28

Chapter 28 – Fight for Freedom

The Summer Sea, on course to Meereen…

A tremendous fleet of ships baring the sign of the harpy on their sails moved through the water, their destination was Meereen with their intention being to slaughter or enslave every single living thing in the city. The vast armada was made up of every available vessel that could possibly be raised, so it was an odd assortment of different ships carrying as many slaves armed to kill and enforce the rule of the slavers.

-x-

The Dothraki Sea, Essos…

At the same time, a sight unseen in living memory greeted anyone unfortunate enough to see it. A khalasar of Dothraki so large that it appeared to number in the hundreds of thousands. These men were full of song and lust, imagining that they would soon have an entire bay of slaves to claim as their fucktoys. The chance that one of them might take the cunt of a Dragon Princess only seemed to make them more excited. Their ambition and lust blinding them to the dangers of what they were about to do.

-x-

Meereen, Essos…

Jon was looking at the sun as it rose that morning with a great sense of anxiety, today would decide the course of history here in Essos he thought. Either slavery would die or they would. Whatever defences they had managed to erect seemed so flimsy when they were up against such odds. Their only card to play that trumped the enemy's vast numbers was the dragons and while they had all three here, it seemed a slim hope against so many. The outcome of any battle was never certain, there was always a factor that you could never account for. That was something his surrogate father, Eddard Stark had taught him and it was perhaps the truest thing he had ever heard.

He looked over to Ghost who sensed his master's distress and walked over to gently rub his large fluffy head against his leg. Jon smiled despite his anxiety and gently scratched Ghost's ears.

-x-

Daenerys was riding her dragon alongside Rhaenys, both them looking across the horizon and wondering what this day would bring. Victory and the return of their family to their rightful throne or their complete destruction. She knew that Rhaenys was just as worried as she was but the aunt and niece that had been raised more like sisters were steadfast in their determination to win. Whatever the cost…they would not fall.

-x-

In the Great Pyramid, Jon was looking over the maps of the city that detailed the defences they had constructed and checking for any possible weaknesses that they might have missed but could find nothing important. There was a knocking at his door made him look up.

"Enter." He called out and in walked Ser Barristan, Margaery and Samwell. Despite the friendly faces Jon stayed focused and said. "I had hoped to send the women and children to Westeros but the enemy fleet has made that notion impossible. Sam, Margaery I will need you to keep them calm, this pyramid has been chosen as the designated shelter when the fighting begins." He told them and although Sam nodded, the Tarly man felt his place should have been at Jon's side however useless he might be as a fighter.

Margaery too felt very conflicted, but not about running away. She was no coward, she would not run. If Jon had tried to send her away she would have refused but honestly she felt like she should be doing…more in this coming battle. She could not wield a sword and knew next to nothing about military tactics but she honestly felt aggravated at not being able to do more than act as a soothing ear for people in the pyramid.

She gave Jon as slight nod before turning to leave and walked out of Jon's room when she suddenly had an idea, a smile formed on her lips as she rushed away to her rooms where Mira Forrester was surprised to see her lady looking so excited on the dawn of what was almost certainly going to be a dreadfully bloody battle.

"Mira, I wonder if you could find certain items of clothing for me?" Margaery asked her, confusing Mira all the more. It was only the beginning of the day, surely her lady did not need to change her apparently perfect dress already.

"What kind of clothing my lady?" Mira asked with a slight curtsy which Margaery waved away before telling her, causing Mira's eyelashes to nearly disappear into her hair line when she heard what her lady wanted and for the life of her could not understand why. Seeing the girl's confusion Margaery smiled and said.

"It is a surprise for Jon."

Like that explained anything Mira grumbled to herself as she went about trying to find what her lady had wanted at such short notice.

-x-

Samwell or Sam as he was known to his friends meanwhile had gone to see Gilly, his wildling girl. His father he knew would have been appalled at the idea of Sam becoming involved or even friendly with a wildling so perhaps that was one of the reasons he had been so open to the idea of a relationship with Gilly, an act of rebellion against the father that in his heart he hated more than he could ever express. Sam had never been one to show it when he was angry but that anger was there, buried under years of mental abuse by his father and other Reach boys he had known. Gilly however was the real reason he had made a genuine effort to make a life with her. She was brave, kind and beautiful a rare combination in a lady at least that was what he thought.

His heart leapt when her slim figure came into view, her lovely reddish brown hair glimmering the sunlight as she looked through a book he had acquired for the small library here. She had not been able to read when she had first arrived or so she had told him but through diligent practice she had achieved a basic ability to read written word. She looked up when he entered and smiled at him.

Gilly was glad to see Sam, her fear of being cast back into chains diminishing slightly when he was around to brighten her day. She wished someone like him had been Beyond the Wall where she had originally come from, it was still a day she hated more than anything else in the world, the day she had been taken from there.

Flashback…

The snow was thick around Caster's Keep as the slavers gleefully clapped Gilly and some of sisters/fellow wives into their horrid chains. Gilly looked over to vile creature that had both sired and married her. Craster, the self-obsessed lunatic that sacrificed all of his male children while fucking the females of his line to create yet more children. Hiding behind his ties to the crows to keep himself safe from other free folk who were filled with absolute disgust at this abominable practice. She and her sisters had sometimes wished to be 'stolen' so they might at least get away from their father/husband but they were thought…diseased…impure. No-one would want them, a thought that made their existence even worse.

But being sold like this she thought with terror, to be shipped to some far away land where they would left to the complete unknown that was something she had never hoped for. She wanted to cry out but a gag had been wrapped around her mouth while chests of steel weapons where placed before Craster.

"Here is the payment as ordered." The slaver said with a grin. "Everything you ordered, now we will take our merchandise and be on our way." He said turning a lecherous eye over the chained and gagged women, Gilly in particular. Craster meanwhile did not give a toss about the fate he was condemning his own daughters/wives too.

"Good, this should be enough to keep the rest of the fuckers that live in this hell hole off my back for a while. Trading steel for protection, best way here." He sneered and said nothing as the women had he sired and married were dragged away to an uncertain fate.

Flashback ends…

The mere memory made Gilly shiver but she could at least take comfort in the fact that although she had been made a slave, her freedom had been given back to her and her life had become even greater than before. Being able to do what she wanted, when she wanted was such a gift that she thanked the Old Gods every morning and every night at the godswood nearby. They had brought Sam into her life she thought with a slight blush, grateful for the Gods to have given her such a boon.

-x-

Ser Barristan Selmy unlike Margaery and Sam had not moved from his position in the room where Jon had been reviewing their defences. The old knight looked so anxious that Jon felt real concern that something was wrong beyond his knowledge.

"Is there more ill-news Ser Barristan?" Jon asked with worry but it was not that which was preying on Ser Barristan's mind. The old knight who had served longer than nearly any other and was an absolute legend in Westeros, the very embodiment of what a Knight should be. His only mistress was his duty and that was what brought him here on the dawn of the battle.

"I was hoping that his grace might be willing to remain in overall strategic command of the battle while others command on the field. It would co-ordinate our forces far better if you were here to do so." He advised and Jon's head snapped up in surprise and annoyance creeped into his voice.

"Ser Barristan I will not cower behind other men who are fighting for the freedom of all people here. A man must lead by example, if he will not fight for himself then who will fight for him? They will think me craven. I will fight alongside our men whether it is on the back of a dragon or on the ground with a sword in my hands is that understood?" He said sharply then instantly regretted it the moment the words left his mouth seeing the face of Ser Barristan looking so full of fear and cold dread. He took a second to calm himself. "I apologise Ser Barristan, you did not deserve such words. Please forgive me."

Jon's words did bring a slight twinkle to Ser Barristan's eyes as if they brought some memory to the forefront of his mind. Ser Barristan made a deep sigh before he spoke again.

"And I apologise too your grace. It is not proper for me to tell you of your place on the battlefield, I only wished to ensure you survive this battle. I cannot fail again, like I failed your royal father before you." Ser Barristan said with great regret in his voice, so much that Jon could not interrupt him. "He was so like you, focused on the betterment of his fellow men and determined to lead the men into battle himself. I tried to protect him but we were separated in the chaos of battle and Robert Baratheon got to him before I could. The sight of his crushed body has haunted my dreams for so many years now, I cannot stand the thought of you suffering his fate." Ser Barristan said with a slight tear in his eye. Years of anguish finally coming to surface as they were stoked by present day fears.

Jon was silent for a moment as the words of Ser Barristan sank in, he had no idea that the death of his father Rhaegar had affected Ser Barristan so deeply. He had never mentioned it and now Jon could understand why, it haunted the old knight so much that it was too painful to talk about. Putting a comforting hand on Ser Barristan's shoulder, Jon told him with as much firmness as he could manage.

"You failed no-one Ser Barristan. Especially not my father, you did everything that you could possibly do to save him but fate itself was against you and him that day. Your service to me has been the most exemplary that I have ever known and I welcome having you at my side. This time, this day Ser Barristan I know that the fates are at our backs. I feel it." Jon told the old knight, surprising himself at how sure of the success he sounded. Enough it seemed that Ser Barristan smiled and bowed to his king.

Today was going to be theirs. They would both make sure of it with fire, will and steel.

-x-

Ser Jorah Mormont was no stranger to conflict, he had been more or less bred to it. His home on Bear Island was constantly under attack from wildlings and Iron Born, sometimes just a few raiders but others times the people of the island found themselves fighting against a large horde. It bred hard people, that small freezing island. For him personally this had been developed further when he had fought in Robert's Rebellion alongside his father Jeor, even taking part in the Battle of the Trident where ironically he had helped tear down the dynasty he was now trying to restore. Something that made him laugh at times. Later he had earned himself a knighthood, a rare thing for a Northerner by fighting against the Greyjoys during Balon's first failed rebellion.

Coming to Essos after the disaster he created over his wife had forced him to become a sellsword where his fighting skills had become his only way to ensure he ate and had a roof over his head but left him feeling bereft, now he fought for coin and nothing else. He had no real purpose.

Becoming involved with the Targaryens had filled that hole in his heart and given him something noble to fight for again and led him to meet the most perfect woman in the world. A woman's whose beauty rendered every other woman ugly in comparison but whose kind and caring nature made her a goddess amongst men. Princess Daenerys Targaryen, the last child of Queen Rhaella and the Mad King.

A woman that could never be his.

It hurt more deeply than any past torment, the one woman he could not live without was the one woman he could never have. The Gods he thought bitterly had a horrid sense of humour but even if he could not ever be anything more than a sword at her side then he would be the greatest sword he could be and shield her from any harm.

He caught a glimpse of her riding astride her dragon and could not help but smile. She might never return his feelings, but he loved her more than life itself and would do anything to stand at her side.

-x-

The sight of the Volantis navy was an awesome sight as it arrived within sight of Meereen having bypassed Astapor to strike at the heart of the new Targaryen territory. Men on the walls of the great city near shook with fear as an armada larger than anything they had ever seen, the horizon dark with so many ships they nearly created an unbroken mass coming towards them.

Things were little better on the side of the city that faced the mountains as a horde of Dothraki that made so much noise that they could be heard miles before they finally arrived near the city. The men were terrified as they considered the odds that were stacked against them. Their best intelligence put them as outnumbered by at least four to one and possibly double that. If it were not for how much they valued their new found freedom and their belief in those that led them, many would just have surrendered now.

Jon was in his rooms in the Great Pyramid, putting on his armour with Sam's help, the Tarly was looking as nervous as Jon felt inside but Jon put a hand on Sam's shoulder and told him.

"The darkest hour of the night is just before the dawn, we shall win this battle." Jon surprised himself in how convincing he sounded and Sam despite still looking nervous soaked up Jon's confidence. The door opened suddenly and both men turned to see an unexpected sight.

Margaery Tyrell stood there not in her usual splendid gowns but instead in the tough leather armour and boots used by the Unsullied with a bow strapped to her back and dagger at her waist. The outfit revealed her slim and willowy figure for all to see. Her glorious light brown hair was tied back in a ponytail and she would have been considered positively indecent by Westerosi standards had anyone seen her dressed so as not only was her belly button and cleavage revealed but her ass was outlined snugly by the leather. Both men were speechless and Jon had to admit he felt aroused at the sight she presented. However he could well imagine the eyes she would draw and wanted to wrap her in a cloak to shield her for other men's eyes.

"What on earth are you wearing?" Jon forgot propriety and asked his future wife why she had decided to forget her status as a high born lady and dress as an archer. She gave him a smile which looked somewhat odd as she was devoid of her usual make up but it was still enchanting to Jon.

"If a king can fight alongside his men then why not a queen?" Margaery asked her smile wide and warm. Jon was going to start arguing but she continued speaking. "My brother Willas taught me to use the bow and he told me I was quite good. I will be far more useful to you as an archer today than as a lady cowering behind the city walls."

Sam looked between them both, unsure of just what to say. Jon meanwhile wanted to argue with her and keep her where it was safe but then again he had to concede that given the size of the forces against them where was safe anymore? He thought bitterly and made a snap decision.

"If you must fight, then you will ride with me." The statement surprised both Sam and Margaery. "I just hope you are indeed a good shot."

The smile and then kiss that Margaery gave him was dazzling and he could not stay stern as he wrapped an arm around her exposed waist.

They were unable to do anymore though as the moment was broken when the bells and horns that announced the city was under attack sounded.

-x-

The first strike was by the navy as it sailed into range. Their catapults launches flaming projectiles from the water straight at the city walls and sometimes over them to hit the buildings on the other side. The screams of people as masonry fell on them or their clothes caught fire echoed through the air, the sound spurred the defenders of the city into action. On the walls, men operated large catapults returned fire with their own burning boulders, smashing several of the ships closer to land but they did not have the range to hit all of them and in any case they had few catapults of their own so the attack on the walls continued.

Rhaenys and her dragon Elinor were the first to take to the skies, joined closely by Daenerys and Daeron while Sunfyre and Jon saddled up and headed towards the Dothraki on the other side of the city. The Targaryen princesses violet eyes narrowed at the ships beneath filled with the lowest scum imaginable and felt the greatest contempt for the slavers who were only fighting them for the sake of the gold they had lost or what they could make from placing them all in chains. Not for any noble cause, just for gold and the lust for power over their fellow men and women. It was enough to make them both sick. So sick in fact that they had no guilt at all in unleashing the dragons.

"Dracarys!" They both cried out. Daeron and Elinor did not miss a beat before they breathed enormous jets of fire down on the ships below. The slaves who had been forced to sail or fight for their fat, greedy and lazy overlords did elicit sympathy from the princesses but regardless they could not be allowed to threaten the safety of the freed people of Slaver's Bay. A name they would have to change soon.

So the slave soldiers were burnt too.

Ships burnt so easily, the wood and tar that covered their decks not to mention their sails were a potent fuel, easily catching fire but the fleet was so large that the two dragons despite their size could not deal with them all quickly. Some ships at the sight of them did turn and try to flee while some started firing scorpions and boulders at them. Their dragons weaved their way through the anti-dragon attack and continuing to burn the fleet into the sea.

-x-

Jon meanwhile had left Ghost with Sam and the ladies that were taking shelter in the Great Pyramid and mounted Sunfyre, his dragon eager for the off. Behind him Margaery sat, strapped into the harness to make sure she did not fall with two large quivers filled with arrows attached to the saddle as well with a smaller one on her back. Sunfyre shook slightly as the uncomfortable weight settled onto her back but with Jon in place she did nothing more. Jon strapped himself in and felt Margaery's lips against his neck.

"For luck."

They would need more than luck to win today Jon nearly said but refrained himself, enjoying the sensation of Margaery pressed against him but knowing time was short, he pressed his heels into his dragon's side and urged the magnificent beast to take flight. With a few flaps of her mighty wings, Sunfyre was soon in the air. The ground grew smaller beneath them as they climbed higher, the size of the Dothraki however was just as worrying even this high up. Jon wasted no time and flew in for the attack.

"Dracarys!" Jon yelled, Sunfyre responded immediately and began unleashing all the fire she could muster on the horse raiders below. As they flew past Margaery began to unleash arrows with surprise skill and quickness on the scattering Dothraki below, not very effective but with each shot it was one less enemy raider to think about.

-x-

At the city walls, Ser Jorah Mormont was manning the first line of defence. Co-ordinating the fire of both archers and war engines as they fired on whatever enemy would come into range alongside Ser Godry Chelsted. He was sweating from the odds against them but he remained outwardly calm and focused on his job. Seeing that the catapults kept firing and forcing their enemies to retreat or find cover, seeing the raiders that would lock his princess in chains burn and die which brought a dark pleasure to Ser Jorah that he would never acknowledge even in private with anyone. However a frown came over his face as the enemy proved unusually determined and refused to retreat as they charged at the gate he was guarding. Turning around to see the status of their ammunition, he caught sight a group of Second Sons moving towards the catapults led by that revolting leader Daario. A highly tuned sense for danger that had served him well throughout all the battles and wars and hunts that he had ever experienced suddenly began to scream warnings and his hand went to his sword. His concern was well founded as a dagger from Daario impaled itself in Ser Godry's neck through gaps in his protective plate. The men firing the catapults stopped immediately to see the Second Sons begin slaughtering their protectors.

Ser Jorah and his handpicked men charged forward and Ser Jorah easily cleaved his way through three men before he came face to face with Daario. Ser Jorah snarled as swung his sword only for Daario to dodge it.

"Traitor." Ser Jorah said with his eyes burning with hatred, Daario however only smirked.

"What can I say, the slavers pay better." Daario told him with so much arrogance it made Jorah want to cut his heart out on general principal. Dodging another swing of Jorah's sword Daario threw a dagger with impaled itself in Jorah's leg. Pain flashed through the northern knight and he stumbled but recovered with all the grace and stamina he could muster. Swinging his sword again he managed to catch Daario this time only for the annoying sellsword to block the attack and throw another dagger, this one into his right arm. The pain was nearly enough to make Ser Jorah lose his sword but gritting his teeth as pain seared through every part of his arm and leg he pulled the daggers out only for a third to land in his other arm, his sword falling from his hand and only through dogged determination did Ser Jorah stay on his feet as blood fell from his wounds at an alarming pace.

"See the way to deal with someone like you Jorah." Daario said with his smirk even wider now as he condescendingly told him. "Is not to face them head on, take them from a distance especially if you use poison dipped daggers. I mean look at you now, hardly able to even stand. Do not worry though, my men and I will take good care of the princess." Daario came closer convinced he had won.

But Jorah with the last of his strength ebbing away and the pain in his arms and leg near blinding, suddenly surged forward with a bear's roar as his hate and protectiveness towards Daenerys drove him on, catching the arrogant Daario completely by surprise. Jorah grabbed hold physically of Daario and with his limbs screaming in protest he smashed his fists into the sellsword's face, blood spurting from a broken nose as the hard fist of Jorah smashed it to pieces. Jorah did not care for his own survival, all that mattered was his princess and keeping her safe. Seeing a trough of filthy water for the horses nearby, Jorah threw the stunned Daario over the short distance before grabbing him by the head and forcing his face into the filthy water. Daario struggled but with every shred of strength that remained to him Jorah held his head in the water. Daario's struggles grew fiercer then weaker and weaker as water filled his lungs until finally they stopped.

Jorah held him under for a moment longer to make sure the sellsword was dead before finally letting go and slumping to the ground, his sight was now becoming a red haze where nothing was really clear any more. The great wings of a dragon echoed in his ears but he could not make out who it belonged too until its owner came up to him and spoke.

"Jorah, oh gods what happened? We have to find a healer." The sweet voice of his princess came to him, it brought smile to his face.

"It is too late for that my princess. I only wish I could have spent time with you as more than just a sword at your side. But I was never good enough for you." Jorah said mournfully with more of his feeling in his body disappearing so he could no longer feel anything except of touch of his princess as her hand caressed his face.

Daenerys looked around and screamed out. "I need help now." But no-one was there to save him so she turned to her Bear knight and told him.

"I wish you had told me how you felt, I would have gladly had you at my side and in my bed." Daenerys said as tears ran down her face. How could she have been so blind to his affections, all that time the signs must have been there how in the world could she have missed them? She pressed her lips to his in as deep a kiss as he could manage, bringing a brief smile to Jorah's face as he gently caressed her cheek.

As the last of his strength evaporated his hand fell away from his face and he breathed no more, Daenerys gently held his face as tears fell from her eyes, she did not want to leave him but the sounds of the slaver scum outside only made her feel angry. She looked over to the men that had abandoned their posts and run in the face of the Seconds Sons treachery. They would pay she thought to herself. She placed a brief final kiss on Jorah's head before she climbed back on Daeron's back and took off to take her revenge.

As she and her dragon cleared the walls she could see the Dothraki horde belong already starting to scatter from Jon's own attacks which only grew worse when she added her own dragon's fire.

-x-

Sam felt ashamed he was not out there fighting with the rest of the men of the city, he knew that he would be of little use but he felt much to his own anger that he should be doing something. A frown crossed his face as he looked to the door, the weight of a battle-axe strapped to his back, wondering if he should go but a soft hand on his stopped him in his tracks. He turned around to see Gilly gently touching his palm, smiling to calm his troubled mind. He carefully held her hand in turn and returned the smile, looking around despite the sounds of battle that could be heard most of the civilians stayed as calm as they could. The feeling of tension was high in the room but no so that Sam felt people were about to panic. Mira Forrester was doing a splendid job of calming people down with her northern sense of practicality, Sam could well see her serving Margaery even as she became queen. Jon's direwolf seemed content to follow her, maybe it was a northern thing Sam thought with mirth.

The door to the room however suddenly burst open and the atmosphere changed dramatically, a squad of bloody sellswords baring the mark of the Second Sons entered the room laughing and jeering. The lustful and sinister looks on their faces instantly making people back away from them, Ghost began to snarl at them with his big teeth bared and hackles raised sensing danger. Sam confused at the interruption got to his feet, he walked over and asked with concern.

"What is going on?"

The response he got to his question was not the words he would have preferred but instead Sam received a fist to his face. The surprise of the sudden blow sent him to the floor as the men stepped past him. Sam heard Gilly and the other women gasp as he hit the ground but those surprised gasps were soon replaced terrified screams as the sellswords grabbed some of the women including Gilly and torn away their clothes, laughing with wild abandon. Ghost leapt forward and bit the head clean off one of the sellswords, causing them all to turn their attention towards the wolf and therefore did not give Sam a second glance which turned out to be a fatal error.

Seeing the look of terror on Gilly's face, awoke something in Sam he had never felt before. A part of him that he had honestly believed did not exist; hatred and anger so strong that they drove him to his feet, squashing his fear and cowardice beneath them like gravel beneath his feet. The axe on his back found its way into his hands, when he had done it Sam did not know and would not remember later although he would not give a shit.

The roar that came from him was more like an animal than the calm and intelligent man that everyone thought he was, who he had thought himself to be. The bloodlust in his eyes would have made even a brave man pause but because the arrogant sellswords kept their backs to him, they had no time to react before him lashed out with all the pent up rage, humiliation and anger that he had been suppressing all these years.

The leader of the sellswords that had punched Sam and was now about to force himself on Gilly was still laughing up to the point when Sam drove a battle-axe taller than him through the centre of his head and with his rage infused strength cut clean through the skull. The sound of the roar Sam emitted and their leader having his head cut in two stopped the other ten sellswords in their tracks. Ghost moved carefully between the remaining sellswords ant the cowering women in the room, read to move in a split second should one of them be threatened.

The sellswords' eyes widened as they caught sight of Sam with the blood of his first ever kill splattered all over his face. Some even felt fear and drew their weapons allowing the women they were holding like Gilly to scramble away as Sam charged at them with the terrifying force of a charging bear, snarling with almost a frothing mouth.

The first man that Sam met while he charged forward had his left leg severed clean off at the knee while another felt the surprising power of Sam's punch to the throat, crushing his larynx inward. Gilly would not admit it but in that moment as she finally saw the rage that Sam was capable of she was actually more scared of him than she had been of anything in her entire life.

Sam next swung his large battle-axe in a wide arc that slashed open the chests of two men at the same time, their blood splattering out against his simple leather outfit. The other sellswords seemed to falter slightly at the sight of Sam's great rage but nonetheless charged to fight Sam, who beheaded the first man that came close to him before slicing an arm clean off another and a leg off the one after that. The next sellsword tried to stab Sam with the rough sword he carried only for Sam without even thinking about it deflecting the attack away from himself using the hard wood handle of his large axe. The sellsword in question despite his surprise only felt the cold steel of Sam's axe as the blunt side of the axe was bashed straight into his face, crushing his nose easily. However this did not bother him for long because mere seconds later, Sam cut his head clean from his neck.

The remaining three sellswords looked ready to make a run for it but Sam blocked their path and gripped his axe so tight that his hands were near white but he did not feel tired nor did he care about the blood that had been splattered all over him. His breathing was rapid and shallow as he moved forward and roared again to go back on the attack. The three sellswords shivered with fear which was a real turnaround considering their confidence moments earlier, but they swung wildly as they went on the attack. The women in the room including Gilly turned their heads away as yells of pain echoed throughout the room. When silence fell and they managed to muster enough courage to look, a truly alien sight greeted them.

Sam stood over the eleven bodies of the men he had killed with his large axe dripping with blood and his face and clothes covered in much the same. There was silence for a moment as the women and children stared at Sam with expressions of fear on their faces. Mira Forrester's hand unconsciously reached for one of the dead sellsword's daggers but Gilly despite her fear walked forward, her nerves stretched tighter than a piece of thread as she carefully walked towards the man she had fallen in love with.

"Sam?" She asked her voice quiet and gentle, causing the man to look towards her and for a brief moment no-one could guess what was going to happen next. But her voice seemed to bring Sam back to his senses, the red mist that had filled his mind slowly evaporated and he finally realised what he had done as he took a second look at the bodies around him. Shame and horror suddenly took hold and tears ran down his face, the large axe slipping from his grip.

Seeing the danger now passed Gilly rushed forward as Sam fell to his knees, wrapping her arms around him and holding him tight.

"It is okay, you saved us. Saved me." She told him gently with as much warmth as she could muster but for Sam it was hard to accept. He had never killed anything before, not an insect and certainly not a human and now eleven men lay dead at his feet. Traitors and attempted rapists they might be but in Sam's mind they were still people. It would take him awhile to get over that but as Gilly gently rubbed his back and her sweet scent filled his nose he knew he would try. The rough tongue of Ghost then started licking his hand as Jon's wolf tried to comfort him and Sam gently petted the wolf who gave its support and comfort with no hesitation.

-x-

Already the Dothraki below them were losing cohesion as more of the lower khals died in the fire of the dragons. Margaery sitting behind Jon on Sunfyre was picking off any khals she could see to sow confusion in their ranks, the thrill and exhilaration of battle and battle astride a dragon no less was breath-taking to say the least. She felt slightly sick due to the all the motion and the fact that she was killing human beings rather than animals like she had been taught by Willas and Garlan but it was just like they had told her. Fight now, care later.

As Jon and Sunfyre made another pass however she saw a Dothraki wearing more gold with more braids than the other khals she had seen thus far and with a tight group of what looked like bodyguards around. This must be Khal Moro she thought and without hesitation she drew her bow and let an arrow fly.

It struck true and impaled the would-be Khal of Khals in the throat, sending him flying from his horse and choking on his own blood. The sight of their leader's death immediately spread chaos through the ranks of the Dothraki who started to break into a frenzied retreat. Catching some of the fleeing Dothraki the Targaryens and their dragons blasted them with fire before swinging around the city to assist Rhaenys who was still trying to burn away the large number of ships and added their fire to her fight. The sight all three dragons was enough to get the sailors in the fleet to set sail and try to run for the open sea.

The flagship of the fleet that carried the slave masters of Volantis who moments before had been so confident of successful turned to captain and screamed for him to get them out of here. The slow and sluggish ships were difficult to turn quickly and before they even completed the turn, a fiery boulder slammed into the flagship, killing the slave masters and the captain instantly. But what surprised the crew that survived the impact and were already getting ready to jump off the sinking ship was that it came from the other direction, from the mouth of the bay. A glance in that direction showed a terrifying sight for the men who had been attacking the city.

A small fleet of ships had appeared in the direction of open sea, Westerosi ships baring on their orange sails a golden spear pierced through a red sun. Their catapults firing deadly projectiles at the slave master ships that were now trapped between the dragons and the Dornish ships. The crews of the slave master ships could not escape as the dragons and the new Dornish ships rained down fire on them. Some raised flags of surrender which were respected but others were burned into the sea.

It was awhile before the Targaryens realised that the slavers had stopped firing and had surrendered as they were so caught up in the moment but when they did it was a strange feeling that came over them. Not really sure of what to say or do they returned to the city so they could count the final cost of their victory, not to mention sending the Unsullied out to board and take possession of the surrendered ships.

They had won, the battle was over.

-x-

The cleaning up after the battle was gruesome work, rags tied around people's faces while they carried the bodies of the dead to the mass graves and large funeral pyres that had been build or dug around the city walls. As a warning to whoever else might come to the city looking for trouble, the bodies of the slavers captured and then executed not to mention the Second Sons were all hanged from the city walls.

Their own dead were treated with far more dignity than the corpses of the Dothraki and soldiers brought by Volantis against them who were merely flung onto the large pits and covered with earth or burned. The mood was one of sober grief for all the good people that had given their lives for the safety of the city and its people's freedom. The bodies of Ser Jorah Mormont and Ser Godry Chelsted were being preserved so that they might be sent back to their ancestral lands. The sight of the Mormont knight lying dead brought had hard lump to Jon's throat, he had been one of the bravest and dedicated men that Jon had ever had the privilege of knowing and Jon had fully intended to name him to his Small Council or some other high position in the Red Keep when they finally returned to Westeros, a ship would be sent to carry them back straight away while he and the rest of their people finally brought Volantis to heel. Men of his valour and commitment were so rare in this world Jon thought solemnly and now there was one less. Ghost with traces of the blood from the sellsword he had killed still matted in his fur came up to Jon who knelt down and gently scratched his wolf's ear. The wolf's tongue lolled around and Jon could not help envy his wolf at that moment.

He was tired but he still had work to do and so he ended his vigil over Ser Jorah's body and left to continue to supervise the clean up after the battle with Ghost at his heels when Sam arrived running in with a look of urgency on his face.

"Jon, a second army of Dothraki has arrived at the gates. They are waving the flag of truce."

"Fucking hell what now?" Jon exclaimed in anger wondering just what fresh hell was going to come upon them now. He did not wait for Sam to answer before leaving the great pyramid and getting on his horse with Ghost running at his side and Sunfyre flying overhead, both sensing his concern over this unexpected development. He rode faster than he ever had before until his reached the city gate where he could see Daenerys and Missandai already there with a large group of Unsullied already facing the Dothraki horde from the top of the city walls.

The leader of the Dothraki stood in front of the city gates with his weapons sheathed and his loud deep voice speaking in a language that Jon did not understand but apparently Missandai and Daenerys did.

"What is he saying?" Jon asked and seeing the somewhat confused looks on their faces he gathered it was not straight forward.

"He is saying his name is Khal Drogo and that he recognised the folly of the slavers from Volantis and the other Dothraki and has travelled to the city to ensure the survival of his people. Also the sights of Valyria have shown him the folly of fighting dragons." Missandai said. Looking down from the wall Jon could see Khal Drogo for the first time. He was tall and heavily muscled, standing as a giant amongst men with his long dark hair tied back in many braids.

Daenerys could not help but feel her heart flutter slightly at the sight of the strong warrior. It made her feel wretched, Ser Jorah dead less than a day and she was feeling attracted to another man but strong and fierce men had always been her weakness. Jon's words however cut her out of her confusion.

"What is he doing here and how it he going to ensure the survival of his people?" Jon's voice was urgent and she turned around to face Khal Drogo again while Missandai translated for them. Khal Drogo only waited a moment, casting his eyes quickly at Daeron and Sunfyre as they circled overhead before he answered, dropping to kneel before them.

Missandai and Daenerys were momentarily speechless as they realised what he had just said. Jon wanted to know urgently if he was going to have to get back on Sunfyre and bring down fire again but finally Missandai managed to speak.

"By standing at your side rather than opposing you, your graces." The female translator said. "Bringing his people to fight with your dragons rather than be fuel to their fire, the Dothraki lands will be brought into your fold." Jon felt weary as he wondered what fresh hell this was going to bring upon them and turned to Missandai and said.

"Tell him if he wants to bend the knee, he must know that their history of raiding and slavery ends right here. If not, he and his people will feel our fire." Jon's voice was stern and his face impassive as was Daenerys. When Missandai repeated his words in their tongue, the Dothraki and Khal Drogo looked slightly affronted and unsure but they bowed their heads in agreement.

Jon sighed again, he could only hope that the Dornish brought good news rather than additional complications.

-x-

The harbour was filled with ships as the friendly Dornish vessels escorted in the captured slave master ships. Slavers were put to death, the slaves who wanted it were freed to work for the Targaryens. Jon, Daenerys and Rhaenys waited in the Great Pyramid for the leaders of the Dornish fleet to join them while their poor dragons feasted on meat and slept to regain their strength after the strain of fighting today. To hear of the treachery of the Second Sons had shocked both Jon and Rhaenys but they could be glad that it had not cost them the battle thanks to the sacrifice of Ser Jorah and his men. A posthumous pardon for his conviction as a slaver had been issued and personally written letters of condolence were to be sent by raven to Bear Island so they could learn how their former lord had met his end, heroically and without fear. But Jon had to put those thoughts aside as he and his council waited to greet the leaders of the Dornish forces that had come to their aid. Margaery had yet to change back into her usual gowns and was still standing there in her battle outfit. The men's eyes looked at her with appreciation but a glare from Jon was enough to stop many of them in their tracks while Daenerys and Rhaenys smiled, in Dany's case it was dimmer than it might have been a week ago as her grief at Ser Jorah's passing but she nonetheless put on a brave face as the leaders of the Dornish force arrived.

A squad of men wearing the livery of House Martell walked in surrounding two women in a protective ring. The women themselves were none the less impressive; both clearly Dornish by their olive coloured skin, black hair and dark eyes. One was clearly more beautiful than the other most of the men thought with the exception of Jon who wold never make such judgements. The elder of the two was more muscular and rough in her appearance carrying a vicious looking spear. The younger was far more curved and more refined, looking more a lady of high birth than a warrior but the vast number of knives that they could see left no doubt she would be just as vicious as her older sister. Obara and Nymeria Sand, Jon's memory supplied the eldest of Prince Oberyn Martell's bastard daughters. A fact they proved moments later when they ignored him and the rest of their audience completely and walked up to Rhaenys who opened her arms to hug Obara first and then Nymeria.

"Cousin, we were so worried we would not get here in time. Only favourable winds and tides made it so we could." Obara said with warmth while Rhaenys smiled at the sight and them.

"Oh it is a blessing to see you again, cousin. Has uncle Oberyn behaving himself? Or do I have yet more cousins back at Sunspear?" Rhaenys asked with her eyes bright. Everyone watched the exchange not wanting to interrupt just yet.

"Three more actually. I hope that he will at least control himself in the Vale or we might have a fourth." Nymeria said with mirth knowing that there was no way that her father would ever resist the opportunity to sink his cock into a willing woman or man. Not that he was a man whore she thought sternly and would run anyone through who suggested such a thing. He was responsible, making sure he would never contract or pass on a disease, respecting the vows of marriage and if a child was ever conceived of his blood he would ensure that the child was well cared for.

Jon took the brief pause as the cousins laughed to approach them and was about to speak when they quickly turned to face him and Nymeria's smirk stopping him still.

"Cousin you did not tell us your younger brother was so good looking. Very selfish to keep him to yourself." Nymeria said and Jon instantly felt his cheeks warmup as the three women laughed again but a voice from behind him stopped any comment he might have made.

"I do not believe we have been introduced." Margaery's voice might have sounded friendly, there was even a warmth in her eyes that might lead you to believe to be wholly genuine but the tightness around her eyes and mouth told how irritated she was but she kept to her manners. "Would you be the famous Sand Snakes of Dorne? I have heard much of your skill with weapons from your cousin Arianne while we were in Highgarden." Margaery's expression might have been perfectly friendly but no one would have doubted the proverbial dagger behind her back. Seeing a potential conflict from the looks on the faces of all the women involved brewing Jon quickly regained his wits and spoke from the first time.

"Welcome to Meereen Ladies Obara and Nymeria, your assistance in the battle was most welcome. I hope you will join us in bringing Volantis to heel once we set sail for home?" Jon said, he had done all he could in the bay, it was time to head home however much he was dreading it. Obara and Nymeria nodded and told him.

"Of course, House Martell stands firm with House Targaryen, our fleet will sail with yours for Volantis and then Kings Landing. Oh by the way." Nymeria said with a smirk that reminded any who had met him of the Red Viper. "I must reveal to you that you have another aunt, this one named Shaena and she too has dragons."

He silence in the room was absolute as even the most unshakable of them all, Grey Worm and his Unsullied looked shocked. Jon's eyes narrowed as did the women at his side and he asked.

"Explain."

So the tale of the Blackfyre loyalists having kidnapped Shaena Targaryen when she was just a babe was told to the entire room. It was hardly something any of them would have credited had she not gotten two dragons of her own somehow and controlled them just as well as they did if not better. However the events also made the Targaryens realise something. With Shaena Targaryen on their side and the rest of the Seven Kingdoms brought to heel, Tommen could easily be dethroned without the need for a fight. Rhaenys could return to her own city and rule Pentos while someone else held Meereen. Who would hold the city had been an issue Jon had little time to dwell on but now he was confronted with. Now with his apparent aunt Shaena in Westeros already he now knew just who to name as the new ruler of Meereen, the only person he would trust with it now that Ser Jorah was dead.

"It is a strange tale. But a welcome one." Jon said as he turned to face the rest of their court. "It allows me to name who will assume the throne of Meereen and all of the Bay of Dragons." Referring to the area by its new name. "I name my aunt Daenerys as the Sovereign Princess of Meereen and for her children and her children's children to hold the title of Prince or Princess of Meereen till the end of time. Long may she reign."

"Long may she reign" The people in the room echoed, in particular Missandai and Grey Worm.

The surprise on Dany's face was huge. Even the Sand Snakes lost their smirks briefly and while Dany put on a smile there was vicious glint in her eye as she whispered to Jon.

"I'll get you for this Jon!"

Only for the fact they were family did Jon not feel like his days were numbered but he did think he was in for a lot of pain one day when she took her inevitable revenge. Still in all seriousness she was the only person he could trust with the responsibility of running this new kingdom and handling Khal Drogo. Judging by the way he had been staring at Daenerys, she would soon have him eating out of her hand. He would leave Missandai and Grey Worm as well as half the Unsullied to ensure the safety of the city while the rest went with him to deal with the slavers who had arranged the attack.

A few days later, Volantis…

It was a reversal of fortune for the slavers of Volantis as Targaryen and Martell catapults from the ships attacked the walls of their city while Elinor and Sunfyre blasted men on the wall with dragon fire. The depleted city guard were hopelessly outmatched by the invading attackers, a blast from both dragons had already opened the city doors to their troops who had established a firm hold on the immediate areas of the city. Moving away from the walls the dragons and their riders swooped down on the city's defenders in the streets that were blocking their own troops and would either scatter them in complete terror or roast them in fire, collapsing the city's virtually non-existent defences even further.

Jon and Rhaenys looked around and saw few pockets remaining to be crushed but none that needed their intervention so they flew towards one of the palaces that they had claimed and turned into a base of operations. Waiting for them to land were Sam and Margaery and both were smiling.

"Good news I trust?" Jon and Rhaenys asked at the same time as they dismounted their dragons and walked up to meet them.

"Excellent news, resistance is crumbling. The city will be ours by the end of the night." Margaery said who thankfully for Jon's state of mind had stayed with Ser Barristan and his men this time. Her blue gown was simple and modest but it still made Jon uncomfortable in his breeches as he tried not to think what Margaery had looked like in the figure hugging leather. He knew that she and Mira Forrester had been together sewing a new leather outfit of much finer materials especially for her to wear if she ever fought in battle again. He hoped it was more modest than the other one had been otherwise he would not be able to focus on fighting. Offering her his arm she took it and side by side they walked into the palace and the entry hall were Ser Barristan stood around a table with a map of the city. The old knight smiled as he reported to his young king.

"Your grace, we have control of the city walls, the long bridge and over three quarters of the city. The only real resistance that remains is the Red Temple where a portion of the city's defenders have secured themselves. Its sheer size makes it difficult to surround without more men and it is too well built for us to break in easily." Ser Barristan said indicating where the temple was on the map but he did not need to. Both Jon and Rhaenys could hardly have missed it from the air, it was a truly massive structure larger than the Great Sept of Baelor in Kings Landing by a factor three times although none but Ser Barristan could make the comparison. Jon and Rhaenys looked ready to get back out there on their dragons and blast the large structure away although given its size that could take some time but a strange event stopped them.

"Perhaps I can help you grace." A voice suddenly sounded from a dark corner of the room causing everyone to turn in alarm while those that had weapons drew them expecting an attack. The sight that greeted them matched the voice, beautiful Jon thought as he looked on one of the most alluring women he had ever seen. Her violet eyes were almost hypnotic in how they drew you in and her angelic features seemed otherworldly. A yell of shock came from Ser Barristan who unlike the rest of them recognised the woman immediately.

"Lady Ashara Dayne!" His old dreams of Ashara coming back stronger than ever as he saw the woman of his desires appear alive in the flesh after being presumed dead for more than twenty years. His words after that failed him, he could not conceive how she came to be here after she had thrown herself from the towers of Starfall.

"Ser Barristan it is wonderful to see you again." Ashara said with a bright smile directed at the old knight. The name Ashara Dayne however had a real impact on the younger people present. They were all rendered momentarily speechless by the sudden return of such a famous lady from the dead but Ashara did not hesitate and said.

"I will open the way for your men, your grace. If you would follow me." She walked out of the palace with complete confidence and lack of humility.

What else could they do but follow.

-x-

A horse ride later and a mix of Dornish soldiers, Targaryen men and Unsullied gathered behind Jon, Ser Barristan and Ser Clayton Archay. Ashara however stood at their side as they faced the enormous, heavy and reinforced doors of the Red Temple. The men looked uncertain of whether or not they could break through those doors even with a heavy battering ram but Ashara looked completely unperturbed and instead moved her arms in a graceful pattern that was almost like a dance before bringing her hands together which glowed gold briefly scaring the more superstitious amongst them move back a step. The effect of whatever magic she was casting although Jon could hardly believe it to be so became clear as the great doors began to creep slowly open before their amazed eyes.

Not sure that he was fully able to believe what his eyes were telling him, Jon none the less took advantage of the opportunity that Lady Ashara had created and with Blackfyre in his hands, led the charge into the temple now that its defences were breached. At his side Ser Barristan astonished at the powers the woman of his dreams possessed did not hesitate to kill three of the Fiery Hand that tried to challenge him.

Jon himself discovered that he was the target of four slave soldiers and with the practiced speed and reflexes easily deflected their attacks before systematically cutting them down.

Much blood was spilt that night as the heart of the Red God cult in Essos was cut brutally out, the death knell for a waning order. All of them were so caught up in the battle they failed to notice Ashara slipping away, her job here was done she now had somewhere else she needed to be.

Jon and Ser Barristan looked for her in the aftermath but no sign could be seen, much to Ser Barristan's disappointment but the eager looks of Obara and Nymeria Sand as they came up to him prevented Jon from dwelling on it any further.

"My ladies, the day is ours." Jon said with a serious expression completely the opposite of the blood thirsty grins of the Sand Snakes, however he had matters to discuss and there was no time like the present. "I have offers to make for both of you; but first of all for your invaluable support in this recent campaign I am legitimising both of you as Obara and Nymeria Martell." His announcement shocked both women but those stunned expressions quickly turned back into smiles only to disappear again when Jon revealed what he had in mind for them.

"Lady Obara Martell, you have proven an exceptional warrior that I would gladly have in my Kingsguard. Lady Nymeria Martell, your service has likewise been most impressive and considering your mother came from this city, I have chosen to name you its ruling lady and give it to you as your holding. Think about it, both of you." He said and left with amusement as both ladies that were normally so confident had the rug pulled out from under them. It was enough to make Jon smirk, revenge was sweet.

-x-

Smoke rose above the city in the early morning light, the dead were again being disposed of on massive burning pyres while the bodies of slavers that had been captured were strung up on the city's large dragonstone walls. The process of going through the city to gain a better understanding of what they had in terms of material gains and other statistics was long and laborious but the result was most welcome. The sheer amount of wealth here was tremendous, well enough to pay of the Iron Throne's remaining debts and still leave much left over.

Jon decided to take only a portion of the city's wealth to add to the considerable assets he had taken from their looted wealth in the conquests of Astapor, Yunkai and Meereen. He had left a large amount behind for Daenerys and Nymeria to run their own kingdoms behind but now he had the wealth to not only pay off the remaining debts of the Iron Throne but leave a strong and reasonably full treasury too.

It would leave the Iron Throne well off in terms of gold Jon thought as he walked through the city streets with Margaery at his side. The freed slaves of the cried out in joy as they passed offering gifts of all kinds which they gently refused. Margaery looked over to him and with some apprehension told him what was on her mind.

"We are finally going home, you are finally going to claim your birth right. Does that worry you?" Margaery asked with genuine concern as she saw the melancholy look on Jon's face and her betrothed turned to her as they walked and with great conflict in his eyes told her the reason for his apprehension.

"I never wanted to be a king, I never even wanted to be a lord or a knight. All I wanted was to join the Night's Watch and serve the realm. I was a bastard and thought lower than even a common man as he at least was born within wedlock." He said with weariness in his voice that instantly made Margaery grip his hand and squeeze gently to comfort him. "Then I find out my father is not my father but my uncle, my real father was a prince and that if anyone found out who he really was I would be killed in a heartbeat just for existing. Then I am told that I have to become king. At no point did anyone ask me if that is what I wanted but presented with the welfare of the entire country being placed in danger if I do not how could I say no? And despite everything I have seen and done since then I still do not want to be king." Jon said bitterly and Margaery smiled gently before telling him what she honestly believed.

"And that is why you deserve the throne more than anyone else, because you do not want it. Because you want to serve your fellow man." Her voice was soft and seemed caressed his doubts and fears. "Men or women who want power will never have enough, they will always want more and more never happy with what they have until they finally are killed often by their own ambition. Maegor the Cruel for example, but you are the embodiment of strength and integrity. Honourable to a fault with a real desire to protect and serve those who you will rule over, like Jaehaerys the Conciliator. And if the prospect of ruling alone worries you then remember you are not alone, I will be there with you." She told him with complete honesty, no political motivations at all.

Jon absorbed her words and after moment smiled before he quickly pulled her around and kissed her so passionately she was instantly caught up in it with her arms around his shoulders. The cheers of the people around them the only reason that he did not go any further.

Unknown location, the Sea…

The ship that was carrying Ser Jorah's body to Westeros had picked up an additional passenger before it had set sail. Her dull brown cloak once removed in the ship's cabin revealed a truly stunning woman with luscious dark hair and a body with breath taking curves encased in beautiful red silk. Her name was Kinvara, formerly a red priestess until she had experienced something of an 'awakening' some years ago.

The Red God she scoffed, no such entity existed. There was indeed a power that had held the world together and guided it towards its destiny. Beings that were beyond their ability to even comprehend with motives they would never understand, she had seen this when she had come across a cloak of some kind in Qarth while she was visiting the Red Temple there. Her magic had exploded in her mind when she touched it, showing visions and secrets that had nearly killed her but left her instead feeling more aware of the world around her than she had ever conceived of before. Following these visions she had travelled to Westeros and resurrected Ser Arthur Dayne, the beings beyond the world still had a purpose for him she had seen as much and following these visions for twenty years had taught her many things to expand her view on the world and what was possible.

Looking at her magnificent red silks she knew she would have to abandon them when she got to Westeros however much she liked them. They were too distinctive and her foolish former brothers and sisters in faith had made all followers of the Red God hated in Westeros. Although she did not follow the way of R'hllor anymore her red silks linking her to him so they would have to go she thought sadly but that was the price you paid to serve the forces that controlled the world.

Those thoughts slipped from her mind as she ran her hand over a magnificent sword she had acquired while following her visions that she knew had been called Orphan-maker, made a of Valyrian steel before turning to the body of Ser Jorah Mormont.

"Well Ser Jorah let us see if the world still has need of you?" She said rubbing her hands together, preparing to do something that she had not done in a long time, not since she had brought Arthur and Ashara Dayne back from the dead and taken the latter to Qarth.