Chapter 8: The Stallion who Mounts the World
After they had taken their pleasure from each other in the morning they prepared for the day.
"The stallion who mounts the world has no need of iron chairs." Drogo stated addressing what they were trying to tell him.
"It was prophesied that the stallion will ride to the ends of the earth." Dany tried as she braided Drogo.
"The earth ends at the black salt sea." Drogo stated as Daemon painted his eyes black.
"That is only a halfway point." Daemon objected as he painted blue streaks over Drogo's shoulders, "We were born across the salt black sea and our ancestors ruled there as kings and queens."
"No horse can cross the poison water." He stated.
Dany spoke from behind him, "In the Free Cities, there are ships by the thousands." She stated as she did the night before, "Wooden horses that fly one the sea and ride with the wind."
Drogo did not want to hear any more of it, "We will speak no more of wooden horses and iron chairs."
Daemon sighed before looking at Drogo seriously, "It is not just the iron chair we want. We want to kill those who tried to kill us." The Khal's eyes grew murderous, "The Lannister lions, the Stark direwolves, the Baratheon stags. They sent people to kill us before and they will again and we would always run or fight back. The iron chair rules over them all and they took it from us, stole it."
Daenerys spoke next, "They stole from us. The iron chair is made of the blades of our enemies. Melted down from the greatest dragon, Balerion the Black Dread. Our son would sit on that chair and remind them what dragons can do." She urged.
Drogo seemed to think it over, "This day I will hunt, my wives. I will kill all lions, wolves, and stags I see." He stood his copper skin glistening, "We will speak more of this when I return." He stated before walking away.
"Yes, my son and stars." They said together.
The night before Drogo informed them that he will hunt for a hrakkar. The great white lion of the Dothraki Sea. He'll hunt more fiercely knowing that the lions of Lannister sent assassins to kill them. If the hunt was successful Drogo would be in high spirits and would be easier to convince.
"Do you really think they'll send more?" Daenerys asked as they stood.
Daemon walked to their small mirror and saw how long his hair had gotten, "As long as we're alive their claim to the throne will always be contested." He began before turning to face her, "And now since your with child they will see we are not going away any time soon."
She glanced down to the trunk that held their weapons, "When will you teach me how to properly use Dream?"
"Soon, after you give birth when your body can handle it." He assured, "Now that Viserys is gone their focus will be on us. They will kill us if we let our guard down. We trust no one but each other. Together." He offered his hand to her.
She let his words sink in, "Together." She said before taking his hand.
After they saw their Khal ride off with his bloodriders they summoned their handmaidens who doted on Daenerys leaving Daemon to do most of his own cleaning. He accidentally cut himself when he tried to shave the side of his head. Irri helped him while Jhiqui and Doreah continued to help Daenerys. When Irri was done the sides of his head were cleanly shaven. She also made the hair he left from top to back a large braid. He thanked her and told her he loved it.
Daenerys was dressed in a fine, flowing sandsilk while Daemon dressed in black leathers. As they braided her hair she sent Jhiqui to summon Ser Jorah much to Daemon's annoyance.
He came at once, "My king, my queen how may I serve."
"Accompany us to the markets." Daemon simply ordered, "I heard a caravan came in the night from Pentos. I'm sure Illyrio must have something to do with it."
"How do you know this, your grace?" Jorah asked.
"I've had Aggo, Jhogo, and Rahkaro wander around Vaes Dothrak and listen in on anything of importance." He glanced up to Jorah, "If the Spider has a web of spies at his command why can't I? The caravan was led by a merchant captain named Byan Votrys I'll see if he's an aquantance of Mopatis."
Daenerys stood with the help of Irri and Doreah, "Come, Ser Jorah we have much to discuss."
They all mounted their horses, Daenerys with the help of Daemon and Jorah. Dothraki women ride while pregnant until birth. Though she would've liked to lie down she knew she needed to show her strength.
The day was warm and cloudless with light gusts of winds that cooled their skin. The scents of spices were carried with the wind.
When they rode through the Western Market any merchant they passed bestowed them with gifts. They gave them thankful smiles but they were still focused on the matter at hand.
"Ser Jorah, can you help us convince our husband on conquering the Seven Kingdoms?" Daenerys asked as they passed through the Eastern Market.
Jorah answered her question with a question, "Depends...what is his stance on the matter?"
"At first he was adamant on ignoring the existence of Westeros until we told him how King Robert sent assassins to kill us." Daemon explained, "He says he'll mull it over but I want an assurance."
"The Dothraki do things in their own time, my king." Jorah replied, "You must be patient. You will both go home I promise you."
"We've never been to Westeros but you have." Daenerys added, "If you can explain that the Iron Throne is ours by right-" Jorah chuckled in reply.
"Did my sister say something funny, Ser?" Daemon asked irritated.
"Forgive me, my king but your ancestor Aegon the Conqueror didn't claim six of the seven because it was his right he, had no right to them he took them because they could." The northerner explained.
"And because he had dragons." Daenerys added.
"Dragons make things a bit easier."
"More than a bit." Daemon stated, "I'll find the captain of the caravan. I'll be back."
"Allow me, your grace." Jorah quickly suggested, "You should be with your wife and enjoy the market."
Before Daemon could object Daenerys spoke, "He's right, enjoy our outing." She nodded to Jorah, "Go, Ser Jorah." Their fellow exile nodded before riding off. Daemon huffed a breath which Daenerys noticed. She thought about how she could lift her spirits until a familiar smell of garlic and peppers hit her nose, "Do you remember when we were younger? When we would run around the bazaar?"
Daemon glanced at her, "I remember." He smirked, "I remember when we snatched a rope of sausages in Tyrosh."
Daenerys smiled at the memory. "I remember we ran so fast."
His smirk dropped, "I also remember when Viserys sold mothers crown."
"Daemon-"
"I don't want to talk about it." The king immediately stated.
They fell in silence as they rounded a corner. They came upon a wine merchant who offered samples of wine in small thimble cups. He offered to any who passed by. Red from Lys, Volantis and the Arbor. Whites from Lys. Brandy from Tyrosh. He claimed to have it all.
"I would like to dismount." Daenerys announced before swinging her leg over her horse.
Daemon noticed Irri, Jhiqui, and Doreah helping her down and decided to dismount as well. Daenerys was always impulsive when she's upset. Though it would be hypocritical if he says he didn't have the same habit. "If this is about-"
"I just want a taste nothing more." She cut it slyly.
The merchant noticed their approaching and quickly bowed low before he offered a thimble, "A taste for the Khaleesi?" He asked before Daemon revealed himself, "Pardon, a flagon for the both of you. I have Dornish red so sweet it will have you weak at the knees." He proclaimed, "A cup, a taste, a swallow? One taste and you will name your son after me."
"Our son already has a name." Daemon stated dryly.
"Though I would like to try your summerwine." The queen added politely.
The merchant paused, "You are from Westeros."
Doreah spoke their introduction, "You have the honor of addressing Daemon and Daenerys of the House Targaryen, Daemon Lightningborn and Daenerys Stormborn, rulers of the riderman and the rightful King and Queen of Seven Kingdoms."
The merchant gaped before bowing, "Your Graces."
"Rise." Daenerys commanded lightly, "I would still like to taste that summerwine you spoke of."
He straightened up, "This?" He spilled the wine to the floor, "Dornish swill. It is not worthy of a king or queen. I have a dry red from the Arbor, crisp and delectable. Let me give you a cask in your honor."
He was quite convincing and if Daemon were anyone else he would be fooled. He smiled politely, "You honor us, Ser." He played along. He wanted to see his true intentions.
"The honor is mine." The man bowed his head before rummaging through his stall before carrying an oak cask out. Daenaerys noticed a cluster of grabbed burned onto the side, "The sigil of House Redwyne. A house that fought for your father in the Usurper's War. For the Arbor, there is no finer drink."
"We and our husband shall share it together. Aggo, take the cask." She ordered.
The merchant smiled as the Kha hefted the cask on his shoulder.
"No."
They all turned to find Jorah has returned, "Put down the cask Aggo."
Aggo looks to Daenerys and Daemon, "Do as he says." Daemon ordered.
"Is there something wrong Ser Jorah?" Daenerys asked as Aggo put the cask down.
"I have a thirst." Jorah answered before looking to the merchant, "Open it wine seller."
The man frowned, "This wine is for the King and Queen not for the likes of you, Ser."
Jorah picked up the cask and stalked towards the merchant, "If you don't open it, I'll open it with your head." The knight had no weapons only his hands. Large, hard, calloused hands that have seen war. "Pour it."
Their Khas around them glared silently at the merchant. "It would be a crime to drink this wine without letting it breathe."
Jhogo reached for his whip but Daenerys caught his arm, "Do as Ser Jorah says."
Soon people stopped to watch the tense confrontation.
The man gulped down, "As the queen demands." He poured the wine into two thimble cups and handed one to Jorah. The knight lifted it up and sniffed the wine. "Sweet isn't it?"
Daemon raises his hand towards the knight. Jorah handed him the thimble and the king sniffed the wine. The Strangler. Daemon smiled at the man and walked towards him and offered him the cup, "You drink first."
"Me?" He chuckled, "I am not worthy of this vintage, Your Grace. And it's a poor wine merchant who drinks his own wares."
Daenerys stepped forward to stand next to her brother, "You will drink." She ordered more seriously, "Or I will have my men hold you down as Ser Jorah pours the entire cask down your throat?"
The man shrugged and slowly reached for the cup. Daemon saw it coming before anyone else. He grabbed Daenerys and pulled her out of the way when the man grabbed the cask and flung it at her.
The would-be assassin vaulted over the counter. Zipping between Aggo and Rahkaro. Quaro reached for his arahk but he had discarded it given the law of Vaea Dothrak. The man ran down the aisle but didn't get far. Jhogo cracked his whip before the leather licked out and cooled around the man's leg. The men fell face first into the dirt.
Dozens of caravan guards crowded the man and pulled him to his feet. Soon the captain of the caravan himself, Byan Votyris, came. "Take him. He'll be taken at the pleasure of the Khal." The captain turned towards them, "His goods I gift to you, Khaleesi. A token of regret."
Daemon released his hold on Daenerys but kept her at arms reach, "Thank you." He nodded.
"How did you know?" She asked.
"The Strangler. It leaves a subtle smell but I trained my nose to recognized it." Daemon explained as they were escorted to their horses, "He was an amateur. He offered us a sample in front of everyone with a fast-acting poison." He stopped at her horse. He felt her hand violently shake in his. Daemon looked in her eyes and gently gripped her face, "Show no fear. If you're afraid, you're already dead. Do you understand? We are the blood of the dragon and the dragons don't show fear."
Daenerys gulped down before she nodded, "We are the blood of the dragon." She repeated before she was helped onto her horse.
Lyman Darry has been on a ship for nearly a week. His father told him that he will be a ward at Claw Isle under Lord Adrian Celtigar. From Saltpans he sailed through the Bay of Crabs. The boy had never been far from Castle Darry in his short life of nine years. He had a small guard of five men with him.
He gripped the letter in his hand. His father told him that no one but Lord Adrian can read it. Even he hasn't seen its contents.
"We are nearly there my lord." One of his guards informed, "You could see Claw Isle in the horizon."
"Really?" The young boy asked in wonder before he scurried past the man
He rushed through the deck and saw the island grow closer. The boy was excited, to say the least. As they sailed closer they saw a welcoming party on the docks. The Celtigar banners blew in the wind.
When they docked Lyman waited before walking off the ship. He looked around to see the humble fishing town. He was expecting more. When his eyes landed on a silver-haired old man and quickly remembered his manners, "Lord Celtigar." He greeted.
"Lyman Darry." The old man greeted.
Before anyone else could say anything Lyman raised the letter to Adrian. "My father told me to hand this to you. Only you."
The old man snatched from his hand and broke the seal. The man read it over before reading it again. The old man smirked for a moment, "Come, my lord. We'll get you all set up."
"If I may ask, what did the letter say?" Lyman asked as they walked down the dock.
"You're too young to read such words."
Daemon and Daenerys were escorted Drogo's wooden palace. It was night and Drogo had yet to return. The firepit roared with flame and the braziers around the room were lit. The prisoner was tied to one of the wooden pillars. Wanted to execute him but that was up to Drogo.
"I didn't think they would send their assassins this quickly." Daenerys stated as Daemon paced the room.
"Robert Baratheon is an impatient man." Jorah stated from his position next to Daenerys, "More will soon come."
"I will skewer him with stag antlers and burn Storm's End into nothing like Aegon the Conqueror should have." Daemon declared glaring at the merchant.
"In due time, Your Grace." Jorah assured, "We need to await the Khal's decision."
Before Daemon could snap at the man Drogo lumbered in with his hunting party. They all laughed they haven't yet heard what happened. He carried two lion carcasses one as white as a cloud and one as black as night. His men entered the with two wolves and two stags. "I shall make cloaks of their skin, moon of my life, my black sky." He declared getting hoots and cheers.
Daenerys and Daemon looked to each other before looking back at them. They both explained to him what happened and who was behind it. All the laughter died and the Khal remained quiet.
"This one was the first." Jorah warned, "They will send more to kill them and your child. They will try anything for a lordship, lands, and gold."
Drogo stayed silent for moment, "This poisoner ran from moon of my life and my black sky. Tie him to their horses so he can run after them." He ordered and his bloodriders did as he commanded and took the assassin away. He then turned to their Khas, "Aggo, Jhogo, Quaro, Rahkaro, Jorah the Andal, to each of you I say, choose any horse you want and it is yours."
Drogo then turned to Daenerys and Daemon before pulling them close. He kissed their heads before pulling away, "And to my son, the stallion who mounts the world, I pledge myself a gift. The iron chair his mother and father's father sat upon." He walked across the room, "I will give him the Seven Kingdoms." From across the room over the firepit, he gazed at his lovers, "I, Drogo, will do this. I will take Khalasar west where the world ends..." The palace erupted in cheers and hoots, "...I will ride the wooden horses across the salt black water as no Khal has done before." He walked up to the assassins and glared at him, "I will kill the men in iron suits and tear down their stone houses!" He roared before walking to the fire pit. "I will rape their woman, take their children as slaves and bring their broken gods back to Vaes Dothrak!" The cheers never stopped as he continued, "This I vow. I, Drogo, son of Bharbo. I swear before the Mother of Mountains as the stars look down in witness! As the stars look down in witness!" He ended before looking at Daemon and Daenerys.
The two days after, the Khalasar rode out of Vaes Dothrak. Horses, as well as the Camels and Elephants, Daemon purchased flooded out of the city. Drogo rode at the head on his red stallion with Daenerys and Daemon beside him riding their silver and black. The twins wore their new hrakkar cloaks. Daenery's was as silver as her hair while Daemon wore the rare black. The Lion of Night was a Yi Ti omen of doom and Daemon proclaimed that he will be their enemies doom.
They both had their weapons on their hips. Daenerys had Dream and Daemon had his Valyrian Steel sword. Jorah commented that the sword is smaller than his own. He theorized that it was forged for a woman. The sword was perfect for him light and easy to maneuver.
Behind them, their assassin dragged by his wrist, naked, walking and barefoot. His chains were fastened to Daenerys and Daemon's halters. As they rode, he stumbled after them. No harm will come to him...as long as he could keep up.
