It must've looked very odd to the outside world since I would take Arthur to the Plane of Euthymia every night since I first tried it. The King and his Kingsguard, whom he is closest to... in the same bedchamber night after night alongside the future queen. One could imagine that bored individuals would come up with quite a wild story.
I recognised this, but it was something that I'd have to deal with... until I could do it from a greater distance. The mutual sparring experience outweighed the potential rumours.
Arthur was improving very steadily, developing his latent talents and refining old ones. He was by far the most versatile of every other vision wielder... perhaps even me to an extent. First, his first core ability to absorb the elements around him and turn them into his own flames. This expanded into a sort of 'Eclipse' which changed the weather, 'stealing' light from the sun and strengthening himself.
With the Eclipse active, he learned not only to strengthen himself, but also to regenerate stamina, elemental energy and even wounds. An unrelenting, ever sharp sword. The 'final' stage of this was one massive slash of destructive white flames... sort of like Excalibur.
If that wasn't powerful enough, his Geo elemental powers provided an almost unbreakable, absolute shield which, sort of like his basic ability, absorbs the elements around it. If I struck him with any element, the shield would absorb it and take its properties - becoming almost immune to the same element. The immovable, unyielding, shield.
The only thing he lacked was support for others... which I imagined was the next evolution of his abilities.
As a single fighter, however, he even gave me trouble. I had even died a handful of times while taking him seriously.
...
Nightfall glanced by my head.
I was going to counter with a blow from my warhammer, but Arthur was already gone. A slash of white flames flew my way. I waved my hand, and a wave of wind wrapped around it. I dispersed it in the distance. Meanwhile, Arthur came up from behind.
I drew out Blackfyre, clashing against Nightfall. The sound of clashing Valyrian Steel rang in my ear like a sweet song (it was a metallic screech). Nightfall burst with flames. I pushed Arthur back, engulfing Blackfyre with a mix of electro and enemo energy. The result was an overloaded explosion that sent him back ten metres.
His shield had been active, hardly cracked and sparking.
"Damned turtle."
"It is my house's sigil..."
Arthur grinned slightly as Nightfall lit up once more.
"I didn't think there was anyone in the world that could match you like this..." Daenerys noted, spectating it all from a safe distance. "Your Ser Arthur is full of surprises."
"That, he is."
"That is too much flattery all at once..."
"Oh, I suddenly have an idea." I grinned mischievously, stroking my chin.
"... What would that be?" Arthur looked concerned, raising an eyebrow. "That devious face never means anything good."
"Whatever do you mean?"
I raised a wave of hydro his way, which he dodged... but it was not entirely my intention to hit him. I kept my distance, continuously filling the floor with more water. It slowed down his near-flash-like speed to something far more manageable, while I was able to almost glide through the thin layer.
I pulled out my bow.
"Are you..."
"Doesn't this remind you of something? You chasing me... me grabbing a bow."
"Don't you dare..."
This time's gonna hurt a lot more than the first, hahaha..." I loaded my first arrow. "But first, that damned shield..."
The weakness of Arthur's Geo shield was actually raw physical damage. With my great strength, dragonbone bow and finely crafted arrows, I was able to pierce plate every time. I loaded five arrows at once.
Whoosh.
Crack...
Even Arthur's protection yielded after a volley of five arrows shot at once. I called it the ol' arrow shotgun.
Another problem was that he couldn't control the focus of his shield too well, distributing its defences equally around his entire body. I was able to abuse this by attacking five points at once.
"No... don't do it."
"Oh, I most certainly will."
As he charged me, I slipped back and loaded the next arrow - quick as lightning. He knew what was coming.
My arrow soared right into his groin area, pulverising everything in that region.
It was safe to say he would die from that.
I stood victorious, raising my bow and stroking it gently.
"My beloved never fails me."
"Argh..." Arthur groaned, laying on the floor while the Plane of Euthymia reconstructed him. "You may as well kiss the bride."
"What a fine idea..." I gave the bow a smooch. "Good girl."
"Don't make your queen jealous now," Arthur chuckled.
"Jealous of a bow?" Daenerys laughed. "Most certainly not."
"This dragonbone bow and I have been through so much, battle after battle, training session after training session. We put down thousands upon thousands of wildlings, tens of thousands of men from the Slaver's Coalition's armies, and more of the Dothraki, spending countless hours in each other's embrace. In every tale, in every song, our unbroken, sacred, bond shall be sung of for all eternity... Edric and Sunpiercer... a king and his finest, most beautiful and refined companion."
"..."
Daenerys said nothing, but I could tell she would have preferred if those words were for her.
"I'm only joking, of course," I chuckled.
Although I was still very fond of my bow. Even more than my forged nodachi, Blackfyre, Lady Forlorn, the warhammer or any other weapon in my arsenal.
"It's called Sunpiercer?" Arthur raised an eyebrow.
"Originally, I thought of Dragonsbane... since, well, it seemed like I might've had to use it to shoot down a dragon or two," I glanced at Daenerys, smiling a little. "Buut, since things have changed, and considering the bow's supposed legendary history regarding eclipsing the sun - Sunpiercer is a far more apt name."
"It is a striking name, indeed. Fitting," Arthur, having recovered, finally stood up. "It seems that you will always find a way to defeat me, no matter the means."
"Ain't nothing wrong with using every means at your disposal to win. Besides... there's quite a few holes in your almost perfect defence."
"I've realised that," Arthur nodded. "If I were able to narrow the shield to the five spots where the arrows would've struck, it would've endured. And... well, I did happen to grow a little reliant on it. I should've tried dodging more."
"Don't hang your head over it. It's completely natural to choose the easiest way to handle something... it's why my lightning was and is the strongest. Because of its initial effectiveness, I prioritised its growth, and the gap only grew wider. Recently, however, I've been learning to use all of my elements in harmony..."
"And it's made you one impossibly difficult opponent to face," Arthur noted, nodding. "Rather than choosing the easy way in the moment, it would be best to choose the way that leads to greater results in the future..."
"Indeed, unlocking your potential and whatnot... also, you should focus on supporting others with your magic. There's plenty of untapped possibilities there, I believe."
"I'll try..." Arthur nodded.
"Also... I have a task for you. It's all too important to me, and I believe that you're the only one who can succeed with certainty."
"Name it and it shall be done."
He said, unhesitatingly.
"I need you to go further east, as far as east reasonably goes. Spread my name... let it be known far and wide."
"Why is this important, precisely? I don't imagine you care for your fame that much, especially so far away."
"Just a little precaution to ensure that one of the requirements is met."
"For..." Arthur paused. "Oh, I understand."
"Indeed, I couldn't care less if the people in Asshai know who I am or not... but it is necessary. You may ravage Qarth along the way, if you wish. They defend the jade gates leading to Yi Ti, so a confrontation with their fleet is inevitable."
"Is there a specific strategy you wish for me to employ?"
"First, you will take a sizeable chunk of the royal armada, along with all the magic wielders you wish to aid you on this journey. I will be able to crush the rest of the Slaver's Coalition myself... so you may take them all if it suits you."
"You are still vulnerable when you rest. I won't leave you undefended."
"There's plenty of good men willing to guard me," I shrugged. "Regardless, as you leave, we will remain in touch through dreams. I will guide you wherever necessary so that everything goes well. Not only should you spread my name, crush the slaver's between but also... it's a great opportunity for trading and making a fortune. That's where all the ships and men become useful."
"I didn't even think of something like that," Arthur stroked his chin. "But, I've never been a numbers person..."
"That's where your beloved Rhaerra and her guild come in," I smirked slightly.
"... You... I swear you're doing this on purpose."
"Don't know what you're talking about," I looked clueless. "Anyway, this is her field of expertise. She also knows all of the languages on that part of the sea, so you won't need another translator. Also... she has a brilliant mind, is a great navigator, has actually been that far east before - basically, she is perfect to aid you in such a task."
"All of that is quite undeniable, I suppose..."
"You should get a good night's sleep and get ready as soon as possible. We'll be splitting off from New Ghis shortly after I settle matters there." I said, trying to smile yet feeling a little regretful.
Arthur had become so reliable and effective that it was 'better' to split away from him, allowing us to impact two different areas of the world at once.
Is this what the future holds? I wasn't fond of it.
"As you wish, Edric... I shall start preparing now."
He left the Plane of Euthymia.
"Eh, you've been silent for quite a bit," I said, looking at Daenerys.
"I didn't want to disturb your time with Ser Arthur..." She glanced away. "I'd assume all of that effort is for the sleeping beauty?"
"You'd assume right."
"How would your fame affect her?"
"It's a tad convoluted. Just know that it brings her closer to being alive."
It involves one of your nephews, whom you never should have had, who becomes an omnipotent being and gives me some incredibly difficult goals he dragged out of his ass. My favourite Targaryen.
'Wouldn't be here without him.'
"... Mhm," Daenerys looked around. "I've been wondering if all of that swift recovery could be used for something else..."
"Oh, that?" I raised an eyebrow. "A waste of time, really."
'If we're gonna breed you, it has to be the real thing...'
"... Suit yourself."
"Speaking of doing something that's productive - making your dragon saddle..."
"My dragon saddle?" Daenerys' eyes lit up immediately.
"Courtesy of Garth's blueprints. Surprisingly, he didn't dislike you all that much... at least not enough not to explore such a thing," I began making my way to 'Storm Hill'.
"Let's see..."
I wasn't exactly a saddlemaker as most of my engineering expertise lay in siege engines, but... Garth was very considerate of his old man, leaving plenty of detailed notes to guide me into these new pastures. I love that boy.
~
New Ghis.
With the heads of the Wise Masters delivered to the rulers of New Ghis, their will to fight folded almost immediately. It was conquered without a fight… as I wanted. Their iron legions intrigued me. Besides, my personal army was a shadow of its old self.
"I never thought you'd take a diplomatic approach," Daenerys remarked.
"You'd be surprised."
Their leaders and I had a little meeting. Missandei served as a translator. And people said I was a genius for my age… the girl was twelve. She possessed intelligence and wisdom far beyond her age, even that of fully mature women. I sincerely doubted she was a reincarnation, but… something was a little eerie about her.
'George is terrible at writing children… that's all it is, really. Seven year olds act like teenagers, teenagers act like grown men.'
(I don't blame him, writing children is a pain :C )
That five year timeskip that was promised to us but never came…
The first thing these generous masters did was offer me wine. Oldest trick in the book. Unfortunately for them, I was carrying (probably) the largest wine collection in the world in my body.
There was a chance I was being a little paranoid.
"Tell the masters that I offer my wine back to them instead. In good faith, I implore them to drink it in my stead."
Missandei nodded, translating my words. I turned to my side and looked at Daenerys, whispering to her.
"You should really teach me High Valyrian sometime. I'm rather weary of being a common tongue simpleton."
"You should spend more nights with me, by the sound of it," She tilted her head slightly, her lips revealing a sly smile.
"Mayhaps I should…" I nodded with admission.
The masters looked oddly hesitant. Or not so oddly… did they really try to poison me? Even if everything worked in their favor, and I died - the next thing that would follow would be Arthur burning all of them alive. Was that so worthwhile?
I suppose taking me down would save the slave trade from its immediate end… but Daenerys still had our combined forces with three budding dragons. The Slaver Coalition was in pieces already.
"Drink," I said. "It wouldn't be poison, would it?"
One of them decided to take it - drinking the entire cup. Maybe I was paranoid. They proceeded to say something.
"They express their desire to surrender peacefully and move forward, claiming that incurring your wrath would only sour their future."
"I am impressed," I stroked my chin. "Now, for the real reason I'm here. I demand two of their best iron legions which would serve me with loyalty, half of their treasury instead of its entirety and the outlawing of slaves in every sense. If they wish to keep their power, they would be wise to lead this change personally. If not… others will replace them."
They seemed to discuss this at some length. Meanwhile, I was watching them carefully. In the end, they came to an agreement.
"The masters ask that you only take a fifth of their wealth at most as reforming the city would be an expensive task. As for the iron legions, these men are not slaves that can simply be given away, as they are all free men who serve terms of three years. Their loyalty cannot be sold, it must be earned."
"Then I shall earn it," I tilted my head slightly. It was no huge deal with my leadership skill. "If they wish to be stingy with their gold, then I will allow it… on a few conditions. New Ghis must become a colony of the Iron Throne, recognising me as its King. It will also enter an alliance with Meereen, along with every other colony under my banner and pay substantial tributes, which will be delivered upon every two years."
"Should they fail to do any of this… let Yunkai be an example of what would happen."
Missandei went to work on translating my words.
"You're already expanding? I thought you had no interest in this part of the world." Daenerys looked curious.
It's the British in me.
"I imagined the legionaries would be more fond of serving me if New Ghis itself were under my banner... rather than serving an entirely foreign king," I shrugged. "The King of New Ghis, it doesn't sound too bad."
"It seems that you are rather fond of their iron legions."
"I simply adore organised and disciplined armies. It is the future that I envision for the Seven Kingdoms. Not cheap at all to maintain, to be sure, but I will find a way... your Unsullied are quite perfect in that regard. They aren't paid, are they?"
"No," Daenerys shook her head lightly.
"Isn't that... kind of like slavery?" I gave her a side eye.
"I did give them their freedom... and they chose to stay by my side."
"Of course, they would. Serving a master is all they've ever known, just like all the thousands who returned to their masters on year-long 'slave contracts' in Meereen, but to an even greater degree. They've been trained all their lives for this one purpose. However, I'd never judge you for keeping them," I shrugged. "Absolutely loyal, don't ask for wages, live and breathe discipline, fearless, do not question anything, don't ask anything of you... except, well, food. They're ideal."
"It almost sounds like you married me for my Unsullied," Daenerys raised a slight eyebrow.
"... Oops, you caught me," I laughed.
It was partially true...
Unfortunately, the stock ran out, and Astapor isn't going to be producing any more of them... true Unsullied, at least. I'll need to make my own legions.
The remains of the first century of the Stormguard are akin to demons among men - sharing in the Unsullied's fearlessness, yet each man is an individual. Instead of discipline, they are driven by fury and instinct. Undoubtedly, each of them is worth more than one Unsullied individually (not being castrated does help)... but there's only a little over forty of them left.
For a household guard, they would easily be amongst the deadliest and most effective. But, for an army...
"They agree to your terms," Missandei said.
"Good."
I think the little threat did it for them. What happened to the Wise Masters of Yunkai... it wasn't exactly pleasant.
...
In a chamber I borrowed.
"I think someone has been intentionally avoiding me..."
"I haven't."
"Someone with golden hair," Daenerys clarified. "A Kingslayer."
"Is that what you wanted to talk about in Yunkai?"
"I wish to have an audience with him."
This'll be... interesting.