章節 294: Chapter 294: Ser Willem
Tyrosh's harbor now boasts a new bronze statue, towering at about four meters high. The statue depicts a knight in armor, unmistakably dressed in Westerosi clothing, with even the armor styled in a distinctly Westerosi fashion. The knight's expression is resolute, his gaze fixed forward. In his right hand, he holds a sword upright, while cradled in the crook of his left arm is a newborn swathed in cloth—Daenerys.
Behind the swordsman stands a young boy, perhaps five or six years old—this is Viserys as a child, and the baby in his arms is, of course, Daenerys. The swordsman's identity is clear: Ser Willem Darry, the man who led Viserys and Daenerys away from Dragonstone. The statue was commissioned by a group of Tyroshi merchants.
The merchants believed Viserys had solved their problems with pirates and the Dothraki, allowing their trade routes to flourish without interference. Tolls on the Stepstones had also significantly decreased. Furthermore, after Viserys' victory over Drogo and his conquest of the Dothraki, a new trade route, known as the "Spice Silk Road," emerged across Essos. This land route offered a safer alternative to sea travel, with the once-plundering Dothraki now serving as wardens, protecting merchants from bandits. In return, the merchants paid only a modest toll.
Along this route, Viserys established numerous rest stops, marked by the three-headed dragon banner of House Targaryen.
These stops not only symbolized the power of the Targaryens but also stimulated local economies. Healers were stationed along the route, as disease and plagues had once posed as much of a threat as bandits or the Dothraki. Several merchants from Asshai, grateful for the aid they received along the route, sought to honor Viserys. Though many had already erected statues and landmarks in his honor—such as Viserys Avenue, Viserys Mound, and Viserys Wall in Tyrosh and the surrounding Hopeful Lands—this group chose something more meaningful: a statue commemorating Ser Willem Darry, Viserys, and Daenerys' early struggles.
The statue was warmly received by Daenerys and Jon Connington. Daenerys felt deep gratitude toward Ser Willem. Before Viserys "returned to normal," her time with Ser Willem at the house with the red door was the fondest memory of her youth. Connington believed that Ser Willem's deeds should be proclaimed throughout the Seven Kingdoms and beyond. This, he thought, would greatly benefit the Targaryens, and in turn, his own House Connington, known for their loyal service.
As a token of her appreciation, Daenerys granted these merchants several "special passes," allowing them free passage through the Nine Great Free Cities.
Today, Daenerys was clearly distracted as she dealt with government affairs. Even after taking her documents to the gazebo to work in peace, she couldn't seem to focus. Two or three days ago, Viserys had appeared in her dreams, telling her he would soon return, bringing with him Aemon, the oldest member of House Targaryen. The idea of reuniting with an elder relative, someone of their own bloodline, filled her with anticipation. Although Aemon might not be able to provide any significant help, his presence would offer them much-needed spiritual comfort after their long years of exile.
Daenerys picked up a heavy frying pan from the table and swung it down on the black dragon's head. With a loud bang, the dragon—who had been gnawing at the leg of her stool—darted away in a flash. Though small, it had a habit of wreaking havoc, its teeth marks littering the palace.
She already knew that Viserys had successfully burned Robert's fleet. Daenerys had long been aware that Robert Baratheon was responsible for Rhaegar's death and their years of exile. Upon hearing the news of Robert's defeat, she had immediately announced that all drinks in Tyrosh would be free for the day. It was a small regret that she hadn't witnessed the burning of thousands of warships herself. However, Viserys had promised that when he went to Slaver's Bay to buy Unsullied, they would go together.
Daenerys' daydreaming was abruptly interrupted by the maid's announcement.
"Princess, His Majesty is back!"
Daenerys dropped her pen without hesitation and rushed out of the gazebo. Rhaelarion, the silver dragon coiled on the beam, followed her instantly.
By now, the harbor had been cleared, and Viserys' fleet was preparing to dock. Before the ships even arrived, the sight of the three dragons in the harbor was enough to announce his return. The people of Tyrosh recognized Viserys by the colors of his dragons, as they hadn't been seen in the coliseum for some time.
"Look! The Yellow Dragon! His Majesty the Emperor has returned!"
"And the Green and Red Dragons! Long live His Majesty the Emperor!"
"Long live His Majesty the Emperor!"
Though royal power was not as strong outside the Hopeful Lands and the Stepstones, the people spontaneously bowed before the fleet.
This was especially true of the freed slaves, who owed their freedom to Targaryen policies. They were among Viserys' most loyal supporters. After over two years of efforts, the ratio of free people to slaves in Tyrosh had nearly reached one to one. Even in Lys and Myr, the number of free people had outgrown the number of slaves. In this regard, Targaryen rule was remarkably stable.
"I heard His Grace burned the usurper's fleet! Spared us from war!" said a merchant dressed in black and red silk. Due to Viserys' influence, the people of Tyrosh had grown fond of the Targaryen colors—black and scarlet.
"Hmph! That cowardly usurper! Even if he dared to come, I'd gladly offer my ship to His Majesty!" exclaimed an old shipowner who only had a small sampan. Two years ago, he had been rescued by Daenerys' relief station, later earning his freedom by hauling cargo for merchants. In his mind, everything he had was thanks to Viserys.
"Stop fighting, the queen is here!"
Though Viserys had been crowned emperor, he had yet to officially take the crown himself. However, Daenerys was no longer referred to as "Princess" but as "Queen." The people of the Nine Free Cities, well-versed in the customs of the Dragonlords and their brother-sister marriages, understood that in their eyes, only Daenerys could rightfully claim the throne as queen.
Daenerys stood on the shore, her gaze fixed expectantly on Viserys' flagship.
"That must be Dany."
"Yes."
The two pairs of violet eyes met across the distance, exchanging unspoken stories of longing and reunion.
Officials and military officers from Tyrosh had gathered to greet Viserys, along with his entourage of foster "sons."
Though they had only been in Tyrosh for three months, the once-wild "snarks" had already become civil and disciplined.
Ordinary citizens also crowded the harbor in growing numbers, and if not for Young Connington and the Unsullied guards struggling to maintain order, chaos might have erupted.
Soon, Viserys' flagship docked, and he personally helped Aemon down the gangplank.
"My, my! Who is that old man His Majesty is helping down the gangplank?"
"I don't know. Is there anyone else in House Targaryen?"
For a moment, whispers spread through the crowd as everyone speculated about Aemon's identity.
Daenerys, however, was unsurprised. Viserys had already described Aemon to her in her dreams, so when she saw him, she felt an immediate sense of kinship.
"Aemon, I'm Daenerys."
"Daenerys, I know you. Viserys has spoken of you many times."
Connington looked astonished. The old man standing before them was Maester Aemon! Many people, even within the Seven Kingdoms and the Night's Watch, often forgot that he was a Targaryen by blood.
After the family reunion, it was time to receive the advisers. Connington and the others bowed to Viserys, then turned to Aemon.
"Maester Aemon," Connington greeted.
"You must be Ser Connington," Aemon replied with a warm smile. He was in good spirits, having spent eighty years at the Wall and now meeting more people in one day than he had in decades.
Viserys, pleased with the day's events, immediately declared that all alcohol consumed in Tyrosh that day would be paid for by the royal family. The harbor echoed with a wave of cheers once again.
After the celebrations, Connington approached Viserys with a report.
"Your Grace, while you were away, envoys from Qarth and Astapor arrived. They're both eager to meet with you."
"Did they come together?" Viserys asked, suspicion flickering in his eyes.
"Yes."
Viserys felt a sudden unease. Qarth and Astapor were his enemies—ones he planned to deal with soon. The fact that these two adversaries were now mingling together clearly signaled trouble.
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