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***
Two days later. Meereen.
The two armies marched against each other.
The coalition and militia armies of Meereen consisted of ninety thousand warriors of various suits. Among them were equestrians, war chariots, more than a dozen elephants, slingers, archers from the Summer Isles and the Isle of Lang, spearmen from I-Tii and many other mercenaries from Essos, Westeros and even Sothoros. They were commanded by General Lin Son of the Lang State.
This formidable force lined up, in even ranks competently arranged according to the type of their troops and experience in battle.
Against them stood the sixty thousandth army of the Dharians, which consisted of twenty-five thousand Dothraki, five thousand mercenary archers and crossbowmen, not counting another five thousand archers from Tolos and twenty-five thousand legionaries, most of whom had not yet taken a really big part in the battles until recently, although the command staff of the legions were experienced and loyal soldiers of the Empire. The commander of the army was Miriam, who had recently been called bloody by her subordinates because of her tough temper and cruelty to the enemy.
Before the battle began, a short negotiation took place. General Song was genuinely surprised at the command of the enemy army. Specifically, that they were commanded by a woman. And then he was also surprised at their demand to surrender. Lin Song was offended by the words of a weak opponent whom he and his army outnumbered. In response, he demanded that they immediately lay down their weapons and cooperate with him. Great General Leng even wanted to offer Miriam to be his concubine in recognition of her bravery and beauty, but then changed his mind.
In the end, the battle was still destined to happen.
For a long time, about three hours after the failed negotiations, General Lin waited for the Dharians to attack, only there was none. Miriam had taken a defensive stance. Under the pressure of the situation, and with the assistance of his advisors, he decided to act on his own. One movement of General Lang's staff and the entire army slowly stepped forward.
The coalition troops stopped within firing distance of the archers and slingers. And after that, they opened up marksmanship on the advance detachment of the Dharian army, which did not have the means to immediately counter, as General Song realised.
The only ones who had the ability to give a decent response to the enemy at such a distance were the crossbowmen and archers, but they had been left in the rear and could not take an effective part in the battle. The D'Harans had no choice but to either take offensive action or simply stand under "fire" until evening. The first to move against the archers was the cavalry on the flanks, which consisted mainly of Dothraki. However, due to the poor leadership of the mercenary commanders and the terrain on which they were positioned, the flanking units were smaller than they should have been. Many of the Dothraki commanders were not where they were supposed to be, or they were not in the units where General Miriam had originally planned them to be.Either way, the cavalry on the flanks of the Dharian formation acted bravely and tenaciously. On the enemy's left flank, the Dothraki's attempt to attack received a determined response from the archers, forcing the attackers to retreat - all of them. On the right, the assault initially set in and fared somewhat better.
D'Hara's squad managed to engage the enemy in hand-to-hand combat, despite the barricades of stakes and heavy fire from the archers. But, somehow, the attack was quickly repelled here as well.
Meanwhile, it was time for the forces in the main area to clash in battle - Miriam and General Darstein began to advance. The advance was slow. The attack was not a dashing charge, but rather a difficult progressive approach to the enemy, during which the attackers served as excellent targets for the Letnian archers.
The Dharian units had to operate in a narrow area between the hills that did not allow them to turn round, and as they approached the "coalition" orders they crowded each other. The men were forced to huddle together, often lacking the space just to use their weapons.
The front line of the Dharians made contact with the Quartian and Giskar warriors, and a fierce battle ensued. Now deprived of the ability to fire, the archers took up auxiliary weapons to fight the Dothraki alongside the heavily-armed Coalition mercenaries.
Despite their numerical superiority, General Lin Son's troops were at a disadvantage: they had spent a great deal of effort in advancing and were exhausted, and - squeezed from all sides - unable to fight effectively. Many were killed or captured. It was not only the offensive weapon itself that was the cause of death. A fallen warrior, especially a wounded one - more often than not - could not easily get up in the sticky mud in which he risked being drowned. Or even, perhaps, to be trampled by his own comrades fighting around him.
In short, many died in the mud, falling deep into it under the weight of their armour. Even Empress Lang's son had suffered such a fate. Others fell victim to the furious archers, who stabbed the enemy with knives in the parts of the body poorly protected by armour, or beat them to death with clubs and sticks.
The first line of Dothraki was joined by a "fresh" second part, and the battle became more heated.
But at one point, when it seemed that the Dharians had already gained more strength and the ranks of the coalition troops were weakening, as the first fugitives from the battlefield appeared, General Miriam ordered the trumpeting of the bugles to retreat.
Already when there were more than four hundred metres between the retreating Dharians and their opponents, General Son was surprised by this woman's move. But he decided that the gods were on his side and immediately trumpeted for all the cavalry to advance in the first place after the Dharians.
It took them a couple of minutes to form into a long column, and then they moved out to attack. It turned out that after following the enemy for a couple of miles, they were surrounded by hills on their sides. But that didn't bother them.
They wanted to smash the enemy completely.
But all of them stopped when they heard a nasty, blood-chilling roar of an unknown animal, which, judging by this, was approaching.
And so it did. A couple more moments after the last roar and from behind the hill quickly appeared in the sky a huge monster of black colour and purple "veins" that covered its body. It was huge and horrible, like a nightmare.
The warriors all froze in place. Some had their hearts stopped by what they saw or fell unconscious. They began to flee from the battlefield. But due to the narrowness of the passageway and the fact that other coalition troops were still advancing from the rear, they could not get away without crushing and unnecessary casualties.
At that moment the dragon and his rider came into the direct path of the column and the one who after this battle would be called "Nightmare" began to spew flames of bright violet colour, which burned for a couple of hundred meters ahead everything it touched. Thus, General Lin Song was one of the first to fall.
Screams of despair, anger, hatred, fear, and pleas for help filled the space. But it didn't help them. The dragon continued to incinerate the enemy forces without stopping. A couple of times it soared into the sky and made loops, and then came round again to burn thousands of men and horses.
The elephants that followed the cavalry saw the incredibly horrible and unknown monster and turned back, despite the trainers' attempts to stop them from crushing their own. But it didn't help.
It took him a little over fifteen minutes to almost completely destroy the enemy army, except for some deserters who were lucky enough to escape earlier.
It seemed like a victory, but it wasn't enough for Darken Rahl.
After circling the carnage and soot of the former coalition army, he aimed his dragon at Meereen.
The defenders of the city tried to fire scorpions, bows and spears at him, but nothing could pierce the steel-hard scales of their impending death.Hovering for a few seconds over the front gates of Meereen, Nightmare exhaled a ball of flame and the gates, as well as more than three dozen defenders, burst into flames. He then flew over the wall and poured fire on the remaining fortifications. Upon reaching the southern gate, he burned it down as well, and then flew along the wall towards the eastern gate. As a result, in another ten minutes the fortifications of Meereen were gone. And the Dharian forces had stormed in.
There were only minor skirmishes for a couple of hours, and those were after the Nightmare had flown over Meereen and knocked down the golden harpies that used to tower on the pyramids.
By evening, the city was completely under the control of Darken Rahl, who surveyed it from the balcony of the highest pyramid. He had decided to settle there for now.
As soon as he went inside to his chambers, a report arrived from Daario Naharis, giving a detailed account of the Battle of Cherva and the capture of Yunkai. He's on his way here now with an army of 10,000. He has done to the people of Yunkai what his Emperor ordered him to do - he has freed all the slaves and made them full citizens of the Empire, and made all the old "noble" lords or as they are called "Wise Lords" slaves. Merchants and craftsmen are not to be touched, for they will still be useful. There now remained about ten thousand warriors to maintain order and a new governor.
A messenger from the Dothraki arrived a little later.
In the last two days since Darken had left Cedar Island, he had managed to reach Vaes Dothrak, where "his" Khals and the then still independent Khals were meeting in general assembly. He showed up and gave a long and imposing speech about the future. As a result, after two hours of monologue and a couple of "duels" with him and the Khalsa for supremacy, all the Khalsa there swore allegiance to him with their Khalasars, and the Khalsa became his "blood riders".
Now the entire Dothraki Sea has become part of the D'Haran Empire. And it makes up a third of the entire area of Essos. The Dothraki army marches to Meereen to regroup and await further instructions from their Emperor. And in two days' time, a hundred thousand Dothraki will take part in new campaigns.
- Darken? - Miriam called out to him from his chambers. He allowed her to call him by his name. What are your future plans? And what will you do with the traitors? It is not for nothing that you made them stand naked in the main square all night without sleep, is it?
- As for the traitors, you'll find out tomorrow," he smiled, and sat down at the table, writing something on parchment, "And the plans... You'll go to Sarnor, your homeland. And you're going to get all your tribesmen to swear an oath to me. It doesn't matter if you force them into the Empire by force or diplomacy. The important thing is that they join. Though I don't think you're likely to use unnecessary brutality and force. It doesn't matter, though. Rhys... I'm writing him instructions for his actions now. He's going to raid the Giscarians' land holdings. I'll assign him a legion of Unsullied and some of the legion of warriors who fought in the battle today. Let him practise his warlord skills.
- Is that all?
- I'll regroup the troops and send each commander on his own mission. There will be a task for you as soon as possible. New Guis! You take it, your forces will consist of the mercenaries who survived Cedar Island, one legion, a few thousand Dothraki, and perhaps the Sons of the North. These Westerosi are quite interesting fighters. Most of them northerners are mountain clans. Very fierce and skilful warriors. You'll also have Mathys and Salador Saan with you.
- You've given that foxy man a whole squadron, haven't you? His 35 ships, 40 of ours. And he calls himself 'Lord and King of the Narrow Sea,'" she said, and sat down across from him, pouring herself a glass of wine.
- Don't worry about him. The teams are mixed, and when the time comes he will retire and his 'deputy' will take his place," Darken returned the chuckle, "Besides, it's not a big deal. You'd better think about future campaigns in the Summer Sea. I reckon it'll take a year. There's no rush, and I'll be busy raising my dragons and researching. Besides, I still have to make an expedition to the probable country where there was... Never mind.
- And Norvos? - The red-haired warrior tilted her head to the side, "I believe the Bearded Priests wanted to meet with you.
- I sent them a message of apology, and I won't be there for another year. They can do without me. I have more important things to do.
- I see. Nyssa has graduated another half a dozen Mord-Sith. They're waiting for your blessing and your final entry into the order.
- I already know. Did you execute those idiots who sabotaged your orders and the scout commander?
- First I played with them, and then I absolved them," she grinned.
- That's why I love you... I'm afraid of you sometimes. Heh-heh-heh. All right. Go rest or enjoy the festivities. I have some business to attend to.
The Valkyrie of the North has left him alone.***
The next day, on a hot afternoon, he marched in full parade with the First Cohort into the town square and sat down on the platform, scrutinising the crowd. Behind him lay Nightmare, who pretended to be asleep, but was actually awake and listening intently.
The crowd was in a panic. The smells of sweat, piss, and shit that came from the Great Gentlemen reached Darken's nose. As Daario Naharis, who was next to him, joked - "Only Great Shit comes from the Great Gentlemen!" Darken liked that joke. But for now, he made no judgement or speeches. Only scrutinised them closely.
They all exuded fear, resentment, doom. They were broken. They didn't know what would happen next.....
- Kir zo Lorak! - he said loudly the name of the rebel governor, "Bring him here, and perhaps his family as well.
A middle-aged man, his wife, his son and his two daughters were thrown at the Emperor's feet.
- My lord," the man mumbled and tried to crawl on his knees towards Darken, but was stopped by the giant Boros, who stepped on his foot, breaking it, "Ahhhhh. Please have mercy. I-I. will faithfully serve you...please...please...please.....
- Serve me right? - The ruler raised his eyebrow in surprise, "What miracles are happening... I don't even know what to say. First you swore an oath to me as the rightful ruler of this city, and then one day, as soon as the opportunity arose, you rebelled. You conspired with my enemies and betrayed me.
- My Emperor.
- I did not authorise you to speak! - The Meereenese was silent for an hour. Gold! But no, not so - profit and greed have made you and many of the citizens of this marvellous city traitors.
A new wave of fear swept through the Meereenese crowd.
- And you know what? I... feel the pain and sorrow of it. I've been betrayed. And it... makes me angry! - His eyes glowed with flame and the air became heavy. Even his warriors felt the heaviness that hung in the air, -And you know what you can't do for anything in life? You can't make a dragon angry! But you have angered it and awakened it. So, today, I will show you the consequences of your wrong choices.
- Corlus zo Bashio! - spoke loudly the name of another Meereenese.
Immediately two men from the ranks of the First Cohort entered the crowd and dragged out a man who looked more Dornish than native, he was a little younger than the traitorous Viceroy. But he looked at Darken Rahl with even more fear than the previous one.
- M-my Emperor. I have been loyal to you! I swear it.
- Calm down, Korlus. I know everything that has gone on here. All the conversations, arguments and thoughts that have been in the air here. I've been waiting to see the outcome of your discussion. I wanted to see who was loyal to me and who wasn't. And I have confidence in you.
- Thank you, Master Rahl. My emperor.
Next, Darken Rahl stood up and walked to the edge of his box.
- My herald will now announce the names of some of the Meereenese. They are to leave your ranks and stand at the eastern side of the square!
Over the signal, one of the officers of the Cohort began to read out the names. This lasted about half an hour. A little over a third went to the east side of the square with their children.
- Those who went out are declared by me, forgiven for their sins and the sins of those who went against me! Today you - he addressed the "forgiven" - have a wonderful chance to become true Dharians. Dharians do not betray their Master Rahl, for betrayal of My Will and My Desires is a path to darkness. I, however, am your Light that illumines your life. I am ready to give you a future that will be better and more secure than in any other city or state," he once again looked round his "loyal" followers and grinned, "Today I will make you true Dharians.
At the snap of his fingers, several dozen servants approached the standing Meereenese and handed them daggers. When they finished handing them out, the servants left, leaving the locals to stare at the weapons in their hands in bewilderment.
- A Dharian should not fear death for his master and emperor. But neither should he yet fear taking the life of his Emperor's enemy. Therefore, all those who now hold arms in their hands, my orders are to destroy the traitors! Every last one of them except their children!
A second or two and the crowd of mad armed Myerinians rushed at their former relatives, friends, neighbours and acquaintances. Those for the most part tried to run away from them. But the strong ranks of the Legionnaires, did not allow anyone to seep outside the "arena". As a result, the two masses clashed not for life, but for death. Although those who were unarmed and were frightened, but the instinct of survival still made them literally with their bare hands to pounce back on their former fellow citizens.
The massacre lasted almost an hour. In the end, the "loyal subjects" still "won", but half of them still fell in this fight. There were also women and children left alive, who were destined to be slaves.
Darken Rahl smiled even more afterwards.
- I congratulate you my dear subjects. You have cleansed your honour and your names from a very heinous betrayal. You have proven your loyalty to me... my beloved Dharians. Corlus!
- Yes Master Rahl?!- You did not participate in this "duel of honour". So it remains for you to execute the vile and deceitful traitor, your predecessor.
At that moment, Boros approached my viceroy and gave him a two-handed sword that quite outwardly resembled an executioner's sword. Then he took the traitor and threw him at his feet. He was not confused and immediately pierced the man's heart hard and fast.
Neither the widow nor the children of the murdered man wept. They had not the strength to do so. They only watched the blood of the head of their family flowing down the steps.
- Karisha, that's your name, isn't it? - Ral turned to the widow, who was still staring at the ground in silence.
- Yes my lord..." she whispered softly.
- Wonderful. I have a message for you. Boros," he nodded at his bodyguard, "hasn't had a woman in a long time. Your juicy arse would suit him. You've got a nice one," and then he slapped it, "Nice breasts, too, though.
- I'll-- I'll-- Of course. I will do anything you wish, my lord. Only... I beg you, spare my children. They are innocent of my husband's sins and mine-- I beg you.
- Of course I won't touch them. And I'm glad you'll help my bodyguard. But as I recall, it's considered shameful for women in your circle to let a man take you up the arse, isn't it?
- I am but a whore compared to your greatness and favour. I would be honoured to kiss the footprints of your bodyguards. I am grateful to you for letting me be of service to you.
- That's wonderful. Except I'm afraid you're not going to be in Boros' bed right away. Your arse is a virgin, and it's been a while since I've had a woman. So you're gonna work your arse off with me. And then Boros will have you," and immediately sat down on the luxurious chair that was nearby and pulled his hardening cock out, "What are you now? You have to satisfy me today. Don't shy away from such an honour," Darken Rahl smiled encouragingly at him.
The woman slowly approached Darken and turned her back to him. By feel, without turning round, she found the young man's cock and guided it right between her buttocks in a small ring. Then gradually she began to lower herself onto him.
It hurt, but she didn't make a sound. She wanted to cry, but she held back. As soon as his cock was halfway inside her, Darken grabbed her and pulled her onto his cock. Here she couldn't hold back a painful moan.
- Good girl, now get your arse in the air. I can see in Boros' eyes, he can't wait to fuck you. Hurry, for if I don't come soon, he'll probably be attracted to your pretty daughters or your son.
Hearing a clear threat to her children Karisha's heart squeezed with fear and overcoming the pain, she began to thrust more actively.
Miriam watched all this and only smiled with the edge of her lips. Understanding the intent of her Emperor.
He had brutally punished the opposition and it would spread throughout the empire, and even beyond its borders. He had also forced the weapons to be turned, against each other, and thus redrawing the long history of the society of Meereen. Forcing a new way of life upon the people of Meereen... though they should now be called pure D'Harans. Who will now think and live differently. For they have no other choice. He has also demeaned the dignity of the Wise Lords. And now everyone is watching this act of humiliation.
Darken may even be disgusted by the idea of shoving his cock up this Meereen woman's arse, but he is thinking first of all of his strategy to break the local population and direct their thoughts and lives in a different direction.
It was hard for the warrior to anticipate Darken's train of thought. It was distant to her and too complex.
Perhaps the mere act of violence against the wife of the previous Viceroy was just another part of one mechanism, one plan that Darken had. And the red-haired warrior only had to wonder what would happen to Yunkai or another city or individual that betrayed him.
Continuation follows...