8 No peace

Imperial Army Camp - Dothraki Sea

"Don't you find it a little harsh betraying your own people? "The emperor asked cutting off one of his own but profusely annoying old commanders .

"My own people have been killing themselves for centuries, only the strong survive among them , a brutal cycle that has claimed the lives of my mother and sisters . And I shall kill more of them until it ends, until this wretched culture is purged away into history so no ." the former Dothraki rider stated .

Although not uncommon you could find a lot if not former Dothraki warriors around Pentos or other free cities . Many running from execution while others journeyed trying to find some solace and salvation from the evils they had seen if not done or just searching for better prospects than reaving and raping.

"I admire your determination and honesty , and many have said the same thing and I agree with you… and them that this threat cannot be propagated any longer. Our scouts have found another Dothraki camp three days ride away south east from here , we believe it to be under khal Forzho's command or whoever, but estimates put their numbers around 12-15000 riders. What do you think I should do in a time like this ? Return back westward or harass them with a smaller force before they have time to know what has happened ?" The monarch tested as he stared at him intensely.

"I say you Attack him, embarrass him , then challenge him to a duel "

"And how are you so sure that I will win this duel if it even reaches that far ?" Baldwin asked

"I've seen you throw a spear leagues away into the distance killing a fleeing rider as if it were nothing , yet you don't participate in fighting but once you do I know no man will ever stand before you , for none will be your equal"

"Pretty words Dothraki, but it doesn't help the issue of fighting off 12000 riding maniacs" the middle aged major General butted in.

"No but once defeated and his blood riders cast aside they will follow the emperor , while some will flee , but none else will contest your rule unless you yourself have fallen weak to maintain order and that is where you root out your traitors and see who is loyal " zarkos said

"The grasslands is a danger for us but with the infantry on the way, our spears will deter the horses from even making a charge towards our lines and our archers will cut them down as the battle pro longs . This is narrow but we can succeed my lord " major general Saab replied

"Looking at the map we can lead them here ambush them , and force the khal's hand to accept your duel or for him to come out to duel you his frustration will get the best of him no less. I have no doubt with proper planning our harassment will take its toll on their limited patience which we will take advantage of . "

"Then my friends, have all preparations made immediately we have no time to spare , we will lead them to their deaths . "

— — —

Kingslanding 

"They say he destroyed three khalasars while ranging within the Dothraki sea , the larger of which was lead by Khal Forzho who controlled over 15,000 riders and fought against the masked king who had a mere 2000 men and … obviously lost . It's said that Forzho himself was split in half from head to heel by one swing of this masked king's sword . So too did Khal Hago die by only one swing." Varys stated

" Did you actually bring us valid news that posed a threat to the seven kingdoms and the kings reign or are you just here spouting nonsensical stories about eastern barbarians ?" Cersei accused

" Your Grace this new born empire is a threat in and of its self though you may not see it they are trading with our enemies just as much as they trade with kings-landing perhaps even forming much stronger bonds . My little birds told me of ties forming between them and house Manderly of white harbor , trade deals and something deeper I reckon. With Robb starks army on the move within the river lands , Pentos hasn't stopped supplying grain to the north and if anything they've increased their supplies over the few months since the demand for it increases for the winter coming will be harsh as always for them so they have doubled supply" Varys divulges

"And dare say how will the king in the north pay for all of this ?Grain shipped from the free cities are normally higher priced than that of the reach or anywhere else in Westeros . " Cersei queries

"That's because the Pentoshi have been selling their grain cheaper while taking something else in return for payments . Copper and iron it seems , these new comers seem to have a high demand for it" The eunuch informed .

"Tch, barbarians !" Cersei scowled

'Ironic that they would think the same of westerosi' Varys thought .

"But it would be right that we adhere this empire to stay away from the affairs of Westeros, their influence may be detrimental to our enemies if they were to receive more help than not from them but as I can see right now the empire motives seem to be driven by profits . They aren't too different from the iron bank but they are not one to be bought" Baelish spoke up

"Anyone can be bought lord Baelish"

"But if that may be then we have the upper hand in the matter the lannisters have gold , that we can use to persuade them to stop helping out our enemies and perhaps conduct more business with kingslanding and it's allies." Cersei stated

"And if they refuse your generosity your grace ?" Baelish added fanning the flames

"Then they will become another enemy to the throne."

— — —

Essaria

The atmosphere was damp, for some foreseeable reason they were no longer basking in the sunlight they were use to but today they were overshadowed in a rain like environment . Dark clouds loomed overhead seemingly showing a wrongness about the place they were in to the superstitious visitors .

A former Sarnori city haunted by its past ghost now being rebuilt by the descendants of the the same people that burnt and tore it down . How ironic it was. There were many Dothraki men who refused to pick up tools to dig ditches around the castle but a little motivation and example out of a few made them do as they were told . Their spirits were already broken when they were captured and even worse yet when they were turned into slaves or captive workers as the emperor would say it .

"Welcome prisoners! welcome to your hell!" The overseer stated as he looked over his new arrivals knowing very well they couldn't understand his French language.

"Move you filths ! " a soldier barked as he lashed out with a whip .

…..

Qarth

"An ally , an enemy, your destroyer or savior. Who knows what he will become . For none of us are safe . Magic has returned but with it a great enemy has risen with it. The future holds dark paths . Be careful khaleesi . " the masked witch Quaithe warned before disappearing as quick as she appeared.

"Khaleesi are you alright ? " the new arrived Jorah asked as he stepped into the garden curious as he was hearing whispers though the queen was to be alone .

"Yes , just a passing ghost" she replied .