Makes me happy to see so many people liking the story so far. I've enjoyed myself writing this quite a bit. Personally, I'm actually a Samurai loyalist myself when I play. And I sure am looking forward to the next heroes Ubisoft will be adding the next season. Not sure what to think of an axe wielding Samurai, but I am excited for a new Knight with both sword and shield. I mean, that setup is so iconic that I just can't believe it took years before it was actually made!

Anyway, I would like to answer a few question I received from the previous chapter.

Austin:

Game effects? You mean like the Revenge system? Not sure if that's what you are referring to.

Sam hill:

I may include them some way or another. How? Not really sure right now, but it is a possibility.

Guess:

There's a chance that I may put the Wu Lin in the story, yes. And I don't see any reason to not have the Unsullied. There's also the fact that the entire business regarding them had a great impact in Dany's character.

Graymar1:

Thanks! And as for how has the existence of the Iron Legion impacted Westeros as a whole, well I rather don't do an info-dump for this and release some bits of information as the story progresses.

Well, I guess those are all the question for the moment. So enough said and please enjoy!

Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance…

-Sun Tzu

Samurai l: The Forbidden Land

"Stay close and follow my lead." Advised Makoto as he guided them through the swamp. He was given a horse, so it became much easier to perform his task as a guide. "Its easy to get lost in these parts. A lot of people have died trying to get through here."

"You seem to know your way around. How long has it been since you left?" Asked Dany as she rode alongside him. Jorah was following close from behind, along with the rest of the remaining Dothraki.

"I'm not really sure myself." Makoto took a moment think of an answer. "Perhaps a year or two. Hanging around the Dothraki makes it hard to kept track of time."

Now that was a surprise. If Daenerys was correct, she married Khal Drogo no more than two years ago, so they both were integrated into the Dothraki culture for around the same time.

To see that he was still able to behave like a normal person despite all the time he has spend as a slave was impressive by itself. It spoke volumes of how strong of a will he must have.

It has been three days since Dany and her group started their journey into the the land of the Samurai. Three whole days of traveling with barely any rest. The Dothraki accompanying her were strong enough to continue without much trouble, but even their fatigue was starting to show. Thankfully, things seemed to get a lot better once they went pass the mountains and began to reach the frontier to the forbidden land. Or as Makoto told her it was called, the Myre.

It was a take of fresh air when they were finally able to get out of that desert, but their hopes died as soon as they entered the swampy marshlands that makes up the land. The place was crawling with dangerous plant life and unstable terrain that could barely sustain any life.

This was by no means the land Daenerys imagined, but it was no doubt better than dying in a wasteland. The weather was quite humid, but that was far better than feeling the strong heat of the sun burning her skin.

Thankfully the wildlife here was much richer, so they were able to resolve their problems concerning their lack of food and water without much trouble. Makoto was already familiar with the land, so he knew where to find whatever they needed, something on which she couldn't be the more grateful for. The former slave was proving to be a very important part of their survival.

The Last Targaryen could now understand everything Jorah told her about why the Samurai were so feared and respected by so many people. Even going as far as being considered as some of the greatest warriors in all of Essos. This dangerous and unforgiven land was their home.

This was the Myre.

"I am curious. Where did you learned to speak the Common Tongue? It is very rare to see someone make use of it outside of Westeros." That was a question she was meaning to ask for quite some time. The journey was rather calm at the moment, so she decided to try to get to know the man that was guiding them.

Watching carefuly as his horse took one step after another, he took his time before he answered. "I was taught by my father. He wanted me to be very fluent in several languages due to the responsibility I would carry once I reached certain age. It is also a common requisite a Samurai must fulfil before they can offer their service."

Jorah's attention seemed to perk at this. His hand slowly reached for his sword in caution. "You are a Samurai?"

"I am, yes." Makoto responded with a short nod. "I was taught the art of the katana for as long as I can remember. I am what my people call an Orochi warrior. An Imperial assassin if you must."

Daenerys was surprised by the news. Their guide was not just any Samurai, but one that specializes in assassinations? This information was certainly a lot to take in. But then a question came to her.

"If you are a Samurai, then how were the Dothraki able to capture you?"

"We are indeed strong warriors, but we are not invincible." He explained as his horse moved with precaution due to the unstable terrain. "I was on a scouting mission with a few others, patrolling the borders and searching for any sights of intruders before we were suddenly attacked. The Dothraki came in big numbers without mercy. They killed my comrades, cutting their heads off and carrying them around like trophies."

There was anger in his voice, she could hear it, but his face did not show it.

"I slayed as many of them as I could, but I was quickly overwhelmed and eventually captured by them, striped from my armor and turned into nothing but a slave."

"How is it that you are still alive then?" Questioned Jorah with suspicion. "The Dothraki probably wouldn't give a damn about those that you killed, but they aren't exactly known for capturing their opponents during a fight. They just kill them."

"That is indeed true. The Dothraki never show mercy in combat." The now revealed Samurai agreed. As he said that, his face was then reached by the daylight coming from between the leafs. "I was actually close to losing my head when they got me. By the time I was forced into my knees and saw the blade above my head, I really thought it was the end."

"And then what happened?" Inquired Dany.

Hearing how hopeless his situation was, the Mother of Dragons couldn't help but wonder how was the warrior in front of her able to survive his encounter.

The former slave paused for a momen before he turned and pointed his hand at her. "And then you saved my life, Khaleesi."

Her face did not show it, but Daenerys was genially taken back by this sudden revelation. She gazed at his face more intently, looking for any familiarity that she could find. However, her mind was soon able to recognize a small resemblance he had to one of her very first memories from when she first joined the Dothraki as Khal Drogo's wife.

Dany was finally able to remember.

It was during the early raids, back when she was still new to the sight of the large massacres that the Dothraki caused wherever they went. Back when she had a gentler heart.

She remembered from back then a young man who apparently killed a lot of bloodriders. A man who was about to get executed by them. Her younger self could barely stand seeing so much death and practically begged for his life to be spared. And for some reason or another, Khal Drogo heed her call and allowed him to live as a slave.

"It was you…" She softly spoke in recognition, but loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Indeed. I owe my life to you, Khaleesi." He responded, glad that she was finally able to remember him. "And for that I've decided to devote the rest of it to you. I will give you my flesh, my sword and my skills. Everything that I have on me now belongs to you to use however you please."

That was the oath he made to himself on the day Daenerys Targaryen saved him from certain death. Thus he was one of the few who remained by her side when the rest of the Dothraki left with another Khal.

Dany was authentically surprised by his sudden statement and declaration of loyalty. However, that soon stopped when a thought came to her head.

She could see how having a Samurai as an ally could be beneficial to her and her cause. Someone who could fight off against several Dothraki and come victorious was certainly someone worth having on her side.

"You swear you will follow me during my quest for what is rightfully mine? Without ever questioning me or betraying me and my allies?"

"If that is your bidding, then I will follow you without question, Khaleesi."

Daenerys smiled to herself as she rode at his side. "Then I accept your service, Hayashi Makoto of Myre."

The Orochi didn't show any emotion, but gave the Last Targaryen a respectful light bow as a sign of appreciation for accepting his sword — even though he didn't have one at the moment.

Jorah on the other hand was skeptical, not entirely sure of what to feel about all of this. He could see how everything that Makoto told them made a lot of sense as to why he wished to follow Daenerys, but knowing that the man was a Samurai made him feel uneasy. It was hard to trust a man like that.

He did save them from dying in the desert, that's for sure, but only by bringing them to what was possibly and even more dangerous place. He will continue to follow her Queen as always, making sure to kept her safe and away from all harm, but he will do so by keeping a close eye on the Samurai.

The rest of the journey went without much happening as the group continue to march through the swamp. However, that was until the Orochi felt a sudden shift in the wind and immediately raised his hand, indicating everyone to stop.

"What's the matter?" Dany addressed the Samurai, taking notice of his odd behavior.

Makoto did not answer. Instead, he focused his attention to the coming wind, listening as it blew the leafs away.

There was silence. Dead and unnatural silence. The bloodriders soon took notice of this and took hold of their weapons, same with Jorah who tightened the grip on his sword.

Dany was confused by this, but remained silent as she watched Makoto get off his horse. "Stay here." He instructed as he walked a few steps ahead of them before rising his arms.

"My name is Hayashi Makoto." He loudly announced, speaking in a language that none of them was able to understand. Not even Daenerys, who is quite adept in different languages, was sure of what he said. "I'm the only son of Daimyo Hayashi Yasahiro, the Head of the Hayashi Clan and proud follower of the Emperor."

There was a moment of unnerving silence. Everyone stood in place without moving a single inch, but ready for anything that may happen. However, that all ended when a man steeped out from the shadow of a nearby tree.

His face was covered by a helmet and mask, and was carrying what could only be described as an overly long sword over his shoulder. The design of his mask was obviously for a display of intimidation.

"We did not expect you to return after so long, young Orochi." The man spoke coldly in Japanese before frowning at the sight of the group. "And certainly not with a group of Dothraki savages alongside you."

"They are with me." Makoto stated with authority. "We came from the afar and were hoping we could find shelter and food here in the homeland."

"You dare bring these outsiders with you." The Samurai scoffed in disgust. "You know that it is forbidden to bring people from the far lands in here. The punishment for failing to comply to this order is immediate death."

As soon as he said that, archers came from behind the trees and aimed their weapons at them. The Dothraki prepared to fight while Jorah stood protectively in front of Daenerys. But she was quick to respond to the situation.

"Stop! All of you!" Surprising everyone, she walked next to Makoto as she glared at the Samurai before them. "My name is Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen."

The Samurai send Daenerys a cold look, clearly displeased by her sudden intrusion into their conversation.

"My name is Goto Unkan." The man introduced himself. Surprisingly, he spoke using the Common Tongue. "By decree of the Emperor, your kind is not welcome here. Leave this place at once and the only one here to die will be this traitor."

"No." The Last Targaryen said with a solid voice. "This man here is under my care. I will not allow any harm to come on his way."

"You choose death then."

"I choose to survive." She interrupted. The confidence on which she spoke was not lost. It sounded as if she was convinced that they were going to live through this, no matter what.

"Is that so? Then tell me, what reason do I have to not have you all executed right here and now?" Questioned the taller Samurai. He was no doubt amused by her defiant attittude.

"Because I have something your Emperor may be interested to see." A small smirk formed on her lips. She had one last card to play, even though she wanted to avoid using it at this time. However, the desperation of her people came first, so she had to ensure that the Samurai will allow them to stay. If only until they can recover their full strength. "Ser Jorah, if you may."

The Orochi stared at her in confusion before looking at the Knight. He was reaching for one of the horse's compartments and opened a small box where certain creatures were resting.

Makoto's eyes widened in surprise. "Khaleesi…"

"Its alright. If my name is not enough capture his attention, then maybe this will." She reassured him, aware of the Samurai's concern. She knew that revealing them was a risky move on her part. There was people who will want nothing more than to take them from her. But at this time, this was probably their best bet to survive.

"What the…?" The Samurai stuttered in his own language when three reptilian flying creatures flew out of the box and landed on Daenerys. Every single Samurai that was looking was absolutely shocked by what they were witnessing. They were small baby dragons, but living dragons nonetheless.

"I will repeat myself one more time." She spoke while carrying her dragons in a lovingly manner. "My name is Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen. I'm the Mother of Dragons and the rightful heir to the Iron Throne." Taking a few steps forward, she stood face to face with the astonished Samurai. "And I wish to speak to your Emperor."

-)))o(((-

After things finally settle down, Daenerys and the others were then escorted through the marsh lands by the group of Samurai. The Kensei of course was the one leading them through what was probably the correct path.

Where were they taking them? None of them knew for sure, but Makoto had an idea.

As time progressed, the Orochi decided to speak. "I must confess Khaleesi, I found myself thinking that you were about to insult the Kensei in one way or another. We Samurai don't take it very well when people disrespect us. But I did not expect you to actually go and show them your dragons of all things.

"I needed a way to earn his interest since he was not aware of who I really was. Besides, you are the one that told me that your people venerates dragons as creatures of legends."

He shook his head. "True, but not quite. The dragons from our legends are far different to the ones the Westerosi may have come to know."

"How is that so?" Dany inquired in curiosity.

"For starters, the dragons depicted in the ancient stories are so large that they can reach the sky effortlessly. In a way, you could almost compare their bodies to that of a snake, but far longer than whatever the eye can see."

"That's...a little hard to imagine."

"I agree." He couldn't help but chuckle at her reply. "Even I find it a little too far fetched to believe, but my father always told me that even the oldest of legends have some true on them."

She smiled in amusement, finding this trivial talk to be somehow comforting after everything that has happened through the last few days. "Your father sounds like a wise man."

Makoto's face grimaced a little at the mention of this. "Yes…he was."

She did not fail to take notice of his reaction, and quickly understood the meaning of what his words meant before adopting an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, I… I did not know that he…"

"It's alright, you don't have to worry, Khaleesi." He reassured her when he saw the distress in her eyes. "It has been years since his passing, so I don't really mind speaking about him."

"If it is alright to ask, what was your father like?" She suddenly questioned, surprising the Orochi. "I don't know much about mine other than what my brother told me, so I have always been curious as to what a father is like for other people."

"My father was an honorable man, that I can tell you without any doubt. He was always strict and focused on doing what was best for the clan, but not a very affectionate person when it came to his family."

She caressed her horse before asking. "Did that ever bothered you?"

"Not at all. I was his only son, so he always provided me with whatever necessity I had. It was all so one day I could take his place as a Daimyo and Head of our clan."

"A Daimyo?" She repeated as she blinked in confusion. "I don't believe I've heard that name before."

It was then that Jorah decided to approach them, having been listening to their conversation from a very fair distance. "If what I've have heard is correct, a Daimyo can be comparable to what a Lord is back in Westeros, Khaleesi."

"He is correct." Confirmed Makoto with a nod. However, before their conversation could develop any further, it got cut short when he realized that they were finally reaching the end of the swamp. "I believe we are almost there."

Taking the lead in front of the group and their escorts, the Orochi walked to what seemed to be a dangerous cliff. The wind hit his body with its strong currents, but he did not flinch as he continues to stare at the horizon.

Reaching his position with Jorah at her side, Dany soon saw what the former slave was gazing at. What she then saw was simply an outstanding sight.

Not so far down the cliff from where they were, one could bear witness of what could only be described as an immensely large bridge connecting to the piece of land.

Words could by no means describe how impressive the architectural wonder that the Samurai have constructed was. It was easily multiple generations old at best. But what was truly breathtaking was what stood at the other side of said bridge, standing proudly over a giant mountain with some portions of clouds hiding it from sight.

"Khaleesi, let me show you…" Makoto gestured to the majestic settlement that laid before them. "...the pride of the Dawn Empire, the royal capital of Koto."

CHAPTER END

And that will be all for now folks. The storyline with the Samurai seems to be progressing rather fine. I'm quite pleased of how everything is going so far, so let us continue with whatever comes next; The Vikings!

Anyway, I don't have much to say right now. Soon Daenerys and her people will meet the Emperor of the Dawn Empire and some more stuff will develop with Makoto as they arrive to the city of Koto. Any confrontations or battles wont be happening until we get back to the Knights, but Game of Thrones has always been fun to watch even when there isn't any real action, but just the story-driven plot by itself is very enjoyable.

With that said, please let me know what you guys think, any constructive criticism is more than welcome and please, I wish you all a wonderful day and a great new year!