Game of Thrones: King of Magic

Solomon. Braavos.

Positioned against one of the walls of the hall, our group split up slightly. Lina made a gesture with her hand, and the two priestesses who had come with us, seeing it, went away. At the same time, I decided to study a bit of what was going on.

The banquet was buffet style, which was quite unusual. Winterfell used a long corner table, which was typical of the current era, and had a special seating system. In it, the most important people were seated in the center, and the less important the person, the farther away they were seated.

I suppose it was because Braavos and the Free Cities had once been under Valyria's control, and the tradition of banquets had been passed down from there.

Looking around, I noticed that Lina and I had attracted everyone's attention. Some were staring openly at our duo and whispering with others, but most were just cautiously watching us with their side-eye.

For the most part, the center of their attention was me, not Lina. Her whole appearance was that of an obedient servant, ready to satisfy her master's every whim at a moment's notice. And she was the High Priestess of the Red Temple, which is common knowledge.

The guests also noticed the capes that she and the priestesses wore. And because of this, they had a certain apprehension and caution, which came down to the fact that no one approached us, as they were waiting for the others to move. They didn't know who I was, but Lina's capes and demeanor definitely told them that commoner I was not.

In all the pile of stares I received, only one stood out in particular. It belonged to an attractive woman with memorably bright green, emerald-like eyes. And in it I could clearly read only two emotions - desire and interest. And extremely strong. 

I wondered what caused it. This was the first time we met, and I would definitely remember someone like her. Though, I could feel a tiny amount of magic in her body. So much so that John would have looked like a titan from the myths of ancient Greece compared to her.

On the same side where the woman was standing, Velano was walking toward us, accompanied by the familiar Matiris. And, judging by his face, he was, to some extent, pleased to see me.

- Greetings, Mistress Lina. You are still as refined and beautiful as ever since we last met. I wish that had never changed," he began, turning to her at once and pretending we hadn't met. A good move, I suppose.

The humility on Lina's face was quickly replaced by a teasing and amused smile. She gave Velano a demonstrative look from head to toe, and then giggled.

- For the Lord of Light's sake, the boy has grown into an attractive young man. Perhaps I should reconsider your offer, Mr. Velano. - Lina murmured, to which he sighed tiredly and shook his head, and Matiris smiled ironically.

- And you still like to remind me of my childhood mistakes.

- Why mistakes? You're not the first to wish the same thing, but you're the first to say it to my face.

Inwardly, I raised an eyebrow.

How interesting. They did have a history, and as I see it, it is known to everyone. None of the guests expressed the slightest bit of surprise at the way they were interacting.

- ...Let's skip this moment," Velano muttered, then turned to me, "Velano Antarion, eldest son and deputy to the current Sea Lord. Judging by the behavior of High Priestess Lina, you are someone of importance to the Red Temple. Who are you, my lord?

- Solomon. Just Solomon. Pleased to meet you, Mr. Velano," I said and bowed respectfully, "This is my first visit to such an event. And as for your question, you're right. In anticipation of your next question, it just happened.

My answer does not give, in fact, any information. But it is enough to understand what the attendees are dealing with. They can get more precise information either covertly or from my mouth. And this disposes to start a conversation. My tone also made it clear that a dialog with me was possible. They will want to talk to me, and so will I to them. Velano had made the first move, which meant he'd given the go-ahead to someone brave enough to make contact with me.

- I see," he nodded, "In that case, enjoy the banquet. The organizer and owner of this place still hasn't arrived. So you have time to get to know the others. Braavos is a hospitable city. As long as you obey the laws. And now, may I bid farewell, Mr. Solomon, Mistress Lina.

After saying goodbye, Velano stepped aside and let the others take their turn.

He articulated his words very well. Velano backed up his authority by mentioning adherence to the law. He made it clear that everyone was equal before the law, even the Red Temple. And also, Velano indirectly pointed out that I was new to this city, which, to some extent, untied the hands of those present.

After he left, there was a lull again, though not the same as before Velano. The whispers between the guests became more intense. I suppose someone will be coming to us soon enough.

And while that wasn't happening, I decided to have a little talk with Lina about the woman whose gaze intrigued me. I would see Tarmo and Velano's brother anyway, based on the information I'd gotten, so there was no point in asking about them. Bye.

- Lina, what can you tell me about her? - I asked, without specifying about whom. However, Lina understood everything perfectly well.

- Oh, did you notice that look too? Reminds me of a predator, doesn't it? - Kirana Satrion, a large merchant who owns a street of artisans. To say she's rich is to say nothing. In fact, nothing much, except for one thing.

- Just one thing? - I raised an eyebrow.

- She's very interested in magic, which is common knowledge and quite acceptable. Really, not as much as it actually is. Even to us, who are generally considered fanatics, she is one herself. I recall Kirana changing several faiths, including our own.

- How strange. Can one leave the Red Faith?

- Of course," Lina said in a resentful tone, pouting her lips, "We've always been in favor of believing in the Lord of Light. If the novices who have just embarked on this path realize that they do not fit our vision of the world, our actions, or the Lord of Light himself, they are free to leave. What is the point of faith if it doesn't come from the heart?

- That's... pretty modern," I nodded to myself, then added humorously, "I wouldn't expect that from fanatics.

- You flatter us," Lina chuckled, "But back on topic, Kirana is quite an interesting woman. She wasn't interested in any particular kind of magic, but in its very presence. As you know, every temple like ours has a library or its equivalent, and Kirana would linger there for very long periods of time, sometimes forgetting her trading activities. Books, scrolls, manuscripts. She absorbed information from all of it. And at an alarming rate. Our temple, the Weeping Mistress' temple, the Lion of Night and so on. But nothing more than that, just studying, which I find a bit odd.

How interesting. This woman's desire for knowledge is astounding. On the other hand, perhaps she knows she has magic, albeit a small amount of it, and is trying to learn all she can. But in that case, she should have been practicing, which I understand hasn't happened. After all, that's something Lina would definitely have noticed. What was her goal?

But, it's worth returning to the conversation. Or rather, the part I'm interested in.

- Hmm... And you don't forbid it? The library may contain texts that are not meant for the eyes of someone like the novices, or am I wrong? When I've done that in the temple, I've had a fairly small number of people catch my eye.

- Oh, such texts are indeed present, but they are elsewhere and under the care of the High Priestess of the local temple. I brought them to you myself, didn't I? - Lina smiled, "And as for your question, we always welcome the desire to learn. Without compulsion, of course. And if someone is not literate but has the desire, we teach them. In the end, those who learn increase their value, and we use them in the areas where they will be most useful to the Lord of Light.

- Not bad. Rational use of resources," I nodded, "And burning?

- Unless it's voluntary, or an unforgivable sin has been committed. But getting back to Kirana's point, once she'd learned all she could in Braavos, Kirana started buying up manuscripts like this from all over the world. It wasn't hard, since after the fall of Valyria, it was Braavos that became the largest point of contact between Westeros and Essos. Honestly, thinking back to her time in our temple, I don't even want to know how extensive her collection on magic is now.

- Hmmm... Is that it?

- I seem to have forgotten something... - she mumbled thoughtfully - Ah, yes. Twenty years ago, when she was only sixteen, Kirana gave birth to a child, and no one still knows the name or appearance of the father. But as I recall, the child was born dead. Now, as then, she was officially single. That's it now.

"Dead"? I suppose it's not uncommon in this era. The level of medicine can't promise something like this with any certainty. Medicines and sterility are still difficult for people of this time.

That said, I still don't understand why I deserve such a look. My looks alone couldn't be the only reason. There was something else.

And while I was distracted by my thoughts, without my noticing, someone approached our duo.

- It's rather rude to discuss someone behind their backs. - A melodic and falsely judgmental female voice sounded next to us.

Looking up, I was met by the same woman who was throwing a predatory glare at me. True, it wasn't present now, as if it had never existed. There was only confidence and stateliness on her face.

- The High Priestess had probably told me everything she could about me. It's to be expected, though, given her personality," she said with humor and a polite smile before bowing in greeting, "Kirana Satrion, humble merchant of Braavos. And you, sir?

- Oh? But you weren't back, were you, Kirana? - Lina snidely remarked and giggled, to which Kirana outwardly did not react in any way, but it was clearly evident that she had already come to terms with the High Priestess's character.

- Solomon. That's good enough. Pleased to meet you," I replied with the same bow, "I assume you've known Lina for some time, Mistress Kirana?

- You're right. My stay in the Red Temple was not long, but it was long enough for us to develop a sort of... understanding.

- I thought we were friends..." Lina took offense.

- I daresay the High Priestess's behavior makes you uncomfortable, Mr. Solomon. I can only sympathize with you and wish you patience. - ignoring Lina, Kirana said comfortingly.

- No, not at all. Although I find her a little strange, but it's nice to dilute the ordinary with something new, don't you think, Mrs. Kirana? - Lina remained silent at my words, but she gave a resentful look, crossing her arms over her chest and turning her head to the side. Both Kirana and I chose not to react in any way.

- I suppose you're right," she nodded, "Since we're off to such a good start, I'd like to invite you in for a glass of wine. How would you like that, Mr. Solomon?

Hearing that, I raised an eyebrow inwardly.

Her offer is rather... hasty, I would say. Of course, that could be put down to her merchant's streak. As if she wants to gain an advantage by making contact with me first, and in a more familiar environment to get the most information out of me.

However, she didn't ask about my position in the Red Temple, though she did mention my status. This is usually done when the information is not really needed, or when everything is already known. In this case, the first option is obvious.

In short, such an offer comes only if the invitee is absolutely sure that he will get something. That is, having met several times beforehand or having obtained information about the invitee.

And Kirana invited me without knowing anything about me. Given what Lina said about her, her status in Braavos is extremely high, and I'm an unknown, even if the High Priestess of the Red Temple is accompanying me personally. It looks strange to say the least. Then again, what does she want?

As if hearing my internal debate, Kirana responded to it.

- Mr. Solomon, don't get me wrong, I'm only inviting you because I'm interested in you," she said calmly, "There are few people who can accept the High Priestess' behavior, and even fewer who she respects and occasions. And I am truly interested in what kind of person has achieved both.

Hmmm... She wasn't lying. But along with that, there was an understatement in her words.

- In that case, I will consider your offer.

- That's more than enough. - She nodded, and as if waiting for this very moment, the door to the hall opened, and all the guests instantly fell silent.

A stately and well-groomed man of about forty appeared in the passage, dressed in luxurious, but not excessive, clothes. He had light straight hair of short length, small stubble, brown eyes, calm and confident face, medium build and light, slightly tanned, skin color. And right behind him followed another man in light armor, with tanned skin and stern facial features.

The last was a young man of about eighteen, wearing rather plain clothes compared to the others present, and at his side hung a scabbard with a short sword. But the distinguishing features were the straight black hair coupled with turquoise eyes and a partially familiar face. All of this made him look like Velano, which meant that this young man was that younger brother. And if that's the case, the man is....

- I see Tarmo has arrived," Kirana said calmly, "I still have some business to attend to, Mr. Solomon. We can continue our conversation later, but for now, I will take my leave. Have a nice evening.

With that, she walked off in another group of guests, leaving me and Lina behind. I, on the other hand, turned my gaze to Tarmo and wondered.

Let's see how this goes.

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