Viserys did not answer him immediately. He first walked to the ship's railing, letting the sea breeze clear the gloom from his heart.
"Salladhor Saan," his voice was not loud, but it carried authority, "Your life, and the lives of your remaining crew, are now mine."
Salladhor's heart sank.
"But I won't take your life for now," Viserys's tone shifted, "I need you to do something else."
Salladhor was stunned, looking at him suspiciously.
"I want you to continue being a pirate, raiding merchant ships, especially those traveling between the Free Cities, flying the Baratheon or Lannister banners, or serving them," Viserys said slowly. "I want half of the stolen goods. But don't give them to me now; store them for me and use them to build new ships. Don't do it ostentatiously; find reliable shipyards and spread the work out. The ships must be sturdy, fast, capable of transporting troops, and engaging in combat. You will keep these ships for me for now."
Saan's mind raced. These terms sounded very good; he not only saved his life but could also continue his old trade, just with a mysterious 'partner' and a long-term mission.
There were risks, of course, but it was much better than being immediately drowned to feed the fish. Moreover, the other party's target was clearly the rulers of Westeros, which might also be an opportunity for him.
"My lord, how can I trust you, and how will I hand things over to you?" Saan asked tentatively.
"You don't need to trust me; you just need to know that you cannot afford the price of disobeying me."
Viserys's tone was calm. "As for the handover, I will send someone to contact you when needed. Remember, Salladhor Saan, I value your ability and your connections in these seas. Do things well, and there might be a share of benefits for you in the future. Mess things up..." He didn't finish, but the meaning was clear.
Saan swallowed, then finally made up his mind and slammed his fist on the deck. "Deal, my lord. I, Salladhor Saan, will serve you from now on. I'd be more than happy to rob those Lannister and Baratheon bastards."
Viserys nodded in approval, said no more, and turned to walk back into the cabin. Ser Arthur arranged for men to quickly clear the battlefield, collecting some arrows and usable supplies left by the pirates. The two ships adjusted their sails and departed from this sea area shrouded in blood and mist.
The fleet adjusted its course, heading southwest towards Lys, the city famous for its perfumes, slaves, and banking, where they would briefly resupply.
Salladhor Saan stood at the bow, watching the two large ships gradually disappear into the thick fog, stroking his messy beard, his eyes complex. He didn't know if he had stumbled upon great fortune or greater trouble, but he knew very well that the young noble with the sword was definitely not someone to be easily fooled.
"You all heard that," he turned and shouted to his subordinates, "From now on, keep your eyes peeled. Lannister and Baratheon ships are our fat sheep. Take the best half of the stolen goods, save them up. I'm going to make a big deal."
The pirates, having survived the ordeal and hearing they could continue raiding, cheered loudly, seemingly having forgotten their recent crushing defeat.
The rest of the voyage was much calmer. Perhaps the news of the defeated pirates had spread, or perhaps they deliberately avoided busy trade routes, for they encountered no more large-scale attacks. Only once did they glimpse sails suspected to be Iron Islands longships in the distance; the other party seemed to be observing them but ultimately did not approach.
The fleet arrived smoothly in Lys. Cream-colored and pale pink buildings stretched along the gentle coast, shimmering in the sunlight. A sweet floral scent mixed with the salty smell of the docks drifted from somewhere, forming a unique and slightly suffocating 'Lysian aroma.' The dock area was bustling and noisy, but the order seemed looser than in Braavos.
Viserys's ships docked at a quieter pier, and Ser Alliser was responsible for resupply and gathering intelligence. Viserys, after a slight disguise, went ashore with Ser Arthur to experience the local customs of the city.
In the dock's unloading area, barrels of labeled wine were carefully moved. In the nearby slave pens, newly arrived 'goods' were being washed, inspected, and categorized, ready to be sent to the market or directly to the countless brothels and gladiatorial training grounds in the city. Men and women in light silks strolled the streets, vendors hawked curious items from all over the world, and occasionally, ornate palanquins, surrounded by guards, passed through the crowds.
Finally, they decided to have lunch at a seemingly clean tavern. They chose a table in the back, ordering two simple fish stews and wine. While quietly eating lunch, he observed his surroundings from the corner of his eye.
Several sailors were flirting in a corner, merchants were whispering prices, and at another table, a group of people in leather armor with crude dispositions. From their fragmented conversations, he vaguely heard words like "King Balon," "Old Way," and "The Arbor." Judging by their attire and accent, they were the Ironborn seen at sea earlier, and the sharp-eyed young female captain among them seemed to be named Asha.
Viserys wasn't interested in them, only learning from their intermittent conversation that Westeros was outwardly calm, but the Iron Islands seemed to have other intentions. Perhaps in two years, it would be the day of Balon Greyjoy's rebellion and claim to kingship.
After lunch, Viserys and Ser Arthur also inquired about information regarding Valyria, but such information was equally difficult to obtain here.
Occasionally, a tavern owner or map vendor would mysteriously claim to possess "treasured sea charts," asking exorbitant prices, but the content was pure fabrication and useless to them. Viserys no longer had the desire to wander around. He and Arthur returned to the ship to wait for the news Ser Alliser and the others had gathered.
Ser Alliser didn't return to the ship until evening.
"Your Majesty, the merchants here are more concerned with the purity of gold coins and the arrival time of the next spice ship," Ser Alliser reported. "Regarding the Smoking Sea and Valyria, they either avoid discussing it, considering it ominous, or they fabricate stories. As for Westeros, the news is scattered.
The 'Usurper' Robert's debts have grown, and the tourneys and feasts in King's Landing never cease. The Lannisters' power is increasingly soaring. Whispers from Dorne say that Prince Doran lives reclusively, while his brother, Prince Oberyn, is constantly on the move. There's no clear news from other places."
Viserys nodded.
After resupply, the ships did not linger, quietly sailing out of Lys's harbor and once again entering the vast Summer Sea. This time, the course was set firmly for Volantis.
Ãdvåñçé çhàptêr àvàilàble óñ pàtreøn luffy1898