Bound by Blood and Oaths

Chapter 26: The Meereenese Welcome

Old Ghiscari Road

The Targaryens look with disgust at the sight they were seeing. It has been a mile since they left Yunkai and sent riders down south to Astapor. The march was quiet, calm, and undisturbed. Until now.

It was around midday when the Unsullied army came to a halt. That was probably already a warning sign, but it didn't prepare even for the sight that they saw. A child, barely the age of ten, was crucified with one hand pointing towards Meereen. The close advisors, Grey Worm, and the Targaryens looked at the girl who was dead for hours.

Jaehaerys was angry unlike ever before.

"There is one on every mile marker between here and Meereen, Your Grace," Jorah says with a strained and hesitant voice. He was hesitant because he could see the hardened and steely gazes of the Targaryens. Both were angry and will demand blood in retribution, he thought.

"How many?" Jaehaerys asked with a cold, sharp voice.

"Hundred and sixty-three, Your Grace," Jorah answers softly.

"Take her down," Jaehaerys orders, "Bury her with honour and dignity. Take off her collar before you bury her."

Jaehaerys turns around with steps filled with anger and fury. Even Daenerys left with a cold rage on her expression. As they left, Jorah followed them with his gaze as Barristan did the same.

"They will demand blood," Jorah notes as he turns to Barristan. The older knight nods solemnly.

"Jaehaerys has good qualities for a king, but I have no illusion that this will make him call for the deaths of those responsible," Barristan says as he glanced at the murdered child that was being brought down, "I can't say I don't agree. This is beyond anything I would have expected."

"The masters are getting desperate to find a way to deter us," Jorah says with a sigh.

"They aren't, Ser Jorah. The child pointed to Meereen. This is a way to say: 'Come and try to take us. We are not afraid to face you.' In the end, Meereen is the most powerful of the three slave cities. If they are ready, it will be a fierce and bloody battle," Barristan corrects him.

"If you're right, taking Meereen will be difficult."

Jaehaerys was in a foul mood. By the time the army stopped, dozens of children were buried. The next day they will be arriving in Meereen. He never understand why slavery was running rampant across Essos. It was not necessary. Braavos is the wealthiest and has no slaves. If that wasn't enough, now they think they can use children to send a message? These masters will pay.

"Jaeh?" Daenerys says softly as she took a seat next to him on the bed.

"I want those that did this dead, Dany. Dozens of innocents children! Do the rulers of Meereen have no heart?"

"At least I do not have to ask. Jeah, promise they will feel what these children have suffered. I want them to know the terror before they die. The feeling," Daenerys says as she placed a hand on his thigh, stroking it for comfort and to share her feelings.

"I promise. They will feel the same terror."

Daenerys sighs deeply, her head on his shoulder as they both sat in their private tent. Silent yet comfortable with each other. They both may feel the anger and the helplessness of not being able to save the children. Still, they feel better as both hold each other.

"Come, we should rest."

—

The march continued with a new mix of emotions for many. There was no denying that the slaves that travelled with them demanded blood. Even Missandei indirectly asked for it. And they were given the promise that those who were responsible will face severe punishment.