NOVEL NEXT Chapter 80: Dragon Egg (1/5)
"Then please tell me about your situation."
Meris saw an opportunity, and her blue eyes lit up. "Our leader is the Tattered Prince, as you might know. The Windblown has 2,000 cavalry, more than twice as many infantry, and military servants, totaling 6,000 people. We operate in various regions and have engaged in recent battles..." Meris spoke for over ten minutes, detailing their operations. Whenever she mentioned the Tattered Prince, Dick would nod in agreement, indicating the leader's high reputation within the group.
"What kind of offer can you make me?" Viserys asked, signaling the end of Illyrio's attempt to recruit him for the Golden Company. Illyrio realized this as well, while Meris grew more enthusiastic. 'The old man would be thrilled to have someone like Viserys!'
"If you join us, you could be the deputy sergeant-major with an annual salary of about 2,000 to 3,000 gold dragons," Meris said, though she felt a bit insecure. She knew Viserys could earn at least 100,000 gold dragons in prize money alone from the tournament. Five thousand gold dragons was insufficient. However, she quickly realized that Viserys wasn't joining for the money.
"Deputy sergeant? Can't you make me a sergeant? Master Illyrio here is offering me 5,000 gold dragons a year and the position of sergeant with the Golden Company," Viserys said, catching Illyrio off guard. Illyrio hadn't made that offer, but he smiled, not wanting to contradict Viserys.
"Well, it's not impossible, but..." Illyrio began, but Viserys interrupted.
"Let's not talk about that now. I have two conditions. Can you agree to them?"
"Please go ahead," Meris said.
"First, I'll sign a one-year contract at most, with the option to renew based on performance. If I don't meet your expectations, you can choose not to pay me."
Meris glanced at Dick, who nodded. "That should be fine."
"Second, you know my identity. I have a younger sister who is in her teens years old. I want to bring her along."
"Prince Viserys, if you trust me, Dany can stay with me," Illyrio interjected.
"I'm sorry, Master Illyrio, but my siter and I must stay together," Viserys insisted.
Meris hesitated. While the profession of sellsword had become more professional, there were still few instances of family members accompanying the army. Usually, only those fathers and brothers who were all sellswords traveled together. Nevertheless, Meris was determined to make this decision for her captain, even if it meant facing consequences. In her eyes, the captain had given her a second life.
"Fine. When can we sign the contract?" Viserys asked.
"Anytime, but it will take at least a week to get out of Braavos," Meris replied.
"No problem."
Meris couldn't believe how smoothly things were going. 'The captain would be thrilled to welcome such a champion into their ranks!' If only he weren't so attached to his raven, he would have received the news in three or five days at the most.
Seeing that Viserys had decided to join the Windblown, Illyrio abandoned his efforts to recruit him for the Golden Company.
"Master Illyrio, you deal in dragon eggs and dragonbones. Could you help me acquire some eggs?" Viserys asked.
"That's no problem, but what do you want them for?" Illyrio responded, curious.
Viserys knew he couldn't hide his intentions any longer. "Of course, to hatch a dragon. What else would I use them for?"
"Oh, uh, okay." The fat merchant was momentarily speechless. He realized he needed to reassess Viserys's value. Dragons had been extinct for ages, and even if one hatched, how would Viserys manage it? He sensed the Targaryen madness stirring in the young man's veins.
In addition, Viserys had requested a variety of dragonbone items: rings, necklaces, belts, and other such nonsense. Though these items were worth only a few thousand gold dragons collectively, Illyrio decided to charge him since Viserys now had money.
Viserys thought, 'If you want me to be a target, you old man, you have to give me gold.' He had no intention of paying.
...
It was almost evening when the Sealord's carriage arrived to pick up Viserys. He and Dany, dressed in her finest, approached the elaborately decorated blue carriage. The axles were embossed with seahorses, and the top of the carriage arched like a turtle shell, adorned with inlaid shells.
Viserys, Dany, and Kyla sat inside the carriage, while Regis rode alongside on horseback, serving as Viserys’s attendant. With his head held high, his bald head gleaming like a golden egg in the setting sun, he looked particularly dignified, almost as if he were the champion of the tournament.
Noticing Dany's nervousness, Viserys took her hands in his own, wrapping them gently. "Don't be nervous, Dany. The Sealord's Palace is nothing. I'll show you even more magnificent places in the future." The warmth of his palms helped Dany relax considerably.
Viserys examined Dany's hands and noticed the light yellow calluses from her relentless swordsmanship practice. She had worn out three pairs of gloves already, though still far from mastering the skill. Yet, she was intimidating enough for ordinary people and showed great promise for the future. As a dragon rider, shouting "Dracarys (Dragonfire)" would suffice; why bother with tactics when you have firepower?
The three of them chatted as they rode, and soon they approached the Sealord's Palace. Through the window, they admired the blue palace, moved by its grandeur. Viserys, in particular, felt a rush of memories from his previous visit when he had secretly met with Ferrego.
Upon arriving, a servant placed a blanket-covered step in front of the carriage door. Viserys was the first to step out, turning to help Dany. They stood at the entrance of the Sealord's Palace, peering inside to catch glimpses of fountains and a tall statue.
Viserys knew it was the statue of the sea dragon. He had memorized the layout of the palace during his previous visit. As they walked forward, they glanced at the blue-robed guards, who reminded Viserys of the gold-cloaked guards in King's Landing. It was hard to tell who imitated whom. These guards were clearly elite, exuding a pressure that demanded respect. Even Regis, who had previously been arrogant, appeared a bit subdued. Dany, still nervous, managed to maintain her composure by staying close to Viserys.
They passed through the main gate, traversed the square, bypassed the five-meter-tall statue of the sea dragon, and passed through two more doors, walking nearly twenty minutes before arriving at the "Sealord Hall."
'Luckily it's not the Forbidden City, or this distance would have been just a warm-up,' Viserys thought, comparing it to his memories from his previous life. Through the doors of the Raging Waves Hall, he could see a crowd inside.
"Viserys Targaryen, Daenerys Targaryen..." the guard announced.
Viserys felt a brief moment of silence in the hall. As they crossed the threshold, he saw at least a hundred people, all Braavosi nobles. They might not hold real power, but they were certainly from distinguished families.
In an instant, hundreds of eyes turned to the siblings, sizing them up. The scrutiny made Dany's breathing falter slightly, but after months of swordsmanship practice and Viserys' teachings, she quickly adjusted, letting a smile appear on her lips.
"What a beautiful girl."
"What a handsome young man."
Some of the nobles finally had the opportunity to see the siblings up close and couldn't take their eyes off them. While they observed Viserys and Dany, Viserys observed them in return. The Braavosi nobles, aware that plain black and white clothing was dull, often added patterns to their garments. Many used gold thread to hem their clothes or incorporate their family's crests, making even black and white attire look shiny and elaborate.
Viserys soon spotted several familiar faces in the crowd: Andersen, Vitus, Tormo, and other members of House Fregar.
Tormo and Vithas looked at Viserys with indifference, as expected, but Andersen gave him a meaningful glance, as if he had something to say. Viserys guessed that Andersen had "figured something out."
Among his "old rivals" were also the Roth, who were the first to greet Viserys and Dany. "Lord Viserys, this outfit suits you very well!" Roth commented, glancing at the red three-headed dragon on Viserys' chest.
"Lord Roth looks very spirited today as well!" Viserys replied.
Dany, initially embarrassed, gradually relaxed under the guidance of Methys, who introduced her to a group of noblewomen. However, Dany's temperament set her apart. If these noblewomen were all flowers of the world, then Dany was like a small sapling—fragile now, but destined to become someone they would one day look up to.
"I heard that you have decided to join the Windblown?" Roth asked.
"Yes, my siter and I will leave Braavos in about a week."
"Then, if you have time in the next few days, you must come to my place and let me host you."
"No problem. Since Lord Roth has invited me, I will definitely attend the banquet."
"The Sealord is here..."
Another loud announcement echoed through the hall, followed by a sound like waves. Ferrego, wearing a blue brocade robe, a crown on his head, and holding a black dragonbone scepter, appeared. Behind him was a priest in a pale robe. As soon as everyone saw Ferrego, they fell silent.
"My lords, this year marks the 623rd anniversary of Braavos' founding. Let us once again thank the Goddess of the Moon for her guidance." He made a circle on his chest, then closed his eyes and bowed his head. The crowd followed suit, praying and giving thanks. The Temple of the Moonsingers remained the dominant religion in Braavos, despite the introduction of other faiths over the centuries.
After a moment, Ferrego looked up and cleared his throat, signaling the others to look up as well. "This is the 200th celebration in Braavos, and this celebration is different from the past. A name will be remembered."
Ferrego pointed towards Viserys, and the crowd turned to look. Most were envious or admiring, though a few cold glances came from House Fregar.
"Lord Viserys has composed three songs that will be sung for centuries to come. In appreciation, I will increase the prize money by 50,000 gold dragons!"
"Mm!"
"Yes!"
"It's only right!"
"That's it."
The crowd responded with a chorus of approval. Viserys thought it would be nice if they clapped their hands; it would make the atmosphere less strange. Judging by the situation, it was his turn to speak. He stepped forward and addressed the crowd:
"Thank you, my lord, for your kindness. This is the least I could do." He glanced at Dany before continuing. "When House Targaryen lost the Iron Throne in the War of the Usurper, Braavos took in my sister and me. Three songs are not enough to express my gratitude. Braavos will always be my second home!"
"Well said!" Roth was the first to applaud. The others whispered among themselves, their eyes on Viserys changing once again. He spoke eloquently, truly a worthy descendant of the Targaryens.
Ferrego smiled and clapped his hands. Two maids emerged, each carrying a tray covered with blue brocade. The raised shapes underneath revealed the hidden treasures—a dragon egg and a long sword!
'My dragon egg, my Valyrian steel sword!' Viserys couldn't help but feel excited after all his planning.
"Please, our champion, come and claim your prize!" Ferrego announced.
The maids knelt before Viserys, holding the trays above their heads. With everyone watching, Viserys lifted the blue brocade, revealing a green dragon egg. The crowd craned their necks to get a better look.
Dany had seen one before at House Zalyne, but this one was different. It was truly theirs.
Viserys carefully held the egg up, his excitement barely contained.
Assignable Points: 11.5
'Hmm? 11.5. It seems the quality of dragon eggs varies,' he thought to himself.
