Yunkai
Yunkai, often referred to as the Yellow City, was a place of wealth and decadence. It had long been a center of the slave trade, specializing in training slaves as "bedwarmers" and personal servants. Unlike Astapor, which boasted the finest Unsullied warriors, Yunkai relied on its wealth to maintain power, employing sellswords and mercenary companies for defense.
The city was ruled by a council of "Wise Masters," a group of wealthy slave traders who controlled every aspect of Yunkai's economy and governance. Their pyramids, symbols of their wealth and power, dominated the skyline, and their coffers were said to rival those of any Free City.
But their reliance on wealth and mercenaries was also their greatest weakness. Without a strong, disciplined army of their own, Yunkai's defenses depended entirely on loyalty bought with gold a loyalty that could easily waver in the face of a stronger force.
With Astapor stable under Alex and Daenerys' rule, it was time to press onward. The Free Cities of Slaver's Bay had to be brought under their control if lasting peace was to be achieved and Alex had left 10 squads of his soldiers under his people into Astapor. So even in case something happens, things won't go south. By midday, the royal family and their army boarded their ships, ready to make their way toward Yunkai.
The journey to Yunkai was uneventful but swift. The fleet, led by Leon and Mark, sailed through calm waters under the watchful eyes of Ancalagon, who glided high above. His massive form cast a shadow over the ships, a reminder of their strength.
By the end of the day, the fleet arrived at Yunkai's port. The golden city glimmered in the distance, its walls high and proud, as if daring anyone to challenge its might.
Alex disembarked first, followed by Daenerys and their generals. The soldiers worked efficiently to set up the tents for the army, creating a temporary base on the outskirts of the city. Ancalagon, as agreed with Alex, landed outside the city limits, his immense presence unnerving the city's defenders who peered nervously over the walls.
"Tomorrow, we deliver our terms," Alex said, turning to Daenerys and their generals. "Let's see if they have the wisdom to surrender without bloodshed."
The next morning, Alex called for his messenger. Dressed in the royal colors of Pentos, the messenger rode toward the gates of Yunkai, a white flag in hand. The golden city, known as the Yellow City, loomed ahead with its golden-hued walls and towering gates.
The messenger reached the gate and announced, "By order of King Alexander and Queen Daenerys of Pentos, the rulers of Yunkai are summoned to hear their terms of surrender. You have until sunset to respond. Failure to comply will result in the full might of their army and dragon being brought upon your city."
The soldiers at the gate hesitated but ultimately agreed to relay the message. The messenger turned back, riding swiftly to report to Alex.
Deep inside the yellow city
Inside Yunkai, the Wise Masters gathered in one of their opulent pyramids, their faces pale as they listened to the messenger's words relayed by a guard.
"This... King Alex and his queen have already conquered Astapor," one of the Masters said, his voice trembling. "If they've come here, it means they've brought their dragon as well."
"They want us to surrender?" another spat, his arrogance barely masking his fear. "We are the Wise Masters! This city has stood for centuries. We will not bow to outsiders."
"We must consider their strength," an older Master cautioned. "Astapor fell in a matter of days. They have a dragon, and from what I've heard, it's the largest anyone has seen in centuries. Our walls will not hold against such power."
"Are you suggesting we surrender?" the younger Master snapped. "Give up everything we've built?"
"If we fight, we risk losing everything," the older one replied. "If we surrender, we may negotiate terms that allow us to keep some measure of power."
The room fell into tense silence as the Masters debated. Outside, the day marched on, and the deadline loomed.
Back at the camp, Alex stood with Daenerys and their generals, looking toward the city.
"Do you think they'll surrender?" Daenerys asked, her tone calm but curious.
"They're used to power," Alex said, crossing his arms. "It'll be difficult for them to give it up willingly. But they also know what we're capable of. Fear can be a powerful motivator."
Daenerys nodded, glancing at Ancalagon, who rested nearby. "If they refuse, Yunkai will burn."
Alex placed a hand on her shoulder. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that. But if it does, we'll make sure the people are spared, even if their rulers are not."
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the camp waited for Yunkai's response, the air heavy with anticipation.
Later that evening, the Wise Masters of Yunkai arrived at the royal camp with an ostentatious display of wealth and power. Flanked by armed soldiers and slaves carrying ten enormous chests, they marched toward Alex and Daenerys' tent. The chests, too heavy for some of the slaves, were dragged across the ground, leaving trails in the dirt.
Alex, Daenerys, and their generals stood in front of their tent, with Ancalagon resting nearby. Though he appeared calm, his eyes tracked every movement, a low growl occasionally rumbling from his chest, unnerving the Yunkai soldiers.
The leader of the Wise Masters, a middle-aged man draped in golden robes, stepped forward and gestured toward the chests. "King Alex, Queen Daenerys," he began with a bow, his voice smooth and rehearsed. "We come not as enemies but as men of reason, seeking to prevent unnecessary bloodshed."
The chests were opened one by one, revealing mountains of gold coins, glittering jewels, and silver ornaments. The slaves struggled to keep the lids up, their faces lined with exhaustion.
"This," the leader continued, "is but a fraction of Yunkai's wealth. We offer it all to you, as well as ships to strengthen your fleet, and an annual tribute of gold and silver. In return, we ask only one thing: that you allow us to rule our city as we always have, without interference."
The Wise Masters stood tall, confident that their wealth would sway these "foreigners."
Before Alex could respond, Ancalagon lifted his massive head and growled deeply, the ground trembling beneath him. The sound alone sent a ripple of fear through the Yunkai soldiers. Some stepped back, gripping their weapons tighter, while others dropped their spears entirely.
The Wise Masters, visibly shaken, tried to maintain their composure, but their confidence wavered. Looking at Alex and Daenerys to stop their dragon but none of them had a reaction to Ancalagon's growl, they knew he just didn't like them and wanted to scare the. Ancalagon would not eat or kill any humans unless he is told to do it or unless he is provoked.
Soon after Ancalagon silenced to let his father and mother speak. Soon Alex spoke, His voice was calm but resolute. "You think wealth is enough to buy our mercy? You think gold and silver will make us turn a blind eye to the suffering of your people while you continue to live as tyrants?"
The leader of the Wise Masters opened his mouth to protest, but Daenerys stepped forward, her gaze cold and unforgiving. "We are not here to take your wealth," she said. "We are here to end the cycle of oppression and slavery that you have perpetuated for centuries. If you surrender, we will allow you to remain as governors under our rule, following our laws. You can take your gold and silver back to the city."
She gestured to the chests dismissively. "But if you choose war, leave them here and run. You will not survive."
The Wise Masters huddled together, whispering furiously. Their faces betrayed their inner turmoil fear of losing their power versus fear of dying.
One of the younger Masters turned to Alex. "You don't understand. We have ruled Yunkai for generations. We are its soul. Without us, the city will crumble."
"No," Alex said, his voice hard. "Without you, it will thrive."
Daenerys added, her voice like steel, "Make your choice. You have moments, not hours."
The Wise Masters looked at each other, their fear growing. Finally, the leader straightened his back, his face pale but resolute. "We would rather die on our feet than live under your rule," he declared.
As the Wise Masters turned to leave, Alex and Daenerys exchanged a glance, both recognizing the folly of these men who clung to their power at the expense of their lives.
"They'll be back," Daenerys said.
"Or they'll prepare for war," Alex replied.
Ancalagon snorted, a plume of smoke escaping his nostrils. "Fools," he rumbled, his voice low and guttural, a new skill he had been practicing with Daenerys.
The tension in the camp thickened as the Wise Masters disappeared over the horizon, leaving behind their chests of wealth. The decision had been made. War was inevitable.