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Game of Thrones: The Targaryen Awakens by VFSNAKE
 Star Wars & Game of Thrones Xover Rated: M, English, Drama, Words: 158k+, Favs: 2k+, Follows: 2k+, Published: Mar 22 Updated: Jul 8 826Chapter 5
Chapter 5-Getting Bloody
The Free City of Yunkai was not like Astapor. Its design was meant to keep only those of elite status like the Wise Masters in a safe place from the outside world. High Walls with a decent number of guards, who were also slaves. However, these slave guards had been conditioned to be the muscle capable of defending them with the possible chance of being freed if they prove their worth when called upon. While rare, it happened where the slave guards had defended Wise Masters from other Wise Master rivals, against angry slaves, and other threats.
The increasingly large number of slaves, who served them one way or another, all totaled in a number that was more then the number of owners of said slaves. Now while this may seem strange to some people, the Wise Masters of Yunkai thought differently. They had trained all their slaves to serve them no matter what, pleasure them no matter the form, and to make them feel that their purpose in life was to serve the Wise Masters until death. They had instilled as sense of fear that one of them disobeying would result in mass execution of many to set an example.
Needless to say, it worked. Oh the slaves knew they outnumbered the Wise Masters 3 to 1 in terms of numbers, but each slave revolt that happened always failed. A slave loyal to the Wise Masters reveals a plot or a slave guard overhearing slaves planning things. The end result of both times caused the slave populated to be reduced to less than half. Men, women, and even children were killed by the Wise Masters after each failed revolt.
"High walls. No wonder the Wise Masters feel so invincible. It would take a large army with siege equipment to take this city. Add the desert behind us makes getting supplies difficult might make this increasingly harder. Provided we didn't have dragons or the Unsullied of course," commented Aegon while staring at the Free City of Yunkai with his hands behind his back in thought.
"Yunkai is not like Astapor your Grace. They deal in pleasure slaves for trade. It is a very profitable business. Even more so then selling a slave army," remarked Ser Jorah since he knew enough about Yunkai to provide some insight into it.
"The voice of experience Bear?" asked Jon Connington since Ser Jorah had revealed he had spent time with the Golden Company before being in contact with Westeros for his spying assignment.
"Perhaps. Are you jealous Rooster?" asked Ser Jorah with Jon grunting at the jab aimed at him.
"Enough. You two can jape at each other later until the Sun sets. It would seem we will soon be getting a Yunkai ambassador soon. Make sure the Unsullied know to get into formation. I want this fool to know just how muscle we possess," replied Aegon with Ser Jorah and Jon Connington bowing before they left.
"I'm surprised you wish to do this nephew. You have three dragons, a well trained army 8,000 strong with 5,000 being trained along the way. Yet you stay for this," commented Daenerys with Aegon glancing back.
"As if you wouldn't in my place. Look at the city Daenerys. It is a city filled with people in pain. Do you know how many slaves are in Yunkai alone? How many languish under the rule of the Wise Masters?" asked Aegon with Daenerys shaking her head.
"I believe you are going to tell me?" asked Daenerys with Aegon looking back at the city.
"200,000 slaves. 200,000 people languishing under the whip. Those who aren't slaves are suffering just as much. Some are so poor that they feel slavery is a step up from their own position. The Wise Masters care for nothing. Nothing but themselves. They all feel their lives compared to others are superior to everyone else. They are not superior. They are weak, yet they make everyone believe they are strong. They spend their coins on those who are strong in the belief money is power. It is not. It is a tool to be used for various things. Nothing more," said Aegon with Daenerys smirking.
"Some would say money is power because it can buy power," commented Daenerys with Aegon shrugging.
"Perhaps. But the Wise Masters of Yunkai do not buy power. They rent it. And those they rent won't fight if the coin they are offered can't be collected if they are dead. As we all know, corpses cannot collect coin," said Aegon before they walked toward their war tent.
They had a Wise Master to humble.
(Short Time Later)
The Wise Master who would be visiting them was an arrogant man, believing his birth had been some wonderful thing since his House was wealthy. He had his slaves carrying him in an open carriage while the slaves themselves looking tired, whipped, and clearly nervous to be around so many men with spears. The man slowly got out of his carriage and made his way to the war tent, looking all prim and proper, as if it was some glorious honor to be near him. Of course, the sight of so many Unsullied around him, standing at attention did unnerve the man, but it was clear the man did his best to hide it.
It also didn't help that three large dragons were looming over the tent with their angry gazes looking down at him like he was nothing but food.
"Now comes the noble Razdal Mo Eraz of that ancient and honorable House, Master of men and speaker to savages, to offer terms of peace," said Missandei when the Wise Master entered the tent to see Aegon sitting down in the center, Daenerys sitting beside him on his right while Jon Connington and Ser Jorah stood on either side of the tent.
"Welcome into my tent Lord Eraz. Sit," commanded Aegon with his motioning to the seat across from him.
"Noble Lord of Yunkai, you currently stand before one Aegon of House Targaryen and his Aunt Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen. Breaker of Chains. The Life Givers of Dragons," said Missandei while Lord Eraz sat down and looked calm once more.
Though Aegon knew the man was nervous on the inside.
"Ancient and glorious is Yunkai. Our Empire was considered old before dragons even stirred in Old Valyria. Many and army has broken against our strong high walls. You shall find no conquest here Life Givers of Dragons," said Razdal while Aegon nodding.
"You are right. I won't find conquest here. Just an easy victory. Your 'strong high walls' mean nothing to me. Not when the three dragons you saw outside can kind fly high into the sky. Dragons, which can bring down streams of fire and death upon your city. Do you think your high walls will be your ally when the fire starts coming down? No. These city walls you are so proud of will become your tomb," countered Aegon with Razdal looking slightly perturbed since he knew this masked man was right.
Though he would never admit it.
"But we are not here to start a war Lord Eraz. Such things are violent and pointless. We are prepared to discuss terms like civilized people," added Daenerys knowing it would help speed things along.
"I'm glad. Word of House Targaryen's actions at Astapor have reached the Wise Masters ears, but Yunkai are a forgiving and generous people," said Razdal before clapping his hands and two slaves came in carrying heavy chests filled to the brim with gold bars.
"Generous indeed," commented Daenerys while knowing this gift was impressive.
"The Wise Masters have sent this as a gift to the Lord and Lady of Dragons. There is even more waiting for you on your personal ship," added Razdal with Daenerys and the other looking surprised.
"Our personal ship?" asked Daenerys curiously while Aegon remained silent.
"Yes. As I said, we are a generous people. Your ship will be available to you whenever you wish," explained Razdal confidently.
"And what do you ask of us in return for taking my new ship and newly acquired wealth the Wise Masters have given us?" asked Aegon since no one gave this much to others out of sheer generosity.
"All we ask is you use your ship. Sail back to Westeros were you both belong and leave us alone to conduct our business here in peace," offered Razdal while Daenerys frowned at him.
"And what about my army? Will the Yunkai be so generous to give me ships to take them with us? Or our dragons" asked Aegon since he knew what his Aunt was wondering.
"Unfortunately, your Unsullied cannot accompany you back home. They have killed their Masters and have laid siege to Astapor. While they may have been ordered by you, the Unsullied must pay for their crimes. They are the property of Essos through and through. Just like your dragons," said Razdal with Aegon narrowing his eyes behind his mask and Daenerys had a scowl on her face.
"A dragon is not and never will be a slave," commented Aegon.
"Everything born in the domain of Essos is a slave to the Wise Masters. The old. The young. Men. Women. Children. The Unsullied. Dragons are no different. Both of you may leave with the wealth we give you. Everything else is ours and will be branded as ours to make it known for all time," said Razdal while the room suddenly got colder.
"We thank you for your generous offer Lord Eraz. Unfortunately, your terms are not what we consider to be acceptable. So I make a counteroffer. You will relinquish the city and all of its slaves to us. In return, I offer you one thing that is most valuable to someone like yourself. Your life," said Aegon with Razdal looking surprised.
"My life?" asked Razdal in disbelief.
"Yes. Your life. And the life of the other Wise Masters. They can relocate to another Free City. You can take whatever wealth you can carry and leave everything else for us. You will not take any of your slaves. If you do, your life is forfeit. If you decide to kill any of the slaves, your life is forfeit. If you reject this offer, your life and the lives of the Wise Masters behind those strong high walls of Yunkai will be forfeit," replied Aegon with the Wise Master looking insulted and angry before standing up quickly.
"You are mad! Both of you! We are not Astapor with the naive Wise Masters or those in Qarth with their Warlocks! We are Yunkai and we have powerful friends! Friends who will take great pleasure in destroying you! Those who survive your defeat will be ours once more. Maybe we will make slaves of you just like we will your dragons!" exclaimed Razdal while glaring at both Targaryens.
Only to be Force pushed violently out of the tent. Just barely missing the surprised and startled slaves. When the Wise Master got to his feet, sputtering and cursing as he did, the man found himself staring into the masked face of Aegon Targaryen. His three dragons looming over them, growling at the Wise Master with burning hate in their eyes. Razdal tried to back away, but Aegon quickly grabbed him by the throat and pulled him closer until they were eye level.
"You think because you have wealth that you're special. That you have these slaves, who lifted your carriage and carry you makes your life special. You are not special. You are weak. I know what you and the Wise Masters planned to do if we were stupid enough to accept your offer. Our own personal ship you mentioned has been sabotaged with various weak spots in it that can't take the ocean currents. It would quickly sink to the bottom of the ocean floor within mere moments of water filling the ship," said Aegon with Razdal's eyes widening at the plot they schemed being found out.
"How do you know that?" asked Razdal while Aegon's grip tightening.
"Your mind is an open book to me. I know everything you have ever done. I know about the men you have killed, all your rivals you poisoned, the women you violated, and the children you ripped from their parents to be sold to those who prefer the pleasure of their company over adults. You are a wretched thing and its only fitting you die by fire. Don't worry. My dragons won't eat you cooked or raw. Filth like you would only make their stomach ache from the rot," replied Aegon before throwing the man a good distance away from him.
"You have no idea what power Yunkai wields. You may possess potent dragon's blood, but there are way to kill those with it. If the dragons will not be our slaves, then all those of the dragon will die!" exclaimed Razdal angrily in defiance.
"Your foolish friends are welcome to try Razdal, but in end...they will all die. Just like you. Dracarys!" commanded Aegon with all three of his dragon unleashing their fire on the man who screamed out in pain before falling over dead as a burned corpse.
"What about them?" asked Daenerys while looking at the scared slaves who bowed in their presence.
"Tell them they have a choice. Go back to the Wise Masters and be punished simply for returning without the one they carried here. Or they can stay here, be given food, water, clean clothes, and a place to sleep without fear of being beaten. Let them know that by choosing the former, they will not be slaves, but free men, and when Yunkai is taken, no one will be slave again," answered Aegon with Missandei deciding to carry out the order since seeing someone like herself explain it would make things easier.
Who better to explain it to these poor souls then a former slave?
"What of the corpse your Grace?" asked Ser Jorah curiously.
"The Wise Masters are waiting for my response. Drogon, send them back by response," said Aegon with the dragon almost smiling and picked up the burned body of the dead Wise Master before taking to the air.
"The Wise Master mentioned they had powerful friends. Once they get the body back, they will contact those powerful friends," commented Daenerys and getting everyone's attention.
"The Yunkai are a proud people Princess. They do not bend," commented Ser Jorah in a knowing tone.
"What doesn't bend from the pressure will break. Perhaps seeing their so called powerful friends dying will make these Wise Masters understand significance of their stupidity. Ser Jorah, find out who their powerful friends are and report back. The Wise Master we killed was not as high up as he made himself out to be when boasting about Yunkai. He knows the city has Sell Sword company friends, but not their names. I want to know their names," said Aegon with Ser Jorah nodding and leaving to carry out the order.
"You fear they might have a means to kill our dragons?" asked Daenerys with Aegon shaking his head.
"No. But it doesn't hurt to inquire about just who or what we will face should there be a battle," replied Aegon with Daenerys nodding and saw Drogon return moments later.
(Days Later)
Sure enough, Ser Jorah had found out who the Yunkai's powerful friends were and Aegon was not impressed. The Second Sons, who were a Sell Sword company that had helped Yunkai in the past had answered the call to defend the city. In exchange, the men in the Sell Sword company got to have their choice in pleasure slaves when they visited and a sizable sum of gold for their time.
Aegon wasn't impressed. The number people under the banner of the Second Sons totaled around 2,000 strong. Given Aegon had 8,000 Unsullied with an additional 5,000 more in training and three deadly dragons, it was laughable. Did the Wise Masters of Yunkai truly believe 2,000 Sell Swords would be able to challenge him? Maybe if it was the Second Sons standing in front of the walls of Yunkai and Aegon didn't have so many men or his three dragons at the ready.
No. There is something else. Something that made the Yunkai rely on the Second Sons over other Sell Sword companies.
"What are the stories about the Second Sons? Their reputation in terms of how they fight their enemies of great numbers?" asked Aegon to Ser Jorah since the man was good at finding things out.
"They complete any contract given to them your Grace. Once taken, they do not break it no matter the counter offer. I have also heard that when facing greater numbers, one of their more skilled men will seek to remove the loyalty of the opposition by going after the leader. Without a leader, their enemy scatters and can be picked off easier," answered Ser Jorah with Aegon thinking things over.
"There no Moon out tonight, is there?" asked Aegon with Ser Jorah nodding.
"No your Grace. Tonight is a night where the Moon will not appear in the sky," answered Ser Jorah with Aegon thinking things over.
"A perfect time for one of them to strike. Either myself of my Aunt. Or maybe even my dragons if they were feeling bold," commented Aegon in thought.
"Should we double the guards your Grace?" asked Jon Connington this time.
"No. Double the guards now tips off our enemy that we suspect something. I want this assassin to come into our camp. He'll come for me. If he has time, my Aunt. I'll make sure my three children are with her tonight so he doesn't attack her," replied Aegon with Jorah and Jon both looking nervous.
"You want the assassin to get close your Grace?" asked Jon curiously.
"Yes. Let him get close. Cut off his retreat. This assassin thinks he can sneak through my camp without getting caught. I intend to prove him wrong," replied Aegon with a smirk behind his mask.
(King's Landing-At the Moment)
Varys walked with a purpose. He always did. But this time, there was more force in his steps. An increase in his drive. To orchestrate things to ensure the dragon sat on the Iron Throne once more. But he had to be cautious. More so then usual right now. Littlefinger was expanding his network, trying to make himself more valuable to the Crown. Given how the man's so called superior skills with numbers had put said Crown under the Stag deep in debt between the Iron Bank and Tywin Lannister, it was no surprise. Lord Arryn seemed to be aging faster with each passing glance while trying to fix the six million gold dragon debt his Master of Coin put them in.
Only recently did Varys receive a message from Aegon through one of his little birds not only a few moments ago. A single message that the Spider soon destroyed and paid said little bird with coin and sweets for a job well done.
"It is time Lord Varys."
That had been the message in the small scroll. A single message Varys knew was the sign of Aegon wanting him to reveal his presence to the enemies of the dragon.
And so he shall.
"Varys! Why in the bloody Seven Hells did you ask me attend this meeting? You and the other shits here can handle running the Seven Kingdoms in my stead. I basically told you as such the last time I was here. Anything Jon needs, I expected all of you to provide and give without me being here for every fucking thing," said Robert while drank some wine from his goblet.
Judging from the bloodshot look in his eyes, Varys knew the man was already drunk to a certain degree. But that would soon change once the Spider provided him with news from his web of spies.
"I apologize your Grace, but this cannot wait. Considering the sensitive topic, I felt you should be present to hear it," said Varys while sitting down near the King.
"And what could be so important that it requires my brother to come here over taking part in his usual delights?" asked Renly with Varys now looking a tad uncertain.
"Because of the information I have acquired is about the Targaryens your Grace. Namely one of them claiming to be...Aegon Targaryen," said Varys with the room now becoming deathly silent.
"Aegon Targaryen is dead. The babe was killed by Gregor Clegane. My brother saw the body when it was presented in the throne room," replied Stannis while glad he wasn't there to see the horror himself since killing children did not sit well with him.
"Damn dragonspawn. He was lucky to have died by the animal's hands or I would have done it with my war hammer," commented Robert while Varys had to hide his disgust with everyone else looking uncomfortable with hearing that.
"Nevertheless, this man is claiming to be a Targaryen and has been seen in the presence of one Daenerys Targaryen. The Mad King's daughter. Even if he is a mummer, the man could still claim it if he marries her," said Varys with Robert snarling in disgust.
"Mummer or not, incest with your own family. Its amazing they didn't kill each other off themselves with the madness. Anyone who does that shit should not be allowed to have any children at all!" stated Robert with the others agreeing.
"There is one more thing your Grace. Something even more...interesting to say the least about this whole situation," said Varys while playing the part of a nervous man, which he knew would catch their attention since few things made him nervous.
"And what could that be exactly?" asked Robert gruffly before drinking his wine.
"Apparently, they have dragons your Grace. Three dragons to be exact," answered Varys with his words having the desired effect.
Namely the King spitting out his wine and having a coughing fit. His bloodshot eyes widening in shock, hands gripping the table hard almost enough to make it crack under the pressure from his strength that in the man's prime would have broken it. Renly was at his side in an instant, patting his back and rubbing before Robert waved him off. Nearby, Grand Maester Pycelle looked ready to have a heart attack, Stannis's stony face became a boulder and was clenching his hands tightly. Lord Baelish was showing he was nervous and interested by this new development. No doubt scheming to make use of this situation to advance himself beyond his station as usual. But it was Jon Arryn's face that made it difficult for Varys to hold back his smirk.
The Falcon was nervous. Sweating heavily. Almost as much as Robert had been doing before from the wine he drank and after hearing this news about the dragons.
"Three dragons? Three of them?!" asked Grand Maester Pycelle while trying to take in as much air as possible.
"Yes Grand Maester. Three dragons. From what my sources tell me, each one is roughly the size of full grown horse. And that was sometime ago. I imagine they are even bigger now," said Varys with Grand Maester Pycelle making noise in the back of his throat he had never heard before today.
"Can they breathe fire?" asked Stannis with Varys nodding.
"Unfortunately, my sources they say yes. A healthy stream of fire from each dragon can be unleashed. They proved as much when this Aegon and Daenerys used the dragons to sack Astapor and take control of the Unsullied army there from the Wise Masters. Now both of them have three dragons and an army of 8,000 Unsullied, plus an additional 5,000 still in training they took with them to further bolster their ranks.
"By the Gods," said Jon Arryn while knowing three dragons could make many bend the knee, but an army such as the Unsullied made things worse.
"We need to act now! We need to strike hard and fast!" stated Stannis while slamming his fist into the table.
"With what resources? And with what army? If this information gets out to the rest of the Seven Kingdoms, loyalist of House Targaryen may rally their banners against us. They may join House Targaryen to help them in taking the Iron Throne. This could cause yet another war now with those Houses, which will only weaken our defenses when the time comes to fight the Targaryens," said Grand Maester Pycelle with fear on his face since it was because of his advice that the Mad King opened the gates for Tywin Lannister.
And the sacking of King's Landing.
"Are you actually suggesting we keep this important matter quiet from the other major Houses Grand Maester? And do...nothing?!" asked Lord Baelish while already scheming to let others know so the chaos could be unleashed in order to play all sides.
"No. Of course not. But the smallfolk and those we know who are loyal to the Targaryens should not be told. We must only send ravens to Houses we can trust to call their banners and meet this threat properly," said Grand Maester Pycelle with the others nodding.
"I will send a letter to Ned. He can prepare the North on his end. Jon, contact the Lords of the Vale. Pycelle, contact Tywin Lannister. I need him to come to King's Landing to help us prepare for what is to come with the dragonspawn in the next few years," said Robert while his bloodlust surged through him once more.
"I will have my forces ready should they be needed," said Stannis knowing the Royal Navy would be called upon for this.
"Along with mine," stated Renly while planning to one up his older brother when the time came.
"What do we do about the Tyrells or Dorne your Grace?" asked Lord Baelish while Varys glanced at the King.
"Keep them in the dark as much as possible. I trust you can do that Spider?" asked Robert with Varys nodding.
"Of course your Grace. I will ensure neither side is informed of the truth," replied Varys while thinking of who could be told about this without it being traced back to him.
And he had an idea of at least one person.
(Outside of Yunkai-That Night)
The assassin moved through the darkness of the night with the lack of the Moon giving him even more cover. Which helped considering he was moving silently all around the Unsullied guards. He would say this for the eunuch army, it was every bit the fighting force the stories said they were, and their diligence was nothing to scoff at either. He had almost been caught by them three times. Three times! If not for the lack of moon light, the assassin had no doubts in his head the Unsullied would have spotted him during one of those three. The man couldn't strike out at the Unsullied because they were always in formation, on patrol, and in groups or nearby each other individually to the point where anyone could see or hear something that was off.
And if there was one thing Daario Naharis was not, it was stupid.
Though when realizing the Wise Masters, who hired the Second Sons had failed to tell them about the three dragons currently lying around the tent of Daenerys Targaryen, the man was considering backing out of this assignment. If the Captains had a problem with it, Daario would ask them if they could best three large fire breathing dragons.
When looking for his intended target, he had seen the silver haired woman walking into the tent the three dragons surrounded and new that was hers. Daario was looking for the masked man calling himself Aegon Targaryen and soon found him head for a tent not to far away, but just enough that sneaking into it wouldn't be an issue. The man didn't even have guards outside of the tent, which Daario had to admit provided an enticing target for him to exploit.
So much so that the Second Sons Lieutenant took the offer presented and made his way into the tent with his favorite dagger in hand.
Only when he entered the tent and looked around, no one was in the tent at all. Which did not make sense to Daario since he saw with his own eyes how Aegon had entered without any signs of him leaving it any other way. So where did the masked Targaryen go? And why did he feel an uneasy? Why did he feel a cold chill now slowly crawl up his spine?
Unless...
Spinning around, he came face to mask with Aegon Targaryen in all his black clothing covered glory, which Daario didn't understand why the man would wear it in a place like Essos. No one wore this much black on their person in the hot weather of Essos and come out of it all sweaty, sticky, and without losing breath. It wasn't natural!
"Hello assassin," said Aegon before he drew his sword faster then Daario could react and cut deep into his torso.
All Daario could do was gasp in shock and pain before falling to his knees, clutching the wound to keep his blood and guts from falling out. Looking up at the masked man, it was no wonder the Yunkai were nervous. This man was one scary man. It didn't matter if he had the Unsullied or even the dragons. Daario got the distinct impression this man didn't need them to take Yunkai.
This man could take it all by himself! A one man army!
"Wait! Wait! You don't have to kill me. I can bring the Second Sons to your side! I am one of its more skilled Lieutenants. The Captains are expecting me to return with your head. I can get close to them and end their lives. With them gone, I can take over as the leader of the Second Sons," protested Daario with Aegon tilting his head slightly.
"You assume I want or need the Second Sons in my pocket. They are Sell Swords. They go to the highest bidder," commented Aegon with Daario wincing from the pain.
"They serve who their Captain leading them serves. When I become Captain, they will fall in line. Especially when they know you have three fire breathing dragons on your side," said Daario with Aegon saying nothing for a moment.
"And what is to stop one of these men from betraying you? Or betraying me for a greater position? You cannot speak for all of the Second Sons. Regardless if you kill the Captains running it," said Aegon before Force Pushing Daario out of the tent into the open desert and walking out to face the man struggling to sit up.
And no doubt wondering how the Prince did that.
"What should we do with him your Grace?" asked Ser Jorah with his sword out and Jon Connington doing the same.
"Kill him. And put his head at the front of the gate. Drogon! Vaderon! Revanchist! Hunt down the Second Sons army. Use this one's scent to find them in the desert and feast to your heart's content," said Aegon with the dragons taking in the wounded man's secret before roaring and taking to the sky.
After the three dragons left, Daario reached for his dagger, only to find it was no longer in his possession, but rather it was in Aegon's hands. The clever Sell Sword could almost sense the amused look behind the masked face and even more so when he Prince shook his head.
That was the last thing Daario Naharis saw before darkness took him due to Ser Jorah of House Mormont severing his head from his neck.
"Two days your Grace?" asked Jon Connington with Aegon nodding.
"Yes. We give them two days Jon. Word will soon reach them by that point of the Second Sons failing. If they don't surrender willingly, we make them surrender," replied Aegon with Jon nodding since that was usually how it worked.
If Yunkai would not bend the knee, they would burn by dragon's fire.
(King's Landing-The White Tower-At Night)
Ser Barristan the Bold of the Kingsguard stormed into his room and loudly slammed the door shut. His heart filled with turmoil. Fear, rage, joy, and sorrow from the past he had once thought buried deep within his being had come to the surface. For the first time in a long time, not since Rheagar died at the Trident, and word reaching him of Elia Martell along with her children being killed did he cry. He wanted to scream! To shout! To curse! To yell! To do something! Anything!
Aegon was alive! Rheagar's son was alive and well! Or so the man claiming to be him had said as much through his brief conversation with the Spider.
"Ser Barristan. A word please."
"Not now Spider. I have a mess to clean up regarding Prince Joffrey and his treatment of one of the servants."
"Ah yes. The Crown Prince. Shame how he treats people. One can imagine how he will act when becoming King one day."
"Get to the point Spider. Why are you here and not with one of your little birds?"
"It is because of my little birds that I am here Ser Barristan. I am here to tell you about something important. Something the King would not tell you, nor would anyone on the Small Council tell you for fear of your true loyalties."
"My loyalty is to the Crown. To the King. You know the Oath of the Kingsguard."
"Aye, I do know. And yet, I also know you wanted to serve a different King. A better King. One who you cared for and protected when he was a Prince. One who would have been King had Robert Baratheon not slain him at the Trident with his war hammer."
"Choose your words carefully Spider. Or I might just lash out in a moment of weakness and run you through with my blade."
"My apologize Ser Barristan. I mean no disrespect or offense to the late Prince Rheagar. Like you, I too miss him greatly. He was the future King we wanted. The future King we needed. The future King we were denied."
"You don't have to tell me that Lord Varys. I was there. I was there to see it all. From the beginning to the bitter end."
"I know. Which is why I know should the time come to choose between the bloated stag and the mighty dragon, you will side with the latter."
"Even if what you say were possibly true, they are gone from Westeros. Rheagar is dead. Viserys is reported dead. And Princess Daenerys is somewhere in Essos. For all I know she is either dead or wishing she was dead."
"They have truly kept you out of things Ser Barristan. Judging from the sound in your voice, you wish to leave for Essos and be by the Princess's side."
"Is it that obvious?"
"Yes it is Ser Barristan. Fortunately, no one is here to overhear our conversation. And as such I can provide you with a few pieces of information. Namely, in regards to Rheagar, his son, and Princess Daenerys herself."
"Rheagar's son is dead Lord Varys. You know that. You were there!"
"Aye, I was there Ser Barristan. I was there when the Mountain and Lorch brought the children in wrapped in Lannister red as proof of Tywin's fealty to the new King. I was there when the new King we have served for nearly 20 years laughed and denounced them as children. Instead, he called them 'dragonspawn', and praised Tywin for having his men kill them so brutally. But I'm not talking about that son of Rheagar. I am talking about another one. There was another child of Rheagar out there Ser Barristan. A child with the blood of the dragon running strong in his veins. Just like his Father."
"I swear Lord Varys, to all the Old Gods and the New, if you are trying to play a twisted game with me about this, I will strike you down right here. Right now!"
"No games. No lies. No half-truths. What I am about to tell you now is a secret kept even from me since the time of Rheagar's death. Maybe even just before it happened."
"Tell me. Tell me everything!"
And so Varys did. About Rheagar loving Lyanna Stark. How she was with child. How the birthing had not gone as plan without a Maester to prevent the stranger from taking her. How Ned Stark had claimed the boy as his own bastard Jon Snow. A fact that burned Ser Barristan something fierce since he knew bastards were considered by many to be child born from sin and lust. How many High Lords abandoned them or the High Ladies had looked down on them for one reason or another.
But what really set Ser Barristan off or rather it nearly did, was the fact Varys had heard rumors of Lady Stark being physical with the boy. Physical! Abusive toward a helpless child just because it was not her own blood and believed he was her husband's through another woman! Slapping him in the face. Denouncing him as something as less than human for being a (believed) bastard. All under Lord Stark's own nose and castle no less!
And finally, the last rumor almost made the man throw down his white cloak along with his golden armor. If what Lord Varys said was true about the reason Rheagar's son left, which it probably was, Ser Barristan wanted to take only his sword get on a horse, and ride to Winterfell to show the foolish woman and her husband what he thought about their treatment of so called bastards. He wanted to cut down every single man from the North that would stand in his way until he reached the gates of Winterfell and struck down those there who hurt Rheagar's son.
And yet he stayed his hand. His mind told him it was not the way. No. If leaving was the way, Lord Varys would have hinted as much. The Spider had always been an unknown in terms of where his loyalty lied in terms of House. Many suspected he was a Targaryen loyalist. Others said he was a foreigner whispering his beliefs into the ears of Kings to be the true power behind the Iron Throne. But Ser Barristan knew the man was truly neither and chose to side with whoever was best suited to rule and stayed loyal to the side that was ruling when there were no other options.
So instead, Ser Barristan would wait. He would wait and watch. Varys had told him that the Prince was protecting his Aunt from harm, how the man held none of the madness of his Grandfather. The same for the Princess. To hear how two Targaryens were without the madness in this lifetime was a gift from the Gods. While Varys was unsure if the two practiced the questionable incest based relationship almost all Targaryens did in the past, the Spider did not believe so since his little birds did not see it during their spying of the two on their actions.
"You should calm down Ser Barristan. You'll age too fast from such a stress," said Aegon with amusement in his voice while Ser Barristan whipping around at incredible speed one should not expect for a man his age, sword in hand, and ready for a fight.
"Who are you? How did you get in here?" asked Ser Barristan with his sword poised to strike.
"I am not really here. I am a projection. All the way from Essos," replied Aegon with Ser Barristan shifting his stance bit in caution.
"Magic," mumbled Ser Barristan while cautious of such things since he didn't know just how far this man could use it in this form.
"In a manner of speaking. Your sword won't help you here. Not that you need it," replied Aegon with Ser Barristan still being cautious.
"Better to be safe then sorry," remarked Ser Barristan with Aegon letting out a chuckle at his words.
"You told the same thing to my Father ages ago. And to always mind his surrounding for they can be your friend or enemy on the battlefield," remarked Aegon with Ser Barristan gasping.
"How do you know that?" asked Ser Barristan since he only told that to Rheagar.
"My powers go beyond producing a mere projection of my form. I can see into the past as well. I saw you and him at the Trident. After my Father fell, you threw yourself onto his body and begged Robert to give him a proper burial. How you would bend the knee and serve the Stag as the new King in exchange for this small mercy," replied Aegon with the knight before shedding tears and his sword wavering in his hands.
"Show me your face. I want to see it. I want to see if you are Rheagar's son or a mummer trying to claim the Iron Throne with sorcery," said Ser Barristan with Aegon nodding.
"I understand. You are skeptical. Lord Connington was the same way," replied Aegon before removing his mask and stared right into the eyes of the man who was his Father's most trusted friend in the Kingsguard outside of Ser Arthur Dayne.
"Those eyes have a shade of purple hidden in the black unless the light shines just right and the cheek bones are definitely his features. Your hair is clearly your Mother's, but I know Rheagar's features anywhere. You are his son. You are Rheagar's son," remarked Ser Barristan with tears falling from his face and dropped his sword.
"So I have heard," added Aegon with a smile that reminded the knight in front of him of the boy's Father.
"What happened? Varys told me you were raised as Ned Stark's bastard son. How you left the North and made your way to Essos," replied Ser Barristan while hoping this was not a trick or dream.
"What Varys told you was true. I am Rheagar Tagaryen's true born son. He had married Lyanna Stark in secret. His marriage to Elia Martell was annulled. All the documents I need to prove it are at the Citadel. Buried under piles of papers and unknowingly hidden from the Maesters," replied Aegon with Ser Barristan nodding while making note to visit the Citadel on "royal business" to get those documents and keep them safe.
Ser Barristan wouldn't trust those grey rats in robes any more then he trust Grand Maester Pycelle with the old man being rumored to not keep up his vow of celibacy.
"If I had known. If only I had known. I would have raised you myself. Not as a bastard, but as my adopted son. While our Oaths forbid the Kingsguard from having children, it usually means children by blood," said Ser Barristan with Aegon smiling at him.
"You would have made a great Father to me. I have no doubt of that," replied Aegon with Ser Barristan smiling and crying harder now before falling to his knees, reaching for his sword to hold it properly in this position.
"I, Ser Barristan, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, hereby pledge my undying, and unwavering loyalty to Aegon of House Targaryen. To be his sword, shield, and provide advice in times of great need. I will protect him with my life until the end of my days," said Ser Barristan while gazing up at the image before him and swore to himself that the image of Rheagar was beside the boy smiling down at him in approval.
"Arise Ser Barristan. I have need of you and the position you are in as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard," said Aegon while Ser Barristan slowly rose from the ground.
"Name it my King," said Ser Barristan eager to hear the command of his King.
"Sadly, I am not a King. Not yet. But soon, in a few years. But in those few years, all will be different. I have foreseen events that will come. Varys is on our side. Trust the Spider and let him spin his webs. As for the Falcon, the Lion and the Stag, leave them all to me. The others will fall in line when the time comes to reveal the truth to everyone," replied Aegon with Ser Barristan nodding since it was clear his King had a plan.
"Robert will no doubt send assassins after you. If not him, then Tywin Lannister," said Ser Barristan worriedly since he wouldn't put it past Tywin to do that.
"Leave that to me. You are needed for a more secret mission. I need you to find out who among the Kingsguard are worthy of their titles and who is not. I also need you find out who among the City Watch we can count on should they be called upon," replied Aegon since he knew Ser Barristan could find out who would fight for the dragon over the Stag or lion when the time came.
"I know a few who aren't worthy. How they only got their appointment due to the Queen or her Father. They are men without honor or skill. They are a shadow and blight on the Kingsguard," remarked Ser Barristan with bitterness in his tone.
"I will leave you to make a list of everyone who is and who is not worthy. Once you have completed the list, send it to Varys. He will send it to me," commanded Aegon.
"Yes your Grace. What about Robert? What about the Queen. Her children?" asked Ser Barristan curiously.
"I'm told the so called Prince is a real monster. My Grandfather only with Lannister blood in his veins," commented Aegon before putting on his mask.
"Aye. I real terror that one. His Mother, the Queen, coddles him so much it almost makes me sick to my stomach. The other two, Tommen and Myrcella, are good kids. Pure minds the both of them. No evil to be had," replied Ser Barristan with Aegon nodding.
"Unlike Robert and Tywin, I will not be cruel to any innocent children just because their own parents or Grandparents have been cruel. No. I will handle them properly when the time comes. Don't worry Ser Barristan. Nothing I do will be one of dishonor," said Aegon with Ser Barristan sighing in relief.
"What of the North your Grace? Your Uncle is the Warden of the North, but he is also the Sworn Brother of the King. If Robert calls the banners and calls on the North...," said Ser Barristan worriedly.
"Unfortunately, my Uncle would answer the call and his bannermen would follow when called upon. At least until they are told and shown the truth. Lyanna Stark was a woman of the North. No true member of the North would dare raise their banner against her or her own blood. When the time comes, they will not challenge me," replied Aegon since he knew the North would back off once they learned the truth.
"I look forward to the day you return home your Grace," said Ser Barristan with Aegon nodding.
"Stay the course Ser Barristan. When the times comes, one of the Spider's little birds will approach with specific code words. When you do hear the code words, it will be time to strike against our enemies," said Aegon while his image slowly began to fade from the knight's view.
"And what are the code words I should listen for your Grace?" asked Ser Barristan with only the man's head being left to fade away.
"Execute Order 66," replied Aegon before he was gone from Ser Barristan's sight.
"It will be done your Grace," said Ser Barristan with his smile never leaving him.
His future King would return soon. And when he did, Ser Barristan would once more have a chance serve someone worthy of being called a good King.
(Essos-Short Time Later)
"They haven't sent a representative your Grace. It appears they still refuse to bend the knee to your superior might," said Jon Connington with Aegon looking at the city.
"No. Its not that. Word has reached them of the Second Sons failing. They know anymore powerful friends they claim to have will not come to their aid. Something else is going to happen inside Yunkai. Something bad. Very bad," commented Aegon while reaching out to the Force to get a sense of what was about to happen.
The Wise Master's of Yunkai were going to do something very bad and very stupid just to spite him.
"What? What is it your Grace? Your Grace?!" asked Jon before Aegon suddenly took off running and called all three dragons to him with Revanchist being his ride.
"Get the men into formation. We're storming the city! The Wise Masters are going to kill every slave they can in defiance of me. We need to stop them!" commanded Aegon with Ser Jorah and Jon gasping before they called the Unsullied into formation.
"Get my horse! I will assist in leading the Unsullied inside," commanded Daenerys with her horse being provided.
"Princess, you may enter a bloody onslaught," protested Ser Jorah.
"Men, women, and children are about to be harmed Ser Jorah. I will not stand by and let all of them die at the hands of these so called Wise Masters. If you wish to ensure that I am properly protected, you and Lord Connington can accompany me through the gates with the Unsullied," commanded Daenerys while readying herself to enter.
And just in time as Vaderon and Drogon had burned down the gates while Revanchist had flown high to the upper part of the city to drop Aegon off. After he did, the dragon proceed to unleash fire on what guards were left, and was soon joined by his brothers of the sky.
Within the upper portions of the city, Aegon was busy with the guards and Wise Masters already assembling to kill their slaves. He knew they were prideful, but to kill all of the slaves instead of bending the knee was just insane.
He ran through the streets, the Force was his guide. Speaking to him loudly to the point it might as well be shouting. Telling him to run left, right, right, left, right, left, left, right, run down this corner, run up this flight of stairs, and even jump off a roof with the sound of horrifying screams of people dying being heard all around him. With each direction he went, Wise Masters and their loyal guards killing slaves with daggers and swords to spite their soon to be conqueror.
Or rather, they would have done it if not for Aegon coming at them at the last moment. His Valeryian sword slicing through flesh like it was wet paper, the gurgling sound of men about to do horrible thing now dying in the street soon replaced the screams of the frightened and innocent lives. One Wise Master moved to kill a child crawling away from him, pleading with the man not to end his life. Only for Aegon to run his blade through the man's back and slice off his head before telling the child to hide until the city was under his control.
At the base of the city, the Unsullied moved quickly throughout the streets in their usual tight formation, Daenerys was ordering them to find the Wise Masters, to kill them and their loyal guards, and free every slave in chains before giving them a means to defend themselves from harm. In less than an hour, the slaves were armed, helping the invasion force in the finding and killing of the Wise Masters of Yunkai. When it was all over, all the Wise Masters were dead one way or another. And out of all the 200,000 slaves in the city, roughly over 300 slaves had been killed by the Wise Masters before Aegon could possibly get to them.
It was actually fortunate that the slaves outnumbered the Wise Masters 3 to 1.
The Wise Masters they had captured instead of killed and kept under strict guard, and eventually brought before him in the middle of the city's main square. It was also the same one ironically used for the selling, buying, and even execution of slaves when called upon. Around them, the people who had once been slaves, now freed by Aegon's decree, were shouting for justice, vengeance, and blood for the Wise Masters who had killed their fellow slaves. Slaves who died earlier without having tasted the sweet taste of freedom Aegon had just given them.
In the center of it all, Aegon stood tall and proud. Around him near his feet, on their very knees, shaking like frightened children, were the so called Wise Masters. They were all bloodied, beaten by the former enslaved populace before being retrieved to be brought to this public place, where Aegon would make his actions here known loudly, and justified so no one outside these walls could ever claim ignorance over his actions here today.
"Today, you will witness justice. A justice many of you believed would never come now in your lifetime or any lifetime following your own. Today, I will see justice done against those that gave you injustice all your life! For generations, you and all those like you here in Yunkai have suffered countless beatings, humiliation after humiliation, and violations upon your body, if not your spirit. It ends today! This city is no longer filled with slaves, who are sold and bought for the amusement and joy of others for their sick perversions. This is a city now filled with free men, women, and children who will have the power to seek a life beyond the station these so called Wise Masters have set for you. From here on out, a new form of government will be established here. Where there is no slavery. Where there is no fear of the whip. No fear of pain or cruelty. No fear of the Wise Masters trying to hurt you or your children or grandchildren! Today, we cast down the old ways and the old guard that kept you oppressed for so long. Today, Yunkai will not be known as a city of pleasure slave, but a city of free people!" exclaimed Aegon with the people shouting in approval of him and his words.
"AEGON!"
"AEGON!"
"AEGON!"
"AEGON!"
"AEGON!"
"He has a way with gathering the people to his side," commented Missandei at the sight of the people chanting his name with Daenerys smirking.
"My nephew knows what the people want. The people want justice and freedom. We will give it to them. We will end this injustice with justice. Just like Astapor. Just like here in Yunkai. We will liberate the Free Cities of Essos from slavery. We will end the cycle of oppression that has existed for so long on this side of the world," said Daenerys with the woman beside her smiling.
"Fire and blood," said Missandei.
"Fire and blood," repeated Daenerys while watching Aegon absorbing the support of the people around him.
Before he struck down each Wise Master violently around him. Each one begging for mercy. To spare their lives. Some swore their families and allies would get revenge on Aegon. Not that it mattered to Aegon. Soon, all of Essos would know of his actions, and so would Westeros for that matter.
"You did well nephew," commented Daenerys with Aegon smirking though you couldn't see it behind the mask.
"I try Aunt. There is just one final item we need to handle in order to make this official. Is the banner ready?" asked Aegon with Daenerys letting her smirk grow.
"Naturally nephew. It would be unfitting and humiliation for House Targaryen to fly an incomplete banner over," replied Daenerys while motioning Grey Worm to take some men to set the banner high in the air for all to see.
The banner of House Targaryen. The sigil showing the red three headed dragon in front of a black background. One Aegon wanted everyone to know showed House Targaryen still existed. That they still lived. And they weren't going anywhere.
(A/N: YAY! Another update for you all. Hope you loved it. Things are going to get more interesting. We are getting closer to Season 1 of the show and more on Aegon's conquest of Essos prior to that. Until next time...PEACE!)
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