Dothraki Moon Festival

A/N: Hi all, sorry it has been forever since updating this chapter. Many things are going on, and I have writer's block for "Sister's Keeper." If you haven't read it, I ask you to read that one first before reading this spinoff. Also, I'm considering changing the name of the story since this story is no longer short. Title suggestions at the end of the chapter

Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones.

Language:

Dothraki

Common Tongue

Chapter 11: Escaping the Horde

Alysanne's POV

It took a few days more than expected until I finally was able to gain some of my strength. Mirri Maz Duur has been taking care of me along with Irri and Doreah. Although the one who truly gave me strength was Rhaego. As he snuggled up to me. Irri reported he was having a hard time, wanting his mother. And the only time he would calm down is when I'm around. Probably because of the resemblance I have to his mother. Despite our coloring being off, it was close enough.

I sighed, trying my best to comfort Rhaego.

I need to take better care of myself for Rhaego's sake. If anything were to happen to me…I took a deep breath, not wanting to think about that. No doubt Jorah and the others would take care of him. Where that path might go might be debatable. Especially when some people want a Targaryen's favor like Magister Illyrio. I stared at Rhaego; the only thing about him that says Targaryen is his purple eyes. Eyes that were the color of mulberries.

Irri came into the temple that I have been in since getting sick.

"The men have the horses ready," Irri announced.

Mirri Maz Duur came over to do one more evaluation, "I would recommend another night, but I understand."

"Thank you," I said.

I appreciate what the Godswife has done for me. However, there was something about her that made me feel uneasy. The presence of a wolf in sheep's clothing. There's something about her I can't put my finger on. Even Rakharo senses it too. As he whispered when the Godswife was absent that she was a witch. Maybe that is it. However, I don't want to stay long enough for her to figure out who I am. So far, everyone thinks I am Lysene.

Anyway, I finished getting dressed while Rhaego clung to me. Doreah came up from behind, took woven linen, and manipulated it into a headscarf to cover my hair. A precaution on our travels. Many Khal's and their Ko's and bloodriders have seen me in Vaes Dothrak. Let alone it being the raiding season, a khalasar can be nearby, ready to attack. If one finds Rhaego and me, our fates are undetermined.

Once we were finished, I secured Rhaego to my front with a wrapping since he refused to leave my side. We left the temple to find Jorah, and Rakharo finished settling up the horses and supplies. Jorah no longer wore his armor; then again, I would not blame him for the climate. Jorah heard us and turned around, giving a small smile.

"How are you feeling?" Jorah asked.

"Much better," I answered. "I'm sorry I caused a delay."

"Nonsense," he assured and glanced at Rhaego. "He needs you, as do I."

I smiled softly, then looked at the horses, "So where are we heading too?"

"Based on the map, to Skahazadhan region is a port city. There we can sell the horses and get on a ship to Pentos or one of the free cities." He explained. "As long as we don't come across any of the Dothraki or slave traders."

I frowned when he mentioned slave traders. It was a risk we had to take since our enemies were everywhere, and Rhaego needed to get out of the central region of Essos. What will happen next? I'm not entirely sure, and I just wanted to get out of here.

Jorah places a kiss on my forehead before helping me onto my horse. Rakharo did the same for Irri and Doreah. Mirri Maz Duur came over holding a small canister. She handed it to me.

"Ointment for your hand, make sure to apply it daily," the Godswife explained.

"Thank you, Mirri Maz Duur," I said, securing the canister into my satchel. "I don't know how I can ever repay you."

"Your husband has given me some gems and enough to help our village for the coming drought." She explained.

I nodded.

"May the Great Shepherd protect you all on your journey," she added. "And safe travels for your little one." She then looks at Jorah, "And take care of your wife."

Jorah nodded, "That I will."

With nothing else to say, our party left the village. The horses travel steadily through the area to not exert their energy. Jorah took the lead as the girls and I were center, and Rakharo rode in the back, keeping guard.

"Once we reach the river, it will be an easy path to the Skahazadhan port city," Jorah explained.

"How long do you think the journey would be?" Doreah asked.

"It all is well, two weeks at least," Jorah explained.

Doreah nodded.

We travel for about an hour, the village off in the far distance as a near speck when Rakharo told everyone to stop. We halted our horses as Jorah went on guard. Rakharo jumped off his horse and felt the ground. When a Dothraki touches the ground, it can mean three things: picking up something he spotted, tracking, or sensing the vibration of the earth for a hoard.

All of us remained silent, letting the Ko focus. That was when we heard it. It was faint, but you could listen to the rumbling sound of a stampede of horses. Near whispers of battle cries as people began to scream. We turned around in the direction we were looking at and barely made out through the heat of a Dothraki raid. It was hard to make out the fine details across the plains, but the village who aided us was now attacked.

I could feel it in the pit of my stomach. How badly I wanted to help them, except we couldn't. How can five people and a baby go against a horde? There was nothing we could do. The majority of the men in the village would be slaughtered, the women raped, and their children enslaved. This is not the culture I want Rhaego to be in since his parents are deceased.

"We need to go now!" Jorah ordered.

"It's not safe to go West," Rakharo said, getting on his horse.

"We need to go south," Jorah said.

"But the Red Waste," Rakharo objected. "The horses will not survive."

"We have no choice," Jorah snapped and sighed

Rakharo opened his mouth and closed it. I have no knowledge of geography in this area and place trust in these two. Jorah, being the voice of reason, took the lead. We kicked our horses and headed south instead of the west than we originally planned. We need to keep far away from any khalasar, and that's all we can do.

.o0o.

The horses galloped nonstop throughout the day. We made as much distance as we could from the Khalasar and Dothraki. When we reach a stream or abandoned well, we water the horses, give them a break, and restock on our water supplies before departing again. We barely stopped unless it was necessary for the horses' wellbeing. The horses are all we have.

Rhaego slept throughout the day, and the heat caused him to be sleepy. And when he does wake, he would play with the necklace or trace his fingers on my chest. He sensed something was wrong and knew not to fuss. Unless, of course, he was thirsty. When he asks for water, we slow down the pace, enough to get him some but not to stop.

No one other than the toddler slept. We continued onward even at night to get as much space as possible from the Khalasar. None of us were sure which Khalasar. However, two Khalasars of Drogo and Zekko were both original khals dead. There might be four new Khals now. Pono or Jhaqo could be the ones who attacked the village, and Jhaqo has a vendetta against us. As he desires to kill Rhaego to secure his power. Pono, not so much, but he let tradition slide due to my adoption of Rhaego. But that honor of letting us go could change for Pono if we cross paths.

My thoughts went on instinct after two days of riding. There was hardly any cover or protection. The weather became hotter the further south we went. No one talked, except for Jorah and Rakharo giving instructions. Everywhere was a threat. Not sure if a hoard would appear out of nowhere.

It was nightfall when Jorah had everyone stop.

"What is it?" I asked tiredly.

"It's a new moon," Jorah explained. "We won't have enough light to travel."

True, traveling during the new moon is not entirely safe. There is not enough light, and we can't go on due to our situation. It would not be safe for the horses. So, we stopped and made camp. However, we could not light a fire, and there was a risk of being spotted.

Jorah got off the horse and helped me down. I truly appreciated it and gave it a stretch, for my body was utterly sore. Not so that I need medical attention like the first, but utterly sore. Rhaego was awake as he looked around. Needing a break, I took off the wrap and helped him down so he could stretch out his legs after getting some distance from the horses.

Rhaego appreciated it as he started roaming around. However, he stayed close as Irri and Doreah came over to ensure he didn't run off. Although, I dare say that boy needs a change. I removed my vest that stunk, and it wasn't from sweat. Hopefully, we reach an excellent travel pace that if Rhaego says he needs to go relieve himself, we can do that. Then again, the boy is only a toddler.

I look at the sky, calculating the time to be twilight. The reds and orange faded away, consumed in black and dark purple. Rolling my neck, I looked around, seeing everyone was exhausted. Jorah took the satchel and bedroll before making his way over to me.

"How are you doing?" Jorah asked.

"You're going to ask me that constantly?" I replied.

Jorah shrugged, knowing the fever got him concerned. "Let's take a look at your hand while we still have light."

I complied as we set up the bedroll and sat on it. I took out the canister that Mirri Maz Duur gave me. I gave Jorah my hand, which he carefully took, and unwrapped the bandages, seeing the wound only not inflamed while covered in salve from the ointment. He wiped off the old substance then applied the salve onto my hand.

"I was a bit cautious when Rakharo mentioned she was a witch," I confessed.

"Well, she believed our story," he said as he began to bandage my hand.

I sighed, trying to not think about Mirri Maz Duur and her village. I hated slavery, and when being in Drogo's Khalasar, I witnessed the aftermath of a raid, and even Daenerys was not pleased. However, we knew it was part of the Dothraki Culture. And right now, our party needs to think about our survival and Rhaego's.

"Where are we heading to now?" I asked.

"The Dothraki horde made us change our course from heading west in the Lhazar to the northern province in Slaver's Bay, outside of Meereen." He answered. "However, we might have to go through the Yunkai territory."

I nodded, recalling that the Ghiscari were the primary source for slavery. The Dothraki provide slaves from the central Essos region, while Pirates collect theirs from the islands of the Summer Sea. Mainly the Summer Isles and Naath. The Ghiscari are the ones who train the slaves of their duties before being sold to the Free Cities. Astapor was known for training soldiers, called the Unsullied. Yunkai trained entertainers and sex trafficking; meanwhile, Meereen was a mix of domestic services and laborers.

"As long as we don't get captured, we will be safe," Jorah assured. "Especially if we make it to one of Magister Illyrio's trade partners, we can make it back to Pentos."

"If we somehow can't make it to Pentos…what are other locations for Rhaego to be safe?" I asked.

Jorah paused, thinking about it. He traveled around most of Essos, been to the Free Cities, and fought in other locations. We have another option if we somehow can't make it back to Pentos.

"Well, not Sothoryos, and they deal with cannibalism if not targeted for the slave trade." He thought aloud. "Maybe the Great Moraq or Yi Ti. Those lands are not in the part of the slave trade, although we would stand out from the locals."

I chuckled, remembering meeting YiTish and their difference from Central and Western Essos. If anyone asks who is the most exotic, I will say the YiTish.

"Trust me, we will get to Pentos, and we'll figure things out," Jorah assured as he tied the knot to the bandage.

I glance at Rhaego, seeing him playing with the grass. So many thoughts linger in what his fate would be. He is the rightful heir to the Targaryen throne. Do I take the risk and work on a campaign that will get him on the Iron Throne or…resign all hope for a second Targaryen Dynasty and allow Rhaego to live everyday life? A life with comfort and security. Not a life of looking over his shoulders.

If only Valyria was not desolate, the land I would have considered it. I have several months to a year before deciding the outcome. If I chose the path of reclaiming the Iron Throne…it would be a bloodbath and making arrangements of betrothals to Rhaego to secure his alliances. The Dragon Eggs can get us the armies and ships, but we need support.

I seriously don't know what to do.

I touched the pendant and thought about Visenya, wishing I could have her guidance right now or dream about her. Visenya might have the answers. Only time will tell when the next time I hear from her.

We ate a ration of our food and water before making camp to rest. Jorah and Rakharo took turns on watch duty to allow us women and Rhaego to sleep. The toddler stayed close to me as I softly sang him a Valyrian lullaby. Once he was asleep, I fell asleep as well.

.o0o.

The following day Jorah looked at the map, suggesting we head to Yunkai. He recalls Magister Illyrio does trade there, and we can get a ship to Volantis where we can get a route to Pentos. We will have to travel west but follow the borders of the Red Waste. If anything were to go wrong, our second option is to travel through the Red Waste.

"We should not go that route," Rakharo disagreed with Irri.

"What's wrong with the Red Waste?" Doreah asked.

"It's the desert land of death," Irri answered. "No one survives in the sea of sand."

"Are there any villages or cities?" I asked.

Rakharo shook his head, "My ancestors sacked their cities."

"Unless we can reach the Sand Road," Jorah said. "There, we can reach three cities."

"What cities are those?" I asked.

"Port Yhos, Qarkash, and Qarth," Jorah answered. "But they are our last resorts."

We nodded, praying to the gods that we did not need to take the Red Waste path. I looked at the map to see barely any landmarks in the Red Waste except a lake that is hardly at the center of the desert.

Not wanting to waste time, we packed up camp and saddled up. Rhaego rode with Irri as their horse was next to mine, and we continued our journey.

.o0o.

Days and nights passed, and time seemed to vanish. Every chance we get to a watering source, we take it. Although Jorah fears the horses might collapse and recommend trading the horses for camels, the horses manage to reserve their drinks. That stirred a slight argument with Rakharo, except it was mere mirth and japs as the two debated on domestic animals, allowing us women to have a laugh. I do agree with Jorah; camels can survive longer without water. Except for Rakharo's counterclaim that camel's spit.

All was going well until Jorah and Rakharo halted.

Deep down, I thought we had the advantage. How we can escape from Dothraki with ease after the near encounter in the village, and we were mistaken since we were still in Lhazar. Anywhere a khalasar can be with scouts scavenging and checking areas out for possible sackings or capture.

Off in the distance on top of a hill was a gathering of horses. Not a horde, but enough riders to take us out. We paused, thinking all the natural tones of the horses and our attire could camouflage us with the terrain. There was a howl, and the riders were making their way down towards us.

Shit, I thought.

"Move quickly!" Jorah ordered.

None of us argued as we got the horses in full gallop and made way towards the Red Waste. I kept Rhaego close with one hand as he started to cry, not liking the sudden change of pace. I try my best to comfort him while controlling the horse and balance.

The Dothraki were getting near, and we pushed the horses harder. We need to get to the Red Waste. Once we cross the border, then maybe… Just maybe we can be safe.

Time seemed to vanish as the adrenaline pumped hot against my veins, and the wind deafened my ears. It wasn't long before the Dothraki screams grew louder. The riders tailed upon us as if it were a hunt. SImilar to how a stag would feel on a hunt being chased with hounds and hunters after him. And just thinking of that, arrows were making their way, landing on the ground nearing the horses we rode. Knowing the Dothraki were excellent shooters and not one to waste arrows meant one thing…they were taunting us.

"Keep going!" Jorah barked. "Don't make the horses run straight."

Following Jorah's lead, the horses ran in a snake-like pattern. A method to prevent us from being direct targets from the archers. However, the movement was jagged and rough, as I held on tighter to the reins and Rhaego.

We have to keep moving. We have to keep moving forward. All my focus is getting Rhaego out of here. He will not become a slave, and he will not be killed. Along with me not wanting to become a slave. And the horrible things I would encounter if we were to get captured. No. Not again.

What felt like forever as the terrain started to change. The dry grass and hills flattened down, and sands covered the ground. The route became more jagged, yet the Dothraki continued their chase after us. Their battle cries chasing us along with their arrows. My heart was tightening as I closed my eyes and prayed.

I pray to the Seven, begging them to help us not get captured. To let us make it out of here alive.

The horses pushed forward.

And it wasn't long when we crossed the border of the Red Waste. We didn't look back, yet the arrows no longer fell from the sky. The thunder of the Dothraki horses and the riders' screams vanished off in the distance. But we did not stop; we continued onward until we knew it was safe.

So, since all of you convinced me to continue the story, I was thinking of changing the title of the story. We are no longer focusing on Dothraki Moon Festival and our characters are traveling. Here are some titles I have been thinking and want your opinion.

The titles:

In Another Life

A Different Path

The Moon's Guidance

Longing for Something New

Let me know what you think.

Thanks for reading and please leave a review!