chapter 100 part 2
Monton Waters glanced clumsily at the stiff-postured Anguy, then looked away again.
Montun's reinforced plate armor would take three months to complete. His mind was already completely occupied by his new suit of steel; nothing else could temporarily pique his interest.
Samwell Tarly had been grinning from ear to ear the entire journey, enthusiastically observing everything he could see.
Samwell had already learned a great deal about the Crabbe lands from Montun.
Mermaid Port was not large, but it was bursting with life. He couldn't imagine that just a few months ago, this place had been nothing but a small fishing village.
Buildings were under construction everywhere. Samwell believed that in a short time, the place would be transformed once again.
Samwell felt more and more that he had made the right choice. There were so many ways he could apply his talents in the Crabbe lands. His only regret was that he didn't know more.
What made Samwell happiest was the belief that he would soon be able to write to his mother. He would surely become her pride.
It was just... the stares from the women were growing more and more intense, making Samwell increasingly embarrassed, and even a little scared.
Montun looked at Samwell again and chuckled.
Samwell's face grew timid, and he said, "I... I'm just not used to it."
Montun blinked his heavy-lidded eyes. "Sam, the women of the Claw like sturdy men. You'll be more popular than Anguy."
Samwell glanced cautiously at the distant crowd and whispered, "Montun, I'm just fat. I've been this way since I was a child."
Montun said clumsily, "Lord Glynn told me to pick two guards for you. From now on, you're to take them wherever you go."
"Guards? My guards?"
Montun's large head nodded. "Lord Glynn says you're a vital talent for House Crabbe. He told me to pick formidable guards."
Glyn's consideration was always so meticulous. Samwell's eyes instantly grew hot... *Mother*.
...
...
Pentos, in Magister Illyrio's manse.
Daenerys Targaryen's small, pale hand gently stroked the fabric. It was soft as water, seeming to flow through her fingers. She had never felt a cloth so soft.
Suddenly, a thought struck Daenerys, and it filled her with fear.
"Brother... is this another gift from Magister Illyrio?"
Daenerys quickly corrected herself, her heart pounding, hoping Viserys hadn't heard her slip of the tongue.
Daenerys instinctively felt Magister Illyrio couldn't be trusted, but she didn't dare say it aloud, nor did she dare warn Viserys Targaryen.
Viserys was drunk on Magister Illyrio's sweet words, unable to extricate himself.
For now, Daenerys could only obey her brother to ensure her own safety. At least her brother, lost in his beautiful dreams, would not make her life too terrifying.
"Again?"
Viserys's question made Daenerys, who had been hoping he hadn't noticed, tremble all over. She couldn't help but take a small step back.
A strange smile appeared on Viserys's face.
He drew closer to Daenerys, his smile deepening. "My sweet sister, Daenerys, what are you worried about now?"
Daenerys didn't dare move, because any further movement would ignite Viserys's anger; he would see it as a challenge.
Daenerys glanced at Viserys in terror, then quickly lowered her head.
A flicker of satisfaction showed on Viserys's face. He felt Daenerys was finally learning how to behave around the true king of the Iron Throne.
Viserys's violet eyes fixed on Daenerys's form, and his brows furrowed deeply.
"I've only just noticed how flat you are! Straighten up! And look at you, you're too skinny!"
As Viserys's words fell, Daenerys instantly straightened her back like a well-drilled soldier.
Viserys gave her a slightly mocking glance, then continued, "Dany, we actually possess wealth enough to fill a city. It's just temporarily in the hands of thieves. When I take back the Iron Throne, the riches that belong to me will return to my hands."
"Illyrio is no fool. He understands very well that only by constantly pleasing me will I not forget the friend who helped me in my time of need when I retake the Iron Throne."
Daenerys had admonished herself countless times, made countless resolutions never to contradict a single word or action of Viserys's.
But she still couldn't stop herself from pleading, "Brother, Magister Illyrio is very cunning. He cannot be fully trusted."
Viserys laughed. "Am I a fool? Are you trying to wake the dragon's wrath again?"
Daenerys quickly answered, "I—I don't want to!"
Today, Viserys was in an excellent mood. Things were progressing with Magister Illyrio, and he decided to show his sweet sister the mercy of a great and true king.
"My good sister, when I take back the Iron Throne, just think of all the jewels and silks. You'll have more than you could ever use."
As Viserys spoke, his hands trembled uncontrollably. "I've considered it. Just ten thousand soldiers should be enough! With ten thousand soldiers, I can lead them to sweep across the Seven Kingdoms.
"At that time, the great houses will surely raise their banners and follow their true king. Houses like Tyrell, Redwyne, Darry, and Greyjoy hate the Usurper as much as I do. The Dornishmen have long been simmering with rage, wanting to avenge Princess Elia and her children.
"Throughout the Seven Kingdoms, in every village and holdfast, men secretly pray for the dragons' return, and women secretly sew the true dragon's banner. When I lead my army across the sea, they will let out a righteous roar and fight for the true Targaryen king."
Viserys's face suddenly turned grim. "I will kill the Usurper with my own hands, just as he killed my brother. And I will not spare that Lannister 'Kingslayer' either. I will avenge my father myself."
This version of Viserys terrified Daenerys even more. She would rather he hit her and kicked her. She always felt that if this continued, she would lose the only family she had left.
After her father and eldest brother died, her mother had perished giving birth to her. If not for Viserys, Daenerys wouldn't even have known their names. Viserys was the only family she had left in the world.
Daenerys's eyes burned. She grabbed Viserys's hands, her voice pleading, "Viserys, I'm scared. Please, can we just go home? Leave this place!"
When Daenerys's words fell, the very air seemed to freeze.
"Go home?" Viserys muttered, then suddenly laughed.
"Daenerys, tell me, where is this home? Our home was stolen from us! What home can we go back to? After Ser Willem died, where else do we have a home but the Seven Kingdoms?"
Daenerys powerlessly let go of Viserys, wiping the tears that had not yet fallen from her eyes with the back of her hand.
Viserys's long fingers caressed the purple fabric. "This color suits your eyes perfectly. The best tailor in Pentos will use this to make you the most beautiful gown in the whole city."
Viserys stroked his chin, his eyes flashing with a serious and solemn light. "And we must prepare all sorts of jewels. They will make you look like a princess."
He sized up the despondent Daenerys again and said with a frown, "Why that face again? Lift your head. Look at you, so timid. You don't look like a princess at all! If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would doubt you even have the blood of the dragon!"
(end of chapter)