Yunkai, 300 AC
Daenerys
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Drogon flew up higher and higher until he was above the clouds. At this height, there was no noise and Dany's mind could be at peace. As a child, she had always wondered what the clouds were made of, and now she could find out the answer- they felt like smoke but cold and moist. Once she was above them, the sun was in clear sight and beyond her lay a sea of clouds. She could not even see the ground below. Viserion and Rhaegal too broke through that sea shortly after and joined their brother. It was the most wondrous moment of her life.
When she decided to mount Drogon more often and take to the skies, Dutch had suggested putting a saddle on him first, a bit larger than the ones put on horses, enough for two people. Dany found that notion bizarre, for a dragon is not a horse, but she remembered the first time she had flown and Drogon's scales had been a pain to sit on. The saddle made flying more comfortable so it was a wise decision after all, though it took an army of blacksmiths to put it on the dragon. Fortunately for them, they only had to deal with one and not all three. Dany could not help but wonder if her ancestors too saddled their mounts.
After an hour of flying, she descended and took in the sight of Yunkai, the third member of the United Cities. It looked like a pyramid, with layers and layers of building on top of one another and a harpy on the top, which had been quickly brought down and replaced with her new sigil, now having three stars instead of two. True to their word, the red priests were successful in inciting a successful slave revolt. From all reports, it was midnight when the armed slaves attacked their masters and forced them to flee. When she arrived at the queer looking city a few days ago, she was met with the red priests and the freedmen who let her pass without any trouble.
"I hope your ride was enjoyable, my queen." Daario Naharis received her as Dany dismounted Drogon near the palace. If not for the presence of the Sand Snakes nearby, she had no doubt he would kiss her as she did so. The man was that bold in his displays of affection, and despite her better judgement, she found herself drawn to him.
"It was. Jikagon." she commanded her dragons to fly away in Valyrian. "Did anything interesting happen while I was gone?"
"Aside from the Dornishmen's drunken adventures at the brothels, no." he smirked. When they were not at court, Prince Oberyn and his paramour could be found frequenting the brothels of the city together. They did not even try to hide it. Once inside the pyramid palace, she found Dutch Van der Linde and Prince Oberyn looking at a map of the region.
"Your Majesty." Dutch began. "I believe it's time to send a message to our friends on the other side of Meereen."
"Arthur's men." she mused. "Yes, they have stood there for long enough."
"Great. I'll send a messenger to them."
There was a huge crowd gathered outside, mostly the newly freed people who wished to see a glimpse of their new leader. They were shouting her name in loud voices that could be heard even inside the palace.
"The people are expecting you to say something." Oberyn Martell said. "It is good for their morale."
"I agree." Dany aspired to be seen by those she will rule over.
"Here, I prepared something for that purpose." Dutch handed her a roll of parchment. The man had a gift for saying the right words to the right people, a gift that had been a blessing and an education many times.
"I thank you, Dutch." Dany said as she read its contents and memorized them.
The large gates were opened, and the Unsullied formed a barrier to give her proper space. The crowd was even larger than what she imagined.
"Men and women of Yunkai!" she began speaking in Valyrian, and the people grew quiet. "I am in your debt for aiding me in my holy mission. Ever since it began, there have been many rumors that I am a witch and a tyrant, who only removes the masters to take their place. I will assure you now that nothing can be further from the truth. My new realm liberates people, not only from the chains in their hands, but also from the chains in their minds. I am your queen, but you remain free to choose your own destiny. You all will enjoy the rights and benefits that my realm offers its people, without any exception.
Today is the day for celebration, but tomorrow we will get back to work. The masters still live, and we will not rest until they are gone. Anyone among you who wishes to help is encouraged to do so, in whatever way you can. It is also my pleasure to announce that I have received letters from the Free Cities of Braavos and Pentos, who have decided to aid us in our war. Trade will begin again soon, as the blockade of the city has been lifted. Soon, Yunkai will have its share of the prosperity which the people of Qarth and Astapor enjoy. All I ask from you is patience and faith, for we will prevail!"
The crowd erupted in applause, a sign that her words had an impact. The speech had increased their morale, and what she offered them had hopefully ensured their loyalty. With that done, the gates of the pyramid were closed once again, and soon the people dispersed.
"The masters took away most of the gold." Dutch informed her in their next meeting. The Council of Yunkai was yet to be elected, which meant that Dutch, Oberyn Martell and Daario Naharis had to work twice as hard to get the city's affairs in order.
"And I have heard of the presence of a new faction." said Oberyn Martell. "They call themselves the Sons of the Harpy, mostly masters and their lickspittles."
"A shit symbol for a namesake." Daario Naharis added with a smug smile. "A harpy is a craven thing, a chicken who thinks itself a dragon. The men behind her must be craven as well."
"Be that as it may, but the harpies still have power in Meereen. Already they have begun purging the red priests within their walls, and any slave caught acting strange is executed on the spot."
"We have won every battle. What is one more city?" Dany said. "Once we take it, we will get rid of them. The former masters will have nowhere to go and our new realm will become whole- from the ruins of Valyria to the Bone Mountains."
"What do you plan to do after that, Your Grace?" Oberyn asked. Dany looked over the map they had on their table.
"United Cities cannot have just four cities under its banner. There are many more in our lands, either sacked by the Dothraki or abandoned. Once the threat of slavers is dealt with, I will send the freed peoples to populate those cities once more. Vaes Orvik, Old Ghis, Velos, Ghozai and Bhorash can very well be our future ports." she pointed at those dots.
"That's a great plan." said Dutch. "Now that we're talking about settling people, there is one more thing I'll add. I believe that the Lhazareen will be friendly to our cause as well, considering that the masters regularly sent their slavers into their country. I would suggest getting their support, as there are cities north of their lands that can be rebuilt as well. It'll give us a new trade route towards the Golden Empire, which would be good for business."
Dany had another matter to address as well. "Even though we have been victorious, I could not help but think that something is amiss." she told them. "We do not know much of the plots and scheming of our enemies. That is something we need to work on."
"A guild of spies is what we need." said Oberyn. "In King's Landing, the spymaster Varys had children in his employ. 'Little birds' he called them, and I could see them everywhere in the Red Keep- tending to the gardens, delivering letters or serving the food."
"Why should we use children?" Dutch asked.
"No one suspects children. They look harmless and can listen in to important conversations, and no one will notice, unless they know where to look for."
"Can you do it?" Dany enquired.
"It will take time, but it will be done." the Dornish prince vowed. "My daughter Tyene is very cunning and charming in equal measure. She can sneak in anywhere, and charm anyone she wants to, a suitable skill for your Mistress of Whispers."
"Missandei." Dany called, and the girl came running in. "Summon Lady Tyene please."
Minutes later, the Tyene Sand entered their council. She was a rare beauty, who looked graceful in both Westerosi and Essosi dresses. Her mother must have been quite enchanting.
"Lady Tyene, your father has recommended you for a position in my council." Dany told her. The girl gave her an innocent smile, which made her sisters chuckle, as if it was a jape only they were privy to.
"What is your command, Your Grace?"
"I am told that you are particularly skilled in the art of charm."
"My father says that many times, Your Grace." Tyene replied. "Who do you want me to charm?"
A suitable candidate after all.
"Child, do you remember the little birds I told you about?" Oberyn told his daughter.
"I do, father."
"The queen wants a flock of her own."
"I understand." the girl said. "Where should I look?"
Dany looked at Dutch. "The war has made many orphans lately. I'm sure you can find them in the markets or outside the walls."
"Where do we house them?"
"The mansions of the masters can be turned into orphanages, I suppose. There is enough space. Though I must say, using children like this isn't right. Children are supposed to stay pure and innocent, not involved in politics."
"Perhaps no one told you this, but innocent children do not survive for long." Daario said.
"What is the point then, of creating a new and better world when children still live like the old days?" Dutch retorted. "I don't know what this Varys used to do, but we should not stoop down to his level."
There was bickering among her advisors, each having a point in their arguments.
"Enough!" said Dany. "We will build the orphanages anyway. Dutch, if you disagree with using children as spies, then I suggest that you think of a suitable replacement."
They discussed the major and minor issues all day and finally retired to their chambers. There were so many ideas that her advisors put forth each day, and inevitably a few would keep on clashing with one another. Ruling could really be unbearable at times, especially when she had to make them reach middle ground. Feeling tired, and smelling of dragons, Dany had Irri and Doreah prepare a hot bath. The days had been getting colder all of a sudden, for reasons she did not know.
"So many cuts and bruises, Khaleesi." Irri said as she scrubbed her arms.
"Drogon is a wilful child." Dany replied.
"What of Ser Daario?" Doreah laughed. Irri gave her a sharp glare. "You should not talk of these things!"
"It is quite fine." Dany laughed with them. Daario had been seen departing her chambers many times. Sooner or later this would have been brought up. "Doreah is just jealous that Arthur is not here." Her handmaiden went red with embarrassment.
"Did you think your Khaleesi did not know?" Dany smiled.
"He is… different. Not like other men." Doreah said, fondly. "When other men see me, they see a whore, but Arthur just saw a woman who was sold against her will." Then she looked down at her belly.
"Dora." Dany asked, suspecting something. "Is there something you are not telling me?"
"My moon blood stopped some time ago." Doreah said. She did not need to say anything more.
Arthur does not know, Dany thought. He had the right to know, but it was too late. The rider had already departed with their message.
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The Narrow Sea, 300 AC
Jon
.
Just two years ago, Sansa had been at odds with Arya, always trying to insult her in ways. Now, her concern towards her sister reminded Jon of how Lady Catelyn stood by Bran's bedside when he fell, never leaving her out of her sight. Arya had been in a deep sleep for days. When he found her in Braavos in that state, he did not know what to do. Hearing about her death was one thing, but to see her on the brink of death himself was enough to drive him mad with grief. When he came running into the ship with Arya in his arms, she was quickly sent to the Baratheon healer's chambers. There, she was given milk of the poppy while she was still awake, and then her wound was stitched up.
After all that was done, he took some time to gather his thoughts, and began to wonder how his sister ended up in Braavos. For that he summoned Brienne of Tarth, who had claimed of seeing her.
"How is Lady Arya, Lord Commander?" the woman asked as she entered her chambers.
"The healer says she might live. Call me Jon, there is no Night's Watch anymore." he reminded her. "What I do not understand is how she found her way to this city. I was hoping that you might know something."
"The last time I saw her, she was near the lands of the Vale, travelling with Sandor Clegane. I asked her to come with me to safety, but she made it clear that she was not being held against her will. The Hound challenged me, and in the middle of the combat, Lady Arya fled. I spent days searching for her."
"Did she mention anything about Braavos in that short time?"
"I am afraid she did not."
"She was right. I should have listened to her." Sansa spoke to herself. "Father told us to go back to Winterfell. I should have listened to her." then she broke down crying.
Jon decided to take a break and go for a walk on the ship's deck. They had crossed Braavos two days ago, after merging with the city's fleet. A hundred ships sailed on the waves of the Narrow Sea, towards the dragon queen. Only Ghost kept him company, as he thought of his brothers. Arya had been found alive. Had he left his brothers to die?
"How is your sister, crow?" Tormund asked as he joined him.
"Still in danger." he said. "Did I do the right thing? Running away?"
"You saw what the Others can do. Only a fool would stay." Tormund answered.
"My men seem to doubt me. They say we left the people of the Seven Kingdoms to die, and broke our vows. I do not blame them, but I did what was necessary to save their lives. But…" he faltered. "But I saw my sister that day, and I am beginning to see things differently."
"How so?"
"We cannot save everyone when the Others come, but we can take some of them with us." Jon said. "The Baratheon men want to go back and save their families. Perhaps we can start from there."
"Like Hardhome."
"Yes." Jon said and then went to Ser Davos, who was at the helm.
"I have a proposition for our fleet." he told the Onion Knight.
"What is it, lad?"
"When the Wall fell, I was prepared to leave everything behind and go as far away as possible, but my sister's discovery has changed my mind. We need to go back and save those people."
"That would be suicide." Ser Davos said. "The south is still at war, and the Lannisters are winning."
"The Others will soon be at their doors, and their petty feuds will matter no more. Once we reach Pentos, we can stop there and send our ships to Westeros to fetch anyone who wants to come."
"Are you completely certain you want to go through with this?"
"I am."
.
Winterfell, 300 AC
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Maester Wolkan had found himself in a very unfortunate position. Sworn to House Bolton for years, he had seen all manners of cruelty perpetrated on the smallfolk by the hands of Ramsay Bolton. Many times, more than he could recall, fishwives and tavern wenches would disappear, never to be heard from again. If anyone took the matter up with Lord Roose, they would be given vague answers at best and then sent back where they came from. A maester is not supposed to judge the lords he serves, but he has a mind of his own, one which can tell what is moral and what is not. Lord Ramsay had killed his father in front of his own eyes, and got rid of his step mother and legitimate brother to strengthen his hold on Winterfell. He was a betrayer and a kinslayer, in the sights of both gods and men. Now his eyes were set on the Night's Watch.
Lord Ramsay had marched towards Castle Black, to get his bride back and deal with the wildlings who had been allowed to cross on orders of Lord Commander Jon Snow. They had received ravens from Eastwatch by the Sea, telling them that the Wall had collapsed, though no one believed it. The Wall had stood for thousands of years, and the letter seemed like a ploy. After his departure though, Wolkan had received reports of the Gift's smallfolk disappearing without a trace. Days later, the ravens from Lord Ramsay's men had stopped. Those from other castles further north, like Last Hearth and Karhold had stopped as well. Any search parties sent to investigate never returned.
It was midday, and the air was colder than usual. Dark clouds had appeared in the sky, though there was no rain or thunder. Winters in the kingdom were brutal, but what he felt now was colder than any winter he had ever seen.
Wolkan heard the horns of Winterfell blow, which took him by surprise, for the guards would only blow them in case of a threat. He rushed to the top and saw people approaching the castle in the distance. There was a fog that made it hard to see anything, so he took out his Myrish eye from under his grey robes and looked towards the horizon. What he saw sent shivers throughout his body, and his mind was filled with fear. The people in front of him were not human. There were thousands of them, and they were marching towards the castle.
By then, the castellan of Winterfell had ordered the fighting men to assemble in the yard, and everyone else to hide in the crypts. Wolkan wrote as many messages as he could and sent them towards the castles in the south, and one to the Citadel in Oldtown, warning them of the threat. He then went with the women and children and hid in the crypts of the dead Starks, shutting the door entirely. Torches were lit inside, with a supply of oil to keep them lit as long as possible.
It was quiet for a while, and then the screams began. There was a noise of swords clashing with each other, and the cries of all the men who would now be dead. Some of them were at their door, screaming "HELP!" "OPEN THE DOOR!" "SAVE US!" Their cries for help were deafening and scared the children. So much fear and desperation. The screams stopped not long after, and the crypts were once again quiet, too quiet.
Wolkan heard a cracking sound and looked to his right. It came from the tombs of the Stark lords. He went closer to investigate, and suddenly, a hand grabbed his leg. Behind him, the people yelled as the other tombs did the same. The skeletons of men emerged out of their burial sites, breaking the stone with their bare hands. He knew them that everyone inside the crypts would die as well, for there was nowhere to run. The maester could now feel more hands on him, as the skeletons surrounded him. The one in front of him took an iron sword and plunged it deep into his heart. Before he died, the last thing he ever saw were glowing blue eyes.
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