Sister's Keeper

Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones or the books

A/N: Hello my lovely readers, I hope you enjoyed the season 8 premiere. I got to say, I was impressed. Favorite part was Drogon warning look to Jon.

Chapter 21: Yunkai

Daenerys' POV

Daenerys rode on a white mare that reminded her of Silver. The weather was hot, but having her experience in the Red Waste the heat seemed to be nothing. As she continued to ride beside Missandei and Alysanne. Throughout the travels, she noticed her sister has been quiet. A typical behavior, but she has been too quiet unless addressing her officers or someone initiates a conversation. Daenerys tried to start these conversations; after ten minutes they seemed to die out. A part of her was worried about what Alysanne was thinking. What happens in Astapor was a drastic change compared to Qarth. What happened in the House of the Undying did something. As Alysanne said, she saw something she wished to have not seen. Far worse than the appearance of the Undying Ones.

Daenerys sighed, wondering how long it will take until they set sail for Westeros. So far, they have eight-thousand Unsullied, two thousand volunteers, fifty Dothraki warriors, twenty-five Dothraki women and children, two exiled knights, and one translator. Oh, and let's not forget three dragons. They have no ships since there one from Qarth was given to the Captain as compensation. So, they have to keep growing until they have enough soldiers, including their campaign to end slavery.

She wished Khal Drogo's Khalasar was in support of her and not the mere one hundred. Drogo had an army of forty thousand, and it was her naïve mistake that cost his life and their unborn son Rhaego. Ser Jorah mentioned through the bamboo forest that the Dothraki favor slaves as currency. It wasn't until Lhazar, after the poison attempt and her encouraging Drogo to keep Viserys promised did she realized the price. Now Alysanne is setting her campaign morally right. Let people have a choice to serve or not — no blood money.

However, the silence was still getting to Daenerys wondering if she did something wrong. Ever since Qarth, she has been pounded by learning. Reading the books, Ser Jorah gave and lectured by House Targaryen history and those of Westeros. It surprised her the lesson Viserys gave of full pride and superiority is a complete opposite from Alysanne realization of truth. Recognizing House Targaryen isn't perfect; there were great kings, mad kings, and average kings. In the end, out of nineteen generations of House Targaryen migrating to Westeros, and thirteen being rulers, she learned about countless wars some caused by her ancestors. Four Dornish Wars, five Blackfyre rebellions, Dance of the Dragons, Maegor against the Faith Militant, and numerous rebellions from Houses who felt insulted by their ancestor's decision. The Last Rebellion being Robert's Rebellion.

Do dragons blood runs in their veins? Yes. Can they ride dragons? That they can. Can fire burn them? No, as if it was taking a bath. However, Alysanne keeps reminding Daenerys, that even though they have these blessings now from Viserion, Drogon, and Rhaegal, and immune to fire, it wasn't a year ago they thought they were human. They are still human.

"We are flawed, Daenerys," Alysanne told her. "We can appear divine based on our beauty and dragons, but we can bleed and die just like everyone else."

As she took a knife and cut her hand showing the blood.

"We are human, so don't let pride get the best of you," Alysanne added.

At first, Daenerys felt a bit insulted, but after riding for a day, she started to understand what her sister meant. Let alone her small conversation with Ser Barristan told her about her family, "I am no maester to quote history at you, Your Highness. Swords have been my life, not books. But every child knows that the Targaryens have always danced too close to madness. Your father was not the first. King Jaehaerys once told me that madness and greatness are two sides of the same coin. Every time a new Targaryen is born, he said, the gods toss the coin in the air, and the world holds its breath to see how it will land."

The Mother of Dragons wonders why Alysanne has been cautious about their decision. Daenerys knew her brother was going mad. Only his was pressure into in rejection of society. Now she and Alysanne are the last of House Targaryen in name and blood. She knows there are distant cousins are out there. However, she can see Alysanne worry about the chances of Madness. They are wondering if they will go mad in time.

She sighed, having a fear of that too. However, she doesn't want to think about fear. She wants to think of a positive. Then a thought she planned at the Red Waste returned as she looked ahead seeing Ser Jorah galloping up to Alysanne who was ahead giving a report. Several days ago, Alysanne told Daenerys about the annulment. In other words, Jorah was an eligible man that won't affect Alysanne reputation. The Khaleesi wanted her sister to be happy for a change when it came to a romantic partner. Also, she found Ser Jorah as a father figure, one she needed since Alysanne been a mother hen. So, a selfish desire for playing matchmaker.

Just as she was plotting, she noticed the Alysanne face grew serious. Curious, she trotted her horse over.

"What is it?" Daenerys asked.

"Yunkai is a mile ahead," Ser Jorah reported.

"Let's go see it," Daenerys said.

Alysanne nodded, "Let's get some of the Dothraki riders and Unsullied."

"As you wish," Ser Jorah said.

Once they gathered enough men, including Ser Barristan, they headed forward to see Yunkai. It wasn't long when reaching the border by early afternoon. Getting off their horses, they went by foot to get a better look long the rugged terrane.

"Yunkai," Ser Jorah announced. "The Yellow City."

Yunkai is made of yellow bricks, with crumbling walls, towers, and tall stepped pyramids as one pyramid held a golden harpy on top. A great harpy was mounted above the city gates.

"The Yunkish train bed slaves, not soldiers." Ser Barristan informed. "We can defeat them."

"On the field, with ease," Ser Jorah agreed. "But they won't meet us on the field. They have provisions, patience, and strong walls. If they're wise, they'll hide behind those walls and chip away at us, man by man. "

"I don't want half of our army killed before we've crossed the Narrow Sea," Alysanne said.

"We don't need Yunkai, Alysanne." Ser Jorah said, looking at his queen. "Taking this city will not bring you any closer to Westeros or the Iron Throne."

"How many slaves are there in Yunkai?" Daenerys asked.

"200,00, if not more," Ser Jorah answered.

Daenerys looked at her sister, "Then we have 200,000 reasons to take the city."

The Mother of Dragons stared at the Dragoness of the West, pleading her to do this. Both sisters know what it likes to be forced into a bed and be taken. Daenerys, at first, struggled to understand Drogo feeling like she had no consent until understanding the culture. And she knew Alysanne being raped or pressured into sex by Viserys. Neither wants a woman or child to be forced into a sexual act without consent.

Alysanne sighed, as she walked over to Grey Worm, "Send a man to the city gates. Tell the slavers I will receive them here, and accept their surrenders. Otherwise, Yunkai will suffer the same fate as Astapor."

Grey Worm nodded, as he did an about-face and went to send an envoy. The dragoness returned glaring at the city, "Let them decide in how this conquest will go."

Daenerys smiled thanking her sister.

It would be by sunset when the envoy returned saying a representative of Yunkai, a Wise Master name Razdal mo Eraz will arrive in two days to discuss terms. Daenerys found the two days strange unless it would give the Wise Masters time to discuss matters. All it did, is allow the Unsullied to set up camp.

.o0o.

Alysanne's POV

I gave the Wise Masters of Yunkai the opportunity decides on how they wanted to be conquered, by surrendering or Fire and Blood. Aegon the Conqueror arranged a meeting between Loren Lannister, King of the Rock and Mern IX Gardener, King of the Reach. Aegon allowed the men to surrender, sparing the lives of their soldiers. Both kings did not kneel. The next day, they met at the battlefield where the grounds were of dried, and the Targaryen siblings set the field aflame. Henceforth the battle was called the Field of Fire. Loren Lannister bends the knee, as for Meran Gardener perish on the battlefield and the extinction of House Gardener. Aegon gave them a choice, and what they chose has consequences. So hopefully the Wise Master, follow their namesake and are wise to surrender.

Already, the Unsullied created a trail that will lead the representative to the Officers tent. There, I sat on a silk couch alongside Daenerys. We wore draped gowns, although mine was black with red trim while Daenerys wore white. To our right were the dragons while on the left, stood Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan. At the side of the tent stood Kovarro, Aggo, and Grey Worm, while Missandei stood at the entrance to greet our guest.

The sound of drums could be heard, as the Yunkai soldiers lead the way while slaves carried a man on a palanquin. The slaves set the palanquin down, as the man came out walking over. He appeared lean and hard, brown skin, and dark hair that was groomed with oil. His attire similar to those of Astapor; however, it was blue instead of green in the fabric.

"Now comes the noble Razdal mo Eraz, of that ancient and honorable house, master of men and speaker to savages, to offer terms of peace," Missandei announced.

Rhagael and Drogon screeched at him, being a stranger. Razdal stumbled back not expecting to see the dragons. Daenerys petted Drogon to assure him all is well, while I scratched Rhaegal's chin.

"Noble lord, you are in the presence of Alysanne of House Targaryen, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Breaker of Chains, and Dragoness of the West. Along with her sister, Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, Princess of Westeros, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, and Mother of Dragons."

Razdal stood there cautious.

"Welcome, Razdal mo Eraz." I greeted. "Have a seat."

A chair was brought over in which Razdal accepted. Missandei came over offering a glass of wine, "Will the noble Lord take refreshment?"

Razdal nodded, accepting the drink. His dark eyes stared into my own, as he took a sip of wine, before setting it down and spoke in the common tongue, "Ancient and glorious is Yunkai. Our empire was old before dragons stirred in old Valyria. Many an army has not broken against our walls. You shall find no easy conquest here, Your Grace."

As he was talking, Daenerys reached into a bowl and tossed a piece of meat into the air. The dragons flew in to catch, which Viserion was the victor flying away. This startled Razdal, yet he tried to keep his composure.

"Excellent. Kraznys mo Nakloz said the Unsullied need practice, and to blood them early." I informed.

"If blood is your desire, blood shall flow," Razdal said. "But why? 'Tis true you have committed savageries in Astapor. But the Yunkai is a forgiving and generous people."

He clapped his hands as four slaves came over presenting two oriental chests filled with gold blocks. Afterward, the slaves bowed to the ground as if they were dogs.

"The wise masters of Yunkai have sent a gift for the Dragon sisters," Razdal said. "There is far more than this awaiting you on the deck of your ship."

"My ship?" I asked, not expecting that.

"Yes, Your Grace," Razdal answered. "As I said, we are generous people. You shall have as many ships as you require."

"And what do you ask in return?" I asked.

"All we ask is that you make use of these ships. Sail them back to Westeros where you belong and leave us to conduct our affairs in peace." Razdal answered.

I stared at the slaves seeing their arms were tired and feet blister from carrying the gold over here. The collars around their neck a bit tight, as sweat formed around it. Razdal could have had a wagon to transport the gold. Instead, he had these men carry it in this climate. He could even ride a horse or camel to the camp instead of being carried by a palanquin. Back in Pentos, the palanquins were carried by strong men who were paid twice than an ordinary servant. However, the men who lifted Razdal mo Eraz were slaves. Receiving no payment.

"I have a gift for you as well," I murmured. "Your life."

"My life?" Razdal asked confused.

"And the lives of your wise masters," I answered. "But I also want something in return. You will release every slave in Yunkai. Every man, woman, and child shall be given much food, clothing, money, and property as they can carry as payment for their years of servitude. Reject this gift, and we shall show no mercy.

"You are mad," Razdal accused. "We are not Astapor or Qarth. We are Yunkai!"

"Five hundred years ago, the Yunkish were following the laws of the Valyrian Freehold. Our forefathers banished the act of slavery. Five times you rebelled, and five times you were put down. Must we remind you for the sixth time." I murmured.

"We have powerful friends. Friends who would take great pleasure in destroying you. Those who survive, we shall enslave once more. Perhaps we'll make a slave of you as well!" Razdal threatened standing up.

Immediately all three dragons screeched at him.

Razdal stepped back, "You swore me safe conduct."

"She did, but not I," Daenerys said. "I nor my dragons made no promises. And you threaten their mother."

Razdal hesitated and order his slaves, "Take the gold."

The four slaves came over, but Drogon and Viserion jumped on top screeching a warning.

"Our gold. You gave it to us, remember?" I said, standing up. "And I shall put it to good use. You'd be wise to do the same with my gift to you. Choose wisely, Wise Master of Yunkai."

Razdal mo Eraz glared at me before leaving muttering in Valyrian. I couldn't get much, but there were a few colorful words a man should not say in front of a royal. Once he was gone, I turned facing my council.

"The Yunkish are a proud people," Ser Barristan said. "They will not bend."

"And what happens to things that don't bend?" Daenerys murmured. "They aren't Martells."

"Still, I gave them the offer, and they will accept the consequences," I said with a sighed, crossing my arms. "He said he has powerful friends. Who was he talking about?"

"I don't know," Ser Jorah answered.

"Missandei, do the Yunkish have their own Unsullied?" I asked my translator.

"No, Your Grace," Missandei said. "Their soldiers are Yunkish. Although, their vanguard is made of slave men."

"Grey Worm? Are you aware of Yunkish soldiers?" I asked.

"They are not elite as Unsullied," Grey Worm answered.

Razdal mo Eraz seems determined about his supposed friends. If the Yunkish soldiers and slave soldiers are not capable of a siege by the Unsullied, then who is? I looked at Ser Jorah, "Find out."

"As you wish," Ser Jorah replied, then left to investigate.

Drogon took custody of the couch as Daenerys petted him making the dragon purr. Rhaegal took the stand, grooming himself. I wonder where Viserion was when a sudden weight crashed onto my back knocking me down. I groaned, knowing who the attacker was as Viserion started licking my neck. The Council tried not to smile or laugh, except Daenerys failed miserably. I seriously need to break this habit Viserion has before he becomes too big that he'll crush me before I sit on the Iron Throne.

.o0o.

After a slight recovering from Viserion's hug, I changed into training clothes. As Ser Jorah was investigating, Ser Barristan took the opportunity to train me. In a small area in camp as the Unsullied were training the recruits, and the boys where they weren't Unsullied yet. Only a thousand of the youngblood join our cause. The rest who haven't been cut decided to stay in Astapor to make sure the new Council follows the new laws.

"How long have you've been training?" Ser Barristan asked, pulling out the tourney swords.

"Less than a year," I answered. "So far Ser Jorah focused on defense and basic attack."

"Good," Ser Barristan said, as he handed me the tourney sword. "It's been a long time since a Queen wielded a sword."

"And who was that?" I asked.

"Well, your mother was inspired by Queen Daena the Defiant. Wanting to go out and ride her horses, shoot a bow. Anything to be free from the castle," he answered.

I was surprised by this. Hearing that my mother was a free spirit in her youth. I remember her being frail and gentle, along with the abuse she went through by my father as their union was arranged over a stupid prophecy of a Prince that was Promise.

"Why did she stop?" I asked.

Ser Barristan sighed, "She was in love with a young land knight name Ser Bonifer Hasty. He made her happy, brought life into her, yet their affair was short live since Bonifer was to low birth to be her suitor. Rhaella threatened to renounce her claim and leave for love, yet Prince Jaehaerys forced the marriage from the woods witch influence. King Aegon tried to prevent it, but in the end, Aerys and Rhaella were wed. The moment your parents consummated the marriage, all that freedom vanished. King Aerys limited her freedom. The Queen your mother was always mindful of her duty. No matter how much she was suffering. I wished I did more for her."

"You were bound to the king," I said, my eyes watery from the suffering my mother went through. "I wished she was here. Life would have been different. But I promise to make sure none of House Targaryen Bloodline will continue the practice of incest. Our children will never marry their brothers or sisters."

"Your Great Grandfather would've been proud to hear that," he said.

"Now, is the Lord Commander of the Queensguard going train me or not?" I teased.

Ser Barristan chuckled, "I may be old, but I should warn you, I have many years under my belt."

"It's a good thing we are using tourney swords," I murmured.

Training occurred, but it was brutal. As most of the time I was either on the ground with a sword pointed at me or restrained with blunt metal against my throat as Barristan would say "dead." His style of fighting is entirely opposite of Ser Jorah. Both men were similar in using your other hand to grab the opponent, except Jorah, was about straightforward while Ser Barristan uses his sword distance, moving around to cover any attacks.

I ended up on the ground, with a sword aim at my chest. A groan escaped from the impact, as I open my eyes looking at Barristan the Bold.

"Are you sure you're not a Faceless Man wearing an old man's face?" I asked.

Barristan laughed, as he offered a hand, "I appreciate the compliment."

The Faceless Men were assassins in Braavos. Ser Willem and other Braavos lords warned us to be cautious. As mentioned before, they were trained assassins who have the ability to wear another person's face — killing people as gifts to the Many Face God. They resigned in the House of Black and White, and there have men many deaths of supposed natural deaths either it is falling from the stairs, sudden illness, or a simple mugging. In the end, assassins who make death seemed natural before the person life is up. Thankfully, Viserys, Daenerys, and I never crossed paths with them.

"For a beginner, you did well," he said. "You still got a long way to go. How much do you train?"

"When traveling one hour a day," I replied.

"Once we settle, I recommend two hours a day, and one by night." He suggested.

"If there is time," I agreed.

Ser Barristan nodded knowing with all this traveling there isn't much spare time. I know I won't be skilled as Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan, but I want to be able to understand how to use a sword and protect myself. There is no possibility I will be marching into a battle. However, growing up with enemies everywhere its best to be safe than sorry. Especially with Razdal mo Eraz threat.

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