Braavos, Essos...278 AC...
The Queen Visenya had been sailing for some time now as it finally neared its first destination, the richest and most powerful city in the world according to some...Braavos.
The Titan was easily the first thing they saw as they approached, it was so tall that it rose to four hundred feet above the surface of the sea from the two islands it stood on. It was enormous shape of a warrior in bronze and granite.
"That is a big statue." Jaime asked as they came into view of it and saw for themselves just how big it was. Haeron nodded as it was very impressive but he let Jaime know it was far more than just a statue.
"It is also a castle in its own right. There are halls and chambers inside it, slits for archers built all over in event that it is ever besieged. Under the skirts there are holes for oil to be poured or rocks to be dropped among other things if anyone tries to sail under it without being allowed. One of the most impressive fortresses in the world but more than that, it also serves as both a lighthouse and spotting tower for the city. Guiding ships in to avoid being wrecked while also making sure that the city can see any potential danger long before it can surprise them." Haeron said, himself very impressed at the structure that the Braavosi had created for themselves.
"Really?" Jaime asked in amazement as he looked to Haeron who nodded who was amused at his boyish enthusiasm, deciding to probe how much Jaime knew about it.
"Have you learned much about Braavos?" He asked and Jaime who was still in amazement at the Titan and barely listened but did answer his question.
"Barely anything." Jaime had never really been interested in such things before as fighting and riding had intrigued him far more. Haeron raised an eyebrow and wondered how a son of Tywin Lannister wouldn't be more educated but guessed perhaps he might gain more if he could see and feel things rather than look at them in a book.
"Then we will learn all there is to know about Braavos before we leave." Haeron told him with a smile before turning to Davos who having been a sailor all of his life and been to Braavos many times before was dealing with the great sight as nothing to be excited about. "See to provisioning the ship Ser Davos. The crew I am sure will want to...experience the city." He said with a knowing look as he and Davos both full well knew how the men would enjoy their time ashore.
Either getting drunk in the taverns or spending coin the brothels.
Davos nodded and Haeron gave him the coin to reprovision the ship but Davos did have to ask one thing that he had noticed when he had been checking the galley earlier.
"Your grace, those strange...things in the galley. What are they?" Davos asked having never seen their like before. They were cylinders about the length of a man's hand and about the same in width, Davos had cautiously examined one and it was made of tin. A metal that was soft and had little value but shaking it he had heard of something inside and that confused him.
"That is an invention I came up with Ser Davos." Haeron said as they approached the Titan and were about to pass through he explained. "I discovered that tin is an excellent container for keeping food preserved if sealed. I also created a liquid that the food is immersed in when it is in the can as I refer to it. This keeps the food edible as long as the seal is unbroken, for years if needed. For a long voyage if we should find ourselves unable to resupply this will keep us all fed and watered as water is also in some of the cans. I was preparing for this voyage for a very long time." Haeron admitted casually.
Davos and Jaime were shocked as were the crew that heard it, to keep food safe to eat for years as long as the tin container it was in remained unbroken was a feat that was almost like magic to them. Jaime just looked at him in amazement while Davos remarked.
"If you will excuse my hesitation my lord, if that is true then...why reprovision?" He asked with curiosity, knowing as a sailor that if the prince's invention worked as he said it would then it would be a vital lifeline for sailors given how long they were often away from land to have food they could keep edible for however long it took, not to mention in winter this would be of incredible value to many people.
An invention that could save countless lives.
"The tinned food is a back up, an emergency stash if we need it and the men will want fresh food were possible. Besides it is better not to put all of your faith in one source, always have another option if you might need it." Haeron said almost echoing Lord Tywin with that statement, having learnt that lesson from him, it made Jaime also shiver with discomfort as he was still deeply afraid of Tywin.
But any further discussion was stopped as the Queen Visenya passed through the 'legs' of the Titan and they saw not only the vast lagoon and harbour but the incredible city of Braavos beyond. Jaime was left breathless by the enormous city beyond as it was unlike anything he had ever seen before.
The many islands that made up the city with the rivers and canals was Haeron admitted privately to himself an impressive sight. It reminded him a lot of Venice back on Earth and smiled slightly to himself as he would enjoy seeing the city that he had read so much about.
- x -
They docked at the Chequy Port, the docks were just big enough to accommodate the Queen Visenya, the anchor was dropped and the lines secured the ship in place. Then began the long task of the ship being inspected by the Port Officials to determine their cargo and also checked the crew for any potentially dangerous diseases, Haeron speaking with them in fluent Braavosi and earning him looks of awe from Jaime. Eventually when no disease were found and their cargo holds checked the ship was given the stamp of approval and the crew were allowed to disembark.
Stepping off of the ship was a relief for Jaime as he wasn't used to travelling by ship and was greatly appreciating the ground beneath his feet, Haeron with Kara still around his shoulder looked around and his dragon chirped with interest at all of the new smells and sights around and Haeron gently petted its head, reassuring it everything was okay. Kara had grown a little since they had left Westeros with a rich diet of spiced meat which he had magically preserved for the little dragon and would restore when he could. Spiced cooked meat according to the sources uncovered by Brynden Rivers was the best for dragons and that they be given plenty of room to move about so they could grow healthily.
Most people didn't even realise what Haeron had around his shoulders, after all no one had seen a living dragon in over a century and word that had managed to hatch one had yet to reach Braavos for the moment. Many just assumed it was a pet lizard as he and Jaime walked through the streets to his first destination.
They made their way along the canals and rivers that weaved through the city, crossing the many bridges, Jaime as marvelling at all of the sights and sounds around him never having seen something like this before as Haeron explained.
"Braavos was founded by escaped slaves, fleeing Valyria, They found this swamp and built themselves a settlement, hiding their location and origin for centuries even after the Freehold fell. But they were a smart and cunning people, making one of the greatest and richest cities in the world." Haeron told Jaime as they moved through the city, giving an overview of the city's history before they reached the Moon Pool.
The elaborate fountain was large, easily as a big as a yard and could fit at least thirty or more people comfortably. It was made of white marble with statues of different animals in the shape of a half moon. It was extremely well made and beautiful to look at, the artistry was impressive Haeron thought as he and Jaime admired it before turning to their real destination.
"The Iron Bank of Braavos. The most powerful institution perhaps in the entire world." Haeron said with calm respect of that power that was greater than any throne in the rest of the world. Haeron and Jaime both looked at the enormous structure before them. It was bigger than most castles in Westeros with only a few like Winterfell, Highgarden and the Red Keep being bigger. Carved of the same white stone as other important buildings in the city with a design that Haeron if he was still on Earth would have described as Venetian Gothic, with made carved arches, statues, artful spires and towers.
Easily one of the most elegant buildings that either of them had ever seen. Jaime however was confused at him describing the Iron Bank as the most powerful institution in the world.
"How can a bank be more powerful than a king?" Jaime asked mystified and Haeron told him simply.
"Money is what makes civilisations move Jaime, the Iron Bank is money lender to kings, princes, rulers of all kinds and others who will find themselves being threatened by rivals who can suddenly afford armies if they do not pay it back. Or assassins might find them in their beds. You can't reason with them, you can't threaten them, if you don't want to fall then you pay it back." Haeron told him and Jaime was unnerved at his description of the bank.
"Are you taking out a loan?" Jaime asked him, worried at that kind of leverage over the future king of Westeros and Haeron surprised him by shaking his head.
"I have no need of a loan Jaime. I have an account here." Haeron said referring to the money that he had been secretly sending to Braavos for years before walking towards the enormous doors of the bank. They were already open and they entered into a white marble structure with gold leaf for decoration as men in simple yet well made clothing walked around carrying various documents, Haeron and Jaime waited for a moment before an attendant led them to a meeting room, it was large and long with grey stone walls not to mention a large glazed wooden table and three throne like chairs and two simple stone benches in front of it. Opaque glass windows allowed in light and so they waited for their meeting, Jaime impatiently paced while Haeron stood calmly.
Fortunately they did not have to wait long, a single man walked out from behind the door that was behind the throne like chairs. He was a man approaching his middle age with greying around the edges of his hair and a rather dour demeanour but he gave a respectful nod to Haeron as he entered.
"Welcome to Braavos Prince Haeron Targaryen." The Representative spoke before gesturing to the stone benches. "Please sit."
Jaime was confused at why Haeron did so on the stone benches when he should be treated better as a prince but then remembered just what the prince had said about the Iron Bank and sat on the other bench, staying quiet as he observed. If Dimittis did recognise that Haeron had a dragon on his shoulder he merely blinked and continued, thinking it couldn't be a dragon and instead must be a lizard of some kind.
"Your squire Jaime Lannister I presume?" The man said and Haeron nodded while Jaime blinked in surprise that the Iron Bank knew who he was.
"Indeed, I felt he might benefit from a visit to the Bank...to understand better how the world works. Master Dimittis." Haeron said, revealing that he knew who this man was too.
"It is good that you recognise the need to educate others Prince Haeron." Dimittis said with a nod and then placed several documents on the table. "The investments made with your gold, as you requested."
"Thank you Master Dimittis, the Iron Bank will have its due." Haeron replied as he took the documents and began to read them, Dimittis waited as he did so. Jaime was confused as to why he wouldn't call the other man at why he wasn't receiving the respect he deserved and asked Dimittis.
"Lord Dimittis..." Jaime started to say but Dimittis told him quickly but sternly.
"There are no lords here boy, power is not handed from one generation to another. In the Iron Bank, you must prove you are capable of handling it." He said coldly and Jaime was about to answer back when Haeron interrupted so to not make this an incident.
"The world is not the same as Westeros Jaime, lords are very much a norm there but not here. While wealth and power do sometimes pass down their family line, power must be earned here." Haeron told him and Master Dimittis nodded in agreement, his expression relieved if dour.
"Well said Prince Haeron. And I am sure that the investments you have specified have made a reasonable rate of return." Dimittis said and Haeron replied calmly.
"Indeed they have Master Dimittis. I thank you for your time, now I must attend to other business as I am sure you must too. Good day." Haeron said as he got up to leave followed quickly by Dimittis and Jaime, shaking hands before Haeron and Jaime left the room and then the bank.
"I think that we should go and see the Bridge of Eyes next. It is said that you can see all of the city from there." Haeron said as he petted Kara who he had not raised a fuss at the boring meeting.
"The whole city?!" Jaime asked, still trying to wrap his head around how different things were here compared to Westeros. But he was still excited to see the city and Haeron nodded before they set off on their long walk.
- x -
It took a good hour before they finally reached the Bridge of Eyes with some horses they procured, located high on nearby hills it was made of stone with many faces carved into it making it as much of a work of art and other important structures in the city. They had to climb many steps to reach it but eventually they managed it. Golor was a few steps behind them as they climbed, it was hard going on Jaime and Golor but eventually they reached the top where they looked out at a great reward.
"Magnificent." Golor said as he saw it with his eyes wide and Jaime just nodded while Haeron looked himself, even Kara liked to look out at the vast city below.
"It is indeed, but I may need to amend my strategy." Haeron said as he contemplated his next move, he had allies in Westeros but not enough to overpower Aerys if the other kingdoms rallied against them not to mention he wasn't sure that some like Tywin however much he admired the man could be trusted to stay true to him. Dorne and the North he was fairly sure of but they were two against many and very far apart.
He would need much more if he was to overthrow Aerys and take the throne Haeron knew with worry.
"Coin makes the world go round. You said so yourself." Jaime said with a teasing grin which made Haeron raise an eyebrow but that did give Haeron an idea.
Coin would be needed in any case especially as it would allow him to hire sellswords to supplement his forces if nothing else not to mention ships to move them. He had a good sized fortune but that would never be enough to sustain him in the long term, so what he needed was a larger source of wealth that he could use to build up his coin while waiting for Kara to grow.
Then he would be a much better position to try and take the throne from Aerys he realised and knew this was a plan that could take years to accomplish if he knew the Mad King well then he would only make it easier for him in the long run. Smirking slightly to himself as he now had an idea of just what to do.
The Red Keep, Kings Landing...Same Moment...
"Ser Roger Rosby, you failed to detect the plans of the rebel and traitor Haeron formerly of House Targaryen. You are condemned to die by the flames." The Chief Pyromancer of the Alchemist Guild Rossart said with a sinister grin as the former Master of Whispers was burnt alive in front of the terrified court.
"YOUR GRACE! PLEASE!" Ser Rosby screamed out as the wildfire was ignited around him and then in pain as his body was consumed by it.
"So ends the traitor!" Aerys replied as his Master of Whispers was burned alive. Scaring the hell out of all of them before he turned to his replacement spymaster...one that had been recruited due to rumours of his incredible reputation in that field.
"Serve me well Master Varys or suffer the same fate." Aerys warned the bald eunuch foreigner who took it with good grace and merely nodded calmly.
"I will do so your grace. I have never intended anything else." Varys said simply.
"Good!" Aerys said with a spluttering indignation before making his demand. "Find me a dragon egg! A real one, a reward will be paid to the man who succeeds." Aerys demanded to both Varys and his court, his real desire coming into view. To have a dragon of his own, a fierce beast that would be like Balerion and burn away all of his enemies he thought with a raging passion for that day when he would destroy all of his enemies. But there was another matter to attend too.
"Find a new knight for the Kingsguard!" He demanded
Many in the court left the room to see to sending out messages to achieve just that, hoping it would earn them great favour. With the Mad King that was dangerous but finding him one would be better than failing too they all reasoned and it wasn't a sure thing that he could hatch it, they reassured themselves. They still didn't know how Prince Haeron had done it and he was a far more intelligent man that his father, so the chances Aerys would do it was almost nothing. But still there was a good opportunity to place someone in the Kingsguard
Rhaella did however worry deeply that he somehow could manage it and that would to her mind be an utter disaster, she comforted her three younger children and dearly wished with annoyance that Rhaegar for once might have taken some interest in his family and been a more involved in the care and assurance of Shaena, Daeron and Viserys to all of the problems they were facing but he had chosen this moment to go to Oldtown she thought with great frustration at how far removed he was from the reality of life outside of his tales as she was left to do it all.
The Citadel, Oldtown, the Reach...
Rhaegar rode into Oldtown, his face calm and unremarkable as he took little notice of the large lighthouse and castle of Hightower in the distance. His only thought was on his destination, the Citadel. At his side was Ser Darry, openly alert to any threats that might be lurking around. The Citadel loomed ahead, not a single building but a number of them clustered together and he saw his arrival had been anticipated as Rhaegar saw a man in grey Maester robes standing there to meet him, there were many links in his long chain with different metals which Rhaegar could identify as being a well studied man and there was a large dark metal key on his chain, showing him to be an Archmaester.
The man was short and squat but with a thick neck and large hands. He however had curious and intelligent eyes, he bowed as Rhaegar approached with Ser Darry.
"Welcome to the Citadel Prince Rhaegar. We are honoured by your visit." The Archmaester said with a smile. Rhaegar nodded in acceptance before commenting.
"I am pleased to finally visit such a place of learning as the Citadel. Archmaester...?" Rhaegar asked, wondering just who he was talking too. The Archmaester dutifully answered.
"Marwyn your grace. Please follow me. Rooms have been prepared for you and your sworn shield during your stay." Marwyn said as they walked through the entrance and into the main library building.
"You have my gratitude but I am eager to begin." Rhaegar said with some impatience to get started which Marwyn despite his usual ability to make the most unusual friends was struggling to make any headway with the prince. He did keep his annoyance in check as he led him to the main library chamber.
When they finally arrived, walking through large stacks of books many of which were far older than Rhaegar himself the sight of the main hall made even Rhaegar look on in amazement. So many sources of knowledge in the vast and many levelled space, with the enormous hanging mirror arrangements to light all of the areas.
It would be impossible to read them all Rhaegar thought with disappointment but there would be knowledge enough to fulfil even his desire for it he realised with excitement as he began to tell the scribes and apprentices around them just which texts he wanted.
- x -
Some hours later Rhaegar was sat at a desk reading an old tome from the Ancient Winter Kings, it was still incredible that such things had survived or at least long enough to be copied and preserved but it was extremely useful to his researches he thought with satisfaction at the discovery of a weapon to use against the 'Others' when they came.
Dragonglass.
A material that was nearly useless in most things but it was now or would be one day the most important mineral in the entire world! He reasoned, knowing there was immense quantities of it on Dragonstone and his brother had been finding uses for it so he would have to make sure it was ready for use when the time came.
But then he saw a face that he had not seen in many years approaching him.
"Maester Robar." Rhaegar said in greeting, remembering his childhood mentor. He had aged but hadn't they all he thought with some casual humour. The man that he now saw had the chains and key of an Archmaester now seemed surprised that Rhaegar had remembered him.
"Your grace, it has been many years. It is a pleasure to see you again." Robar said with a slight bow and he then asked. "How are your family? Your siblings?"
Rhaegar was not ignorant, he was asking about his elder brother. He had been the reason that Robar had resigned as Grandmaester, not helping when the crown prince had been nearly killed by their father. Rhaegar had not seen it at the time but remembered Lady Joanna Lannister being his caretaker for some time as his mother stayed with Haeron. He admired his brother for his endurance to survive such a thing and was glad in some ways he was the elder brother as it made dealing with their father Haeron's issue rather than his.
"They are well, apart from my elder brother's unofficial banishment of course." Rhaegar said with some confusion in his voice as he wondered if that meant he had had to deal with Aerys now. But Haeron he knew had a dragon, that was itself remarkable and more certain that the time when the Prince that was Promised was approaching.
"Yes, terrible business that." Robar said with a pained look on his face having to ask about Prince Haeron, the boy he had seen scarred by his own father and now forced to flee to Essos or be killed. It wretched his heart to see such things happen to someone that could well be another Jaehaerys, the Wise King come again but he would be back, Robar thought as all that he had heard of the prince since leaving the Red Keep made it clear he would not allow Aerys to be unchecked forever. The dragon he had hatched had shocked the Citadel when they had heard of it. After over a century, the dragons were back! It was a miracle and had caused much debate around the Citadel but Robar was proud that the prince he had known had achieved such a great feat regardless of how it turned out.
But then he remembered the reason that he had originally approached Prince Rhaegar and had to give him some bad news.
"I am afraid though that the other Archmaesters would not agree to allow you to see the copy of Blood and Fire your grace. I know not their reasons but they will not let you see it." Robar told him sadly. The real reason was something that he was honour bound not to say as their copy, the only one known to exist in the world had disappeared during the reign of Daeron the 2nd and they didn't want to admit it. They had been looking for signs of it but nothing had appeared in all of these years.
Rhaegar frowned as that was the text that he wanted to see the most, it was probably the greatest text on dragons known to exist but he couldn't do anything about that for the moment and then a figure appeared that thankfully provided a distraction.
"Arthur, this is a pleasant surprise." Rhaegar said as he rose to his feet and greeted his long time friend. Ser Arthur dutifully bowed to the Prince and told him.
"Your grace, it is a happy coincidence that I was here as I have just been named to the Kingsguard." Ser Arthur told him, it was a great honour but it was a tainted honour as it meant serving Aerys who was fast becoming a source of fear in all of the Seven Kingdoms. He had already brutally scarred his eldest son and then driven him into exile and that was just to his own son, not counting the countless other victims he had. Arthur was troubled at the idea of having to serve Aerys but contented himself with the idea that he might be able to serve as guard to the other members of the family like Rhaegar or his younger siblings. It was shame that Prince Haeron was not going to be there as he would dearly have liked to test his sword arm against him, some say that he was one of the few rivals for the prince in Westeros but he could at least see if Barristan the Bold would be a real challenge for him he reasoned to himself.
"Then I will be very grateful to have you around." Rhaegar said calmly, hoping that Arthur might be helpful to have at his side. He was certainly a good warrior and knight, an easy fit for the Kingsguard and would honour his vows of fealty.
Rhaegar then without bothering with another word went back to reading while Robar, Arthur and Ser Darry all looked at him in annoyance at his attitude and went one to talk among themselves. Ser Darry and Arthur were both gifted with copies of an account of all the different men that had been a part of the Kingsguard over the centuries and their deeds to look over, largely so they could both learn more of the legacy of the Kingsguard but also to keep them distracted as Rhaegar did not look like he would be leaving the library for quite some time.
Arthur would soon earn his own deed for the Book of Brothers though as a group of bandits began to work around the Kingswood, emboldened by the absence of Haeron who had kept them down for some many years. Led by a mad fool who was always smiling the rumours would say.
Temple of the Moonsingers, Braavos...
Haeron and Jaime sat on the long wooden benches as the Moonsingers carried out their service, it was certainly a different to the services of the Seven in Westeros they thought as everything was done in song...the entire service.
They listened and it was quite moving before eventually it came to an end, they left the service and took a drink of water in the main hall where they listened carefully to all of the people while marvelling at the most impressive temple in Braavos. Made of snow white marble, windows with milk glass that showed the various stages of the moon and a massive silver coloured dome on the top it was very impressive which given that according to legend it had been the Moonsingers that guided the escaped slaves to the place where Braavos would be built was only just. Kara quietly slept having fallen asleep during the long service and was sure to be cranky when the dragon woke up but for now Haeron let the little dragon sleep on his shoulders.
"While that was interesting, why are we bothering with all of this?" Jaime asked as they left the temple, confused all of the touring of the city that they had been doing. Haeron told him with a calm tone as they walked the length of the Canal of Heroes.
"There are many ways to learn Jaime. One of them is to learn by study which is what you know from the Maesters but there is also learn by doing. To actually experience things yourself so you can learn from them. I am trying to give you as broad a view of the world as is possible." Haeron said as he felt while Jaime was in his care that the boy should learn as much as he could. "But there is another reason too. I intend to expand the holdings and coin I have available to me and for that I need to be aware of any opportunities that exist. Local knowledge is the best as it will reveal things that you will never know otherwise." Haeron explained and Jaime nodded in understanding, actually excited to see more of the world and knowing that the prince was right to take advantage of the possibilities that existed but there were still questions he wanted answered.
"But why go to so many places?" Jaime asked as they had been going all of the city. They had visited many taverns and some playhouses like the Blue Lantern to watch a performance and listened as people around them spoke. Haeron gave a rare smile before telling Jaime another key piece of advice.
"Because you should never have just one source of information, it could be bias or outright wrong. Worse one that could be controlled by your enemies to feed you lies. By finding information from various sources you can confirm what you know and get a larger picture of a situation." Haeron explained as they walked the canal. Jaime nodded in understanding even if it went somewhat over his head as he was starting to learn how things worked.
"Have you any more thoughts on what you would like to do going forward?" Haeron asked Jaime as they continued their way along the canals, Jaime who was still deeply uncertain on his future spoke honestly.
"I just want to be remembered. I don't want a life of simply managing Casterly Rock and living in my father's shadow." Jaime admitted to Haeron who nodded in understanding.
"I can relate believe me." Haeron said not wanting to have his entire life in the shadow of Aerys and his madness. "I think that we all have the choice of how we live our lives, we all have the option to make a decision for good or bad. Chances to make your life your own will present themselves and if they don't make them yourself, ultimately it is your life. Live it as you choose." Haeron told him with understanding eyes as he knew full well how the boy felt. In both lives that he had the chance to do things as he had wanted had been taken from him many times due to either Voldemort, Dumbledore or both in his life as Harry while in this one it was Aerys or his position.
Jaime looked uncertain at the advice but did perk up a little and smiled as they reached an important landmark in Braavos, its incredible shipyard the Arsenal. Looking at the fortified shipyard which was reputed to be the most efficient and fastest in the world they stared for a moment before Haeron asked with a smile.
"Shall we see?" He said pointing clearly at the structure and Jaime stared for a moment before grinning with excitement.
- x -
Days passed and a festival known as 'The Uncloaking' began in Braavos, to celebrate the city finally emerging publicly with ten days of masked revelry and feasting, Haeron and the others used this while he toured the city with Jaime so to try and encourage his imagination and to discover the rest of the world and employed the knowledge that they had gathered on their tours of the city to find those that would be agreeable to make alliances with him.
It had been difficult to create a list but slowly the information had come and it was now his job to convince them all to meet with him. Messages were being exchanged as he made efforts to get them all to meet and with slow determination he was wearing down opposition, many already had agreed to meet with him in the Palace of Truth in several more days which would hopefully give him time to visit more of the city while trying to convince the stragglers to join them.
Today he and Jaime had gone to Drowned Town and seen all of the buildings there, some of which now fully submerged in the lagoon. After that they had visited the temple known as the Gardens of Geleni which had surprised them as it wasn't a garden but rather a large tree around a hundred feet high made of bronze with leaves of hammered silver. They had an appointment to meet with the First Sealord of Braavos that afternoon and had visited several other places but as they were on their way back to the ship they came to a rocky knoll with a large building made of simple sand coloured stone which was unlike other buildings in Braavos without windows or much decoration.
Haeron did not know much about this building and stared at it with curiosity as he could feel magic here, magic unlike anything he had felt as Harry or as Haeron, Kara who was normally content to merely watch from his shoulders did not like the place he felt and was moaning in fear. Haeron and Jaime were both shocked by this and then the large doors opened, a man in simple robes with hair that was long and in two colours, one red and the other white. He was himself pale skinned but his eyes were strangely intense.
"Prince Haeron, Jaime Lannister. Please, allow me to show you the House of Black and White." The man said in a strange emotionless voice.
That immediately set Haeron on edge as he knew of them, he had heard many things about them that honestly worried him and the strange man told them as if sensing their thoughts. "Keep your weapons."
Haeron despite his instincts telling him to leave and Jaime looking uncertain did step inside, ready to use his magic and any means at his disposal to get himself, Jaime and Kara out safely. They walked through the large doors and then saw the simple stone interior as they were led down a long set of stairs until they reached a large hall with enormous pillars around a pool of clear water.
But there were small alcoves along both the walls and pillars which had something that was deeply unsettling to Haeron and Jaime...faces, preserved faces of people. Kara was huddled as deeply into Haeron as the poor little dragon could and even retreated inside his long coat to hide which only made the situation worse.
"The Faceless Men, the greatest assassins in the world. Able to change their face according to legend." Haeron said calmly but was ready to reach Crimson Heart...if there was any sign of an ambush.
"No legend." The man said calmly and before their eyes he took a face off the pillar and turned away and then when he turned back it was a completely different man looking back at them. An old man with a kindly face smiled at them before he turned back around and then his time when he turned back he had become a woman with raven hair and the tanned skin of middle age and then turned around again only to become a young girl of thirteen with pale blonde hair and skin.
Haeron and Jaime both were wide eyed in astonishment at what they were seeing, the only things even close in the other world had been the polyjuice potion or metamorphagus like Tonks, but this went even deeper than that as height and build changed too and with just placing the face on your own face!
With a skill like that both of them could see how they were the best assassins in the world but Haeron did have a question of his own.
"Would you take a contract to kill Aerys Targaryen?" Haeron asked and Jaime who was still trying to wrap his head around the shape-changing was now wondering if the prince would actually do it, put the contract out on his own father but then what the Faceless Man said as he returned to his original face shocked them both even worse.
"The Many Faced God will only allow such a contract if a sacrifice is made. One of your own blood must die too, either your mother or one of your younger siblings."
The silence in the room was deafening and Haeron didn't waste a second before drawing Crimson Heart and pointing it straight at the man, Jaime doing the same with his own sword, horrified at the idea.
"Never." Haeron said with gritted teeth and the man, unconcerned about the fact that he had two swords pointing at him just stared for a moment.
"No chance." Jaime said in agreement and the fact he seemed to be threatening the queen and her children in front of Haeron just seemed absurd to him. But the man just told them with his ridiculous calm.
"And that is why it was set. You will find another way to do what you need to achieve and while the road is longer, you will do it." The man said calmly before telling him with a creepy smile. "I bid you good fortune and know that we will not take a contract out on you or any member of your family in the future, at least in your lifetime."
Haeron was not in the least reassured by that and almost grabbed Jaime's hand as they made their exit, the man staring after them with a knowing smile, as if understanding their fates and knew what was to come.
They exited the House of Black and White, walking away from it as quickly as they could and back to the Queen Visenya. Neither of them wanting to talk about what they had experienced in there, even though Davos had half a mind too as he saw how unsettled the two of them were. Both took a while to calm themselves down and reassure Kara who was still deeply scared by the Faceless Men, it took quite awhile before they finally left the ship again to go to the Sealord's Palace for their meeting.
- x -
The Palace of the Sealord was as impressive as any in Westeros if not more so, a huge complex of buildings centred around a large one that was built with the same white stone as other important buildings in the city with as many fountains and statues and decorative stone work among domes and high towers. A large golden thunderbolt stood atop of the palace which seemed so tacky in comparison to the rest of it but Haeron and Jaime nevertheless entered the palace where an attendant greeted them.
"Greetings Prince Targaryen, Young Lannister. Please follow me." The attendant said and led them on a walk through the palace to see the Sealord, a rather long and winding one that showed off many of the treasures and trophies that the Sealords of Braavos had collected over the years and the incredible menagerie, a private zoo containing animals and birds from across the known world. This was the size of a small keep by itself with many enclosures like a zoo with an incredible collection of animals. Haeron recognised many of them including the large elephant which completely astonished Jaime, Haeron suppressed a smile at his enthusiasm before they carried on as he knew full well the reason for this tour of the palace was to make it seem more impressive. The same play despite whatever side of the Narrow Sea you were on he thought with a sigh at the pointless posturing.
Regardless they finally arrived at the solar where the Sealord was waiting, it had a balcony where the Sealord was sitting at a table sipping some drink, looking out over the harbour and city below. He didn't acknowledge them at first, another pointless power play Haeron knew but he ignored it and kept his resolve until the Sealord turned to face them.
"Prince Targaryen, your reputation proceeds you." The Sealord said before ignoring Jaime and going straight to the dragon around Haeron's shoulders and his eyes widened as the rumours that he had heard were true, the Prince had a dragon. He could scarcely believe it, after so many years a species that had once terrified the entire world was back again. He looked at the little red dragon and having seen images of fully grown beasts he was immediately interested in acquiring it for his collection.
"As does that of Braavos, it is a most impressive city." Haeron said calmly, not returning the compliment but giving a statement that the Sealord could hardly argue with as he was praising the city. A slight revenge for the power games before.
"Indeed, now there was the matter of your proposal." The Sealord Ferrego said with a controlled smile. This was almost a duel between the two men which astonished Jaime that negotiations could be this tense.
"Indeed, you are no doubt aware of my problems with Aerys, what I am in search of is allies that I hope will aid me in the future." Haeron said simply and the Sealord nodded with a slight grin as if he was now in a position of power.
"I can see the need for it and I will be willing to not only form an alliance with you and give your new merchant guild...certain advantages to get it started properly. But I want your new ship design in return." Ferrego said with a sly smirk.
The atmosphere was tense and Haeron frowned while Jaime glared at the Sealord for making such a demand.
"Those designs are Westerosi." Haeron said quietly with a cold voice and Ferrego just kept on smirking.
"And now they will be Braavosi. If you want my aid then that is the price." Ferrego said knowing he had the prince over a barrel.
Jaime honestly was expecting Haeron to just walk out or try to adjust the terms, but instead he made a different concession.
"I want an assurance that those ships will not be used against Westeros." Haeron said and then added some more incentives he wanted. Exclusive use of certain docks and other resources, Jaime watched as the men men exchanged different concessions they were willing and unwilling to give before finally they laid their final terms on the table.
"I will make no guarantee as to whether those ships will be used in war as who knows what the future might bring. But I will give your ships docking priority, access to the Arsenal for repairs, a lesser port fee and tax and less scrutiny when docking." Ferrego said with a smirk of triumph while Haeron nodded in agreement, pulling out a roll of parchment and making a show of writing the details of their agreement before signing it himself and then allowing Ferrego to do the same. Haeron then pulled out the designs and handed them to the Sealord before they shook on it and then as they went to leave the Sealord asked them with a smug mood.
"Are you coming to the ball outside the Iron Bank tomorrow?" The Sealord asked and Haeron who surprisingly looked in a good mood despite being forced to give over the design replied.
"Of course, it is a rare experience I would not like to miss. Now Jaime we have to be on our way and before you even consider asking, no my dragon is not for sale." Haeron said before walking proudly out of the palace with Jaime at his heels.
"My prince." Jaime said, looking confused. "Why would you let the Sealord manipulate you like that?"
What Jaime did not expect Haeron to do was laugh out loud as they walked down the canal! He had never heard the prince laugh before and it was somewhat scary being deep and rumbling, sending a chill up his spine before Haeron managed to calm himself down.
"Why do you think he manipulated me? I got I wanted for something they would eventually get themselves. The new designs are already in the hands of some Westerosi houses and I have no doubt that the Braavosi could get hold of them if they really wanted for far less, it would just take longer. So by giving them the designs straight away and getting something that I need in return...the deal is still in my favour. Not to mention I asked for more solely so I could negotiate it down for what I really wanted. That Jaime is a key lesson in making deals, always conceal what it is you really want till you have secured it." Haeron said with a cold smirk.
He also didn't tell Jaime that the contract the Sealord had signed was magical and binding, if Ferrego tried to betray him he would suffer a very nasty wasting sickness that would kill him quickly if he even had the will power to not be stopped by the magic of the contract. He had spent a long time making that one Haeron thought with satisfaction since it would keep Ferrego from stabbing him in the back.
Jaime blinked in surprise before smiling as he saw the Prince had known exactly what he was doing and ensured success. He had never thought to really learn the art of negotiations but looking at it now he was starting to see it was like a fight but with words and not swords.
And Jaime would be very glad to learn how to do this from the Prince himself he thought with satisfaction that this voyage had been worthwhile.
The Last Night of the 'Uncloaking', Braavos...
The masked ball out of the Iron Bank was an exclusive event, only those invited were allowed and with the urging of the Sealord, Haeron and Jaime were there too. Many of their crew including Davos were enjoying a more casual celebration on the ship and in the local brothels.
Haeron and Jaime were dressed in fine velvets and had a mask on each but that was only for the event, ladies came to dance with them but Jaime admitted something to Haeron.
"I don't dance." Jaime said quietly in an ashamed whisper, he had never managed to learn and it was terrifying him to have to dance with ladies at a ball of this significance. Haeron however just calmly told him.
"But you learned the steps right?"
"Yes." Jaime replied nervously as some of the younger girls present were looking at him expectantly, he was prey to a pack of hungry lionesses he thought with discomfort.
"Then think of it like sparring practice." Haeron told him, using an example that he was much more comfortable with, Jaime was immediately confused before Haeron told him. "Dancing and fighting are all about footwork, they are not so different. Just relax and pretend that you are sparring with dance." He told him and then Haeron went over to a young woman in a pink mask and immediately began to dance with her flawlessly. He had been a horrible dancer as Harry but having been raised in the Red Keep as Haeron they had been to many formal events there so dancing practice had been essential.
Jaime was nervous but soon was approached by a girl about his age with dark brown hair and a light green mask. With some trepidation he took her hand and they walked out onto the dance floor, he was sweating and all he could do was try what the prince had told him in the hopes that he did not make a complete fool of himself.
He pictured in his mind that they were in a yard, him and an opponent who was his partner, practising their stances, he was stumbling over his footwork at first just like he had feared he would but the image in his mind of a yard where no-one else was watching started to make things a little easier and his mind fell into a pattern of the moves he had learned. He started getting a little better and more steady on his feet, smiling a little as his body seemed to remember what his mind could not and he just smirked wider as the dance continued.
- x -
It went on for quite awhile before it was finally time for the meeting that Haeron had worked so hard to arrange. In a building in the city, not far from the Iron Bank a group of men met with Haeron and Jaime, all sat around a long table which was laden with food and wine and all of them as was the custom were wearing masks. The men were waiting for the Titan to 'roar' which was made with special horns to mark the time to remove their masks. They were here to feast as they discussed Haeron's proposal.
When the time finally came the loud roar was heard across Braavos and a cheer went up through the city, masks were pulled off including by Haeron and Jaime who both joined the cheers before the feast started. It went on for some time before Haeron decided to it was time for the meeting. He picked up a bell he had found and rang calmly but firmly until they were all quiet and giving him their full attention so he could speak.
"I know many of you had other plans this evening so I thank you for your time in coming to this meeting. We are all here for one purpose, to make money. We all have something that the others at this table need. Some of you have goods but no way to move them, some of you have ships but no cargo to move with them, some of you have storehouses but nothing to fill them, some of you have contacts but nothing to use them for. These are the parts needed to build a successful group capable of making money...a lot of money." Haeron said as he stood up and walked around the table all of them listening with rapt attention as he spoke which may also have had something to do with the growing dragon that was draped around his shoulders. "Some I know will not be happy with the idea of us all working together, it is the nature of people after all but we need not be friends to work together. This is about making us rich, a business agreement that we honour and do not break. Trust that we can stick to it." Haeron said and then one of the Braavosi, a man who owned a small number of ships interrupted.
"Even if we did agree to your terms, what use are you Westerosi Valyrian?" He said with a sneer, disgusted at the foolish prince in front of him and Haeron if he was offended did not act like it. Instead he marshalled his calm and stared him straight in the eye, the man seemed to be unnerved as there had not been as much laughter or support for his statement as he had thought, many staying quiet as they were more wary than him of crossing Haeron.
"Is that why you have not been making any gold in the last year? Perhaps because you short change those that you work with and only go for the immediate coin rather than a long term investment. I will be the glue that holds this alliance together, the one that will make sure its rules are upheld and that everyone is an equal. I have acquired this very building as a place for us to do business and to stay if needed, but you I think were a mistake to bring here. Now be gone, the real men have true business to discuss." Haeron said calmly without batting an eye.
The man looked immediately enraged and pulled out his sword, a small thin narrow blade to duel him with. Haeron did not even need Crimson Heart as he pulled out a short sword of his own, it was a smaller version of a long sword similar to the Earth Gladius. The other man charged at the prince but Haeron proved surprisingly fluid, parrying and moving like a water dancer with instincts he had spent years honing.
The man was enraged and did not realise that Haeron had clearly been prepared for a fight, he already knew how a Braavosi fights and that this would happen. He easily equalled the angered man and then with a careful deflection he managed to force his enemy's sword to the side and then stabbed him in the chest with a single ruthless thrust.
The men looked unsettled but given the man had been a rival of some of them for some time and others in this room he had used and then betrayed many of them in the past they didn't feel much sympathy for him. That was the reason Haeron had brought him here, to make them all know that he was serious, capable and more to the point many of them were quite happy to see the man dead.
They all took a few moments to think about it but slowly, one by one they all signed the charter that he had created. A magical binding contract that would ensure they all stuck too it, the weak willed among them would never be able to violate it, those that did have the will to try would be killed slowly by the curses he had spent quite some time laying into it, the opal ring on his hand was the only reason he could do these things now and he would need to make sure he used it when possible.
The rules of the charter were not so strict, it largely was promising to make honest transactions with other members and to stick to it, to combine resources and make money when doing it. His own role was to expand the network and to ensure the rules were upheld, he would gain some coin from this, a steady income and he had not been lying as this could indeed make them all very rich.
Then when the last straggler had signed Haeron raised a glass of wine along with Jaime who was broadly smirking as things were going just as they had hoped. But then one of the merchants, a prince that had contacts in Qohor and Norvos and would be extremely useful in expanding their influence there had a request in exchange for his joining the guild.
"My daughter is being held in Myr." Xander Questyr said as he sat at the table, a man of roughly the same age as Tywin Lannister with a head of dark brown hair that was starting to go grey. "Alicys is an adventurous girl and wanted to travel but a rival of mine down in Myr captured her and is now taunting me with it. He is not even bothering to extort favour or money he is doing it solely to torment me. I want her safe and away from him." Xander demanded with some desperation in his voice.
Haeron and Jaime were surprised but given how petty the Mad King was it was hardly something that they hadn't seen before. But to travel to a city on this rescue mission was certainly a big request but given his role as the enforcer of this guild it would be his responsibility to help its members.
"Rescue the damsel? We'll do it." Jaime said suddenly which made Haeron look at Jaime with a raised eyebrow and Jaime was looking rather excited at the idea of a quest and rescuing a 'damsel'. It sounded like something legendary knights of old did and Xander looked at him with amusement before telling him.
"I am sure that my daughter would never consider herself a damsel but if she can be rescued, me and my sons would be grateful." Xander said and Haeron nodded before adding.
"We will need to stop in Pentos first but yes we will rescue your daughter, what is her name? And how will we know her?" Haeron asked calmly and Xander looked somewhat annoyed by the delay but actually relieved that someone would bring Alicys back.
"Her name is Alicys and I have a portrait of her made not too long ago. She is being held by Ryiam Triyr." Xander told them and Haeron nodded in acceptance. They eventually were shown the portrait after a few servants fetched it, the girl in it was in was about fourteen or so years of age. She had a oval shaped face with a rich mane of dark brown hair, her smile was wide and seemed almost to beam out of the painting, her deep brown eyes seeming to tease.
Jaime was just staring at the portrait, completely enamoured with it which made Haeron share a look with Xander who whispered to him.
"My daughter has that effect on people." He told Haeron sounding a little worried. Haeron nodded understandingly and reassured him.
"I'll make sure nothing goes too far." Haeron said to make him feel better before speaking to Jaime when he could tear himself away from the portrait.
"So what have you exactly got us into? Do you know?" Haeron asked Jaime with a calm look on his face before asking more questions with the intention to make him realise how little they actually knew about this before they got started. "Where in Myr is she being held? What state is she likely to be in? Will they have influenced her to change her allegiance? How many men will we need? Do we need another ship to get into Myr or as an escape? Hmm?" Haeron asked him.
Jaime who was confident a moment ago seemed to deflate with each question as he realised the work that actually went into a 'quest', he honestly was now looking rather scared, unnerved and guilty before Haeron grinned a little and told him.
"We'll adapt but let that be a lesson about getting yourself committed to things without thinking it through." Haeron said with a knowing look in his eyes. They eventually after finding some more details from Xander left to prepare for their voyage. Along the way Jaime could not help but ask.
"People say you lost your joy and humour when...when it happened." Jaime said, not wanting to mention the whipping but needing to understand. "But you still have them, I can see it. Why hide it?"
"I don't hide it Jaime, who I let see it is another matter." Haeron said becoming colder and more firm with even word. "I used to wear my heart on my sleeve and trust without caution, that action not only got me whipped so badly that I nearly died but also got a number of other people killed before their lives could even begin by people I admired. I remember their faces Jaime even now, I learned that day that trust is something you can ill-afford to give out so easily. That not everyone can be trusted and so now I only allow people to see a different part of me that I can trust. For a time, I was literally as you say heartless but it is a poor way to live your life. Remember Jaime, trust is like glass, once shattered it can never be repaired, replaced yes but never as it was."
Jaime was looking unsettled by that but nodded, thinking the prince was a far deeper man than he was able to understand.
Haeron on the other hand was lost momentarily in his memories of the past and wondered about the Kingsguard again. He had not pursued his revenge openly against them yet but that was because he was not sure just what would be the best revenge on them. It was petty but he still held them responsible for his original group of friends dying and he had no idea just what to do about it. He was not so blind that he thought all knights were evil, especially as he was now one himself and he had met Ser Lewyn along with others but also he had been told his whole life that Duncan the Tall had been the one to save him as a babe but this group of knights needed to be taught a lesson but what would be best he pondered, how to make them pay? He pondered before petting Kara who was now starting to get heavy he thought she was still draped around his neck.
- x -
Captain's Cabin, Queen Visenya, in Braavos...
"A voyage to Pentos and Myr is easy your grace." Davos said as he stood over a table covered with charts and navigational equipment. His experience at sea showing as he showed them the easiest and fastest routes. "Once we set sail we can be in Pentos in mere days and a week after that in Myr."
"Good Ser Davos, I trust your skill as a captain and greater experience. But I am thinking that if we are to expand this Merchant Alliance of ours then we might go further." Haeron said with a look of careful consideration in his eyes, Jaime instantly perked up at the idea of going to other places that he had only heard whispers about. Myr, Lys, Tyrosh and maybe Volantis or perhaps even further than that he thought with excitement.
Davos looked at Haeron with a considering look on his face, wondering himself just how far the prince was hoping to go and decided to ask to find out.
"Just how far do you intend to go your grace?" Davos asked and Haeron said with a smile to both of them.
"As far as we dare. But we will consider that with each port we travel too. So for now we concern ourselves with Pentos and then Myr. From there we can go to Tyrosh and Lys before heading to Volantis. Once there we will consider our options." Haeron decided, knowing this voyage could go a lot further than that but for now they would deal with the immediate future. The bigger and more reaching the merchant alliance grew too then the more wealth and power it commanded, making sure that it equipped to help him take the throne when they were ready. He had already worked to make sure that his mother and siblings could escape or be rescued if needed and when he was king he would be able to expand their reach into Westeros.
But that he thought was in the future, making him focus on the present.
For now it was time when things were settled which would take another day before they set sail for Pentos.
Queen Visenya, Narrow Sea...On route to Pentos...Two Days Later...
The Queen Visenya was again at sea after its prolonged stay in Braavos, the crew had been a little reluctant to leave but being told that they were on a voyage to the Free Cities of Pentos, Myr, Lys and Tyrosh had gotten them excited especially Lys as it was famous for its pillow houses as they were known.
Haeron working in his room on what he intended to do when they landed in Pentos which should not take them long while also feeding his dragon who was now the size of a hound, Jaime who was still not used to being at sea stood next to Davos who was commanding the ship and looking out over the incredible span of ocean all around them. The vastness of the water was somewhat different on a ship Jaime thought with awe at the scale of it. He had grown up at Casterly Rock so that was a coastal castle but that was on land and being surrounded by water like this was a humbling and in some ways terrifying feeling he thought with a chill running through him as he began to realise how small people were compared to the ocean and how it could swallow you whole with ease which only made him wonder why anyone would want to sail it? He turned to Davos and asked him.
"Why do you sail?" Jaime asked him and Davos turned to the young man with a look of respectful bemusement.
"Why do you want to be a knight?" Davos asked him with a small smile on his face.
"Its my dream, or at least it was." Jaime admitted, not sure if it was even something he aspired too any more after all he had learned about knights and how often they were either overstated bodyguards or hypocritical liars. Not all of them but many and he wasn't interested in that being his future. What exactly he wanted he didn't know now, he was hoping that he might find it on this trip and certainly he had already learned a lot from the prince, certainly his sword arm was improving he thought but also he was starting to see the world was different to how he had always thought it and how his sister had always said it was. The thought of Cersei also brought some confusion as while he was deeply worried for her as who knows what punishment their father had put her through he was also starting to see her in a different light.
She had wanted him to join the Kingsguard so that when she had become queen he would be there at her side, regardless of the fact they would be betraying not only his vows but her husband if she even managed to wed a king or prince he thought. More than that she had even suggested that they have children and pass them off as the crown prince or princess. He had thought her joking at the time but now he was wondering if she was serious.
The idea was starting to make him feel sick in the pit of his stomach.
Rather than think on it any more he returned to the question he had originally asked Davos.
"I mean, why work at sea where you could be killed at any moment? Isn't working on land safer?" Jaime asked him and Davos laughed much to Jaime's surprise.
"A friend of mine was crushed by pieces of stone falling off a building as he walked past to work as a dock worker. That was on land and yet he died young. Another one caught a pox and died in the street. Being on land or sea is not safer either way, death stalks us all young ser. Be you a king or a Nights Watch Ranger sooner or later we all end up dancing with the Stranger as they say." Davos told him which unsettled Jaime to think of all of the different ways you could die.
"Do what you know. That's the way I live my life. I know the sea and how to sail, that is why I do it. You must do what you know and if you don't like it, then learn something else but whatever you do, do it well." Davos told him with the air of a wise old man even if he wasn't that old to Jaime's eyes.
But that did not detract from what he said, certainly it was rough advice but it was true. He had never really put his everything into whatever he did. Maybe he should Jaime thought to himself as he knew he was good with a sword but what use was that really he considered and realised to himself that he needed to apply himself more...to achieve or find out what he wanted to do or he would be doing nothing more than be a tool for other people he thought with disgust, be it his sister, his father or anyone else...he would need to be his own person.
Bay of Pentos, Essos...A Few Days Later...
There was a large bay that gave Pentos its good sized harbour, a treaty established after they had lost a war long ago had limited their number of warships to only twenty warships, but plenty of trading vessels and fishing boats were around and after carefully making their way through the narrow passage into the bay and avoiding the small islands there they finally saw the city ahead.
Standing on deck as they sailed closer, Haeron and Jaime looked at the city with interest. It looked even at a distance different from Braavos, there were no waterways within the city for a start. The harbour while busy was nowhere near as big as Braavos or as organised, its walls were high but lacked many weapon emplacements or the sight of many guards either. Tilled roofs covered the city especially the many square bricked towers, the weather became distinctly warmer the moment that they sailed into the bay. There were many manses easily visible with walls of their own on the hills above as Haeron thought on this city. There was a prince in the city but they were a ceremonial role and little more than a figure head to perform in events and then if things weren't going well then to be sacrificed and another one chosen, real power was held by the Council of Magisters who were in reality the wealthiest people in the city.
But under them and even among them, there would be people he could treat with Haeron thought as they approached the docks.
Word of their arrival seemed to have reached the city as a crowd had gathered to meet them, men in their rich robes stood there with the leading figure ahead of them. He was in dark brown and gold coloured clothes and a pointed purple dyed beard, as they tied up on the dock and lowered the plank, Haeron, Davos and Jaime all stepped forward to meet them.
"Greeting Prince Targaryen, your presence is most welcome. I am Prince Tyhyo of Pentos." The prince said with calm politeness and a short bow. His eyes went to Kara who was riding on Haeron's shoulders and looked slightly disappointed for a second but only Haeron caught it. Needing to know just what they wanted so they could deal with it Haeron returned to the short bow to the prince and replied.
"It is a pleasure to see your exceptional city, I suspect though that your warm welcome comes from a place of needing something from me?" Haeron asked bluntly and the prince nodded sadly while the Magisters looked a little affronted but resigned.
"We are in need of your sword arm your grace." The Prince told him, finally getting to the point. There was some desperation in his voice which clearly showed how anxious for his help he was. "Long have we just offered gifts to the Dothraki so they would ride by our city but now a Khal from the far east named Yorhkl has brought his enormous khalasar to our city. We offered him gifts as we had done to many before him but he now thinks we are are only offering him small scraps and he wants to take everything instead." The Prince said with distress. "But he is a prideful man and if challenged by another warrior he will not be able to turn it down. But we have no-one of skill great enough to face him and win. You on the other hand your prince, your legendary skill with a blade is known even on this side of the Narrow Sea. We beg you to consider standing as our champion. We have so little time to convince you but what would you ask of us in return?"
Haeron was surprised as were Davos and Jaime by the request and reading the prince's mind he was very surprised to see that they were speaking the truth. They had tried to bribe the Dothraki as they usually did but it had this time it hadn't worked, the Khal was deliberately trying to unnerve them before he attacked. When they had heard that Haeron had a dragon they had hoped it was big enough to destroy the Dothraki but since Kara was clearly nowhere near large enough for that so they were counting on Haeron standing as their champion.
"Perhaps we could retire to a more secure setting to discuss such things." Haeron said and the prince nodded eagerly, hoping against hope that he might find a way to save the city from the Dothraki and his own neck at the same time as they would sacrifice him to whatever gods they chose to improve their standing with them.
As they walked to wheelhouses that would take them to the manse where they would discuss their situation more, Jaime asked him as the three of them were taken to the manse.
"Are you aware of what you have gotten us into?" He said, teasingly as it seemed that the Prince was the one launching into a mad quest this time but Haeron to his surprise nodded and told them both solemnly.
"This city is more populated than most of the cities you know. All manner of people live here and the Dothraki will kill, rape and enslave every single one of them given the chance while stealing everything they have. If I don't help them now, how am I any better than the Kingsguard who turn their backs when the King does something terrible? We must all stay true to our own principles and this is mine. Regardless of how the rich and poor live in this city I cannot stand by and let them be slaughtered or enslaved when I can prevent it." Haeron admitted to them both which made Davos and Jaime look at him in astonishment. Risking his life for a group of people that he didn't even know and were not even his 'people' and for no reward...that was the action of a hero they both thought to themselves but kept from saying it as they well knew that Haeron would never think of himself as a hero.
Haeron spent a good portion of the rest of the day reading up on not just the Dothraki but also on the Khal himself, he was a vicious fighter but prideful. He would likely see the challenge as a way to prove himself to all of the Dothraki that he was the one to lead them. For Haeron himself it would prove his skill with a sword if he won and gain him much fame and respect in Pentos, expanding his merchant alliance here would be easy after that. But he was taking a risk with his life and for people that he did not know, many of the wealthy merchants in this city were as bad and selfish and greedy a people as you could imagine but there were normal people, the ones who swept the roads, who tended to the sick, who cooked food in the kitchens and others who spent their days working for a living, children who depended on them and were completely innocent from the sins of this world...they would be destroyed if this khal wasn't stopped.
This was something more what Harry would do rather than Haeron he thought with a small smile, he would have fought for them without worry for his own safety because it was the right thing to do. As Haeron he now had a more balanced view of the world and understood it was rarely bad and good, light and dark...the world lived in many shades that changed by the day. But one fact was clear, he thought to himself. If he did not deal with this Khal then a lot of innocent people were going to die and that was something he would not allow to happen he thought with cold determination.
- x -
Sunrise Gate, Pentos...The Next Day...
The size of the Khalasar was considerable, maybe sixty thousand or so in total but Haeron stood in leather armour as it was better for this climate and movement, Kara staying with Jaime and Davos. Both men and the dragon looked worried but Haeron wasn't.
He kept himself calm and collected, waiting for the moment to come. The magisters who were hiding on of the nearby walls and the prince and his guards who were not far from Jaime and Davos looked scared too.
Eventually a party of seven Dothraki approached, it looked for a moment that they were going to charge them, screaming their battle cries but although everyone else looked ready to bolt Haeron stood his ground.
He stared at them, glared as he drew Crimson Heart. The strange sword made the Dothraki stop as they had never seen its like before and at last they stopped their charge and the apparent leader, Khal Yorhkl dismounted from his horse and stood in front of them. He was tall at nearly seven feet with a heavily muscled and scarred body to show all of the fights he had been in and his dark hair in the typical tails around his head and many rings and buckles not to mention two steel arakhs with their vicious curved blades which he drew when facing Haeron who stepped forward, his eyes intently focused on his enemy who growled at him in Dothraki.
"Your sword with decorate my waist soon and your corpse my tent."
Haeron knew he was just trying to scare him so he decided to play mind games right back and replied in the same language which surprised everyone as only him and the maesters who taught him knew that he could speak many languages.
"No, your swords will be mine as trophies and this horde of yours will break apart the moment I kill you." Haeron said and that was all that was needed to set the khal off.
The words had the desired effect and the Khal struck out with his two swords, Haeron parried the blows and let out a wide arching slash to force him back. The man to his credit did evade it but Haeron began a series of hard and fast strikes that he was struggling to dodge or block Haeron's determined assault. Unlike most warriors not a single movement was wasted nor did Haeron commit himself too much so he did not leave himself vulnerable.
Yorhkl had not faced someone who was trained in swordplay since he was a small child by men who knew what they were doing, not in the Westerosi style anyway. Haeron was not panicked by his khalasar nor their reputation and tactics of inspiring fear. He had faced death and far worse things in both of his lives, this man was little more than a thug and he would treat him like one.
He was a capable thug, Haeron admitted who was quick and precise in his attacks but used to fighting as part of a horde and not against a single skilled opponent. Haeron just kept him at bay before replying with a hard and determined counter attack.
Yorhkl was growing increasingly frustrated at the fucking Westerosi who would just not be scared of him and die! He had always known the power of fear and used it to great effect all of his life but this warrior to his great concern wasn't afraid of him. The Westerosi remained annoyingly calm and did not make any of the mistakes that those who were scared did, he knew he had to put the fear into him somehow and was about to spit in his face to try and blind him but he ran out of time.
Haeron finally seemed to make a mistake, stumbling and Yorhkl went for what he thought was a chance to wound him but it was only a trick, Haeron rolled forward and past him and then slashed at his leg, the Khal yelled in pain as he fell forward, his leg collapsing under him but Haeron with no effort leapt to his feet and stabbed the man in the back before he could get up.
Everyone that saw it from the Magisters and Prince on the walls with their guards to Davos and Jaime to the six Dothraki blood riders were shocked at the sudden death Yorhkl, even those that had been cheering for Haeron were surprised but all started smiling as they saw that he had been successful.
However the blood riders had quite a different reaction, whether it was out of loyalty to their fallen Khal or the hope that if they killed Haeron that they would be able to take over the khalasar they all drew their swords and charged on foot against him.
Haeron was however still in his battle mind and did not hesitate and began to parry and evade, keeping the fight moving rather than allow them to control. Seeing the Dothraki break the rules shocked everyone and Jaime had been ready to draw his own sword to help but seeing Haeron made him and Davos stop.
He was able to take out the first one with a slice to his unprotected abdomen, spilling his guts across the rough ground below. The second followed soon after when Haeron threw a dagger from his waist into the man's chest, impaling him in the lung.
Now four of them stood against him and Haeron took a deep breath, calm in the moment as he was completely focused on the task at hand. One tried to punch him but Haeron caught his hand by the wrist and stabbed him through the chest before pulling Crimson Heart free in time to slash the idiot trying to rush him from behind across the throat, causing blood to ooze from the wound as he fell to the ground.
The final two were now looking afraid as he had taken down five of them and not taken a single wound, putting aside any personal ambition they decided they had the best chance of success if they attacked together but Haeron easily parried and then backhanded one to stun him before kicking the other in the leg, shattered the bone in the knee but he did not let the man suffer and stabbed him in the mouth.
Pulling his sword free he then faced the sole remaining blood rider, the man looked terrified at the sight Haeron who was sweating with effort and the heat of the sun but otherwise was fully ready to fight. The blood of his fellows on the strange sword in Haeron's hand, with desperation he swung a hard side ways strike at him but Haeron swung easily hard from the other side and when the two swords met there was a deafening clang and a snap as the arakh made of bronze broke half way along its blade.
That shocked everyone and made them realise that the sword was indeed the same strength and sharpness as Dawn, sundering lesser blades while it stayed perfect.
The Dothraki now defenceless was impaled through the throat by Haeron, pulling the sword free and letting the man fall to the ground. The fight was over but turning to the Dothraki Haeron wondered just what they were going to do but he did not have to worry as they had been watching the fight and seeing a single man best seven of their best warriors on his own was enough to make them turn and ride away to find easier pickings, the fights for who would rule them next would begin almost immediately and cause the massive khalasar to break apart.
Haeron sighed in relief, a little tired from the fight but glad it was over. Using one of the Dothraki's own clothing to wipe the blood from Crimson Heart he then sheathed his sword and walked back over to Davos and Jaime who were looking at him with admiration for his fight, he nodded to them and Kara who was delighted to be back with him chirped loudly and then did something that was natural to her kind and yet shocked all of them.
She raised up her head and cried out as flame burst from her mouth in celebration of Haeron's achievement!
All of them were stunned as while dragons did breath fire it was the first time that Kara had done it and it was so soon after the dragon had hatched, less than a year and yet now it was breathing fire! Haeron quickly recovered his composure and picked up the dragon who gratefully draped itself around his shoulders and chirped happily as he gently stroked its chin. Jaime and Davos who had already seen one impressive thing today were now seeing the sight of dragon fire for themselves and when this dragon was grown it would be able to decimate just about anything that came against it.
The magisters noticed too and were sharing looks of fear but also now were determined to make an ally of the prince, the power that dragon would one day grant such a strong warrior was terrifying, what's more if the prince did become the king and head of House Targaryen then he would doubtlessly hatch more dragons...restoring House Targaryen to power like they hadn't had in centuries.
At the feast later one person did try to poison the prince and his dragon but he seemed to avoid their food and that person found themselves in a jail cell, the others not wanting to risk his ire. They presented him with many gifts for his actions; gold, silver, jewels, some weapons and armour and even a manse of his own but instead he took a smaller building where he would invite some of the city's merchants to join his merchant alliance which they readily accepted.
The Queen Visenya left Pentos a couple of days later, Haeron standing on deck with Davos and Jaime as they made their way to Myr to see to their business there. Kara on Haeron's shoulder seemed to cheer as they moved through the water, Haeron petted her gently and wondered just how what awaited them at their next destination.