𝐒𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐍 ( 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬. )

chapter thirteen.

( ACT II; the age of the dragon. )
⟵ ◊ ⟶
chapter 13: rage of a dragon.

MEREEN presented itself with no army, no show of force to instill any fear into the Targaryen's army that would soon enough besiege them. No, a champion was set forth from the towering wall gate of the city, where the slaver masters and the noble and the wealthy all perched at the top to witness as if festivities had arrived just for their entertainment. Even from where they stood at the forefront of the Unsullied forces, Raina could see the collared slaves serving refreshments and delicacies to the masters. The slaves wore the same collars as those who'd been crucified on the one-hundred-and-sixty-three-mile stretch between the first slave girl and the city itself. The idea of slaves still existing in the known was still a dawning thought.

A riding knight of Mereen is sent forth from the city gate, the armor sparkling under the sunlight that is shown mercilessly from above. The Marines warrior rides close enough to shout the terms of the dual that they wish to take place before ultimately climbing down from his horse to pull cock from under his armor, pissing in the direction of Vaegon with no sense of humility as he screams obvious slurs.

Even from the distance they stood, Raina sneers at the sight before looking at Vaegon. He holds an expression of sheer contempt. She guesses the knight said something fairly vulgar considering the gross gesture made, but she remained unaware of the situation as she didn't know the languages spoken in Essoss.

"He calls for you to choose a champion," Missandei translated for Vaegon. The champion spoke in the bastard version of High Valyrian and Old Ghiscari, the Naathi woman said.

"Then let us send a champion," the king smirked. "If these bastards wish for a show, we will give them one."

Raina assumed Vaegon would choose to go himself to show Mereen that he was afraid to fight himself. Vaegon was very much a man to get things done on his own. If possible, he would choose to serve as a one-man army if he had the option. As she expected, the king grabbed a spear from one of the nearby Unsullied, ready to mount his black stallion that stood ready behind them.

"Your Grace, I highly advise against this," Ser Barristan was the first to object. "We've already risked your life with your part in the infiltration of Yunkai; we should not play with fate again."

Vaegon looked at the older man with annoyance. The wisdom in his objection was obvious to the king enough that he fought between his desires and reality. He was torn between using logic and wishing to prove he wasn't scared of fighting with his army.

"He is right, Your Grace," Jorah added. "The Merenese will be the hardest of the slaver cities we have faced. They have had time to prepare. There will be other opportunities to seek your vengeance."

"Fine," the king muttered in annoyance, not winning this battle. He'd find a way to see the 'wise masters' pay.

"I will go, Your Grace," Grey Worm was the first to speak up. Barristan and Jorah both chimed in their part, suggesting they be his champion.