Daenerys rode through the birch woods and arrived at a high hill, gazing at the enemy blocking the road ahead.
The banners flapped in the breeze, each bearing the symbol of a harpy. Unlike the harpy of Astapor, the Yunkai harpy held a whip and iron collar in its claws, not chains.
In addition to the harpy banner, two other banners were visible among the enemy forces: one depicting four crows perched between crossed lightning bolts, the other a broken sword.
"Those are the banners of the Stormcrows and the Second Sons," Ser Jorah Mormont explained. "Both are well-known mercenary companies from Essos, each numbering around 500 men."
It wasn't unusual for Essosi city-states to hire mercenaries to fight their battles, so the presence of the Stormcrows and Second Sons wasn't surprising.
"Mercenaries are no match for the Unsullied," Daenerys said confidently. "What about Yunkai's army?"
"They're even less of a threat," Jorah replied. "Yunkai is famous for training bed slaves. Their slaves master the seven moans of pleasure and the sixteen positions of delight, but when it comes to swords and spears... not so much."
Daenerys smirked, her confidence growing. "So, we can defeat Yunkai's forces?"
"With the Unsullied at your command, Yunkai will fall at your feet," Jorah assured her.
"But it will cost blood," Ser Barristan Selmy cautioned.
Daenerys nodded slowly. She understood that victory always came at a price.
As they spoke, a small cavalry contingent emerged from the enemy lines.
"Yunkai must be sending envoys," Jorah speculated.
"Let's talk to them," Daenerys said. "Perhaps we can take the city without spilling too much blood."
She turned her horse and rode back to the camp.
---
The Yunkai envoy soon arrived.
The group consisted of about 50 riders, led by a tall white camel.
The camel's rider was the Yunkai envoy, Grazdan.
"Yunkai's walls are strong, our nobles are proud and brave, and our people are hardy and unyielding," Grazdan declared arrogantly. "Our bloodline descends from the ancient Ghiscari Empire. When your Valyrian ancestors were still nomads on the grasslands, the Ghiscari ruled the world. Honored Queen, your path of conquest should not pass through here."
As he spoke, he clapped his hands, signaling two attendants to carry forward a heavy wooden chest, placing it before Daenerys.
"Fifty thousand gold coins," Grazdan said grandly. "A token of friendship from Yunkai's wise masters. We hope you'll accept it and return to Westeros to reclaim your father's Iron Throne."
Daenerys nudged the chest open with her sandal-clad foot, revealing it to be filled with gold coins.
She scooped up a handful, letting the coins slip through her fingers, their gleam catching the light.
"Very beautiful," she said. "I wonder how many such chests I'll find after I take your city."
"None at all," Grazdan replied smugly. "Because you'll never take it."
Daenerys shut the chest with her foot, her tone cold.
"Take my message back to your masters: they have three days to release all the slaves in Yunkai and allow them to take whatever they wish from their masters' property as payment for their years of service. After the slaves are gone, my Unsullied will enter the city to search for anyone still enslaved.
"If you comply, Yunkai will be spared blood and fire."
"Are you mad?" Grazdan exclaimed.
"She's certainly mad," sneered a mercenary with the Stormcrows' sigil tattooed on his chest. "Women should stay in bed where they belong, not challenge men on the battlefield."
"If you can please every man in my company, perhaps I'll consider fighting for the Dragon Queen," another mercenary jeered.
"I think I saw a 'Dragon Queen' in a Braavosi brothel once. Was that you?" added another, laughing.
As the mercenaries' vulgar taunts continued, Daenerys's voice dropped:
"Dracarys."
The three dragons responded instantly, hissing and unleashing spiraling torrents of black and red flame.
The mercenaries scattered in terror. Grazdan wasn't quick enough—his tokar caught fire, the garment blazing.
Cursing loudly, he flailed, trying to smother the flames. Luckily, Ser Barristan doused him with a bucket of water, extinguishing the fire.
"You ignorant woman! Do you know nothing of diplomacy? Attacking envoys is a crime!"
Daenerys calmed her dragons, her expression unyielding.
"I only burned your robe," she said icily. "I can buy you a new one—provided you free your slaves in three days. Otherwise, next time my dragons will burn more than your clothing."
"You'll pay for your arrogance!" Grazdan snarled. "These little lizards won't save you! I promise, if they come near Yunkai, they'll be shot from the sky by a hail of bolts! Killing dragons isn't hard! We Ghiscari did it thousands of years ago!"
"And thousands of years ago, the Ghiscari were destroyed by Valyria's dragons," Daenerys retorted. "Get out. You have three days."
---
Night had fallen after the Yunkai delegation departed.
While Daenerys was dining, Ser Jorah entered her tent to report.
"Your Grace, the Unsullied have captured a mercenary attempting to infiltrate our camp."
"A spy?"
"One of the Stormcrows' captains, Daario Naharis. He was here earlier with the Yunkai delegation and claims to have a gift for you."
Daenerys recalled the flamboyantly dressed man in a yellow robe and nodded.
"Bring him in."
Daario was soon escorted in, carrying a heavy black canvas bag slung over his shoulder.
"Beautiful Queen, I bring you a precious gift!" Daario announced with a broad smile. "The Stormcrows are yours!"
Daenerys was skeptical. "The Stormcrows have three captains. Have the others agreed to surrender as well?"
"I brought them with me so you can ask them yourself." Daario chuckled, flipping the bag upside down.
Two severed heads rolled out, blood still dripping.
Daenerys was startled but quickly composed herself.
"You killed them?"
"Of course."
"Why?"
"Because you're too beautiful," Daario said unabashedly, his gaze fixed on her with open desire. "For you, I'd do anything! Marry me, and I'll give you all of Slaver's Bay."
"A mere sellsword, making such boasts!" Jorah sneered.
"I'll conquer Slaver's Bay myself," Daenerys said coolly. "If you want to prove your loyalty, start by setting fire to Yunkai's camp tonight to aid our attack."
"Consider it done."
"Now swear your loyalty to me."
Daario dropped dramatically to his knees, pressing his forehead to her toes.
"My sword is yours, my life is yours, my blood, my body, and even my songs are all yours. In life or death, I will obey your every command, beautiful queen!"
Daenerys gazed down at him, his flamboyant declarations ringing in her ears. Yet in her heart, it wasn't Daario's face she saw—it was Caesar's.
If only Caesar would swear such devotion to me…
"I accept your loyalty," she said. "Tonight, fight for me."
"You'll see it with your own eyes," Daario promised, rising to bow before leaving.
---
As soon as he was gone, Jorah turned to Daenerys.
"Your Grace, this is unwise. If Daario can betray his comrades, he can betray us too."
"Mercenaries are not to be trusted," Ser Barristan agreed grimly.
"We're in a crisis, and we can't demand absolute loyalty," Daenerys replied. "When Yunkai's camp burns, lead the Unsullied in an attack."
Jorah wanted to argue further, but Daenerys dismissed him with a wave of her hand.
(End of Chapter)