The Black and Red Dragon

Chapter 7: Onward to Valyria!

After the initial adrenaline rush of breaking in and rescuing the girls wore off, I found myself sleeping pretty quickly in front of the ship. This time when I was sleeping I did not see the silver-haired woman. It was just a plain old dream. I almost forgot what it felt like to have a normal dream.

The sound of a flapping sail and the giggling of girls woke me up. As I opened my eyes and look around I noticed we are still on the sea. The girls I rescued had changed in some more durable clothing, it looked a bit too big for their size. I also see Ellisif talking with Martin near the helm of the ship. It brought a smile to my face.

I yawned and began to shift to a more comfortable position. "Ah the hero of the hour is awake!" says Martin. "Yeah, yeah... I was scared shitless when I almost got caught. Don't really feel like a hero if I am honest," I say to him. "Rescuing three girls while also carrying my daughter to safety... pretty heroic in my book," Martin says.

I blushed a little at his compliment. "Thank you, Martin" The three girls that are sitting next to each other turned to face me. "We are also very grateful, even if you did not come for us. We can't thank you enough." The one in the middle who had fair skin with short brown hair said. The other two nodded enthusiastically with her. "Glad I could help," I say to them. Ellisif also thanked me and it was humbling to receive such praise from them.

"Martin, we are we going? I don't think it is wise to go to Valyria with so many people," I say to him. All the girls turned in chock to me. "You want to go Valyria? Are you crazy?! They say demons, ghosts, and other evil things dwell there! The girls explained. "I know the stories... but I need to go there," I say to them. "And Martin promised to take me there for freeing his daughter." Martin's face turned serious "I know and I will. First, we should get these girls to safety. I know a place that can help them. Also, some supplies won't hurt. It will take some time to get all the way over there, even by sea." I nodded "I see. I trust your word on it." I got myself in a comfortable position for the long journey.

During the whole trip, I spoke with the three girls who introduced themselves as Mira, Velia, and Sophie. They told me they were taken from their homes either by kidnapping, raiders or during a war. Ellisif also said she was kidnapped during the day when she was gathering wood. As the day went by we talked about our lives and what the girls were going to do in the future. It brought me a warm and fuzzy feeling, because I gave them a new opportunity for a brighter future.

It took us two days before we were nearing a village where the girls could begin anew. It was also the hometown of Ellisif and Martin so she should be safe. Martin said he will gather the necessary supplies for the trip. It left me with some spare time to do as I wish. I chose to practice with the sword and some strength exercises. Father was quite insistent I do this regularly, but the lack of a sparing partner wasn't really helpful.

The next day we set sail for Valyria. Martin explained it would take some days to get to Old Valyria. Especially since Martin wants to avoid the Smoking Sea for as long as possible and I don't blame him. People go missing in the sea and never return. It brought me shivers thinking about it but I try to push the feeling away. The speed will also depend on the weather but Martin is not too worried for some reason. Some sailors instinct, I guess.

The first day of the trip was quiet. Martin hardly spoke to me, and I really wanted to break the silence. It was pretty unnerving and that was amplified when you consider where we are going. On the second day I tried to make some small talk with Martin but it never really lasted long. I just gave up and started to focus on something else. Since there was not much to do on the ship I filled the time with some strength exercises and some basic sword movements.

After finishing the last exercise, Marting was looking at me with a studying expression. "You seem to know what you're doing. Who trained you?" He asked. "My father did, although he was hesitant to train me at first," I answer. "Must have been a decent warrior then. A sellsword?" he said. "He was for some years. He quit after meeting my mother." I said. " Aah... love. It can really change a person," Martin says. 

"Oh, what do you mean?" I asked him. He smiles "I wasn't always your typical fisherman, you know. For years I was a rover, sailed the seas for plunder and treasure. I killed people without a second thought." "Really? I did not think you were that heartless when I met you," I say to him. "Hmm... when you find the love of your life you will do anything. Even change your life. Perhaps when you find such a person you will understand," he says. "Maybe, I am not sure if I will ever find such a person. Guess only time will tell," I shrugged. "Yes, it does make a habit of doing that," Martin says. I laughed a little at his sarcasm. "Was your father a famous sellsword?" He asks. "I don't know actually. He doesn't like to talk about it. I am not sure why that is," I say.

"Hmm... anyway, what are you going to do when we arrive? You haven't said anything about your plans," he asks. "I am looking for a mansion, but I am not sure where it is in the city," I told in a honest tone. Martins face hardened while thinking deeply for a second. "I have been there once during my time as a raider, it is not a pretty place. A lot of Stone Men are there and a feeling as if something is watching you. It was very unnerving. We lost almost everyone there. Only me and two other people survived the city and later we found out that one of them was infected with Grey Scale. Fifty men entered and only two men survived. I am not sure if you will make it," Martin says.

I don't know how to respond to that. It is a miracle he survived, but I am determined. I haven't come this far just to quit. "I will make it and survive," I looked at Martin with a determined look. "I promised father I would see him again and I keep my promises." Martin smiles at my reaction. "You're a good kid. Your father should be proud. Well then, let's get to that City of Hell for you!" He says with a smile.