Chapter 115 Briennie's Sudden arrival
The smoke of battle filled every corner of the city, and blood dyed the streets red. The footsteps and shouts of soldiers, intertwined with the groans of the wounded, created a hellish scene.
This fierce battle lasted until noon the next day before finally coming to an end. Almost all the mercenaries who participated in the riots were killed, their bodies scattered across the ground. Blood gathered into streams, reflecting a frightening light in the sun. The once-prosperous city of Lys was now eerily silent, as if it had lost its soul.
Gavin's army began to clean up the battlefield in an orderly manner. Carts loaded with food were slowly transported into the city, their heavy wheels leaving deep marks on the stone roads.
Soldiers conveyed Gavin's orders from house to house, their loud voices echoing through the streets and alleys: "As long as you help clean up the corpses and ruins, you will receive food!"
Drawn by the promise of sustenance, the civilians of Lys, who had earlier cowered in fear behind closed doors, finally emerged. Trembling but hopeful, they cautiously stepped onto the streets, beginning the grim task of clearing the remains of the battle.
Soldiers set up checkpoints at various intersections to maintain order. They stood tall like sentinels, their sharp, vigilant eyes ensuring that everything remained under firm control.
In the Governor's Square, once a symbol of glory but now reduced to ashes, a staggering hoard of gold and silver treasures was piled into an eye-catching hill, shining dazzlingly under the bright sun.
The governors and wealthy merchants of Lys, once powerful, had fallen like stars from the sky, swallowed by the tides of history. Greedy mercenaries who sought to claim their wealth had been ruthlessly eliminated by Gavin. Now, these ill-gotten riches, once stained with blood, had come full circle, gathering here in a mountain of gold.
People passing by stared at the treasure with a mix of amazement and melancholy, recalling the chaos that had just unfolded.
Gavin stood atop a high vantage point, overlooking the ruined city, contemplating how to rebuild it from the ashes. He needed to secure the surrounding towns and villages still under Lys's control and anticipate the reactions of Tyrosh and Myr. He would likely have to remain in Lys for some time.
Stone Steps Archipelago - Bloodstone Island
In the grand city lord's mansion, the monthly civilian petition was underway. Daenerys sat upon her high seat, her posture straight, her gaze stern and majestic.
Viserion lay quietly at her feet, occasionally flapping his wings lazily. Maester Qyburn and Governor Boris sat beside her, taking notes and offering advice as needed.
An elderly man in tattered clothes stepped forward first. Bowing deeply, he spoke in a trembling voice: "My lady, my fishing boat was destroyed in a storm while at sea. I have lost my livelihood, and my family is starving. I beg you to lend me a new fishing boat so I can provide for them once more."
Daenerys nodded slightly. "Old man, I sympathize with your plight. I will order a new fishing boat to be built for you as soon as possible so you may support your family again. You may repay the cost over five years."
Next, a haggard woman stepped forward, tears streaming down her face. "My lady, my husband was injured while working for the lord. He is now bedridden and unable to work. I cannot bear the expenses of our family and my children's tuition. I beg you for some relief to help us through these difficult times."
Daenerys' eyes softened with compassion. "Poor woman, I will arrange for a healer to tend to your husband and will send supplies and money to support you through this hardship."
A young blacksmith then rushed forward anxiously. "Madam, thieves have been running rampant in the West City District. They have stolen the farm tools I worked tirelessly to craft and injured my partners. I implore you to strengthen security, capture these thieves, and recover my stolen property!"
Daenerys' expression turned serious. "Fear not. I will deploy more soldiers to patrol the area. These criminals will be caught, and peace will be restored."
As the petition neared its end, a tall, hooded figure stepped forward. Slowly, the hood was lifted, revealing the face of Brienne of Tarth.
Seeing her, Daenerys' eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Miss Brienne, we meet again. What brings you to the Stepstones this time?"
Brienne bowed respectfully. "Your Highness, I have come to seek your forgiveness. I was deceived before and misunderstood you. Looking back, I feel ashamed and regretful for my ignorance and prejudice."
Daenerys smiled, her expression filled with tolerance and generosity. "It is of no consequence, Miss Brienne. I believe you have now heard the truth from Braavos. Since you have come to the Stepstones, allow me to extend my hospitality. Stay as my guest."
Brienne's eyes shone with gratitude. "Thank you, Your Highness, for your kindness. I will not impose on you for long."
Daenerys ordered her attendants to prepare comfortable accommodations for Brienne. As she departed, Maester Qyburn frowned in concern and whispered urgently to Daenerys, "My lady, you must be cautious. The Tarth family has always been loyal to the usurper. I fear she may be here under false pretenses, perhaps even as an assassin."
Daenerys' gaze remained steady, like a bright star. "I have encountered Brienne before. I do not believe she is an assassin. Her character is far nobler than that of the hypocritical usurper."
Qyburn, still worried, pressed further. "That may be so, but Lord Gavin gave strict orders to ensure your safety before he left. Please allow me to have her watched. Also, when you travel, do not leave the protection of the Blood Dragon Guard."
Daenerys frowned slightly, considering his words before nodding. "Very well. I will follow your arrangements and remain cautious. Thank you for your concern, Maester Qyburn."