XLIII
A/n ~ So I realise in my haste to continue this book I forgot that Cregan was a young lad, and accidentally made him Maekar's age with children of his own. Oops.
Maekar sat in the comfort of his study, surrounded by ancient tomes and scrolls that held the secrets of his family's history. As he poured over the pages, his mind lost in the depths of the past, a soft knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. He looked up to see Evelyn, his daughter-in-law, standing there, cradling their three-month-old grandson, Viserys, in her arms.
Evelyn approached Maekar with a gentle smile, her eyes filled with warmth and understanding. She spoke softly, her voice filled with tenderness. "Father, may I have a moment with you?"
Maekar closed the book before him, curiosity piqued by the earnestness in Evelyn's voice. "Of course, Evelyn. What is it that you wish to discuss?"
Evelyn carefully settled Viserys on Maekar's lap, sensing the need for closeness and connection. As the little babe cooed and gurgled, Evelyn took a seat beside Maekar, her gaze fixed on him with sincerity. "Baelon spoke to me about a deal you made with a witch in your youth. He told me the story."
Maekar's eyes widened in surprise, a mix of emotions flickering across his face. He had long kept that secret buried deep within his heart, a choice made in a time of desperation and uncertainty. Yet, there was no trace of judgment or resentment in Evelyn's eyes, only understanding.
Taking a deep breath, Evelyn continued, her voice gentle and compassionate. "I want you to know, father, that I hold no resentment towards you for the choices you made. We all have our burdens and regrets. What matters is how we carry them, how we grow from them."
Maekar's heart swelled with gratitude for Evelyn's empathy and grace. He looked down at Viserys, the innocent babe who represented a new beginning, a chance to rewrite the legacy of their family. "Thank you, Evelyn. Your understanding means more to me than words can express. I only wish to protect our family and ensure a better future for them."
Evelyn reached out and gently clasped Maekar's hand, offering him comfort and support. "We are in this together, father. We will face whatever trials come our way as a united front. Our love and resilience will guide us through."
—————
Moira rode atop her magnificent she-dragon, Ryoko, her senses sharpened from days of relentless travel. The wind whipped through her hair as they soared above the vast expanse of the Dothraki Sea, the sun setting on the horizon. Vaes Dothrak, the city of the horse lords, loomed closer with each passing heartbeat.
As they descended upon the city, Moira's gaze scanned the surroundings, her instincts ever vigilant. She remembered the words from her father, that he had sent a stern warning to rival Khals, threatening them with the might of his 70,000-strong khalasar should any harm befall her. It was a message of protection, a reminder that her safety was not to be taken lightly.
Khal Varro, a formidable figure, awaited her at the city gates, surrounded by his khalasar. The hunger in their eyes did not escape Moira's notice. She could sense the tension in the air, the unspoken threat that lingered beneath the surface. She knew all too well the treacherous nature of these lands, where alliances could crumble in an instant.
A/n ~ Acknowledge the Head of the Table, the Tribal Chief, in God Mode Himself, the greatest performance in the history of Roman Reigns' career, the most violent, the most diabolical, the most dangerous, a beast slayer, a conquerors conqueror, the GOAT of all GOATs ☝🏼☝🏼☝🏼
Moira dismounted from Ryoko gracefully, her eyes fixed steadily upon Khal Varro. She could see the lie that danced within his gaze, masked by false assurances. With a calm yet unwavering demeanor, she spoke, her voice carrying an undercurrent of determination. "Khal Varro, I appreciate your hospitality and the assurance of my safety within your city."
Khal Varro's face betrayed a flicker of surprise at Moira's perceptiveness, but he quickly regained his composure. "Lady Moira, you need not worry. No harm shall befall you while you reside within the walls of Vaes Dothrak. We respect the sanctity of this place."
Moira's lips curved into a polite smile, her eyes never leaving Khal Varro's gaze. She knew better than to let her guard down, even in the supposed safety of the city. "Thank you for your words, Khal Varro. I shall trust in your honor as a leader of the Dothraki."
With that, Moira inclined her head respectfully, a subtle sign of gratitude. She turned to Ryoko, patting the dragon's scaled neck affectionately. "Rest well, Ryoko. We have arrived at our destination, for now."
As Moira made her way into the city, she carried with her the weight of caution and the knowledge that she must navigate the treacherous waters of politics and power. While she couldn't draw her sword within the city's boundaries, her mind remained sharp, ready to face any challenge that may lie ahead. In this unfamiliar territory, she relied on her wit, and the strength of her own spirit to ensure her survival and protect the interests she held dear.
Khal Varro led Moira through the bustling streets of Vaes Dothrak, the sound of hoofbeats and distant conversations filling the air. The city's energy pulsed around them, a vibrant tapestry of Dothraki culture and tradition. As they walked, Moira's mind was consumed by one pressing question, a matter that had plagued her thoughts for years.
Finally, they arrived at a modest hut, tucked away from the main thoroughfares. Khal Varro gestured for Moira to enter, his expression guarded yet curious. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of incense, the flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows on the walls.
Moira turned to face Khal Varro, her eyes narrowing with determination. "Khal Varro, I seek information regarding the witch my father made a deal with years ago. The consequences of that pact have haunted me ever since. I need to know more."
Khal Varro's face tightened, a flicker of regret crossing his features. He remembered the counsel of Maekar's Blood Riders, urging caution and restraint when dealing with the witch. But Maekar's pride had gotten the better of him, leading him to proceed against their advice.
"I remember it well, Lady Moira," Khal Varro replied, his voice laced with a tinge of remorse. "Maekar's Blood Riders warned him against it, but he chose to overlook their counsel. It was a decision I have come to regret."
Moira's eyes held a mixture of sadness and determination. "Tell me, Khal Varro, where is this witch from? Where can I find her?"
Khal Varro hesitated for a moment, his gaze drifting to the floor before meeting Moira's unwavering stare. "She hails from Jinqi, a city of Yi-Ti along the delta of the Jade Sea. It is a land far away, shrouded in mystery and ancient traditions."
Moira absorbed the information, her mind already formulating a plan. "And how can I gain entry into Jinqi? What must I do?"
Khal Varro's voice held a note of caution as he spoke. "To enter Jinqi, you must do so on horseback, not on dragonback. The Grand-Emperor demands respect for their customs. Additionally, you must pay a substantial sum as tribute to the Grand-Emperor to pass through the gates of the city."
Moira nodded, her resolve deepening. She understood the challenges that lay ahead, the hurdles she must overcome to unravel the mysteries of her father's ill-fated deal. "Thank you, Khal Varro. Your insights are invaluable to me. I shall tread carefully and honor their customs as I journey to Jinqi."
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