บท 321: Chapter 321: The Great City of Qarth
Though Viserys kept his dragons flying high enough to avoid any potential crossbow bolts, the sight of them circling above the bustling port of Qarth caused an instant stir. Tens of thousands of tourists, sailors, and travelers crowded the docks, their gazes drawn upward. Even slaves and laborers paused in their tasks, eager for a glimpse of the legendary beasts that had vanished from the world for centuries.
Where the dragons flew, chaos followed: horses and mules bucked and neighed in fear, seagulls scattered in panic, and dockworkers struggled to control the animals as they attempted to bolt. For a brief moment, the sky seemed to belong to the dragons alone, with nothing but clouds to accompany their majestic flight.
"Dragons! Viserys is coming! Hurry, inform the Lords!"
Spies hidden within the crowd, working for both the Pureborn and the merchant guilds, scrambled to relay the news. Word of Viserys's approach spread through the city like wildfire, reaching the highest ranks before his fleet had even entered the harbor.
No one was more eager than Xaro, a prominent member of the Thirteen, who had personally orchestrated the Qarth-Slaver's Bay alliance to kill the dragon. In the original timeline, he had proposed to Daenerys herself, but now, his eyes were set on Viserys. He was well aware of Viserys's bold conquests in Slaver's Bay and had meticulously prepared for his arrival. Poisons, assassins, and archers had all been stationed throughout the city, ready to strike. But these were merely the contingency plans; the true challenge for Viserys would come from the Warlocks.
Meanwhile, the city's three major merchant guilds were already putting their carefully prepared gifts into motion. They transported wagonloads of wealth—gleaming gems, coral, and gold statues—toward the city gates. To the unknowing eye, it might seem as though the city was constructing an unparalleled palace, but in truth, the lavish offerings were bait, intended to lure Viserys into the heart of Qarth. Once he was dead, all the riches would return to the hands of the Pureborn and the guilds. It was a gamble, and Viserys was the prize.
Throughout Qarth, its wealthiest citizens gathered: theater owners, gladiator arena masters, brothel lords, mansion-dwellers, and yacht owners. All eagerly awaited the spectacle of the Dragonlord's arrival, each with their own hidden motives.
The eastern gate of Qarth, known as the Gate of the Sunrise, led to the royal palace via the famous Avenue of the Sunrise, a grand boulevard paved with slabs of stone. Determined to impress their guest, the Pureborn set to work clearing the avenue of its usual bustle. Slaves were quickly divided into groups: the first swept away debris and dust, while the second followed with water to suppress any remaining grime.
The effort was nothing short of frenzied. The entire avenue was split into sections to speed up the process, while warships were dispatched to clear the port and ensure Viserys's fleet could dock without delay.
"Such a grand display. If I didn't know they were planning to kill us, I might even be moved," Viserys said with a wry smile, his gaze fixed on the Qarth warships ahead, cutting a path for his fleet.
Dany stood beside him, her brow still furrowed in worry. Sensing her unease, Viserys gave her a reassuring look. "Do you remember Braavos? The time of the 'Fierce Fish'?"
She nodded, recalling the danger they'd faced when the second wave of thugs had come after her. Back then, even with his mysterious powers developing, Viserys had been weak and inexperienced. 'Fierce Fish' Banergar had nearly run him through with a spear, but Viserys's insistence that Dany practice archery had saved his life at the last moment.
Feeling the weight of the memory, Viserys placed a gentle hand on Dany's shoulder, drawing her closer. They stood in silence for a moment, the warmth of their shared bond tempering the cold tension in the air.
"There's nothing to worry about," he murmured. "Besides, I've got a big secret to tell you."
"What secret?" Dany asked, her curiosity piqued.
Viserys grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "If I told you now, it wouldn't be much of a secret, would it?"
With the Qarth warships ahead guiding the way, Viserys's fleet soon reached the royal harbor. The docks were a dense tapestry of taverns, brothels, and buildings packed together like fish scales. Crowds of merchants, nobles, and the city's elite had gathered, their eyes following the fleet with undisguised greed as the dragons circled overhead.
"Has it really only been half a year since someone last saw their dragons?" Xaro Xhoan Daxos muttered to the Warlocks beside him, his tone laced with confusion. "How have they grown so much in such a short time?"
The dragons were no longer the small creatures of myth. Each was now over five meters in length, their wingspans stretching even further. The largest—Viserys's yellow dragon—was nearing seven meters, a creature of both awe and fear.
"My lord, when we first saw the dragons, they were no bigger than domestic chickens, and now—"
Ang-ang-ang—
Before the Warlocks could finish, the deep hooting of the dragons echoed overhead. As the beasts grew in size, their roars had become more guttural, more terrifying. A cold sweat broke out on the backs of those waiting in the harbor, a primal fear creeping up their spines. Ordinary soldiers would barely have the courage to approach, let alone fight, these towering creatures.
Xaro Xhoan Daxos, already unsettled by the dragons' size, received bad news just as the tension mounted. He trembled, knowing that the poacher had been identified—meaning their adversary might be even more vigilant now.
"Those pigs on the Iron Throne!" Xaro muttered, even though he knew the Imp wasn't personally responsible for the setback. His frustration bubbled over, and he allowed himself a moment of bitter insult.
Meanwhile, Viserys's fleet had docked in the most prestigious berth of the royal port, and Xaro finally prepared to meet him in person. However, the first to formally greet Viserys wasn't Xaro, but a noblewoman from the Qarth Pureborn. Despite steeling himself for this encounter, Viserys couldn't help but stare for a moment at the unusual attire of Qarth's elite women.
They were statuesque, and their clothing—if it could be called that—left little to the imagination. Qarth women, known for their bold fashion, draped themselves in sheer fabrics, leaving their breasts exposed. With milky white skin and larger frames, their appearance made the guards accompanying Viserys gape in awe, eyes fixed on the pale curves on display.
Stepping forward was Egon Emeros, a tall and refined member of the Qarth Pureborn. A red gemstone gleamed from where it was set in his nose, giving him an air of both nobility and eccentricity. Despite having been bribed by Xaro, Egon was genuinely concerned about the future of Qarth. He knew that if the 'House of the Dragon' grew too powerful, Qarth could easily fall under Targaryen influence and become little more than a colony.
"Your Grace, Emperor Viserys," Egon began, his voice smooth and polished. "Your arrival is a blessing for all the ancestors of Qarth. On behalf of the Pureborn and the council of Qarth, I offer you our warmest welcome."
Viserys, despite the ceremonial display before him, remained composed. "I also long for the glory and prosperity of Qarth," he replied, offering a thin smile. "But, unfortunately, I'm dealing with some... minor troubles. Otherwise, I would certainly build a palace here and remain for quite some time."
After a few more formal pleasantries, Egon moved to invite Viserys and Dany into the city. However, Viserys politely declined.
"As you know, Lord Egon, we encountered assassins along the way. My sister was somewhat shaken by the ordeal. For now, she'll remain on the ship until she feels better."
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