(296 AC - Meereen)
After almost a full year of garnering support from the enslaved population, Anakin finally incites a revolt.
The methods of rebellions exhibit vast diversity, yet the majority of rebellions commence with a highly influential individual who possesses the ability to mobilize the public to resist their oppressor. In this particular scenario, that individual is Anakin Targaryen.
Various forms of resistance were utilized by slaves to express their disconnection from their masters, including breaking tools, pretending to be sick, deliberately slowing down work, and engaging in acts of arson and sabotage. This message was made evident when red graffiti slogans such as 'kill the masters' were found scattered throughout the city.
The Siege of Meereen had officially begun when an enormous black flag bearing the three-headed red dragon of House Targaryen was placed over the harpy atop the Great Pyramid.
Before long, slaves from every corner of Meereen parade through the streets, targeting and eliminating any Great Masters in their path. The majority of the City-Guard opts to give up rather than protect the masters when they see the overwhelming numbers of the slaves.
The ranks of the revolt grow rapidly, determined to move forward. All the freed slaves who are able to do so are following Anakin's example, while the city's troops and guards prove powerless to halt their progress.
Despite lacking warfare experience, the sight of Anakin expertly cutting through swarms of foes and utilizing the force to accomplish incredible deeds is enough to spur them on to fiercely confront the enemy, especially since they outnumber their oppressors three to one.
Breaking through the barriers, they ravage the opulent pyramid palaces'.
A twisted sense of satisfaction consumes Anakin as he permits the former slaves to seek retribution against their past oppressors, including his former master Faiz zo Loraq, reveling in their demise.
He counts himself fortunate that Hizdahr and his mother are absent, as he doubts he would have been able to prevent the slaves from ending their life if they had found them.
Selfishness and possessiveness are the driving forces of the dark side, intertwined with a fear of losing what one holds dear, leading to feelings of anger and hate.
In front of a defiant group of enslaved individuals, he flaunts his powers in the force, causing the towering harpy sculptures on top of the magnificent pyramids to crumble, offering a hopeful prophecy for brighter times ahead.
The entire city looks upon him with admiration, convinced that he is truly 'The Chosen One' and devoted to serving him until the bitter end.
Amidst the jubilant slaves who have ripped their slave-collars off, Anakin walks down the steps of the Great Pyramid with children and his guards by his side, their voices cheering in unison to chant, "Kraz! Kraz! Kraz!"
At this very moment, Anakin is experiencing the intensity of the dark side like never before. Undoubtedly, the deaths of the people he hated is the reason for this.
"Remind me, Mossador, how many children did the Great Masters crucify?" inquired Anakin, who now sees Mossador as his most loyal and dependable commander.
"163," he responds in a straightforward manner.
"Yes, that was it," Anakin remarks, as he turns to look at him. Mossador then signals to his men, who obey with a nod and make their way to a different location. Mossador was almost certain that he witnessed Anakin's eyes briefly turn yellow.
As it turned out, submerging a city in a state of siege is a significantly less demanding undertaking compared to the later tasks of leadership and governance, a role that Anakin did not desire.
Following the purging of the majority of the city's nobility and ruling class, a void of power emerged that only Anakin possessed the capability to fill. He was the catalyst for the rebellion, and his supporters firmly believed that he had a greater mission in mind that extended beyond freeing the enslaved.
Yet, Anakin possessed no understanding in practical governance. Consequently, chaos consumed the city, with widespread crime and even incidents of sexual assault. His reaction was to adopt a moniker that could only be characterized as regal, assuming the role of King over Meereen.
Anakin donned a deep v-neck, dark gray outer vest surcoat with flared leg openings and a rear slit. He paired it with a burgundy knee-length undertunic and matching pants, along with mismatched gloves for his left and right hands.
To hold his newly acquired castle-forged steel sword, he used a brown belt. The sword featured a golden grip, a small diamond-shaped pommel, and no crossguard.
He also wore gray chest armor with matching shoulder plates, featuring a custom emblem that he painted himself. Unsure of what to call it, the emblem depicted a radiant six-pointed star enclosed by stylized wings, inscribed into a circular ring. He had previously encountered this symbol in his dreams, along with multiple others.
It was Hizdahr who brought to Anakin's attention his worth as a ruler.
As turmoil engulfed the city, Hizdahr emerged from secrecy and approached Anakin. The power vacuum, which Anakin had created, was posing a danger to the entire region. Hizdahr suggested he assume command to put an end to the turmoil.
Anakin is consumed by the influence of the dark side, a certain aspect of his being becomes driven to rid himself of Hizdahr, both because of who he is and the actions of his family. Nevertheless, he ultimately chooses to forego this urge and instead heeds Hizdahr's counsel, even going as far as naming him an advisor, recognizing his vast understanding of the political dynamics in Slaver's Bay.
Meereen welcomed Anakin with open arms, hailing him as a hero and savior among the freedmen.
It was he who issued the command to pardon the city guards and soldiers who surrendered during the overthrow of the city. He has given them the opportunity to serve under his leadership.
Now, despite many Great Masters escaping the city, more than one-hundred have been captured and are being guarded by the new city guards, awaiting Anakin's judgment.
"Your Grace, may I have a word? The city is yours. All these people, they're your subjects now. Sometimes it is better to answer injustice with mercy," Hizdahr begged him to respond with leniency.
Even though the Great Masters were now under his rule, Anakin is determined to impose punishment for the cruel act of crucifying innocent children, which was meant to scare him during the early days of his uprising.
"I will answer injustice with justice," Anakin's unwavering response leaves no room for dispute. He greatly relishes this recent status of authority over someone he was compelled to address as superior.
As the Meereenese slave masters wail in agony, Anakin's troops impale them on crosses. They arrange a path along the mountainside, impaling each slave master's hand to a post and using it as a guide. From atop the Great Pyramid, Anakin observes with a sense of authority, his eyes fixed on the Targaryen banner billowing in the wind. The piercing cries of the crucified reverberate through the city, causing the citizens to watch on in terror. A total of 163 Great Masters were crucified, one for each of the slave children they had mercilessly murdered.
Hizdahr was fortunate that his father was not one of the crucified ones, as he was unsure if he could fully support Anakin if it wasn't the case. Though he comprehended the reasons behind Anakin's decision to let the slaves execute his father, it was a difficult truth to accept as his own flesh and blood.
Following Anakin's pillaging of Meereen, wealthy slaver families were spared, with the exception of the 163 they had provided for crucifixion. However, the more middle-class families were subjected to massacres, rapes, and the destruction of their homes during the city's sacking.
Many suffered in poverty as brothels became prevalent and famine struck. Some even resorted to voluntarily returning to slavery in order to have access to food. Meanwhile, the former slaver families kept their former slaves as 'servants' but provided minimal pay and left the weakest members (such as the disabled and elderly) to fend for themselves on the streets.
After his arrival at the Great Pyramid, Anakin establishes himself as its new inhabitant. The Pyramid is an 800-foot pyramid, within its walls is Anakin's throne room. However, in contrast to the terrifying and treacherous Iron Throne fashioned from the weapons of vanquished foes, Anakin forgoes such excessive displays and chooses a humble bench to sit upon as his throne.
A pair of marble staircases leads to the throne, elevating it and placing it at the heart of the chamber. Below, a small pool is visible only from the sides of the stairs and the throne.
The throne room itself is a magnificent hall adorned with elaborate carvings. The room is bathed in the soft flicker of torchlight, and rays of sunlight stream in from the windows to the left of the throne.
A grand tapestry depicts Anakin's journey, from his beginnings in the fighting pits of Meereen to his current status as King of the city. The ambiance exudes nobility, mirroring his desire to rule with might and righteousness. The King's throne room (or audience chamber) is one level below his residence, accessible through a grand staircase of polished marble.
During the first few months of his rule an old man named Fennesz approached the throne. Fennesz explained that he was not one of the slaves who toiled away at manual labor, but a well-educated teacher and servant to Master Mighdal, who employed him as a teacher for his own children.
He told Anakin that Master Mighdal's seven-year-old daughter Calla admires Anakin, having learned of the Targaryen dynasty through Fennesz's teachings. As a servant of Master Mighdal, Fennesz was well-treated and even well-respected in the household, but when Anakin forcibly freed all of the slaves in the city he did not understand the full-scale complications of suddenly having to care for so many people. Fennesz originally stayed in Master Mighdal's house after he overthrew the city. Mighdal's children begged him to stay, but Mighdal and Fennesz agreed that he must leave rather than face reprisals, forcing Fennesz to become homeless. Anakin insisted that he had established mess halls to feed the freed slaves and barracks to house them. Fennesz said that he has visited these refugee centers and they are not very safe: the young prey on the old, harassing and robbing them. Anakin is adamant that his forces will restore order, but Fennesz points out that even assuming that they are able to ensure his physical safety, he has lost his livelihood and his purpose and is too old to start anew. Therefore, he has come to Anakin to beg him permission to sell himself back to Mighdal.
Anakin was shocked that this man would want to be owned as a slave again, as he always hated being one and assumed everyone else did as well.
Fennesz implores Anakin that the young who can adapt rejoice in the new world, but for those too old to change, there is only fear and squalor. Nor, Fennesz says, is he alone: there are many supplicants waiting outside lining up to make similar requests.
Anakin is crestfallen and says he did not liberate the slaves of Meereen only to preside over the very injustice he sought to destroy, but surprisingly relents and admits that freedom means making one's own choices. Therefore he allowed Fennesz to enter into a labor contract with Mighdal, but lasting no more than one year. Fennesz earnestly thanks him and leaves.
After several more petitions similar to this one are finished, Mossador approaches Anakin with a report of the successful capture of Meereen's navy, consisting of a staggering 93 ships.
At present, they are gathered in the compact council chamber located in Anakin's personal quarters. The council convenes in the Great Pyramid, situated at the highest point and offering a prime vantage point over the city. Hizdahr zo Loraq, representing the former Great Masters, and Mossador, representing the freedmen of Meereen, are the sole companions in attendance, aside from Anakin himself. Hizdahr and Mossador are now essential members of his small council, providing invaluable assistance in governing the city.
His joy upon receiving this news is quickly dampened by disturbing information brought to him by Hizdahr regarding the current state of Meereen.
As per Hizdahr's information, a mysterious benefactor has been providing financial backing to the Sons of the Harpy, a covert rebel faction that opposes Anakin Targaryen's reign in Meereen.
This group is made up of individuals from the slaver caste and takes its name from the harpy - the iconic emblem of the slave-owners in the Ghiscari cities of Slaver's Bay and the former Ghiscari Empire. To hide their true identities, they donned ornate masks featuring horned visages resembling harpies.
Hizdahr implores Anakin to negotiate a truce with the Sons of the Harpy by resuming the arena battles and reviving a less severe form of slavery. Nonetheless, Anakin harbors an alternate strategy. There will be no evidence of slavery allowed in any part of Slaver's Bay, as per his command.
"What do we know about the Good Masters of Astapor and their slaves?" Anakin asked as a servant-girl entered the room with goblets and wine.
"They sell the Unsullied. Eunuch slave soldiers, trained from a young age in Astapor to unquestioning obedience and martial prowess. Sold by the century or the thousand, they are used as guards all over the Free Cities. They make excellent guards, do not loot, and will never rape," Hizdahr informs Anakin.
The mention of Astapor causes the young servant-girl to abruptly stop pouring a drink, as if struck by a sudden realization. Anakin notices her reaction and asks, "What's your name?"
"Dalila...your grace," the woman humbly responds as she finishes pouring the wine and sets the tray down.
"And what do you know of 'The Good Masters' in Astapor, Dalila?" asked Anakin.
"I...how?" Dalila, stuttering, starts to question how he was aware she originated from Astapor.
"Just speak the truth. Nothing will happen to you," Anakin comforts the woman, prompting her to stand tall and meet his gaze.
"Kraznys mo Nakloz is a slave-trader in the city, he is one of the Good Masters. He trains and sells Unsullied warriors," Dalila answered.
"And do you believe that this Kraznys would be open to selling his Unsullied?" Anakin inquires as he strategizes in his thoughts.
Hizdahr promptly rebuts that notion, stating, "You have outlawed slavery, they would never believe we wish to purchase the Unsullied."
"They don't know that. Our gold reserves exceed that of both Astapor and Yunkai combined. If we present an irresistible offer, will they be open to selling?" Anakin reiterates, brushing off Hizdahr's worries. Despite his distaste for the son of his former enslaver, he acknowledges the young man's aid in the progress of Meereen. His insight into the complex societal and political climate has deemed him worthy of a spot on the inner-council.
"He is...greedy," Dalila's response gives Anakin a sense of this individual's character as being avaricious.
As the small council deliberates, they carefully consider the gravity of the situation. Finally, Anakin voices his thoughts, "We need to get on top of this before they have confirmed our outlawing of slavery. We'll go there and buy their Unsullied."
"But, your grace, a purchase of that size would cripple us financially," Hizdahr protested.
"I know what I'm doing! Hizdahr, prepare an envoy, 1,000 men. We march there on the morrow. Mossador, I want you to remain in the city, get rid of as many Sons of the Harpy as you can. You'll be in charge in my absence," orders Anakin. Although aware of the potential risks, he still placed the task of managing the city in his absence on Mossador, as his plan was entirely dependent on his physical presence in Astapor.
"Yes, your grace," they respond as Anakin dismisses the room and gets ready the gold they require.
Anakin is entrusting Mossador to manage the predicament with the Sons of the Harpy, yet he couldn't rid himself of doubt regarding Mossador's competence to make astute choices involving political affairs. Nevertheless, Anakin was not planning on being absent for an extended duration.
He is unable to tolerate the idea that the recently liberated slaves of Meereen might once again be subjected to enslavement if the city is overtaken by the Yunkai or any rebellious faction.
Despite this, he is aware that directly confronting Yunkai would be a grave error.
Anakin plans to secure the assistance of the Unsullied army by using the wealth of Meereen to bribe the masters of Astapor. He is certain that their greed will dissuade them from rejecting his proposal.
This will undoubtedly be the most challenging mission he has undertaken as the King. He never quite grew accustomed to this designation. It seemed as though most individuals tip-toed around him and addressed him as 'your grace,' yet another title he could do without. Nonetheless, the people needed a leader who can make tough judgments.
(296 AC - King's Landing)
King's Landing is the capital, and largest city, of the Six Kingdoms. Located on the east coast of Westeros in the Crownlands, just north of where the Blackwater Rush flows into Blackwater Bay and overlooking Blackwater Bay, King's Landing is the site of the Iron Throne and the Red Keep, the seat of the King of the Andals and the First Men (hence the name). It enjoys a warm climate and life there is luxurious for those that can afford it, although it is not without its slums such as Flea Bottom. The city is overpopulated and dangerous at the best of times, despite being policed by the City-Watch.
King's Landing is roughly square-shaped, sprawling across several miles and defended by tall walls. It is dotted with manses, arbors, granaries, brick storehouses, timbered inns, merchant stalls, taverns, graveyards and brothels. There is a fish market. Hundreds of quays can be found in the harbor. Between buildings the roads are broad, lined with trees and branching alleys and streets.
The city covers the north shore of the Blackwater Rush and covers three tall hills, named after Aegon and his two sisters, Visenya and Rhaenys. Aegon's High Hill, surmounted by the Red Keep, the royal castle located in the south-eastern corner of the city, overlooks the bay directly, whilst Visenya's Hill to the west is crowned by the marble-walled Great Sept of Baelor and its seven crystal towers. The Hill of Rhaenys in the north is capped by the collapsed ruins of the Dragonpit dome, its bronze doors shut for a century and a half since the last dragon died.
Behind the quays outside of the walls, there tend to be ramshackle buildings which extend to the walls. These include bait shacks, pot shops, warehouses, merchant's stalls, alehouses, and prostitution rooms.
Generally, the areas on the higher elevations of the three hills tend to be the wealthier parts of the city, while the poorer areas are the low places in between them. The worst slum in the city is Flea Bottom, a maze of narrow streets and alleys at the bottom of the east side of Rhaenys's Hill (the side facing Aegon's High Hill). There the poorest smallfolk eke out a meager existence, subsisting largely on 'bowls of brown', a mystery stew that can include the meat of rats and murder victims, among other things. In contrast, the top of Rhaenys's Hill is the location of the Street of Silk, filled with expensive high-end brothels catering to lords and rich merchants.
At present a rare council meeting of the small council in King's Landing has begun, with King Robert Baratheon in attendance, which is a rarity in the past two decades.
In the small council are: The Hand of the King: Lord Jon Arryn, Defender of the Vale and Warden of the East. Appointed to the position when Robert ascended to the throne, and retained it for Robert's subsequent reign. Grand Maester: Pycelle. Master of Coin: Lord Petyr Baelish, known as 'Littlefinger'. Master of Whisperers: Varys, known as 'the Spider'. Master of Laws: Lord Renly Baratheon, Lord of Storm's End and Lord Paramount of the Stormlands and Master of Ships: Lord Stannis Baratheon, Lord of Dragonstone.
"Dammit all! I warned you Jon! We should've killed those bastards while they were still sucking from the teet of some wet-nurse!" roared the King in a furious outburst towards his Hand. His loathing for anything Targaryen has only grown since he dethroned the 'Mad King'.
"Are we certain of these rumors?" Jon Arryn inquires with the Master of Whispers, seeking assurance on the validity of what Varys claims.
"I'm afraid so, my lord-hand. This Anakin Targaryen is no doubt the last remaining son of the late Prince Rhaegar and Elia Martell, he fits the description of a typical Targaryen, he fits the age range, he bares their sigil and now he rules over the largest city in Slaver's Bay," confirms Varys.
"But he's just a boy, how could a boy conquer such a place?" Renly questions, refusing to accept the idea that a youth could overthrow a powerful system that has been in place for centuries.
"He was underestimated, no doubt left to grow in power right under the noses of his enemies and now he commands roughly 20,000 men and 150 ships," Stannis, the more dominant and war-minded sibling, immediately dismisses his little brother Renly and his naivety.
"Lord Varys, what do we know of the goals of this boy, wha-" but before Jon Arryn can continue his questioning, Robert bellows, cutting him off and exclaiming, "The hell does it matter what his goals are! He's a Targaryen, the last remaining heir to that dynasty's claim to the throne and you want to know what his goals are! I want him dead!" Robert declares.
"Regrettably, our spy, Ser Jorah Mormont, has been tasked with locating the remaining Targaryen heirs, Viserys and Daenerys, in the vicinity of Pentos, rendering him currently unreachable. It may be a while before we are able to deploy any assassins to Meereen," Lord Varys reports.
"There's a possibility that we won't need to dispatch assassins," adds Littlefinger. "I have received information from a trustworthy source that the economy of Slaver's Bay is facing a dire predicament. There are talks going around that the Targaryen has prohibited the practice of slavery in Meereen, a decision that could have catastrophic consequences for the region's economy. While this information is still unconfirmed, it is known that he did brutally execute a majority of the noble leaders in the city to seize control," Baelish further reveals.
"What's your point Littlefinger!" Robert snaps, impatient to cut to the chase.
"My point is that the region will not be pleased with his rule. No doubt his armies will soon be under siege," Littlefinger asserts that the area will not be content with Anakin's rule, and he has no doubt that his military forces will be under attack shortly.
"Regardless, I want him dealt with! Lord Varys, get on it!" Robert barks, as he snatches his goblet of wine, gulps it down, and strides out of the chamber.
'Events are unfolding sooner than expected' Lord Varys silently mused to himself.