But all good things must come to an end. Some time after his arrival in Pentos, one of his progenies in Westeros sent him a telepathic message with troubling—though not unexpected—news: Jon Arryn was dead, just as in the original timeline, and King Robert was trying to convince Eddard Stark to become his new Hand.
Tywin Lannister would not get the position even if he desired it, and Ned, of course, could still refuse. But Vlad considered the chances of the most honorable man in the North turning it down to be practically zero. If everything continued as it had before, his death was all but guaranteed.
Vlad was still debating whether to intervene. In the show, Ned was one of the characters he would have liked to save, but here, in this real world, he might become a burden. He had no trouble imagining Stark leading a faction against the vampires if he ever discovered Vlad's nature, simply because "they are beasts who feed on human blood."
—Should I do something, my lord? —asked Rolland, a merchant whom Vlad had turned and sent to Westeros precisely for situations like this.
—Nothing for now. Any news from the Iron Islands? —asked Vlad, sipping from a goblet of wine.
—Nothing yet, my lord.
—Very well. I'll focus on the eggs for now. I want you to send some spies to Dragonstone. Perhaps we'll find more.
—As you command, my lord.
Setting the goblet aside, Vlad turned his attention to the current situation. If he truly wanted to fulfill his objectives, the best way to do so would be through conquest. Essos was relatively simple. Daenerys had done it with her dragons and the Dothraki, though her greatest problem was that she didn't know how to rule or manage the economy of her domains.
Vlad, on the other hand, had the advantage of having progeny in almost every major city in Essos. He could delegate the administration of conquered territories and focus on his true goals.
The "Breaker of Chains" mission was problematic. The economy of Essos relied heavily on slavery, but the solution wasn't too complicated. With a bit of "capitalist spirit," instead of slaves, he would employ the same workers for a miserable wage—just enough to feed themselves and pay for their own lodging… probably to their former masters. They wouldn't be slaves, just exploited workers. The difference was minimal, but enough to fulfill the mission.
The rest of his missions could also be completed without excessive bloodshed, as long as he was clever enough:
Establish a Noble House.
Become a trade titan.
Forge a legend at sea.
Assassinate a king.
Leave an indelible mark on culture.
Rule the Seven Kingdoms.
Unite a massive khalasar.
Face the Long Night.
Eliminate nobles from each of the Seven Kingdoms.
Eradicate slavery in Slaver's Bay.
Unite or wipe out the mountain clans.
Restore the Night's Watch.
Become a legend in combat.
Explore every important corner of the world.
Rise as a tournament champion.
Be knighted.
Defeat Gregor Clegane in single combat.
Being honest with himself, Vlad admitted that war didn't particularly appeal to him—but it was necessary. If he wanted to avoid the Long Night, he had to unify practically the entire continent. If he didn't, Westeros would fall, followed by Essos, and though he could turn people into his subjects, unless he corrupted hundreds of nobles and rulers, there would always be someone willing to act in their own self-interest—even if it meant condemning the world.
He could stay in the Sea of Grass and watch events unfold, but sooner or later, war would come to him. Better to fight on his own terms. Besides, his missions would be easier to complete if he controlled both continents.
He still lacked resources and military power, but Essos was full of possibilities. It was only a matter of choosing the right pieces.
The Unsullied, the dragons, the Second Sons, the Golden Company… there were many options to take control of Essos and, eventually, the Seven Kingdoms.
—How's the day treating you, Lord Drakul? —asked Illyrio, stepping into the room assigned to him.
Vlad, who had been observing the city from the balcony, turned with a calm expression.
—So far, so good. Nothing to worry about.
It had been nearly two weeks since his arrival in Pentos, and he had yet to see the Targaryens.
—I see —said Illyrio, studying Vlad's inhumanly beautiful appearance as the sunlight lit his face.
—So, Magister, was there any particular reason you wished to see me? —asked Vlad, watching him closely.
Illyrio smiled with satisfaction.
—I wanted to inform you that my contact for the eggs will arrive in three weeks.
—Splendid. Then I'll abuse your hospitality a little longer —replied Vlad with a smile.
Meanwhile, in another wing of the mansion, the Targaryen siblings were discussing their enigmatic guest.
It had been two weeks since Vlad Drakul's arrival. Magister Illyrio was making sure they didn't cross paths until he could determine whether Vlad could be an ally.
Daenerys knew almost nothing about him. Only that he was roughly her age and had started as a nobody. Then he had challenged a Khal and built one of the largest khalasars in Essos, earning infamous nicknames like the Red Stallion and the Impaler.
So far, they had been kept away from his wing of the mansion.
Viserys, of course, didn't understand why they needed to hide.
—That Dothraki savage should kneel before me and swear loyalty the moment he sees me. It is his duty —he said with irritation.
Daenerys sighed.
—Do you think he'll help us?
—Magister Illyrio will make sure he's trustworthy —Viserys replied indifferently, not even looking at her—. But it doesn't matter. Soon, he will kneel before the dragon.
No one must wake the dragon.
It was a phrase Viserys had burned into her soul since she was a child.