章節 49: Ghiscari 2nd war
King Grom Gardner of Reach, King Marion Dayne of Dorne, and Theon Stark received an urgent summons to the Tepes territory from their close friend, Vlad. Although they found it surprising, their deep friendship compelled them to attend without hesitation.
Upon their arrival, Vlad greeted them with a warm smile, and they couldn't help but be pleased to see his sister, Eliza, beside him.
Grom, Marion, and Theon embraced one another, a testament to the strong alliance and camaraderie that bound them. Theon inquired, "What is the matter that required all three of us to come?"
Grom and Marion exchanged curious glances, while Theon, with a sigh, responded, "Let's discuss it inside."
The group was led into the council room, where shelves lined with books and tomes filled the space. They took their seats around the table, their faces reflecting a blend of anticipation and concern.
Vlad began the conversation, stating, "The Ghiscari Empire has initiated a war with the Valyrians."
All three kingdoms had significant trade agreements with the Valyrians. The recent closure of Valyrian ports had raised questions and worries among them.
Marion, Theon, Eliza, and Grom shared their suspicions. Marion spoke up, "I've heard rumors of Ghiscari attacks on a Valyrian port, but I couldn't confirm their authenticity."
Grom nodded in agreement and added, "I've also come across tales of the son of God Ulmo being the savior of the Port city."
Vlad affirmed, "All those rumors are true. The Ghiscari have indeed initiated this war, and I doubt the Valyrians will take it lying down."
Theon concurred, stating, "With Valyrians expanding their territory, it was only a matter of time before they clashed with the Ghiscari Empire, vying for supremacy over the continent."
Eliza chimed in, "My intuition tells me that this war is bound to be greater than anything seen before."
Vlad nodded with a solemn expression and uttered a stark warning, "I felt it necessary to caution you against sending any ships or individuals into close proximity with the Ghiscari. Their history is marred by a relentless pursuit of resources, often at the expense of attacking traders and enslaving people for their war campaigns or the construction of their infamous pyramids."
Vlad's voice carried a tinge of revulsion, a sentiment shared by Theon,Marion and Grom. They were all too aware that the Ghiscari Empire thrived on the abhorrent practice of widespread slavery, with conquered populations laboring relentlessly to erect the grand pyramids of Old Ghis and its dominions.
Just as they suspected, the war with Ghiscari proved to be far from a minor conflict. The initial war against Ghiscari was led by Perseus, whose extraordinary abilities in water manipulation and the creation of earthquakes granted the Valyrian army a significant advantage.
Perseus, hailed as a hero, subsequently married Jaenara Belaerys. However, the trouble began when Aerion fell ill, and Aerynarr ascended to the throne. Upon his rise to power, Aerynarr began gradually exerting more pressure on Perseus while simultaneously cutting off his support and influence.
This decision was foolish, as Aerynarr was directly challenging someone known to be the son of a god. However, Aerynarr's descent into madness blinded him to the consequences of undermining his own powerful General, Perseus.
Although Perseus recognized the dangerous game Aerynarr was playing, he was too preoccupied with the war and protecting his family to effectively counter the dual threats he faced.
During the second war, Perseus managed to secure allies, including the Kingdom of Sarnor, a collection of independent city-states situated in the western plains of central Essos. These cities extended across the plains along the northern borders of Valyria in the west and Ghiscari in the east. The Sarnori were inevitably drawn into the conflict due to their proximity to the two rival powers. In the Second Ghiscari War, they fought as allies of young Valyria against the formidable Ghiscari legions.
The second war was a brutal affair, but Perseus, with his exceptional abilities and a strategy involving ambushing Ghiscari army bases using ships, emerged victorious. However, this success only intensified Aerynarr's hidden attacks, as he not only eroded Perseus's influence but also introduced new practices into Valyria, such as slavery.
But gods grace that Aerynarr fell ill and died at the end of second Ghiscari war.Perseus was sure, someone killed Aerynarr since the man was filled with madness ane made too many enemies inside the court.
While this was happening Perseus, burdened by his semi-immortality, watched as his mother lay on her deathbed and witnessed his wife and children grow older with each passing day. It was during the conclusion of the third Ghiscari war that he painfully observed his wife's gradual aging and knew what awaited her and his children.
One night, as Perseus gazed out over the sea, a familiar voice echoed in his mind. It was the voice of his father, Ulmo, the God of Seas, who sensed his inner turmoil and reached out to him and appeared next to him.
Ulmo asked"Perseus, my son, I sense your anguish and the weight of your semi-immortality. It is both a blessing and a curse to watch those you love age while you remain unchanged."
Perseus, startled but comforted by his father's presence, responded with a heavy heart, "Father, it is indeed a burden I bear. To see my family grow old, to witness the passage of time, it pains me deeply."
Ulmo sighed and replied"You are a demigod, Perseus, partaking in the realm of mortals yet carrying a divine essence within you. Your journey is a unique one, marked by the joys of eternal youth and the sorrows of witnessing the transient nature of human life."
Perseus looked out at the vast sea, the moonlight casting shimmering reflections upon its surface. With a sigh, he spoke, "I know, Father, and I am grateful for the gifts and abilities you have bestowed upon me. But it is a lonely path, and the loss of my loved ones is a heavy price to pay."
Ulmo's voice held both understanding and wisdom as he replied, "Remember, my son, your role in this world is extraordinary. Embrace the moments you share with mortals, for in their fleeting lives, they find beauty and meaning. Your legacy, as both a demigod and a protector of Valyria, shall endure through the ages."
Perseus found solace in his father's words, a reminder that his existence held a purpose beyond the pain of eternal separation. He turned his gaze back to the sea, resolved to continue his duty, even as he bore the bittersweet burden of semi-immortality.
Ulmo's soothing voice resonated in Perseus's mind, "Son, I understand the heaviness of your heart. But remember, the bonds forged in life are not easily broken. You will meet them again in the afterlife, and your mother will be by my side soon as she passes."
Perseus, touched by the reassurance of a reunion in the afterlife, felt a glimmer of hope amid his sorrow. He whispered, "Thank you, Father. Knowing that I will be reunited with them one day eases the weight of my eternal existence."
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