"So that's what happened..." Corlys leaned back in his chair, covering his face with both arms as regret washed over his heart. "Who would have thought... Saera of all people..."
"Yes, I didn't expect it either. But while waiting for me to die, someone called her Saera Targaryen. I'm not aware of the identity of that woman. Her face was covered by a veil... However, she had red eyes, like that of blood." Zalarys spoke with a nod, staring at the horizon bleakly, with no particular emotion noticeable on his face, as if he was still lost in his own thoughts.
"Why did you let her escape? With Murghagon, I'm sure you would be capable of killing a mere assassin, my prince." Nick asked, sitting on top of a chest and leaning against the wall.
"I did not. After my body neutralised the poison, I went after them. However, she was gone. It was as if she had vanished without a trace." Zalarys furrowed his brow, thinking about that stranger who had helped Saera.
"I'm still not sure of her intentions... Why she helped Saera, and what she could have gained from stealing my dragon. Nevertheless, they failed. She is nowhere to be found and Saera is dead. Dwelling on it is useless now. We simply lack the information needed to make any reasonable deduction." He stood up and walked back, pouring wine into his cup and gulping it down.
"What about those chests?" Corlys asked, opening one of them, his hand sinking into the gold and silver and the many beautiful jewels within, rubies and sapphires gleaming among the rest.
"Those belonged to Saera."
"I know, but how did you obtain them?" Corlys raised an eyebrow at him curiously.
"Hmm... I paid a visit to the First Magister, respectfully of course, and explained everything. After our discussion, I demanded, as the victor, to take everything Saera possessed. Sure, it wasn't really a battle of swords, but at the very least it was one of wits. So he accepted, mostly to avoid provoking me."
He smiled faintly, glancing at his dragon, slithering in the water with his centipede-like body and following the ship. "Murghagon can be quite persuasive, I suppose."
"I see..." Nick nodded, understanding the situation. It wasn't that hard to imagine the conclave of magisters giving the prince what he desired. After all, Zalarys was a dragonlord, and displeasing him was a risky endeavour. And besides, why wouldn't they agree to the prince's demand? Why would they anger a prince for a single whore? It was a conflict between Targaryens anyway.
But what Nick couldn't understand was something else entirely. Something that had been gnawing at him to no end. "My Prince... I taught you the poison arts myself. It makes no sense that you would fail to recognise Nightshade. If not by sight, then surely by scent and taste. So what happened..."
Zalarys fell into silence, looking down and avoiding his gaze.
He was correct. Right from the start, when he met her, he had recognised that twisted venom. It was the black flower in the garden which she had been staring at. That's why he had been wearing a complicated expression back then, why he had hesitated and perhaps why he had approached her as well.
He had been curious when he saw Nightshade in Lys, a poisonous flower that grew only in Oldtown, blooming in a single garden under the maesters' care. You couldn't find it anywhere else in Westeros, or perhaps even in western Essos. And the only reason he knew about it was because of Nick, since he had been studying it in the Citadel. He taught Zalarys about it and even brought some of his own to King's Landing for further research which Zalarys eventually consumed, angering his teacher to the point that he was kicked out of his chambers for a week.
That was why Zalarys was so intrigued, because the flower was that rare and difficult to obtain.
Zalarys himself was curious about its origin, of course, wondering where it came from. He had always thought it came from the Shadow Lands. There wasn't any specific reason for that, though, it was simply because the name seemed to fit the Shadow Lands.
But the real reason he approached her wasn't just that. It was something else entirely, something quite painful to admit, but well... He had been charmed. He would be lying if he said Saera wasn't beautiful, she was. She was captivating and frankly, too alluring. That's why even when he knew about the poison, even when he drank it from her cup, he didn't stop, leave or kill her. He just continued having sex with her.
To put it simply, it was because he was thinking with his dick instead of his head.
That's how pretty she was... He sneered at the thought, his expression souring as he scowled and spat with venom.
At the same time, he involuntarily began thinking about more beautiful and stunning girls to avoid thinking about her but he was having a hard time.
However there was one he could recall without effort. It wasn't even a question of whether others existed who were fairer than Saera. It was simply that only one person came to mind at the thought of beauty, as if she was the very definition of the word.
A girl with white-gold hair, dazzling and lustrous, reflecting the light like the silver moon. Exquisite and lovely, like a matchless doll, her deathly pale skin with no imperfection, disturbing yet glamorous, mesmerising everyone with her burning amethyst pupils, glowing with incandescent luminosity as if the stars themselves were trapped behind them.
Zalarys doubted there was anyone as breathtaking as her. As if she didn't belong to this world at all. As if she were some otherworldly creature, or perhaps a dream...
"My prince?"
Nick's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He glanced at his teacher, who was giving him an impatient, bewildered look.
"You don't need to know. I was just curious about something." He said with a shrug, shaking his head and ending the conversation, not in the mood to talk about Saera.
Instead, he looked at the sea, narrowing his eyes as sunlight hit him, making them burn, and raised his hand to cast a shadow over them, noticing a dark dot in the sea.
"I am finally here..." His lips curled as he glanced at Corlys. "Looks like we have reached Volantis."
Corlys nodded deeply, standing up and patting his shoulder. "Don't be so distressed... Kinslaying is..."
He paused, his expression complicated, and added. "As loathsome as the name is, you did what you had to do, my Prince."
Zalarys nodded, his earlier enthusiasm fading away as he exhaled. "I know..."
"Well, let's not be so gloomy." Nick laughed, jumping to his feet. "Now we're in Volantis. We can find new women for you here, my prince."
He grinned but then froze, adding with a cough. "One who preferably won't try to kill you..."
Zalarys grimaced, shaking his head and shuddered, feeling chills crawling up his spine as a dreadful premonition washed over him. "Hell no. I'm not touching whores anymore. I will just continue travelling and achieve my goal. Women were nothing but a distraction that almost cost me my life. The only reason I'm here is because she thought poison was enough..."
He lamented in his mind at the same time. He was right, thinking with his dick brought him nothing but trouble.
"So no, even if the Seven damned hells freeze, I won't approach a brothel anymore. No, fuck that! I won't even approach women! If any cross my path with ill intent, I will simply slit their throats and be done with it."
He covered his face with a scowl.
"At least a man is more simple and straightforward. You know when a fucking cunt is going to kill you, while a woman will use her allure and sweet words, lead you into bed and poison you... So no, if I'm going to choose my poison, I choose to face a beast or a man rather than a woman..."
Nick regarded him with an understanding smile, dimples forming as he nodded with a knowing look. "It is fine, my Prince. I will not judge you..."
Zalarys tilted his head with a furrowed brow, his eye twitching in irritation. "What in the Seven Hells is that supposed to mean?"
"It means... how should I put this..." Nick held his chin, thinking, and finally arrived at suitable words. "That you prefer the stick to the peach...?"
"Accurate description, Maester Nickolas." Corlys nodded from behind, a wry smile dancing on his lips as he stood up and left, followed by Nick.
"Hey! Come back! What does that even mean!? Answer me!"
____________________________
Ugh... At least I am finally here. Zalarys thought as he stepped off the ship, staring at the city with fresh resolve. But it wasn't simply because of a new place. Volantis was special because here he might find his master, if Hihkran hadn't already left for Sothoryos.
But first, he needed to find Hunters... Wait, how am I supposed to find them? Master, I'm deeply grateful for your praises but a map and location would be even more appreciated...
He sighed, having no idea where to start, and decided to look around the city. And yhe first thing he laid his eyes upon was the brothel in the port.
Staring at it, his lips trembled as he forced a smile onto his face, his left eye twitching steadily.
"My prince, don't go too far." Corlys reminded him from behind, whispering in his ear.
Not because he was a prince, though. Lyseni bore characteristics vastly similar to Targaryens, nearly identical really, so blending into the Free Cities wasn't that difficult. Mistaking one for the other was easy. Here in Volantis too there were many with the blood of Old Valyria, known as the Old Blood.
That was why Zalarys felt relatively at ease. Even if someone recognised him as a prince, and even if Murghagon revealed himself, it wouldn't be dangerous. On the contrary, a dragonlord visiting the city would be considered a great honour.
No, the real reason to conceal his identity was spies. Corlys had explained that his family would send them across the Narrow Sea and the Free Cities to search for him.
And if word reached them that Zalarys was in Volantis, he would shortly be facing his parents and their dragons, which was the last thing he wanted.
"I know... I'll be careful." He nodded, pulling his hood over his face.
"Be vigilant. Don't forget your dragon was seen in Lys. And trust me, your family already knows about it." He paused, hesitated for a moment, and then let out a long sigh.
"Including the fact that you killed Saera Targaryen. From what I know, Queen Alysanne never truly gave up on her daughter. She kept watch over her, secretly sending letters. I'm certain your entire family now knows you're a kinslayer. Murghagon revealing himself in Lys all but confirmed your identity. I wanted to keep it hidden, to prevent the realm from learning what you did, but it is impossible, my boy. If not through the queen's people, they would hear of it from the magisters of Lys. For that, I'm sorry. All we can do now is to stay cautious and avoid repeating the same mistakes."
"Yes, I am aware of the complicated situation my carelessness has created. My apologies, my lord... As for the Magister, don't worry. Under my instructions, he will send a letter to my grandfather explaining what happened, if he has no other choice. We reached that agreement. He also knows I intend to reach Sothoryos. But he will not mention you. The only thing he will say is that you followed me after learning what happened in Lys. So even if they come to Volantis, Murghagon and I will hide, while you claim to be pursuing me. That will strengthen your story and remove any suspicion that we are working together."
"How did you manage that..." Corlys licked his lips, an eyebrow raised.
"Because their whores tried to kill me. Don't you think that's quite an offense? One that cannot be salvaged with a few chests of gold? So I made my intentions clear. If he does something foolish, Lys will become nothing but ruins..."
"I see... Not a bad plan. Our blood has produced many madmen, extremists who crossed even the final line, like Maegor. And at one point, people even called you the second coming of Maegor. That will make him hesitate. After all, a lunatic with a dragon is a hundred times more dangerous than the entire Targaryen dynasty..." He stroked his chin, nodding.
"Yes, that was the purpose of my visit as well. Pressure from my family may eventually force him to sell me out, but it will buy us enough time to leave. Besides, he doesn't know that we're here in Volantis. He only knows about Sothoryos, which my parents already expect. That means they will ignore Volantis and go straight there, while we remain here. And to be safe, we'll sail around the Summer Isles to avoid them and conceal our route..."
Zalarys inhaled the cold air coming off the sea, the smell of salt hitting his nose as he scanned his surroundings.
"Enough of that. I want something, my lord." He said, his face carrying the particular pained look of someone who disliked acknowledging their own limits. But he had to be pragmatic. "I think I need a guard."
He said it with a sigh. Zalarys wasn't especially proud by royal standards, but he was proud nonetheless. He didn't want to admit that he was incapable of protecting himself, that he was still growing. But it had to be done. It was necessary to root out useless pride that would get him nowhere. Still, he knew it wasn't that simple. His whole life, he had lived as a prince, a Targaryen at that, as if he wax standing above everyone else. But luckily, his first hunt had taught him that he was the same as anyone else, nothing more than a bleeding mortal, yet old habits died hard.
Corlys raised an eyebrow at that, his stern expression gradually softening as a warm smile formed on his face and ruffled his hair. "There's nothing to be ashamed of. It's good that you understand how easy it is for a grown man to defeat you since you're still growing. I will give you one of my sailors to-"
"No, not a sailor. They still need to take care of the ship, and I'm sure none of them would be delighted to follow me around like a shadow..." He paused, staring at his own shadow, a small smile appearing on his face.
"What I need is a real shadow, I guess..."
One who would be cast by him...
Corlys didn't fully comprehend his cryptic words but still nodded, stroking his beard. "Fine, do as you wish but remain vigilant. And lastly, if anything happens, call Murghagon without hesitation."
"Understood. Murghagon will be following me from the waters." He nodded and walked away from the SeaSnake, venturing deeper into the city and when he completely disappeared, he turned left and walked straight into the heart of the city.
Hmm... Guard, guard... Who's suitable, who... It's a difficult thing to find a guard, I suppose... Strength is one thing, easier to find but loyalty is another matter entirely...
He thought, buying fruits from the man and taking a bite with a lazy look but soon, he came to a halt, staring at the people in chains, their faces bleak and empty, as if life was sucked out from them, leaving them lost and hollow like puppets, only moving when the marionettist decides.
They were pitiful, truly, but... They weren't weak. In fact, each of them seemed powerful and seasoned fighters.
Leaning towards the old man who sold him fruits, he cleared his throat and asked, "Who are they and where are they taken?"
The old man gave him a confused look, but soon realised he was new to Volantis, chuckling pleasantly, his voice warm and amused. "Can't you see the marks on their backs?"
Zalarys nodded, staring at the tattoo of the black skull on the back of every slave. "What about them?"
"Every slave is marked in Volantis based on their status. For example, a single tear is for whores, a wheel is for drivers, flies for those who collect elephants and horse shit and so on. As for the skull... It means they're fighting in the arena, never knowing freedom but only death."
Gladiators... Zalarys nodded in understanding but at the same time, thought about his original plan.
Now let's not be quick... Sure, gladiators can be called one of the most experienced, or perhaps the most experienced of fighters, knowing only how to fight and kill but that doesn't mean they're suitable for being my guard... Nor can I be certain they're loyal but...
I can give it a try, right?
"Hey, old man, when will the fight start?" He asked, wiping the juice from his face with the back of his hand, chewing the fruit.
"Today, it's already beginning. That's why they're taking them to the arena. The Old Blood will show their finest slaves."
"Hmm... I see, so nobility of Volantis." He nodded to himself, and left.
He crossed the gargantuan bridge first. It was called the Long Bridge and was wide enough for two carts to pass freely but what intrigued Zalarys was the numerous hands and heads at the centre of the bridge.
Hmm... Must be of criminals. He nodded to himself and continued walking, approaching the massive gateway, which was the arch of black stone with statues of sphinxes, manticores, dragons, and other beasts. He wasn't really sure but it resembled Dragonstone...
No, no... it isn't. Fused dragonstone makes up only the towering walls of Volantis. It's not like Dragonstone is easy to find after the destruction of old Valyria.
He thought to himself and ventured deeper but soon, he was stopped.
Looking up, he saw two men not letting him go inside. Zalarys frowned, observing tiger stripes, green as jade, across the cheeks and understood they were slave soldiers.
Why are they... Seven hells, I forgot walking around here means you're lowborn, that's why those people are moving around with horses and elephants... Want to hunt one... Wait, wait, focus...
"He's with me, let him go..."
A young woman on a horse spoke calmly, ordering slaves to back off.
Turning around, Zalarys was about to thank her, but what he saw made his blood run cold, his eyes widening in disbelief and then narrowing in concern.
Because it was a woman covered in sand-coloured robes, veil covering her face and only her scarlet eyes were visible.
What's she doing... Here...