The Black and Red Dragon

Chapter 34: Dealing and plotting

When I returned to my quarters I was greeted by Irri. Daenerys and I decided to not let too many people know about our relationship yet. One of the people that did know was Irri. It would be hard for us to hide our relationship from her anyway. Irri was quite happy for us when I told her and fully supported us. It was nice to hear someone supported us in our decision.

Tomorrow morning, I get ready for my usual training with Ser Jorah. After yesterday, I want to train harder and prove myself to Ser Barristan. I quickly get ready with help from Irri and make my way to the deck of the ship. As I walk onto the deck I see Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan. It seems they are having a heated discussion. I have an inkling as to what they are discussing.

When they see me approaching their conversation stops. "Ser Jorah, Ser Barristan, good morning," I say to them and start getting ready for my training. "Will you be joining us Ser Barristan? I'd like to see what you can do with a sword." Ser Jorah has an amused smirk on his face. "Ser Barristan the Bold does not think I should train you anymore, my princess." Why am I not surprised. "I mean no disrespect, my lady. It is good that you can defend yourself. But a woman should not be a Queensguard, it is not done. You would be better off serving her majesty in other ways," Ser Barristan says.

"It was the queen's decision to make me Queensguard," I say to him irritated. "That is true, but you should step down from the position. When Daenerys takes the Iron Thrones she will need as many allies as possible. If they see she has a woman in her Queensguard, they will be less willing to follow her. They will gossip and laugh behind her back. If you want to see Daenerys on the Throne, you will rescind your position as Queensguard," Ser Barristan says. I feel the anger rise in me.

"Now you listen to me old man. I respect your prowess, I do, but you are a hypocrite. Saying only death can discharge a Queensguard and now you ask me to rescind my position? That makes me laugh. Therefore my answer is no, I will not stop being her Queensguard until the day I die." I pick up the wooden training sword that is laying on a nearby table. "I will prove myself worthy, with or without the help of an old knight. Ser Jorah, shall we begin?"

Ser Jorah picks up another training sword and we start doing our drills for the rest of the morning. The old man even stays to watch us train. I am angry at him, but I can't deny that the advice he gives me is good. Even though the way he points my mistakes out could be a bit nicer. Eventually, Daenerys joins us on the top deck. All three of us bow when we see her.

She waves her hand and we rise. "It is time to meet with Master Kraznys to buy my army," she says, she motions for me to join her. I happily walk to her side and we started to leave the ship. "I wanted to explore the city a little before our meeting. Will you walk with me?" she says. "Of course," I say with a smile. She takes my arm and we started walking through the streets towards the shore.

"Is something the matter, Visenya? You seem frustrated," Daenerys says. I sigh. "Nothing too serious. It was a hard day of training." She nods, but I can see that she is not totally convinced. "Did Ser Barristan join your training? I can imagine he has a lot he can teach you." I nod. "He did have good advice on how I can improve my techniques." It wasn't a lie, but still, it feels wrong to keep it from her. She smiles. "He will be good to have with us. He knew my family well, even better than I do. I am eager to learn from him and to head his council." I frown. "Can I ask you something Daenerys?"

"Of course. What is it you want to ask?" I sigh. "If someone gives you sound advice, but your heart tells you it's wrong. What would you choose?" She gives me a curious glance. "I know something is bothering you, but I always follow my heart." I nod, just as I expected. Ser Barristan may be right, but I'll show him or anyone else that I deserve to be a Queensguard.

We turn around a corner and start walking along the shoreline, with Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan closely behind us. Along the shore many slaves are nailed on crucifixes, their bodies are covered in cuts and bruises. I feel my heart tighten when I think about their conditions in the hot sun.