Chapter 36 - Chapter 35: Dragon Seekers

After repeatedly complaining to Jorah about the disobedience of the two smaller dragons, he suggested a practical solution: withdraw the little white and little green dragons from "school" and focus entirely on teaching the big black dragon."If the black dragon grows strong enough," Jorah explained, "you can use him to subdue and control the white and green dragons. Once he obeys, the others will follow."Dany considered his words carefully. Jorah agreed that her teaching methods would accelerate the black dragon's growth, but he also cautioned that dragons, while majestic, were not invincible. History was filled with stories of dragons slain by weapons or cunning humans."The most famous example," Jorah said, eyes scanning the sky as the three dragons soared in search of prey, "is undoubtedly Meraxes. During Aegon the Conqueror's campaign—your ancestor's conquest of the six kingdoms, save for Dorne—Queen Rhaenys's dragon was shot through the eye by a crossbow at Hellgate. Meraxes plunged instantly, the mighty dragon felled by a single, precise strike."Dany nodded, absorbing the lesson. Even the smallest vulnerability could prove fatal, especially for creatures as young and inexperienced as hers. She resolved not to give up entirely on Little White and Little Green but instead to classify her students by ability.The black dragon, already excelling, was placed in the "rocket class"—the elite. The other two, mischievous and unruly, fell into the underachieving category. Just getting them to cooperate and complete the basics would make her "very happy," she thought wryly.Meanwhile, Dany's attention was divided. The old men and women of her settlement took turns scavenging the remnants of the White Cities, long buried by time. Young men ventured to the western mountains in hunting parties, returning with both food and smoked meat. Jorah, at Dany's request, taught the horsemen's children the ways of chivalry.To be blunt, the Dothraki howlers were nothing more than light cavalry. Even Dany, not well-versed in military theory, understood their limitations. Fully armored knights of Westeros carried far greater impact and survivability on the battlefield. The horsemen's bravery was admirable but largely born of necessity—they were poor, in every sense. Their civilization lacked resources to forge steel or craft armor, making them vulnerable in combat.Now, however, things had changed. With Dany leading, the centaurs' productivity would grow, and the potential to train fully equipped knights loyal to her was real. In time, she thought, her forces would rival the armies of Westeros.Three months after settling in White Cloud City, Dany proudly held up a handful of turnips, each the size of a child's fist. "The first crop of food is ripening!" she announced. "No longer will we face famine!"The speed of growth astonished her. Turnips, barely two years old, had already borne fruit in the harsh heat of the Red Waste. Though the crop was modest, it was a symbol of hope. She noted the oddity of peach trees—some flowering, others fruiting simultaneously—and smiled at the strange rhythms of this land.Yet her victory was met with skepticism. The horsefolk, proud and independent, refused to cheer. Aggo, always blunt, stepped forward. "Khaleesi, we are horsefolk. We are not peasants. I suggest we abandon this city and hunt in the western mountains."Dany's gaze hardened. "The lambs and cattle have long been slaughtered. Only horses remain, and their meat yield is low. Hunting is unreliable. We need a stable food source and a safe, prosperous city."Aggo protested. "There's no one else in the Red Plains. Why fear danger?""Report!" Dany commanded.A horseman galloped to the edge of the farmland. "Khaleesi! Someone is approaching the city!" he shouted.Aggo's smug expression faltered under reality's weight. "It's all your fault," Dany muttered, shooting him a glare."Who comes? How many?" she demanded."Three," the centaur replied, eyes wide with unease. "They call themselves Dragon Seekers. They ask if this is White Cloud City and whether a Targaryen girl has hatched dragons.""What?" Dany gasped, her mind racing."Are you certain?" she asked urgently."Yes," the centaur confirmed. "A Shadowbinder relayed it.""Shadowbinder?" Dany repeated, startled. Though she had named the city, she never expected outsiders to know of it. No signs had ever been posted at the gates.She glanced skyward. "Where are my dragons? White and Green, have they returned?""No," the centaurs shook their heads.The black dragon remained close, perched on the saddle of her silver horse, wings partially spread, observing the newcomers with piercing red eyes. The other two, the mischievous Little White and Little Green, were excused from academic lessons and sent hunting to channel their energies.Dany rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "Even if they've seen my dragons, how would they know they belong to a Targaryen?""They do know," a centaur reported. "They're calling you 'Daenerys.' It must be the Shadowbinder, the wizard from the Shadowlands, known for his divinations.""Everyone knows it?" Dany asked skeptically.Aggo nodded. "Yes, everyone knows."The centaur maid, Jhiqui, echoed the sentiment. "Everyone knows it."Dany rolled her eyes inwardly. "Go fetch Rakharo, Jhogo, and Ser Jorah," she ordered.Jorah, meanwhile, was instructing the children in basic swordsmanship. Dany occasionally joined, honing her own skill. After months of practice, she had improved significantly, her strength and technique developing steadily."Quiluo, come with me to meet our visitors," she instructed the messenger knight. "You didn't let them enter the city, did you?""No, Khaleesi," Quiluo replied quickly. "You said outsiders may only enter with your permission."Dany paused. Had she truly issued that command? Reflecting carefully, she remembered—it was on the second day after entering White Cloud City, when she had used stones to barricade the gates. Time had blurred the memory, but the horsemen had followed her orders flawlessly.Despite their bluntness and tendency to contradict her, their loyalty was unquestionable.As Dany rode through the streets, her companions at her side, they arrived at the city gates. Wooden barriers loomed above them, and beyond, three men on camels waited patiently.Her heart skipped a beat. Camels? Not horses. The Red Waste was treacherous, but these outsiders had clearly navigated it with ease. Dany's sharp intellect immediately recognized the implication: the Red Waste was no longer a barrier.It had never truly been a protective shield—it was merely a difficult passage, now overcome. Her city was no longer isolated; danger and intrigue could arrive at any moment.She composed herself. "I am Daenerys, Dragonbrooder of House Targaryen. Welcome, travelers. It is hot outside—please, come into the city."The three camel riders bowed gracefully, removing their turbans. They introduced themselves in turn.The first, a pale man with blue lips and withered cheek muscles, spoke in a rough Dothraki tongue. "Great Mother of Dragons, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, I am Haeya-Puli, High Warlock of Qarth." His gaze remained fixed on the black dragon perched nearby.The second, a bald, portly man with milky-white skin, spoke in Valyrian. A green emerald set into his nose glimmered in the sunlight. "Princess Targaryen, your hospitality is most gracious. I am Xarozan Wandathos, one of the Thirteen Great Lords of Qarth." He admired Dany openly, though his eyes measured her as one might appraise a prized object.Despite this, Dany found him preferable to the others. At least his intentions seemed mundane, less shadowed by supernatural power.Her pulse quickened as she considered the implications. Dragon Seekers had arrived. The world was closing in on her little city—and on her dragons.(End of Chapter 35)---