Chapter 65: Chapter 65
(Erlend Mudd, Firmridge)
"Help us, your Majesty. You're our only hope."
If it was a beautiful woman saying that, Erlend would have responded to her plea quite easily. Unfortunately, it was a man doing so.
Weirdly, only those closest to him realized the change in his eyes. Most of them kept mum about it, accepting the change with ease. Those that didn't notice acted as if his eyes were always like that.
A bit of unconscious reality tampering on his end probably. Which would explain why the few paintings of him he'd commissioned previously all had this new unique eye color of his.
Watching the carefully crafted facade in front of him, the Conqueror would give it an eight out of ten. Really, the envoy would be more convincing if not for his eyes. Eyes that radiated pure malice, not seen since he dealt with the Greyjoys.
The rats had finally gotten their shit together and were ready to spring the trap, this envoy was just their latest stunt to get him to make his way to Essos.
"Correct me if I am wrong, but hadn't his Majesty wiped out all traces of Dothraki activity before making his way towards Westeros…" Yohn, bless his soul, wasn't buying the grade-A bullshit.
"So how exactly have they managed to raise a horde of 200,000 men out of nowhere?"
"We believe that this new Khal has been recruited from all over the Great Grass Sea. Vengeance for his Majesty's past aggressions." Smoothly, the envoy lays the blame on Erlend's feet without really explaining anything.
A more sympathetic fool might have felt guilty for inadvertently causing this disaster. Too bad, Erlend couldn't give two shits.
As for the royal court, it was consistently purged of useless hangers-on, merit being the most important quality, rather than just blatant nepotism. Thus, if the Braavosi wanted allies, he'd have to rely on his entourage.
"Yet, weren't Braavos and Pentos the ones who beseeched the Banners to deal with the horse lords' threat?" Horton wasn't having any of it, indignant on behalf of his liege.
Yohn gestured to his colleague to calm himself, before giving the envoy a look of contempt. "Braavos failed to pacify the Dothraki when given the chance. You had every opportunity to prevent this situation from occurring in the first place."
"You must understand, Lord Royce. The Triarchy was too big of a threat to leave and the pentoshi were showing signs of falling back into slavery. We could not focus our attention on the horse lords, lest those two turn on our venerable free city."
"The Triarchy was at war with Volantis since its formation, and even now are fracturing due to the losses Lys has suffered from the latest disaster. You would have us believe that Braavos cannot spare a single man to protect itself in these trying times." Yohn argued, finding this whole farce far too preposterous.
This time the envoy took his time, unable to come up with a proper response to Yohn's reply. It was rather ridiculous that the most powerful free city was even facing such a crisis in the first place.
Deciding to break up this pointless argument, Erlend finally spoke. "Braavos shall receive a response on this… Crisis, soon enough. You may make your way out, I have more matters of state to deal with."
Grinding his teeth at the audacious dismissal, the envoy bowed his head respectfully, before leaving. His entourage scuttled behind him as they were faced with the disgust shown by Erlend's courtiers.
Unlike in the past, where the elites of Braavos kept the cold war between them and the Mudds discreet, ever since Erlend had risen as King, they had been bringing the conflict into the open more and more.
Incredibly foolish, considering how that could easily backfire if the city's populace decided they had enough. Yet, fortunately for them, most assumed that it was just the usual political tit-for-tat and not centuries of resentment boiling over.
"Your Majesty, we cannot trust them. Their failure in pacifying those savages when given the chance has proven they are unworthy of aid." Horton spoke his mind, displeased with how arrogant the envoy had been.
"I agree. These leeches just want to make use of us, despite trying to block us at every turn for the past few years." Yohn added, agreeing with his friend's statement.
"You are correct in your judgment, unfortunately, there is more to it than simple horse lords getting uppity," Erlend said.
"Braavos has held strong for so long and always managed to repel the Dothraki even without my Banner's aid. No, this isn't just some horse lords they're dealing with. There is far more to it than you might assume at first glance."
Looking at each other with confusion, the two councilmen were unsure of what exactly their King was hinting at.
Giving his loyalists a reassuring smile, "Don't worry too much about it, this is the perfect opportunity to bloody the newest Banners. My children have also been quite restless lately, this should give them a good stretch."
"As you say, your Majesty. Though I advise caution, clearly the Braavosi aren't being entirely honest with us." Yohn warned his liege, worried that the King wasn't taking this seriously enough.
"I concur, they cannot be trusted." Horton supported his friend's statement.
"Your wisdom shines through as always, my Lords." Erlend acknowledged their warnings for what they were, too bad the two had no idea just how on point they were.
'Now then Antaryon, I hope you can impress me. Just don't make it too boring."
…
"Why is faith so important to the stability of the realm?" Edmund's voice rang through the solar.
Raising an eyebrow at his son's sudden question, "What brought this up?" Erlend questioned his eldest, instead of responding to the question.
"I noticed a few reports Feld placed on your desk, your plans for the faith are quite dangerous."
"Dangerous, yet necessary."
His son didn't speak, waiting for Erlend to elaborate further. The King had long encouraged his son's inquisitive nature, and his finding out about the faith was inevitable.
"As you know, the Targaryens failed to take advantage of the void Maegor left within the faith. For the first time in several millennia, the faith was truly vulnerable, and instead of capitalizing on it, they let their preconceived notions affect their decisions."
A big mistake and something Erlend would always hold over that idiot Jaehaerys. Despite all the good that the fool achieved, his stupidity by the end of his life sowed the seeds for his Dynasty's fall.
Not only was he weak and indecisive at the end of his reign, but his final heir was even worse. A people pleaser who let his advisors and kin walk all over him, and when he did show some spine, it was usually at the worst possible moment.
"There was a real chance after Maegor fell for the Targaryens to consolidate the power generally held by the faith under them. Instead, they chose to make concessions and deals that benefited them in the short-term but ended up screwing them over the long-term."
They defanged the faith by destroying the faith militants and forbidding them from arming themselves, but that did little good when religious figures still had incredible influence over the pious nobility and the impressionable populace.
They didn't even take advantage of the whole load of shit that they were closer to gods, only using it to support their incestuous relationship. A better use would have been to justify their 'divine' reign or something. Most practical lords wouldn't have believed in it whatsoever, but enough people would go along with it, making it a useful area to draw support from.
"They didn't have much of a choice dad, the Targaryens lacked the power to force through any drastic changes, unlike us." Edmund pointed out, that his father's argument might be reasonable, but he seemed to be painfully ignoring that glaring issue.
"True, yet Jaehaerys' reign saw the most amount of 'loyal' Dragonriders available. Using this, he could have got the ball rolling, if not outright implemented them."
Hell, he even had a son and daughter who were stationed close to the heart of the faith. Given enough time and resources, Vaegon could have kept his father well-informed about their opinions, dealings, and actions.
More than enough time, power, and influence to get shit done.
Henry VIII's forceful separation from the church took only a few centuries to truly set in. Whilst it would likely take longer for it to occur in Westeros without divine intervention, it was still possible. This continent tended to advance at a snail's pace after all.
"I'll be honest Dad, unless you're a god. I can't see these changes being accepted and even then you'd need the Seven themselves to blatantly show their approval. The only reason we enjoy so much support is because of our strength, blood, and legacy that is intertwined with the continent."
This brought Erlend immense amusement, he had yet to reveal his divinity to his inner circle. More because it was unnecessary and he hadn't found any need to do so and then there was that whole can of worms where he was going to basically outlive everyone he loved.
As far as they were aware, it was just another boost to his already impressive strength.
It was something Erlend was only slowly coming to terms with, despite knowing how long-lived he had become after his draconian children's maturity.
But, and a big but at that. Erlend had a plan to get around that pesky mortality, and ironically enough, the Seven could not have made contact at a better time.
"Let's forget about that for now, you know the Braavosi are setting a trap, right? Surely you won't agree to go along with such an obvious ploy?" The worried look his son sent him was quite heartening.
It showed the care Edmund had for him, and Erlend couldn't help but thank the old man that this wasn't a cultivation setting. If it was, then he'd genuinely have to worry about his son either getting young master syndrome or plotting his death.
Two doomsday paths that he wanted nothing to do with.
"I'm aware. You should be asking yourself this Ed… Who's trapping who?" The smirk on his face was practically contagious.
Understanding and surprise filled his son's eyes, as the young prince realized exactly what his father was planning. There was no pity in his eyes, seeing as these rats only brought it on themselves.
"Just be careful, you always warned us to never grow too arrogant." Edmund urged him.
"Fair enough, I have never underestimated our enemies." Erlend nodded, he wasn't about to take hold of the idiot stick when he was so close to victory.
Pride is one thing, but too much of it can be disastrous.
…
(???, ???)
He felt the change almost instantly.
Firstly was the weakening of the worldly flames, that fiery upstart had lost so much influence and so swiftly at that.
It brought a smile to his eyes.
Secondly was the pure divine power washing over the continent, declaring for all to see the rise of a new god. Strong enough that not even the magical barriers that kept his influence at bay failed to stop it.
The Wall had faltered under, if temporarily. Unable to swiftly adjust to the change. Greatly weakening the shackles on him, and speeding up the process of his eventual freedom.
Odd, he wondered who was brave enough to commit such a foolish undertaking. For gods, especially ascendant ones, they were most vulnerable during this stage. When the lizard gods still lived, they would capture newly risen gods and turn them into slaves for their pleasure.
Then again, the amount of gods that still walked the mortal plane could be counted at hand. Glaring southwards, the former Stark felt the need to search for answers.
Yet contrary to expectations, the divine energy did not weaken, only getting stronger as time passed. The weakness he expected was nowhere to be seen.
He wasn't blind to the change that had been happening within these lands, and while the Prince that was Promised still existed as far as he could tell, he could not sense their growth.
Perhaps an ally of theirs?
The statuesque servants stood in front of him, heeding his unspoken commands. Their icy blue eyes are vacant as always. With a nod of dismissal, they silently departed. Seeking answers for what had occurred.
Those savages living in his lands should have some information and if not, then the Watch will do. There was no shortage of mortals to seek answers from, even that vile wilding chief could have some information.
It mattered not to him, Winter would come for all. Something not even deities could stand against. No, he looked forward to this newest challenger, it would make his ultimate victory all the more meaningful.
His beloved deserved only the best and what better way to welcome her than with the corpse of a divine upstart?
…
(Visenya 'Blackfyre', ???)
Hundreds of thousands of bodies knelt in front of her.
None daring to stare at her directly, like the pitiful vermin they were. Only capable of looking at the ground beneath and only because she was merciful.
Sat atop her splendid throne, the Dragon Queen chuckled as caught sight of her late siblings, kneeling respectfully right across her. Greater than the sea of bodies behind them, yet still below her in stature.
They were nothing compared to her or her other half.
Glancing at her right, her beloved sat on top of his throne. His handsome visage stared at her with pure adoration and affection.
Their arms clasped together, their bond stronger than ever. Behind them was a bevy of beautiful women, only fit to act as sheaths to his blade when she was unable to be at his side.
This was their rightful place, no matter how the world viewed them. Their ranks and status are meaningless in front of her love and devotion for him.
The Dragon Queen was content.
…
A slow, booming clap echoed around her. The scene shifted at once, as if sensing the change in her mood at the blatant interrupt.
The source of this clap materialized in front of Visenya, her deep blue eyes challenging her.
"Well then Senya, that's quite the fantasy you have there." The stranger said mockingly.
Growling furiously at the stranger, Visenya extended her right hand. Dark Sister materializing out of thin air and Striking at the harlot that dared ridicule her.
Unfazed by the attack, the woman casually deflected the Valyrian's blade with practiced ease. Her buxom figure showing a surprising amount of flexibility.
Despite this, Visenya did not halt her attacks, continuously striking at the mysterious woman, whilst simultaneously willing their surroundings to attack her enemy.
From the earth beneath, to the lighting from the sky. Everything that could be used, was used to harm the woman.
Just as she had observed her beloved do, the former Queen did not hesitate to use the environment around them to her advantage. This was her mind, she would not be best by this interloper.
"Fascinating, to think you'd be able to achieve such power. Your time with our darling has greatly benefited you. Too bad you can only use it in your mind." The interloper chuckled.
This only served to further inflame the anger boiling within the Dragon Queen. How dare this bitch claim her beloved!
Only she was worthy, only she could claim him.
The environment around them changed once more, now rings of fire began rushing towards the woman, whilst the ground beneath them turned into boiling magma. Obsidian hands laced with lava grabbed at her enemy's ankles, attempting to sink her into the magma with it.
"That's… ENOUGH!" The woman's order sent the former Targaryen reeling. The environment changed once again, this time with both women seated across from each other.
Visenya attempted to rise, but found herself frozen in place, unable to make a move as the mysterious woman gently sipped her drink.
Juice? Tea? Wine? She could not tell, nor care at the moment.
"You've had your fun, Visenya Targaryen. Now you will… LISTEN."
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Note: Visenya is the main girl, she's always been and she will continue to be, and yes this dream does show you a glimpse of her darkest desire, that is… complete dominion over Erlend's love. I also wanted to make it clear that the NK was vaguely aware of Erlend's ascension, since while the wall is magical and extremely powerful, it is incapable of blocking divine power. Just as the resurgence in magic had consequences, so will the sudden influx of divine energy.
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