Shiro Kotomine. Close to Qohor.
Khalasar again made a stop at Qohor, another Free City near the Koina River, to resupply and water the horses, but this time at a decent distance from it. The reason was that this particular city had an army of "Unsullied," eunuch slaves who had been trained from childhood to fight and were skilled warriors, as well as a small fleet of gaels.
The Dothraki had tried to pressure Qohor once before, but to no avail, and so the Khalasars preferred to stay away from it, lest they lose their men in vain.
At the moment, Semi and I were in my tent, waiting patiently for the princess, who had to be given an answer.
The appointed day had come, and in case she did not come before sunset, which I felt was a couple of hours away, we would simply leave, Semi was adamant about that. Circumstances didn't matter, only the response and desire of the princess, as she put it.
I, on the other hand, supported this decision, not because I didn't care, but just the opposite. My desire, both in life and as a Servant and Master, was world peace. Happiness for everyone, for if everyone was happy, but no wars, no hunger, no troubles. And the Princess was at this moment choosing what happiness meant to her and the path to it.
- Did she forget, Semi?
- That's not our problem, Shiro.
- You're right," I sighed, "You know, I've never understood the desire to rule. Why do people need imaginary power over other people? Isn't it silly?
- People like you and the Ringbearer don't understand that," she said, grinning. - And you called me stupid?
- No, I'm sorry," I shook my head. - But I just don't understand it. The reign of any ruler, in one way or another, involves blood. Wars, rebellions, assassinations, conspiracies. All of these things bring a lot of suffering to the people, far more than if everyone were equal.
- So your desire in the Grail War was to make everyone happy? Well, that's certainly silly. That's not how humans work," Semi said, twirling her wine glass in her hand. - Everyone has desires. They can and will contradict the desires of others, and conflict is sure to follow.
- I know that, but still... Why did you become ruler? And why did you say that I and King Solomon couldn't understand it?
- The answer comes directly from my previous words. In conflict, the one who is superior to his opponent wins, whether it be beauty, intelligence, military skill, desire, or anything else. And that is the reason why I became queen of Assyria, simply because I was superior to my ex-husband, Nin. And any excuses are meaningless, for you know my story.
I nodded briefly as Semi paused and rested her head on the back of her palm, taking a sip of wine.
Semi was the daughter of an unknown mortal and the Syrian goddess Derketo, or Atargatis. Her mother had abandoned her immediately after birth on the shore of a body of water, where the infant was fed and raised by pigeons. Semi was then found by the shepherd Sima, which gave her a name and education. And to summarize it all, her words meant that she had achieved everything on her own, with little to nothing behind her.
After all, in her lifetime she managed to marry a general and later an Assyrian king, winning his favor with original military plans and officially becoming queen.
- This is why I consider you a fool, Shiro, though your foolishness is less now. A ruler must be superior to all other men in all things, hence more desires. Every ruler is a tyrant by his rule alone, no matter what he says or how he behaves, because his desires suppress the desires of his subordinates.
- I understand," I said calmly. - I also understand why I don't understand it, as you said. I led the rebellion in Shimabara only because the people wanted me to. They needed a leader and a symbol that would lead them. However, why did you say that King Solomon could not understand the desire to rule?
- He has no desires. Yes, he is powerful, wise and intelligent, but he is also completely empty. Like a puppet with the strings cut off. All historical sources say the same thing, that he was born to do God's will. The ring bearer didn't desire power, rule, or a throne, he did it because he was commanded to do so. And not just your god, but the world itself, as we found out in Chaldea. It is for this reason that I do not consider him human, but a puppet or homunculus created for a specific purpose.
- That's... a rather crude explanation.
- Correct, not crude," Semi corrected me. - I and even you have lived a life based on your own desires and aspirations, but not him. And that is the reason why his method of saving this world is so unthinkingly passive and reluctant. Had he had the desire, the ring bearer would have dealt with the enemy in seconds, the world would never have known about it, and our presence would be meaningless.
- Counter-Force? - I asked in surprise.
"Counter Force" was one of the two ways Alaia influenced the world. The Counter Force manipulates the right person for the survival of all mankind by giving signs, creating guiding situations, and other such subtle influences.
The simplest example would be a sudden change in circumstances followed by a course of action needed by Alaya, as in the case of Joan of Arc. Her faith in the Almighty was pure, sincere and strong, there could be no doubt about that, but it was Alaia, not him, who spoke to her, for the Age of the Gods had already passed by then. She significantly influenced the outcome of events, because otherwise the Hundred Years War would have ended much earlier and not in favor of the French. And, consequently, the true history of all mankind would have been affected.
Everything seemed to be logical, but that was how the Unconscious Will of Mankind acted. However, this was a different world, and therefore different rules. Perhaps, at least.
- That's the only reasonable conclusion," Semi nodded.
- Back to our original topic, what do you think the princess will choose? - I asked, but received only silence. - Semi?
- I don't know," she replied grudgingly. - If it wasn't for the baby, no doubt the girl would choose the crown, but now even I can't give the right answer.
At this point we fell silent and just enjoyed each other's company. And after about fifteen minutes, the entrance to our tent opened, revealing the princess and Fina following her. Deni looked a little unsure and hid her gaze from time to time.
- Teacher, Shiro," she said hello, stopping a little further away from us.
- Hmm," Semi said with a snicker. - I thought you'd forgotten about this day. Sit down.
- No, teacher, I'm just...
- Sit down," Semi ordered her, but surprisingly, the princess didn't obey. She took a deep breath, and then her gaze became firm and confident.
- 'I'll stand, teacher.
- Oh? - Semi raised an eyebrow, and then, looking into Deni's face, nodded approvingly. - Good. You have passed.
- Thank you," the princess said in an authoritative tone.
I looked at her in surprise.
Now her presence was definitely not that of a little girl who was afraid to speak up and lowered her head whenever Semi was displeased. There was a sense of importance and confidence from her, replacing childishness and modesty. Not bad.
- Your answer, Daenerys Targaryen. Let me hear it," Semi said, looking the princess straight in the eye, who nodded briefly and responded in kind.
- Teacher, Shiro, your lessons showed me what I lacked and what I needed. You made me realize how far I was from becoming a queen, and for that my gratitude and debt to you will be forever imprinted in my heart," she began. - But here our path is destined to part.
Semi showed no visible reaction to that, but I knew she was pleased, as was I myself.
- Even if Essos is not my home, and perhaps never will be, my family is here now. My child and my husband. I don't want my child and Drogo to be met with intrigue, conspiracies, and power struggles. Yes, he may die here as well as any other man, but it is much safer here than in Westeros.
- And the throne? Didn't you want to be queen, which is what you told the Ringbearer about? - Semi asked.
- Perhaps once upon a time that was indeed the case. The Iron Throne has spilled a lot of my family's blood, driving its members mad like my brother and the Mad King, and I decided it was time to break the cycle. If my child, after learning all this, wishes for the throne, then let him. I will help him in any way I can, but for me personally, it's over. That is my answer.
Semi looked at the princess for a moment, then stood up and walked over to her.
- 'So be it,' Semi said calmly, and touched her hand to Deni's cheek and smiled softly. - You've grown up, girl. You've finally become someone, no longer a mere doll.
- Through your and Shiro's efforts, teacher," the princess nodded.
- Yes, you're right about that," Semi grinned and headed for the exit. - Let's go, Shiro. Our work is done.
- Yes," I agreed and followed her, but as I passed the princess, I stopped briefly and smiled at her. - You are good. May the Almighty bless you with a bright and happy life.
- Thank you, Shiro. I really appreciate it.
- I know," I nodded and gave her a hug, to which she responded in kind, and then continued on my way. - See you later, princess. God willing, we'll meet again.
At that pace, Semi and I left the Khalasar and stopped a little ways away, giving it one last look.
- Are you sure she shouldn't have known about this? - I asked.
My words implied Jorah Mormont. Every chance he got, he gave small letters to seemingly random non-Khalasar children. And later they would deliver them to someone else in Westeros.
Someone across the Narrow Sea was keeping tabs on the princess and had sent Ser Jorah for the task. I didn't know his story, but since he was doing it, that was the circumstances.
- It's pointless, for we wouldn't have intervened anyway," Semi said. - Contact the ring bearer. He's our Master, as it were, and we need instructions.
- Yes, I was thinking the same thing.
- Shiro? - After contacting him through the Servant-Master link, I heard his voice. - I take it she refused?
- Did you know, my lord?
- It was the most likely outcome of events once she became pregnant,' he said calmly. - Go to Braavos. There is another Servant there whose task you will share. And even though I said 'assignment,' you are essentially on vacation. You can do whatever you want for the next year. I don't think your intervention will be necessary during that time.
- If I may, Lord Solomon, Assassin has built up some resentment on this journey, and...
- The conditions in Braavos will alleviate her discontent. Not a palace worthy of a queen of Assyria, but it's a viable option.
- I see.
- Ah, yes. What have you decided, Shiro? - He asked, and I glanced at Semi, who only smirked.
- We... haven't come to a joint decision yet. I apologize.
- It's all right. I understand," King Solomon said in a soothing tone. - In any case, go. And, as usual, a display of the Servant's powers would be unwelcome.
- As you wish," I said and cut the connection.
- What did he say? - Semi asked.
- To Braavos.
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Fina. Near Qohor.
Enough time had passed by the time Lord Shiro and Lady Semiramis left us, and the princess was still unmoving, keeping a calm expression on her face. However, at one point, I noticed tears streaming down her cheeks. And the princess was clearly holding back, trying to maintain her expression and not show her weakness.
And then a realization hit me.
So she was holding back, huh? The princess wanted to show them her confidence and willpower so that they would remember her just like that. It was impressive, perhaps Lord Solomon would even praise her after seeing this picture, but not me. I frankly didn't care unless it was about my lord or the Lord of Light.
- I'm leaving too, Princess," I said, catching her attention. - My job, as well as theirs, is done.
- Yes, I understand," the princess said surprisingly calmly. - Should I order someone to escort you?
- I don't think so. There is a temple of the Lord of Light in Qohor. They'll let me inside," I said, and bowed one last time and headed for the exit, but I stopped right in front of it. - You know, Princess, though I have not enjoyed serving you, you have proved that Lord Solomon was right about you. You really aren't a willless puppet or a small child.
- For those words I could have ordered your execution, Fina," the princess grinned, clearly parodying Lady Semiramis.
- Yes, you're right, but that wouldn't change anything. I am only a priestess of the Lord of Light, of which there are many, and a former servant of Lord Solomon," I said indifferently, and left the tent and then the Khalasar camp, heading for the gates of Qohor.
I would have liked to meet Lord Solomon again, but unfortunately it was out of my hands. Unless my lord himself or the Lord of Light so wishes, and so I will hope so.
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