Sister's Keeper
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
Chapter 17: Sailing the Summer Sea
The following weeks has been chaotic. I had the opportunity to talk with the Pureborns of Qarth the next morning after the events of the House of the Undying. They were shocked that Xaro Xhoan Daxos betrayed his members so he could be King when Qarth no longer has a monarch ruler. It was a solid decision that Xaro shall be executed for the death of the Eleven Merchant Kings of the Thirteen. All I asked, is that the servants and guards be paid from Xaros accounts, knowing they will have to find work. Even observe them being paid in sacks of gold, so I know I did not rob from them. The Pureborns was even generous that they allow the Khalasar to keep the sacking and one of Xaro's ship. When I asked what will happen to Qarth now, the Pureborns assured a new Thirteen will be established. Merchants who earned their trade.
I sighed, pleased Qarth won't be burned to the ground without government. Impressed I was that a city can be run without a ruler, it doesn't change Westeros. The traditions of a monarchy to be the leader. Without a leader, it is never-ending wars. That is why Aegon the Conqueror invaded Westeros. Not only to be the one king to rule them all. But to put an end to the countless wars when men who hold castles and holdfast can declare themselves as kings. I will take my experiences around Essos to bring to Westeros. Adopt a new government so there will be order in the Seven Kingdoms.
Out of habit, I asked the Pureborns if they would invest in my campaign to retake the Iron Throne. Just like the Merchant Kings, they declined, stating Qarth needs their attention. Although they gave their donation. Remembering the lesson Xaro gave me, I need to take my time and build from the ground up with my armies. One of the Pureborns recommended going to Astapor if I wanted to gain an army of trained soldiers. These soldiers who go by the name Unsullied. When I asked if these Unsullied were like the Golden Company, they were hesitant by saying no. The Unsullied were eunuch slave soldiers. They ended the conversation from there, wishing me luck.
Eunuch slave soldiers, I thought somewhat disturbed.
The entire day I thought what these men went through in their lives as slaves. The traumatizing experience of being cut. Back in Westeros, the Maesters and Faith take a sacred vow of celibacy. The only time a person would be castrated in the Seven Kingdoms is if they raped and refused to accept the Black. But the Unsullied were slaves, they did no wrong other than being born. Eunuchs by force. If Viserys had heard of them, he would've been happy to sell Daenerys to the richest man to purchase the Unsullied. West of Essos is the Golden Company, and East of Essos is the Unsullied. Which sounds better, men you have to keep paying for their service or men once purchased are forever yours? It goes against Westerosi values and our ancestors' values of Old Valyria.
Things only got stressful when the nightmares occur. Every night, the visions from the House of the Undying plagued me. Mainly the massacre, the Undying Ones, and the ice creature. The vision repeating over and over again. It was driving me crazy. Waking up in near scream covered in sweat. Why? Why the hell did Visenya want me to see that?
When I talked to Daenerys, she told me what happens in the House of the Undying. Saying she was taken to the Red Keep, standing before the Iron Throne, yet the Throne room was in ruins covered in Snow. The Wall was there, as the large open revealing a Dothraki tent where Khal Drogo and Rhaego were. But she knew it was not her Drogo, the way he spoke seemed off. And when she told the Witch's prophecy, Drogo shut down.
Daenerys asked me what I saw, and I couldn't tell her. It was too disturbing, some I don't want to repeat again. So, I gave her short version of the current war in Westeros, and massacre, a man of ice, and seeing Rhaegar and Elia again. Daenerys wished she could see Rhaegar, and not be tricked.
I sat on the balcony with a bottle of wine in my room. It won't be long before sailing off to Astapor. One of the Slaver Cities in the Ghiscari region. A conquered province by the Valyrian Freehold long ago before the Doom of Valyria. Their remaining colonies were on the cost called Slaver's Bay, of Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen rose into power. Calling themselves "Masters" and continue the practice of slavery. They are the ones that keep the majority of Essos profit in human trafficking. If it weren't for them, counties like Volantis, Lys, Myr, and Tyrosh wouldn't participate in this horrendous act. Remembering from studies, they worship their own gods called Ghis, as one goddess takes the form of a Harpy.
The thought of a region taking pleasure in slavery disgust me. As I mentioned before, I condoned such a practice. Everyone has a choice in life, and should not be enslaved unless it was the dungeons. Now that the Pureborns mentioned the Unsullied, do I want to purchase these men or not? Eunuchs who can fight, unable to rape and submit to obedience. The perfect army…however, it will make me no better than Viserys.
A knock on the door snapped me of my train of thought, "Who is it?"
"It's Ser Jorah," he replied.
"Enter," I said.
Ser Jorah entered the room with a tray of food, "You were not at supper, Daenerys asked me to bring you food."
"Much appreciated," I said. "Place it on the table."
The Exiled Knight did just that and came over taking a seat next to me. He noticed the half-empty pitcher of wine. He raised a brow since I hardly drink unless it was necessary since the poisoning incident. Lately, wine is removing the foul taste of Shade of the Evening from my mouth. If not, suppressing some of the memories from the House of the Undying.
"You've been distant, Alysanne," Ser Jorah announced.
"Have I?" I asked.
Ser Jorah nodded, "Your sister is concern. She told me your experience with the Undying Ones was different."
"I saw things I wish to unsee," I confessed.
"Shade of the Evening can do that," he agreed.
"You've tried it?" I asked.
"Tasted like ink, saw strange things until falling into a river," he answered. "Thought I saw a unicorn."
I chuckled shaking my head then sighed, "Add magic, and it was a nightmare."
"How so?"
"You'll think I'm mad if I told you. Like my father."
"You are not your father, Alysanne."
"Ser Willem told me my Father was sane when he became king. Later on, he grew mad, it wasn't until Duskendale did he became the Mad King. What if I'm going through that as we speak since leaving Vaes Dothrak?"
"The far east we go, the stranger the world is. Once we head west, we will see."
"The only magic has done for us, is bringing the dragons back."
Ser Jorah nodded as he glanced at the cage were Viserion was sleeping. Knowing I need to get his off my chest before eating me alive. I sighed, telling him what I saw in the House of the Undying. His expression told me he was shocked about the massacre, the woman being fucked by four tiny men with animal features, the man of ice raising the dead, and seeing my brother Rhaegar and his wife, Elia. What caught him off guard was mentioning a man dressed in black with a giant wolf and a sword with a white pommel with red eyes.
"Did you see the man's face?" Jorah asked.
"No, his back was turned to me. Why do you ask?" I replied.
"My father is a member of the Night's Watch; the vision could be of him based on the description of the sword. Longclaw, House Mormont's Valyrian sword, the pommel of a bear with red eyes. Although, many jokes saying it looks like a wolf." Jorah answered.
"Do you believe in visions and prophecies?" I asked.
"After watching you and your sister not being harm by fire and the dragons…I don't know what to believe," Jorah answered.
I nodded then sighed taking another sip of wine. Changing the subject, "I never got a chance to thank you for what you did."
Ser Jorah looked at me confused to be more detail.
"For finding us a ship earlier, saving Daenerys and me from Pyat Pree," I explained.
"I swore to protect you," he said. "But I didn't think the warlocks would take you into the House of the Undying."
"Your training helped me," I assure him. "If it didn't, Dany would've been trapped along with the dragons."
I leaned over and peck his cheek. That surprised him, which I gave a small smile.
"I know you have feelings for me, Jorah," I murmured. "I'm flattered, and I care about you. But I need time. It hasn't been a year yet since Viserys death…and…I'm still trying to find myself."
Ser Jorah sighed, taking my hand, "I understand."
"Thank you," I said.
Awkwardness could be detected, but I had to make it known. I do care for Ser Jorah, and I like him over the time spent…but I need time. First Viserys, and now Xaro…I need a moment to think without a man pressuring me into a relationship. I know Ser Jorah won't do that. I just had to make it clear.
"Still doesn't excuse you from training," Ser Jorah said.
Just like that everything went to normal. Over the next several weeks we traded enough for gold, a crew and a trustworthy captain. The Captain recommended, sadly left the day we enter the House of the Undying. Ser Jorah said her name is Sarella Sands, a Dornish captain who is one of the Sand Snakes. When as I ask him what he meant by that, he explained that the Sand Snakes were the illegitimate daughters of Prince Oberyn Martell. Last he heard, the man has eight daughters and no son. I was baffled that a man could have eight daughters and not a single son. It is a possibility…but a rare one. Also realizing we missed an opportunity to contact Dorne.
I recall Princess Elia mentioning her brother Prince Oberyn. Saying he was a trouble maker before ticking Rhaenys and I. Anything else, I don't remember. Then again, I was three, an age where memory starts to take hold. Along with most of my memories were in the tower.
Anyway, the Khalasar, Daenerys, Ser Jorah, and I were soon prepared for travel as we got on a ship. Our Destination, Astapor. It will be the first time since the Dothraki sailed across the poison water. More specifically sailing across the Summer Sea, into the Gulf of Grief and finally Slaver's Bay. Once we set sailed and were on deck, I was introduced to our captain, explaining the route as we looked at the map. Daenerys placed her hand on Valyria.
"By any chance, can we sail by Valyria?" She asked.
"That is not wise," The captain answered.
"Why not?" Daenerys asked.
"Old Valyria is cursed, dangerous for ships to sail through and plagued with Stonemen," The captain explained. "One touch from a Stoneman, and you shall be infected by grey scale."
"Oh," Daenerys replied.
"I too crave a glance at our ancestral lands, but the risk is too high," I told Daenerys. "When the dragons are big enough to ride, then maybe we shall see."
Daenerys nodded in understanding. Greyscale is one disease no one wants to be infected with. I've seen the infliction from afar. A slave who was doing their job of importing goods, when contracting the disease. His skin turning grey, ask cracks form as if he was turning into stone. His master, out of mercy gave him a good meal before ending his life. The owner stating that death is mercy than living the rest of your days as an animal. Let him die a man, not an animal. It only takes one touch, either it is from the inflicted or an object exposed to it. Maesters tried searching for a cure, but have given up because it takes one touch. There is a rumor that Stannis Baratheon's daughter has been infected with greyscale and been cured or at least prevented the spreading and mental disease. Viserys considerate the gods' revenge in taking Dragonstone.
Either way, when there is no cure, it's best to avoid contact.
.o0o.
A few months have passed since sailing across the Summer Sea. Small delays of dead winds, but we managed to stop at an island to restock before sailing up north. During this time of traveling, I continue my training with Ser Jorah in the early hours when the deck is not crowded. Ser Jorah explained, that you never know when you will be attacked by sea. As he fought a few times on a ship during the Greyjoy Rebellion. Understanding that it's best to be prepared for any situation. Especially there is a chance of a battle at sea against the Royal Navy.
When I am not training by swords, I am educating Daenerys on her lessons. We were not able to find a tutor who can educate Daenerys on Westerosi culture and travel. Even with the gold, we have acquired after sacking Xaro's palace. So, I would teach her from memory explaining the full history of House Targaryen. Ser Jorah even joined in and described the politics and events after we went into exile. These lessons seemed to help Daenerys greatly. It is important she knows the expectation Westeros, and I have on her if I were to die. Westeros needs leaders, not tyrants.
Sadly, during the sails, the dragons grew at a rapid pace. They were no longer the size of cats, similar to dogs. At first, we were impressed, as they can fly on their own and hunt at sea. Which helps save the meat for the crew. The only downside was their habit of landing. Well, Viserion's habit of landing. I might have spoiled him too much by having him sit on my shoulder. So, when he feels like landing, he would take nose dive onto me and knock me down by his weight. Almost fell overboard a few times. Daenerys finds this cute, while Aggo, Kovarro, and Malakko laugh at it. Even the Dothraki children find it amusing. The bruises and scrapes say differently. Don't get me wrong, I love Viserion. But if this habit continues, I might end up with a dislocated arm or a broken spine. Even debated if I should end him sleeping on my bed.
Currently, I watched all three dragons flying around the ship. Viserion and Rhaegal were playing, while Drogon was on the hunt. No doubt, the black dragon was by far the biggest of the three. Viserion was second largest, while Rhaegal was the smallest of the group. Then again, Drogon eats a lot. As the black dragon dived into the ocean, catching a fish, tossing it in the air to set it on fire, and ate it. He then came over sitting on the rail. Daenerys smiled as she petted his red spine.
"They're growing fast," Ser Jorah noted.
"Not fast enough," Daenerys said. "I can't wait that long."
"They're barely a year old," I reminded. "The more they eat, fly, and rest the bigger they get."
Drogon gave a screech and took off.
I know what she is thinking. Dragon riding, taking the same method our ancestors did during Aegon's Conquest. The dragons were the primary weapons during the war. The Field of Fire set an example of the power of the dragons. Queen Rhaenys used Meraxes with Orys Baratheon on a hill defeating half of King Argilac's men. Right now, the dragons are adjusting and growing. They can inflict damage, but they are still considered toddlers.
"We need an army," I sighed, crossing my arms and leaned against the rail.
"We'll be in Astapor in a week," Ser Jorah assured. "Some say the Unsullied are the greatest soldiers in the world."
"The greatest slave-soldiers in the world," I corrected. "The distinction means a good deal to some people."
"Do those people have any better ideas about how to put you on the Iron Throne?" Jorah asked,
Ser Jorah insists we get the Unsullied for our armies. Although it somewhat contradicts his philosophy that our armies should be Westerosi, we need to start off with an army to earn the Lords of Westeros trust. Or at least our distant cousins. Once we figure out a way to contact Prince Doran without Varys spies intercepting. Who knows, maybe Sarella Sand is sailing to Dorne as we speak. Either way, I do not approve of slavery. The only people who should be in chains are prisoners, those who committed crimes and are awaiting judgment. Not men, women, and children who were forced to be property.
"It's too beautiful a day to argue," Daenerys interrupted breaking the tension.
"You're right," Ser Jorah agreed.
The sound of someone vomiting caught our attention. We looked overseeing one of the Dothraki warrior's seasick. Even after a few months at sea, the Dothraki still haven't adjusted to the environment. Some were not getting their sea legs. Those on deck were hunched over trying to get over the nausea.
"Another lovely day on the high seas," Jorah added.
"Don't mock them," Daenerys scolded calmly. "They're the first Dothraki on a ship. They followed me across the poison water. If they'll do it, others will. And the true khalasar…"
"The Dothraki follow strength above all, Khaleesi," Jorah reminded. "You'll have a true khalasar when you prove yourself strong. And not before."
I sighed, knowing Daenerys truly wants to help in my campaign and go home. Also, have her way of power. But she needs to understand, power is power will not last forever. When Khal Drogo fell off his horse, he lost that power. It cannot be overused, for when it is overused everyone will find that vulnerable moment to strike.
I know it's a short and bit of a filler.
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