(297 AC - Yunkai)
Following the Sons of the Harpy's unsuccessful attack and Mossador's demise, Anakin concluded that it would be wise to remain in Meereen and rule according to his original intentions.
In his mind he had a picture-perfect image of a city of the future. It was a city with towering buildings that seemed to touch the clouds and a complex network of roads that made every corner accessible. Sadly, these lofty dreams were hindered by the threat of Yunkai and the Sons of the Harpy. However, with the support of the Unsullied, his reign brought a newfound sense of security to the city. Furthermore, his actions in Astapor served as a resounding declaration that slavery would be abolished under his reign.
Even though he possessed the authority to send out the Unsullied and eliminate the remaining Sons of the Harpy who were still hiding within his city, he was uncertain if this alone would be sufficient to defeat the Yunkai army with its 20,000 soldiers and 150 ships.
Rumors had reached him that Yunkai's military was relatively feeble due to the fact that their city was primarily populated by bed-slaves rather than battle-hardened warriors like the Unsullied. It was probable that Yunkai may seek assistance from external forces.
Anakin had amassed an army of 30,000 soldiers and 150 ships, including 57 recently constructed vessels, as a means of warding off any possible assault by Yunkai.
Of these troops, 20,000 hailed from Meereen, while the remaining 8,000 were well-trained Unsullied, with an extra 2,000 still in the process of training, all under Anakin's command.
Anakin stands atop the Great Pyramid of Meereen, inside the tense counsel room. His small council, composed of only himself, Grey-Worm, Missandei, and Hizdahr, awaiting his decision.
During this meeting, Hizdahr brings to his attention that a new king named Cleon has captured Astapor and once again re-enslaved those who were previously liberated by them.
This announcement only strengthens Anakin's resolve to take immediate and drastic action to rid Slaver's Bay of slavery entirely.
To achieve this goal, Anakin, Hizdahr, Missandei, Grey-Worm, and their army of Unsullied journey to Yunkai to engage in negotiations with the Wise Masters. Their excursion to Astapor, which was considerably longer, spanned multiple days, covering more than 150 miles, whereas this particular journey will only take five days and traverse a relatively smaller distance.
The terms are clear: if the Masters refuse to end slavery permanently, they will face execution by Anakin and his forces.
In the midst of their trek through the rocky, dry terrain, a magnificent city can be seen nestled in the mountains ahead.
"Yunkai. The Yellow City," Hizdahr announces.
"The Yunkish train bed-slaves, not soldiers. We can defeat them," Anakin proclaims with unwavering confidence. He radiates faith in the Unsullied, acknowledging that their abilities could surpass even the most elite warriors in existence.
"On the field, with ease. But they won't meet us on the field. They have provisions, patience, and strong walls. If they are wise, they will hide behind those walls and chip away at us, man by man," Grey-Worm expresses his viewpoint. In just one year alongside Anakin, he has acquired the courage to vocalize his thoughts and unearth repressed feelings. Anakin was convinced that he had formed a deep connection with Missandei, as they often engaged in intimate discussions.
"I don't want to siege the city just yet. I just want to see who and what we're dealing with…and if anything happens between then…we can defeat them," Anakin declares while gesturing and winking at Grey-Worm, who maintains a stoic expression.
"Your grace, there is no need for us to take Yunkai. It will have no impact on Meereen," Hizdahr complained to Anakin, who was becoming irritated with Hizdahr's constant interference.
At first, he firmly believed that the negative impulses within him, which had been slowly consuming him since his takeover of Meereen, were responsible for his growing irritability and impatience.
However, when Hizdahr suggested reopening the notorious fighting pits in the city, this enraged Anakin. Even though the Wise Masters of Meereen had promised that the fighters would be voluntary free men, he steadfastly rejected the proposal, much to Hizdahr's disappointment.
Anakin's final argument was that he was a king, not a politician, which frustrated Hizdahr.
"Remind me, how many slaves are there in Yunkai?" Despite his background as a slave trader, Hizdahr is incapable of providing an answer to Anakin's question.
"Two hundred thousand if not more," Missandei answered as she stood amongst the three men.
"Then we have Two-hundred-thousand reasons to take the city," Anakin declares to the group with immense passion, his hatred of slavery fueling his fall to the dark-side.
"Send a man to the city gates. Tell the slavers I will receive them here, and negotiate terms. Otherwise, Yunkai's masters will suffer the same fate as Astapor," Anakin commands Grey-Worm, who acknowledges the order and swiftly departs to deliver the message.
After a brief period, Anakin and his troops set up a camp along the Road to Yunkai, situated right outside the city's entrance.
The sounds of drums announce the arrival of the Wise Masters of Yunkai, the Unsullied snap to attention. A group led by guards and accompanied by a colorful palanquin, transporting Wise Master Razdal mo Eraz, makes its way through. With a sharp eye, Razdal observes the mottled landscape, where the unflinching warriors keep careful watch.
As the enslaved men continue their trudge, the clanging of their chains resounds and their backs bend under the weight of Razdal. Alongside them, other slaves dutifully carry extravagant chests on their arduous journey.
Eventually, they arrive at the encampment where Anakin is stationed with Missandei, Grey Worm, and Hizdahr by his side. The exhausted slaves gently set down the palanquin, allowing Razdal to elegantly step out.
Missandei greets him, commenting, "Now comes the noble Razdal mo Eraz of that ancient and honorable house, master of men and speaker to savages, to offer terms of peace".
Razdal nervously makes his way towards the tent and notices that Anakin is seated on a makeshift sofa-throne at the center. Standing beside Razdal is Yezzan zo Qaggaz, a slave-trader.
"Noble lord, you are in the presence of King Anakin of House Targaryen, Breaker of Chains, and The Chosen One," Messandei presents Anakin to the men standing before them.
"Please, have a seat," Anakin gestures towards the two available chairs, inviting Razdal and Yezzan to sit down in front of him.
Recently, Hizdahr has been instructing Anakin in the so-called 'art' of negotiating. Through this, he has come to understand that even the smallest actions can have a profound effect on the nobles he wishes to persuade. So, Anakin gestures for Missandei to present them with a drink.
"Will the noble lord take refreshment?" Missandei graciously proposes to Razdal, who nods as she pours him a cup of wine. Without breaking his gaze from Anakin, Razdal sips on his drink.
"Ancient and glorious is Yunkai. Our empire was old before dragons stirred in old Valyria. Many an army has broken against our walls. You shall find no easy conquest here, your grace," Razdal said in an attempt to discourage Anakin from attacking Yunkai.
"Let's make this simple, shall we? Tell me what you want. Surely you must already know what I want, yes?" Anakin gets straight to the point, unfazed by the attempted intimidation.
With two sharp claps, Razdal summons his slaves who dutifully appear with two heavy chests in tow.
"The wise masters of Yunkai have sent a gift for the silver king," Razdal declares as his attendants meticulously place the chests before Anakin and unveil their treasures. Each trunk is brimming with precious gold bars. The servants then retreat, humbly bowing in deference to showcase their deep reverence.
"There is far more than this awaiting you if you agree to leave us to conduct our affairs in peace," Razdal utters, catching Anakin off guard.
"Why on earth would I desire your gold?" Anakin questioned, puzzled by their suggestion. "My previous actions in Astapor should make it abundantly clear what I truly want," Anakin makes the statement knowing that his actions in Astapor have clearly revealed his stance on slavery.
"If blood is your desire, blood shall flow. But why? 'Tis true you have committed savageries in Astapor. The Yunkai are a forgiving and generous people. All we ask is that you leave us to conduct our affairs in peace," Razdal remarks while Anakin's gaze remains fixed on Yezzan zo Qaggaz, a nagging feeling creeping over him that he has crossed paths with this man before.
"Well since you've been so generous, I have a gift for you as well. Your life," Anakin says flatly, with a hint of coercion.
"My…life?" Razdal stammers, his mind struggling to understand Anakin's implication.
"And the lives of your Wise Masters. But I also want something in return. You will release every slave in Yunkai. Every man, woman, and child shall be given as much food, clothing, and property as they can carry as payment for their years of servitude. Reject this gift, and I shall show you no mercy," Anakin proclaims with absolute certainty, ensuring that there would be no room for even the slightest misinterpretation.
"You are mad. We are not Meereen or Astapor. We are Yunkai and we have powerful friends. Friends who would take great pleasure in destroying you. Those who survive, we shall enslave once more. Perhaps we'll make a slave of you as-" Razdal's attempt to continue his rant is instantly cut off as a strange energy seizes his airway.
Suddenly and unexpectedly, Razdal is lifted up into the air and the only individual who falls back is Yezzan, apart from the Yunkish slaves outside the tent. His face reflects the same surprise and terror as the slaves.
As he rises from his chair, Anakin makes his way over to the hanging Razdal, reaching out his hand in a strong, forceful manner.
"You swore me safe conduct," Razdal manages to squirm, utterly unaware that an invisible force is seemingly crushing him.
"Yes. I did," Anakin confirmed, his grip on the slave master loosening as he allowed him to regain his footing and stumble back onto his feet.
"Take the gold," amidst Yezzan's voice, the slaves hesitantly rise and cautiously make their way towards the revealed chests, only to be met with Anakin's force abilities as he effortlessly draws the treasure towards his side. The unbridled demonstration of magic causes terror to grip the slaves, making them hastily flee from the scene.
"My gold. You gave it to me, remember? And I shall put it to good use. You'd be wise to do the same with my gift to you. Now get out," Anakin speaks with fervor, flashing a sly smile at Razdal. He lets out a string of curses in Valyrian and hastily storms off with Yezzan and his entourage of slaves.
"The Yunkish are a proud people. They will not bend," Hizdahr relays to Anakin.
"He said he had powerful friends. Who was he talking about?" Anakin inquires.
"I don't know," Hizdahr responds.
"Find out," upon Anakin's instruction, Hizdahr complies and proceeds to investigate this matter.
Anakin converses with Grey-Worm and Missandei, as they confront him about his behavior.
"I thought we weren't attacking Yunkai yet?" Grey-Worm states, acknowledging the fact that this conversation will inevitably lead to violence.
"I remember saying I wanted to see who we're dealing with. And now that I have…" Anakin pauses and ponders the true nature of the Wise Masters.
"Now that you have, what?" Missandei was intrigued about Anakin's perspective now that he had encountered them.
"Their behavior portrays cowardice and weakness, they display a character that is undeserving of respect. Moreover, their feeble attempt to offer me gold as a bribe and intimidate me with mentions of their 'powerful friends' only highlights their lack of faith in their own soldiers. I am confident that we can face them head on at this moment, even more than ever before. However, before we take any further action, we will wait for Hizdahr's response regarding the identity of these 'powerful friends'" Anakin discloses his plans to attack Yunkai with Grey-Worm and Missandei, confirming his intention to use his current forces for the assault.
After a few days, Anakin's army can still be found stationed near Yunkai, although they have relocated farther from the gate while awaiting news from Hizdahr regarding the mercenaries that the Wise Masters intend to recruit.
As they conceal themselves in the shade of a jagged cliff, Anakin, Grey-Worm, and Hizdahr quietly survey the soldiers on horseback galloping through the barren landscape surrounding Yunkai. Clad in plain attire to combat the blistering desert heat, the group witnesses the sight unfolding before them.
"Men who fight for gold have neither honor nor loyalty. They cannot be trusted. Are these the 'friends' they were talking about," Anakin remarkssellswords in the distance making their way towards Yunkaitheir way towards Yunkai.
"They can be trusted to kill you if they're well paid. The Yunkish are paying them well," said Hizdahr.
"You know these men?" Anakin asked, curious to know who he was dealing with.
"Only by the broken swords on their banners. They're called The Second Sons. A company led by a Braavosi named Mero, 'The Titan's Bastard'. He's a dangerous man, your grace. They all are," Hizdahr informs Anakin and Grey-Worm.
"How many?" Anakin asked, seeking to gain information on the numbers of the Second Sons.
"Two-thousand, Your Grace. Armored and mounted," Hizdahr provides the figures.
"That enough to make a difference?" Anakin questioned, turning his attention to Grey Worm who shook his head. "It's hard to collect wages from a corpse. I'm sure the sellswords prefer to fight for the winning side," Anakin mentions, his thoughts already racing to devise a strategy.
"I imagine you're right," Hizdahr adds.
"I'd like to talk to the Titan's Bastard about winning," Anakin said.
"He may not agree to meet," Hizdahr counters.
"He will. Any mercenary would want to know who they're killing," Anakin responds confidently.
The following day, Anakin assembles with the leaders of the Second Sons in an exposed tent situated on the outskirts of Yunkai. Hizdahr stands alongside the trio of captains.
Anakin is seated before them, just like he did when he met with Razdal. Missandei and Grey-Worm are standing close by.
"Your Grace, allow me to present the captains of the Second Sons: Mero of Braavos, Prendahl na Ghezn, and-" Hizdahr's words are interrupted by the man himself, "Daario Naharis".
"Ah, you must be the King of Meereen," Mero proclaims as he confidently approaches Anakin.
Mero sits down on the sofa-throne beside him in the center of the room, as Daario and Prendahl settle into seats directly across from each other. Anakin remains unfazed by Mero's intense gaze.
"You, slave girl, bring wine," Mero demands with a smirk, gesturing for Missandei to fulfill his request.
"We have no slaves here," Anakin is already speaking up due to Meros's unsettling behavior.
"You'll all be slaves after the battle unless I save you. Take your clothes off and come and sit on Mero's lap and I may give you my Second Sons," Mero provocatively wags his tongue at Missandei, causing her to glance over at Anakin with uncertainty about how to react.
On the other hand, Anakin displays a controlled attitude and addresses Hizdahr to inquire, "Hizdahr, how many men fight for the Second Sons?".
"Under two-thousand, Your Grace," he answers.
"We have more, don't we?" Anakin asked for confirmation.
"Eight-thousand Unsullied, 2,000 from Meereen," Hizdahr replies.
Missandei serves wine to Mero, who then lifts his cup and offers a toast to Anakin. Afterwards, she attends to both Daario and Prendahl, pouring them each a cup of wine.
"With armies far less skilled than the Unsullied, I have conquered two cities through siege tactics. I'm no novice to the ways of war, so perhaps a seasoned captain like yourself can explain to me how you propose to defeat us. Surely mercenaries such as yourselves have heard of the Unsullied," Anakin shares his thoughts, fixing his gaze on Daario, who appears to be the youngest of the group. "You're very young to be a captain," he tells him.
"He's not a captain. He's a lieutenant" Prendahl interjects.
"I've heard stories about you, what the people say about you, people I trust," Daario admits to Anakin that he has been regaled with tales about him, from individuals whom he places great faith in.
"You should believe them. Even if you have the support of Yunkai's forces, you must admit their reputation pales in comparison to the Unsullied," Anakin asserts, causing the three captains to exchange glances. The King of Meereen's supposed sorcery has also been heard about by them.
"The Second Sons have faced worse odds and won," Mero objects.
"The Second Sons have faced worse odds and run," Anakin rebuttals, knowing full well of the reputation they carry.
The Second Sons were one of two sellsword companies hired to bolster Qohor's defense in the face of a massive Dothraki horde. Unfortunately, the Qohorik forces were overwhelmed and both mercenary companies abandoned their contracts, running away to avoid certain demise. The following day, a mere 3,000 Unsullied surprisingly triumphed against the Dothraki. The very army they are now being hired to fight against.
"Or you could fight for me," Anakin proposes without fear of facing them head on.
Mero and his fellow captains are fully aware of the difficult situation they are in. As a result, he gestures for additional wine, which Missanei provides.
"We've taken the slavers' gold. We fight for Yunkai," Mero informs.
"I would pay you as much and more," Anakin attempts to persuade the Second Sons to break their deal with Yunkai.
"Our contract is our bond. If we break our bond, no one will hire the Second Sons again," Prendahl adamantly claims.
Unexpectedly, Mero suddenly grabs and takes hold of Missandei, breathing in her scent. Startled, she hastily leaps back, dissatisfied with the interaction.
"Show me your cunt. I want to see if it's worth fighting for," Mero arrogantly states, provoking Anakin into a forceful response that sends Mero flying from his seat and into the center of the room.
The other individuals present, such as Darario and Prendahl, who were situated on opposing ends of the space and facing Anakin, observed the abrupt demonstration of sorcery.
As Anakin gets to his feet from his seat, he confidently delivers his ultimatum, "Ride with me and you'll never need another contract. You'll have gold and castles and lordships of your choosing".
Mero's rage surpasses expectations upon being forcibly removed from his seat by an unseen force.
Daario stands up and places himself as a barrier between Anakin and Mero. The validity of the information he has received about Anakin is evident, and it appears that he could easily take their lives if he desired.
Following Prendahl's lead, Mero is also signaled to step back. "Like I said, our contract is our bond," Prendahl reiterates while presenting the definitive decision of his group, urging them to leave.
"Good. The Titan's Bastard does not drink alone. In the Second Sons, we share everything. After the battle, maybe we'll all share her. I'll come looking for you when this is over," Mero says, giving a lecherous gaze to Missandei before leaving the draped entrance of the tent.
As he prepares to depart, Anakin and Daario share a meaningful look. Curiously, the Force compels him to believe that Daario's role in the impending events was even more significant than what he was aware of.
"Grey-Worm, if it comes to battle, kill that one first," Anakin implores Grey-Worm to take out Mero as the top priority in case a battle ensues. Despite his best efforts to control his feelings, Anakin consistently grapples with impulsiveness and impatience when faced with war.
"Gladly, Your Grace," Grey-Worm complies.
Back at their own camp, Daario, Mero, and Prendahl engage in a discussion about the current dilemma.
After careful consideration, Mero and Prendahl reach the unanimous conclusion to eliminate Anakin.
At Mero's insistence, a female slave (whom Daario declines for any intimate affairs due to his belief that one cannot love someone who is considered as mere property) disperses coins from the cities of Braavos, Volantis, and Meereen. By drawing the Braavosi coin, Daario is designated as the chosen one to carry out the assassination. His only response is "valar morghulis - all men must die".
As the night wears on, Anakin finds himself in the secluded study of his tent, accompanied by Missandei. Under her guidance, he is learning the language of Qarth.
Qarth was never a constituent of the Valyrian Freehold and has its own distinct language (or languages). Due to the fact that their native tongue is widely believed to be challenging for outsiders to articulate, the Qartheen frequently communicate in the Common Tongue with traders and guests from Westeros for the sake of convenience.
"Why does his grace wish to speak in Qarth?" Missandei asks, recognizing his ability in various tongues.
"I'm not sure. Perhaps I'm just jealous of you," Anakin taunts as she makes her way back to restore the books to their rightful spot on the shelf.
"Your High Valyrian is very good, Your Grace. It is the only proper language for poetry," Messandei remarks, amused by his competitive spirit.
"I suppose," Anakin turns away from Missandei, his gaze fixed on the moon peeking through the tent's window.
Memories of his past, going back to his time as a slave and now as king, flood his mind. Contemplating the choices made by Viserys and Daenerys, he couldn't help but wonder if they were aware of his deeds in Meereen. Would they come looking for him? But, then again, he couldn't be certain of their survival. The words of Ser Willem Darry reverberated in his mind, cautioning him against facing the world alone. For the king of Westeros held a grudge against Anakin's blood.
In a fraction of a second, Missandei lets out a startled gasp as the books slip from her grasp and tumble from the bookshelf.
As Anakin's gaze shifts, he glimpses her being held hostage, her mouth forcibly shut and a sharp blade hovering dangerously close to her throat. The culprit, Daario, clad in the attire of the Unsullied, stands menacingly behind her.
"No screaming or she dies," Daario gave strict instructions for them to refrain from screaming, threatening Missandei as he guided her further into the tent.
Anakin is somewhat nervous as he sees them, fully conscious of how exposed Missandei is while the knife hangs perilously near her neck.
He finds it confusing that he cannot tap into the force to detect the threat, as he usually has an intuitive feeling when danger looms near.
Suddenly, Daario skillfully pulls the knife from her neck and takes off the Unsullied helmet. Missandei rushes over to stand beside Anakin, while Daario flashes a mischievous smile at the perplexed yet curious Anakin.
"You were sent here to kill me?" inquired Anakin, to which Daario nodded and released a chuckle.
"I don't want to," Daario shrugs.
"What do your captains have to say about that?" he asks him.
"You should ask them," Daario advises while he unfastens his satchel and empties the items onto the ground.
The heads of Mero and Prendahl make a resounding thud as they make contact with the floor.
"Why?" Anakin questioned, his curious mind eager to understand the reasons behind his treachery.
"We had philosophical differences," Daario answers.
"Over what?" Anakin probes, already anticipating the reason for it.
"You. What you are. What you can do. It meant more to me than it did to them…and the Unsullied would've slaughtered us…so…" Daario sheepishly responds, exposing a side of himself that Anakin did not anticipate.
"You're a strange man," Anakin said.
"I'm the simplest man you'll ever meet. I only do what I want to do," he confesses to Anakin.
"And this is supposed to impress me?" Anakin interrogates, trying to discern if he intends to join forces with him.
Daario responds with a smug air, saying, "Yes".
"Why would I trust a man who murders his comrades?" Anakin asks, searching for any justification to reject Daario as a potential ally.
"They ordered me to murder you. I told them I preferred not to. They told me I had no choice. I told them I am Daario Naharis. I always have a choice. They drew their swords and I drew mine," Darrio reveals the sequence of events leading up to his betrayal of his comrades.
Anakin draws nearer to Daario, examining him from head to toe. Missandei maintains a safe distance, remaining positioned behind Anakin.
"You'd fight for me?" Anakin inquired, to which Daario responded with a nod and a posture of readiness.
"Then swear it," Anakin insists, wanting to hear the words from his own mouth.
With a swift motion, Daario draws out his sword and gracefully lowers himself onto his knees, carefully laying the weapon on top of his folded legs.
"The Second Sons are yours and so is Daario Naharis. My sword is yours, my life is yours, my loyalty is yours," Daario humbly declares as he lowers his head.
The following day, in the arid landscape beyond the walls of Yunkai, a legion of Unsullied keep watch over Anakin's encampment. Within his tent, his most trusted advisors - Hizdahr zo Loraq, Missandei, Grey-Worm and the latest member, Daario Naharis - pore over a map of the city, plotting their strategy for the upcoming attack.
"Where?" Anakin inquires, gesturing towards the spot on the map that Daario was pointing to.
"There. It's a back gate. My men use it when they visit Yunkai's bed slaves. This is where we enter the city. Very few guards, they know me. They let me inside" Daario is clarifying the concealed passageway used by his men to enter the city.
"We're not gonna sneak an army through a back gate," Anakin asks, wondering what else the mercenary has planned.
"I kill the guards. I take your two best men and lead them through the back streets, which I know well, and open the front gates. Then comes the army. Once the walls are breached, the city will fall in hours," Daario discloses, announcing the plan for their combined forces to breach the city and launch a joint attack.
"Or perhaps you'll lead Grey-Worm and me to the slaughter, cutting the head off our army. The masters of Yunkai will pay you your fee and you won't have to split it three ways cause you've already slaughtered your partners," in spite of Daario's vow of servitude, Anakin is wary of his intentions, as he seemed to readily switch sides and excessively aid Anakin's cause. The presence of the dark-side and the impending war may have played a role in fueling his feelings of paranoia.
"You have a very suspicious mind. In my experience, only dishonest people think this way," Daario's accusation cut through the air, causing Anakin to release a sigh and turn his attention towards Grey-Worm. The latter was engrossed in studying the map displayed before them.
"You command the Unsullied. What do you think?" Anakin inquires of Grey-Worm in Valyrian.
"I trust him," Grey-Worm answered.
"We leave tonight," Anakin commands, and Grey-Worm responds, "Very good. I will prepare".
Anakin's advisors begin to depart and a wide smile spreads across Daario's face as he glances at him. Anakin turns to him and asks what he wants. Daario simply notes his eagerness to see Anakin in battle and goes off to make preparations for the impending Battle in Yunkai.
As darkness descended over Yunkai, Anakin, Daario, and Grey-Worm quietly made their way to the back gate, intent on infiltrating the city.
"When you hear a songbird's whistle, you come. I'm a great whistler, the greatest in the land," Darrio boasts confidently.
Darrio approaches the back gate, a guard yells at him in Valyrian. "Daario Naharis," he gives his name to the guard.
Anakin and Grey-Worm stand waiting at a distance hiding behind a rock as the guard grants Daario entrance. After a while, Daario signals with a whistle and they covertly pass through the back gate.
As they cautiously make their way in they suddenly stumble upon the lifeless bodies of two guards, while Daario leisurely lounges nearby.
"That one was quick," Daario commented as he cleaned the blood from his arakh, a weapon of the Dothraki people.
"There are others," Anakin informs him, sensing a larger number of individuals further ahead.
"I doubt it. The Yunkish prefer to let their slaves do their fighting for them," Daario stubbornly clings to his conviction.
In an instant, they find themselves encircled by Yunkai soldiers and a quick scuffle breaks out. Daario swiftly hurls a dagger by Grey-Worm's side, taking down a Yunkai guard who had snuck up from behind. The three of them easily vanquish the initial batch of guards, only to be confronted with another onslaught from all sides.
"You were saying?" Anakin's tone turns sharp as he glares at Daario, questioning the sight of multiple guards stationed at such an insignificant gate.
Feeling pressed for time, Anakin gestures towards Grey-Worm and instructs Daario to follow his lead.
They two of them drop to the ground as Anakin brings his hands near his chest and releases a powerful force-push. Several guards collide with each other, getting pierced by their own weapons and colliding forcefully with unforgiving surfaces.
This allows Anakin to skillfully make his way to the city gates, effortlessly defeating the three guards in his way in quick succession.
As Anakin reaches the front of the gate, he swiftly disposes of the two remaining guards.
Grey-Worm and Daario quickly regain their footing and take care of the guards blocking their path to Anakin.
With the gate finally open, the combined forces of Unsullied and Second Sons mercenaries storm into the city, wreaking havoc and plundering it. As his army floods into the city, Anakin looks on from the front gates.
After some time, Anakin is joined by Daario and Grey-Worm, who were in the tents outside the city walls. The three are exhausted and drenched in blood.
"It was just as you said. They did not believe it until it was too late. Their slave-soldiers threw down their spears and surrendered," Grey-Worm relays the news that the Wise Masters were too slow to take action, causing their slave-soldiers to lay down their weapons and surrender.
Suddenly, Darrio appears from the shadows, with a Yunkai flag hanging from his shoulder and his face splattered with blood. He strides towards Anakin and kneels before him, placing the flag over his knee and lifting his gaze.
"The city is yours, my king," Daario presents Anakin with a banner he retrieved from the temple and places it at his feet, declaring the city as his now.
As the sun begins to rise, Anakin, Missandei, Grey-Worm, Hizdahr and Daario Naharis stand on the rocky terrain outside the gates of Yunkai. They are flanked by the Unsullied and the Second Sons, both armies of skilled mercenaries.
"They will come, Your Grace. When they're ready," Missandei informs Anakin that the people of Yunkai will arrive, but only when they are prepared, just as the people in Meereen did.
"Perhaps they didn't want to be conquered," Anakin suggests, aware that things can be worse after a siege before they can get better.
"You didn't conquer them. You liberated them," Missandei declared, expressing her deep revulsion for slavery, a sentiment that Anakin had only ever sensed stronger in himself.
"People learn to love their chains," Anakin clarifies, acknowledging how slavery has the power to physically and mentally destroy people, based on his personal observations.
When the gates of the city swing open, a diverse mass of individuals floods out. The crowd consists of both commoners and slaves, all slaves with a collar around their necks.
As they approach Anakin, the stoic Unsullied simultaneously assume a defensive stance, their spears poised towards the crowd. Yet Anakin strides confidently ahead of them, walking past his retinue of guards.
Missandei speaks in Valyrian from behind him, declaring, "This is Anakin Targaryen, Breaker of Chains, and The Chosen One, It is he you owe your freedom to".
"No," Anakin voices, driven by a strong conviction to address the crowd himself. "You do not owe me your freedom. I cannot give it to you. Your freedom is not mine to give. It belongs to you and you alone. If you want it back, you must take it for yourselves. Each and every one of you," Anakin speaks to the vast crowd before him.
There is a hush among the crowd until a man raises his daughter in the air and shouts, "Kraz!" The little girl also echoes the same call, "Kraz!".
The whole crowd joins in the chanting, "Kraz! Kraz! Kraz! Kraz! Kraz!".
As the crowd inches forward, their calls to Anakin grow louder. The Unsullied, positioned behind him, adopt a more intimidating stance to deter them. A sense of panic and trepidation spreads among the bewildered crowd. However, they soon gather their courage and resume their chants.
Changing direction, Anakin directs his attention to Missandei and silently instructs the Unsullied to step aside while he advances towards the gathering.
A memory resurfaces in Anakin's mind as he recalls that the battle-slaves of Meereen had referred to him as 'Kraz' the first time he liberated them. The word means 'strong or powerful' in the Old Ghiscari language.
"It's all right. These people won't hurt me," Anakin commands his soldiers and bravely strides towards the uproarious crowd still fervently chanting.
Addmist the crowd, he is greeted with gentle touches from eager hands. The people are overjoyed and their chants continue to praise him. Amidst a bleak and despairing world, the embrace of the former slaves provides a ray of optimism for Anakin.
Anakin strides further into the midst of the crowd, where two men respectfully lower themselves to raise him onto their shoulders. Perched atop their sturdy frames, he gazes out at the sea of people reaching up to touch him. As they begin to slowly revolve, the congregation forms concentric circles around him. Grinning, Anakin basks in the spiraling surge of adoration from the crowd. Meanwhile, the Unsullied hold their disciplined stance in the background, undeterred by the fanfare.
Anakin has never been one for reverence, but in this moment he felt grateful for the genuine happiness his actions had brought to the people of Yunkai.