A tale: Reborn in Westeros

Chapter 3

Alex van der Meer ~ Astapor

I sit near the railing of the ship, looking towards Astapor. We should arrive very soon. "Alex, how are you feeling?" Daenerys asks me. I turn to her as she approaches me. Jorah is right behind her. I have not mentioned what Jorah did, his spying on the two Targaryens. It would be best to tell her soon.

"Still adjusting, I think. You're going into the city?" I ask. Daenerys nods in response. "Yes. I'm planning on meeting with a representative to buy my army. I was hoping you'd join," she says. I stand up and dust myself off. "Of course, I swore an oath. It's my duty, is it not?" Daenerys smiles softly and motions for me to follow. As we walk through the city, Daenerys motions to walk next to her. "Alex, you have talked to Ser Jorah, correct? What type of weapon will you be using?" she asks.

"Jorah recommended a spear, Your Grace. He said it would be most suited for me," I answer. Daenerys nods and looks around the street for a moment. The street is crammed with stores selling all kinds of weapons, clothes, spices, and other types of wares. All buildings and roads are made of red bricks. It certainly makes things more foreign and intriguing. But I find it strange that almost everything is in poor condition. The bricks are slowly crumbling causing red dust to be everywhere. People even protect their faces with veils.

We approach one of the shops that sells all manner of weapons. From small daggers to two-handed greatswords are for sale. In the back of the shop, the clinging sounds of anvil and hammer can be heard. It is not well lit, but I catch two men making weapons and armor. What is also noticeable is the metal color around their necks. I forgot, but these places are run by slavery. "I'm not sure what would be best for you, but pick whatever suits you best," Daenerys says. I look around but I have no clue how to appraise the wares. "Jorah, what would be best?"

Jorah sighs a bit as he approaches a rack with different spears. It's then we hear someone coming towards us. "Welcome to my humble shop! How may I be of service?" He asks. The man is clearly not the one making the wares. He looks entitled and clearly uses the slavery system to his advantage. Jorah picks up one spear and inspects it. "This one will do," he says and hands it to me for approval.

It's not the longest, but I can feel that it is light and easily maneuverable. I nod. "Feels good in the hand. It will take some time to get used to it," I say in return. "You can train with Ser Jorah. We'll take two of those..." Daenerys starts to say and buys two spears in the end.

As we continue through the city, we eventually meet up with the representative. I have no clue what the man says, but I know that Daenerys can understand the man. She hides it for now and let a slave girl translate. As we walk through the streets towards a square with Unsullied, I feel myself having to hold in some remarks. How much will be the same as the show? Is my reason for being here to keep Daenerys on the right path? I find myself lost in thought as we eventually enter a square with the group of Unsullied. These men... they are emotionless. I have no clue about their training, but it must have been relentless.

I stand with Jorah as Daenerys converses with the slave master. It is at these moments, I am glad to have not grown up in a world with slavery. These people have only known hardship that few can understand. Daenerys is taking in the news hard as she sees the men and hears the explanation of their training. The slave girl, Missandei, translates for me and Jorah. At least I know that everything will be better for the slaves, but not all will go well.

"Every day they drill from dawn to dusk until they have mastered the short sword, the shield, and the three spears. Only one boy in four survives this rigorous training. Their discipline and loyalty are absolute. They fear nothing," Missandei explains as her master speaks. I have seen them in action. These men fear nothing and above all else are fiercely loyal. It's easy to see it on their faces. I have only seen it in people with nothing to lose. And they are capable of almost anything.