Sister's Keeper

Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones.

Beware of Spoils

Languages:

Dothraki

Valyrian

Common Tongue

Old Ghiscari

Chapter 19: Valar Morghulis

I petted Viserion as Daenerys entered my cabin. She looked at me with the question everyone wants to know. Do I buy the Unsullied or not? They are the many perfect Lords would want. Obedient soldiers who follow orders, and unable to be distracted by their cocks. However, they are slaves. Do I buy their freedom or keep them as slave soldiers?

There was also a slight problem. I had a word with the captain who has knowledge about the slave trade. Apparently, all the gold I have is not enough to buy the entire army. Even with the ship, I will be lucky enough to get two hundred men. Enough for a small siege, but not a conquest. So, I need to talk with Daenerys in what I am about to ask her.

"So, what is your decision?" Daenerys asked.

"It's wrong to buy slaves, goes against our ancestors' values," I started. "And if I do purchase them, I'm buying their freedom, let them have the choice."

Daenerys nodded, as she came over sitting down next to me.

"Our ancestors during the Valyrian Freehold put an end to slavery. Ghiscari brought it back after the Doom of Valyria. Five times did the Ghiscari contend with Valyria, and five times did they go down in defeat. It's time we remind them for the sixth time."

Daenerys smiled appreciating my thoughts and opinion, "What do you have in mind?"

"We don't have the money to buy the entire army, so I'm going to offer them the most valuable thing in the world. A dragon." I said.

"And then?" she asked.

"Well, I need to see what the Unsullied are capable of," I answered.

"And Kraznys?" she asked.

"He'll learn what this Westerosi whore can do," I answered with a serious looked.

I know this is not an honorable way. Not what Westeros will expect and will compare me to King Aerys the Second and our mad ancestors. But after living my life in observing slaves being abused. People who were taken from their homes, travelers, children being sold so their parents could thrive. No. I'm putting my foot down and tell Essos enough is enough. The best way to do that is cutting off the snake's head…and Slavers Bay is that snake.

.o0o.

Daenerys, Ser Jorah, Ser Barristan, and I were making our way to the Plaza of Pride. Getting there is by going through the Walk of Punishment. By the water, stood slaves being crucified while Masters, citizens, and slaves walked by. I held back my scowl in seeing this crime against humanity. The Targaryens never believe in the crucifixion, nor was it used in Westeros. A life who is condemned to die deserves a quick death. Not to suffer or deal with the humiliation.

"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," Ser Barristan answered.

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 crossed my arms, holding back negative thoughts in how I want to repay the Good Masters.

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

"And what is she to do for soldiers?" Ser Jorah asked.

"We can find sellswords in Pentos and Myr," Ser Barristan answered.

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

"Enough you too," I scolded.

Seriously, only two days and these men were competitive to be my advisor. There is a thing call a Small Council, where there is more than one people advise the ruler. Although, if this was Ser Jorah being jealous that I accepted Ser Barristan as a knight so easily is not amusing.

"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 start 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.

"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, Alysanne." 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 Elia and her children by Ser Gregor Clegane," 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."

"Do you disagree, Ser Barristan?" I asked.

"When your brother 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."

"Rhaegar fought valiantly, Rhaegar fought nobly, and Rhaegar died," Jorah said.

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

"I did, your highness. Finest man I ever met." Barristan answered.

"I wish I had known him." She said. "But he was not the last dragon."

I took a deep breath. Still having the image of Rhaegar sitting by the windowsill with his silver harp playing music. The moments he picked me up in the air and spun me around. His promised that everything will be better once he was king. I remember the prince, yet Viserys remembers the knight. How he fought, the number of people he killed. Overall, Rhaegar was human. Those human needs destroyed a nation.

With nothing else to say, we arrived at the Plaza of Pride.

.o0o.

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

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

"All," I answered.

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

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

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

"She can't afford them," Kraznys said, which Griezhen chuckled. "The slut thinks she can flash her tits, and make us give her whatever she 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 them all or take none," I said. "Many will fall in battle. I'll need the youngblood to pick up the swords they drop."

The translator told her master which Kraznys groaned shaking his head. "The slut cannot pay for all of this…"

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

"Her ship will buy her a one-hundred Unsullied, no more, and this because I like the curve of her ass," Kraznys said murmuring to Greizhen.

"Your ship will buy you a one-hundred…" The translator held her poise, "Because Master Kraznys is generous."

"What is left will buy her ten."

"The gold you have left is worth ten."

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

"But good Master Kraznys will give you twenty."

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

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

"Indeed, it is," I confirmed.

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

"Her 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…"

"I will give her 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. All young wearing collars. They should not be standing here watching this. They should be playing outside by the beach having fun. Not questioning if they are going to be sold.

"So, ask this beggar queen, how will she 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 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 came over, "You will win the throne with dragons, not slaves, Your Grace."

"Alysanne, please." Ser Jorah murmured.

I gave him a warning look not to speak before walking closer to the platform.

"Three dragons," Kraznys offered in common tongue.

"One," I confirmed.

"Two." He offered.

"One," I repeated 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 in Dothraki, "Let us take her, she may be of use."

I nodded 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 in my disposal. Kraznys being considerate says I can keep the gold, Dothraki, and sword, but the ship remains. I accepted it, thinking he was bringing good faith. Little did these men know the intent I have for them. Let alone, Drogon doesn't obey to anyone except for Daenerys. Once a dragon bonds with their rider, no one can take that. So, Daenerys wouldn't mind giving the command once our armies are set.

Afterward, I made my way out of the Plaza of Pride with Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan behind me. Not pleased in how they interrupted the deal. Making the impression, I was weak and cannot speak for myself. If I am going to be Queen, I must be able to choose and accept the decision.

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

"Aegon Targaryen proved that," Ser Barristan agreed.

A sharp turned, I faced the two knights, "You're both here to advise me. I value your advice, but if either of you questions me in front of strangers again, then I have no choice but to dismiss you." I warned. "Do I make myself clear?"

Both men astounded by my threat stood there speechless. Nothing else to say, I went to join Daenerys and the translator who waited at the gate. The translator was nervous as Daenerys tried to reassure her everything was alright.

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

"This one's name is Missandei, your highness," 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, Your Highness. No family living." Missandei answered.

"You belong to us now. It is your duty to tell me the truth," I told her.

"Yes, Your Grace. 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, which Missandei shook her head. "Let me die."

"There are no masters in the grave, Your Highness," Missandei explained.

"Is it true what Master Kraznys told me about the Unsullied? About their obedience?" I 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?" I asked. "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." I translated. "But we are not men."

Daenerys and Missandei were surprised by my response until giving a small smile.

We returned to the ship where I gave Missandei proper clothes and ordered her to remove her collar. The young woman 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 me the key, I told her to sit down and drew a knife. Ever so carefully I cut off the collar. Once it was off, I tossed it away and examined her neck to be sure there was no abrasions or bruising. Fortunately, there was no serious damage. Missandei rubbed her neck surprised to have it off.

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

"I was five years old," Missandei answered.

"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? And I remember my village burning, smoke rising into the sky."

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

"Your Grace, may I ask what you intend on doing with the Unsullied?" Missandei asked.

"Building my army to take back our home," I answered. "And redeem House Targaryens name."

"I don't understand," Missandei said.

I sighed, "Our father, King Aerys the Second fell into madness of paranoia and violence. He saw everyone who wasn't his young children his enemy. Burning people with Wildfire. The Seven Kingdoms had enough and rebelled against him. Now when people hear House Targaryen, they associate us to our father."

"Did you know your father?" Missandei said.

Daenerys and I sighed, as we both said, "No."

Father died before Daenerys was born, and I hardly remember him. Other than being old, with long white hair and long nails. Almost terrified me.

"Now we are stuck in his legacy until we can make a change," I said.

Missandei nodded.

.o0o.

Three days later we arrived back to the Plaza of Pride courtyard. Today I will exchange Drogon for eight thousand Unsullied soldiers. Ser Barristan tried to change my mind this morning, but I had made a decision. Today, I shall remind Slaver's Bay the laws the Valyrian Freehold established for them five hundred years ago. Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan won't understand since their knowledge is limited to Westeros and Free Cities that don't participate in slavery. Men, women, and children, are human beings. And humans should never be collared or chained. A human is not a property.

So, the next three days, Daenerys and I made our plan for attack. Right now, Rhaegal and Viserion 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. I would usually give my enemies a choice, the same as Aegon the Conqueror did, however, the Masters had five hundred years and instead of following the laws of Old Valyria, they went back to tradition. A tradition that needs to ends.

The doors to the courtyard open as Daenerys, Missandei, Ser Jorah, Ser Barristan and I entered. Aggo and Kovarro carried the cage that kept Drogon in. Other Dothraki members came on as well, in preparation for what is to come. The only people left out were Barristan and Jorah, since they can express easily than the Dothraki. 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 to see if there was a slight chance of remorse in his action. All I saw was 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. Drogon burst out of the cage into the sky while wearing a shackle on his ankle. The Masters were surprised and 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. She holds the whip."

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

"This bitch has her army," Kraznys confirmed.

I 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. Why must I march them to the nearest city when an opportunity is here.

"Unsullied!" I called out in Low Valyrian. Immediately, they went into attention, shields covering their chest. My company was shocked, turning to me. But I continued. "Forward march!" They obey doing so. "Halt!" They stopped at attention.

Krazyns struggled in restraining Drogon, "Tell the bitch her beast won't come."

I turned around facing him, "A dragon is not a slave."

This shock Kraznys, "You speak Valyrian?"

"I am Queen Alysanne, and my sister is Daenerys Stormborn. We are of House Targaryen, of the blood of Old Valyria. Valyrian is my mother tongue." I reminded then addressed my army. "Unsullied! Slay the masters, slay the soldiers who dare challenge you, slay every man who holds a whip but harms no 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 trying to escape.

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

"Kraznys mo Nakloz," I addressed him. "Thank you for the business deal. However, I must confess that the dragon is not mine, but the one you call a fool."

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

Just like that Drogon breathed fired 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 Rhaegal and Viserion took to the sky burning the city on where they saw the masters and soldiers. Meanwhile, the Unsullied began sacking the city, killing the Masters, killing soldiers who dare attack, free the slaves, and sparing every woman and child. I could have made the Ghiscari an extinct race, but I am not my father.

Securing the golden harpy to my belt, I drew my sword if anyone dares attack, before walking over to Daenerys who stood arms crossed watching. The Dothraki surrounded us, as 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. It wasn't long when five boys and their mothers were brought in. Mere adolescent just reaching adulthood. They fell to their knees quivering in fear.

"You are spare of your life because you shall not be held accountable for the actions of your fathers and forefather. Tell every master family, that you will release every slave in Astapor. Every man, woman, and child will be given as much food, clothing, and property as they can carry as payment for their years of servitude. The fighting pits will come to an end. Reject this offer, and I shall show you no mercy."

All five boys agreed. I told them the Captain of my ship will observe this. Once he sees that all is in good hands, he can leave. But if anything were to happen to the Captain, I will send men to remind them of my mercy. The Mothers agreed.

I nodded, till facing Daenerys, Ser Jorah, and Ser Barristan looking at me surprise. 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 was a black horse was. Mounting the dark stallion, I secured the reigns 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. Until 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 over five centuries or maybe 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 on the mutilation and abuse they went through growing up. But I can assure they will be fed and shelter. 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 raised the golden harpy whip into the air. Viserion swooped down and took it. He tossed it high in the sky, and whispering 'Dracarys' he burned the golden harpy. Signifying they are not property, but free men.

Thanks for reading and please leave a review!