When Varys received word that the dragons had escaped he was vexed. He knew that even if Danerys could not truly control them, that they were crucial to their campaign. Using the dragons to scare their enemy into surrendering was preferable to having to fight for every inch of ground they took. Varys did not want the realm to fall apart into chaos. He wanted peace and for someone to rule the Kingdom as it should be ruled. He had had high hopes for Danerys.
When his business with Illyrio in Pentos was concluded he had headed back to Mereen. To his surprise the dragons were back. No longer chained, but no longer creating havoc either. And to his delight the army was almost ready to travel.
The plan was to travel by ship to Valyria, then to Volantis, then to Lys, Dorne, and onto Kings Landing. Stops would be necessary to collect fresh water and food for the army. Any resistance they met along the way would be met by troops and dragons. As it was the journey would take mean many weeks at sea, but it would take many more months if they crossed Essos by land to Pentos, before they crossed the Narrow Sea. They now had the ships and Varys and his people had ports and supplies organised along the way.
Varys arrived in time for a council meeting. To Varys there seemed an undercurrent of tension in the room. He hadn't had time to speak to anyone before he was called to Danerys' chambers. He eyed Tyrion suspiciously. What had been going on here since he left three weeks earlier. It was clear then something had happened between Danerys and Mormont, and whatever it was hadn't been resolved.
He had decided to wait until after the meeting and pin-hole Tyrion for information. Whatever had happened, he expected several messages would be waiting for his return.
"Lord Varys I am glad you are back with us and that you have very good news about the preparations for our troops." Dany said and gave him a tight smile. "Could you give us a summary please."
Varys explained about the supply dumps, extra swords, equipment etc that he had organised in each of the cities they were going to stop at one their way to Kings Landing. He was pleased to see how that the other men around the table seemed impressed by his activities.
"And I have been told the dragons escaped but have returned?" Varys asked.
"Yes, yes they have." Danerys answered.
Varys couldn't help noticing how everyone in the room tensed at the mention of the dragons.
"They have returned and are ready to aid us."
"Very good." Varys raised his powdered eyebrows at Tyrion.
"It appears that we shall be ready to begin moving troops in roughly three weeks time." Ser Barristan summarised.
"Good." Dany nodded. "What are everyone's thoughts on when we arrive in Kings Landing?" She looked at Jorah.
Jorah and Ser Barristan exchanged glances. Jorah's last suggestion hadn't been well received.
"Didn't you suggest offering clemency to Tyrion's nephew if surrendered the throne?" Dany pressed.
"I did." Jorah admitted, almost wincing as he did so.
"And do you think he'd accept?" She asked Tyrion.
"Possibly if his mother could be removed from the equation."
"You'd suggest we kill his mother?" Ser Barristan was shocked.
"Tommen might be the King but his mother controls him. If we removed her, then I'm sure Tommen would be amenable to saving the people from being slaughtered. He is a gentle boy." Tyrion explained.
"But she is your sister."
"Yes and if you recall she tried to have me beheaded!" Tyrion told him.
"Gentlemen please!" Dany snapped. "If we do this, and Tommen refuses to concede then we'll have no choice but to remove him."
"Yes your Grace, but I doubt it will come to that."
"I hope not. I intend to take back my throne not murder children." Dany said sternly.
Her three advisers all murmured their agreement.
"I have been thinking about the plan for our transport to Westeros. I have decided that instead of each of your travelling on different ships, I would have you all on my ship." Dany told them.
"And if it is attacked?" Ser Barristan asked.
"Then we all go down together." Ser Jorah told him.
"The dragons will protect us." Dany assured them.
"Ships are made of timber." Tyrion pointed out.
"I know that! I have been able to communicate better with my children since their return and I intend to spend the coming weeks working to improve it further." She answered indignantly.
"Do you still intend to ride the dragons?" Varys asked.
"Yes."
"What enemy would dare defy a Queen who can control a dragon?" Tyrion asked.
Not many Varys thought, but there was no guarantee Danerys could convince one of the beasts to allow her to ride it, and if it did, that it would follow her commands.
"Shall we adjourn gentlemen? I should see some of today's petitioners before I go and see my children."
Dany swept out of the room followed by Ser Barristan, Ser Jorah and Grey Worm.
"Now my friend, it seems quite a lot has happened since my journey." Varys said smarmily.
"Quite a lot!" Tyrion smile conspiratorially. "But I talk better with a wine glass in my hand."
"Of course, after you."