Sister's Keeper
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
Languages:
Dothraki
Valyrian
Common Tongue
Old Ghiscari
Chapter 22: The Second Sons
Alysanne's POV
Ser Jorah arrived by morning bringing news on Yunkai's supposed powerful friends. A large company of Sellswords. I asked him how large, and he advised I showed him. Telling Daenerys to watch the camp, I took a small party consisted of Jorah, Barristan, Grey Worm, and other Unsullied soldiers. As us Westerosi dressed as Ghis citizens, while my hair covered. We made our way to the walls of Yunkai, seeing the sellsword company.
Examining the banners, I can tell they were not from the Golden Company. Their banners were gold solid gold with no design. Let alone the absence of elephants. Instead, the company of Sellswords, focus more on horses as they ride about. Seeing their banners have a broken sword on a field of red and yellow. They have never been on the West side of Essos since Viserys would try to host some feast with Essos Western Sellswords.
"Men who fight for gold have neither honor nor loyalty," Ser Barristan quietly said. "They cannot be trusted."
"They can be trusted to kill you if they're well paid," Jorah added, leaning against the wall with one arm. "The Yunkish are paying them well."
"You know these men?" I asked. Recalled that Ser Jorah used to serve several mercenary companies, including the Golden Company to provide for Lyneese spending. Hopefully, he knows who these men are and their capabilities.
"Only by the broken swords on their banners," Jorah answered. "They're called the Second Sons. A company led by a Braavosi named Mero, "The Titan's Bastard."
I scoffed, looking at him. "Is he more titan or bastard?"
"He's a dangerous man, Alysanne. They all are," Jorah warned.
"How many?" I asked.
"Two-thousand, Your Grace," Barristan answered. "Armored and mounted."
"Enough to make a difference?" I asked.
Ser Barristan nodded. I have eight thousand Unsullied trained in the shortsword, shield, and three spears. The only issue is that they have horses. A skilled warrior can make a significant difference in battle. I consider to asked Grey Worm about it but reconsidered since it would be offensive. In the end, we will win, but many lives will be a loss. I am going to use Aegon tactic of offering surrender first before battle to see how sharp they are. Or if they are more balls and bronze. See if it is possible to recruit the Second Sons, and gain two thousand horses.
"We still outnumber them," I finally said. "I'm sure the sellswords prefer to fight for the winning side."
Jorah gave an impressive smile as he nodded, "I imagine you're right."
"I'll like to talk to the Titan's Bastard about winning," I said.
"He may not agree to meet," Barristan inquired.
"He will," I murmured, staring into the camp. "A man who fights for gold can't afford to lose to a woman."
Jorah and Barristan gave a small scoff like chuckle. But I was serious. The East of Essos is of the desert lands which is run by an institution of strength and brutality. Let alone, a man will not tolerate a woman defeating him in the art of war. So will the Titan's Bastard challenge the Dragoness of the West, or accept my offer? We shall see.
We left the ruins before any of the Seconds Sons could spot us. Ser Barristan offered to meet the Second Sons extending the invitation. I was hesitant, until assigning two of my Unsullied with him. Afterward, we return to camp in preparation for the Second Sons.
.o0o.
It would be around noon when Ser Barristan returned with three members representing the Second Sons. One of the three stood out, as the center was a Braavosi, being tall and muscular. Having pale green eyes, cropped hair, and a scar down his right cheek. He must be Mero. On his left stood a Ghiscari man who had a broad face with long dark hair. On the other side was in his late twenties, lean and built with tan skin and long brown hair. He appeared opposite from the others in his company.
I sat center of the couch with Daenerys on my left. The dragons we put away, not to give our guest the upper hand on expectation. Inside the tent was also Jorah, Missandei, and Grey Worm. Kovarro and Aggo remained at the entrance of the tent as security.
"Your Grace, allow me to present the captains of the Second Sons –," Ser Barristan introduced. "Mero of Braavos, Prendahl na Ghezn, and…uh…"
"Daario Naharis," the youngest introduced.
Naharis, that's a Tyroshi name, I thought. Getting a better look at Daario's face seeing a Western Essos citizen. The long hair and exposure to the sun made him appear he was from the East.
Mero stepped forward with a smirk, "You are the Dragoness of the West?"
"I am," I confirmed. "And you're the Titan's Bastard."
Mero scoffed, "I swear I fucked you once in a pleasure house in Lys."
The Lyseni holds resemblance to the Valyrians. From the statuesque features, pale skin, silver-gold hair, and purple eyes. As long-ago Lys used to be considered a paradise by Valyrian dragonlords. A place many Valyrians went to for relaxation…before the Doom of Valyria. Possible hundreds of Valyrians who were there escaped the destructions and populated with the Lyseni. However, House Targaryen is the last dragonlords.
Still, the compliment was not appreciated. Yet I kept my composure as did Daenerys. Even if Mero saw me in Lys, doubt he fucked me since I was guarded by the Host Family. It was Ser Jorah who stepped forward giving a warning look.
"Mind your tongue," Jorah warned.
"Why? I didn't mind hers." Mero challenged as he came over taking a seat next to me. "She licked my ass like she was born to do it." As he stuck his tongue out flexing it about like some dog and laughed. Then looked at Missandei, "You, slave girl, bring wine."
"We have no slaves here," Daenerys told him calmly.
"You'll all be slaves after the battle unless I save you," Mero disagreed.
"Oh really?" I replied.
"Take your clothes off and come and sit on Mero's lap and I may give you my Second Sons." Mero offered happily.
"Give us your Second Sons and I may not have you gelded," I countered offered.
Mero snorted quite impressed. Just talking to him and I felt revolted. A filthy pig. He may resemble a Braavosi, but he is definitely not from that culture. Felt sorry for the mother who had to give birth to this ass.
"Ser Barristan, how many men fight for the Second Sons?" I asked.
"Under two-thousand, Your Grace," Ser Barristan answered.
"We have more, don't we?"
"Ten thousand Unsullied."
Mero barely shrugged from it. Missandei came over handing the men their drinks. As Prendahl sat on a chair and Daario sat on the steps beside the couch. Mero accepted his drink, as Missandei went to stand next to Ser Jorah.
"I'm only a woman, new to the ways of war, but perhaps a seasoned captain like yourself can explain to me how you propose to defeat us."
"I hope the old man is better with a sword than he is with a lie," Daario said. "You have eight-thousand Unsullied."
"You're very young to be a captain," Daenerys murmured.
Daario smiled at Daenerys.
"He's not a captain. He's a lieutenant," Prendahl corrected.
"Even if your numbers are right, you must admit the odds don't favor your side," I said.
"The Second Sons have faced worse odds and won," Mero said.
"The Second Sons have faced worse odds and run," Jorah taunted.
"Or you could fight for me," I offered, trying not to chuckled from Ser Jorah's remark.
Mero laughed finishing his drink, gesturing Missandei to refill his cup. "We've taken the slavers' gold. We fight for Yunkai."
"I will buy you out of your contract and pay you much more," I suggested.
Missandei poured him another glass. Mero leaned forward and sniffed at Missandei privates. This caused the Naathi to stumbled back, that Ser Jorah had to catch her, so she doesn't fall off the platform. Tension engrossed the tent, as all my warriors want to kill Mero on the spot right now. My translator got off the platform to make some distance between her and Mero.
"Our contract is our bond," Prendahl said. "If we break our bond, no one will hire the Second Sons again."
"Ride with us, and you'll never need another contract," I said. "You'll have gold and castles and lordships of your choosing when we take back the Seven Kingdoms."
"You have no ships," Daario spoke out. "You have no siege weapons. You have no cavalry."
I stared hard into Daario's blue eyes, "A fortnight ago, we had no army. A year ago, we had no dragons." I faced Mero, "You have two days to decide."
Mero sat up, as he slapped his hand on my thigh close to my privates, "Show me your cunt. I want to see if it's worth fight for."
Jorah hand was instantly on his swords handle as was Ser Barristan. Before either could draw their blade, a short sword was between Mero and I. The person holding it was Grey Worm with a serious, almost deadly look, that his glare would kill if that were possible.
"My Queen, shall I slice out his tongue and hand for you?" Grey Worm asked bitterly.
Carefully pushing the blade away and lifting Mero's hand off my lap, "These men are our guests."
Impressed by Grey Worm's control and realizing he can understand the common tongue.
I took a deep breath shoving Mero's hand away, "You seem to be enjoying the wine. Perhaps you'd like a flagon to help you ponder."
"Only a flagon?" Mero asked. "And what are my brothers in arms to drink?"
"A barrel, then," Daenerys suggested.
"Good," Mero said, standing up. "The Titan's Bastard does not drink alone." He finished his drink and set the silver cup down before walking off the platform facing me. "In the Second Sons, we share everything. After the battle, maybe we'll all share you."
Daario passed by, though his attention was on Daenerys.
Mero came over to Missandei, "I'll come looking for you when this is over."
As his hand smacked Missandei buttocks before leaving. Missandei was stronger this time, as she only flinched slightly than earlier. Still, my translator was uncomfortable in the situation. Basically, sexually assaulted. I could see it in her eyes; she doesn't want to go through that forced experience again. I scowled, watching the three men leave.
"Ser Barristan, if it comes to battle, kill that one first," I ordered.
"Gladly, Your Grace" Ser Barristan obliged.
No man has ever touched in that manner since Viserys. The fact Mero of Braavos has the audacity to touch me without my consent will cost him his hand. I tried to suppress the memories of Viserys touches when his mistresses or lady of the night were not enough. Feeling my muscles tight, and negative emotions stirring.
"Alysanne?" Daenerys asked, placing a hand on my shoulder.
"I need a scolding bath," I muttered. "And burn the pants."
Daenerys nodded, in understanding what I meant. I stood up excusing myself, wanting to be alone. The moment I entered my personal tent, I collapsed on the bed taking several deep breaths trying to catch my bearings. Cocky, disgusting bastard, how dare Mero to think he can have his way with a woman. He will suffer a painful death.
Still, as a precaution, I got up going into my chest pulling out a small box. When I open the lid, revealing a casket of vials. Back in Qarth, I went through the night market where I found a Lys stand selling tonics and elixirs. Been taking this potion that prevents pregnancy as a precaution since starting my campaign in Slavers' Bay. Taking a vial out, I swallow a mouth full to be safe. I cringed at the taste, before putting the cork back on and put the vial away. So far, this elixir works as my flower blooming period has been short and light. Placing the vial away, I took a deep breath.
How can one man rattle my emotions that badly? I thought.
"Alysanne," Ser Jorah called out.
Closing the chest, I stood up, "Enter."
Ser Jorah entered the tent, "Your sister said, you wanted to see me?"
I paused confused since I did not give any request to see Ser Jorah, "No, I didn't."
"Forgive me, I did not mean to disturbed you," Jorah said.
"It's alright," I assure him.
"And forgive me for not protecting you from Mero advances," he added.
I took a deep breath, "We did not anticipate it or his reputation. However, I can see why he calls himself the Titan's Bastard. If Viserion were there, he would have set the bastard ablaze."
Jorah gave a slight snort knowing that was true. Viserion was protective, just as Drogon is to Daenerys. Took months for Viserion to consider Jorah not a threat. Although, the exile knight had acquired a few indented scars on his hand from that experience.
"Am I doing the right thing?" I asked him. "Challenging Yunkai and the Second Sons?"
"As I told you before, you have a gentle heart. You care for people than riches." Jorah answered.
"I don't know what is worse, being an Unsullied or a bed slave?" I sighed.
"It's Meereen that has the worse version of slaves," he said.
"What do the Great Master practice?" I asked.
"Labor," he answered. "I heard they keep the men underneath the city to sleep isolated from the woman and children. They live in small quarters as servants, taken advantage of while the men labor away on the ground or in the field. Even they have a hierarchy of a laborer, servant, or tutor."
I frown, remembering the men Razdal mo Eraz presented to carry the gold and palanquin. Imagining hundreds of thousands of men working nonstop from sunrise to sunset. When it is dark, to go beneath the city to sleep in cold darkness while the Great Master leisure in their hard work.
"Then Meereen is where we go…once we establish Yunkai," I said.
"As you wish," he said.
He always says that when I make a tough decision or a simple request. As you wish. Even with the distraction, I was still disturbed by Mero's threat. I have a feeling that Mero and his Second Sons won't accept the offer. The arrogant bastard who wants nothing but to fight and fuck.
"Can I ask you a favor, it may sound foolish," I said.
"Anything," he replied.
"The next two days, can you be my side. Just in case Mero has other ideas," I requested.
"I swear no one will come near you without your consent," he promised. "I will also increase the number of guards."
I smiled a little, "Thank you."
Ser Jorah smiled a little in return.
Jorah has been by my side since leaving Pentos. Starting off serving as Viserys supporter, then my friend. Now he is my general and loyal advisor. Since Viserys death, I'm starting to have feelings for him. I care for him, appreciating his words of wisdom and guidance. He has done many things that go against society standards. Yes, he has made a mistake in the past, but he has redeemed himself in exile.
Since then he has been by side. Someone I could depend on more than anything else in the world right now. Especially as my feelings were growing for him.
.o0o.
The Walls of Yunkai
Mero of Braavos, Prendahl na Ghezn, and Daario Naharis were gathering around in the officer's tent. Unlike most sellsword companies, they were a bit more lay back, as they gather around drinking wine that the Dragon Sisters' provided. They were discussing about Alysanne's offer. Mero was weighing his options, although slightly distracted with a whore he purchased for the next two days. One who held the same charisma as him, though talked at the right moment. Prendahl being Ghiscari rejects the offer. Meanwhile, Daario sat on a chair watching his captains.
Daario, on the other hand, doesn't seem interested in killing the Dragon Sisters. He found them unique, a beauty found in legends and songs. The Princess, Daenerys if he recalled had captivated him. A new pursuit to seduce a woman. As for Alysanne, he found her beautiful, but the way he saw the knight behind her acted considered she was already taken. Or have command of eight thousand Unsullied at the ready.
Unlike his Commanding Officer Mero, he does not believe women are property. But beautiful creatures to seduce willingly. Long ago, Daario paid women for their company, but the act of fucking seemed one-sided, even if the woman was enjoying his touches there was no connection. However, when it comes to a willing woman who wants nothing more than passion, where he can feel the spark that entices him more than a quick release.
"Little dragon bitch. She talks too much," Prendahl said, sitting down.
"Ah, you talk too much," Daario jest, snapping out of his thought.
"She won't talk to so much when she's chocking on my cock," Mero promised.
"Eight thousand Unsullied stand between her and your cock," Daario said, holding his dagger, a stiletto which it's handle was the shape of a naked woman.
"My cock will find a way," Mero laughed, looking at his whore. "Tell him. Is there any place my cock can't reach?"
Daario finished polishing his dagger, "She'll tell me whatever you pay her to tell me."
"Daario Naharis, the whore who doesn't like whores," Mero taunt.
"I like them very much. I just refuse to pay them," Daario explained. "And I'm no whore, my friend."
Mero cupped the woman's privates, "She sells her sheath, and you sell your blade. What's the difference?"
"I fight for beauty," Daario answered.
"For beauty?" Prendahl laughed.
"We fight for gold," Mero reminded.
"The gods gave men two gifts to entertain ourselves before we die," Daario said. "the thrill of fucking a woman who wants to be fucked and the thrill of killing a man who wants to be killed."
"You'll die you," Mero said.
"What do we do about the dragon girls?" Prendahl asked. "We can't beat eight thousand Unsullied on the battlefield."
"There won't be a battle. And we don't have to deal with her eunuchs. We only have to deal with the sisters." Mero said.
"They're well-guarded," Prendahl reminded. "Just putting a hand on her almost cost you your limb."
Mero chuckled, remembering how he touched Alysanne, feeling her body tense and the warmth through her leather pants. He can tell she wanted to be fuck. Shame that he won't get the opportunity. Not since he has a contract with Wise Masters. They sent an envoy which Prendahl informed they want little bloodshed as possible. Oh, how he would love to go straight into battle and rape the living daylights out of her. A song about the Titan's Bastard fucking the Dragoness of the West. Maybe he could, as a plan came to mind.
"Tonight's a new moon. One of us slips into her camp past the Unsullied and her knights."
"Which one of us?" Prendahl asked.
Mero had an idea, looking of his lady of the day, "Close your eyes, love."
The woman did so with a smile. Mero took out his small coin purse pulling three coins of gold, silver, and iron. Gold was Meereen with a harpy on it, the silver engraved with Volantis filigree, while the last one was iron in square shape from Braavos.
"Three Coins. A coin from Meereen, a coin from Volantis, and a coin from Braavos. "Mero said showing to his officers. "The Braavosi does the deed."
Prendahl and Daario nodded.
"One for each of us, darling," Mero said putting in the woman's hand. He turned her around and kissed her ass, "No peeking."
Mero gave a gentle smack on her bum and pushed her towards Prendahl. She blindly walked over to Prendahl who had his arm out. She giggled when touching it, feeling his hand and gave him a coin. Slowly she turned around, caution of the table and made her way back to Mero handing him his coin. Now the hard part was Daario, who sat farther away from the Commanding Officers. Daario noticed this and spoke softly to her.
"Do you hear me?" Daario murmured. She stopped turning to his direction. "Follow my voice. I'm right here." She walked over until Daario took her hands and gently tug her down to his lap, which made her chuckle. "You have something for me?" he asked as the woman gave him the coin. The square coin. He smiled, staring at Mero, "Valar Morghulis."
"Valar Dohaeris," Mero replied back.
Little did Mero and Prendahl know that Daario will not be following orders. Just as he was about to leave the camp both Mero and Prendahl were greeted by Daario's arakh. Their heads fell on the floor before either could attack when blades were already drawn. He put their heads in a satchel then stop staring at Mero's body. Pulling out his stiletto, he knelt over the corpse to cut off one more appendage.
.o0o.
Alysanne's POV
"So how many languages can you speak?" I asked Missandei.
"I can speak nineteen, your grace," Missandei answered.
In the royal tent, Daenerys and I were doing our evening baths. I had mine earlier, simply washing my skin and nothing else. Daenerys, on the other hand, forgot to apply lotion against the sun is now soaking in a milk and ointment bath. Missandei took a sponge washing her arms to remove the damaged skin. It was not serious, but still being sunburnt isn't pleasant. Meanwhile, I sat on a stool applying different type of lotion to smooth the skin and keep it hydrated.
"Nineteen?" Daenerys asked surprised.
"Yes, your highness," Missandei confirmed, with a chuckle.
"How can anyone speak nineteen languages?" Daenerys asked.
"It only took Your Highness a year to learn Dothraki reasonably well," Missandei said.
"Yes, well, it was either learn Dothraki or grunt at my husband and hope – "Daenerys chuckled then stopped. "What do you mean reasonably well?"
Missandei paused pulling back slightly, "Dothraki is difficult for the mouth to master. So guttural and harsh."
"Drogo said I spoke Dothraki like one born into it," Daenerys said in the language. "It gave him great pride."
Missandei and I stopped since she mispronounced pride. She said Athjahaka and not Athjahakar. It brought back memories of Irri teaching us the lesson. May she ride forever in the night lands with Rahkaro.
"Athjahakar," Missandei corrected.
"Athjahaka," Daenerys tried to say.
"Athjahakar," I said.
"Ath-ja-hakar," Missandei broke the word into parts.
"Athjahakar," Daenerys said, getting it right. "Well, I supposed I'm a bit out of practice. Alys, how is it you're able to pronounce it still."
"Well, I do tell the Dothraki children stories," I reminded. "Although, I think they laugh at my accent more than the story itself."
"Your High Valerian is very good, Your Grace. The gods could not devise a more perfect tongue," Missandei complimented. "It is the only proper language for poetry,"
"I couldn't agree more," I said, as I started doing my legs.
Missandei went over to the table to grab another ointment when suddenly she gasped. My head snapped up seeing an Unsullied soldier restraining Missandei by having a dagger to her throat and a hand over her mouth. The situation was worse since I left my sword on the other side of the room and sat naked. Meanwhile, Daenerys was exposed in the bath.
"No screaming or she dies," the assassin said.
"Daario Naharis," I seethed.
"You remember me," Daario replied, as he moved around the tub until facing Daenerys and I. He then removed his helmet. I scowled, hoping my soldier has not been harm.
"What do you want?" Daenerys demanded.
Daario smiled, pointing the blade to Missandei throat, "You."
"Let her go," I warned.
"Don't scream, lovely girl," Daario murmured to Missandei ear and let her go.
Missandei rushed over to me with her hand over her neck.
I stood up glaring at him, "You were sent here to kill us?"
Daario chuckled from that; his eyes linger on my body.
"So why haven't you?" Daenerys asked.
"I don't want to," Daario answered.
Missandei grabbed my robe and put it on me. I secured the strap and glared at him, "What do your captains have to say about that?"
"You should ask them," Daario replied.
He removed the satchel off his shoulder and dropped the contents on the ground. What it was were two severed heads of Mero of Braavos and Prendahl na Ghezn."
"Why?" I demanded.
"We had philosophical differences," Daario explained.
"Over what?" I asked.
"Both of your beauties," Daario answered. "It meant more to me than it did to them."
"You're a strange man," Daenerys murmured.
"I'm the simplest man you'll ever meet. I only do what I want to do." Daario replied.
"And this is supposed to impress us?" I asked.
"Yes," Daario said with a nod.
"Why would I trust a man who murders his comrades?" I asked.
"They ordered me to murder you lovely ladies. I told them I preferred not to. They told me I had no choice. I told them I am Daario Naharis. I always have a choice. They drew their swords and I drew mine." Daario answered. He also pulled out a small purse, "I did one thing for Mero. He said he would fight his way in to get his cock to you. I did him a favor."
Daario disposed of the content in the purse revealing a bloody penis. No doubt if Mero did the assassination attempt, Daenerys and Missandei would be dead, and I will be raped before my throat was bit slit. So, to see the sever penis was disturbing but at the same time satisfying, knowing I promised Mero to be gelded and sparing women from sleeping with that beast.
Daenerys got out of the bath. Missandei rushed to get her robe, while I blocked Daario view from her. However, it wasn't enough as the man smile, admiring the view. Have to be careful with this one. It hasn't been a year yet since Drogo's death. Once Daenerys was in her robe, she stood next to me.
"Will you fight for us?" Daenerys asked.
Daario nodded.
I walked over staring into his eyes, "Swear it."
He pulled out his arakh, bending the knee presenting his weapon, "The Second Sons are yours, and so is Daario Naharis. My sword is yours; my life is yours," he then looked at Daenerys, "my heart is yours."
My sweet sister blushed not expecting that. I will consider in letting Daario being Daenerys sworn shield. But until I know he is worthy; he will have to earn his way. Since the man did, in fact, murdered his two captains. On the bright side, I have two thousand sellswords, and two thousand horses in my army.
The only problem is…how am I going to explain this to my knights.
No doubt Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan will be furious to hear that Daario Naharis entered our tent while being indisposed. And if Grey Worm can understand common tongue…no doubt, there might be another castration.
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