Astapor, 300 AC

Daenerys

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"Elia was always a very frail woman, but that never stopped her from enjoying life." Oberyn talked of his sister fondly. "Our mother, Princess Myriah loved her the most. She could get away with any mischief."

The Martell Prince and his family were seated on the table with Dany and her council. Ellaria Sand was his paramour, not wife, and his daughters Obara, Nymeria and Tyene were bastards. Seating them on a high table might have caused offence in Westeros, but the United Cities had different views regarding that issue.

"What did Aegon and Rhaenys look like?" Dany asked.

"Rhaenys was a beautiful child, with hair like Elia's. Aegon favored his father, from what I saw of him." Oberyn was once again put in a sad mood.

"Let's talk of other things, Prince Martell." Dutch intervened, trying to steer the conversation away from that path. "What brings you here?"

"Yes, while the company of my good-brother is much appreciated, I want to know what made you travel all the way to Xhalor's Bay." she said.

"Is that the new name? Very well." Oberyn replied. "Not long ago, I was in King's Landing during Joffrey Baratheon's wedding, seeking revenge for wrongs done years ago. When the boy king was murdered, his uncle, Tyrion Lannister was accused and put on trial, which he ended with the demand for a trial by combat. The crown appointed Gregor Clegane as their champion, the murderer of both our families. I saw the chance and was prepared to fight for the half-man…"

"Half-man?"

"Tyrion Lannister is a dwarf." The man explained. "Though I hate the Lannisters, the younger brother is not at fault, and quite a decent company, if I may say so. I was on the way to volunteer as his champion when I received my brother's message. By that time, your exploits in Qarth were known throughout the Seven Kingdoms, and Doran wanted me to seek you out, to offer our support. I was furious at him, but it soon turned out that my involvement was not needed at all. Before his trial, the dwarf somehow escaped the black cells, killed his father and disappeared. I suppose that day was the happiest Dorne has ever had in living memory. A shame I was not there to celebrate, as I was on my way to you, with my family and five hundred Dornish spears."

"Tywin Lannister is dead?" Dany was surprised.

"That he is. If I ever see Tyrion Lannister again, I will embrace him like a brother before killing him for stealing my revenge." Oberyn lifted his wine cup along with his family. "To the Old Lion, may he rot in the seven hells."

"That means Ser Mormont's work is reduced." Dutch told her. "It'll encourage him." The mention of her former protector filled her with some anger. Dany would not forgive the man, not so soon.

"Ser Mormont?" Ellaria Sand asked. "As in Jorah Mormont, the slaver?"

"Slaver, my lady?" Dutch was confused. He did not know.

"Did Ser Jorah not tell you why he was exiled?" Dany asked.

"I assumed he killed someone important."

"He sold people into slavery. When his liege lord got word of it, he had to flee for his life."

"Why would he do something like that?"

"For love." Dany knew the story of Lynesse Hightower. The things men do for love, like betrayal.

"Why is Jorah Mormont not with us, Your Grace?" Oberyn asked.

"He had conspired with the Usurper to kill me. I uncovered his treachery but gave him a chance at redemption." said Dany. "I sent him to kill Tywin Lannister, Jaime Lannister and Varys the spymaster."

Oberyn Martell laughed. "Then it seems that you received Lord Tywin's pardon letter."

Dany stopped eating. "Come again?"

"I was there in the small council meeting, when the Old Lion presented that plan- to expose Jorah Mormont's past to the Dragon Queen."

Was I being mocked by the Lannisters all along? "But he is guilty."

"Yes, he did send information to Varys, but in any case, may the gods favor the man in his venture." Oberyn raised his cup again.

"At least we won't be hearing anything from that lion bastard again." said Dutch.

"When do you plan to return to Westeros, Your Grace?" Oberyn asked.

Dany was expecting that question. "I do not. I have duties here."

"But the marriage pact. Will you not honor it?"

"What pact?"

"The pact for a betrothal between House Targaryen and House Martell, which Ser Willem Darry agreed to."

"This is the first time that I have heard of such a pact. Ser Willem never mentioned it before his death." It seemed both her protectors had kept secrets from her.

Oberyn looked as if he was lost for words. "This is…unexpected."

"But my answer remains the same. The people of Essos need me here, not in a far away land. I am the only one with the will and the means to free them from their chains. That is what my new realm is built on- Freedom, not only from slavery but also from the corrupt rule of lords."

The Martells listened attentively. "What you want for your people is admirable, but what do you want for yourself, Your Grace?"

Surprisingly, Dany did not have an answer for that. She had been so involved in her holy mission to ever think of her personal wants. What did she want? She had once wanted a son, the Stallion who mounts the world, but Mirri Maz Duur had stolen that dream from her long ago. What else did she want? It was not wealth, nor prestige…

Then she remembered that house with the red door. Where was it? She had always thought that it was in Braavos, but on further thought, she was not certain herself. It was the last time she had ever felt peaceful and safe. Perhaps those two things were her desires. A home. Yes. Somewhere she could truly belong. Her new nation and her new people.

"It matters not. Essos is my home, and as a queen, I have to put my people's needs before my own." Dany remembered Dutch's words.

Oberyn Martell looked impressed. "Whatever your decision might be, Your Grace, I am here to stay. My brother would have me choose the path of peace in his kingdom, but he has no authority here." he said. "It looks like you do not have a Queensguard yet." Ser Jorah had been part of that, and Barristan Selmy would take his position when he returned. Dany had no protector except Daario Naharis. "No worries. My daughters Obara and Nymeria are excellent warriors and would be honored to fill those positions."

"Do women fight in Dorne?"

"We do, Your Grace." Obara Sand answered. "I will pledge my spear to you, if you would have me." she stood up from the table and then bent her knee.

"And I pledge my blades." Nymeria Sand did the same.

Dany stopped them. "One does not kneel in the United Cities. Stand up." the sisters were surprised. "I accept your service, and I vow to never ask you to do anything dishonorable." she then turned towards Tyene Sand. The girl was very different from her sisters. While Obara and Nymeria were warriors, Tyene looked almost like a priestess. "What about you, my lady?"

The girl smirked. "I lack the fierceness of my dear sisters, but I can still be of assistance of you. Make me your handmaiden, Your Grace."

"Granted." Irri and Doreah could use some company, and Dany suspected that Tyene Sand was more than what she seemed.

"As for me, I can be of much use as well." Oberyn Martell continued. "I can be your maester and lead your warriors into battle as well. I forged many chains at the Citadel in Oldtown, and I am looking forward to seeing your famous new weapons in combat."

Dany smiled. "As it happens, I am quite short on eligible members in my council."


Today was a special day. The arrival of the Martells had put her in an even stronger position, but that was not all. Today, the Unsullied and the Astapori freed slaves would present her with their chosen representatives. Once again, like Qarth, the positions were open to both men and women, as long as they were learned and experienced.

With Obara, Nymeria and Daario on her side, she reached the Plaza where the election had just concluded. There were six men and four women this time, who wore common rough spun garments and awaited her arrival.

"You have been chosen by your people." Dany announced in Valyrian. "Now comes your oath."

Dutch had prepared an oath during the first election in Qarth, which she recited. "Put your hands on your heart and repeat after me." The men and women followed. "I solemnly swear to bear allegiance to the realm and the Queen, to uphold all laws and to perform my duties to the best of my abilities." With that, the first council of Astapor was established. Then came the Unsullied.

"Remove your helm, soldier." Dany commanded the chosen general. "What is your name?"

"Foul Mongrel, my queen."

"Your real name, I meant." she would never approve of a free man using a filthy name like that.

"I cannot remember."

"Take any name of your choice then. For now, I have a task you. Will you do it the best you can?"

"I will do anything for the Mother of Dragons, the woman who set me free."

"Good. How many Unsullied can hold this city?"

"Two thousand, my queen."

"Take two thousand of your best men and hold this city for me. I will leave for Yunkai on the morrow. Protect this city, the council and the people, and if anyone loyal to the masters tries to step up, deal with him." Dany instructed.

"I will hold this city or die in the attempt." The man declared and left.


Dany found Dutch at the top of the pyramid, looking towards the west. "I have read so much about this Valyria ever since God brought me to this world. To be so close to that civilization of legends…"

"My brother would often tell me stories about our ancestors. There was Daenys the Dreamer, the girl who saved our house from the Doom." she said, looking towards the same direction.

"Indeed. A tragedy of that proportion, the mind boggles. But then again, things like these often show us a mirror."

"How so?"

"The Valyrians were decadent, just like the Romans or the Sarnori. Too confident in their own power that they failed to see the obvious. More often than not, we cause our own destruction by not giving importance to the things that matter. Who knows what trials we'll face in the future? Good night, Your Majesty." he left for his quarters. Dutch had a way with words, and everything he said seemed to have some hidden meaning.

Dany made her way to her own quarters, thinking about the man's words. She dismissed the Martell girls and entered her bedchamber, but someone was already there.

"How did you get in here?" she asked Daario Naharis. "You are supposed to be preparing for tomorrow."

"Those Dornish girls are good at guarding the doors, but they cannot guard the windows." he answered. In his hand was another bunch of flowers. "I had to swim to a faraway island for these."

Dany took them, feeling amused. "You are a bold man, Daario Naharis. It might cost you your head one day."

The man went to his knees. "Forgive me for my conduct, my queen, but you have put me in a difficult position."

"Have I?"

"War and women are my only talents…"

"Have you not had both in the last few moons you have spent in my service?"

"Only one, my queen. As for the other, I am afraid I have not taken any woman to my bed."

"That is your fault, not mine." she went on, trying to see what words he would come up with.

"There is only one woman I desire, and she keeps breaking my heart." he said the words as if he were hurt. Dany had to admit, the man was interesting.

"And who is this fortunate woman?"

"She is a dragon, my queen."

Dany took a flagon of wine and filled two cups, offering one to the sellsword. "Fine, do what you do best." She drank from the cup, then moved forward and raised her lips to his. The last time, it had been Drogo. Daario Naharis felt different, but not quite right. They went on, but no matter how pleasurable it felt, in her mind she imagined another man.

.

The Dothraki Sea, 300 AC

Arthur

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"I'll go first!" whispered Arthur as he went close to the Dothraki urinating on a tree. His movements were quiet, and he had the Valyrian Steel machete in his hands. Once behind the man, he grabbed him by the head and slit his throat. Charles took it as a signal and fired his arrows at two others.

It was the dead of night, the perfect time for an ambush. "Do it!" he said to Charles. The man took out a war horn and blew as hard as he could.

"Forwards!" the Braavosi and the riflemen appeared out of the trees and charged, their weapons and burning torches in hand.

"Fire!" yelled a captain, and the rifles were let loose. The air was filled with smoke and riders fell from their horses. The Braavosi swordfighters then moved in and finished the ones on the ground, taking minimum casualties. Their targets were either asleep or drunk and had not expected an attack in their own turf.

"Let's go boys! Burn this dump to the ground!" Arthur ordered the soldiers, who threw the torches. The land was dry this time of the year, so the grass caught fire pretty quickly. Their ambush was successful, and hundreds of Dothraki lay dead. To survive in this part of the world, they had to go back to their old outlaw ways and hit them brutally, often in the dark.

This was the fifth encounter they had with the hordes ever since their journey towards Vaes Dothrak, the capital of the Dothraki Sea. They had avoiding going in these lands, but now they had no other choice. Arthur could only hope that they made it before the bastards did something to John. Daenerys had to wait, but she would understand. They had taken a hit-and-run approach in their strategy, so they quickly gathered anything that wasn't burnt and took off.


"Where do you think they might be now?" he asked Barristan.

"Seven days of fast riding in open fields, and a handful of men?" he answered. "I would wager that they must be close to Vaes Dothrak."

"The boy can handle himself." said Arthur. "What if he managed to escape?"

"I would not count on it." said the old man and Arthur had to agree. Even if John somehow gave his kidnappers the slip, he would be caught again anyway. The soldiers had been riding as fast as they could too but having thousands of people would slow them down.

"John always kept to himself." Barristan began again. "Why is that?"

"I don't know, he's never been much to talk. The boy's had a tough life."

"How so?"

"His parents died long ago, so he was always on his own." Arthur remembered the event. "He was living on the streets, stealing food. When we first met him, the people of his town were about to hang him. Dutch stepped in and shot the rope, and he's been with us ever since."

"Mister Van der Linde, does he have a habit of going from town to town and saving people?"

Arthur laughed. "Yeah, he does. He's like a teacher, always bringing new people into the family and teaching them the ways of the world."

Barristan joined him and spoke again. "Years ago, when the Targaryens still ruled Westeros, I had the honor of serving with a man who liked to help the smallfolk. His name was Arthur, just like you. Ser Arthur Dayne."

"That so?"

"Yes. In those days there was an outlaw called the Smiling Knight, who roamed the Crownlands and committed countless acts of cruelty. No one cared for the peasants who suffered, but Arthur did, and he led the Kingsguard to deal with his group once and for all. My brothers and squires took turns battling the Smiling Knight, but he refused to surrender. That was when Arthur Dayne entered the fray. In his duel, he broke the Smiling knight's sword but allowed him to get another, and then ended his life for good. Not once did I see any doubt or fear in Arthur's mind."

"Sounds like a good man. Where is he now?"

"He died. We shall never see his like again."

"I'm sorry."


The rest of the day was spent riding. The Braavosi soldiers had been reluctant at first, but the raids at he camps had kept them happy for now. Speaking of the Dothraki, Arthur had expected that the riders with them would be reluctant to attack their own people, but he was proven wrong. They fought them the same way they had once fought with his men.

"I've been thinking." said Charles. He was crafting a bunch of arrows. "The Dothraki are a violent lot, I agree, but in many ways, they are the same as us."

"What do you mean?"

"I've listened to Dutch's speeches ever since I joined you. He talks about how civilization is corrupt, how cities and factories have destroyed America." Charles went on. "The Dothraki say the same. Their god tells them that settling down is sinful, that's why they live off the land and keep attacking cities and towns."

"That's an interesting thought." said Arthur. He hadn't spent much time trying to know the people.

"Of course, that doesn't change anything. We still have to get John back."

"Yes. Have you started working on what we discussed?"

"Follow me."

The men went towards the very back of the camp. The supply trains contained food, drink and most of all, the gunpowder. They had left Qarth with a large load, and it was not even close to being emptied, as their battles were short. Inside a tent, there were many new things that they had created in seven days.

"These bombs aren't as effective as dynamite, but they'll do the job." Charles handed him a homemade bomb. "Gunpowder and shrapnel, tightly packed."

"It's good. I'll have the carpenter arrange for smaller barrels. We need them for my plan."

"What will you do?"

"You remember that story Dutch likes, about that thing that happened in November…?"

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