Chapter 38 - Chapter 37: The Second General Assembly

Whether to go to Qarth or not was a decision as difficult as the question of leading the khalasar south that fateful day. The future felt unpredictable, and yet, as always, choices had to be made. Dany sat quietly, listening as Jorah weighed the possibilities."Your Highness," Jorah began after a thoughtful pause, "it's clear that they are here seeking dragons. Their interest isn't merely idle curiosity; they care deeply about them. If even one of them intends to take your dragons by force, staying here would be extremely dangerous.""Oh?" Dany tilted her head, intrigued but noncommittal.Jorah's gaze softened, and a glimmer of understanding shone in his eyes. "All trading cities, whether managed by ordinary merchants or powerful trade princes, value profit above loyalty. Honor is secondary. But there is one thing they cannot ignore—trust. Their survival, the very foundation of trading cities, depends upon it."Dany leaned forward, listening intently."Simply put," Jorah continued, "on the open seas or roadways, any merchant could turn bandit, seizing what they desire by force. But within trading cities, merchants operate differently. They rely on subtle tactics—deception, blackmail, inducement—to secure their profits. They may cheat or manipulate, but they never openly steal another's property."He smiled faintly at Dany's thoughtful expression. "The larger the merchant, the more dangerous and subtle their tactics. Yet, in a world where information flows freely, reputation is everything. If Xaro and his companions have invited you, they are assuming the responsibility of your safety. Not out of nobility, but because their standing among merchants is far more valuable than any immediate gain."Dany nodded slowly. The bounty the usurper had placed on her family had persisted for years, yet no trade prince or governor she had encountered had ever harmed her for profit. The mere existence of her three dragons in the world was enough to make anyone consider their actions carefully."Even the guest rights of the Seven Kingdoms are sometimes violated, aren't they?" she asked, her voice thoughtful.Jorah's eyes widened, almost incredulous. "Who else but the legendary Rat Cook would violate guest rights? Even the foolish or reckless would hesitate to breach such a sacred trust."Dany raised an eyebrow. "The Rat Cook? Who is that?"Jorah took a deep breath, launching into his tale. "Rat Cook was once a member of the Night's Watch, serving as a cook at the Nightfort. He bore a deep grudge against the Andal King of Casterly Rock. When the king, accompanied by his son and bannermen, visited the Wall, the Night's Watch entertained them. One night, Rat Cook seized the opportunity to kill the king's son. Then, in a horrifying act of vengeance, he used the prince's flesh along with onions, carrots, mushrooms, and spices to bake a pie, which he presented to the king, who devoured it unaware of its contents. Even the gods, outraged by such sacrilege, transformed him into a white rat, doomed to consume only his own offspring. Since that day, he has wandered the Nightfort, driven by insatiable hunger."The dim candlelight cast shadows across Jorah's face, making his expression eerily vivid. Dany's two centaurs shivered, their almond-shaped eyes wide, scanning the darkness as if expecting the white rat to appear from the shadows.Dany coughed lightly. "A great story… but not very threatening, is it?"Jorah huffed indignantly. "It is true! Even children in the North know it. The first half is factual; the gods' punishment may be legend, but the lesson remains.""And what lesson is that?" Dany asked, skeptical."The gods' role is secondary. What matters is the principle: respect the sacred rights of guests. Killing them under your roof is unforgivable."Dany tilted her head thoughtfully. "Or perhaps it is human justice, not divine, that punishes such crimes. Legends tend to exaggerate."Jorah chuckled wryly. "Perhaps, Your Highness. But in the North, the story serves as a warning: violating trust and guest rights invites consequences, whether by gods or men."Dany nodded, understanding the principle. It was clear: while morality and honor were ideals, in the practical world, trust was a currency more valuable than gold.She leaned back, considering. "So… do you suggest we go to Qarth?"Jorah's expression grew serious. "Yes, Princess. Qarth is a great city, a nexus between East and West. It offers what you need: ships, sailors, supplies. And if we find the Qartheens harbor hostile intentions, we can depart immediately."Dany's gaze wandered to the distant horizon. "Robert Baratheon is dead, and you truly have no designs on my return?"Jorah's eyes flickered with something unspoken—a mixture of loyalty, longing, and concern. Homesickness, he realized, and love, were intertwined for him. Yet he understood the greater need: the safety of his Princess."From here, I have no direct information on Westeros. Even if the usurper is dead, he left two sons, and the queen is a Lannister. Baratheons, Lannisters… even Eddard Stark, who treated Robert as a brother, will not support you. The Vale, the Trident, the North… all are complicated. Politics in Westeros have become unpredictable, like storms at sea," Jorah warned gravely.Dany absorbed this quietly. She had never been a political schemer, yet she understood the truth in his words. "Then we wait," she decided. "We focus on the dragons growing strong."Jorah nodded, approvingly. His advice was always measured and realistic.Turning to the centaurs, Dany asked, "What do you suggest?"Jhogo scratched his bald head nervously. "Khaleesi, you are the blood of my blood. You may go wherever you wish!"The centaurs were loyal but simple-minded. The thought of the sea or distant lands made them anxious, yet their loyalty prevented dissent. Dany looked to the elders, Avanti and Solomon.Avanti, practical but unimaginative, proposed, "How about we slip away tonight to the western mountains?"Solomon shook his head. "If we deceive the Qarth people, we become their enemies, not guests. Have you considered how they found us here?"Jhiqui gasped. "Prophecy! The Shadowbinders predicted it!"Irri corrected her softly. "No, it was the stars. The blue-mouthed wizard himself said so this afternoon."Doreah nodded. "They will find us even if we hide in the west."Dany made a firm decision. "Quilo, from tomorrow onward, guard my dragons at all times.""Khaleesi, no one will steal your dragons while I live," Quilo replied with a resolute nod.Consensus reached, Dany prepared to inform her guests of her decision the next morning. Quaithe remained unreadable, while Xaro and the wizard expressed delight and solemnly promised protection for Dany and her kalas in Qarth.That morning, Dany also arranged for the herders from the other two White Cities to bring the horse teams to White Cloud City. Hunters in the western mountains were notified as well.Four days later, Dany's khalasar set out again, heading southwest toward Qarth. She did not idle during the interim. Aggo was dispatched with three horses loaded with provisions, and a letter from Xaro instructed that upon arrival in Qarth, the caravan would be received and guided to comfort and security.The camels would carry ample food and water, ensuring the centaurs need not worry about exhaustion. Upon arrival, they could transfer to more suitable camels for the desert crossing.Dany stood at the edge of the city, watching her khalasar move toward the horizon. Her dragons flapped their wings in the wind, each movement a testament to the power she now wielded. She inhaled deeply, knowing the journey to Qarth would test her leadership, her resources, and the trust she placed in others.Yet in her heart, Dany felt the surge of anticipation. Qarth promised allies, knowledge, and tools essential for her future. And with her dragons growing stronger by the day, she knew that the balance of power in the world was beginning to shift in her favor.The sun rose high over White Cloud City, casting long shadows across the Red Waste. The path ahead was uncertain, yet for the first time in many months, Dany felt the unmistakable thrill of possibility. Her dragons would grow, her people would be protected, and the world would take notice of the Mother of Dragons.(End of Chapter 37)---