(296 AC - Astapor)
Astapor, also known as the Red City, is the southernmost of the three great city-states of Slaver's Bay. A noted stopping point for ships bound from Qarth to the Free Cities and Westeros, Astapor is home of the infamous Unsullied, eunuch slave-soldiers considered by many to be the finest infantry troops in the World.
Astapor's sigil, like that of the other cities of Slaver's Bay, is that of the harpy, the ancient symbol of the Ghiscari Empire, of which Astapor was once part. Though culturally still identifying itself as Ghiscari, Astapor is an independent city-state and is not aligned with New Ghis, which seeks to restore the Ghiscari Empire in the south. The flag of Astapor bears the Ghiscari harpy holding between its talons a chain with open manacles on both ends.
Astapor is located at the mouth of the Worm River, which flows into Slaver's Bay. Every structure in the city- the walls, the streets, and even the great stepped pyramids that dominate the bay shore- are all constructed of the same red brick, hence its moniker 'the Red City'. An old saying describing the city runs; 'Bricks and blood built Astapor, and bricks and blood her people'. This refers not only to the color of the bricks used in construction, but to the blood shed by countless slaves who lived and died building the city.
In terms of size, Astapor is relatively small. Although bigger than its sister-city of Yunkai, its population is not on par with other major cities- such as Qarth, Pentos or Lys- and Meereen has a bigger population than Astapor and Yunkai put together. The streets of the city can be very hot during the day - which leads many citizens to avoid them - and the red brick used for construction is old and worn. It crumbles easily and can scatter red dust every time the wind blows. This dust is so prevalent, and can sting so painfully, that women in the city typically wear veils to keep it out of their eyes. Also, despite the presence of the Unsullied, Astapor does not seem to be very well-protected- Anakin notes that even a small Dothraki Khalasar could easily take the city due to its weak defenses.
Aside from its pyramids, Astapor contains a number of notable features: The trade of slaves is usually conducted in the Plaza of Pride, an open market where the slavers take their customers to view their purchases. In the center of the plaza stands a red brick fountain with a hammered bronze version of the Astapori harpy standing in its center; slaves who displease their masters are tortured and displayed in the Plaza of Punishment, which is the first place a new slave is shown upon arrival in the city; and the city's fighting pits feature mock combat, with young men dressed up as the legions of the old Ghiscari Empire, as well as humans pitted against animals.
The city is ruled by the Good Masters, a group of slave-owners and traders who have become immensely wealthy. The stepped pyramids they live in are similar to those in Meereen, but not as large. Many types of plants and greenery can be found on the pyramids' terraces, and at dusk the Good Masters adorn the pyramids with silk lanterns which glow in many colors.
Astapori women dress in gowns of sheer linen decorated with lapis lazuli and wear ivory combs in their hair. Elephants are a common method of transport through the city streets, carrying passengers in latticework litters on their backs. People and things from Astapor are known as 'Astapori'.
As they attempt to avoid being detected by Yunkai, Anakin and his 1,000 strong army maintain a close proximity to the Skahazadban River. They continue on by tracing the course of the Worm River until they finally arrive at Astapor. It takes them 18 days of traveling by land to cover a distance of nearly 500 miles.
During his absence, he places the burden of governing Meereen on Mossador, a risky decision. He also takes Hizdahr and Dalila, a servant woman, with him. By bringing his troops with him, he leaves Meereen vulnerable to potential assaults from Yunkai if they were to uncover his departure, not to mention the Sons of the Harpy who are already deeply rooted in the city.
As they arrive at Astapor, a small contingent led by Dalila, Hizdahr, and a handful of guards accompanies Anakin, while the rest of the group stays outside the city.
Anakin carries with him the old signia of Meereen - the harpy - which immediately draws the attention of the Good Masters of Astapor.
Anakin patiently bides his time at the entrance of the Astapor route, anticipating an opportunity to speak with its 'Good Masters'.
The wait is interrupted by a slave-woman, who introduces herself as Missandei with a warm greeting, "On behalf of the Good Masters, I welcome you to Astapor. Your...grace?" Her hesitance reflects her unfamiliarity with Anakin's title in Meereen.
After receiving a nod from Anakin, Missandei informs him that she has been given the task of escorting him to meet with the Good Master. She politely asks Anakin to follow her to his destination.
"I have been instructed to bring you before the Good Master, Kraznys mo Nakloz. If you would please follow me."
Under Missandei's guidance, Anakin, Dalila, Hizdahr, and a small group of guards progress down the path towards the castle of the Good Masters.
After a long journey, they arrive at their destination and spot armed guards patrolling the rooftop.
A magnificent sculpture of the harpy of Old Ghis catches their attention, depicting a female upper body with bat-like wings in place of arms, eagle-like legs, and the tail of a scorpion. The sculpture's talons grasp a chain with empty shackles at both ends.
As they arrive, Kraznys mo Nakloz, Greizhen mo Ullhor, and Yezzan zo Qaggaz, a trio of experienced men in the business of selling slaves known as 'The Good Masters,' make their entrance.
The throne room exudes a feeling akin to a scaled-down fighting arena, surrounded by draping banners, iron bars, and showcasing three chairs perched upon a raised platform.
Leading this meeting and speaking solely in Low Valyrian, Kraznys, the Good Master, relies on Missandei to translate as he does not know the Common Tongue of Westeros. Through her, he inquires whether Anakin is the self-proclaimed 'King in Meereen'.
"I rule over Meereen, yes," Anakin declares in a monotone, sarcastic manner.
"Master Kraznys asks for what reason you have marched your armies to Astapor," Missandei conveyed and relayed his reply.
"Hardly an army. Merely 1,000 men. Insignificant in comparison to your formidable Unsullied. This is precisely why I am here today, to discuss acquiring your Unsullied warriors," Anakin displays his straightforward nature by always praising the Unsullied army in order to impress the masters and gain their favor.
Missandei is the one who interprets and presents Kraznys' answer, stating, "Master Kraznys believed that you have done away with slavery in Meereen. May I inquire as to why you desire to possess a slave army?"
"I'm afraid that hopeful fools are spreading false rumors. My advisor and prominent slave-trader Hizdahr zo Loraq can attest to this fact," Anakin states, seeking to leverage the status of House zo Loraq, a prominent slave-trading household in Meereen, to back up his statement.
"Zo Loraq? I know your father, Faiz. Our last encounter concluded with him providing me with exceptional pleasure slaves," Kraznys requests Missanei's assistance in translating, feeling a bit more at ease upon recognizing Hizdahr and his family name.
Hizdahr, although uncomfortable with his family name being used by Anakin, informs Kraznys, with Missandei's assistance, that his father met a tragic end during the revolt in Meereen.
"Your father murder during your new king's rebellion, and you serve him?" inquired Kraznys, curious as to why he would want to serve Anakin.
Following Missandei's translation of Kraznys inquiry, Hizdahr declares, "Under King Anakin Targaryen's rule, Meereen has achieved a level of stability beyond what I had imagined possible, the people believe in him. Admittedly, there was...a...period of adjustment, but I am confident that the future will be even brighter than the past."
Hizdahr proclaims while at the same time slyly takes a dig at Anakin, whom he has been attempting to persuade to implement a gradual decrease of slavery rather than an abrupt end.
"During my ascent, Meereen lost a large number of its fighting force. The city became somewhat...lawless. Unfortunately there are those seeking to take advantage, insurgents and neighboring states alike. With utmost humility, I beseech your invaluable assistance in strengthening my forces with your renowned warriors," Anakin dons a guise of charm, as he endeavors to project himself as a typical power-hungry ruler.
"And why should we help you? And not just pick up what's left in the end," proposed Kraznys for Missandei to translate.
"Because what's left won't be what I'm offering you. I am offering double for each and every single Unsullied warrior you have," Anakin proposes to the Good Masters as Missandei informs them.
"All? Did this one's ears mishear, Your Grace?" Missandei is forced to ask, as the good masters insist that she misinterpreted his words.
"They did not. I'll pay double for all of them," Anakin confirms.
"There are eight-thousand Unsullied in Astapor. Is this what you mean by all?" Messandei inquires on the masters behalf.
"Yes. Eight-thousand. And the ones still in training as well," Anakin confidently replies.
The trio of Good Masters engage in a conversation about their opinions on the proposition made by this so-called 'King'. From what they gather, he is a newly appointed noble who has chanced upon a great fortune of gold and is seeking an army. It is not uncommon for affluent princes to procure armies from Astapor, as they struggle to gather enough followers. Observing the meager number of troops that Anakin has brought along, they conjecture that he must be telling the truth.
After their conversation ends, Kraznys shifts closer to the edge of his chair and demands three times the value of each Unsullied.
The second Missandei finishes translating, Anakin responds without hesitation, "Done."
"Done," Kraznys' laughter fills the air, finding amusement in the arrogant nature of this supposed 'king'.
The three Good Masters stand and approach them offering their hands for a handshake.
"I'll take her as well," Anakin declares, shooting a quick look in Missandei's direction. "You'll be Master Kraznys' gift to me. A token of a bargain well struck," he adds as he meets Kraznys' gaze, openly acknowledging that he is paying more than necessary for this army and sees no harm in adding one more slave to the group.
Once Missandei was done translating, the Good Masters were pleasantly surprised. For the past four months, they had been notified of rumors surrounding the inexperienced ruler, who was said to possess grandiose ambitions and threaten their long-standing traditions. However, they were now reassured to witness a different reality.
To further solidify their newly-formed alliance, the Good Masters indulged in a cup of wine and Anakin appeased their egos, ultimately reaching an agreement to convene in the courtyard near the gates for the finalization of this transaction.
Hizdahr attempts to keep pace while Anakin strides with determination beyond the city's limits.
"Your grace, indulging in such a costly expense will undoubtedly lead to our ruin, I must implore otherwise," Hizdahr doubts Anakin's ability to negotiate. He, along with everyone else is unaware of Anakin's true intentions to sell the role of a wealthy monarch. This uncertainty makes him anxious about what Anakin might be scheming in order to avoid paying, particularly because he used Hizdahr's family name.
"Don't worry. I know what I'm doing," Anakin nonchalantly reassures Hizdahr, only for him to respond with a puzzled look.
Anakin walks away from him and joins Missandei, who is moving nearer to Dalila and the security personnel.
"Could you give us a minute?" He directed his words towards Dalila as he made his way closer to Missandei.
"So...Missandei, do you have a family? A mother and a father you'd return to if you had the choice?" Anakin questions the woman now under his 'ownership'.
Missandei is a girl with typical Naathi features, exuding grace and elegance. She has a slender figure and a smooth, dark complexion, along with dark hair and expressive brown eyes. Her hair was short and had a dark-brown color with curly texture. She appears to be in her early-twenties if not just.
"No, Your Grace. No family living," Missandei finally responded.
"You belong to me now. It is your duty to tell me the truth," Anakin probed, seeking greater understanding of her perspective.
"Yes, Your Grace. Lying is a great offense. Many of those on the 'Walk of Punishment' were taken there for less," she answers.
Upon his arrival in Astapor, Anakin was witness to the infamous 'Walk of Punishment'. Along with Dalila, Hizdahr, and their guards, he strolled by the sea wall where disobedient slaves were bound to crosses and left to perish in plain sight, serving as a cautionary tale for any other slaves.
"I offered water to one of the slaves dying on the Walk of Punishment. Do you know what he said to me? 'Let me die'," Anakin confides in Missandei.
"There are no masters in the grave, Your Grace," she replied.
"Is it true what Master Kraznys told me about the Unsullied? About their obedience?" Anakin continues.
"All questions have been taken from them. They obey, that is all. Once they are yours, they are yours. They will fall on their swords if you command it," Missandei confirms for him.
Reaching their encampment outside the city, Anakin commands Dalila and Hizdahr to make arrangements for the gold and to ensure that the men are prepared to depart.
He then requests to have a moment alone with Missandei in his tent, desiring to discuss a matter with her in private.
After arriving at a desk, Anakin slips off his gloves before starting to unfasten his chest armor and shoulder plates.
He then settles into the chair in front of him, still keeping an eye on Missandei who stands uncomfortably by the doorway.
"Do you know why I chose to purchase you, Missandei?" Anakin inquires as he crosses his legs.
"No, your grace," Missandei responds.
"Why do you think?" Anakin asked as his eyes scanned her body.
Missandei surveyed her surroundings before making her way over to Anakin. She inched closer, her nerves evident as she fumbled to loosen the clasps of her dress, kept fastened by her slave-collar. When she exposed her bare chest, Anakin abruptly rose and hastily redressed her, halting her from undressing further.
"That's enough...thank you. That tells me quite enough," he reassures her and pats her shoulder before leaving the tent.
Missandei, even though she is a recently acquired slave, shows complete obedience to every command, setting an example of loyalty for the other enslaved in Astapor including the Unsullied. Furthermore, if she truly sees him as the spoiled prince that he presents himself as, his plan might just work.
After a couple of hours, Anakin and his companions gather to meet with Kraznys.
As they approach the vast field, they are met with the sight of thousands of Unsullied standing firmly at attention. The 10,000 soldiers present consist of 8,000 highly skilled Unsullied and an additional 2,000 currently undergoing training.
The armor worn by the soldiers is made up of numerous black leather plates, fastened together with metal rivets. Adorning the chest of this armor is a stunning motif of interlocking diamonds, crafted from metal studs. These warriors carry a simple spear and shield, dressed in sleeveless garments and covered by menacing black helmets that obscure their entire face save for their eyes.
Kraznys, along with his two fellow Good Masters and a small group of personal guards in tow, make their appearance from a towering wall as the grandiose doors swing open. Stepping into the bustling courtyard, teeming with both guards and commoners, they take in the vast expanse.
They make their way through the battalion of Unsullied soldiers, Anakin and Missandei are flanked by the attentive warriors who have created a path for them. Upon reaching their destination, the Unsullied promptly resume their stance at attention.
The group of five then ascends to a stage at the far end of the courtyard, where they overlook the troops.
"How are they trained?" Anakin inquired of Kraznys, with Missandei acting as his translator now.
"They begin their training at five. Every day they drill from dawn to dusk until they have mastered the shortsword, the shield, and the three spears. Only one boy in four survives this rigorous training. Their discipline and loyalty are absolute. They fear nothing," she translates for Kraznys.
"Not even death?" Anakin questioned.
"Death means nothing to them. He implores you to watch," Missandei declares as Kraznys steps forward and descends to the yard.
Kraznys strides towards the courtyard as a single Unsullied is summoned and instructed to step forward. With a forceful gesture, he knocks aside the soldier's shield and spear, snatches his knife, and proceeds to slice off a portion of the soldier's chest armor.
Seizing hold of the man's exposed nipple, Kraznys crudely removes it, tossing it carelessly onto the ground. Despite the intense pain, the soldier remains stoic and unmoving.
Kraznys then turns to face Anakin, while the obedient soldier returns to his position among the formation.
The sight disgusts Anakin, although he is not as horrified as he is when Kraznys exposes the ruthless methods used to eradicate any possible weaknesses in them.
"To win his shield, an Unsullied must go to the slave marts with a silver mark, find a newborn, and kill it before its mother's eyes. This way, we make certain there is no weakness left in them," Missandei translated to Anakin.
"How many do you have to sell?" Anakin asked, attempting to hide his anger and exasperation.
Kraznys raised eight fingers and stated, "eight-thousand." Anakin stayed quiet, his eyes fixed on the Unsullied. The tense moment was broken when Kraznys inquired, "So, do we have a deal?"
Anakin flashes a grin as he commands his guards to make their way through the square, lugging massive crates brimming with gold. With a greedy smile, Kraznys passes Anakin the golden whip, a symbol that represents command over the Unsullied, and eagerly moves to inspect the precious gold.
"Is it done, then? They belong to me?" Anakin asked, inspecting the gold whip in his grasp.
"It is done. You hold the whip. You have your army," Missandei spoke for Kraznys. Although she is unaware of Anakin's true nature, her mind only creates pessimistic scenarios of what he might have planned for the Unsullied.
At a snail's pace, Anakin pivots and strides in the direction of the Unsullied. They quickly snap to attention as Anakin summons them with a commanding voice in Valyrian: "Forward march!" The Unsullied obediently march forward. "Halt!" Anakin declares, and the Unsullied come to a screeching halt. Missandei is taken aback by Anakin's fluency in Valyrian.
Anakin pivots and confronts the three Good Masters from Astapor head on. With no hesitation, he stretches out his arm towards them, causing them to levitate in mid-air by means of an unseen power.
This leaves all present in the courtyard, including the townspeople and Unsullied, utterly astonished.
Standing in front of the army of Unsullied, Anakin holds his hands high and starts to issue orders in their mother tongue, "I am Anakin Targaryen, of the blood of Old Valyria! Unsullied! Slay the masters, slay the soldiers, slay every man who holds a whip! Harm no child. Strike the chains off every slave you see!"
Following the prompt from Anakin, an Unsullied warrior swiftly impales a slave holder with his spear, causing fear to spread among the local residents and the Good Masters personal guards.
As directed, the Unsullied forces launch a fierce assault on the city, overthrowing the oppressors and freeing the enslaved populace, mirroring their previous victory in Meereen.
By utilizing his ability to manipulate the force, Anakin pulls Kraznys closer to him, causing the latter to struggle for breath as he slowly suffocates.
Kraznys makes an effort to express his shock at being attacked by a supernatural force and being betrayed. "You...you...you said," he stutters, but Anakin interrupts and confesses, "I lied."
He then proceeds to snap the necks of the three Good Masters, causing their lifeless forms to collapse onto the floor.
Anakin persists in his quest for freedom in Slaver's Bay as he launches an attack on Astapor. The rapid assault was too much for the city's feeble defenses to withstand.
With 8,000 Unsullied under his command, he orders them to switch their allegiance and fight against their former masters, the Good Masters of the city.
Anakin had no intentions of conquering Astapor like he had Meereen. His tactic involved catching the masters off guard and seizing control of their army before they could determine that he had abolished slavery.
He was well aware that the other cities in Slaver's Bay would launch an assault on Meereen once they confirmed his actions, thus overpowering his own troops. By acquiring the Unsullied army, he now had the means to conquer the entire region.
Unfortunately, he could not remain in Astapor for an extended period, as Meereen was currently facing numerous challenges. Anakin strongly believes that Yunkai is providing financial backing to The Sons of the Harpy, even though he lacks concrete evidence.
After the assault, the courtyard is filled with smoke and the debris of burnt corpses. Anakin commanded for the bodies to be set on fire, not out of malice (in fact, he rather despised fire due to the nightmares from his childhood). He ensured that all who had died, including his own soldiers, were cremated in order to rapidly resolve the situation in Astapor and go back to Meereen.
As they survey the ruins around them, Hizdahr and Missandei make their way towards Anakin, who confidently walks through rows of armored Unsullied warriors, a perfect formation of 10,000 in front of him.
As he prepares to present his proposition, he analyzes the men who have stayed true to their loyalty thus far.
Anakin climbed onto a pure white mare, the connection between the horse and his locks was impossible to ignore. They shone in the deep red colors of the setting sun, creating a beautiful harmony.
As he navigates through the group of fighters, he begins to deliver his address to them in the language of Valyria, "Unsullied! You have been slaves all your life. Today you are free. Any man who wishes to leave may leave, and no one will harm him. I give you my word. Will you fight for me? As free men?"
One Unsullied starts tapping his spear in a rhythmic pattern on the sand and soon more of his comrades join in until their united sound becomes a deafening thunder. As the Unsullied declare their allegiance to Anakin and he becomes their chosen leader, Missandei and Hizdahr witness the scene with deep reverence.
Accompanied by his initial battalion of 1,000 soldiers, Missandei, Hizdahr, and an army of eight-thousand Unsullied closely following behind, Anakin sets off from the main gate.
With a firm resolve to eradicate the cruel act of slavery, he flings the golden whip gifted to him by the masters amidst the burning corpses, a symbolic action.
(296 AC - Meereen)
For nearly two months, Anakin has been absent and Mossador was continuously under attack, leaving him without a moment of rest.
He was amazed that he was still alive, considering the constant danger he faced. It was certainly a major improvement from his previous pitiful life as a slave, yet it also brought forth its own set of difficulties and disadvantages.
The events were set in motion by a Sons of the Harpy member's brutal act of killing Qadir, a former slave who had joined the City-Watch.
This man had been seeking the company of a prostitute at the time. The assassin, who had conspired with the prostitute, purposely left behind his mask at the brothel to implicate the Sons as the perpetrators.
Mossador and the City-Watch successfully apprehend the murderer tucked away in a hidden alcove.
Mossador believes that the perpetrator is not entitled to a fair trial, and so he authorizes a public execution of the assassin.
This decisive action incites a retaliatory reaction from the Sons of the Harpy as they mobilize with full force. After realizing that Anakin had been missing for several weeks, they prepare to launch a united assault on the streets of Meereen.
Mossador uncovers the presence of the Sons of the Harpy while they are executing their surprise attack and mercilessly slaying a number of his troops, forcing him into a final confrontation.
Skillfully luring some of the Sons of the Harpy away, Mossador courageously defends himself despite being repeatedly stabbed. However, just as he is on the brink of defeat, his soldiers arrive and vanquish the final member of the Sons. Sadly, they see that Mossador, the valiant warrior, has succumbed to his injuries.
The final group of guards and soldiers from the city make a last stand against the Sons of the Harpy, who are causing chaos by setting everything on fire.
Most of the troops assemble at the Great Pyramid, determined to safeguard the immense flag bearing the sigil of House Targaryen, a three-headed red dragon.
The unwavering determination of the people of Meereen to defend their city, even in the absence of their king, was evident of the great faith they had in him.
Strategic locations such as the docks and city banks were currently being held down by the remaining soldiers.
On his return trip to Meereen, Anakin was tormented by a deep sense of remorse for his perceived failure to aid the oppressed slaves in Astapor.
In fact, he was consumed with worry that his actions may have actually worsened their plight. Despite this, he acknowledged that devastating the city was an essential step towards his ultimate objective of eradicating slavery in the entire region.
Anakin was left with a lasting impact from the Unsullied, as their unwavering loyalty and unmatched skill greatly impressed him. Despite their strict upbringing and lack of autonomy, they remained devoted to him as their leader.
He was grateful to have them on his side, knowing that their previous masters could have potentially used them against him. The Unsullied were undoubtedly the most formidable and proficient fighters that Anakin had ever encountered.
Had Missandei not come with him, the 18 day journey back would have been a far duller trip.
At first, he had presented the woman with a proposition of gold, her release, and the opportunity to stay in Astapor if she so desired. However, she refused her freedom and instead chose to pledge her loyalty to him. It is possible that her decision was influenced by her intrigue in his sorcery or her support for his crusade against slavery.
Regardless of the reason, she ultimately committed herself to his cause and it proved to be advantageous as Dalila opted to stay in Astapor. According to her, she had family in the area and yearned to reunite with them.
Likewise, Anakin discovered that he was thoroughly enjoying the time he spent with Missandei. He observed that she possessed exquisite beauty and a gentle, humble attitude. But what truly caught his eye was her sharp intellect.
The night before they arrive in Meereen, they halt and set up their camp for the night.
As they gather around a crackling fire, Missandei captivates him with the tale of her enslavement.
Missandei and her siblings originated from the tropical island of Naath. However, their idyllic life was interrupted when they were seized by brutal invaders from the Basilisk Isles and forced into slavery in Astapor. While three of her brothers were trained and transformed into Unsullied warriors, tragically, one lost his life during the rigorous process. Now, only Marselen and Mossador are left to bear the burden of their horrific past.
"Your brother Mossador has the same name as a good friend I have. Or at least as good as I've known so far," Anakin informs her.
"Yes, I remember Mossador teaching me to climb trees. Though, my real gift was in learning languages. The Good Masters chose to train me as a scribe and translator. I speak nineteen languages," she reveals, prompting him to arch an eyebrow in astonishment.
"Impressive...most impressive. That's six more than I speak," he shares to her as they gaze at the flickering flames.
After a short break, Missandei summons the courage to ask the pressing question that has been occupying her thoughts since she embarked on this journey to Meereen with Anakin.
"How did you kill the good masters?" she asks him.
Anakin found himself bewildered, as it was a new experience for him to be questioned about his powers. The inhabitants of Meereen were much more accommodating, bestowing upon him the title of 'The Chosen One' and viewing him as divinely favored. He neither rejected nor confirmed their support or belief, realizing the importance of having as many allies as possible in his current circumstances.
So, he explains, "Imagine a magical energy that surrounds everything, like the unseen wind. Let's call it the force. This force can be harnessed to move...things...people, create light, protect you or even kill you."
"I never believed in magic," Missandei responds, while Anakin rises from his chair.
"Everything has an explanation, even magic. We should get some sleep. We have an early morning tomorrow," he notes before heading to his tent, leaving the vicinity of the fire.
That night, Anakin experienced an unusual presence in the force. He sensed an impending danger and the looming presence of the dark side.
Like any ordinary day, the following morning began. They quickly gathered their belongings, and Hizdahr expressed his annoyance with waking up early.
Anakin, on the other hand, was in a hurry. He couldn't shake off the feeling of the dark side's presence from the night before, and he was on high alert, anticipating an ambush during their travels.
Little did he realize, upon reaching Meereen, that it would be consumed by fire.
As Anakin surveyed the city, it was clear that it was once again under a brutal assault, evident from the thick clouds of smoke rising above the city walls.
His thoughts immediately turned to the only group capable of causing such destruction, aside from the forces of Yunkai: the Sons of the Harpy.
In haste, just beyond the gates of the city, Anakin implores Missandei to assist him in locating a leader among the Unsullied soldiers. A score of Unsullied men march forward and come to a stop in their presence.
"Are these the ones?" Anakin asked Missandei, gesturing towards the soldiers standing before them.
"Yes, your grace. The officers," she confirms, introducing the assembled group of officers.
Anakin addresses them in Valyrian, "You did not choose this life. But you are free men now. And free men make their own choices. Have you selected a leader from amongst your ranks?"
The segment of soldiers known as the Unsullied unveil their elected leader, who goes by the name of Grey-Worm.
His physical appearance is marked by a hairless scalp, a well-built physique, a moderately dark complexion, and a frequent donning of the recognizable Unsullied attire. His demeanor exudes strictness, showcasing his strict and reserved manner. His face is serious and almost melancholic, mirroring the expected lack of emotion among the Unsullied. However, he still possesses a youthful aura, estimated to be around his mid-twenties.
Head lowered, he takes off his helmet and strides towards Anakin, only to lift his gaze upon reaching him.
Anakin inquires, "What is your name?" to which the man replies, "Grey-Worm." The unfamiliar name perplexes Anakin, he assumed these names were strictly for military use, not their true identities.
"Is this the name given to you as a slave?" he asks, as the man nods in agreement.
Missandei elaborated to Anakin, "All Unsullied boys are given new names when they are cut- Grey Worm, Red Flea, Black Rat. Names that remind them what they are- vermin."
"From this day forward you will choose your own names. You will tell your fellow soldiers to do the same. Throw away your slave name. Choose the name your parents gave you, or any other. A name that gives you pride," Anakin directs his words towards Grey-Worm and the rest of the Unsullied officers.
Following a brief period of introspection, Grey-Worm comprehends the details imparted by Anakin and gives his response: "'Grey-Worm' gives me pride. It is a very lucky name. The name this one was born with was cursed. That was the name he had when he was taken as a slave. But Grey-Worm is the name this one had the day Anakin Targaryen set him free."
Anakin displays his respect for Grey-Worm's decision and proceeds to update him on the situation within the city.
"And do you know what I'm about to ask of you, Grey-Worm?" Anakin inquires, gesturing towards the fire-ridden city.
"Kill," Grey-Worm flatly replies.
"Yes, they're called The Sons of the Harpy, they concealed their identities behind golden masks with horned faces resembling harpies."
Following his disclosure of information regarding the assault on the city, Anakin goes on to outline the plan for defending it.
To complete their objective, they must form several groups, each commanded by a designated officer, and protect important sites like the Great Pyramid, the harbor, and the treasure chambers.
While Hizdahr, Missandei, and numerous other non-combatants stay back, Anakin takes charge and leads 8,000 Unsullied and 1,000 Meereenese fighters through the main entrance, strategically breaking into smaller groups in order to recapture the city.
The citizens of Meereen watch as their monarch and his newly arrived troops march through the narrow streets, relief erupts among them at the smooth and successful progress of the assault on the cowards hiding behind golden masks.
Anakin's exceptional leadership skills and unmatched battle abilities deeply impressed the Unsullied, making him stand out as a remarkable leader in their eyes.
Having personally seen it, they were all amazed by his powers in the force when he effortlessly raised the Good Masters off the ground and ordered them to brutally kill the slavers.
The majority of the Unsullied were convinced to obey his commands by his apparent sorcery alone. However, it wasn't until they witnessed his prowess in battle that they truly grasped the full extent of his might, and only then did they comprehend the reason behind the citizens of Meereen's jubilant cheers as they marched through the streets.
Following the death of Mossador, it became apparent that the city was in dire need of a leader. This created the perfect opportunity to subjugate those who remained loyal to the king.
The guerrilla fighters used their usual methods cleverly to achieve initial success in their swift and forceful attack. Coming out of their surprise attacks, the Sons of the Harpy proceeded to launch direct assaults on vital structures through direct combat.
Amidst the Sons launching their attack, they were caught off guard by the sudden appearance of an enormous army marching through the city gates.
Prior to this occurrence, they were completely unaware of where Anakin had gone and why he had left, but as they bore witness to his arrival accompanied by a mighty army of Unsullied, their queries were resolved.
Their demise was inevitable, as they were unable to stand a chance against the Unsullied in open battle. The enemy forces were overwhelmingly superior, leaving them no chance of survival.