Kapitel 48: Chapter 47
Solomon. Braavos.
Twenty minutes had passed since Paulina had returned from Ars Paulina, and now, in the same living room of the mansion, Kirana and I were in the same living room with glasses of wine, watching Lavena chewing on the bread I had created with a very disgruntled face, cheeks puffed up like a hamster. And it was a sight that both Kirana and I found amusing. And all wounds, of course, were healed without a trace.
Daughter and mother had different reactions to the resurrection. Kirana found the feeling of returning from the other world unusual, overwhelming, but mesmerizing.
When I asked her to share her thoughts, she very passionately began to describe the feeling of weightlessness and a kind of freedom in an endless dark space with a bunch of shining stars. Apparently, Kirana's soul had found itself in that hole in the sky that gaped at Ars Paulina. Also, she spoke of her new interest, the stars, which was unusual, for before, only magic and family duty had been on her mind.
Lavena, on the other hand, was irritated, disgruntled, and indignant, but I could clearly sense a sense of frustration emanating from her. It was what could fully describe what she had experienced from killing Kirana and essentially having her wish fulfilled. But for all that, I could see her relief that things had been reversed.
Now Lavena didn't know what to think or what to do next. She had achieved her goal, but she was not satisfied with the result. However, it became clear to her that there was no way to get what she wanted. Kirana just wasn't that kind of person. Feelings of guilt or shame were simply not present in this woman. At least not right now.
Among other things, I was contacted by Shiro, using the Master and Servant connection, as well as informing me of a rather interesting development concerning Daenerys.
Well, she has faced the consequences of her decisions. The Dothraki horde is indeed numerous and has the potential for conquest, but it also has a whole list of factors unsuitable for her situation.
The climate and landscape in Westeros is quite varied. Dense forests, swampy and rocky terrain, roads eroded by rain or snow, and so on reduce the effectiveness of the Dothraki by at least half, because they rely on mobility and horses, and use open spaces to make the advantage of numbers work to its fullest.
They don't have the siege weapons, armor, shields, ships, or organization to mount a meaningful counter or siege against the regular army of the Seven Kingdoms, except to exhaustion. And because of this, the horde's advance will be slowed down many times over.
Also, conquest does not equal rule. The clearest example of this situation would be Genghis Khan and Alexander the Great. That the first and the second are great conquerors, but their methods were radically different.
The Mongol Khan conquered the land, leaving autonomous rule in the hands of local rulers, demanding tribute and constantly on the move. He understood what his people needed and what principles built his society, and therefore, in fact, did not rule the conquered lands, but rented them out, so to speak.
The king of Macedonia, on the other hand, ruled. His ideology, when the enemy should be defeated but not destroyed, subdued but not humiliated, allowed him to unite many different peoples under his flag and make them work as a single mechanism. And so his army consisted not only of Mongols, like Genghis Khan's, but of a whole hodgepodge of nationalities.
In Daenerys' case, she's an outsider among the Dothraki, so she can't think like them. She doesn't have the charisma, strength, or brightness to draw people to her and encourage them to follow her.
Right now she's just a young child with great ambition and potential, but her current situation is forcing her to choose and think and testing her to the limit. Caliburn has only made it clear that she has a chance to become a ruler, but not a guarantee. And now it's up to her.
I find Semiramis and Shiro's ultimatum reasonable and acceptable. It makes no sense to keep them there and forcefully teach a girl something she no longer aspires to. If Daenerys does decide to go off the path I will certainly not send the Servants back to the Throne, but it will be necessary to find something for them to do. Well, or their vacation will start earlier than planned.
Now, let's get back to the present.
- I suppose your conflict can be considered resolved? - I asked in a measured tone.
- Indeed, Master Solomon," Kirana nodded and turned her gaze to her daughter. - What do you think, Lavena?
- I don't care," she mumbled and continued to reassure herself.
- Good. In that case, I have something to offer you both. And you will find it profitable, useful, and even interesting," I said, drawing their attention.
- And what is it, Master Solomon? - Kirana asked.
- I will start with you, since you asked, Mistress Kirana. I am not opposed to conceiving a child with you, nor am I opposed to rejuvenating your body to make the birth process more favorable. But in the matter of parenting, the ultimate decision will be mine. Is that okay with you? - I asked, to which I received an almost immediate nod.
- As you wish. If it's you, the ancestors will definitely support my decision. Anything else?
- Not yet. I have plans for you, but it will take time.
When this is over and the enemy is defeated, whether by the forces of this world or my own, I will have something to do. I don't know yet whether I will settle in a city or far away from the others, whether I will travel or explore the world, or whether I will establish my own city-state, but I will choose something.
I remember Solomon was noted for his number of wives and concubines, and I suppose some of that trait has been passed on to me. I see no problem with having children, and I'd like to try my hand at raising and watching them grow.
It would be a new experience for me, as it was in my past life that I did not have a child. For that matter, neither did my wife. And so it is indeed a good idea, but later, when I have thought it over.
- Now with you, Mistress Lavena," I looked at the Artist, who had already finished her bread and answered me in the same way. - How would you feel about the fulfillment of your distant dream?
- What do you mean? - She didn't understand.
- Even before arriving in Braavos, I wanted to visit Valyria. I am interested in the Doom that destroyed the kingdom of magic and dragons, as well as its root cause. The texts describe the earth itself as being angry at the arrogance of the people of Valyria, and I find that fascinating and worthy of attention," I began, but Kirana didn't react, and a light of fascination flickered in Painter's eyes. - And I suggest you come with me. Though before we do so, we will need to visit King's Landing on my business. What is your answer, Lady Lavena?
- It's..." she muttered, not knowing what to say. - Are you lying to me again, Master Solomon?
- I never lie, Mistress Lavena. Didn't we already find that out? - I smiled.
- And I have a choice? - Lavena asked suspiciously.
- 'No,' I laughed softly. - But would you really pass up an opportunity like this?
She thought deeply at my words, taking an appropriate pose and lowering her head.
I understood her thoughts. A dream remains a dream in most cases, because often a person may lack the determination, opportunity, and other means to achieve it. As one grows older, one's faith in its realization fades, for reality is much harsher and closer to the person than it is.
Everyone dreams of something, be it money, power or love. The list can go on ad infinitum, but a person's life span is quite meager, and basic needs only get bigger and more expensive.
Gray reality holds sway over the vast majority of the eight billion people in the world today. All not because they wanted to, but because they are faced with reality. Eating, sleeping, clothing, a roof over their heads, socializing, and so on require not only money, but also effort and time. The dream gets trivialized among this pile of vital factors.
And right now, Lavena simply can't believe what I'm suggesting. Not because she doesn't want to, but because it's pretty hard to believe. After all, she was determined to live in Braavos until the day she died, without ever leaving it.
- So you're interested in Valyria, Master Solomon? - I suddenly heard Kirana's voice.
- Mostly her Doom.
- I have several books from my family's time in Valyria. And I distinctly remember there were a couple of diaries of my ancestors somewhere. Would they be of any use to you?
- I wouldn't say no, Mistress Kirana.
- Good," she nodded and stood up from her chair and headed for the exit. - In that case, I will find them. They should be in my office. In the meantime, feel free to be the master here. The servants are already aware, and your words will be regarded as my own.
And as Kirana left the room, I heard a deep sigh from Lavena, who raised her head and looked at me.
- I don't have a choice either way, so I'll go with you," she said. - But don't think you'll get any thanks from me. You don't deserve it. And I need another bread.
- Of course, Mistress Lavena. Of course," I laughed and did as she asked me.
Well, this stage is passed. Now we can move on. First I'll pick up Kinvara from Winterfell, and then I'll send her to King's Landing. Let's see what she's like, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms.
I took a sip of wine and looked out the window.
I wonder how Jon is doing.
-0-
Jon Snow. Beyond the Wall.
I don't know how much time had passed since our group left the Brothers of the Night's Watch. I just kept walking forward, trying to calm my cold rage that wouldn't subside. And even the death of that... scum... didn't bring me a shred of satisfaction.
At some point, Cid forcibly stopped me by grabbing my shoulder. At first I wanted to lash out at him, but then I realized that he was innocent, and my aggressive actions made absolutely no sense. And Lord Solomon would hardly approve of them. That thought began to slowly calm my mind, for it had been that way since the day I'd met him.
And now we took a break when it was just beginning to get dark. Cid had made a fire and gone hunting, which was surprising, because he left me alone with Mara, who was lying on the skins and looking at me with a look of approval and understanding. The ghost, on the other hand, occupied my lap, setting his furry head up, apparently to comfort me.
There was a silence between us, which I decided to dispel, for I didn't understand the reason for Mara's gaze.
- You're kind of quiet," I began, slowly stroking Ghost's soft fur. - If you have something to say, just say it.
- You know, idiot, I understand your feelings," she said in an unexpectedly soft tone. - This sword is really precious to you. If someone dared to call any of Grandma's gifts trash, I'd cut his balls off and gouge his eyes out with a blunt rock. Will you tell me who he is? A father? Brother or sister, maybe?
- Father," I answered calmly.
- Is this the "Lord Stark"?
- No. Lord Stark was more of an uncle than a father," I said, and gently removed Ghost from my lap and drew Durandal, the flames of the fire dancing in the reflection of its blade. - The sword was given to me by Lord Solomon. The same one your grandmother spoke of. It was he who taught me about... life, I should say. His soft smile that he showed no matter what I did, be it success in something or failure, as if it promised all good things and always put me at ease. I always felt like an inept little boy in his company, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I love that feeling.
- Grandmother is the same way," Mara smiled. - When I broke my bow and was so upset about it, she also smiled softly and stroked my head, making it seem not so bad.
- Just because of the bow? - I grinned and put my sword back away.
- In the Clan, it's a disgrace if you break your own bow, and not in battle. That you will never become a skilled hunter or a full-fledged part of the clan. So my condition is justified," Mara shrugged.
- I see.
- By the way, the strength and speed with which you dealt with that worshipper was incredible. Is that magic?
- Yes, Lord Solomon also taught me magic. - I answered with pride in my voice, and then raised my finger in the air, with which I drew the Ansuz rune. And from it immediately came out a small flame.
- So that's how you set the forest on fire," she nodded, then gave me a strange look. - Could you have increased our speed, too, so we could get to the trail faster and maybe not run into the ravens?
- Uh... Yeah? - I answered awkwardly and looked away, not thinking about it.
- You really are an idiot," Mara rolled her eyes. - And then I thought that I wouldn't mind if you stole me....
- What?" I didn't understand her last sentence.
- Nothing, I changed my mind.
- Changed your mind about what?
- I don't like pushy men. - she said and rolled over on her other side, showing me her back.
- Hey! - I was just about to get indignant when Cid came back with a couple of dead rabbits. I had no choice but to stop the questioning.
At that moment I realized that my rage was gone. Now all I felt was calm and eager to know what she was talking about, and the reason for it was....
I grinned and looked at Mara gratefully, pretending that the conversation was over.
She sure knows how to be kind, huh? I suppose I'll have to thank her later, won't I?
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