Mereen's roads stretch around Dragon's bay as citizens from surrounding cities southwest of Meereen witness their queen return after a month long absence. The chatter about an imposter taking the queen's place silenced the moment Drogon flew over their heads ascending into Meereen's skyline roaring hellfire at the temple peak. The Targaryen's pet stood for centuries representing to the world their bloodlines ties to fire and blood. The dragon is the last of its kind becoming Daenerys's protector never to let anyone, even a Targaryen stand beside her again. Drogon guards the temple day and night as his queen's health remains questionable willing to put his own needs aside to attend to his mothers. Daenerys hasn't left the temple grounds in weeks requesting to be left to her own devices for a majority of the day. The only time she is seen by citizens ranging all over south east Essos is during the day when a period of time is set aside listening mostly to day farmers and trader merchants formally discussing their needs.
People are exuberant having their liberator queen in her rightful place calling Westeros an uncultured shithole. Daario isn't the best leader nonchalantly dismissing most too bored or preoccupied with thoughts of Daenerys. In the former sellsword's view queen regent duties are insignificant compared to the obligations as the new General-Captain over the Second Sons and Golden Company. The two factions combined into one resurrecting both armies in order to protect Daenerys alongside Drogon.
Daario sits with his two lieutenants in a tavern located in the heart of Meereen showing them a map of the area drawing lines along the edges guarding every corner of the city. "We attack high and from the north. The south is secure due to our navy forces stationed there. Should they decide to come from the direction of Yunkai Astopor or Braavos. Myr and Volantis are the only cities who accepted a parlay trading supplies." In truth he couldn't care less about the city or people all that much. He cares about his love Daenerys. It was destined she leave Essos to conquer Westeros. The same plan had been in place since before he was hired under service. He refused to believe what happened to Daenerys. She was the best leader and hope for a better world and got murdered in exchange. His biggest regret was not disobeying her order for him to stay queen regent. The more it crosses his mind the more he's convinced he's becoming Jorah Mormont.
"All due respect sir we haven't responded to the Iron Bank's proposition. They're trying to buy out a contract for ten years of service." Hobbrik the second company lieutenant says.
"Fuck the Iron Bank we don't have to give them a response. Next order of business." Daario replies.
The third lieutenant Bernard splinters the wooden cup smashing it on the table. "Gods be damned captain we need that contract. Meereen's treasury is in the bottom half of the free cities' economy. This place would be a graveyard had the mother of dragons not returned to us. We need gold captain." He says.
"I agree. Gold buys soldiers loyalty. We need payment something the crown can't give at the moment." Hobbrik says signaling another round of drinks for their table.
Daario's focus remains on the map placed in front of the company. "You guys didn't think I'd forgotten we're mercenaries first. Illorio Payne is on his way here. The lard ass wants to meet with our queen for one reason."
The queen will never accept a marriage proposal at this time." Hobbrik states.
"If it was marriage the bastard was after I would've never accepted money be damned. He wants her dragon in exchange for ten thousand mercenaries." Daario says folding his arms taking another full cup, "he can't really believe our queen will accept. Makes me wonder what he's really after or whose he's really working for."
"Could be Meereen captain. Think that bastard would be smart enough to try taking over the city?"
"No. But there's no telling what ulterior motive he's hiding. Whatever it is that fuckers going to have to do a lot of talking before he gets anywhere near my queen." Daario twirls his favorite dagger between fingers recalling the first time he met Daenerys. Funny thing, after all these years he always envisioned meeting the woman carved onto its hilt claiming 'she looks the finest bitch in the world.' Now all he can see is Daenerys; her pale blonde hair intricately braided differently each day flowing over breasts.
"General!" Gilroy half hand rumbles through the door drenched in sweat telling another soldier to 'fuck off' for trying to hand him a cup on his bad hand. "Cunt." He snaps at the younger soldier guzzling the cup contents.
"You better have good reason to be here." Daario sheathes the dagger leaning a forearm over the table. "I placed you in charge of guarding the coast so tell me why the fuck you're here?"
Gilroy shakes the split beer off resembling a shivering hound. "Aye its a good reason general. Commander Greyworm's ship has been spotted a few miles off shore."
Daario is out of his seat in Gilroy's face in an instant. "Are you sure?"
"It's him. You can spot the cockless Unsullied from miles."
Daario punches half hand in the nose stumbling him. "What the hell was that for? Insulting the Unsullied?"
"No what you said is by all accounts true. That was for leaving your post without permission." He says striding into the streets trailed by the second and third lieutenients.
Greyworm sits in the captain's quarters on the Unsullied ship having spent months at sea. He is more tired than he's ever been something never afforded coming up as a leader of men. His gaze always diligent fierce and steady. Enemies biggest mistake would be assuming because they were nurtured at birth it made them docile. If he was in the mood he'd laugh at the thought the Unsullied swept through Westerosi armies with ease. They aren't knights. Knights fight for themselves, Unsullied fight for each other. In hindsight Casterly Rock was a big fucking mistake. The woman who beheaded his love was Tyrion Lannister's sister who was their hand at the time. If he'd known any better he should've cut the dwarfs cock off shoving it down his throat to shut him up. Seeing Tyrion stand with the opposition after the northern bastard killed his queen made the thought tempting. Yet he couldn't die in the shit hole they called "King's Landing." One couldn't understand the city's significance aside from the Iron Throne. He understood Daenerys's conquest to reclaim what was rightfully stolen from her family. However the people of Westeros needed to die in his eyes. They're nothing but toxic worms graveling in the dirt hoping, praying the rainstorm will pass. 'Weak.' Something nonexistent in Essos. The weak are stretched out and tossed in the desert, only the strong survive in his birth country. 'Fucking politics.'
Greyworm sighs rubbing a temple wishing to never have stepped foot into that fucking cesspool of a country. He runs a gloved hand along a small silver butterfly pin Missandei had given him the night they shared their first. He glances at quill and paper recalling he is currently writing a memoir in remembrance of the only woman he'd come to love in his traumatic life. All he was ever is to fight until there are no more enemies between his army and their objective. He isn't sure who the enemies are now, he supposes they're everywhere. Then again it doesn't matter nothing really does anymore without Daenerys and Missandei, his world is emptying—There's only duty no love."
"Missandei." Greyworm says her name unlike any other. He's been staring at her too long to go unnoticed. She turns smiling warmly tucking curls behind an ear unable to stop her grin.
"Yes Greyworm." She replies. Her native Naath accent had him hooked since they'd first met. He could hardly believe she's the same woman who announced Daenerys's many titles and claims standing fiercely beside their queen. Its moments like this he will always cherish witnessing her unmatched beauty in his eyes.
The Unsullied leader nods at a passing regiment remembering they're sailing to Dragonstone and have to keep things cordial. How long can they keep the feelings bottled up since their initial meeting till the two times they made love at Winterfell. He can't help cracking a smile left alone on deck like two kids causing mischief. Missandei never experienced freedom found the next best thing in someone she related to. It was all thanks to Daenerys, without her their meeting would've been a fallacy. Their queen who they served loyally gave them a legitimate chance at love. "How are you doing?" He feels a fool the moment those words are spoken. The hardened soldier can't recall him ever asking that of anyone before.
Missandei chuckles softly surprising him as she places fingertips over her lips. Greyworm pulls her by the waist stealing one. They place their foreheads together. "I'm certainly better after that just now." She says playfully stepping out the embrace as his attention shifts noticing soldiers ascend the stair. "How are you doing?" She asks placing a hand on his face tracing a hand on his face tracing left over scars from the battle against the Night King and the army of the dead.
He holds her hands in place embracing the warmth, "will you teach me how to write?" He asks.
Missandei smiles stepping to the railing placing hands behind her back. "What do you plan on using it for? Is there someone you want to write I don't know about."
Greyworm smirks placing hands behind back closing the distance. "I assure you there is no one who occupies my mind quite like you Missandei." The Queen's emissary and confidant bows slightly hiding a heat swelling her cheek bones. "I'm not sure why I want to write. "Greyworm leans on the railing staring out at the open ocean far as they could see. Missandei stands beside him glaring in the same direction spotting fins rolling past waves. "I've been fighting my whole life. It's all anyone said I could ever do—"
"Greyworm you're more than a soldier."
"No Missandei," he faces her releasing a sigh once more thrown by her beauty grazing a curl tenderly. "But I want to be more than a soldier. For the first time I want to be more than what I am."
Missandei holds a hand to a breast unsure if her lungs are functioning properly. "You never had to ask, I would be happy to teach you." Greyworm and Missandei stroll the Targaryen mothership carrying the queen's advisors. The pair glance overhead noticing Dragonstone in the distance as Daenerys emerges out the clouds riding atop Drogon. The small council gather as Rhegal soars circles around looking paler than usual.
Daenerys flies high in the sky feeling success within her grasp, Cersei will fall when the northern army reaches King's Landing aiding the siege of the city. A feeling encompasses Dany as Drogon growls soaring through the air speeding ahead of his brother. Daenerys smiles warmly noting Rhegal's discoloration since separating from Jon a few nights prior. Her worry always lies with her children, the Iron Throne is hers to lose since her recently revealed half brother has no desire for it. Rhegal howls as a two meter metal tipped spear his chest as a second clips Rhegal's throat sending him crashing into the sea.
Greyworm Missandei Tyrion and Varys witness crow eyes fleet before Daenerys as Euron appears alongside Harry Strickland and his Golden Company regiment. "To your posts!" Greyworm shouts throwing on his glided steel helmet. "Adjust the sails! Aim cannons, fire!" The Unsullied ships follow their commander's orders maneuvering to the port side returning flaming arrows.
Daenerys notices the fleet her mind is preoccupied with the death of another son hoping Rhegal will reappear from the depths unscathed. Now all that's left is Drogon, her eldest son who'd been through it all. Unlike Viscerion's death sadness and mourning is replaced by anger and vengeance. She feels Drogon's anger as he soars right evading a spear without her command, she needs to focus but the overwhelming anger is suffocating. Daenerys shouts every frustration out since arriving in Westeros pulling on Drogon's spine evading another spear as she soars toward Greyjoy and Strickland. Harry and two soldiers reload the scorpion at the pair speed lining their position. Daenerys yanks Drogon veering him away as the mobile scorpion fires missing its target wide left—She lost her second son today she isn't losing her last.
Greyworm heaves throwing a shield noticing Daenerys fly in Dragonstone's direction giving him the signal to retreat. His forces are exceptional warriors on land on the seas they are no match for the Greyjoy fleet in their current positions especially with aid from the Golden Company. "Retreat! Retreat to Dragonst—" Greyworm halts rolling out the way of the main mast crashing through the vessel bridge as the sails catch fire. "Abandon ship! Abandon ship!" Greyworm yanks soldiers forcefully from their posts dragging them toward the railing. Greyworm dives after the timbering front mast seeing it descend toward Tyrion.
Greyworm trotts out the water having saved Tyrion and Vary's lives as the pair circulated oxygen through their lungs. His legs nearly give way realizing they are missing someone, the most important person to him at the moment. Once again his soldier instincts kicked in leaving him unaware of everything except killing the enemy. His lungs burn nearly having drowned yet he only cares for one thing, "Missandei!" He shouts echoing across the beach stepping past a coughing Varys and heaving Tyrion. "Missandei!" He freezes surveying the beach bowing his head, for the first time in life he's failed.
"What should I do Greyworm? I want what's good. Its what she would've wanted." Daenerys says holding Missandei's collar for him to see.
Greyworm snatches the collar tossing it into the fire. 'Fuck them. Fuck Westeros. Remember Missandei's last word.' He wants to say. If it were anyone else he would have, Daenerys knows she's always known. Missandei was the purest out of them all and they executed her mercilessly, their fate should be the same.
Daenerys returns his stare reassured Greyworm will stand beside her until the end. 'Dracarus.'
Greyworm combs a hand through his beard realizing somewhere along the way he failed a second time allowing his queen to be assassinated and the men responsible get away without punishment. He wouldn't just be satisfied killing Tyrion Lannister placing a head on his spike. At least he respected the dwarf in some capacity as the queen's hand. Its Winterfell's bastard he wants to personally torture and kill the man if they cross paths again. He sighs placing the memoir in the nearest drawer unable to collect coherent thoughts.
"Commander."
Greyworm furrows brows not hearing the knocks at the door, "what is it Hamon?" He rasps placing hands over his face unable to escape his thoughts of Daenerys and Missandei.
"General Nahaaris and the seconds sons are awaiting our arrival at the harbor." Greyworm nods finding his battle scarred armor and long spear tucked together in the cabin's corner having been unused since leaving Westeros. Their journey to Naath delivering Missandei's body to a nearby isle off shore. The island of Naath itself is inhabited by poisonous butterflies harmless to the native Naath populace. The moment he handed over Missandei's casket unable to give her a proper burial will haunt him. Perhaps he should've wrote that down. Greyworm leaves the captain's quarters unable to cope with the fresh losses any longer.
Daario Hobbrik and Benard await the Unsullied fleet passing Gilroy's checkpoint. Greyworm is first descending the ramp confronting Daario standing shoulder length. Greyworm returns the stare as they measure one another. Daario is first to break into a grin as Greyworm does the same shaking his hand. "Greyworm. Always good to see you old dog."
"I'm not old but I do look like I've aged." He says rubbing the beard as Daario does the same.
"You'll get used to it, eventually." Daario pats Greyworm's shoulder introducing his lieutenants to the Unsullied commander.
"Greyworm, heard quite a lot about you. I saw you fight once at Astaphor when the company sought to buy more warriors scouting you guys. That was many years ago I'm sure you've forgotten." Hobbrik says.
"I remember well actually we finished sealing a mountain pass earlier that morning. We were boys then barley able to fight efficiently with spear and shield. We were each given a dog on the first day of the year, at the end of it we had to strangle it. If we did not we'd be fed to the remaining mongrels."
Hobbrik shakes his head standing beside himself, "nothing like witnessing a teenager or kid so to speak devoured by a pack of hounds. At least with a lion or wolf you'll in most cases die within seconds. However dog canines are similar to ours its an unusual brutal, horrible way to go."
"Fuck you must've had a fucked up life. I mean we're mercenaries our lives are bad enough as it is; we're willing to die for currency. However you guys fight for a higher purpose than gold even when—" Benard shuts up receiving a glare from Daario. "Urm you know."
Greyworm nods, "its something that used to bother me until no end having our manhood the topic of conversation however as commander of Unsullied, words are meaningless." Greyworm taps the metal shield attached to his back showing the war tattered long spear's steel tip tucked neatly between the leather armor and shield. "Steel and blood are all that matters in my line of work." He says giving a slight smile. "Our lives aren't all shitty." Daario can't help smiling as well recalling how close Greyworm and Missandei were. His smile fades as he recalls hearing Greyworm was the only survivor from the queen's council.
"Give us a minute." Benard and Hobbrik share a nod heading to the city gates. "Greyworm there's something you need to know."
"Whatever it is I'm sure it can wait. My soldiers need rations we've had thirty two men die not receiving their daily fill."
"Daenerys is alive—"
Greyworm's expression brightens stepping in the direction of Meereen's palace. Daario halts the Unsullied commander latching onto an arm. The captain-general freezes himself noticing the fierce look in Greyworm's gaze. He removes the hold raising his arms, "the queen isn't feeling up for anyone at the moment. There will be time to see her, for now lets get you and your forces fed and reintegrated into the city's defense. The watch here are shit they need all the aid your army can offer." Greyworm nods rejuvenated the queen is alive, for the first time he feels hope.
Daario and Greyworm pass through citizens chattering freely: Former slave masters slaves mercenaries sell swords and wealthy land owners stroll under the starry sky pointing to Drogon draped over the temple's peak laying dormant. Greyworm halts a moment taking in the sight there isn't any doubt anymore. Hobbrik and Benard appear through the orderly crowds. "Commander Lord Illorio Payne is waiting for you." The latter speaks.
"We were informed minutes earlier by the gatekeepers he and small garrison of twenty three soldiers are waiting for your arrival at the fighters pit." Hobbrik adds. Daario halts, "then there isn't any time to waste. Greyworm would you mind coming along? I could use your help."
Greyworm stands beside the trio, "fill me in on the way. I'll extend my help as best I can lead the way general."
"Good." Daario says expecting no less from the battle hardened soldier leading the others to his favorite spot in Meereen to spend the company's idle time.
The Meereenese shuffle exuberantly out of vendor booths taverns brothels and restaurants in awe of the Unsullied forces marching within their formation. The gang of street orphans run through a nearby alleyway stopping outside the citizens lining the pavement roads. They can only stare in awe wishing to become an Unsullied one day climbing atop nearby buildings for a better viewing.
The Golden Company regiments greet the Unsullied forces handing out food rations to the starved soldiers welcoming them home to Meereen with open arms. Greyworm and Daario lead the march veering to the quieter parts of the Meereen's marketplace. The gladiators standing outside ceased their arguing seeing the four commanders.
"General Daario." Griffin says shaking the sellswords first quickly moving onto Greyworm. "Well I'll be damned your back. Hey shitheads commander Greyworm is back." The others clamor around unbelieving the Unsullied Commander emerged realitively unscathed from the rumored Long Night in Winterfell to Kings Landing's destruction.
The pair push past the warriors questioning them as they push open the double doors finding Illario Payne sitting in the fighters pit. The lord of cheese munches on an entire turkey in one hand ripping off a leg waving it wildly. "Fight to the deaths you scoundrel dogs! Twenty pieces of silver to the man whose the first to decapitate his opponent."
Illario Payne pushes a guard as a warrior pierces his opponents side sending him on a knee. "Finish it, then your reward as promised." He says dangling the bag of silver provoking the fighter as he prepares to seal the fatal blow.
"Cesar." Daario appears halting everyone in the room. The gladiators chatter amongst themselves noticing Greyworm within the Golden Company ranks. "You know thirty five pieces of silver is the minimum for an execution. Go on don't let us stop you, carry on." He says dismissing the gladiators to their regular schedule.
"You showed up wasn't expecting you to soil my parade so early." Illorio says throwing aside the turkey leg chomping into its whole body tearing through a quarter in a single bite. "How much will cost me to start a fighting tournament in Meereen's grand arena?"
"Far too expensive for a cheapskate like you." Daario says taking the nearest seat. "Not to be rude but what makes you think our queen wants to meet with you?"
Illario laughs knocking a food tray over, "have you seen the army camped outside general? Ten thousands sellswords at the ready eager to conquer Westeros. Something the Unsullied failed to."
The Unsullied commander steps forward making his presence known. "I don't recall us being defeated by a Westerosi army. Knights in Westeros have strong armor and a piercing blade. However they're slow footed narrow minded and disorganized. Though they do fight with honor, mostly." Greyworm smirks remembering a scarred warrior going by 'The Hound.' Always spewing that 'he wasn't a knight.' Spitting in the face of Westerosi tradition to the point of being admirable. Perhaps Westeros possessed strong fighters on second thought. He is certain Jon Snow wouldn't stand a chance against his superior tactics mixed with a varied spear play. In order to beat an Unsullied warrior in single combat it requires you to be well versed in their tendencies. Something only Jamie Lannister seemed remotely familiar with during their brief discussions in Winterfell, a conversation he had previously with Oberyn Martell. He remembers Tyrion remarking the Unsullied aren't better overall fighters than any Westerosi army. Its superior albeit unfamiliar tactics that win them a majority of their battles—Greyworm vehemently disagrees with this assertion claiming it Westerosi bias. "I will be more than willing providing a private demonstration on what us Unsullied do to our prisoners." Illario's personal militia place hands at their sword hilts approaching Greyworm. "I'm disappointed Lord Payne if you're going to kill me you're going to need many more bodyguards."
Illario bites into another full chicken waving his personal militia off. "No I've got more important matters need tending. The dragon queen will accept my offer when it comes down to it."
"What makes you think our queen is going to accept your offer."
Illario laughs rubbing his belly swinging a sandaled foot. "She'll accept. I'm the only supplier on the market willing to give ten thousand troops at the ready." The fat man bellows a laugh tossing the chicken carcass aside. "Why go through all the trouble begging the Iron Bank for a fraction of the troops and paying back interest in double interest rates."
Daario glances at Greyworm coming to the same conclusion. "If you don't mind telling us, who was your original intended buyer. I assume you changed your mind when you found out our queen is in fact alive and commands the last dragon."
Illario grins at the Unsullied commander. "My original buyer was the crown, King's Landing. However Westeros can't offer me anything more than what my inventory is worth. I don't give a donkeys shit about wars politics or who fights in them. I'm an arms dealer, think me as a mercenary. To the highest bidder goes the spoils."
Daario shakes his head pouring a wine cup handing it to the lord. "I've seen the bond our queen has with her dragons. Their not pets but they're not untamable beasts, they're her children."
Illario chuckles, "children must separate from their parents eventually its part of life. Besides with ten thousand additional troops you'll be unmatched in Essos. All those free cities plotting Daenerys Targaryen's assassination will cease to exist. I'm willing to give her the same power she had before her departure in Westeros."
"Alright we'll take you to the queen." Daario says leading the others to Meereen's palace.
—-
XXX
—-
Daenerys sits on the elevated seat in Meereen temple's throne room taking any appointments unscheduled through the day. Citizens range from poor to wealthy asking for loans land or food supply around the providence. "I apologize not being able to accommodate your family for the loss of crops. You're not the first person to come here requesting food."
The farmer bows, "its quite alright there is no need to apologize my queen. If anything I should beg forgiveness even asking this of—"
"Its quite alright," Daenerys smiles slightly glancing at Kinvara standing at her side. "I may have a short term solution that can work in both our favors." The farmer glances up curious at the queen's proposition stepping to the edge of the stone stair. "Move your family and business here. Your case unfortunately isn't an isolated one." Daenerys stands from her seat rotating the silver dragon ring wrapped around a finger. "Although there are famines and droughts plaguing the free cities. Meereen is fortunate enough to reside where there's limitless supply of food." Daenerys sighs facing Kinvara once more. "However relocating citizens from their homes where they've lived all their lives doesn't sit well with me."
Kinvara smiles stepping toward Daenerys, "you will do what you think is best my queen. I don't fret too much in needs of others however I do recognize someone who does. Its as I said when you first awake you're reborn to make this world, your destiny is to lead the people against the darkness in the wars to come."
"Is this something your Lord of Light told you?" Daenerys asks.
"No. I can see it. You're the one who will free world casting light upon its shadows."
"Its as I told you before no more prophecies. My concern is with the people of Meereen and their needs. Anything else is arbitrary."
"I understand my queen. How is your son by the way?" He grows stronger by the day." Kinvara says as Daenerys retakes the throne placing a hand on her cheek.
"Not strong enough. This entire time I've been selfish. Drogon suffered the most throughout their time in Westeros. He lost two brothers and me. He was left alone until you brought me back, for that I can't thank you enough Kinvara."
The red priestess bows repressing a chuckle, "its no thanks to me. It's thanks to the Lord of Light."
Daenerys smirks, "I'm grateful for my resurrection though my stance on religion hasn't changed. How would you like to become the queen's hand?"
Kinvara unfolds her arms around her waist stepping away. "Your grace I'm deeply humbled by your offer however I cannot accept—"
"You're refusing your queen who your Lord of Light resurrected claiming to be the people's liberator?"
"That's true your grace. Red priestesses aren't politicians or strategists. We rely on belief and faith. There was another conquerer across the Narrow Sea Stannis Baratheon who fell victim having a red priestess beside him."
"I'm aware of it." Daenerys faces Kinvara holding palms in her lap, "will you ever betray me or my secrets to our enemies?" She asks.
Kinvara returns the stare stepping closer. "I am with you always my queen. From now until the end."
Daenerys lips curve into a warm smile. "Here. This belonged to my last hand who betrayed me for his family, I trust it'll serve you well." Kinvara takes the silver pin running a thumb over it offering another bow taking place beside Daenerys. The guards emerge out the adjacent corridors shutting the throne room double door signaling the end to her day.
"Hold the doors." Daario commands stepping through first followed by Illario and Greyworm. Daenerys's gaze lands on the Unsulled commander as he pushes through the guards staring up at his queen. "My queen," Daario says grabbing her attention, "this Illario Payne. He's traveled from Braavos to offer a proposition,"
Daenerys's gaze flickers to Greyworm once more finding her voice seeing the Cheesemonger lord. "You traveled a great distance my lord. What is it you've come to Meereen seeking?"
Illario laughs placing hands behind her back, "right down to business I love it. However I'd prefer to speak privately as opposed to having an audience."
"Very well." Daenerys dismisses the small council from the throne chamber granting Illario's request. "You must be of importance where you're from considering you were escorted by the commander of my armies."
Illario nods pacing the throne room floor, "its quite the army you have. Naharis is commanding the Second Sons Calvary and reformed sections of the Golden Company. As of moments ago the Unsulled returned along with its commander."
"You've told me things I'm aware of. Where are you going with all this Lord Payne?"
"Your forces aren't impressive your grace I'll give you that. Should you choose to allocate military resources in defending Meereen you're entirely capable of doing that. However my offer stands to conquer all your enemies in Essos and Westeros."
Daenerys leans forward curiously intrigued by the lord's offer after having no interest at the onset. "How much are you offering?"
"Ten thousands soldiers at the ready camped only miles outside Meereen's central gates."
Daenerys leans back astonished at the amount of forces gathered in one spot recalling traveling to Astaphor alongside Barriston Selmy and Jorah Mormont acquiring the Unsullied. "What do you want for it?"
"I want your dragon." Daenerys shifts slightly at the prospect of giving up her last remaining son. "Its a simple enough offer as it is. What good is fire breathing beast in a populated area such as this? Keep him here around people he's only going to end up causing harm to others around him."
Daenerys furrows her brows staring down the cheese lord. "What would you use a fully grown dragon for? They're untamable beasts who will destroy anything they so desire—Even you."
Illario holds his hands up, "it isn't like you're thinking your grace. I simply wanted a dragon I've dreamt of it as a boy. I want to travel the world: fly across Sothoryos. Travel far North beyond the wall where anyone has gone before—I want to be free as you are."
Daenerys represses a sarcastic laugh to not sound mad. "If you think I've experienced freedom in my life you're more of a fool than I expected." Daenerys stands descending the steps staggering Illario as he retreats. "I've been sold raped and survived numerous assassination attempts. All because of a throne my destiny was tied to believing it to be the only possession worth obtaining in this life. Now I am queen of Meereen once more and will not leave again." Daenerys stands shoulder length from Illario backing him down. "The only semblance of freedom I've ever received in my life is with Drogon. He is my son. I will not sell him to you for all the gold gathered in every corner of the world." Daenerys's eyes burn as Illario stumbles nearly tumbling over.
"Y-your grace, I strongly urge you to reconsider the offer. You can conquer the world—"
Daenerys turns away heading for the guards awaiting to the corridor leading to her private wing. "Leave the city by tommorow and take your army with you Lord Payne." Dothraki guards cross swords against Illario's neck silencing his protests as Daenerys exits the throne room.
Daario Greyworm and Kinvara await Illario's emergence as he's escorted by the guards to their position. "Based off you ending up here I'm assuming your offer was declined." Daario says ceasing the sharpening of his signature dagger.
"Aye it is as you claimed, the queen is wholly devoted to her dragon. She has no ambition to seek revenge on her enemies or conquer any lands—Perhaps she is an imposter."
"No she is our queen she loves the dragon as a child. You made the foolish endeavor asking a mother to betray her own for vengeance. Its time to leave the palace grounds Lord Payne." Greyworm says standing beside Daario and Kinvara.
Kinvara smiles placing hands together, "its as the Lord of Light has foretold—"
Illario perks up, "you saw me in your flames? Tell me what you've seen red woman!"
"You have no part to play in the wars to come the Lord does not waste his time with the likes of you."
"Crazy bitch." He spits watching her escorted into the palace.
"Shall we escort you to the front gates Lord Payne?" Daario asks.
"I know the bloody way ya damn sell sword cunts." Illario says waving them off leaving through the opening double doors. The queen's commanders trail Illario through the crowded streets unaware an owl flies overhead toward the desert.
"Everything checks out in the northeast sector?" A city watch guard asks.
"Yeah nothin there but a bunch of drunken dolts gambling away the last of their silver."
"Good everything on our end is—" The guard stumbles unable to utter a word as his throat is sliced. The younger guard turns to run receiving a trio of arrows to the back killing him instantly.
The assassins emerge out the shadows as the shorter of the two runs to a sewage manhole lifting the gate loose off the hinges. One by one warriors climb up spreading throughout the streets.
Greyworm Daario Benard Hobbrik and Illario turn from the city gate commission. "Sir! We got enemies approaching from the south, they're—" The city watch commander clutches the arrow piercing his throat falling from the wall's peak splattering on the ground. The commanders bark orders drawing their weapons as flaming arrows clip their archers sending them free falling off the wall.
Watchmen soldiers carry a large bar hauling it toward the gates sliding it over steel holders. Illario's forces run through the barrier shouting onward slashing guards standing in their path. Calvary riders hurl past the gates spreading about. "Where are our reinforcements?! Where are the rest of our army?!" Daario turns to Greyworm. "The underground tunnels! Do you—"
"On it." Greyworm spears an approaching pair of sellswords rallying nearby Unsullied sprinting into the heart of the city. Illario is assisted into a two horse carriage pursuing the Unsullied forces into the chaos.
"Commander!" Hobbrik shouts slicing through three grunts halting Daario's pursuit of Illario. "Our northern walls have been completely overrun they're constructing a mobile mechanism."
"How many?" Daario hurls a trio of poisonous daggers downing the horse riders.
"Two sir!" Bernard replies slashing a grunts sternum as more enemies charge through the gates.
Daario is on his horse staring at Meereen's temple. "I trust you both can handle it. Take a garrison of troops along with you, I'm going after Illario." Daario speeds past clashing warriors rising through the city siege.
Daenerys and Kinvara witness the northern wall and city breaches in the distance. Citizens flee running inside for safety while a few stay back defending their neighborhoods from the invaders. Meereen allies off the coast led by Gilroy half hand attack from the south halting the invaders forward progress. "Protect Drogon do not leave him no matter what happens."
Kinvara bows her head, "I cannot leave you your grace. As the queen's hand my place is—"
"Kinvara this is an order." Daenerys says meeting the red woman's gaze. "Go." Kinvara bows escorted by a small militia to Drogon's spot atop the temple. Daenerys notices Illario emerge out the siege's chaos heading toward her position.
Greyworm stomps on the manholes grate crushing a grunt's hands kicking the grate aside shoving his signature spear through an eye sockets sending him crashing on others below. Greyworm pulls out a red powder knapsack reaching for a nearby torch.
An invader tackles him from behind stabbing at the ground unable to hit the elusive Unsulled commander. Greyworm kicks the grunts head snapping his neck climbing to his feet grabbing the torch. Two warriors charge him as he sticks the fire into ones face blinding him settling the leather clothes ablaze.
The grunt knocks the torch into the sand extinguishing its flame. He punches Greyworm backing him down the Unsullied leader stumbles. Greyworm wipes blood from his chin blocking the enemy's strike punching him in nose disorienting him. Greyworm hoists the grunt high in the air slamming him through a table. He clutches at the large wood splinter through his neck bleeding out within seconds. Greyworm grabs the knapsack throwing it down the underground tunnel sending the invaders scrambling for cover recognizing it immediately. Not a moment later Greyworm kicks the burning man into the manhole setting the underground forces ablaze. Greyworm recovers his spear chucking it as an ambusher pinning him to the wall. The Unsullied incinerate the remaining manholes ensuring they wouldn't invade there again. Greyworm takes a nearby horse rallying the Unsullied toward the pyramid.
The pyramid doors are breached as soldiers charge slashing through the guards working their way toward Daenerys in her reserved wing of the palace. Illario glances around the carnage placing hands behind her back surveying his well executed plan. "Me lord the scorpion devices are in place, waiting your command sir."
"Give then the signal to fire when ready." Illario says trailing his personal guard into the palace. Daario slashes through the invaders meeting their forces coming in from the south. Gilroy leaps off a horse tackling a grunt stabbing him rapidly in the back giving the Second Son general an opening to pursue Illario. Two horse riders ambush Daario raising their swords as they fall to the dirt pierced by Greyworm's spear as he jumps off the stallion giving Daario a hand up.
"Get movin!" Gilroy yells decapitating a grunt kicking another away. "Should you let the queen fall this night I'll personally execute you!" Without a moments hesitation. Daario and Greyworm pursue Illario into the palace.
Kinvara approaches Drogon placing a hand on his scales earning a growl as the dragon settles unmoving from his position. The red priestess gazes over the city recognizing their dire situation they found themselves in. Kinvara steps closer hesitantly touching Drogon's snout. "You need to let go of your guilt," she says as Drogon stares at her, "your mother's death wasn't any fault of your own. However it will be this time if you don't act." Drogon shifts sending guards scrambling inside. "Your mother needs you now. Rise Drogon, your mother needs—" Drogon roars spitting flames into the night sky illuminating the pyramid for miles around.
Drogon flies into the night sky evading the scorpions projectiles shooting fire in the enemies direction. "No, he's leaving to the northern wall." Kinvara says staring at the reloading mobile weaponry. She halts noticing the scorpions roll to the walls edge tumbling to the ground below as two garrisons of troops holler at the successful ambush. Kinvara can't help smiling returning to Daenerys's side.
Illario and his troops slaughter the remaining private reverse guards marching to the mother of dragon's private solar. The cheese lord is first through the doors followed by his personal militia cornering Daenerys and Kinvara toward the outside patio overlooking Meereen. "No where left to run mother of dragons!" Illario says stepping to the table snatching a turkey leg.
"Does it look like I'm running. If I wanted to run I would've long before you would've arrived here."
Illario bites the leg snorting at the remark, "kill her." He steps away watching his warriors raise siege weapons approaching the pair. Daenerys places Kinvara behind her surprising the red priestess. Illario turns to the solar entrance as Greyworm and Daario slash past the first few guards forcing their way to Daenerys. Seeing his queen for the first time since that day in King's Landing Greyworm fights harder willing to protect her at any cost.
Illario pulls an archer to him pointing at the pair, "hurry up and shoot her!" He shouts glancing at the twenty remaining soldiers halting Daario and Greyworms path to their queen. The archer fumbles nocking the arrow firing it toward the queen and her hand. Daenerys shoves Kinvara aside evading the arrow falling to her knees. Illario pushes the archer toward the guards grabbing a crossbow aiming solely for Daenerys. The dragon queen wraps arm protectively around Kinvara telling her to go inside. She does as instructed as Illario keeps tracks of Daenerys noticing her back away toward the patio railing.
"Stay dead this time mother of dragons." Illario adjusts his aim as Daenerys stands atop the railing. The combatants halt hearing the crossbow fire and their queen missing. Greyworm stares at the patio nearly letting his grip slip from the long spear at his side, he failed Daenerys only able to catch a glimpse of her from afar.
Illario grins slinging the large crossbow over a shoulder, "its done then," he says turning to the silent room, "the city of Meereen is ours Daenerys Targaryen is —" A breeze flows through the room as his soldiers stumble away. Illario nearly tumbled over the table witnessing Daenerys atop Drogon staring directly at him.
Illario rumbles though the room past the guards knocking Greyworm aside as fire consumes the royal solar. Daario grabs Kinvara diving in the private booth while Illario's guards are incinerated. Greyworm slashes a guards throats using a glided steel shield to cover against the flames in the adjacent halls corner. He tossed the shield aside running after Illario unwilling to let him escape after the assassination attempt on Daenerys. Daario hops out the water pulling Kinvara along telling her to stay put before pursuing Greyworm's trail.
Illario sweats profusely barreling through the pyramid hearing Drogon roar shaking the palace to its core. He hunches over feeling the urge to vomit as the palace doors come into view. "Prepare my chariot! Man the scorpions!" He yells finding Second Sons Golden Company Unsullied in unison throwing their weapons in the dirt kneeling. "What are you fucking lot doing?! I'm in charge here!" Illario draws his sword climbing the palace stair receiving Greyworm's boot to his face sending him tumbling to the dirt below. Daario and Greyworm bar the palace doors as Drogon appears through the darkness fire flickers across his teeth lighting the darkness around.
Illario drops his blade kneeling as the others are begging for mercy. "Please spare me my queen. T-take my army! I-I have enough gold to make Meereen wealthy for years to come! I beg you let me keep my life!"
The spectators remain still a moment. Daenerys glares at the lord as he rises to his feet noticing Drogon's flames recede. Daenerys grips Drogon's spike meeting Illario's fearful gaze. "Dracarus." Fire consumes Illario as he screams burning to a crisp falling into the dirt. Daenerys's commanders open the pyramid doors witnessing the armies chant their queen's name watching her ascend to the sky. The duo quickly find the nearest horses riding for their queen leaving Meereen's city limits.
Daenerys glances over a shoulder smiling softly seeing Meereen's successful siege defense in spite of Illario's siege. She glances at the stars decorating the night feeling alive once more. Daenerys can't help grinning pulling on Drogon's spike flying faster through the air. Even if she remains dead to the world she is alive to her people and that's all that matters—Daenerys Targaryen lives again.
—
XXX
—
"What's got you in such a joyous mood lord captain?" Moqorro asks carving a miniature wood lion dusting off the shavings.
Euron grins staring up at the prison cell ceiling, "have you questioned your destiny Moqorro?"
Moqorro ceases the carving pondering crow eye's words. "No. I've always known my destiny is to serve the one true god Rhollor. Anything else besides fulfilling what the Lord of Light bestowed upon me in life is a waste of time."
Euron snorts spitting at the response. "Why serve a god when you can obtain the power to become one?" Moqorro resumes his carving examining every detail throughly. Euron grunts placing hands behind his head, "up until days ago I began questioning my own purpose. I didn't understand why death would never accept me. For all I've done I will gladly burn in the lowest pit of hell. Its funny," he glances at the wizard placing the recent carving next to several others resembling creatures he encountered in the world throughout his life. "I recall sometime after my exile from the Iron Islands I couldn't stand sailing, something the Ironborn take pride in until their death. It wasn't until my own crew tied me to front mast for a week starving me out. I couldn't even escape in madness during that time. The moment I was cut free my crew's tongues were removed. Then and there I figured to rekindle my love of sailing. It worked for a time. I got to fuck a queen-kill a dragon-and slaughter good ol' Kingslayer during the capital's destruction. After you healed my wound wizard, I felt empty and the madness returning. Then one moment changed it all." Moqorro halts work on a dragon wing glancing at his lord captain's grin. "Its as if the layers of my past had been stripped away clashing with the resurrected wolf. Any warrior who defeated that fool Victarion is a force to be reckoned with. I thought my destiny would be fulfilled reclaiming this shithole place I called a home once—Now I have a new purpose."
"You plan to kill the dragon masquerading as a wolf? I surmise had you wanted you'd have done it already."
"No killing him right away is too good for this one. He is honorable-he holds things dear-I want to take all of that away watching him go mad as his aunt did, as most recent Targaryens have. Once I break his spirit then and only then will I grant the ranger death." Moqorro meets Euron's gaze noting his eyes gleaming through the darkness resembling a demon.
Moqorro smirks cutting the head off the dragon as the knife breaks in two. "Although my purpose being on divine grounds I'd be more than willing to assists yours lord captain." He says offering a nod in Euron's direction. The main dungeon doors swing open revealing the dusky woman escorted by the jailer and two guards illuminating the dark using torches earning shouts and howls from the other prisoners.
"Don't take long woman do what whatever you have to. Queen Yara says no visitors allowed but we made an exception for the stash of coin." The jailer disappears as the dusky woman approaches the cell escorted by two guards as one of them opens Euron's cell locking it behind her.
Euron sits up rattling the chains linking arms behind him barring his feet shoulder width apart. "You miss me huh? Come to get fucked whore?" He stands off the cot unable to proceed due to the chains hooked along the cell walls. She unties her wool shirt slowly exposing a breast earning a grin Euron as he retakes a seat. "Well whatcha waitin for bitch? Ain't got all night. Y'know I saw this comin, you served your purpose using my brother as I'd instructed—Nothing but a traitorous whore." The brunette reveals a dagger lunging at Euron as he springboards off the cot wrapping leg chains around her neck wrestling to the ground. Euron growls feeling the knife plunge in a calf rolling the dusky woman on her back sending her dagger careening off the stone floor clanging against the nearest cell bars.
The dusky woman presses the wound loosening Euron's hold crawling for the dagger clutching the blade. Moqorro snatches it away cutting her hand whistling nonchalantly resuming his carvings. She climbs to her feet noticing a crawl space at the cell door entrance. Euron jumps twisting the foot chain around her throat pulling her off her feet onto the floor. She gasps unable to scream attempting to gravel toward the small opening underneath the prison cell. Seeing her intention Euron pulls tight snapping her neck in one motion rendering her motionless.
Euron scoots over to a square wooden plank moving it aside with a foot revealing more than a two hundred meter drop into the sea. He kicks the dusky woman's corpse through the hole sealing it back up as the guards reappear stopping outside his cell. "Where did the woman run off to?"
Euron leans against the wall half shrugging reminding the guards of his steel cuffs and chains. "Must've scampered off, the whore got what she came for." Without another word they leave the dungeon returning to their post.
Jon and Yara ascend the great stairs leading to Castle Pyke returning from Lordsport meeting with their armies for several hours. "I'm thrilled we could agree to terms Lord Snow negotiations went smoother than expected."
"I agree your grace. The Night's Watch are in need of recruits now more than ever before. I'm just glad you needed what we can spare, cedar is plentiful up north."
"Aye I can only imagine should we decide to build more ships you're the first one I'll ask for assistance." Yara says offering a smile as they halt outside the fortress gates. "Though you told me your watch are still in need of steel, apologies we couldn't provide it you."
Jon nods, "don't trouble yourself over it you've done enough. I suppose when I return I'll have to travel south to find a kingdom willing to supply it."
"I'm sure you will Lord Snow." She resumes their walk noticing the gates open leading Jon to the council chambers. "Now I suppose it's time I help you for all you've done stopping Euron's invasion." Yara places a hand on the map residing over the round table. "I need you to tell me exactly where you think Arya Stark was sailing."
Jon unrolls the map in his satchel showing it to Yara as she scans over it shaking her head after a few minutes of contemplation. "This is wrong."
"What do you mean?"
Yara meets Jon's gaze, "I'm saying this chart you've drawn detailing her course is wrong. No one can sail this trajectory and survive."
"You don't know that." Jon says stepping to the table. "You don't know Arya like I do she is strong. She can handle anything thrown her way—"
"Not this. Sailing out west is a death sentence. There's a reason why no one has done it all the centuries since we've set out to sea. Trust me Lord Snow, you know battles sure but you have no idea what the seas like. Not like I do."
Jon glances out the window meeting Yara's gaze "alright then. Tell me what should we do."
Yara draws lines east across the narrow sea over Essos stopping near Volantis. "We should start looking here then if there is no sign of her we can continue our journey into Qarth."
"There's no time for any of that. I told you your grace you don't know my sister like I do. When she says she's going to do something she does it."
Yara sighs, "Lord Snow you don't seem to understand. If Arya really sailed west then she's already dead." Jon nods collecting the items on the table heading off to sail immediately realizing he is wasting his time.
"Where are you going Lord Snow?"
"I'm grateful for your help your grace. I know Arya isn't dead like you and everyone else keeps saying she is. I'm going to find her and bring her home even if I have to do it alone."
"Wait Lord Snow—" Yara says halting his hand on the door as he shuts it facing her once more, "there is only one person I know of whose sailed west and lived to tell about it."
Euron and Moqorro climb to attention seeing Jon and Yara placing torches above illuminating the dungeon. "Well if it ain't my pretty lil niece and the queenslayer himself. To what does a prisoner such as myself have to offer you two?" He grins turning to Yara, "come to give your uncle a kiss?"
Jon glances at Yara who nods allowing him to interrogate as she steps away. "This sword in your possession, widow's wail. Last I saw it in the hand of Jamie Lannister during the Long Night. Its no mystery how you came to obtain it." Jon reaches behind him while Yara does the same. He tosses the black and red Targaryen armor against the stone floor as she clutches the dragon horn irking Moqorro. "Where did you find these?"
"You really don't know? You're a Targaryen all those were found on Valyria. Ol' Targaryens had it nice before their doom—"
"Aye I heard the story a thousand times. Its one of the northerners favorite tales to tell to pass the time. Its understandable why you'd want these Valyrian items, any sane person couldn't resist a find like these." Jon moves over to Moqorro's cell pointing to the dragon horn, "tell me about this."
Moqorro scoffs leaning against the wall, "theres nothing to tell. Its no use to you."
"You killed three of Victorian's men trying to prevent them from ridding it. I was told it holds power to bind dragons to blower's will." Moqorro remains silent as Jon sighs realizing he wasn't getting anymore unless he reveals information in turn. "Far north beyond the wall my team and I found a winter horn said to be able to break the walls magic bringing the wall crashing down."
Moqorro is on his feet grasping the cell bars as Euron listens intently. "Then my flames were once again correct. A second horn exists in the world marvelous." The wizard settles on his cot grinning.
"Sure you want to be telling enemies your secrets?" Yara asks pulling Jon aside glancing at the prisoners.
"The horn is in better hands than mine." Jon turns to Moqorro who eagerly carves a direwolf. "Its your turn. I told you about the horn of winter now tell me about this."
Moqorro smirks glancing at the horn resting in Yara's hands continuing his work. "Its remarkable should I say so myself. The same magic used to construct the wall walkers and winter horn. This one was created to draw every dragon in the world to a single location. No matter where the chosen user resides dragons will not resist the call. The horn also holds a prerequisite before a use; it needs pure Targaryen blood to work. So I'm afraid you are not worthy to bind every dragon to your will Stark."
Jon crosses arms glancing at Yara, "what about Pyat Pree? What does a warlock who escaped death in Essos have to do with all this."
Moqorro bellows a laugh, "now that I cannot disclose Stark—"
"Will you cut the mystery shit out Moqorro its no use keeping it undisclosed already told em. The warlock is related to someone who's in possession of the last dragon eggs. The relative resides far east Essos farther than most willing to travel even for dragons."
"Yeah well you two are shit out of luck the only person who can birth dragons is dead."
Euron and Moqorro share a glance. "Do you accept the lord of light as the one true god Stark?"
"No I follow the old gods."
"You deny the lord when he granted you another life?"
"Fuck the religious sermon get on with it." Euron interjects.
"After the previous lord captain and I sailed from Skahazadam we found those Valyrian artifacts. I saw millions burning in King's Landing and foresaw her death at the hands of a dragon masquerading as a wolf." Moqorro glances at Jon then to Euron. "After healing Euron's wounds I was surprised as the fire spoke to me." Moqorro recalls the armies camped out at the edge of the Riverlands releasing captured lions unable to feed them as Daenerys appeared in the flames waking from her slumber. "Westeros hasn't a clue the mother of dragons is alive, and I'm assuming you don't."
Jon exhales stepping away from the torch light, "I don't believe you."
"And what of your belief Stark? You were resurrected by Rhollor yet refused to believe the same about Daenerys Targaryen."
Silence fills the fortress prison as Jon re-emerges from the shadows. "It doesn't matter." He says walking in front of Euron's cell glaring at crow eye. "I need your help."
Euron nods, "then gladly take these chains off I'll cut you limb from limb."
"Should you help me we'll fight to the death of that's what you want."
Euron squints noticing Yara pull out a map with a drawn course. "What am I looking at? This is horseshit you're telling me someone sailed west to Essos." Euron laughs causing Moqorro and the other prisoners to join in. "Didn't anyone ever tell you its fucking suicide trying to cross the Sunset Sea. You'll be more than lucky making it little more than halfway before the storms waves whirlpools or sea creatures get you. Even if you manage to weave through all of that there's hundreds if not thousands of currents that can potentially carry your ship into the vast seas. Plenty abandoned ships roam the western sea still following the same current doomed forever to stay on it. Starting to get an idea ranger? What you're trying to do, whoever you're after is as good as dead."
"Everyone keeps telling me that. I'm not giving up, you've sailed west before."
"And I don't plan on doing it again. I lost an entire Armada pursuing an enemy thinking it would catch em off guard. All the gold under the moon couldn't make me sail west again."
Jon places hands on sides recognizing his real chances of finding Arya are slipping away. "You help me find who I'm looking for, the dragon eggs are yours." He says glancing at the wizard, "but I need to sail west here." Jon points to their intended destination earning grins from both prisoners.
"The land where magic originated from. How I long to return to the city that stood when the world was born." Moqorro says.
"The shadow lands huh? You're planning to go to Asshai?" Euron folds arms leaning against the wall, "why the fuck would the person you're searching for go to that place? You think Westeros is cruel to outsiders don't let those fuckers catch you. They'll not only torture you, they're known for experimenting on prisoners. I read Maester Qyburn's notes out of boredom while the queen was attending to business. Necromancy originated in Asshai well before Westeros was established. The citadel reject was sadistic though knew his way around their science, still it isn't anything compared to what you'll see there."
Jon crosses arms stepping closer to the cell staring at Euron, "you've traveled there?"
Euron nods in Moqorro's direction, "ask the wizard he lived there for years, anything else you want to know about that hellhole ask him."
"Asshai is a place that buys adults in a slave trade market placing each of their citizens in a ritualistic ceremony initiating them into their own culture." Moqorro runs cuffed hands along his face tracing the tattoos decorating his face since being integrated in their society. If one wanted to truly become a devout servant to Rhollor a pilgrimage to Asshai is required. Every servant learns of the lords blessings in this world. Dragons White Walkers Ice Spiders—" Moqorro ceases carving placing the direwolf next to the others, "answers about the ancient world lies there however you're only seeking to find someone close to you. In my time in Asshai I've watched many such as you full of hope walk into the city only to never return the same. Citadel maesters, traders or simply curious visitors end up the same way—You Stark will suffer the same fate should you travel there."
"I'm skeptical its worse than what I've faced beyond the wall." Jon paces to Moqorro's cell, "you mentioned they purchase adults in the Essos slave trade; I'm guessing during the initiation ritual you're stripped of your right to bear children."
Moqorro smirks sitting up staring up at the ranger, "if you're implying I'm a Eunuch, I take great offense to that claim. However yes, Asshai leadership deemed children born will be sacrificed or drowned in the nearby ash river."
"Why do they do this?" Yara asks circling to the other side, "not even pirates roaming the summer seas are that ruthless."
"You misunderstood your grace. To Asshai children are inherently seen as dangerous. For example take a child growing up here on the Iron Islands. During their life they'll eventually begin asking questions pushing the boundaries to make life more pleasant for everyone. There's a certain goodness that pushes them to do the right thing. Asshai doesn't want to do the right thing, they want nothing more than to carry on life as they always have since ancient times." Moqorro replies repressing a grin returning his attention to Jon, "makes you wonder why the White Walkers stole children doesn't it ranger? Sounds to me the walkers and their king thought they were doing the right thing."
"That's the biggest bunch of bullshit I've ever heard." Yara says stepping closer to the wizard's cell. "Children aren't dangerous and none I've come across tried to kill me."
Moqorro shakes his head pointing at Yara rattling the wrist chains, "that is where you are mistaken your grace. I'm sure both of you've heard of Varys the spider."
"You knew Varys?" Jon asks.
"I can't name a person on the western and eastern continents that hasn't heard of the master of whispers. He's the sole reason Asshai's leaders withdrew legislation allowing children into the city after a plague swept through the Shadow Lands. Its as your grace stated a child never tried to kill her before. We're all taught never to trust men- a woman besides your mother and spouse but we've always been taught to trust children. Varys created a vast network of Littlebird spies and assassins roaming both sides of the Narrow Sea while under the crown's protection. He remains the only person I know of royalty or not those faceless wackos refuse to assassinate, not an easy accomplishment to say the least."
Jon grimaces recalling Varys's execution at the hands of Daenerys and the conversation they'd held beforehand. Varys was always right from the beginning he'd served several kings not including the Targaryen regime in Essos. He witnessed many monarchs fail time after time learning from each of their mistakes. The time he spoke for the realm's greater good cost him his life. Jon supposes he failed Varys too as well as the millions who lost their lives that day. "It doesn't matter if this is the most inherently dangerous place in the world. I need to find the person I'm looking for at any cost. If I have to bring you two along as guides then so be it."
Euron half laughs, "even after I said what your attempting to do is suicide and hearing of Asshai's fucked up code of ethics you still desire to sail there? I mistook you Stark you're a bigger fool than I thought." Euron grins slamming his wrists on the metal bars, "I'm in. Let Yara tell you I'm the only one who can sail west and reach Asshai. Its either that or you two can sail east through Essos's war zone costing you time; Something I know you two don't have otherwise you wouldn't be standing here and I'd been beheaded already. So what's it going to be ranger? Is this person that important to you?"
Jon grabs a torch handing it to Yara taking the other in hand. "We sail tomorrow using your ship Iron Victory. I'd suggest sleeping it's the last decent one you'll both get in awhile."
Euron slams against the cell halting Jon and Yara's tracks, "I urge you to do the same ranger. Keep one eye open or I'll slit your throat throwing you overboard."
"You're more than welcome to try." He says draping a hand over the White Wolf hilt leaving Euron and Moqorro in the prison cell.
"So you know who he's after?" Moqorro asks facing Euron's cell sitting up against the wall.
"Its not that queen he serves in the North its the other one. Cersei always talked about killing those two frequently during my time in King's Landing." Euron leans back staring out the cell window.
"I captured the queen of Dorne and my niece now you want me to capture two more. I'm not much into kidnapping queens and princesses." Euron examined Cersei's office picking up a Lannister gold embroidered dagger, "I'd rather fuck em." He says twirling the blade.
"Don't touch that." Cersei says drawing Euron's attention, "it was my fathers." The lord captain nods placing Tywin's dagger in its place sitting on the other side of her watching the queen fill out documents approving safety laws proposed by the southern lords.
"You gonna tell me why you want to kill two girls residing in the god forsaken north. What could they have done to get on your bad side?"
Cersei continues writing glancing at Euron relenting noticing his curious stare. "If you must know Sansa Stark and her sister Arya had a traitorous father who sought to throw my family out of the capital—"
"Eddard Stark, I remember him well during the siege of Castle Pyke riding beside King Robert, an honorable fool he was."
Cersei smiles settling the quill aside, "indeed he was. The moment he accepted my previous husband's offer to ride south becoming the King's hand his fate was sealed. I remember the exact words I said to him; 'either you play to win the Game of Thrones or you die.' She smirks recalling Ned's bewilderment the moment Lord Baelish places a dagger at his throat. "I did warn you not to trust me." Cersei says sipping the sweet arbor wine.
Euron places a hand under his chin, "so then by your son Joffrey's order he was beheaded. Still wouldn't the girls be innocent? With the Viper queen regent it's understandable I'd do the same had someone poisoned my daughter."
Cersei sighs thinking of her children constantly; she knew Joffrey was a monster but Tommen and Marcella were good, the pair weren't like her and Jamie. Its as if the gods placed all their negative traits into their first born giving their twins the purest. She carries the burden having to live with guilt of burying her father and three children and accepting Jamie's departure abandoning her when she was protecting them. "Yes well lets just say the viper queen got what she deserved. Its more than I can say for that traitorous whore Sansa. Her and Joffrey were to be married. Since the moment they met she fawned over my son begging to be queen of the realm. We tried bringing her into our family even after Joffrey's betrothed changed to Margery Tyrell and hers to my imp brother Tyrion. I was informed of a meeting between Margery, her grandmother Olenna, and Sansa."
"What was said during that private meeting between them?"
"Sansa claimed Joffrey was unfit to be king and married to Margery." Cersei pours Euron a wine cup refilling her own sipping lightly. "It was all that old woman needed to hear before exacting her plan during Joffrey and Margery's wedding." The two share a glance as Euron gulps the Arbor pouring another coming to the realization, "she poisoned my son using a necklace given to Sansa before the ceremony began."
"Did you know it was her at first? The old lady I mean?"
Cersei chuckles behind her cup, "no I blamed my brother Tyrion. However his anger lied on someone else" she says moving her gaze to the golden dagger across the office earning a nod from Euron. "Olenna was the only woman my father respected as an equal and she had Joffrey murdered. I was told by my twin brother Jamie Olenna didn't anticipate the poison would cause pain or suffering. She knew exactly what its properties entailed, my son was seen as a monster by many. To me he was a sweet scared boy, I know because I saw it in his eyes as he tried speaking to me before he died." Euron refills Cersei's cup leaning back in awe of the events that had occurred in King's Landing during his expeditions across the world.
"And I assume Sansa Stark escaped the capital. Whatever happened to Arya Stark?"
Cersei grips the goblet tighter forgetting about the younger Stark sister. "While I held my second son Tommen during Stannis's invasion of King's Landing another loyalist turner traitor Sandor Clegane better known as 'the Hound' abandoned the city and his king like a coward."
"I heard of em. Tougher than most, a scar covering half his face also heard he's quite the fighter."
Cersei chuckles, "yes and a traitor and a coward. I placed a bounty on his head tripling the reward hearing he was escorting Arya north under his protection."
Euron sits back draping an arm over the chair," shame, sounds like he could've been a useful servant to you."
"Its quite alright I assure. Why have a small scarred dog when you can have the big one." Euron's hand instinctively reaches for the hilt noticing Gregor Clegane draped in shiny black armor stepping into the solar keeping a watchful eye on Cersei.
"Sansa resides in the North alongside her half brother the former lord commander of the Nights Watch now the pair stand together with the mother of dragons as some united front but Ned Stark's bastard is loyal to the Targaryen queen."
"We should send a garrison of troops there to ambush them. The men under my command don't fare well on land but we'll manage."
Cersei leans in her seat, "there's no point wasting your or Strickland's soldiers. The Northern alliance will be overrun by the dead. For now we sit and bide our time until they make their move. My concern is with Daenerys Targaryen and my traitorous brother Tyrion. The mother of dragons is desperate she lost all her Westerosi allies with the exception of the north."
"I may be overstepping my queen. I suggest taking out the northern army, let the Golden Company battle Daenerys Targaryen."
"That won't be necessary Euron. You've done more than enough sailing the Golden Company from Essos here. Although I would've loved to see at least one of those marvelous elephants." Cersei can't resist a smile having wanted to see the exotic creatures native to Essos.
Euron stands preparing to leave, "alright its settled then. We'll keep the Lannister army here I'll take my troops and Strickland's company to Dragonstone to await Daenerys Targaryen's fleet. The scorpions placed around the city walls and on the fleet vessels' helms should do the trick taking a down a dragon."
"It worked in the past, there's an abundance of dragon skulls Red Keep's crypt. Ah yes Ser Gregor permit Quburn entrance." Cersei stands as well as the queen's hand bows.
"Your grace, Lord Greyjoy." Qyburn says handing Euron a report detailing the soldier count distributed and deployed throughout the city should his fleet be forced into a retreat. "The calibrations to the scorpions are to your specifications, however I suggest testing before moving to live fire."
"No need for that chum, we'll be ready." Euron says clasping Qyburn's shoulder.
"Your grace, whenever you're ready the southern lords are awaiting your presence."
"Thank you I'll be down shortly Qyburn."
Cersei smiles turning to Euron, "one more war to win and we'll be free to start our lives together," he says stepping to the solar's exit, "don't worry about a thing love we'll kill the mother of dragons."
"Good. If the dead don't succeed we will." Cersei says sipping her wine cup watching Euron leave. He doesn't see her retake her seat holding a letter from Jamie telling her he was coming home after securing the Reach and Riverland territories respectively praying to return safely to her.
"As much as I desire to kill the north warden for doing this to me." He says holding up his hand showing a broken pinky bent sideways. "We need the half breed Targaryen and you need your niece as a second navigator." Moqorro says laying down in the cot staring at the ceiling.
"I'd rather kill both of them getting it over with however those two won't let us off until we reach Asshai. It doesn't matter we're getting out of this shit hole tommorow, the time to make our move will be soon."
Jon and Yara sit across each other in her solar drawing final preparations for their intended destination. "This is it Lord Snow, are you sure you're ready for this?"
"Wether I'm ready or not I'm going to get Arya back no matter what." Jon finishes the letter he's worked on since the Pyke's siege defense detailing his intentions and progress telling her he'll return to Winterfell with Arya. He sends a raven through Yara's chamber window watching it vanish into the night praying the Northern alliance and Arya wherever she was is safe.
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XXX
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A/N: Next the convocation starts in King's Landing. Daenerys finds out a harsh truth about her latest actions while Jon and the other finally set sail west.