(298 AC - Flatlands)
The Flatlands encompass the Rhoyne River's eastern extent, the northern Velvet Hills, and the southeastern Golden Fields.
The Flatlands, situated near Pentos, are enriched with vast, fertile fields and sprawling plains that nourish the city. This region is inhabited by hardworking farmers and laborers, who are deeply rooted to the land they cultivate. Additionally, numerous wealthy magisters and nobles from the neighboring cities also possess properties and large manors on the Flatlands. Among them, Illyrio Mopatis owns a variety of flourishing orchards, productive farms, and lucrative mines in the area; however, he rarely ever pays a visit to these lands.
The Flatlands provide easy access for the Dothraki to ride through, prompting Pentoshi magisters, along with other nobles from the Free Cities, to pay them significant tribute to prevent looting or attacking of any estates or villages in the vicinity.
Prior to his departure from Pentos to Volantis, Anakin took the precaution of sending a raven to Kinvara.
The Red Priestess has proven her trustworthiness by directing him towards his family, she had also proven to be quite the oracle, accurately predicting the significant number of Dothraki that Anakin would gather to his cause on his voyage.
Anakin's message centers on his strategy to lead his newly acquired army on a journey starting from Volantis and progressing towards Astapor. Along the way, they will make stops at Meereen and Yunkai for rest and replenishment.
While traveling south through the Flatlands, the Targaryens' voyage was equally uneventful compared to their first march west across it.
However, they encountered difficulties when it came to rationing food because Anakin was ill-equipped to provide for such a large group.
While on their journey, Anakin comes to the realization that Daenerys and Viserys are on bad terms. Daenerys, ignoring Viserys, remains close to Ser Jorah as they ride together.
Anakin eagerly makes conversation with the knight in hopes of learning more about Westeros and his ancestors.
Despite his efforts, he didn't gain much new knowledge. Instead, he was bombarded with the familiar tales of Rhaegar and Robert's Rebellion, which resulted in his grandfather's demise by the Lannisters.
However, what truly astonished him was the revelation that the Targaryens had more support than he had been led to believe, particularly in the southern regions of Westeros.
Ser Jorah elaborated on the importance of Dorne, where his mother Elia Martell was born and raised. Anakin's mother was a rarely discussed subject, and even the knight who raised him, Ser Willem, also tried to avoid it. Viserys was mostly ignorant about her, focusing more on his anger towards the betrayal that resulted in the loss of his father, brother, and mother.
According to Ser Jorah, he joined the rebellion during Robert's Rebellion and fought on their side. "I was there during the Battle of the Trident and saw the aftermath of the Sack of King's Landing." he informs Anakin who was well informed on these two battles.
Anakin instead takes notice of their positioning. He and Jorah are riding in the middle, with Viserys beside him and Daenerys beside Jorah. 'Clearly these two aren't making up any time soon,' Anakin silently muses to himself.
Feeling let down, Anakin discovers that the knight possessed no personal knowledge of his parents or family. Despite the tales of Rhaegar and his infamous deed that started Robert's Rebellion, Anakin yearned to understand him as a person. Although his father's alleged kidnapping of Lynna Stark caused much speculation, he was never portrayed as a violent or unstable person, like King Aerys II. Anakin was convinced that there was more to the story, but in order to reveal the truth, he needed to uncover who his father truly was as a man.
"I have to admit, I'm surprised you managed to convince the Dothraki to release all their slaves," Ser Jorah remarks, noting his apparent aversion to slavery despite being the owner of a well-known slave army.
Anakin explains to the knight, "I don't take chances anymore. You either acclimate by choice or you will be made to," he then adds, "I used to give people a chance. They have a tendency of doubling down instead."
"I take it that's how your conquest of Meereen went down?" Jorah asked, interested in learning if his new king had a cruel and authoritarian nature.
"Aye, I gave them a chance and they murdered innocent children in response. So I took their choice," Anakin confides to recounting the dark times leading up to the Siege of Meereen.
Despite detecting a hint of regret in Anakin's tone, Ser Jorah continues to broach the subject of slavery. "And the Unsullied," he inquired, expressing a desire to learn how Anakin acquired a force of enslaved soldiers despite being a fighter against the very concept.
"They're not slaves. When I freed them in Astapor I only intended for them not to be used against me. I gave them a choice and they chose to follow me," Anakin admits to Jorah, who is amazed at how the boy could have persuaded an army of slaves to fight for him willingly. "You mentioned my mother has a family. Do they know I exist? Do they care?" he inquires.
It is apparent to Ser Jorah that family holds great importance to Anakin, as seen through his travels across the Dothraki Sea to reunite with his relatives and his curious nature regarding his mother and her family.
Ser Jorah responds, "I imagine most Lords in the Seven Kingdoms know of the Targaryen King ruling in Meereen. Though I doubt many are brave enough to openly declare support for you, even your family. King Robert has a particular disdain for the Targaryen dynasty."
"Is King Robert a...bad...king?" Anakin questioned.
Prior to Jorah's response, Viserys angrily cuts in, expressing his strong opinion about the current ruler of Westeros. "The Usurper, Robert Baratheon and his band of traitors owed their very existence to the Targaryens. And they repay our benevolence with treachery. There are some who dare to claim Robert and his allies had reason to rebel; they say your father stole the Usurper's lady-love; they say my father King Aerys murdered Rickard Stark and his son without just cause. Whether these charges are true or not it doesn't matter, the dragon answers to no one," Viserys passionately claimed.
Anakin notes the madness in Viserys' eyes when he speaks of the Usurper and begins to wonder whether he is truly mad or just a broken man. 'I imagine being branded 'Beggar King' hasn't done his ego any good,' Anakin thinks to himself, his eyes shifting beyond Ser Jorah to meet Daenerys' piercing gaze.
Turning to his relatively quiet aunt, he asks her, "What about you, do you think the dragon answers to no one?"
After glancing at Viserys, Daenerys then turns her attention back to Anakin and gives her reply, stating, "It belonged to our family. Every part of it, from the castle to the jewels, rightfully belongs to you."
Despite not being frequently asked for her opinions, and therefore not used to voicing them, she is unable to respond in any way other than with honesty. Anakin was one of the rare few to seek her thoughts, likely due to his struggles in connecting with his relatives who are consumed by a desire to reclaim Westeros. She found it just as endearing now as when they were children. Anakin has always possessed a curious nature and often asks more questions than necessary.
For his part, Anakin cannot find a purpose in invading Westeros. He refuses to do it solely for personal revenge and has already resorted to using war and violence in freeing the slaves in Slaver's Bay.
The dark side of the force has been heavily influencing his decision making, especially after his voyage through the Dothraki Sea where he has become more ruthless than before. Upon being reunited with his family, however, he feels a glimmer of hope in the light side.
Despite their flaws and growing conflicts, Anakin wishes no harm upon his relatives and wants to protect them, even his uncle Viserys who has surely tested his patience. However, Anakin easily accepts Daenerys, understanding that she needs to prove herself beyond being a political tool for her brother. He knows he must exercise patience with her as well, but for the sake of his family, he is willing to do more than even he yet realizes.
The remainder of the journey through the Flatlands follows a similar pattern with Viserys and Daenerys continually testing each other's limits while Anakin takes the opportunity to learn everything he can about Westeros and its nobles from the Westerosi knight.
(298 AC - Volon Therys)
Volon Therys is a town in Essos on the west bank of the Rhoyne River. It is surrounded by strong walls shaped from white stone. It is a large town, comparable in size to Lannisport or Gulltown in Westeros, but is often considered one in relation to the significantly larger Free City of Volantis.
In spite of being under the governance of the Triarchs of Volantis on paper, the town is deeply committed to the worship of The Lord of Light.
Located on the western bank of the Rhoyne River, Volon Therys is almost directly across the river to the east lies the ruined Rhoynar city Sar Mell. To the north is Valysar, and Volantis is to the south along the Rhoyne River.
Running through the center of the town is the Rhoyne, which carries a wealth down from the north, in particular timber from the city of Qohor. Dotted along the river's edge are dozens of timber yards, each dedicated to the processing of the wood before further transport down to Volantis and beyond.
The Marble Towers, placed at the town's edges, six great towers of spiraling carved marble can be found, each depicting a key event in Volon Therys' history. The Founders' Tower - depicts the formation of the city by the Valyrian Freehold. The Turtle Tower - tells the story of the First Turtle War, during which the town was flooded. The Spice Tower - the carvings depict the Second Spice War, and the fall of the Rhoynar to the Valyrian Dragonlords. The Tiger's Tower - remembering the Volantene expansion under the Tiger Triarchs that eventually resulted in Volon Therys becoming little more than a subsidiary settlement of the Free City. The Horselord's Tower - while the Horsehold's tower does depict a great Khalasar, it serves the dual purpose of both a lookout for their approach, its position facing the Dothraki Sea, and a storeroom for the goods intended as tribute to stall their approach. And The Blank Tower - currently untouched, the newest tower in the town has been dubbed the Blank Tower by Volon Therys' residents.
As the group arrived at their first destination in Volon Therys, they experienced their sole noteworthy encounter. Despite being just a short distance from Volantis, the town was surprisingly modest and welcoming to the approaching army.
Anakin quickly realized the reason behind this as he spotted the blazing statues and humble places of worship dedicated to the Lord of Light. The entire town appears to be devoted to the worship of the Red God, much like Volantis. Most of their nobles and ruling class are under the command of priests and priestesses, who have established a strong presence in this community.
The Lord of Light, also known as the Red God, R'hllor, the Heart of Fire, and the God of Flame and Shadow is a deity widely worshiped on the continent of Essos. The Lord of Light has been described as a 'fire god' and its clergy 'fire priests', as his worship centers around fire and light. The faith of the Lord of Light is the majority religion in several of the Free Cities (most notably Braavos, Myr, Lys and Volantis), and extends to Asshai in the distant east. Its worship is almost unheard of in Westeros.
Anakin commanded the Dothraki and Unsullied armies to set up their temporary camp just outside the fortifications of the town.
Accompanied by several soldiers, Daenerys, Ser Jorah, and Viserys, Anakin ventured into the town. Anakin hesitated to leave Viserys behind at the camp, as he worried the Dothraki may harm him for his arrogant behavior.
That afternoon when their small force was allowed the city gates an aged male priest, dressed in deep crimson robes and accompanied by a small number of poorly equipped guards, welcomed them upon their arrival and led them towards somewhere to discuss matters.
They accompany the elderly clergyman who leads the way to the town's main cathedral, which is devoted to The Lord of Light.
When they arrive, the guards receive orders to remain outside as Anakin, Ser Jorah, Viserys, and Daenerys make their way into the church. Anakin is pleasantly surprised when he realizes that it was none other than Kinvara who had instructed the elderly man to bring them here. As the sun begins to set, she is in the process of lighting yet another candle among the many that already flicker around her.
As he made his way towards her, Anakin couldn't help but approach her with hesitancy in his step. His new companions followed closely behind, matching his uncertain pace.
It had been nearly five moons since the last time he had seen her in person, since that night they had shared together. Of course, he had kept in touch with her through letters, entrusting her to protect Meereen from the army of Volantis while he was away. But now, being face to face with her once again, all the intense desire he had felt when he first saw her came rushing back.
With a small bow and a sly smile, Kinvara welcomes him, "Your grace."
Anakin responded with an air of formality, addressing the woman before him as "my lady." The two shared a quiet exchange, their uncomfortable stares stretching on for what felt like an eternity.
Though it seemed to go unnoticed by all, except for Viserys, who felt the palpable tension between them. He couldn't help but wonder about the identity of this mysterious woman.
Prior to anyone speaking, Kinvara announces, "By the looks of things I take it your voyage was successful." She fixes a quick gaze on the two Targaryen siblings.
"Well...they're not quite what I remember, but you have my gratitude. I am in your debt, my lady" Anakin expresses his appreciation to the Red Priestess as he brings her into a hug. Kinvara was surprised by Anakin's bold and passionate gesture, she didn't take him for the kind to hold attachments. She ponders if the presence of his family has influenced his newfound affection.
As they ascend the staircase and congregate around a considerably spacious dining table, Kinvara extends an invitation to Anakin and the others for dinner.
Seated at the head of the table is Anakin, with Kinvara and Jorah to his right and Daenerys and Viserys to his left. The Red Priestess arranged a feast of succulent Duck and a sweet vintage of Red Wine for her guests, and they indulged in the delectable meal together.
During their conversation, Kinvara reveals to Anakin that a considerable portion of Volantis' residents and armed forces are devoted followers of the Red God and will obey her orders as their High Priestess. This mirrors the welcoming reception by the citizens of Volon Therys towards Anakin's army, providing a strategic advantage.
With this knowledge, they can work to reduce civilian casualties and avoid a situation similar to the tragic events of the Siege of Meereen, where numerous innocent lives were lost, ultimately forcing Anakin to take control.
While Anakin, Kinvara, and Ser Jorah deliberate on their strategy to overthrow the three Triarchs of Volantis, Viserys slyly attempts to provoke his sister.
"Do you wager he's fucked the Priestess. I bet he has, just look at the zeal in her eyes," Viserys whispers into her ear.
Daenerys whispers back to her brother, blaming him for the current situation. "Shut up. This is all your fault. We should've just gone to Meereen like I said in the beginning. Now we're in the middle of a war."
"What do you want, an apology? We're both here aren't we? And now we're closer to home than we've ever been," Viserys declared in private to his sister.
Daenerys has still not come around to her brother's presence. Although he has refrained from insulting her, she is skeptical that without Anakin, Viserys would still be the same aggressive, vulgar fool she knows him to be.
She tunes out his crude dinner chatter, focusing on the conversation of the group in front of them. Despite lacking any knowledge in military leadership, she understands the strategic value of the Dothraki army they have gained through her 'wedding' to Khal Drogo.
After completing their meal, the Red Priestess joins them on the walk back to their established settlement outside the town walls.
Anakin, now fully settled, requests that the Red Priestess supply the Khalasar and his troops with nourishment. With the Dothraki commencing their celebrations, they feast and revel in food and wine late into the night.
As Daenerys sits in a tub in her tent, her handmaiden Doreah assists her with her bath. She is captivated by the three dragon eggs, which are placed on display among flickering candles. "Have you ever seen a dragon?" Daenerys inquired.
As Doreah helps Daenerys with her hands, she replies, "No princess. A trader from Garth told me that dragons come from the moon."
"The moon?" asked Daenerys, her voice laced with a touch of amusement.
"He told me the moon was an egg, that once there were two moons in the sky. But one wandered too close to the sun and it cracked from the heat. Out of it poured a thousand thousand dragons and they drank the sun's fire," Doreah shared with her the story.
Daenerys asked her handmaiden, "Why did the trader from Garth tell you these stories?"
The handmaiden confesses her former occupation as a prostitute, explaining, "Men like to talk when they're happy. Before your brother bought me for you, it was my job to make men happy."
"How old were you?" inquired the princess. "I was nine when my mother sold me to the pleasure house," Doreah revealed, which resulted in Daenerys exclaiming in shock, "Nine?!"
"I did not touch a man for three years, my lady. First you must learn," Doreah said.
"Can you teach me? How to make a man happy," Daenerys asks of her handmaiden.
"What man do you seek to please princess?" Doreah questioned, curious about the specific man her lady had in mind.
The question causes Daenerys to turn red and hurriedly splashes water onto her face from the tub. Doreah, sharp-eyed as ever, cannot help but tease her and persistently tries to uncover the identity of the man in her lady's thoughts.
As Daenerys steps out of her bath, Doreah assists her in putting on her comfortable nightgown and preparing her bed.
In the midst of their routine, Kinvara appears at the entrance of the tent and humbly requests to enter. Daenerys graciously invites her in and dismisses Doreah, bidding her a goodnight.
Seated on the fabric bench facing the bed, the pair falls into a short silence until Kinvara breaks it. "What troubles you, princess?"
"What do you mean?" Daenerys asked in bewilderment.
"Your desires are as pure as the flame of R'hllor, princess. You want to go home. And you're willing to do anything to achieve that, aren't you?" Kinvara spoke in a suggestive tone, as if she was divulging the most private thoughts of the Targaryen princess.
"I don't know what you mean," Daenerys refuted any implications the Red Priestess may be expressing.
"There is no need to hide anything from me, my lady. The Lord of Light works through you, Daenerys. Your actions are guided by a higher power, a divine purpose," the Red Priestess hints at her understanding of Daenerys' intentions.
"And what is it you think I'm hiding from you, my lady," Daenerys questioned with a doubtful tone. This Red Priestess was the first she had encountered of her type, yet Daenerys had always held a firm belief in the mysteries of mystical abilities and enchantments.
"No, not from me. From your nephew," Kinvara bluntly states, causing the princess's cheeks to blush deeply. Despite Daenerys' embarrassed reaction, the priestess continues, "It will work. If you want your nephew to reclaim the Iron Throne for you, seducing him is... one way to go about it. Of course, he must conclude his affairs here first."
Kinvara's deduction of her intentions left Daenerys speechless. From the moment she laid eyes on Anakin, the Targaryen Princess couldn't deny that she found him attractive. With an army at his back and the title of king, it wasn't very difficult for her. Her best friend growing up was still someone she never truly forgot about.
However, as they traveled across the Flatlands, Daenerys noticed just how much Anakin had changed. He had to handle the challenges of rationing food on their journey, bringing the Dothraki Khalasar under his control, and defeating Khal Drogo. It was clear that her nephew was a man who moved fast, leaving little time for idle conversation. Luckily for her, he would approach her as often as he could. While he did most of the talking, Daenerys learned a great deal about him. He shared stories of what he went through after they were separated in Braavos, and briefly mentioned doing regrettable things to achieve his current status. This made Daenerys suspect that he carried a heavy burden of regret. As a result, she avoided bringing up the topic of Westeros with Anakin, only mentioning it briefly when they first left Pentos.
With a newfound conviction, Daenerys declared, "I wouldn't make him do anything he doesn't want to."
"And that is the crux of the issue. You see he must be in Westeros, ready for the impending Great War. And it is only you who can make that possible," Kinvara discloses to her.
"What are you suggesting?" Daenerys ponders the Red Priestess' mysterious motives.
The High Priestess doesn't answer with words, merely shooting a glance at Daenerys' dragon eggs and giving her a suggestive smirk.
The following day, in order for their plans to run smoothly, Kinvara departed for Volantis two days before Anakin and his army would be leaving for the city.
During the span of 48 hours, Daenerys became much more outgoing towards Anakin than she had been during their near two month voyage through the Flatlands, no doubt something the Red Priestess told her improved her confidence.
She soon recognized that beneath his serious persona and strict approach to military matters, her nephew was actually a very affectionate individual.
Anakin made a habit of complementing Daenerys' appearance and, from time to time, would caress her shoulder, arms, hands, and back. It's not like she was bothered by the affection, she proceeded to test it by donning more provocative clothing and speaking in a seductive manner towards him. Anakin was easily enticed and she soon found herself reciprocating his advances. In her mind, Daenerys pondered if she could truly allure him, the Red Priestess's words ringing through her thoughts. Would it truly be so effortless for her to tempt him?
In the absence of Daenerys, Anakin would often occupy himself by spending time with Viserys and Ser Jorah. Their efforts to train Viserys in sword fighting were unfruitful, much to his reluctance and lack of success.
At minimum, Anakin planned to bring his uncle to the battlefield in order to humble him and potentially pacify his desire for revenge. Despite the temptation to abandon Viserys, Anakin recognizes that he has suffered the most from the War of the Usurper, as he still holds memories of their family and those who perished.
Upon their departure for Volantis, Viserys proudly declared to his sister that he would triumphantly return, causing her to roll her eyes in annoyance.
For the sake of protecting Daenerys, she will stay in Volon Therys accompanied by her handmaidens, the Dothraki non-combatants, and twelve guards of the Unsullied.
As Anakin prepares to leave, his aunt bids him farewell with an embrace, the first she had initiated between them.
Anakin gently touches her cheek and reminds her to take care, knowing they will be away for an unknown amount of time.
She also bids farewell to Ser Jorah and, grudgingly, Viserys. Anakin hopes they can mend their strained bond, recalling his uncle's strong protection of her during their childhood.
(298 AC - Sar Mell)
During the Rhoynish Wars, Sar Mell, a pale city known for its flowers, fought with nearby Volon Therys, a colony of the Valyrian Freehold. Sar Mell was burned during the First Turtle War, while Volon Therys was flooded with Rhoynish water magic. Sar Mell was ruined during the Second Spice War and its people were enslaved by Valyria.
After reaching the Rhoyne River, the army proceeded with caution as they crossed the river towards Sar Mell, an ancient city of the Rhoynar located on the northern side of Volantis. The city lies in ruins and on the opposite bank of the river lies Volon Therys. Once they reached their campsite, they dispatched scouts to notify the Red Priestess that their siege was ready to begin.
Prior to their departure from the ruined city, Anakin rallies the troops and prepares them for the upcoming battle. The Dothraki and Unsullied assemble before him, their king's robe fluttering in the breeze.
Exuding authority, he addresses his soldiers from the podium above, his words reverberating throughout the destroyed buildings.
"I don't want to wait for it anymore. You don't either. So we won't. We are not here to conquer land or expand our kingdom. We are here to conquer the chains of slavery! If we start right nowâwith everything we've beaten, everything we've endured, we've risen above, everything we've become. We are the chosen ones, entrusted with the task of breaking these chains and releasing those from their suffering. If we fight not just for ourselves, but for the idea... no matter what comes next... we've won. We've already won!"
As they get ready to march into battle, the Unsullied let out a thunderous roar, their unwavering allegiance to their chosen leader evident. Alongside them, the Dothraki emit fierce battle cries, eager at the thought of sacking a mighty city like Volantis. Anakin raises his sword, its glimmering blade gleaming in the sun, a symbol of hope for all who stand with him.
Whilst Viserys is otherwise not giving attention, Ser Jorah is fully attentive to Targaryen's skills as a leader. 'He certainly knows how to motivate a crowd,' the knight mused silently.
With an impassioned rally, the troops charge forward, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead, guided by the words of their fearless leader, Anakin Targaryen.