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Xandar, Essos
8th Moon of 57 AC
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"Take them all to the shipyards; tell them they eat raw meat. They don't seem aggressive, but don't push them—we don't want anyone ending up skewered because one of these things gored them," Caspian ordered, giving instructions to the nearby servants. At that moment, Essino informed him that several men wished to have a meeting with him.
"They claim to be from Braavos, sent by the Iron Bank and the Sealord. They wish to speak with you." Caspian checked the time on his watch, which read 4:40. There was still enough time for a meeting, a quick bath, and to arrive at dinner on time.
"I will see them here. Tell them to come." Zirqo asked the servants to bring suitable chairs and refreshments while Essino rode to where the Braavosi emissaries were waiting.
Minutes later, three men approached on foot, escorted by Essino on horseback. The three men reached the point permitted by the Bloodriders, who sat in the provided chairs without hesitation. However, the expression on one of the men's faces suggested he was prepared in case the situation spiraled out of control.
"You stand before Khal Caspian Darkwood, King of Xandar and its surrounding lands, breaker of yokes, father of the newcomers, and the stallion who mounts the world." All these titles had been created by the people under Caspian's command.
"Prostrate before him are Afkhor Le Garin, representative of the Sealord of Braavos, and Liberto Kolaris and Zoro Na Mor of the Iron Bank." With Essino's introduction, the three arrivals remained silent while Caspian watched them intently.
"News of Khal Caspian has reached even Braavos. A Khal who has allied with the Red Temple has shaken the foundations of Essos, inclu—" Whatever Liberto was about to say was forcibly silenced. He even swallowed hard as tremors began to shake the earth.
In the distance, through one of the entrances to the clearing where they stood, Endaxia emerged. She had been growing at a rapid pace since being freed from the End dimension, reaching 62 meters in length (204 feet) and a wingspan of 108 meters (355 feet). She walked with strides that made the ground tremble until she reached the space behind Caspian. There, she lay down on the ground, her head raised and her purple eyes fixed on the three envoys.
"Xandar has just been born, but despite its youth, it is a strong city—determined and backed by overwhelming power. As for slavery, it has been exterminated within my borders. That is something Braavos should be pleased about, given its history. I want you to know that I am not interested in Braavos, if that concerns you." Caspian stopped speaking to accept a glass of wine offered by a servant, though his ear twitched.
This caused him to look at one of the three men with sharp attention, specifically one of the emissaries of the Iron Bank.
"The Sealord of Braavos is an intelligent and practical man, but above all, someone who treasures the status quo. That is why he offers this," Afkhor Le Garin spoke in a polite tone but with a restrained volume, glancing at Endaxia every so often as if she might attack at any moment.
Afkhor Le Garin brought a small chest forward that he had carried with him, kneeling to open it. This caused Endaxia to make a low rumbling sound in her throat that made Afkhor's very body vibrate. "It is a gift, simply that," Afkhor Le Garin raised his hands, explaining quickly.
Caspian simply gave a hand gesture, granting Afkhor permission to open the chest. When he did, something in Caspian's expression shifted.
In the chest lay three dragon eggs: the one on the right was a reddish hue, the middle one was black, and the one on the left was completely white. "These dragon eggs were purchased from someone in Westeros; they could never be hatched. This is what the Sealord offers: three dragon eggs in exchange for keeping Braavos out of any act of war."
Caspian remained silent for a moment, looking at the three eggs with a distant gaze. "It shall be done. Braavos will not be attacked by me or my people without provocation. It shall be free from all threat."
Afkhor Le Garin smiled, closing the chest and allowing Onno to collect it. Liberto Kolaris took the opportunity to state his purpose: "Khal Caspian, I am Liberto Kolaris, emissary of the Iron Bank. Volantis had accounts with the Bank—debts and loans amounting to five hundred thousand gold coins."
"The old debt of the extinct Volantis will be paid," Caspian said, dismissing the matter as unimportant. "I also want an account opened in the name of the Ministry of Trade. My carriages will soon head out to trade with anyone willing. That includes Braavos. You may travel with them; they will be protected. The gold to be deposited in the account will go with them. I hope our friendship endures."
The three looked at each other, confused by what had just happened. They had expected delays, threats, and insults; instead, they had achieved everything expected of the meeting. Since there was nothing left to discuss, they rose from their seats, ready to depart.
"You," Caspian stopped one of those claiming to be an emissary of the Iron Bank. "Zoro Na Mor, stay."
Liberto Kolaris took a step forward. "What is happening? He is one of ours, you can't—" He didn't finish speaking before Mottaekho's arakh touched his neck.
"I said he stays, and so he shall. If he is lucky, he will return to you."
Liberto Kolaris smiled tensely. "As you wish, Khal." Caspian smiled, waving his hand as if shooing away flies.
The two were escorted away, leaving Zoro Na Mor, who did not seem frightened in the least. On the contrary, he appeared very calm, as if nothing could harm him.
"Could you tell me why a Faceless Man is standing before me? In my city?" The moment Caspian finished saying that, Zoro Na Mor looked to his side, where two tall, dark, and cold beings—Endermen—stood on either side of him.
"I am but a messenger. The God of Many Faces does not wish for war with the God of Light... nor with his Herald. For years, we have maintained the balance. However, the God of Many Faces is angry. He who escaped from R'hllor has entered into my God's work, and He is not pleased. So I tell the Herald of the God of Light: when the struggle for the dawn begins, we will be there to collect the bodies that have escaped my God's hands."
Caspian did not respond, but his face turned completely serious. He rose from his seat and faced Zoro Na Mor. "I do not want your friends in my city, or in any others under my control. If I discover a single death related to you, I will raze your cursed temple to its foundations."
A sharp smile spread across Caspian's face. "Until next time... Zoro Na Mor."
Caspian entered his chambers and found Valka sitting at a table, looking into a mirror while brushing her long hair. "Come, sit with me," Valka said the moment she saw his reflection.
He smiled warmly, removing his shirt and leaving his chest bare. He walked over to her, kissing her passionately until she pushed him away. "Hey, I'm trying to brush my hair."
"I spoke with Aerea and her mother. Aerea agreed to marry you," Valka commented softly, noting Caspian's reaction. "Yes, I know you said you would be the one to tell her, but I got ahead of myself. After all, I will be the one sharing her man."
"What did Aerea say?"
"What did she say?" Valka said, laughing. "The girl is in love. and more importantly... she has a dragon as a pet."
"So, what do you propose?" Caspian asked.
"It will be a double wedding. I spoke with her, and she agrees. So... get your little friend downstairs ready."
"Hahaha!" Their laughter filled the room as they finished getting ready for what promised to be either a pleasant or a very awkward dinner.