Chapter 37: The Brotherhood
Castel Black
A stream of fire came down from the sky as the dragon was burning the men outside Castle Black, who were attacking from the south, and Ned was looking at it with shock and amazement at the same time.
However, the ones coming from Beyond the Wall were still getting in, through the tunnel, thankful to the giants who breached the gates. In the same moment, the dragon flows up till the top of the Wall, but strangely, didn't cross it shaking the head and landing on the top with a thud. A Loud roar was released, echoing through the sky beyond the wall, and leaning over the edge Ned saw the wildlings retreat in fear, screaming, but not the Giants that were with them, who were releasing challenging roars and he could also see some of them, aiming at the dragon with their big arrows.
Ned shouted towards the rider in a warning, and the dragon released a wave of flames downwards but never flying beyond. After that, he saw two of the Night's Watch men shoot with two of the catapults on top on the Wall at the enemy, killing two Giants, and making them slowly retreat, and ned started to approach the dragon, to try and take a better look at the rider but couldn't. He had the helmet on and an overcoat of fur on him. But Ned knew who it was.
Releasing another loud roar, this time towards him, the dragon rose in the sky flying down the wall towards the courtyard of Castle Black, while Ned, after checking on his men and those from the Night's Watch rushed to the cage that was used to get up and down the wall.
The ride down seemed like an eternity, as the only thing he could hear was the cracking of the frozen chain that was getting him down. When the door of the cage opened, Ned immediately walked out, seeing the white shadow standing tall and proudly, in the courtyard, gazing at those who were around him. Ned could hear some say, "What a magnificent beast!" others mumble, "Abomination!" spitting on the ground.
But it was the Lord Commander who stepping forward, recalled them, "Quiet, men!"
Ned in the meantime climbed down the stairs, stopping right in front of the beast, who growled at him for a moment, before lowering his head and the rider came down, still wearing his helmet, but Ned could spot dark eyes. He was tall, but lean, wearing an armour light black, with a twisted red dragon crafted on the breastplate. The helmet on the other hands resembled like the one the Last Dragon was wearing at the battle of the trident. If it wasn't for the different armour and the overfurcoat, he would swear that Rhaegar Targaryen returned from the dead and was standing in front of him.
The rider began to approach slowly, in a regal manner. His hand resting on the hilt of the sword, and the dark furcoat adorned on his shoulder, giving him the royal bearing of the ancient Stark Kings. A true Winter King. Stopping less than a step away from him, the rider pulled off his helmet, displaying a serious, almost intimidating expression on his young face.
Ned used this moment to take note of his features. He had curly dark hair, a short beard, and dark grey eyes that indeed look almost black. And on the left side of his face, there was a large scar that went from above the eyebrow to a few inches below the eye. But what was most important, was that he looked just like her. Just like Lya, but from a better look, one can spot the Last Dragon in him. The eye almost black, the expression and of course the curly hairs, despite the prince ones being longer, and silver-blond.
"Lord Stark," the boy, his nephew, greeted him, cracking a small smile on his lips.
Ned, wetting his cold lips, and swallowing, with a hammering heart, bend the knee, greeting the boy, "Your grace. Welcome to Castel Black." Despite knowing it should be the Lord Commander the one to do it.
"Oh, come on, uncle, stand up," said the boy, chuckling, and as soon as he stood up, Ned felt him hugging him. He was stunned for a moment by this bold move of the boy, but a few heartbeats later returned the hug. This was the last remaining gift from his sister to this world before joining their father and brother in the afterlife.
Pulling away, the boy said, "I would appreciate some wine to wet my dry throat before I continue my journey west till the end of the Wall."
"Of course," Ned nodded, showing with the hand, "Lord commander. You know what to do." And the Old bear nodded, moving away.
However, before climbing the stairs, the young boy said out loudly in a warning, "If anyone dares to touch my dragon, I will kill him slowly and with agony before burning." With that, he left, climbing the stair, leaving a stunned Ned for a moment.
The room was warm, but not enough to make the coldness that had engulfed his body during the flight to the North disappears. Taking his glovers off, Aenar immediately moved through the tables straight to the fireplace that was there, stroking his hands near the fire, and feeling his dragon blood starting to boil.
"I have heard that a dragon has come to visit our Old Wall," came the soft voice of an old man, and Aenar immediately turned around, seeing that there was indeed an old man at the entrance with the one who was known as Lord Commander. His hairs were pure white, but Aenar could discern some Targaryen traits in them, and his face was wrinkled. The eyes clouded and the colour of the milk-white, while his body was shrunken.
Approaching them, Aenar said, smiling, "I'm sorry if I frightened them. Caraxes love showing himself off."
"Oh, no, your grace. It's not fear, but amazement. And the wall itself melted at the sight of him. It had been hundreds of years since a dragon visited this place and warmed its frozen heart."
"You must be Maester Aemon Targaryen," Aenar said, stopping a few steps from him.
"Yes, that's who I was before taking the black and join the Night's Watch," the old man replied, calmly, but Aenar could see he was trying his best to keep his emotions at bay, and Aenar himself didn't really know how to react or what to say. "Please, your grace, come close so I can see you."
Aenar approached the old man, as the Lord Commander moved away, and once he was just a few inches from him, he felt the Maester place his hand, which strangely were warm, on his visage. Tracing his forms, the old man said, despite his blindness, "Yes, I can see the resemblance you had with your father."
Aenar's heart started to beat fast at hearing that, and swallowing, he asked with a barely whisper, "You knew him?"
"Yes. A good man with a terrible fate and the burden of the Promised Prince on his shoulder," the old man replied, sighing. "I beg your pardon, your grace, but these old and aching bones need to rest, so with your permission, I will sit down, and I would like to invite you to sit with me, as it has been a long time since I have heard any news about my family and especially about my great-grandniece Rhaella."
Hearing that, Aenar's heartbeat even faster than before, not knowing how the old Targaryen would welcome the news regarding her being his lover.
"Well, I think that now you are in good hands, Maester Aemon," the Lord Commander said, "With your permission, your grace, I take my leave."
Aenar nodded, sitting at the table next to the Maester, taking a long breath, before filling two cups with the ale, ready to start the tales of his journey till now.
Ned was leaning against the wooden rails looking at the dragon who was lying on the cold ground and feasting on some wild animals given scarily by the Watch. He still couldn't believe his eyes. A dragon in bone and flash right in front of him. Robb told him about the dragon, but he never expected for him to get so big after so few moons.
"Now that he came up here, word will reach the Capital about the dragon," the Lord commander said, approaching him, and Ned nodded. He will have to warn Winterfell about it, because after the fall of the Riverlands the Robert may come for them. "This came for you, Lord Stark."
And Ned took it, unfolding the scroll and reading it quickly.
"Father. We reach Shadow Tower, and Ser Mallister informed me that
a host of Wildings is marching on the bridge.
I'm going to move the army there at first light.
Hope you are all right and that the battle at the wall was won.
Your son, Robb."
He folded it back, sighing. He will have to inform his nephew on this regard and ask him to fly there, but before he could have the chance to speak, the Lord Commander said, "We have prisoner her, but thousands of more are beyond the wall. What are we going to do?"
"It's up to the king to decide," Ned replied. "But get the men ready to attack the survivors." With that, he moved away.
Aenar was moving his leg impatiently waiting for his great grand uncle's judgment regarding what he had done, but the Old Maester was in silence, gazing forward, with hands intertwined.
"I have to say that this has never happened before in our long history for as much as I am aware," the old Maester says, and Aenar lowered his head, sadly, expecting a scolding from him. "But who I am to judge the matters of heart."
"Do you think I'm mad like my father because of this, Maester Aemon?"
"If love is madness, then we are all mad people walking on this land, my boy," replied the old man, softly, and Aenar wondered if he was in love before taking the oaths or if he was after. "But allow me to give you an advice, your grace. Love is the death of duty."
"What does it mean?" asked Aenar, but before the old Maester could reply, they got interrupted by his uncle, Lord Stark. "I'm sorry to interrupt you, your grace, but we have important things to discuss he said, showing a scroll, and Aenar nodded, reading it quickly. "Let's gather everyone."
Moments later…
Everyone was gathered in the one that the Night's Watch called the Shieldhall, listening to the lord Commander that was telling about Shadow tower and showing its defenses.
"Then it's to the bridge that I should fly," his nephew said, getting up, and taking the helmet from the table, before turning to him, saying, "You need to gather your mounted riders and sent them out. Wipe the last remain wildings out there in the camp and bring me their leader. Send a force to Shadow Tower from beyond the wall. I' can't fly beyond for some unexplained reason, but you can."
"We have a leader," came Bolton's voice, drawing all the attention on him. "Tall, with red hairs and long red beard who goes by the name of Tormund Giantsbane, and who attacked from the south."
"Chain him. I will speak with him and the prisoners you will capture at my return," his nephew replied, getting up, and leaving the hall, as Ned followed him right behind. Outside it was still dark as before since it was the heart of the night. Climbing on the dragon, his nephew said, "On my return, we would have a lot to discuss, uncle."
With that, he rose into the sky flying west.
Shadow tower
"Will you wait for me? Will you still love me?" asked the woman playing with his curls, while he rested his head on her lap.
"Always and forever," he replied, as she leaned down to kiss him, and he closed his eyes, savoring the moment. But suddenly, he heard his mother's voice say, "She's not fit for you! A bastard! Bastards are treacherous! She will betray you!"
And when he opened his eyes, he saw her being drawn into the darkness, and immediately a hooded figure with a skull in his hand appeared.
"Alysa!" cried Robb, waking up, terrified, and pathing. He didn't know where he was for a moment, but at feeling the coldness and the chilling winter air come under the door, he remembered that he was at the wall. He sighed, pulling up his knees, and resting his arms on them, he passed the hands over his face. What a strange dream he made? Part of it can be taken as truthful, but the other? The stranger hooded person with the skull in hand? It looked like one of the seven, but why did he see it?
He needs a walk and some fresh air. So, getting up, he dressed and putting the furcoat, he left the room, seeing the guards in the hallways.
"Is everything all right, Lord Robb?"
"Yes, I just want to take a walk and have some fresh air," Robb replied continuing his walk.
Once outside, Robb inhaled the cold air, feeling it chill his lungs, and freeze his mind. Looking up, he saw the sky still deep dark, but full of stars, and a waning crescent moon. He wondered what she was doing right now, and if she was looking at the stars like him, or maybe she already forgot him.
Stroking his hands for a moment and blowing some hot breath on them, Robb started to walk towards the walls of the castle, seeing the Night's Watch men on guard, ready to give the alarm should the enemy surprise them, but he doubts it they will manage to cross the bridge considering that it had been blocked more or less and men from the Watch had been placed at defense till the northern bulk will go there.
Leaning against the walls, Robb starts to look beyond them. Everything around them was dark, and silence seemed to rule this night. Not even the noise of an animal could be heard. Which was strange and suspicious. The bridge wasn't far away, and he hoped no one will surprise them.
"A quiet peaceful night, isn't it?" came the voice of a woman, and turning around, he saw the She-Bear approach him, with a smile, and so he turned around, leaning with the back against the wall, while the guards moved away to leave some privacy.
"My lady. What made you leave a warm and comfortable bed inside a room sheltered by the coldness," he said, seeing her tighten her clock around.
"A cold bed, my Lord," she replied, grinning, stopping a few inches from him, and Robb swallowed for the too near proximity of the woman, and her gazing to deep inside him with her eyes. "And you, Young wolf?" she asked, and Robb could feel a certain flirting in her tone when she said the young wolf, a nickname he didn't know from where it comes, but nevertheless glad of it.
All of a sudden, without realizing it, Robb felt her hand rest on his tunic and then starts to travel downwards to where his cock was beginning to harden. Her hot breathing on his neck, and the lips just a few inches from his lower jaw. Such a great temptation this moment was, but he needs to resist it. He won't betray Alysa.
"She isn't her, young wolf. Just the two of us," Dacey Mormont said, placing her lips on his jaw while Robb squeezed his eyes, and fist, but especially trying to control his cock from doing such a foolishness. Though it was in vain, especially when she pushed her hand inside his breeches, grabbing his cock, making him release a groan.
However, they got interrupted by a roar from the sky, and the men immediately started to run back and forth, shouting orders, while Dacey Mormont, pulled out her hand and immediately started to look to the sky.
Robb, shaking his head from this moment of weakness, look at the sky too, and seeing a white shadow descend in the courtyard. The men immediately with spears in hand, run downwards, pointing them, while the archers nocked their arrows.
"Hold your weapon!" shouted Robb, running down the stairs, and pushing aside the men who were holding the spears, while approaching the silver beast.
He saw the rider getting down from the dragon, and Robb smiled, knowing who it was, but nevertheless surprised by the dimension of the beast who now was far more bigger than a warhorse.
Pulling off his helmet, his cousin started to approach him, with a smile on his face, his curls let free to the wind, and a bit longer than before, while now he could clearly see that he had acquired some scars since their last meeting.
"Robb," he hugged him, chuckling.
"Cousin Aenar," Robb returned the hug, before pulling away. "Or should I call you your grace?" And making a playful bow, to which his cousin pushed him away playfully too, chuckling.
"So you are the famed Targaryen who defeated two Khals and conquered two free cities," came Dacey's voice asking, and Robb looked down for a moment blushing remembering what had happened a few moments before between him and the heiress of Bear Island.
"Yes, I am. I see you heard about my deeds."
"The bards are singing songs about you from the lands of Essos till beyond the wall," the woman replied. "Women get wet at the mere mention of your name not to mention the fact that you have two wives already. Who are rather...how shall I put it...related."
"And you are wet too at hearing my name, my lady?" her cousin asked, grinning, and Robb was surprised by his boldness.
"Oh, socked, your grace," the woman replied, grinning, and Robb could see her lick her lips, before hearing his cousin say, "You know me, but I don't know you, my lady. May I ask your name so that I can recognize it one day in my song."
"Dacey Mormont of Bear Island at your service," she presented herself, bowing.
"A pleasure to meet you, my lady," his cousin replied, however, they got interrupted by the commander of Shadow tower, who shouted, "What in the Seven Hells is happening in here!"
His cousin, turning to the commander, started to approach the man, and with him, Robb and Dacey did the same. Next to the commander, Robb saw that Lord Forrester and Lord Glover were there too.
"You must be Ser Denys Mallister," Aenar said, and the old knight nodded, with his serious expression, moving his eyes between the dragons and him, as his cousin continued. "I'm Aenar Targaryen, rightful King of the Seven Kingdoms and I'm here to help you in the battle of the bridge."
The commander nodded, showing the way with his arm, but his cousin turning towards him, said "Stay with the dragon."
And Robb nodded, glancing at the beast, wondering if he still remembers him from months ago, or if he forgot him since he some kind looked at him in an intimidatory way.
Moments later…
Robb was sitting on the steps of the wall watching the silver beast that did not move an inch, and who was watching his surroundings intimidately.
The men, on the other hand, were watching the dragon with distrust and fear, whispering among themselves dangerous words, and never leaving their weapon. He can't blame them on this regard. Those gorgeous beasts disappeared from our world hundreds of years ago, just like the Direwolf from the north, and just like those wild beasts, the dragons returned to our world.
"A beautiful beast, isn't it?" Said Dacey, sitting next to her with the Morningstar on her lap. From what she told him; she receives it when she was still a baby. A Morningstar instead of a doll. Something in common with his sister Arya. Old Gods, Arya. He missed her so much. Her sneaking, her laughs, her always putting the noise in his business, her incessant questions. "Are you all right?" he heard her ask, pulling him out from thinking about his sister.
Shaking his head, Robb runs his hand through Grey Wind's fur, replying, "Just remembering my little sister who decided to remain in Myr with him. She wanted adventures, but I doubt she found them."
"Cousin," Robb heard himself being called by Aenar, and getting up, walked towards him. "Robb. It's time for us to head for the bridge."
"But it's still night?"
"I know. But it's better to spend it there than to find ourselves with thousands of wildlings here," his cousin replied and Robb nodded, hesitantly, not liking this plan, moving towards the keep where his chambers were, to wear the armour and take the sword, with Grey Wind right behind.
The first light of dawn had come, but the sun had not yet risen. Their men were starting to take up their positions with most of them made up of archers deployed in three lines along the rocky edge, but nevertheless behind a shield wall, as commanded by Aenar, while some of the infantry were at the mouth of the bridge, with shield wall and spears. But of the enemy apparently not even a sign.
"Maybe they heard what happened at Castel Black and East-Watch, and decide that it wasn't worthy risk to attack us," Robb said, as he looked towards the other side, before glancing at his cousin who was sitting on a rock, hood up, and the clock tightened around him, resting the back against a tree.
"No. They are there. I can sense it. They are coming," Aenar replied with closed eyes.
"How is she?"
"She is well."
"Just well. This is everything you have to tell me?" Robb asked, feeling a certain angriness build inside him because of his words.
"Everything that you need to know."
"Does she has someone else?" Robb blurted out, not wanting to believe it.
"Nope."
"Then what is it?"
"It is not for me to tell you, cousin," he replied, opening his eyes for a moment, giving him a look with the meaning to end the conversation, but Robb will have nothing of this shit. He needs to know.
But before he could ask anything, his cousin said, "They are here," getting up, drawing out the sword, and pulling down his furcoat.
They were standing in silence in front of their father, waiting to receive his squabbling because of what happened during the day, but the only thing he was doing was looking at them in silence with judgemental emerald eyes.
"Do you understand what you have done," his father said calmly, but dangerously and threatening enough to make the hairs on the arms straight up. When no one of them said anything, his father, taking a sip, said, "What should I do with you two now, hm? Word will reach the King that the Queen and the Lord of Casterly Rock."
"Let him hear it," his sister mumbled, looking side-down, receiving a glare from their father.
"Quiet foolish girl. I will not see this House fall because of your carelessness and foolishness. Because of jealousy and stupidity," his father said, spitting venom with the words, before stopping to take a sip. "Not to mention about the little incident that occurred a few moments before to your wife because of your degenerate son."
"He-"
"Is a madman! A danger to this House and to our legacy!" his father said, raising his voice and making them almost jump in their stead. "Daven will stay here and keep in line that things that you call a son."
"No. He will-"
"Enough!" his father shouted, getting up. "You have disgraced the Lannister name far too long. One a whoremonger and the other two with an incestuous relationship. From this day you will never be able to meet again, and if it will happen, you won't be alone."
"Father-"
But he didn't let her speak, leaving the solar, as they two stayed in silence, Jaime ashamed while his sister emanating rage all over her, and turning him, said, "Why in the seven hells you keep your mouth shout when he was disrespecting our son!"
"Sulking won't help, golden boy," said the sellsword that was accompanying him to the Riverlands, pulling him out from his thoughts, and Jaime looked up at him, in confusion, "What?"
"Your mind is still there. At the Rock," the sellsword said.
"How the fuck you know where my mind is?" he asked angrily, stopping the horse.
"Your shit face said it all," the sellsword replied, shrugging his shoulder with indifference, and as the horse keep a walking riding pace. "Let's see how it played. Your father caught you fucking the queen, your sister and that made him very pissed. Your wife runs to her room for shelter, finding you abed with your sister. In her room? Really? I mean, If I was in your place, I wouldn't have fucked her in my wife's room," and Jaime rolled his eyes, at him. "In the last, that cunt of your son who tried to rape your wife got chained in the dungeons worse than a dog, and your cousin as a dog-master to keep him in line."
"You're a cunt," said Jaime.
"Yes, I am but not more than you, and for sure smarter than you," that was the last thing he needs to hear, before snapping the reins and riding forward. A few more miles were separating them from Riverrun where the armies of the Riverlands retreated after the defeat on the borders, near the Golden Tooth.
Qarth
Daenerys found herself walking through a long torch-lit hallway with seemingly endless doors only on the left side, hearing a woman's voice sing in High Valyria. She didn't know who it was or what this place was, but it frightened her. She keeps walking till she reached a great door made of a stranger white wood. Daenerys pushed them open, finding herself in an oval room, full of people, dressed in decorated robes, but she feels pulled towards a second door that was there. She opened it, seeing the woman that was in her dreams chained, and suddenly, she got attacked by some violet-blue ripped fleshed figure.
Daenerys woke up immediately after that, breathing fast, and feeling a certain dizziness for a moment before everything returned normally. She glanced at the side, seeing her mother still deeply asleep beside her, but suddenly appeared in front of her the woman from her dreams. Shiera Seastar. This time she was wearing a long and large dress, without the necklace around her, but with chains at her wrist. Golden chains.
"I came to warn you Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen. The warlocks are planning to chain and steal your dragon soon. Send men to the ship before it's late."
"How can I free you, Shiera?" Daenerys asked, immediately getting up from the bed, approaching the woman. She was just a few inches taller than her and her hairs were longer too.
"You need to enter the House of the Undying, and destroy it to free me," the woman replied, approaching her even more. "But remember, nothing inside is real and yet everything it is."
With those last words, the woman disappeared, before she could ask more on the regard. Thousands of questions were now flying through her mind, but she knew that she should take the warning against the warlock seriously.
"Dany?" she hears her mother's sleepy voice, and turning around he saw her stroke her eyes. "Dany? What is it?"
"Shiera. She came….she warned me, and…I need to send men to the ship," she said, putting something on and heading towards the door, only to find Xaro Don Daxos with the raised hand ready to knock, and some girls holding silks in their hands.
"Oh…Princess Daenerys. I was expecting to find you already at the door before even knocking," the man said, towering over her, before stepping aside, saying, "I brought you some gifts, and wanted to invite you to the feast of this afternoon. The most important citizens of Qarth will be present and I'm sure you will want to speak with them. After all, that is why you are right. I am wrong?"
"No, no. You aren't wrong, but I need to find my men," Daenerys said, swallowing.
"I assured them that this place is safe. They have gone to get a meal since all the night they stood guarding," the man said, smiling.
"With all the respect, Xaro Don Daxos, but is not up to you to send them away or assure them if this place is safe or no," his mother replied, stepping next to her. "And the Princes said, she needs to speak with them. So, if you will be so kind to send them here, we will be grateful."
"Of course, my lady," the man replied, bowing. "Before I leave, allow me to gift you these Qartheen dresses."
"Thank you Xaro Don Daxos," Daenerys said, as the man left, and stepping aside, she let the girls with the dress, however, before following, her mother stopped her whisper, "Be careful Dany. We have a treasure that is the greatest and most precious in this world. Everyone will want it. Beware especially of those who pretend to be friends and address you with kindness. They will try to bribe you with false flattery and gifts to steal from you the greatest one."
"I know, mother," she replied, moving away, to get ready for the day. Before the feast, she had the intention to speak with the other ones who were here, and who knows, maybe will the hope that Shiera may guide her.
"I don't like this place, Princess Daenerys," said the Old knight as they were standing in front of the place where the pirates of the Tourmaline Brotherhood were gathered. Xaro Don Daxos advised them to be wary of pirates, as they were not good people, but the same could be said of him in this regard, despite the smiles and the kindness.
"They have eight hundred ships, Ser Barristan. If I can convince them to lend us their ships, we will be able to sail to Westeros with a large army as soon as possible." Daenerys said, firmly, before taking her hand and whisper, "Never leave my side, mother, because you are my strength her."
"As you are mine," she assured her, squeezing her hand as they start to head in this place.
The hall was indeed full of pirates, sitting at the tables. Playing dice, drinking, and chatting with some of them having girls sitting on their knees, half-naked, for sure they must be whores. But when they entered, all the attention was drawn on them.
"Well, well, well, a Targaryen Princess came to visit us," said a man, stepping forward. He was lean, but well built, with long dark brown hairs, some braided and other not, and a very short beard. Around his neck were hanging different kinds of necklaces, while on his ears there were what seemed to be earrings. On his fingers, there were plenty of different rings. He seemed to have a very dangerous look, but at the same time charming.
"What is it, woman? Do you want a little taste of my charm?" she heard him ask, pulling her out of her thoughts, and she looked at him with disgust understanding the meaning, while Ser Barristan said, "Hold your tongue if you don't want to lose it."
"You will lose your hand before even pulling out that pretty sword of yours, old man," the pirate replied with arrogance. "And I was referring to the woman, who by looking at her, she must come from the pillow houses of Lys. And that means she is good with the tongue."
"We are here to discuss with the leader of this convey," said her daughter, while Rhaella placed the hand on the dagger gifted by Aenar, and which was hidden under the cloak.
"There are no leaders here," the pirate replied, but in that moment, she heard Balaq, who insisted to accompany them here, say, "We are here for the Xhore."
And everyone started to mumble between themselves, after hearing the name, while the man that had addressed her a few moments before, showed with the hand, "this way."
Rhaella glanced at the Capitan from the Golden Company, who glanced at her, giving a look, before everyone started to walk. She wanted to ask to who the name belonged but there was no possibility for that right now.
They were led up the stairs, and through hallways, till they reached a room, with a few pirates inside, sitting at a table.
"Capitan Xhore," said the man, and those who were there feel silence, as a man, with a great hat on his head, looked up. He clearly was a man in his fifty, with a rough face and a beard beaded into several strands. While on him, he was clearly wearing a red pirate coat with golden trimmings and an orange waistcoat.
"Capitan Balaq. I never thought I would see your ugly face again before death claimed me," the old man said, looking at the Capitan of archers, who had a straight and serious face.
"I thought that too, especially after I heard stories about you going mad because of the crabs getting in your pants and fearing they may cut your cock."
The pirate said nothing, and with sealed jaw, approached them, stopping right in front of him. The Capitan from the Golden company was much taller, therefore towering over the pirate, and Rhaella wondered if it will turn this into a fight, but a few heartbeats later, they burst into laughs, and the pirate hugged him like a bear.
"What bring you here?"
"Business and an oath," Balaq replied. "But it's with them that you need to speak," he added, pointing at her and Daenerys, and the pirate approached them.
"And who are you, if I may ask, ladies?"
"Princess Daenerys of House Targaryen," said Ser Barristan, without introducing Rhaella, as per instruction from her. No one needed to know of that right now.
"Targaryen, eh? What is the mother of dragons doing here in Qarth knowing that the warlocks want your dragons?"
"I need ships to set sail for Westeros," her daughter replied. "I heard your brotherhood had hundreds of them."
The man said, nothing, giving only a look, before moving back to his seat, and starting to laugh mockingly at her, followed right behind by the other captains who were there, but Rhaella having enough, stepped forward, "Why are you laughing, captain? Do you think that a girl like her can't hire your fleet?"
"Who is this woman, Balaq?" asked the man.
"Balaq," another chuckling voice said, coming from behind them, and interrupting the conversation. He was a young man, in his late twenties, tall, dark and handsome with dark brown eyes and a mane of silky black locks.
"It's good to see you still alive and well. We are here to demand that you fully the oaths."
"So, it's the boy who sent you?" the old pirate asked, and Balaq nodded. "Princess Daenerys is his wife, and this lady is his paramour." Turning back to the young man, Balaq, said, "Remember the oath you made when the Jon Snow now known as Aenar Targaryen saved your life."
The young man looked at the old pirate, and, Rhaella heard him say, "Take a seat, mother of dragons. Let's get to business."
Hours later…
Xaro Don Daxos' feast had attacked plenty of rich people to his house, and all of them brought gifts to the mother of dragons. Gifts from every part of the world. But not the gift they were hoping for, and the Brotherhood itself, despite gifting her a crown with the shape of dragons denied the support of the ships. It seems that oaths were meaningless for them.
Ser Barristan and Balaq were shadowing her like hawks, ready to protect should someone try to strike, while she on the other hand found it strange not to see Izmahr around her, considering that he joined their group as a persona guard of Daenerys. She will have to speak with that man once she will find him. His proximity to her daughter and trying to fool her wasn't at her like.
"I am surprised that the young Princess Targaryen welcomed you into her service, considering that you are her husband's mistress," said Xaro Don Daxos, stepping next to her with a golden goblet of wine in hand. "Everyone is aware of the temperament of Targaryen women, and considering your appearance, you definitely come from pillow houses."
"How do you know that I come from the pillow houses?"
"Well, that is the only place for the Valyrian women in Essos," Xaro Don Daxos said, and she shakes her head, but deciding to play along and find out what he really wanted from them.
"Yes. That's from where I come, but may I ask why you are addressing me?"
"I want to offer you a deal," he said, turning completely towards her, and she did the same, crossing her arms. "I'm sure you will want him all for yourself, the young commander of the Golden Company who will soon conquer the Seven Kingdoms, and you'll definitely want to be his queen..."
"I don't like riddles, Xaro Don Daxos, so I suggest you get straight to the point."
"You will have to convince the princess to marry me," Daxos started, taking a sip of wine. "In exchange. I will make sure that you have the ships your lover needs to sail for Westeros."
Rhaella didn't reply immediately, taking a sip, and pondering the best answer to give the man, and at the same times try to be believable as possible for her lie. "If I agree to that, from where are you going to take the ships? Everyone denied the help."
"The King of Qarth can provide it."
"There is no King of Qarth."
"Soon there will be," was the only thing he said, before moving away, and Rhaella wondered what it may be, before looking at her daughter who was speaking with a tall, bald, man, a white, pale skins and pale blue lips, wearing a long purple robe embodied with gold and dark blue silks.
"His name is Pyat Pree," a woman's voice said. "He is a warlock from the House of Undying."
Turning around, she saw a tall and slender figure, wearing a long robe the colour of the ceiling nights, and on her face, there was a dark red lacquer wooden mask, but the eyes could be seen, which seemed to be wet and shiny at the sunlight.
"Who are you?"
"I am known here as Quaithe of the Shadow, but I came from Asshai," the woman replied. "The warlocks want the dragons because their coming to this world brought back the magic. Be wary of whatever they say."
With these last words, the woman disappeared, leaving Rhaella with hundreds of questions and doubts. Doubts that were arising, even now regarding Shiera Seastar. She will have to speak with Daenerys about this after the feast is done.
Hours later…
"I hear you want the mother of dragons," he said, stepping out of the shadow, and with his sword held to the throat of the warlock, knowing full well that he would not kill him.
"It's been a long time since we've seen your face here in Qarth. Tell me, how is your lovely young sister?"
"And that is why I am here in your filthy, dirty little city," he said, lowering his blade. "I am here to offer you a deal."
"Deals are not our interests. The Undying takes what they want when they want and without compromise. We've been doing it for thousands of years."
"And look at what you've been reduced to. Played by a girl."
"We have not been played by a girl!" the warlock growled at him angrily, with his eyes wide and pale.
"You have been. It escapes you why she is here," he said, moving away for a moment before turning, around and say it. "Shiera Seastar is her name and she is your prisoner. The girl will destroy you to free the woman, unless..."
"Unless."
"Unless you accept my deal."
"And what is this deal about?" the warlock asked, approaching him with the hands behind.
"I will bring you the dragon with your magic chains, and after that the girl too, but you will use your glass candle, that I know started burning to warn someone."
He received no answer besides of a laugh in the wind, and some shinning chains appeared with a chest so he took whatever it was in the chest, and the chains, and left the place where they meet, heading to the ship where the dragon was.
The hours passed so slowly while he was on this ship protecting the dragon, and so full of boredom, with the only thing to do, fighting with the unseen man.
"What was it like to face the Brotherhood?" asked the bastard of Driftmark who joined them and accompanied them here.
"Good. But not enough good to behold as a sight in the songs of -Westeros," Arthur replied, continuing to sharpen his sword.
"It's true that the smiling knight tried to take your sword?"
"Tried to claim, but never touched it. I cut him in half the moment he tried to pair with his sword," he replied, as the memories of that duel started to flow through his mind despite it being seventeen years since he fought them.
After that, Waters started to sing the song about the brotherhood, while Arthur shakes his head, glancing at the other two men who were with him, and who tried to hide their smiles.
No man's gold was from them,
nor any maiden's hand.
Oh, the brothers of the Kingswood,
that fearsome outlaw band.
"Quiet," Arthur said, at hearing steppes on the wooden dock, and stopping from tending his sword.
"What?"
"Close your mouth and take your sword," Arthur said, with sword in hand starting to head towards the stairs, with Waters right behind him, and the other two soldiers who were there too.
Then suddenly men came running and screaming down the stairs, with swords in hands, and hood on their heads. Arthur immediately started to fight them all at once, killing even one of them. The room wasn't too large enough for smoothly movement, but was enough to knock some of them down, and who had small swords.
Dogging one of the enemies' blade, with a turning, Arthur cut the throat of another one, and gaining his balance again, stretched his arm, piercing the man. They were lucky that those attackers had no armours, otherwise, it would have been difficult.
After killing the last one, Arthur looked around, to see if anyone else was alive, and heard the dragon roar inside. He immediately rushed inside the great room, seeing the beast on the grown, groaning in pain, and from the top, three hooded men with canes in hand.
"Who the hell are you?" shouted Arthur, but a sudden thorn struck him in the neck. His body began to stiffen, and his vision blurred, until it was dark. The last thing he felt was his knees touching the wood of the hull.