Sister's Keeper
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
Languages:
Dothraki
Valyrian
Common Tongue
Old Ghiscari
Chapter 25: The Trail of Innocence
Alysanne's POV
Two months. I repeat, it took two months to establish order in Yunkai. Not because of the 200,000 slaves to be compensated for their servitude and reuniting families, but because the Wise Masters were stubborn. There were moments I was tempted to get Viserion into the conference meetings as an act of intimidation. However, Ser Barristan and Ser Jorah convince me not to. Mainly because it would ruin my reputation of being human even if Viserion just sat there eating a goat.
I must confess, I am thankful to have Ser Barristan and Ser Jorah in these negotiations. Although politics were not their strongest suit, they prevented any ideas that may portray me as my father. I will answer justice with justice, but not all punishments mean death. The Wise Masters did not mutilate their slaves, castrating their slave soldiers, and force them to murder children. No, they make a profit from a slave's entire body in pleasure. So, their punishment did not cost them their life. However, the temptation to kill one for their lofty attitude will be kept as imagination when disrespected in their insult glamour in compliments. Spent much time with magisters to learn their ways in speech. Silently insulting someone within a compliment. I may be a woman, but I am not naïve.
During those two months, Daenerys has done excellent work in helping the liberated slaves to get their compensation and security in the hostels. Each wise master did not need twenty establishments. So, taking some to convert into homes for families and shelters for women and children. Making sure that each person has their inheritance. I was proud of my sister, seeing that putting yourself with the people shows growth. As the people were calling her Sister in old Ghiscari. If only Daario can stop flirting with my sister. I found it a bit annoying.
Another thing that has happened is my relationship with Jorah. Out in public, Jorah was my advisor, general, and mentor. But inside in private, he was my lover. Once every third day, he was in my chamber. Sometimes, we would sit on the balcony, and other nights we get intimate. Jorah showed me how to feel love, his experience proved that, that I don't think I had a night not satisfied or let my mind fall into the sunken place. His touches riled my senses. What made things better was that he pulls out, preventing the risk of conception. Even though I was on the Lys potion, the fact he does this secures the respect. Making fall for him more.
Now that Yunkai was settle, creating a council between the wise and elected members for the city. My armies and I took off for Meereen. It was a week's journey on foot. However, due to the increase of my troops the estimation upon arrival may take twos week. Doesn't matter, once we get to Meereen, it will be time to face the Great Masters. Learning that Meereen is where the capture slaves go from pirates around the world after reaching the rich cities. Before we left, I collected the collars to return them back to their owner. One the Meereeneze will never forget.
We were at the halfway mark, having made camp to rest for a few days. During that time of preparation and training. As Jorah and Ser Barristan continue their lessons. Two hours in the morning and one hour at night. Slightly getting better, however not experience enough to unarm the two knights. There are times, they would act on the performance of a soldier or guards' level. Which I was capable of unarming. Although, they kept reminding me, that there will be a time an opponent cannot be a prisoner and to take a life. Even though they taught me where to strike that causes an opponent reflects on dropping their sword and collapsed, they also demonstrate the vital points. Especially in areas where armor is less likely to cover.
After a long morning of training, Missandei came forward announcing the army is ready for departure. I thank her, excusing myself and went to find Daenerys. Jorah accompanies me, as we made our way to the cliffs. Daenerys sat on a boulder petting Drogon while Viserion and Rhaegal were playing over the ocean. No longer were the dragons the size of dogs. No, they have gotten bigger. One would say the size of ponies. Not big enough to ride through, but they can inflict damage. Haven't forgotten the time Viserion tried to land on me. Left a nasty bruise on my back. When the dragon saw that he hurt his rider, he stopped realizing he was too big. Although, it doesn't stop him from landing next to me wanting to be petted and snuggle.
Rhaegal and Viserion return to shore, fighting over a lamb they caught. In the confrontation, the lamb slipped from their clutches and dropped in front of Daenerys. She jumped, not expecting it then sighed. The two troublemakers landed sharing their meal. Drogon leaned over trying to get a bite. Surprising how Drogon as grown. Daenerys leaned over to pet Drogon, but the dragon snapped at her with a warning growl. Luckily Daenerys pulled back making space, a bit terrified in what happened.
I frowned wondering what that was. In books and legends, when a dragon bonds with their rider they are connected. No longer is the dragon feral. There was also another legend that the dragon inherits the rider's persona. Viserion has been protective, the same as I am with a slight sense of humor. Drogon on the other hand…though calm has been a bit aggressive and impulsive. Disappearing a lot for his hunts. Which doesn't resemble Daenerys? The one who should be acting up is Rhaegal, and the green dragon seems mellow than the black dragon. In the end, they are animals. They can be domesticated one minute and wild the next.
"They're dragons, Khaleesi," Jorah reminded. "They can never be tamed. Not even by their mother."
"We cannot rely on legends," I added. "They can deny or accept us. They make the decisions."
Daenerys sighed, "I know."
We watched the three break the lamb into thirds before feasting on it in the skies. We need to be careful. Although our dragons can obey some of the dragon rider commands, and understand our emotions, they are unpredictable.
Not long after, we made our way back to camp finding the Unsullied at attention ready to lead the march to Yunkai. Ser Barristan stood there along with Missandei at the front line. Although, it was noticeable to see a few people were absent.
"Ser Barristan," I greeted.
"Your Grace," Ser Barristan replied with a nod.
"Where's Daario Naharis?" Daenerys asked. "Where's Grey Worm?"
Missandei looked down trying to express some positive emotion. It was Ser Barristan who gave an amused answer, "Gambling, Your Highness."
"Gambling?" Daenerys and I repeated.
How can they be gambling? I thought.
Yes, each of the Unsullied has a coin purse with gold that provides enough for necessities if they were separated from the group or wish to purchase items as property. But the Unsullied are not like the Sellswords or other armies. I thought their personality is limited in being control into submission. So, to hear that Grey Worm was gambling with Daario Naharis has me concern. I don't take him as a man who spoils his wages.
"And where are they at?" I asked.
"With the volunteers, Your Grace," Missandei answered.
At the end of the line. I took a deep breath, marching down the aisle passing the ten thousand soldiers. Not long after passing the two thousand second sons were waiting casually on their horses, securing the volunteers. The volunteers were kept in the back since they are the ones transporting the supplies, if there were to be a battle out of nowhere, I did not want them to be harm. Going through the camp, the crowd greeted us, children waving saying Mhysa and Sister. Daenerys and I smiled, waving to some, though I was determined to find the two culprits.
Out in a field, we found Grey Worm and Daario Naharis. Both were sitting on the ground facing each other legs cross. Their arms out forward balancing their weapons. As Grey Worm balance his shortsword while Daario with his Arakh. The past few months they've changed, as Grey Worm gain more muscle from a better diet I created, and on his black armor, he had a pin of three dragons forming a circle indicating his rank as commander. Daario, on the other hand, made a drastic change in his appearance. Cutting his long hair short reaching his chin and growing a beard.
"How long have they been at it?" I asked.
"Since Midnight, Your Grace," Missandei answered.
We soon stood before them.
"Ser Worm is stronger than he looks," Daario murmured. "But I can see his arms beginning to shake."
"What's the prize to winning this stupid contest?" Daenerys asked.
"The honor of riding by your side on the road to Meereen," Daario answered, winking at Daenerys.
They spent since midnight gambling on who would ride beside us? Basically, they wasted time on resting and preparation for a spot on a long journey ahead. I thought I had acquired two skilled warriors, not two adolescents who are trying to earn a maiden's favor. Not pleased by this, I will remind them how serious I am about the wellbeing of my army and the volunteers' safety.
"That honor goes to Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan, as neither of them kept us waiting this morning," I said. "You two will ride in the read guard and protect the livestock." I turned to leave, yet through my peripheral vision, I still see them gambling. "The last man holding his sword can find a new queen to fight for."
Immediately they dropped their blades. Grey Worm gave an apologetic look, though Missandei gave him a glance. Daenerys tried not to smile, though amused by this before all three us ladies return to the front. We are behind schedule. The longer we wait, the chances are of people are being enslaved.
.o0o.
Grey Worm's POV
Grey Worm glanced at his Queen giving an apologetic look and then at Missandei. He found the translator very pretty, although he did not know how to approach her. During their times at camp, Missandei tutors him on Common tongue when not translating his lessons with Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan on leadership. If not the fact that he was cut and could perform as normally as most men. Suppressing a sigh, he stood up securing his blade to his belt. Daario stood up with a groan., though gave Grey Worm a knowing look.
"You like this girl?" Daario asked.
Grey Worm expressed a warning look.
"Must be frustrating," Daario teased.
"You are not a smart man, Daario Naharis," Grey Worm said.
Daario shrugged, "I'd rather have no brains and two balls."
Adding to insult by grabbing his own.
Grey Worm scowled at him. For the Unsullied to be castrated meant losing their testicles. The Master believes removing the testicles prevents the concept of breeding and reduces the desires for sex to near nonexistent. They have their penis, allowing themselves to urinate. In other words, they are unable to perform.
Sometimes Grey Worm wonders why the Dragon Sisters let Daario Naharis join their company. The man does not fight with honor or discipline. Let alone, wonders why he let himself be persuaded in gambling to ride beside them. He had a good position in the ranks to be close to his Queen, to be near Missandei. Now he was stuck on guard duty on the livestock until earning his queen's forgiveness.
.o0o.
Daenerys's POV
Daenerys stopped to give her horse a break as she stood by the cliffs having a view of the ocean. It was a lovely day, not too hot as the Yunkai region. The winds blew softly to ease the heat. Her thoughts wonder about Meereen, wondering what kind of city it would be? Astapor was brutal, Yunkai was stubborn, so what will Meereen portray as.
"Have you ever been to Meereen?" Daenerys asked Missandei.
"Several times, Your Highness, with Master Kraznys," Missandei answered.
"And?" Daenerys asked.
"They say 1,000 slaves died building the Great Pyramid of Meereen," Missandei answered a bit of bitterness in her voice.
"And now an army of former slaves is marching to her gates," Daenerys murmured, looking at her new friend. "You think the Great Masters are worried?"
"If they're smart, Your Highness," Missandei replied.
They heard footsteps, looking to see they had company. It was Daario. Daenerys sighed since she made it clear that she was not interested in him. Although she finds his remarks amusing and flattered by his compliments, she still has her standards. Not a year yet since her late husband Drogo's death. She doesn't think she is ready for another man.
"You were told to ride at the back of the train," Daenerys reminded.
"Yes, my princess," Daario replied. "But I need to speak to you about something important. A matter of strategy."
"Shouldn't speak about it to my sister?" Daenerys asked.
"I believe Her Grace would have my head if she were to see me now," Daario answered.
Daenerys arched a brow, as Missandei looked at the Mother of Dragons of her decision. The princess nodded, to which Missandei complied leaving the area for the two to speak. Daario was pleased, hiding something behind her back.
"All right, what is this matter of strategy?" Daenerys asked.
Daario presented in what he was hiding behind his back. It appeared to be a blue rose, "A dusk rose."
"Would you like to walk at the back of the train instead of riding?" Daenerys warned, thinking he was wasting her time. As she started walking back to the horses.
"And this one's called Lady's Lace," Daario continued presenting white flowers with white stems.
"Would you like to walk without shoes?" she threatened.
"You have to know the land to rule it," Daario explained. "Its plants, its river, its roads, its people. Dusk rose tea eases fever. Everyone in Meereen knows that. Especially the slaves who have to make the tea. If you want them to follow you, you have to become a part of their world. Strategy."
Daenerys stopped crossing her arms impressed of his knowledge. Not finding him not all bronze and killing. Since this man knows his herbs. Daario then pulled out one more flower, a spikey one of red prickly petals.
"Harpy's Gold. No tea from this one. Beautiful but poisonous." Daario murmured, putting all three flowers together and offer them to her.
"You are a gambler, aren't you?" She murmured, accepting the flowers.
Daario gave a slight bow, "Your Highness."
He then walked away to return to his post. Once his back was turned, Daenerys smiled slightly, for it has been a long time to be given a flower. Suddenly there was a command in Valyrian to stop. All the Unsullied stopped at attention. Curious in what is going on, she got on her horse along with Missandei to join the vanguard.
On their way over the trail became rocking to ride a horse as Daenerys dismounted. She climbed the rigid terrain to join the council seeing Ser Barristan, Ser Jorah, Grey Worm, and Alysanne. Based on her sisters' posture something was not right. Just as she walked up to stand next to her sister and understand why. There on a post was a dead girl. Daenerys assumed she was only ten years old. The child with brown hair tinted with red, skin grey as she wore a ragged dress and a thick collar. Her position as her left arm was spread out, manipulated to make a pointing gesture. Her right arm nailed to her chest, while her feet nailed to the post. Crucified…just like the slaves in Astapor. Only instead of a man…it was a child.
"There's one on every mile marker between here and Meereen," Jorah assumed.
"How many miles between here and Meereen?" Daenerys asked.
"163, Khaleesi," Jorah answered.
"I'll tell our men to ride ahead and bury them," Ser Barristan offered. "You ladies don't need to see this."
"No, you will do no such thing," Alysanne said, her eyes still focus on the child. "I will see each and every one of their faces. Remove her collar before you bury her. Give her a tombstone so she will never be forgotten."
Daenerys was surprised by her choices. A few Unsullied men came forward, carefully taking the girl down from the post. The council watches as Alysanne came over placing her hand on the girl's forehead and did a prayer. It was not of the Ghiscari religion, but the Dragoness of the West wanted to ensure the child's soul was guided into the next life. Afterward, they continue on every marker. Daenerys watched her sister stare at each child's faces, had them down and gave a prayer. The princess was not one for religion. She tried to be as a child, but she felt like the Gods do not hear. Still, watching Alysanne performing the service, singing the hymn of the Mother's mercy and the Strangers guidance. Two deities that should not be associated together.
This delays their travels, but they reached each marker, Daenerys understand why Alysanne was doing it. So, the children are not forgotten. Remembering Missandei stating that a thousand slaves died building the Great Pyramid. Now 163 children killed for what? An example? To taught them since they have a heart for children.
After the twenty children for the day, Alysanne got up and came over to Daenerys.
"What are you going to do with the Great Masters for this?" Daenerys asked.
"Give justice to the children," Alysanne answered. "An eye for an eye for those who agreed to this horrendous act."
Daenerys nodded as she watched her sisters leaving making way to camp. She followed her sister as the tents were erect and the volunteers cooking food for the army. Just as she went to the royal tent, Daenerys noticed her sister turned going to the next tent over. Ser Jorah's tent. Wondering what is going on, she snuck around and took a peek through the flaps. What she saw made her smile.
Inside Alysanne was hugging Jorah, resting her head on his chest. Jorah kept a protective arm around her while rubbing her back. Along with a kiss on the top of her head. This reminded Daenerys when Drogo was alive and needed a hug. She smiled, glad her sister found someone. Alysanne deserves it. The only downside is that she can no longer play matchmaker.
Daenerys had so many plans in getting those two alone together.
I literally had to look up what they mean by castration. So Castration is the individual loses their testicles/testes. Emasculation is the cutting off both penis and testes. Yeah, things I do on my spare time.
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