A/N: apologies for the long long break between updates. This year has been a mad house, life has gotten incredibly busy. I'm determined to finish this story and this will be the second last chapter of this story. I do plan on rewriting some of the earlier chapters soon, and I'm going to round out the Chapters to 40. I'll put in some short stories from Valyria and Valreos and last chapter will be a chapter from a new fic I want to start...for now enjoy this new direction for the Valreon people as they expand :)
Chapter 37: Valreos World Order
The sun beat down on Slavers Bay, the heat so intense the ground shimmered with the rising heat. People bustled about the city on their business, doing their best to avoid being in the sun too long. Masters of the neighbouring cities had steadily arrived from Yunkai and Astapor. The news of Daario Naharis disappearance a welcome return to the ways of the old, before the silver haired dragon witch had taken it away from them. The slaves struggled to hold the weight of the litters escorting their masters through the grand desert city but it was better than the fate that awaited them should they refuse to work. The Masters were arriving in droves for a great event, a celebration of sorts to mark the return of their cities to slavery and to the Masters. Satisfied smug looks adorned their faces as they entered Mereen, months of plotting to overthrow the regent ruler paid off in their favour. Now they could celebrate before getting on with their business, the slave business. None of the masters had asked in great detail what became of Daario Naharis, truth be told none of them truly cared. Alive or dead it was no consequence to them, he was but one man with no friends or allies in this part of the world. What harm could he possibly be to them?
As they passed through the town making their way to the celebration, they glanced with satisfaction at the displayed forms of the royal guard left to defend Mereen and take orders from Daario Noharis. Displayed throughout the city the men were long dead, their eyes picked by the crows. The flies remained, buzzing over their long stilled faces, the blood dried in pools at their feet. The message was loud and it was clear, the Masters have risen again and the dragons are not coming to save the day.
The Great Pyramid stood proud and tall, the pinnacle of power in the great city and it stood empty awaiting a new occupant to take command of the powerful city. The Masters flocked to another pyramid in the shadow of the Great Pyramid, respectfully they could not host a gathering there until the new ruler took his place. The new ruler would be elected tonight from the group of men who historically held power and who would continue to clutch to that power.
Any slaves not belonging to the powerful families were brought back under their control, the way things were returned and the common people of Mereen lamented the loss of their freedom. To compensate, the Masters were especially harsh to dissidents and those who resisted, they too joined the long dead Royal Guard on display for the whole city to see. Yet some of the Mereenese nobility remained apprehensive, the word of Dragon Lords rising in the West had reached Mereen. They had defensively begun fortifying the city for attacks from sea and air but many of the Masters whispered to themselves that the dragons were coming and bringing their fury with them. The way dragons destroyed cities were fresh to these men and although they were few they wouldn't be swayed by their peers. They stayed silent and they waited playing their part to their counterparts but aware that the dragons would turn their focus to Mereen sooner or later. Some even quietly conspired how they could reach out to these dragon lords and build favour with them.
Uncertainty gripped the cities as many were convinced they would be conquered next while others were arrogant and convinced they could fight them, and win. These kinds of conversations dominated the room as the ladies and lords of Slavers Bay rejoiced in their return to unrivalled power. The party of nobility dragged on through the day into the night and the noble ladies of the slave lords excused themselves to return to their royal suites. As did some of the male nobility who only wanted to make an appearance to remain in good graces. The party progressively got more and more depraved as night fell and people were dropping away. The slave girls serving food and drinks were soon forced into serving the needs of the men who remained. They were often savagely cornered and raped by groups of men, crying out in protest to help that wasn't coming. Every man of status was present in this room, every man who plotted to overthrow Daario and wrest control of the city back into their hands. Almost every man participated in the group sex of the slaves they had locked with them in the room. Drunk on power and pleasure these men fulfilled every one of their sick needs, taking their anger out towards the Dragon Queen on the slaves she had fought to liberate. Bleary eyed and inebriated none of them noticed the shadows in the corner of the room lengthen and stretch. The torches that lit the dim room flickered and died down, it didn't stop them or alert them that anything was wrong. The cries of the slave girls filling the brief darkness as their pain didn't subside. Suddenly the torches roared back to life and there was a shadow standing in the middle of the room. Eyes burning bright and blue, the shadow swirled and the men stopped in shock watching this thing not knowing what to do next. Were they past the point of being drunk? Was their wine spiked and this was an illusion of the mind? The shadows formed a man who looked around the room, he spotted one of them watching him suspiciously, the shadow remembered the man from a vision he had seen. This was the one responsible for plotting to killing members of his family in another thread of time, striding forward in one flick of his wrist Blackfyre hissed through the air and the head was removed from the mans body. One enemy down, the men of the room watched stunned as the head spun through the air and hit the stone floor with a sickening crunch. Blood had sprayed across the floor, his body had dropped to his knees and fell forward as more blood gushed from the wound where his head sat on his neck.
The room erupted into chaos, drunken slave owners tossing aside slave girls to raise arms and charge the intruder. The men charged the blue eyed figure blades out ready for blood, most still naked, but in unison they fell lifeless at his feet as their hearts were crushed simultaneously in all of their bodies. And just like that the noble families of Mereen, Yunkai and Astapor lost their leaders.
Jon stood eyes burning bright and furious as he scanned the room, the bodies of slave masters all around his feet. The slave women were terrified, cowering, pulling the rags of their clothing over their naked bruised bodies.
And as quick as he arrived, his body exploded into shadows which disappeared into the night. The girls looked around at each other fearfully, the room was now dark and quiet. One girl shivered and gasped trembling in fear she was going to die, she heard the screech first, faintly. ''Mysa?' she whispered, but her whisper was heard by all the women in the room. They looked around in fear of what was coming next but what they heard was undeniable, the loud reverberating screech of dragons. Many dragons arriving in Mereen, it was unmistakeable after Daenerys had three dragons here. All the common people of Mereen had come to think of that screeching as the sound of their saviour, their Queen. The screeches were louder this time, closer and moments after the deafening crunch of a dragon landing and the room shook violently it was undeniable, the Dragon Lords had arrived in Mereen.
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The Iron Bank adorned an entire island in Braavos, looking across the secluded bay commandingly and menacingly. All could see it from the numerous islands which made up Braavos, no Temple matched its size or grandeur. A testament to the reality that in Braavos and beyond, the bank was the true power. Playing a close eye on foreign and local politics the Bank had manipulated world events for their financial benefit for an untold amount of time. Funding who they deemed most pliable to their cause, approving loans they knew couldn't be paid and swooping in and taking control of cities crippled in their debt. Expansion and control was the undercurrent of the banks long term plan, and they executed this plan with ruthlessness and malice.
Commanding the Bank was Noho Demettis alongside the Iron Council, consisting of members who had significant financial interest in the bank. Together they ruled and saw the destruction of all who came against them, arrogant and drunk on their unopposed rule.
"You mean to tell me they paid in full?!" screeched a withered old woman, the key at her neck grazing the table as she sat forward incredulously. "We have poured investments into that wretched place full of barbarians for years! We have waited for them to crumble under the weight of their failings and you say they paid...in full?"
Her sandpapery voice was rasping like leaves scattering across the ground on an autumn day. She spat as she spoke spraying the table in front of her, unperturbed by the spectacle she was being.
Noho clenched his jaw in irritation but maintained a clear expression, "Yes Lady Morianos, they paid in full. Do not worry they can't have much more behind them, we will weaken their wealth and Westeros will be ours as planned"
The woman hissed air through her teeth as she gripped the desk in front of her, causing her knuckles to turn white. "Did you see their vaults Noho? How exactly did they pay you?"
She gazed at him unwaveringly, becoming uncomfortable he averted his gaze for a slight moment and in that moment she knew. Her expression darkened as he began to speak, his voice was barely audible.
"I did not see their vaults"
Enraged the woman slammed her hands on the desk causing the numerous bangles lining her arms to rattle ominously.
"You didn't see the vaults?! You've just cost us a major investment!! I vote to remove Noho from seat of Head Chair! Such incompetence cannot go unchecked..."
"Settle yourself Lady Morianos you're making a scene" drawled a voice from across the room.
Gritting her teeth she turned and snarled her aged face at the middle aged man sitting across the room.
"So we wait until they're bled dry with all the repairs they must do in their cities it saves us an untold amount of funds on restoration! Combine that with our recent price hikes they will be knocking at our door for assistance within the year. So cease to be so impatient" spoke the man, almost as if he spoke to a child and ending his speech with a tone of disdain. Many other council members snickered slightly at his words almost as if they were in agreement with him.
Shakily, the woman stood and fuming began to approach them her finger out accusingly pointing at them.
She was interrupted by a huge crack of thunder, and rumble of a storm developing over them. The building shook slightly under the powerful lightning that struck above the city.
"In two moons time we will take control of Westeros or I withdraw my funding from the Iron Bank. I won't sit by and let this stand. We had multiple chances when Westeros was weak to take control and yet we sat and waited. While we waited it was taken from us!"
"We couldn't have defeated the undead" scoffed the youngest member of the council, "and we can't go to war with them either. We don't know what they hold yet, we need time to gather intel. I vote we move onto another acquisition in the mean time"
"Oh no young man we will not. Do not dare speak in this chamber while the seat is still warm from your fathers ass sitting in it! You speak out of line, shut your pretty mouth and listen. If we don't strike first they will come to us! And your house will be the one I hope to see crushed first"
Her angered yelling ceased and her body heaved from the energy taken to convey such a strong and dark threat. The room was very quiet aside from numerous whispers that erupted after the moment of silence. Suddenly the storm crashed again and the windows flashed with bright light.
Everyone's eyes turned to the ceiling of the top of the Iron Bank building, built so high it almost touched the sky. And on very misty days it's peak could not be seen from the ground, the Iron Council sat here on a daily basis debating the course of the Banks trajectory. Today was just another day to the Iron Council, the lightning and thunder crashed again for several minutes so loudly none could hear what was being spoken. Across the room representatives of the major temples were seated listening to the proceedings. They held minor seats of influence and received tributes from major stakeholders to vote in their favour creating secret alliances and furthering their own pursuit of power. One priestess sat seemingly oblivious to the proceedings her eyes milky white, beside her an evil looking warlock sat lips stained dark blue his eyes greedy looking for power. The storm hampered proceedings as the argument boiled on, after a time they agreed Westeros would have price hikes on goods, dissidents sent to spread unrest in the volatile territories to spark costly wars and eventually conquest when weakened. The argument died away as plans were being drawn up when suddenly out of nowhere the priestess stood her eyes no longer milky white, weapons in both hands thick with blood and dead minor stakeholders laying around her feet. The attack had been so swift and deadly no one had time to raise the alarm. As the major stakeholders looked on in shock the thunder above them intensified until a deafening crash sounded. The roof crumbled and was torn away revealing a group of dragons and their riders. The dragons held pieces of the roof in their claws as the roof had been ripped from the building, dust and rain fell into the chamber causing the council to cower as they were rained upon by debris. The glint of the dragons eyes froze the Iron Council members as they tried to escape, the assassin simply smiled and dissipated into swirling flames, disappearing. Without hesitation the dragons unleashed fiery fury on the Iron council. The intense heat melted parts of the building to liquified piles on the floor, and when the flames ceased the Iron Council were entirely reduced to piles of ashes on the floor. All that remained of them were their keys laying on the floor where they had incinerated. Young and old alike perished to the dragons, the strong wind from the storm simply blew their ashes away. The dragon riders looked to one another and nodded as they leapt from dragon back to execute the next phase of the mission. The dragons rose into the sky to encircle Braavos and assault from the sky as the men charged into the Iron Bank of Braavos.
The fall of Braavos to the Valreons had been swift, targeting the heart of Braavosi power had been a smart move. It meant no one had time to prepare, or escape. All who were in the bank that day perished, it was revenge for the plans to overthrow Westeros and conquer it for themselves. Braavosi citizens tried to rise in defence of their city but seeing their friends and relatives being burnt by dragon fire quickly caused many to surrender. The storm had mysteriously stopped and now it was fire and death that rained down on the city. People ran terrified as they desperately sought to find shelter, all over the bay several temples valiantly tried to defend themselves. Hope faded the instant the Titan creakily rose from the headlands and strode into the bay to begin destroying the Temples that put up a fight. The Temple of R'llor fell first to the Titan, it crumbled easily in the Titans hands as the giant statue smashed its fist through the land which held the temple. Fire burst out from all angles as it crumbled crushing the devout as it fell. People froze in shock on the shores of the surrounding islands to watch as the Titan, their protector was used against them. All was chaos, people frantically running in all directions to hide or attempt escape. No matter where they went they were found by dragon Lords and herded into capture, hope was futile. Their strength and magic combined meant the Braavosi were outmanoeuvred from the beginning, people began surrendering in droves. Many tried to resist and were cut down where they stood, or reduced to ashes by dragon fire from above. All the while deafening crunches and explosions sounded all around the bay as the Titan destroyed buildings in the blink of an eye killing everyone inside.
Across the bay the House of Black and White passively sat, only two Priests watched the proceedings from the shore of its island. They made no move to help or defend Braavos, instead they watched as the destruction of Braavos unfolded. The Many Faced God would feast on the dead tonight, and as the priests watched on they saw only the Temples which rose against the dragons were being attacked. The Titan far surpassed their defence capabilities and many Temples began surrendering realising their fight was hopeless. The priests glanced above them, an enormous dragon regarded them from the sky, it's eyes trained on the island ready to strike. Yet it remained in the sky, not appearing to prepare to attack the men as they watched on.
"We will not rise," spoke the older priest as they watched the Titan destroy another Temple, "it would be foolish and we have been instructed to side with the dragons"
"It goes against what Braavos stands for! We are turning on our people!" thundered the younger priest.
"It's what we have decided, we stand with the dragons. We have more to achieve in this world, don't be foolish and throw away everything for loyalty to a city. Besides it's what we have been ordered to do by our Master. Fall in line"
The young priest glanced up momentarily to the dragon menacingly hovering above them, the sound of its wings swooping above him causing his sense of danger to go wild. Against what his body telling him to do he stayed firm.
"I remain to serve the many faced god" mumbled the younger priest as the sound of Braavos dying under the crashing of buildings and the roar of dragon fire raged on in front of them.
"Good, now we move forward in whatever the new world looks like, alive" replied the priest sternly. He turned from the young priest and strode closer to the dragon coming to stand underneath its enormous head. They regarded each other for a few moments, the priest noting powerful visions being activated when he met the dragons gaze.
"We will co operate with you, send your people to discuss terms when their conquest is complete. Their safety is assured" unsure of how to further address a dragon the older priest simply dipped his head and disappeared back into the Temple. The younger priest followed him and locked gazes with the dragon before he disappeared, the force of the visions in his minds eye caused his legs to buckle beneath him as he fought to regain composure.
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Beginning a major conquest of Slavers Bay was a bloody affair, across the Bay the shadows extinguished anyone who could interfere with complete rule. Astapor and Yunkai did not escape the wrath that was coming their way. Countless noble men and women fell to the ground, their throats cut, blood spilling across the floor of their luxurious homes. In some cases whole families died by the sword, their homes slick with pools of blood and death. Some were executed as they tried to flee their homes, the shadows materialising behind them, slicing their necks open and pushing them down the stairs. Their bodies tumbling and bleeding downwards coming to rest at the bottom, eyes wide open in terror but their life extinguished. Terrified slaves froze and cowered in surrender convinced their lives would be taken next, and yet the shadows that came for the masters did not come for the slaves. Slowly they raised their heads and praised their Gods for sparing their lives, but no sooner had they finished their prayers the screeches sounded across their cities. Unmistakeable and terrifying, the Dragon Lords had arrived in Yunkai and Astapor, and their cities were open for the taking.
In the Bay, steel ships from Storms Harbour waited, concealed by magic and in formation. They were ready to strike and strike hard, their weapons turned on to their targets. The men on board waited for the sun to rise before the conquest would begin.
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Illyrio was throughly displeased when his most trusted servant shook him from his sleep urgently holding a crinkled note in his hand. But seeing the panic and urgency in the mans eyes diminished the fury he had initially felt.
"What is it?!" he said commandingly as he sat up from his bed and held out his hand for his robe.
Another servant rushed across and passed his robes and hastily Illyrio dressed as the servant handed him the note. Reading it through multiple times at first Illyrio couldn't tell if this news was a blessing or a curse.
He paced the room and re read the note again, Braavos was gone. Destroyed by the Dragon Lords of Westeros and its survivors taken by force. But where? Where would they take the Braavosi? How did this happen? Braavos was the powerhouse in the northern part of their continent that had ruled literally with an iron fist and unimaginable wealth since before he was born. And now it was gone, ironically destroyed by the ancestors of the people they had sought to escape.
Was this a good thing? He wasn't sure at this stage and pacing his bedroom wasn't going to help him decide. Signalling to his servants Illyrio dressed and emerged from his room striding to his office to begin planning and sending out his messengers. By the time he reached his office and mulled over the situation at hand he was convinced that he could turn this to his favour. He had after all been working to restore the dragons to power in Westeros for many years. He had known deep down that dragons were conquerors and wouldn't just be satisfied with power of one territory, it wasn't in their blood to settle. Now he would make this a time when he would pivot in the changing world and succeed in maintaining his power. Pentos would not meet the fate of Braavos if he could help it.
A stack of parchment was placed on his desk with a thud on the table in front of him, he carefully dipped the quill in the ink and scraped the excess from the sides. Despite being in a rush there were still right ways to do things and sloppy quill work was not one of them, with a sigh he wrote his first note addressed to the rising dragon lords. He pressed it to his most trusted hands and he dashed from the room, the second note wasn't destined to leave Pentos. Illyrio put the call out to his fellow Magisters and the Prince. Once the letters were done he sat back and gazed across the bay at the city he calls home. His mind swirling with options for maintaining power he had only his knowledge of recent events in Westeros to guide him. Deep in his heart he prayed it would be enough. Destroying Braavos seemed completely random to Illyrio but also made complete sense at the same time. Braavos is a city built to defy the Dragon lords and it supported the death of Valyrian doom survivors. He flashed a small smile to himself as he picked up a goblet of fine wine and took a swig. The tart wine washed through his mouth warming his body in a heady glow, yes Braavos destruction did taste sweet to him. No one would stand in their way now.
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Darkness descends fast over Volantis as the days begin to shorten, entering Malaquo Maegyrs least favourite time of year. In spite of the chill in the air from an unseasonably cold summer he retires to his private terrace nightly to watch over the city he partly rules. Bottle of Volantene liquor in hand and a glass he is drinking for one. His only company a heavily creased letter in the hand of his sister Talisa who vanished to Westeros where she was murdered like a commoner. Just seeing the letter enrages him in grief and revenge, he was equally devastated and enraged by Talisas death. Yet after all this time underneath it all was a young man who felt indebted to a sister he loved who once saved him from death. And unable to repay her good deed or use his power to protect her enraged him the most. Not even his daughters smile could erase the dark feelings her death caused in him, and his daughter was the mirror image of his sister but still not the same.
Mulling over the days meetings he breathes in the scent of the city and the scene of the moon shining brightly above him. The rippling of water in moonlight entrances him for the longest time and in that time he wonders what his home would've been like had the Valyrians maintained rule here. This was something he pondered over constantly as a child, growing up he was obsessed with dragons and Valyrian history. As a teen he was severely punished for preparing a voyage to the Valyrian ruins to find priceless artefacts. A voyage he still regrets he didn't do to this day. No matter the stress he faces as member of Volantis triarchy, his treasured Valyrian novels were never far from him. Malaquo ensured he practiced his high Valyrian on a daily basis with the only servant he found who somehow could speak fluently. Sitting with a sigh placing his empty glass down he slowly refilled his glass, his favourite liquor reminiscent of Valyrian liquor of which the name was lost. The blood red liquor filled the glass and placing the bottle in front of him he opened the ancient book to continue reading. The book was worn and the pages yellowed and delicate with age, he still preferred the original over the copy he had made. Something about the scent of the parchment transported him in his mind back to Old Valyria. A series of sounds failed to rouse him from his engrossment in the Valyrian novel, when suddenly a large tile slid down the roof and crashed to the terrace inches away from Malaquo's chair. Startled back to reality he jumped to his feet knocking the red liquor to the ground. The bottle smashed and covered the floor like a large blood stain, mortified he looked over the lost liquor before he slowly looked to the roof at what could have dislodged a roof tile. He came face to face with piercing eyes of a dragon, stunned he stepped back unable to contain the look of surprise and disbelief on his face.
"It can't be!" He exclaimed looking fervently at the dragon perched on his family home. Despite his best judgement he reached forward to touch the dragon, "I wouldn't if I were you" spoke a mans voice to the side.
Stunned Malaquo turned to see a tall silver haired man holding his glass in one hand and his book in the other. In shock he took a step back, glancing nervously around feeling fear building for the first time. The strangers face conveyed no warmth which unsettled Malaquo. Malaquo looked to the ground, his smashed glass and spilt drink were gone to be held in the strangers hand.
"W-who are you? Where are you from?" he stammered trying and failing to regain some sense of authority here.
"Your questions will be answered in time young Maegyr but for now the fate of your city rests with you. Will you co operate with us?" spoke the man his silver eyes hard and unforgiving. His words sent a chill through Malaquo, fate of the city? His mind flashed to his children, wife and extended family.
"They will be safe if you work with us" continued the man casually as he took a long sip and spluttered a little at the drink. He looked critically in the glass, "We need to get you a more authentic drop though, this tastes nothing like it's supposed to"
Malaquo looked on stunned as the man examined his Valyrian novel, noting a small smile at the corner of his hard mouth.
"At least you have an original copy of this series"
"It's a series?!" was all Malaquo could manage to respond. The man locked eyes with him and gave a stern nod.
"Yes and very famous among our people," he closed the book with a snap and extended his arm to return the book to Malaquo, "so will you co operate?"
Malaquo couldn't contain the shake in his hand as he took the book and wondered if this was a dream. He knew by the look in the mans eye that it was indeed not a dream.
"What do you want?" gulped the young man.
"Summon the other members of the triarchy here now"
Malaquo slightly shook his head, "That's highly unusual they will consider this to be an attempt at deceit calling at this hour. They will bring their entourages..."
Above them on the roof the dragon stood sending hundreds of tiles and stones crashing to the terrace narrowly missing Malaquo as he desperately tried to protect himself. The rumble of the dragons growl reverberated through his body, when it stopped he looked up cautiously and raised his hands.
"I'll do it. I'll summon them now. Where do I receive them?"
"Here will do fine" replied the man curtly, the light from the moon making his eyes gleam silvery bright in the night.
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The shadows had extinguished every name problematic to Valreon rule, the blood of men spilled over their sheets as they were extinguished where they lay. And when their cities in Slavers Bay woke it was to the realisation life was about to rapidly change. Dragons crashed onto the pyramids of the cities, huge stones falling in response and the ground shaking violently as they fell. A huge army sprouted from the earth marching in formation throughout the cities, herding citizens indoors and standing guard when they were contained. The streets were silent, and the people of Mereen, Yunkai and Astapor were detained. Resistance was handled immediately, soldiers silenced those making a stand cutting them down swiftly while the people of the cities watched on, powerless. The scorpions which had recently been fitted to the city fired, great bolts whizzed through the air trying to hit their targets. They hurtled towards the dragons atop the pyramids but almost at the point of impact the bolts turned back to their origin. And instead hurtled at and destroyed the scorpions brutally killing their operators and crumbling from the impact. Just like that the aerial defences were broken. The government buildings of Slavers Bay cities were raided and after documents and artifacts of importance were removed they put them to torch. A symbolic act that the dragons were here to stay, and the old was burning away. The ships waiting in the Bay materialised, dropping their concealment magic and fired on any resistance that sprung forth. The dragons fought from above burning any who tried to attack them, the ships from the sea firing at any groups they saw trying to rise up, the army from the ground held the citizens safely inside as the nobility who wanted to tried to fight. The great pyramids were stormed and the nobility who surrendered were spared, any resistance resulted in death. Many noble men died but many were also wise enough to survive. All the men who knew the dragons were coming and accepted it had survived and bent to the new rule. Lanna and Tywin had landed on the Great Pyramid of Mereen while Astapor and Yunkai were being brought to heel. Lanna screeched long and terrible, looking down she saw men approaching with poison spears. Unleashing flames on them all that remained was dust where they stood. Other dragons had landed on the lesser pyramids and unleashed fury as they drew attackers to them. Following the plan detailed by Alaerya the dragons would flush out those most resistant to their rule to be killed. After a time the attacks ceased, the ships still fired on groups trying to launch sea attacks and sunk almost all of Mereens ships. Slowly the dragons unleashed fire signals from on top of the pyramids, Mereen was conquered.
Down in the bay Daario watched as the city fell, he saw the dragons and their lords raining hell on the city. Inside he hoped his wife was safe even though he knew in reality she probably wasn't missing him. Slowly as the fighting in the city came to a halt he signalled to the men he wanted to go ashore. It was time to return to Mereen his old home. What the men of nobility didn't know was how important Daario was to their survival. His time in control of the city had made him a valuable person of information to the dragon lords. He knew every noble family, and he knew their secrets too, now their lives depended on what he knew of them. Making his way to the Great Pyramid he was relieved that minimal damage was incurred on the city itself. The army of the Dragon Lords remained present in the city, keeping citizens locked in buildings while control was handed over to them. There would be no resistance from the people, they watched as Daario moved through their city. Stunned at his sudden reappearance, some were happy others were apprehensive. He had recently disappeared and the city had returned to the Slavers, now he had reappeared bringing dragons, fire and change with him.
All the nobility who remained alive were assembled under guard in the meeting hall of the Great Pyramid. He remembered how Daenerys looked commanding the city from that very spot. His heart twinged in pain when he thought of her, his perfect love who had chosen another. Shaking thoughts of her from his mind he approached the dais and noted with pleasure the mixture of emotions at his reappearance. Standing beside Tywin Lannister and Kyon Jaedra he smiled broadly, he enjoyed finding himself in this position the lives of people he didn't particularly like were now in his hands.
His wife stood at the back with the remaining female nobility watching with a mixture of emotions on her face, the one he was surprised the most to see was a flicker of happiness. Daario tore his eyes away from her and glanced at Tywin as he was addressed, "Lord Noharis, welcome back home." said Tywin with a sparkle in his usually cold eyes.
Several of the Mereenese hissed at this comment and immediately the sparkle disappeared and the thunder returned to Tywin's eyes.
Tywin turned and coldly addressed the Mereenese, "Your counsel has been invaluable to us in taking the city. You'll be restored to power in the name of Valreos, you'll take your former wife if she chooses to return to you and you'll also marry a Valreon woman. You will be in power for 5 years before a new ruler is voted.
Ruling will no longer be a right, your peers will vote for who they want to rule. Many of your noble families died today and they'll be replaced by Valreon families who will be eligible to rule."
Several of the men made cries of outrage which failed to sway Tywin in any manner. Tywin let the outcry die down before he continued, knowing what was to come next would cause an even bigger uproar.
"After 5 years of Lord Noharis controlling the city, a new election will be held and for the first time in Mereen's history a woman will rule. All unmarried women of nobility will be betrothed to one of our people and our customs will be assimilated into your society"
The Mereenese were shocked for the moments after Tywin paused, but the outrage was loud and clear. These people were not pleased with the new way that was being thrust upon them. The women on the other hand had smiled and looked at their male counterparts smugly. They would embrace this change easily noted Tywin.
"If you wish to survive let's hope you have good relations with Lord Noharis here. Because your life is in his hands" continued Tywin sternly.
"Daario, who else needs to be put to the sword?" questioned Tywin as he turned slightly to look at Daario without a shred of emotion on his face.
The room fell silent as the weight of Tywins words was felt, more put to the sword? Daario would decide? This was precarious for many of the noble families who had sought to destabilise his power over the time he was ruling in the name of Daenerys.
Daario looked out over the remaining nobility, many of the men he despised were missing already. Obviously dead he raked his gaze over the survivors, many of them were mostly good men. Most had given him no trouble during his life there, although there were a handful who had caused problems and who he knew were Sons of the Harpy. Slowly he raised his finger and pointed.
One, two, three, four, five, six men, they quivered as they knew why they were chosen and sunk their heads.
"Those five, known members of Sons of the Harpy, collaborators with the deceased noble men who sought to execute me. Also well known for their ties to Astapor, Yunkai and Asshai. Traders in poisons and slaves, there will be no peace while they live."
Speaking those words while glaring down at the last of his known enemies felt good to Daario and it sent a powerful message to the remaining families.
Silently men materialised behind each of the accused and slit their throats, enacting Daarios counsel immediately the men's protests to live dying mid sentence. Blood spilled over the marble floors, and women cried as their families were stripped of noble titles and power was handed to the Dragons.
"Good," said Tywin casually, "distribute their wives to our people and let's get on with business"
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The months of settling the Free Cities under Valreon rule was exhausting for Tywin, new trade agreements, betrothals and any disputes that arose fell to him. Thoroughly happy to see the end of this he decided part way through this was his last campaign. He grimaced as he wondered how Alaerya managed to push through for over 400 years when his body was aching and sore and he was only just 70. Constant disputes in Tyrosh tugged at his patience and sometimes he thought it better to just wipe out the entire remaining Tyroshi nobility and put all new ones in there. But Alaerya's message had been clear, do not wipe them out it will come good. So he persisted against what his experience told him and eventually she was right. The other territories welcomed Valreons with open arms, especially Volantis who had tried to rule the other cities as Valyrians many years ago. The cities were flourishing with new trade, betrothals and the change the Valreon people brought with them. As promised some of the existing societal structures remained the same, but Valreon architecture and customs began rising and the presence of dragons in every city was a major sign change had come and was here to stay. Yet Tywin was still wading in paperwork daily, scrolls from all the lands needing his advice. The work was overwhelming and frustrating but he persisted and pushed through. Now instead of running one country he ruled half of the world under the Valreon banner. He smiled to himself as he thought how much he would've missed out on if Tyrion had fired those arrows into him that night on the privy. Some days he longed to be back on Valreos with his wife, he missed her and resolved to never leave her or his family for this long ever again. But he knew he was the one with the most experience in running cities to undertake this mammoth task. Slowly and surely the new territories settled into Valreon power, turns out taking them was the easy part. Getting them to co operate with one another and the Valreons took some tweaking. Thankfully he had experienced dealing with all kinds of rulers and knew how to appease and persuade the differing personality types he was presented with. Now he looked out of his suites in Lys, a Valreon residence had been established there which had him as an honoured guest. It was an ironic place for him to reside being known for its famous pleasure houses but he found this Free City to be his favourite. It's beauty and elegance was most tolerable compared to the other cities. And he preferred the Lyseni people also, he formed many lasting bonds with the Heads of the Houses.
One afternoon he sat in his office, his hand ached from writing scrolls but the pile never seemed to get smaller. He noticed a scroll dropped on his desk in the familiar scrawl of his old and dear friend, sighing to himself he wondered how she keeps tabs on them in the afterlife and how present she is. Reaching out to the pile of scrolls to grasp hers he unravels it and reads it carefully.
All it said was 'it's time to go to Naath'
Tywin rolled it up and held it in his hand, he didn't want to go, he certainly didn't want to go through this process all over again. He considered sending the younger Valreons to conquer and build the island nation. Unrolling the scroll again he was surprised to see the message had changed, 'no conquest needed they will welcome us, just go. It's important'
Sighing and knowing he couldn't resist the message, he quietly tapped the remaining scrolls and they disappeared to be actioned later, sending them into a small bag at his hip. Resigning himself to address them at a later time with much relief for a break, it was time to see what waited for them in Naath.
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They had come for them in the night, screams alerted the villagers something was wrong. They were being attacked again, but this time the screams turned into a battle instead of a slaughter. The clash of arms and dying men filled the night air as the people of Naath scurried deep into the woods. Carried by adrenaline and fear they ran for their lives into hiding as the soldiers who lived with them now took up arms to keep the slavers at bay. They hadn't been attacked in months, the last slavers who came were all killed with only a few managing to escape. News had spread Naath wasn't an easy target anymore, and yet slavers had come all the same. Missandei had scooped up the sleeping children and cast one look at Grey Worm silently placing protections over him pleading for his safety. He stormed into the fray and killed the invaders as efficiently as he had always. Missandei scurried into the forest with the children sleeping against her breast, a son and a daughter. Now they numbered four name days and had grown fast from babies to happy children. She vowed to protect them fiercely, reaching the designated shelter she burrowed down through the man made tunnels, insitinctively taking the turns needed to join her people in hiding. Heart hammering in her chest her thoughts circled back to Grey Worm and his well-being, would this be the time he meets his end. Her anxiety rose as she thought of how she would manage without him, exhausted she sat huddled amongst her people and fell into a fitful sleep. Waking some time later there was no light of day to indicate how much time had passed. Adjusting her weight her heart froze when she only felt one child by her side. Realising her son was missing the minutes lengthened as she gave her sleeping daughter to a tribe member and frantically searched for him. Panic rose as she frantically checked the adjacent tunnels and caves. Finding nothing she pushed deeper into a less used trail, calling his name the sound just echoed as she ran. Tears began streaming down her face as she feared the worst, thoughts of her precious sons demise dominating and causing more distress. Missandei stopped to catch her breath and heard a scraping noise followed by a faint voice, grabbing a low burning torch from the wall she ran ahead down the poorly built tunnel. The smoke from the torch stinging her eyes, tears streaming down her face in response. She saw someone come out of the darkness, sobbing in relief it was her son. Her precious boy was safe, she stopped in alarm as he turned to face her his eyes were milky white. Missandei fell to her knees in shock, unable to comprehend what happened to her son.
"Mama" he said in his small voice, he sounded the same but he had his hand on the wall of the cave. What was he touching?
Holding the torch forward she gasped as the cavern lit up with golden light, turning around she extended her arm around the cavern and looked in astonishment. Huge golden veins ran through the cave, her son had discovered Naathi gold.
Lunging forward and grabbing her son, she found a white stone in the cave which was peculiar as it was the only white stone in here. She followed a picture in her mind, as she ran back to her people carrying her son under her arm she scraped the rock against the wall so they could find their way back.
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The boat sails steadily towards its destination, black as night with its jewelled sail proudly displayed. Overhead Tywin flew atop Lanna, the cold air racing through what was left of his hair. He was happy to be going to Naath now, this island was close to home. That would be his next stop, as they flew rapidly towards the island his mind was full of thoughts of his family who he missed so. Which led him to think of Kasarra and her warmth pressed up against him...shaking his head rapidly he saw the blurry shapes in the horizon grow to become a large island. Naath, this would be his first time visiting he hoped what waited here didn't disappoint.
Dismounting Lanna he strode towards the village, shocked at how primitive this place was compared to the rest of the world. Untouched by anyone other than the Naathi it was very beautiful but vastly different to the lodgings he was used to. Butterflies danced all around him as he walked through the village, people moving aside for the foreign man who arrived on a flying beast. The children looked at him with fear and wonder across their faces, he smirked to himself at how little they had seen in their short lives. In the centre of the village stood the Unsullied guarding whoever ruled the people here. He approached and nodded his head, one man with a steely gaze and a hard face returned his nod and stepped aside to allow Tywin passage. Another soldier replaced him as the soldier escorted Tywin inside.
"You come after so long" he said with a thick accent as he escorted Tywin into the dark building.
"I came because I was told to come, were you expecting me?" said Tywin sternly to the soldier.
"You are first arrival since the last boat of slavers arrived. Those people did not leave with their lives" said the soldier passionately.
Tywin stopped and looked at the man squarely, "Who was here?"
"Slavers. Coming to take away the children for slavery"
"Slavers Bay is ours now, slaves will no longer be needed"
The man removes his helmet and Tywin realised why he recognised that voice, here was one of the survivors that arrived in Valreos.
"I know you"
"Yes, I am Grey Worm"
"Who is in charge here Grey Worm?" queried Tywin.
"You will see, you know her"
Grey Worm indicated to Tywin he should continue, which he obliged with interest who he would be meeting.
They entered a small dark, smoke filled room, as his eyes adjusted he saw her seated on a lounge reclining. They were fanning her as she lay speaking with advisors, she glanced up and quickly concealed a look of shock on her face before slowly standing.
Tywin knew her instantly, the Dragon Queens handmaiden, her hair was braided and atop her head sat a stunning golden crown with golden chains running down her back and sides.
Momentarily confused he strode forward and respectfully bowed, meeting her gaze she smiled and dipped her head in response.
"We meet again Lord Tywin" she said softly but with authority, and confidence.
"Yes we do my Lady, forgive me but I do not know your name and title only that I know you from Valreos"
Missandei raised her head proudly, "I am Missandei first of her name, tribal leader of the Naathi people and protector of the isle of Naath"
"Things have changed since you left Valreos then"
"Yes Lord Lannister they have" she replied tightly, "What brings you to Naath?"
Tywin detected some defensiveness in her tone and reached out magically to her, he saw a flash of a vision. A young boy, her boy with his hand on a golden cave.
"I've been sent here by Alaerya to help you with your recent discovery"
Missandei's face tightened as she realised he knew about the gold.
"What discovery?" she returned tightly
"You know Lady Missandei, your son recently found gold. I'm here to help you manage it" spoke Tywin knowingly his glare boring into her.
"You are here to take it!" Hissed Grey Worm pointing his spear at him threateningly.
Tywin raised his hands, "No, I'm not here to exploit you. Lady Alaerya gave me the gift of sight when she passed through the Shadow and I can clearly see the choices ahead of you. My job is to ensure the world runs smoothly and is controlled by the right people, and now I'm here Naath is included.
Missandei swallowed and indicated a nearby chair, Grey Worm protested and Missandei shot him a warning glance. He silenced and stood at attention beside her.
"Please Lord Tywin tell me what you see"
Tywin was quiet for a moment as he saw the multiple pathways this development could take.
He took in a deep breath, "there is no denying this discovery will change the history of your people significantly. In the wrong hands it will bring trouble, but managed properly will actually bring Naath to be equals with places like Volantis and Lys. You have no idea how much this will change Naath"
Grey Worm scoffed at his words and Missandei looked concerned.
"Tell me in specifics Tywin, what is in the future?"
"In one timeline you partner with some families in the Bay of Dragons, they come here to help mine and your people end up in a slave type employ. Your people lose control of their power and these people take over. Naath quickly disintegrates and eventually your people die out. Alternatively we bring our people here with dragons, the island is built up and our people assist in setting up the logistics of trade and you sign treaties of peace and allegiance. We have some families stationed here for protection but essentially you remain the same. Naathi people are in power and remain that way. There is some interbreeding between the races and an interesting branch of magic is born here. Naath flourishes and I'm as shocked as anyone to say, becomes a financial super power that will rival the Iron Bank" Tywin leans forward, "What you're sitting on Missandei is so much more than you imagine"
Grey Worm scoffs again, "How do we know we can trust you? You once plotted to have our Queen murdered to keep that Iron throne with your daughter!"
"My daughter never sat the iron throne when I was in Westeros, and if she had I would've removed her from it immediately," Tywin fixed his glare at Grey Worm, "Get your facts in order before you accuse me of anything"
He turned back to Missandei who's face looked conflicted, Tywin stood and Grey Worm startled pointing his spear at Tywin. To which Tywin raised his hands, "Consult your advisors I'm not here to force you into a decision, I'd like nothing more than to return to my family on Valreos than be here. Come to me when you make a choice, I hope you make the right one" he said with a pointed look at Missandei.
She nodded slightly as Tywin turned and exited the room leaving her feeling many conflicting emotions at once.
Exiting the building Tywin blinked and marvelled at his primitive surroundings, he had never ventured anywhere quite like this. He always thought the Northerners to be barbarians but compared to the Naathi they looked sophisticated.
The women were all topless sporting braids and grass skirts carrying babies on their backs in baskets and baskets of food. Grass huts made up the village and there was no running water from what Tywin could see. His stay here would be interesting.
Grey Worm emerged a few minutes later and whispered in a guards ear while eyeing Tywin distrustfully.
The guard approached Tywin and stopped next to him, Grey Worm spoke, "Spotted Tiger will escort you to your lodgings and assist you with meals and anything else to make your stay as comfortable as possible"
Grey Worm spat the last few words from his mouth as though they tasted very bitter and Tywin was amused one could feel this level of hate. But he understood this hate was bred from a long line of distrust from the Dragon Queen and Tyrion.
The rest of his stay was unremarkable, his escort spoke the common tongue and even joined Tywin for a drink one night. Despite being against Grey Worms orders and Tywin had come to appreciate his young companion. Tywin tried traditional Naathi food and drink which he surprisingly enjoyed, the people had nothing but they were smiling. This shook him the most, people who live and sleep in dirt basically were smiling and as happy as him when he was at the height of his wealth and power. Tywin finally felt a sense of being grounded and peace, connected to the present instead of rushing from one military task to another. Inside he thanked the Gods for that scroll ordering him to go to Naath. His escort had shown him the beaches that were safe to swim at and Tywin had introduced a morning swim as part of his daily ritual, swimming in the ocean and looking back at the tropical island he felt a sense of rejuvenation. His tiredness and lack of interest was starting to give way to a fresh new energy, a zest for life.
Emerging from the water he was greeted by Missandei and her guards, as the water dropped from his body she patiently waited as he rubbed himself down with a primitive woven cloth.
"You seem to be enjoying it here Lord Tywin," spoke Missandei fondly as she stepped towards him arms behind her back.
"Yes," he replied as he dried himself. "More than I imagined I would my Lady"
"Will you walk with me?" she walked slightly ahead as she spoke and Tywin strode to keep up, one guard Grey Worm trailed behind them.
"Do you both rule the Naathi?" questioned Tywin after a short while.
Missandei smiled, "You have sight Lord Tywin you tell me"
In an instant he knew, this new gift from Alaerya really was handy.
"You rule the people due to your blood ties and he leads the military due to his blood ties to them. It's the perfect balance of ruling, but both sides respond best to you," he indicated Missandei, "your beauty and kindness makes you appealing to all people here. And will cause you to reign for a very long time"
Missandei smiled and Grey Worm made a noise of annoyance, Tywin turned back to Grey Worm.
"You should smile more, then people will warm to you too" said Tywin not hiding a jab at Grey Worms tough exterior.
Grey Worm glared at him in response, Missandei failed at stifling a laugh.
"We have had much discussion Lord Tywin and we want to accept the help and align with the Dragons. We were aligned with Daenerys before so we wish to maintain a relationship with her distant people also. But we want assurances written in our pact that ruling will be solely a Naathi responsibility and your people will merely live here to protect our common interest."
"We will not interfere with your rule but a council of advisors will be appointed from our people, and Valreon customs will be adopted also which we will outline during our first official meeting. These are customs which will only grow your power and wealth and in turn ours too. Yet I cannot speak of the future when our people intermarry with yours, that I cannot control"
Missandei looked thoughtful, "Who will intermarry Lord Tywin?"
"Both your children will find love with Dragon riders, that we cannot meddle with"
"Why not?" said Grey Worm behind them aggressively.
"Because some people bring out the worst in one another, and your children matching with Naathi isn't the best move for them or your people. Believe me when I say I know how you feel as a father, but your people flourish exponentially when your son is ruler"
"Our son? Ruler?" said Missandei in disbelief.
"What did you think your eldest child would do?" asked Tywin out of curiosity.
"Naathi vote for their rulers it's not a birthright" said Missandei softly.
"Very well, I might have ruined a surprise. Your son will rule one day so start preparing him now," Tywin turned to Grey Worm, "and don't stand in the way of his love"
Grey Worm nodded once but maintained a look of disdain, Tywin turned back to Missandei realising they were now deep in the forest.
"Where are you taking me?" he said with no emotion yet underneath he felt concerned he was being led to a trap.
Missandei smiled, "we are showing you the riches we sit on"
Tywin wasn't usually a man who could be shocked or swayed to show any emotion but when he saw the contents of the cave his mouth gaped. Naath, an island considered weak by slavers because they abhorred violence and had been pillaged for centuries were seated on top of a monstrous golden vein the whole time. The cave they stood in shimmered brightly with golden light when the torches lit up the space. Immediately Tywins vision activated and he saw exactly where other deposits of gold were sitting too. He turned to Missandei, "We have some work ahead of us, this is not the only place you'll find gold"
She tilted her head in interest, "Is that so?"
Tywin nodded once and looked around the cave, "Our people will help you but first we need to sign the pact of allegiance and peace to align our people together. This is the start of the Naathi Golden Age Missandei, a time of great changes and wealth for your people. Things are going to change here, very fast" he stared at her as he spoke, his eyes boring into her and he noticed Missandei swallow very slightly at the proposition of great change.