The Age of Daenerys Targaryen

Part 24: Before the storm

Daenerys' triumphant return to Volantis was overshadowed by news of the attack on Braavos. Therefore, as soon as she reached the palace and looked after her sons, the Empress summoned her council.

"The Braavosi's request for help came three weeks ago, Your Imperial Majesty," said Doniphos Paenymion. "However, I didn't want to do anything on my own initiative - to be honest, I wouldn't have been able to either. Between us and Braavos lies the whole League of Free Cities ... only you with your dragon could have achieved something."

"Maybe it's not too late", Daenerys said. "If I leave now, I could..."

"My Empress, please don't do that", interrupted Grey Worm. "You cannot just fly a thousand miles over enemy territory without assistance. You do not know what to expect in Braavos. It may be a trap to take out you and Drogon. Remember the Iron Fleet ambush at Dragonstone."

The ruler looked at her last remaining confidante from the good old days. The dark-skinned eunuch had always been loyal to her, even after everyone turned away from her after the destruction of King's Landing. And vice versa, the Empress was basically all that was left to him after Missandei died. Did the fear of losing Daenerys play a role in Gray Worm's opinion?

"The Field Marshal is right, Your Majesty", said Illyrio. "You are the Empress, you must not put yourself in danger lightly."

"Yes", nodded Dimazza Yhae. "We shouldn't do anything until my spies have found out more about the situation."

"All right", Daenerys said reluctantly. She looked around. "How is my empire's readiness for war?"

"Here in the capital and in the surrounding area we lack soldiers", said Grey Worm. "As you know, most of the army is spread over the eastern provinces of the empire to prevent rebellions there. We can't afford to get them back. All we can do is raise more troops than we are already doing."

"Can we afford this, Illyrio?", Daenerys wanted to know.

"Yes, thanks to the booty you made in Qarth and the income we get from controlling the city", said the Imperial Chamberlain.

"It's just that training the new recruits takes time", said Grey Worm. "We should summon the Dothraki to strengthen the protection of the Imperial Capital."

"Agreed." Daenerys looked at Salladhor Saan. "Is the fleet able to defend our shores against the League, Grand Admiral?"

"More than that", Salla replied. "I would not like to leave the initiative to the enemy at sea. We can raid the opponent's smaller coastal settlements and hunt down his merchant ships. I have... experience of such things. As far as I am concerned, it could start tomorrow."

"Remember that we are not at war yet", Oraya Valeris, the Imperial Secretary of State for Justice, said.

"Unfortunately it doesn't look like it can be avoided", remarked Dimazza Yhae.

"We should give this League of Free Cities an ultimatum: Either they withdraw from Braavos or we declare war", said Doniphos. "It would be best if the League declared war on US and not the other way around."

"Why that?", asked the Empress.

"Your Majesty, have you noticed all these headless statues in the streets?", said the Chancellor with a slightly ironic tone.

"I couldn't help but notice", Daenerys replied. "What does that have to do with our current situation?"

"In the Century of Blood, Volantis tried to dominate Essos before, as you know. We lost then and the people in their anger cut the heads off the statues of the men who were responsible for all the suffering and senseless bloodshed. The Tiger Party, which was to blame for the war, has not yet fully recovered from this catastrophe."