The Great Grass Sea 296 AC.
Daemon.
Why they were flying over the Great Grass Sea was a mystery to him, not that he was complaining, flying on Lyanax was something he very much looked forward to. As large as she was by the time they had left Asshai, it was nothing compared to her size when she flew over the Red Temple. Leaning against her head she had shown him her flying over the broken cities and temples of Valyria, resting amongst the fourteen flames and feeding off the magic in that place.
"We will fly there together." he heard her say in his mind and it both excited and terrified him.
To see the lands of his ancestors was something he had dreamed of but after seeing it through Lyanax's eyes, he wasn't sure if it was a place he wished to go to. She reassured him though and were that not enough then the voice of his god in his head would have been. He had gone to the flames to see his path and been shown many things, many places, and heard his god speak.
"Much work have I for my chosen, you must prepare to fly.".
"Where?" he asked.
Astapor, the Great Grass Sea, Yi TI, Valyria, all were shown to him and then he was shown places he didn't know, and try as he might his god refused to answer. Melisandre had argued that she needed to come with them but Lyanax would only allow Thoros to and so they had set off and flown. To the Dothraki the wide grass plains were a sea, the Dothraki Sea, to others, it was The Great Grass Sea, no one willing to give the Horse Lords any more credit than they deserved.
For miles and miles, it was wide open, there were no forests or trees, though the grass in some places grew as high as a man's head. Broken conquered cities and Khalasars large and small were scattered throughout and yet apart from resting and hunting Hrakkar or horses when there were none around, they landed rarely. When they finally did it was Thoros who found him, the man was leaning against a tree, he was feverish and his wound festering.
"Who is he?" Daemon asked.
"He's Dothraki, an impressive warrior give the length of his braid." Thoros replied.
"Yet they left him here to die? Daemon said shocked and a little disgusted that people would do that.
"If a Dothraki cannot ride he cannot lead, this man was a Khal." Thoros said pointing out one of the bells in the man's hair.
"They left their leader here to die." Daemon said shaking his head.
Thoros just nodded and Daemon tried to figure out what he had to do now, they had brought no herbs, no potions or healing draughts, nothing that could help the man and it was clear he needed help badly. He looked around and found some water and filled his pouch, bringing it over he held it to the man's mouth, glad when he drank it down. Looking at the wound he and Thoros did their best to clean it and as he was doing so he heard her in his mind, Lyanax flying some way off in the distance.
"Fire cleanses." she said and he moved to start one up when he heard her again "Fire given by a god.".
Moving back to the Khal he took out Flame only for Thoros to misinterpret his intent, once he'd realized he wasn't ending the man though he looked on eagerly. Saying the words and cutting his hand, he let the flames take hold, and as he moved it to the wound both he and Thoros were amazed at the colors. Red flames rose from the sword and as he placed it against the man's flesh, they changed into a bright blue.
He had not thought to hold the man down though and yet even as he thrashed, Daemon was able to keep Flame to the wound. Once the fire had gone out both he and Thoros looked to see that the wound seemed no different, as if there had been no change and he wondered what the point had been. Lyanax though told him to wait and refused to fly them away from the place, so they were stuck here for now anyway.
"Do you think we were sent for him?" Thoros asked him that night as they ate by the fire.
"There's nothing else here, it must be, right?.".
"Why?" Thoros asked.
"You're asking me?." he said back with a chuckle.
"R'hllor didn't tell you, give you any idea?.".
"He showed me things, places, a book, some people wearing leather and carrying spears, pyramids and the gates of Yin. Valyria and places I don't know, I think I'm to go to them, all of them, and I have no idea why." Daemon said looking to Thoros.
"We follow the path, my prince, he shows us the way and we follow the path he sets before us.".
"We walk in his light." Daemon said and saw Thoros smile.
They stayed for almost a week, Daemon finding some berries which he crushed and was able to almost force down the Khal's throat. The wound had gotten better, it had faded somewhat and the festering had stopped but the fever didn't break, and some nights the Khal thrashed and shouted loudly.
"Pono, yer rizh ki jin rancid dorvi." (Pono you son of a rancid goat." the Khal shouted "Hatif anna, hatif anna allayafi jin mahrazh." (Face me, Face me like a man.".
While he didn't or shouldn't understand Dothraki, for some reason he understood every word the Khal spoke, almost as if he was supposed to understand. Once the man had calmed down Daemon told Thoros, who said it must be R'hllor's will and that it was a boon. He wasn't sure he agreed but he let it go for now and after five days the Khal's fever broke, and both he and Thoros were relieved.
"Who are you, my Khalasar were are they?" the Khal said and Daemon turned to Thoros who looked confused which surprised him because the man spoke the common tongue.
"I am Daemon Snow, this is Thoros of Myr, who are you?" he asked in the common tongue.
"I am Khal Drogo, my men they left me here to die?" Drogo asked and Daemon nodded "You will help me, take me to them?".
"I will, if it's what you want." he said and looked to Thoros who stood there shaking his head with a small smile on his face.
"I want." Drogo said standing to his feet.
Daemon had to move quickly to catch the man and as big and imposing as he looked laying down, standing beside him Drogo was even more so. Daemon feeling his weight as he helped him to the fire. Drogo drank and ate like a man who'd not only not done either for some time but one who thought he would never do so again. Sitting with Thoros his friend leaned in to whisper in his ear, catching Daemon by surprise with what he said.
"You, he, what did you talk about?" Thoros asked and Daemon looked at him.
"You didn't hear us?".
"I couldn't understand you, both of you were speaking Dothraki." Thoros said and Daemon looked to see if he was jesting.
"I..to me it was the common tongue." Daemon said before telling Thoros what Drogo had asked for.
"You think it wise?".
"I think we were sent here for this, why? I don't know but we were sent here for this I believe." he said and Thoros nodded.
He woke early the next morning to find Drogo already awake and looking at him, sitting up he nodded to him and they spoke as they broke their fast. Drogo told him he'd been injured in a fight and Pono had brought a woman to heal him, the next thing he knew he was feverish and Pono took his Khalasar from him. He told him that he'd take it, Pono's braid, and then his manhood as he was the Khal of Khals, the Great Stallion himself had named him so.
"You're not strong enough for a fight." Daemon said and Drogo stood up angrily.
"You think you can match me?".
"I think right now anyone could." Daemon said holding his hand up when Drogo moved "Right now. I'm sure if you regained your strength it would be a different matter.".
He saw the smirk on Drogo's face as he sat down and handed him the pouch filled with wine he'd taken from Thoros.
"Drogo owes you a debt, name it and it's yours." Drogo said as he took a small and then a larger swallow once he tasted the wine.
"I ask for nothing but I offer you my hand as a sign of friendship." he said holding his hand out and for a moment he thought the large man was going to ignore it before he took it.
"The Great Stallion sent you here Daemon Snow, you have my friendship." Drogo said with a smile.
"Targaryen, my name is Daemon Targaryen." he said and Drogo nodded.
"Your name doesn't matter, just as mine does not, a man's worth is in what he does. You helped me, one day I'll help you in return.".
Kings Landing 300 AC.
Davos.
He had checked the city as Daemon had asked and along with Ser Bonifer had found no one else they needed to worry about. Knowing that it was simply Varys alone who'd set things up though wasn't as comforting as it should have been. He, Mathos, and Asher was relaxing when one of the hundred came in to speak to the queen. Davos quickly telling him that Rhaella and Ser Bonifer had left for a meeting with Elia.
"A northern ship was seen in the bay, by now they should be close to docking. I believe there could be trouble if they left when the first words about the prince were sent out." the knight said and Davos nodded.
"I'll go meet them, I'll inform the queen and Ser Bonifer or if you wish to do so they're at the Red Keep." he said and the knight said he'd go speak to them and tell them that Davos was dealing with it.
He chuckled at that when the man had gone, over the years he'd dealt with a lot for the prince, angry northerners were not something he looked forward to. He called Asher and Mathos and sent his son to get some of the unsullied to join him, he'd have liked to have Grey Worm but he was with the queen along with Ghost.
"It seems we've to deal with some of your countrymen, Asher." he said looking and waiting for the young man's reaction.
"Good, Ser Davos, long have I wished to talk to proper men." Asher said ducking the slap he aimed at him.
"Cheeky fucker." he said as Mathos arrived back.
They made their way to the docks and were glad the ship hadn't docked yet, seeing the merman on the sails he smirked seeing the excited look on Asher's face. With Daemon's resurrection, the lad had put off his return north, eager though he was to see that girl of his. Davos was glad of it, he liked the lad and knew how his sons felt about him, and he knew he could use him while staying in the city.
"The big fellow is the Greatjon, the fat one Lord Wyman and the little one is Howland Reed." Asher whispered saying the last name more respectfully than the other two.
"The Crannogman?" he asked.
"Aye, that man and his people are what keeps the South at bay." Asher said proudly.
He thought nothing of it, even though he knew others would see the small man as nothing impressive, Davos knew better. Looks meant nothing, he had met a young boy who had shaken his world view and turned it on its head. A young boy who had done things he still couldn't believe and he'd seen them mostly with his own eyes. So the fact that Howland Reed was no taller than one of his younger sons meant nothing to him.
"My lords, my name is Ser Davos Seaworth. I've come to welcome you on behalf of prince Daemon." he said and looked on as Lord Wyman studied him carefully though it was the Greatjon who spoke.
"That you Forrester?" the man's voice said far too loudly.
"Aye it's me." Asher replied.
"Where's the prince lad?" The Greatjon asked.
"Off on his dragon, lucky fucker that he is." Asher said with a laugh which both Lord Wyman and the Greatjon returned.
"Aye, impressive thing she was, named after his mother." the Greatjon said and laughed loudly.
"Come I'm sure you men would like an ale and a meal not served on a shaky table." Davos said seeing the welcoming look that Lord Wyman gave to that idea "Lord Reed?" he said to the one man who'd stayed silent.
"Aye Ser Davos, that sounds like a plan." the diminutive man said.
Lord Wyman took advantage of the carriage they had brought, Asher joining him more to keep him company than for lack of a horse. While both the Greatjon and Howland joined him as they rode back to the manses. The Greatjon seemed to dislike the smell, the amount of people, and the journey itself, Howland though was more quiet and composed.
Seeing the guards at the gate, the number of them who surrounded the manse seemed to surprise both men, who he caught looking at each other more than once. Soon though they dismounted and made their way inside, and when they reached the dining area he was glad none of the red priests or priestesses were around, not wishing to have to explain them just yet. The meal they had brought to them had already been prepared and was a hearty stew, Lord Wyman taking the offered second helping.
"What brings you men this far south?" he asked as they enjoyed an ale, Davos making sure it was a good one which they seemed to appreciate.
"We received an offer from the Lannisters. They sent us some ships bearing supplies and suggested a favorable trade deal. So Lord Stark sent us to see what was what, to see if they were trying to gain favor with Daemon." Wyman said and both Davos and Asher laughed.
"They've already gained favor, I think the offer genuine." Davos said when the three men looked at him to see what the laughter was about.
"They have?" the Greatjon asked.
"Aye, the prince is to be married to Myrcella Lannister." Asher said smiling.
"By his choice?" Howland asked staring at them both.
"Other than his god no one makes Daemon do anything that's not his choice." Asher said and Davos glared at him.
"His God?" Howland asked and Davos sighed, really not wanting to have this conversation.
"R'hllor my lords, Prince Daemon is my god's chosen." he heard Melisandre's voice from behind him.
In a way, he was glad of Melisandre's arrival as over the next few hours she explained what had happened to the prince, to the northern lords. In another, though he was not, as listening to the story being told in such a way really did not paint them in a good light. Had he been one of the three men sitting at the other side of the table, then Davos felt he'd have gotten up and walked from the room.
As it was the opposite seemed to happen, all three of the men listened eagerly and didn't, as far as he could judge, seem to think the story far fetched. Then again Daemon had a dragon and had taken out the Iron Born for the North, maybe the men already thought him some sort of savior. When Melisandre told them he'd gone to rescue his brother even Davos felt the pride the Lords of the North showed.
"He'll be gone for some time then?" Howland asked with a note of disappointment in his voice.
"With Prince Daemon we've come to expect to see him when we see him, my lords. He could be gone for a moon or a few days, all we know for certain is that'll he'll return." he said to nods.
"Always." Melisandre said definitively.
They spoke then on the Lannisters, Davos telling them of Daemon giving them the sword and of Myrcella. Saying the prince was more than happy with the arrangement and speaking of how the King hadn't been at first. When they asked him for his own thoughts on the Lannisters and did he think they meant the North harm or to help, he paused.
"I don't really know the Lannisters, my lords. Myrcella is a girl I have a lot of time for, she makes Daemon happy and that boy deserves it more than any I've known. What I do know is that Daemon didn't ask them to do this, this was all the Lannisters idea and that the sword he gave them is worth an incredible amount." he said as the lords looked to him.
"How much?" the Greatjon asked.
"I heard tell once that Lord Tywin offered 250,000 gold dragons to buy a different Valyrian sword, even heard he went to 400,000. For his own family's actual sword, adding in what that would mean then I'd say it's worth more than that." he said and saw the Greatjon look to Wyman who nodded.
"What does this mean for us Ser Davos?" Wyman asked.
"Daemon returned a priceless heirloom, something that the Lannister's have searched for years to find." Davos said before adding "I'd say they consider they owe him and you know what they say about Lannisters?".
"Aye. A Lannister always pays his debts." Wyman said more relaxed now.
"We've organized rooms for you all here, her grace will return later and Myrcella may drop in with her." Melisandre said and the lords nodded.
"You can send a note to Lord Tyrion, I think he's dealing with things now his father is Hand." he said as he got up.
He was walking down the hall when Howland approached him, turning to see the Crannogman almost running after him.
"Ser Davos a word.".
"Of course my lord." he said directing him into the room nearest.
"The Prince, Ser Davos, is he happy, truly?." Howland asked the concern clear in his voice and Davos smiled finding himself liking the man already.
"Happier than he has been in some time Lord Reed." he said glad to see the smile on the man's face as Howland turned to walk away.
"I knew his mother well Ser, she'd be pleased to know that." Howland said and Davos found himself hoping that the small man was still here when Daemon returned, knowing how much tales of his mother would mean to his prince.
Kings Landing 300 AC.
Rhaegar.
He had always known the benefits of having Tywin as Hand, politically, practically, and even though he'd never shared his father's fear of the man, he'd always been aware of the danger of it too. Oberyn would no doubt rant and rave when he came back and once Doran found out he too would air his grievances. Rhaegar had expected at least one of his council to do so also, just not this one, as he was certain it would be Mace and not Lucerys.
"You think I shouldn't have appointed him?" he asked surprised.
"I think your father had the right of it where the lions are concerned." Lucerys said.
"So it's not that you feel passed over?".
"No, Master of Ships is what I've always wanted to be, it's what we were born to be." Lucerys said and he nodded his agreement.
"So you believe he wishes to take the throne for who? Daemon, my son should Aegon not be returned is my heir the throne will be his to take regardless." he said trying to see what was really on Lucerys's mind.
"I understand and while I hope for Prince Aegon's return, Prince Daemon is the better choice." Lucerys said catching him by surprise.
"You think I should overlook Aegon?" he asked.
"I hope your son, both your sons are returned unharmed your grace. But only one will ever sit that throne and we both know the truth of it.".
"You think Tywin would harm Aegon?" he asked and Lucerys nodded.
"I think you've put Tywin too close to the throne, you've named him Hand and he'll not wish to relinquish it. When Daemon marries Myrcella he'll be his goodgrandson and as long as he'll be king then Tywin may be loyal. But should it be Aegon who sits the throne, then I think you're setting the seeds for a rebellion, your grace." Lucerys said standing and bowing before he left.
He spent most of the day pondering what he'd been told. Aegon's faults had become all too known to him but the rift between him and Daemon had widened rather than been bridged. For Daemon to rise to the throne he needed to be brought closer, and even then he wasn't sure that he could pass over one son for the other. As for Tywin himself well Lucerys was right to an extent but he needed him for now, whether he needed him for the future was yet to be seen.
He was thinking more on this when Arthur walked into the room, a small smirk on his friend's face when Rhaegar bid him sit. Rhaegar was surprised when Arthur took the offered glass of wine as it was not something he'd do in most circumstances. Seeing him do so now only made him keener to hear what it was he'd come to see him about.
"What's going on?" he asked as he sipped his wine.
"Apparently the High Septon is on his way to speak to you, to demand you kick the Red Priests out of King's Landing.
"He should go to Tywin." he said smirking, glad he had a Hand to deal with such matters.
"He did and was given short shrift, he then apparently tried to take matters in his own hands." Arthur said still smirking.
"Arthur?".
"The fat fool sent some of his Septons and Septas to draw the crowd away from the Red God, it didn't work and if anything he's made them more popular.".
Arthur told him then of the attempted attacks, of the failed efforts and how easily they were dealt with. While his friend found it amusing, he did not, remembering full well how dangerous the Faith could be when provoked. Though it seemed they had little support among the people for now at least. He was ready for the fat man by the time he arrived and he welcomed him into the room with a smile.
"Your Grace, I'm honored you've agreed to meet with me." the High Septon said a plastered on smile on his face as he did so.
"Of course High Septon, my door is always open to the faith." he said and saw the man smile broader now.
"Your Grace, I'm not sure if you're aware of the danger posed by these heathens, they're at work in the streets, trying to buy favor with food and clothing." the fat man said dismissively.
"I can see nothing wrong with providing for people who have not enough. Handing out food and clothing High Septon, is that not something the faith should be doing?." he asked and saw the smile falter.
"The faith is always willing to help those in need your grace, however, our funds are not limitless." the fat man said and Rhaegar resisted the urge to snort at the man.
"Indeed High Septon. However as I said I see nothing wrong with those who can, helping those who need help. So I fail to see why I should interject myself here?" he said.
"You should interject your grace because if you do not then the faith will." the fat man said and he looked at him and laughed watching as his face turned red.
"Just as you already tried." he said raising his hand when the man tried to speak "I'm well aware of what you tried High Septon, which is why I'm glad for this meeting."
"You are?".
"I am, I believe my Hand warned you what would happen should you try to take the law in your own hands, if not let me reiterate that warning, you do so at great peril High Septon, great peril." he said staring at the man.
"As do you should you ignore our concerns your grace." the High Septon said.
"I see the time for doublespeak is over, good, speak your mind High Septon, speak it now while I allow it." he said and looked at the man with contempt.
"Many years ago our faith was threatened, in order to protect it we were forced to arm ourselves, to fight for the Seven, should we feel threatened…"
"Enough." Rhaegar said loudly, interrupting the fat man much to his annoyance "Let me be clear High Septon, the faith exists because we allow it, so arm yourselves if you must, bring back your faith militant if you must, your poor fellows and Warrior's sons." he said angrily.
"You should be careful what you wish for your grace." the High Septon said.
"No High Septon you should, arm yourselves if you will, bring your warriors to bear, let's see how they stand against a dragon's fire. But I promise you this High Septon if you do so then you'll feel the full wrath of a dragon."
"A dragon that's not here your grace." The High Septon said.
"A dragon that you're threatening to wake High Septon. The Red Priests will remain, should any harm come to them then it's you I'll hold personally responsible, so feel free to test me on this." he said smirking when the fat man gulped.
"I have no fear, the father will protect me." the fat man and Rhaegar tried not to laugh listening to the worry in the High Septon's voice.
"The father may be busy then because you arm yourselves, you arm yourselves for a war and I swear it here and now. You force this war upon me and I'll see every Sept in flames, and every Septon and Septon hanging from trees before I'm done." he said calmly enjoying the shudder from the man.
"Is that a threat your grace?".
"No, that High Septon is a promise.".
Once the fat man was gone he sent for Tywin and asked what exactly had happened with the red priests, thanking him for his foresight and telling him what he'd spoken to the High Septon about. He sat back and waited for the old lion's response almost chuckling when it came.
"Good." Tywin said simply.
"Good?".
"For too long the faith has thought itself the true power in Westeros, so let them come if they wish, if my last act is to put them in their place then good, I'll go happily to meet Joanna." Tywin said "Besides I'm sure once Myrcella and Daemon are married in front of the Red God, I'll be a target of theirs anyway."
"You wish them married that way?" he asked surprised.
"My granddaughter was right, the prince wasn't brought back by the Seven, it was R'hllor's will and that's who they should marry in front of." Tywin said.
"I'm glad to have you with me, my lord.".
"Your Grace." Tywin said with a bow before he left.
Outside Vaes Dothrak 296 AC.
Thoros.
When Drogo had seen the dragon he'd nearly fallen to the ground, even more so when he saw how Daemon interacted with it. Turning to him, Drogo mumbled some words and Thoros was lost, only guessing what they were. When Daemon walked back, he found that hearing Daemon's side of the conversation helped some and then he knew he was right, Drogo had asked if Daemon could control the dragon.
He laughed at Drogo's expression when he said he could and even more when Daemon said that was how they were getting out of here. Drogo both excited and eager to fly on a dragon's back and looking at Daemon now with a far different look. Taking to the sky they flew over the land, Drogo perhaps taking to flying far better than he had on his first flight, far better given the smile on his face.
As there was no sign of the Khalasar beneath them he heard Drogo say Vaes Dothrak and point towards the mountains in the distance. The Khal seemed amazed at the ground they covered and when they arrived and landed in the mountain above the city he jumped off, and pointed down to the city below, shouting all the while.
"He wishes me to go with him, says I need to leave my weapons here." Daemon said and he nodded.
"No blade or blood can be spilled in the city my prince." Thoros said telling Daemon what he'd heard about the famed city of the Dothraki.
"That sounds like no fun, certainly not a place for you and me then." Daemon said smirking and he laughed slapping his back "I need you to guard them and stay with Lyanax." his prince said and he nodded.
It was night when Daemon returned alone and he wondered where the Khal was. Though he was far more interested in the two sacks Daemon carried in his hands, for now at least.
"What's in the sacks?" he asked.
"Food and mare's milk, a gift from one of Drogo's blood riders.".
"Where's Drogo?."
"At a meeting of the Khal's, he challenged Pono to a fight for control of the Khalasar and Pono refused, the Khal's are deciding." Daemon said handing him some meat and bread.
"And if they decide there's to be no fight?".
"There'll be a fight here tomorrow, now come let's get drunk." Daemon said handing him a pouch filled with the most awful smelling thing he'd ever had the misfortune to handle.
It tasted good though, even better the more you drank and between them, he and Daemon drank it all. Waking up the next morning Thoros hated the world, the light, the wind, and his prince. Seeing Daemon sit there as if he hadn't matched him drink for drink was annoying, very annoying. He broke his fast as best he could, emptied his stomach more than once, and was glad they were alone as he could only imagine how the Dothraki would have reacted.
They were sitting there when the horses arrived, Daemon having to go to Lyanax to keep her calm. Thoros looked on as one by one each of the Dothraki seemed in awe of Lyanax. He was happy to see the smile on his prince's face as Drogo arrived and the Khal greeted Daemon warmly, though he moved to interject when a large man did not. The Khal wasn't as big as Drogo but he wasn't smaller by much and hearing the shouts, and seeing the angry way Daemon looked at him, he knew a fight was coming.
"Very well, you wish to test my blade, when Drogo wins his fight I'll win mine." Daemon said walking from the man.
Thoros waited for his prince to come over and when he did asked him about the man, Daemon smirking as he answered.
"Khal Zekko thinks if he kills me then Lyanax is his, he and Drogo are rivals and he didn't like that we found and helped him." Daemon said and Thoros nodded knowing the fight was agreed and inevitable now.
When Pono arrived he didn't look happy and as Thoros looked to Drogo, who was speaking to Daemon, he saw the smile on the Khal's face. When he had fallen from his horse Pono had taken most of his Khalasar with him, only Drogo's blood riders and some of the women refusing to join. Apparently Zekko had his eyes on those and had they not brought Drogo here, then he'd have taken them.
He watched as Drogo stood up, he wore no top and the wound was barely noticeable at all now, his Arakh was in his hand, and compared to Pono he looked like a man against a boy. In normal times this would be a mismatch but the Khal was still weak and had Daemon not looked so confident, Thoros would be a little more worried. As it was his prince was right to be so sure, Drogo moving way too quick for a man that size.
"Edavrasa jano." (Useless dog) Drogo said Daemon translating it for Throros as they watched "Fin yer vos iffi, yer ize ha. Vo mahrazh, No khal, vo alikh Pono." (What you cannot win you poison for. No man, No Khal, No more Pono) Drogo shouted.
Drogo blocked the swing of the other man's Arakh and spinning around he caught Pono across the stomach, with a twist of his hand the man's stomach was opened and that was it. Pono fell to the ground, his insides no longer on the inside, and the look of shock on his face, not one which lasted long. Thoros watched Drogo smile and then look to Daemon both in gratitude for getting him there to do this, and as if to say now it's your turn you think you can match that.
He was happy to see Daemon's smirk as he nodded to the Khal and when his prince took Flame and Spark, he saw the confusion on the faces of the Dothraki. Zekko shouted loudly before he said something which made Drogo angry and some of his own Khalasar laugh. Daemon just standing there looking at the man before laughing too.
"You gonna fight or just stand there making noise." Daemon said and Thoros heard the laughs this time coming from Drogo and his blood riders.
He watched as Daemon and Zekko faced off, the man looking at his prince with contempt, and with a nod and chuckle from Daemon, the fight began. It too didn't last long, Daemon caught the Arakh with Flame and in the same moment pushed Spark upwards, the smaller blade entering Khal Zekko's head under the chin and pushing straight through coming out the top.
Zekko was dead instantly. Daemon pulled back the blade using his foot to push the man away and the Khal fell to the ground. Thoros placed his hand on his own sword when he saw Zekko's blood riders move but they just took their Khal and walked away. He was beaten to Daemon by Drogo though, the big man laughing and speaking animatedly with the prince.
They ended up spending two days in Vaes Dothrak, Thoros starting to pick up some of the phrases with Daemon's help, not enough to speak it but he could understand some. Khal Zekko's Khalasar came to pledge themselves to Daemon but his prince waved them away and told them if they wished to pledge themselves to anyone, then Drogo was who they should.
Something they did happily and something which only deepened the burgeoning friendship between the Prince and the Khal. When the time came to leave, Daemon and the Khal spoke long and hard. Both seeming to come to some agreement and it was only when the met up with Lyanax and were about to fly off, that Daemon told him what that was.
"He called me his brother and said if we should ever need his help then we only had to ask. I told him the same was true for me." Daemon said as they climbed up on the dragon's back.
"You think that's why we were sent here, that's R'hllor's plan?" he asked and Daemon laughed.
"I think a Khalasar may come in useful one day, my friend." Daemon said and a moment later they were in the sky.
Kings Landing 300 AC.
Elia.
Her niece was furious with her, Ellaria too, as well as her other nieces and she found she didn't care. She didn't trust them with anything she may say in this room, nor did she trust they wouldn't speak out of turn. So Arianne could moan and complain all she wished, Ellaria could look at her as if she was betraying Dorne, she was the queen of Seven Kingdoms, not one.
They arrived in good order and she was happy to see Rhaella with Daenerys, the queen, and her daughter having put some if not all of their differences behind them. Something she and Rhaenys were well on their way to doing also, her daughter had told her what Rhaella offered and why she had accepted.
" You don't wish to be queen?" she asked.
" You were right, grandmother was right, the realm wouldn't accept it, not with Daemon here."
" And Aegon?" she asked wondering what she thought of her brother.
" I hope Daemon finds him and brings him back but he can never sit the throne, if he does we fall." Rhaenys said.
" You really wish to marry Willas Tyrell?".
" I must, we need them brought in close and it was my idea, Daemon didn't ask me nor grandmother pressure me. If I'm to be Hand then I need to worry about the realm as much as I worry about myself" Rhaenys said.
She had to admit she'd not thought of it, a woman as Hand was an interesting idea and it gave Rhaenys a focus, something to do which she believed was truly all her daughter wanted. Elia was pleased to see Myrcella and even Cersei Lannister, both Lannister's also arriving together, the two younger girls were soon chatting happily and Cersei lookied pleased to be there. Olenna Tyrell was the last to arrive and when she sat Elia began, making sure each of the ladies had tea or drinks before she spoke.
"You may wonder why I've asked you all to come here. I believe it's time we made our presence felt, Myrcella will be married to Prince Daemon soon and I believe it's just to be confirmed that my daughter and your grandson are to be wed Lady Olenna." she said Olenna nodding.
"I believe so your grace." Olenna said and Elia saw Rhaella smile.
"Prince Daemon I hope returns soon and I pray he brings my son back with him but it's been clear to me for some time, even if I have tried to ignore it, that Aegon is not fit to sit the throne." she said to some gasps and a look from Cersei to Myrcella.
"That's been clear to us all I believe." Rhaella said.
"I intend to support Daemon as heir." she said to more gasps and Myrcella spoke up.
"Daemon has no wish to sit the throne, your grace." Myrcella said.
"But my brother will do what's needed and has agreed to." Rhaenys said and Myrcella looked to her and then Rhaella who nodded.
"My grandson also intends to name my granddaughter as his Hand." Rhaella said to a surprised but happy look from Olenna and a not so happy one from Cersei.
"He intends to replace my father?" Cersei asked.
"He intends to make your daughter queen." Elia said and saw Cersei nod.
"Your Grace." Cersei said nodding back at her.
"We have a chance to change things for the first time in years, Daemon having a dragon gives him more leeway to do things than Rhaegar ever had. It gives him the freedom and the arrival of the Red Priests challenges the faith, which creates opportunities." Rhaella said and she saw the excited looks on some of the women's faces.
"What sort of opportunities mother?" Daenerys asked.
"Ones we as woman have long sought, the freedom to be who we are and not to stand in the shadows of our husbands, our betrothed, or our father's or brothers. The opportunity for us to carve a path of our own, Myrcella you will be queen, Rhaenys you Hand, together you have a chance to bring great change to Westeros." Elia said and saw both girls look at each other with excitement on their faces.
"My grandson is not like those who came before him, I raised him better than I was able to raise Rhaegar. Those who've spent time with him and have heard him speak to Melisandre would know he takes counsel from a woman. Oh don't get me wrong, he's a reckless fool like all men." Rhaella said to laughs "But he's unafraid to listen to a woman which makes him far better than most."
"What do you propose your grace?" Olenna asked.
"I propose that we meet and meet often, we go back and consider the things we know need changing, the things we would if we were in a position to do so." Elia said to nods.
"The queen is right, we know there are many things we'd try and do, many things we'd like to see done differently and be it the Faith, the crown, the laws of the land or worse simply because that was the way things were always done. We've not seen change in gods knows how many years?" Rhaella said.
"Myrcella?" Elia said to the girl who'd gone quiet.
"I don't wish to manipulate my future husband." Myrcella said and Rhaella laughed.
"I don't think my nephew would allow you or even I too, if he would he'd not be flying off on a dragon ever time we turned our back on him, would he?" Rhaella asked to laughs.
"No, he would not." Myrcella said determinedly to even more laughter.
"I don't wish to manipulate my brother but when we spoke he told me he wishes for me to be a true Hand, to bring my own ideas to the fore, he seeks a partnership more than a crown." Rhaenys said and Elia noticed the pleased looks on some of the faces.
The rest of the tea was spent going over things, small ideas, large ones, by the time they left she could sense just how excited they were by the idea. Rhaegar had always listened to her, sometimes he'd gone with what she would say, more often than not he wouldn't. Daemon she felt would be more willing than his father ever was, more eager to have dissenting voices. Myrcella was right he may not want the crown but Elia felt now that made him the right man even more.
"What did you think?" she asked turning to Ashara, her friend had kept quiet through the entire meeting.
"I think had she been alive then Lyanna would have been one of the loudest voices in that room." Ashara said and Elia couldn't help but agree.
"Was I right to leave Arianne and Ellaria out?" she asked.
"You were, they're not ready for it Elia, they wouldn't believe it, and knowing you were behind Daemon so clearly would only create problems." Ashara said.
"It will anyway, not just with Dorne.".
"Rhaegar?".
"He's not going to like this, even seeing the truth of it he'll not like it." Elia said shaking her head.
"They need to come to an understanding Elia. If Daemon wishes the throne then he needs to at least make peace with his father.".
"I hope he's able to." Elia said as they walked inside.
Outside Qohor 300 AC.
Daemon.
In all the times he'd flown back to see Drogo they'd rarely spoken about the favor, they did however speak on his vision about the red eyes. Drogo bringing him before the Dosh Khaleen when he told him, telling him to speak to them and the other Khals about what he'd seen. After Daemon did they told him of their own legends, of the one who intended to capture and break the Great Stallion's spirit.
The horse that could not be ridden, could not be tamed, and the rider who sought to do both, the war that one day would come to them, the war that could not be won. The war would rage until all Dothraki united under the Khal of Khals and Daemon looked to Drogo who nodded. In that room, on that day, he and Drogo truly became brothers, by blood, by choice, and he felt now by design. Drogo may not have had a god's favor but he had his peoples and Daemon knew when the time came, his brother would be the Khal the stories spoke of.
Until that time he and his brother had met often, they'd fought just once and when Daemon beat him, Drogo had gone to cut his braid only for Daemon to allow him only to cut it partially. It was now almost back to where it had once been and it was time to call in the favor.
"I need your help brother, it's almost time but we have a chance to stop it before it begins." he said as he sat beside Drogo in the tent.
"How? this is our destiny brother, we have to fight this fight." Drogo said.
"My blood is powerful, my swords and the light from them are what healed your wound but I have a brother who carries the same blood and they intend to use him. They took him from my homeland and intend to sacrifice him on the Blood Moon." he said and Drogo nodded.
"Who?".
"Hoat." he said and Drogo smiled.
"What's your plan?" Drogo asked and Daemon told him.
"You sack the city, you go and ask for tribute just like always and when they bring it you get insulted and ask for double, treble, even more, and then you attack." Daemon said.
"And you?".
"Inside finding my brother." Daemon said.
"We ride at dawn brother." Drogo said.
"You ride, I fly." he said and Drogo laughed.
They spent the night laughing and joking, drinking mare's milk, and watching as men and women coupled under the night sky. Daemon trying not to think of the green eyes he'd left behind and instead drinking more. It was before dawn that he and Thoros flew, the Khalasar was ready to ride and he promised Drogo that Lyanax would help if she was needed.
"I won't let a dragon take my victory, my braid has only just grown back brother." Drogo said with a laugh.
"Be well brother, may the Great Stallion watch over you." Daemon said.
"May R'hllor keep you in his light brother." Drogo said as they embraced.
Lyanax landed some distance off and Daemon warged into a mouse, feeling his way around Hoat's palace and almost losing his connection when he found Aegon. His brother was in a bad way and Daemon hoped that Drogo would arrive soon. He and Thoros dressed in rags and made their way to the Red Temple, the priestess was more than happy to welcome them and keen to tell him of events in the city.
Daemon let Thoros speak to her and he went to the fires, trying to speak to R'hllor and trying to find out anything he could about what he may face. He cut his hand a little deeper and allowed some of the blood to pool in a handkerchief before using the rest on the flames. But he found no answers here today, no insight into what he may face and he knew then that the power was growing even stronger against them.
"Naharis arrived on a small boat a few days ago, you were right we'd never have stopped him." Thoros said.
"Is he still here?" he asked.
"Mariana believes so, though she's not seen him, she offers us, men, if we need them?." Thoros asked but Daemon shook his head.
"We need to do this alone, once Drogo arrives we'll have more than enough men.".
"She worries about the Dothraki." Thoros said.
"There is no need, Drogo and his men know I serve R'hllor and any who follow him are under my protection." Daemon said looking to Thoros "Have her bring those she can into the temple, Drogo's men will protect it.".
"What do we do now?" Thoros asked.
"We wait." he said and he walked to the room he'd been given.
Drogo.
His men rode hard and fast, almost half the Khalasar behind him, 25,000 men and all of them knew the legend of the Three Thousand, just like Temmo, his men were braided and belled and he'd not like them to share the same fate. When they arrived he sent his blood riders forward and demanded the tribute, ready to reject it and do what his brother had asked.
The blood moon was on the morrow and he had not much time to show his displeasure but when the men arrived he did so, demanding more to their surprise. The second offer came quickly, the third even quicker and he felt bad taking the man's life who brought it. But the message needed to be sent and sent it was.
When morning broke he was woken by Cohollo who told him to come see and as he followed the man he saw the unsullied line up in formation, the spears by their sides, the shields held tight, and he saw some of the nervous looks amongst his men. Smiling he patted Cohollo on the back and when Haggo came to him, all three of them turned to go break their fasts.
"We attack at noon." Drogo said and Haggo nodded, though Cohollo raised his objections.
"We will lose many against the unsullied Khal." Cohollo said and Drogo laughed reaching out to touch his oldest friend on the shoulder.
"Follow me, my friend, follow me and I'll show you what true power looks like." he said and Cohollo nodded.
After eating he readied his men, all of them lining up and eager to charge, riding down he spoke to each of the groups letting them know his wishes and once he was sure they did he rode back to the front. Grabbing his Arakh he pointed forward and they began to charge. Almost 25,000 charging as one and they covered the ground fast, the noise of their screams and their horse's across the ground was deafening. When he began to pull away from the others he felt them slow behind and by the time he reached the unsullied he was riding at a trot.
He watched as the feared men with their spears looked at him and as he rode in front a man stepped forward, his spear by his side held against his shield.
"Daemon." Drogo said and as one the unsullied began to beat their spears against the shields.
They turned and faced the walls and began to march forward in through the gates and as Drogo looked back to his men, as he gave the order for the charge to continue he smiled. Power was a strange thing and his brother possessed more of it than any man he knew, he had asked him to trust him, told him the unsullied would not fight and Drogo owed him his life, the trust he gave freely.
Riding through the city he watched as his men rode down guards, sellswords, and as the unsullied cleared a path, Qohor would fall before nightfall and he only hoped his brother's work was as successful as his own.
Daemon.
He had Mariana bring the captains of the unsullied to him, each man controlling a century. The Red Priestess had done her job well, for years spreading the word of what he had done in Astapor. She had them know of the freedom of their brothers and as he looked at them he could tell they were eager to listen. He told them of Tyrosh, of his barracks there and his men, of how he'd give them the same choice he gave their brothers and they accepted readily.
When the attack came he was ready and he and Thoros made their way to Vargo's palace, saying the words he moved quickly, taking the guards out as easily as he could. But by the time he got to the cell though Aegon was gone and he felt the fear of what failure would bring, he moved quickly as he saw the night fall.
"Where?" Thoros asked?.
"The black altar." Daemon said and both men made their way towards the center of the town.
The moon was beginning to rise and as they moved through the streets he saw the Dothraki take over the city, as much as it pained him there would be women raped this night, and he cursed these men for forcing him to do what needed to be done. He saw the light of the flames in front of him and moving towards it he saw his brother's silver hair, matted with blood and dirt though it was.
Seeing Vargo Hoat he felt his disgust rise and he saw the cuts on his brother's chest as they got closer, Aegon had not been treated kindly and for the first time, he felt sympathy for him. He was five and twenty feet away when he knew he'd not make it, that he'd not be quick enough and so he called for Lyanax and asked her to roar, to show her flames.
"Dracarys Lyanax, light up the sky." he whispered as he grabbed a spear from one of the Unsullied.
As the dragon roared and the crowd parted, as the Dothraki and unsullied entered the square he saw Hoat move, the long knife was raised high in his hand and he could hear the fear in Aegon's whimpers. He closed his eyes and prayed to R'hllor to guide his hand and taking the spear he threw it. It flew through the air and he shouted out Hoat's name, the man turning to find him in the crowd.
When he saw Hoat fly from the raised altar, saw the spear hit his chest, Daemon moved fast and getting to the altar he climbed up. Hoat's guards turned and ran for their lives and Daemon let them go. He moved towards Aegon and saw his brother's bruised and battered body, the fear in his eyes all too clear, and as he looked at him he found no recognition in Aegon's expression.
"Aegon, I've come to take you home." he said and Aegon didn't reply, instead he cried and Daemon untied him, feeling his brother's arms around him for the first time in their lives.
The Shy Maid.
Daario.
When the Dothraki arrived he knew there was something wrong and he shook his head at the lisping fool's response. The man didn't understand the nature of this to be far different, this was no ordinary call for tribute, the timing was way off. He'd arrived a few days earlier and the dreams played in his head and so he had done as they asked, he'd bled the prince, and bled him well.
He had told Hoat he should move him and the man had ignored him, told him he was far too low on the ladder to give him orders and Daario had wondered were they all like this. He swore at night that he saw a dragon flying through the sky and so he had filled the boat with supplies just in case, and when the unsullied turned he'd moved.
"You need to do this now, Daemon is here." he said to Hoat who at least made moves to bring the prince to the altar.
Had the man not had so many guards around him, then he'd have taken his chances and taken the prince with him but the voice in his head told him to go and go now. So Daario did as he was bid and as the Shy Maid sailed away from the city he looked to the sky. Seeing the dragon fly over and watching the flames hit they sky and light it up he knew Hoat had failed, Daemon had made it and rescued his brother and Qohor had fallen.
He walked below deck and opened the chest, the jar sitting there was full to the brim, he hoped it was enough and as he lay in bed that night he looked forward to the reward he was promised. Who the girl was he didn't know but she was young and beautiful, her green eyes and blond hair excited him, and knowing he'd be taking her from Daemon even more so.