章節 19: Chapter 19
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***
Darken Rahl.
It had been a wonderful morning.
One of the most beautiful women in Westeros, my mother, lay at my side. Her roundness pressed very close to me, and how could it not, for she had almost climbed on top of me in her sleep and was still hugging me with her right arm and leg. Her hair was tangled together and was probably more of a bird's nest than the hair of a noble lady.
She was smiling so sweetly that I did not dare to wake her. I got up quietly, dressed quickly, and went out the door, where Boros was waiting patiently for me. He was much tougher than any other warrior in my army, plus I had strengthened his body a bit with alchemy. Perhaps I should even increase his strength a little with pure magic, he would lose the ability to have children, but he would gain more physical strength.
Boros was fussy and didn't sleep much, though there were plenty of people to replace him. For example, the eunuch Belvas. He had once been the champion of Meereen's Fighting Pits, but after Meereen's punishment for rebelling against me, I caught a glimpse of that strongman at one of the shows. He was a big show-off, of course, but I liked him. Miriam and Darstein had retrained him pretty quickly to fight with all kinds of weapons and many other things that were useful to me.
There were three more Mord-Sith waiting for me. Each from a different temple, one was from Volantis, one from Lys, and one from Qarth. They had come for a report and recommendations for the transfer of new Mord-Sith. The Temple of Qarth pleased me the most, it had given me three dozen more Mord-Sith over the course of this year. Though most of them were Lhazarian by blood. And of all their eigil sisters in the Empire, already a third of the women were of Lhazarian blood. If this keeps up, my favourite silver and golden hair will soon be a dream come true. However, Valyrian-blooded women are a solid second in the number of Mord-Sith.
Hmm. Still, my aunt helped me a lot with her little speech to get my mother into bed. It felt good. Not just physically or from knowing I'd done something forbidden. No, there was something about it... native and warm to my soul. But I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was. But that's not really important.
What matters is that because of the skirmish in the east, I had to abruptly and unexpectedly withdraw half my scouting spirits from Westeros. Even the Iron Islands and the North. I'm very interested in the little wolf dragon. I haven't decided what I'm going to do with him, but he has a part to play in the history of the Seven Kingdoms.
- Master Rahl," Red Spear saluted me, "Let me ask you something.
He has kept the old version of the armour immaculate (except for the fact that I have dressed it in iron instead of leather, but in the same style), except that he has added a little purple to the helmet and the greaves and gauntlets. Otherwise, he hasn't changed his style. And there was no need for it to be impeccable.
His swarthy face without a single hair on his head or face looked at me with a kind of sadness in his eyes.
I wondered what had happened, and so, putting on a mask of sympathy and a small smile on my face, I asked him:
- What's wrong, Red Spear? You look unusually excited.
- Word has come from our spies out of Asshai. They say they were able to find a box of dragon eggs in a local bank. Five of them! According to their information, they were once sent there by a Targaryen in the hope that a single dragon might hatch from them in a place imbued with magic. But the King of the Seven Kingdoms died and no one cared about those eggs.
I remember this story, after the last dragon died, the white-haired kings had an idea-fix about their glorious past. One of the craziest tried to awaken himself as a dragon by drinking Wildfire. But what that madman didn't know was that part of the ritual he'd heard about was also tied to the right ingredients of such rare creatures as: the heart of a wyvern, a fresh dragon corpse, or rather its scales, mandrake root, a giant's stomach, and more. But, even if he had all of these, he still wouldn't become a true dragon. Only a draconised human, whose mind would sooner or later fall into the abyss of darkness and carnal desires. And his lifespan would be shortened considerably.
Targaryens are such Targaryens... Only Aegon the Conqueror was really worth anything.
- That's wonderful news, Red Spear. Take Ocris and figure out a way we can legally and quietly get those eggs out of there.
I don't want to stir up the Asshai mage community just yet. They're much weaker than I am. But I don't want to deal with them instead of strengthening my empire. There's so much to do and so little time and the right people. It will be a while before the next generation of D'Harans grows up to fill the niche of bureaucrats and military officers I need. But I can't do nothing now.
Hmm. A gifted man has come to Panisheart? That's wonderful! But why... No! How can he be here? It's not possible, he shouldn't be here. Rrr!
- Boros, I'll be at the harbour. Don't bother me tonight, unless the Seven Kingdoms declare war on us or there's a new Doom in Asshai.
- Yes, Master Rahl! - My bodyguard nodded briefly.
I turned into a bird and flew to the right place. I had to make sure that the child who had arrived was him.
It was a merchant ship sailing from Skagos. I even ordered some unicorns from the captain of the ship and put a spy on the crew to find out what the inhabitants of the mysterious and even a little scary island of the North were up to.
And I spotted my target immediately. He hadn't changed in the time I hadn't been watching him. A cute boy with slightly frizzy raven-wing hair, a pretty face like a girl's, and grey eyes. The Stark that Stark isn't, but he's no Targaryen either. Truly I can understand why Jon Snow doesn't like Catelyn Tully. Not just because he's "her husband's bastard", but for being more like his uncle than Ned Stark's children. Although this incredible smarminess is very much a Targaryen thing. Centuries of breeding simply cannot pass this child by.
- My Emperor! - the captain exclaimed and knelt before me.
Little Jon Snow was confused and didn't know what to do. He must have heard of a faraway empire, which is really not so far away, and its emperor. And the captain or his sailors must have told the boy at least where they were taking him. I'm really wondering what he's doing here.
- Don't worry, boy. - I smiled at him and sat down so that our faces were on the same level, "I'm really not that scary.
- Your Grace. - he bowed awkwardly and ran his eyes round.
- Captain Farrow, how's my order coming? - I asked the captain, signalling him to rise to his full height.
- Everything is ready, Master Rahl. The unicorns are waiting for you in a quantity of six. The Skagos are a greedy people. But I didn't bargain much. Just as you said.- That is most excellent, captain. I'm very pleased with you. - the captain is blooming with praise. - But may I ask what this boy is doing aboard your ship? I don't remember such a boy among your sailors or yoongs, obviously of northern appearance. Or did you pick him up on the way?
- When we sailed from Skagos, we fished a boy out of the water about half an hour from them. He fell overboard the night he went to take a piss. His Lord father Eddard Stark was travelling with his eldest legitimate son and a minor Greyjoy, sailing to the Vale to visit his old friend and mentor. The boy, if they realised it, it was too late. We couldn't give Lord Eddard his son back because we had to sail here. Besides, the boy asked to join my crew on the second day of the journey. Doesn't want to go back to his father for some reason.
- That's a sad story, John. Why don't you want to go back to your father? Does he hate you? Or does he do bad things to you?
- N-No, Your Majesty. I just don't belong there. I'm a bastard. And bastards have no place in the court of the Keeper of the North, even if he is his son. I am his disgrace. I also have no mother. - I have nowhere to go back to.
What an interesting turn of life. I didn't expect him to end up in my domain. Such an uncut and unwanted diamond. It's kind of funny. I mean, not many people know where it came from. Only three people do: Stark, Reed and me. Reed sits quietly in his swamps, Stark will keep his mouth shut. I, on the other hand, will use the situation to my advantage.
- Northerners don't make good sailors, Captain. - Jon shrank in shame. I wouldn't advise you to take him as a crewman.
- Understood, Your Majesty. - He nodded.
- But Your Grace I... I... can learn....
- Don't worry, little Jon Snow. - I patted him on the head, -Since you came into my domain and don't want to go back, but want to serve in D'Hara, I'll give you that opportunity. You can thank the old gods for your good fortune. I was looking for a squire, or rather, I wanted to find one. My last one was already a knight, and he's gone to the eastern frontiers of the empire. And I'm in urgent need of a replacement. Would you be willing to take his place?
- I would be honoured, Your Grace. - I will do my best to be worthy of the role.
- Don't worry, I'm sure you'll be fine. Let's go to the palace. I have much to tell you and show you before you decide whether you want to serve me or not. Don't be so quick to answer, my boy. If you want to be my squire, and perhaps my apprentice, never rush into a hasty decision. It harms many things. Most of all to yourself. Let's go.
On the way to the palace, Jon and I did meet Boros and Belvas, who were clad in Valyrian armour. Snow-Targaryen's eyes went wide at the size of my bodyguards and what they were wearing. A pair of Mord-Sith joined us next. They squinted at the small one. But they did nothing hostile towards him. Although that did scare John. He's so sweet and innocent, I'm afraid some Mord-Sith might want him for a husband, as has sometimes happened in the past world and this one.
In the silver district we transferred into palanquins and headed straight for the palace. Dragons flew over us a few times, which almost made John shit his trousers. But you can't blame him. I was amused by his reaction to the dragons, and then to my fireball and lightning magic.
He got over the shock in my office, where he tried to come to his senses. But just when he wanted to say something to me, his mother came in, no, burst into the office. And she didn't bother to pick out her clothes. She came in half wrapped in a silk sheet over her naked body, and dishevelled.
- Darken, darling..." She looked at John, who was already red as a poppy, halfway to me, and stopped. - Oh! What a sweet boy. Who is he? - She moved closer to him, which made him try to move away from her and almost fall off his chair, - He's blushing so nicely. Is he ill?
- He's in a state of confusion, Alice. - It's not every day that one of the most beautiful women in the Seven Kingdoms walks in on him in the middle of nowhere. He'll be bleeding from his ears in no time.
- That's so sweet. - But nothing, knowing your temper and what I've seen here, he won't be shy any time soon, not within these walls, that's for sure. And besides, he's so cute and handsome, and he'll grow up to be handsome, I'm sure of it.
- I'm sure he will. Is there something you wanted to know?
- Oh, no. I'll just come back later. Why don't you tell me where you found this little wonder?
- I'm John. - I'm from the North. Jon Snow.
- And how did you get here so far from home?
- I fell. - Jon replied succinctly.
- Ha ha ha. He's a marvellous man. Okay, I'll leave you two alone. I'll come back later.
As soon as she was out the door, John sighed heavily and said:
- Master Rahl. Allow me to serve you.
- I'm glad you've made up your mind. But let me ask you... Was the appearance of the naked Lady Velarion the final influence on your decision?
- My Emperor!
What a child he is! This is going to be fun.
John decided not to even send a raven to his father to tell him he was alive. I, on the other hand, was fine with that decision. It was even easier for me.
I introduced him to my surroundings and began to explore the boy little by little. Visually. He had a magical gift hidden deep within.
He's a Varg!
And could probably develop that skill in the North more well than he could with me. But that's only if he knew of his gift, and had the desire for it. That's not to say he has a very great and rare gift. He can be a dragon rider, and I can teach him all sorts of useful tricks and skills. I'll have Miriam train him as a warrior.
I could think of many ways to use the boy. But it all depended on the progress of the Seven Kingdoms Players. Soon Jon Arryn, King Robert's Hand, will be here in a couple of months, if Baratheon doesn't change his mind, to negotiate new duties. That's mostly Baelish's job, and he'll be here with him, but beyond the monetary gain, Jon Arryn wants to know how dangerous I am. He's very clever, and it won't be easy to hide his true capabilities. Robert is lucky to have such a Hand. I'm on the lookout for such a clever man for such an important position. I wish Uncle Doran were in my service. I'd make him Hand or Tywin Lanister, but I can't get him either. However, perhaps Qyburn could take the place? It's worth considering.
Jon was coming into Panisheart's life slowly but surely. He was ten years old, and children at that age are much more accepting of new trends and teachings. Their state of mind is more flexible and malleable, so I can mould the boy into a Game of Thrones board.
He was only 293 A.D. when he arrived in my capital, and after only five years he had grown and matured considerably, though Rhys joked from time to time, "Sometimes I wonder who I like better, a woman in a body or Jon?". My mother was right, he's noticeably more handsome, and he's got the maidens and noble ladies following him in droves. Even the Mord-Sith look at him sometimes, but they do nothing, for they know that if they subdue him, I will be offended that they interfered with my apprenticeship.
Yes. He became my apprentice. He also became the commander of a small force of five hundred men, which he himself had recruited from former Raven-Briars, Tholian slingers, Westerosians, Dothraki and Summer Isles archers.
The Summer Isles also became my domain. Rhys did talk me into a campaign to the South a couple of years ago. He commanded an invasion that included Jon and his squad. He has the makings of a commander, as does Rhys, who by then had already made a real name for himself in the army for his military honours. Though my first general is still Darstein for now.
My empire has grown strong and now, even in the event of my death, will not collapse so easily. There will simply be a change of dynasty. It will happen with labour and blood. But my endeavours will not go to waste. A strong empire that survives my death is one guarantee that Varys and Baelish, who has become a real player on the political scene, will not dare even think of taking me out with poison or the Faceless Ones. I'm safe from poisons, but the Faceless Ones surprised me.
It turned out that they had received orders for me more than once since my conquest of the Summer Sea, but they had always refused. Over fifty attempted orders and just as many rejections. I wondered very much why they refused, but I was okay with that. Let them live for now. Pretty soon they and Braavos as a whole would play their part in my game.
Targaryens...
In five years, the Targaryens have become my tame pets. Or rather... or rather Daenerys. A year ago, I decided to take her down the Mord-Sith path. It's not a full-fledged path, of course. But I was amused to watch her, with her own hands and with the help of an ageil, first torture and then kill her brother, who cried out that he was a "dragon". The reason for this was Viserys' overly annoying behaviour. He really annoyed me. And when he decided to drunkenly steal MY dragon, I didn't think long and ordered Nyssa to work on him first to teach him manners, and then decided to make Deni my loyal servant. So the role of "mother", who was to be put to death in front of her eyes, was played by her nanny, who had been assigned to her by the late Illyrio Mopatis. And the "father" who was to be killed was Viserys.
It's a shame that Targaryen madness has taken hold of the boy as well. I had plans for both of them. I had to change them. And I had to shuffle the cards. But I got Daenerys, who I can use as I wish, for she has retained her clarity of mind, but has become far more solid as a Mord-Sith, as well as loyal and in love with me.
Sometimes things don't go the way I expect them to. But it's kind of fun. It gives a certain zest to the case I'm working on.
- Darken," a pleased Rhys came into my room, "You won't believe what happened.
- What is it?
- Two pieces of news. One good and one even better.
- Oh, yeah? Well, go on, then.
- The good news is Jon Arryn is dead. Officially of old age and the disease that took him down.
Well, that's interesting. Looks like there's going to be a real power struggle soon. Robert won't want to give the Hand to Tywin. That leaves him with only one option-- Ned Stark. And he will get to the bottom of the knowledge that Robert's children are not his children at all, but the product of incest between the Queen and her brother Jamie Lanister.
What an interesting development. It makes me happy. And I was ready to think about the possibility of a new war in the Seven Kingdoms soon.
- That's wonderful. Call the Dragonriders and the Small Council, and bring my mother. We have much to discuss. Fortunately, she arrived yesterday on a courtesy visit. We won't need to pull her away from important business.
- Perhaps I will, but a little later. For the second piece of news is that your father and sisters are arriving in Panisheart in a couple of hours. A raven has arrived from a neighbouring island....
WHAT?! HOW?! WHAT'S HE DOING HERE?!
To be continued...
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票