บท 7: Chapter 7
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***
Darken Rahl.
Akvos Daen is one of the oldest cities in Valyria.
Or rather, it is the oldest port city in Valyria. It was once one of the wealthiest cities in the Metropolis, before the "glorious" Rock of Valyria. All goods from the east of Essos flocked here before reaching the other cities of the Empire, much less their capital. It was huge and inspired respect for my now distant ancestors.
The ruins prevented our ships from passing through the canals, but they were still wide enough that we were able to do so.
Though there was much rubble and destruction in Akvos Daen, still many buildings remained intact.
And as we docked at the wharf and surveyed the area, I saw the city in all its glory.
Tyrius and Oros were far more ruined than he was. Not even the fortress walls remained. But still, this city was far more impoverished than those two combined. Still, no matter what, some adventurers had taken the risk, and over the past centuries had climbed here to loot the ruins. They've raided most of the jewels from here. But that's not why we're here, we're here for the signal from my spell.
Oh, yes. I completely forgot to mention that I used the blood call spell. Just a slightly different version than when I was looking for my parents. And the signals on the map showed several places on Valyria where there are other "brethren" related to this egg of mine. They must be eggs from the same clutch, or from the same dragoness that laid them. True, there must be other clutches, from other dragonesses. If rumours are to be believed, there are still wild dragons north of Asshai. It's only a rumour, but it's true. Which means there is some truth to it. There are also legends of ice dragons in the Student Sea. This kind of dragon was rare in my past world, so I'm also interested in them. But first and foremost, I need to traverse the length and breadth of Valyria in search of dragon clutches. And Draconis, the city that was the centre for "dragon breeding and rearing" should help me with that. Given the fact that there was also received a signal about the presence of possible dragons that will obey me in the future. And in addition, this response signal was much stronger than in the capital of Ancient Valyria or Akvos Daen.
After searching around the city, only a couple of chests of gold were found, collected some in the water near the place where I personally searched for my future dragon. It turned out that the chest with one egg was buried under huge blocks of rocks at a depth much greater than the depth of the shipyard in Tolosa.
It was difficult, but having spent half my strength on this "rescue operation" I cracked all the stones into rubble, and under a layer of dark water discovered a small chest that had rusted from being in it, but nevertheless kept that beautiful miracle intact and untouched.
A blood-red egg, a little smaller than mine, but it still had life in it just the same. I don't think I'll be flying it myself.
Maybe Rhys would be okay?
I can keep the dragon's primary bond and loyalty to myself. But I can let him fly, too. Quite possibly. If Rhys doesn't compromise himself in any way and betray me by the time this dragon grows up, then maybe I will.
I'm not going to give my first egg that I was given in Tyria to anyone. My future dragon will be just for me.
Over the past week, I've been pumping it full of my magic for rapid growth and even a bit of my Han, the power of life. I've only recently been able to awaken it and can't use it properly yet. But it's enough for this kind of manipulation. I will need to develop and create my own analogue of dakram to extract Han from other gifted people. There are fewer of them in this world, but they do exist. And ordinary people have Han, but on a much smaller scale.
So much to do, and I'm the only one...
- Is it a boy or a girl? - I heard Reece's voice above me, fiddling with the egg he'd found.
- I see you're too interested in him, aren't you? - I smiled without opening my eyes.
Didn't even get any sleep. He's always asking questions. The eternal child. Talking to him amused me, though, and kept me from getting bored. The others tried not to touch me. After all, I am a mage and their master, and even a mage and master sometimes want to talk a little about not quite important things. Just for a change. Maybe that's why I put up with Reese. Or maybe there's another reason I haven't thought of?
- There is," I'm sure he's smiling in his favourite way now, "He's red.
He's obsessed with red. Even wears a light armour of scarlet. He's easy to find among the crowd.
- He's a boy. However, I think we'll find some girls and I'll give them a little farm in the future.
- Miriam said they found some spearheads and daggers made of Valyrian steel. That and a bit of our stockpile will be enough for new swords. Pairs for Miriam and me. You promised, remember?
- I never forget something important. And I always keep my word. If I promised you or anyone else anything, I'll give it to you. You'll get your swords, but first I'll forge them for Miriam. She's the best fighter I've ever known. And besides, not only swords, but armour for you and myself I'll make. The doors that were taken from Oros are enough for that. Besides, that's not the only Valyrian metal we've got. And there's more to come. This is only the third city of the Valyrian metropolis we've visited, and there are three more we have to see in person, and that's a must.
- I'm not saying you're forgetting anything. Just reminding you. Well, I won't disturb you in your thoughts, I'll go look for something else of value. By the way, the archivist is here to see you. He's having trouble translating ancient writings again.
Why do I have so few educated people? Something must be done about it. Maybe we should organise an academy.
That's a good idea. But not in Tolos. It will have to be done in my new, full-fledged capital, which will be located on the Steps, I even picked an island for it - Viselny. It is in the centre of the archipelago and is quite large, with hot springs on it. They can serve as a wonderful source for the baths I had in my previous life.
Of course, you could also choose Bloodstone, but Damon Targaryen tried to establish himself as king there once in the past. But he failed. Even the Kings of Ninegrove tried to establish themselves as the "capital" there. And I don't want to associate myself with the Targaryens, even though both branches of my tree are related to them. I'm not a Targaryen. As Miriam said, I'm a completely different fruit.
- Master Rahl! - this archivist is going to get me one of these days....
***
King's Landing. The dungeons of Red Castle.
In the semi-dark secret passages of the Red Castle, which the common people did not know about, two heavy men were walking. The first was Lord Varys, master of the whisperers of the new king of the Seven Kingdoms. A unique personality for Westeros - a eunuch. A fat, bald man, and pampered in appearance, with soft white hands and a smooth powdered face. He favours comfortable clothes of fine silk, and soft shoes, which allows him to walk almost silently. Quite suave, but it is only a mask. He is a true master of deception and can easily change his appearance, gait, and even his scent to go unrecognised (but few people know this).
Varys' calling and his skills in acquiring them have given him a reputation for being almost omniscient. In addition to the usual spies and snitches, Varys runs a vast network of so-called "little birds" (which consisted of children) operating in King's Landing itself, throughout the kingdom and even beyond. Recently, however, he has found it more difficult to operate outside of Westeros. Another honourable man from Essos, and more specifically Pentos, Master Illyrio Mopatis, was now complaining to him about this.
Illyrio Mopatis is the Magister of the Free City of Pentos, a very rich and powerful man who trades in spices, gems, dragon bone, and other less precious things. A tall and incredibly fat man (even compared to Varys) with wheat hair and a beard, which he brushes in two and dons, bringing it to a golden sheen. He had piggy eyes, thick cheeks, and crooked yellow teeth. He moved with surprising ease, though, for such a massive man. Despite his fame as a merchant, he not only trades in precious things, but also in information and is involved in the political intrigues of his old friend Varys.
And at this moment he has come to discuss the new rumours that he has managed to obtain from the Slaver's Bay with incredible toil and expense.
- Illyrio, my friend, how glad I am that you did get hold of something about this 'Magister'. To be honest, I was even a little despondent about my futile efforts in those places," the eunuch patted his friend's shoulder mournfully and exhaustedly.
- You are not the only one, Varis. I've lost a lot of money because of him, and not just me, but a number of honourable men of Pentos, Tyrosh, Lys and Myr. So many lost resources and so little use," the fat man nodded.
- I think in time, when we realise who this new 'player' is, we may be able to negotiate with him. And if not...
- And if not, the Faceless Ones will always come to our aid," Mopatis finished for him.
- Don't get so excited Illyrio. We don't know much about him yet. But from the information you have brought, from my analysis of the situation in the Gulf, we can assume that there is no fool sitting there. At the very least, a man of experience and ingenuity. He's been very clever with us, especially me. It's kept me up nights, you know.
- You don't seem to sleep much at night as it is," Master Pentos said with a sneer.
- "I do, but because of the Magister, I'm getting less sleep. And then there's Baratheon... Who knew he'd be an even worse option than Aerys?
- Is it that bad? I think that was the last time I heard you give him a flattering review.
- As a warlord, a knight and a man of honour. But not as a politician or a ruler. This is a nightmare. Lord Hand Jon Arryn is certainly above reproach, but I realise more and more every day that Lord Arryn is the one who will rule the realm. For Robert has gone on a bender since the death of his beloved Lyanna Stark. Not appearing at Council meetings at all since his first one, constantly sneaking whores into the castle, bypassing his wife, and having new mistresses. After a recent tournament, he wants to start another one. He spends more gold and drinks wine than Aegon the Unworthy. If this keeps up, we'll have another war in the kingdom. It's a shame Lord Stark didn't take the throne when he had the chance. What a shame...
- He's a Northerner," Illyrio shrugged, "They could never last long in the South. It's a strange and unwelcoming place for them. Besides, this place is a viper's den. And though the wolf is a strong predator, it is weak against the poisonous creatures that lurk in the tall grass.
For a few moments, Varys stood still, followed by Mopatis.
- So you say it is Larina Vayserion who will make a good informant and ally? - The eunuch returned to the old topic of conversation.
- Yes. My instincts tell me that she knows much and can help us. The sense of profit and power leads men to many sins, including betrayal. And women are even more addicted to these things. The key is to negotiate with her and realise how much information she has. But you'll also have to give her something in return. It's the old law of commerce.
- I know as much about trading, Illyrio, as you do, and more about trading information than you do. Has she said what she wants, besides lower trade duties for her ships?
- Just hinted at a few things. But you know without good bargaining there's no business," Illyrio said.
- I know, I know... All right. Let's leave this Vicerion alone for now. How is your son doing...
Distracted by a private, really friendly conversation.
And behind it, Lord Varys himself had let his guard down enough not to notice a small mouse with violet-coloured eyes watching them.
It was missing half of its belly and had a bitten ear....
***
Akvos Daen. After a while.
Darken Rahl.
After only a short time had passed in these ruins, and my assistants and I were just getting into the flavour of translating the ancient texts that remained, as some very unpleasant news arrived.
The Dothraki!
This horde of small, vicious and unwashed barbarians had attacked the coastal towns and fishing villages of Tholos and Mantaris. Mantaris has been under siege for two days now. Tolos has not yet been besieged, but intelligence reports that it is next in line. Besides, the savage hordes are quite enormous. It's not just one Khal, there are several and the most frustrating thing is that this surprise was due to my inattention and miscalculation.
I must admit that even with my experience in intrigue and manipulation of people, it is still difficult to manipulate those who are not thinking logically.
And we've only just begun the work of translation. However, I can leave these archivists here with provisions and a small guard, and go to Tholos with my best men.
It's a shame I won't be able to use all my troops to repel the Dothraki attack. The legion at Tholos is not full. Nearly six hundred legionnaires in Bhorash are busy setting up the city with a small group of settlers from Oros, Tolos, and Aelyria. Another half a thousand in my new cities of Tyria and Oros. A couple of hundred fell fighting the Dothraki. Half of Tholos' slingers are absent from the city, as they are now mercenaries in the Disputed Lands and Meereen with Yunkai. And the mercenaries and a small portion of my legionnaires are on raids all over the Slaver's Bay, and even near Quokhor.
At best, I'll have only four or five thousand men under my command.
There's no need to complain about fate, though. We must sail for Tholos.
To be continued...
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