Bound by Blood and Oaths

Chapter 36: A Step Backwards, A step Forwards

Meereen

The King and Queen are worried. Their grip on the city is not as strong as they first thought. It wasn't that they were foolish to think no resistance would come. There was in the first months of their rule. A group called the Harpies disrupted public events, markets, and patrols. But no killing or mass riots. That changed, they started to kill the Unsullied, former slaves, and nobles who have supported them.

"Who was killed?" Daenerys asked as she walked around the table in the council, face etched in eery neutralness.

"White Rat, Your Grace," Grey Worm answers. His face is unusually hard and stern. Even Missandei looked with soft and concerned eyes at him. Shared feelings of empathy and anger. They feel the former masters' grip and spite through their actions. Jaehaerys can understand why they have thoughts of anger and revenge.

"Have him buried with honour in public in the temple of the Graces. Let them see. Let them become emotional," Jaehaerys says.

"It will certainly make them, Your Grace," Barristan remarks, stroking his beard as he thinks.

"Make them angry," Mossador says with a bitter tone, "They want us back in chains. Let them know we will not."

"I don't care if they are angry."

"You don't?" Missandei asked, even Daenerys glanced curiously at her brother.

"No. What good will angry people do? I want them to make mistakes. Let them reveal themselves so we can find and arrest them."

Daenerys smiles as she sat back down next to him. Even the knights were nodding in agreement. Anger makes them dangerous but also more likely to make mistakes. They need it. Even without the violence, they have remained mysterious. Shadows that leave no trace. It needs to stop. Even if everyone suspects who they are. But who is or are behind them is unknown.

"We need to keep our men from being killed. The Harpies will not stop. Once they have tasted blood, they will keep going. This is only the beginning," Jorah says.

"We'll increase patrol size. Search for Harpies and interrogate them. Find out who they are," Grey Worm firmly says, determination shining in his eyes.

"That is good. I doubt they'll stop, but this needs to be halted for as long as we can," Jaehaerys says with a sigh, "We need men to find them. Not Unsullied but those that blend. Daario's men would have worked, but they aren't here now. Anyone who we can trust?"

"There aren't many who could do it, but... I know how to blend in. For many years I spend among sellswords. Let me try to see what I can find, Your Majesties," Jorah says, his gaze going to the Targaryens

"You certain, Ser Jorah?" Daenerys asked.

"There are no grave risks. At most I will get some bruises and waste hours, but if I find something out. It could bring us closer to them."

"Very well. Take whatever you need, Ser Jorah. Prepare what you can and may the Gods give us something to work with. Any other news?"

"Nothing of a dangerous kind, but Baelor has news," Daenerys says with a smile and twinkling eyes of joy. Her gaze went to the silver-haired knight who sat at the table. The knight nods as his cheeks turn a faint pink color.

"Yes. Lady Elaena and I have been bonding-"

"Mhm, I heard," Daenerys chuckles.

"Ahem. Yes, uhm, apologies, Your Grace. In any case... We have never been happier and decided to marry. When we arrive in Westeros, we'll be together in the eyes of the Gods and men. I thank you for not naming me Kingsguard."