21 The Journey Back

Yi Ti, Essos

Yi Ti, the land of a thousand gods and a hundred princes, ruled by one god-emperor, was huge. The power of the God-Emperor has since fallen and extends no further than the walls of his own city, but the hundred princes rule their own realms as they see fit, as do the brigands, priest-kings, sorcerers, warlords, imperial generals, and tax collectors outside their domains. The land of Yi Ti has thick, green patchwork farmland and a verdant rainforest.

But for all the things he saw about Yi-Ti, Aryan had only one place in mind to describe it. Ancient China without Kung Fu. The slanted eyes and lithe bodies, the pagoda like architecture and the dressing style. It was times like these he realised the importance of Marwyn accompanying him. The man not only had great knowledge of the city and its history, he was also fluent in the language too. If he was not here he would have been lost.

He remembered Marwyn saying, "Over the centuries, the capital of the Golden Empire has moved here and there and back again a score of times, as rival warlords contended and dynasties rose and fell. The grey emperors, indigo emperors, and pearl-white emperors ruled from Yin on the shores of the Jade Sea, first and most glorious of the Yi Tish cities, but the scarlet emperors raised up a new city in the heart of the jungle and named it Si Qo the Glorious

whilst the purple emperors preferred Tiqui, the many-towered city in the western hills, and the maroon emperors kept their martial court in Jinqi, the better to guard the frontiers of the empire against reavers from the Shadow Lands.

Today Yin is once more the capital of Yi Ti. There, the seventeenth Azure Emperor Bu Gai sits in splendor in a palace larger than all King's Landing. Yet far to the east, well beyond the borders of the Golden Empire, past the legendary Mountains of the Morn, in the city Carcosa on the Hidden Sea, dwells in exile a sorcerer lord who claims to be the sixty-ninth yellow emperor, from a dynasty fallen for a thousand years. And more recently, a general named Pol Qo, Hammer of the Jogos Nhai, has given himself imperial honors, naming himself the first of the orange emperors, with the rude, sprawling garrison city called Trader Town as his capital. Which of these three emperors will prevail is a question best left for the historians of the years to come."

The city of Yin was humongous. It could easily engulf all the cities in Westeros and still have some space left. Even though there were different factions ruling Yi Ti, it was a peaceful time currently. Though Yi Ti is a vast land, much of it covered by dense forest and sweltering jungles, travel from one end of the empire to the other is swift and safe, for the great web of stone roads built by the Eunuch Emperors of old have no equal in all the world, save for the dragonroads of the Valyrians for now. In the coming years Aryan was going to make an even better network for the North.

They had been in Yi Ti for almost two weeks, the huge city taking most of their time even with magic helping him. Marwyn was on his own roaming around. He had not been idle. He had taken the guise of Harry Potter a rich merchant from Westeros and was able to meet some of the Princes in Yi Ti and strike deals with them. He also procured lots of Silk and saffron. Another important thing was Zorses. He had visited the dry grasslands of Jogos Nahai at the Eastern outskirts of Yi Ti. There he saw the black and white stripped sturdy creatures who looked larger than Zebras of his old world. 'If these Zorses could be bred properly we can have a new breed of horses which will be useful in Winter when the availability of vegetation is lower.' Fortunately there was a Northern trading ship in Yi Ti. He had 'procured' some Zorses and 'convinced' the crew to transport them back to Wolfbay.

Right now he was standing in Yin outside the God Emperor's palace waiting for Marwyn. They were planning to go to Asshai, where Kinvara already was, after some time. There was a big statue depicting a warrior with a sword.

"Do you know who the statue represents?" Marwyn asked coming behind him.

"Perhaps one of the God Emperors of Yi Ti who were once abundant here."

Marywn shook his head. "No. This is the statue of Azor Ahai or at least a version of him. To be more precise this is Hyrkoon the Hero."

"Really ? I didn't realize that Azor Ahai and the Long Night were known here too. I had thought it to be a story of the Red Religion." Aryan told him.

Marwyn said, "While the main story remains the same, the legend differs from place to place."

"How so?" Aryan asked.

"Well... I just visited the few scholars here and they told me the story. You know, a hundred princes rule their own realms as they please, as do the brigands, priest-kings, sorcerers, warlords, and imperial generals and tax collectors outside their domains. This was not always as it is. In ancient days, the god-emperors of Yi Ti were as powerful as any ruler in the world, with wealth that exceeded even that of Valyria at its height and armies of almost unimaginable size.

In the beginning, the priestly scribes of Yin declare, all the land between the Bones and the freezing desert called the Grey Waste, from the Shivering Sea to the Jade Sea, formed a single realm ruled by the God-on-Earth, the only begotten son of the Lion of Night and Maiden-Made-of-Light, who traveled about his domains in a palanquin carved from a single pearl and carried by a hundred queens, his wives. For ten thousand years the Great Empire of the Dawn flourished in peace and plenty under the God-on-Earth, until at last he ascended to the stars to join his forebears.

Dominion over mankind then passed to his eldest son, who was known as the Pearl Emperor and ruled for a thousand years. The Jade Emperor, the Tourmaline Emperor, the Onyx Emperor, the Topaz Emperor, and the Opal Emperor followed in turn, each reigning for centuries … yet every reign was shorter and more troubled than the one preceding it, for wild men and baleful beasts pressed at the borders of the Great Empire, lesser kings grew prideful and rebellious, and the common people gave themselves over to avarice, envy, lust, murder, incest, gluttony, and sloth.

When the daughter of the Opal Emperor succeeded him as the Amethyst Empress, her envious younger brother cast her down and slew her, proclaiming himself the Bloodstone Emperor and beginning a reign of terror. He practiced dark arts, torture, and necromancy, enslaved his people, took a tiger-woman for his bride, feasted on human flesh, and cast down the true gods to worship a black stone that had fallen from the sky.

It was the Blood Betrayal, as his usurpation is named, that ushered in the age of darkness called the Long Night. Despairing of the evil that had been unleashed on earth, the Maiden-Made-of-Light turned her back upon the world, and the Lion of Night came forth in all his wroth to punish the wickedness of men. How long the darkness endured no man can say, but all agree that it was only when a great warrior known variously as Hyrkoon the Hero, Azor Ahai, Yin Tar, Neferion, or Eldric Shadowchaser arose to give courage to the race of men and lead the virtuous into battle with his blazing sword, Lightbringer, that the darkness was put to rout, and light and love returned once more to the world."

"Very nice story. Perhaps you must write a book about the legends of the World. I know the Maesters of Citadel are devoted to knowledge. But stories like these which combine history along with a fiction can be used to tell children as stories." Aryan told him.

Marwyn looked at him thinking. "I think you are right. I will see to it once we are back home."

Aryan nodded and mused. 'Sirius would be proud of these legends. He had pranked the whole Planetos, the true Marauder. Even after more than half a dozen millenia people still remember him.'

As the sun began its descent Marwyn said, "Its time. Let us go."

"To Asshai."

~

Asshai, Essos

"The city truly lives upto its name, Asshai-by-the shadow." Aryan said looking around.

They had came following the Jade Sea till it met the Saffron Straits. There stood the ancient city of Asshai. They had landed and explored the city. Asshai sprawled for leagues across both sides of the river Ash, and its great walls could easily contain Volantis, Qarth, King's Landing, and Oldtown combined. The population of Asshai, however, was no more than that of a good-sized market town. Even at the height of day, there were no crowds to be seen, no tradesmen shouting their wares in noisy markets, no women gossiping. Those who walked the streets of Asshai were masked and veiled, and had a furtive air about them. Often they walked alone, or rode in palanquins of ebony and iron, hidden behind dark curtains and borne through the dark streets upon the backs of slaves. By night only one building in ten shows a light. The river Ash itself was black in color and foul.

"I just noticed one thing. Since we've arrived, I have not seen even a single child here." Aryan told Marwyn.

"That is because there is no child here. If you had looked carefully, you will also see that no man rides in Asshai, be he warrior, merchant, or prince. There are no horses in Asshai, no elephants, no mules, no donkeys, no zorses, no camels, no dogs." Marwyn told him.

Aryan looked around and confirmed what Marwyn said. Marwyn explained, "I had spent a few years here. The animals brought here by ship, soon die. It is due to the malign influence of the Ash and its polluted waters. The animals are more sensitive to the foulness exuded by such waters, even without drinking them. On its way from the Mountains of the Morn to the sea, the Ash runs howling through a narrow cleft in the mountains, between towering cliffs so steep and close that the river is perpetually in shadow, save for a few moments at midday when the sun is at its zenith. No river is naturally so foul. Something must have happened or is happening to turn a whole river into such foulness."

"The whole place is full of magic. I will definitely revisit this place at a more convenient time. There cannot be anything more than this." Aryan said looking at Marwyn.

"Actually there is. Stygai, the city of corpses." He raised his hands as Aryan opened his mouth. "Don't ask me anything more than that because I don't know. It is only spoken in whispers. Even the Shadowbinders don't dare to go there. Come, let us go towards the city centre." Marwyn said leading on.

Aryan shook his head, "An even better reason to come back."

They started to roam through the bazaar. This was the first time he was seeing a bazaar with very less customers. Even less than those in the Knockturn Alley of the wizarding world. Disgusting goods for a normal human but very essential for the necromancers and sorcerers of Asshai. They saw a small temple of R'hllor at some distance. Aryan started to walk towards it with Marwyn taking his time interacting with the vendors.

Kinvara was sitting in front of it, "R'hllor has shown me your arrival Azor Ahai."

With a groan he turned his attention to her. "I told you not to call me that."

"As you command, my Lord."

~

King's Landing, The Crownlands

"What you said is right. The Faith is above all. I will think about what you said." The fat man babbled.

"That's all I ask, your Holiness." He bowed with a simpering smile.

The High Septon nodded at him and went out. His flesh rippling beneath his robes.

One of his whores entered through the door through which the High Septon just left.

"Open all the windows my dear. It is suffocating in here." Baelish told her. The sweat and scent from the High Septon was very disgusting. But he had to bear all that till now. 'Can't have the High Septon angry, 'he mused. 'I have nudged him in the right direction. Now let us wait for the fireworks.'

He had just began to get back on track. The Queen and the Hand had got busy with their own games and plans that they had started to ignore him again. And he was back to his own ways but he was more cautious. He had learnt his lesson. He was more cautious now. He knew that King Robert will never be very trustworthy of him ever. So he had started to get to know the Crown Prince Joffery. The future King was easily manipulated. But he had to be careful. ' Can't have Cersei against me again.'

He had just got information that Eddard Stark was coming to King's Landing. He had left the Starks alone till now and they had grown powerful and rich. It was time they were taken down a keg. Without Aryan Stark, the Quiet Wolf will be helpless and vulnerable.

'No more waiting. My time to act is now. The lone wolf dies.' He smirked. He had started to make or force big contacts. Lisa was the most important one of them. She was his ace. She was his tool for getting a foothold into the Vale. It had started as few honeyed words and praises here and there. From there it progressed to occasional love making and she was his puppet. Soon, he will have his revenge for all the humiliations he suffered at the hands of the Great Lords of Westeros. In a few years, all those Great Lords will be at each other's throat while Peter will continue to plan to take what he wants. And what he wants is everything, everything there is.

For now he was busy. The King was holding another tourney and as usual he was siphoning the funds. As he was writing his ledgers, two persons came in. Both were two unassuming sailors who were his contacts about overseas affairs. One looked quite young while the other had beard and a weathered face.

The bearded one opened his mouth to speak. But Petyr silenced him with his hand. He turned his attention to the other one. "You first. Did you find them?"

"Yes. my Lord. It was difficult but I succeeded. They seemed to have been moved here and there. But I was finally able to find them. They are in Pentos." He said.

"Pentos? Who is supporting them?" Petyr asked.

"They are currently housed by a Magister named Illyrio Mopatis." He said.

Petyr drummed his fingers on the table for sometime. "If he is a Magister then he must have high security?"

"That is correct my Lord. For some reason, Magister Illyrio has more guards at his place than necessary." The contact said.

"In that case I want you to place some people into the Magister guards and also into his household. Do whatever it takes." Petyr said.

"It will be difficult." The man said scratching his hair. Rolling his eyes Petyr threw a bag at him. "I think that is sufficient to simplify the task." Petyr asked.

"More than enough." The man said with a smirk and walked out.

As the door closed Petyr turned to the other man. "Now what about the task I gave you?"

The bearded man shrugged. "Nothing worthwhile till now."

"Explain that." Petyr asked getting annoyed. The man then proceeded to tell him about the Sorrowful Men's assassination attempts. "Are you telling me that he is not dead yet? I paid a huge sum for the blood of the Bloody Wolf." Petyr said getting up from his seat.

"That is what they said." The man said shrugging.

"But the deal was that they would kill him. Whatever it takes. Isn't that what you told me? They will kill him won't they?" Petyr asked.

"Hmm… About that, there has been a complication." The man said.

'I don't like complications.' Petyr thought. "What is it?"

"The Sorrowful Men are no more." The man said.

Petyr nodded and shook his head. "What do you mean that they are no more?"

"The whole guild has been destroyed. So the contract is now void." He said.

He felt his anger rising. He calmed down and asked, "How is that possible?"

"From what I had heard a fire rage the place. Along with the Sorrowful Men, the whole Warlocks and their House of Undying is also no more." The contact said.

"Now who could have done that?" Petyr asked.

"The talk across Qarth is that, there has been a fight between the assassins and the warlocks. And they slaughtered each other." He said.

Petyr closed his eyes and calmed himself. "Please go out…"

The man frowned. "The payment…"

"You failed the task. So no money." Petyr said with a fake smile.

"The Sorrowful Men failed, not me. So give me my money…" He said stepping forward threateningly.

Petyr raised both his hands in peace. "I apologise. Your payment will be given soon." He then rang a bell near the door. Soon after sometime, a knight came in.

"You called for me?" He asked

"Yes, Lother. This man is asking for his payment. You give him his money will you?" Petyr asked narrowing his eyes. Lother nodded.

"This is Lother Brune, my Treasurer. Go with him. He will pay you." Petyr said with a fake smile. His contact nodded and left with Lother.

As soon as the doors closed, Petyr screamed. "Damn you Starks…."

~

He waited for the giggling whores to empty out. Robert Baratheon slapped the arse of the last one as started to get dressed. Soon the room was empty except for him and the King.

"What is so important that you had to disturb me? I was enjoying Baelish's gifts you know." Robert bellowed. "For a slippery man he really knows my tastes."

"I am sure Lord Baelish knows about that after all he is very familiar with this business, Your Grace." Varys simpered.

"Ok. Now tell me what is so important that you came to me so early in the morning." The King asked.

"I just thought you might like to hear about your friend Lord Eddard Stark, Your Grace." Varys said.

Immediately Robert's mood brightened. "Ned? What about him?"

"Lord Eddard is on his way to King's Landing." Varys said.

"Bless you, Varys. You just made my day." Robert cheered. "My best friend is coming to see me."

"Of course he is, Your Grace. But I think he is coming rather to see his nephew Aryan Stark swear his fealty to you." Varys informed.

"Has it been that long? I still remember the little boy who looked lost out in the world after his mother died." Robert asked no one. He didn't notice Varys shifting uncomfortably.

There came a knock at the door and the Hand Jon Arryn entered. "Robert, you're drinking again." He stated.

"I am in no mood of hearing your chastise Jon. What brings you here?" Robert asked.

Waving a letter in his hand Jon told Robert, "A letter came from Moat Cailin. Eddard will be coming here to witness his nephew swearing fealty to you."

Robert just nodded. Jon looked surprised not seeing Robert jumping with joy. "You don't look happy Robert."

Varys smiled, enjoying the confused look on Jon Arryn's face.

"I am very happy Jon. But the thing is, that Varys has already brought me the news. So I have already expressed my happiness." Robert said with a small smile.

Jon scowled at Varys. Then he looked at Robert and said, "I had few other things to discuss with you."

Sensing his dismissal, Varys took his leave and exited the King's chambers leaving the King and the Hand alone.

He was walking along the streets as one of the city guards. He was again called for a meeting. A meeting which he had discouraged very much but unfortunately his friend has insisted. He was thinking on the recent affairs of the Seven Kingdoms. Dorne was quiet as usual. Other than Princess Arianne Martell suddenly getting heavy with a child and rumors that the father of the unborn child was the Bloody Wolf, everything was silent. He had not yet decided what to do with the information. Then there was the Reach. With the North or the Northern Realms as they are calling themselves has stopped buying food from the Reach it was affecting their economy. Already there seemed to be discontent among the Lords. Along with Mace Tyrell's ineffective leadership, the discontent was spreading more. Olenna Tyrell was trying hard to maintain Tyrell supremacy by creating marriage alliances but Varys knew it will be ineffective in the long run. More than the Lords it is the common small folk who were suffering hard.

The Stormlands, the Riverlands and the Vale were silent as always. Renly was again, as usual, away from his seat, no doubt to be with Loras Tyrell. The Iron Islands were also keeping their heads down. But knowing them, Varys knew sooner or later they will strike again. The Westerlands still stood strong as always but Varys suspected something was hollow in their strength.

And finally, the North. As usual the North spoke through actions rather than words. Reports of road construction has reached down South. Even though Aryan Stark was absent the developmental activities were still taking place at its own pace. But what concerned him was Roose Bolton's death. Varys knew that the key to win against the North was to have an insider to help them. And Roose Bolton could have been that insider. When the Black Dragons returned, the North would be difficult to defeat. But with Roose's death, the Starks were now unchallenged in their might.

'I have time. Something will come up.' Varys thought as he crossed the Silk Street. He then started to think about the events of King's Landing or to say where most number of scandals, plots and politics took place. Robert Baratheon continued to be useless and ineffective as ever. Jon Arryn was trying hard to hold the seven Kingdoms together. The Queen was fucking her brother and he was almost sure that the three royal children were bastards. Soon, he passed the Great Sept. It was crowded and this trend had been going on from the last few weeks. There had been a sudden surge in the most devouts coming to the Sept. He was not able to gather anything concrete from them. Strangely, they were maintaining secrecy. But Varys with all years of experience was sure that something of great significance was about to happen. Somebody has made a move but who and against whom he did not understand yet.

Soon he reached the docks and walked with a confident gait. A pentosi ship was docked some distance away. He walked towards it and told the few sailor, "Prepare to be boarded. I am to inspect the ship."

A ladder was lowered. Even though he was fat he was still able to climb up due to past experience. He was soon led to a room and sent outside. Inside sat the cheesemonger Illyrio Mopatis. "Didn't we establish that we would not have anymore such meetings?"

"Relax my friend, we are safe here." Illyrio said.

"Is there any particular reason you decided to visit me. I do inform you of the developments here." Varys asked helping himself down to a seat.

"I came to visit my friend." Illyrio smiled as he extended a glass of wine which Varys refused. "Things across the narrow sea are getting out of hand. There has been many developments and these days are tiring. I just came here to visit my friend as well as a getaway."

Varys face softened. "All those years ago when you asked me to come here and make Westeros ready for the arrival of the Black Dragons, I thought it would be a simple enough mission. With my control over the flow of information, Westeros could easily plunge into chaos and easily succumb to our invasion. But over time, I realised that I am not the only player in the game. There are others too, which is slowing the process. But thankfully they are making enough mistakes which we can easily use for our cause."

"Oh, that is good I think. I am sure I can handle it from your end." Illyrio said his double chins rippling. "But I am in some trouble. I am losing too much money. Too much investment in trade and our schemes but too little returns."

"I thought your trade deals with Volantis that ensured the three Daughters dependence on them was very profiting." Varys asked.

"There has been many complications. First there is a civil war going in Volantis which I am sure you know. All my holdings there zre currently useless or unrecoverable. The Company of Rose the is working for Lys and suddenly they have almost doubled in their strength not to mention weapons and supplies. the Golden Company was financed by the war of the The Three Daughters. But now I have to pay them. This is troubling." Illyrio fettered.

"Lyseans seems to have invested too much into them." Varys asked.

"Lysandro Rogare has been chosen as the High Magister of the conclave. He is calling the shots with full support of the rest. For some reason the magisters in my pockets have also gave him their support. You would be interested to know that Aryan Stark had a meeting with the Rogares. There is also rumors that Lysandro has proposed a marriage alliance with the Starks." Illyrio informed Varys.

Varys's eyes narrowed. "This is troubling. The Starks are already powerful enough. Already I am literally regarding the affairs of the North. I don't get anything substantial from the North. Only trivial information and that too I am convinced that the information is compromised. And now with this alliance with Rogares the Starks will be more dangerous. The Westerlands and the North are the only places we will face resistance. Dorne may support us. We have supporters in the Vale, the Reach, the Stormlands, the Crownlands and the Riverlands. We can also create internal struggle if they do not support us. And give a bone to the Iron Islands they will ally with us. We can perhaps use the Ironborn to engage Tywin. But the North is another story."

"Really?" Illyrio asked.

"The Starks have complete loyalty of all the Lords. With new found prosperity all of them are content with their lords which they should. We cannot bring troops to invade the North. They are safely defended from all side. Our only hope of weakening the North though an internal struggle was Roose Bolton, but now he is dead. So unless we have dragons or a million man army we are hopeless against them. They are now growing their own food so we cannot even starve them. Not to forget the cold weather which will be against us." Varys told him.

"Don't worry. Something will come up. If we cannot attack them we will lure them here. We have come a long way while being patient and bidding our time. Nobody is going to stop us now." Illyrio said.

"We better. I have already eliminated all the people who knows about the non existence of Aegon Targaryen. Rhaegar, Elia, Rhaella and Rhaenys. The only other person who knew was Ashara Dayne. I even took care of her before she croaked. And just in time too, or else she would have gone to the impregnable North with her son the new Lord of Winterfell." Varys said.

"You did very well for our cause. And it will suceed." Illyrio insisted.

"It must. Along with that, the Wolves or at least the Bloody Wolf must die. If else I don't know but for some reason I feel that if he ever comes to know that it was me who was responsible for his mother's death whom everyone else believes committed suicide, my fate would be way worse than just death." Varys shuddered.

"You jest. I will take care of you. You can then hide and nobody will find you." Illyrio brushed off.

"I am not a religious man. But these days I find myself praying to whatever gods I see. I have told you the fate of the Ironborn when they attacked the North and tried to abduct Lady Catelyn Stark and he doesn't even like her very much. I fear my or let us say our fate would be even more terrible when he finds out we killed the person he loved the most in the world." Varys said.

"Leave this topic. Anything else? You know about the other players?" Illyrio asked.

"All are silent. Other than Littlefinger meeting some representatives of the Sorrowful Men few months back everyone is silent for now. Who he wants to kill, I don't know." Varys said.

"Hmmm. I think he would be disappointed to hear that the Sorrowful Men along with the Warlocks of Qarth and their House of Undying is no more. They were burnt down somehow with no one alive to escape." Illyrio said.

"Ohh. That is terrible." Varys said sarcastically.

"What about Prince Viserys and Princess Daenarys?" Varys asked.

Illyrio's mouth scrunched in distaste. "That boy is mad. He calls himself a King and demands. I am playing him for now. If it weren't for them to be useful in our game I would have gutted him like a pig. And for Daenarys, she is beautiful. She has all qualities needed for a queen except that she is very meek. She is very afraid of her brother." Illyrio said.

"That is to be expected. From what we know Viserys is abusive to her. As he is her only relative in the world she cannot do anything but bear that." Varys said. "But do something about that. I am sure, you remember about Lady Tyanna Rohtak and she owes you a favour. Why don't you send Princess Daenarys to her for sometime. Tyanna can teach her many things that is required for a Queen."

Illyrio agreed, "You are right. I will look into it."

"Now what about Young Gryff?" Varys asked.

"They are still cruising the Rhoyne, away from the world, towards Volantis." Illyrio said.

"I think that it is time for him to lead men in battle. Do something about that. Men respect warriors. Why do you think Aryan Stark is so respected at such a young age? If Aegon wants men to follow him he must show them that he is capable of leading them to victory." Varys warned him.

"I will see about it." Illyrio promised. They continued to talk for sometime.

"I must go. You know to keep appearance. We will see again later." Varys said and went back.

~

Qohor, Essos

Qohor, also known as the City of Sorcerers, the easternmost of the nine Free Cities located in western Essos standing on the banks of the river Qhoyne, a tributary of the Rhoyne, on the western edge of the Forest of Qohor, the city was seen as a gateway to the east.

"I have heard about a Maester Pol who was whipped on three occasions when looking into the matter of reworking the steel. He eventually had a hand removed and was exiled. Qohorik believe in a dark god, the Black Goat of Qohor, who demands a daily blood sacrifice, such as calves, bullocks and horses on regular days or condemned criminals on holy days. In times of crisis, the nobles of the city are willing to sacrifice their own children in the hopes that their god will defend the city. The dark arts, such as divination, blood magic, and necromancy, are believed to be practiced in the City of Sorcerers. But unfortunately I have never found any truth in that." Marwyn said.

"You will not find true magic anywhere else other than in Asshai and my Lord Azor Ahai." Kinvara said.

She had joined them from Asshai. Aryan had found that she was a fanatic but loyal to him. So he had made her to take a binding vow to not use any of her sorcery or religious rituals without his express permission to which she had agreed.

"She is right. I cannot sense any magic here." Aryan told Marwyn. Then turning to Kinvara he told her, "Stop calling me Azor Ahai."

They continued to walk around. "I had another important reason to come here. Qohor's blacksmiths are said to have knowledge to rework Valyrian steel. And I have some work for them. Now, how to find them? They are said to be hidden." Aryan said looking around.

"Leave that to me my Lord. There are followers of R'hllor here. I will ask them." Kinvara said and walked towards the temple shaking her hips.

As they waited Aryan asked, "You know I was wondering. We visited many cities. But it is only here that the city guards are fully comprised of unsullied."

"There is a story to it. The Three Thousand of Qohor." Marwyn said. "During the Century of Blood after the Doom of Valyria, the Dothraki first rode out east of the Dothraki sea. Khal Temmo's khalasar consisted of at least fifty thousand Dothraki, half of whom were braided warriors with bells in their hair. Temmo led these twenty-five thousand screamers in sacking and burning every town and city in his path. Aware of the khalasar's advance, the Qohorik strengthened their walls, doubled their garrison, and hired two mercenary companies, the Bright Banners and the Second Sons. They also sent an envoy to Slaver's Bay to purchase three thousand Unsullied, the eunuch soldiers of Astapor.

The Dothraki prevailed in the first day of fighting. Though the Qohorik forces inflicted over five thousand losses on the Dothraki, their garrison and heavy horse were shattered and the Second Sons and the Bright Banners had fled. The victorious Dothraki retired to their camps to drink and feast, and it was expected that they would return the following day to sack the city, the evening, the reinforcement of three thousand Unsullied reached the city. Come dawn, they awaited the Dothraki horde, arrayed in battle formation before the city gates.

The Dothraki could have outflanked such a small force, but in their contempt for infantry, the Dothraki riders launched a direct frontal assault instead, in an attempt to simply ride down the heavy infantry. In total, the Unsullied repelled eighteen Dothraki charges and three attacks by Dothraki archers. The Dothraki halted their attacks after more than twelve thousand of their fighters had been killed, including Khal Temmo, his sons, and his bloodriders. Out of the three thousand Unsullied, only six hundred remained. Four days after the fighting began, the new khal led his remaining khalasar past the city gates of Qohor in a stately procession. Each man cut off his braid and threw it down before the Unsullied.

Since the victory of the Three Thousand of Qohor, the city guard of Qohor has been made up entirely of Unsullied. Each soldier carries a spear with a braid made of human hair attached to it."

"Wow. You must add this story to the book you are going to write." Aryan told Marwyn. By then Kinvara returned with the required information. She started to lead the way. Soon they reached a desolated neighbourhood. The street looked rather empty with dilapidated buildings.

"Are you sure this is the right place?" Aryan asked. "The blacksmiths of Qohor are supposed to be rich especially if he knows the art of working Valyrian steel."

"This man has been recommended to me by the loyal followers of R'hllor here My Lord." Kinvara said. Soon they reached a door and she knocked.

After sometime the door was opened a gaunt man poked out his head. Kinvara talked to him. The man scrutinized all three of them and then reluctantly allowed them inside.

Inside he saw a woman whom he perceived as the blacksmiths wife and their children. Aryan looked around. The house had many minimal decorations. But there were signs that showed that the inhabitants followed R'hllor. So he asked him the question that he just wondered.

The man looked at his wife and sighed. Kinvara gave him and encouraging look. "My Lord will take care of all your problems."

He introduced himself, "My name is Boris Mott."

"Wait, does the name Tobho Mott mean anything to you?" Aryan asked.

Boris's mouth twisted in distaste. "He is my half-brother."

"You seem to have a bad history. Please continue. I apologise for my interruption." Aryan said.

"My father was the leader of the guild. Like him I was too the leader of the Blacksmiths guild of Qohor. My mother was just a common woman. But Tobho's mother was related to a noble family. The working of Valyrian Steel is a strictly guarded secret among us. But Tobho had a rich Pentosi friend. He was caught teaching his friend few of the forbidden secrets. A trial was conducted. But unfortunately for me since he was well connected due to his mother's family, the whole trial was rigged and by bribing few of my rivals they turned the trial onto me. So I became the traitor and was stripped of my status and money and everything." Boris lamented.

"And Tobho somehow left for Westeros and became a famous blacksmith there." Aryan finished for him.

Boris nodded. "Since then, I have been thrown out of the guild, my home, and now have to settle in this hell hole and struggle to feed my family."

'A man betrayed by society. Perhaps I can have my own Qohorik blacksmith at Winterfell.' He thought. Aryan then took a Valyrian Steel ingot from his pocket and gave it to him. "I want you to make a sword with this." He then gave him the specifications for a rapier. "Impress me. I will give you a new life. You will not have to struggle anymore."

The man looked at him doubtfully. Again Kinvara encouraged him, "R'hllor will protect you. Complete my Lord's task."

He then took and ingot and went inside his eldest two sons following him.

"I will come by evening." Aryan said and went out with Marwyn.

The sun has come down just as Aryan knocked the blacksmith's door. His wife opened the door and she welcomed them.

Boris was there talking to Kinvara. On seeing the guests he immediately got up and showed him his work. The rapier was very well balanced with a greenish sheen to it. 'The famous color infusion of Qohor.' Aryan mused.

"This is a beautiful work." Aryan congratulated him.

"Thank you My Lord. If I don't mind asking what kind of sword is this. I have never seen or made such one. This is very light sword."

"Oh this is a gift for my cousin. Her name is Arya. This kind of sword is called rapier for those who have light build and useful for speed." He explained. Then he gave Boris a small diamond. The man's eyes widened.

Boris nodded. Aryan said, "I am impressed. Now I want you to do one more thing."

He then took Ice from his back and laid it down on in front of them. He then placed a pouch in front of him as well as a dragonbone.

"Are you going to have him reforge 'Ice'? It is the ancestral sword of House Stark." Marwyn asked.

"I know. I thought Ice can get a new look." Aryan told Marwyn. Then he turned to Boris. "I want you to reforge this greatsword. This pouch contains Blue Sapphire dust. Infuse the sword with it. And change the hilt into a dragonbone one with a snarling wolf at the bottom. Can you do it?"

The Sapphire dust was infused with magic. Once completed the sword will repel everything. Also it would be set permanent and cannot be reforged. He was very much interested in getting Ice coloured since he saw the red blade of Red Rain. So he was going to reforge Ice into a blue coloured sword.

Boris started to examine the things laid out before him. "It can be done. But it will take a couple of days."

"Of course. I will be back by then." Aryan told him and went out with Marwyn telling Kinvara to stay with the blacksmith family.

Boris kept his word. The new version of Ice was lying before them. The blade had an overall blue sheen. And the Sapphire crystals infused on its surface glowed when it reflected the sunlight. The new dragonbone handle was with an impressive snarling grey wolf. Aryan then took Ice gave it a few good swings.

"Perfect." He said. "I am pleased with your work. I am Aryan Stark from Westeros. I can offer you everything which was taken from you."

Boris had a doubtful look which was shared by his family. They started to speak to each other.

"My Lord is a powerful man from Westeros. Accept his help. R'hllor is giving you his blessings." Kinvara added.

'The Red God has his use outside Westeros.' Aryan mused. "I can offer you a good house and enough work at Winterfell. You can work for me. And there is always enough work. You and your family will never go hungry. In time you can get back your status."

"I will accept your offer my Lord." Boris said.

"Excellent." Aryan announced. Then he gave Boris a large pouch and a scroll. "Here is the payment for your work. And take this scroll. Find a ship bound to the Northern Realms and show the captain the scroll. He will then take care of you."

Boris gratefully took the two items. Aryan then did not bother to waste any more time. So saying goodbye to Boris and family, they began their journey to Norvos.

~

Norvos, Essos

The Free City of Norvos stood upon the eastern banks of the river Noyne, one of the largest of the tributaries of the Rhoyne surrounded by rugged limestone hills and dense, dark forests of oak and pine and beech.

It was night time with moonlight and stars. The three travellers were observing the city from above.

"The ancient nobility of Norvos lives in the upper city, the high city, ringed about by mighty stone walls, looms above high, stony bluffs., dominated by the great fortress-temple of the bearded priests; the poor huddle below amongst the wharves, brothels, and beer halls that line the riverfront. The two parts of the city are joined only by a massive stone stair, called the Sinner's Steps. Close by the city walls, the Norvoshi work the land on the terraced farms. Farther out, men gather behind stout timber palisades in holdfasts and walled villages. The streams here are swift-running and stony, and caverns honeycomb the endless hills." Marwin gave him a short explanation.

"This is the only city in the known world which is ruled by Theocracy in the name of religion. The Free City of Norvos was originally founded by religious dissidents from Valyria. From the founding to the present, Great Norvos has been a theocracy, ruled by its bearded priests, who are themselves ruled by their god, who speaks his commands to them from the depths of their fortress-temple, which only true believers may enter and live. Though the city has a council of magisters, its members are selected by their God, speaking through his priests. To enforce obedience and keep the peace, the bearded priests keep a holy guard of slave soldiers, fierce fighters who bear the brand of a double-bladed axe upon their breasts and ritually marry the longaxes they fight with." Kinvara told them in distaste which she extented to any religion.

'I must really curb her of this behaviour.' He mused. He told them, "We have already spent enough time traveling through Essos. Lord Manderly must have reached Bravos by now. We must hurry."

"How are you going to find Mellario? On second thought, how are you going to convince her to go back without revealing yourself?" Marwyn asked.

"Arianne had told me that Mellario is from a noble family. So she must be in the Upper City." Aryan said as he lowered the carpet towards the city.

"Now what, my Lord." Kinvara asked when they stopped.

"Point me Mellario." Aryan whispered. Immediately his wand pointed towards their right. "Guess we found my would be mother-in-law."

He sped the flying carpet towards a large mansion. He positioned the carpet in shadows with a notice me not charm. "Stay here. I will return quickly."

Casting a disillusionment charm on himself and using the point me charm he started search for Mellario, Arianne's mother. He didn't have to search far. He reached a room where a lady was sleeping. One look at her face Aryan knew this was Mellario due to her resemblance with Arianne. He started to look around the room. There were many candles and incense here and there.

'A religious lady. Perhaps I can use this to my advantage.' He concluded. He proceeded to fill the room with magically conjured smoke. He cast a silence ward around the room. Then he went and sat down on the dais which was full of candles such that his face was shrouded in darkness but made sure that his eyes were glowing green. Then cast a sobering charm on the sleeping Mellario.

Mellario slowly woke up. She groggily wiped her eyes and started to look around the room. Then seeing a figure sitting on the dais she became alert and asked, "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

"My dear, is that how you address your God ?" Aryan asked in a magically amplified voice. To Mellario the voice seemed to be coming from every side.

Now that surprised her. 'God is here.' While she was a very religious person who followed the Norvosi gods she was still very suspicious. "I did not know Gods revealed themselves to devouts like us. I thought only the priests saw Gods."

"My dear child, God looks out for everyone. I am known across the Planetos by many names but you are seeing me in my Norvosi aspect." Aryan told her.

Somewhat convinced, Mellario suddenly kneeled before him and prayed, "Bless me with your grace. What can I do for you?"

"My Child I am here for you. A grieving mother, unable to meet her children. Don't you wish to see your children?" Aryan told her in a soothing tone.

Mellario bowed her head remembering her past.

Accompanied by her guardsman, Areo Hotah, she met Prince Doran Martell when he was visiting Norvos. Doran caught her eye during a festival, where the three bells of Norvos were ringing and the bears were dancing. When Doran returned to Dorne, Mellario went with him, escorted by Areo Hotah. Soon they got married and their first child Arianne was born. Two more children would follow: Prince Quentyn and Prince Trystane.

Despite the fact that Mellario and Doran had married for love, it was not a good marriage, Mellario and Doran spent their time arguing with each other. The customs in Dorne were much different from those in Norvos, including the fostering of the children. When Doran sent their eldest son, Quentyn, to be fostered to Lord Anders Yronwood, Mellario heavily protested. Norvoshi didn't foster out their children, and Mellario believed her son to be too young. Doran sent Quentyn away regardless, and Mellario never forgave him. When Doran planned to send their daughter, Arianne, to Tyrosh, to serve as the Archon's cupbearer, Mellario threatened to harm herself should Doran steal another one of her children. This time, Doran relented, and Arianne remained in Dorne.

Despite this, however, the issues in their marriage were still unsolved. Since divorce in Westeros is uncommon, Mellario eventually returned to Norvos.

There's some bitterness about this from Mellario, as Doran was the Prince of Dorne, which enabled his children to stay with him, while she had to leave them behind.

"Everyday, my Lord. No day passes that I don't wish my children were near me. To hold them and to love them. But I am helpless." She begged.

"I know why you left your children with your husband. But what had it achieved?" He asked. Then he proceeded to tell her about Arianne's marriage proposal with Viserys Targaryen.

"You must surely know about the Mad King. Do you wish to see your daughter suffer in hands of a mad dragon just like your sister in law Elia?" He asked. "Your daughter doesn't. That is why she found herself a worthy mate and is heavy with a child. Now what do you think Doran will do? He is ready to sacrifice even his own children for revenge."

"Knowing him he will perhaps do anything to make sure his plans succeed even if that means Arianne loses that child." Mellario whispered.

"As a mother will you support him against your daughter?" He asked her again.

"Never. What kind of mother would I be if helped him in such a heinous crime." She asked.

"Exactly. So you must go to your children as soon as possible. Your daughter needs you now more than ever. Go to her." Aryan ordered her.

"But what do I have to do? Doran will not allow me to do anything against his wishes." Mellario said.

Suddenly his green eyes glowed ominously as his voice thundered. "I think time has come for you to decide who you want in your life. Doran or your three children?"

'Finite Incantatum.' He whispered and suddenly the smoke dissipated. Aryan also dissapparated to the carpet.

Mellario looked around wildly and then her eyes gained a determined look.

~

Braavos, Essos

They were late. He knew that. As he was flying around Bravos they had seen the Marauder docked in the harbor. So they had quickly got down. Aryan had dropped Kinvara somewhere. He had given her enough money but told her she must not be seen with him. He told her to come to the North within a few months, by the time he returned to Winterfell from King's Landing. She had agreed telling him she would remain in the Red Temple of Braavos.

After that, Aryan and Marwyn quickly started to traverse through the streets of Braavos. Braavos is comprised of a hundred islands linked together by small stone bridges spanning the many canals throughout the city. The houses in the humbler regions are tightly packed together, even over the canals. It reminded him of Venice. Soon they reached the docks and went abroad the Marauder. The guards quickly alerted Lord Wyman of their presence.

"Lord Stark, I was very worried when you failed to show up. We reached yesterday. I had sent several of our men scouring through the city searching for you. I hope everything is fine." Wyman asked.

"I apologise My Lord. We took a quick detour to Qohor." Aryan told Wyman. He then showed him Ice. Wyman was impressed.

"This is beautiful Lord Stark." He said.

"You know, I was even able to get one Blacksmith to come to the North and work for us." Aryan informed him.

"Impressive. A blacksmith who knows how to work Valyrian Steel in our lands, we are indeed fortunate." Wyman said. "When do we go to the Iron Bank?"

"Let me change my dress and get washed. We can leave immediately. I would prefer if we started our journey back today itself. I miss our home and the family." Aryan said.

"Don't we all?" Wyman smiled. "By then I will have ship restocked."

Aryan remembered what Marwyn told him about the Iron Bank as they concluded their business and Lord Wyman went out.

"The Iron Bank was founded by sixteen men and seven women who hid valuables in an abandoned iron mine shortly after the foundation of Braavos. As the iron mine's chambers filled with treasures, a bank was formed to utilize the wealth. Each of the twenty-three founders had a key to these great subterranean vaults, and their descendants—now numbering at least one thousand—are known as "keyholders" who proudly display ceremonial keys on formal occasions. Other powerful Braavosi own shares in the bank, sit on its secret councils, and have a voice in selecting the men who lead it.

Though all the Free Cities have their own banks, the Iron Bank is richer and more powerful than the others combined and has a fearsome reputation when collecting debts. When princes or kings default on their debts or are foolish enough not to honor their agreements with the Iron Bank, the Iron Bank supports new princes and kings to appear. These new princes and kings then honor the previous debt along with paying back the money the bank loaned them in claiming their new power, lest they suffer the same fate as their predecessors."

Now only Aryan and the bank representative remained.

"I want to open an account here in the name of the Stark of Winterfell." Aryan told them.

"Of course. How much money are we talking about?" The representative asked.

Aryan pointed them towards the twently boxes he had brought. The bank rep raised his eyebrow at that and got up and opened the box. His jaw dropped suddenly. The other bank employees present too quickly came towards them and they shared the same surprise. They quickly opened the other boxes too and saw all of them contained precious gems.

These precious gems were the ones he had gathered from Valyria. One good thing about the Iron Bank is its utmost secrecy. They never asked too much questions. He had kept most gold and some gems to be taken back. But decided that he did not need most of the gems. So decided to sell them and who better than the Iron Bank?

"Would you please give us some time my Lord?" They asked him to which he agreed. Immediately they went out and brought jewelers who started to check the authenticity and value of gems. After lots of deliberation they came to a fixed price.

"The Iron Bank is willing to buy all these stones for a sum of fifty millions gold." They said. Aryan agreed not keen on much bargaining. Due to such a large sum he was also able to procure a share in the Iron Bank and a seat in the bank body.

"Now that is all finished I have you to do another work. I want twenty galleys to be built as soon as possible." He told them as he showed them the last crate full of gold ingots. Jaqen had told him that the work given through the Iron Bank had a higher priority and get the work done faster.

The bank representatives discussed with him the requirements and finally agreed upon a price. "Deliver them to the Rogares of Lys."

After the meeting he went out. Lord Wyman was waiting him there. "Everything all right, my Lord?" Wyman asked.

"Of course. I was just discussing with them about their workings. I wanted to open a bank for the Northern Realms only." He told him as they walked towards the Harbour to board the Marauder to return home.