After Qarth, his next target would be Astapor. He needed the Unsullied army, but truthfully, he also wanted to free the slaves—partly as a strategic move, and partly because he knew it would make Daenerys happy.
Despite everything, she still had a warm heart, and Vlad could see the pain in her eyes every time she witnessed the mistreatment of slaves, whether in Vaes Dothrak or even within her own khalasar. Besides, considering that one of her missions was Breaker of Chains, the task would be an easy one.
Yunkai, on the other hand, didn't require a war. Its walls were solid, but its rulers were merchants, not soldiers. Vlad didn't plan a long siege. He would arrive, make his offer to free all the slaves, and wait. If they were smart, they would comply. If not, they would burn.
Meereen would be the last. Unlike the others, it was too large to fall through intimidation alone—but its size was also its weakness. The number of slaves vastly outnumbered their masters, and with the right pressure, a revolt would erupt from within. Vlad wouldn't need to lead it directly; he only had to ensure there were weapons in the right places and let the rumor of his support spread.
Once the slaves took the city, the masters would be executed or expelled. Vlad would enter without resistance and establish a new order. The former slaves would take control, backed by his progeny, ensuring that Meereen wouldn't descend into chaos.
Vlad had already sent his progeny to infiltrate each of the cities. Once he conquered them, his small council of men completely loyal to him would administer them according to his policies.
His thoughts were interrupted when Drakul climbed up his leg onto the table where his map was spread, demanding attention.
The incubation ritual had been far more complex than it appeared. It hadn't just allowed the dragons to be born—it had also created an empathic bond between him, Daenerys, and the creatures. It wasn't exactly telepathy, but they could sense, roughly, what the others wanted or needed. And right now, that little beast simply wanted its head scratched.
Vlad didn't know if it was an effect of the ritual, but he found the behavior of these otherwise deadly creatures incredibly endearing.
—One day, you'll be free to soar across the sky —he murmured with a faint smile as he stroked Drakul's head.
The small dragon gave a whistling sound of apparent approval. Vlad wasn't sure if it truly understood him, but from what he could sense, all it wanted was for the praise to continue.
The list was complete. He would conquer the cities, turn Daenerys, and claim that damned throne… before melting it down to forge a pair of proper, comfortable thrones for the king and queen.
Vlad and his army of over 100,000 men advanced toward Qarth.
The day began without incident. Vlad had awakened after a quiet night, enjoying the company of his wife, but he immediately sensed something was different. He couldn't pinpoint it right away, but the air felt changed.
Even he himself—his body was stronger, his senses sharper, his powers enhanced, as though magic now responded to him more readily. He frowned and stepped out of his tent, seeking answers—until he saw it in the sky.
The red comet had finally arrived, streaking across the heavens, its glow illuminating the morning with an ominous light. Vlad knew exactly what it meant. Magic, dormant for centuries, was awakening again. He also knew the Dothraki would see it as an omen, and he would not allow them to interpret the sign as they pleased.
Before the comet reached its full glory in the sky, he summoned everyone. Both the free men and the slaves gathered, and with Daenerys at his side, he stood before his vast khalasar. Behind him, the four dragons roared and beat their wings, impatient.
The crowd gathered across the great plain, the sky tinged red by the comet. The wind stirred the manes of the horses and the banners of the khalasars that had joined under his rule.
Vlad stood at the center, mounted on his horse, Daenerys at his side, and the dragons roaring above, their shadows dancing over the sea of grass. His golden eyes scanned the people—those who now belonged to him, both riders and slaves.
He raised a hand, and the crowd fell silent.
—Today marks the beginning of a new era —he proclaimed, his voice resonating across the plain—. The skies have spoken and shown us the way. And with it, we shall rise.
A roar of approval rippled through the khalasar, but Vlad wasn't finished.
—For centuries, the Dothraki have ridden without purpose, pillaging only for war and death. That ends today. —He straightened in the saddle, his gaze burning like fire—. We will not be a people forgotten by time. We will not be a mere whisper in history.
The riders pounded their chests and shouted their war cries, but Vlad raised his hand once more to silence them.
—But I will not do this alone. I don't need slaves. Only the strong ride with me. —Vlad raised his sword, pointing it toward the crowd—. Today, before the gods and before all of you, I swear: there shall be no more slaves in my khalasar.
Murmurs erupted through the crowd. Many slaves lifted their heads, disbelieving. Vlad looked at them directly.
—Those who wish to leave, may leave. No one will stop you. But those who stay… —his voice thundered— will be my people. You will have homes, possessions, families, riches… and you will watch as I tear the chains off every slave in this world!
The dragons roared in the sky, as if they understood the meaning of his words. Vlad took a deep breath before continuing.
—I swear by my blood that our tale will be written in fire and blood! We will be the storm that sweeps away the feeble kingdoms of greedy men. Our names will live forever, and I swear to you, here and now…
He raised his sword toward the comet, shouting:
—I will be the stallion who mounts the world!
The khalasar's roar was deafening. The riders raised their weapons to the sky, the slaves—who had known nothing but chains their entire lives—shouted with newfound strength. Beneath the shadow of the comet and the cries of dragons, Vlad would not simply conquer peoples—he would forge a new one, with fire and blood.