word of wars and other such new weeks after they happened.
An old shepherd was grazing his herd in the wilderness. The sheep and goats bloated , while the dogs were walking before and behind them. The birds were singing their sweet song , and the voice of the river was most pleasant to the ear.
It was an ordinary and beautiful day in village.
The old shepherd sat on a rock , and listened to the music of nature with a calm heart , and his heart was filled with bliss.
He left his home in an early time near dawn to graze the village herde of sheep and goat. He looked at the sun position in the sky.
" it's afternoon already. Come on husky! It is time to go back."
He picked up his cane and called his watchdog , and then mounted his horse. He gathered his herd and walked his way back home. He would walk away for a mile to get home from the plain and river side. Considering that he had to keep an eye on the herd as well , it would take him an hour or so before he could reach home.
Finally , his eyes saw the sight of his home , located at the border of the village. He smiled when he saw his wife and their 15 year old son and 10 year old daughter were waiting for him at door.
He waved his hand at them and they waved back.
Suddenly , he heard the sound of horses from behind. He looked back and saw something he was quite familiar with.
A group of 300 riders appeared on the road. They were marching directly toward the village. But they were no soldiers.
First of all , while many of them were riding horse , some of them were riding zorses , a striped black-and-white equine created by crossbreeding horses with zebras. Zorses were fierce and foul tempered. They were hardy beasts, supposedly capable of surviving on weeds and devilgrass for many months, and were said to be able to travel long distances without water or fodder.
Their equipment was haphazardly arranged. Though they were wearing armor , they had no discernible uniform. Some wore leather , while some didn't even wore armor , exposing the chainmail vest worn underneath.
Some wore helmets , while others did not. The only thing they had in common was that their faces were exposed. They carried several type of weapons , from swords and maces to bows and pistols and other spare weapons.
Their diverse ranks included copper men with bells in their braids, lancers astride black-and-white horses, bowmen with powdered cheeks, squat hairy men with shaggy shields, brown-skinned men in feathered cloaks, swordsmen with fantastic forked beards dyed green and purple and silver, spearmen with colored scars that cover their cheeks , Myrish crossbowmen, pale Lyseni and dark Dornishmen.
In short , this group looked filled with veteran warriors who have seen countless battlefields. If you weren t feeling too generous, they looked like a ragtag mercenary group.
It was not uncommon to see sellsword companies in the Disputed lands , however , when he took a closer look at their banners , his eyes went wide and his face turned pale.
The banner that some of them were holding had the picture of a black goat with bloody horns, symbolizing the Black Goat of Qohor. The deity of the free city of Qohor , whom some considered to be a demon because of his daily demand for blood sacrifices.
The man who was leading them , was a tall , gaunt and lisping man. He had a beard and mustache similar to a goat. The horned helmet he was wearing made him look like a goat even more.
He instantly realized who they were. He abandoned his herd and galloped toward the village on his horse , and with a loud and hoarse voice shouted.
" Brave Companions! Sound the alarm!"
The Brave Companions were a sellsword company. One of considerably ill repute. Their numbers consisted of the scum of the west, and a few from the east and the south. The company comprised criminals and outcasts from many nations. They were not , unlike what they name complied , a group of professional and brave warriors , but a bunch of criminals infamous as raiders and rapists. They were usually employed to terrorize and raid the enemy territories.
The shepherd reached his home and dismounted. He turned his attention toward his wife and son and daughter.
" What is going on? Why you are in such a hurry?"
" Brave companions are here! Get on horse and leave now! Take only what you need. Ride directly for Myr."
" What about you father? we won't go anywhere without you!"
His wife placed their daughter , Sara , on a horse , and called their son as well.
" Ethan , take your sister. You will go faster with just two. Listen to me. You must ride for Myr and tell the magisters of what has happened here. Do you understand me?"
Ethan nodded his head in understanding.
" Yes mother."
Sara cried at the thought of leaving her mother behind. She looked at her parents with a tearful face.
" I don't want to leave you. I don't want to go mama!"
" Sara. I will find you there."
Suddenly , there were voices of scream. She looked around and saw the sellsword began their attack.
The village houses were being put on fire by the riders who were throwing their torches on the roof tops. Some of the village men tired to fight them , but were quickly overwhelmed and killed in action.
She slapped the horse on it's back.
" Quickly now!"
The horse galloped away , and the two looked at them with tearful eyes.
" Go child , go."
Ethan and Sara rode away. When they were several hundred meters away , Ethan stopped for a moment to look at their village.
The village was put to torch. There were voices of scream and wail. He could even see that many men were butchered and several women were being taken against their will.
They looked at their burning home with tearful eyes as they rode toward Myr.
Myr / The Magisters Hall
The Magisters Hall. it was a place where all of the magisters would gather together to discuss the affairs of their city. It was usually a vibrant place full of voice and arguments. Where the magisters and city officials would come and go day and night. But today , it's offices were reserved for the use of one person and a few servants.
The one whom Malak had left in charge of the city when she returned to the Sorcerous Kingdom. The thousand eyes , Ketsueki Karusu.
Malak told her to keep the city safe and running until she returned from her short trip , and that was exactly what she was doing for the past ten days. Of course , it was not an easy task.
Karusu had taken residence in the Magisters hall after Malak left her in charge of the city. For the past ten days , she had kept the city under martial law and placed the Unsullied and Windblown infantry as the city guards , while the Cavalry were scouting the city outer territory.
It was not a simple task , keeping the peace in a newly conquered city with a few thousand men. Especially if the said city had nearly 300,000 people , out of which about more than 200,000 were former slaves. While some of those slaves were treated relatively better than most others because of their skills as builders , artists and crafters , most of them held deep grudges against their former masters. It would not be strange even if some of them were to riot and try to kill some of the former masters.
Karusu : " what am I suppose to do if they were to lash out and begin slaughtering those people? Ahh! I never thought governing would be so hard. When our mother is going to come back?"
Her muttering did not reach the ears of the officer who was standing before her desk. He arrived a few minutes ago , and had brought with him an enormous amount of files and reports.
The pile of documents stacked one on top of the other came to a sizable thickness. The files themselves did not contain much in the way of proposals, but they had a lot of supporting documents attached to them.
She had prepared her heart for this. Karusu had spent all morning psyching herself up and stiffening her resolve for this moment.
While she was an excellent divination magic casters , she was completely clueless when it came to the matters regarding the governing and ruling a city. So she was just doing exactly what Malak had instructed her to do before she left.
Keeping the peace and security of the city and hold the status of the city stable.
But whether she liked it or not , there was more to ruling than just that.
There were some tasks which could not be escaped by saying I know nothing.
As such, Karusu began carefully reading the stack of documents from top to bottom, placing the royal seal on each one. After rhythmically stamping several documents, she finally stopped and leaned back to her chair.
She was not the most suited person for this sort of job. In fact , among the seven sisters , the only one who actually had any levels considering matters of ruling and governing would be Renner.
She was a " Lady of the Castle " , " Expert " , " Noble " , " Actress " and " Princess". All of the said classes were meant to make her a great ruler.
Karusu started to pray for Malak to return. So that she would lift the burden that she placed on her shoulders and fix all the problems with her wit and strength. Or more accurately , give them to the talented Renner.
Suddenly , someone entered her office in a hurry , without even knocking the door.
She went on guard for a moment , but once she saw the man who entered was one of the merchants who were left behind , she calmed down.
Still , it was rude of him to enter her office like that without authorization.
Karasu : " What is it? Don't you know how rude it is to just enter a lady's room like that?"
The man , who was panting , tried to grasp for air. He calmed his breathing apologized for his haste.
" I am sorry my lady Karusu. But I have just receive word that Malak sama , alongside several officers and your sisters has entered the city. She will be at this place soon."
Karusu eyes went wide with happiness. Best news she heard in the past days.
Karusu : " Really? Then I shall go out to greet them! Prepare the palace for their arrival. And also make sure to make a full report about the disturbance in the Myr territories."
" Yes , my lady."
She immediately left the office. After passing through all the halls and the yard , she reached the entrance of the Magisters hall , where she could see a group approaching on horseback.
Even at that distance , she could recognize them with ease.
They were her mother and sisters. Malak and five of the Seven sisters were riding toward Karusu on the back of several magical horses. ( such as unicorns and bicorns )
Malak arrived with her sisters. She dismounted from her horse , and so did the others.
Karusu : " Welcome Back mother! The city is made bright again with your presence."
In response to her welcome , Malak opened her arm and hugged her dearly , as a mother would hug her child.
Malak : " I am glad to see you too , Karusu. I am glad you are okay."
The others , her sisters , greeted her and opened their arms, she hugged them and they hugged her as well.
Karusu : " Renner , Bella , Accalia , Ariel , Merlina. I am so happy to see you again!"
Suddenly , Karusu realized that one of her sisters was not present , despite the fact that Malak had just said that all the Seven sisters were with her now.
Karusu : " By the way mother , where is Artemisia? I thought you said all the Seven sisters " , but I don't see her here,,,""
Malak : " we came through the Gate on the Main land. But Artemisia is coming through a new gate that we established on the sea. She is bringing about 50 Ghost Ships and 3000 soldiers of Nazardoom with her."
Karusu : " Ohhh! That is very good to hear. If you allow me , I would like to go to the harbor and meet my sister."
Malak : " That won't be necessary. She will come to this place once her forces have landed. I have already sent the Tattered Prince , Gylo Rheagn and Black Rat to greet her at the harbor. They all shall be coming any moment,,, now that you mention it, I should sent her a Message and inform her to come here with them."
Karusu nodded her head in understanding.
Malak : " how are you Karusu? I hope everything was well in my absence?"
Karusu bite her lip in nervousness for a moment , but she cut through it with a soft smile.
Karusu : " I will tell you everything inside. This is neither the place nor the manner to discuss it."
Malak nodded her head. She stepped forward before the group and entered the hall first. The seven sisters followed behind.
They had to pass through the yard and a hall before they reach the council chambers , so Karusu decided to ask the questions she had from Malak.
Karusu : " How are things at home? Was everything fine in the Sorcerous Kingdom?"
Malak : " Why do you ask?" she replied with a cold voice.
Karusu was taken back at Malak reply , which was somewhat out of character for her.
Karusu : " has something happened? You sound troubled , mother."
Malak slowed down her phase for a moment , and took a deep breath , despite the fact that she was undead and thus completely needless to breathing.
Malak : " There are disturbing news from home , my child. I am afraid I might not be able to stay here all the time."
Karusu was starting to get anxious. Her concern rate begun to go through the roof.
Karusu : " What do you mean? What happened?!"
The group finally reached the council hall. There was a large desk at the center of the room where Magisters gathered to discuss their policies.
Malak took the highest placed seat at the table , and the rest took their respective seat as well.
Malak began to explain everything that had happened in the past two weeks. Karusu listened carefully to everything.
Karusu : " so that's what happened. I am surprised. I thought the holy republic was extinct. If they are back , it could mean another civil war."
Malak : " Indeed. But for now , they have chosen to remain in hiding. We won't be able to take action against them as long as they remain hidden. But once they come out of the shadow , We will Crush them. Once and for all! Well , that's enough talking about that. Tell us Karusu! How were things on your side?"
She had steeled her resolve for this. Even so , it was still hard to mother like that. She decided to clear her head out of doubts and speak the truth.
Karusu : " There has been some trouble in Myr territories. Nothing that we could not handle , of course. The city is still under martial law. But now that you are here , perhaps we can finally move forward."
Malak eyes became curious. She locked her gaze with that of Karusu and spoke with a calm voice.
Malak : " what do you mean by trouble? Did any of those Dothrakans we allowed to escape returned to cause trouble?"
In the after match of the Battle of Black Queen , about 4000 Dothraki from the Khalasar of Khal Pono were allowed to escape. While it was said that they either merged with other Khalasars or returned to Vas Dothrak , it was very likely that many of them bore a deep grudge for Malak for their defeat , and would try to take revenge on her by any means they could.
Karusu : " No , it is nothing like that. I have received word that a large portion of Myr's territories in the Disputed lands have been attacked and conquered by the Sellsword Companies. I investigated the matter personally , and have discovered that the free cities of Tyrosh and Lys are behind these attacks. They have hired several sellsword companies , about 20,000 mercenaries , and have added most of Myr's territories to their own."
Tyrosh
Tyrosh is a merchantile city. It is harbor city and one of the Free Cities. It sits on an island to the north of the Stepstones, just off the coast of the Disputed Lands of Essos. The ruler of Tyrosh is an archon chosen from among the members of a conclave of the wealthiest and noblest of the city.
Tyroshi are renowned for their greed. They constantly fight to gain control of the Stepstones and Disputed Lands. Tyrosh is deeply involved in the slave trade, and Tyroshi slavers are known to be especially aggressive. They even sail north beyond the Wall, in search of wildlings to enslave.
Lys
Lys, known as Lys the Lovely, and according to some the Perfumed Sister, is one of the nine Free Cities of Essos. It is a small city clinging to rocks surrounded by stormy seas. The city lies off the coast of the Disputed Lands, to the southeast of Tyrosh and to the west of Volantis.
While Lys is also known as a Mechantile city , their " professional trade " is different from the artist Myr or the pear brandies of Tyrosh.
Lys is deeply involved in the slave trade. In the city, slaves outnumber the freeborn three to one. Lys is most famous for their bed-slaves, and Lyseni are known to be famously voracious in their search for comely young boys and fair maids with their pillow houses. Lys is also known for the breeding of slaves, mating beauty with beauty, hoping to produce the most lovely courtesans and bedslaves. Frankly put , their main trade is in their worldwide infamous Pleasure houses.
Myr fight often with Tyrosh and Lys over the Disputed Lands, though they will not risk the lives of their citizens in this, preferring to hire free companies instead. Because Tyroshies are traders and Lysenies are soft hand lovers , while Myrmen are Artists.
Malak was upset to hear that someone dared to attack her territories , but her anger was quickly snuffed.
Malak : " Well , this is hardly surprising. They must have thought that because the ruler ship of this city was overthrown , it's lands were ripe for the taking , and we would not be able to stop them."
The others nodded their head in agreement.
Malak : " However,,, "
Malak raised her voice high and strong , with the strong emotional influence that she had as a Commander.
Malak : " We will show them , and this World , that the Sorcerous Kingdom of Ainz Ooal Gown is not to be messed with. Now that the Seven sisters are all here with me , and the Legions of Nazardoom have entered this world , we will show our true power and make them all reconsider their choices when dealing with My kingdom!"
The spirits of everyone present was lifted , and they looked at their queen with admiration.
Meanwhile , at the city harbor
The Tattered Prince , alongside Rheagn and Black Rat and a couple of their men , were waiting for the arrival of the Nazardoom legions and their navy.
They had just met their dreaded queen as she arrived in the city half an hour ago. She told them to come to the harbor and receive Artemisia and her soldiers.
It was a clear and sunny day. The weather was calm and the sea was calmer. It seemed a good day for ships to travel.
Rhegan , that starting to grow impatient after 15 minutes of waiting , turned to look at Tattered Prince.
Rhegan : " When are they going to get here? Her grace said they would be here soon."
Tattered Prince : " yes she did. She said they are coming by the sea on "Ghost Ships" , Whatever type of ships they are. It won't be long now my friend."
Friend. They both tasted that word in their heart.
In the past , the two of them held no attachment to each other. After all they were both leaders of sellsword companies. Depending on the situation and their employers , they might have fought as allies one day and foes at the next day. But things were different now.
They had made the choice of becoming subordinate to the dreaded queen Malak al Moot. While at first they had done this out of the desire to get the rewards she promised them , they both felt a sense of regret as they later realized that their queen was not the type that they could simply serve or abandon.
If they failed her , they would be punished severely. If they betrayed her and ran away , she would be more than capable of finding them and subject them to a suffering that all their pervious pains would be pale in comparison.
That was why they no longer addressed each other with honorifics, This was not because they were both captains.
Indeed, it was because the two of them Were both being tormented by the same oppressor they were comrades in suffering.
The only one who remain silent all this time was Black Rat. Who stood separated from them with a couple of his own men. Silently awaiting the arrival of Nazardoom.
He did not see anything that would make question the morality or capability of his savior. So he held no ill intention or negative view toward her. The same perspective was shared among the Unsullied and the Freed Slaves as well.
Rhegan : " come now my friend , don't be too grim. You are allowed to look happy. At least in front of your men."
Yes , he was right. He could not allow his men to see him in an attire that was less than the image he had made of himself in their eyes. It was only because of his strength and cunning that his men respected him and followed him everywhere he directed them to.
Suddenly , He could see something blurry along the snaking path that passed between the waves.
He saw a mist rising on the sea. He paid close attention to the weather around. Also , the wind was moving from east to west. and yet the mist that had just appeared on the horizon seemed like to be coming their way with unnatural speed , against the wind.
There was a milky-white, smoke-like object there. No, it was not smoke, but fog. And
Tattered Prince : " What is that?"
Rhegan : " nothing , it's just some mist. Autumn is near , so it's nothing to be surprised about."
Tattered Prince : " It's coming this way , fast and against the wind!"
The bank of thick, milky fog seemed to be spreading wider and wider, and it looked like it would reach him and the others any time now.
Rhegan sniffed the fog.
It smelled of water vapor and nothing more. There was nothing about it that would have bothered him.
It was thick enough that he could barely make out his companions next to him, and visibility was zero beyond fifteen meters.
Just then, Tattered Prince saw something from the corner of his eye that he could not possibly miss.
Amidst the dense fog, he glimpsed the murky outline of something huge coming from the sea of Myrth near the harbor.
And then perhaps the fog had been parted by the currents of the wind for a moment, just a moment, he clearly glimpsed a shadowy wheelhouse.
Eh? No way is that a ship?
Indeed, he had discerned the true nature of the shadow; a ship which floated upon the sea.
In addition, it was a large ship, similar to a galleass. It was a momentary thing, and it was promptly veiled again by the heavy fog, so even he was not sure that he had actually spotted a ship.
The thick fog continued to obscure all vision, and just as everyone was starting to lose interest , something happened.
What!?
The Tattered Prince and Rhegan to his right both gasped in surprise.
A shadow was moving in the thick fog.
Rhegan : W-What? What was that?
In the end, the shadow approached close enough through the fog until even the people other could see what it really was.
It was indisputably a ship, and it was moving as though it were sailing upon the waves. Rows of long, thick oars protruded from its sides, rowing like they were actually pushing through the water.
Rhegan : Are you kidding me? he spoke for everyone present.
Soon, the ship revealed itself in its entirety.
Indeed, it was truly a Ghost Ship.
It was gigantic, even bigger than the Tyrosh Navy s flagship Iron Hammer of the Archon . It gave off an impression of tremendous power.
The last of its three masts flew aft sails, while the others had regular square sails.
There was an abnormal sharpness to the way its prow protruded forth. It looked very impressive, like it had been polished. In addition, it glowed with a dim, mystical light, and it gave the feeling that the ship was proud of itself.
After that, the most eye-catching feature was the ensign it flew on top of the main mast. It bore the symbol of the Sorcerous Kingdom.
Nobody was able to move, and then the fog began to thin. Did that ship spew fog as it sailed? No, if that were the case, then the fog would have been thickest when one was near the ship, so they should not have been able to even see the hull itself. It was probably like some sort of concealing layer that shrouded the area around the ship with fog.
Soon enough , several other Ghost ships revealed themselves and started to berth at the Harbor.
The shipboards were opened , and from within the Ghost Ships , the Legions of Nazardoom began to step foot in the land.
The first group were about 500 cavaliers that they were both quite familiar with. They were the ones that their queen called Death Cavaliers. Knights in full plate armor riding unicorns with two horns and red eyes.
The Death Cavaliers marched past them , and a second group appeared from their back.
These group wore metal masks that resembled the face of an angry man in pain, wore silver armor on their chest and shoulders over a black outfit , and carried a pair of short swords on their back with a long sword at the center as a third weapon. And they numbered 1000.
Though they did not know their names , they were called the Wraith Knights. A type of midtier undead creature that was skilled with swords in close combat.
The next group that appeared behind them numbered 1000 as well. they wore no masks , but they gave a terrifying aura of fear.
This ones seemed like to be heavy infantry warriors. While the group from before had only some light plate armor on their chest and shoulders , this ones wore heavy full plated grey steel armor from head to toe. Their face was no visible behind their helmets. And they carried their weapons around their waists. A two handed long sword-mace or warhammer at their left waist , and a long whip at their right.
The whip they carried was not made of leather like the ones they often saw the slavers use. They were not metallic either. Instead , it seemed that they were made of the back bone of some beast. Though considering that the said whips looked like to be several meters long if they were sheathed , it was hard to imagine what type of beast those bones belonged to.
This ones were called Dullahan warriors. These midtier undead beings acted as heave infantry and were adapt a using their sword to slash their enemies while they retrained them with their whips. Though if they needed , they could use their whips as a weapon as well and deal damage to the opponents with their spiked edges.
Black Rat and the Unsullied were somewhat disgusted by their whips. It reminded them of the slavers who captured them and their cruel masters at Astapor. But since they were soldiers of their liberator , they did not show any hostility toward them.
Finally a third group revealed itself. They numbered 470 riders.
This ones appeared to be cavalries as well. But some distinct traits separated them from the Death Cavaliers from before.
They Death Cavaliers rode Red eyed , two horned , unicorn. But this group rode warhorses. Their weapons varied from each other as well. While some of the bore a shield and a sword , some others bore a shield and a whip. Some of them were archers holding short bows and a short sword around their waists , while some were holding long spears and javelins as their primary weapons. Their weapons bore many dents , proof that they had been heavily used.
Some them wore full plate armor , and some boiled leather and chain mail. However , all of them had their faces hidden behind a helm or a metal mask , so it was impossible to discern their facial traits.
All and all , they seemed more like a group of professional mercenaries just like them.
The Tattered Prince and Rhegan watched with awe as all this events transpired before them. They were seasoned and battle hardened warriors and commanders , so they had the ability to roughly judge their opponents.
Right now , their instincts were telling them that all those warriors who passed before them were all dangerous and deadly foes that should not be underestimated.
Rhegan looked at the Tattered Prince , with a fear that he could hide on his face , but not in his eyes.
Rhegan : " well that was quite a show. If they are as half as capable as they seem , they should have no problems fighting against any army I have seen."
Tattered Prince : " Yes , I think so as well. I doubt even the Golden Company with their war elephants could withstand them."
Rhegan nodded his head in agreement.
The Golden Company is a company of sellswords founded by the Great Bastard, Aegor Rivers, known as "Bittersteel". They are considered the largest, most famous, and most expensive sellsword or mercenary company in the Free Cities. The current captain-general is Harry Strickland. They are considered to be the most powerful army in Essos. With several thousand horses and a more than a hundred war elephants.
Despite the notorious unreliability of sellswords, the Golden Company is reputed to have never broken a contract. Their motto is "Our word is good as gold", while their war cry, "Beneath the gold, the bitter steel", pays homage to their founder.
For Rhegan to say that Nazardoom soldiers were even stronger than men of the Golden company , showed how high he had come to regard the after one meeting.
Tattered Prince : " but where is their Commander? Her grace said that her daughter , someone named Artemisia , would meet us here,,,"
" OOOOHHHHHAAAAHHH!"
Suddenly , they heard a terrifying and deafening roar that was filled with bloodlust. It sounded like it belonged to a beast, so they immediately went on guard and looked around to find the source of that scream.
And then they saw it.
From the shipboards , a group of monsters were emerging from the mist.
The monsters were winged creatures with beak and claws, similar to birds but much larger than any other flying beast. The creature possessed a naked body without feathers, a long neck, and a vast hide between its horned fingers. Furthermore, the body of the creature gave off a stench.
They had never seen or heard about any flying beasts other than Dragons , who were extinct for more than century and a half. But they heard a lot about how the dragons looked like and how big they would become. But the creatures before them were smaller than dragons and they did not seem to be capable of breathing fire. Though their terrible voice , which seemed capable of terrifying and shaking a man down to his very soul , was nothing to sneer about.
At the back of those beast , there were Black riders. They all wore a tattered black robe. Beneath their robes however they wore a full plate armor made of some kind of grey metal. The long sword they held in their hands seem old and worn over time. But the gleamed with lethal sharpness , like that of a Valyrian steel.
They were called Wraith Riders. Undeads that would fly upon fell beasts and attack the enemy from the sky. They had the ability to produce a terrifying roar that would cause an effect similar to "Fear". And their mounts were capable biting the head of man off with a single bite or lifting a warhorse and it's rider of the ground with ease.
Their numbered 30. Smaller than pervious groups , but no one could look down on them.
Once they all left the ships , a single woman accompanied by several men , appeared on the desk.
She was wearing a foreign type of clothes they had not seen before , similar to a coat. Her coat and gaskin was black. She was wearing a white shirt with a black tie beneath it , but only the tip of the collar was visible. On top of that , she was wearing a grey overcoat.
The armband on her left hand bore the Mark of the Sorcerous Kingdom , while the strange hat on her head bore the insignia of a crowned skull.
They immediately realized who this person was , and stepped forward to greet her.
Tattered Prince : " Welcome to Myr , my lady. I am,,,"
Before he could finish his sentence , Artemisia interrupted.
Artemisia : " I know who you are. I have already been informed about your presence first hand. We can leave the introduction for the way. My mother had just sent a Message for me. Summoning us all to her presence. We should not keep her waiting."
And just with that , she started to walk toward the Magisters Hall.
The three of them , The Tattered Prince , Gylo Rhegan and Black Rat , looked at each other with wide eyes for a moment. And then they began to go after her.
The Council Hall
Artemisia and the company that were following her entered the hall.
They all bowed as they saw Malak , who was sited at the highest placed sit on the table.
" Welcome back , your grace!"
Six of the sisters were sited on their respective seat as well , with Renner being placed at the closest seat to Malak at her right. Artemisia looked at the table , and saw that the closest seat to Malak at her left was empty. Meaning that it was meant for her.
She smiled evilly in her heart. And proceeded to take her place at Malak left side.
The Tattered Prince , Rhegan and Black Rat stood still. They knew that they had no right to sit at the Council chamber.
Malak turned her attention to the three of them.
Malak : " I am glad to see you are all well. I hope you didn't experience any difficulty in my absence."
" Thank you your grace. But everything has been fine. There is not a problem with performing our expected duty as your servants."
Malak : " Oh,,," she leaned back to her chair , and nodded at Karusu , who left the hall for the guest room without saying a word. " So there is no problem at all you say?"
" Of course your grace."
Malak : " then how do you explain this?!" she pointed at the guest room.
Karusu came back after a moment , accompanying her were two children. One of them was a boy that did not seem to be 15 yet, while the other was a small girl who was barely 10.
Karusu : " Ethan , would mind telling us what happened in your village?"
The young boy hesitated for a moment , but he answered her question all the same.
" our village is located 10 miles south of the Myr. Two days ago , the Brave companions attacked our village. They slaughtered most of our men and took the women. Then they burned our village to the ground."
Malak turned her attention back to the three men in the hall.
They all lowered their head in shame and fear.
Malak : " I believe I left you with very specific instructions. " Keep the peace and order until I return" it was. Instead after just leaving you for ten days , this is what has become of this city. What do you have to say for yourselves?"
Tattered Prince : " I am truly sorry your grace. We were informed lately of these attacks. But even then , we were unable to do anything about it. The Brave companions aren't the only sellsword company out there , there are more than a dozen more active in the Disputed lands as we speak. Together their number is about 20,000. We simply did not have enough men to take the fight to them. And if we left the city unprotected , there was a chance that they would attack it while it was vulnerable."
Malak looked at Karusu , and she returned the kids back to the guest room. She turned her attention to them again.
Malak : " Now that I am here with proper reinforcements , there is no reason hold back anymore. Listen well , I have some new missions for you. Tattered Prince!"
" Yes My queen!"
Malak : " are you familiar with the Sellsword companies in service to Tyrosh and Lys?"
" Yes. I believe they have currently employed Bright Banners , Company of the Cat , Company of the Rose , Stormcrows , Wolf pack , StormBreakers , Jolly fellows , Iron shields , Maidens men , Men of Valor , Ragged Standards , The Free Company and the Gallant men. Together they number 20,000 men."
Malak : " you will leave with the Windblown for the Disputed lands tomorrow and Drive all the invaders from the our territory. I will give you 400 soldiers form the newly arrived Nazardoom legions as reinforcements. In addition , Accalia will accompany you as well. Afterwards , you will take the fight to the enemy. Conquer Lys and Tyrosh territories in the Disputed lands as well."
The three men in the room were all taken back by this bizarre order. It was one thing to drive back the invaders. But to attack Tyrosh and Lys territories with less than 2,500 men against a force of 20,000 was nothing short of Madness.
Tattered Prince : ' My apologize your grace. But I have only 2000 men at my command. Even with your additional troops , it would be impossible for us to defeat all the sellsword active in the Disputed Lands,,,"
Artemisia , who was listening quietly to this conversation till now , became upset at Tattered Prince behavior.
Artemisia : " Do you have any idea about the strength of a soldier from Nazardoom? Each and Everyone of them is comparable to 1000 skilled and strong warriors of your lands. In other word , you are not marching to war with 2,500 men against 20,000. You are marching to war with 400,000 warriors. Failure is not even an option or possibility here. Unless you happen to be the worst commander in the history of this world!"
He wanted to say something , but Malak did not gave him the chance to state his doubts.
Malak : " what she said is indeed true. You remember how the Death Cavaliers each killed more than a hundred Dothraki in our previous battle , don't you? The ones I brought with me are as just as strong. You can leave the fighting entirely to the 400 soldiers I give you. You only need to command them and they will whatever you tell them without question. Your men only need to secure the key regions. Do this , and I promise you that you will not even lose ten men."
" If that is your order your grace,,,"
Malak : " There is one more thing. I believe you must be familiar with the sellsword companies. Truth be told , we might be able to use some extra men to join our cause. If there are any of them that could be trusted and join our side , make them to do so. But if they are a bunch of misfits and criminal like those Brave Companions , have them killed so that they won't cause any problems at the future."
The Tattered Prince nodded his head in understanding , and Malak turned her attention to Rhegan.
Malak : " I have a mission for you as well Rhegan. In order to teach the fools around us about the difference of strength between us and them , I intend to lay siege to the cities of Tyrosh and Lys while the Tattered Prince take the Disputed Lands. I will give you an additional force of 200 infantry men. Our navy will transport you and your men to the key Stepstones islands that are under the control of Tyrosh and Lys. Take them and clean them of their presence."
Rhegan : " Yes your Grace."
After hearing the conversation with the Tattered Prince , he saw no reason or benefit in objecting.
Finally , Malak turned her attention to Black Rat.
Malak : " I have a job for you as well. Out of the 2000 Unsullied , 800 will accompany me to Tyrosh , while another 800 will go with Artemisia to Lys. I will also have 500 Nazardoom soldiers with me and another 500 with Artemisia. In our absence , you alongside the remaining members of Nazardoom shall guard this city and ensure that no one will try to attack it in our absence."
Black rat nodded his head obediently.
Black Rat : " Understood my queen."
Malak stood up from her seat , and directed her voice to everyone present.
Malak : " Tomorrow we are going to war. This time , we will show a fraction of our true power to the world and teach every arrogant soul out there a sharp lesson. DON'T SCREW WITH THE SORCEROUS KINGDOM!"
Author note : I have been quite busy the past month, and i still am. Next chapter is going to be long. Longer than any chapter I hitherto written , so it won't be out very soon. But I promise that it is going to be big. We will have some major battles , a flash back to cover some of the plot holes , and laying the background for the Sorcerous Kingdom first interaction with the Seven Kingdoms."
Next Chapter : The Merchant and The Whore ( Battle for the Disputed Lands and Stepstones / Naval battles of Artemisia / Siege of Tyrosh and Lys + Politics)