NOVEL NEXT Chapter 13: Chapter 13: Free City
The wheelhouse was massive. I had never seen a wheelhouse before but it was clear that they shouldn't be as massive as the monstrosity before me.
It was so large it needed to be pulled by eight equally massive draft horses.
The inside was full of plush pillows stuffed with goose down and the purple velvet drapes promised shade in the hot air.
The servants, the ones with collars around their necks, told me that should I be wanting for anything, I shall receive. I didn't think I would be wanting anything though.
Inside were wines of all colours and flavours, sweets and meats and pastries. I certainly wouldn't be hungry should I decide to ride in the carriage.
I refused, however, much to the surprise of my party and the people sent to retrieve me.
The person in charge of the train was shocked and demanded my reasoning, as if my refusal was insulting... it probably was.
"Septa Lemore and Haldon can. Rolly and Griff, too, if they wish. I, however, will ride atop a horse," I explained.
That was something I needed to learn. Riding was important in this world and being on a boat didn't provide me with much in the way of learning opportunities.
Besides, I always wanted to ride a horse.
"Are you sure?" Septa Lemore asked, stopping at the top of the steeps steps leading in. "It's cosy and I'm sure Illyrio has brought the candied gingers you like."
I put on my most charming smile – and Young Griff did have a sweet smile – before saying, "I'm sure they're lovely, lady septa. But I'm just not feeling it right now. I desire to ride a horse. Like many things, I'm afraid it's another thing I need to relearn. The ride to Pentos is long so I'm sure I'll get a bit of practise, and hopefully not embarrass any of you."
The septa laughed. "Then do. I'll just make sure the ginger is left alone. I know how you don't like people touching it." Lemore winked before heading inside.
"Are you sure, lad?" Older Griff asked, taking me to the side. "I mean, you should—"
"There are many things I should do, father," I interrupted. "Riding in a wheelhouse is not one of them. I may be... you know, but I will not put myself in luxury. It is my role to lead the people, to be the very best I can be. Riding in a vehicle of decadence won't do that." Then my voice softened.
"I need to know how to ride. Will you teach me?"
"That's why I'm here." He smiled ever-so-slightly. Jon Connington wasn't a natural smiler, and it showed. But that made it all the more genuine when he did so.
So we rode towards Pentos and my fork-bearded backer. It was a long journey through the Velvet Hills and the vast plains situated in the region known as the Flatlands which was made up of vast estates similar to those of ancient Rome.
Armies of workers tended those fields. Slavery was illegal in Pentos, supposedly, but I wagered they were slaves in all but name.
It certainly looked like it with the various riders out on patrol, with bows and spears at the ready should one of these indentured "workers" decide to leave early.
Most of the days were spent learning what boys much younger than me could already do naturally.
It was fortunate that I'd been given a splendid black mare with a sweet temper. She was gentle and I wouldn't be wrong to say I instantly felt attached to the magnificent creature.
Under Jon's tutelage I gained the skill of horse-riding. Nothing complicated, of course.
I could sit in the saddle and ride without falling over. On the third day I concluded it was thanks to the horse rather than myself.
It was like the mare knew exactly what I wanted it to do and responded naturally to the most gentle of instructions. I couldn't be more thankful.
I didn't spend all days outside, however. I was ordered inside the carriage for the lessons with Haldon and Septa Lemore.
It was comfier than the Shy Maid with the ride being so smooth that it was like floating atop a cloud, if that cloud was stuffed full of various snacks and treats which I found myself snacking on despite my earlier objections.
We were also making good pace, which helped that the Old Valyrian roads were as straight as a lance and wide enough for three carriages to pass abreast.
It put the Roman roads to shame, but then again, the Romans didn't have access to magic nor dragons.
Eventually, as the sun was rising from the east, the walls of Pentos came into view.
I was riding atop horse I'd named "Shadowmare" for when it comes to names I'm very creative.
The first thing of the first proper Free City I saw was the massive high walls and the square brick towers. Behind I could see buildings and just wondered how big the city inside would be.
Haldon claimed that the city held more than a quarter of a million inhabitants, which was absolutely massive in the medieval period.
"So what is Pentos like?" I asked Jon who was riding alongside me.
Compared to blistering heat of the Rhoyne, the day was cool and I was dressed in a thin tunic and trousers, not the clothes Illyrio had given me.
My financier would have certainly wanted me looking my best and I supposed in a past life, Young Griff would have humoured him.
But not me. I was unsure about meeting the Pentoshi Magister. He could be truthful with helping Rhaegar's son and heir, or he has tricked me and everyone else to put his son/kin/puppet on the throne.
Either way, I was going to find the truth one way or another.
"It is a Free City!" Was Old Griff's response, sounding unbelievably bitter. He, too, was eager to see Illyrio, mostly because I planted the seeds of doubt of my own legitimacy in his mind.