Chapter 726: Sacrifice

In truth, some of these speculations were quite close to the real answer.

Jilian had indeed lived in Valantis for several years, residing there even before he became the monster he is now.

The city's recent disappearances indeed included many who had ended up in his belly. He had also escaped from the ruins of Valyria.

To be precise, he had brought a curse or perhaps a virus from there.

By day, the Tiger Cloak army and the Fiery Hand guarding the Red Temple of R'hllor had scoured every nook and cranny of Valantis. They left no stone unturned, from alleys to bridges and even sewer entrances, in their search for Jilian.

His former dwelling was naturally searched. Although the surrounding streets were considered forbidden zones, with locals fearing disappearances upon nearing it, the slave soldiers of Valantis were fearless.

They broke into the dilapidated hut, and their search yielded clues. A movable plank in the floor revealed a hidden chamber below.

Soldiers of the Tiger Cloak, torches in hand, descended and were met with a gruesome sight that made many retch.

Beneath lay a mountain of bones, many gnawed to fragments. Some skeletons were even pinned to the walls.

They were almost certain this was the monster's lair. However, after his escape the previous night, he hadn't returned, and his whereabouts remained unknown.

The rulers of Valantis, the ancient families of the upper city, and the merchants, none wanted such a creature in their city.

They feared he might change his target, not just attacking the imperial envoys but turning on them, perhaps biting their throats as they slept.

In fact, over the recent years, he had already begun hunting in their city. But since the victims were insignificant - slaves, drunkards, or thieves - it hadn't drawn much attention. It would've remained hidden if not for the recent incident.

They were unaware that the monster's target was Asha. Due to the chaos of the previous day, the creature was first spotted by patrolling Tiger Cloak soldiers. In the ensuing chase, he killed three before attacking Asha.

It seemed Asha was just an unfortunate victim, caught in the crossfire.

Had the Valantis elite known the creature was targeting Asha, they might've driven her out immediately, urging her to leave the city as far as possible.

But sadly, they didn't know the truth. And the High Priest of the Red God, known as the 'Light of Wisdom' and 'Flame of Truth', wasn't on their side either.

The politics of Valantis were multifaceted. Some rulers wanted party strength, some sought absolute power, and some aspired to be the Prince of Valantis, like the pirate governor of Myr, the current Pirate Prince.

But Benerro was different; he sought something more sublime.

Thus, he patiently resided in the Red Temple of Valantis, constantly plotting across the continent of Essos, waiting for the right moment.

"The night is long, and full of terrors."

Benerro finished reading a letter from Norvos, then a flame ignited in his palm, burning the letter to ashes.

The fire illuminated his pale face, the flame tattoos on his chin and bald head, and another letter on his desk from Qohor.

Night had fallen, and the city was silent.

Due to the recent visit of the imperial fleet, a curfew was imposed from dusk till dawn.

But after the previous night's attack, the entire city knew of the man-eating, half-man, half-fish creature lurking nearby. By day, his lair was exposed, confirming their fears.

So, as soon as the sun set, Valantis quieted down. People returned home early, shops closed, and the streets were deserted, with the few who ventured out hurrying along.

The city was divided by a large river, the Mother Rhoyne, which flowed rapidly and was quite wide.

Otherwise, the Long Bridge of Valantis wouldn't have been such an architectural marvel, earning its place among Lomas Longstrider's 'Nine Wonders Made by Man'.

In this river, merging into the Summer Sea, a shadow lurked beneath the surface. It was Jilian, the creature who had escaped and vanished the previous night.

Now, he surfaced, just as a large ship passed by. The dim light of the night made it impossible for those on the ship to notice him.

But Jilian paid them no mind, turning his gaze to the distance.

This was his final refuge. After escaping from Andalos, he had returned to his former home. He didn't dare return to the Westerlands, fearing his family's reaction to his monstrous appearance.

So, he came to Valantis. But little did he know that even this last sanctuary would be taken from him.

By day, he had cautiously come ashore but chose to hide, watching as his home was searched. Afterward, he fled once more, seeking refuge in the water.

"I will kill her—"

Jilian's eyes glowed a fierce red, his mind becoming increasingly unhinged. The world before him seemed bathed in a dark red hue.

A strong desire consumed him: to kill every living being, not just the woman who tormented him, but everyone and everything.

Then, offer their souls to a god dwelling below, a deity of destruction. Jilian's mind was hazy, but this thought was crystal clear.

He seemed to see the Fourteen Flames of Valyria, now transformed into fourteen deep, smoke-spewing chasms.

Jilian had resisted his urges for years, but recent events had pushed him over the edge. He was becoming the monster he had once seen in the ruins of Valyria.

His body, floating in the water, still bore the axe wound inflicted by Victarion the previous day.

But now, the wound seemed to have healed, leaving only a long scar and shattered scales. The wound had fully closed.

Then, Jilian's eyes turned a deeper shade of crimson. He gazed towards the Red Temple of R'hllor, letting out a guttural roar.

He then dove deep into the water, disappearing without a trace.

The city of Valantis, with its rich history and political intrigue, was now faced with a new threat, one that lurked in the shadows and depths. The creature, Jilian, with his tragic past and monstrous present, was a force to be reckoned with.

The rulers, merchants, and common folk alike were all in a state of unease. Whispers and rumors spread like wildfire, with tales of the creature's origins and intentions debated in hushed tones.

In the Red Temple, Benerro, the High Priest, continued his machinations, his plans far-reaching and profound. The flames of R'hllor whispered secrets, and he listened intently, preparing for what was to come.

As the city slept, the waters of the Mother Rhoyne remained restless, hiding secrets and tales of old. And in its depths, Jilian waited, plotting his next move, driven by vengeance and an insatiable hunger.

The game of thrones in Valantis had gained a new player, and the stakes had never been higher.