Meeting Salladhor again

Early the next morning, sea mist still wreathed the towers and waterways of Braavos. At the base's docks, five prepared, medium-sized "merchant ships" already had their sails half raised, waiting to depart.

At a glance, they looked no different from the other vessels. But anyone who examined them closely would notice that they sat deeper in the water than other ships of their size.

The "sailors" on deck wore coarse cloth, yet their movements lacked the casual looseness of ordinary seamen. Their steps were steady, their eyes alert, and they worked together with an unspoken understanding-the discipline forged through long training and service side by side.

Deep within the merchant ship with the deepest draft, Viserys sat in a specially reinforced cabin, his eyes closed as though resting.

He had boarded earlier than everyone else. After all, as far as outsiders knew, he was still "supposed" to be in Volantis handling certain confidential matters.

He wore a simple black-and-red outfit, his silver hair hanging loosely over his shoulders.

Part of his attention, however, was controlling Blackflame, flying toward the waters along their planned route to circle high overhead and await their arrival.

Three exquisite wooden chests stood side by side at his feet, their lids secured with thick leather straps. Each held three Dragon Eggs.

These treasures of House Targaryen had to remain in his personal custody throughout the voyage to be safe. After all, rebuilding the Valyrian Freehold would require their power as well.

On deck, Ser William was making his final inspection. His sharp gaze swept every corner, overlooking no possible flaw.

At the docks, Ser Jon had just escorted Daenerys and the others over. Once aboard, Ashara gave the two knights of House Darry a slight nod, then led the two children to their assigned room.

Ser Jon exchanged a few words with Ser William, completing the handover of command and confirming the final details.

With everything ready, Ser Jon ordered the mooring lines cast off. The sails billowed in the light breeze, carrying the ships slowly out to sea, where they slipped unnoticed into the great procession of merchant vessels leaving Braavos that morning.

The fleet passed one by one through the channel beneath the Titan of Braavos. At the checkpoint by the exit, Ser Jon was already prepared. He approached a Braavosi official and spoke to him quietly, handing over several trade documents while casually slipping a small but weighty purse into his hand.

Clearly accustomed to such exchanges, the official deftly leafed through the documents and hefted the purse, gauging the weight of the silver within. A trace of businesslike satisfaction appeared on his face, and he waved them through.

Countless fleets of this size entered and left Braavos every day. As long as the taxes and paperwork were in order, no one paid them much attention.

The voyage went smoothly at first. The fleet sailed south as planned, giving the impression that it was bound for Lys.

Under Ashara's care, Daenerys and Rhaenys soon grew accustomed to the ship's rocking, both nervous and excited about the unknown journey ahead. Viserys spent most of his time in his cabin, monitoring the surrounding waters through his connection to Blackflame's sight or keeping the girls company when they grew bored. Only this small inner circle knew he was aboard.

Yet the waters known as the Narrow Sea were never truly peaceful. One afternoon a week later, the lookout raised the alarm.

"Ships approaching from the starboard rear! There are a lot of them, and they look like the kind pirates use!"

Ser Jon's heart tightened. He immediately ordered the fleet to pick up speed and adjust its formation, placing the two ships carrying the most armed men on the outside. But the pursuers were clearly faster, and their course was precise. They had evidently been watching them for some time.

In less than two hours, the swift vessels had drawn close enough for their details to become clear. They flew no banners of any city-state or noble house. Hideous sea monsters or skulls were carved into their prows, and their decks were crowded with fierce-looking, rough men wielding all manner of weapons.

At the bow of the slightly larger lead ship stood a man as short and stout as a wine barrel, with unkempt hair and a tangled beard. Undisguised greed showed on his face. It was none other than the "King of the Narrow Sea," Salladhor Saan.

Viserys had known from the outset that these were Salladhor's ships. With Blackflame at his disposal, he was not worried. First, he reassured the two frightened little girls.

"You up ahead, listen!" Salladhor's voice dripped with mockery. "With seas this rough, why be in such a hurry? Why not stop and let Lord Salladhor inspect your cargo? If it pleases me, I might even spare your lives."

Coarse laughter and wild jeers erupted aboard the pirate ships.

Salladhor Saan, that cunning, greedy pirate chief. Ser Jon frowned.

He knew that His Grace Viserys had encountered this man before and brought him to heel. Under their agreement, Salladhor was supposed to continue playing the pirate, plundering Lannister and Baratheon ships while secretly building up strength for His Grace. He had never expected to run into him now.

Just as Ser Jon was about to identify himself, Viserys's voice came from behind him.

"Salladhor Saan."

His voice was not particularly loud, yet it carried with a strange penetrating force, making even the pirates who were waving their blades and howling falter.

A figure slowly emerged from the shadows of the cabin entrance. His silver hair gleamed in the sunlight, and his violet eyes were deep and dark. He looked very young, his face almost too handsome.

Yet the look in those eyes sent an inexplicable chill through any pirate who met his gaze. He merely stood there at ease, but seemed to radiate a presence impossible to ignore.

Salladhor Saan narrowed his eyes, studying the young man before him and his silver hair and violet eyes.

Fragments of terrifying memories from several months ago crashed into his mind.

"You... you're..." Salladhor's voice had gone dry. The greed and smugness on his face froze, replaced by growing disbelief and fear. He was the terror Salladhor had encountered on the mist-shrouded sea, though he certainly would not say that aloud.

Viserys ignored his panic and continued in the same calm, icy tone. "Have your men leave at once. This is your last warning. And you, come aboard. I have something to say to you."

Once Salladhor was aboard, Viserys said, "It seems your 'business' has been expanding quickly lately. You even dare to stop my fleet now."

Salladhor shuddered and hurried to explain. "I wouldn't dare! Please, my lord, you must believe me! How could I dare stop your ships, my lord? I've been following your orders all along, watching the Lannister and Baratheon ships and having ships built for you as well. Look, over there-those two, the Flying Fish and the Wave Surge. I've only just had them finished. Sturdy and fast. I was wondering how to deliver them to you, and then I happened to run into you here. What a coincidence!"

He pointed toward two moderately sized sailing ships to the rear flank of the pirate fleet. Both looked very new.