Disclaimer: I do not own A Song of Ice and Fire or Game of Thrones. Everything belongs to George R.R Martin.

Chapter XXXV - Purchasing and Freeing

Daeron POV

Daenerys, Ser Jorah, Ser Barristan, and I were making our way to the Plaza of Pride. We have decided that Rakharo and Irri will remain in the ship for the time being, as the Slavers only allowed four people to come in, not the entire Khalasar who were recovering from their sea sickness. Getting there is by going through the Walk of Punishment. I looked around, watching the slaves being crucified while Masters, citizens, and slaves walked by. The place was heating hot, but I've been through the Red Waste and Lhazar, so it barely affected me. In Westeros, we never crucify people, instead they are either beheaded or stabbed, or in our family's case, burnt.

"The Walk of Punishment is a warning, Your Grace," Ser Barristan said.

"To whom?" Daenerys asked.

"To any slave who contemplates doing whatever these slaves did," I answered for Ser Barristan.

Daenerys stopped seeing one slave at a brick of death, "Give me your water."

Ser Jorah complied, handing her his canteen, "Khaleesi, this man has been sentenced to death."

Daenerys ignored his comment, as she climbed up to give the poor man some water. She brought the canteen to his lips, but he mumbled something that surprised her. I held the ring on my finger, holding back negative thoughts on how I want to repay the Good Masters.

"Leave this place, Your Grace," Ser Barristan pleaded. "Leave tonight, I beg you."

"And where do we find soldiers?" I asked. "People who would fight for us?"

"We can find sellswords in Pentos and Myr, and Dorne, they will rise for you immediately." Ser Barristan answered.

"Is it "we" already, Ser Barristan?" Ser Jorah asked.

"Enough you too," I said sternly.

Seriously, only two days and these men were competitive to be my advisor. There is a thing called a Small Council, where there is more than one person who advises the ruler. Although, if this was Ser Jorah being really stubborn and against that I accepted Ser Barristan immediately. Even though Daenerys and I are young enough to be their grandchildren, they are the ones who act like children.

"If you want to sit on the throne your ancestors built, you must win it. That means blood on your hands before the thing is done." Ser Jorah said.

"The blood of my enemies, not the blood of innocents," I corrected. "I know war means death."

Daenerys came over returning the canteen back to Ser Jorah. She expressed sorrow. Whatever the slave said to her, rattled her dearly. I started walking as Daenerys walked beside me and the two knights followed from behind.

"How many wars have you fought in, Ser Barristan?" Jorah asked.

"Three," Barristan answered surprising me. I was clearly expecting more, Ser Barristan has served me family during the days of Aegon V.

"Have you ever seen a war where innocents didn't die by the thousands?" Jorah asked. Ser Barristan did not answer.

"I was in King's Landing after the sack, Your Grace." Jorah continued. "You know what I saw? Butchery. Babies, children, old men. More women raped than you can count. There's a beast in every man, and it stirs when you put a sword in his hand."

"Yes, Tywin Lannister knew that and murdered mother, Rhaenys and Aegon by Ser Gregor Clegane and Armory Lorch," I said bitterly. "The Great Lion Sacked King's Landing, instead of going straight to the Red Keep, he attacked innocents."

Ser Jorah sighed, knowing I had a point, "But the Unsullied are not men. They do not rape. They do not put cities to the sword unless they're ordered. If you buy them, the only men they'll kill are those you want dead."

I stopped walking and so did everyone else, I pondered about this, Ser Jorah had a point and so I said, "That's good, maybe I should buy the Unsullied." I noticed Ser Barristan looking displeased and I said, "You do not agree, Ser Barristan?"

"Your Grace, When your father led his army into battle at the Trident, men died for him because they believed in him, because they loved him, not because they'd been bought at an auction," Barristan answered. "I fought beside the last dragon on that day. I bled beside him."

"Your Grace, your father may have fought valiantly, fought nobly, but he died," Jorah said.

"Did you know him well, Ser Barristan?" Daenerys asked.

"I did, Princess. Finest man I ever met." Barristan answered.

"I wish I had known my father." She said, "But he was not the last dragon."

I took a deep breath. Still having the image of my father sitting by the windowsill with his silver harp playing music. The moments he picked me up in the air and spun me around. He promised that everything would be better once he was king. However, Viserys also said that my father was good at killign people.

"If he was a fine man, why did he take Lyanna Stark and dishonor my mother?" demanded from Ser Barristan, this was one question I did not understand.

"Your father loved Lady Lyanna and so did she and him and the realm bled for it." Ser Barristan said.

.o0o.

In the sector of the Plaza of Pride, I stood before Kraznys mo Nakloz and one of the Good Masters named Griezhen mo Ullhor on a platform in luxury. The translator slave stood next to her master, going over the formalities. Once that was out of the way we began business.

"How many of the Unsullied would you like to purchase?" The Translator asked.

"All," I answered.

This surprised the Translator, "All? Did this one's ears mishear, Your Grace?"

"Your ears did not. I want to buy them all," I said.

"He wants to buy them all," she told her master.

"He can't afford them," Kraznys said, which Griezhen chuckled. "The beggar thinks he can flash his sister's tits, and make us give him whatever he wants."

"There are 8,000 Unsullied in Astapor. Is this what you mean by all?" the Translator asked.

"Correct. All eight thousand and the ones still in training as well." I answered. The Translator told her master.

"If they fail on the battlefield, they will shame Astapor," Griezhen warned.

"Master Greizhen says they cannot sell half-trained boys." The Translator explained. "If they fail on the battlefield, they will bring shame upon all of Astapor."

"I will have all of them or take none," I said. "Many will fall in battle, but I will need them to pick up the swords they drop."

The translator told her master that Kraznys groaned, shaking his head. "The idiot cannot pay for all of this…"

"Master Kraznys says you cannot afford this." The translator said.

"His ship will buy him a one hundred Unsullied, no more, and this is because I like the curve of the girl's ass," Kraznys said murmuring to Greizhen.

"Your ship will buy you a one-hundred…" The translator held her poise, it was amazing despite her age, she knew how to be polite, "Because Master Kraznys is generous."

"What is left will buy him ten."

"The gold you have left is worth ten."

"I will give her twenty if it stops his ignorant whimpering."

"But good Master Kraznys will give you twenty."

I was rather disgusted by how they would easily throw away the Unsullied like toys, but I kept my expression neutral and acted like I thanked Kraznys.

"The sword is Valyrian. I will give fifty for the sword."

"Your sword is made of Valyrian steel?" the Translator asked.

"Aye," I confirmed.

"Master Kraznys will give you fifty for the sword."

"My sword is not for sell." I replied. The sword belonged to my father.

"The King says his sword is not for sell." The Translator informed his master who snorted.

"The Dothraki smell of shit, but may be useful as pig feed." Kraznys continued.

"The Dothraki you have are not worth what they cost to feed…" The Translator said and I thanked the Lord of Light that the Dothraki are in the ship, or else if they heard what Krazyns said, then they will kill him immediately.

"I will give him three for those."

"…but Master Kraznys will give you three Unsullied for all of them."

I looked up seeing the children who were observing this transaction on the second story. Some with worry in their face, no doubt fearing that they will be sold. Immediately, I made up my decision.

"So, ask this beggar king, how will he pay for the remaining 7,827?"

"Master Kraznys asks how you propose to pay… for the remaining 7,827 Unsullied?" the translator asked.

I turned my focus and narrowed my eyes onto Kraznys, "We have dragons. I'll give you one."

The Translator gasped as she leaned over to Kraznys. This caught the Good Masters attention.

Ser Barristan looked horrified, "No. Your Grace, you will win the throne with dragons, not slaves."

"Your Grace, please." Ser Jorah whispered loudly. Daenerys gave him a warning look not to speak before walking closer to the platform.

"Three dragons," Kraznys offered in common language.

"One," I confirmed.

"Two." He offered.

"One," Daenerys and I repeated together sternly. Kraznys leaned back whispering to Master Greizhen.

They held a private discussion before pulling back and nodded, as Kraznys said, "We will take the big one."

"They want the biggest one," the Translator said.

"Done," I agreed.

"Done," Kraznys agreed happily.

Daenerys came over as she whispered in my ear, "Let us take her, she may be of use."

I nodded as Daenerys was addressing the party, mainly the translator, "I'll take you as well, now. You'll be Master Kraznys' gift to me. A token of a bargain well struck."

The translator hesitated as she spoke to her master, "She asks that you give me to her, as a present. She asks that you do this now."

"Very well," Kraznys agreed. I nodded. We signed off on the deal, and in three days the Unsullied will be ready at my disposal. Kraznys being considerate says I can keep the gold, Dothraki, but the ship remains. I accepted it, because the gold will be useful and the Dothraki were never meant for selling. I smirked knowing how Krazyns fell for Daenerys and my strategy, dragons do not obey anyone but their rider, granted that all three dragons do obey Daenerys because she being their mother, but Drogon only listens to Daenerys.

Afterward, I made my way out of the Plaza of Pride with Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan behind me. Not pleased with how they interrupted the deal. Making the impression, I was weak and cannot speak for myself. If I am going to be King, I should do everything under my terms, under the advise of my council, but I will choose whether I want to listen to them or not.

"Your Grace, a dragon is worth more than any army." Ser Jorah started.

"Aegon Targaryen proved that," Ser Barristan agreed.

A sharp turn, I faced the two knights, "You're both here to advise me. I value your advice. But I am not Aegon the Conqueror, I need to grow my way up and having three young dragons is not enough."

Nothing else to say, I went to join my sister and the translator who waited at the gate as Ser Barristan and Ser Jorah followed me.

oOoOo

Daenerys POV

The translator was nervous as Daenerys tried to reassure her everything was alright, after all the translator was only a ten years old girl. It sickens Daenerys at the thought of girls being ten are enslaved.

"Do you have a name?" Daenerys asked as they started walking. Passing the streets where the Unsullied stood guard.

"This one's name is Missandei, Princess," the translator answered, looking down.

"Do you have a family? A mother and a father you'd return to if you had the choice?" Daenerys asked.

"No, Princess. No family living." Missandei answered.

"You serve my brother and I now. It is your duty to tell her the truth," Daenerys told her.

"Yes, Princess. Lying is a great offense." Missandei said. "Many of those on the Walk of Punishment were taken there for less."

"I offered water to a slave dying on the Walk of Punishment. Do you know what he said to me?" Daenerys said, while Missandei shook her head. "Let me die."

"There are no masters in the grave, Princess," Missandei explained. Daenerys felt pity for Missandei, a girl with such a young age, yet was forced to know about death. Daenerys saw herself in Missandei, even before she was ten years old, Daeron will carry her throughout the streets with Viserys, telling her how they could not stay for long, before the Usurper sends his knives to them. However, it is without a doubt that Missandei suffered so much more. She was possibly even raped by the Good Masters who probably didn't care for her age.

"Is it true what Master Kraznys told me about the Unsullied? About their obedience?" Daenerys asked.

"All questions have been taken from them. They obey, that is all. Once they are yours, they are yours. They will fall on their swords if you command it." Missandei answered.

"And what about you?" Daenerys asked concerned for Missandei's safety. "You know that we are taking you to war. You may go hungry. You may fall sick. You may be killed."

"Valar Morghulis," Missandei answered.

"Yes, all men must die." Daenerys translated. "But we are not men."

Missandei was surprised by her response. She followed Daeron, Ser Barristan, Ser Jorah to the ship where Daenerys gave Missandei proper clothes and ordered her to remove her collar. Missandei was surprised, until explaining that the collar does not come off so easily. Only a master can take it off. Since Kraznys has forgotten to give Daeron the key, Daenerys told her to sit down and drew a knife. Ever so carefully Daenerys cut off the collar. Once it was off, she tossed it away and examined her neck to be sure there were no cuts or bruising. Fortunately, there was no serious damage. Missandei rubbed her neck and moved her head, surprised to have it off.

"How old were you when you were taken?" Daenerys asked.

"I was five years old," Missandei answered. I was five years old when I was kicked out of the house with the red door. Daenerys thought.

"Do you remember your home?" Daenerys asked. "Where are you from?"

"I am from an island called Naath," Missandei answered. "I remember when they rowed us away from shore. How white the beaches were, how tall the trees were? And I remember my village burning, smoke rising into the sky."

"I'm sorry you had to go through with that," Daenerys said.

"Princess, may I ask what His Grace intends on doing with the Unsullied?" Missandei asked.

"Building his army to take back our home," Daenerys answered. "And restore House Targaryens name."

"I don't understand," Missandei said.

Daenerys sighed, "My grandfather, King Aerys II fell into madness of paranoia and violence. He saw everyone who wasn't his family, his enemy. Burning people with Wildfire. My father kidnapped a woman and raped her. The Seven Kingdoms had enough and rebelled against us. Now we are trying to take back our throne."

"Did you know your father or grandfather?" Missandei said.

Daenerys sighed, and said, "No. My father died before I was born, I was only a week old when my grandfather died. Daeron was only three."

.o0o.

Daeron POV

Three days later we arrived back at the Plaza of Pride courtyard. Today, we will exchange Drogon for eight thousand Unsullied soldiers. Ser Barristan was not pleased, he tried to change my mind this morning, but I had made a decision. Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan doesn't understand about Dragonlore, since their knowledge is limited in dragons.

So, the next three days, Daenerys and I made our plan for attack. Right now, Elianna and Rhaegal are with the Dothraki in their cages outside the walls. Once Drogon starts the attack the two shall follow. Fire and Blood, I keep to those words. Rakharo, Aggo will stand as guards, and will protect Daenerys, Irri and Missandei.

The doors to the courtyard opened as Daenerys, Missandei, Irri, Ser Jorah, Ser Barristan and I entered. Rakharo and Aggo carried the cage that kept Dragon in. Other members of our small Khalasar came on as well, in preparation for what was to come. In the courtyard stood the eight-thousand Unsullied, all in formation at the ready. Meanwhile on the platform stood the Masters, along with their spouses and members curious and excited to see a dragon. Among the crowd was Kraznys as he spoke his greeting while holding a golden harpy in hand. Next to him was Master Greizhen. Keeping a neutral face, I entered making way to the platform.

"The master says they are untested." Missandei translated. "He says you would be wise to blood them early. There are many small cities between here and there, cities ripe for sacking. Should you take captives, the masters will buy healthy ones and for a good price. And who knows? In ten years, some of the boys you send them may be Unsullied in their turn. Thus, all shall prosper."

Walking up the ramp, I stood face to face with Kraznys. I looked into his dark eyes and saw greed and power. I glanced at the people, seeing all the greed they held from the transactions of slavery. Keeping an eye on Kraznys, I told Daenerys to get Drogon. Daenerys obliged, as she went over to the cage, and got the biggest dragon. Dragon burst out of the cage into the sky while wearing a shackle on his ankle. The Masters were surprised and in awe, even Kraznys. They came over as Daenerys handed him the leash, which Kraznys gave me the golden harpy.

"Is it done? They belong to me?" I asked.

Missandei translated it to Kraznys who tried to keep hold of the leash, smiling, "It is done. He holds the whip."

"It is done. You hold the whip," Missandei translated.

"This idiot has his army," Kraznys confirmed. I scowled then nodded turning around and walked over to the Unsullied. An army of eight-thousands eunuch soldiers. Well, Kraznys did mention I need to blood them early.

"Unsullied!" I called out in Low Valyrian. Immediately, they went into attention, shields covering their chest. My company was shocked, turning to me, even Rakharo and Irri. But I continued. "Forward march!" They obey doing so. "Halt!" They stopped at attention. Krazyns struggled in restraining Drogon, "Tell the fool that the beast won't come." I turned around facing him, "A dragon is not a slave."

This shocked Kraznys who's eyes widened in horror, "You speak Valyrian?"

"I am King Daeron, and my sister is Daenerys Stormborn. We are of House Targaryen, of the blood of Old Valyria. Valyrian is our mother tongue." I was reminded then addressed my army. "Unsullied! Slay the masters, slay the soldiers who dare challenge you, slay anyone who holds a whip but harms no innocent man, woman and child. Strike the chains off every slave you see!"

The whip men who wander through the Unsullied were the first to go down. As the Unsullied came up behind them and stabbed them through the back with the spear. The rest started marching forward to the platform where the rest of the Masters were. Some are trying to escape.

"I am your master!" Kraznys ordered his soldiers. "Kill them! Kill them all!"

"Kraznys mo Nakloz," I addressed him and immediately lashed my whip onto his face, Krazyns let out a scream and I said, "Thank you for the Unsullied, but the dragon is not mine."

Kraznys eyes widened as he looked at Daenerys who smirked at him. As she said the ancient words of the Dragonriders, "Dracarys!"

Just like that Dragon breathing fire onto Kraznys mo Nakloz. The Good Master screamed in agony until the flames consumed into ashes. Drogon, now free through the bonding between Daenerys, flew away casting hell on Astapor. Not long after Elianna and Rhaegal took to the sky burning the city where they saw the masters and soldiers. Meanwhile, the Unsullied began sacking the city, killing the Masters, killing soldiers who dare attack, freeing the slaves, and sparing every woman and child. I could have made the Ghiscari an extinct race, but I do not approve of genocide.

Securing the whip to the belt that was arround my leather tunic, I drew my sword if anyone dares attack, before walking over to Daenerys who stood arms crossed watching. The Dothraki surrounded us, as Irri and Missandei stayed close to Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan who had their swords ready.

By afternoon, Astapor was conquered. I ordered the Unsullied to bring me the sons of the Good Masters. I trusted the Captain of my ship Cleon to overseer Astapor. Meanwhile, I will have the sons of the Good Masters to free the slaves and that they should be compensated of their years' work. Daenerys, Ser Jorah, and Ser Barristan looking at me surprised, while Rakharo, Aggo, Irri and the Dothraki went around to take some of the riches.

Nothing else to say, I walked down the platform making way to my army. The Unsullied were back in formation. Earlier, I received a report that only ten had perished in the sacking. Ten out of eight thousand. Taking a deep breath, I walked over to the center where a black horse was. Mounting the dark stallion, I secured the reins addressing my army.

"Unsullied! You have been slaves all your life. Today you are free. Any man who wishes to leave may leave, and no one will harm him. I give you my word. Will you fight for me? As free men? The choice is yours! No one can take that!"

Silence. Only the sounds of the fire pits. I feared that they might want to leave, but I won't be this selfish. They could leave, if they want, preparing to see them go, but then there was a sound of tapping. One by one, the tapping grew to realize it was the Unsullied tapping the staffs of their spears onto the gravel ground. Soon all were tapping until they got into the rhythm, synchronizing the beat.

I smiled, realizing I did something no one has done in the first time in history. I bought an army for a day, and after one day, I gave them their freedom. Now I have an army of free men who are willing to serve me in my campaign. I know I cannot compensate them for the mutilation and abuse they went through growing up. But I can assure they will be fed and sheltered. Once we take back the Seven Kingdoms, they will have a home. Their future won't be the same as any man, yet I will give as much as I can.

Ensuring I mean what I said, I snapped of the whip and ordered that the gold should be melted and given to the freemen. Meanwhile, up above the sky, Drogon, Elianna and Rhaegal flew around.