The Blue Wolf

by choejhulkp9

What if? What if events before Robert's Rebellion and the end of the Targaryen line occurred differently? What if Lyanna Stark did have some feelings for Robert and it led to them laying together before she met Rhaegar? What if she was pregnant when they went to the Tower of Joy in Dorne? These small changes have large repercussions. The Blue Wolf is born and he will Howl with Fury

7. A legendary battle

Here is Chapter 7 of the Blue Wolf. The second city of Slaver's Bay has been taken and the Wise Masters are dead. Normally that'd be a cause for celebration but unfortunately, they don't have the time. The Masters were smarter than he thought by combining their money with the Masters of Meereen and the slavers of Volantis, they've tasked the Golden Company against Will and his army. Enjoy!

Golden Company obstacle: A battle for the ages

295AC: Yunkai

The city of Yunkai was freed from the control of the Wise Masters who are all dead now. The soldiers and guards surrendered when the Unsullied marched into the city and many were happy to do so. They were forced to fight for the Wise Masters, and many had heard how things had improved in Astapor, so they were more than happy with the change. The Wise Masters weren't exactly the best of rulers and they only followed them out of fear, bondage, or pay. Now, they had someone new. It was the same with the citizens. The slaves all rejoiced when they saw the Unsullied march through the city and they were all subsequently freed, given new clothes and care that they needed while new housing was found for them either in or outside the city. The regular citizens of the city were split in their views. Many of the citizens who had been the subjects of the Wise Masters efforts to quell talks of Astapor and the freedom movement were happy. They knew of Astapor's burgeoning wealth and prosperity and knew that the same was coming for them. The others weren't as thrilled. They didn't like the idea of a foreign army invading led by a prince from another continent. William dealt with the same thing in Astapor and he would deal with the same thing here. He and the Unsullied had emptied the Wise Masters vaults, coffers, and hidden spaces before splitting everything equally among everyone in the city with more than enough for his compatriots. That helped attract some of his critics to his side, but he still had work to do before he could change Yunkai just like Astapor.

And unfortunately, he had another obstacle to deal with and that obstacle was the Golden Company. The fiercest and most legendary sellsword company in all of Essos. Founded back nearly a hundred years ago by Ser Aegor Rivers, a legitimized bastard of King Aegon the Unworthy. He and the younger sons of Daemon Blackfyre fled Westeros after the first Blackfyre rebellion and when the support for their house died out, they formed the sellsword company to keep the exiles together. Nowadays, the Golden Company was a standing army of 10,000 strong led by Westerosi exile Myles Toyne and rumor has it former hand of the king to King Aerys Jon Connington. With a reputation of never breaking a contract, they've carved a bloody path through the Essos and the disputed lands for Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh. And they weren't strangers to fighting Westerosi as the company had been contracted to fight in the third and fourth Blackfyre rebellion and he remembered the stories of the War of the Ninepenny Kings when Maelys the Monstrous Blackfyre led them in an attack for the throne. Ser Barristan fought in the war and cut through many of the Golden Company before he defeated Maelys in single combat. His name was legend after that. Like a cockroach, the Golden Company seemed to keep coming back.

Inside one of the main chambers in one of the pyramids which Will commandeered as his command room, the various members of his party had gathered to discuss what would be done with the Golden Company. Although at the moment, it was less of a discussion and more of shouting match. The various leaders, knights, and lieutenants of Will's forces were arguing over their current situation, what needed to be done, what they should do, and then insulting someone else when their idea seemed stupid.

Will leaned against the wall with his head in his hand, sighing in disbelief as he listened to everyone just argue and complain. Missandei was next to him giving him with a sympathetic look on her face while everyone else continued to argue.

"I say we gather everything now and we strike them before they strike us!"

"That's ridiculous! We have the advantage of the city walls! We let them come to us!"

"The Yunkish had the advantage of the city walls and it didn't them any good after we were done with them! What's to say they won't do the same thing to us?"

"He's right? And it's not like we're in friendly territory. There's still a portion of the city that looks at us like invaders. Something the Golden Company and the other masters could use to their advantage."

"Have you lost your brain during the siege? We killed the slavers and masters of Yunkai. The people know what we did in Astapor. I think even our harshest critics understand that things will get better. Our focus should be on the Golden Company."

"And constantly worry about the citizens of this city turning against us when the company strikes? We strike them and meet them in open terrain. They may be the Golden Company, but they'll be bloody and red after we get through with them."

"You'll be bloody and red if you try and meet them in the open!"

"Fuck you, you Tyrell Rose!"

Smalljon Umber and Garlan Tyrell came to blows but before either of them could throw a punch a loud and sharp whistle caught their attention curtesy of Will.

"ENOUGH! If I wanted to hear all of you squabble and argue like children, I would have stayed in King's Landing! I left to actually get away from all of that so all of you sit down and shut up!" He shouted and everyone did as he said with Garlan and Smalljon letting each other go and sitting down around the large table that was adorned with maps, charts, and figurines. "Thank you. Now, we can continue this meeting and let rational thought actually guide the conversation. That last thing we need is to come to blows with the Golden Company on its way."

"Which is why we should ride out and meet them first before they get here. We'll have the advantage if we meet them before they get to Yunkai and can set up a siege. And we won't have to worry about being betrayed by the people in the city." Smalljon Umber told him.

"But we'll have to worry about the logistics of feeding and supplying our moving army through the hot desert. Not to mention leaving Yunkai to fall into chaos if we're not here. The situation isn't ideal but if we stay here, we'll be able to prepare for their attack." Garlan Tyrell suggested.

"While I admire your thirst for battle, Smalljon, leaving these city walls is exactly what the Golden Company would want, and it would benefit them the most." Ser Arthur Dayne told him. "This is some mindless horde of Dothraki riders who charge and win through pure calvary and brute force. No offense meant, Ikarro."

Ikarro, son of Itarro, was one of the Dothraki who led the horde under Will's command. One of his Bloodriders you could say. "None taken." Ikarro managed to say in the common tongue.

"The Golden Company is one of the fiercest sellsword companies in Essos for a reason. They've taken part in battles all over the continent and in Westeros as well. Many brave Westerosi have fallen to the company because they underestimated them." Ser Arthur told them.

"He's right." William said, stepping towards the table as all their eyes were on him. "The Golden Company has fought against Westerosi soldiers and knights in the third and fourth Blackfyre Rebellion along with the War of the Ninepenny Kings."

"And we've beaten them back plenty of times. They're just too stupid to know not to pick a fight." Harion Karstark remarked, earning some chuckles from people.

"And I agree but that was on our own land with the entire force of the Seven Kingdoms as backup in case something happened. Here, it's just us and the Unsullied against one of the fiercest companies in Essos and they've earned their reputation." Will corrected him.

"Mock your enemy all you want but if you don't respect him then he'll kill you. That's a lesson that all of you should take to heart." Hundred Eyes spoke and many acknowledged that.

"From the letters of correspondence between the masters here and in Volantis, the Golden Company will be marching from Volantis to Slaver's Bay. They're aware that our armada has blockaded the entrance to the bay so they can't use their ships to land directly at the city. That gives us time." Will explained.

"If I had to guess, they'd sail from Volantis to the Land of the Long Summer across the bay from the isle of Cedars and then take the Demon road from Mantarys to Bhorash and then Meereen." Thoros of Myr stated, aware of the terrain and the route they would take. "It'll take them a while to traverse that distance, but they'll be able to rest, stay supplied, and keep their horses and war elephants."

"Seven Hells." Gendry commented and many muttered in agreement.

"Those elephants are gonna be an issue." Hercules stated and Will nodded.

"This won't be like last time in Astapor and yes, I have some hesitance and even a little fear but that's a good thing. It means I'm not a fool." Will remarked. "Based on the letters, the Golden Company will stop at Meereen to…enjoy themselves and rest before marching here so that gives us time. Time we'll use but like I've told all of you, every single part of his venture has been voluntary, and I wouldn't ask any of you to do anything I wouldn't do. Those that wish to leave and head back to Astapor or back to Westeros can do so now. You have my word."

There was a moment of silence as everyone around the room looked at each other but no one left. Beric Dondarrion stepped forward to speak with all eyes on him. "We've stuck with you this far of our own accord, my prince and the men of the Stormlands will continue to do so for their prince." He swore.

Will nodded his head in respect as Smalljon Umber and Harion Karstark stepped forward. "Northmen have never been one to run from a fight. You're an unusual one, your grace but someone I think that the houses of the North will come to respect. We're here." They spoke and everyone else in the room nodded.

Will looked over at Hercules and his group and they nodded. "We're with you."

"Thank you, all of you. Tomorrow, we'll start preparing the defenses and the plan but for now, get some rest and settle any affairs you have. That'll be all." He told them. They left the room one by one until it was just Will, Ser Arthur Dayne, Missandei, Hundred Eyes, Cedric, Gendry, and Edric. "Cedric, any info from Astapor?"

"The same as before. Well wishes and the city is thriving. They're already sending caravans of supplies to help with the city." Cedric answered. "And Master Gibbs is keeping a close watch on the waters of the bay. Trade is running smoothly and the pirates and slaver's he's encountered are few and far between."

"Good. One less thing to worry about." Will hunched over the table, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.

"You look tired." Edric commented.

"A little but I'm fine." Will assured him only to clutch his shoulder. "Damn wound."

"Let me see." Missandei walked over as Will removed his jacket and tunic to reveal his toned and defined torso and chest ordained with various scars from his training and battles. His left shoulder had a cloth tied around it with a dried red splotch of blood. Missandei undid the cloth and saw the arrow wound was better than before but still needed some time to heal. He had ripped the stitches, so it was bleeding again. "You ripped the stitches."

"Figures." He commented as Missandei got to work on cleaning the wound. "I'm just glad the arrow didn't hit anything serious in my shoulder or else I'd be useless now."

"But you made your healing longer by ripping them." Missandei pointed out. "If you don't let yourself heal then you're only hurting yourself."

"Worthwhile advice to listen to." Hundred Eyes spoke.

"Maybe it'll sink it eventually. Baratheons have been known to have thick heads." Will joked as Missandei cleaned his wound and stitched it up again. "I'm just glad things are working out so far, but we still have more work to do. How are things in the city?"

"Smooth so far." Missandei informed him. "Grey Worm and the Unsullied are protecting the city and gathering volunteers for the city's guard. Many of them are the former guards that surrendered."

"Can they be trusted?" Gendry wondered.

"With the masters dead, I believe so. If what I've heard in the city from the populace is any indication, the guards were not well treated by their masters." Missandei said and Will smiled at her.

"You've adapted well to a leadership role, Missandei." Will told her and she smiled in response. "And the rest of the city?"

"There is some dissent and some vocal opposition to our presence here but dispersing the treasure equally among everyone helped attract even your fiercest critics." Missandei replied.

"It's a start. Hopefully, when the caravan of supplies arrives from Astapor then things will improve even more. Missandei, start working with Cedric and begin organizing everything in the city like we did in Astapor. The sooner we get a council up and running the sooner we can start rebuilding the city and making good on our promises." Will stated and she nodded.

"Are you sure that's such a good idea?" Gendry wondered. "With the Golden Company coming, redesigning the city's infrastructure seems like it should the least of our worries."

"He's got a point, brother. Perhaps it might be a good idea to hold off on all of that until the Golden Company is dealt with. It would make things easier and we wouldn't have to divert our focus." Edric added.

"I appreciate you both thinking ahead. It means your lessons are settling in but that's not an option." Will flat out told them with no hesitation. "We came to this city to free them from the ruling influence of the masters like we did in Astapor. We let them rule themselves with us acting as a protectorate. If I rule over this city, even for a short time all I'll be seen as is a foreign invader and solidify their resentment against us."

"We're already seen as invaders. What's gonna be a short amount of time with you ruling over the city to keep the peace going to make?" Gendry wondered.

"It'll matter in the long run, Gendry. We're starting over fresh here in Yunkai and I want to show them just like I showed the people in Astapor that I'm nothing like the Masters. If I take over this city, then that's done for." Will stated, definitively. "I've made up my mind."

Gendry and Edric nodded as Missandei finished up wrapping his new stitches so he could put his tunic back on, allowing the others to see the scars that marked his body from his various fights and extensive training. He put on his jacket and walked out of the room where he saw Hercules waiting in the hallway.

"Your grace, can I have a word?" He wondered.

"Just you or your compatriots as well waiting around the corner?" Will asked. There was a moment of silence before the others of Hercules' group stepped into view. "What can I do to help you, Hercules?"

"Fighting by your side has been one of the oddest yet memorable experiences in my life. I've never met a prince or royalty like you before and that's a compliment." Hercules told him.

"I take it as such." Will replied.

"I'm not sure what you've heard about myself and my compatriots and how we came to be so far from our home but during our siege of Yunkai…I was confronted with ghosts from my past." Hercules said.

"Your former king Eurystheus. I overheard some of the confrontation as I moved into position. I'm sorry for the loss of your wife and children." Will bowed his head.

Hercules took a deep breath and looked up to the ceiling, or rather the sky if they weren't inside. "For so long I've been tortured by the gods for the horrible deeds I thought I've committed against those I loved more than anything. All of us banished from our home and the lives we once knew. You helped me avenge my family and clear our names. There is nothing I can ever do to repay you. I am in your debt." Hercules bowed his head.

"I would not have it so because I didn't do it to put you in my debt. I did it to help a friend. All of you. I know our introduction was odd but to be honest, my entire life has been one oddity after another and it's something that I'm proud of. It was my honor helping you avenge your family and free your name. All of you." Will assured them and they all bowed their heads in thanks and respect. "Your future is now your own, all of you. If you wish to return to your homeland and reclaim the lives you lost, then I shall do my best to help you however I can."

"That's not what I was going to ask, your grace. I've been hired into your service as a sellsword, a mercenary. Now, I wish to be sworn into your service on my own accord and my own oath." Hercules took a knee and placed his large club across from him with his head down.

"Are you sure that's what you want, Hercules?" Will asked and saw that Autolycus, Atalanta, Amphiaraus, Tydeus, and Iolaus knelt down and bowed their heads.

"I'm sure. My past has been plagued with hardship and following people I don't trust or having my path carved out by gold or whoever could pay me the most. I have never taken orders or fought beside someone I could genuinely believe in as a king or as a friend until I met you. I wish to be sworn into your service, Prince William of the House Baratheon of Westeros." Hercules stated.

Will felt a little conflicted before coming to a decision. "Follow me." He told them all, leading them through the halls of the Yunkish pyramid they were in until they arrived at his room. He opened up his trunk and removed a small box, the same box he received from Quathor's shop back in Volantis when he had Red Rain and Brightroar remade into Storm's Wrath and Wolf's Fang. The metal from the two swords was enough for the two remade bastard swords but there was excess metal and some of it was used for Will's armored gloves and vambraces but he had Quathor use the extra for some other things. Those items were kept in the one large and one small unopened chest he kept in his trunk. The large one remained in his luggage trunk but Will removed the smaller one.

He placed it on his desk and opened it to reveal six quillon style daggers in small scabbards. The daggers had a small crossguard and a circular-sectioned grip that tapered away from the circular pommel. Engraved on the pommel was a symbol that looked like a coin broken in half.

"So that's what was in there." Gendry stated.

"I had these made with the excess Valyrian steel that made Wolf's Fang and Storm's Wrath. Quathor was right that I was going to have too much steel even after my gauntlets were made. So, I gave him some designs and he didn't disappoint." Will told him.

"What about the larger one? What's in that one?" Edric wondered.

"You'll know when it's time." Will removed one of the daggers and handed it to Hercules. "I had him decorate these blades with one symbol: the broken coin. Despite everything that gold can buy, it doesn't buy loyalty. You've all stuck beside me and I don't think it had to do with the gold I provided. You all become invested in my mission and the brotherhood we've formed. We all have strengths but together, we're stronger."

"All for one and one for all." Gendry and Edric said together.

"Exactly." Will replied before looking at Hercules and the others. He unsheathed his Valyrian dragon bone dagger and made a small cut in his palm before tightening his fist. "I swear that all of you will always have a place by my side, at my home, and at my table. I will fight by your side, lead you with honor and I shall ask of no service that might bring you dishonor, or I would not do myself. I swear it by the old gods and the new of Westeros and any even Zeus himself."

Hercules stood up and made the same small cut in his palm before tightening his fists. Autolycus and the others each took a dagger and did the same. "We swear to shield your back, fight by your side, protect you from all dangers, and keep your counsel. Your will be made by our hands. We swear it by the gods."

Will held out his dagger and the others did the same, forming a circle. "The Legend of Hercules starts a new and will form a new one with the Breaker of Chains. As my compatriot, my ally, and my friend."

"I would not have it any other way." Hercules smiled as did the others.

"All for one and one for all!" They all shouted and raised their daggers into the air. Hercules and his friends were now sworn members of Will's personal guard. They were his bravest warriors, his strongest allies, and his friends.

And he would need them as danger was coming for them, seeking to end the would-be prince and break of chains.

Volantis, Palace of the Triach

In the city of Volantis, one building was regarded with unanimous adoration and respect above all else and it was the Palace of the Triach. The Triach are the three elected rules of the Free City of Volantis. Neither kings nor princes, but instead are chosen by every freeborn landowner in the city. Chosen from amongst the noblest of families who can prove unbroken descent from the lines of Old Valyria and serve a year in power. They are considered so elevated above the rest of the population that they are not allowed to have their feet touch the ground during their year of service. Each of the Triachs belong to one of two political groups: the tigers and the elephants. The elephants are the party of the merchants and money lenders and advocate trade while the tigers are old aristocracy and warriors and advocate conquest.

The current Triach is Malaqua Maegyr of the Tiger Party, and Doniphos Paenymion and Nyessos Vhassar of the elephant party. It was the Triach that hired the Golden Company to kill William Baratheon and reverse his freedom movement in Slaver's Bay with the monetary aid of the Masters of Meereen and dead masters of Yunkai. Doniphos Paenymion didn't want war with the Conqueror and advocated to leave him alone but Malaqua and Nyessos outvoted him. Doniphos was not well liked and likely not to be reelected to his position as he was one of the few who didn't want to court war while the others wanted the Westerosi dead. These people being the ones who made their money and influence via the slave trade.

The three Triachs were in their common room being attended to by their slaves and servants as they met with Golden Company leader Myles Toyne before he and his men began their march to Slaver's Bay. In a rare instant, Triach Malaqua was actually on his feet as he walked over to Myles Toyne to speak to him face to face.

"We've paid you enough gold to buy a city. Do not fail us, Ser Toyne." Malaqua warned him.

Ser Myles Toyne also known as the Blackheart was an exiled knight from House Toyne of the Stormlands and captain-general of the Golden Company. He was jug-eared with a big nose and crooked jaw. Wearing his Westerosi style armor with the sigil of his house, being a winged heart, black on gold with a black bordure embattled, emblazoned on his shield.

"The Golden Company has never failed a mission, Triach Maegyr. We shall not fail you." Ser Toyne assured him.

"I should hope not. Find the prince, destroy his army, enslave those he freed and kill him. Send us word of when he is dead." Malaqua ordered as a slave walked over with a messenger falcon and handed it to Myles Toyne. Malaqua then walked over to one of his slaves who was working on something special. Said slave had carefully taken a green manticore, one of the deadliest insects with one of the deadliest poisons in the land and killed it. Crushing its tail and stinger, it carefully scooped the liquid poison into a bowl and mixed with some other ingredients to thicken it and ensure it would last and not lose its potency on the long journey. Whether or not if it would work is another matter entirely as it was hard to say. Once the mixture seemed ready, the slave dipped a triangular broadhead arrowhead into poison mixture before placing a leather cover on it. Malaqua took the arrow and handed it over to Ser Toyne. "When you find the Prince…give him this from me."

"It will be done." Ser Toyne bowed his head and left. Next stop, Yunkai.

Line Break xxxxx

Yunkai

True to Will's word, he began forming a new council to rule over Yunkai like he did in Astapor. A mix of people from the city of various backgrounds. Some were wealthy members of society who weren't slavers while others were laborers and a few former slaves. Like in Astapor, this council needed to be made up of all the people of the city. And like in Astapor, he spent the day helping them get everything set up for the city from creating the standard system of laws, creating a city guard, and opening up the city to trade and improving its infrastructure.

While he took care of that he tasked Ser Arthur Dayne, Hercules, Smalljon Umber, Thoros of Myr, Beric Dondarrion, and Garlan Tyrell to prepare for the battle plan for the Golden Company and the city's defenses. Between all of them they had enough experience to draft up a plan and Thoros was familiar with the company.

After a long day of winded discussions, conversations, and a few arguments things were moving in a good direction. The council was formed and things were…amicable to put it mildly. Will still had some detractors but after doing this for a while, he was able to get a general sense of others, none of the people on the council were real fans of the masters he killed. He made a lot of promises and vowed to help them all and their city would prosper even more now that the masters were gone. The caravan of supplies and goods from Astapor would arrive in a few days and soon Yunkai would prosper just like they did.

That's what he told them but when the meeting was over, he retired to his chambers and slumped down on his bed in exhaustion. "By the Seven and the old gods…" He muttered, closing his eyes, and hoping the headache he was experiencing would go away soon.

Missandei, Ser Arthur Dayne, and Cedric walked into the room and saw Will slumped on his bed. "You look like you could use something to drink." Arthur commented.

"I don't drink but to be honest, with how I'm feeling I might make an exception." Will sat up and rubbed the bridge of his eyes in exhaustion as Missandei walked over with a cup of water. "Thank you."

He downed it in a few big gulps and let out a sharp exhale. "Long day?" Arthur asked.

"Very long. After hours of being diplomatic and trying to be the mediator between everyone and making sure that no one killed each other, I think I got them on even ground. We were able to plan out the city's infrastructure and most of the things we needed to get done. Now, all that's left to make good on my promises and make sure this city thrives." Will told them. "How did things go with the others planning for the Golden Company?"

"We've strewn out a solid battle plan. We've got the catapults and rapid-fire ballistae and we'll start digging out trenches and such outside the city walls. But there is still some concern since the Golden Company has something that no other company or army has used." Ser Arthur Dayne said and Will knew what he meant.

"Their war elephants."

"Those beasts are gonna make this battle much more complicated but we do have something that's manage to spook Dothraki horses and could do the same for those elephants if not take them off the board completely." Arthur said, looking over at Cedric.

"I've already begun creating more black powder with some dutiful help and watchful protection. One of the Lannister guards tried to sneak a peek but he didn't see anything." Cedric told Will.

"Good. I trust Tyrion but those guards of his could be on orders from Tywin or Cersei. Have some of the men watch over them." Will ordered and Ser Arthur nodded. "Cedric, do me a gather all the information you can on the surrounding terrain. The more we know about the area around Yunkai the better we'll be."

"I'll take care of it, your grace." Cedric replied. Will took a deep breath and rubbed the back of his neck. "I think we've all done enough today. We'll reconvene tomorrow."

"No, it's fine. Besides, I could get some training in." Will stood up only for Ser Arthur to grab his shoulder.

"All the work your doing is admirable but if you burn yourself out too soon then it'll be for nothing. Get some rest." Arthur told him. "Tomorrow is another day to start fresh."

"Very well. If that's the case then I'm going for a walk." Will removed his sword but made sure his two daggers were secure before leaving the room.

"He's not going for a simple walk, is he?" Missandei wondered and got head shakes from Arthur and Cedric.

The second Will left the pyramid he put up his hood and began a light jog through the city. With his hood up, no one knew who he was. Sure, he got a couple of second glances but that was usually because of his manner of dress which was distinctly Westerosi. Families were out an about and merchants were able to do their business along with taverns and such with the Unsullied standing guard around the city. Will picked up his speed a bit to a run and began moving through the narrow streets and intersections. He saw a pile of crates next to a loaded wagon so he jumped up and grabbed onto the side of a building and climbed. His actions drew a bit of a crowd but the Unsullied nearby knew who he was so they kept to their job. Once he climbed up to the roof, he began making his way with finesse and skill. He jumped from one rooftop to another, landing in a roll to lessen the pressure on his legs before heading east and vaulting across a gap.

He rolled over a crate and slid down a slanted railing on a building before jumping forward and grabbed the rope of a pulley and swinging around a corner and kept moving when he heard screaming. Said screaming was coming from an alleyway to the west and a group of four men had cornered a father, mother, and son and daughter. They had knives and were robbing them, taking whatever coin they had and beat up the father. One man took the jewelry his wife was wearing and ripped her dress in half before dragging her around the corner to have her way with her when Will jumped down from the roof with his hood up and landed on him doing a hidden blade assassination.

The victim's three friends heard the thud but before they could act, Will jumped off the alleyway wall and punched one of the men in the face. He then kneed him in the gut and threw him over his hip and knocked him out with a swift kick to the face. The third man rushed at Will with a knife but was disarmed, had his wrist and arm broken and then taken out with a knee to the face. The fourth man grabbed the two children and held a knife to their throats.

"Stay back! Stay back!" He shouted in Low Valyrian.

"Drop the knife or you die." Will warned him.

"Fuck you! The Masters are dead! The Westerosi freed us and I'm taking my revenge against the masters in this city!" He shouted.

"The masters are all dead. Why would you hurt this family?" Will asked.

"They're just as bad. They may not have been the masters but they deserve to die. They had money and freedom while we've been beaten and punished for as long as we have drawn breath. The Westerosi prince should have killed them all." The man said as Will slowly move his hand to one of his daggers.

"That's not what he did this for. He did this to end slavery and give everyone a second chance at a new beginning as equals. To live a new life for your children and grandchildren. You have a new life. Don't throw it away by doing this. Don't be what the masters thought you were." Will pleaded, trying to get him to stop this.

"Fuck you, Westerosi!" the man moved his knife slightly and was going to kill the children only for Will to quickly throw his dragonbone dagger. It sliced through the air and stabbed through the man's knife hand, forcing him to drop the knife and release the children.

"FUCK!" The man shouted, grasping his bleeding hand in pain only for Will to close the distance and take him out with a tornado kick to the head. He dropped to the ground with a thud as Will knelt down and yanked his dagger out of the man's palm.

"You should have listened." Will wiped it clean as several Unsullied appeared in the alleyway. "Take these men into custody and put them in the dungeons."

"Yes, your grace." They replied, quickly restraining the three men, and carrying the dead one away. Will removed all the coins and items they stole and walked over to the husband who was cradling his wife and two children.

"Are you all right?" Will asked and the man managed a nod. His children were shaking in fear and his wife was crying as she covered her modesty as best she could. Will returned all their items and removed his hood so they could clearly see his face and recognized him. "Don't worry. You're safe now. And I swear to you that I will do my best to make sure something like this never happens."

The husband looked at him as did his wife and knew he was the Westerosi prince who led the takeover of their city. "Why did you save us?" She asked him.

"I didn't come to conquer, I came to free Slaver's bay from the masters to make sure no one suffered under a whip again. But I'm also here to help all of you get the best lives you can. All of you, not just a select group of the population but all of you. I may have freed these men but I will not let them do what they want if it hurts others. I promise you that this is a new path for everyone but I will defend all of you from any who would abuse this new chance." He replied before looking over at a pair of Unsullied guards. "Take them home."

"Yes, your grace."

Will left the alleyway and put his hood back on as he made his way back to the pyramid. When he arrived back in his room, he was in a rather somber mood given what he just went through. This was one of the consequences of his actions: freed men with years if not generations of beatings, lashings, and enslavement rarely let go the sins of the past and would capitalize on their newfound freedom. He dealt with several instances of this back in Astapor. And of course, there was that butcher Cleon who tried to take control of the city when he fought the Dothraki. But he handled them as he would any other criminal. Being free also means that being responsible for your own actions and he had to be impartial when punishing those who abused their newfound freedom and he was. Still, seeing men throw away their chance at a new life and commit heinous crimes did a lot to remind him that there was a closer evil out there then slavers and the masters.

He removed his jacket and filled a wash basin with water and cleaned his hands before washing his face. Letting the cool water flow down his neck and soak his shirt did a lot to help him calm down. He splashed his face again and ran his hands through his hair and realized it had grown out a lot since his last cut. His front bangs came down over his eyes, he had to push the sides over his ears and the back was starting to reach down his neck. He took out his dragonbone dagger and held a clutch of his sideburns and tried to cut it but he wasn't really sure what he was doing.

Luckily, Missandei walked in at just the right time. "Your grace, would you like some help?"

"That's not necessary, Missandei. I did give you the night off." Will told her.

"That is true and I'm enjoying the quiet but I believe it would best if I help you before you cut something you don't mean to cut." She pointed out and he had to concede that.

"Do you have any experience in cutting hair?" Will wondered.

"I do. Please, sit." Missandei told him, walking over to his trunk to retrieve some items as he sat down in a chair and wiped his face with a rag. "It'll be easier if you remove your shirt."

"As you wish, my lady." He joked, earning a chuckle from her. He removed his shirt and placed it down as she walked over and ran her free hand through his hair to measure its length.

"Is there anything you would like done different?" She wondered.

"No, just cut it short. It's been a while. Guess I've been busy."

"You have." Missandei pulled some of his hair out and then cut it off with the sheers. Cut after cut, she made sure that the back was even before moving up. "How was your run in the city?"

"Not as calming as I would have liked it to be." Will told her. "I stopped four recently freed slaves in the city. They attacked the father of two and I don't want to think of what they would have done to the mother if I didn't arrive in time. The Unsullied took them to the dungeons."

"I'm sorry, your grace." Missandei replied as Will looked back at her.

"I'm never gonna get you to address me by my name, am I?" He wondered and she smiled.

"No, your grace." She replied, continuing to cut his hair.

"I appreciate your honesty, your council and your friendship, Missandei. Never let anyone tell you otherwise." He told her and she smiled. "Growing up, I never had many people I could call a friend like you. I'm blessed that we met."

"I'm the one who is blessed, your grace." She reminded him. "I never believed this is where my life would end up after I was taken. I would have thought that I would have remained a slave to Master Krazyns forever. I know you don't like to hear it but to many, you are a hero sent from the gods to free us."

"In this context, I appreciate the sentiment." He replied. "Hopefully, things in the city improve and we'll have these incidents less and less. Are the plans for the schools and guilds up a running?"

"Yes, your grace. Master Cedric and I met with many of the teachers in this city and have found places for the lessons. And the builders guilds are hard at work recruiting new workers and beginning the construction of houses outside the city." She told him. "Your grace, if things continue and you are able to take Meereen, what will you do next?"

"Honestly, I'm not sure. A part of me would like to head straight to Volantis but starting that kind of war might not be the smartest idea and would look unfavorably to the rest of the major free cities. Do you know who rules Volantis?" He wondered.

"Yes, the Triach. They are the three elected rulers of the city. Malaquo Maegyr, Doniphos Paenymion and Nyessos Vhassar. It's likely that Triach Maegyr and Triach Vhassar are the ones who petitioned the Golden Company to march against you." She told him.

"What makes you think that?"

"In my work with Master Krazyns, he often spoke in high regard about the two Triachs. They've earned most of their money and power through slavery and their work with the masters of Slaver's Bay." She explained.

"Interesting. And Triach Paenymion?"

"Master Krazyns often spoke of his distaste for the man. He was a rare Triach who didn't partake in slavery and earned his wealth through trade and commerce." She replied. "What do you plan to do, your grace?"

"One problem at a time. Once we deal with the Golden Company, then we move to Meereen and then we can worry about Volantis." He answered. Missandei finished her cutting so she grabbed a mirror so he could see. She had cut it short and managed to taper it at the top as well. It was clean and honestly, after all that hair was a nice reprieve. "Well done. Thank you, Missandei." (1)

"You're welcome, your grace." She replied. He stood up and brushed off some of the hair which she collected with the towel and threw away. "Will there be anything else, your grace?"

"No, that'll be all. Good night, Missandei."

"Good night." She smiled and bowed her head before leaving. Will cleaned up and changed into some fresh clothes before going to bed.

Line Break xxxxx

Things in Yunkai were progressing in a relatively good fashion. The schools were open which would help everyone and the training for the Yunkai city watch was underway. The mason guilds were busy working on new projects outside and inside the city and the markets were in full force and thriving. While the caravan of supplies that was taking the old Ghiscari road from Astapor would still take some time to arrive, several ships sailed up the bay and docked near the sandstone ridge and beach less than a few hundred yards from the city by the birchwood forests to the south. Once those traders and carts of supplies entered the city the markets came alive and it seemed to help the morale of the city. Even more so as there was a particularly large selection of Dornish goods courtesy of some new arrivals for the Prince.

Speaking of him, he was in the command room with the other knights and warriors to go over their battle plan with the Golden Company. It was Will, Ser Arthur Dayne, Hercules and his group, Smalljon Umber, Beric Dondarrion, Thoros of Myr, and Garlan Tyrell looking over the table of maps, charts, and figures set up.

"Thoros, if you had to guess how long do you think we have before the Golden Company arrives?" Will asked him.

"If I had to guess given what we know and their stop in Meereen, 90 days. Maybe more." Thoros answered.

"Giving us just about three months. Plenty of time to get things right." Will told everyone. "Master Gibbs is keeping a watch on the water in the bay so with the Golden Company having to stick to land when they reach the land of the Long Summers gives us an advantage to prepare. And since they'll come from Meereen, we'll know where to set up our defenses."

"Our best bet would be to make this a battle of attrition. We make this battle cost them. One advantage we have is the support of the wall and supplies from the bay. The second the Golden Company march our way from Meereen then they're away from supplies as they march down the old Ghiscari road." Ser Arthur told everyone.

"For the defenses, we can dig up trenches right outside the city walls so they won't be able to use siege towers. And we can dig one further out to slow them down if they try to charge." Beric Dondarrion showed on the map. "But given our timeframe, we're better prepared to keep this from turning into a siege and engage them outside the city walls."

"I agree. Less chance of them using their siege weapons on the city and causing chaos." Arthur added.

"Let's get teams outside the city walls and marking distances to make our long-range weapons more effective. 500 meters to 300 and then closer and closer they get." Will suggested, drawing out lines on the map to help illustrate his point.

"That's a clever idea. It'll make our artillery teams able to work much more effectively." Garlan commented. "We can set up our battle lines accordingly and prepare fall back points as we fall back."

"We should set up a deep trench about 500 meters from the walls. It'll break their charge and force them to bunch up. That will allow us to use our artillery to break down their numbers." Hercules stated, adding to plan.

"From that forward trench, we leave a gap large enough for the Dothraki horde to come through." Will suggested, moving a figure to the space right behind the 500-meter fortification. "This would allow us Ikarro and the Dothraki to pick off any of the Golden Company that make it through on horseback and using their bows. They'll have enough space to move around without getting bunched up and they'll be able to perform cycle charges or fall back entirely if things go wrong."

"That would allow us to use the Dothraki and give their horses room to move. Then we'll have another trench dug up about a hundred meters from the walls that puts the Golden Company in archer and ballistae range. If they do get manage to make it through, we can funnel the enemies with rock or stake chevrons with the Unsullied as infantry and supportive fire from the walls." Ser Arthur said. "If they make it that far, it'll have cost them a lot."

"What about their elephants?" Garlan wondered.

"The second the beasts are in range we focus fire on them. Rapid fire ballistae, nest of bees, and archers. They're fearsome and deadly but are still animals. We cause them enough grief then they won't want to fight. At least, that's the hope." Will muttered.

"Cedric said he was working on something new using black powder but he's not sure when it'll be ready. We'll stick to using the black powder ground traps like we did before in Astapor." Arthur added.

"Seems solid but this war of attrition is based on them charging straight at us. If they're smart and use their scouts, they'll see our battle lines and just turn this into a siege waiting for us to attack them. Or they might just pack up and go fortify Meereen instead." Smalljon Umber stated.

"I can't believe I'm going to say this but Smalljon has a point." Garlan commented.

"Fuck you." Smalljon told him off.

"Our battle of attrition won't matter if they don't take the bait." Garlan said and everyone agreed with that point. They all tried to think of another alternative that prevented the battle from turning into a prolonged siege.

"Do not pursue an enemy who simulates flight." Will muttered.

"Excuse me?" Smalljon asked.

"It's a quote from a military book from a Yi Ti scholar. Essentially, it means don't fall for easy bait into an ambush." Will explained.

"That might work." Beric Dondarrion stated. "Thoros knows more about the Company then all of us and he's fairly confident that among the ranks of the men is none other than disgraced Former Hand of the king Jon Connington."

"I haven't heard his name in a long time." Ser Arthur muttered. "I thought he had drunk himself to death years ago."

"When we were last in Volantis and I met with some members of the Lord of Light, they mentioned that Connington's name was among the Golden Company, calling himself Griff." Thoros explained.

"Who's Jon Connington?" Hercules asked.

"Jon Connington was the former lord of Griffin's Roost of House Connington and served a short time as Hand of the King to Aerys during the war. He squired for Prince Rhaegar and is a capable warrior and commander. He's proud, bold, energetic, reckless, and thirsty for glory but that was years ago." Ser Arthur explained, knowing Jon from his time as a Kingsguard. "After Jon's failure at Stoney Sept, Aerys exiled him to Essos."

"You knew him well?" Autolycus wondered.

"I did a lifetime ago. He thought highly of Rhaegar, spending years as his squire. He called him the silver prince. If things had occurred differently back then I imagine he would have fought to protect Rhaegar at the Ruby Ford. Even though his house allegiance is to Storm's End, he often spoke of his distaste for your father." Arthur said to Will.

"So, if he sees me then he won't be happy." Will commented.

"Which we could use to our advantage. Seeing the son of the man who killed his prince alive and in Essos away from his father and the protection of the Seven Kingdoms would be too big of an opportunity to waste." Beric suggested and everyone caught on to what he was planning.

"We let him get me in his sights and blind him and the Golden Company to the dangers they face." Will smiled as he thought the plan was rather clever. "Let's work with that."

Before they could push forward there was a knock at the chamber door and in walked Missandei. "Forgive the interruption, your grace but you have some visitors."

"Someone from the council or the city?" He wondered.

"Neither your grace. A group of ships docked near the sandstone ridge with supplies and goods for the city but among them are some visitors from Dorne who wish to see you." Missandei said.

"Dorne?" Hercules and his friends were confused why people from Dorne would have arrived here.

"Oberyn Martell." Will said and she nodded.

"Yes, he's arrived with an accompaniment of Dornish soldiers but they come in peace." She explained.

"Wonder what brings Oberyn Martell all the way here." Arthur muttered.

Will tightened Storm's Wrath around his waist and made sure his belt was fastened. "I'll be back. Continue with the planning." He told the others before leaving with Ser Arthur and Hercules. Missandei escorted them down to the council room where Oberyn was waiting under guard from several of the Unsullied. Will walked in and saw Oberyn Martell, wearing his usual orange flowing robe/tunic with the addition of some leather armor shoulder pads. With him was a group of Dornish wearing the yellow/gold long tunic/robes with their signature cloth winding on their head and armed with spears, swords, and shields but were at the moment disarmed. By his side was his black-haired Dornish Paramour Ellaria Sand and next to her were three girls, most likely Oberyn's daughters.

"There he stands, a titan among men." Oberyn said with a playful glee that edged on mocking but was all in good fun. "Last I saw you in Sunspear you were but a boy but here you stand a changed man. Marvel at his form everyone. William the Conqueror of House Baratheon, the Blue Wolf, the Breaker of Chains and Khal of Thunder."

"That last one is new." Will commented. "Hercules, Missandei, allow me to introduce to you Oberyn of House Martell. More well known as the Red Viper. We met on my venture to the Summer Isles over a year ago. I wasn't expecting his arrival."

"I decided to follow a move of yours. Our last meeting, you showed up in Sunspear suddenly with a gift so I decided to do the same." Oberyn said.

"I heard. Trade and goods are always welcome and I'm sure the council are appreciative of the surplus of Dornish supplies but I doubt that is the reason you came." Will pointed out.

"It would seem your venture here has done little to your wit I've heard so much about." Oberyn said, looking at Hercules and Missandei. "Although it would seem your company has improved dramatically since we last met. A cute handmaiden to warm your bed and a vicious and large man to kill your enemies."

"He doesn't need my help to kill his enemies." Hercules corrected Oberyn and earning a curious look from the Dornish prince. Whether it was out of curiosity towards his story or his sexuality is up for debate.

"And yes, Missandei is my handmaiden, translator, advisor, and friend and that is all. I would never take advantage of her like that and she knows it." He looked at her and she smiled. "I value her friendship."

"Interesting young man. Quite a romantic." Ellaria said, her arm wrapped around Oberyn's.

"You remember my paramour, Ellaria Sand. And these are my daughters." Oberyn gestured to the three young woman with her. "Three of the Sand Snakes as they call them. The rest are in Dorne, still too young to travel. My eldest Obara, my second Nymeria and Tyene."

Obara, the oldest of the Sand Snakes, was older than he was. At least 24 summers old. Her long black hair was styled into a bun and she was wearing a mottled sandsilk cloak of brown and gold over brown riding leathers with men's breeches, a calf-linen tunic that was leather like armor and belt of copper suns. She exuded the essence of a warrior. Nymeria, the second oldest at 20 and her features showed YiTish features most likely from her mother. Wearing a shimmering lilac robes with a silk cape of cream and copper that flowed over her breeches. Tyene, was likely the same age as Will. Short hair with a clinging gown style tunic of yellow over breeches. The most striking thing about her was her gold necklace as it had a unique blue gem.

"My ladies." Will bowed his head in respect.

"We're not ladies, we're bastards." Obara corrected him.

"Your point?" He wondered, earning some surprised looks.

"Oh, very clever and witty." Nymeria hummed in delight.

"What brings you all the way to Yunkai, Oberyn. It's not just to trade some goods or visit the city's many brothels." Will surmised earning a chuckle from the prince of Dorne.

"I'll admit that exploring the wonders and pleasures Yunkai has to offer is rather appealing but left Dorne because I was rather intrigued by your efforts here. As are everyone else in the Seven Kingdoms." Oberyn remarked. "What motivates the Crown Prince of Westeros to leave his lap of luxury and come to Essos to fight against the masters of Slaver's Bay?"

"If you've seen what I have then you would understand. I'm sure many have seen what I have and turned a blind eye but not me." Will answered. "I can't possibly know what Missandei and the others have gone through. I can't speak for them on their lives and how they feel. The only thing I can do is act and that is what I do. I'm doing what I feel to be right."

"It's that simple?" Ellaria wondered.

"Can't it be?" Will asked her. "The masters and any slavers I encounter get exactly what they deserve. They treat people like they're property or animals and the only reason they do this trade is for money and the power it gives them over others. I'm doing this to show them and everyone else that this is one prince who will act when he sees something that is wrong. No child in slaver's bay shall ever feel a chain wrapped around their neck again but I'm not their conqueror or their ruler. I will help them however I can and in doing so, be a different kind of ruler then my father."

Oberyn looked at Will with a studious gaze before walking up to him. Hercules moved his hand to his Valyrian steel dagger, ready to use it if the situation called for it while Ser Arthur was calmer. He had a feeling that Oberyn wouldn't be that rash and his judgement paid off. Oberyn's face adopted a smirk before he pat Will on the shoulder.

"You continue to surprise me. Well, so long as I'm in Essos enjoying myself…if you so happen to need my assistance or that of the 500 men, I brought with me then I'm more than happy to oblige, your grace." Oberyn bowed his head.

"But don't think you can command us. Dorne or its people are not so easily broken." Obara warned him.

"Obara…" Oberyn scolded her daughter for speaking rashly.

"Every person in my company is on this journey with me of their own volition. If you wish to enjoy yourself or engage in other duties and activities that require your attention then you are free to do so. But if you violate or find yourself on the wrong side of the law or take advantage of the people of this city then there will be consequences. Yunkai is a protectorate under my protection so it will be their laws you face. That is my warning." Will told them all.

"We'll be on our best behavior. I promise." Oberyn assured him.

"Very well. If you would like to rest after a long journey, I can have Missandei arrange some rooms." Will suggested only for Oberyn to pull Ellaria close and share a very passionate kiss.

"Much obliged but I rarely sleep after a journey such as this. Ellaria and I are off to find some entertainment. Would you care to join us?" Oberyn asked.

"I still have some business to finish." Will replied and Oberyn nodded, walking away with Ellaria. His daughters followed suit, not planning to head to the brothels but off to do something. As they were walking away, he remembered something. "Prince Oberyn, one last word. Tyrion Lannister is here as well with a few of his house men to act as guard."

Hearing the name Lannister made Oberyn freeze in his step which they all saw. "Just Tyrion?" Oberyn asked.

"Just him and a few of his house guard to protect him. He was sent here to assist me however he can. I imagine it's Twyin way of trying to ingratiate himself. That won't be a problem will it?" Will asked him.

Everyone waited for an answer there was a moment of silence before Oberyn took a deep breath and faced him with a smile on his face. "It won't. Worry not, your grace. The Imp shall stay alive."

Oberyn left with Ellaria after that and his household guard. The Sand Snakes gave Will another look, more so Tyene and Nymeria who smirked before they left as well. "He's an…interesting man." Missandei commented.

"That's about as fair a statement as anyone can make about Oberyn. He's as likely to charm you for a class of wine and offer to take you to bed or kill you." Ser Arthur explained. "His arrival is a surprise. What do you want to do?"

"So long as Oberyn plays nice then I think we'll be fine. Let's just hope seeing Tyrion doesn't set him off." Will hoped as they returned to the command chamber to see Smalljon, Garlan, Thoros, Beric, Autolycus and the others still working. "Sorry for being gone, everyone. I hope things were able to progress without me."

"We've made some good headway into our plans while you were busy. Is everything all right?" Beric Dondarrion asked.

"That probably depends on who you are. Oberyn Martell arrived in Yunkai. Partially to enjoy himself and have some fun but I also think part of it is because of curiosity. I…intrigued him." Will put it bluntly.

"What does that mean?" Atalanta wondered.

"He's heard of what I've been doing and he's bored and looking for adventure. It makes more sense when you know of him. A word of caution to everyone and tell the others as well. Oberyn's a unique individual who can be both calm and collected yet fierce and has likely earned his reputation. Or take you to bed so a word of warning to everyone." He cautioned them. "But he did say that he and his five hundred men are willing to help us if we need it."

"Five hundred is not a huge difference. We'll see if the Dornish can help." Smalljon remarked. "Well, while you were busy indulging the Red Viper, we've been busy planning ahead. And we think we can use a Feigned Retreat to antagonize the Golden Company and make them more susceptible to do what we want them to."

"We'll use quick strikes from a distance with archers on horseback to throw them off balance." Thoros added.

"I'm intrigued." Will replied as they began to explain what they came up with.

Using a similar plan they did with the Dothraki and refining it a little with how they handled the Second Sons, their new feigned retreat/asymmetrical attacks would hopefully be what they needed to put the Golden Company off balance. Attacking at night with horses and from range, they'd pepper the Golden Company with arrows and stealth attacks to cause havoc and make their jobs harder. They'd wear dark clothing to make them harder to identify and after enough damage was done, they'd retreat back to Yunkai. Guess Smalljon Umber would have his wish and meet them in the open, sort of. Might not have been the most honorable way to win a battle but honor was for trying to prevent a battle. Given the Golden Company's penchant for never breaking a contract, it was unlikely that they would walk away. Still, Will would send a messenger saying that if the Golden Company walked away now then there would be no problems.

Many thought that it the message wouldn't matter but Will did it out of respect and honor. Time would tell if they listened to it so in the meantime they prepare for war.

Line Break xxxxx

Things in Yunkai were starting to pick up after Prince Oberyn's arrival and the surplus of goods and the 500 soldiers who came with him. The supplies helped invigorate the markets and with Prince Oberyn's arrival via ships that docked near the sandstone ridge a hundred meters south, Will talked with Cedric about an idea of developing a shipping dock or port to give Yunkai more advantages. At the moment, it was a walled city and while it was in the middle of the Old Ghiscari road which meant it was the perfect place for trade between Astapor and Meereen, it wasn't utilizing the bay as much as it should. Granted, he was familiar with a lot of the workings with a city but given the nature of the Yunkish geography and proximity to the sea, some specialized help might be a good idea.

So, he was walking through Yunkai with Ser Arthur Dayne, Missandei, Hundred Eyes, and Cedric Angar along with a small group of Unsullied. Hercules and the others were training the Yunkai city watch recruits along with putting Gendry and Edric through the ringer. Will wanted their training and conditioning intensified partly to make them better but also as a punishment for sneaking on the mission into Yunkai. He felt a smidge of sympathy for his brothers but that went away pretty quickly and was replaced with chuckles.

Will and his group arrived at one of Yunkai's many brothels which were a big part of the identity and value of the city and its people. Yunkai was known for the training and export of bed slaves and that has given it a disreputable reputation as do most pleasure areas of cities often do. Will was still unsure how he felt about it and added it to the to-do list. improvement. The brothel Will arrived at was the biggest and fanciest with many women of various ethnicities and in various stages of undress meant to appeal to every single appetite there could be. There were some Unsullied stationed around the area ignoring the advancements and calls of the women nearby. There were a few girls hanging around outside attracting customers with several of the city's inhabitants entranced as Will and the others walked in. Once inside, Will was hit with the smell of lavender, scented oils, sweat, and bodily fluids along with the sounds of men grunting and woman moaning and probably faking it as well.

He saw a few men-at-arms of the North from the Karstark party and a few of the Stormlands men as well sitting around and some of the Dornish soldiers as well. They were sitting around with their arms wrapped around voluptuous and enticing women whispering sweet nothings into their ears while they sipped wine but when they saw him, they straightened up.

"Relax, men. I'm not here for you and what you do in your own time is up to you." Will assured them and they nodded. A woman dressed in a flowing and ornate purple gown ordained with blue color trimmings and red lace patterns walked over to greet him with a bow. She was roughly in her mid-30s but her face and skin shined a sort of eternal youth. She had tanned skin but her long silver-gold hair curled and perfumed with her lilac eyes indicated she likely was from Lys as the natives to that nation often retained the features of their old Valyria ancestors.

"Welcome, Prince Baratheon. I am Lisandra, current mistress of the Cove, finest pleasure house in Yunkai. I was unable to meet you before but I would like to express my gratitude in your actions. The Wise Master who ran this establishment was rather corrupt. Now, the girls and I are earning rather good pay. If you should require anything, please let me know." Lisandra told him.

"Thank you, Lisandra. I'm looking for Oberyn Martell. I heard he was here." Will said.

"Ah, the prince of Dorne. An excellent customer. Yes, please follow me." Lisandra led him and his group through the brothel to find Oberyn. They took the stairs up to the second floor and down a hallway of rooms where the girls of the pleasure house entertained their clients. Their destination was the end of the hallway and a set of double doors. Lisandra opened them and they walked into a large room with several windows set up in a large circle. Flowing silk and luxurious tapestries draped down from the ceiling, incense, plates of food, and jugs of wine were on tables with various couches and chairs set up around the room which indicated this space was meant for a large group of people or someone who could afford it like Oberyn. Speaking of Oberyn, Will and the others were the unfortunate witnesses of him and Ellaria with various women and men in the middle of a raucous affair.

"Ah, Prince William. Come to join the fun?" Oberyn wondered, laying down on the large bed with a woman kissing his chest and a man running a finger through his hair while another woman was currently bouncing up and down his crouch with another woman tending to her breasts. Ellaria was being attended to by two women and a man who were very studious and attentive to her body.

"No. I need to speak with you about some actual business." Will told him, averting his eyes as he found the situation a little awkward. The others did too and diverted their gaze while Oberyn and Ellaria had nothing to be ashamed of.

"Would you mind waiting outside for a few moments while I finish?" Oberyn wondered and Will's departure gave him his answer. He and the others waiting outside Oberyn's room for him and Ellaria to finish their fun time. The door down the hall opened and out walked two young women and their male client who was rather happy. Disheveled and now a few coins short but happy.

"Ah, to be young again." Cedric commented with a chuckle. Will pinched the bridge of his nose and Missandei beat down a blush as they waited for Oberyn to finish.

"Will there be anything else, Prince William?" Lisandra asked.

"No, that'll be all. But if you would so kind as to pass a message to the other mistresses and heads of the brothels that I would like to meet with them all soon." He told her.

"Of course. Should you require anything, let me know." She bowed her head and left to attend to her duties.

"Oh, Lisandra one more thing. Tyrion Lannister wouldn't happen to be here, would he?" Will wondered.

"The small one? Not today. He is rather amusing and popular. Not just for his gold." She answered before leaving.

"What's going on?" Arthur wondered.

"I'm considering organizing and solidifying the brothels and pleasure houses in the city under a leadership to keep things in some sense of order. When you find brothels and girls, you'll find men, wine, and usually bad decisions that lead to trouble. I've heard enough stories and seen enough in King's Landing to know the chaos this can cause. The sooner we get this under control the better." Will answered.

"And Tyrion?" Missandei asked.

"He probably knows as much about brothels as Oberyn does. Plus, he's got a sharp mind so it's time we give him something and see if he's really here to help me." He replied when the double doors opened and out walked the women and men that Oberyn and Ellaria had their fun with. All with smiles on their face as they left to get cleaned up.

"Come in!"

Will led them back into the room and saw Oberyn pull up his pants before wrapping a towel around his neck. He walked over to a table and poured himself a cup of wine before pouring a second and handing it to Ellaria who was still laying on the bed with a blanket to cover her from the waist down and leaving her top exposed and breasts free for view.

"I see you're enjoying yourself during your stay in Yunkai." Will commented.

"I am. This city is quite lovely now that there are no slavers." Oberyn replied before sitting down next to his paramour. "Would you like to sit?"

"No thank you." Will replied.

"Some wine?" Ellaria wondered.

"I don't drink." Will stated earning odd looks from both of them. "Yes, I know it's odd considering who my father is. And its why I don't drink."

"You don't drink, you don't indulge yourself in the city of pleasure. You're a rather odd young man." Ellaria commented earning a shrug from Will.

"It's starting to become a badge of honor."

"So, what brings the Conqueror to the best brothel in Yunkai to interrupt my leisure time to speak business. Unless my leisure time is business and the young prince wishes to be schooled in the art of lovemaking as the Dornish are so famous for." Oberyn joked as he sipped his wine. "What brings you here?"

"I'm currently working on improving Yunkai's infrastructure and had some ideas that could use the opinion of people who are from a harsh climate and terrain like this. Dorne is the only country in Westeros with similar climate to Slaver's Bay and Sunspear faces similar terrain as here. As the Prince of Dorne, you're aware of the inner workings of your capital city you call home and how it works. I was hoping you could help me in this endeavor." Will told him.

Oberyn looked at him with a smirk and finished his cup of wine before getting up to refill it. "You're much smarter than your father, I'll give you that. Why do all this? Why not just do what you did in Astapor?"

"It doesn't work like that. Each city is different and requires a different touch to make it prosper. It's what a good ruler understands and makes the difference between a leader and a conqueror." Will answered, earning a smile from Ellaria.

"Oh, I like you. Very feisty. Tyene will love to get her claws in you." She commented.

"I'm sure she will." Oberyn remarked before sitting down in a chair. "Using the sea and establishing a port would be your best option but you know this already. Are there any nearby rivers or streams?"

"No. The only one is over the mountains but that pass is too dangerous and too much work. Yunkai is in the middle of the Old Ghiscari road and between Meereen and Astapor and relied on one trade. That is the problem along with its location which means we have to expand the city to make sure it survives." Will suggested.

"That will not be easy." Oberyn remarked. "In Dorne, the fresh rivers are guarded and treated as a lifeblood but Sunspear has found a way to make use of seawater. For salt, of course but we have found ways to make it drinkable. You boil it to remove the salt and then capture the steam to turn it into fresh water."

"Interesting…" Cedric muttered.

"Granted the process is timely but we Dornish have found ways to make it work. It would seem our work is just starting." Oberyn sipped his cup of wine.

"Glad to see I have your attention. Come to the pyramid tomorrow to start working on the plan. I'd rather have you with a fresh mind and undistracted." Will told him.

"I'll see you in the morning." Oberyn raised his cup with a smile. "Are you sure you don't want to stick around? We can get some fresh girls and help you relax. It would do wonders for you."

"That's quite all right." Will assured him as they turned to leave. "See you tomorrow, Oberyn."

Oberyn and Ellaria watched Will and his group leave. "Such an intriguing young man."

"That he is." Oberyn walked over and laid down next to his love and kissed her.

Once they left the brothel, Will and the others made their way back to the pyramid. "So, you've gotten Oberyn on board and somewhat focused. Oberyn's clever and has a sharp mind behind the witty remarks and swagger." Ser Arthur commented.

"Glad you see it too. Let's see how everyone else is doing." Will remarked, waving at the passing citizens who smiled and waved back.

He spoke with a few people to see how they were doing and they were doing fine. There were some issues like a drunken brawl and some attempted thieveries but the Unsullied were diligent. He spoke with merchants and traders in squares, inn keepers and workers on the streets and former slaves and others to figure out how the city was doing. More water to improve quality of life and sanitation kept popping up so that was one thing he remembered.

After a few hours of mingling with the people, he returned to the training courtyards to see the Unsullied who weren't on guard duty mingling and relaxing while going through drills with the new city watch recruits. In one area of the courtyards, Edric and Gendry were in the middle of their intense training session under Hercules's strict tutelage. Their tunics were drenched as sweat literally dripped down their faces and wet the sand beneath their feet. There were small logs, an old pushcart, various weights and ropes tossed together in a pile, most likely from their earlier sessions. Their current one was fairly simple as it involved them walking around in a circle with bags of sands strapped to poles across their shoulders. By the sand circle dug up in the ground and the sweat pouring down them, Gendry and Edric must have been at this for a while.

Will walked over to Hercules and the others who were watching the little training session and among them was Tyrion who was sitting in a chair under the shade with a jug of wine. "How are they?" He asked.

"They've been going all day since this morning. Gendry fell down several times and Edric vomited but they're stubborn just like you." Hercules replied.

"That's a given Baratheon trait." Will remarked. "That's enough."

"As you wish. All right, you two. That's enough. You're done for the day. Good work." Hercules told them and they put the sandbags down and dropped to the ground in exhaustion. Groans of disappointment were heard among the others who likely had bet on who would fall first. With Will's interruption, they all lost.

"Seven hells…" Gendry muttered between his heavy breaths.

"I can die happy right now…" Edric gasped as Will walked over and looked at his two younger brothers.

"Enjoying yourselves?" He asked with a small smirk on his face.

"You are a devious bastard." Edric told him.

"Thank you." Will replied. "Since the two of you decided that you're ready for a more active role despite my best beliefs. You two are squires."

"We've managed to hold our own so far." Gendry pointed out.

"You've gotten lucky so far with the help of the others. The only way I'll think you two are even remotely ready for something like this is if you prove to me that you can stay alive and your training is actually working." Will stated.

"How do we do that?" Edric wondered so Will thought for a moment and got an idea.

"The day you two can fight me to a standstill." He replied and both of them groaned. Even two against one, they couldn't match Will's skill with his swords as he was trained by one of the greatest swordsmen in Westeros along with the training with Hundred Eyes and much more experience.

"Well, that won't happen unless we poison you." Gendry said so Will walked over to Cedric to get something and returned with a small hourglass.

"When you both last longer than this hourglass in a full fight then you'll both be ready." Will tossed it and Edric managed to catch it. "But that's for another day. Get cleaned up and some rest. You have training tomorrow as well."

That earned groans from both of them as they decided to stay on the ground a little longer. Will chuckled as he walked over to Tyrion who quickly poured another cup of wine for Will. "Ah, William. Join me."

"I'm fine, Tyrion. I actually came to see you because I could use your help. Or rather your mind."

"Well, my mind is always ready to help, your grace. How may I be of service?" Tyrion wondered.

"It requires your expertise in an area I lack." Hearing that made Tyrion chuckle.

"And what would that be?" Tyrion knew the prince was intelligent with knowledge in many subjects ranging from politics to military strategy and city infrastructure. So, he was curious to know what information he could provide.

"Brothels and pleasure houses." Will answered.

"Ah." Tyrion now understood why the Prince needed his help. "While I've visited more then my fair share of brothels and pleasure houses, I curious as to how I can help you unless its to recommend several girls and what not to do."

"The Pleasure houses in Yunkai are an engrained part of the city and I'm not naïve enough to think I can shut them down. But I also know from my time in King's Landing that where there are brothels comes drunken men, drunken brawls, and one mistake from lives ending so I need to get them under control. The last thing I need is this city falling apart. I already spoke with one of the mistresses who controls the Cove to speak to the other heads of the Brothels about meeting with us." Will explained.

"Ah, you want to solidify them sort of like Littlefinger does." Tyrion said and Will shuddered when he heard the name. "Sorry for the comparison but I understand what you mean. Creating a union for the pleasure houses would keep things in control and we can arrange security and care. I'd be happy to help."

"Good, we'll meet up tomorrow morning to discuss our plans moving forward. And it'd best if you weren't hungover for the planning." Will advised.

"I'll take it into consideration." Tyrion replied.

That was good enough for Will so he left it at that. He looked over and saw Gendry and Edric managed to get to their feet and stumbled over to nearby bench where they guzzled down water and drenched their heads. Will walked over to the training courtyard and removed his jacket to reveal the tunic he had underneath and removed his sword belt before grabbing a pair of training swords. He spun them around before doing several practice moves and stances. To everyone watching he was quite the natural with two swords.

"Ser Arthur Dayne. Up for a training session?" Will wondered.

"Sounds like fun." Ser Arthur removed Dawn from his back and handed it to Missandei before grabbing a pair of practice swords for himself. The two stretched and warmed up with Ser Arthur stretching his arms and back so he didn't pull anything while Will took a few deep breaths and jumped around a bit. "Remind me again, William. What's the score of our practice battles?"

"Still 17 to nothing in your favor. But it's been that way out of respect to your growing age." Will joked, earning some chuckles from the bystanders.

"Very charming. Think fast." Ser Arthur charged forward and moved quickly with several quick strikes and lunges that would have taken down any regular opponent if this were a real match. Will was able to block and parry all his precise attacks before locking one of Arthur's practice swords to the ground while blocking the other so the two were in a deadlock. "Excellent."

"Usually that series of quick strikes and swipes would have taken me out quickly. You're losing your touch." Will remarked, giving Arthur a push kick to the chest for distance before attacking with several slashes, swipes, and thrusts that were blocked and parried.

It was the Sword of the Morning against the Breaker of Chains and by now their little spar attracted a crowd. Ser Arthur Dayne was one of the most legendary swordsmen in Westeros who earned his reputation so his skill in combat, even a practice spar was evident but Will was no slouch either. Spending most of his life training since he was a child made him more deadly than other boys his age and even men twice his age. He trained directly under the Sword of the Morning for years and then broadened his training under the tutelage of Hundred Eyes which made him more diverse. Will blocked and parried a lunge with his right sword before diverting a slash with his left, allowing him to drop to his knee and kick out one of Arthur's knees out from under him. Arthur fell to one knee but brought his left sword up to block Will's slash at his head and swung his right at his legs. Will raised his right leg up to avoid getting hit before pushing Arthur onto his back. Arthur then rolled to avoid getting hit before quickly raising his swords to block Will's double overhead slash. Unfortunately, that's what Will wanted as he had Ser Arthur locked and then activated one of his hidden blades which was dangerously close to Ser Arthur's stomach.

"Keep your feet under you, Ser Dayne. You taught me that." Will remarked before retracting the blade and helping him back to his feet.

"That I did. Looks like you are starting to learn." Arthur replied. "Again."

The two continued their sparring session to the amusement and entertainment of the growing crowd. It wasn't every day you see the Sword of the Morning in action and when you did, it usually meant you were going to die. And there a nice little betting pool being established as well. Among the bystanders were the Sand Snakes and some Dornish soldiers who knew of Ser Arthur Dayne's martial prowess but seeing the young prince in action was a nice surprise. And the storied did him justice…he was very good.

Line Break xxxxx

The next morning, Will woke up feeling a little sore and tired after such an intense training session with Ser Arthur. Honestly, he hadn't had a training session like that in a long time with everything going on. And real life battles tended to make up for missing training. Knowing his sore muscles would still be an annoyance throughout the day, he started his morning with some stretches to alleviate the pain and get his body ready while doing some forms and stances Hundred Eyes showed him called Tai Chi. Slow and methodical, the marital art was meant to help him focus his mind and calm his body.

After an hour of stretches and Tai Chi stances, he cleaned up with a quick bath before getting dressed in his usual brown trousers/breeches, his light white tunic, and his jacket before making sure his gauntlets and vambraces were secure. Then grabbed his daggers and sword, he left for one of the planning chambers. He was the first to arrive and began organizing the maps and charts along with writing things down on some pieces of parchment when Cedric arrived.

"Good morning." Will smiled and they smiled back.

"Good morning." Cedric walked over and sat down next to Will to get to work. "Here is all the information on the surrounding area including the nearby cliffs and sandstone ridges to the south."

Will looked at the charts and scrolls of information Cedric managed to find. "Excellent. And the forest to the south?"

"Birchwood forest near the slanting sandstone ridge to the bay." Cedric answered.

"Let's get teams down there and start excavating that area. Trees of any kind would need a steady supply of water to grow into the size of the forest we saw. It could be an underground fresh water channel that no one knows about." Will suggested and Cedric agreed. It was sound logic as the size of the forest and trees they saw in the middle of the Yunkish terrain would need a steady supply of fresh water to grow to that size.

"We can use some hounds to help us hone in and we can dig up a canal system or an aqueduct to the city to improve the water supply." Cedric added.

"That'll keep the mason guild and a lot of people working and happy but the idea for creating a port and using the land near the bay should be our next focus." Will suggested and Prince Oberyn walked in after he said that, looking refreshed and ready. "Good morning, Prince Oberyn. I hope you are feeling well rested."

"Indeed, I am, your grace. Nothing like a night of passion to make the body well rested for the next day." Oberyn smiled as he walked over and sat down.

"Prince Oberyn, this is Cedric Angar. One of my principal advisors, personal tutor, and trusted friend. He'll be helping us with the city infrastructure." Will introduced the two.

"Prince Oberyn." Cedric got up and shook Oberyn's hand.

"Master Angar. So, shall we begin?" Oberyn wondered.

"We've already had some plans laid out which would use your input and then we'll move onto the plans for the docks by the sandstone ridge south of the city." Will told him.

"Sounds like an excellent start. And I've thought up of some ideas that could prove to help. If we manage to solve the water issue, we can use it for the Dornish method of farming and grow unique products to help the city. Many of which we brought along on the journey. I imagine cultivating a farm here in this arid climate has never been thought about before but the Dornish faced such problems and have made do with limited resources." Oberyn suggested.

"Sounds interesting. In this climate the sun would be perfect for certain types of products that would help this city tremendously. We might be able to find water here in the Birchwood forest to the south. It's near the slanted sandstone ridge by the bay." Cedric said as Oberyn took the map to look it over.

"Most definitely water there. Those trees wouldn't be able to grow unless there is an underground water channel the masters never found. Once we find it, it'll be perfect for designing the spider web canals Dorne uses to grow its food." Oberyn told them.

"Spider web canals. Interesting." Cedric jotting some notes down when the door opened and in walked Missandei with a tray of some food, water, and for Oberyn, wine.

"Thank you, Missandei." Will told her and she smiled in response, pouring a glass of water for him when Tyrion walked in. He was a little hungover but functioning. "You're late."

"Forgive my tardiness. I overslept a bit." Tyrion said when he saw Oberyn. "Prince Oberyn."

"Lannister."

Will looked at the two and decided to bridge this family tension gap so they could work. "I asked you both to be here. Both of you have sharp minds and both of you bring something unique to the table which I need to help this city. Both of you are here which means the two of you will need to work together in certain cases. We're not in the Seven Kingdoms right now so whatever happened between your families doesn't exist here. When you return, you can kill each other then but for now, we have work to do."

Tyrion nodded and agreed to help but could feel the penetrating gaze Oberyn was sending him before it softened. "As I told you in Sunspear, I don't believe children should be responsible for the actions of their fathers. But I'm curious, what does the Lannister bring to the table?"

"Knowledge of a city, a life with money and plenty of experience of our next item of business: brothels and pleasure houses." Will told him.

"Well why didn't you say so? Shall we get started?" Oberyn grabbed a grape as Tyrion joined them and they began their planning that spent the better part of a day and then the following day as well.

When it was all said and done Will met with the Yunkai council and introduced Oberyn and Tyrion as his latest advisors. Having Cedric help explain it and Missandei to translate for the council members that didn't speak the common tongue they explained their plan for the port and development of the area south of the city near the water along with excavation and searching for water near the birchwood forest to the south. Along with Oberyn's contribution of Dorne's seawater purification process to improve water supply with the ultimate goal of developing Yunkai's surrounding area to cultivate crops, they wanted to develop new waterways and large baths to improve hygiene. It was a lot to process and was all promises for what could happen so he followed that up with plans to develop the Old Ghiscari road to help travel, water and wind wills for saw, flour, and salt mills.

And finally, were the plans for the brothels and pleasure houses. They ultimately came up with the idea of creating a brothel guild with the same plans and goals of the other guilds like the trade and masonry ones. They would protect the women and men under their employ, improve their safety and pay, their health and conditions and without the masters all of that was much easier as well. They changed certain things so the people who worked their did so by choice instead of being forced to as slaves and they were given more freedom than before. Cedric was also working with the city's healers to help with their health to prevent the spread of any disease that would cripple the city and created a protection guild to keep the peace and prevent any deaths or issues.

Seeing what he had planned out to help the city and how the council would be an active part of it helped improve his standings with them as it clearly showed he was doing this because he didn't want the city to die or suffer. Time would tell if these plans of his would work and he had another problem still in the back of his mind: The Golden Company. They were coming but he still had a lot to do.

90 days before the Golden Company arrives…

Will, Ser Arthur, Cedric, Missandei, and Hercules were outside the city walls to the north which was currently getting ready for the Golden Company attack. Distance markers were set up for their archers and artillery, trenches were being dug and all his military leaders were going through formations or helping in the construction of their artillery.

Hercules and Tydeus were helping the diggers with the deep wide trench set up 500 yards from wall for clogging up the enemy and delaying their possible charge. It had to be big enough for horses and men but also deeper so it could give the war elephants trouble. They ended up digging a sloped trench with the slope side facing the city allowing the workers ease to get in and out. While the slope helped the workers do their job, the sudden depression on the flat group make it the perfect surprise. Plus, the flat terrain made it hard to see and they would add spikes and stakes to add to its lethality.

From that forward trench they left a large enough area for horses before rocks, boulders, and stakes formed chevrons in front of another trench dug just in front of the city walls. The chevrons would funnel enemies into the path of the Unsullied and their spears who could take them down with archer support from above.

Will was working with the Dothraki at the moment to get them ready for the cycle charges in between the two trenches. The Dothraki knew how to ride and fight on horseback but this was a little different. They had to move together and then control their horses and circle around so working on their coordination was key to making it work. Will led the mock charge on Roach with the Dothraki bellowing like they would do on a charge. He held the reins but Roach was doing most of the work and moving with a purpose. The Dothraki galloped in the open area between the two trenches and neared the edge so Roach quickly galloped around a marker and began racing back the other direction. A few dozen Dothraki and their horses did as he did which was good but then the rest began to get bottlenecked.

Will, seeing they were clogged up took out his horn and blew it once to signal everyone to stop. "Seven hells…" muttering in annoyance as cantered over to the others. Roach gave out a huff so Will pat him on the side. "It's not you, Roach. You did good."

Roach gave out another huff as Ikarro came over on his horse. "Sorry, Khal Will but the horses get stuck together at the marker."

"Yeah, I noticed." Will replied, seeing that the issue was likely the number of Dothraki involved in the charge. "Tell everyone to reset back to the start. We'll try this again with fewer horses."

"Yes, Khal." Ikarro replied, heading over to tell the others.

Ser Arthur Dayne galloped over to talk to him. "Another bottleneck?"

"Yeah. The calvary cycle charge is a good idea but only for a small number. The Dothraki win through brute force but for something like this, too many and they get clustered together." Will replied.

"If that happens then they're easy targets." Arthur told him. "We should use smaller groups and alternate them. The moment the first group rounds the marker, the second group moves in for their charge."

"Interesting. Let's try it out." Will ushered Roach forward and rejoined the Dothraki.

70 days before the Golden Company arrives…

Will and his group were with the group of masons, diggers, and workers who were working in the birchwood forest today. Half were scouting the area and trying to find signs of underground water while the other half were cutting down birchwood trees for use in the defenses or other needs. It was a hot day with the sun so Will make sure everyone took breaks and got enough water and food.

He was working with the diggers, using a pickaxe to dig through some rubble and dirt. His jacket was on the ground leaving him in just his tunic which was dirty from sweat and sand. He had a piece of cloth wrapped around his mouth to keep the dirt from getting in and to make it easier to breath without all the dust and sand in the air.

A young boy walked over with a water pouch for Will which he took grabbed quick drink before getting back to work. Hercules, Ser Arthur and some of the others were helping as well whether it was digging or moving all the dirt and rocks away. One group that had managed to dig a deep enough hole had gathered a small crowd as the further down they dug the colder it got. And the dirt was turning into mud. Hercules was in that group and ushered a boy to get Will which he did.

Will wiped his forehead of sweat and took another drink of water when a young boy rushed over to him. "Your grace, come quickly."

He followed the boy and when the others saw him leaving, they were right behind him. They arrived at the dig site to see the crowd of workers gathered around and Hercules and his digger in the hole with water pooled up to their ankles and growing. Will smiled in delight as did Hercules as well as the others. Their hard work bore fruit.

"Well done. Let's stone the walls." Will said, translating that for everyone as they were all eager to get to work.

Having struck water, they spent their efforts on stoning the walls of their newly discovered well before constructing a pulley system with various buckets that made getting the water much easier than one bucket at a time. After that, they planned out the aqueduct and canal system that would help bring the water to the city but they also decided to try and develop the area near the forest for crops. It was a lot of planning that would take time but the discovery of fresh water near the city did a lot to boost morale for the inhabitants of the city and the council.

Will and the workers at the forest might have had a little celebration after the discovery involving some buckets of water being dumped on people. All in good fun.

50 days before the Golden Company arrives…

Will's plan for the aqueduct and canal system were underway and while making an aqueduct system that ran all the way to the city would take more time, they were able to get to work on the canal system for developing crops and the products that Oberyn were sure would be able to grow in the Yunkish climate.

While the aqueduct to the city would be made of stone to stretch all the way Yunkai, the canals they dug for the crops and forest were not. At least not completely. They dug out pathways in the sand and dirt with shovels and then lined them with stone to prevent any kind of leaks. Oberyn organized the pathways and instructed the diggers on their length direction to make the most of their space and the water while minimizing as much loss as possible.

Once the pathways were made, they began planting seeds for foods like lemons, olives, pomegranates, blood oranges, and different kinds of spices along with other items as well for diversity. These were all foods that Oberyn knew would be able to grow in this climate with the right help. They planted the first seeds several days ago and while the produce would take years before the trees were ready, some of the spices they were cultivating would be ready sooner. Still, all of this was a good sign and once the canals and future orchards and crop areas were built, they focused their attention on developing the dock in the bay.

When Will first went to the council about the idea and they agreed, they had teams of builder and workers head down to smooth out the area as much as possible and begin construction with Cedric advising them. Using ox pulled wagons and plows, they managed to clear paths and then laid down stones to act as pathways and stairs so no one injured themselves trying to make the journey. While it would still be likely a year before the dock was anything to be proud of the work was moving along quicker then expected with the help of seasoned maritime workers and dockhands.

Along with all the ideas for helping the city Will also suggested the council to establish an alliance with the Astaporian council in a manner that would benefit them both. Them sending goods, supplies and Master Gibbs was able to find experienced dockhands and workers who came to help with the construction and oversee the building of the dockyard. It was a sign of good faith and seeing as how Will helped the council first start and how they were doing now, it made sense. Astapor had experienced a sudden change that benefited them greatly with trades and products that Yunkai would like and Yunkai would soon do the same and provide Astapor with more trade and goods. And it was an alliance of mutual benefit and defense as well. They all had a lot to gain from working together and with both of them as a protectorate of the Prince of the Seven Kingdoms it made sense.

Talks would begin soon to iron out all the details and things necessary but the two freed cities of Slaver's Bay would be stronger together and both knew that.

Things in Yunkai were doing much better with all of the work Will and the council were putting into their city. The general atmosphere of the city was good and everyone seemed to be happy. Markets were busy, people went about their work while children went to school and generally things were on the up. There was some tension and worry as news of the Golden Company's arrival had made the rounds through the city. People were reasonably worried but the defenses built outside the walls helped alleviate their fears. Time would tell if they would work.

Line Break xxxxx

It was time. Word from their scouts and traders in Meereen informed them that the Golden Company arrived at the city. After resting for a while, they were on their way. It was time to put their plan into action. Will sent a messenger falcon to Meereen to the Captain of the Golden Company telling him that if they abandoned their mission to attack then they could keep their gold and nothing would happen. They actually did get a falcon back with a reply: No.

So, it was time for action. Will was getting suited up in his clothing before putting on his armor and making sure his weapons were ready. Storm's Wrath was sheathed on his side before he grabbed his bow, quiver and Wolf's Fang and left the pyramid. He saddled up Roach and stored his weapons as Orys flew above before landing down next to him and letting out a screech. Ser Arthur Dayne was armored up with Dawn and another sword on his hip while Hercules and his compatriots donned whatever armor they found and got themselves ready. Missandei, Cedric, and Hundred Eyes walked out of the pyramid with the Astaporian Council to see Will and his group getting ready. They were confident in their plan but had enough worry as well.

"We'll be back." Will assured them all before ushering Roach. "Let's go."

He led the way followed by Ser Arthur and the others as they road through the city towards the gate to the north. The people of the city had taken to the streets and cheered them as they rode through. They rode out of the city and the gates were closed and locked right behind them. The Unsullied and Grey Worm were standing at attention in front of the rock and stake chevrons in formation, with the catapult teams standing ready and the archers and rapid-fire ballistae groups on the city walls being led by Harion Karstark.

"Unsullied!" Grey Worm shouted and they all pounded their spears into the ground twice, standing at attention.

Will rode forward a bit and met with Smalljon Umber, Garlan Tyrell, Beric Dondarrion, Thoros of Myr, and Oberyn Martell and the others. The scout group just arrived from their scouting mission led by Thoros. Said scouting mission was actually them checking on the Golden Company when they camped a night to get a better sense of their group like numbers and arrangement.

"How'd it go?" Will wondered.

"They didn't see us and if they did, they just saw black clothes. No new numbers but they have their siege weapons." Smalljon told him and Will nodded. They heard a screech and saw Orys fly down and land on Will's arm. Orys returning meant that the Golden Company was close.

"All right, get back with the others and stay ready." Will handed Smalljon a spare bone horn.

"Stay safe." Smalljon said before galloping back with Oberyn Martell and Garlan Tyrell and their men. It was Will, Ser Arthur Dayne, Hercules, Autolycus, Atalanta, Tydeus, Amphiaraus, Beric Dondarrion, Thoros of Myr and several men-at-arms from the Stormlands and North with them on their horses.

Iolaus was still around which Hercules noted so he moved his horse over and pat his nephew on the shoulder. "Go back to the city, Iolaus. This is not the place for you."

"But uncle, I'm ready now." Iolaus told him.

"Your place is in the city. Go." Hercules told him. Iolaus huffed in disappointment before galloping back to the city.

"All right, let's go." Will ushered Roach forward as he and his group galloped away from the city down the old Ghiscari road about 1500 yards from the city. They slowly moved their horses up the rocky terrain of a small hill where they waited.

Will took out and unfolded his spyglass to look ahead and saw the shimmering waves of heat bubble up from the hot desert before he saw the forms of men, horses, and war elephants. "They're here."

The others took out spyglasses to see for themselves and he was right. The golden colored armor and helmets the soldiers warrior with red shields ordained with a red spear and golden colored skulls tied together. Various horses of different breeds and colors could be seen and then there are the war elephants. Nearly as tall as three men with thick skin, powerful legs and two large tusks to gore their enemies with. And they were adorned with metal armor as well. Two dozen of them scattered around with large saddles on their backs for men to ride on. And completely the army were catapults and siege towers.

"This is gonna be interesting." Autolycus muttered before looking at Will who was petting Orys on the head. "You still want to parlay with them?"

"I do. If only to get a better gauge of the men leading them." Will replied so one of the men tied a white flag to his spear and waved it around.

Leading the Golden Company of ten thousand was Ser Myles Toyne, of course but with him was Black Balaq of the Summer Isles who commanded the company's archers and Harry Strickland who was the company's paymaster. They neared Yunkai soon when he saw the wave of a white flag in the distance. He took out a spyglass to see for himself with his own eyes and it was the wave of a white flag with a group of people waiting for him. One of whom was a young boy, most likely the prince.

"Hold!" Toyne shouted and the lieutenants and leaders shouted hold, getting the company to stop. Black Balaq and Harry Strickland galloped up to the front to see what was going on. "Looks like someone wants to parlay?"

"Why does the conqueror wants to parlay?" Black Balaq wondered when another horse joined them and riding it was Jon Connington. The thirty year old former Hand of the King and exiled lord now riding with the Golden Company for the better part of half a decade and acting as a sort of lieutenant. He had on the Golden Company's gold armor but didn't wear a helmet so his fiery red hair and beard could be seen as well as his eyes which were filled with intrigue and anger.

"Who the fuck cares? Let's just charge already and get this over with." Connington told Toyne.

"Relax, Connington. I want to see this conqueror with my own eyes as I'm sure you do as well." Toyne said, putting his spyglass away. "Bring a squad of men with us. Harry, keep everyone else here."

"Yes, sir." Harry Strickland replied as Myles Toyne, Black Balaq, Jon Connington and a squad of Golden Company soldiers galloped ahead.

"Here they come." Hercules announced as Will saw them galloping towards them.

"Keep it tight, everyone but stay sharp." Will ordered and they all nodded, readying their weapons for easy access.

Soon enough, Myles Toyne and his horses arrived and met with William and his party. This gave both groups their first real look at one another. William noted that the leaders of the Golden Company seemed experienced as did their men and held themselves up with a certain degree of knightly valor when he saw one in particular. Maybe the same age as Ser Arthur Dayne with full head of red hair and beard but it was the eyes that made him wary. The eyes of hatred, resentment, and anger. It was Jon Connington.

Myles Toyne and his group their first good look at William the Conqueror and his group of warriors. It was an odd assortment of Westerosi and people he wasn't familiar with but most Westerosi who were battle hardened. The Prince himself had the look of someone who had seen battle and fought before.

"I am Prince William of the House Baratheon. To whom am I speaking with." Will started.

"Ser Myles Toyne, captain-general of the Golden Company." Myles spoke up.

"Well met, Ser Toyne. I called this parlay to once again prevent a possible conflict." Will told him.

"A Baratheon who doesn't want to fight. I think it just snowed in Dorne." Jon Connington muttered, earning glances from the others.

"You have been contracted to this conflict by the Wise Masters of Yunkai, the masters of Meereen, and the slavers and Triach of Volantis. I have no quarrel with you. If you and your company leave then we can prevent a needless battle. You have the masters gold. There is nothing here for you." Will stated.

"The Golden Company has taken the contract. Our word is as good as gold. We can not break a contract." Toyne told him.

"I'm sorry that it has to be this way then. There is nothing I can say that can sway you from this path?" Will asked one last time and got a headshake as his response. "Very well. Then let us consider the matter settled. I pray your fortune in the next life."

"As do I." Myles Toyne replied in the same respectful tone he was given.

"We both know you didn't want us to leave so you can cut the crap, boy." Jon Connington told him.

"You've made an assumption on who I am just because of my father. All I share is his name, Lord Connington." Will told him.

"Not the way I see it. The arrogance, the stature, the air of superiority you have on you. Just like Robert." Jon stated.

"If you actually knew him then you would know that's not true at all." Arthur told Jon as the two former sworn allies of House Targaryen laid sight on one another after years. "Jon Connington. I wish I could say it's good to see you but the circumstances are less then ideal. I thought you had drunk yourself to death."

"I almost did because of that bastards father and what all of you did to House Targaryen." Jon told them all. "The son of a bastard traitor and drunk leading other traitors. What's most shocking of all if your betrayal Ser Arthur Dayne. I thought the Kingsguard were meant to protect their king and prince to death. Oaths and honor must mean nothing you."

"They mean everything to me." Arthur shot back, insulted he would say that. "We both serves House Targaryen Jon but it was blind oath and orders we followed. Yes, Rhaegar was a good man but his actions proved disastrous and obeying his father who killed innocent people because of his madness was hard enough. Listening to him outside his chambers while we did nothing as he raped and beat his own wife. Standing guard as proud symbols of loyalty while he killed his subjects as he so pleased. Stomaching the horror of watching a son strangle himself while trying to save his father and watching as he burned alive was hell. I was ready to die for Rhaegar but I was given a new oath and I will follow it if it kills me. For the friendship we once had, I beg of you Jon, walk away."

"I'm afraid I can't do that." Jon told him before looking at Will. "I'll see you on the field, boy. Take solace in your last day and be very afraid."

"Look at me. Do I look afraid?" Will was as ready as can be.

Myles Toyne signaled his men, Black Balaq, and Jon to head back to the others while he lingered a bit. His gaze was stuck to Ser Arthur Dayne. "So, you're the fabled Sword of the Morning. Jon says you're the greatest knight he's ever seen. Probably the greatest in Westeros. I've always wanted to see how good you are for myself."

"Then pay attention because you'll only see it once." Arthur stated, earning a chuckle from the captain-general.

"Take care of yourself, Ser Dayne. Don't die until we meet." Myles ushered his horse and galloped back to his company.

"You all right, Arthur?" Autolycus wondered.

"I'm fine. I'll mourn Jon as the person I remember him as." Arthur replied.

"What now?" Atalanta asked.

"It's time. Go get ready." He told her and she nodded. She left with Tydeus, Amphiaraus and Autolycus back to the city. Will quickly wrote down a note and tied it to Orys' leg before he flew back to the city. "Ready the surprise for our guests."

Hercules and the others nodded as they took out the bundles of black powder from their saddlebags and placed them down on the hillside while Will took out his bow. Myles Toyne and the others returned to the company where they unsheathed their swords.

"Advance!" Toyne shouted and the Golden Company marched forward at a steady pace.

The thumping of drums could be heard all the way back to the city as many people manned on the walls were getting nervous. "Don't worry. Calm yourselves." Harion Karstark assured them all. "We know what we're doing."

Will pulled out an arrow from his saddle quiver and pulled it back to his chin, feeling the wind on his back and face before raising his bow up and adjusting. He let loose and the arrow flew through the air, the wind making it go further then normal and it managed to hit one of the soldiers in the chest.

Black Balaq saw the arrow take down one of their men from far outside the normal range. "Impressive." Balaq muttered before getting his archers ready. The spears and shield infantry marched forward first. Jon was getting anxious as he wanted to charge straight ahead but Myles ordered them to march until they got within sight distance of the city so their catapults could be of some use.

"Set up the nest of bees." Will said, taking out another arrow and pressing his luck with another shot. This time, it flew off course so he tried again.

Hercules, Beric, and the others removed the various nest of bees arrow batteries from a spare horse and set them up on the rocks so they had an angle of elevation. All in all, they brought about 20 nest of bees batteries each carrying about fifty arrows.

"Light them up." Arthur ordered and one by one they were lit with a torch. Once the wicks burned down, the nest of bees batteries ignited and a thousand arrows flew through the air towards the Golden Company. It caught them by surprise before they quickly raised and interlocked their shields as best they could to save themselves. Arrow after arrow managed to find its mark and hit a Golden Company soldier with dozens hitting some horses and managing to hit some of the elephants as well. A thousand arrows were fired and about half of them managed to hit something with half of that being fatal.

"That bastard!" Jon unsheathed his sword. "CHARGE!"

He and his men took off galloping towards the city and it was the straw that broke the dam as one by one more members of the Golden Company charged forward.

"Connington! Damn that man! Toyne shouted, trying to get his men under control but their calvary were already galloping ahead. Their full 2,000 horse calvary charged straight ahead at full speed and were doing exactly what William wanted them to do. "Let's get this over with! Elephants, charge!"

Toyne's squire blew out a horn so the riders on the elephants knew what to do and ushered them forward. The elephants let out cries before moving forward as fast as their legs could take them. It was the horse calvary followed up by the elephants right behind them.

"All right. Lord Beric and Thoros, head back to the defense and get ready. We'll draw them in!" Will ordered. Beric and Thoros nodded before ushering their horses around and heading back to the city with their group. Will fired a few more arrows from his quiver, managing to hit a few of the riders just as they were closing in at about 200 hundred yards. "Let's move!"

Hercules opened up a large bottle of black powder in his saddlebag and positioned it so it poured out as they rode back to the city. Will let Roach be the guide as he turned around and fired arrow after arrow, managing to hit a rider or horse every third shot he took. Shooting from horseback wasn't easy and they were moving. The Golden Company riders who had bows opened fire but the wind shortened their distance so they didn't hit anything. Will and few others who could shoot kept firing back while Hercules kept a close eye on the black powder being dropped behind him. The second it was almost empty he tossed a torch down behind him and it ignited the powder trail and moved back to the hill they were on and that the cavalry were just passing. Many of the riders noticed the fire trail passing by them which spooked some of the horses but they kept moving.

The black powder trail arrived at the hill just as the elephants began to close in. The second the black powder trail fire touched the bundle of black powder charges, they exploded and kicked up a huge cloud of dust, sand, and rocks. It killed dozens of riders and knocked them off their mounts, spooked their horses and the elephants as well. But the bad news didn't stop there as the bundle of black powder charges that went off also ignited four oil soaked ropes that were buried in the ground and spread out within the area of about a hundred meters. Those oil soaked ropes were connected to other bigger black powder charges scattered throughout so when they went off it seemed like explosions were happen all over. But these charges were special as they were large clay containers or bundles filled with a large amount of black powder along with a few surprises. Said surprises included spare scraps of metal, broken glass and clay pieces that were sent out at the speed of arrows and doing tremendous damage. Several riders were torn to pieces from the shrapnel while others were damaged so badly, they couldn't be identified.

The explosions managed to kill two elephants and injured six. The explosions and shrapnel bent the elephants armor and cut their legs and hides so they went crazy and crashed into one another or trampled over the horses and their riders. One elephant rider tried to regain control of his beast when it bucked and he fell to the ground where he was subsequently trampled over by another elephant and turned to goo. Toyne was witness to the horrors being set upon his men and elephants while Connington and his calvary charge just heard the thunderous booms of explosions and screams of anguish.

Will and his group sped up their gallop and moved to single file where they crossed a gangplank over the outer trench. Ser Arthur cut the rope with his sword the second they crossed it so it collapsed in on itself. That left the Golden Company calvary that followed close behind him to fall right into the deep trench filled with stakes and spikes. Horses cried out in pain as men were skewered to death or if they managed to survive the fall had a horse fall or trample over them. Seeing the sudden trench, Connington ordered his men who didn't fall into the trench to hold and try to find a way around through or around. Their horses kicked and reared as they tried to find a way around with some trying to jump over which ended up with their horses tripping into the trench.

Seeing the calvary clogged up, Will took out a horn and blew into it three times. Hearing the three horns, Smalljon by the artillery and Harion Karstark on the wall took out their horns and blew them the same number of times. From the east came the sound of hoofbeats and groups of a hundred Dothraki calvary followed by horse pulled chariots that Tydeus, Atalanta, Amphiaraus, and Autolycus were riding. On the first chariot were bundles of arrows for Atalanta who fired arrow after arrow with precision taking down rider and horse in quick succession. In the second chariot was a crank operated rapid-fire ballistae that Autolycus manned, firing bolt after bolt that skewered through the Golden Company. The Dothraki used their bows and fired arrows, taking down the Golden Company while any soldiers that managed to make it across the trench were cut down with their arakhs.

The artillery crew loaded up their catapults with boulders or fire barrels before locking in their sights to the area just outside the trench. Once the crews were locked on, they signaled Lord Umber.

"Loose!" He shouted, throwing his arm down and they did. Boulders and fire barrels were flung through the air and crashed down just outside the trench kicking up dirt or spreading fire. Many more of the Golden Company calvary were killed and taken out as their two thousand were withered away down to a few hundred and that was dropping by the minute. The first Dothraki charge looped around its marker and began moving back as the second group started their attack run when the remaining 16 elephants charged towards the city. Will blew his horn twice which was mirrored by Smalljon and Harion who knew what to do. Smalljon kept up the artillery assault while Harion organized the ballistae crew on the walls. They took aim at the elephants and then aimed up to arc before firing bolt after bolt. One bolt managed to hit an elephant right in the head, taking it down quickly while another elephant got two bolts in the leg so it crashed down.

The Dothraki aimed their bows at the elephants and riddled them with arrows. Despite their armor providing some protection, it still enraged caused them pain which made them act erratic. The Golden Company men atop the elephants fired their arrows and managed to hit a few Dothraki but the Dothraki shot back as well. Atalanta took out two arrows and fired them into the small space in the elephants face armor to hit it in the eye causing it to go crazy and crash into another elephant to its left, sending them both down. Will took out a black powder arrow and lit it before hitting an elephant in the leg. The explosion sent it down with a massive chunk taken out of its leg and side. Autolycus reloaded his rapid fire ballistae and shot down another elephant when he saw four manage to make it through the trench so he adjusted his aim and shot one down by taking out its legs. This kept it from moving which allowed the Dothraki to pepper its body with more arrows or slash it with their sword.

Will rode through the battle and pulled out two arrows from a special leather bundle to his left. These arrows had a purple liquid coating on them indicating they were poison as he fired them and managed to hit an elephant behind the ear. The poison acted as the elephant let out a cry before it stumbled to the ground, it breath labored and was too weak to move. Hercules pulled out his large sword and rode up to an elephant, slicing its back legs and through the tendons so it collapsed onto its behind. Another Dothraki rode up and threw a spear at an elephants leg causing it to fall to its side where horses quickly trampled the Golden Company riders. One elephant did manage to take down a few Dothraki before it was peppered by enough arrows and wounds to kill it.

Will took out another black powder arrow and fired it at the elephants who hadn't crossed the trench and it the explosion managed to kill another while wounding several more. There were about six elephants left but they weren't in the best of shape and likely wouldn't last much longer.

Myles Toyne and the Golden Company infantry made it into view of the city and saw the massacre befalling his calvary and prized war elephants. The calvary was down to about 50 horses at best estimate and his elephants were all but defeated. He couldn't win this battle today so had his squire blow his horn to order the retreat. The second the horn was heard, the remaining Golden Company calvary escaped with their tails between their legs. The riders on the elephants tried to get the animals to listen but it was too late and there was no hope so they jumped and ran back.

Seeing them run away gave everyone a huge morale boost. "They're retreating!" Hercules shouted, causing everyone to cheer in celebration. The Dothraki let out celebratory yells and even in the city the sounds of cheers could be heard.

Will looked at the others and smiled. They did great and deserved this win but he also saw the last person to cross the hill was Jon Connington who no doubt had a look of intense hatred on his face. Everyone regrouped with William outside the city as the wounded were tended to and the dead were stripped of anything of value and buried.

"What are we waiting for? Let's ride straight after them." Smalljon Umber told everyone. "They're broken. This is the perfect time to do it."

"Easy, Smalljon. We will. If we go marching at them now then we have their siege weapons to deal with. We'll take them down tonight. Get everyone some rest and their darkest clothing because tonight we take them down." Will ordered and everyone like that idea.

Later that night…

In the quickly established night camp for the Golden Company about 4000 meters from the city of Yunkai and their latest defeat, the men of the legendary sellsword company licked their wounds and recovered. Normally after such a defeat like that they would have headed straight back to Meereen but with little to no horses or elephants then they had to move by foot. They made it that far by foot and Toyne organized triple the number of scouts and guards on patrol in case the prince tried a sneak attack.

The Golden Company scouts camped out about 500 meters from the base camp around a low lit fire pit to keep warm. After that there were about a dozen men scattered around to keep watch. They were told to keep their eyes and ears open for any signs of anything out of the ordinary and to messenger back if something did happen. It was the middle of the night so it was very difficult to see but they stayed as attentive as they could. The clink of a small pebble caught their attention as two scouts pulled out their swords, the third readied an arrow and the fourth held up a torch to try and illuminate whatever was there. They saw some pebbles move on the ground and its cause was a Golden Crown eagle which just cawed at them.

With their attention focused on the eagle, several arrows were fired from the darkness and they were skewered. From the darkness came Atalanta, Autolycus and a group of archers were dark clothing. Autolycus pet Orys on the head before attaching a note and letting him fly into the air. Atalanta signaled the others to move quickly and quietly as they pressed towards the camp, taking down any scouts with range weapons.

Orys flew through the air and headed east before touching down on Will's arm. Will, dressed in his regular armor and dark clothing with his hood and facemask up, took the message that indicated Atalanta and Autolycus made it to the front. He, Hercules, Amphiaraus, Tydeus, Ser Arthur, Hundred Eyes, Beric Dondarrion, Thoros of Myr, Oberyn Martell, Grey Worm, and several hundred men and Unsullied had gone the long way around to the east to flank the Golden Company from the side. Atalanta and Autolycus would led the stealth unit from the front and take down any scouts and move into position for the next part.

"Let's move." He whispered and they did so, staying low to the ground and trying to move in single file so they weren't as noticeable. They closed in on the outskirts of the Golden Company camp and stopped to get their items ready which were special bundles of arrows and pouches.

Will kept a watchful eye on the camp and saw the guards set up at the perimeter and the army of tents and men walking around without their armor. In the middle of the camp in the generals tent which you knew was the generals tent because it was made of gold cloth and surrounded by pikes topped with the gilded skulls of previous captains-general. Inside the tent, Myles Toyne was still awake and stewing in his defeat. He lost pretty much all of his calvary, his elephants and two thousand of his men faster then ever before and by a boy no less. All because Connington couldn't follow orders and charged ahead. He was starting to wish that Jorah Mormont hadn't left and books passage to Pentos. He was at least cool-headed. With their huge defeats, they had no choice but to head to Meereen in the morning and safeguard the city. Let the boy come to them. They would leave camp in a few hours before daybreak just to be safe.

Unfortunately for him, not safe enough.

A guard was walking the perimeter of the camp to the east to keep watch for anyone or any movement. A rustle of rocks caught his attention so he walked over to check only to get a hidden blade to his neck and his body carefully and quietly placed on the ground. Will grabbed his bow and loaded three arrows with special colored bundles on it before pulling back and aiming high above the camp. Ser Arthur used some flint to light the oil soaked wicks and the second they were lit, Will fired them high into the air. No one really noticed them until they reached the apex of their arc and the burning wicks hit the bundles causing them to ignite. And ignite they did.

The soldiers that were awake were greeted to the sight of an awe inspiring display of colored lights that exploded in the air with loud booms. It was the same distraction they used to take Yunkai but they were colored yellow, white, red, and green for extra flair and attraction. The sudden display of lights in the sky got the attention of most of the camp with the loud sounds waking up those that were asleep. Myles Toyne walked out of his tent to see the light display and there was a moment of wonder in his head before he realized what they were. They were a distraction.

After that display, Will and the archers released a volley of fifty smoke arrows into the camp that exploded. They released a thick cloud of dark smoke that obscured everyone's sight on the eastern part of the camp. Will fired another volley of smoke arrows, this time further into the camp before they fired a bundle of explosive arrows that destroyed tents, killed men, and generally created chaos because they didn't know where they were coming from.

By this time, Myles figured out what was going on as he heard the same thunderous booms to the east but then heard and felt the rumbling on the ground. "WE'RE UNDER ATTACK! SOUND THE ALARM!"

The men of the Golden Company scrambled to get ready as horns were blown and they tried to get into whatever armor they could in a short amount of time.

"Another explosive volley." Will said and they fired one more into the camp killing more of them and also igniting their tents which began to spread, adding to the chaos. "Hercules, take your group and move further up and attack from the north while they're attention is focused on the south and the east. Be careful."

"You, too." Hercules left with his group of four hundred to head further up and attack them from behind.

"Crying arrows." Will told them, loading an arrow with a white bundle on the shaft. The other archers did the same and they fired them into the camp. Said bundles exploded into a whitish/yellowish gas that made the air peppery and hard to breath causing men to cough relentlessly with the feeling of shortness of breath or choking and cry tears from irritation and burning vision. He put his bow down and readied Wolf's Fang before waiting for the right sound. "Hold…"

The reason they were holding is because of the thunderous rumbling that was closing in and that was the telltale sign of a Dothraki charge. All three thousand Dothraki galloped through the dark desert on their horses and the second they were close enough to the Golden Company camp, they let out their war cries and shouts as they barreled through any opposition. Horses ran over men, arakhs sliced through heads and bodies while arrows peppered man after man. The Dothraki were able to do what they do best and slaughter on horseback with their mounts trampling their enemies and merging their bones with the ground. The Golden Company were still scrambling to get ready and were easy picking as Ikarro led the Dothraki through the camp.

"Move…" Will ordered his group into the camp from the east with the cloud of smoke still thick enough to obscure their appearance for a little longer. They were able to move into the camp and take down any Golden Company they came across since their attention was focused on the front while the explosive arrows did a lot to thin out their numbers. Will stabbed Wolf's Fang through the back of a soldier before quickly slashing another to his left and then blocked a downward slash and using his hidden blade to slash across his stomach. Ser Arthur took down three men with ease using his two swords, stabbing through one, slashing the second and then beheading the third before he blocked a spear and then slashed the leg off another soldier. He pommel hit him in the head before impaling him on the ground and attacking a soldier with a sword and shield. He parried the blade and attacked the shield before managing to slice the soldiers sword hand off and then take off his head.

Thoros lit his sword aflame and impaled one man through the gut before parrying and blocking another sword, then spinning and slashing him in the back. Beric parried a spear with his shield before breaking it with his sword and then stabbing his man in the chest. Oberyn spun his spear with speed and precision and slashed or stabbed through men with ease as his household guard watched his back. Hercules and his group had attacked from the north catching the Golden Company off guard. He bashed many of them with his club and threw one into a tent before blocking a sword and bashing him in the shoulder and then caving in his chest with one swing. Tydeus charged forward, tackling two men and taking them down with his axes before parrying a sword to the back and slashing his man in the gut. Amphiaraus extended the blades from his spear and sliced through man after man while maintaining a circle of protection and death around him. The Dothraki continued their charge through the camp and were now fighting on horseback with their arakhs or bows. Autolycus parried a sword with his dagger before slicing the man in the neck and then throwing three knifes from his coat and taking down three more men. Atalanta fired arrow after arrow and used her bow to parry or takedown any one who got close. She kept moving and quickly ducked to avoid getting hit by an arrow fired from Black Balaq. He loaded another one but quickly moved back and killed a charging Dothraki with it before reloading only to get an arrow to the groin. His shouts of pain were drowned out by the battle but soon got another arrow to the chest, one to the shoulder and then a final one through the head curtesy of Atalanta.

The Unsullied move in formation and took down the Golden Company with quick efficiency and brutality. They covered their flanks and using their spears and shields as only they could and took down dozens of the Golden Company all around the camps. More and more Unsullied marched into the camp behind the Dothraki charge and it was a slaughter at that point.

Will rolled forward and slashed the leg off of another soldier before stabbing him in the back of the neck with his hidden blade. He then unsheathed Storm's Wrath to parry a spear and slice him down with Wolf's Fang. He was a deadly demon with his two swords. Parry a sword and slice off his right leg. Block a sword from behind and stab him through the gut. Strike a shield and slash him from behind. Parry a sword swing and slice his arm off before impaling another through the stomach. Block a sword from the left and punch the man in the face before spinning his sword to parry and attack from behind and kick his attacker back. Then slash him across the waist and take off his head. Block a series of lunges and quick strikes before spinning to a knee and taking off his legs and then stabbed him through the back. Then kicked a shield before cutting off his arm and then removing his head with both swords like a pair of scissors.

He moved his body out of the just in time so a spear glanced off his chest armor before swinging his sword down and slicing the spear in two. He lunged and swiped as his attacker defended himself before trying a lunge to the side. Will parried that and punched him in the face before quickly blocked a sneak attack from the back and slicing his head off in a manner that made blood stain his hood.

"RAHH!" Will quickly blocked and parried a series of slashes, strokes, and lunges from a sword before getting hit by a shield bash and falling on his back. He rolled to the side to avoid getting stabbed and managed to get to his knees, blocking an attack from the front and behind before spinning and slashing to his back and blocking his front. He killed his attacker from behind before parrying his attacker from the front yet again and then stabbing him through the heart. Will stood up and saw his attacker was Jon Connington, using his bastard sword and shield.

"I should have known the bastard son of Robert would resort to sneak attacks to win his fights. Have you no honor?!" Connington advanced, striking with his sword as Will blocked and parried his attacks while pushing with his own. Ser Arthur saw William in trouble so rushed over when four men got in his way. Hundred Eyes came to his help as he helped cut through his attackers.

Connington blocked all of Will's slashes with his shield when a powerful overhead slash sliced it in two. Connington parried Will's second slash and rolled out of the way, discarding his shield, and picking up a small hand axe off the ground. Will pushed the advantage with his swords as Connington's years of experience made sure he stayed alive. He parried Will's sword with his axe only to get push kicked back for distance. Will then slashed another man in the neck before spinning and nearly bisecting another at the waist.

"Honor like the Mad King who you served?! Who burned my uncle and grandfather alive?! Or like your so called Silver Prince who left his own wife in King's Landing and took my mother when she was pregnant with me?!" Will charged with several lunges and slashes that Connington blocked before he pushed back.

"Rhaegar was a true prince, he was good man!" Connington shouted, slashing at Will's head only for him to duck and move out of the way as the two squared up with one another.

"Your good man left his wife and children and killed my mother!" Will shouted, charged with an intense anger and hatred as if he were fighting with Rhaegar himself.

"Your mother was a whore! I remember they were your father's favorite!" Connington shouted.

"FUCK YOU!" Will headbutted him in the face and then dropkicked him onto his back.

Ser Arthur saw Will fighting so he rushed over when he quickly parried a long sword and was pushed back by a shield. Said attacker was Myles Toyne. Toyne charged with a flurry of quick strikes and shield blocks that Ser Arthur met in kind. "Let's see how good you are, Dayne."

Ser Arthur pushed forward and quickly with speed and precision, catching Myles Toyne off guard momentarily as they kept fighting. Arthur quickly spun his spare sword into a reverse grip as he parried Toyne's sword before sidestepping a shield bash. Toyne lunged with his sword as Arthur parried it with the reverse-grip before slicing through his arm with Dawn and then stabbed him through the gut. "I told you you'd only see it once." Arthur muttered before pulling his sword out and then taking his head off.

Will pressed the advantage while Connington blocked and parried as best he could. Will managed to pommel strike him in the face before Connington's hand axe snagged Wolf's Fang and both weapons were yanked out of their owner's hand. Will backed up to avoid a slash to the face and then again to avoid a slash to the stomach before punching Connington across the face and quickly spinning around and spinning Storm's Wrath into a reverse grip. As Connington brought his sword down to cleave Will in two, he got a sword through the gut. "My father sends his regards as does my mother!" Will yanked out his sword and Connington fell to the ground on his back.

Will quickly parried another sword attack and slashed the man across the neck while Connington pulled out an arrow from his back. An arrow with a leather cover over the tip. The same arrow the Triach gave to Will and the second Connington heard that, he wanted to use it. When they returned from the defeat at Yunkai, he snuck into Toyne's tent and took it. He removed the leather cover as Will parried an attack from the side and slashed off his attacker's sword arm. With what little strength he had left, he stabbed the arrow in Will's left leg with enough force that he broke the shaft.

"AAHHHH!"

Will felt to his knees in pain as he stabbed his sword into the ground to try and catch his fall. Arthur saw Will take the arrow in the leg and rushed over as Harry Strickland charged at Will with a spear. Just as he was take down the prince, Hundred Eyes parried the spear with his sword and grabbed his throat with his fist, breaking his voice box, crushing his windpipe, and giving him a painful death.

Arthur and Hundred Eyes helped steady him as many others rushed to their aid to keep Will safe. After another hour, the battle was over with whatever remained of the Golden Company having surrendered. With the Unsullied and Dothraki charge not to mention all the explosion and arrows, what was left of the Golden Company encampment was nothing more then ashes and rubble. The injured were tended to and the dead were collected by the Unsullied. Will was sitting down in a chair with his left leg up on a crate. Hundred Eyes grabbed the arrow and yanked it out in one piece before Arthur wrapped it in gauze.

"Fuck…" Will muttered glad the arrow was out but feeling worse for wear and exhausted.

"That was rather enjoyable." Oberyn Martell stated, his armor caked in blood as he walked over with his spear. "You are quite the strategist, your grace."

"I have my moments." Will replied when Hundred Eyes noticed a faint smell coming from the arrow.

"Poison…" he muttered as Will struggled to get to his feet.

"Will, are you ok?" Arthur asked, seeing him struggling to stand up straight.

"I…I don't know…" Will then collapsed and fell to the ground face first.

"WILL!" Arthur rushed down and turned him over as the others saw Will fall down.

They won the battle but Will wasn't coming from this battle unscathed. His fate was in the hands of the gods now and if he survived, the question would be what part of him would awake.

End of chapter 7

1). Stephen Amell's haircut from season 1 is going to be Will's general hairstyle.

I hoped you guys liked chapter 7. A lot happened with the Golden Company and just general stuff. Sorry it's been a while but the original draft I had for this got corrupted so I had to start from scratch. Sorry but it's up and I like how it turned out. Hoped you guys liked it too.

Will won the battle against the Golden Company but is now on death's door. This experience will give him a degree of clarity and a look at what's to come. One thing for certain, he won't be the same if he awakes. Until next time!

Hoped you guys like the advancement. We see more of Will trying to help people and taking a different approach to helping Yunkai since its different. Plus, we got to see more of his strategy building. And Hercules and his compatriots are now sworn swords to him instead of mercenaries which is a huge leap. And we've got Oberyn, Ellaria and the Sand Snakes arriving. Having figured Oberyn couldn't resist a good adventure and pleasure houses, I always knew he would join Will for his journey, at least part of it. It helps him repair the bond with Dorne and we get more of Oberyn so yeah. Stay tuned for more next time.

William Baratheon: Son of Robert Baratheon and Lynna Stark, Prince of the Seven Kingdoms, the Blue Wolf, Slayer of the Iron Born, The Wolf of Storms, Breaker of Chains, Wolf of Justice, Stag of Righteousness, William the Conqueror, Khal of Tonitrua (Thunder)

Appearance: Young Stephen Amell

Birthdate: 279AC: 16 years old

Regular Clothing/appearance: Boots, long black or grey trousers, light white tunic/shirt, dark blue/black leather jacket with hood and facemask. Gloves. Vambraces with hidden blades, Valyrian daggers holstered in boots, and Storm's Wrath slung over his left hip

Armor:

Steel plated combat gloves

Steel plated vambraces/forearm guards with Valyrian steel forearm spikes and attached hidden blades.

Light metal leg greaves

Iron plated Samurai Dō (Chest armor) colored black with flecks of dark blue and white with sigil of House Baratheon and Stark. Attached leather shoulder pauldrons with light metal covering.

Weapons:

Black/Blue Goldenheart tree Composite Recurve Bow and Arrows usually kept in saddle holster

Small throwing knives looped in belt

Valyrian Steel stiletto dagger & Valyrian Steel Dragonbone dagger holstered in boots

Valyrian steel bastard sword Storm's Wrath holstered around left hip

Valyrian steel bastard sword Wolf's Fang holstered over left shoulder or in saddle holster when riding

Hidden blades taken from assassin and secured on forearm bracers

Pouch of small smoke or gas bombs

Swan Ships: The Jackdaw, The Aquilla, The Black Pearl, The Flying Dutchman

Notable Talents: Expert archer/trained in the Summer isles speed archery, knife thrower with expert aim and marksmanship. Agile and quick moving, self-trained in parkour, Free running, and urban exploration. Smart and quick thinking on the battlefield. Knowledge of battle tactics, poison, wildlife, history, politics, and economics. Fluent in Low Valyrian, High Valyrian, Summer Tongue, and Dothraki.

Personality: Smart, attentive, wise, honorable up to a point, caring, generous, humble and cares about others. Hates backstabbers, deceivers, people who violate his trust or think they are superior to others. Doesn't like to be treated like a child or an idiot. Unrelenting against his enemies or those who harm innocents or his family. Prone to carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders or self-doubt in certain situations.

Army: 11,000 Unsullied soldiers, 3,000 Dothraki Calvary

Allies:

Cedric Angar: personal tutor and once trained to be Maester, trusted friend

Ser Arthur Dayne: Sworn Sword, protector, and trainer

The Stark Family of Winterfell: Family

Robert Baratheon: Father

Stannis Baratheon: Uncle and Lord Paramount of the Stormlands

Ser Davos Seaworth: advisor of Stannis Baratheon and trusted friend

Ser Barristan Selmy: Commander of the Kingsguard, sworn to protect him

Hundred Eyes: Kung Fu trainer and friend

Gendry: squire, friend, and younger half-brother-age 13

Edric: friend and younger half-brother-age 12

Hercules: Leader of band of sword swords, incredible strength, and skilled fighter

Autolycus: Second in Command, expert knife thrower, thief, and spy

Amphiaraus: Expert spear fighter, supposed seer and prophet

Tydeus: Feral warrior, relentless and highly dangerous in combat

Atalanta: Excellent combatant, tracker, and Amazon Archer

Iolaus: Persuasive, excellent negotiator, storyteller, and orator

Joshamee Mr. Gibbs: Commodore and captain of the Prince's Swan Ships, expert sailor and naval combat operator

Adewale: Second in command of the Prince's Swan Ships, expert sailor and naval combat operator

Orys: Golden Crown Eagle

Missandei: Personal handmaiden, translator, advisor, confidante, and friend.

Grey Worm: Unsullied soldier and commander of Unsullied Legion

Roach: Personal horse, fast, brave, a bit of a jester

Disclaimer: I don't own Game of Thrones or any mentioned properties, all rights belong to their respective owners. I'm just a big fan.

Also, just an announcement. After a lot of thinking, I'm solidifying my active list of stories to the following seven: The Blue Wolf, the Mandalorian Maverick, the Spectacular Spider-man, Omniverse-Earth 38, the Crimson Speedster and its companion story, The Perfect One and Magic comes from Riverdale. I'm sorry for those who wanted Maelstrom in Westeros and Red Sun, the Dragon and the Fox of gotham but in all honestly, the seven stories I mentioned I can see moving forward with updates whereas the others I can't. I'm really sorry but with these seven I think I can keep an consistent update schedule that I know a lot of you are asking me to keep. Anyone who wants to adopt these stories and wanted information on where they were going can send me a PM and I'll be happy to answer but I've made up my mind. I'm sorry again but I think it's for the best. I know a lot wanted the Maelstrom in Westeros to continue but I've sort of fallen out with Naruto crossover and I made the Blue Wolf so there's a Game of thrones story. Again, I'm sorry but I've made up my mind.