Chapter 5: The Most Interesting Man in the World
As they travelled south the Tall Mountains slowly shrank until they dissolved into low hills, which themselves gradually vanished. In their place was dense jungle and forest covering land flat as a griddle. This land was noticeably more inhabited than the mountains had been. Tiny fishing villages increasingly appeared, their residents vanishing into the trees as soon as they caught sight of the great ships.
It was a bright sunny day when the fleet came across another fleet. This new fleet was very innocuous. Fishing boats, most barely large enough for one or two men. Hundreds of them.
The fishermen surrounded them like a swarm. Marwyn called out to them in the various tongues he had learned in his travels, but none of them responded save to move farther away.
Arya sighed, "I wish Missandei were here."
"I thought you didn't like her," Brienne observed.
"She tried to kill me once, but that doesn't mean I don't like her."
"Oh, that makes sense." Asha had to smile. "'She tried to kill me, but no hard feelings'." Her effort at copying Arya's voice was a miserable failure.
Arya made a face, not appreciating the effort. "She was being used. I understand the reason."
"Still is a strange reaction."
"Jaehaerys the First chose Jeffry Dogget to be a member of his Kingsguard."
Marwyn threw up his hands. "It's no good. These mice are too scared to come near."
To which the Hound replied, "That shows they have better sense than you."
Asha was summoned to the bow to talk with Crackjaw. When she returned she said, "The coast is now headed due west. Do you want to follow it?"
"Absolutely." Arya walked toward the stern, looking out over the trackless ocean. "There is nothing out there. We must learn all we can about where we are."
Marwyn snorted. "It's rather difficult when the natives won't talk to you."
"Then we'll just have to find some who will."
They proceeded with caution. So far all they had encountered were fishing boats, but there was no telling when they might run into someone more hostile.
"We are the visitors. You don't barge into someone's home and tell them what to do."
"Maybe you don't," Asha answered.
"You better not be either. Thought you had changed the Ironborn from there ways?"
"No Ironborn will attack Westeros, nor anywhere else owing allegiance to the crown. That still leaves the rest of the world."
Arya shook her head in resignation.
The third day from when they had turned due west they spotted a much larger vessel heading toward them. "Its course is directly for us," Crackjaw told them. "This one definitely wants a meeting."
"Let's hear what they have to say."
The ship grew large. As it neared they could see its size rivaled the largest of their own ships, although it only had two masts and flew lateen sails.
"We can sail rings round them." Crackjaw looked like he relished the notion.
"We don't fight unless they start one."
Asha and Crackjaw shared a look as if they couldn't believe her naiveté. Not that either would dare to call her coward. They both knew her too well.
As it neared Marwyn called out to it. There was no response.
"What are you saying?"
"It's Asshai'i." Which wasn't an answer to Arya's question.
Marwyn kept calling as the ship got dangerously close. They could now see the other crew clearly. Yet the men failed to react until they came within a stone's throw away. Once the men could hear Marwyn clearly their reaction was rather surprising. The men made signs with their hands. None of the Westerosi, not even Marwyn, understood what the gestures meant. But the fact the foreign men evinced revulsion while making them made clear these were not gestures of welcome.
The Ironborn laughed.
"The cheek!" Marwyn was deeply offended.
Arya struggled not to laugh too. Her Queensguards were not so reserved. "I think maybe they don't like the language you are using."
"It is the Asshai language."
"That's what I mean."
Brienne suggested, "Why not try another?"
Marwyn blew out his breath. But he could see the sense of her suggestion. He turned and called out in the Yitish tongue.
The response this time was very different. The men turned and called to someone behind them. A man came forward dressed in the most garish and ridiculous garb any of the Westerosi had ever seen. His gown, for that's what it was, was far too long, threatening to trip him with every step. It was made of patches of silk, each a different color that clashed in a way that hurt the eyes. But the most ridiculous aspect of his ensemble was his hat. It was three times the size of his head and look more like a building. He risked it toppling over every time he tipped his head. He had taken the precaution of strapping it on, but that only gave the impression that it would take him down along with it. The man called back, also speaking Yitish.
"What's he saying?"
"He welcomes us to the realm of… Yo Sha, the Greatest of All Men. What a strange name."
"Why do you say that?"
He shrugged. "In the Yitish language yo sha means 'smart one'."
Arya blinked. "Interesting self-regard. Most people would praise themselves for being strong or wise."
"He values his brains."
"He also values himself. 'Greatest of All Men'!" Everybody knew who she thought deserved that title. "What else does he say?"
The ships had stopped by this point. They were almost close enough for someone to jump from one to the other. Marwyn spouted off a long string of words, which received an equally long answer. "He says his name Lowdow. He is the emissary and herald of Yo Sha. He says we have entered The Great Inner Sea Within the Embrace of the Land of the Sun. Supposedly due south is the other side of it, a thousand miles away."
"A thousand?" Arya was thunderstruck.
"He said it was three hundred tou. A tou is about a league in length. It's also about that deep."
"A bay?"
"I would think so. Rather pretentious name."
"It is their name."
"Yes. It needs a good Westerosi name."
"Does it?" Arya didn't bother to hide her cynicism.
"These foreign names are so pompous. I'll call it 'The Great Bay'." He said this with evident satisfaction.
Everyone around him burst out laughing. Arya struggled to pull herself together. "Their names are pompous?"
What he was going to say in reply was forestalled by their visitor. The emissary shot out a long string of words, obviously showing his irritation.
"He thinks we are mocking him."
"Not at all. We are mocking you." Marwyn gave her a sour look. "Ask him what he wants."
Knowing it was better not to cross Arya, Marwyn complied. The emissary produced another long string of words. Marwyn gave them the concise version. "He says his master is inviting us for a visit." The crew was understandably wary. "He promises us a feast on our arrival."
"Did he offer bread and salt?" Brienne asked.
"This is not Westeros." Marwyn sounded peevish.
"What customs do they have to show their good intentions?"
This was such an eminently common sense question that Marwyn turned and asked. After the emissary replied he said, "The Lord Yo Sha swears upon the stones of his ancestors and their gods."
This comment almost made them start laughing again. Arya asked, "Did he swear upon his rod as well?"
This was met with sniggers. Marwyn though was not amused. "Based on the word he used I think he means their tombs."
The Westerosi were given pause. "A heavy oath." They wondered what she meant. "Eastern people hold their ancestors as sacred I understand."
"Some of them," Marwyn allowed.
"Tell him we will follow him."
"Are you sure about this?" Brienne obviously didn't trust oaths she did not recognize.
"We're not going to get anywhere avoiding people."
As the fleet followed the war junk Arya retired to her own cabin. She had brought no servants with her, having never felt the need to be waited on. So it was that Brienne found her there alone.
"Can I speak with you?"
"About what?" Arya voice was sharp for she already guessed what Brienne wanted to talk about.
"It's about Maud."
How'd I guess? "What about Maud?"
Brienne was hesitant. She knew Arya's moods well enough by now. She also knew that particular tone of voice she used when a subject she didn't want discussed came up. "I have to ask."
"No you don't."
Brienne felt like shaking the queen, though this would be a very bad idea. "It's about discipline. The discipline of the Queensguard."
Arya could understand Brienne's concern. "What about it?" She was resigned now.
"What happened?"
Arya gave her The Stare. Brienne didn't flinch. There was a long silence. Arya could almost hear Brienne's thoughts – If you're going to kill me then get on with it. Otherwise answer my question.
Arya finally sighed in resignation. "I don't know."
"You don't know?" Brienne was incredulous.
"That is what I said." Arya sat down at her vanity. "I woke in a stupor. What I saw… who I saw, was Daenerys."
Brienne could guess that it was the venom at work even without Marwyn's opinion. "You were seeing things."
"No doubt." Yet Brienne could tell from her attitude that Arya wasn't absolving herself for that reason.
"If you… submitted to Maud's advances, then there is no blame on you."
Arya was almost angry. "I don't blame myself!" Arya was probably the best liar in Westeros, but there were times when even she was too obvious. "I just don't know. I can't condemn anyone when I don't know."
Brienne tried to get her head around that. She knew she wasn't the smartest person there was. She knew too many. But she had acquired some wisdom in her life. "Do you really think you…?"
"It is a possibility I cannot dismiss."
Brienne fell back on her own beliefs. "I can. It doesn't matter what you did. You were not yourself and it was wrong for Maud to take advantage of that fact. She knew you would never have agreed if you had been in your right mind."
"I agree."
"You want me to-"
"No!"
Brienne couldn't believe her ears. "But you said…"
"I said no! I told you. I don't know and I will not condemn anyone without knowing."
It was only now that Brienne realized Arya wasn't talking about what happened. At least not physically.
Brienne bowed. "I will leave you then." She left the room. Arya was left with her thoughts.
It was nearing nightfall before the junk led them to its master's stronghold. Even for people bred in stone castles the place was impressive. A stockade of wood twelve feet high surrounded a large inlet from the landward side. The inlet was large enough to hold the entire fleet and then some. Built at the apex of the stockade was a wooden fort. It rivaled the Red Keep in size and had wooden towers that topped the tallest masts of the ships. The entire shore between the water and the fortress was filled with tents, lean-toes, and shacks.
Hundreds of men covered the shore. Countless more crewed boats, skiffs, and rafts all over the inlet. It was difficult to move through them without tipping them over. Tied to shore were several more junks, each of a size to the one they were following.
Asha moved up next to Arya and whispered, "I thought I ought to mention; all these men, they are dressed just like the ones Goodbody found on that scout."
"I figured as much."
"What do you want to do?"
"Lower the longboat. The Queensguard and I will be going ashore. You keep the fleet out here."
"What of the maesters?"
"Marwyn is going with us. Jake stays here."
This did not please Jake, who was always at his master's side. But Marwyn, who was much wiser in the ways of the world, backed up her order. "No my boy. Only one chronicler is needed here."
"But I want to go with you master."
"I understand. But you must understand that obedience is also needed in a maester. We must serve the needs of those we… follow."
On that discordant note he moved to leave the ship. Jake noticed before he entered the longboat that Brienne handed him a mail shirt.
As the oarsmen propelled the boat away Asha turned to Crackjaw. "Signal the ships. Prepare for battle. Quietly."
Lowdow led Arya and her Queensguards through the camp. They saw many lowborn and disreputable people, men and women both, though more men than women. These miscreants gazed back, their eyes wary or lustful or hateful. It was hard to tell. The Westerosi had never seen people they considered to be so mean or dirty before.
When Lowdow, holding the hem of his gown off the ground as he walked, finally led them to the fort, he turned and grandly presented, "Here stands his excellence, his magnificence, his mightiness, the Greatest of Men Who Stands Upon the World: Yo Sha."
Arya hadn't know what to expect. But what she saw was totally not anything she would have. The man before her was short, like all the men here. Little more than her own height. Yet he was clean and well dressed. His beard was trimmed into a sharp spite. His pencil thin mustache was well oiled, their tips pointing downward. His hair was perfumed and tied into a long top knot which hung down his back. And his voice when he spoke…
"Welcome to my kingdom," he said in perfect Westerosi. He had no trace of an accent.
Arya was almost speechless. Her guards were little better. "You know my tongue?"
Yo Sha smiled. "It has been a long time, but in my youth I lived a few years in your capitol, Kings Landing."
His youth? Arya thought. He couldn't be past his thirtieth nameday. "That must have been quite the experience for you."
"Indeed. How is your King Aenys? He was facing a rebellion when I left."
"Aenys is many years dead. Robert overthrew him."
"Ah. He is king now."
"No. Robert died in a hunting accident. My husband rules there now."
"Ah, so. My apologies. To lose one close in such a way. Yet you have met with good fortune to be married to his son."
Arya wasn't sure whether to take this performance seriously or not. "No. Robert's sons were all killed, save two. In the war for the throne after his death my husband retook his rightful place. He is the grandson of The Mad- I mean of King Aenys."
Yo Sha had the decency to look embarrassed. "Ah. My apologies again. I did not mean to imply anything."
"Not at all. It was years ago."
"Of course. Your land is at peace now?"
"Yes. It is rebuilding, but it is prospering."
"Good. Good. Perhaps I shall trouble to return there some time. Until then you will be my guest. I have had rooms prepared for you. We shall feast later. And then… we can discuss things."
"You are too kind." Arya smiled easily, even with one so slimy. She had admit, Yo Sha had a winning manner. But she was not fooled. Essos, Westeros, it made no difference. She knew a liar when she saw one.
Lowdow led them into the fort. The Queensguards were uneasy, but no sign of guards or assassins were anywhere to be seen. The fort, it turned out, was far larger than it looked. Much of it had been hidden from the beach side. It also descended into the ground. The rooms Lowdow led them to were deep under the surface. Not that this bothered Arya. She knew her people could easily fight their way out against the ragged warriors she had seen.
The Queensguards were directed to one room, a large empty space with nothing but mats to sleep on. It was at least clean. Sandor was given a much smaller room to share with Marwyn. Marwyn though continued with Arya since Lowdow gave no indication that he understood her. Arya received an almost sumptuous room, one even more splendid than the ship's cabin she had been living in. Brienne and Marwyn followed her in.
Arya gave a meaningless complement. "This is a most… splendid room."
Lowdow was most fawning, which the women had already discovered was his normal style. "It is maintained for all important guests we might have."
Arya smiled at that. "No doubt you receive many such guests."
"Oh yes indeed! It is much in demand, an audience with his Great Majesty."
"I'm sure it is."
It was clear even to the lickspittle that she wanted him to leave. Marwyn made no effort to hide the fact. But he was determined to be as helpful, and suggestive, as possible. "We have silks for you to wear. And perfume. And jewelry fit for any noble lady. His magnificence would love to see you wear them."
"No doubt." Arya kept smiling.
Lowdow finally accepted the dismissal. He bowed his way out.
The two women gusted sighs once he had left. Brienne said, "I don't know how you can smile through that."
"One learns."
Marwyn asked, "When do you think they will move on us?"
"I'll let you know later."
It was clear she wanted him to leave as well. So he did.
Arya thoroughly examined the room. In the dresser she found a multitude of silks and satins of various sizes and colors.
"Are those from previous guests?"
Arya held one to herself. "Or from cargoes they've stolen." Arya tried out several more, throwing them to the floor after examining them.
Brienne was mystified. Arya had never evinced interest in silks before. But she soon realized that her queen really had no intention of actually wearing any of them. When she started to ask why Arya gave her a sharp look. An arched eyebrow and shifty eye caused Brienne to look around suspiciously.
A couple of maids entered the room, begging forgiveness. Nothing they said was comprehensible to the two, but they knew what they were straight away. Their clothing was cleaner and of a different style than the men who crowded the inlet. The maids were very efficient, quickly replacing the silks in the dresser. The two asked something, probably if the ladies wanted more aid. When there was no answer forthcoming they left.
Brienne muttered, "Efficient." She didn't mean the service.
"Did you notice they spoke a different language than Lowdow?"
Brienne hadn't. "What does it mean?"
Arya's face was still blank, but Brienne could see the flint in her eyes. "They're slaves."
There was a knock on the door. It was a polite knock. Whoever it was waited for admittance. Brienne opened the door.
On the other side was Yo Sha. He smiled, "May I come in?"
"Of course." A look and a nod of her head told Brienne she was dismissed. Brienne was reluctant to leave. She had no trust for anyone here. But it was clear Arya didn't want her there. And Arya was not the sort of person who needed protection.
Arya was watching her host carefully. For all his effected manner, she could tell he was a skilled warrior. His movements were lithe, quick. Much as she had heard of the Red Viper.
"Your apartments are comfortable?"
"Very. I am impressed you have made such a remarkable home."
He laughed. "Hardly as impressive as yours. The palace you live in, what was it called?"
"The Red Keep."
"Ah yes. It was a most splendid structure from what I remember. Not that I ever saw the inside of it, you understand."
"It was. Unfortunately it was burned down. My family and I now rule from Dragonstone. You know it?"
He shook his head. "I'm afraid I don't remember. It must be a splendid place, this home of dragons."
"It is."
"You have many dragons?"
His question was so innocent. He was doing a splendid job of effecting small talk. But Arya was not fooled. "Yes."
She did not elaborate and he knew better than to reveal his true interest. "Then you are doubly blessed. I have ordered a feast to celebrate your arrival here. Will you join me?"
"Of course." She smiled at him. He did possess a good deal of charm and grace, she admitted. But his smile was no shield from her gaze.
He bowed. "Then I look forward to your company."
With that he left. Arya debated with herself just how far into this game she should play. It would certainly be entertaining to confront him wearing the silken gowns he so obviously wanted her to wear. Prudence won out. Even the most skilled warrior can be bested by a horde. She remembered what Jorah had told her about Barristan Selmy. He had died at the hands of guttersnipes and poorly armed fanatics.
It was full dark when Lowdow led the queen and her company to the feast. This was taking place on the beach. The tents and pavilions had been moved to make space. And it was a giant space, holding hundreds. The pirates, for none of the Westerosi had any doubts about that, were feasting on pig, game, fish, and whatever else they had available. Serving them, and carousing with them, were women of the crudest sort. Whether they were slaves, whores, or a combination of both was impossible to tell. The Westerosi were still wearing their armor. If the residents were upset by this they gave no sign.
Lowdow sat them all at a low table that barely topped their ankles. They all had to sit on straw mats, even Arya. All of the pirates were seated at similar tables in two long lines like a U. Yo Sha sat alone at his own little table at the apex, though he was right next to Arya. Even he sat upon the ground. Lowdow sat to his right. A huge fire burned between the arms.
The dishes upon his table were of gold and so were those placed before Arya. Her retainers had to make due with porcelain, which Marwyn identified as originating in Yi Ti. Most of the pirates didn't use plate ware at all.
The men around them were boisterous and loud. Yet they were remarkably well behaved for such scum. The drink flowed freely, particularly something Lowdow called arkhi, or fermented mares' milk. Most of the Westerosi found it distasteful, but Marwyn seemed to like it. The Westerosi were surprised to discover that the food was quite palatable. Strange spices had been added, but they were well cooked and flavorful. There was no wine, unfortunately. Instead the slave girl served a clear liquor to Arya and her master.
"What is this?"
"The people of Yama call it saki. It is made from rice."
She sniffed it uncertainly. It smelled like pure alcohol. She sipped it. "Mmm. Very nice."
He smiled pleasantly. "It does not compare with the wines of your country. Alas, I seldom get the opportunity to drink them."
"Few Westerosi are willing to trade so far from our land."
"Indeed. I do not remember the last such mission from your people. Though I dare say, your… mester…"
"Maester."
"Has been to this part of the world before."
"Only to Asshai."
"Ah yes."
"What do you know of it?"
"Only enough to avoid it. It is a place of sorcerers and demons. Evil things live there. Best not to tempt fate."
"A Westerosi saying."
"We have our own, which is similar."
"How far is it to Asshai?"
He shook his head. "Best not to mention it. Only ill comes from discussing such a place. Instead, let us talk about you."
"Me?" Arya said with false modesty. "I am no one."
"Far from it. You are the queen. You said so yourself. Surely you have a tale to tell."
The man was clever. No question about that. Arya was trying to think of a way to redirect the conversation when Lowdow had a wooden cask brought to them. It was of Westerosi make, without doubt. She was intrigued by the sight of it. Nor did she had long to wait for two burly men lifted it up and poured out two large flagons. These were duly set before Yo Sha and herself.
Even without tasting it Arya knew what it was. "Ale?"
Yo Sha smiled happily. "A rare treat. I have kept this particular treasure for some time, waiting for the right moment."
Sandor, who sat next to her, stared at her flagon with undisguised yearning. She took a sip. "Very good." And it was too. Some of the best she had ever tasted.
Yo Sha laughed. "I don't often drink ale, but when I do I drink West Harbor."
She laughed and the two emptied their flagons.
Several women, who could barely be described as dressed, stood before them near the edge of the water. Strange instruments began a jarring music and the women proceeded to dance provocatively. The men loved it. Arya's Queensguards were less entertained. Truth be told, they were getting rather antsy. If the effort had been to put them off their guard it was having the opposite effect.
"You still have not answered my question."
"What?"
His face was still smiling, yet there was a hardness in his eyes. "Have you not had any adventures?"
She shrugged, making it as casual as possible. "I am no warrior."
He laughed, though there was no humor in it. "Now I know you lie. You wear armor like any lord of Yi Ti. You carry a sword. And you know how to use it. It is no good denying it. I can tell."
"I'm sure you can. One warrior knows another."
"Indeed. And you have used it too. You put down a revolt I am told."
"Yes." There was emphasis on the word. "The Revolt of the Wyls. Funny how you know that."
Wyl of Wyl had decided a few years after the Long Night had ended that Jon was too weak. He had declared himself King of the Dornish Marches and gathered an army of brigands. They raided for a few months before the royal army put a stop to it. Arya herself was central to that. It was she who had revealed the secret entrance into the Wyl's hideout. She had also killed the Wyl of Wyl himself. It had taken the heart out of his followers to find her carrying their leader's head with a dragon and several thousand soldiers at her back. They had surrendered at once. None of them guessed how she did it. Aside from those victims of the Wyls' banditry, only six had died in the revolt. Five at Arya's own hands. She explained none of this to Yo Sha as she guessed he really wasn't interested and she didn't feel like it.
He shrugged. "Tales reach me. Even here there are stories of the Dragon Queen."
Arya had to wonder if he really knew how close to a line he was treading. "That is my sister."
"But you do have a dragon?"
"Yes."
Arya let that answer sink in. She wasn't about to show her hand until she was ready. Apparently he wasn't either. He let the matter drop.
Before them the dancing women had progressed into something a little more… erotic. One which was arguably less dance than… something else. Maud found the new dance engrossing and Marwyn was definitely enjoying himself. As for the others this was questionable. Though Sandor certainly had an eye for pretty girls, he also had a warrior's instinct.
Yo Sha clapped his hands and all the music stopped. There was silence. He called out a command in a language even Marwyn didn't know. The slave girls, now naked, had ceased their dance and moved over to Arya's people. Despite the fact that the Queensguards were clearly identifiable as female the women proceeded to drape themselves over them. The slave women tried to kiss and otherwise fondle them even though they all wore armor. Nor were Sandor or Marwyn neglected. Marwyn was more than willing to partake of the offerings. And Maud wasn't much less reluctant. None of the others evinced any enthusiasm, save Obella who, when she indicated an interest in the girl pawing at the fastenings of her scale, received a sharp pinch from Alys. Yimi and Joella looked totally lost.
Arya had had enough of this game. She took her helmet, which she and her guards and been carrying with them, and placed it on her head. She closed the visor on the girl who tried to kiss her. Her guards immediately copied her actions.
The slave girls, sensing that things had gone awry, fled the area screaming.
Within seconds the entire beach was empty of people save the Westerosi, Yo Sha, and Lowdow. Lowdow looked confused. But Yo Sha was calmness itself.
"I was wondering if you had guessed."
Arya's voice sounded almost inhuman coming from the confines of her helm. "If you had known enough about me to know about the Long Night, then you should have known such tricks wouldn't work on me."
His men surrounded them. They were armed now. Archers had appeared on all the wall surrounding them.
"You know you cannot escape."
"We'll see."
"Tell your ships to beach and their crews to surrender. Your lives will be spared. I will even find you all places in my service." She didn't have to guess where he intended to put her.
Arya had to laugh at his arrogance. "You talk as if you had the option." She stood, her guards following. Marwyn had the sense to lie still and hope no one noticed him. Her voice boomed. "I am Arya Stark. Wife and Sister-Queen to Daenerys Stormborm and wife of Jaehaerys Zaldizes Zokla, First of His Name, King of Westeros, the Bay of Dragons, the Andals, the Roynar, and the First Men, Great Khal of the Dothraki Sea, and Protector of the Realm. You are nothing!"
Yo Sha went livid. "FIRE!"
From all around them came a hundred whistling shafts. Arya and her people made no effort to avoid them. The storm fell upon them, the tips bending, the shafts splintering. When the volley ended not a single wound resulted. The arrows lay broken on the ground. For the first time the pirates were given pause.
Arya and her people drew their swords. To his credit Yo Sha hadn't moved. "You die tonight." He stood and drew his own sword.
Ayra laughed again. "It is unfortunate. You seem like a most capable man. There are far too few such. We could have used a man like you. Unfortunately, I cannot allow an attack upon my person, no matter how ineffectual." Her voice grew colder. "And I cannot tolerate slavers."
In the blink of an eye she launched herself at him. Yo Sha proved his mettle. He blocked her attack and moved swiftly to strike back. The two danced around each other like ghosts. If Yo Sha had thought her armor would slow her down he was deeply disappointed.
Arya's Queensguards charged their enemies. Their opponents didn't wait. The mob swiftly engulfed them. But the Westerosi wore Valyrian steel. Their enemies weren't wearing any armor at all. Slaughter was the inevitable result.
Out in the bay the rag-tag ships of the pirates immediately set upon Arya's fleet. The Ironborn were more than ready. Not one got close. The Ironborn, in addition to their usual weapons, had also brought hundreds of barrels of wildfire. Vials of the green concoction were attached to their crossbow bolts. Boat after boat went up in flames. The Ironborn had no mercy to those who survived.
The men on the junks were struggling to get them underway, but the wind was against them. Asha already had her weapons in place. "Fire!" From the bows of the six largest ships ballistas sent giant bolts, each tipped with a pot of wildfire, into a junk. Within seconds all the pirate boats were burning.
Several pirates tried to help their leader. Arya gave them a grizzly death. Yo Sha had quickly discovered that he couldn't cut through her mail. No doubt he had thought it was the same as the armor of Yi Ti or other such places. He had also never fought a dual-wielder before. Arya, with Dark Sister in one hand and Visenya's Dagger in the other, was the most skilled opponent he had ever faced. But his pride would not allow him to submit. Not to a woman.
With a roar Snowflake flew past. All eyes turned to her. She wheeled and made another pass, this time breathing fire upon the stockade. The walls went up in flames and dozens of men fell screaming.
Yo Sha stared in horror at Arya. She had raised her visor and smiled at him. He lashed out at her, a grimace of rage on his face. She rammed Visenya's Dagger into his throat.
The Westerosi hadn't been sure what the allegiance of the slave women would be. Those worthies demonstrated it now. Grabbing up any weapon they could lay hands on, they set upon the pirates with a vengeance. They were particularly cruel to the wounded who lay helpless on the sand. Even to the battle hardened Westerosi, what they did turned their stomachs.
Lowdow was on his knees, begging them for protection. They kicked him away. As soon as they left him sprawled in the sand a half-dozen women set upon him. His screams were audible even inside the fort.
Those pirates who were able fled out the gates into the jungle beyond. Leaving the survivors to the freed slaves, the Westerosi followed their queen into the fort. Some few guards were left inside, but they were dealt with without any trouble.
Arya wasn't at all sure of what she was looking for, but she found quite a bit. Inside what had likely been Yo Sha's own room they found charts of the surrounding waters. And very good ones.
Marwyn shook his head in admiration. "That man would have made a good maester."
"He should have gone to the Citadel then." Arya wasn't in a generous mood.
Brienne asked as Arya began tearing the room apart, "What are you looking for?"
"How did he know we were coming?" That gave them all pause. "He knew who we were. And why we are here. Spent time in Kings Landing my ass!"
"He has spies in Westeros?"
"He has something. We need to find it. Or at least some clue as to what it is."
They spread out to look. They could hear the noises from outside, particularly Snowflake. But they found nothing to connect with Westeros. Jewelry, gold, expensive clothes, silks, perfumes, but nothing to indicate how Yo Sha had known about Westeros.
Until they got to the back room. At the very rear of the fort on the ground floor Arya and Brienne broke down a locked door to find a room decorated in a style totally alien to them. It looked almost as if it came from Yi Ti, yet Arya had seen enough of the strange letters of that place to know it wasn't from there. Silks and fine brocades hung on the walls. And a large bed, more in the style of Westeros than anything from Essos.
But dominating it all was a tall spike made of obsidian standing in the very center of the room. It stood taller than Arya herself and was fixed inside a bronze stand.
Arya knew it at once. "A glass candle."
"So it is," said a sultry voice.
From behind a vanity screen stepped a woman. She looked young and beautiful to other eyes. Such things did not fool Arya. Through the glamor before her was a woman dark of hair and dark of eye. Old, though not nearly as old as Melisandre had been. She was barely dressed, looking more like the slave women from before. This was no slave. She wore gold and a ruby at her neck.
"Witch!"
"If that is what you wish. But I am no enemy of yours Queen of Dragons."
"That is my sister."
"Is it not also you? Do you not also ride a dragon?"
"How do you know this?"
The woman stepped closer, yet Arya noticed she kept her distance from the candle. "You are the wolf's blood. That I see. You are mate to the one named Azor Ahai."
"There is no such person. There never was."
"Yet here you stand."
"Are you a red priest?" It was a foolish question for the woman had no trace of red on her.
"No. I do not follow Red R'hllor nor any other god. My worship is for power alone. I was loyal servant to Yo Sha. I can be yours too, Queen of Dragons."
"Never! You evil bitch! I'm not letting you set a foot on my ships."
Arya and Brienne stepped forward to kill the woman before them. Just then there was a blinding flash. They covered their eyes. The two felt pebbles tick off their armor. When they opened their eyes the woman was gone. One of the hangings had been pulled away, revealing a secret passage. The glass candle lay shattered on the floor.
"Should we follow?" Brienne stood uncertainly.
Arya had learned long ago the value of caution. "No. As long as she leaves us be she can be ignored."
Marwyn, Sandor, and the other Queensguards rushed in. "What was that noise?" Marwyn demanded before he spotted the remains on the floor. He went over to examine them, then sighed.
"It's better this way. That woman was too dangerous."
"Was she of R'hllor?"
"No. I don't know what she was. But she used a glamor."
"A shadowbinder. From Asshai then. I think it likely that someone knows we're coming."
END CHAPTER 5