Chapter Two: Qarth
.
Qarth, 299 AC
Arthur
.
"Ah! I needed that." Arthur said as he settled into the hot water. All men of their group were in a large bathhouse, courtesy of Mr. Daxos the prince.
Daenerys had met with the strange people from Qarth privately and announced that they would finally be leaving the ruins for better pastures. The gang was quick to gather all their belongings, keeping the guns safely packed and out of sight. For the first time in five days, Arthur tasted proper food when he ate a roasted chicken and drank the wine of the strangers, while the babies had sweet milk. As it turned out, for some reason their new hosts were aware of the Khaleesi's whereabouts and met her man on the way.
The ride to the city took ten days, which the gang spent learning more about the world, from the city names of Essos to the various people who lived there. Arthur noticed how much they stood out in the Khalasar. Except Charles, they were white men while everyone else they met was a shade of brown or black. People called them Andals, which he figured was the name for white folk around these parts. Jorah Mormont and Daenerys could also be called white.
The journey was pretty safe, as they encountered no bandits or murdering kings. The five camels terrified the other horses in their caravan, but Boadicea and the gang's horses remained calmed. After getting out of the city of bones, they came across a road and followed it all the way to an abandoned Vaes Qosar, Vaes was the Dothraki word for city. Being ignorant in words not in English, their group struggled to pronounce names, often causing their otherworldly companions to laugh.
They were holding out pretty good. Dutch kept praying in his free time, looking for signs from God. Hosea talked with that masked woman who spoke English, trying to learn all he could about Qarth. Charles spent time with Rakharo and that new guy Jhogo, whom they had started calling Jock, talking about weapons and trying to learn Dothraki. John was still coming to terms with their situation, but that was understandable considering he was the youngest of them.
Qarth itself had been a magnificent sight, especially the three large walls. Arthur had never seen a city with walls, not that he had been to many cities anyway, but he could bet that New York or Chicago didn't have them. As they entered the city, they could see paintings on them, containing animals, soldiers and pornography of all things, which he found amusing. If Mormont was to be believed, the people around here had a war like every few years or so, which made walls a must. Cannons or artillery could easily put a hole in them, but the people of this world hadn't invented them yet. The inside was exactly how he imagined an ancient city to look like. There were no factories polluting the air but rather stone roads, merchant shops and colorful buildings.
So here they were, bathing in this large establishment and not worrying about the future.
"What do you think of this place son?" asked Dutch.
"I don't know. All cities look the same to me but this one is different." he answered. "Obviously."
Dutch laughed. "This city is like a ripe fruit, full of opportunities. I already have some ideas."
"Always straight to business, aren't ya?" he said. "Well, don't keep me waiting. What're you gonna pull off next?"
"Alright, everyone!" ordered Hosea. "Get over here." Charles and John came to their side of the bath.
"Now," he began. "I think we can make some easy money here. The masked lady told me this city is ruled by merchants and nobles, and they don't like each other."
"Did she ask where we're from?"
"Just made up a story about travelers from Westeros, mentioned places Mormont told us of. Don't think she believed me, but it doesn't matter."
"What matters is," Dutch said. "The princes and nobles have this long-standing feud which we can take advantage of. We will try getting an audience with both sides and then see what we can do."
"What does the Khaleesi say about this?" asked Charles.
"I don't think she'll mind if we make a few bucks on the side. In fact, I plan on telling her. She's supposed to have a meeting with the nobles tomorrow, so we need her to make introductions."
"First thing first, we need to look the part." said Hosea. "I want you all to go to the market tomorrow and sell our stuff. We still have some pieces of jewellery from the job. Get yourself some new fancy clothes like the ones they wear here."
"Oh, I'm not really looking forward to that." John chuckled. "Remember the girls with their tits out?" Arthur remembered the weird dress of the city's women, which exposed one breast. It seemed like the people here have a different definition of modesty.
"That is…well…Not for us to judge." Dutch said, trying to keep a straight face. "It's a different place with different rules. Just get some decent clothes and make yourselves look presentable."
"Whatever you say, Dutch. But we don't speak their language." said Arthur.
"We'll think of something. For now, our guests can help us."
When their bath was done, they were escorted to the palace owned by Prince Daxos. It was located in the fanciest district of the city, filled with other palaces and lavish mansions. While Daenerys was given the largest quarters, the gang occupied a comfortable common room. Long, flowing robes were provided while servants brought food and wine at request. Arthur had been inside luxurious places before, when he was robbing them but this time he was among the guests of honor. It felt out of place.
We're moving up in the world.
The night went by smoothly, with them having the first peaceful sleep of their lives in God knows how long. The next morning, they would be put to work. They had carefully hidden their guns away in a compartment under the floor, only carrying one revolver per person.
"Ser Jorah, how are you this fine morning?" said Dutch to the knight, who was standing guard outside.
"Our fortunes have certainly turned, mister Vanderlind."
"Please, call me Dutch. As it happens, I have a favor to ask of you." he began. "I never inquired, but how is your knowledge of languages?"
"Apart from the Common and Dothraki tongues, I have some understanding of Valyrian, on account of my tutoring as a nobleman."
"Perfect. Would you be willing to accompany us in our business venture, for the benefit of our Queen?"
With some consideration, the knight agreed to act as their translator, being promised a cut of the profits. Hosea, John and Charles went scouting with their Dothraki friends. Daenerys had already departed for her meeting, leaving everyone else in the palace. Apparently, the nobles did not want 'savages' to enter their homes. Mounting their horses, Dutch, Arthur and Jorah made their way to the market district to sell their goods, seeing many fantastic sights. Jorah described Qarth as a gateway of trade, becoming wealthy by collecting toll on ships from a neighboring empire called Yi Ti. In the markets, they could see all kinds of wares, from exotic carpets, fine wines, strange zebras and, to their horror, slaves.
America had abolished slavery years ago, by the time Arthur was born. He never saw how things were like back then, but if the auctions he saw now were an example, it was a nightmare. The slaves were of various skin color, being chained by metal collars and put in cages. Arthur was infuriated by the sight, though he could not do anything about it. Dutch was equally horrified, though he was also in deep thought, no doubt thinking of a plan about something.
"Where do the slaves come from?" he asked the knight.
"The ones you see here come from Slaver's Bay- three cities built on slavery, breeding newer slaves to expand their coffers. The Dothraki horselords enslave men and women in their campaigns, but they do not trade with the Qaathi."
They really wanted to just shoot the place up and free the poor slaves, for this was an offence to their conscience, but they would just be painting a target on their backs. In the end, the group moved on.
"How fares our queen?" Dutch asked.
"She is happy now that her khalasar is safe and fed. Ever since your arrival, I have seen her pray like she never did before." Mormont answered.
"What do you make of it yourself, ser?"
"You saved us, for which I am grateful. I share the opinion of the Khaleesi as far as your men are concerned. The gods sent you, there can be no other explanation." he stated. "Having seen the rebirth of dragons and men from another world, my faith is strengthened. Only a fool would claim otherwise."
The group entered a large market complex which was suitable for their needs, containing shops selling all manners of valuables. Arthur collected their bag of jewellery, which was a small portion of their original take in Armadillo but enough to fetch a decent price.
"He praises the quality of the necklace…" Mormont translated the words of one merchant. "…and offers fifty gold pieces for each set."
They considered it to be a fair offer and made five hundred gold coins. Other items such as platinum bands and gold engraved decoration knives also fetched a decent price. The merchant's eyes fell on a pocket watch, and he muttered something in his language.
"He wants to know about that contraption." Mormont translated.
"It tells time." Arthur answered. Hearing the translated words, the man excused himself and entered a large building. A few minutes later, he came back with a tall muscular man wearing a colorful robe.
"My lords, I am Alequo Hestis, leader of the Craftsmen Guild of Qarth." he said in proper English. "I have been told of an exceptional timekeeping device."
"You have been correctly informed, my lord." Dutch began his classic sales pitch. "Made by craftsmen from lands far, far away, it will keep track of your precious time." He explained in detail the concept of twenty-four hours and how to read and maintain the device. Arthur was amused at how he presented a cheap pocket-watch as an exotic commodity, though in this world it was one.
"The makers of this device must possess the knowledge of the gods. It will be a challenge to replicate such a thing." The man smiled. "I will offer you a hundred thousand gold pieces for this."
Holy shit. The entire amount was a lot more than they ever made in all their jobs combined, Arthur thought. Enough to give up their outlaw ways altogether.
"You are extremely generous my lord, I accept." said Dutch, shaking hands with the merchant before a servant brought a large box containing the money. Only a few days ago, they were close to getting killed and now, they were richer than they had ever been. If only Susan was here. Arthur wondered what had become of her- was she been captured by lawmen or just presumed the gang dead?
"At this rate, we're gonna own this place." Dutch laughed as they left the district, with Mormont carrying the case on his horse. "It seems like we have enough money to carry out my plan."
"What is it?" asked Arthur.
"All in good time son. I still need to work out some details."
"You'll work it out. You always do."
It was noon, and the heat was slowly increasing. Arthur couldn't wait to get back to the palace and lie down for a few hours. By now, their friends would have returned with their findings. Unfortunately, to get to the palace, they had to go straight through the slave auction. It was something Arthur didn't want to see again.
"There is so much sin in this city, Arthur. They claim to be the center of the civilized world, but just look around." said Dutch, gesturing at the caged men and women. "Sodom or Gomorrah in the flesh. Do not be fooled by their palaces and fancy words."
Just then, they heard the shriek of a little girl. Turning around, Arthur saw the girl in question being dragged to the front of an auction. It was a sorry sight, as she looked to be only ten years old and had bruises all over her hands and legs. The slave trader was mishandling her, saying something to the crowd in Valyrian.
"What is he saying Mormont?" Arthur asked.
"Good Master Kraznys mo Nakloz is selling the girl." the knight answered. "She was his scribe, but he found her…insolent."
"What will happen to her?"
"Educated slaves like her can be kept as scribes or interpreters, but she is also a girl. A brothel owner can put a high price on her maidenhead."
The thought disgusted Arthur, for the girl was already in a sorry state and about to be sold into a worse life. She did not move or make a sound, but it was clear that she was miserable. It was hard enough to come to terms with a lot of things in this world, but there was no way he could accept what he just witnessed. If God had really intervened and sent him here, how could he do nothing in this situation?
"I can't let this happen Dutch." Dismounting Boadicea, he entered the auction.
"How much for the girl? I will pay more than these people." he asked the trader. It took much restraint to keep him from just pulling out his gun and rescuing her.
The man paused, before replying in broken English. "Five thousand…gold…Andal. She…virgin." he smiled. Other potential buyers were looking at him.
"Done." Arthur replied. It would have felt better to pay him with a hole in his head, but he paid in gold. Then he went to the girl and knelt down.
"Hello." he said kindly. "Do you speak Eng…Common tongue?"
"This one speaks many tongues, master." the girl replied, with no hint of emotion. The last part hurt Arthur. "This one will serve you faithfully."
"I'm not your master little lady, so don't call me that." he said. "And I'm not a bad man either. I won't do anything to you."
That surprised her and she looked at him. Her eyes were golden, the likes of which he hadn't seen before. She seemed innocent, but it was obvious that she had been though a lot. The life of a slave couldn't have been anything less than cruel.
"I'm Arthur. Arthur Morgan. What's your name girl?"
"This one is called Missandei, mas…Arthur."
"Missandei. That's a pretty name. See, I'm living in that palace over there." he pointed to Prince Daxos' palace up the hill. "They have good food and a nice water garden. Would you like to come with me?"
The girl said nothing, possibly trying to figure out his game. He decided to make things clear once and for all.
"I am not your master, Missandei, because you're no longer a slave. Come with me, and I'll protect you from bad people. I give you my word." he stood up and offered her hand. The girl finally smiled as she took it. In the distance, Dutch and Jorah were watching the scene with interest.
"Arthur, that was…the most beautiful thing I have ever witnessed." said Dutch.
"I claim the same thing, mister Morgan." Mormont added. "No one here would spend such an amount to free a child."
"Then perhaps it's a good thing I'm not from here." Arthur said, lifting the girl up and placing her on Boadicea.
.
Daenerys
.
Drogon, Viserion and Rhaegal were perched on her shoulders, being fed by their mother. They had been in a better mood ever since getting properly cooked meals.
Just a fortnight ago, Dany had declared herself to be the rightful Queen of Westeros. Viserys claimed to be the rightful King, but his death put an end to his ambitions. It only seemed natural that she inherits his claim and gets back what was taken from the Targaryens. Only this time, she had begun having second thoughts.
Ever since she was a child, Viserys had regaled her with tales of the Seven Kingdoms, a land she had never seen before. All her life had been spent in Essos, whether it be the Free Cities or the barren and desolate lands of the east. The first blow had come when Ser Jorah revealed that the people of Westeros do not spare a single thought about her family. The second blow came when she led her khalasar into a wasteland, facing many pains. A Queen is supposed to protect her people, but she could not even protect a hundred Dothraki without help from others.
The Pureborn of Qarth entertained her, only because they wanted an opportunity to see dragons. She was nothing but a mummer for their amusement. She did what was expected of her- wore their dresses, made a sacrifice in their Temple and followed their traditions, yet they rejected her claim to the Iron Throne and declined to provide any help.
Xharo Xhoan Daxos praised her beauty on every occasion, which Dany found nauseating. When they talked about her meeting with the Pureborn, he even offered to marry her in exchange for ships and gold for an army. For a while, she considered his offer, as he was the richest man in Qarth, before remembering what Dutch Vanderlind had told her in their conversations.
The realm of her new friends was plagued with opportunistic merchants with no principles, who broke every promise they made, and the common people suffered. They were beasts who only understood greed, and with what she had seen of Qarth in her stay, this city was no different. It was built on slavery, it employed slaves to protect its walls and the nobles worked their slaves to the death. There was a time when she would not have cared for such things, but she was a different woman now. Her time as Drogo's wife had exposed her to the horrors of war, and she had experienced fear and hunger when he died.
Then, out of nowhere, a miracle had given her three dragons and friends from a different world, wielding the knowledge of the gods. They had changed her perspective on the world. Without them, she would have considered treating with Daxos and perhaps the other merchants as well, but now she knew better. To ask for their aid is to abandon her principles and become a beast as well.
They would give you what you want, and then they would own you. Dany planned to leave the city with a ship and try her luck somewhere else. She still had dragons and men with powerful weapons.
"Blood of my blood, the masked witch is here." Jhogo announced.
"Did she tell you what for?" said Dany, not in the mood to entertain any more Qartheen.
"She wishes to talk alone. Shadowbinders are not to be trusted Khaleesi. It is known."
Wishing to get it over with as soon as she could, Dany said "Send her in."
Quaithe of the Shadow entered her chambers while her bloodriders left on her orders. "I seek the Mother of Dragons."
"You have found her. Speak what you will."
"Your destiny will begin in this city. Do not leave it." she said. That got Dany's attention.
"What do you mean?"
"The Mother of Dragons can not lose faith, for she has witnessed the power of the gods herself." Quaithe said. "You are meant to rule."
Dany chuckled lightly. "Over what? People I have never met? A throne my brother died coveting?"
"Your destiny says otherwise."
"Speak clearly, for you test my patience." Dany replied sternly, getting tired of the woman's unclear answers. After a long pause, the woman began.
"The man who has become your teacher, follow his counsel, for he is sent by the gods, but never let him have power over you. A dragon is not a slave."
Dutch. How does she know?
"The older man is the voice of reason, a man who turns thoughts into deeds. He can help you achieve your plans."
Hosea?
"One of them shares your pain and knows the plight of the downtrodden. He will help you inspire loyalty from others."
That can only be Charles.
"Given time, the youngest of them all will bloom into a warrior, protecting your people at the risk of his own life."
John?
"Your sworn sword has proven his worth, but soon you will face a difficult decision. How you act will define who you are."
Ser Jorah? What could go wrong with him?
"Finally, the man in your dreams. There is pain inside him, but also greatness. He is your connection to the gods. Never lose sight of him."
Arthur Morgan.
"How do I know what your words are worth?" Dany asked.
"I am merely a messenger. The gods are playing their part, and we must play ours." With that, she bowed and left, leaving Dany in thought. If the woman knew about the miracle, could the others know as well?
She went back to feeding her children, and an hour had passed when Rakharo announced that Dutch Vanderlind wanted to talk. She was looking forward to that and sent for her friends. The five men arrived in her meeting hall, joined by Ser Jorah.
"Your Majesty, I trust your meeting was successful?" said Dutch.
"The nobles here are stubborn." she answered. "They have refused every offer I made."
A long discussion regarding her day ensued. After that, she heard of their day, which was far more eventful. Hosea had taken a few of her men to explore the city, learning of all the streets and districts. Dutch and Arthur had sold a hundred thousand gold pieces worth of goods, which surprised everyone in the hall, including her. But the tale about the slave girl called Missandei was most disturbing to hear.
"I must ask a favor, Your Majesty." said Arthur. "The girl's my responsibility, but she needs a woman as well. If you could…"
Dany cut him off. "I would be glad to take her as my handmaiden." she smiled. "It is the least I can do."
"That is most kind of you, Khaleesi. Now, with your permission, I would like to discuss something that has been on my mind." Dutch said. "It must not be heard by anyone."
Nodding in agreement, Dany ordered her bloodriders to check for any intruders or eavesdropping servants. When they found none, she urged him to begin.
"First let me ask, Khaleesi, do you have faith that you are meant for something greater? Something preordained by God himself?"
"Yes I do. I have been praying every day for signs, trying to find what it is."
"So have I, and now it seems that I have found it."
"Please, share it with us."
"From what I have seen, this city is a breeding ground for sin and slavery." he said. "It is a mockery of civilization and all things sacred. All my life, I have tried to fight against injustice, for a land where people can live with freedom and dignity. For a while, it seemed like a lost cause, but the sight of this city only strengthens my resolve. Hosea and I have come up with a plan."
"That's why I took your men out for a walk, Your Majesty. In a few days, we will know this city like the back of my hand."
Heed his advice. Quaithe's words came to mind.
"What is this plan?"
Dutch smiled before he leaned in.
"This city needs to be purged, and the righteous need to rule. We will conquer it."
.
Notes: Please do leave a review on any chapter you read, even if it's criticism. It will make the story better in future.
