Chapter 11: Under the Shadow

(Before I begin, I wish to express my disappointment with certain developments with the story as related by the television adaptation. I do not believe these reflect the actual path GRRM intends to take with his novels. I therefore do not hold myself bound to alter my own story in any way to accommodate them. I fully intend to continue as I originally planned and will relay the story that I always intended.)

Brienne knocked on Arya's door, but as was her custom, did not wait for a reply. She opened it to find her queen sitting next to her vanity.

"We are almost there. Asha estimates we should get there by dusk."

"Like you could tell." Arya sounded morose.

"What's wrong?"

This was such a loaded question. For the past several days the fleet had been increasingly covered by a permanent darkness. Clouds thicker than any anyone had seen, even during the Long Night, filled the sky. Their origin unknown. It soon turned day into an impenetrable night. The lookouts could barely see more than a few hundred yards beyond the bows.

But this wasn't what Brienne was referring to. "You've heard Marwin."

Brienne nodded. Marwin knew Asshai. He had lived there for several years. His descriptions of the place left no doubts as to what they would find.

"I'm sick of killing." Brienne did not answer. She did not need to. This was a sentiment Arya had expressed before. "I am so sick of fighting."

"You knew what would happen before we left."

Arya glared. It was not The Stare. This was Arya just being depressed. "It didn't have to happen."

"The world is filled with dangers. If you had not been willing to face them you would have stayed home."

Arya sighed and got to her feet. "True enough. No help for it now. We'll deal with whatever we face."

Marwin's descriptions hadn't exactly been detailed. He had insisted that he had been too long away from the place. But Arya knew it was likely that he didn't want to reveal just what he had been up to there.

The two came on deck long before the ships passed into the harbor. The first thing Arya noticed was the city filled with lights. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say light sources. It was as if she was staring into a piece of the night sky which had been pulled down and pinned against the landscape. But the light was swallowed by the pitch black buildings around them, illuminating very little. Shadows and blackness filled the voids between. It was only the sea of lights that allowed them to know where the harbor even was. They could see that there were buildings, and streets, and alleyways. But all details were shrouded and blank. A darkness that felt all consuming.

"Are you able to see the quays?" Arya asked Asha.

"We'll manage." Asha sounded confident, so Arya dismissed the matter.

She took a good look at the structures ahead of them, or at least as good as the dim light allowed. They were similar in design to the towers she had seen poking out of the glacier. Tall, square, and dark as night, they towered over any other buildings she had ever seen, bar the Hightower. Many of them were clearly damaged, though she could not guess as to what caused it. In addition, there were no banners nor ornaments anywhere to be found.

All of this was compounded by shear emptiness. The streets looked completely deserted and what few figures she did see all stood near the shoreline waiting for the new arrivals to tie off. There was other ships in the harbor. Some from Yi Ti, some from Qarth, most unrecognizable. In fact, the docks were the only sign of life to be seen anywhere.

"This place smells almost as bad as Carcosa." It was the most she had said about her trip to that place and it made her companions wonder. But she failed to elaborate. The stink was indeed bad, drifting far out over the water. Unlike Carcosa, the smell here was more of filth and smoke, brimstone even, than death.

Though hundreds of ships were in the harbor there were plenty of births for the entire fleet and then some. A horde of men of many different backgrounds appeared on the dock. They looked like laborers. Most wore rags or were half naked. Some even looked Westerosi, though most were obviously from Ulthos or Essos.

Marwin called out to them. After some back and forth a man dressed all in black leather appeared. This new man was pale as milkglass and taller than Brienne. He was also skinny as a post. Yet his face was covered by a black leather mask. Chains, far too delicate to serve as actual restraints, were draped from his shoulders and arms. Marwin talked with the man for a brief moment and the newcomer ordered the slaves away. For slaves they were.

"Who was that man?" Arya didn't like the look of him at all.

"He said his name was Yuagü. He serves the Mistress, Pamadika."

"Is that supposed to mean something to me?"

"The Mistress controls this part of the city. These were her slaves. They thought we were traders."

Brienne said what Arya was thinking. "Rather accommodating of them to just let us dock here."

"Yesss. I gather we are expected."

Arya gave him a suspicious look, but Marwin chose not to elaborate. "I've never seen a man like him before."

"Neither have I. Yet I have heard that men in the far north in Mossovy are tall and pale like him. Perhaps he is from there."

"Should we be concerned?"

"I know as little of that place as you. Other maesters have said that it is a nation of demon hunters and shape changers. Perhaps he is one or both. Asshai is where all those who practice the higher mysteries go."

"Where's the Red Temple?"

Marwin led Arya and her Queensguard through the city. It was a disquieting journey. The city streets had no recognizable pattern. They just seemed to go hither and yon, following no plan. They had to make turn after turn. The streets were of no set size either. Broad avenues were cut by narrow alleys that led back to other avenues. An ideal place for ambushes. Fortunately, they chose to wear their full panoplies: greaves, gauntlets, helms, and shields.

Walking between the buildings was uncomfortable in other ways. None of the buildings had visible windows, save those few showing lights. They also loomed over them. Nowhere had any of them been where there were so many towers.

There was nothing in particular to indicate the Red Temple, save that it was larger than any of the buildings around it. Also, the largest fires any of them had seen thus far burned in a pair of giant pits to either side of the entrance.

The doors were huge, large enough to accommodate Snowflake. The doors opened on their own long before they reached them. Attendants dressed in red came out and lined up as the group approached.

Brienne muttered, "It wasn't just the scarecrow that was expecting us."

Arya kept her thoughts to herself.

The building appeared to be composed of one giant room. Arya noticed doors leading away from the empty space, but they were hidden by arches or tucked away near crevices. The central room was dominated by a giant fire pit. A massive bonfire burned in it day and night. Dozens of red robed priests lined the walls.

Standing next to the fire in the center of the room was a tall, dusky skinned lady. At first glance Arya guessed she was from Naath or the Summer Islands. "Greetings my queen," the woman said before any of the Westerosi could utter a sound. The woman bowed formally. "I am Elessar. I have the honor to preside over this most august home of Rh'llor."

"Where is Kinvara?" Arya didn't bother to ask how this woman knew who she was.

"The Lady Kinvara has journeyed to Volantis to discuss temple matters. I was bid to show you welcome and give all assistance that you may require."

"We're glad to receive such a friendly welcome. There haven't been many during this journey." Arya had no cause for concern. So far she had detected no deception or hostility from Elessar. But there was something off. Arya felt an itch at the back of her neck and it wasn't the heat causing it.

"We are happy to provide."

"Tell me what's going on here."

Elessar sounded confused, "You want to know who is aligning with who?"

"Just tell me how things work here." Elessar glanced at Marwin. "He has been less than helpful."

Marwin made sounds of incredulity, but everyone ignored him. "Of course. Asshai has no government as you would describe it. There is no king or council or priesthood that rules the city. Each community governs itself with them choosing such representatives as they have according to their own practices. These communities often form mutually beneficial agreements with others to protect themselves and offset any such agreements made by their rivals. The primary objective of most is to prevent anyone else from obtaining sufficient power to dominate the city. The fear that one faction will gain supremacy helps unify the others against them. As you can imagine, this causes alliances to form and fall apart at a fairly frequent rate."

Brienne said, "Sounds like a recipe for constant fighting."

Elessar looked uncertain, as if she weren't sure she should answer. "There is frequent conflict. It seldom rises to the point of all-out war. But murder is not uncommon here."

Arya asked, "Who is the most powerful right now?"

"Tú Sab Hēv. He is the leader of the shadowbinders. The shadowbinders are inevitably part of whatever faction dominates the city for their powers are formidable. As of this moment both the pyromancers and the aeromancers are aligned with him. There is talk that the moonsingers and warlocks might also join. If true that would likely destabilize the entire city. Open war occurs seldom, but it has been known to happen when one faction becomes too powerful."

"And you think that's likely now? What position does the temple take?"

"The Lord of Light aligns with no one save the Prince that was Promised and his chosen wives." Arya sensed that this was something that had been drummed into the woman as she repeated it with no feeling at all. "We act as mediator when necessary, always striving to maintain the peace of the city."

"Commendable. Is that proving more difficult now?"

Elessar's hesitation was palpable. "We are endeavoring to keep the peace."

"That isn't what I asked."

The tension was thick. Though what the red priestess was hiding Brienne couldn't say.

Elessar cleared her throat. "Can we speak together in private?"

Arya nodded. As Elessar led the way she called back, "Wait here." Her Queensguards weren't happy.

Elessar led Arya into a back room. This was a rather well decorated office or study. It contained many old books on ancient shelves. Though there was a desk and chairs, Elessar did not sit. She offered Arya a drink, but it was declined.

She looked frightened. "There is something important that you should know." She said it in a half-whisper like a girl relaying some deep secret.

Arya was not impressed by this performance. "Go on."

Elessar took a deep breath and it was clear she really was frightened. "Tú Sab Hēv is the most powerful shadowbinder I have ever yet seen. He may very well be able to obtain the alliance he seeks."

"More powerful than Melisandre?" Arya knew little of shadowbinders or their ways. But she knew of two of them. Quaithe had been a very powerful sorceress and she had hinted that Melisandre had been as well. Indeed, Arya knew she wouldn't be alive otherwise.

Elessar clearly wasn't happy with the mention of Melisandre. "That one was a disgrace. She shamed the Lord with her antics. Nevertheless, your grace is correct. Her power was considerable. But not I think a match for Tú Sab Hēv."

"How about Quaithe?"

Elessar was confused. "Quaithe?"

"Doesn't matter."

Arya hadn't been expecting peace on Earth. Still, this was a situation for which she was all too familiar.

"How likely is the city to fall into conflict?"

Elessar rubbed her hands together, biting her lip. She was very unlike any red priest Arya had ever met.

"Tú Sab Hēv is definitely acquiring power. Power enough to seize the city perhaps. Though there is considerable power arrayed against it. Do not make the mistake of thinking these people powerless, my queen. They command whole armies of slaves to do their bidding. And they possess powers it would be hard for me to describe. If Tú Sab Hēv does attempt to take the city he will have a serious battle on his hands."

"Does he possess enough power to fight a dragon?"

Elessar blinked. This was a thought she had never had before. "I don't know. I don't know what it would take to fight a dragon."

"Who's his primary opposition?"

"Pamadika. She came here near a century ago, though it is rumored she is far older."

"Older than Kinvara?"

"That would be rather difficult. Nonetheless, it would not surprise me."

Arya muttered more to herself, "Not as old as Hastur."

"Who?"

Arya waved the question aside. "What is this Pamadika? I'm guessing she is no shadowbinder."

"She might well be. She has many skills. People here seldom restrict themselves to only one form of learning. If I were to guess I'd say she is a shapechanger and bloodmage. She also appears to have some knowledge of the night-walkers, though I know little of them."

"We met a little pet of hers when we arrived."

"Yuagü? I am familiar with him. Beware of him, my queen. He is more than he seems."

"Do you know where he's from?"

"No. That is a question one does not ask here. Once one becomes a citizen of Asshai one's past no longer matters."

"Sounds a lot like Braavos."

"I have never been there."

"What would you suggest?"

"It is dangerous to interfere. Yet it would be dangerous to allow events to play out also. I cannot advise you, save to leave as soon as you can."

Arya was silent for a long time. She was so used to dealing with liars it no longer took her by surprise. Even so, she could sense nothing from Elessar. The woman was clearly dissembling, but about what? There was something she was not telling the queen. But Arya could not fathom what it could be.

"Where do I find this Pamadika?"

Elessar was shocked. "You mean to confront her?"

"Not necessarily. I wish to speak with her. She knew I was coming. She had some reason for wanting me here."

Elessar made a decision. "Perhaps you should meet Tú Sab Hēv first."

"Why?" Arya suspicions were aroused.

"He is the biggest threat at this moment. If there is danger he is the most likely to be the cause of it."

This was logical.

"One thing more I should warn you of. We have seen… visions of something. I can't tell you what, but it is dark."

"What do you mean? It clouds your vision?"

"Possibly. What I mean is it is black. That could mean it is literally black in color. Or it could be it has some power to block our visions. Anything which can interfere with the Lord of Light's visions is something to fear."

"What relevance does this have?"

"Tú Sab Hēv is rumored to be trying to make contact with it."

Tú Sab Hēv was located in the northern part of the city. Arya's party had quite a journey to reach him. The leader of the shadowbinders, if indeed they had such a thing, was in the largest building in the city. Rather appropriate Arya thought.

Once again the doors were open before they got there. A thin, almost emancipated man dressed in brown rags greeted them. "His eminence is waiting to meet you," he said in Yitish.

Arya kept her thoughts locked behind her teeth.

The wretch led them inside to a side room. From what Arya observed of the interior she thought this building too had once been a temple of some kind, though she could not tell what purpose it served now. In the side room, a study filled with arcana, sat a man who would be noticeable wherever he went. At first glance once would think he was from Yi Ti, for his complexion and features were of that land. Yet he was the shortest man who wasn't a dwarf she had ever seen. He couldn't have been taller than herself, if that. His robes could easily have bedecked any prince of the Summer Isles, but they hung off his body as if made for a man twice his size. His pate was shaved as Varys' had been. He too looked almost emancipated. He sat behind a huge desk covered in scrolls and books.

"Greetings Lady Stark," he addressed her before anyone could speak, his Common tongue flawless. This wasn't the only thing about him giving Arya Hastur vibes.

The wretch, obviously distressed, tried to regain his dignity. "Ah, this is his Great Eminence Tú Sab Hēv, Tetrarch of the Binders Guild."

"Thank you Kablaum. You may go."

Sab did not smile. He showed indifference and it was hard to tell whether this was his usual demeanor. Arya was not fooled. She sensed that there was something more to his attitude. Something hidden.

Arya answered him using trade speech, not wanting him to know just how much Yitish she had. "You speak the Common tongue very well. When were you in Westeros?"

"Never been there." His voice lacked any tone or emotion. "But I have met many from your backward country. Enough of them come here for me to see value in learning your tongue."

She resisted the impulse to look at Marwin. "Are all the people here as rude as you?"

He smiled, but there was no humor in it. "We respect only power. Much as you might think a visiting monarch would be of significance, we are used to dealing with more… unique individuals."

"You also have no respect for titles."

"Do you have one?"

"Queen of Westeros. I am addressed as your grace or sire."

He almost laughed. "I have no sire."

Is he making a joke? she wondered.

"Wherever you come from, you are in Asshai now. Here there are no kings. No queens. No patriarchs of any kind. Only power matters."

"My power is in my scabbard. Whether it stays there depends on you."

The Hound moved closer to Sab. For the first time a hint of emotion flashed in his eyes. Maybe the fact that the strangers outnumbered him and none of his followers were close enough to intervene. He hastily stood.

"Forgive me. I am in the habit of treating with people who understand our unique rules. We do not engage in violence against one another."

"You have your slaves do all the fighting."

He didn't bother to answer. Despite the emotionless attitude Arya sensed a certain smugness in him.

"We heard you are in a battle with, what's her name, Pamadika?"

He smiled again, this time more genuinely. "The red whore told you no doubt. I would not grace it with such a grandiose title as 'battle'. But yes, Pamadika and I are having a disagreement. She and I simply have a difference of opinion on who is best suited to run this city."

"She doesn't like having the shadowbinders ruling everyone."

"Why should she? She is a shadowbinder." Arya was actually shocked enough to blink. "You did not know this? The red whore likes to keep secrets."

"So is the suggestion that you are allying with the aeromancers and pyromancers also a lie?"

"Not at all. I have been trying to engage their friendship for years. Unfortunately, Pamadika has much greater influence over them than I do. If you are looking for the true threat to the peace of Asshai you are going to have to travel to the south."

"I am not interested in mediating the conflicts of this place. I am only interested in whatever might be a threat to Westeros."

"Everything here is a threat to Westeros. Asshai is the home of all the deepest secrets. If you seek danger you will find it here. But it is easily avoided if you don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong."

"You have a habit of making threats."

He shook his head with false modesty. "I merely inform. Whatever risk you take is entirely your own."

"I am quite capable of dealing with threats. I dealt with the Yellow Emperor in Carcosa."

"I am aware of that." The mask had dropped and anger was thick in his voice.

So, not everyone is glad that Hastur is dead.

He collected himself. "You do not realize what you have done."

Now it was her turn to get angry. "I know very well what I have done! You know what that bastard was?"

"The real question is: do you?"

This made her pause. What was Hastur? He speaks as if there was far more to him. "Was he like Euron?"

"Who?"

Arya almost attacked him. Lying bastard! She pushed forward until her legs were pressed against the desk. "Don't try my patience!"

His voice was still emotionless, yet Arya sensed he was now uncertain. "Perhaps he chose the wrong adversary."

Marwin could no longer hold his tongue. "Do you mean Euron or the Yellow Emperor?"

Arya felt like hitting him, but kept her eyes on Sab. That one glanced at Marwin as if looking at a bug. When his eyes met hears again she could almost hear his thoughts – She knows who I mean. And so she did. She felt like she had been raised up to a new tier, that she was now judged as being on a higher level. That wasn't necessarily a good thing.

She wanted to kill Sab, but she had no cause to. He had done her no harm that she knew of. Nor intended any. The look in his eyes showed he knew this. These bastards know too much about me!

A slight smile reached his lips and she suddenly had the feeling that he was hearing her thoughts. She filled her minds with blood and slashing blades. His smile vanished.

"Where are you from? You look to be from Yi Ti."

"I come from a country so far south I am sure you have never heard of it. We are alike to the Yitish, but the similarity is entirely coincidental. According to our own learned men we are descended of the Cloud God of Tuj Nag. The Yitish were made by the Earth God. The splendor of my home far exceeds the filth of Yi Ti."

"Funny how everywhere I go the people always think their own lands are best."

"Is that not true of you too?"

"I supposed it is. Does Pamadika come from the same place?"

"Not at all. Her homeland lies between the Ice Sea to the south and the White Mountains."

"I am not familiar with those places."

"They lie upon the land I believe your people call Sothoryos."

"So who are you allying with?"

"You are a clever woman, your grace, but not that clever. The politics of Asshai are of no consequence to you. Don't you think it would be better if you left it at that?"

Arya was going to make a biting comment, but she wasn't convinced he was wrong. She had made it her policy not to become involved and she hadn't seen any reason to change that. So far. But that nagging feeling at the back of her neck hadn't gone away.

"I have one more question. The red priestess mention something blocking her vision."

"What?"

"I have no idea. I was hoping you might know. She said it was black."

"What does that mean?"

"I don't know. She mentioned that rumors claim you are trying to talk to it."

His face blackened. "I would trust one of your stature would not listen to dumb rumors."

"One can learn a great deal from rumors."

"I know nothing of this thing. I am conscious of a presence to the north. I have no knowledge of what it could be. If you wish to know more perhaps you should ask Pamadika."

"Why?"

"She has sent her agents north to investigate it."

Marwin jumped in again. "None dare go north save shadowbinders. Are these agents shadowbinders too?"

Sab glared daggers at him. As the silence dragged on Arya asked, "I have heard of the city, Stygai. Have you been there?"

Sab turned his gaze on her. "Good day, your grace."

Though he had no obvious means of making them leave Arya was not eager to discover what powers he might actually have. Without bothering to say goodbye, she spun on her heels and left. As they were leaving they spotted the slave Kablaum.

Marwin was the one who spoke to him. "Can you tell us how to find this woman, Pamadika?"

It was a considerable journey to reach the rival shadowbinder. Arya had to admit, this really was the largest city in the world. And the emptiest. They moved down empty street after empty street. Often the only light was a tiny speck in a distant window. They expected to be attacked at any moment, but nothing happened.

Pamadika's home was another large building, this one near the docks. At least they wouldn't have far to go to reach their ships. The doors stayed closed when they approached.

The Hound reached out and grabbed Arya's shoulder. Everyone stopped. "I've got a bad feeling about this."

The doors suddenly opened and Yuagü came out with an army of slaves at his back. These slaves were soldiers, dressed in black leather cuirasses and bronze helms. They all carried spiked clubs.

The Hound and the Queensguards moved quickly to put themselves between Arya and the natives.

Yuagü held up his hand. "Peace," he said in Yitish.

Marwin answered, "Why the hostile reception?"

"We are not threatening." Arrogance was thick in his voice. "You are the intruders here."

"True enough. We come in peace."

"Yet you bear arms."

"We know enough of this place to know not to travel unprotected."

Yuagü snorted in amusement. "You have enough brains for that at least. Come. Lady Pamadika awaits you."

The slaves moved aside and Yuagü led them inside. The interior was bare stone walls. The passage led directly into a single large room. Once again Arya was reminded of a temple.

Were these people really so religious? Or is there another reason for all this pomp?

The main room was as unpleasant a place as any they had yet seen. Racks and cages lined the walls. Chains hung from rafters and stanchions. A bloodstained altar was the centerpiece. A man's screaming could be heard coming from a back hallway.

Standing before the altar was a very tall woman, almost as tall as Brienne. Her skin was near midnight black, yet she had painted her face bone white. A black leather mask covered the top of her head. Coal black eyes stared down at Arya as if she were an insect.

The silence dragged on for what felt like an eternity. Finally, the woman spoke, "Have the people of the west forgotten all their manners?"

"Everyone here speaks as if they already know me, so I figured I'd wait to find out if you would too."

Pamadika smiled. "Well said. You could say we do know you. We have all been following the progress of your journey."

"I wouldn't have thought I would be of much interest."

"You are too modest. When a queen of Westeros travels the world it is of interest to everyone."

"Funny. Most of the people I have encountered act as if they don't know me."

"Those who do not possess knowledge of the higher mysteries. To those who stare into the darkness you are well known. As are all those who tame dragons."

"Interesting comment."

"How so?"

"How is it everyone knows so much about me? Do you have glass candles as the Archmaester suggests?"

Pamadika glanced at Marwin before continuing. "If you know about that why are you asking the question? I know why you are here, Queen of Westeros. And I know where you are going. Don't you feel you should continue your journey and leave us to our affairs?"

"How do I know you aren't a danger to Westeros?"

"You don't. But I am hardly in a position to threaten you. Asshai has been here for thousands of years. It was the first city and it will be the last city. Asshai has caused no trouble for Westeros before. We are not going to now."

"I wish I could believe that. Your rival, Tú Sab Hēv, was most upset over my killing of the 69th Yellow Emperor."

"No doubt. He is ever eager to obtain knowledge. I am not so greedy. No doubt you had your reasons."

It hit Arya like a sling stone. She doesn't know.

"I myself feel no kinship with that particular monster."

"Do you know what he was?"

"Do you?"

Arya was getting angry. "You people prevaricate a lot."

"I was unaware that we were supposed to supply you with information. You do not rule here Dragon Queen. We handle our own affairs."

"And yet you try to drag me into it."

"We have not dragged you into anything."

"Haven't you?!" Arya patience had run out. "Why did you allow me to dock so freely? Why haven't you tried to interrogate me or stop me from moving around the city?"

"It is not my job to stop you from doing anything." She paused before continuing. "Nevertheless, I do tire of this game. No doubt you do also. Yes, naturally we want you to aid us in our struggles. It is natural, is it not? You command a dragon. That is power."

"And what happens if I did side with you?"

Pamadika hesitated, perhaps sensing a trap. "You upset the balance of power. You might even gain control of Asshai."

"And create a threat to all of Essos. Possibly Westeros as well."

"That is possible. The conflict between the groups here is what has prevented them from unifying to conquer the world."

"And you believe that this is permanent."

Pamadika smiled. "We have little reason to work together. I do not deny that there have been those who possessed dreams of greatness. But being a subordinate to an all-powerful overlord is not very appealing to anyone who themselves possess great power. Are you not an example of this?"

Arya's voice growled, "I don't seek to rule anything."

"You forget, I have been following your life for some time. You chose to marry the man who rules the largest kingdom in the world."

"I chose to marry him out of love. Do you know what that is?" Pamadika's expression darkened. "My marrying him saved the world. What have you accomplished?"

Pamadika failed to answer. Arya's Queensguards interpreted her reaction as anger. But Arya could see that her question had actually caused Pamadika some doubt. The shadowbinder was asking herself questions she had never asked herself before.

"Tell me this; there is something north of here. Do you know what it is?"

"Why should I know?"

"Tú Sab Hēv has said you have been examining it."

"You assume either of us are able to see anything. Whatever is north of us is located near Stygai. No vision can penetrate Stygai. Some power lives there. It blocks all efforts to see. None have yet obtained the power to see through the vail."

"Has that power ever sought to leave its city?"

"I have never heard such."

"Odd."

"You assume it desires to rule the world. You do not know this. Perhaps it only seeks seclusion. Perhaps it is unable to leave. You assume too much, Dragon Queen. Most of those who come here do so for the exact same reason as yourself, to aid those whom they love."

"Is that why you are here?"

"In a way. I no longer have memories of those I once loved. I tire of this. Is your interrogation over?"

"Why are you trying to converse with this thing near Stygai?"

"I am not. Who told you that? Your pet priestess?"

"Do you know what it is?"

"You assume I care."

"I have to go."

As she turned to leave Pamadika said, "I have a question for you. Aside from your man, is there anything else you miss since leaving your home?"

Arya had no idea what Pamadika was getting at, but she had a ready answer. "My son."

The interview had left Arya no wiser on what she was up against. Everyone in this city lied freely, yet she sensed there was truth in their words too. She had to remind herself that these were ancient and powerful people. No doubt they had survived a great deal.

Instead of returning to the ships Arya led her party back to the Red Temple. It was very late and they had been walking for hours by the time they arrived.

Elessar was waiting for them. "Did you enjoy your exploration of the city?"

The Hound snapped, "Are you trying to funny?"

"Sorry. This place is not somewhere a person goes to see the sights. It's dangerous to wander around."

"We noticed, but the people here know enough to leave us alone."

"Yes. You are the most heavily armed group to come to Asshai in many long years. Few who come here possess Valyrian steel armor and weapons."

Arya added, "And a fleet. All the people I talked to denied wanting to conquer the city. Denied wanting to make contact with this thing you mentioned."

"Does that surprise you?"

"They weren't lying."

Elessar was so shocked she burst out, "How could you tell?" She was so embarrassed her face turned red.

Sandor's hand drifted to Heartbane's hilt.

Arya's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Were you expecting something?"

Elessar knew she had screwed up. "I… wasn't expecting anything save that they would dissemble."

"The way you are now."

The Queensguards moved threateningly around her. Elessar knew she was in trouble. "Forgive me, my queen. I should not have tried to use you."

"You better keep talking."

"It is my responsibility to protect the interests of the temple."

"Isn't the temple's interests my interests?"

"With all due respect, you are our queen, but Westeros is your primary concern. Mine is the temple. I was hoping you would see how evil they were and dispose of them. With your armor and weapons you could kill them with ease."

Arya advanced on the tall woman. Elessar backed away until she hit the railing surrounding the fire pit. She cried out in pain and jumped away. Arya grabbed her, almost throwing the woman to the floor. "You want to be in the fire?!" Elessar was crying. "No one uses me!"

Elessar fell to her knees. "Forgive me please!" She was shaking, tears pouring out of her eyes.

Arya released her. "I never kill without reason. Evil they may be, but they have done no harm to me or mine. And I am not here to police these people. Whatever crimes they have committed, it is not my purpose to bring them justice. We are not here to fight the whole city."

Elessar got to her feet. "I apologize profusely, my queen. You are right. Fighting them would be dangerous and the only power here to stop them is your fleet. I do not know if they have any hostile intent toward you, but it would be unwise to trust them."

"I have no intention of doing so."

"The shadow to the north is real enough and no one has a clue as to what it is. I know you are angry, my queen, but you really should investigate this thing."

"You truly believe it is a threat?"

"Anything from Stygai is a threat."

"You believe it's from Stygai?"

Marwin interjected, "It is a reasonable assumption. What lies in the Shadowlands is death to any who go there."

"Then why should we?"

Elessar had regained some of her confidence. "You have the Valyrian steel armor."

"Dragon steel," she absently corrected.

Marwin saw an opportunity to finally find something new and mysterious. "Whatever it is could be a threat to Westeros."

Brienne said, "Or it could be none of our business."

"We made this voyage to discover new things. It's about time we found them!"

Arya's eyes bore into him. "We already have. I killed the Yellow Emperor. What does that tell you?"

Elessar was flabbergasted. "You slew the Yellow Emperor? He was said to be a sorcerer."

"He was. He was also a monster. A worse monster than any I've ever seen before."

Knowing what Arya had faced before her people were stunned into silence. And fear.

Elessar said, "All the more reason to investigate this thing. If it is greater than the Yellow Emperor…"

She left the comment unfinished.

Arya was silent for a long time. "You're right. We cannot risk having something of such power running loose in Essos. We must investigate."

"I cannot tell you how far north it is. Stygai is many days travel and there are no horses you can use. It is unwise to eat or drink anything you find in the Shadowlands. You will have to bring all your supplies with you. And there are none to be had in the city."

"How very encouraging," Lyanna muttered.

"We'll leave tomorrow. Anything I should know about before we go?"

"There are no walls or gates. Any can enter or leave at will. Use the main road north of the temple. It is the only path into the Shadowlands. As for what may be in them, I'm afraid I know no more than you."

"I've been in them," Marwin announced.

Arya gave him The Stare. "Why didn't you mention this before?"

He swallowed. "I did not think it relevant."

The look he got back showed what she thought of that comment. "I decide what is relevant. You keep any more secrets from me and I discover what your guts look like." Elessar laughed until Arya's glare silenced her.

Marwin said, "We need only follow the river. It goes straight to Stygai and we cannot get lost."

Elessar added, "That is evil water, my queen. Do not touch it for any reason."

This was the least pleasant trip any of them had planned on. Returning to the ships, they prepared as best they could for the journey. Food was no problem, but the fleet hadn't been carting around loads of fresh water. Their intention had always been to remain near the coast and take advantage of whatever water sources they came across. Several of the ships had to row their potable water over to Summer as Asha planned to send several back along their course to find more. They were at the entrance to the Saffron Straits and nothing but ocean was before them.

Brienne, as was her custom, barged into Arya's cabin. She found her queen crying her heart out.

"Arya?" She shut the door and went over to the other woman. "Arya…" Kneeling down, Brienne put her arm around Arya's shoulders, her other hand on Arya's.

Through her gasps Arya said, "I want to go home. I want to go home."

"We're going home. It's not much longer now. We are once more traveling in known lands. There is only the way forward."

Arya turned her tear streaked eyes on Brienne. "You know how much I miss Ned? To hold him in my arms. To watch his first steps. To hear his first words. I am missing all of that."

Brienne had to wonder if this was the effect that witch woman had intended all along. She knew her own chances of ever having such happiness was minimal.

"You will have more. And you will share his life. Maybe not the beginning of it, but you will see him fall in love, marry, father children of his own. You will be there when he needs you."

Arya pulled herself together. "Thank you. This journey has proven much harder than I had ever imagined."

"Nothing we can't cope with."

The next morning, loaded down with supplies, they set out for the evil city of Stygai.

END CHAPTER 11