Bound by Blood and Oaths

Chapter 10: Fire and Blood

The Great Grass Sea

"How are you feeling, Dany?"

Daenerys sighs as she ran a hand through her hair. Her eyes still showed tiredness and an exhausted expression. Jaehaerys only saw Daenerys from a distance when she spoke with the women. It wasn't a pleasant conversation. That was for sure.

"I lost my son, Jaehaerys. How do you think I feel? Apparently, he was not destined to be long for the world, but I lost him. And Drogo, whatever we may feel about him, gave me the child. All in one fell swoop. Gone."

"Uhm... I know, what- The woman. What do you want to do?"

"Yes, tonight will be an important night. I had a dream after I lost consciousness. One that felt too real to be just a dream. I need you to promise to trust me. Fully trust me."

Jaehaerys began to laugh. Daenerys frowns for a moment as she watches him. He laughs? Jaehaerys almost looks like he is hearing something absurd. His eyes are even pricked with tears.

"Jaehaerys! I am-"

"Dany, are you that blind? I stayed, I followed, and I never questioned your intentions. I would walk through fire for you," Jaehaerys says with a smile and chuckle. Daenerys let out a breath as she couldn't help but smile.

"Thank you, because that is what we need to do."

"You- what? I... Are you very sure, Daenerys? Absolutely, sure?"

"I am."

"When?" Jaehaerys asks as he massaged his eyes. He isn't very, well, enthusiastic about the prospect. Even so, Daenerys looks utterly convinced. Never had Jaehaerys seen her so convinced about anything before.

"Tonight. When Drogo will be burned is the moment. What the witch said gave me the final answer I needed. And Jaehaerys, remember, a dragon cannot burn."

Jaehaerys nodded as he let out a deep breath. A dragon cannot burn. As he looked at Daenerys, he smiles. "We best start making the fire."

Night came, and Drogo's funeral pyre was quite larger than the one for Viserys. It took some effort to get the necessary wood and tinder. Now, the remaining Khalisar stood around it. Daenerys and Jaehaerys stood watching it while all the possessions of Drogo were gathered around the Khal. And the dragon eggs. When he saw them, Jaehaerys understood.

The witch gave the answer, Daenerys said. To give life, you must pay with death. To turn a dead egg into life one you must give life. Or that's what Jaehaerys has come up with. Whether that was in the dream, he does not know.

"Ready yourself, Jaehaerys," she says softly.

"We were born ready, Daenerys."

"Yes, we were."

Daenerys turned to her people. Her gaze went over each one of them. Slaves, her bodyguards, and those loyal to stay with her. She took a breath before addressing them.

"You are my Khalisar." She says loud enough so everyone can hear her speak. "If you are a slave, take off your collars. I free you!"

Everyone shared a few glances as they frown at her. No one did anything, but confusion was prominent around them. Daenerys then turned her attention to her bodyguards. Each was given a weapon and Jaehaerys assumes to be given the honor to become her bloodrider. Only each time they refuse. Stating that only a Khal can lead a Khalisar.

"Ser Baelor and Ser Jorah, bind the woman to the pyre," Daenerys says. Baelor, without a second question, did as was asked. Jorah gave the two Targaryens a weary look but obeyed as well. The woman attached to the pole, and Daenerys promising to all that they will be free, and equal, and to give them glory. The fire roared when Jaehaery touched the kindle with a burning torch. The witch screamed. Life was given.