Sister's Keeper
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones.
A/N: Hey guys, a lot of you have been asking me what Alysanne romantic interest will be. To tell you the truth, I don't know her overall love interest will be. Currently, she cares for Ser Jorah. My plan in the story doesn't have a confirm solid love interest. It could be Jorah. It could be Jon. It could be Joffrey…okay, I'm joking about the last bachelor. Couldn't resist. Patience…
Chapter 20: Leadership and Trust
After the sacking of Astapor and securing the city, I took the opportunity to enjoy a bath. Not having one since Qarth. So, with my hair up, I sank into the bath and sigh. I know I am taking a risk in sacking Astapor, but it needed to be done. As Visenya said, I need to learn how to rule through the land of the Harpy. Slaver's Bay is the land of the Harpy. Did Visenya want me to come here to do what I did? It has been five or so months since I last saw her in my dreams. Maybe that is what they were… dreams.
Or maybe I'm just going insane by believing in these dreams. Growing up I did idolize Visenya…before she has stolen the crown Aenys the First to make Maegor king. The debate between which son should be king, since Aegon had two sister wives. Rhaenys gave birth to Aenys first, even though she was the second wife, and Visenya was the first wife, but Maegor was the second son, but first born to his mother. After Maegor, House Targaryen stopped the practice of Polygamy to put an end of the confusion of the line of succession. The conflict didn't happen again until the Dance of Dragons.
But before the line of succession issue, she was a great warrior I admire. One of her mission was confronting Queen Regent Sharra Arryn, by flying through the Vale, and passed the Bloody Gate where the garrison had been tripled. Vhagar landed up to the Eyrie, landing in the courtyard where she met the boy-king Ronnel Arryn. She could have killed the boy and set Vhagar to burn the Eyrie to the ground. Instead, she held the boy on her lap telling him stories until Lady Sharra came. A silent conversation, as Mother said, as the Mother knows the value of a child. Visenya could either kill Ronnel or take him as her ward/prisoner. Lady Sharra surrendered, giving the crowns and swords. Visenya could've left, yet she did one thing no one expected, she took Ronnel for a ride on Vhagar. The boy flew to the sky as a king and landed as a lord.
That is why I admire Visenya during the conquest. She took the battle against Kings and soldiers, not risking the lives of women and children…until Rhaenys death. If you know how to play the game, so many lives can be spared. Blood and Fire, Life or Death, let the opponent decide how the battle will go. Astapor has been told five times to stop; therefore, the Good Masters have chosen death. Astapor is a warning for Yunkai and Meereen. Either they oblige to the new world, or they can join the Good Masters.
I didn't realize I dozed off in the bath when I open my eyes seeing Visenya across from me. Looking around seeing were back in Dragonstone based upon the carvings of dragons on the wall. Although, we were both naked in a bath. Immediately, I covered my chest.
"No need to be bashful, we're only women here," Visenya said amused.
I wasn't sure how to respond to that.
"I'm quite impressed in what you have done since Qarth," Visenya murmured. "What you did with the Undying Ones, Pyat Pree, and Xaro Xhoan Daxos. Before you killed them, did you see what they showed you."
"You mean all that bloodshed and the man of ice?" I asked to be sure.
"The man of ice is the Night King, a White Walker, though the First Men called him the Others," She answered.
"And the army of the dead?" I asked.
"They are called wights," she answered.
"Is that what the Great War is about? This Night King and his army of Wights?"
"Yes."
"But why?"
"I'm not sure, none of the spirits know for sure. Their origin is complicated as it is. The dead are coming, and Westeros is not ready for it as it used to be during the Age of Warriors."
"Shouldn't I go to Westeros now, prepare them for what is to come?"
Visenya sighed, "You are not ready. You may have dragons and eight-thousand Unsullied, but the Westerosi Lords don't want you. You can stay and rule Slaver's Bay, but it is not your home. So, you must learn to rule in a society that is based on brutality before ruling a land of order. Remember what I told you."
I sighed but nodded.
"Trials and tribulations, my dragoness. You shall go far south in the east; there you will meet the undying. They shall show you what is to come. Next, you shall sail north, in the land of harpies learning what it means to rule. Then, when the horses shall come, and krakens lend its ships, west you go. You will be tested; friends become enemies, enemies become friends, betrayed and heartbroken. A lioness shall challenge you, and a wolf shall support you. Listen to the white wolf, for he has seen what is to come." Visenya repeated. "The Undying Ones showed you what is to come. You are now in the Land of the Harpies. Once the horses and Krakens come to lend their support you will know when it's time to come to Westeros. Right now, you have made a personal mission. One Aenar would agree too."
I paused taking her word in, "I'm truly going mad."
Visenya chuckled shaking her, "You are not. You are far east to be connected to magic." She then sighed, "But you need to be cautious with your sister."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"I understand you want to share equal power with your sister. However, there can only be one person sitting on the Iron Throne. You are a Queen; she is a princess. She may be a Khaleesi to her small khalasar. In the end, you are in charge. You can't let her challenge you. Otherwise it's another Dance of Dragons."
"And if I don't…"
"Then the Madness will spread to that of your father. She is impulsive. That impulsive behavior could be the end of you." She explained.
I took a deep breath, "Can it be prevented?"
"If you teach her control and respect authority. Otherwise, it's best she doesn't join you when the time comes to sail to Westeros."
I nodded.
"Luckily, if you have children it will be the end of the Targaryen Madness, resetting the bloodline." She assured.
I sighed, hoping that is true. Yes, it was Valyria culture for an incestuous relationship. However, when the Doom of Valyria occurred whatever magic protected the effects of incest is gone. Leaving the Targaryen Bloodline with bad seeds. Although five have been documented in madness, many dealt with health complication and women dealing with miscarriages. Thinking about it, am I dealing with health complications and Daenerys the mental disease. I always bruised easily, and when I get injured, it takes a long time to heal. The cut where Viserys accidentally cut me took a month to heal leaving a scar on my chest.
Changing the subject, "Any more advise?"
"When the time comes, enforce Westeros law in judgment," Visenya said.
Before I could ask her what she meant, something grabbed my shoulder startling me awake — opening my eyes to find myself back in Astapor where Missandei stood by the tub.
"Forgive me, your grace, you were asleep in the bath," She apologized.
I stared at my hands seeing they have pruned. Thanking Missandei, I got out of the bath, and put on the robe. Then took a seat by the vanity, as Missandei took a brush and started brushing my hair.
"How is Daenerys?" I asked.
"She is well, Your Grace," Missandei answered.
I nodded looking at the Naathi through the mirror's reflection, "Missandei, I need you to do something for me that you cannot share with anyone."
"If that is what Your Grace commands," she replied.
"I need you to keep a close eye on Daenerys," I said. "If she does anything impulsive or says something that makes you feel uncomfortable you report to me."
Missandei nodded as she finished brushing my hair. Once done in preparing for bed, I told Missandei she is free for the night. She nodded leaving for her chambers. After freeing the Unsullied, I told Missandei she is free to go whenever she likes. She refused, stating she wanted to join our cause, offering her service. So, I made her not just my handmaiden, but my translator and advisor. She knows the slave culture better than any of us.
I enter my temporary chambers, pouring myself a glass of water when there was a knock on the door. Throughout the building the Unsullied took guard, so it had to be a member of my company. I walked over opening the door to see Ser Jorah.
"Jorah," I greeted letting him in. "I'm a bit exhausted if you are considering training at night."
"No, Alysanne, that is not why I'm here," Jorah assured. "Ser Barristan and I are wondering what are your plans now."
I nodded going over to the lounge taking a seat, "Right now, secure order in Astapor that the Good Masters won't return to their practice of slavery. Once that is out of the way, gather enough supplies and volunteers before marching up North to gain more soldiers and support for my campaign. What city is next?"
"Yunkai," Jorah answered. "It will take at least a fortnight to get there by foot."
"Then Yunkai is where we go," I said.
Ser Jorah nodded, then hesitated. He appeared to have something on his mind. Something was bothering him, especially when Ser Barristan arrived joining our company.
"Is something wrong, Jorah?" I asked him.
He snapped out of his daze, opening his mouth to speak but then closed it. He then sighed, "I must confess…"
I stared at him confused, wondering what he needed to confess about. Over the year I learned so much about Ser Jorah, and when Viserys died, he told me the truth on who he sided with in the war. Yes, he was one of the rebels in Robert's Rebellion, but he was bound by duty and obeying his father to support House Stark. I didn't hold him accountable for that. As Houses are bound by duty and the actions that Rhaegar and King Aerys the Second did that started a war. The people I have a vendetta with is House Baratheon, House Lannister, and House Arryn. House Baratheon were our cousins, and they betrayed us. House Arryn were the ones who called the banners. As for House Lannister, they sacked King's Landing, under Tywin Lannister's orders, killing Elia, Rhaenys, and Aegon. Meanwhile, Ser Jaime Lannister broke his vows and killed his King. I want to look at Ser Jaime in the eyes and tell me why he murdered my father.
Ser Jorah took a deep breath and told me what was bothering him, "In Vaes Dothrak, a messenger from Lys arrived."
"What did the messenger bring?" I asked.
"A letter, from my wife," Ser Jorah answered. "Somehow she convinced Tregar Ormollen to send an envoy to Westeros and annulling our marriage."
My eyes widen not expecting that. The annulment was rare, one hardly used, "How do you feel about it?"
Jorah sighed, as he took a seat next to me, "That I waste so much of my life away."
I placed a hand on his shoulder, "You are a free man now. No more obligations to her, fear of being enslaved, and you can marry at your heart's content."
He nodded. I don't know why he is nervous about telling me about it. Maybe he thought someone would tell me he encounters someone with a letter which wasn't from Pentos and assume the worse. I appreciated that he told me beforehand. Maybe wished to tell me earlier, then again it was personal. It was his marriage. Now it gave me a clear understanding of why he was open after Vaes Dothrak. He was free.
"Well, it's getting late," I told Ser Jorah. "There is much to do tomorrow."
Ser Jorah nodded as he stood up, "Forgive me for disturbing you."
"There is nothing to forgive," I assure.
"Training tomorrow?" he suggested.
I nodded. So, saying goodnight, he left the room while I got ready to bed. A small smile lifted my lips, thinking of a possible future.
It won't be a week, and a half did I feel comfortable in establishing order in Astapor with the five new Good Master and the five members from people who were once slaves. With the Captain of the ship being the eleventh, I felt the city was secured, and reminding them of my warning. Many of the free slaves got their payment of servitude and left Astapor, many who were kidnapped getting on ships to return home. Others who have no home started trying to make their own or leaving Astapor to start over. While others remained, Daenerys took the time in establishing hostels and galleys so those who are staying can recover and save to buy a home, providing food and shelter. The rest had volunteered to join me to support the Unsullied. Now we are a company of ten-thousand making way for Yunkai. During that time, I told the Unsullied to get the officers assembled and as an army to decide their chain of command.
In the courtyard, twenty Unsullied officers stood at attention. Nothing in their armor distinguish them from their rank, which made me wonder how eight thousand men can tell each other apart. I will have to make a change in that, especially in their armor. For the leather may block slashes to the chest from a sword, doesn't prevent penetration attacks.
"These are the ones?" I asked.
"Yes, your grace. The Officers," Missandei answered.
"You didn't choose this life," I said. "But you are free men now. And Freemen make their own choices. Have you selected your own leader from amongst your ranks?"
They did a half-face, creating a pathway where one Unsullied stood. He shoved his spear to the sand.
"Remove your helmet," I ordered.
The Unsullied soldier obeyed, using one hand to untie the straps and removed his helmet. He appeared to be around my age, having no facial hair, though the hair atop his head is short and black. He is stocky, of medium height and square. He expressed a serious face, on the edge of solemn. He walked over stopping before me, "This one has the honor."
"What is your name?" I asked
"Grey Worm," he answered.
"Grey Worm," I repeated confused for it sounded like an insult than a name. I looked at Missandei to explain the reason behind this.
"All Unsullied boys are given new names when they are cut – Grey Worm, Red Flea, Black Rat," Missandei explained. "Names that remind them what they are – vermin."
Well, I will change that, I thought.
"From this day forward, you will choose your own name. You will tell your fellow soldiers to do the same. Throw away your slave name. Choose the name your parents gave you or anyone that gives you pride. Names that give you're your identity." I said.
"' Grey Worm' gives me pride." He said. "It is a lucky name. The name this one was born with was cursed. That was the name he had when he was taken as a slave. But Grey Worm is the name this one had the day Alysanne Targaryen set him free."
I was surprised and honored that freeing them gave them a choice. I walked over placing my hand, "And it is an honor to have you as the leader of the Unsullied, Commander Grey Worm."
The young man tried not to smile, yet his brown eyes showed pride. I will make sure he received some tutelage from Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan on leadership. And a lesson in Common Tongue with Missandei to ensure he bilingual when the time comes, we set for Westeros. The same going to the rest of the officers.
Once all is ready, we left Astapor the following day at dawn.
.o0o.
The Two Knights.
Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan have been traveling by the Dragon Sisters side since leaving Astapor a few days ago. They were surprised by the drastic change in their queen's behavior as Alysanne appeared to be a bit introverted, or at least not very talkative. Ser Barristan thought the young woman being abused by Viserys made her so compliant like her mother, Queen Rhaella. But when making a deal with Kraznys, the old knight thought she was making a mistake. On the day of the exchange, for the first time in nineteen years, he thought he saw Rhaegar again through Alysanne. Already he can compare Rhaegar and Alysanne traits from their indigo eyes, the facial shape, and the golden-white hair. Now seeing her personality when it came to war, Barristan knew he was following his friend again.
Although, the Queen does become quiet and isn't very extraverted. Ser Jorah assured him when the Queen is quiet; it means she is thinking. Ser Jorah, on the other hand, was apprehensive with Ser Barristan around. He was wondering why the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard truly left Westeros. One of his concerns is that Varys sent him to expose his secret. Back in Astapor, he tried to tell Alysanne the truth, but…he couldn't. Ser Jorah was afraid on how she would react in telling her he sent information about the Targaryen siblings' whereabouts and Daenerys pregnancy. So, he only told her of the annulment. Jorah had the document buried deep in his sack and burned the pardon never to be seen again. He bet Lynesse is ecstatic when his letter arrives to her in Lys.
Returning to his thoughts, Jorah needs to be sure what Ser Barristan intentions lie. So, like most knights in taverns goes, they talked of their adventures as Ser Jorah went over his experience in the Greyjoy Rebellion. The war that earned him his knighthood.
"It was a bitch of a siege," Jorah said.
"Mm, you were first through the breach at Pyke?" Barristan asked.
"The second. Thoros of Myr went in alone, waving that flaming sword of his." Jorah corrected, lifting his hand recreating Thoros.
Barristan chuckled, "Thoros of Myr. Bloody madman. Robert knighted you after the battle."
"Proudest moment of my life," Jorah agreed. "One knee in the dust, the king's sword on my shoulder, listening to the words. 'In the name of the Warrior, I charge you to be brave.' All I could think of was how badly I had to piss."
Ser Barristan boomed a laugh knowing the feeling. They spotted Alysanne, Daenerys, and Missandei joining the officers. Deciding to give them privacy, they went ahead of the stream still in sight of the Dragon Sisters. The got off their horses and hurried to pass through the Unsullied line leading their steeds to the water.
"In full plate metal for sixteen hours. Never occurred to me till the fighting was over. I was nearly the first man knighted to piss on the king's boots," Jorah continued, making Barristan laugh again. "Robert would have laughed."
"He was a good man, a great warrior. And a terrible king." Barristan replied. "I burned away my years fighting for terrible kings."
"You swore an oath," Jorah reminded.
"Yes," Barristan sighed. "And a man of honor keeps his vows, even if he's serving a drunk or a lunatic. Just once in my life before it's over, I want to know what it's like to serve with pride, to fight for someone I believe in. Do you believe in her?"
Jorah looked over his shoulder seeing Alysanne standing before the officers, "With all my heart."
"And Daenerys? Is she a good heir?" Barristan asked.
"She is young and still learning, but like all adolescents can be impulsive," Jorah answered. "Don't be surprise if the Queen asks you to tutor Daenerys about Westeros."
"The Queen believes in knowledge over power?" Barristan asked.
"That she does," Jorah answered. "Believes in both sides of the same coin."
"Just like Rhaegar," Barristan sighed.
Jorah did not know how to respond to that. He remembered seeing Rhaegar at the tournament in Lannisport in honor of Viserys's birth. How he played his harp that reduces women to tears, at the same time besting a dozen knights in the jousting tournament, among them being Barristan Selmy and Arthur Dayne. Then there was the Tourney at Summerhall, watching Rhaegar defeating Ser Arthur Dayne. Taking the winter rose crown for the Queen of Love and Beauty, trotting passes his wife and setting it on Lyanna Stark's lap. The moment when all the smiles died. That was the last he saw Rhaegar.
Jorah went back to his goal of knowing what Ser Barristan mindset. Once the horses were hydrated, they started walking again.
"King Robert wanted them dead."
"Of course, he wanted the sisters dead. They are Targaryens. The last Targaryen," Barristan replied.
"I suppose no one on the Small Council could speak sense to him," Jorah guessed.
"I didn't sit on the Small Council," Barristan confessed.
"No?" Jorah asked surprised. "Doesn't the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard traditionally- "
"Traditionally, yes, but I killed a dozen of Robert's friends during his rebellion." Barristan interrupted then got on his horse. "He didn't want advice on how to govern from a man who had fought for the Mad King. Can't say I minded much. Always hated the politics."
Jorah got on his horse as the two continue.
"Yeah, I imagine I would, too." Jorah agreed. "Hours spent jabbering about backstabbing's and betrayals the world over."
"Mm-hmm," Barristan replied.
The older knight had his eyes forward. Jorah felt nervous, recovering himself, so Barristan doesn't see. A part of him wants to know what Barristan knows of him. The Dragon Sisters have forgiven him on his crimes of Slavery. Learning the hard way after going into exile and losing Lynesse. However, did Barristan the Bold know about him trading secrets to Varys in exchange for a pardon.
"Still, she'll have to wade through that muck if she wants to rule the Seven Kingdoms." Jorah continued.
"She'll have good men around her to advise her, men with experience," Barristan assured.
"Which men do you have in mind?" Jorah asked.
"Forgive me, Ser Jorah, for what I'm about to say, but your reputation in Westeros has suffered over the years," Barristan replied.
"It suffered for a reason. I sold men into slavery." Jorah explained.
"I don't know if your presence by her side will help our cause when we go home."
Jorah felt a bit insulted, yet kept his composure, "Our cause? Forgive me, Ser Barristan, but I was busy defending the Dragon Sisters against King Robert's assassins while you were still bowing to the man."
"We both want Alysanne to rule. Am I wrong?"
"You only joined us a few weeks ago. I can't speak to your intentions."
"If we're truly her loyal servants, we will do whatever needs to be done, no matter the cost, no matter out pride."
"You're not Lord Commander here." Jorah reminded. "You're just another exile. And I take my orders from the queen."
Ser Jorah rode off while Ser Barristan watched him. The older knight knows he has a long way to go to earn Alysanne and Daenerys trust. What the Bear Knight had was time with both women, gaining their trust. Barristan won't deny the fact Ser Jorah did save the girls a handful of times. Even witness Jorah training Alysanne on how to use a sword — seeing how the man looks at her as any potential suitor. If the Queen were to wed, she would need to marry a powerful lord of the Seven Kingdoms. Recalling a time, Rhaegar and Elia having dinner and playfully say that Quentyn Martell would be a good match for Alysanne. Securing Dorne's alliance, and the dragon's blood. Not have a queen marry a man who has been married twice, sold slaves, and is exiled. Barristan believes in redemption, yet not all redemptions can be restored to full absolution.
Yet Barristan knew he had a lot of work to do in preparing the Queen if she allows it. Educate her on what she needs to know about Westeros. However, time is in order. He wishes he has enough time, being a man of his age.
One more day until Game Of Thrones Season 8.
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