Bab 16: Astapor under Control
[Sorry about the updates... some personal problems had got me struck.]
It took Jon more than few hours to completely take over the city.
With Jon beheading Kraznys mo Nakloz, a surge of revolution spread throughout the Astapor. Majority of the slaves joined Jon.
Knowing that resistance is futile most of the good masters and rich merchants who owned slaves submitted to Jon. A few fools in their delusion refused to accept the reality and Jon showed no mercy to them. They were beheaded instantly. With such a vast number of unsullied backing Jon, there was not even a slight chance of him in failing to take over the city.
The other side effect of the civil war going inside the city was on other merchants who were not from Astapor. Not wanting to become a collateral damage in the conflict, they were quick in fleeing the city. The once bustling Astapori port and its market was devoid of any human activity.
The remains of the conflict in form of blood and dead bodies littered the streets and road of Astapor.
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The setting light of the sun was illuminating the plaza of the pride in a light golden hue.
Jon stood on a raised platform and immediately next to him stood Slyvia whose entire body was drenched in blood. Blood of people she had killed today.
Surrounding Jon and Slyvia stood around a dozen unsullied in complete attention. They had voluntarily taken up the task of protecting their liberator.
Below the plaza stood the unsullied whom Jon had liberated today. These were joined by the other unsullied and slave guards who had decided to follow Jon.
Next to them, stood other non fighter slaves like the house maids, labourers, workers of shops and prostitutes. Though not as famous as Meereen for its prostitutes, Astapor still housed a sizeable number of prostitutes.
At the other end stood the slave owning merchants and good masters who had a terrified look on their faces. Though their life had been spared at the moment, they were anxious about what Jon would do next moment. They were also worried about their fate even if they were left alive.
Behind these merchants and good masters stood the freeman of the city, the common man. Though not as afraid as the good masters, they were also anxious and worried.
"As the sun sets over the city of Astapor," began Jon. "It marks a dawn of new beginning. The history will remember this day as the day when the new age began. The older traditions of barbarism and cruelty will be buried and newer traditions of happiness and pleasure will begin today."
His words were welcomed with joyous cheers from the slaves while the rich merchants gave expression of awkward smiles.
Jon continued, "From now onwards any kind of slavery is banned in my reign. To force anyone in slavery would be a crime punishable by death."
Jon's announcement brought another loud cheer from the crowd.
Jon knew that he had to establish a proper governing structure for his kingdom otherwise like Daenerys he will never be able to solidify his rule and rebellions will continue. Though the 'mother of the dragons' was able to conquer many cities, she never held them under her firm control. She had no fixed approach to maintain her rule. Sometimes, she would choose the path of compromise with the previous nobles of the cities while sometimes of extreme aggressiveness. This was the reason, any city she left after conquering fell immediately.
He faced the crowd, "I know to instantly apply my decision is not possible"
"Even if I not like it, I must admit that the slaves are the backbone of the Astapor city. You run the shops, businesses and ships which brings food and wealth to Astapor. Also, without your masters providing for you, you don't have a source of accommodation and food."
Jon declared, "So, considering this factor, the former slaves if they wish from their free mind, they can continue to work for their former masters."
A murmur spread in this crowd and the slaves turned anxious. They understood that their masters had a lot of method to force them to work for them of 'free will'. While the faces of the good masters lit up with joy.
But how could Jon be unaware of these conditions?
Jon steeled his voice and stared in the direction of the good masters and merchants, "As I said, without them working for your businesses the economy of this city will cripple down. You can continue to employ the former slaves."
He continued with eyes as if burning with flames and voice as cold as ice, "But you will have to follow the following rules, till I establish a proper law regarding this matter."
"Firstly, you will not force anyone to work for you. If anyone decides to leave, he or she is free to leave. Go against it and I will nail you the same way as you nailed the slaves."
The assurance brought slight comfort to the slaves and they listened in curiosity.
Few merchants also sighed in relief mostly those who were not cruel to their former slaves. They had a good chance to continue working for their former masters because as Jon told without their masters, they had no other source of food or a place to live.
Jon continued, "Secondly, every person who decides to work for you will receive monthly wages based on the market rate."
"Thirdly, by tomorrow evening, all of you will come here and register the details of all the former slaves that have decided to continue working," Jon commanded the good masters.
He further announced, "If even a single rule is violated, death will be a mercy for you."
Jon turned towards the unsullied, "As I had said earlier, if anyone of you want to leave you can leave. You all are free."
"If you decide to stay then you will get paid as a regular army should get paid," declared Jon.
Jon said further, "All of you are now dismissed except merchants running the brothels and women working in them."
With a commotion all the people except what commanded by Jon left the plaza. A batch of 50 unsullied as if in silent agreement stayed back to take over the protection of Jon and the mansion, he would be staying in.
Around dozen merchants remained in the plaza and their faces were pale in fear and anxiety.
Jon chuckled seeing their reactions, "Calm down. I am not going to kill you all."
His expression turned serious, "I believe you all have accumulated enough wealth to last for some time."
The merchants gave a fearful nod wondering if their wealth is going to be snatched.
Jon smiled, "Good. And I am not capturing your wealth."
The merchants relaxed at this and Jon continued, "But until further instructions, you will close all your brothels."
Jon paid no heed to their reactions and continued, "In this period you will continue to provide for all the ladies that work at your establishment."
"I understand your losses but I assure you that all of you will be granted chance to recover the loss you have made. But till then, I hope my order will be followed with sincerity," Jon announced in hard tone leaving no room for argument.
Jon turned towards the ladies, "Live your life in comfort for some days. I promise, I will make all your life better."
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