Several days later, the army of the New Valyrian Empire arrived beneath Meereen's walls. Defenders crowded the battlements, and banners stood in dense ranks. At first glance, the city seemed heavily fortified.
Viserys did not immediately order an attack.
Riding King Ghidorah, he circled slowly over Meereen, surveying the last great city of Slaver's Bay from above. He could feel the fear that permeated the city, as well as the hatred of some of its people. Behind the walls, he also saw the deathly stillness hanging over the ordinary residential districts.
"People of Meereen." Once again, Viserys used magic to urge the city to surrender before attacking. "I am Viserys Targaryen, Dragonlord of Valyria, Breaker of Chains. I believe you have seen the rebirth of Astapor and Yunkai, as well as the innocents brutally murdered outside your walls. Meereen's Great Masters rule you through fear and blood, hoping to keep freedom at bay."
He pointed beyond the walls, his voice turning sharp. "But today, I tell you-and the Great Masters in their pyramids-that the time has come. Blood debts must be paid."
He patted King Ghidorah's neck. The three-headed dragon unleashed a roar that seemed capable of tearing souls apart, her golden eyes locking onto the magnificent bronze gate on Meereen's southern side.
King Ghidorah began her dive, but she did not head straight for the gate.
First, she used her altitude and speed to sweep past the walls from the left flank, attacking the defenders who tried to shoot her with arrows. Her left head unleashed a blue frost breath. The stretch of wall swept by that freezing current-battlements, defenders, and defensive engines alike-froze instantly beneath thick blue ice crystals.
Immediately afterward, her right head spewed scorching dragonfire across another stretch of wall. Flame and frost formed a cruel