Chapter 13: Blood Magic

Arya listened to the man's heartbeat. To her it was the sweetest music. As she lay upon the broad chest she drank in his scent, his breath. He slept quiet, something he had learned long before joining the Knight's Watch. The scars on his body only served to add to his attractiveness to her.

Arya opened her eyes to find her sister-wife staring at her. Dany's amethyst eyes studied her intensely. A slow smile crept onto the Dragon Queen's lips. The two were close enough to touch and Arya was sorely tempted to kiss her.

Not that she hadn't done that very thing quite a lot this night. And every night. The two had discovered quickly that their amorous adventures were very encouraging for their man. His ardor always increased after watching them pleasure each other. Despite her sleepiness, Arya felt a strong desire. She never tired of exploring her sister. They seldom slept apart.

Dany started speaking, but no words came out. It was as if Arya had lost all hearing. She scowled. She tried to read her sister's words, a talent she was superb at. Yet the meaning was lost to her. It was as if Dany was speaking gibberish. And still no sound came from her. Arya reached out to touch her sister.

She shot up awake in the darkened camp. Her hand was on Dark Sister. She looked around to see all her companions sleeping, save Lyanna who stared out into the darkness on watch. Joella was nowhere in sight. Her waking must have been silent, for Lyanna failed to react.

Arya listened intently, but even insects appeared to avoid the river, save enormous black flies that plagued them day and night. She did not know why she had grabbed her weapons. Yet there was a sense that lingered, as of something that had been sneaking up on her, which chose to sneak off instead.

As usual in this poisoned place, the only light came from the river. Yet Arya noticed a red light mixed in with the green. She looked down to find her other hand was upon Visenya's Dagger. I really must give it a proper name, she thought. But it was the hilt of the Dagger that attracted her attention now. The ruby in the hilt was shining with its own light, pale and feeble. She drew forth the blade. As she watched the light faded and the ruby was as it had been. Arya was sorely tempted to assume she had imagined it. She examined the blade carefully, but there was nothing different about it.

Arya looked up at Lyanna, but the other woman hadn't noticed anything. She was desirous of reaching out to her dragon, for Snowflake kept close since their encounter with the Cannibal. Her instinct however said that all danger had fled the area.

Oddly, she felt better, as if a great weight had been removed from her. She settled herself once again and had the best night's sleep she'd experienced in days.

Lord Tytos Blackwood waited patiently. Much as he disliked duties such as these, it was improper for so distinguished a visitor to be welcomed by a footman. Tycho Nestoris was no Lord. To Westeros he was of far greater importance. For he was the representative of the Iron Bank. And dealing with that particular institution could prove far more critical to the kingdom's future than many a war.

Jon had chosen Tytos as his Hand not because he was filled with brilliance. No one had ever accused him of being an intellectual. What Tytos did have was good manners and a polite disposition. He was no weakling, as his family's rivals, the Brackens could testify. What he was, was always unfailingly courteous. This was a skill the short tempered Jon valued far more.

A longboat was rowed up to the wharf. Its lone passenger stood confidently near its bow. This was the third visit to Westeros by the Braavosi to the best of Tytos' knowledge. His last visit had not gone well. Dany had him thrown into the dungeon when a serving woman had tried to poison her during their meeting. Tycho had insisted on his blamelessness despite the fact that the woman had been his servant. It had been Lord Varys, when that worthy still lived, who had confirmed his innocence.

Nobody knew if Tycho held a grudge. That wasn't the Braavosi way. They usually settled their differences in the immediate instance of grievance. Even so, the man had felt the insult most keenly. He was the chief negotiator for the Bank.

"Greetings Lord Nestoris," Tytos said to him as the Braavosi easily hopped from the longboat to the quay.

"No need to give me false titles Lord Blackwood. I am no noble. Just the humble servant of the Iron Bank. You may address me as 'your honor'. Or if that makes you uncomfortable, simply as Nestoris." Tycho's attitude was quite sunny and he smiled freely.

"You are welcome your honor. The king awaits you." Tytos was distrustful by nature, particularly those he looked upon as foreign. He did not possess Arya's talents, however. So he had no way of knowing if Tycho was dissembling or not.

Tytos led Tycho to the throne room. Tycho had never set foot in the Red Keep, but he had heard plenty of stories. It was therefore very disappointing to him that the new dynasty had melted down the Iron Throne instead of carrying it off to Dragonstone. Though how they would have managed it he knew not.

Jon, as was his want, did not see the Braavosi seated on the throne. Jon disliked sitting when meeting with anyone. By his own choice he approached Tycho as the visitor entered the room.

Much to Tycho's surprise Jon took his hand. "Your honor."

Tycho was caught out for a moment. "My apologies." He smiled embarrassed. "I had heard your story, of course. But the reality…" He didn't finish. The Braavosi's disbelief did not need explaining. Many in Westeros found it hard to take seriously. Tycho had not been present when Jon had climbed off his own funeral pyre. And given that Jon had adopted a new name upon his ascension to the throne it had been quite easy for people to dismiss what they took to be the more absurd aspects of his tale.

Jon laughed, having encountered this response before. "Our previous meeting was rather brief, but I would like to think of you as a friend."

Tytos dearly wanted to interject, but it proved unnecessary. "As a friend I would advise against it. I must inform your grace, we of the Iron Bank cannot allow ourselves 'friendships'. Mores the pity. We must always hold the needs of the Bank above ourselves and personal feelings must never be permitted to interfere with that."

"I thank you for your honesty."

He led the two men into the room with the Painted Table where they could sit in more comfort. A maid served them wine and cheese before leaving the room.

Jon did not wait for his visitor to speak. "I know why you came. I have to inform you that your efforts are wasted."

Tycho was used to blunt talk, but usually it was combined with begging and pleading. Flat refusal was a thing he did not encounter often. "I would ask you to reconsider. This is a most serious matter."

Jon's expression was dull, but there was a hardness to his tone. "For the sake of the Knight's Watch I borrowed a large sum from you. Though the Knight's Watch is no more, I nevertheless still hold myself to that. Regarding the debt owed from the time of Robert Baratheon however…" He left it hanging.

Tycho was well familiar with such obfuscation. His response failed to take account of who he was talking to. He smiled. "Understandable as your position is I'm afraid it is unacceptable." This wasn't the way to approach Jon for he had a prickly disposition. Tytos tried to warn the visitor, but Tycho was used to bulling over opposing negotiators. "The Iron Bank will have its due. Westeros will not prosper without our assistance."

Tytos was surprised to see that this comment brought out Jon's more reasoning side. "Braavos suffered greatly from the explosion of Hardhome. Am I right?"

Tycho was equally surprised. "Ye-es," he said uncertainly.

"How did Westeros respond to your need?"

Tycho gave the king his most knowing smile. "That was to the city of Braavos. The Iron Bank is not Braavos."

"Without Braavos there would be no Iron Bank."

This was true. "We are of course grateful for all the efforts made by the people of Westeros for our sake." For all his experience in these matters, Tycho was not very good at dissembling. "But your efforts to aid Braavos was also beneficial to you. Having a prosperous Braavos is good for Westeros."

"And having a prosperous Westeros is good for Braavos."

"True. That is also beside the point. The Bank cannot permit anyone from defaulting on their loans."

"You said the same thing to my wife, I believe." He well knew it was. Dany had told him many times of her meeting with the representative of the Iron Bank. He also did not have to remind Tycho the outcome of that meeting.

Tycho disliked being reminded. "Your wife misunderstood the situation."

"No she didn't."

Tycho had tried twisting her arm, figuratively of course. Dany was having none of it. She had outright threatened him if he pushed her too far. By that point Arya was well on her way to defeating the Slaver Alliance. She had already crushed the Golden Company, Norvos, and Qohor. And she was marching her small army to even greater victories. There had been nothing Tycho could threaten Dany with. The Faceless Men had been remarkably unavailable throughout the War with the Dead. They still were at least as far as the king and queens of Westeros were concerned. Tycho was hoping Jon didn't know that. Tycho did not know that Jon had far better connections with the Faceless Men than he did.

"It is not wise to antagonize the Iron Bank. We do have means of enforcing our judgements."

Tytos wondered if the man had any sense at all.

"So do I."

"You no longer have your Valonqar."

Jon did not deign to address the obvious aspersion. "I am quite capable of leading an army myself, as I'm sure you know. And I have my own dragon."

"Your grace would not punish Braavos because of his dispute with the Iron Bank." Tycho spoke with more confidence than he felt.

"Did I say so? I do not attack innocents for the stupidity of others." Tycho squirmed. "But the Narrow Sea is hazardous to travel. Am I right Lord Tytos?"

"Most certainly, your grace."

"It would be most unfortunate, not to mention expensive, if all the ships who travelled the Narrow Sea were forced to dock at Dragonstone before they were able to travel past."

This was no idle threat, as Tycho knew, for the Targaryens had done exactly this before Aegon conquered Westeros.

"You would threaten to destroy all trade in the Narrow Sea?" Tycho had difficulty maintaining his famous calm.

"I would have little choice. If the Kingdom is forced to pay usury we'd have to find some means of obtaining the money. Most of the ships that sail the Narrow Sea are backed by the Bank I believe?"

Tycho was in a no-win situation and he knew it. It was exactly the same as when he had confronted Daenerys all those years ago. "The Bank loaned an immense sum to Westeros. Defaulting on the loan would be most disastrous."

"Most unfortunate for you." Jon didn't bother to hide his lack of sympathy.

Knowing he had to have something to show for his efforts Tycho tried again. "Your grace…" He suddenly showed diffidence. "The Bank must recoup some principle if commerce with Westeros is to continue. Ten percent-"

"Very well," Jon interrupted. "The crown will repay ten percent of King Robert's debt along with all the loan for the Knight's Watch. Add one tenth of the interest on the remainder for a ten year period and we will consider the debt paid. Is that sufficient?"

He knew full well it wasn't. Tycho was left stammering. "Your grace…!"

"Good, I have your agreement. Be sure to give my regards to your fellow keyholders when you get back."

Jon stood to announce that the meeting was over. Tycho wanted to protest, but knew he couldn't press the king too far. Jon still had a dragon. In umbrage he stormed from the room.

Tytos laughed, but his words were grim. "You know he will throw his support to the masters now."

"Naturally. It is all they have. It will prove a costly lesson for them."

Tytos did not bother to bring up the cost of a war. "What makes you so certain the Faceless Men won't become involved?"

"I told you. I have their promise. They do not break promises."

Arya's involvement with the Faceless Men was still very much a secret to most everyone despite what Quaithe had said at his wedding.

Tytos was still wary. "Your grace, would you really have closed the Narrow Sea?"

Jon just stared at him before turning on his heel to leave.

Dany entered the children's apartments to find them playing.

Ned was growing rapidly and was already taller than his brother had been at that age. The two boys were throwing a ball at each other. Rhaegar always caught the ball when Ned tossed it at him, for Ned was still only two. But the two laughed uproariously as Ned ran this way and that trying to escape Rhaegar's throw.

Cat, by comparison, was showing off one of her dolls to Rhaella. The baby laughed as Catelyn played patty-cake with the doll's hands on Rhaella's nose.

Watching over them was Rhaella's wet-nurse, the Queensguard Estel Stone, and Septa Reggia. The older woman sat at the table. Dany was relieved. The children had been slow to warm to the old septa, but they were comfortable enough now to act like children. Though Reggia's expression was one of the long suffering, Dany could tell that she was actually quite happy to be with the children.

So it hurt her to speak on why she had come. "Septa Reggia, could I speak to you for a moment?"

Huffing and puffing, the old woman pulled herself out of the chair and walked with Dany out into the hall.

Dany found she did not want to say the words. "Septa, I am glad to see the children have finally accepted you."

"They are good children. They will make fine rulers."

"I agree. But I think they need better instruction."

"Better?" The old woman's tone was disapproving.

"I know you do your best. And you certainly need to continue with their religious instruction. But I feel a maester is needed to truly educate them."

"Is that not what the Grand Maester is for? If he can be bothered, that is."

"That is my point. The Grand Maester clearly chooses other things to occupy him. Even though he may give you lessons to give to the children, I feel they need someone more… involved."

"I certainly agree with you, your grace. Obtaining another maester for their instruction would be beneficial."

"I am glad you see it that way."

"I have no delusions, your grace. I can barely write my name. I have known for some time that I was not suited to this task. Is there some other you need me to perform?"

"No indeed! I think you look after them very well and wish you to continue."

"Then I shall."

"Thank you for your understanding."

The old septa actually smiled at that before returning to the room.

She sent the raven that very day. In her message she made clear she would brook no argument.

Dany might have been joyful at Reggia's acceptance of her decision. It did not extend to her mood later that day. Jon found her staring as she so often did out the window of their apartments.

"What is it this time?" he asked.

"What?" She turned startled.

"I recognize the symptoms."

She sounded annoyed. "What symptoms?"

He gave her a long look. "I know when you are brooding. You always have that look."

She laughed. "You brood enough for the both of us."

He snorted. "No doubt." He walked over to her and took her in his arms. "What's bothering you?"

Dany always felt lonely. Even when she was playing with the children it only held it at bay temporarily. She leaned back against him, holding his hands as they clasped her around her belly. "It never goes away. I always feel alone. I think that's why I love being with you and Arya so much. I only ever feel full when you make love to me." She was almost crying.

"I'll fill you whenever you like." She laughed at that.

She reached back to hug him. "I never told you… It was right after Ned was born. Before she left. I drove her out."

He'd heard her say this before. Too many times. "No you didn't."

"Yes I did!" She took several deep breaths. "I never told you… I… attacked her. I guess that's what you'd call it. Not that I could ever hurt her. But I wanted to. I don't know why. I guess I am a jealous woman."

"No you're not."

"Yes I am. Arya… had to remind me… what we are to each other." Jon did not ask what she meant. "I wish she'd come back. I want more than anything to make love to you both the way we always did."

"We will." He had no doubts.

Arya and her troop entered Asshai near dusk. The queen stepped lively, her face smiling.

Brienne found the queen's mood infectious. "You're happier than I've seen you since we landed here."

"I feel free. That thing that grabbed hold of me is gone."

"How?"

"Don't know. I feel as if something drove it off. It matters not. We have serious business to take care of."

Brienne felt a cold chill go down her spine. "We're not leaving?"

"First things first. We were sent to Stygai to get rid of us and I mean to have redress."

Her mood thus soured, she led the way toward the Red Temple.

Nothing appeared to have changed when they got there. The doors opened for them as before. Elessar was standing before the fire pit screeching out a prayer in Asshai'i. Her priests surrounded her. One of them got her attention as the Westerosi approached.

"My queen…" Elessar sounded almost surprised.

"Disappointed?"

"No!" Her dissembling didn't fool any of them. "I advised you to discover what the shadow was."

"Why?"

"Because it is a threat."

"To who? It was no threat to me. Who were you hoping it would kill?"

"No one. I… confess I am curious as to what it is. But I never wanted it to do anything to you."

"It didn't. I cannot say the same for what is in Stygai."

Elessar gulped. "You were in Stygai?"

"I wouldn't be standing here if I had. You already know that!"

Her anger caused the Queensguards to move forward threateningly. Elessar was gasping. "I didn't think you'd actually go all the way into the city."

"I didn't. Though what was in there tried real hard to make me."

Elessar sounded disbelieving. "You touched its mind? You mean it's real?"

"You sound doubtful."

After several breaths Elessar managed to choke out, "I have heard stories. I never believed them. Only the shadowbinders have ever dared to go to the city before."

"Understandable. Perhaps it was one of them."

"Who?"

"Someone else had been there. I know. I sensed it in the mind of the thing in the city. Another journeyed to there not long ago."

"Another? But who? And why? Were they trying to find the shadow to the north?"

"I know not what they wanted. But they went right up to the gate of Stygai. That I am sure of."

Sandor asked, "How'd he escape? It was hard enough for you."

"He was allowed to."

"Allowed?" Elessar sounded almost as if she had swallowed her own tongue. "That means someone has sold themselves the Enemy. The Great Other always seeks those it can corrupt. One such must be within this city."

Sandor didn't bother to hide his skepticism. "Who would be stupid enough to do that?"

Elessar voice hardened. "It must be Pamadika. Only she would dare. She plans to seize the city. Many of the slaves follow the Lord of Light. They tell me everything that happens here."

Sandor did not express his opinion on that. Instead, we waited for Arya to make her decision. "We go to see her."

"If she is behind it she isn't likely to welcome a visit."

"As if I care."

"Be careful, my queen. She is far from defenseless."

Arya's eyes bored into Elessar. "Neither am I."

As they were leaving Sandor said, "That woman wants us to kill her rivals."

"No doubt."

"So why are we doing it?"

Arya shook her head. "Preventing anyone from gaining full control of Asshai is in our interest. There is something… That woman is lying about something. I don't know what."

Brienne asked, "How can you be sure that killing the black woman is what we should do?"

"I don't mean to kill anyone. We're going to talk."

They returned to Pamadika's complex. They saw warriors standing on the walls with crossbows. Not that any of them worried.

The doors opened as soon as they reached them. Standing there was Yuagü. "Welcome back Queen of Westeros. The Lady is waiting for you."

He turned on his heel and led the way in. As they followed him they found files of slave soldiers to either side. Arya put on her helmet and her Queensguards did likewise. The pale man led them to the same room as they had been in before. This time there was no outside noises. But there were large numbers of slave soldiers.

Pamadika was waiting for them. "Come Queen of Dragons. Let us speak in private."

Arya initial impulse was to refuse, knowing that Pamadika wanted to get her alone. The weight of her armor reassured her. She nodded to the Hound, then followed the tall woman into a back room. The room was bare save a single desk and two chairs. A platter had a decanter and glasses with a pale liquor inside.

Pamadika offered the drink. Arya shook her head. "No need to fear. I have no desire to poison you." She poured herself a glass. When Arya seated herself she poured another glass and placed it before her. "It's called viina. It's made from pears." She sipped it.

Intrigued in spite of herself, Arya took a taste. It was very sweet. She nodded her appreciation. "Where does it come from?"

"Some land up north. I don't care. You did not come here for small talk and I am in no mood for such."

"What do you have to tell me?"

"Why are you prepared for a fight? Did the Red Priestess tell you I was intending to conquer the world? Would that I could."

"What are you planning to conquer?"

"Nothing. I admit I wish to have control over Asshai, but I have no hostile intent toward anyone else. I believe the knowledge in Asshai is far too dangerous to spread. It must be contained here. Does that shock you?"

"Is there a chance it would spread?"

"It might. Many come here with the intent to learn mysteries they intend to bring back to their own lands. This knowledge might be valuable, but it is always dangerous."

"So who is determined to conquer the world?"

"You already know the answer. Tú Sab Hēv is gathering the ambitious to him. He has even traveled to Stygai in hopes of stealing the power there. Did you know this?"

Arya snapped, "Why didn't you tell me this when I was here before?" She almost dropped her glass.

"You would not have understood the significance. Only those who have looked into Stygai know its madness."

Elessar was telling the truth. But how long ago was it? "You've seen the heart of darkness for yourself."

"Not as closely as you. I would not have survived it. Do not be surprised. I told you I have been following you. I commend your strength of will. Few ever manage to step so close and not be dragged in."

"Has Tú Sab Hēv been there?"

"You already know the answer. Fear him, Queen of Dragons. He is mad. Something in the city has twisted his mind."

"Why didn't Elessar tell me this?"

The emotionless Pamadika actually looked surprised. "You didn't know. She's in love with him. I thought you would have realized at once." She even laughed.

Arya felt like a fool. Now that it had been stated she realized it had been obvious. She did not know why she hadn't guessed. Perhaps the Red Priestess knew something of the lying game. Regardless, she had been playing Arya since she arrived.

She put her unfinished glass on the desk. "What is Hēv up to?"

"I do not know. But nothing good. Of that you can be certain. I would advise you to move quickly. He must know of your return and he is unlikely to wait to put his plan into effect."

Arya stood. "Do not interfere with me. Do not think once I have dealt with Hēv that I will tolerate any schemes by you."

Pamadika didn't like being threatened. "Be careful of your words Dragon Queen. You are not the power here."

Arya's hand went to Dark Sister. "All the power I need is right here."

Arya left, her Queensguards falling into step as she passed them. Marwin, who was never in the best of conditions under any circumstances, was wheezing by this point. He struggled to keep up.

"Where are we going?" Arya had said not a word about her conversation with Pamadika.

"We are paying a visit to Hēv."

He tried to grab her arm, but she was walking too fast. "Should we? With what happened up north, the Cannibal, the Shadow Men, I am sure it's all connected."

Arya stopped abruptly, forcing everyone else to halt to avoid running into each other. She spun to face Marwin. "Brilliant. How did you become an arch maester again?"

Her sarcastic tone made him blush.

"I have not asked for advice. If you're coming with us stay out of the way. It would probably be best if you found a hole to hide in. Otherwise get your ass back to the fleet. I have no time for your nonsense."

Marwin did not bother to mention that travelling alone in Asshai was a great way to disappear. Once again he was forced to jog after them as Arya continued her journey.

The huge building was covered in darkness when they arrived. Darker even than was normal in this sad place. Despite the difficulty seeing, the Queensguards shut their visors and loosened their steel. It was a wise precaution. As they neared the front doors crossbow bolts descended on them from above. These had no effect save to cause Marwin to dance and huddle as close to the armored women as he could.

From the alleys to either side charged slave soldiers. They wore no armor and were armed with a wild variety of weapons. It took only seconds for the Queensguards to drive them off.

"Pathetic." Sandor wiped the blood off Heartsbane.

"He's trying to scare us off. We need to move quickly."

So saying she started running for the doors. They were barred. She kicked and punched the barrier, but it was hopeless. As they stood stymied, more slave soldiers attacked them from behind.

"Aahhh!" Marwin cried out when he saw them coming.

The Queensguards spun and once again left a pile of death at their feet. The slaves were more determined this time. The end result was the same.

"We need to get these doors open!" Brienne yelled out. She stood next to Marwin, who was huddling against them.

Arya spotted a window high up. "Help me up!" Sandor and Brienne each took a leg and lifted her. She was just barely able to reach the sill. A single swing of Dark Sister was enough and Arya was through.

She dropped down into an interior room whose purpose she could not define for it was black as sin. She stumbled through the room, running repeatedly into furniture, as the sound of more combat came through the window. Finally, she found the wall and then the door. This one was unlocked.

Out in the hallway there was more light. She made her way toward the front entrance, but a cry caught her attention. A temple attendant had seen her. Guards came running. A few at first, but more were bound to arrive. She made short work of them. The attendants she saw quickly made themselves scarce.

She managed to reach the entrance without further interference. The bar holding the doors shut was huge and heavy. She pushed against it. It wouldn't budge.

More guards. Arya found herself having to back away as a dozen or more came at her at once. She found herself shoved into an anteroom in which only two of them could come at her at a time. Filling the doorway with corpses, the other guards retreated out of reach.

To her surprise, when Arya looked the room over she spotted a postern gate to her right. Dark Sister made short work of the lock and she yanked it open.

Her companions were rather shocked to see her come out of what they had taken to be a solid wall. "Get in here!"

They needed no prompting. The group rushed into the room just in time to kill a few more guards who had foolishly tried to clamber in. Seeing the larger crowd inside the room sent the rest fleeing for their lives.

As the Queensguards pulled apart the pile in the doorway Arya said, "We're running out of time! I know it! I feel it in my bones!"

"Then let's not waste anymore," Brienne replied.

She and the Hound charged out of the room. What guards remained fled before they could reach them. The two led the others in a sprint down the hall. Before them were the doors to the main room of the temple. The guards here also fled. The doors proved to be unbarred and easily opened.

What awaited them inside caused them to literally freeze in shock. The room was almost as large as the throne room of the Red Keep had been. A giant window in stained glass decorated the ceiling far above, though what image it showed was invisible due to the dark. It was what was on the floor that held their attention. A low platform made up the back third of the room. Wide steps, three of them, led up to it. In its center was an altar covered in bloodstained linen. Candles, some red, some black, some white, sat upon either end. In the middle sat a small clay bowl. It too had bloodstains.

Before the platform were six plinths of greasy black stone, each eight feet or more in height. Chained to each one was a naked bed slave. The women cried and moaned in grief and terror.

Scattered across the floor were bones. Bones of all kinds. Some were human. Some looked like they came from aurochs or giant snakes like the one they had fought in Ulthos. Some were just unidentifiable.

Tú Sab Hēv stepped from behind one of the plinths into view. He moved to stand behind the altar. "Ah, your grace. I had hoped you would be here."

"Liar!"

"Not at all. I wanted you to witness… my ultimate triumph. Soon I will become more powerful than any dragon!"

His voice had gone up several octaves. It was almost inhuman, as if something else were speaking through him.

"You sent me north to die! You used Elessar to trick me."

"An easy thing to accomplish. Our Overlord wished your body. But it has no need for you. Or your dragon. I am the only servant it requires. And soon I will be the one it serves."

"FOOL! The thing is using you! Like Euron, it will consume you!"

"Never! I am its master! It cannot exist here without me!"

"It's already inside you! Soon it will have no further use for you. It's corrupted your mind."

"NO! I am the master! And I will be all powerful!"

"Enough!"

She drew her blades, her Queensguards doing likewise. Marwin quickly retreated outside the room. Fortunately for him, none of the other residents of the temple were inclined to engage the intruders any further.

But if they were expecting it to be easy they were very much mistaken. Hēv called out a command in the Asshai'i language. The bones on the floor began to move. They formed long snakes or centipedes. Some had the heads of bulls. Others of men. But all had bones that stuck out like the giant mandibles of some hideous insect creature, more nightmare than real.

"Kill him!" cried Marwin to Joella and Yimi. "Kill him now!"

The two loosed their shafts, but it was as if an invisible wall had been erected between them. Much as the one Arya had encountered.

Hēv started chanting in the ghastly Asshai'i tongue. Blood bubbled up out of the bowl and began to spill all over the altar, far more than such a small vessel could possibly contain. At the foot of all the plinths came black smoke from the floor. It slowly condensed into solid shapes as it rose. Hideous tentacles like those of a kraken. The slimy arms crawled their way up the legs of the bed slaves, the women screaming in horror.

This was more than Arya was willing to witness. She charged, her people behind her. The bone snakes lashed out and all was chaos. Ordinary blades would likely have not done much against the magical creations. Valyrian steel on the other hand…

Even so, Alys' and Obella's spears were of little use against things without flesh or organs. Joella and Yimi had finally found targets worthy of their Valyrian steel tipped arrows, but these too had small effect. It was the slashing and smashing blades of the swords that hacked bones to pieces and shattered skulls.

Ironically, Visenya's Dagger was the most effective weapon of all. Just a touch was enough to cause even the largest of the automatons to collapse. The ruby in its hilt shone, though Arya took no notice. Soon she was well beyond her fellows, fighting her way to the platform. They were trapped near the door.

One snake beast rose up high over Alys. The bones of its chest opened to reveal a cavity like some twisted torture device. It snapped shut upon the Hightower girl. Her armor was proof against tips sharp enough to punch through iron. But she was trapped and unable to move, her spear useless. The thing bit down hard on her helm. This too proved stronger than the beast.

Obella tried stabbing the bones holding her friend repeatedly. Though she gouged holes and pits in the bones, she could not break them. "Move!" yelled Lyanna. Longclaw could do what spear could not. In seconds Lyanna had hacked away half the bones holding Alys, though she had to be careful to avoid hitting her friend.

Hēv could see his defenders were losing. He paused in his chanting to give another command. From side rooms came more monstrosities. These were also made of bones though shaped as men. But they had six arms each and many also carried weapons. Arya found she could not go straight at Hēv without going through the smoke. Something she was unwilling to do. So she changed course and headed for the far end of the platform. This brought her directly at the new constructions. Fortunately, these fell just as easily as the others.

The She-Wolf knew she had to move faster. The obscene things were invading, defiling, the slave women. Whatever ritual Hēv was conducting could end any minute. And Arya wasn't at all certain they would survive whatever came next.

Visenya's Dagger destroyed the last of the bone creatures in her path and she was up and on the platform. She ran to Hēv, not even bothering to talk. He turned to her, still chanting. Dark Sister took him in the gut. He stared at her surprised, as if he could not believe he was actually dead. She slashed his throat just to be certain.

To her shock and horror, the blood continued to pour from the bowl and the smoke continued to fill the room. It was almost to her friends now. She kicked over the altar, spilling its contents everywhere. Even this did not stop the ritual, for blood still kept flowing. Not knowing what else to do, Arya jumped onto the thing, hopping up and down to smash it to pieces. Finally, the blood stopped. The tentacles vanished and smoke dissipated. The constructions that remained fell apart.

Alys was shaking. Though unharmed, the sensation of being trapped was one she did not like at all.

Brienne moved quickly to free the slave women. "Where now?"

"Back to the Red Temple. I have some words for that woman." None of them needed to ask who.

As they were leaving the room, the slaves following, Marwin asked, "What was that thing he was summoning?"

"Who cares. He failed. I doubt anyone will try again anytime soon."

"Do you think he was the first?"

"Do you?"

They were both thinking the same thing. Arya could never forget the cadaver that had come so close to claiming her sister-wife for his own.

As the group left the temple they were confronted by an army. A literal army. Pamadika led it. Yuagü was beside her. To either side in a long crescent spread shadowbinders, pyromancers, necromancers, aeromancers, moonsingers, shapechangers, and the Seven knows who else. Behind them all were thousands of slave soldiers armed and equipped with the most outlandish collection of weapons imaginable.

"Thank you for disposing of Tú Sab Hēv," Pamadika said without preamble. "But we cannot allow you to barge in here however you please. Outsiders are not permitted to interfere in the affairs of Asshai."

Brienne was outraged. "Do you know what he was doing?"

"Immaterial. All who come here are free to pursue whatever knowledge they desire. None may interfere."

"He was summoning a monster!"

"What of it? There are more than enough practitioners of the higher mysteries here. We are quite capable of dealing with any creature."

Marwin pushed forward. "Does that include Euron? He was here, wasn't he? Did you do anything to stop him?"

"Even if this Euron you speak of ever was here he clearly did not find anything of use. I think I am right in saying that you have already disposed of him."

"Just as we disposed of Tú Sab Hēv."

"And we are grateful, as I have said. But that does not mean we will show you mercy."

Arya, who had remained silent up to this point, now said, "Do you honestly think you can fight me?" It was her quiet voice. The one Brienne had identified long ago as Arya at her most dangerous.

Pamadika's own voice was filled with contempt. She laughed. "Did you really believe you could fight the whole of Asshai? Even with your armor and steel you will not last against the might we possess." This at least was true. Even without whatever magic they could summon there were more than enough slave soldiers to overcome them. "And do not think your dragons will save you. Oh no Dragon Queen, no dragon has set foot in Asshai for thousands of years. The power here is proof against them. Nothing will be coming to help you."

"Fool!"

The confidence and contempt in Arya's voice was enough to give the older woman pause.

In the silence that followed everyone could hear the beating of wings. Giant leathern pinions beating the air. All save Arya and her followers gazed up at the smoke filled sky. The shape was black as night, invisible. Yet they could hear it plain.

The Cannibal alighted atop the temple, his green eyes blazing. His wings easily encompassed the entire building and spread well across the neighboring ones. If there had been a sun in the sky he would have plunged them all into darkness. The smaller white shape with him went unnoticed. Snowflake landed on an adjacent building. Had her large male companion not been there she would have been more than enough to attract their attention.

The Cannibal bellowed out a roar that shattered all the windows in the city. Even Arya's people cringed. The slaves, screaming in terror, fled as fast as they could go, heedless of other hazards. Many who stood upon the rooftops plunged to their deaths in their efforts to escape. Others were trampled by their comrades.

The practitioners of the higher mysteries did not flee, nor did they fight. Whatever spells they might have entertained died aborning. They all fell to their knees and debased themselves. Pamadika included.

The older woman groveled. "Mercy, oh queen, mercy!"

Arya allowed her anger to flow. She grabbed the other woman's hair and yanked her head up. "You dared to threaten me! I stood on the very doorstep of Stygai and you threatened me! I was in the very dungeon of the monster of Carcosa and you still threatened me! I stood eye-to-eye with the largest dragon there has ever been and you still dared to threaten ME!"

Pamadika was weeping now. "Please forgive me! I'm begging you." Her voice was no longer the cultured Westerosi she had been using. A thick accent now colored her words, making them almost incomprehensible.

Arya knew what she wanted to do. What her people expected her to do. But she didn't do it. Perhaps it was the memory of what her sister-queen was trying to accomplish. Or perhaps it was a promise she had made to herself.

She took several deep breaths. "I am well within my rights to kill you. But you are right about one thing. Asshai is not my kingdom. And so far at least you and yours haven't actually done any harm to me and mine. I swore to myself that I would never take another life, not unless my own or my people depended on it." She released Pamadika. "Consider yourself fortunate. I have no desire to fight any more than I have to. You can keep your city. I do not want it. But be warned Pamadika, Shadowbinder. Westeros will tolerate no interference either. You keep your people out of trouble and you will get none from us."

Pamadika had gathered herself. She was now very humble. "You are wiser than your years, Queen of Westeros. You need not fear any harm from Asshai."

Arya walked past her, her people moving quickly to catch up. They all went to the Red Temple. The doors did not open this time.

"Stand back," Arya commanded.

The Cannibal landed on top of the temple. Snowflake landed nearby. She hopped back and forth from one foot to the other as if just the touch of the stone was unpleasant. Much like a barefoot child standing on a hot rock. The Cannibal evinced no such discomfort. A single swipe with his tail and the doors went flying.

Arya's group entered. The Red Priests were hiding behind whatever obstructions they could find. None showed any interest in fighting. Arya ignored them and went straight to Elessar's office. There was no sign of her. Arya walked over to the desk and looked under. She grabbed the cowering woman she found there and dragged her out.

Elessar lay on the floor, her hands held protectively over her. "Please, my queen…!"

"You betrayed me!"

"I had no choice. The man-"

"Liar!"

Elessar was hysterical now. "He had me under his spell! It's true! I never wanted harm to come to you. I swear it!"

"You should have told me."

"I didn't know!"

Arya almost punched her for that. But the sight of the pathetically groveling woman beneath her was too much.

"Ugh! Consider yourself lucky. I have already seen too much blood today. But you will not escape punishment. You are no Westerosi, but you are still a priestess of R'hllor and Kinvara will want to have words with you. Behave and she may show you mercy. Pray that she does. I found these slave women in Hēv's temple. I somehow feel you already know about them. You will take care of them and see they come to no harm. I do not have space to carry them on my ships and have no use for them. See that you tend to their needs or I might decide to return here."

With that she left. Brienne asked as they were leaving, "Do you honestly believe she'll do what she's told?"

"She knows that the one she thought all powerful is dead. And she knows I killed him. I doubt she wants to see me again."

"Let's hope that's enough," the Hound said. "I've had enough of this place. Let's get out of here."

END CHAPTER 13