A tale: Reborn in Westeros

Chapter 15

Aegon "Alex" Targaryen

I look over the city with Daenerys at my side while we stand on the balcony. It was a sunny and warm day in Meereen. Unfortunately, the Harpies have started to organize. They have not yet killed, but it will only be a matter of time. "Your Majesties," we hear Barristan greet us from behind. We turn around as we see Barristan approach us.

"Ser Barristan, any news?" Daenerys asks. Barristan shakes his head. "No, Your Grace. It seems Meereen is still at peace. I will be going on patrol later to see how the city fares," he says. "Very well, I'd like to see how the city is doing myself. I'll be joining you," I say to him. Daenerys frowns as she looks at me. "Are you certain, Alex? The Harpies are active in the city. They may attack you if they spot you walking through the streets. I don't want to lose you," she says with concern.

I stroke her cheek gently and warmly. "I will not be alone out in the streets. Barristan will be with me and I will take some Unsullied as well. Rest assured, I will not die." Daenerys is not pleased as she stares at me with narrowed eyes. "We marry in a few weeks, Alex. I don't want to marry a corpse," she says sternly. "He will be safe with me, Your Grace," Barristan reassured Daenerys.

Daenerys sighs deeply. "Better keep him safe, Ser Barristan. I want to marry him with all his limbs intact." Barristan nods. "Of course, Your Grace. I'll make sure he returns alive and well," he says. "Good," she turns to look at me, "Don't be reckless, alright?," she says and places a kiss on my cheek. "I always am, Dany. I'll be back before you know it."

—

I walk through the multicolored streets of Meereen. Next to me walks Barristan and just behind us walks a group of ten Unsullied. Daenerys was still not happy when I left the Pyramid, but I think she felt safer knowing that I am with a sizeable group of men that can protect me. "Ser Barristan, I was wondering about something. Why are you still fighting?" I ask the Old Knight. "Why do you ask?" he says as he glances at me. "You have fought for three kings, fought in multiple wars, and probably several other fights or battles. I know the stress of war, and most would want to enjoy some peace and rest when they get older. But you keep going. I have a lot of respect for your choice, but I was curious as to why you'd want that."

Barristan sighs. "In my life, I have held my ideals and duties close to heart. It is why I fought and bled for three different kings. Even so, only one king ended up being a king worth fighting for, and he died early. I want to know what it feels like to serve a worthy king. Or queen, as the case may be," he says.

"Daenerys will be a worthy queen, Ser Barristan. You won't have to worry. We will make sure of it that she becomes a great ruler," I assured the Old Knight. Barristan softly smiles. "You two will be good for Westeros. You may not come from here, Your Grace, but Westeros will be thankful you did." I shrug. "I do what I think is right." We turn around the corner and are met with a small square. In the middle, a fountain can be seen. Several people are speaking with each other as they go about their business, others are sitting at the sides on stools or on the side of the pavement. They seem to be looking around, enjoying a peaceful moment. I stop near the fountain. It's carved to resemble a woman that holds a child. A mother, it seems.

"I appreciate it, Barristan. We..." I start to say, but Barristan shushed me. Barristan looks around with a sharp and critical eye. "We're not alone, Your Grace," he says softly. I start to scan the surroundings again. Various people have left by the looks of it and the ones that are left seem oblivious to it. They do look like former slaves...

"Unsullied, defensive circle. Now!" I order them. The Unsullied immediately spring into action and form a protective barrier around me and Barristan. As we stand close to the fountain, we observe as at least three dozen harpies emerge from several alleyways that connect to the square. Golden masks adorn their faces. It gives off an eery feeling as they stare at our group armed with knives and short swords. I tighten my grip on my own spear and shield. Ready to attack.