Conqueror's Holdfast, the King's Hall.
Outside the windows, the salty, briny wind from the Narrow Sea stirred the Gold-and-Red Dragon Banner hanging beneath the towering dome.
Liu Qian sat upright on the Iron Throne.
Below him, Ser Wendel Manderly bowed in greeting.
Though the envoy from the North looked somewhat weary from his long journey, his eyes were utterly resolute.
"Your honored Majesty, I come at the command of His Majesty Robb Stark, King in the North. The North is fighting the Westerlands in the Riverlands. Lannister claws tear at our soldiers, while Ironborn blades ravage our shores. His Majesty Robb has heard that you command a host of brave warriors and begs for your aid. The North is willing to offer gold, trading privileges, and even future friendship in exchange for an army strong enough to turn the tide of war!"
Liu Qian's gaze settled on Wendel, calm and untroubled.
An envoy from the North. Interesting.
It seemed the discord he had previously sown between Stark and Baratheon had worked. The North was now isolated and without help.
They could only turn to a foreigner like him.
He spoke slowly. "His Majesty Robb has earned a great name throughout the Seven Kingdoms at such a young age. Even across the Narrow Sea, I have heard of him as the 'Young Wolf.'"
He paused, as though weighing his decision, then announced a staggering number. "I will give you twenty thousand. Twenty thousand Unsullied to aid the North."
Wendel jerked his head up, doubting his own ears. "Your Majesty-"
"I will give you twenty thousand Unsullied warriors. They will return to Westeros with you and fight for your King in the North."
Liu Qian repeated himself clearly, without the slightest hint of a joke on his face.
Overwhelming joy instantly engulfed