The Chronicles of Valyria,
Book 1 Resurrection
Chapter 28
The day after the burning of the dead, the city was properly plundered, everything of value was stripped away, every house, manse and palace was cleared out and everything was gathered on the large square before the Archon's palace. The Forlorn and the Unsullied were patrolling the city to ensure that nothing was hidden away or stolen. Those few that did, where swiftly and brutally punished by the rules Aurora had stated before the beginning of the battle.
The same was true for those of the soldiers and sellswords that mistreated the inhabitants of the city. There were not many, but still several dozen men were hung around the palace square with signs placed at their feat telling of their transgressions.
It were mostly the men of the Golden Company and the Windblown that maintained order amongst their fellow sellswords and executed Aurora's punishments to those that stepped out of line.
Likewise many of the former slaves had to be kept from killing their former masters in repayment for past mistreatments. For example, in the morning someone had managed to sneak into the Palace and had killed the Archon, displaying his corpse in his cell for the jailors to find.
Many of the old masters and those involved in the slave trade had been arrested and put into 'protective custody' by the Forlorn. Which in most cases meant that they were never heard from again and the ranks of the Forlorn grew mysteriously that particular day. As Aurora had estimated, they had managed to recruit another 5000 Forlorn from the Tyroshi upper class.
The lower class citizens of Tyrosh where mostly left alone, since they had little of value to begin with, they had not much to lose.
After the spoils were gathered, they were divided equally amongst the Westerosi troops and the sellswords, by far the most of which had signed up with the expedition forces to Valyria. Only a few hundred, mostly those nearing retirement, or those crippled in the fighting, had refused the offer and went their own way after swearing an oath to never take up arms against them.
XXX
They stayed in Tyrosh for three weeks, long enough for their fleet to return to Myr and pick up everyone and everything of worth before Aurora and Gabrielle went in and burned the city to the ground. Afterwards they flooded the burning ruins with salt water which evaporated leaving a layer of salt that rendered the grounds infertile for decades to come.
Upon their return to Tyrosh there was a rather large surprise waiting for them. A trio of new ships where anchored in the harbor. All three were war galleys that no one recognized, but they were flying a crude representation of the sigil of House Valaris on their sails.
Oddly enough the ships were crewed by all-female crews including leather-clad guards who bore a remarkable resemblance to the warrior women of Kayakayanaya, and even spoke the same language.
Upon their return, Aurora and Gabrielle immediately headed over to the unknown ships and surrounded by the Immortals and their family, they approached the lowered gangplanks.
Suddenly the tense silence that hung over the entire harbor was broken by a female voice coming from the middle ship. "I have got to say girls, you two took your bloody sweet time getting here." When they looked for the speaker they saw a woman of exceptional beauty standing on the railing looking down on them.
The woman had long silver blond hair that was braided in a single thick braid and reached down to her leather clad behind. Her face was soft with clear blue eyes and a naughty gleam within them. Her ears, which were left bare thanks to the braid, were filled with jeweled golden studs and rings just like those of Aurora and Gabrielle.
She was wearing a tight fitting brown leather corset which reached to just over her ample bosom, to which was attached a skirt of leather strips that reached down to halfway down her upper legs. Her under arms and legs were protected by leather greaves and vambraces and she wore leather gloves which only covered the thumb and the first two fingers.
She was well armed with a pair of quivers slung over her right shoulder and a sword hilt over the left. In her right hand she held a bow made of golden colored wood and two knives were hung from a belt around her waist.
To the complete and utter shock of everyone around, both Aurora and Gabrielle were staring at the unknown woman with open mouths and a hint of longing in their eyes. Noticing this, the woman jumped down on the docks and slowly walked towards the Ladies, completely ignoring the threateningly raised axes of the Immortals.
"I arrived in some bigoted shithole called Lys about two months ago and for some reason all the soldiers and able-bodied free men were gone. So after I ran into these lovely girls," she pointed at the women who were crewing the ships, "it took us like no time at all to get our hands on some proper toys and we took over the city in a matter of days."
Still smiling she looked at the Immortals and said, "Put those axes down boys, I don't wanne have to harm you."
A softly whispered, "Sinny?" was all that escaped the lips of Aurora and Gabrielle before they shoved the Immortals aside and ran at the strange woman, enveloping her in tight hug that turned her a little blue in the face after a minute.
"Ehh, girls, can't breathe," she gasped and she was quickly released. Taking a small step backwards, Aurora and Gabrielle looked the woman up and down before breaking out into a broad smile.
"You have no idea how much we have missed you Francine," Gabrielle said softly so only the three of them could hear her. "We didn't know you were send here as well."
Slightly rolling her eyes, the now named Francine muttered softly, "Yea well some high and mighty wanker in the sky decided that you two could use some help, and here I am. I just wish they had sent us directly to you, as Ivy and I got separated after we arrived. I miss that big cuddly bear." A single tear slid across her beautiful cheek as she fondly thought off her husband.
"You mean Ivan came here with you?" Aurora asked with unhidden excitement in her voice. Francine nodded and both Ladies made a fist-pump in triumph. "That is great news, we missed you both and with him here, we won't have to train a general up from scratch."
Francine didn't share their enthusiasm though, and Gabrielle asked carefully, "What happened to him Sinny?"
"I'll tell you later when we have some privacy." She replied softly.
Aurora nodded silently before she looked up towards the crews of Francine's ships. "How many warriors did you manage to gather?"
"Just over two-thousand, apparently a race of barbarians called the 'Jogo Hai' or something, sacked a whole city that was defended by these warrior-women. From what I could gather from my new friends, there are somewhere between twelve- and fifteen-thousand of them left, besides the ones that are with me. Most were apparently send to Slaver's Bay but the rest, the best looking, were send to Lys to be trained as prostitutes. I have brought three-hundred with me and the rest are still in Lys, keeping the peace there."
"But how did you know we were here?" Gabrielle asked still a little confused by the sudden appearance of their long time friend.
With a cute grin Francine replied, "Well I heard rumors about a pair of women with god-like powers who were riding massive ass dragons into battle. So the link wasn't hard to make when news came to Lys that said women had taken the city of Tyrosh. So I packed up the best warriors amongst my new friends and sailed here, hoping to find you two."
A sudden tug on Aurora's cloak caused her to look down and she saw Ygritte standing behind her with Layla besides her. After motioning for Aurora to come closer, Ygritte whispered into her ear, "Mommy, who is that women?"
With a small smile Aurora picked up the little red-head while Gabrielle picked up Layla. Turning back to Francine, Aurora said, "Francine, let me introduce you to our youngest adopted daughter, Ygritte and her friend Layla."
"Hello," Francine said while smiling gently and offering her hands to the girls. When she opened them she showed two pieces of sugared cake which were quickly snatched away and devoured.
"Let's introduce you to the rest Sinny," Gabrielle said as she turned towards the rather considerable gathering that was looking at them.
Walking over to the rest of the family and the military council that had gathered themselves, they introduced them one-by-one to Francine before Gabrielle stepped onto a nearby cart and addressed the gathered mass of people.
"Hello everyone, I have good news, the island-city of Lys has been conquered in our name and is held by warriors loyal to our cause." A loud cheer arose amongst the troops and Gabrielle raised her hands to get them to quiet down again.
"This has been made possible by the Lady standing besides us. I would like to introduce to you Lady Francine, one of the longest standing retainers of House Valaris. She is a friend that we had long believed dead, but we rejoice in her renewed presence at our side."
A loud and long cheer arose again and some shouts of welcome could be heard before Gabrielle managed to calm the mass down again. "In a weak from now, we shall leave Tyrosh and head for Lys to pick up those who want to come with us, and then it is on to Valyria and our new home. I suggest you use the time till then to rest and decide upon what you want to do.
Tyrosh will become the new capitol of the Stepstones and come under the rule of the Iron Throne. Those of you who wish to stay here are welcome to do so. Those of you who want to go back home, whether it is in Westeros or elsewhere, you are free to do so. Those of you who want to come with us to Valyria will have to make sure they are registered and given a number and the name of the ship they will be housed on. Please make sure you do this on time and well before we leave. Until then, I bid you all a good day."
When she stepped down from the cart, she and Aurora led their little family to their encampment and to their tent. Addressing the group of warrior women that followed them in their own language.
"I have a surprise for you once we reach our encampment. When my wife and I were scouting out the defenses of this city, we also visited the slave market and we bought and freed a fair number of your fellow warrior women who had been captured when their army was defeated by the Jogos Nhai."
Cries of joy and surprise sounded from their followers once they reached the encampment and friends thought lost were reunited as the two groups of warrior women met each other. Valaya, the elected leader of the first group, approached them and asked with confusion and a hint of worry on her face, "How is this possible, many of those you now bring us were left at Kayakayanaya when we were send out to fight the Jogos Nhai. So how come they are here now?"
With a somewhat saddened expression Aurora replied, "I regret having to tell you this Valaya, but shortly after your army was defeated, a larger horde of Jogos Nhai besieged your city. The defenders fought bravely, but after two weeks of nearly constant assault, the city was taken and sacked. I'm very sorry, but the great fortress city of Kayakayanaya does no longer exist."
Valaya's face fell and she said softly, "We were afraid that would happen. With our army gone from the city, a full one-third of the defenders were gone and the city would be undermanned and vulnerable."
Aurora put a comforting hand on the young woman's shoulder and when she looked up, Valaya said softly, "What have we now left to return to, our homes, our families, our friends, all are gone now."
"Your situation is not unlike that of many who now follow us, many of the former slaves have lost everything and have nothing to return to. So let me present you with an offer, for both yourself and all of your sisters. Come with us to Valyria, we shall have great need of warriors with your skills. We can give you a new home, and a new cause to fight for should you desire one."
Nodding softly Valaya replied, "We know that. My sisters and I have spoken about it to great length when you were gone. And most agree with me, we would like to join you to Valyria and fight by your side, as your personal guard if you would want us."
Aurora and Gabrielle shared a mental grin of satisfaction, as this was exactly what they had hoped for. Nodding their heads with a smile on their face, Gabrielle said, "We would be grateful to have such skilled and brave warriors as you at our sides, but be warned. Once we get to Valyria, we will push you harder than you have ever been before, for if you are to guard us in battle, we must be sure that you are able to do so."
Valaya nodded and with a small shimmer in her eyes she replied, "Whatever obstacles come on our way, we shall overcome them to reach this goal."
"Then go, and tell your sisters to step up their training. When we leave next week, you will be part of our vanguard." Valaya quickly bowed at Gabrielle's words and sped away to spread the word.
"That went better than I expected," Aurora mused softly as Gabrielle and Francine walked besides her.
"You planned this from the start, didn't you." Francine stated more than asked.
"What gave it away." Aurora grinned back as they reached their tent and she let the others pass in first. Turning to the rest of the family she added, "Please keep yourselves occupied until dinner, the three of us have much to discuss in private."
After receiving a few acknowledging nods, the group dispersed with Sandor taking up a position directly before the overhang with two of the Immortals on either side of him.
Once they were inside, both Aurora and Gabriele removed the outer layer of their armor with a little help from Francine before they sat down around the small table. Now that they could speak freely, they dropped the cover stories.
"So tell us, what did those wankers tell you when they send you here?" Francine smiled at Aurora's blunt question and she started her story.
"The day after you left, Ivan and I were asked if we wanted to help you in this new world. Of course it wasn't really a hard decision on our part. We said goodbye to the others and followed you shortly.
Three months earlier.
With a loud 'SPLASH' two bodies fell into the waters of Slaver's Bay, about two-hundred foot from the shore. Weighted down by the armor they wore, Ivan and Francine struggled to keep their heads above the water as they swam to the shore. Internally they were cursing the sense of direction of whatever deity had send them here.
It took them almost 5 minutes to make it to shore, and only because of their stronger than normal bodies were they able to keep going. As they lay on the shore, recovering from their ordeal, they looked each other in the eyes and couldn't stop the grin from spreading over their faces. Taking off their respective helmets they then shared a tender kiss.
"I wonder where the Ladies are," Ivan asked as he sat up to inspect their surroundings. Before he could get a good look though he felt an all too familiar sensation. That of cold steel being pressed against his throat.
Not thinking twice about it, his left arm shot up to keep the blade from cutting his throat, while his right shot behind him. Feeling what was no doubt the head of his would-be-captor, he balled his massive fist, crushing the persons skull with little more effort than it would take to squash an orange.
Springing up on his feet, he drew the massive greatsword that was laying besides him and with a single wide slash, he cut down three of his attackers. Before he could search for more though, a sudden cry of, "Ivan," drew his attention.
Turning around to the love of his life, he saw to his shock that she had not had the chance to draw her weapons and two men were holding her whilst a third held a blade to her throat. The man with the blade yelled something in a language he did not understand, but the meaning was clear. 'Surrender, or she dies.'
Seeing no other way out, Ivan lowered his sword and dropped it on the ground before the men. From somewhere others quickly came running towards them with chains and thick ropes. First they took of Francine's armor, leaving her in a simple linen tunic. They then tied her with her hands behind her back and all the while keeping that cursed blade against her throat.
When they were done with his wife, they moved to him and with signs and pointing of spears, they told him to remove his armor, which he grudgingly did. Once the last part of the heavy armor was dropped, he was bound in chains and together, he and Francine were led towards an ox-drawn cart. The cart had a steel cage on it that already held several men and women and they were forced to get in as well.
Once they were in the cage, Ivan finally had the chance to look around them and to his frustration he saw that they had apparently landed in what looked suspiciously much like a slaver caravan. Around them were at least a dozen more carts and with a little grim humor he saw half a dozen of the slavers putting their armor on a cart.
They struggled to lift the various pieces of his armor and when they came to the massive great sword and flail he had carried, one of them got the heavy spiked ball, which was the size of a human head, directly on his foot crushing it beyond salvation.
After two days in the cart they finally arrived at a large city, the massive walls surrounding it were made of many colored bricks. Great pyramids commanded the skyline, with one towering over all the others.
From the murmurs of the other slaves they heard one word that was constantly repeated and apparently was the name of the city, "Mereen."
The caravan moved into the city and after riding through a multitude of streets, they arrived at a truly dreadful place, the slave market. A fearful look spread over Francine's face as she whispered, "Ivy, I don't want to leave you."
Pressing his forehead against his wife's, Ivan whispered back, "Neither do I love, but you have to be strong. I know what will happen to me, I'll be sold to become a gladiator or something similar. You on the other hand, you're beautiful, everyone can see that. The chance is great that you'll be bought and then send far away from here. If that happens, get yourself free and find Aurora and Gabrielle, they'll know what to do.
Promise me, don't come back for me, not until you have found them and they can come with you."
Before Francine could respond, the door of the cart was opened and as he predicted, the men pulled Ivan out first. As they dragged him away he resisted as good as he could while saying, "Promise me Sinny, promise me you won't come for me, not on your own."
With tears in her eyes Francine nodded and screamed after him, "I promise, I promise. Just hold on. I'll find them, and we'll come back to get you."
"That was the last time I saw him." Francine finished with tears in her eyes. "I was sold to a slave trader from Lys. I was fortunate to have a fellow slave who spoke our language, which is known here as the Common Tongue, and she taught me to speak the Bastard Valyrian spoken by the slavers."
As she finished her tale, both Aurora and Gabrielle were silent for a while as they thought about all she had said. "So…" Aurora began after a while. As the other two looked at her, they saw a frighteningly familiar sight. Her eyes were blazing with black fire and the edges of her hair were burning with the same. "Mereen it is then, I'll be back before we leave."
As she made to stand up and leave the tent, Gabrielle jumped up and grabbed her shouting, "GET YOUR MIND CLEAR AND THINK. Remember what happened at the plaza. I can't lose you, and neither can the girls."
"Those pathetic slavers will never kill me, I'll burn them all. Ivan needs us right now."
"YOU ARE NOT IMMORTAL RORA. NOR ARE YOU A GOD. WE CAN'T TAKE ON AN ENTIRE CITY BY OURSELVES"
"THEN WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST WE DO? WE CAN'T LEAVE HIM THERE."
"Nor shall we. But rushing head first towards one of the greatest slaver cities won't help him if we can't get to him." This seemed to calm Aurora somewhat, and the fire in her eyes and hair receded, letting Gabrielle know it was save to let her go.
"We are not going to let Ivan suffer there any longer then he has to, but we need to plan this properly. I am convinced that the three of us can get him out of there without too much danger. Ivan is tough, far tougher than any man he's going to face in that arena. He'll survive for a few weeks more."
"I take it you have a plan then?" Francine interrupted their discussion with a small scowl on her face.
"Of course I have a plan," Gabrielle retorted as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Turning to Aurora she added with a grin, "I think it's time we let Valaya and a few of the others in on a little secret, and see how skilled they really are."
Immediately realizing her plan, Aurora started grinning as well. "I'll go inform her, meet me at the armory tents." Before either of the other two could object, she had jumped up and sped out of the tent.
Immediately she sought out Valaya, who's tent was located relatively close to their own, and upon reaching it, she knocked on the wooden entrance pole. Mere seconds later the overhang was opened and Valaya's head appeared.
"My Lady," She said quickly while stepping out of the tent and making a bow, "What is it you need of me?"
With a small feral grin Auror replied, "Gather 30 of your sisters, the best fighters you can find, and meet me at the armory tents in 1 hour. I have a mission of the utmost importance."
With a little more enthusiasm than was appropriate, Valaya nodded quickly and after bowing again, she headed back into her tent to gather her own equipment. Aurora, satisfied that she would do as she had ordered, made her way to the armory tents.
Upon reaching her destination, she saw her wife and Francine already there and talking with the head armorer.
Aurora went to stand on the other side of her wife and said, "Valaya is gathering the others and she'll bring them here."
"That's good," came the reply from Gabrielle, "I think it's time we went to work on the dragon carcass, I have already given orders to bring it here, so it'll probably arrive somewhere early tommorow."
"Great," Aurora replied, "If you and Sinny start on that, I'll focus on the weaponry."
"Yea sure," Francine replied with a scowl, "Leave the most untasteful job in the cold to us, while you go off gallivanting in the nice warm forge."
"Eh, if memory serves, you nearly burned down the forge last time I allowed you in, so…"
"Yea whatever." Francine scoffed a little at Aurora's words while Gabrielle grinned softly.
At that moment they were interrupted from discussing it further by the arrival of Valaya and her chosen sisters. They all made a collective bow and the three ladies were pleased to see both groups of warrior women were represented.
Turning to the group Gabrielle took the word. "Thank you for coming on such short notice, but we have a mission for you, one of the utmost importance.
