Sister's Keeper

Edited by xXFallenSakuraXx52

Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones

Chapter 45: The Three Masters

I walked through the gardens breathing in the freshly bloomed flowers. Missandei and Ser Barristan walked beside me, as my confidant gave me the latest report. Nothing too stressful, mainly the conditions of the barracks and mass halls, funding for the orphanages, and repairs. Ser Barristan has taken over the drastic information that relates to the Sons of the Harpy, based on Grey Worms report; there hasn't been much activity.

It has been several weeks since sending an invitation to Astapor, Yunkai, and Volantis to discuss terms. This fighting needs to stop. Already, news about the Masters arrival has stirred controversy. to which I will be discussing with the Freemen Council very soon. Another conversation I have to deal with. If I am to sail to Westeros when the Horses and Krakens arrived, I need to be sure that the citizens in Slaver's Bay are secured. Ensure that the practice of slavery is forever abolished and has become nothing but a part of history in the past.

Tyrion came over, "You Grace, might I have a word."

"You may," I said.

"As you are aware, we have invited the Good Masters of Astapor, the Wise Masters of Yunkai, and the benevolent slavers in Volantis to discuss terms. I believe I have a plan to secure peace. You attempted to leave a Council to govern the two cities. I admire that, although the men you selected either turned coat or were…" Tyrion paused.

"Butchered," I finished, referring to Cleon.

"Yes, butchered." Tyrion agreed and continued. "Change can't happen in a single day. Not enough time in months for the slavers to change to the new order. Instead of abolishing slavery overnight, we will give them seven years to end the practice."

Grey Worm, Missandei, Ser Barristan and I stopped walking and stared down at Tyrion. Did I hear him correctly, or did he recommended returning the practice of slavery? The one thing I am utterly against.

"The slaveholders will be compensated for their losses, of course, at a fair price. In exchange, they will cut off their support for the Sons of the Harpy."

"They do not support the Sons of the Harpy, they are the Sons of the Harpy," I said.

"Yes, well," Tyrion tried to find his words.

"No. I will not go with this plan. I have spent two years trying to abolish slavery. Spent most of my life watching it, seeing people being degraded as property."

"It's only seven years," Tyrion reasoned.

"Seven years is not a short time for a slave," Missandei scolded.

"You're right. Slavery is a horror that should be ended at once. War is a horror that should be ended at once. You can't do both today," Tyrion said.

Grey Worm moved around, so he was in front of Tyrion pointing his hand at him, "You are wrong to trust these men."

"I don't trust the Masters. I trust their self-interest." Tyrion explained. "They're trustworthy if they're convinced that working with us is in their self-interest."

Grey Worm tried to hold his composure. "You don't know them. You don't understand them. We are not human in their eyes. They look at me and see a weapon. They look at her and see a whore." As he pointed to Missandei.

"They look at me, and they see a misshapen little beast," Tyrion said. "Their contempt is their weakness. They'll underestimate us every time, and we will use that to our advantage."

Grey Worm stopped him again, "You will not use them. They will use you. That is what they do."

Grey Worm and Missandei headed off together, needing to clear their heads leaving us Westerosi. Tyrion stood there baffled by this. I was impressed, seeing Grey Worm expressing himself more, seeing how he truly felt about the Masters coming into Meereen.

"They have taken advantage of us several times now. I will show them how determined I am that slavery will be no more or else." I said. "I gave them their concessions by reopening the fighting pits. I even tried to marry a Master and they murdered Hizdahr zo Loraq. A good man who wanted to keep traditions at the same time evolve from it, trying to find a balance in between."

"You Grace," Tyrion replied. "What do you intend on this conference?"

"Introduce them to the contract method, and seeing they need labor, allow prisoners who are found guilty of a crime be of service in a period of sentencing. There's no Night's Watch here, better put criminals to work than rotting in a cell or executed so easily on lesser charges." I suggested.

"That could work," Tyrion agreed.

"Lord Tyrion, you are not in King's Landing. Central Essos is far more savage than what books and travelers can describe. The farther east you go, the stronger the magic. Along with the cruelty in humanity." I reminded.

"I do not believe in magic," Tyrion said.

"You believe in dragons but not magic?" I asked.

Tyrion did not answer. It was near dusk as the staff was lighting the torches. I stared at Ser Barristan who nodded, grabbing one of the torches and brought it over. Tyrion was confused, as I rolled up my sleeves and put my hand in the open flame. The dwarf rushed in stopping me, yanking my arm away. He then stopped seeing my hand was perfectly fine — no burns, blisters, redness, or blood. His green eyes gazed at me in shock.

"Learn your environment. Otherwise, you will most likely die in these strange lands." I advised him, before Ser Barristan and I left. I'll admit, that was a bit dramatic. But Tyrion needs to know there are more unexplained things in this world that are to come. Especially when the Dead come marching south in Westeros. I need him to be prepared for what is to come.

.o0o.

On the day of the Conference, I watched along with the Small Council as a Yunkai ship sailing with Harpy sails. If that weren't a clear indication, they would support the Sons of the Harpy I don't know what is.

"My queen, you invite the enemy into our city," Grey Worm said.

"I did," I confirmed.

"As a clever man once told me, 'We make peace with our enemies, not our friends,'" Tyrion said.

"Don't you mean you?" Ser Barristan asked as we started walking back to the Great Pyramid.

"I don't make peace with the queen's enemies. I kill the queen's enemies." Grey Worm reminded.

"Yes, that's the military approach. And how has that worked here in Meereen?" Tyrion said. "I represent the diplomatic approach."

"Our queen tried to make peace with the Masters, and they tried to murder her," Missandei reminded.

Tyrion and Varys stopped walking and faced us. Missandei does give an excellent point.

"We enter these negotiations with open eyes. Trust me." Tyrion said. "My own recent experience with slavery has taught me the horrors of that institution."

"How many days were you a slave?" Missandei asked.

Tyrion bit his lips since he was addressing two people who were slaves since the age of five. Grey Worm has no memory of his childhood in the Summer Ilse, and Missandei remembers her home being plundered in Naath. They both went through the brutal grooming process. Although their enslavement has provided them skills in communication and battle, it doesn't erase the abuse they experienced. One that can't be taught in a few simple days. When Missandei asked me about Viserys, she believed I too was a slave. A bed slave, or a breeder. Even though an abusive marriage is nothing compare to what she encountered. Let alone, growing up watching human beings being mistreated.

"Long enough to know," Tyrion answered nervously.

"Not long enough to understand," Missandei disagreed.

"Let's get inside," I advised. "And try not to kill each other."

A few hours later the Masters were brought in to the solar lounge in the Great Pyramid. The three men representing the three cities were: Yezzan zo Qaggaz representing Astapor. Last I recalled, he was a Meereenese pit slave trader. Jorah informed me about the small slave auction happening outside the city which was put to an end. Then there was Razdal mo Eraz, the Savage Representative of Yunkai if I am correct. Last I saw him, he threatened me about his powerful friends who somehow ended up becoming my friends. And lastly Belicho Paenymion a prominent noble of the Free City of Volantis. I recall seeing him; he attended my wedding to Viserys. Three men that I recognize. One who attended my incestuous wedding, the one who tried to buy his city out of sacking, and the one who allowed the Sons of the Harpy to enter the Daznak Pits. Once introductions were out of the way, we took a seat except for Ser Barristan, Grey Worm and Yezzan who walked around.

The Slave Trader spoke, "I bought this dwarf for a single gold honor. And somehow, you've risen to the top of the Great Pyramid of Meereen. It's most impressive." As he plucked a date from the concession table.

"And now you speak for the Good Masters of Astapor," Tyrion causally replied, then lifted his glass of wine which I allowed him to drink. "Here's to reversals of fortune."

"We came here to meet the queen, and instead were greeted by a dwarf and a eunuch," Razdal said.

"You are talking to members of my council," I said. "I do not tolerate disrespect. Now tell me what you want."

"We want you to leave Slaver's Bay," Belicho said. "Take your dragons and your mercenaries and go."

"Really? Because a few months ago, Hizdahr zo Loraq brought me concessions from Yunkai requesting to reopen the fighting pits towards free men. As for Astapor, I recalled there was a man called Cleon the Butcher, who was butchering Astapori as a sport and turning sons of Good Masters into Unsullied. My Second Sons took care of that problem." I murmured. "I don't recall having any quarrels with Volantis. So, tell me Lord Belicho Paenymion, what lies has Razdal mo Eraz told you in order to gain your cities fleet and funding to support mercenaries who slaughter innocent Meereenese people."

Lord Belicho grew silent. Yezzan came over to the lounge sitting next to Razdal. He was a complete contrast between the Master and the Nobleman. He was not wearing finery of jewelry and silks. Most would say he was middle class or trying to be as he can afford leather boots and the brass link of his sash belt.

"Besides, I won't stay in Meereen forever. My path takes me westward," I assured.

"When we last met, I offered you ships, so you could return to Westeros where you belong," Razdal said. "You refused."

"She refused them because of the hundreds of thousands of men, women and children still lived in chains." Missandei chastised.

"As they have since the dawn of time," Razdal reminded.

"Not anymore," Grey Worm countered.

"You think you're a free man now?" Yezzan challenged. "You still follow orders. Just because your master has silver hair and tits doesn't mean she's not a master."

"Mind your tongue," Ser Barristan warned.

"Friends, friends. Friends. Please." Tyrion stopped the argument; however, both Grey Worm and Yezzan glared at each other. "There have always been those with wealth and power and those with nothing. That is the way of the world. We're not there to change the way of the world."

"Slavery is the way of our world," Yezzan said.

"You don't need slaves to make money. There haven't been slaves in Westeros for hundreds of years and peoplegrew up richer than any of you." Tyrion said, striking a good point. "But our queen recognizes that she erred by abolishing slavery without providing a new system to replace it."

I felt my eyebrow twitched while grinding my teeth. He just insulted me in front of the masters. I had provided a new system to replace slavery. It's because these arrogant fools won't conform to it. Before Tyrion could speak, I intercepted.

"So, here is my proposal." I began. "Slavery will never return to Meereen, but I will give the other cities of Slaver's Bay a new method of servitude. Instead of executing your convicted criminals or keeping them locked away, they shall repent over time in labor. I also allow a new system called a worker's contract, there are freed men of the trade who need work. In these contracts they work for a duration of three years or less, depending on terms, where they are provided food and boarding with limited wages. And realizing that some industries required laborers, I'm willing to compensate them over the times lost in profit, of course, at a fair price. In exchange, you will cut off your support for the Sons of the Harpy."

"We do not support the Sons of the Harpy," Yezzan immediately denied this.

"Fine, fine, but you will cut it off all the same," Tyrion said. "I do hope you accept, my friends. The Queen has been very patient and generous over the past year. You will not receive a better offer."

All three men turned to me. Razdal mo Eraz and I locked, for we knew our conflict started the moment I offered negotiation before sieging Yunkai. He was the Master Mind. I don't have proof, but out of three men before me, he held a vendetta. Let alone the dragons threatening him in their toddler years.

"And this will be my final offer," I warned. "It has been a while since I bled my Unsullied."

Their eyes widen seeing that I spoke the truth. Tyrion and Varys were surprised by my threat while my true council nodded. Even Ser Barristan agreed that now is the time to give them their final warning. If Volantis is smart, they will remove themselves from this quarrel. This was between me and the Red and Yellow cities. My message seemed to get to them, as Tyrion cut the tension by ringing a bell.

"Let us sail on the tide of freedom instead of being drowned by it," Tyrion suggested. "Give freedom a chance. See if it doesn't taste every bit as good as what came before."

Not a moment later three women underdressed came in waltzing over to the Masters. My eyes widen for this is not how I settle terms. This goes against my moral code.

"And as a parting gift to our honored guests," Tyrion added.

The honored guest accepted the token of affection having the women on their laps caressing their body. Immediately I stood up and left the room, keeping a calm composure. Once out of the solar lounge, and out of hearing I turned facing the dwarf.

"You dishonored me in front of the enemy," I whispered.

"I did no such thing," Tyrion said.

"You said I made an erred, that I left no new system. I spent months in each city, being verbally insulted to my face in their arrogance towards change. Months in creating a council between the Freemen and the Masters, with the guidance of Ser Barristan, Jorah, and Missandei. And in three sentences you acted like that was nothing. If you have seen what we have seen, you would've understood. But you don't. A week in chains does not make you a slave. Have you talked to the people as I advised, or guzzled wine?"

"Your Grace," Varys started, but I silence him.

I looked down at Tyrion, "If this is your way of providing service, I might as well send you back to King's Landing because I need advisors who know what they are doing based on experience. Not what they read in a book alone. Do I make myself clear?"

Tyrion nodded.

Leaving the corridor, I made my way to the Audience Hall where the Freemen Council had arrived. They were huddling together whispering in Valyrian. Taking a deep breath and fixing my composure I greeted them.

"My dear friends," I greeted. "Apologies, for making you wait."

Missandei started translating for Ser Barristan and Tyrion.

"We speak the Common Tongue," the elder Kelsh said.

"Excellent," Tyrion sighed in relief.

"You met with the slavers today," Kelsh accused.

"That I did," I confirmed.

"Our brothers and sisters died fighting these scums," Ash said. "Now you invite them to our city and drink wine with them?"

Grey Worm inhaled sharply.

I took a deep breath, stepping down the stairs from the throne, middle platform, and bottom platform until I was standing on the floor level as these men.

"You brought a stranger here to Meereen," Ash said looking at Tyrion. "Why do you have him represent Meereen in these talks with our enemies."

"Because I have chosen him as one of my advisors. Having experience as Hand of the King in Westeros, preventing sieges and attacks, and finance balances." I said.

"We don't know him. We don't trust him," Ash said. "We know Torgo Nudho. We fight with him against the Masters. We trust him."

All eyes went to Grey Worm.

"My friends, I always have Grey Worm and Missandei at my negotiations. I hear and listen to them to seek their counsel, for the experience that you all have. As commander of the Unsullied, he knows how to defeat the slavers. And advised me that if this negotiation doesn't work, then it will be war," I said. "War is not I wish upon us all. I want to negotiate peace with the slavers, the same as we have with the Masters in Meereen."

"You have made peace with the slaver?" Kelsh growled.

"And you, Grey Worm?" Marselen asked the Unsullied. "You want to drink wine with these men? The men who tore us from our mothers' arms and sold us at auction like cattle?"

"I am a soldier, not a politician," Grey Worm answered. "But if there is a chance for peace – a just peace –we should take it."

"Missandei, you know what these men are. How can you trust them?" Kelsh asked.

"I do not trust them. I will never trust them." Missandei answered then sighed, "But as a wise man once said, "we make peace with our enemies, not our friends."

The men nodded.

"This is the Masters last chance, dear Kelsh," I said taking his hand. "If they do not come to terms to peace, then the dragons will show them the consequences. You have my word."

"Thank you, my queen." The elder said.

This time I am keeping my word. If the Masters dare disobey, they will know Fire and Blood. As later today while the three men board their ship, Viserion decided to fly a bit close to the vessel before taking to the sky. A subtle goodbye.

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