Viserys's refusal threw a wrench in their plans, and Egon's smile faltered for just a moment. He was unsure how to convince the royal siblings of the city's safety. Should he boast about its impregnable walls or its well-armed guards?
Before he could respond, Pree stepped in smoothly, his voice soft but filled with assurance. "It's fine, my lord," Pree said, using his tricks. "Let her stay outside if it pleases her. We will ensure she is comfortable."
As Shiera had warned, the Warlocks of the Undying could assume the forms of those whose life force they had consumed. To Pree and his fellow Warlocks, as long as Dany was still near, she wouldn't escape their grasp.
"That would be a shame," Egon responded, recovering his composure. "But we will send food and gifts to the Princess. Please, Your Grace, come into the city first."
"Of course," Viserys replied with a smile, stepping into the grand golden palanquin, which required eighty slaves to carry. Two members of the Pureborn, including Egon, accompanied him.
Ahead of them, children with golden slippers scattered flower petals along the road. The sweet scent of flowers filled the air as they sang, the aroma mingling with the already refreshing breeze. Viserys felt momentarily at ease, soaking in the luxury.
Along the wide, opulent avenue, known as the Sunrise Avenue, crowds of commoners and slaves lined the sides, gazing in awe at the procession. Viserys observed them with detachment, his attention soon drawn to the massive walls of Qarth, which loomed ahead.
The first, outermost wall was constructed from red sandstone and stood over ten meters tall. It was decorated with intricate carvings of animals and plants, stretching endlessly along the perimeter. As they passed through, Viserys noticed how carefully crafted the details were, from the veins on leaves to the fur on beasts.
The second wall, made from gray granite, displayed scenes of military conquests, boasting Qarth's military strength. Viserys couldn't help but chuckle at the irony. The people of Qarth had been driven back by the Valyrians and plundered by the Dothraki. It was as if they carved images of their might to hide the truth: that they had very little to show for it.
People always emphasized what they lacked.
When they finally reached the third and innermost wall, Viserys raised an eyebrow. This wall, made of smooth black marble, stood nearly twenty meters high, adorned with gold, jade, and lapis lazuli. These precious materials were used to create an almost lifelike illusion of what lay carved into the stone.
The content was... startling. Giant, elaborate images of sexual intercourse.
It seemed Qarth had a fertility cult of sorts, one that had taken great care to immortalize every intimate act in such vivid detail. Viserys, who had already experienced the decadent pleasures offered by the slave masters of Yunkai, was no stranger to the acts depicted. Still, the sheer artistry of it caught him off guard.
What impressed him most were the expressions carved into the stone faces—so lifelike, it was as if the sculptors had been present to witness the events firsthand.
'It's all about the expression,' Viserys thought, recalling interviews he'd seen in his past life with certain 'teachers.' The sculptors of these reliefs must have been meticulous, or perhaps even inspired by reality.
Young Connington, who accompanied Viserys, couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy after seeing the explicit carvings on the walls. Raised with strict discipline, he had been taught from an early age to abstain from sexual activity until adulthood. Despite the many temptations he had faced—especially in Tyrosh, where his good looks had attracted the attention of many young maids—Connington remained steadfast in following his father's teachings.
His resolve had been tested more than most, but he had always managed to hold firm.
Thankfully, once they passed the third wall, the provocative frescoes gave way to something more dignified. Inside, ancient statues of Qarth's heroes stood on tall, ornate pillars of turquoise and marble, their expressions fixed in eternal, stony vigilance.
In the original timeline, when Mother of Dragons arrived in Qarth, she was weak and vulnerable, easy prey for the Warlocks who lured her to the House of the Undying. She hadn't even been permitted to enter the palace. But now, Viserys strode into the city as the "Lord of the West," commanding respect and deference with ease.
The palace of Qarth itself was breathtaking—an opulent masterpiece that shimmered like a jewel within the Free Cities. Rare animals and exotic plants filled the palace grounds, while murals inlaid with gold leaf and gems adorned the walls, telling stories of glory and conquest. Everything was designed to impress and overwhelm.
The maids attending the palace were dressed in revealing garments, baring large areas of their skin, their beauty adding to the palace's allure. Young Connington, standing beside Viserys, couldn't help but shift uncomfortably as his eyes were drawn to the maids.
The dazzling white of the palace walls gleamed under the sunlight as Viserys and his entourage arrived. As the massive golden sedan chair was gently lowered by the slaves, Egon stepped forward, his voice smooth and confident.
"Your Grace, I've heard about the minor troubles you've encountered. Qarth is prepared to send a thousand warships to aid you in retaking the Iron Throne."
The Pureborn members had already agreed to this grand offer, knowing full well that once Viserys was lured into the House of the Undying, there would be no need to follow through. Once he fell into the Warlocks' trap, their promises of ships would become meaningless.
Seizing the moment, Viserys responded with equally practiced ease, "The Targaryens will always remember Qarth's generosity, and the rising sun will bear witness to our enduring friendship."
It was the kind of courtly performance Viserys hadn't had a chance to perfect in Astapor, but here in Qarth, it finally found its use. A grand banquet followed, with Egon, Xaro, and Pree personally guiding Viserys through the city on a tour.
"Your Grace, this is the Temple of Memory, where the Pureborn honor their ancestors," Egon said, gesturing toward an imposing palace surrounded by statues.
The statues, all women, stood in a solemn circle around the building. Intrigued, Viserys asked, "Are the female ancestors honored outside, while the male ancestors are within?"
Egon smiled and nodded. "Yes, Your Grace. If you wish, you may enter and see for yourself."
Viserys waved it off. "No, no. Ancestors are sacred to us all. I wouldn't dream of disturbing such a revered place."
Standing nearby, Xaro took his chance. "Your Grace, Lord Pree mentioned that you are interested in the sorcery of the Undying Ones. Since the fleet will take some time to prepare, why not allow Lord Pree to accompany you to the House of the Undying now?"
For a moment, the air seemed to thicken, a strange tension settling over the group. But Viserys kept his composure, knowing they were playing their hand.
"That sounds wonderful. Let's go at once!"
His response was exactly what they'd hoped for, and so the party set off, accompanied by a large retinue, toward the House of the Undying.
As they approached, Viserys observed the eerie surroundings. The House of the Undying was encircled by a dense, oppressive forest of black-leafed trees, their gnarled branches casting unsettling shadows. The trees, covered in blue leaves, blocked much of the sky, adding to the feeling of foreboding. Through the twisted branches, Viserys could make out a massive statue of a stone snake, crouching and towering four meters high.
The House itself looked like an ancient, forgotten ruin, its walls crumbling, its windows dark and empty. It felt like the perfect setting for a horror story, and Viserys couldn't help but think of the gruesome fates that might await within.
Feigning curiosity, Viserys turned to Pree, his voice casual. "Lord Pree, this is the famous House of the Undying? Why does it look so... abandoned?"