chapter 115 part 1
Chapter 115: The True Dragon Relocates
A faint smile hung on Daenerys Targaryen's lips, her violet eyes fixed upon Jorah Mormont as he answered her questions earnestly.
When Jorah finished speaking, Daenerys slowly nodded her head and said, "Ser, the feeling of leaving one's home is a terrible one. I can empathize. You should start anew."
Daenerys lowered her gaze to the golden bracelet Illyrio had given her. It was inlaid with sparkling gems, exquisite and opulent.
"Ser Jorah, I wish to hire you as my guard..."
As she spoke, Daenerys removed the bracelet from her wrist and handed it to Bronn, who stood beside her.
"Is this sufficient?"
As Bronn approached, Jorah met her gaze.
Looking at Bronn, Jorah was reminded of the women of Bear Island. They were all excellent warriors, in no way inferior to men.
Bronn's frame was tall and robust, her body seemingly brimming with strength. She was a warrior seasoned by a hundred battles.
The Ironborn or the wildlings from the Frozen Shore often took advantage of the men being out at sea fishing to raid Bear Island. The women of Bear Island had no choice but to take up arms to fight back against the invaders, which led to the formation of a unique warrior culture among the women there.
Jorah was once the Lord of Bear Island and head of House Mormont; he was all too familiar with women of this sort.
Jorah shifted his gaze, glancing once more at the corpse lying on the ground.
*Join or die, is it?*
An imperceptible smirk touched Jorah's lips as he sighed to himself. *Truly the blood of House Targaryen.*
Extending a large hand, Jorah accepted the golden bracelet. "Your Highness, you are generous enough. I am your guard now!"
Jorah took stock of the situation. Daenerys could have forced him to choose.
Hearing Jorah's clear reply, Daenerys also breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't want to harm an innocent man.
...
Viserys abruptly stopped his muttering and strode towards Daenerys.
Viserys's voice was shrill. "Who did this? Was it you?!"
Bronn stretched out an arm, blocking Viserys who was trying to get close to Daenerys.
Viserys was so angry he seemed ready to explode. "And who are you? Do you know who I am? I am the King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, Warden of the Realm, Viserys Targaryen, the Third of His Name, the one true King of the Iron Throne!"
Daenerys's body trembled as she secretly took a breath.
When Viserys had stormed toward her with such "overwhelming momentum," her legs had wanted to flee, as if they had suddenly lost all control.
Jorah, who had been quietly observing Daenerys, noticed her unusual state.
Jorah stood tall beside Bronn, his towering figure silently blocking Viserys's path.
"You, you..."
Viserys first looked left, then right, and shrieked, "Jorah Mormont, you dare betray the King?"
Jorah tightened his grip on the hilt of his longsword and bowed his head slightly. "Forgive me, I have not betrayed you. I was your retainer before, but now I am a guard hired by Her Highness the Princess. My duty is to protect the Princess's safety."
"You!"
A hateful, vicious light appeared in Viserys's eyes. "Jorah Mormont! I will never forget your betrayal!"
Faced with Viserys's threat, Jorah remained unmoved, resolutely blocking his way.
...
Daenerys finally regained control of her legs.
Daenerys stared at Viserys. "Brother, I was the one who dealt with Illyrio. Are you trying to attract the Unsullied guards from outside the courtyard?"
After a moment's pause, with the guards between them, Viserys pointed a finger at Daenerys. "It was you! You ruined my plans! Without Illyrio, how am I supposed to reclaim the Iron Throne!"
Viserys lowered his voice, but Daenerys could still hear the fury.
Daenerys's petite figure walked over. "Thank you. We can't waste any more time. Please carry the man on the ground into the house and prepare some kindling."
Jorah raised a hand to stop Bronn, who was about to move. "Let me handle it."
Bronn understood Jorah's meaning, gave a slight nod, and remained by the Princess's side.
"Brother, Illyrio wanted to control us. On the surface, it seemed like he was helping us with all his might, but his true purpose was to groom you into a puppet he could manipulate at will."
Viserys was first stunned, then he sneered. "How do you know that? Besides, so what if he was? After I reclaim the Iron Throne, I'll just kill him."
Daenerys opened her mouth, wanting to tell her brother that Illyrio would have killed her first.
Furthermore, Illyrio was a cunning schemer. How could her brother possibly be his match? By that time, everyone around Viserys would likely be one of Illyrio's men.
In that situation, the moment her brother had a child would also be the moment of his death. An infant was much easier to control, and Illyrio could even become Regent of the Kingdom with a legitimate title.
Her recent conversations with Glyn had proven useful, causing Daenerys to instantly connect many dots.
*Was this Illyrio's conspiracy?*
...
"Brother, give me some time. I will help you prepare an army sufficient to reclaim the Iron Throne!"
Viserys eyed his slender sister contemptuously. "You? How much time do you want me to give you? Ten years? Twenty years?!"
Daenerys shook her head slightly, her eyes firm. "Three years at most!"
Viserys's eyes flickered, and he couldn't help but probe, "You really have a way? But three years is too long! I can't wait to kill the Usurper even tomorrow. I'll give you a year at most!"
Daenerys hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, one year it is!"
Viserys was momentarily stunned before a joyous expression spread across his face. "My dear sister, only you truly understand me! I only need ten thousand soldiers, and I only want the Iron Throne! Once I've taken back the Iron Throne, I won't forget your contribution!"
"Brother, I have one condition."
Viserys forced back the ecstasy in his heart. "Name it, name it! I'll agree to anything!"
Daenerys's violet eyes glanced at Bronn as she spoke, "After you retake the Iron Throne, I hope you will grant Glyn Clegane the Eyrie and the rule over the Vale as its lord."
Viserys's smile faded, and his brows furrowed.
Daenerys added, "When my brother's soldiers set foot in Westeros, Lord Glyn will raise ten thousand men to assist him."
Viserys smiled... With his ten thousand, that would make twenty thousand soldiers—more than enough.
"Dany, since it is your request, of course I will permit it! I am a magnanimous King. This is a King's promise. When I reclaim the Iron Throne, I will hand the Vale over to Lord Glyn!"