Sister's Keeper
Edited By xXFallenSakuraXx52
Languages:
Common Tongue
Dothraki
Valyrian
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
Chapter 44: Returning to the Past
Daenerys's POV
The Mother of Dragon walked for many days and nights when she came across the Horse Gate. She never thought she be back in Vaes Dothrak again. As she stood there for a moment gazing at the two bronze statues of stallions. So many memories flooded in her head of the few months of living here. Those months when she was pregnant with Rhaego, Drogo proudly presenting her to the Dosh Khaleen, the Stallion heart ritual, Viserys's Death, the poisoners' attempt, and… Drogo's promised to reclaim the Iron Throne. Now she and Alysanne were continuing that promise, even if her boys were no longer with her.
A kick on the back made her stumbled, as Qhono who was on a horse said, "Hey, Great Khaleesi. Move your ass."
Daenerys sighed as she continued walking. Through the Godsway, she noticed all the greenery was gone. Only the dirt and sand remain, winter was here in the Dothraki Sea. Although the sun blazed over and the temperature was warm, the lands were asleep, and the winds blow sending shivers down the spine. It would be awhile when approaching the Temple of the Dosh Khaleen. Khal Moro and his two-blood rider who mount their horses waited for her.
"Welcome home, Khaleesi," Khal Moro greeted.
Qhono and Aggo got off their horses and escorted Daenerys inside the temple. There were two dozen women inside, from a variety of ages in their adolescents to the elderly. The High Priestess, was on the platform lighting the fire brazier filled with oil. When the High Priestess was done, she turned facing the three who entered.
"Go," the High Priestess said.
Aggo and Qhono nodded, before leaving the temple. The High Priestess stared at Daenerys with her dark eyes, waiting as she heard the door shut. When the men were done, the woman nodded to the other Dosh Khaleen. Immediately several of the women came forward removing Daenerys's dress and necklace.
"What are you doing?" Daenerys demanded, trying to resist. "Get your hands off me. I will have your heads!"
Soon she stood naked glaring at the High Priestess. The youngest Dosh Khaleen who was about Daenerys's age came over offering a woven dress. Not wanting to be naked for long, she accepted it, putting on the suede fabric.
"You have made a mistake," Daenerys warned. "One you will regret. I am the wife of the Great Khal."
"We know you are," the High Priestess said. "Remembering you eating the stallion's heart. Why didn't you come to us after Khal Drogo died?"
"Because I am Daenerys Stormborn, the Unburnt, Princess of Meereen and the Mother of Dragons. My place is not here with you. But with the blood of my blood." Daenerys said.
"You were the wife of the Great Khal. You thought he would conquer the world with you at his side. He didn't." the High Priestess reminded then sighed. "I was the wife of the Great Khal. Khal Savo. I thought he would conquer the world with me at his side."
Daenerys just glared at her.
"You're young. We were all young once." The High Priestess said, stepping down before facing Daenerys. "But we all understand the way things are. You will learn as well if you are fortunate enough to stay with us."
She then went to wash her hands after tending to the fire.
"Where else would I go?" Daenerys asked. "Every Khaleesi becomes Dosh Khaleen.
The High Priestess looked at her while washing her hands that a Dosh Khaleen held a bowl of water. "Yes. Immediately after the death of their Khal but you went out into the world. That is forbidden. All Khalasars have returned for the Khalar Vezhven. They will decide which cities will be sacked and which tribes will be enslaved. And now they must decide what to do with Khal Drogo's silver-haired widow. With luck, your place will be here with us, Mother of Dragons." She finished cleaning her hands and came over with much sympathy written on her face. "It is the best you can hope for, now."
Daenerys comprehended her words. If the Khals don't allow her to be a Dosh Khaleen, then they will enslave her. Remembering what Khal Moro said before he knew she was a widow of Khal Drogo. However, Daenerys doesn't want to be here. She needed to get back to her sister.
.o0o.
Audience Hall.
Varys sat on the lower platform waving a woven fan to cool off from the heat. The torches were lit, making the Audience Chamber much hotter as night was approaching. He looked around seeing the Unsullied standing at their post. Barely have the men moved except for breathing and blinking. Of course, he noticed from the corner of his eyes when the men adjusted to prevent locking their knees. Usually, when the Queen or Small Council member is not present the Unsullied are at ease. A courtesy from their Leader, although habits were hard to break.
"I don't know how you stand it in all that leather," Varys muttered.
Two Unsullied entered, escorting a Meereenese woman.
"If we could have the room?" Varys requested.
The Unsullied broke their attention and marched out of the chamber leaving the Spider with the Harpy.
"You look lovely today, my dear. You really do," Varys complimented. "How you climbed all those steps without breaking a sweat."
"If you're going to torture me, just call them back and get on with it," the woman said.
"I am not a torturer," Varys assured setting the fan down and stood up, walking over to her. "Though it so often what people deserve. And it does provide answers. But they're usually the wrong answers. My job is to find the right answers. Do you know how I do that? I do it by making people happy. I'd like to make you happy, Vala."
The Meereenese woman's eyes widen.
"That's your name, isn't it, Vala?" Varys asked.
Vala looked away.
Varys chuckled, circling her, "That's all right. I know who you are and what you've done. You've done a lot. You've sacrificed your body for a cause, which is more than most people do." He then stopped and faced her, "And you've helped the Sons of the Harpy murder the Unsullied and the Second Sons."
"The Unsullied and the Second Sons are foreign soldiers brought here by a foreign queen to destroy our city and our history." Vala defended.
"I understand," Varys replied nodding his head. "Well, that makes perfect sense from your perspective. I have a different perspective, of course. I think it's important that you try to see things from my perspective just as I will try to see them from yours. Because that is the only way that I can make you and Dom happy."
He walked over standing right in front of her. Seeing Vala grew tense in mentioning her son.
"That is how you pronounce it – Dom?" Varys asked. "I'm afraid I don't really speak the language. Such a handsome boy. Those big, brown eyes. Good luck keeping the ladies away."
"Yes, you're a true liberator, aren't you? You won't torture me; you'll just threaten my son." Vala sneered.
"Children are blameless," Varys said baffled by her accusation. "I have never hurt them. Your boy is in no immediate danger, this I swear to you." He then got into her face, "But between us, dear, you did conspire to kill the queen's soldiers. We both know the penalty for that crime."
Vala knew that. So far, other than the guilty masters who murdered children, there has been one public execution. One that Queen Alysanne executed on a Harpy who was found guilty. She knew why the Harpy was killed since she was the one who comforted White Rat. The Unsullied Officer did not ask anything from her body, only to be held and sung to, just as she does with Dom.
Varys pulled away strolling a bit, "How will poor Dom get on without his mother? And with his breathing problem."
"If I tell you anything, they'll kill me," Vala said, afraid now. "So, either you kill me, or they do."
"Yes, from your perspective, this is a problem. There is a third option, though." Varys said. "A ship will be leaving tomorrow for Pentos. I've already booked a passage for a woman and her young son. I'll even throw in a bag of silver to help you start again."
As he kicked what could be the back of silver hidden in the corner. Vala was surprised, not understanding this.
"Though I'm afraid we'll have to ask one of our leather-clad friends back in to carry it. Far too heavy for me. "Varys said returning to her. "The boat sails at dawn. You need to decide now. A new life for you and Dom or…the Queen's Justice."
And so Vala sang like all the birds Varys little birds. When Vala asked why the Queen allowed this, the Spider answered, "She is one for mercy."
.o0o.
Alysanne's POV
A council meeting was assembled, as Grey Worm, Missandei, Tyrion, Ser Barristan and I waited at the table. Varys was gaining intel and stated he would have the information ready by sunset. I hope so. Otherwise, we will be back to square one again. Tyrion sat there fiddling, not used to the silence. The dwarf was still not on best of terms after his lofty behavior several days ago. Acting like he knows the dragons when in fact he doesn't. What is written in text, is entirely different from the actual creature?
"What should we do while we wait?" Tyrion asked. "To pass the time, what should we do? What should we talk about?"
Grey Worm and Missandei looked at each other confused.
"You speak nineteen languages. You must occasionally use some of them to talk about things," Tyrion said to Missandei taking a sip of his drink of pomegranate juice. Then stared at Grey Worm, "You two, you spend a great deal of time together. What would you be talking about if the queen or I wasn't here?"
"Patrol. When I am going on patrol with the Unsullied. What we see on patrol. Who we captured on patrol?" Grey Worm answered.
"That's good. That's very good," Tyrion said, a bit dumbfounded by the answer. He then got up to refill his drink. "But that's a report. I was thinking more of a conversation."
I must confess it's hard to break an Unsullied from their habit of being well…unsullied. Almost a year, trying to get the men to be themselves, show their real personality. However, the Unsullied lived their lives under a rigorous discipline that they don't know how to express emotions, how to socialize with others who are not their comrades.
"A wise man once said the true history of the world is the history of great conversations in elegant rooms," Tyrion added.
"Who said this?" Missandei asked.
"Me. Just now." Tyrion answered.
Sadly, it went over the Grey Worm and Missandei's head.
"Using a quote of a wise man once said on yourself does not count," Ser Barristan disagreed.
"All right, no conversations," Tyrion said, filling his glass and returning to the table. "Let's play a game."
We looked at him as if he had grown a second head.
"You don't play games, either one of you, ever?" Tyrion asked.
"Games are for children," Grey Worm answered.
"My master Kraznys would sometimes make us play games," Missandei said.
"There, that's a start," Tyrion said, taking a sip of juice.
"Only the girls," Missandei added.
Tyrion almost spat up his drink, "No, no, no. Not that. Of course, not that. Innocent games. Fun games. Drinking games."
"Lord Tyrion," I warned. "We are in a council meeting. Have you forgotten my warning?"
"All right. No drinking games." Tyrion said, valuing his rations of wine.
The doors open as Lord Varys entered the Council Room. All eyes turned to the Eunuch as the heavy aroma of lavender follow suit. Everyone but I stood up to greet the man.
"Oh, you took your time," Tyrion greeted his friend, breaking the tension in the room.
"Sorry." The Spider apologized. "I was busy learning who funds the Sons of the Harpy. Some things you can't rush."
"And who are funding the Sons of the Harpy?" I asked.
"The Good Masters of Astapor and the Wise Masters of Yunkai," Varys answered. "With help from their friends in Volantis."
"Volantis?" I repeated slightly surprised since I have spent a few years there under many hosts.
"You see. You don't even have to worry about the local rebellion." Tyrion murmured. "We only have to worry about the three rich foreign cities paying for it."
"You mean paying mercenaries," Ser Barristan reminded.
"We conquered Astapor and Yunkai once. We will do it again and execute the Masters," Grey Worm suggested.
"If the Unsullied march off to reconquer Astapor and Yunkai, who will remain to defend the free people of Meereen?" Tyrion asked.
I sighed pinching the brim of my nose to alleviate a headache.
"If we do not fight them, how can we stop them?" Grey Worm asked.
"We cannot," Missandei answered.
All eyes were on her.
"The Masters speak only one language. They spoke it to me for many years. I know it better than my mother tongue. If we want them to hear us, we must speak it back to them. May it be the last thing they ever hear." Missandei explained.
Violence, always violence, I thought.
"You may be right," Tyrion said.
"So we will fight them?" Grey Worm asked.
"Possibly," I answered, then looked at Varys. "Tell me, can your little birds get a message to the Good Masters of Astapor, the Wise Masters of Yunkai, and the…benevolent enslavers of Volantis?"
"Of course, your grace. Men can be fickle, but birds I always trust," Varys assured.
"Good, it's time we all sit down and talk. A last chance for them to come to terms," I murmured.
All eyes were on me. Missandei and Grey Worm understood what I meant along with Ser Barristan. Varys and Tyrion were cautious. I have given the Masters more than enough chances to live in my new order. More than enough chances. Astapor should have known better, after Daario Naharis executed the Usurper Cleon the butcher, liberating the Good Masters and their male sons from becoming Unsullied. They should have been thankful. As for Yunkai…Yunkai is simply asking for it. For someone who calls themselves Wise, they do not portray the name very well.
Viserion and Rhaegal are currently flying over the two cities of Slaver's Bay. They will remind the Masters that I still stand. Remind them I still live and keep my word. This was their final chance.
.o0o.
After dinner, Missandei helped me in my evening clothes and applying the ointments, linens, and other things to treat my wounds. The stitches keeping the long laceration going down my back and left upper arm together. The inflammation was still there, feeling the heat as the aloe was applied. Once I was ready for the night, I dismissed Missandei for the rest of the night. I wanted to be alone right now.
Missandei gave the nod before leaving me. Although reminded me the medicine was on the nightstand to ease any discomfort. When she was gone, I stared at the vial continuing the liquid to alleviate one's pains. However, I do not feel like taking it as I adjusted myself to lay on my stomach and hugged a pillow. A tightness of protest could be felt before relaxing. I took several deeps breathes and closed my eyes. I was taking several deep breaths to smell the soothing incense, listening to the sounds of the city, focusing on the beach until sleep succumbs to me.
When I opened my eyes, I found myself back in Dragonstone. This time on the beach. Visenya sat on a boulder sharpening Dark Sister.
"I was wondering when you will show," Visenya said. "The herbs the Blue Graces gave you puts you in a deep slumber."
"So, you know…"
"Like I told you before, no matter how much good you do they will always hate you." She said as she finished sharpening her sword. "I respect how patient you are with the Masters. I wouldn't have given them a second chance after the first warning." She then stood up, "But now is the time not to hold back."
"I seriously don't know what to do," I confessed. "How did you and Aegon do it? All I've read is that you took the battles away from the cities. A war between soldiers and soldiers."
"Because there was a code of honor when it came to war in Westeros," she explained. "However, these lands you resign in don't hold such honor. They are cowards. Who pay poor desperate people and mercenaries to fight their battles in the cities? Sometimes it takes fire and blood to resolve it."
I took a deep breath.
"You used Fire and Blood in Astapor, why do you fear it now?" She asked.
"I acted on impulse," I answered.
"A very calculated impulse," she murmured. "Killed all the Good Masters, spared their children, wives, the soldiers, and the slaves. The same threat you given to the Wise Masters and when you had the Great Masters stand trial. Separating the bad seeds from the rest."
"Still, all my life has been nothing but bloodshed. I can't live the rest of my days in death."
Visenya came over and cradled my cheek like a mother would do. "Jorah was right about you; you do hold a gentle heart. Do you remember what he said to you in Qarth?"
I shook my head, for it has been too long in Qarth.
"He said he sees you not only be respected and feared, but you would also be loved." She reminded. "You are a dragon, be the dragon. Already, you send Viserion and Rhaegal to fly over the cities. That is good; it is the first step before the conference."
"What else should I do?" I asked.
"What do you want to do?" she countered removing her hand.
"I don't want the practice of slavery to return. These are innocent people not prisoners of war, not soldiers. I should remind them of the new contract."
"They'll discuss compensation," she added. "Give them compensation. Afterward?"
"They leave," I finished.
"And how will they leave?" she asked.
I paused trying to think about their departure. All this time I've been focusing on being loved and respected by the people and trying to avoid being feared. Maybe it's time to show fear. Fear doesn't have to be full of actions of a slaughter. Mainly show intimidation.
"Have the dragons seen," I said.
"Excellent," Visenya said. "Now, let's get you prepared for what is to come."
"What do you mean?" I asked confused.
"In the real world, you are still physically recovering. That does not mean you cannot mentally rest as well. As long as you don't take the sleeping draft, I will continue your lessons. Dragon training, sword training, and how to fight. You have a long way to go from becoming a leader."
I nodded, knowing I need to get back on track. So much is happening and seeing how Varys and Tyrion acted, I can't rely on them when arriving at Westeros. Also needing a distraction from the ache in knowing the man I love was dying. Trying not to worry about Daenerys. I know Drogon won't hurt her. But if she is separated from her dragon and is captured…I pray Daario and Jorah can save her.
Visenya snapped her fingers, and the Targaryen sword appeared in my hand. Before I could ask what kind of style of fighting, she went for the attack. I managed to block her attack, stumbling back not expecting it.
"You had luck when the Sons of the Harpy attacked you," Visenya said. "Always be prepared."
I nodded and grew serious as we trained.
I will get better and stronger.
Hey Guys, thanks for reading. I know many of you are expecting more on A Doe in a Lion's Den soon. I'm a bit of a fickle, since I'm debating to focus more on Elain's perspective and the others. I don't want to rewrite the entire scenes from Season Eight. So, bear with me.
Thanks for reading and please leave a review!