Bound by Blood and Oaths

Chapter 17: Chains and Suffering

Astapor

Alysanne watched the Targaryens and their people disembark from her ships. One thing she has learned from sailing with them is that these Targaryens are more world knowledgeable than most Lords. Not because they traveled through many lands, but because they experienced many facets of life. It gives them a plus in her book. Even so, they need to figure 'a lot of shit out' in her opinion. Starting with gaining an army and controlling those dragons.

She saw them half-winging it with the dragons. They may have some control over them, but it was stretched thin at times. They'll figure it out eventually or they will die. Either way, these people are out of her hair now. Her goal is to go back home. And rubbing in the fact that she came back alive and as a wealthy woman.

"Thank you for taking us with you, Lady Alysanne. I hope to see you again," Jaehaerys says as he stood on the pier watching Alysanne.

"Yes, well, try not to die," Alysanne says, "And you best watch yourself, Baelor. Elaena is waiting for you."

"On my honor, I swear it. But, could you give her this? It's for her," Baelor says as he held out a sealed letter to Alysanne. A smirk forms on her lips as she took it.

"What does it say?"

"You will see when you give it to her. May the winds be fair to you, sister," Baelor says as he disembarks as well, joining the Targaryens.

"You know I hate this. Tell me Baelor," Alysanne urged him to reveal the secrets of the letter. Baelor only laughed as he shook his head. "It is for her to read first," Baelor says with a smile.

"Urgh, fine. May the Gods favor you Targaryens. You'll need it," Alysanne says before walking on the deck barking orders to her crew. Each man rushed to get everything done as the anchor was being raised and the sails once again filled with wind.

"We best find someplace to sleep. What do we know of Astapor?" Jaehaerys says as he and Daenerys started to walk through the streets.

The city of Astapor, some also called it the Red City. It is clear why they would. All the buildings visible have the color red. Like the stones were dipped in blood or seeped with blood while the buildings were built. If it was true, it wouldn't be surprising to Jaehaerys. Slaves are abundant here. Almost in every street, shop, or brothel, slaves make up the workforce. It hurts the eye to see them, even more so when you hear them. Soft muffled screams came through the iron bars of the slave pens. Horrible.

"It is a slave city specialised in the training of Unsullied. The greatest warriors of Essos. Tales have spread far and wide about their skill with the spears, and their fearlessness in battle. You may want to look into them," Jorah says as advice.

"Hmm, I will think about it," Jaehaerys says as they settle in a quiet tavern. The city is larger than the actual population. As if it never fully recovered from the past. Even the buildings are crumbling releasing red dust. But riches can be seen all around. Wealthy slavers show their pride and wealth from their pyramids, their spectacle and pride made on the back of slaves. It feels wrong not only for Jaehaerys but Daenerys as well.

"Brother... can we speak?"

"Of course, in the common room or do you wish to talk in a more private setting?"

"In our room. I like to be sure we have some privacy. It is not for everyone to hear."

Jeaherys stood up from the table and walked with Daenerys to the floor above. Behind them walked Baelor like a guardian angel that watches over them. Jorah was currently sent to see when they could meet with someone to discuss buying some Unsullied. Jaehaerys wasn't a fan to use such an army, but he can't ignore their abilities and how useful they can be for them. Although, the gold he has will not buy an army. A hundred or even three hundred at most he thinks.

"Have you seen the slaves? How they are treated, Jaeh?" Daenerys asked as he sat on the bed with him.

Baelor stood at the door and Daenerys asked him to make sure no one listened in to their conversation. Jaehaerys already got a hunch at what Daenerys wanted to ask or discuss. She has always been compassionate and wants to make sure to leave the world a better place. He already saw it when Drogo attacked the village and how she treats those under her command. It is fair to say that Daenerys wants to do something about slavery.

"I did. It is horrible to see. Unfortunately, we do not have the means to do much about it," Jaehaerys says.

"But there must be something we can try, Jaeh. Those children... Even the older people... All of them live in fear and are inflicted pain for the smallest thing. Sometimes even glancing at the master was punished when I looked around," Daenerys says as she pleaded with Jaehaerys. He truly wants to help, but what can he do? It's not like he has an army at his command to force the change.

"How, Dany? I hear you, but what do you have in mind to make them live in freedom? We need an army and we don't have the means to get one," Jaehaerys says.

"I have an idea," she starts to say in a softer and quieter tone, "The people in charge will think that when they own something they own it for good. We can get their entire Unsullied army by selling a dragon."

"What..?! Selling-" Jaehaerys says before Daenerys cuts him off by placing a finger on his lips.

"As a trick. Once we own the Unsullied, we can take over the city. Free all the slaves and Unsullied. It would depend on how many Unsullied there are, but it could work. The dragon will of course not remain in their greedy hands. What do you think?"

"I think you are brilliant, Dany. We will do it as you say," Jaehaerys says as he looks at the door before looking at Daenerys again. "I love you, Dany. I truly think we can do anything when together. We are like a lock and key."

"Yes, I feel the same..." she starts to say as her arms wind around his neck making him fall on the bed with her. "Show me, Jaeh."

Baelor heard the sound from inside. It did not phase him as he was used to the ones from the old king and queen. Only this time, it held more care and love. He was glad for Jaehaerys. After more than a year, they are once again together.