Pale Fire Ch. 7
Khal Moro watched in stunned amazement as Drogo's Khaleesi rode off on the Great Stallion, jealously washed over him, and as much as he would have liked to kill the man, doing so would bring great misfortune to him and his khalasar. He was the Great Khal and was the one to bring the Stallion who Mounts the World into this world.
Turning towards the man who was watching the sky, he cleared his throat, waiting for his attention.
Drogo watched as the Great Stallion rose higher into the sky, his moon clinging to his back, he prayed with every fiber of his being that the great beast would keep her safe as she took this journey with him. Hearing someone cough, his eyes turned away from the sky, finding Moro staring at him.
Annoyed at the fact he was staring at him, Drogo resisted the urge to punch his face. "What?" He barked at him; he wasn't in the mood for anything other than knowing his wife was safe.
Bowing his head slightly and placing a hand over his heart, "I Khal Moro, swear unto you, Khal Drogo and his Khaleesi, Mother of Horses, loyalty."
Turning towards the people that were watching them and the sky, "My Khalasar, we have witnessed the miracle that has been foretold through our histories, kneel before the Great Khal, and swear your loyalty to him and his Khaleesi."
Seeing the entirety of the two hordes drop to their knees, and Moro lowering his head to him, was an immense moment for him as a Khal, his son wasn't even here yet and it his presence was already starting to unify the Dothraki.
Closing his eyes, letting his body absorb the horde calling out his name, and crying out for their Khaleesi, could have brought him to tears. Shaking that emotion away, he turned towards the Dosh Khaleen, needing their guidance.
"Is my moon safe?" He asked them, it was all he really wanted to know.
The High Priestess looked over the Khal, seeing his strength rolling off him, "My Great Khal, father to the Stallion that Mounts the World, husband to the Mother of Horses, she is more than safe, she is saving the Great Stallion's Mate." Tossing in the herbs, looking for signs of her safe return, smiling as the smoke billowed around them.
"She is uniting the sky herd with our people. Bringing strength to the Dothraki." Closing her eyes, she
sent prayers towards the sky, as she opened her eyes, she found Drogo watching her, "She will return before the sun rises over the Mother of Mountains."
Drogo could only nod at the woman, making his way towards the fire, he indicated for the people to continue to eat and drink. Sitting down, he felt his sister touch his shoulder, "When my moon returns to me, then I will speak with them about your match."
Dali smiled, "Appreciated brother, but I do not care about that now. I am here for you." For the first time since Rosalind entered their lives, she sat next to him, her eyes scanning the sky, hoping to see her come home to them.
Irri sat on the floor next to Dali, her eyes never leaving the sky, she knew her Khaleesi was special, but she was scared, for she wasn't just riding on the Great Stallion, she was also with child, what would happen to her if she lost the baby?
Rose clung tightly to Chiron, while she trusted him not to toss her off and to her death, it still was a bit terrifying to be flying on the back of a horse. Taking a second to get herself under control, she carefully lifted her chest of his back, her eyes taking in everything around her.
Flying into the clouds, the sky was bright with stars, carefully looking down, she could see that they illuminated the ground below. "Wow. This is beautiful."
Chuckling a bit when she heard him say it was sad that she never saw the world this way before.
Rubbing his neck, "Well, not all of us were born to fly."
The sound of a whine caught her attention, turning towards the noise she could see two more flying towards them. A dark chocolate one, and a light gray. "You're children?" Hearing his yes. "They are beautiful, like you."
Chiron could only agree. His eyes searching for his mate, anger filled him, human trappers, thinking that they owned the world. Looking at his eldest son, letting him lead them towards his mother.
Rose could hear them talking to each other, while she knew that her gift was growing, it still was a bit disorienting to hear voices in her head. But what she could gather, the dark chocolate was his eldest son, his name was Titus, and the light gray was his eldest daughter, her name was Cassia.
Titus watched the human on his father's back, he didn't know what made her so worthy, as far he was concerned humans were a plague, they destroyed things. For now, that wasn't his concern, he wanted his mother, but even if they surrounded the humans, he wasn't sure what he could do to release her from the cage.
Cassia kept her eyes looking on the ground, knowing that they were getting closer. Sparing a look to the human that clung to her father, she was small for a human, she had no idea why her father sought her, if he was going to bring a human, he should have brought a Dothraki Khal.
Hearing their concerns, Rose could only keep herself focused, while she wanted to tell them that she would give her life to protect them and their mother, it wasn't something that they would believe, and after this group of humans captured their mother, she could understand their distrust.
Shaking herself clear, she looked down, her eyes finding a group of men waving down a ship with a fire, and in the cage was Helios. "There." She said, pointing to the ground.
Chiron screamed out, descending fast, only just being mindful that Rosalind was holding on. He could hear his children screaming out, it brought him peace to know that he wasn't alone and hoped that R'hllor's faith in this human was justified.
Rose clung tightly to his neck, her eyes shutting, as much as she trusted Chiron, she was certain he wasn't used to having anyone ride him. Taking slow breaths, she did what she could to relax, remembering the times that Hank would cut the engine on his float plane and let them free fall for a moment, it always turned out to be fine, scary as fuck, but fine.
The sounds of his hooves hitting the ground calmed her more than she was willing to admit to him or anyone that asked. Opening her eyes, Rose found the men turning around holding their swords up, without thinking about it, she slipped off Chiron grabbing her bow, she aimed it at them.
"Release the mare, now." She said, her voice held the anger she was feeling.
Tomas looked at his men, "Look at this, a little fighter." Swinging his sword, "That mare is going to fetch a great price in Westeros, so will they." He said, pointing to the 3 horses behind her.
Knowing that talking wasn't going to get this done, releasing her arrow, hitting him in the throat. As his body fell back, she reloaded hitting the other man in the eye, but wasn't quick enough to get the third and fourth. Ducking under their swords she was able to roll and release another into his neck.
Moving to stand, she kept her arrow pointed at the last man, "Who sent you?" she barked at him.
Eron dropped his sword, "Please, don't kill me." He begged her. Dropping to his knees.
Rose didn't move any closer, her dad once told her that a desperate man would say or do anything to get you to drop your guard. "Answer my question, who sent you?"
Pointing to the ship, "Captain Jory, sent us ashore, wanting to find great beasts to sell in Westeros." Making a move to stand but stopped as she yelled at him.
"You make a move to stand I'll cut out your fucking heart." Her eyes never leaving his, "Are you sailing under anyone's banner?" She asked, wanting to know if she was about to start a war for her people.
Shaking his head for no, "Please, Miss."
Growling out, "Khaleesi, wife to Khal Drogo. You are trespassing on Dothraki land." Enjoying how his face paled at the mention of her husband's name. "Answer, are you sailing under a banner?"
Falling forward, bowing at her, everyone knew the tales of Khal Drogo, merciless, and brutal. "No, Captain Jory is independent. Not loyal to any one house of Westeros."
Nodding she looked over at Titus, "If he moves crush his skull." Smirking as the horse moved to keep his hoof down on the man. "You came here, violating the lands for greed." Picking up a sword from one of the dead men that was now at her feet, Rose turned and walked towards the cage.
Her eyes looking into the mares' eyes, "You are safe now." Swinging as hard as she could breaking the lock off. Swinging the door open, "Your mate is waiting for you." Rose took several steps back, wanting to give her plenty of room to leave.
Helios carefully stepped out, her eyes falling on the small human woman. Rubbing her face on hers. Thank You.
Gently rubbing her nose. "You are most welcome."
Eron looked at the scene before him, realizing that she was who the Dothraki have been waiting for. "Please, Mother of Horses, spare my life. I will spread the word of your arrival."
Seeing Chiron and Helios rub the other, it brought a peace to her, seeing that they were safe and together. Smiling at the pair, her eyes turned to the man begging for his life. "Why would I want them to know I'm here? It would just embolden them to come."
Looking at Titus, "Let him up, please."
Titus stepped back, feeling his sister and parents standing next to him, watching to see what the human woman was going to do.
Rose watched as the man stood, "Pick up your sword. Fight for your life."
Eron slowly reached down, "Do you not want a slave?" He asked her.
"No. I don't need a slave, and you can't truly be trusted." Seeing his stunned face, but she could see that she hit the nail on the head.
Nodding, "You're right. I wouldn't trust me either." Bring his sword down, wanting to end this quickly for the woman, but to his surprise she not only blocked him, but kicked him back.
Rose held her eyes on his, the way he held the sword, she knew he was an exceptional fighter, and if she was going to get home to her husband and khalasar she needed to keep her wits about her. Watching his shoulders, seeing that he was telegraphing his movement, moving to the side, she locked their swords.
Eron was pleasantly surprised at her skills, but as he went to speak, she kicked him in the balls. "FUCK."
Taking advantage of the moment, Rose whipped the sword around, driving it through his heart, and twisting it. Pulling it out, and keeping his sword in her hand, "You died well." She said to him.
Looking around she found the four of them watching her, "We need to take out that ship." Dropping the swords, she began to look around, finding a few animal skin sacks near the cart.
Picking one up, smirking when she realized it was filled with oil. Walking over to the younger of the two, "If you would please take these and drop them on the ship."
Titus looked at his sister. Surprised that she just took the sack in her mouth and started to run. Grabbing the other, he followed behind her.
Rose watched as they jumped off the cliff, taking her bow, she found some rags and wrapped it around her arrow, turning her attention, she could see that the two of them drop the sacks from the sky. Placing her arrow into the fire, smiling as it caught fire.
Looking into the sky, making sure that they were out of the way, Rose let the arrow fly, watching as it hit the sail of the ship. It didn't take long for it to be engulfed in flames, and the screams from the men on board filled the night.
Closing her eyes, Rose sent a prayer to R'hllor, hoping that she did the right thing. Feeling Helios gently nudge her, Rose couldn't help but smile. Turning around, she found all four of them watching her. "I need to get to my husband. I'm sure he's worried about me and our son." She said, lightly touching her belly.
Helios looked at her mate, asking if he knew she was with child.
Chiron looked at her, telling her he had no idea. Moving towards her, gently touching her belly. Why would you come if you were with child?
Rubbing his neck, "I'm pregnant, not dead. I wouldn't have come if it put my son in danger." Looking over at them, "I'm sorry that this happened to you, but you can always count on me, my husband, and my people to fight for you."
Helios lowered herself to the human, letting her get on. Looking over at her mate, she watched as he turned and ran, following behind him, her eldest children behind her, proud that they would all make the trip back to the Dothraki to ensure her safety.
Rose felt a sigh of relief, she knew that she was going to have a lot to explain to her husband when she got back to Vaes Dothrak, she just hoped after he strangled her, that he would love her.
Drogo sat with Moro, the moon finally high in the sky, his eyes watching for her return.
Moro could understand, as proud of his wives he would be if they were the Mother of the Horses, he would still be worried about them until they returned.
The sounds of whining brought the khalasar to the feet, but it was more than the Great Stallion, it was his herd. Everyone that was still outside, waiting for the return of their Khaleesi stepped aside as they watched them come towards the ground, giving them space to land. Dropping to their knees as their hooves hit the ground.
Drogo watched as his wife sat proudly on the back of the golden horse, the mate of the Great Stallion. "Moon of my life, are you hurt?" He asked her, moving towards her.
Slowly jumping off Helios, "Sun and Stars, I am fine." Wrapping her arms around him, kissing him deeply. As much as she wanted to keep kissing him, it was important for her introduce her husband to the herd.
Taking his hand, she led him to Chiron. "Khal Drogo, son of Bharbo, this Great Stallion is Chiron." Carefully placing her husband's hand on the bridge of his nose. Smiling when Chiron approved of her husband.
"He likes you my sun and stars." Bringing him to the mare, "His mate, Helios." Watching as her husband touched her gently. "Finally, their eldest children, Titus, and Cassia."
Drogo gently touched them, his eyes finding the Great Stallion looking at him, bowing to him. His eyes found his wife smiling up at him.
Rose knew that this was an important moment for her husband and her people. Turning her attention to the people on their knees, "The Great Stallion came to me, his mate Helios was captured and was to be sent to land across the Narrow Seas. I released her from her cage, and as your Khaleesi, I swore myself to protect them."
Feeling Drogo put his hands on her shoulder, looking up at him, smiling that he was keeping her grounded, "We are the Dothraki, and no matter who comes to our lands, we protect each other, and the Great Stallion of the Sky herd." Her voice carrying through the city.
Drogo pulled her closer to his chest, enjoying the comfort of her skin on his. His eyes looking out over the people, seeing them rise up, chanting their names.
Looking down at his wife, "Moon of my life, the men that dared touched the Great Stallions mate?"
Leaning against his chest, "Dead. All of them are dead." Stepping towards Chiron and his herd, she placed her head on his, "Fly free my friends. And if you need us again, we are here for a few months."
Rubbing his nose against her, R'hllor was right about you, you are worthy.
Rose looked into his eyes, "Thank you." Placing a kiss on his nose, her eyes turned to Helios, gently touching her nose. "Please be safe."
Helios nodded, I will. What is your name, seems rude to call you human.
"My name is Rosalind, but I prefer being called Rose." Taking a step back, she watched as Chiron reared up, and turned heading into the night. It was Titus that stayed behind, looking over at him, "Are you OK?" she asked him.
Stepping towards her. I judged you, Rose, for that I am sorry. You are worthy, and the sky herd will ride with the Dothraki in times of need. Turning quickly, he galloped into the sky, heading towards their home on top of the mountains.
Leaning against her husband, she turned to him, "I need you." She breathed out.
Lifting her up into his arms, he walked to them through the khalasar the people bowing as he passed by them. "You brought unity to Dothraki, my moon." Using his foot to open the flap to his tent. Quickly making his way to the furs, he gently placed her down.
"On your knees." He demanded, needing to mount her in the traditional way.
Touching his face, Rose rolled over, placing her knees under her, looking over her shoulder, "Take me my Khal."
Gripping the back of her dress, ripping up the center, chuckling as she gasped. Undoing his ties, Drogo let his cock spring free, aligning his cock towards her pussy, he lunged forward groaning as her pussy gripped him. "Fuck."
Looking down, Drogo spread her ass apart, enjoying seeing his cock glisten as he plunged deep into her body. He couldn't help but set a brutal pace, wanting to fill her with his seed. "My moon, feel my cock." He groaned out.
Rose gripped the furs tightly, pushing back against him. Her head falling forward, Rose could feel her body starting to coil, "Drogo. I'm so close." She muttered. Gasping as he gripped her hips, she loved his gentle side just as much as she loved his brutal side.
Hearing his name on her lips, pushed him over the edge, using his hand; he pushed her down onto the floor, while his other kept her hips lined with this cock. The angle gave him what he was looking for, deeper penetration of his moon.
As her body began shaking, the sound of their skins slapping echoed into the tent, and pushed him over, "My Khaleesi. Take my seed." His body shaking above her as he emptied his balls into her body.
Rose cried out, the heat spreading through her like a wildfire, "OH GOD." Unable to hold herself up, she fell forward, bringing Drogo with her.
Gently laying on her, not wanting to crush her with his weight, he rolled to the side, his cock still deep inside her. Wrapping his arms around her, letting his hand settle on her belly, "You are my reason for being, do not ever run off without me again. It is my job to keep you and our son safe."
Taking a hold of his hands, "I swear, I will not." Turning so that she could look into his eyes, "I love you, Drogo. More than my next breath."
Placing a kiss on her lips, he swung his leg over hers, essentially wrapping his body around her, doing what he could to protect her. When the Dosh Khaleen spoke of his bride, he knew she wasn't going to be weak or scared like any other woman may. She had the heart of a Khal, brave and fearless.
Drifting off to sleep, he knew that he loved her with everything that he was. Regardless of what traditions dictate, he would gladly go into battle with her, when she was no longer with child. a
Across the grasslands, Illyrio watched as Visery's and his sister Daenerys made their way to his home. Shaking his head, his eyes fell towards the Ciar, "They've arrived early. What do I do?" He asked the woman.
Hissing at the sight of their almost silver hair, "For now my Lord, entertain the boy within reason." Stepping back, she lightly touched his arm, "Rose is with child now, so the horde will remain in Vaes Dothrak for the next few months, wanting to make sure she's safe, soon they will make their way back to Pentos, to collect their winter tributes, and if Viserys dares insult her, the Khal will rip him apart." Almost smirking at the thought.
Nodding to her, "And Daenerys?" If Drogo killed her brother, she would probably want revenge.
Ciar just smirked, "Would do well to remember her place in this world, her family lost the right to claim the Iron Throne when they kept breeding with each other, it was a disease that spread through them; driving them all mad."
Seeing the carriage come to a stop, Illyrio took a deep breath, "The rumors that they are born of Dragons, and can't be burnt?" he asked her.
Closing her eyes, she couldn't help but smile at the signs she was getting from R'hllor, "Were once upon a time true, but after Robert's rebellion, the magic that kept them from burning was taken from Daenery's, and given to another."
Now was not the time for her to reveal such things, it was important for the khalasars to unify before anyone from Essos or Westeros knew the strength of the Dothraki Khalasars.
Watching the pair of siblings get out of the carriage, he moved to greet them, "My prince and princess, welcome to my home. I hope your journey was pleasant enough."
Visery's looked up at Illyrio, at least he greeted him with the reverence that he deserved as the crown prince of the Iron throne. Resisting the urge to roll his eyes at the stupid question, he let the man bow before him and his sister, "It was long, the Usurper and his minions dared not cross the Dothraki Sea."
Chuckling, "I would imagine not, it takes a great deal of courage for any man to make such a journey." In truth, most of the Khals were on their way to Vaes Dothrak this time of year, he just happened to be lucky enough to not encounter them on their journey.
Instantly feeling better about himself, "I require lodging for my sister and I." He commanded the man. Looking down at his sister, seeing that she was dirty, and tired, "Have someone tend to my sister, she's in desperate need of a bath and food."
Illyrio could see the young woman was scared, turning towards Mesi, "Please take Daenery's to Rosalind's old chambers, see to it she is cleaned, and fed."
Bowing, Mesi walked to the young pair, bowing at them, "Please, My Lady, I will tend to you." Carefully extending her hand, she led her to her former Lady's room.
Visery's watched his sister go, "I need an army, the Dothraki are known for the brutal savagery." Stepping up to Illyrio, "I will sell my sister to the most vicious of Khals, Drogo, that is what the people whisper."
Extending his hand, "That will not be a possibility, for my niece is married to the Khal." Extending his hand, "I will have a servant tend to you, once your belly is full of food and wine, we will discuss how to gain you an army."
Angered by being told no, Visery's grabbed the man's arm, "Do not treat me as though I am a child, remember you are in the presence of a Dragon. The Khal will divorce your niece, and marry Dani, you will see to it."
Illyrio could only just nod, Ciar was correct, he was but a boy, pretending to be a King, for now, he would placate him, for if not, he would do something far worse then selling his sister to the Horde. "Khal Drogo and his khalasar are currently in Vaes Dothrak, the Horse City, they will be there for a few months."
Trying to think of something to keep the idiot child from marching towards their city, "If we attempt to send a messenger, the Khal will take that as an act of war, and ride through Pentos with his 40,000 men killing everyone in this city, you included my Lord."
Rubbing his beard, "It is best we wait for their return, they will receive tributes of silver, grain, and many men that have violated the laws of this great city, the Khal will be pleased to see such tributes, he would me more accommodating to listen to your offer. Here this, she must be untouched, her value is in her purity." Knowing that the Targaryen's' were fond of impregnating their relatives.
Not having an interest in her virginity, he just waved his hand, "Do this for me, and you will be greatly rewarded when I am sitting on the Iron Throne."
Letting Illyrio lead him to his room, he started planning what he could to appease the Great Khal Drogo. Whoever his niece was, she wasn't as beautiful as Dani, not too many people were, once the Khal saw her, he would kill his current wife so that he could have her.
Watching the steam coming off the water, Daenery's wanted to just sink in, but as her fingers touched the water, she pulled her hand back, "Ouch."
Mesi looked over at the girl, "My Lady, the water is far too hot for you, let the steam cool a bit. Come sit by the fire, I will start brushing your hair, getting it ready to be washed."
Sucking on her burnt finger, Dani made her way to the servant girl, sitting down on the ottoman. "Tell me, who's room am I in?" She asked the girl. Looking around she could see the personal style that was here, simple, but lovely.
Taking the brush, Mesi started the process of untangling her hair, "This room belonged to the Lady Rosalind Mopatis, niece to Lord Illyrio Mopatis. She is now married to the Khal Drogo."
Gasping, "Lord Illyrio let his niece marry a barbarian?" Scared, if that was what he would do someone he loved, what would he and her brother do to her?
"Do not fret, my lady, Lady Rosalind chose to marry the Great Khal. Her heart was as wild as the stallions that they ride, while not typical, it was a great match. They fell in love with each other." Smiling at the memory of them coming back from their bonding ceremony.
Turning her head a bit, "My brother wants me to marry Khal Drogo, he's not going to let another have him, he'll kill her." Worried about the safety of the young woman.
Laughing, "You have nothing to fear my dear, if your brother dares insult the Khal's Khaleesi, your brother will find his head missing from his shoulders." Looking down at the girl who was staring up at her, "The Dothraki will not allow anyone, King nor Prince to hurt the Khaleesi, if he does, Drogo will unleash his horde onto Pentos, leveling the city." For that Mesi was sure.
That just scared her more, her brother was not one to think before he acts, she even told him to send a letter to Robert Baratheon to renounce their claims to the throne, but that suggestion earned her a bloody lip and black eye.
Looking down, she could see the knots were finally coming out of her hair, "I don't want the throne, it has caused my family so much grief for the last 400 years. He won't relinquish the throne; he'll sell me to anyone with an army to sail toward Westeros and march onto King's Landing."
Mesi felt for the girl, "The water should be cool for you, my Lady." Helping her in, she started the process of washing her hair, "My suggestion, if I may be so bold, speak with Illyrio alone, he will know how to help you, protect you from your brother as well as the King."
Dani could only nod, "Was Lady Rosalind nice?" she asked her.
Dumping some water on her head, "Yes, my Lady. She was very kind to everyone, she was also a fierce fighter, anyone that dared challenge her died, perhaps that's what made her a good match to the Khal."
Absorbing her words, perhaps if the Khal and his khalasar came to Pentos, she could sit with the young woman, tell her about her fears, and perhaps find her place in the horde. Anything would be better than staying with her brother, he was going to get himself killed, and her sold like a common slave.
All she really wanted from this life now, was to live a good life, happy, and not worry about men hunting her down because her brother couldn't accept that the Targaryen dynasty was over. Dragons were gone, their blood line gone, it was just the two of them, and if he didn't change soon, she would be the last, and a lone Targaryen in this world that was a dangerous place to be.