Two weeks dissolved into the intricate rhythm of Braavosi life, a delicate dance between grand facade and hidden currents. Maegor, still cloaked in his mundane appearance, continued his quiet reconnaissance, his Valyrian Insight (Tier 2) now humming with an almost palpable awareness. He sensed the faint echoes of Valyrian heritage in unexpected corners of the city, threads of ancient power woven into the Braavosi tapestry. He even encountered a few "Faceless Men" in passing, their lack of a discernible presence almost as chilling as the whispers of the hidden dragon within his own soul. His Serpent's Sting felt like a silent promise beneath his cloak, a subtle weight against his side.
Then, one evening, as the twin moons began their slow ascent over the city of canals, Kaeto and Lyra slipped into the discreet rented room Maegor had secured. Their faces were grim, but their eyes held the glint of success.
"My lord," Kaeto began, his voice low and urgent, "we have found them. Or at least, their trail."
Maegor felt a surge of anticipation. He waved a hand towards the small table. "Speak. Everything."
Lyra, ever concise, took over. "They were here, in Braavos, for a time. Living under the patronage of a merchant prince, though a minor one, from what we gathered. Viserys, the older brother, is known. He has a… reputation. Impatient, prone to outbursts. He speaks often of his birthright, demands respect, but gains little."
Kaeto picked up the narrative. "They recently left Braavos. From what our contacts confirm, they were summoned to Pentos. Specifically, to the manse of Magister Illyrio Mopatis."
Maegor's brow furrowed. Illyrio Mopatis. He knew the name from Aemon's lessons – a wealthy, influential Magister, known for his cunning and his shifting loyalties, with fingers in many pies across the Free Cities. "Illyrio. He is a dangerous patron. And what of Daenerys?"
Lyra's gaze softened slightly, a flicker of concern in her sharp eyes. "The girl, Daenerys… she is barely more than a child. Viserys keeps her close, almost as a possession. They say he is arranging her marriage. To a Dothraki horselord, Khal Drogo."
The words hit Maegor with the force of a blow, but he showed no outward reaction. A Dothraki marriage. The ancient Maegor within him stirred, a deep-seated contempt for such a perceived degradation of Targaryen blood. This was not how a queen should be married, certainly not to a barbarian. It also meant Viserys was utterly desperate.
"A Khalasar," Maegor mused aloud, a dangerous glint in his purple eyes. "A powerful alliance, certainly. But a perilous one. A dangerous gamble for Viserys."
"Indeed, my lord," Kaeto agreed. "Our sources indicate the marriage is imminent, perhaps within weeks. Illyrio is hosting them, providing for their needs, clearly with his own agenda."
Maegor absorbed the information, his mind already calculating. This was precisely the kind of precarious position his cousins would find themselves in – dependent on the kindness of strangers, forced into desperate measures. It was also an opportunity. An opportunity to intervene, to save his kin, and to gain powerful allies. A Khalasar, even temporarily, would be a formidable force.
A soft hum resonated in his mind, the System's familiar notification.
[ Mission Complete: Reach Braavos ]
Objectives Fulfilled:
Successfully navigate the Narrow Sea to Braavos. (✓)Secure safe passage into the city without drawing undue attention from the Sealord's Guard. (✓)
Reward Granted:
Ability Upgrade: Valyrian Insight (Tier 2) - Advanced understanding of Valyrian lore, magic, and bloodline resonance. Enhanced ability to identify Dragonseeds.Uncommon Resource Pack (Braavos Specific) - Contains 500 Gold Dragons.
Maegor felt the surge of new knowledge, a deeper understanding of the subtle nuances of Valyrian history, arcane lore, and the very subtle, often imperceptible, signs of hidden dragon blood. He could now practically feel the whispers of Valyrian lineage in the Braavosi market, no longer just a vague sense. And the 500 Gold Dragons were a welcome boon, bolstering his dwindling funds.
He opened his pouch and ran his fingers over the newly acquired coins. He now had more resources, but time was short. Khal Drogo. That meant he had to act with speed and precision.
"Excellent work, both of you," Maegor finally said, his voice calm, decisive. "Your diligence has saved us precious time." He turned his gaze to the map he had spread on the table, tracing a route from Braavos to Pentos. "Pentos. Magister Illyrio Mopatis. This is where we go next."
He looked at his company, their faces hardened by loyalty and the unspoken promise of a great endeavor. "We will not be traveling in disguise this time. Not entirely. We will present ourselves as skilled sellswords, seeking employment. A small, elite cadre, capable of handling… sensitive matters."
Ryker's eyes gleamed. "Brawls, my lord? Or something more?"
"Something far more significant than brawls, Ryker," Maegor replied, a chilling smile playing on his lips. "We are going to acquire two new members for our family. And perhaps, a Khalasar."
The System flickered once more, a new objective appearing.
[ New Quest: ]
Objective: Reclaim the Kin
Travel to Pentos.Extract Daenerys Targaryen and Viserys Targaryen from Magister Illyrio Mopatis.Note: Diplomacy is preferred, but force may be necessary. Avoid open conflict with the Dothraki unless unavoidable.
Reward:
Ability Upgrade: Draconic Persuasion (Tier 2) - Enhanced ability to influence groups; subtle control over fear/awe.Access to Targaryen Royal Guard (Minor Unit - Requires Recruitment)Reputation Gain: +200 (The Dragon's Shadow)Event Unlock: Dothraki Blood Ceremony (Potential for Alliance)
Maegor felt a thrill. Draconic Persuasion, Targaryen Royal Guard, Reputation Gain, and a Dothraki Blood Ceremony. This was not just about saving his cousins; it was about solidifying his own position, demonstrating his power, and potentially gaining a truly formidable, albeit volatile, ally in the Khalasar. The name "The Dragon's Shadow" resonated deeply with the ancient Maegor within him. He would cast a long, unseen shadow before he unleashed his fire.
"Prepare the Sea Serpent," Maegor commanded, his voice filled with a quiet resolve that left no room for doubt. "We set sail for Pentos at first light."