Chapter 43 Chapter 42 Daenerys

The Dothraki scouts had reported, but she wanted to see for herself.So Ser Jorah Mormont rode with her through the birch grove and up a sandstone slope. "Too close." He warned her from the top of the hill. Daniela reined in her horse and looked at the Yunkai legion straddling the road in the field.Whitebeard had taught her how to estimate numbers accurately. "Five thousand." After observing for a while, she said. "I think so too." Jorah said while pointing, "The two wings are mercenaries, equipped with spears, bows and arrows, and equipped with swords and axes for close combat. The left wing of the Second Sons, the right wing of the Stormcrows, each with about 500 men, See those flags?"

Yunkai's harpy held a whip and an iron collar in its claws, not a piece of chain.But the mercenaries had their own banners, flying under the emblem of the city they served: four crows on the right, embedded in two crossed bolts of lightning, and a broken sword on the left. "The Yunkai'i keep their center," said Dany, and from a distance their officers looked like Astaporians, with tall bright helmets and many shiny brass plates sewn into their cloaks. soldiers?" "Mostly, but not on the same level as the Unsullied. Yunkai'i are famous for training bed slaves, not for fighting."

"What do you say? Can we defeat this army?" "Easily," Ser Jorah answered. "But blood was needed." On the day Astapor was taken, much blood seeped into the bricks of the red brick city, though little of it belonged to her or her people. "We may win a battle here, but at a price that may make it impossible for us to take the city." "There is always a risk, Khaleesi. Astapor is proud on the outside and fragile on the inside, but Yunkai was forewarned." Dany thought for a moment.The opponent's slave army was much smaller than her own army, but the mercenaries all had horses. She had galloped on the battlefield with the Dothraki, and she was fully aware of the impact of horsemen on infantry.The Unsullied will withstand the onslaught, but my free folk will be slaughtered. "The slavers are willing to negotiate," she said. "Send word that I will receive them tonight, and that the mercenary captains are also invited to visit—but don't come together. The Stormcrows arrange at noon, and the Second Sons two nights Hours."

"As you wish," Ser Jorah said, "but if they won't—" "It will come. They will look at the dragon curiously and listen to what I have to say, and the wise will take this as an opportunity to measure my strength." She circled the silver mare. "I'll wait in the tent." It was gray and windy when Dany got back to camp.The trench around the camp was half dug, and the woods were full of Unsullied, cutting branches from the birch trees to make stakes.These warrior eunuchs would not rest in an undefended camp, at least Gray Worm insisted.Now that he was overseeing the progress of the work, Dany paused to talk to him. "The Yunkai'i are ready for war."

"Very well, Your Majesty, the little ones are thirsty for blood." She asked the Unsullied to choose their own officers, and Gray Worm was chosen overwhelmingly.Dany had made Ser Jorah her lord and taught him how to command, and the exiled knight reported that the young eunuch had so far been satisfactory, quick and tireless, and obsessed with every detail. "My lords have assembled an army of slaves to meet us." "The slaves of Yunkai learned the seven breaths and the sixteen-square position in the field of joy. Your Majesty, the Unsullied learned how to use the three spears. The villain Gray Worm hopes to show you."

One of the first things Dany did after taking Astapor was to abolish the practice of giving the Unsullied a new name each day.Most people born free folk revert to their birth names—at least those who still remember their own.Others called themselves by the names of heroes and gods, and sometimes by weapons, or gems, or even flowers, which sounded queer to Dany.Gray Worm is still called Gray Worm, and she asks why he doesn't change it, and he says, "Because it's lucky. The little man was born with a cursed name, so he's forced to be a slave. But Gray Worm is the little man who was 'stormborn' The name drawn the day Daenerys was liberated."

"When the battle begins, Gray Worm must show wisdom as well as valor," Dany told him. "Leave slaves who run away or drop their arms. The less we kill, the more will join us later." "The villain will remember." "I trust you. Come to my tent at noon, and I want you with my other commanders when I negotiate with the mercenary captains." Dany kicked the silver horse and walked on. In the camp established by the Unsullied, the tents were neatly lined up, and in the center was her tall golden tent.Another encampment lay beside it, five times the size, in disarray, without ditches, tents, sentries, and horses not lined up.The owner of the horse or mule slept under the animal to protect it from theft.Goats, sheep, and hungry dogs wandered wantonly among women, children, and children.Dany left Astapor to a council of ex-slaves, led by a doctor, a scholar, and a priest whom she considered wise and just, and even so, tens of thousands would gladly go with her Yunkai, didn't want to stay in Astapor.I gave them the city, but they were frightened and refused to accept it.

Her legion was dwarfed by the size of the battered ranks of free folk, and they had no burden to help.Only one in a hundred owned a donkey, camel, or ox, and most carried weapons taken from the slaver's armory, yes, but only one in ten was strong enough to go to war, and none of them had train.Like locusts that put on shoes, they devour everything in their path.On the other hand, Dany couldn't accept the urging of Sir Jorah and the bloodriders, and abandoned them. I gave them freedom, so they can't be forbidden to join freely, right? She stared at the smoke rising from countless fireworks, and swallowed A sigh.Maybe own both the best and worst infantry in the world.

Arstan the Whitebeard stood outside the tent door, and strong Belwas sat cross-legged on the grass nearby, eating a bowl of figs.During the march, the responsibility of protecting her fell on their shoulders.Jhogo, Argo, and Rakharo had already been named bandits by her, not just bloodriders, but now they needed to command the Dothraki, not just focus on her personal safety. Although her khalasar is small, there are only about thirty cavalry warriors, and most of them are boys without braids and hunchbacked old men, but they are the only cavalry, which is very important.As Ser Jorah said, the Unsullied may be the best foot soldiers in the world, but she needs scouts and sentries.

"The Yunkai'i are going to war," Dany told Whitebeard in the big tent.Irri and Jhiqui spread the rug, and Missandei lit a stick of incense to scent the dusty air.Drogon and Rhaegal slept on a pile of cushions wrapped around each other, and Viserion perched on the edge of her empty tub. "Missandei, what language do the Yunkai'i speak, Valyrian too?" "Yes, Your Majesty," the girl said, "although the accent is different from Astapor's, it's not far from it. It's no problem to understand. Slave traders call themselves 'Master Wise Lord'."

"Lord?" Dany sat cross-legged on the cushion, and Viserion flew beside her on white and gold wings. "Let's see how wise they are," she said, scratching the dragon's scales. Head, touching the back of the dragon horn. Ser Jorah Mormont returned an hour later with the three captains of the Stormcrows.All three wore polished helmets with black feathers, and claimed equal honor and power.Dany watched carefully as Irri and Jiki poured their drinks.Puranda Na Jisen was a stout Ghis, with a broad face and black hair that had faded to gray; Salo, the bald head, had a crooked scar across the pale Qarthian cheek; Dario Na Harris was well-dressed, even by Tyroshi standards.The beard around his lips was trimmed into three and dyed blue to match the eyes and the curls that fell to his neck.The pointed mustache is painted gold.His clothes were various shades of yellow: creamy foam Myrtle lace peeping from the collar and cuffs, the bodice was sewn with dandelion-shaped brass medallions, the thigh-high leather boots were embellished with gold embellishments, and Gloves of soft yellow suede hung in a belt of gilt rings.Only the fingernails are painted with blue glaze. Speaking on behalf of the Mercenary Corps was Puranda Na Jisen. "Take your rabble elsewhere," he said. "You took Astapor by cunning, but Yunkai was different." "Five hundred stormcrows against ten thousand Unsullied," said Dany. "I am only a young woman, and do not know the ways of war, but I thought the odds of victory were slim with such disparity." "Storm Crow is not alone," Puranda said. "Stormcrows won't hold up at all. At the first sign of thunder and lightning, they'll flee—just as you're supposed to do now. I've heard mercenaries have a bad reputation for disloyalty, and if the Second Sons switch sides, What good is your persistence?" "That's impossible," Puranda said unmoved. "Even if it happens, it doesn't matter. The Second Sons are nothing. We will fight alongside the steadfast Yunkai'i forces." "You will fight alongside bed slaves with spears." She turned her head, and a pair of bells in her braid tinkled softly. "Once there is war, there is no need to plead for mercy; but if you join now, you will not only keep the money paid by the Yunkai'ians, but also share an extra share of the spoils. Help me restore the country in the future, and it will be even richer and richer. Think about it See, the reward for fighting for the Lords is death. Do you think the Yunkai'i will open the gates while my Unsullied slaughter you from below the walls? "Woman, you only bray, it's meaningless!" "Woman?" she giggled. "Is that an insult? If I really thought you were a man, I'd slap you right back." Dany met his gaze. "I am Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, The Unburnt, Mother of Dragons, Khaleesi of Khal Drogo, Queen of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros." "You're just a bitch of a horse king," said Puranda na Jisen. "When we're victorious, I'll let you mate with my steed." Strong Belwas drew his arakh. "Little Queen, let Strong Belwas cut out his disgusting tongue." "No, Belwas, I kept these men safe." She smiled. "Tell me—are the members of the Stormcrows slaves or freemen?" "We are a brotherhood of free men," Salo declared. "Very well," Dany stood up, "then go back and tell your brothers what I said. Maybe more people would rather have money and glory than die. I want your answer tomorrow." The captains of the Stormcrows stood up at the same time. "Our answer is no," said Puranda na Gison, and led his companions out of the tent...but Dario na Harris glanced back as he left and nodded politely. Two hours later, the head of the Second Sons arrived alone.He was a tall Braavosi with pale green eyes and a thick red and gold beard that fell almost to his waist.His name is Melo, and he calls himself the nickname "The Titan's Bastard". Melo didn't say anything after entering the account, first drank the wine given to him, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, and smiled lewdly at Dani. "I remember fucking your fellow sister in the brothel back home, or was that you?" "I don't think so, otherwise I would remember a man of such majesty, no doubt." "Yes, that's it, no woman will ever forget the 'Bastard of the Titans'." The Braavosi held out his glass to Jiki. "How about undressing and sitting on my lap? You please me, and I may bring the Second Sons here." "You bring the Second Sons here, maybe I won't eunuch you." The big man laughed loudly, "Little sister, there was a woman who wanted to eunuch me with her teeth, but now she has lost all her teeth, and my 'sword' is still as thick and long as before. Why don't you take it out and give it to me?" Did you check check?" "No, after my eunuchs cut it off, you can check it any way you want." Dany took a sip of her wine. "Indeed, I'm just a young woman who doesn't know how to fight. Please explain to me how five hundred people can fight against ten thousand Unsullied. From my ignorant eyes, with such a disparity in strength, the chances of winning Tiny." "The Second Sons have faced far worse situations and won." "The Second Sons have faced even worse situations and ended up running away. Do you think I don't even know the story of the three thousand warriors defending Kehor?" "That was many years ago, before 'The Bastard of the Titans' became leader." "So their courage comes from you?" Dany turned to Ser Jorah. "After the battle, kill this man first." The exiled knight smiled slightly, "I am willing to obey, Your Majesty." "Of course," she continued to Mello, "you can run away again, and we won't stop you. You can leave with the money the Yunkai'i give you." "Stupid girl, if you really know 'The Bastard of the Titans,' you'll understand that he's never going to run away with his tail between his legs." "Then stay and serve me." "Yes, you are beautiful and worthy," said the Braavosi, "and would gladly let you kiss my 'sword' if I were free. It is a pity I took Yunkai's money and sent the holy oath." "What's the money? The money can be paid back," she said. "I will pay you as much, if not more. Remember, I have many cities to conquer besides Yunkai, and a whole kingdom awaits me half the world away. Serve me faithfully , the Second Sons no longer need to seek employers." The Braavosi tugged at his bushy red beard. "For as much, maybe more, and maybe a kiss, eh? Or more than kisses? For a man as majestic as me? "Maybe." "Well, I'd love the taste of your tongue." She could sense Ser Jorah's anger.My big bear doesn't like the subject of these kisses. "Think carefully about my words tonight and give me an answer tomorrow?" "Okay," the Titan Bastard grinned, "may I take a jug of this good wine back to my captains?" "You may take a cask. It's from the wine cellars of the good lords of Astapor, and I've loaded several wagons." "Then give me a car to symbolize your kindness." "You have a big appetite." "I am big on everything, and I have many brothers to support. The bastard of a Titan will not drink alone, Khaleesi." "One car is one car, remember to toast for me." "Yes!" he growled. "Yes! Yes! We'll toast you three times and give you an answer when the sun comes up." After Melo left, Astan the White Beard said, "That guy's reputation spread far and wide, even to Westeros. Don't be misled by his attitude, Your Majesty, he can toast you three times tonight, and hit you again tomorrow." Bad idea." "The old man is right this time," Ser Jorah said. "The Second Sons have a long history and have had their heroes, but under Melo they have fallen almost as badly as the Braves. To their enemies or to their employers." , that guy is equally dangerous—that's why you'll see him here, and none of the Free Cities will hire his regiments." "I don't want his reputation, but his five hundred horsemen. What about the Stormcrows, is there any hope?" "No," said Ser Jorah frankly, "that Puranda is a Ghisian by blood, and probably has relations in Astapor." "It's a pity. But perhaps there's no need to fight. Let's hear what the Yunkai'i have to say." Just as the sun was setting, the Yunkai embassy arrived: fifty retinues on strong, handsome black horses, and one on a tall white camel.Their helmets were twice as high as their heads, so as not to crush the grotesque, twisted and oiled hair underneath.Their sarongs and tunics were dyed deep yellow, and their cloaks were sewn with countless copper plates. The man who rode the white camel called himself Grazdan mo Eraz, and he was lean and strong, and when he laughed he showed huge white teeth, like Krazni of Astapor.His hair was combed up into unicorn horns that protruded from his forehead, and the tassels on his tokar robes were golden Myrish lace. "Old and glorious Yunkai, Queen of Cities," he said, when Dany ushered him into her tent, "our walls are strong and strong, our nobles proud and brave, our people fearless, and our blood Inherited from Guggis—the Guggis Empire ruled the world when the Valyrians were babbling children. Sit down and talk it over, and tell me you're wise, Khaleesi, conquering here is impossible delusional." "Really? My Unsullied is about to enjoy the battle." She looked to Gray Worm, who nodded.Grazdan shrugged exaggeratedly, "If blood is what you want, let it flow. I heard that you liberated the eunuch of Astapor, but freedom is to the Unsullied what a hat is to a fish." He said Smiled at Gray Worm, but the eunuch was as unresponsive as stone. "The ones that survive, we will enslave again and use to retake Astapor from the rabble. We can make you a slave too, don't doubt that in the whorehouses of Lys and Tyrosh, people will fight for the last The Targaryen went to bed and gave generously." "You know who I am, that's good," Dany said softly. "It's something I'm proud of to know about the wild and ignorant West." Grazdan spread his hands to show comfort. "Why should we speak ill of each other? Yes, you have done savagery in Astapor, but we Yunkai'i are merciful and don't mind it. You have no quarrel with us, my lord. Where is strength wasted on our mighty walls? Wouldn't you need every hand to take back your father's throne far away in Westeros? Yunkai wishes you success in your endeavours, and to this proof, we bring gifts ” After he finished speaking, he clapped his hands, and two followers brought up a heavy cedar wooden box inlaid with bronze and gold, and placed it at her feet. "Fifty thousand gold marks," said Grazdan calmly, "to you, in token of the friendship of the lords of Yunkai. Generosity is surely cheaper than bloodshed, is it not? Listen to me, Dany Lise Targaryen, take this box and go." Dany pushed open the lid with her little slippered foot.As the envoy said, it was filled with gold coins.She grabbed a handful and let them tumble through her fingers, shining brightly, most of them freshly cast, carved with the stepped pyramid on one side and the harpies of Ghis on the other. "It's very beautiful. How many boxes like this will I find after I take your city?" The other party giggled, "Not one, because you can never do it." "I've got a present for you too." She slammed the box shut. "Three days. On the morning of the third day, send out all your slaves. Everyone, remember. Give each man, woman, and child a weapon, plus as much food, clothing, coins, and other things as they can take with them. Set them free chosen from the property of the master, as reward for years of service. When all the slaves have left, you are to open the gates and let my Unsullied enter. Search your city to make sure that no one remains enslaved. As long as you obey Yunkai will not be burned and plundered, and you will be unscathed yourselves. Good lords can make wise decisions and get the peace they want, what do you say?" "I said, you're crazy." "Really?" Dany shrugged. "Dracarys!" Long immediately responded.Rhaegal hissed and blew smoke, Viserion flapped his wings, and Drogon spewed swirling red and black flames.The flames touched the hem of Grazdan Tokar's robe, and in an instant the silk was ablaze, and the envoy tripped over the chest, and the gold coins spilled onto the carpet, cursing loudly and beating his arms until Whitebeard poured a pail of water, The flames were extinguished. "You swear to keep me safe!" the Yunkaiian envoy wailed. "Do the Yunkai'i care so much about a burnt tokar robe? I can buy you a new one... as long as you'll send your slaves in three days, or don't blame Drogon for giving you a more passionate kiss!" she said. wrinkled nose. "You wet your pants, take the gold coins and go, make sure that the sages hear my message." Grazdan Mo Eraz pointed a finger at her. "You'll regret your arrogance, bitch, do you think these little lizards can keep you safe? I promise, if they come within a league of Yunkai, they'll be shot down with arrows .Tell you, it's not that difficult to slay a dragon!" "It's harder than killing a slaver. Three days, Grazdan, tell them there's only three. At the end of the third day, I'll come to Yunkai whether the gates are opened for me or not." Night had fallen fully by the time the Yunkai embassy left their camp.Tonight may be a gloomy night, starless and moonless, with a cold, damp wind blowing from the west.What a dark night, Dany thought, with fires burning all around, like little orange stars, all over the hills and fields. "Ser Jorah," she said, "summon the bloodriders." Dany sat down on a pile of cushions and waited, her dragons surrounding her.When they got together, she said, "It's probably an hour past midnight." "Yes, Khaleesi," said Rakharo, "what's the time?"' "attack." Ser Jorah Mormont frowned. "You told those sellswords—" "—to answer tomorrow, and as for tonight, I make no promises. The Stormcrows will debate my proposal, the Second Sons will drink the wine I gave Mero until they are unconscious, and the Yunkai'i believe They had three days and we attacked under cover of darkness." "But they have scouts." "In the dark, you'll see only hundreds of burning campfires," Dany said, "and you won't see anything else." "The Khaleesi," said Jhogo, "I will take care of the scouts. They are not cavalry, but slavers on horseback." "That's it," she agreed. "I think we should attack from three sides. Gray Worm, your Unsullied will go out from the left and right, and my Kou will lead the cavalry in a wedge formation to force a breakthrough in the middle. The slaves are on horseback. Never stand against a Dothraki." She smiled. "Of course, I'm only a young woman, and don't know the ways of war. What do you think, my lords?" "I think you are Rhaegar Targaryen's sister." Ser Jorah smiled resignedly. "Yes," said Arstan the Whitebeard, "you are a queen, too." They spend an hour nailing down all the details.The most critical and dangerous moment has begun, Dany thought. The commanders are leaving with orders. She can only pray that the night will be enough to hide and prepare to move, so that the enemy will not find out.Near midnight, Ser Jorah startled her when he pushed past Strong Belwas and barged in. "The Unsullied caught a mercenary trying to infiltrate the camp." "Spy?" It terrified her.Catch one, how many slip away? "He claimed to bring a gift for you. It's the blue-haired and yellow-clothed clown I met at noon." Dario Na Harris. "So he...brought it in, I want to hear what he has to say." When the exiled knight brought him in, she wondered why they were so different: the Tyroshi was fair, Ser Jorah was swarthy; The western one had smooth curly hair, the other was bald; the Tyroshi was smooth-skinned, but Mormont was hairy.Her Ursarid was plainly dressed, and this one was as well dressed as a peacock—though on this visit he had worn a thick black cloak over his bright yellow finery.A heavy canvas parcel was slung over his shoulder. "The Khaleesi," the Tyroshi shouted, "I have brought gifts and good news. The Stormcrows are yours!" He smiled, a golden tooth gleaming in his mouth, "Daario Na Harris is yours too!" Dany was skeptical.If the Tyroshi were spies, this statement was a desperate strategy to save their heads. "What did Puranda Na Jisen and Salo say?" "Leave them alone." Daario turned the package upside down, and the heads of the bald Salo and Puranda Na Jisen fell out and rolled onto the carpet. "A gift to the Dragon Queen." Viserion sniffed the blood oozing from Puranda's neck, and then spat out a cloud of flames, which was spraying on the dead man's face, his bloodless cheeks were blackened and blistered, and the smell of roasting meat made Drogon and Rhaego want to move. "What did you do?" Dany asked uncomfortably. "Of course." Even if her dragons disturbed Dario Na Harris, he hid them well, seeming to see them only as three kittens playing with mice. "why?" "Because you are so beautiful." His big powerful hands, cold blue eyes and big hooked nose made her vaguely think of some kind of fierce and mighty bird of prey. "Actually, Puranda said a lot, but nothing useful." Outwardly, his clothes were luxurious but worn out, with patches of salt on his boots, chipped glaze on his nails, and lace stained with sweat. , and she saw fray marks on the hem of his cloak. "Salo can only pick his nose as if his snot were gold." He stood with his wrists folded and his palms resting on the hilts of his swords: a curved Dothraki arakh on the left, a Myrrak on the right. Thin swords, their hilts are a pair of matching golden female figures, naked and dissolute. "What a beautiful pair of swords. Are these your forte?" Dany asked him. "If the dead could talk, Puranda and Salo would tell you about my energy. I don't live a day without loving a woman, killing an opponent, or eating a delicious meal... …and the days I have lived are as numerous as the stars. Killing has become a magnificent art in my hands, and jugglers and fire dancers in the world cry to the gods for half my dexterity and a quarter Grace. I would gladly recite to you the list of those who have fallen by my sword, but before I finish, your dragons will grow to gigantic castles, and the walls of Yunkai will crumble into yellow dust, and winter Come and go, go and come back." Dany laughed, she liked this Dario Na Harris rant. "Then draw your sword and swear to serve me." In the blink of an eye, Daario's arakh was out of its sheath, and his surrender ceremony was equally ostentatious, and he swooped down with his face on her toes. "My sword is yours. My life is yours. My love is yours. My blood, my body, and my songs are all yours. Life or death, I will obey your commands , beautiful queen." "Live on," Dany said, "fight for me tonight.' "It's not wise, Your Majesty." Ser Jorah glared at Dario coldly and harshly. "This guy should be kept under guard until the battle is won." She thought about it for a moment, then shook her head. "If he can bring us the Stormcrows, it will surprise the enemy." "If he betrays you, we will be surprised!" Dany looked down at the sellsword again.He gave her a smile—the kind that made her blush and turn her head away. "He won't." "How do you know?" She pointed to the blackened mass of flesh, which her dragon was devouring mouthful after mouthful. "I take this as proof of his sincerity. Daario na Harris, get your stormcrows ready, and cover the Yunkai'i rear as soon as our army strikes. You can return safely. ?" "If you get caught, I'll tell you that I went to scout for intelligence and found nothing." The Tyroshi stood up, bowed, and left quickly. Ser Jorah Mormont had not gone. "Your Majesty," he said flatly, "this was a mistake. We know nothing about this man—" "We know he's a good fighter." "Great talker." "He brought us the Stormcrows." Oh, his blue eyes... "Five hundred loyal mercenaries." "This is an extraordinary time, and absolute loyalty cannot be demanded," Dany reminded him.Besides, I have to experience two betrayals, one for money and one for love. "Daenerys, I am three times your age," Ser Jorah continued. "There are very few people who can be trusted who have seen hypocrisy, and Dario Na Harris will never be one." One of them. You see, he even dyed his beard a false color." This annoyed her. "And your beard is real, want to say this? You're the only one I should trust?" He stiffened. "I didn't say that." "You talk about it every day. Yuya Puli is a liar, Zaro is a conspirator, Belwas is boastful, and Astan is full of evil intentions... Do you think I am still a virgin, can't you hear the truth in your words?" "His Majesty--" She rushed past him. "You are my best friend, and a better brother than Viserys. You are my Chief Queensguard, Commander-in-Chief of my armies, my most valuable advisor, my right-hand man. I respect and cherish you —but no desire for you, Jorah Mormont, I am tired of your trying to drive all the men in the world away from me, so that I must and only depend on you. It is useless, it will not make I love you more," Mormont blushed when she first spoke, but paled again when Dany had finished speaking.The exiled knight stood as motionless as a stone. "I obey Her Majesty's orders unconditionally," he said curtly and dryly. This situation between them made Dany uncomfortable. "Yes," she said, "Her Majesty 'orders' you to go immediately to command the Unsullied, sir, you have a battle to win." When he was gone, Dany sank back on the pillows, leaning against her dragon.She did not want to treat Ser Jorah so harshly, but his endless suspicions finally aroused the dragon's wrath. He will forgive me, she told herself, I am his lord.Dany found herself reflecting on his thoughts about Daario, feeling suddenly very alone.Mirri Maz Duur promised that she would not conceive again.House Targaryen will end with me.It made her sad. "You are my children," she told the three dragons, "my three brave boys. Astan says dragons live longer than men, so you will live on after I die." Drogon twisted his neck back and bit her hand.His teeth were very sharp, but he never broke her skin when he played.Dany laughed and pushed him around until he growled and his tail whipped.The tail was longer than before, she noticed, and it would be longer tomorrow.They are growing fast now, and when they are grown I shall have wings, and she may ride a dragon and lead an army into battle as she did in Astapor, but so far they are too small to bearer's weight. After midnight, silence fell over the camp.Dany stayed in the big tent with the maids, while Arstan Whitebeard and Strong Belwas stood guard.The waiting is the hardest.Her own battle was going on, but she couldn't participate in it, but sat in the tent doing nothing, which made Dany feel like a half-grown child again. Time crawled slowly like a tortoise, and even though Ji Qi rubbed her shoulders and stretched her tense muscles and bones, she still couldn't sleep.Missandei offers to sing her a lullaby to "People of Peace," but Dany shakes her head. "Get Astan," she said. When the old man came, she curled up in her hracka fur, whose stale smell reminded her of Drogo. "I can't sleep when people fight and die for me, Whitebeard," she said. "Tell me more about my brother Rhaegar if you can. I like it when you tell me how he got off A story of determination to be a warrior." "Your Majesty, you are too polite." "Viserys says our brother won many tourneys." Astan lowered his gray-haired head respectfully, "I have no right to question His Majesty's words..." "Isn't it?" Dany asked sharply. "Tell me the truth. It's an order." "Prince Rhaegar's valor is undeniable, but he seldom takes part in tournaments. He doesn't like the sound of gold and iron as much as Robert or Jaime Lannister, and only uses the sword when necessary, and it's like the world The task he was given. He was good at martial arts, for he was good at everything, which was his nature, but took no joy in fighting. They say he preferred the harp to the lance." "He must have won some tournaments," Dany said disappointedly. "When His Majesty the Crown Prince was young, he once appeared majestically in the tournament at Storm's End, defeating Lord Stephen Baratheon, Lord Jason Mallister, the Red Viper of Dorne and the later The mysterious knight who proved to be Simon Toyne, notorious bandit chieftain of the Kingswood. He broke twelve lances that day in a match with Arthur Dayne." "Then is he a champion?" "No, sire. That honor goes to a knight of the Kingsguard who unhorsed Prince Rhaegar in the final." Dany didn't want to hear how Rhaegar had been thrown from his horse. "What kind of contests has my brother won?" "Your Majesty." The old man hesitated, "He won the grandest competition." “那是哪一次?”丹妮催问。 “河安大人于神眼湖畔的赫伦堡举办的比武大会，就在错误的春天那一年。那次盛会举世瞩目。除马上长枪比武，还有按古老风俗举行的七方团体比武，以及弓箭与掷斧比赛、赛马和歌手的竞技，傀儡戏演出，外加许多宴会和娱乐。河安大人家财万贯，更兼出手大方，他宣布的丰厚奖金吸引了数百名挑战者。连您尊贵的父亲也亲临赫伦堡，而他之前已有多年未曾离开红堡。七大王国里最伟大的领主和最优秀的战士们齐聚一堂，驰骋沙场，却被龙石岛亲王抢尽了风头。” “可那次比武中，他给莱安娜·史塔克戴上了爱与美的皇后的桂冠!”丹妮道，“妻子伊莉亚公主也在场，我哥却将桂冠给了史塔克家的女孩，稍后还将她从未婚夫那儿拐走。他怎能那样做?多恩女子对他不好么?” “我这样的人无法评述您兄长心中所思，陛下。伊莉亚公主是位贤淑高贵的女士，然而身体一向脆弱。” 丹妮紧了紧肩头的狮皮。“韦赛里斯曾说都是我的错，因为我出生太晚哕。”她记得自己激烈地否认，甚至于告诉韦赛里斯，应该是他的错才对，因为他生下来不是女孩。为这侮辱，他狠揍了她一顿。“他说，如果我生得早些，雷加便可娶我，而不是伊莉亚，结果便完全不同。若雷加能从妻子那儿得到快乐，就无需追求史塔克家的女孩了。” “也许吧，陛下，”白胡子稍稍停顿片刻，“其实我不知雷加王子生来是否具有快乐的天性。” “你把他描绘得好凄惨。”丹妮抗议。 “不是凄惨，不是，但……雷加王子有一种忧郁，一种……”老人再度踌躇。 “说，”她催促，“一种……?” “……一种毁灭的感觉。他生于悲哀之中，女王陛下，一生都有阴影笼罩。” 关于雷加的出生，韦赛里斯只提过一次，也许那故事让他太过伤感。“盛夏厅的阴影始终纠缠着他，对吗?” “是的。然而盛夏厅也是王子最爱的地方，他会时而带着竖琴回到那里，不要御林铁卫的骑士跟随。他喜欢于星月之下睡在荒废的大厅，每次回来，都会写一首新歌。当你听他弹奏那把银弦古竖琴，感叹黎明、眼泪和逝去的君王时，不禁会觉得他是在歌唱自己以及自己所爱的人。” “那篡夺者呢?他也会唱伤感的歌吗?” 阿斯坦咯咯笑道，“劳勃?劳勃喜欢那些让他快乐发笑的歌，越低俗越好，而且只在喝醉时才唱，诸如'一桶麦酒'、'四十四只酒桶'或'狗熊与美少女'之类。劳勃很——” 她的龙一齐抬头咆哮。 “有人!”丹妮一下跳将起来，紧抓着狮皮。她听见壮汉贝沃斯在外面吼了些什么，接着是其他人的嗓音，还有许多马匹的嘶鸣。“伊丽，去看看谁……” 帐门突然掀开，乔拉·莫尔蒙爵土走进来，满身尘土，血迹斑斑，但除此之外并无大碍。被放逐的骑士单膝跪倒在丹妮面前，“陛下，我为您带来了胜利的消息。正如您所料，暴鸦团倒戈，奴兵渍散，次子团则喝得酩酊大醉，无法作战。我们杀了两百敌兵，大多是渊凯贵族，他们的奴隶扔下长矛逃逸，佣兵则纷纷投降。总计抓到数千名俘虏。” “损失呢?” “十来个吧……可能还不到。” 她这才允许自己微笑。“起来，我英雄出色的大熊。抓住格拉兹旦了吗?抓住泰坦私生子了吗?” “格拉兹旦回渊凯传达您的条件去了。”乔拉爵士起身，“而梅罗发觉暴鸦团倒戈后就逃了。我已派人去追，擒他应该没问题。” “很好，”丹妮说，“不管佣兵还是奴隶，欢迎加入我方。若次子团有足够多的人愿意加入，就保持其编制完整。” 第二天，他们走完通往渊凯的最后三里格路。这座城市由黄砖筑成，而非红色，但其余景象跟阿斯塔波并无二致：同样剥落碎裂的城墙，阶梯形的金字塔，巨型鹰身女妖像坐落在城门上。城墙和塔楼上挤满十字弓兵和掷石手。乔拉爵土和灰虫子布置好军队，伊丽和姬琪则撑起大帐，丹妮坐下来等待。 第三天早上，城门开了，一列奴隶缓缓走出。丹妮骑上银马前去迎候。他们经过时，弥桑黛告诉他们，应该把自由归功于“风暴降生”丹妮莉丝，不焚者，维斯特洛七大王国的女王，龙之母。 “弥莎!”一个棕色皮肤的男人朝她呼喊。他肩上举着个孩子，一个小女孩，她也用尖细的嗓音高呼着同一个词。“弥莎!弥莎!” 丹妮看看弥桑黛。“他们喊什么?” “这是吉斯卡利语，古老而纯正。意思是'母亲'。” 丹妮胸中一荡。我永远不会再怀上孩子，她记起巫魔女的话。于是她颤抖地高举双手。也许她微笑了。她一定是微笑了。因为那男人也露齿而笑，再次呼喊，其他人也跟着应和。 “弥莎!”他们叫道，“弥莎!弥莎!”他们全体向她微笑，向她伸手，向她跪拜。有人喊“梅拉”，有人喊“伊勒亚”，或“魁瑟”，或“塔托”，但不管何种语言，都是同样的意思。Mother.他们叫我母亲。 诵喝声渐渐增强，渐渐蔓延，渐渐膨胀。响亮的合声惊吓了她的坐骑，那匹母马往后退去，摇晃着脑袋，甩动着银灰色的尾巴叫，响亮的合声震撼了渊凯的黄色城墙，每一刻都有更多奴隶从城门里鱼贯而出，走过来跟着一起欢呼。此时此刻，他们都朝她奔跑，推推搡搡，磕磕绊绊，想要触碰她的手，抚摸银马的鬃毛，亲吻她的腿脚。她可怜的血盟卫无法把他们全部挡住，连壮汉贝沃斯也沮丧地嘀嘀咕咕发牢骚。 乔拉爵士催她快走，但丹妮记起不朽之殿里的景象。“他们不会伤害我，”她告诉他，“他们是我的孩子，乔拉。”她纵声大笑，后跟夹马，朝人群骑了过去，头发里铃铛叮当作响，象征甜美的胜利。她先是疾走，然后小跑，接着如风一般飞驰，任由辫子在身后飘荡。获得自由的奴隶们在她面前分开。“母亲!”百人、千人，万人一起高呼。“母亲!”他们齐齐颂唱，随她奔过，手指扫过她的腿，“母亲，母亲，母亲!”