(298 AC - Volantis)
Volantis, situated on the southern coast of Essos, is the southernmost of the Free Cities. This places it on the opposite side of the region from Braavos, which is located on the northern coast of the western end of Essos.
Additionally, it is a considerable distance away from Pentos in the northwest, situated on the coast of the Narrow Sea roughly halfway between Braavos and Volantis. To the west of Volantis lies the Disputed Lands where endemic warfare between Myr and Lys takes place, often entangling Volantis in the conflict. In the northeast lies the Dothraki Sea, creating a constant threat of pillaging raids. To the southeast of Volantis is the Valyrian peninsula, which has been largely abandoned and avoided ever since the Doom of Valyria.
As the southeastern-most of the Free Cities, Volantis is the nearest of the cities to Slaver's Bay. Situated on the opposite side of the Valyrian peninsula, Slaver's Bay is easily accessible from Volantis, making the city a vital passageway for travelers between the two areas.
However, due to the treacherous conditions of the overland route (The Demon Road) connecting the two regions, it is rarely used. Instead, sea trade and travel are the preferred methods of transportation between Volantis and Slaver's Bay. Ships carefully navigate around Valyria, specifically avoiding the hazardous Smoking Sea located in the middle of the shattered peninsula.
Volantis is a port city. Its large, deep harbor is ideally placed. The city spreads across the mouth of the Rhoyne and across the hills and marshes on both sides of the river. The older districts of the city lie upon the eastern banks, while the newer districts are located on the west. These two halves are connected by the Long Bridge.
Volantis lies on both sides of one of the many mouths of the Rhoyne River. The wide and mighty river is spanned by a great megastructure known as the Long Bridge. The bridge is so large that it is covered in rows of multi-level buildings, taverns, brothels, and marketplaces, forming a small neighborhood of the city unto itself.
The Long Bridge joins the two halves of Volantis across the mouth of the Rhoyne. It is a great span with a road supported by massive piers that the Valyrians built at the height of their glory. Buildings rise on either side of the roadway. One can buy almost anything in the shops on the Long Bridge. In the center of the bridge are displayed the hands of thieves and the heads of executed criminals.
Fishermonger's Square is a bustling square in western Volantis congested with traffic where fishmongers sell their catches. The Merchant's House, located on Fishmonger's Square, is the finest inn in Volantis.
The governance of the city is overseen by a triumvirate known as the Triarchs. These esteemed individuals must stem from noble families with a direct ancestral connection to Old Valyria in order to be considered eligible for candidacy.
The Valyrian Freehold, a once-prosperous nation, had its center of power in the grand city of Valyria. Positioned on the eastern landmass of Essos, it lies to the southeast of the Free Cities. The city itself is situated on a vast peninsula stretching southwards into the Summer Sea. Following its downfall, it is commonly known as Old Valyria. The source of Valyria's domination was their mastery and utilization of dragons in battles, unearthed within the series of volcanic mountains known as the Fourteen Flames, situated near their birthplace. By wielding dragons, Valyria annihilated opposing nations' armies and conquered a vast expanse of land in Essos. The Valyrian Freehold, their vast domain, expanded into much of the contemporary Free Cities and even reached the Narrow Sea's island, Dragonstone. Nevertheless, Valyria never aimed to invade Westeros, which was deemed a lowly and underdeveloped region. Valyria stood as the pinnacle of human civilization for more than 5,000 years, serving as the hub of an empire governing half of the known world. Many of Valyria's customs, such as allowing incest and polygamy, were considered forbidden in most other parts of the world. The Destruction of Valyria occurred 400 years ago during a devastating volcanic explosion referred to as the Doom. The Valyrian peninsula was shattered and the majority of dragons in the world were obliterated. As a result of this catastrophic event, the infamous Smoking Sea was formed. The Targaryens, a powerful family of dragonlords, were the only ones to escape the Doom's wrath, as they were residing on Dragonstone at the time. Their dragons, which were the last surviving in the world, were also located on this island. Approximately one hundred years later, Aegon I Targaryen led an invasion of Westeros and successfully conquered the majority of the continent. This marked the beginning of a dynasty that would reign for three centuries, until the rule of Anakin's grandfather, King Aerys II.
The upper class rulers of Volantis boast about their refined customs, believing it to be evidence of their connection to the elite society of Old Valyria. They disdain the Westerosi aristocracy (who were seen as a disorderly and uncivilized region during Valyria's prime), viewing them as uncultured and uncouth 'savage' beings.
Underneath the Volantene aristocracy, the city has a massive population of slaves.
The slave-masters in Volantis have a very organized system for identifying their slaves, giving them small tattoos on the left cheek of their faces that symbolize what tasks they are assigned to do: A fish - for slaves that work on a fishing vessel, a fly - for dung shovelers, crossed hammers - for builders, a tear (stylized as a downwards-pointing triangle) - for whores, a circle within a circle - given to slaves who are cart-drivers, etc.
Volantis welcomes a mixture of religions, but by far the largest is that of the Lord of Light, which has a very large temple in the city. The Lord of Light religion is very popular among the large slave population, as the red priests say that the Lord hears the prayers of all men, rich and poor, king or slave.
The aristocratic families of Volantis consider themselves to be the heirs to the legacy of the fallen Valyrian Freehold, given that it was the first of the Free Cities founded by Valyria, though they are not descendants of dragonlords but of the lowborn soldiers that made up the population of the early settlement. The other Free Cities don't agree, however, and have long resisted Volantene attempts to dominate the rest of them. This made it all the easier for the Red Priests of Volantis to convince many in the city to betray the Triarchs.
As the first light of dawn painted the sky with hues of orange and gold, a sense of foreboding descended upon the city of Volantis. In the early morning haze, the silhouette of a formidable army emerged on the horizon, their banners donning a three-headed dragon fluttering defiantly in the breeze. It was the Dothraki Khalasar, their war cries echoing across the plains, accompanied by the disciplined march of the Unsullied soldiers.
But as the soldiers of Volantis looked upon the approaching forces with trepidation, they realized with dawning horror that it was already too late. For within the city walls, a betrayal of unimaginable proportions had unfolded in the dead of night. Treacherous soldiers and slaves, their allegiance secretly pledged to the High Priestess, had turned against them, sacking the city from within.
With the first rays of sunlight illuminating the scene, the gates of Volantis stood wide open, a gaping maw through which the Dothraki poured forth unchecked. The once-mighty defenses of the city crumbled before the onslaught, as chaos and destruction reigned supreme.
In that fateful moment, as the Dothraki Khalasar surged through the breached gates, the fate of Volantis was sealed. The city had fallen, its walls breached not by force of arms, but by those from within.
With a nod of approval, Anakin signaled to the Dothraki riders, who surged forward with a primal roar, their war cries echoing across the city. Like a tempest unleashed upon the plains, they charged headlong into the fray, their braids whipping behind them as they cleaved through the enemy ranks.
The thundering hooves of the Dothraki steeds pounded against the earth, a sense of urgency hung heavy in the air. Anakin, standing at the back-end of the assembled army, watched with a steely gaze as his meticulously crafted strategy unfolded before him.
Behind them, the Unsullied followed in their wake, a tide of warriors armed and ready to do battle. With disciplined precision, they executed Anakin's commands, their movements synchronized and purposeful.
The city of Volantis is a city of two parts, and thus not dissimilar from the Free City of Norvos in this sense. The eastern part of the city is home to those of the Blood of Old Valyria, and its palaces, courtyards, towers, temples, cloisters, bridges, and cellars are surrounded by the Black Walls, formed of fused dragonstone. The western districts are newer, and provide life to all other residents and visitors to the city. The two parts are joined by the Long Bridge.
Anakin's instructions were clear: eliminate anyone who raised arms against them and liberate all those who were enslaved. If only he had been aware of the true extent of the enslaved population. He had been informed that the slaves in Volantis outnumbered the free citizens by a ratio of five to one, but seeing it first-hand made Anakin question if he should have arrived at this destination earlier.
If the Red Priests hadn't convinced many allies to join their cause, the sacking of Volantis would have been a significantly harder task.
With the Dothraki warriors on horseback surging ahead, deeper into the city, their war cries echo through the narrow streets.
When the battle commenced, Viserys Targaryen, famed for his arrogance and sense of entitlement, responded with a combination of dread, arrogance, and desperation. Back in Sar Mell, Anakin helped his uncle put on a suit of lightweight chainmail and handed him his steel sword, a present Viserys received from Magister Illyrio.
As the chaos of battle raged on, Viserys, fueled by his own arrogance and thirst for power proved to be his downfall.
His reckless strikes and treacherous deeds, carried out in a haze of unchecked aggression, led him further and further astray from his allies. As he carelessly dispatched injured soldiers and ruthlessly pierced the backs of unsuspecting city guards, a sense of unease began to gnaw at the edges of his consciousness.
In his blind pursuit of glory, Viserys had become separated from his nephew and the knight from Westeros. Panic gripped his heart as he realized the gravity of his situation, the weight of his actions crashing down upon him like a tidal wave.
With each passing moment, terror and distress consumed Viserys, his once-bold demeanor crumbling beneath the weight of his own folly. The sounds of battle faded into the background as he frantically searched for any sign of his companions, his mind racing with fear and regret.
In the midst of the chaos and confusion, Viserys was forced to confront the harsh reality of his choices. His arrogance had blinded him to the true dangers that lurked within the city walls, and now he found himself alone and vulnerable, a pawn in a game of his own making.
As the realization of his folly sank in, Viserys knew that he must find a way to make amends for his reckless actions. With a heavy heart and a newfound sense of humility, he resolved to seek out his companions and make things right, whatever the cost. For in the crucible of battle, he had learned the most valuable lesson of all: that true strength lies not in arrogance, but in humility and courage in the face of adversity.
Meanwhile Ser Jorah kept a close eye on Anakin, waiting to see his next move. The knight was well aware that his new king had already proven himself to be a formidable warrior after defeating Khal Drogo, but a battle commander was still up for question.
Ignoring the already defeated guards at the gates, Anakin led a group of Unsullied behind him. He chose to enter the fray only when they encountered their first foes head on.
The enemies were lined up in a wall formation at the mouth of a narrow passage that led to the crowded streets of the city. In order to reach the palace where the Triarchs were holding out behind the Black Walls, they would have to navigate through these narrow streets.
Built by the Valyrians to protect their new western outpost, the Black Walls are an oval of fused dragonstone, so wide that during the annual celebrations of the creation of the city, six chariots each pulled by four horses, can ride side by side. They are nearly two hundred feet high, and only those of the Old Blood, or invited directly by them, may enter. Within is the part of the city called Old Volantis by its residents
A colossal monolith of marble and fused dragonstone, the Palace of the Triarchs is amongst the most impressive structures in the city.
They reside within The Black Walls, guarded by the fearsome Tiger Cloaks, a slave army marked with green stripes across their cheeks, and helms shaped to bear the visage of their namesake, the Palace opens its doors to only a select few. Carved into both the exterior and interior of the tower are deeds of the past elected of the city, the tales of war and conquest, peace and trade shaped into the marble and streaks of gold that have been worked into the stone.
Back in the narrow streets Anakin instructs his men to create a v-shaped formation, with himself positioned at the center.
Ser Jorah Mormont stood steadfast by Anakin's side, his keen eyes taking note of the audacity and brilliance displayed in the young warrior's strategy. With each calculated move, Anakin revealed a mastery of tactics that left even the seasoned knight in awe.
Ser Jorah watched as Anakin issued his commands to the Unsullied, the disciplined soldiers who stood poised and ready for battle. With unwavering determination, they obeyed their leader's orders without question, their ranks moving with the precision of a well-oiled machine.
Anakin's strategy was simple yet ingenious. He tasked the Unsullied with the formidable challenge of neutralizing the opposing troops, using their superior training and discipline to gradually herd them towards his direction. And as the enemy forces closed in, Anakin stood ready.
With each enemy soldier that fell before him, Anakin's skill with the blade became more apparent. His movements were fluid and graceful, a deadly dance of death and destruction that left no room for hesitation or doubt. And behind him, the Unsullied moved with unwavering resolve, their ranks remaining unbroken.
With a keen eye, Anakin ensured that any Unsullied who fell in battle were swiftly substituted by those directly behind them, maintaining the integrity of their formation.
Jorah was well aware that this particular strategy carried a significant amount of risk, but the potential payoff was equally great. Its success hinged entirely on Anakin not to perish and the enemy soldiers simply charging through. Fortunately, this tactic proved effective as Anakin seemed to be untouchable, despite the overwhelming number of adversaries being hurled his way.
Anakin and the Unsullied fought as one, their determination unyielding in the face of adversity. And as the dust settled and the echoes of conflict faded into the distance, they emerged victorious, their enemies vanquished by their combined might.
Anakin finally finds a moment to come to the realization that Viserys is nowhere to be found. In an effort to bring back his uncle and ensure his safety, he assigns the task to Ser Jorah.
Far behind them Viserys Targaryen found himself face to face with a formidable adversary, his heart pounding with fear and uncertainty. With a swift and practiced motion, his opponent disarmed him, their blades clashing. Panic surged through Viserys as he desperately fought to defend himself from the blade being shoved into his chest, his mind racing with the realization that he stood on the precipice of defeat. With every ounce of strength he possessed, he struggled to prevent the blade from finding its mark, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he battled for his very life.
But just as all seemed lost, salvation came in the form of a familiar figure. Ser Jorah Mormont, he engaged Viserys' assailant and emerged victorious. Jorah reveals that Anakin had noticed his absence and sent the knight after him.
In that moment of peril, the stark reality of war crashed down upon Viserys like a crushing weight, shattering any lofty fantasies he may have harbored. Gone were the dreams of glory and conquest, replaced instead by the harsh truth of survival.
With newfound humility, Viserys clung to the side of Ser Jorah and Anakin.
Having played his part, Ser Jorah found the whole ordeal to be quite intriguing. It's not often that one encounters a king who is willing to fight his own battles, but Anakin Targaryen seemed not only willing, but very capable.
The dominant challenge in this conflict proved to be the city's military utilizing elephants, which are commonly found in Volantis. These magnificent creatures are typically used as beasts of burden by slaves whose faces bear tattoos of wheels, but in times of war, both full-size and smaller elephants are utilized to fight against the city's foes.
As soon as the opening was carved and the narrow streets were filled with Unsullied, the war elephants caused the Dothraki Riders who surged ahead to retreat, prompting Anakin to come up with the strategy to lure them out and surprise attack them.
From the shadows of the city streets, the sound of heavy footfalls reverberated, growing louder with each passing moment. Then, with a deafening roar, the elephants were unleashed upon the unsuspecting Dothraki.
Like behemoths of destruction, the massive creatures charged forth, trunks raised and tusks gleaming in the morning light. The narrow streets of the city offered little room for evasion, and the Dothraki found themselves trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
With thunderous impacts, the elephants plowed through the ranks of the Dothraki, their sheer size and strength laying waste to all in their path. Warriors were crushed beneath their massive feet, their screams drowned out by the cacophony of battle.
Despite their fierce reputation, the Dothraki were ill-prepared for such a formidable foe. Panic spread like wildfire through their ranks as they struggled to fend off the relentless onslaught of the charging beasts.
In the wake of the elephant rampage, the surviving Dothraki warriors stood battered but unbowed, their resolve unshaken by the devastating losses they had suffered. And though the elephants had taken their toll, they knew that the fight was far from over.
As the threat of the rampaging elephants loomed large over the besieged city, Anakin stood at the forefront of the resistance, his mind racing with the urgency of the moment. With every passing heartbeat, he knew that decisive action was needed to turn the tide of battle in their favor.
Drawing upon his tactical acumen, Anakin devised a daring plan, a gambit that would pit the strength and agility of the Dothraki against the raw power of the charging elephants. With a steely resolve, he called upon the warriors under his command to stand ready for the coming onslaught.
As the Dothraki mounted their swift steeds and thundered towards the narrow streets once again, the elephants followed in their wake, drawn by the tantalizing prospect of fresh prey.
But Anakin's plan was already in motion. From the rooftops of the city's labyrinthine streets, he, his soldiers, Ser Jorah, and Viserys lay in wait, their weapons poised and ready to strike.
Following Ser Jorah's return with Viserys, Anakin proceeded to outline the strategy, while his uncle incessantly nagged him about it.
"What the hell are we supposed to do, hmmm. Leap off the roof, hope we land on the beasts and kill the riders before they kill us?" Viserys mocked his nephew, questioning what their plan was.
Anakin responds with a sardonic grin, saying, "That's exactly what we're going to do."
"A bold plan, your grace. A risky one, but bold," Ser Jorah argues, noting that casualties will be inevitable before they can take down the riders on the elephants.
"You underestimate the Dothraki, Ser Jorah," Anakin contradicted the knight's belief that the Dothraki will not be effective in this guerrilla warfare tactic.
As the thunderous stomps and trumpeting of the approaching elephants reached their ears, the group immediately snapped into focus and fixed their gaze on the horde of elephants charging through the narrow streets, chasing after Dothraki Riders.
In the distant rooftops, they could see some Dothraki leaping onto the elephants, only to be taken down by the riders. Those who couldn't hold on were met with a darker fate, being trampled to death by the rest of the charging horde.
Slowly but surely, Anakin's forces were making progress in taking down the riders before they could reach them.
Amidst the chaos, Viserys observed with horror as some of the unfortunate souls who attempted to leap onto the elephants couldn't hold on and were mercilessly crushed.
While others in the group resorted to shooting arrows from a safe distance, Viserys lacked the skill to do so.
His anxiety getting the best of him, he nervously tried to back away from the action, but even Ser Jorah, who was also anxious, was still determined to push forward.
Before Viserys could walk away, Anakin swiftly grabbed his wrist and reassured him, "I'll be right behind you, now go!" before with unexpected force, he threw Viserys into the oncoming stampede of elephants.
Following suit, Ser Jorah and Anakin managed to land on the same beast that Viserys was thrown onto.
The rider, distracted by the struggling Viserys and the skilled Anakin who landed gracefully in front of him, failed to notice Ser Jorah, who had stealthily landed on the elephant's rear.
With one swift motion, Ser Jorah plunged his sword into the rider from behind, killing the man and shoving him off the beast. Meanwhile, Anakin carefully made his way over to Viserys and helped him onto the saddle, preventing him from falling off.
Ser Jorah Mormont's eyes gleamed with determination as he spotted an opportunity amidst the tumult. With a swift and decisive motion, he seized the spear previously wielded by the fallen rider, his grip steady despite the chaos surrounding him.
He aimed the spear with unerring accuracy at the towering form of the elephant behind them, its massive bulk bearing down upon them with unstoppable force.
With a mighty thrust, Ser Jorah drove the spear deep into the elephant's skull. The beast let out a deafening trumpet of agony as it stumbled, its legs buckling beneath it as it collapsed to the ground in a thunderous crash.
The earth shook with the force of the impact, sending shockwaves rippling through the battlefield. And in a domino effect of destruction, the other elephants and their riders following the trail were brought crashing down in a chaotic tangle of bodies and armor.
As the dust settled and the echoes of destruction faded into the air, Anakin surveyed the scene with a mixture of awe and trepidation. In their wake, the fallen elephants had inadvertently cleared a wider path through the city, their immense forms toppling nearby structures with devastating force.
Homes, brothels, pubs, and inns crumbled like sandcastles beneath the relentless assault, their once-sturdy walls reduced to rubble in the blink of an eye. Yet amidst the destruction, a silver lining emerged.
The unintentional demolition had created a wider path for Anakin's armies to march through, clearing the way for their advance and granting them a strategic advantage in the midst of chaos. And as Anakin surveyed the path ahead, he knew that their victory was within reach, forged amidst the rubble and ruin of war.
Once the war elephants were dealt with, phase two of the plan commenced, the objective was to breach The Black Walls and gain access to the Triarchs residing in their lavish palaces.
As the Tiger Cloaks atop the Black Walls unleashed a torrent of arrows, their futile efforts were met with a stoic resolve by the Unsullied soldiers below. Protected by their tightly formed turtle formation, they advanced relentlessly, shields interlocked and determination etched upon their faces.
Among the ranks stood Anakin, Ser Jorah, and Viserys, their shields a bastion against the rain of death descending upon them. With each step towards the imposing Black Walls, they knew the gates would offer no easy passage, forcing them to find another way in.
Desperation gnawed at their hearts as the Tiger Cloaks, perched above, unleashing deadly boulders upon those below when they reached the walls, catching many unaware and snuffing out their lives in an instant.
Ser Jorah found himself in peril as a massive boulder hurtled towards him, only to witness its miraculous change in trajectory mid-fall. His gaze turned to Anakin, whose hand was raised in a silent command.
Before Ser Jorah could voice his confusion, Anakin spurred the army into action. With a swift command, he ordered the raising of ladders, a gesture that transformed the seemingly insurmountable wall into a mere inconvenience.
The Unsullied, crafted for siege warfare with precision and discipline, executed the task flawlessly. As the ladders ascended, Anakin scaled the walls with unmatched efficiency, his movements fluid and assured. With each step, he struck down the Tiger Cloaks guarding the perimeter, his unwavering resolve driving the Unsullied ever onward towards victory.
Having a moment of reflection, Ser Jorah acknowledged that he was not sincerely devoted to the Targaryen heir, but rather, merely gathering information on him. However, as he watched Anakin fearlessly climb the ladder and lead the way in winning the battle, the knight couldn't help but feel inspired by the young man's bravery. Despite not fully understanding Anakin's motives for fighting for the liberation of slaves, Jorah found himself drawn to the ongoing battle. In his mind, he silently labeled Anakin as a 'hero with no fear'.
Anakin, for his part, couldn't help but be impressed by the tenacity of these Tiger Cloaks. He was even more taken aback that the enslaved warriors did not defect and join their cause, as numerous other slaves in the city had already done. Clearly these soldiers were loyal only to the Triarchs.
In the aftermath the few Tiger Cloaks that remained surrendered and Anakin sent off his most trusted Unsullied commanders, who formed squadrons, to set out and bring the three Triarchs in Volantis to him alive at the Red Temple of Volantis on the north-eastern side of the city. They unquestionably followed his orders and set out towards the palaces'.
It is widely acknowledged that the area of the city situated behind the Black Walls, where the Triarchs reside, is notably more extravagant compared to the rest of the city. As Anakin surveys the surroundings, he gives the Dothraki the green light to pillage the palaces. The Dothraki erupt in jubilant cheers and swiftly commence their looting of the palaces'.
With the battle now calming down Anakin and Ser Jorah make their way outside the Black Walls with a handful of Unsullied guards.
"The battle is won, your grace. Where to now?" Ser Jorah asked, curious about Anakin's intentions for the city's future.
"I don't plan on being here for long, most of this was done for the slaves in the city. I'm going to leave the governing to the Red Priests and-" Anakin was about to elaborate on his plan when he suddenly realized the tranquil atmosphere in the absence of a particular person. Turning to the knight, he inquires, "Wait...where's Viserys?"
Jorah simply casts a defeated gaze towards Anakin and guides him just outside the Black Walls, where Viserys is perched on a carriage, indulging in wine.
"Nephew! There he is, there's the dragon!" cried the Targaryen Prince, his words slurred with a peculiar joy.
With an inquiring look, Anakin confronts his uncle and inquires, "have you been drinking?"
"No idea what you're talking about," Viserys refutes as he clearly exhibits signs of intoxication.
"Well...at least you waited until the end. Come on, we're heading towards the Red Temple. Ser Jorah ready the horses," Anakin instructed the knight, who promptly complied and prepared the steeds.
Upon Jorah's departure, Anakin casts another glance at Viserys, observing his unusual silence - perhaps a first for him. Anakin takes note of the trembling in his uncle's hands as he brings his drink towards his lips.
Anakin places a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You did well," he offers his praise, hoping for a response indicating that Viserys has absorbed the lesson he intended for him to learn today.
"Of course I did. I'm a dragon," Viserys proclaimed, exhibiting his trademark arrogant demeanor.
One thing Anakin was happy about was the fact that he did not perish. He was not accustomed to babysitting in the midst of war, as the Unsullied did not need such shielding.
On multiple occasions, he couldn't keep track of Viserys during battles, whether he lagged behind or recklessly went off on his own. Anakin had to depend on Ser Jorah to locate and safeguard his uncle, and the knight demonstrated his competence to Anakin. Furthermore, Ser Jorah's way of fighting brought back memories of his old comrade, Ser Willem, and made him feel nostalgic.
Traveling in a northern direction, they skirted the eastern side of the gate they breached through and headed towards the Red Temple.
The grand, formidable building constructed entirely from red stone had caught their attention when they first entered the city, and even from beyond the city walls, its immense size loomed above them.
The architecture of the temple is both grand and intricate, boasting towering spires and domes adorned with flaming ruby-like stones.
Within its walls, one can find a multitude of red priests and priestesses, devoutly worshiping the Lord of Light and performing fiery rituals and ceremonies centered around prophecy.
As the central gathering place for believers of the faith of R'hllor, the temple's symbolic use of fire serves as a testament to the deity they hold in reverence. This holy place is guarded by a formidable army of enslaved soldiers known as the Fiery Hand, under the leadership of the High Priestess Kinvara.
The Red Temple of Volantis is renowned as a site of paramount religious devotion for followers of the Lord of Light, surpassing even the Great Sept of Baelor located in King's Landing in size and splendor.
All those who serve within its walls are slaves who were brought in their childhood and trained to become red priests, temple prostitutes, and warriors.
The temple's structure is an architectural marvel, boasting countless pillars, steps, buttresses, bridges, domes, and towers all merging together as if carved from one massive rock.
As they walk up the steps of the entrance to the Red Temple, Anakin and his companions come face to face with Kinvara who greets him in the customary formal fashion while gracefully descending the entrance staircase.
She then proceeds to escort them behind the temple premises, passing by numerous temple courtesans, whom Viserys takes great delight in teasing and flirting with.
Kinvara leads the trio downstairs and directs them towards a smelting room. She converses in Valyrian with the smelter, and he subsequently retrieves a small case and offers it to the High Priestess.
The blazing flames from the furnaces, along with the dazzling glimmer of molten gold and steel, cast a vibrant glow upon the dark room as Kinvara stands before the smelter.
She uncovers the contents of the case, revealing a golden crown and declares, "A crown for a king, wouldn't you say?" before presenting it to Anakin.
The golden crown is sculpted with delicate precision, each ridge and curve resembling the graceful movement of flames. Gleaming with the luster of pure gold, it radiates warmth and regality. The tips of the crown mimic the pointed peaks of flames, while subtle engravings and details add depth and texture to the fiery design. As it rests upon the wearer's head, it exudes an aura of power and majesty, akin to a sovereign ruler of fire itself.
"No," declared Anakin adamantly, refusing to don a crown. This was a principle he stood by, even when he assumed the role of king in Meereen, which caused far less controversy in Slaver's Bay.
Kinvara insists that wearing the crown means embodying more than just freedom and justice - it means being a servant of the Lord of Light.
"Frankly I'm surprised you didn't have one already. I suppose this will suffice," Viserys interjects snobbishly although he secretly admires the crown's regal appearance.
Abruptly, a temple priest, a youthful lady, enters the foundry chambers and addresses in Valyrian.
She informs Kinvara, and inadvertently Anakin who comprehends the tongue, that his Unsullied and Dothraki forces, accompanied by numerous liberated slaves and curious commoners, have arrived. They are currently situated beneath the steps of the entrance, with the Unsullied already in impeccable formation; they are well accustomed to these 'spectacles' after Anakin's previous battles.
Anakin presumes that his dependable commanders have effectively detained the Triarchs and conveyed them here, as he had directed.
He briefs Ser Jorah and instructs him to escort Viserys and wait outside for his return. Likewise, Kinvara dismisses the others, leaving her and Anakin alone in the chamber.
Anakin openly expresses his thoughts now that it's just the two of them, "I am not wearing that," he said.
"Of course," Kinvara replies, drawing nearer to him and offering her hand for him to grasp. Anakin accepts her hand, and she guides him towards a blazing cauldron. "Have you ever had visions? Of what has happened? Will happen?" Kinvara inquires, hoping to affirm her own suspicion of Anakin.
"What makes you say that?" he responds, not for the first time being accurately predicted by the Red Priestess.
"My visions. The Lord of Light grants all those he deems worthy with his blessing," she said, placing her hands on his shoulders and gazing into the flames before her. "Look into the heart of the fire, what do you see?" She instructs him as he focuses his gaze on the flames as well.
"I see fire," Anakin responded promptly and emotionlessly.
"Give me your hand," Kinvara requests, grasping his left hand and creating a slight gash on it, causing blood to flow and diverting Anakin's gaze from the fiery blaze.
"What are you doing?" Anakin inquires, not extremely concerned but rather intrigued by her actions.
"Give your blood to the flames. And the truth will become apparent," she directs as Anakin extends his arm over the blazing cauldron, letting his blood sizzle upon impact. Standing behind him, she leans close to his ear and murmurs, "Now what do you see, my king?"
Previously, Anakin had experienced numerous visions which have exclusively manifested in his dreams.
Labeling them 'force visions' their content varied, ranging from uneventful to terrifying, but these visions often foreshadowed occurrences that had or will come to pass. It was effortless for him to recognize the 'will' visions, as he just had to patiently wait for them to materialize. However, comprehending the 'had' visions proved to be a more challenging task, as he only understood their connection to the past when he saw Viserys and Daenerys present in them. The first ever vision from the past that he received was of a man with strikingly similar Targaryen features to his own, strumming a harp with his delicate fingers over its gleaming strings.
At this present moment, however, with absolute certainty, Anakin's visions manifested in the fire with remarkable clarity.
A fusion of images materialized, evolving into a spellbinding spectacle before him. Amidst the impressive exhibition, he peers into a swirling vortex of visions and glimpsed himself, garbed in a menacing black armor, commanding endless legions of Unsullied as they spread peace and justice to war-torn cities and towns. Within, he sees a world plagued by political intrigue, betrayal, and looming darkness. Familiar faces morph in, Daenerys, Jorah, Missandei, and others not so familiar. Anakin witnesses battles raging across kingdoms, dragons soaring through the sky, and whispered plots in dimly lit chambers. The vision oscillates between moments of triumph and despair, leaving Anakin with a haunting realization of the fragile balance between power and corruption in this world.
Anakin's gaze fixated on the dancing flames, his eyes widening as he takes in the vision before him. Slowly, his expression softens, moved by what he beholds. He removes his hand from the flames, his emotions engulfed by the gravity of what he had just witnessed.
Kinvara leans her head against his shoulder, tenderly stroking his hair in a comforting gesture. As she stared intently at him, it felt as though she could see through his very being and read his thoughts. "The choice is yours to make, but remember, the flames reveal only what may come to pass, not what must be," she declared.
As flames raged in front of him, Anakin turned his back on the Red Priestess and pulled away. His thoughts were in turmoil, as he struggled to come to terms with conflicting emotions. The vision she had shown him lingered, and he felt a strong determination to take charge of his own fate, refusing to let these prophesied events unfold.
He understood the true meaning behind the Priestess's cryptic message. In order to prevent another impending war, he must be the one to claim the throne and establish the peace and justice he so fervently desired.
Interrupting Anakin's musings, she interprets his lack of response as agreement and says, "come, they await you," guiding him away from the quarters and towards the entrance of the temple.
And there, not only his fellow warriors, but also a vast audience of onlookers who have gathered to witness what's happening.
Following orders, Little-Bug and Muck-Curse, the Unsullied commanders, presented the three Triarchs of Volantis, namely Malaquo Maegyr, Doniphos Paenymion, and Nyessos Vhassar, in a bound and conscious state before him. These were the three nobles that they had been seeking.
As the day came to an end, with the sun setting, Kinvara instructed her fellow priest to ignite three large fires in the vicinity of the temple. She intends to hold a ceremonial coronation for Anakin at the steps of the Red Temple.
Each bonfire is meticulously constructed from weathered timber from Qohor and adorned with ancient symbols etched into the wood, glowing faintly with an otherworldly luminescence. As night descends and darkness envelops the Red Temple, the bonfires awaken, crackling with life.
Addressing the assembled crowds of slaves, commoners, and Dothraki from the top of the stairs, the Unsullied vigilantly maintain their post, dividing them at the foot of the steps.
The High Priestess hails Anakin as The Prince That Was Promised, also referred to as the Son of Fire, the Warrior of Light, Azor Ahai and the Lord's Chosen. This legendary figure is a prophesied savior in the religion of the Lord of Light. Thousands of years ago, he forged the sword Lightbringer which he used to defeat the darkness of the Great Other. According to the prophecy, this figure would be born amidst salt and smoke, wake dragons from stone, and pull a sword named Lightbringer from flames, which they would use to combat an impending darkness.
"In the ancient books, it's written that a warrior will draw a burning sword from the fire. And that sword shall be Lightbringer. Anakin Targaryen, warrior of light, your destiny awaits," Kinvara declared, addressing the crowd, as one of her priests brought forth a small chest shrouded in red fabric, revealing a box.
After pulling the cloth back from the box, Anakin was immediately on edge when he saw what was inside. It was the chest that contained Daenerys' precious dragon eggs, and Kinvara's actions of unveiling them only intensified his concerns. Without hesitation, Anakin stepped forward and confronted the Red Priestess, slowly growling in her ear, "Where did these come from!? How did you get them?"
Kinvara was taken aback, as she had never witnessed the darker aspect of Anakin before, aside from the glimpses shown to her in her divinations. It was evident that his aunt held great significance in his life, causing him to act impulsively without considering the consequences. This was a weakness in Anakin that Kinvara resolved to further scrutinize.
Both Ser Jorah and Viserys are also intrigued, however they choose to keep their thoughts to themselves. Jorah had observed that Daenerys was without her dragon eggs, but when he inquired, she only assured him they were somewhere safe.
As Anakin confronts her, Kinvara discreetly whispers comforting words in his ear before handing him the eggs wrapped in the red cloth resembling a satchel. This action causes Viserys and Jorah to notice Anakin's immediate relaxation and his subsequent decrease in tension.
Kinvara initiates the process of delivering the unyielding choice to the Triarchs who are gathered in front of them, bound and unable to resist. She forcefully declares that they must submit to Anakin, who has a right to the claim of King in Volantis according to their customs due to his Valyrian heritage. She warns them that if they dare defy him and hinder his mission to end slavery, they will face a fiery fate.
Once those words were spoken, the two Triarchs, Malaquo Maegyr and Doniphos Paenymion, submitted to him, kneeling and declaring him their king.
However, Nyessos Vhassar fiercely objected to this, denouncing Anakin as an outsider. He branded the Red Priest as betrayers to the city and scornfully spat on the ground in front of him, showing his dissent.
Much of Nyessos's fortune is linked to his involvement in the slave trade. According to the rumors circulating in Volantis, Nyessos has been bought by the Wise Masters of Yunkai and intended to use the Volantene fleet to attack Anakin Targaryen in Meereen.
Currently, Anakin remains somewhat detached from the ceremony, his mind consumed with the visions he witnessed in the flames and by what the Red Priestess has just told him.
Viserys observed with great joy, relishing in the conquest of the new city and clearly inebriated.
Meanwhile, Ser Jorah kept a watchful eye on Anakin, unable to comprehend the Valyrian spoken by the High Priestess, but grasping the general meaning as two Triarchs knelt and the other bellowed in a rage, restrained by two Unsullied. He was also curious to know what the Red Priestess was doing with Daenerys' dragon eggs.
Upon witnessing Nyessos Vhassar spitting on the floor, Anakin directs his attention towards him and locks eyes with the man.
A stoic expression crosses Anakin's face as he delves deeper into the man's gaze, momentarily seeing him not as he is in the present, but rather recalling his past actions through the force.
Anakin has become aware of the sternness of slavery in Volantis, illustrated by the distinctive tattoos adorning the slaves, and the existence of laws that could result in the execution of certain slaves for making physical contact with nobles.
In this very moment, Anakin views the man as the personification of all these atrocities and without thinking, he grasps the man's throat with his left hand and lifts him off the ground, his right hand still holding the red satchel of dragon eggs.
The onlookers, including Ser Jorah and Viserys, gazed in amazement and anticipation. It was a rare sight to witness a grown man being effortlessly lifted by his neck like a feather, and the way Anakin held him up resembled a presentation to the spectators. The murmurs and whispers of the crowd intensified as they wondered about the fate of the defiant Triarchs.
"Last chance," Anakin speaks to Nyessos in Valyrian as the clamors of the crowd intensifies, threatening him that this will be his final opportunity to kneel. He prayed that Kinvara's predictions were incorrect and that he wouldn't be forced to fulfill her previous request which she had whispered in his ear.
As his final breath escaped him, Nyessos spoke the damning phrase, "Jikagon naejot nopÄzma, buzdari (go to hell, slave)," igniting a blazing rage within Anakin.
With a fiery determination, he pivoted and strode straight into the inferno of the raging bonfires behind him, carrying the man and dragon eggs along with him.
The reactions to Anakin's move varied among individuals, but most were stunned into silence upon witnessing Anakin walk straight into the fire.
The commoners were shocked and horrified by the sounds of a man burning alive and Anakin walking in alongside him. Former slaves, on the other hand, were silent as they took in the scene. The Unsullied and Dothrakir remained stoic.
Anakin's companions, Ser Jorah and Viserys, were left speechless. It was unfathomable to them that the son of Rhaegar Targaryen would resort to the same ruthless tactics as the Mad King. Not only that, but he just walked into the flames alongside his victim.
"Did...did he just kill himself?" queried Viserys to Jorah, who shared the same suspicion, along with most of the onlookers, except for the High Priestess who did not seem to share their uncertainty.
As the screams of Nyessos Vhassar's demise subsides, hushed murmurs permeate the air, questioning if the supposed prince who was promised had met as swift an end as his ascension.
Suddenly in the midst of a prolonged silence the three towering bonfires standing sentinel, arranged in a perfect equilateral triangle intensify. The flames dance and flicker with an enchanting energy, casting intricate patterns of light and shadows.
Sparks rise into the dark sky, carrying whispers of magic on their ethereal journey. Yet, it is not until the bonfires begin to converge that the true spectacle unfolds.
With a mystical resonance that thrums through the very air, the bonfires draw closer to the one Anakin walked in and their flames pulsate in synchrony. Slowly, steadily, the trio of flames converge into a singular inferno, a colossal beacon of light and heat that illuminates the entire clearing. Its heat is palpable, casting a menacing aura over the surrounding landscape.
As the flames surged higher, engulfing everything in their fiery embrace, the crowd held their breath, their eyes wide with disbelief and fear. But then, as if from the very heart of the inferno itself, a figure emerged.
It was Anakin, his form untouched by the searing heat that danced around him. With an aura of undeniable power, he stepped forward, his gaze fierce and determined. And there, upon his body, nestled amidst the flickering flames, were three baby dragons.
The audience gasped in astonishment, their voices silenced by the sheer spectacle unfolding before them. It was a sight beyond comprehension, a moment of wonder that defied logic and reason. Anakin stood there, a figure of myth and legend, his presence commanding the attention of all who beheld him.
In that instant, time seemed to stand still, the air crackling with anticipation and awe. For in the presence of onlookers and his newfound companions, the boundaries of reality blurred, and the impossible became reality once more.
It was incredibly surprising to everyone that not even Anakin's clothes showed any signs of damage, especially since a man had just perished in the fire that engulfed the area.
In astonishment, they all stared at Anakin who emerged unharmed from the fire, alongside the dragons. Kinvara presented the gold crown she held and tenderly set it upon his head. She then kneeled, accompanied by the other clergy, in a solemn performance.
Ser Jorah and, surprisingly, Viserys were quick to follow suit, both amazed by the miraculous sight. They shared a knowing glance, pondering what might have occurred while Anakin was alone with the priestess in the smelting chamber to cause this incredible turn of events. It was quite unexpected, considering Anakin had previously refused the notion of being crowned, yet now he was not only crowned but possessed three dragons.
The Unsullied begin to tap their spears in unison as Anakin makes his way towards the landing of the steps.
As he descends the stairs, Anakin leads the way through the sea of people, his head held high with a fresh crown upon it and three newborn dragons shrieking beside him.
The Unsullied, the Dothraki, and every person before him kneel beneath the crimson glow of the sacred flames, their eyes fixated on the majestic creatures perched upon Anakin's shoulders.
Despite his disdain for being revered and his efforts to restrain his use of the force, he still requires the backing of the people. It matters not to him whether they support him out of fear or reverence, as long as they are aligned with him in his battle against slavery.
By combining their respective powers and knowledge, Kinvara and Anakin have succeeded in hatching Daenerys' three dragon eggs, bringing forth powerful allies in the fight against the coming darkness.
With the overthrowing of the city and transfer of power now concluded Kinvara invites Anakin and his companions to spend the night in the Red Temple.
The soldiers make camp and settle in unoccupied and damaged sections of the city.
On that night, two distinct events unfolded. Viserys chose to spend his night in the presence of a whore from the Red Temple. And more importantly, Anakin, Ser Jorah, and Kinvara convened for a discussion regarding the upcoming leadership in Volantis.
It was agreed that the High Priestess would assume control of the city. Meanwhile Anakin sent a message via raven to Grey-Worm in Meereen and prepared to lead half of his army towards Mantarys.
As they strategized, it became apparent that they could either sail through The Smoking Sea and arrive at Oros, a ruined city to the south of Mantarys, or march through The Demon Road, a treacherous route to the west of Mantarys.
Regardless of their chosen path, they would have the city surrounded on two sides. Troops from Meereen would attack from the east, while they would have to march from the west or south. Either way, it would be a difficult road ahead.