Sister's Keeper
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
Chapter 35: Defiance
I stood in a room where eight of my Unsullied and five Second Sons laid on pyres in preparation for burial. In one of the districts where fifty Unsullied were on patrol, eight of them died in protecting the people of Meereen against the Sons of the Harpy. Two were killed by a surprise attack in an alley, outnumber while the rest died in combat. As for the five Second Sons, they were on leave, enjoying themselves in the company of women and wine. Like any man would do after a long day of patrolling.
Based on the reports, the Sons of the Harpy were divided into two groups. Ones who were armature, similar to the Harpy that is in the dungeon while the others were trained. When collecting their mask, the corpses showed a different ethnicity, men fairer than olive, amber, or copper skin. Mercenaries. Someone hired mercenaries to join the Sons of the Harpy's cause. A mercenary has no allegiance, only to the gold or an item worth in value. So, there is a third party that is causing chaos in my kingdom. The question is, who is the person or people who conspire to kill my men.
Each and every one of these men, I prayed for them. One Unsullied name Red Beetle showed me how to do the Lady of Spears prayer, respecting the Unsullied goddess. Daario Naharis told me each of his men's religion from the weeping woman, the Many-Faced God, and the Bakkalon. I also included the Warriors prayer and the rare one of the Stranger.
"Your Grace," a voice called out.
I turned around seeing Ser Barristan, his left arm in a sling. No doubt to alleviate the weight off his shoulder where he was wounded. In the riot, the only injury Ser Barristan received was a stab in the back of his left shoulder. A skilled knight indeed, especially for his age.
"You should be resting, Ser Barristan the Bold," I said. "You deserve it."
"I will rest once I know you are safe," he murmured as he came over, watching me washing the blood off an Unsullied. He glanced around seeing if Grey Worm was in the group.
"Grey Worm is in critical condition," I assure him quietly. "Your tourniquet saved his life. He is in his chamber with Missandei."
Ser Barristan nodded, sighing in relief, "This is not your fault."
"No, a part of it is my fault," I mumbled. "I bought these men for a day to kill the Good Masters."
"And you released them afterward. You bought their freedom and gave them a choice to fight for you or live among the people. It was their choice." He reminded resting a hand on my shoulder.
"A choice I presented," I sighed. "How can I protect them, when I do not know all my enemies?"
Ser Barristan could not answer.
Another person entered the chamber, it was Hizdahr.
"I'm so sorry, my Queen." Hizdahr apologized. "They were good men."
"They were boys who lost their childhood. Spared by the Unsullied rituals as babes only to be sold to become what their mothers fear at age five. Cut, beaten, and slaughter until they were nothing but a hollow obedient shell. And the Second Sons, men who lived hard lives trying to find a place in the world. They all crossed a province to serve me. They were loyal men. And they died in an alley, butchered by cowards who hide behind masks."
"We could pull back to the pyramid district, secure it, and use it as a base from which to operate," Daario suggested. "Then we clean the city out, neighborhood by neighborhood, street by street until the rats have nowhere left to hide."
"No, that will violate the people's privacy and risk of casualties," I said, turning to face the men. "I call an emergency meeting from the Small Council, and both Freemen and Masters council. Bring them to me. It's time we have a talk."
"I'm the representative of the Masters," Hizdahr said.
"That is why you will be going to collect the others if they do not show then it's clear who the enemy is," I replied, voice monotone. "You talk of peace between the two parties, so let's talk peace and negotiate what is acceptable and what is not in traditions. Aggo, Kovar, and Black Scarab will escort you."
Hizdahr zo Loraq nodded, giving a bow before following the Dothraki men out with Black Scarab. More Unsullied will join the Councils protection.
"You're doing the right thing," Ser Barristan said.
"I want less violence in this city," I said. "Wars have started for less."
Ser Barristan nodded in agreement.
Hours passed by as I waited for the two councils. However, only the Freemen showed up or at least those who were not part of Mossador treason. In the chambers were the elders, Ser Barristan, and Missandei. Daenerys was absent along with Daario Naharis, and the Master council. Time seemed to pass, as I grow suspicious in why the second party was late. The only person who should be absent from this summoning was Grey Worm. Suddenly Black Scarab came running in holding his face.
He rushed to my side and whispered about what has happened.
My eyes widen as I got up and ran down to the catacombs.
Damn it, Daenerys, I mentally screamed.
.o0o.
The Catacombs
Daenerys heard what has happened and wanted to intimidate the Masters of their councils before the meeting. So, with her Dothraki screamers and the Unsullied who were unaware of the exact orders, has escorted the eight men down to the catacombs where Viserion and Rhaegal rest for the night. Hizdahr was confused since he was ordered by the Queen to take the Council to the Audience Chamber, not the catacombs. However, he was silenced by Daario.
The Masters were terrified standing in a cold chamber where across from them was utter darkness while behind them men with weapons. Daenerys stood there in white, her face neutral. The only sound they can here was crackling or the torches fire and snarl breathing.
"Walk forward," Daenerys gestured.
The Unsullied lower the spears.
"You cannot do this," one of the Masters said.
However, the Unsullied forced them forward by shoving their spears slightly. Not wanting to be stabbed, they walked ahead into the darkness.
"Another step," Daenerys ordered.
The men whimpered doing so. Some gave their prayers believing they were going to die.
Daenerys came over, "They will eat you if I tell them to. They may eat you even if I don't. Children. Some say I should give up on them. But a good mother never gives up on her children. She disciplines them if she must. But she does not give up on them."
She made a hand gesture, to the dark abyss. On command, both dragons breathed fired into the air upon the ceiling. The Masters stumbled back petrified, seeing the dragons up close and personal. Feeling the heat from their fire, consuming the cold night air.
"Who is innocent? Maybe all of you are, maybe none of you are." Daenerys murmured. "Maybe, I should let the dragons decide."
As she placed her hand on Hizdahr shoulder.
"Valar Morghulis," Hizdahr whispered.
Daenerys tiled her head and nodded to Daario. The Sellsword came over shoving another man to the dragons. The man stumbled falling to the ground before the green dragon. His movements were drastic and fast. Rhaegal taking this as a threat leaned his head back about to breathe fire.
"Stop!"
It happened so fast, as black fabric passed them. Alysanne had rushed down the steps passing the men before jumping in shoving the Master Nasr away. However, it was too late as Rhaegal flames consumed her while Master Nasr just barely got out. Daenerys eyes widen, for she was not expecting that. Everyone was shocked as well. Viserion shoved Rhaegal violently to stop him. All eyes looked at the ground expecting to see a burning body or one severely charred to dust with nothing but a skeleton.
Instead, they found Alysanne hunched on the ground coughing. She stood up, naked as what remains of her gown was turned to ashes. Her body covers in soot. All the Masters fell to their knees bewilder in what they have witnessed. The Targaryen Queen sacrificing herself to stop Rhaegal from killing one of the Masters. Now stands before them unharmed.
Viserion came over lower his head to his rider's level examining her condition. Alysanne rubbed his neck assuring him she was fine and glared at Daenerys. The Mother of Dragons knew she was in trouble. What was supposed to be an intimidation tactic got out of hand? The dragons were supposed the scare the Master Council; however, Daario put a little too much force in his shove that one of the men came to close startling Rhaegal who was still a wild beast. If Alysanne didn't come in just in time, things could have gone out of hand.
Alysanne walked over to the elder Master Nasr who was shoved in offering a hand. The timid man accepted the offer, as he got up. Alysanne apologized to him, then looked at the others, "Unsullied, take the Masters the Heart of the Pyramid and show them to their room. "
The Unsullied complied escorting the Masters to their quarters for the night. Those who remain was Daenerys, Daario, Ser Barristan, and the remaining guards who watched Alysanne. Ser Barristan and Daario were shocked. They witness the Dragoness being burned by dragon fire and not a single scratch on her. The eldest sister walked over to the youngest glaring down at her. Daenerys face was neutral, unsure what her sister was going to do.
Smack
Her left cheek hurt, realizing Alysanne slapped her. She touched her cheek and winced, feeling the sting and heat. Daenerys opened her mouth to speak but was silent.
"Take Princess Daenerys to her chambers and Daario Naharis in his own guarded. Weapons stripped. If he tries to escape, you are permitted to flog him." Alysanne ordered, her voice dead.
Daenerys could see in Alysanne eyes that held betrayal. Before she could speak, two of the Unsullied grabbed her by the arms and escorted her back to her chambers. This was her realization in what everyone has been saying about impulsive behavior. She thought she was helping…only to realize she was not. Looking over her shoulder, she watches Ser Barristan removing his leather tunic so Alysanne could be cover.
.o0o.
Alysanne's POV
Once Daenerys and Daario left the catacomb, I stood there looking at my arms. In the dim lighting, I found no burn marks on my body. Out of impulse, I jumped into Rhaegal's fire to save one of the Masters, Master Nasr from being burned alive and eaten. Seeing that I am still alive baffled me, yet the shock kept the emotions suppressed. A blessing from a tragic event saved me from death. Preventing history of Princess Rhaenyra's tragic death of being burned and eaten alive by Aegon the Second dragon, Sunfyre.
Ser Barristan came over handing him his leather tunic to cover me. I accepted the tunic putting it on to be modest before others. As the leather went down to my midthigh. It pained me to see that my own sister went behind my back. I wanted a meeting to negotiate terms with both Freemen and Masters to resolve this feud and figure out a way to end the Sons of the Harpy. If Daenerys has her way, this would have led to a rebellion.
"Let's get you inside and treated," Ser Barristan advised.
I nodded, as we left the catacombs. Though I told the guards to give the dragons some goats. Afterward, I was taken to my chamber where a healer was called in. Other than the scrapes and bruises on my knees, not a single burn or injury. Except for the occasional cough from the smoke. Which water and time will handle? Nothing else to say, I dismissed them wanting to be alone right now.
I coughed again, standing up going to the water basin to wash off the soot. Tomorrow morning, I will take a bath, but right now I don't want to look at a person right now. Not wanting the be stared at in what magic has performed once again. After getting most of the soot and ashes off my skin, I drank another glass of water before collapsing on the bed emotionally exhausted.
When I opened my eyes, I found myself in Dragonstone.
Visenya sat on the stone throne staring at me impressed.
"Seems Aegon the Unlikely did more in the spell than anticipated," Visenya said. "Fire and Dragon fire, you are immune to."
"All because I was born on the day my father burned ten people alive," I mumbled.
The Warrior Queen nodded, as she came over to examine my condition. "Come, let's get you something to drink."
She leads the way to her private chambers where a table had wine and food. We sat down as she examined the wine. Her eyes focus on me about what has happened. Daenerys went behind my back and took the Master Council to the catacombs where the dragons rest. She then had Daario push Master Nasr towards Rhaegal. Rhaegal is not bonded to any of us. He is following his siblings knowing he could trust Daenerys and I. Even with training, it is still a struggle to earn his trust.
"How bad is it?" I asked. "Was it out of impulse or Madness?"
"She was trying to help you, by scaring the Masters," Visenya answered.
"Well, her stunt has probably ruined any trust I have with the Masters," I said. "What is it with people going behind my back. First Jorah, then Mossador, now Daario and Daenerys. The only person who hasn't betrayed me is Ser Barristan."
"He is a loyal knight, one I wish I had for my Kingsguard back in the day," she said. "He will never betray you. Out of the Kings he has served, and the opportunity to not be a Kingsguard for Robert Baratheon, he sticks to his vows until the lions relieve him of his service. Only his death will be his betrayal."
I nodded appreciating I have one person who will never betray me. Ser Barristan has been there since I was born, three years of my early life, and after eighteen years, return to protect me once more.
"What should I do with Daenerys?" I asked. "I don't want to…she's my sister and the last remaining Targaryen that I know. And yet, she went behind my back. She takes fire and blood to seriously. As if eradicating an entire culture is the answer."
"Her time will come when she realizes her mistakes," she said, taking a sip of wine. "When it's time to kill the girl to become the woman."
I bow my head, "I've spoiled her."
"You did not spoil her; she took advantage of what was given to her. All her life she has been on the run, never understanding the world around her except for survival. Keep her on watch until the times comes."
I could only nod.
"One way to compensate for this action is to open the fighting pits," I sighed. "Allow free men to fight."
"That is a good start," she agreed. "They will ask for more. Be prepare what they will ask and think carefully. What is more important, the people or yourself."
"And what is that?" I asked.
"I cannot say," she answered. "You need to learn. If I told you everything what's the point growing up?"
"you're right," I sighed.
"Oh, course I'm right," Visenya said.
I chuckled slightly and took a sip of the wine.
.o0o.
Missandei's POV
The Translator sat next to the Commander of the Unsullied. Making sure there were no complications and be there when he wakes. She could hardly sleep. Seeing that things got out of control from Daenerys interfering with Alysanne plans for a summoning. What she has heard, Rhaegal breathed fire on one of the Masters, but Alysanne pushed the man saving him. From what she has heard, her Queen was sage. The Sons of the Harpy has caused enough damage.
A groan caught her attention. She looked up seeing Grey Worm sitting up only to groan in pain.
"No," she told him, gently pushing him down on the bed. "You're still too weak."
"How long have I been here?" Grey worm asked.
"Three days," Missandei answered.
Grey Worm's eyes widen, "Ser Barristan?"
"Alive, injured, but alive," she said.
Grey Worm sighed, looking up to the ceiling, "I failed my men. I failed my Queen."
"You failed no one," she assured. "You fought bravely. You'll fight again."
Grey Worm did not look at her.
"Are you ashamed?" she asked.
No response.
"You were ambushed, outnumbered. There was no way you could have known."
"This is not why." He whispered, looking at her. "Wounded in war, there is no shame for this. I am ashamed because when the knife goes in, and I fall to the ground, I am afraid."
Missandei shook her head, "All men fear death."
"No, not death. I fear…I never see Missandei from the Island of Naath." He confessed.
This surprised Missandei as she looked down, feeling her eyes water. She cares for Grey Worm deeply. And to hear him make this confession pleased her. Moving to the edge of the bed, she leaned over and gave Grey Worm a kiss on the lip. One she had control over. When she pulled back, she saw his lips lift to a small smile. It was faint, but it was there.
A while later she went to her Queen's chamber seeing Alysanne going over the concessions paper. Alysanne telling her internal debate to open the fighting pits to compensate what Daenerys has done. Along with the issue that some Harpies were not of this origin, having a third party either helping the Masters in Meereen, or the other cities. Someone hiring mercenaries to come to Meereen and kill their men.
"Now you have given the Masters what they deserve," Missandei said.
"If I give everyone what they deserve, I'll have no one left to rule," Alysanne sighed. "Ser Barristan counseled mercy when I took this city right up to the morning of the riot. Daario Naharis and Daenerys think I should kill the former Masters and let the rest of the city fend for itself. What do you think?"
This surprised Missandei. She always found it strange that the Queen always asks for her opinion.
"Your Grace, I think that I am not fit to have an opinion of these matters," she said.
"You are as fit as anyone I know," Alysanne said. "You know why I'm here. And you know who will suffer the most if this all falls apart. So, what do you think?"
"I can only tell you what I have seen, Your Grace.," Missandei walked over taking a seat next to Alysanne on the couch. "I have seen you listen to your counselors. I had seen you lean on their experience when your own was lacking and weigh the choices they put before you. And I have seen you ignore your counselors…because there was a better choice. One that only you could see."
Alysanne took her hand, "Thank you."
Missandei knows her Queen will make a choice that she sees fits to appease both sides. She only wished that the decision could make her Queen happy instead of battling to make peace. In the end, the Naathi knew that rulers are never happy.
"And what will happen to Daenerys?" Missandei asked.
"She is bound to her chambers until I can fix this mess," Alysanne answered. "Now it is time to face the wolves."
The Queen stood up to get ready to meet the Great Master.
.o0o.
Alysanne's POV
I enter the chamber where a long table was. One side was the Great Masters while on the were the Freemen Council. All men stood up giving a bow. I gesture them to sit down, sitting on the end with Missandei and Ser Barristan behind me.
"Gentlemen, thank you for coming. First, I want to give my deepest apologies on the actions of my sister. It was not my intention to take you to the Catacombs to see the dragons. Originally, I wanted you here to discuss the recent attack in our city. Thirteen of my soldiers are dead in protecting the city. These men who go by the name as Sons of the Harpy have escalated. Based on what has transpired, it is clear someone is hiring mercenaries. If you know who it is, I ask you to tell me." I said.
"Even if we did know, it would be a risk for ourselves," One Master said.
"You would risk the lives of all of us, for men behind a mask," an elder of the freemen asked. "You are no better than these killers."
The Master glared at the elder.
"Enough," Hizdahr said. "We all agree that these Harpies are destroying our city and putting lives at risk. The very men who brought us in a predicament."
"Then what should we do?" Master Nasr asked.
"These past few weeks, Hizdahr and I have been talking about what traditions to keep and not to keep. About bringing the people of this city together. After reading the concessions of the Wise Masters and the clear statements by the pit fighters. I will reopen the fighting pits. To free men only." I announced.
The two councils were surprised by this.
"Slavery will never return to Meereen, not while I live," I promised.
"Yes, my Queen," the men said.
"Is there anything else we should discuss in this moment of opportunity?" I asked.
"Yes, your Grace," Master Phal answered. "In order to forge a lasting bond with the Meereenese people, you should marry a leader of an ancient family."
"What?" I replied, trying not to display my bewilderment.
"You marry a leader of an ancient family, and make one of the Freemen as a high-ranking official giving both men equal power." Master Phal said.
"And my intended?" I asked. "Do I have a choice in who I marry?"
"One of the candidates is in this room," Master Skahaz announced. "Hizdahr zo Loraq."
Hizdahr was baffled by this as if he had no intention of becoming my intended. Then again Family zo Loraq is the most respected family between the Masters and Freemen. His father Miraz zo Loraq fought against child slavery, especially children used as a milepost. Still, the Council both former slaves and slavers were agreeing to these terms. I don't know what to do as I look at Ser Barristan who was overwhelmed as I.
If I choose to marry a Ghiscari…it would mean I am bound to Essos. At the same time, I could not abandon the people here. I looked at Hizdahr who felt the same pressure as I. We never had a choice in being what we want. Once more, the actions of my sister's decision. The Meereenese were already afraid of me because of the Unsullied. Thanks to the dragons, the Masters were terrified. The only way for them to gain security is by marrying the Queen.
Slight struggle with this chapter.
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