Sister's Keeper
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
So, I'm going to change the language.
Common Tongue
Valyrian
Dothraki
Old Ghiscari
Chapter 26: Meereen
Alysanne's POV
The army arrived at the Gates of Meereen in the late afternoon hours. A few hours ago, we stopped to make camp and buried the last child on the 163-mile marker. A little boy who was decomposed, vultures pecking at his flesh. The previous twenty children were badly decomposed barely hanging on the post except for the rope and nails. It broke my heart to see each child who died as an intimidation tactic by the Great Master. I vowed to give those children justice. I will find the Great Masters who agreed in the slaughter of children and make sure they die the same way. But first, it's time to address the citizens of Meereen.
Once the Unsullied were in formation, I got off my horse gazing at the city. Meereen is by far more massive than Astapor and Yunkai combined. The bricks were of different colors, as the walls stood tall. Upon the wall, was the only gate, as alabaster statues of the Harpies stood there, their wings out in defense. Behind those gates, was three pyramids could be seen, one larger than the next. But one stood out the most as the golden harpy hunched over watching her city. There was a balcony on top of the gates as the wall where Meereeneze and slaves watched. Archers stood there holding their bow.
The gates open a bit, as a horse with his rider and another man holding a lance came out.
My council joined me as we watched.
"Are they attacking?" Daenerys asked.
"A single rider. A champion of Meereen," Jorah explained. "They want you to send your own champion against him."
The Meereenese cheered for their champion who rode to the side of the ravine. Clad in armor, as he unmounted his horse and started taunting. He was speaking in Valyrian, and I tried hard not to scowl. Missandei translated anyway so Ser Barristan and Ser Jorah could understand what he meant. Although, he unfastened the strings of his pants gave a clear indication.
"What is he doing?" Daenerys asked.
"I believe he means to…" Ser Barristan stated.
Unfortunately, the Meereen's Champion pissed in front of us. The Meereenese cheered and laughed from this insult. I stood there and took a deep breath not allowing myself to be phased by this.
"He says that we're an army of men without man parts," Missandei translated. "He claims you are no woman at all, but a man who…hides his cock in his own asshole."
" Byjan vavi demble eva o, trezy eme verdje espo jimi! Oa mysa iles me nýnyghi, si oa kiba tuziles espo tomistos! Já si hojgá oa gundja, trezy eme mero dovodedha! Kiman nya másina orvorta va oi sodjistos! Do eban av kimívagho dombo, o doru-borto pame espo gruzi evi havor espo begistos! Ghorgan ji pungo va o, nynta Dare espo Zaldrizes, o si une oi dovodedhi, Vesterozi azzzzzanty!" the champion taunt.
Which translated he said, "I fart in your general direction, son of a window-dresser! Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelt of elderberries! Go and boil your bottom, son of a silly person! I wave my private parts at your aunties! I don't want to talk to you no more you empty-headed animal food trough wiper! I blow my nose at you, so-called "Dragon Queen," you and all your silly Westerosi kaniggets!" But Missandei did not translate it for the knights.
I felt my eyebrow twitch trying to keep my composure.
"Ignore him, Your Grace. These are meaningless words," Ser Barristan advise.
"They're not meaningless if half the city you intend to take is listening to them," Jorah countered.
I glanced at the Meereenese, "I have something to say to the people of Meereen." Then glanced at the champion. "First, I will need this one to be quiet."
The Champion continued his taunt.
I turned around facing my council, "Do I have a champion?"
If I were an expert and confident in my skill, I would have taken the offer of competing. However, a year's worth is not enough against this supposed champion. So, I need to count on my warriors to resolve the matter. The question is, who will do it and not be at risk.
"Allow me this honor, Dragoness of the West," Grey Worm offered. "I will not disappoint you."
"You are the commander of the Unsullied," I reminded. "I cannot risk you."
Grey Worm nodded.
"Your Grace, I've won more single combats than any man alive," Ser Barristan offered.
"Which is why you must remain by my side," I said. "I will need you for Westeros."
Jorah walked over to me, "I've been by your side longer than any of them, Alysanne. Let me stand for you today as well."
I smiled softly placing a hand on his shoulder, "You are my most trusted advisor, my most valued general, trusted confidant, and my dearest friend. I will not gamble with your life."
Jorah held a slight disappointment but understood where I am coming from. It would break my heart if he were to die over a stupid tradition. One I feel the Meereenese won't follow too tradition.
"I was the last to join your army," Daario said, stepping forward. "I'm not your general or a member of your Queensguard or the commander of your Unsullied. My mother was a whore. I come from nothing. And before long, I will return to nothing. Let me kill this man for House Targaryen."
"Very well. You have quite an audience." I murmured, then face the Meereenese. "Make it worth their while."
Daenerys and Missandei came over standing beside me.
"He is very brave, Your Grace," Missandei murmured.
"Yes, win or lose, as long as the whole city is watching," I said arms crossed.
The Champion of Meereen got on his horse as his squire gave him the lance with a spear tip. Once he held it, the squire rushed back to the gate. Daario came over to us wiping his stiletto dagger. Daenerys walked over to him.
"You sure you don't want a horse?" Daenerys sarcastically offered.
"Why would I want a horse?" Daario asked.
"Horses are faster than men," Daenerys answered.
"Horses are dumber than men," Daario countered with a smirk.
Daenerys didn't know how to respond to that as she returns to the Council giving distance between the two champions. We watched as Daario stepped forward initiating the duel. The Champion of Meereen charged forward on his way heading straight for us. Daario looked over his should giving a wink before facing his opponent. He twirled his stiletto standing there waiting. The Rider became close, Daario kissed the handle of his stiletto and threw it at the challenger. The blade struck the horse in the eye, knocking his rider to the ground. The Champion of Meereen tumbled toward Daario. Before he could even get up, the Tyroshi drew his arakh and decapitated the man.
Fast, quick, and simple, I thought. Thought Daario Naharis would be more dramatic to appease his audience. Apparently, I was mistaken.
As predicted the Meereenese did not oblige to their customs of the Challenge. The guards drew their bows and fire arrows at us. Jorah and Ser Barristan rushed to block us. Fortunately, the arrows impacted the earth twenty feet away from us. Daario smirked, as he opens these strings of his breeches and pulled out his penis pissing on the ground. Mocking the Meereenese as their champion mocked us. I rolled my eyes finding it unnecessary.
Once the Meereenese calms down from their tantrum, I walked over still keeping a distance. I spoke loudly in Valyrian as the ravine echoed the words to the crowd. Primarily to the slaves.
"I am Alysanne Targaryen. Your Masters may have told lies about me, or they may have told you nothing. It does not matter. I have nothing to say to them. I speak only to you. First, I went to Astapor. Those who were slaves in Astapor, now stand behind me, free." I said waving my right hand to the Unsullied. "Next I went to Yunkai. Those who were slaves in Yunkai, now stand behind me, free." I waved my left arm address the Yunkish soldiers. "Now I have come to Meereen. To free you. I am not your enemy. Your enemy is beside you. Your enemy steals and murders your children. Your enemy has nothing for you but chains and suffering, and commands. I do not bring you commands. I bring you a choice. And I bring your enemies what they deserve. Forward!"
The catapults were brought in armed with barrels containing the collars of the 163 children and thousands from Yunkai. The slaves starts in Meereen. It's time to bring back their property.
I drew my sword and aim it at the city, "Fire!"
One by one the catapults launched the barrels into Meereen. Crashing into the city's buildings where it shattered, pouring the collars like rain. Shouting and screaming to be heard. My message was heard and display to the people.
"Decide! The collar or freedom."
.o0o.
Back in camp, we made preparation for the sacking of Meereen. Some of the Volunteers who were once slaves in Meereen before being sold to Yunkai pointed locations in how to get inside the city. There was a sewer system on the west side near the shores. If the Unsullied can break through the metal cage and into the catacombs and sewers will lead to the men's chamber. The plan was simple, Grey Worm will lead a hundred Unsullied inside with Volunteers to get inside Meereen, and cause a revolt in the underground chambers. Providing slaved men weapons and removing their collars.
I will not be like Tywin Lannister and send an army attacking everyone in the city. No, I will make sure it is targeted who meets the blade, not spilling the lives of innocence. You cannot blame someone based on their culture. The Great Masters are at fault in the practice of slavery.
"Once you are inside, you will collect each head of the Great Families and bring them forward to face justice," I ordered. "I don't want any of them dead."
Grey Worm nodded, "As my Queen command."
"What if the Slaves don't want to participate in their liberation?" Daenerys asked.
"Then they have missed out on making history," I answered. "We have come this far, it's time to put an end to Slaver's Bay and the practice of slavery once and for all."
Everyone nodded. The sacking will commence in two days. Enough time for the Unsullied to rest, acquire their disguises and weapons before sneaking in. Dismissing the council meeting, everyone left except for Ser Jorah. I stood there examining the map. Ghiscari nation holds the highest productivity in slavery, with the exception of New Ghis. Putting an end to it will decrease the market. However, it won't stop other regions in their practice. Many lavish islands, the Dothraki sea, and other realms. Areas I don't think I will be able to disrupt and change. Only leave a message that will inspire people to make a difference.
"Alysanne," Jorah murmured.
I looked up and softly smile at him, "Does this plan seem to work?"
"Aye, the masters won't know what hit them," Jorah assured. "But once we free the slaves, what are your next plans?"
"I'm not entirely sure," I confessed. "I'm not ready for Westeros just yet. If we sail the Narrow Seas now, they'll see me as a violent conqueror. A Targaryen who uses violence to take down cities and butcher men. I need to prove myself that I can rule. Be capable of ruling."
I picked up a totem of a dragon.
"Even with ten thousand soldiers, two thousand second sons, two thousand horses, and three dragons, it is not enough to go against the Seven Kingdoms." I sighed. "We will have to increase our forces and require ships."
"You still have distant cousins to aid you," Jorah added. "The Martells will want justice for Elia Martell and her children. The Velaryon will support their kin as they did before. Acquire the Golden Company, and soon the Crownlands will be yours."
"The Golden Company do not support House Targaryen even if gold is offered," I reminded. "They were founded by Bittersteel. Daemon Blackfyre's half-brother and general."
Jorah nodded not going further than that on the Golden Company.
I placed my hand on King's Landing. This was my birthplace, home of my ancestors after Aegon's Conquest. However, three years are not enough to make it personal. I was doing this because an imminent threat will arise in Westeros. The Night King, as Visenya put it. I was born to lead, not rule a nation. If this threat wasn't an issue, I seriously don't know what I would do. If I didn't pull the charm of a conqueror, or the dragons were never resurrected.
"Out of curiosity…if we did not have this campaign of taking back the Iron Throne…what would you have done. After Drogo's funeral?"
Jorah was taken aback not expecting such a question, "I go wherever you go."
"Even if it meant not returning to Westeros?"
Jorah nodded, as he came over placing his hand over mine.
"A part of me wonders what would've happened if Daenerys did die or we renounce our claim," I confessed. "You see Bear Island as home. To me, five years of my life when I felt safe was in Braavos. Inside the House with the Red Door, with a garden of fruit trees that bloom during the summer seasons. I could just vanish, take the identity as a Lysenes woman and start some sort of business."
"Sounds like a good plan," he murmured.
I nodded leaning up and gave him a kiss.
I tried to imagine that plan with Ser Jorah. Just killing our old lives and start over as new people. No one afraid of House Targaryen and Jorah no longer an exiled knight. So many possibilities of that future that will never come. In Visenya's realm, I pulled the charm on conquest. The Undying ones showed me of a threat that will kill people without remorse. One that can turn Westeros into a frozen graveyard. I know it is not my responsibility since the kingdom forced me into exile. Take this as an opportunity for revenge. All men must die. Then again, it was not my destiny. Also, I want revenge against the Houses who rebelled against us. Primarily…House Lannister.
I have come to terms with House Stark. Rhaegar abducted Lyanna Stark when she was betrothed to another. Lord Rickard Stark went south to King's Landing with his eldest son to get her back. Father only escalated the problem by burning them alive. Jon Arryn was dead, the man who raised the banners and I will not blame his son for the crimes of his father. Robert Baratheon was dead, and if the information is correct, Stannis Baratheon and Renly Baratheon will kill each other off before they sit on the Iron Throne. That leaves one House who held no reason to go against House Targaryen. House Lannister rebelled after Robert Baratheon murdered Rhaegar at the Tridents. They were an opportunist when my father was at his vulnerable point in losing a son. I know my father was Mad, I know how he earned his name. But Tywin Lannister and King Aerys the Second were once friends. But most importantly, I want to confront Jaime Lannister and look him in the eye and demand him why he broke his oath, stabbing my father in the back.
I have a faint memory of the Kingslayer. A young man with green eyes and golden hair. Had a smile that could make any woman smile. In the end, I want to know why? Something doesn't make sense in why a member of the Kingsguard would break his vows and murder his king. Did he choose loyalty for his family? Did King Aerys order him to it, so he wouldn't be killed by the enemy? Or was it something else? I want to know the truth. What happened in the Throne Room during the sacking of King's Landing?
What happened?
.o0o.
Third's POV
Grey Worm sat across from Missandei as she was doing another lesson in teaching him in common tongue. The Commander of the Unsullied felt a rare sense of privilege to learn how to speak a universal language. Growing up, he taught himself to understand the language. Able to hear travelers or his enemies and understand what they were saying. However, he never had the opportunity to speak it. It did not flow through his tongue during his training years, Now, his Queen wants him to learn to prepare for situations where he would need to communicate with someone who doesn't speak Valyrian.
What makes it extra special was that Missandei was reaching him.
"My name…is Grey Worm." He managed to say. "I come from…the Summer Ills."
"Isles," Missandei corrected. "Summer Isles."
"Summer Isles," Grey Worm repeated. "Where are you from?"
"We must practice in Common Tongue," Missandei said. "I am from an island called Naarth."
"When did they take you?" Grey worm asked.
Missandei gave him a lecture look to speak in Common tongue.
"When they took you?" He asked.
"When did they take me?" Missandei corrected. The paused thinking about it, "I was five years old."
"You remember your home?" he asked.
"I remember when they rowed us away from shore." She answered. "How white the beaches were. How tall the trees. And I remember my village burning. Smoke rising into the sky."
Grey Worm's fingers reached to touch her hand on the table. Missandei pulled her hand away not realizing it and sighed.
"Do you remember your home?" She asked.
He shook his head, "Unsullied. Always Unsullied. Before Unsullied, nothing."
"That's not true." She said, looking into his eyes. "Perhaps one day you will return to the Summer Isles."
"I don't want return." He said. "Kill the masters."
"Kill the masters," she repeated.
"Kill the masters," he growled out.
The flap to Grey Worm tent open as Daenerys and Ser Barristan enters.
"How are the lessons coming?" Daenerys asked.
Both stood up as Missandei answered, "Very well, Your Highness."
"Missandei is teacher good, my princess." Grey Worm said.
Daenerys and Missandei smiled. Both finding his attempt adorable, even though he is an elite soldier. She sighed getting back to business.
"You have to continue later," Daenerys murmured. "It's time."
The two Westerosi left the tent. Grey Worm followed them but stopped glancing over his shoulder at Missandei who stood there. After a moment, he left to prepare for the siege. All of his men dressed as slaves, putting on the collars. He found it strange, to wear one again. Last he wore one was during his training years in Astapor before putting to the final test. One he was not proud of us since he murdered a baby in front of his mother. Once everyone was ready, they left camp in the darkest hour along the Skahazadhan river, where the Unsullied were led by an once Meereen Slave. There they found the cave, where they removed the gate, and snuck inside Meereen.
.o0o.
Mossador spent all his life as a slave. His mother was a slave, and he has no knowledge if his father was a slave or a master. All he knew was when he no longer needed his mother care at the age of five, he was taken away. He spent the rest of his life with the elders. Laboring on his hands in knees in harvest or construction and return to darkness in the catacombs. So, when he stood on the balcony of the Twin Harpies, he was amazed in seeing the Unsullied. Seeing one man kill Oznak zo Pahl with two strikes. And seeing a woman in a red dress with black armor vest addressing not to the Masters, but to the slaves. Alysanne Targaryen's word inspired him to rise up again.
So, in the dark chamber lit by a few torches he talked with his fellow friends and the elders to revolt once again.
"You heard her. She said she came to free us!" Mossador said.
"You're a fool," an elder said. "The Masters are too strong."
"She will protect us," Mossador disagreed. "She defeated the Master's champion."
The young men nodded.
Mossador kneeled his hands together in prayer. "She has a great army. You want to live the rest of your days in chains?"
"I want to live," the second elder said. A man who was taken from his one in Norvos as a child. "You saw what they did to those children. What do you think they'll do to us?"
"I've been through two slave revolts, boy," the first elder added. "They always end the same way: The Masters in power and the slave's dead."
"Valar Morghulis," a new voice said, joining the conversation.
The men turned their glances seeing new faces. The one who stood in front held a solemn look, eyes burning with determination.
"But I promise you, a single day of freedom is worth more than a lifetime in chains," the man said.
"Who are you?" the first elder asked, standing up.
"This one is called Grey Worm," he answered. "I was taken as a baby by the Masters of Astapor, raised and trained as Unsullied. Now I fight for Alysanne, the Dragoness of the West and Breaker of Chains."
"You are Unsullied?" the First elder said. "They taught you how to fight before you could walk. We are not soldiers!"
"We have no training, no weapons," the second elder added.
Grey Worm removed his pack and tossed it on the ground presenting it to the slaves. Along with his comrades, a loud clang could be heard of steel. As short swords and blade fell out. Mossador knelt down examining the eyes of the content widen.
"There are three slaves in this city for every Master." Grey Worm said. "No one can give you your freedom, brothers. If you want it, you must take it."
In the early hours of the morning the slaves rebelled. With weapons in their hands and the Unsullied guidance, they took the city. As the slaves killed certain masters, Grey Worm and his team capture the Great Masters. The men who were in charge of running Meereen. Taking the head of each family out of their bed and dragged them through the street. Blood was spilled, but no women or children were killed.
To add insult, a black flag of a three-headed dragon was tied to the wings of the Golden Harpy on top of the great pyramid.
.o0o.
Alysanne's POV
I was proud of my Unsullied in helping the slaves be liberated from the masters. When the sun reaches the sky, there was cheering, as I and the rest of the army waited at the gates. The doors open, allowing us access where Grey Worm stood there holding the Meereen Banner. I unmounted my horse and walked over to him.
"My Queen, Meereen is yours," Grey Worm said in common tongue.
"Thank you, Grey Worm," I said. "You brought great victory."
Grey Worm nodded, though the corner of his lip lifted into a small smile. Securing the banner, I walked through the streets to greet the freed slaves, in person. Daenerys, Ser Jorah, Ser Barristan, and Missandei accompany me. The crowd cheering Mhysa, tossing their collars to the ground in gratitude. Children coming over giving hugs and joining our journey to the Great Pyramid.
Walking through many steps and climbing hills till reaching the entrance of the Great Pyramid platform. There on a lower lever stood the Great Masters, hurdle like cattle. Some had injuries while others seem fine. Many cowards in fear while others glared at me. So, these are the Great Masters of Meereen. The men who order the death of children. My face grew neutral as I contemplated their sentencing.
"Remind me, Ser Jorah, how many children did the Great Masters nail to a milepost?" I asked.
"163, Alysanne," Jorah answered.
"Yes, that was it," Daenerys murmured.
I turned to Grey Worm, "Take them to the dungeons."
Grey Worm nodded giving the command to the Unsullied guarding the Great Masters. Immediately, the Great Masters were escorted inside.
"Your Grace, may I have a word?" Ser Barristan asked.
We stepped away from the crowds view to speak.
"The city is yours." Ser Barristan said. "All these people, they're your subjects now. Sometimes it is better to answer injustice with mercy."
"I will answer injustice with justice," I told him. "By the laws of men, there will be a trial." I turned my gaze to the Great Master, "What are the chances that all these men order the deaths of those children?"
Ser Barristan sighed in relief hearing I will not execute the death of all the Great Masters. If I am to rule Westeros, I need to secure my knowledge of putting accused on trial and find them innocent or guilty. I will not be my father, executing men here and there based on an accusation. There will be order and justice.
"And those found guilty?" Ser Barristan asked.
"They shall know the suffering those children felt," I answered. "Some crimes cannot be forgiven."
Ser Barristan nodded.
So, as I was snooping to see what the Meereen champion was saying on GOT fandom, I discover why Missandei did not translate. It was the same quote from Monty Python and the Holy Grail where the French soldier insults King Arthur. A bit scrambled, but it was the same scene, without the raspberries.
Thanks for reading and please leave a review!