Chapter 9:"Slavery"

During the journey, Vahaemorys didn't do much except lie on Igneel's back. Igneel ensured a steady flight throughout the trip. After about a week, Vahaemorys started to feel much better. However, most of the arrangements he had made for the journey, such as food supplies, had been ruined thanks to Igneel.

When Vahaemorys had traveled on ships with the Rhoynar, Igneel would hunt for meals in the sea by diving into it. As a result, many of the preserved food supplies had washed away. Although Vahaemorys was quasi-immortal and didn't rely on food like regular humans, he hadn't fully reached quasi-immortality yet. Until he completed his growth stage, he still needed nutrition to support his development. So, thanks to Igneel, Vahaemorys was now feeling quite hungry.

Vahaemorys could only hope to reach Valyria soon or wait for passing ships. He was hungry and wished to exchange some gold for food.

As he scanned the horizon, Vahaemorys spotted a few ships in the distance, but most of them appeared to be slave ships. Without hesitation, he leaped from Igneel and flew towards one of the ships. As he drew nearer, he witnessed a disturbing scene – slavers or sailors were bullying two children, perhaps around his age. One of the children, slightly younger, seemed to be a girl, while the other was trying to protect her from harm as the slavers kicked and cursed at him.

Vahaemorys didn't want to draw attention to himself at first. He only intended to find someone sensible to speak with, as he was used to seeing people mistreat others like toys. This was especially common in Valyria, particularly in the case of his father. While his father may have been kinder to him since he was his blood, he is just another devil.

At first, Vahaemorys didn't want to get involved. He just wanted to obtain some food and quietly depart. However, the more he witnessed the cruelty of their actions, the more irritated he became. Finally, he couldn't stand by any longer and spoke out loudly, saying, "That's enough," making everyone on the ship turn their attention toward him.

With a seal that identified him as Vahaemorys Narnareon, the heir to Narnareon, he declared, "I want an audience with your captain." In response, a bald man emerged from the ship's cabin and knelt before Vahaemorys, asking, "Lord, what can I do for you?"

Identifying Vahaemorys as a member of a Dragon Lord family and thus a subject of Valyria, the sailors were compelled to comply with his request. Vahaemorys calmly stated, "I need some preserved food for my journey," and tossed a few gold coins to the bald sailor. It was clear that the man was displeased with how Vahaemorys had treated him, as if he were a servant. However, he refrained from voicing his objections and retreated to the cabin to fetch what Vahaemorys had requested.

As this was happening, the sailor on the ship once again cruelly kicked the boy who had been attempting to rise. The boy fell back, and now the little girl stood in front of the menacing man. This particular man had already taken the lives of many young girls for his own twisted pleasure.

In a desperate attempt to escape further harm, the girl swiftly moved backward, crouching down next to Vahaemorys as she did. Unfortunately, her head accidentally bumped into Vahaemorys's leg. She looked up at him with pleading eyes, saying, "Help me," while clutching his leg. Upon realizing that she had dirtied his clothing with her hand, she attempted to remove the dirt by rubbing it, inadvertently smearing more dirt onto Vahaemorys's attire. Vahaemorys could only shake his head in response to her futile efforts.

As the madman drew nearer to Vahaemorys, he spoke with a sinister tone, saying, "Lord, allow me to take her and administer the punishment she deserves for her transgressions." His gaze remained perverse as he focused on the girl. He paid little attention to Vahaemorys, dismissing him as just another Valyrian bastard in his eyes since he looked different from Valyrian.

As the madman extended his hand towards the girl, she clung desperately to Vahaemorys's leg, gripping it with all her strength. In response, Vahaemorys's eyes turned cold, and he warned the man with a stern voice, "Don't you dare come near me with your filthy hands."

The man's movements halted, and he looked at Vahaemorys with annoyance. However, before he could react further, the bald man suddenly thrust a blade through the madman's heart, ending his life. He then knelt before Vahaemorys and begged for forgiveness, saying, "Forgive me, my lord, for not controlling my dogs."

Without uttering a word, Vahaemorys took a bag of food from the bald man and instructed, "Take these children to House Narnareon." He emphasized, "Keep them alive." With that said, Vahaemorys leaped off the ship and landed on Igneel, who appeared as a silhouette in the distance.