Chapter 18: CHAPTER 18(Edited)
Me and the girls, along with the Fluffy, were led through a beautiful patch of land at the side of the city.
Arriving in a Hindu palace made of dark rock and wood, Jhollo gestured to follow inside, next he lead us into a fairly large hall with colorful details.
Eventually, a spacious oval room came into our view, as well as the man who called us, prince Jalabhar Xho.
He was seated on a leather overlaid cushion, but stood up, walking towards the entrance when he saw that we had arrived.
He extended his hand, intending for a handshake, "Greetings, my friends. I am truly sorry, for having you called without prior warning", He started apologizing, but I just grab his hand, shooking it with a nod, "No problem, your grace, I understand" I chuckled.
Who wouldn't, in his place? I got a freaky show ship docked in his city, anyone with a brain would be apprehensive about it...
He let go of my hand with a small smile, "Yes, well, just want to make sure you won't unleash your....peculiar crew upon us," He laughed, gesturing for us to sit down beside him, "My people are warriors, but we're a peaceful bunch, you see." He added, adjusting his feathered cape while taking a seat himself.
I nodded at the girls, sitting on the padded, dark wooden seat "Again, I understand," I stopped him. Most places wouldn't even let me enter their places with a basilisk, even more carrying a giant wyvern, "I too, hope for a harmonious relationship with you, and your associates", I sincerely stated my objective, looking straight at his eyes.
The prince raised his eyebrow. He was most likely expecting me to demand something absurd, arrogantly, before having to threaten me or something along those lines...
I see no reason to do so. Since what I plan to ask is not much...
I suppose.
There is the magic part. Maybe I can trade for something of equal value?
"That's good to hear, my friend," the prince sighed, sounding relieved, "So, I suspect you're here to trade and buy merchandise, is that all?" He asked me, curious about my real reasons to be here, along with the fact that my maid was probably carrying the biggest hare he had ever seen.
I looked a bit awkwardly at him, before responding, "Not exactly. While yes, I desire to take part in trading, I also wish to recruit some of your islanders to become part of my crew" I told him part of my plans, which I hoped he would help me with.
He seemed a bit surprised, but recovered quickly, "Recruit? There might be a dozen or so, that would be happy to accompany you in your journey," he pondered holding his chin, "But then again, that would depend on the path you chose to follow" He added, confusing me with the last part.
The prince seemed to take note of this, so he begin explaining it further, "Not all would follow a simple merchant you see. Some only follow those with enough determination," he paused, opening his arms wide open, "Be it for conquering, exploring, or even for the simple joy of sailing in these vast seas." he finished, taking a drink from the wooden table in our front.
Humm, wouldn't all those options be my objective, in the end?
Yes, I crave to explore all the wonders these seas have to offer. But...will I be able to do nothing faced with the harsh reality of the slave cities, for example?
How long will I be able to hold myself, when faced with the numerous sins of those corrupted bastards?
I had the strength, but I wasn't alone anymore. There are those who depend on me now.
Nass, Mei, Xue, and my crew, together with my menacing bestial force; all have put their trust in me.
So it's my responsibility to ensure they live a better life while under my wings...
I looked at the prince, before bowing my head gratefully, "I thank you, prince Jalabhar", he didn't quite understand why I thanked him but nodded nonetheless, "Is there anything else you desire to converse?" Xho asked.
This is going to be tricky, "Actually...yes. There is", I started slowly, as he looked curiously at this, "Well, is it that bad? Just remember, I can't sell you goldenheart wood" He laughed.
I shooked my head, "While it would be nice to have a goldenheart bow, that's not what I'm looking to ask of you," he stopped laughing, and gestured for me to go on, "I would like to know if your people have knowledge regarding anything related to magic, or as some like to call it, sorcery." At the end of my sentence, Xho narrowed his eyes, and his demeanor became heavier.
"And what if we do, what then," his voice deepened, "What would you do with it?" he further enquired.
The half a dozen of guards standing at the door frames tightening their spears.
That seemed to alert Mei, as she grabbed the little girl's hand sitting at her side, all while carrying the big hare that wished to accompany us.
Only Nass was oblivious to this, as she was currently stuffing her cheeks with the snacks presented to us by the table.
I have to teach her manners...
My head turned, and I gave a reassuring smile to my maid, before turning back to the mansion's host, "I have no plan of using it for evil purposes. Of that, I promise you" I firmly stated with an equal look.
He observed me for a while. The only sound that was heard in the room was Nass's eating clatter, along with the ruffle and cries of flying parrots by the outside garden.
After what seemed an eternity, but was actually 3 minutes of us staring at each other, the prince finally gave up, "Very well. I'll see to it," he sighed, signaling for the guards to leave, "But, for now, come, let us eat, and enjoy the rest of the morning. I ensure you, there is much for you and your companions to see." He stands up smiling, gesturing for us to follow him.
I nodded at the girls on my side, before standing up as well, followed by them.
"Well, why not. We haven't had breakfast yet." I turned back, just to see Nass nodding excitedly. excited
She just ate a table full of snacks. At least Xho didn't seem to mind it...
The current ruler of the vale smiled widely, showing his pearl white teeth, "Wonderful! You're going to fall in love with master Kibjah dishes. She's the best when it comes to Summer Isle's cuisine", he happily stated while leading us ahead, " Just remember to let your...big companion close. She can become a bit too eager when seeing a new type of...ingredient, if you know what I meant" he chuckled, glancing at the now terrified furr ball, who seemed to have understood him.
I glanced at the trembling pillow with a teasing smirk, "Well, who knows. If she turns out to be that good, I might even let her do something with "it", you know" I laughed, making him laugh harder alongside me.
Well, that went better than expected.
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[Varys POV]
The Basilisk Isles were destroyed...
No one knows how it happened, one day it was there, then it wasn't.
I had no way of knowing it earlier either.
My little birds can only reach so far...
But now, the criminals in the sea are quieter, most are afraid of what could have happened if they were close to it, when all was put to the ground.
Many claims that it was the sea's fury or god's punishment. Others that a mysterious force, originating from deep within the jungles of the continent ravaged the pirates' settlements, due to their continuous disrespect towards the shore isles.
Whatever it was, it demolished the scum settling there...
Curiously, the slaves were spared and freed, and so, they took the remaining ships and returned from which they were taken.
And that's where things get more puzzling. given
For when asked what exactly happened in those isles, the only response they had shared was that "The Saviour" had rescued them. Liberating the caged from their captivity, and bringing justice upon its foes with his powerful sorcery...
I have never been a sympathizer of sorcerers.
But I also never seen one so dedicated to saving the oppressed. Since, in my experience, those with power would usually disregard the lives of those 'bellow' him, only caring for their selfish goals...
Unfortunately, I can't give more attention to this.
The brewing tension in the Iron Islands is of more importance to me, at the moment.
The Kraken is moving, and who knows what he's planning...
"Lord Varys," My thoughts were interrupted by a tired and aged voice, "My lord Hand" I bowed to the man, the man deserved this much for taking the full weight of the king's disregard for public order.
John Arryn seemed to regret taking the hand's post, but remained still, as his duty commanded, "Any news regarding the Targaryen children's whereabouts?" he slowly asked.
I already lost count of how many times I was asked this same question, but I responded diligently regardless of it, "My little birds sing rumors of them still hiding, somewhere in the free cities, my lord" I lied smoothly.
They mustn't know.
It is not yet time for the dragon seed to show itself. It is too soon...
The hand's wrinkled forehead frowned slightly, "Humm, still nothing I see. When you locate their whereabouts, report to me first, don't tell the king. Understood?" He ordered, to which I gave a firm bow of my head.
His back turned, and he began to pace away, "Good. Now come, the king is hosting another tourney, and only the Seven knows who's coming with a dagger in hand, as a gift for his grace" He sighed tiredly, leaving me to myself.
Yes, I can see it happening. There are many who still anoint his grace as 'The Ursurper' after all...
"Of course, my lord, let's." I paced myself behind him, clutching my sleeves tightly.
This kingdom needs a worthy ruler. And hopefully, little Aegon can grow up to be him...
But that's still stored for the future.
For now, I'll continue along with my act. Until the day, when the realm plights a different kind of ruler, comes...
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