It took awhile to root out all the people who had possessed slaves, but in the end the whole upper class of Qarth was detained. Under protest of course, but no amount of gold, lands or daughters, sometimes even sons offered could sway him or his army.
No ships could've left port, so that route of escape was blocked together with all the guards Harry posted all over the city it should be enough. From then on it did not take long to arrange trials for approximately hundreds of slave masters. Ironically they were held on the Plaza of Punishment in Astrapor.
Of course, if they would've done this the normal way the accused could've lied or brought others to lie for them, but not in this case.
To be completely sure of someone's guilt or innocence they used Legilimency, Veritaserum, the Black family Pensieve to view memories as well as an enchanted crystal that would glow red when the interviewee lied and green for the truth. With that the truth came out every single time, together with accounts of slaves who also were screened for lying.
Many were found guilty and swiftly executed with a killing curse. Some former masters or guards who were exceedingly cruel got another sentence. They were to be burned alive. Hopefully giving the abused slaves some form of revenge without doing it themselves.
Others, those that had treated their slaves alright, could keep them as paid servants, should the ex-slaves want to stay and had no further reparations to pay.
The only problem were the children of the rich and old slaver families. They had done nothing wrong. The problem was that they had the same mindset as their parents. Something ingrained from thousands of years of slavery. Thinking slaves weren't even human for whatever reason.
That was what the group currently discussed in the meeting of Harry's newly established council to help him govern. Harry was the Leader, and had the full control of the military and the final say in all matters, even though he listened to advise more than to lead blindly.
Kinvara was chosen to be a representative of the faiths and the one of R'hllor in particular. The giddy woman was given the job, because Harry now knew her pretty well and trusted her more not to cause some uprising or unrest.
Melisandre in turn had gotten the position of Mistress of Whispers a title shamelessly copied from the small council in Westeros. She got many tools to use for this purpose. Firstly the glass candle was excellent for such things with its scrying and spying capabilities. Marauder maps were made for every major city and the ones coming in the future, so that the comings and goings of people could be monitored. The maps were tied to Melisandre's ring. the taboo on the word treason and various others, showing where the word was uttered on the map, who did it and alerting her that it did so through the ring.
Of course, they couldn't simply send a force to detain the ones that said one of the words, but Melisandre could watch them through the glass candle for further information. Looking if it was a jest or in earnest.
So called Watch skulls were planted over the entrances of every city as well and linked to a small hand mirror, so that the red priestess could observe through the eyes of the skull. The object was made from a simple and uncomplicated necromantic ritual and needed the skull of someone who died with his or her eyes open. Something they had in spades from the executions and the many battles. The mirror would vibrate when something of interest happened or someone tried to sneak in under glamours or disguises. Naturally, Melisandre couldn't look at everything simultaneously, but the Watch skulls could replay events.
Together with her affinity for divination she was a pretty good magical spy and predictor. Harry only hoped that the position would show how much he valued her and her skills. Instead of being angry that Kinvara got the position with the faith.
Narcissa got the position for Medicine and Hygiene. Making sure that there were hospitals, bath-houses and healers aplenty. In Chroyane it was the case right now, but not in the rest of the conquered cities.
Andromeda was responsible for Infrastructure Agriculture and Logistic. Looking after the produced goods, streets and trade channels it followed.
Closely tied to it was Gabrielle in her position of Mistress of Coin. Obviously she was responsible for taxes, the income of the crown, investments, etc. Pretty good at it too, having spent much time with her grandfather, who had worked for a bank similar to Gringotts in France.
Curiously enough Bellatrix was responsible for Education as Mistress of Knowledge. Behind her unwavering loyalty and insane obsession towards Harry and her zeal to please him she had a sharp mind. Harry could be sure she performed the task to the letter. She also was a good teacher, same as Harry. When one looked away from her more... esoteric teaching methods.
Though, she wouldn't teach much after more teachers were made. The children wouldn't be the same otherwise.
Marcella's occupation was a bit more abstract. She had the pleasure to oversee artistic and cultural topics. Which was a nice way of saying that the Italian woman was responsible for the whorehouses as well as planning the festivals and such. In general she was there to plan the entertainment, like the fighting pits, mummer shows and so on.
Fleur was Mistress of Law and therefore responsible for the dispersion of justice as well as the creation of laws. With all the tools she had at her command and her experience in Gringotts legal branch it should be more than sufficient to deal with crime. Closely tied to that was the commander of the city watch Abha, who was used as a kind of police force.
Right now the council met in the newly made chambers for just that purpose in the Palace of Love. They resembled the Pantheon a bit as it was under a domed ceiling with smooth marble pillars.
The group was currently sitting at a table in the form of a horseshoe. "Ok, the trials are over and we need to find a solution as to how we want to deal with the children of the guilty." Harry began, grateful that he had all that advise at his disposal. "I think that we can forget the hope that none of them will harbour feelings of hate and a need for revenge against us."
Even Marwyn was here to help, although the Archmaester had to return to the Citadel soon or risk penalties.
Nods all around showed the agreement to that assessment. "Maybe, we could just let them have some accidents." Melisandre proposed, not very much amused at the prospect of future threats that could be eliminated right now.
Shaking his head in the negative Harry said firmly "No, we won't kill children that have done nothing just yet." that was something he would never condone. He knew Melisandre had his best interest in mind, but took it a bit too far most times.
"We need something where they are out of the way, not dead, but with no possibility of gaining any form of influence." frowning in thought the boy-who-lived tried to think of such a thing.
Looking around everyone was in thought, but surprisingly Marwyn was the first to propose something. "Well, if we would be in Westeros you just could send the boys to the Wall and the girls to the Silent sisters." the middle-aged Maester sat in his seat with his usual somewhat gruff, but still inviting and warm demeanour.
A bit confused Harry asked "What are those?" not having heard of them before or even read in one of the books.
Not bothered by the question the Archmaester began his explanation. "The wall is a structure out of ice, built over eight-thousand years ago. It is said that it was built with the help of magic and giants." from then on he explained its purpose and the Order of the Nights Watch. How it was once an illustrious order, but now it is only a dumping-ground for thieves, rapists and criminals in general. Only a few honourable men taking the Black willingly. Here and there Melisandre chimed in with a few bits of religious information.
It seemed the best option, with even Melisandre agreeing. Something about thinking ahead and sending reinforcements to the Wall for the battle to come. Harry had only listen half-heartedly.
Next Marwyn explained the other organisation. "The Silent Sisters are an organisation that consists of only women, who swore an oath of silence and chastity. They attend to the dead, prepare them for funeral, as well as transporting them to their resting places."
In the end it was decided that the boys were to go first. The Night's Watch was said to take anyone and they didn't know what was required for joining the Silent Sisters. For now the girls would be kept under house arrest.
"Now that that is out of the way has anyone other problems?" the last Potter inquired.
Narcissa was the first to go. "We need to build Apothecaries in the cities we conquered. As well as Bath-houses if we want our subjects to live somewhat healthy lives." most people stank terribly and it was unhygienic and detrimental to once health. Not to mention all the diseases or simple wounds that could kill when infected.
Hospitals wouldn't need to be built, because in every city stood at least one massive manse or pyramid empty that could fill that purpose after a bit redecorating. The same went for the schools.
"Agreed." Harry said, leaning on the table with his elbows. "Do we have enough healers or plants to get ingredients from?"
Narcissa only nodded her head before answering "Yes, the cities of Ghis have healers in the form of the so called Blue Graces. Not as good as ours naturally, but at least somewhat trained. As for the ingredients we have enough new seeds to plant gardens much like our own in the new cities."
"Good, send a few of our Healers to them to educate them and you can go with them to look for ones capable of magic that can manufacture potions and have an interest in running an Apothecary." The money one could make from the business alone should be enough persuasion. Seeing Narcissa only nod he went to go on with the council.
"Are you sure it is wise to plant the magical plants there we cannot supervise?" asked a worried Marcella a frown marring her beautiful face. It was a warranted fear. The wider spread this all became the more difficult it was to control if someone stole something and sold it to people they wouldn't want to have access to these kind of things.
The question only got a shrug out of Narcissa. "I don't think so." still with only her icy mask on the woman with the evening sky in her hair went on, a small smug smile on her face. "After all everyone I educated in the art of Potions had to sign a contract, which roughly states that they can't steal from the gardens without causing themselves painful boils all over their body. Also they aren't allowed to show others the entrance to the gardens or spread their knowledge without permission."
Like the one they had here the garden was big and protected by Whoomping willows, Silverthorn spruce and Venomous Tentacula as well as walls. Only the vanishing cabinets granted save access from the Apothecaries.
"And in case someone should find their way inside" she flung her midnight-black hair over her shoulder grinning slightly "I have taken the liberty to introduce some magical beasts into the garden, just as I will do with the future ones."
"Which ones?" asked a now smiling Bellatrix, always happy to know what her sister did to inflict pain on her masters enemies.
Now the smile on Narcissa's face was predatory. "Crups to guard the gardens against intruders. Some Knarls, Flobberworms and Nifflers to dig over the earth. As well as Mooncalfs for their dung that helps plants grow fast and strong and Bundimuns so that the compost can be eaten by them."
Although, the dung had to be collected before morning, but that was hardly an issue. "All creatures easy to handle even for a Muggle." besides the Crups who were distrustful of Muggles, but that was the intention here anyway. Only people the wizard bred dog knew could enter or leave. Without getting maimed that is.
Fairies were also in the gardens, inhabiting the Fairy Lindens. However they did not serve any particular purpose expect potion ingredients.
With that solved they continued. Marcella was next. "I have a concern regarding the whorehouses and the whores in general." changing position in her seat Marcella plucked a grape from the nearby bowl "Most of them are in relatively good condition, but some have various sexual transmittable diseases. I would find It a good idea to introduce a monthly check up for the ones who want to stay in business as whores as well as guards posted in the brothels for protection against unruly customers."
As disgusting as Marcella found the business of prostitution she knew it was a futile effort trying to abolish it. So, they had to regulate it. Hell, there even existed women who liked to be whores. The substantial income from the tax also couldn't be denied.
"Any complaints with it?" Harry asked around the table, but especially at Narcissa. With her history it would be understandable for her to have some.
The woman in question just shock her head "No, but I would like to add some things." upon having their attention she went on "No woman under sixteen should be allowed to become a whore." tapping a finger on her chin in thought Narcissa had another idea "An Age-Line around brothels would also be a good idea to ensure this, as well that only people at the age of sixteen can enter a brothel. Be they customer or employee."
Again there were no complains against the sound argument. The cases of child prostitution of the former slave masters was especially disgusting and punished most severely.
Marcella though had another topic regarding her area. "The pit-fighters again put forth a petition to reopen the pits." pushing a small piece of parchment towards Harry, where all the arguments for it stood.
Massaging the bridge of his nose, Harry sighed after reading the thing. That was the third time they did that, but he was wary of doing what they wanted. Not keen on the idea of such bloodshed being openly practised. But if not then there would be other ways found by the people. The underground pits, where Harry had found Beskha coming to mind.
"Alright, tell them they can reopen the pits, but that there are conditions. First everyone participating has to do so on his own free will. Secondly when someone yields he is to be spared and healed." that was all he could think on for the moment.
"Why don't you tell them yourself they are waiting outside." said Andromeda, smiling a bit as she had her elbows propped up on the table and her head lying on the back of her hands.
Harry just groaned, but motioned a guard to open the door and get the pit-fighters. It did not take long for them to come in. Entering were three people leading the rest. One giant with nut-brown skin, a huge chest, massive belly and the arms of tree trunks. His free torso showing many superficial scars. He looked to be no older than seventeen.
Another big one besides him with hands the size of hams, looking more bull than man even down to the bronze ring in his nose. The last was a dark, tall and lean woman of around sixteen. All of them just bowed after straightening again.
Seeing no point in sugar coating his words or dragging the whole thing out Harry just said "We have decided to reopen the pits" before they could say or do anything Harry held up a hand "with a few certain conditions."
The first one with the bald head and many scars asked respectfully, but gruffly all the same "Which ones?" causing the guards to grip their weapons tighter at the, in their eyes, blatant disrespect shown to their beloved leader, only relaxing upon a gesture from him.
A smile half-genuine and half-predatory on his lips Harry said. "All fighters have to fight there on their own free will. You even may kill one another" it may not sit right with Harry and the rest, but in that case the people had made their own decision regarding their life and if they want to die like that then he wouldn't stop them. Free choice regarded stupid ones as well.
"The exception is that when someone yields he is not to be harmed further. Is that acceptable?" Harry asked with a raised brow, his unique eyes on the group and the three in front in particular. Unsettling them quite a bit. However, Harry was impressed with the self-control of the men in the presence of his wives until he remembered that they probably all were eunuchs.
This time all the council got was a mute nod. Another bow from them later the group vacated the room. Upon the clicking sound that indicated a closed door the group proceeded.
Andromeda was next regarding the infrastructure. "We have problems housing all the people as you all surely know." Chroyane nearly bursting at the seams was a better description. "So, we need more buildings or new cities. Luckily there are more than enough ruins to repair. Adakhakileki and Yinishar would be ideal, but to be on the safe side I think we should also get the remaining ruined cities of the Rhoynar and plant them south of Chroyane."
It wouldn't be difficult to do so with the staff Fleur and Gabrielle brought with them. The repairing and improving of the cities will probably take a good amount of time, but not as much as Chroyane. The other cities only ever inhabiting around two hundred-thousand rather than a million.
There were no objections so Andy continued "Afterwards when the cities are repaired we should connect them via roads."
By then the dragons should be big enough to help build roads like the Valyrians of old did together with transfiguration it shouldn't take long to do so. It wasn't difficult after having examined the valyrian road near Meereen and how it came to be.
"Other than that the only thing of importance is the harbour, but there everything is finished and it only needs ships." luckily Qarth had more than enough ships, which currently sailed upstream to Chroyane.
"What with the new fertile land? Have we enough seeds to plant new crops there?" inquired Gabrielle, knowing Andy was responsible for that and hoping she did not have to purchase some.
Andy nodded with her head still on her hands "Yes, we had many good harvests and more than enough seeds to plant them in new locations." it was fortunate that they performed the fertility ritual. Even unknowingly.
Ghis, Lhazar and Slavers Bay were blooming, the green returning to their lands and rivers once more flowing through it. The same went for the Patrimony. The Great Sand Sea filled itself once more with water, now that the stolen life-force was returned.
Besides restoring the land it also gave Harry another title. Life-binder, the people called him. The act not concealable. Everyone in Qarth had seen the magic flowing in the earth from the Palace of Dust. Leaving a green trail of grass behind it and spreading further. Like always word, just like the green trail, spread fast and by now everyone on this side of the world probably knew of them.
"Another thing I would like to implement is a system for irrigation." Andromeda went on as she sat straighter for the first time of the meeting "So that the farmers have it a bit easier and work more efficiently." looking at her older sister Bella she asked "Do you think the scholars and engineers are advanced enough for such a thing?"
Bellatrix in turn just nodded assured "I am sure that is no problem at all. The ones we got from the Patrimony are good "left unsaid was for this day and age "While we are at it I have the plans for the book press." holding the papers up, which contained the instructions on how to build a book press. She pushed them across the table for Harry to inspect.
Looking it over Harry approved "Excellent, that should make it easier for the schools to get books and other material to teach with." he nodded to Bellatrix with a smile. The paper they had produced up until now could be used to good effect. The progress was going well so far.
"How far along is the implementation of a new system of measurement?" Harry inquired.
The eldest Black sister returned his smile in full with flushed cheeks, while preening at his praise "It goes relatively well for the scholars, but for the rest we need to first educate them on numbers from scratch." Not many slave-jobs required you to know numbers. These kind of jobs brought too much money to be left for lowly slaves. The problem was all these people were arrested and often times executed. Therefore they needed to teach others first.
The metric system would be used, it being vastly superior to the imperial system and the many different measurements existing right now.
Nodding Harry queried "I'm assuming some scholars are ready to teach people when the schools are finished?" they had a good number of scholars and scribes. He only received a nod and brilliant smile in response.
"What of the treasury, little sister? How much money do we have at the moment?" Fleur asked her sister curiously, knowing that the treasury was a bit of a mess at the moment. They had enough with thirty million gold pieces of their own, as well as all the assets taken from the former masters as well as merchant rulers of Qarth. But the value was never the same.
Looking at the book in front of her detailing all the things she needed Gabrielle cleared her throat and began. "Together with the thirty million gold pieces and all the confiscated property of the conquered cities we have" goggling a bit at the number she squirmed a bit at the attention and double checked again. "Two-hundred fifty million gold pieces." in that weren't even all the gems mentioned. However what could one expect from people who lived in palaces the size of market towns.
Jaws hit the floor at that number, but after a bit of thought it was understandable. They had conquered Qarth, one of the richest cities together with all the slaver cities, who had a ridiculous income due to their trade. Now that most of them were dead and only the children remaining, who soon would be shipped away, all the gold was theirs. Even after having subtracted a substantial amount, which they had given to various parties like they promised.
After the shock had worn off Gabrielle continued "Obviously we need to create a new coinage." much like the metric system one currency was best or it would only get terribly confusing.
"I have a few examples from the goldsmiths on what should be printed on the gold, silver and copper coins." passing the examples around, everyone voiced pros and cons for one thing or the other.
In the end it was decided to print Harry's face on one side of the gold coins and on the other the coat of arms of the Peverell family. Having decided that the coat of arms from the Blacks wasn't suitable. The two silver coins got different ones. The bigger coin got the Harpy with feathered wings instead of leathered ones on one side and broken chains on the other. The smaller one was decorated by a caved in skull and on the other by a scenery of forest.
The biggest copper coin got the flaming Heart of R'hllor on it as well as Lightbringer. The various smaller ones got motifs of the other more prominent faiths. Among It a sheep, horse and a pyramid for the religion of the graces. All done to appease one faction or another.
Melisandre was a bit annoyed that the symbol of her god wasn't on the gold coin. No matter how hard she tried to hide it on her face, the bond was giving it away. Only after Harry explained that the copper ones were used most of all and everyone had them, accepted she the reasoning. After all Gold coins were for the rich merchants or lords. Most Smallfolk did not get to see them once in their lives.
With that finished Gabrielle moved on after collecting the examples "Good I will give the orders to the goldsmiths immediately after this." after having packed the coins away the younger Veela searched for her report "On to the estimate for the future. Now that we have pretty much secured all trade-routes between east and west we can expect increased income."
The steel, sand and stone road together with the jade gates were now all under their control. Giving them also control over the toll they could exact. "Together with the once more fertile land the Patrimony should get more traffic." Not on the same level as Qarth, but still. "On our side we have now new medicine" antiseptics, antibiotics, various healing potions even hygienic products like toothpaste, stick deodorants, mouthwash, soap and cosmetic ones "and exotic goods to trade. Under them coffee, cotton, sugar, spices, sweets and various alcohols etc. It should increase the income as well." It was with near certainty that these goods would be welcomed by other foreign cities.
Browsing through the book Gabrielle pointed out various incomes for them as soon as the trade went was fully established. "I would also advise that printing the books should be limited to one location."
"Why?" Harry interrupted curious as to her reasons for that.
Chewing on her quill the Veela explained "Easy, when we produce books all over the country the more we have, but the less worth they are. Books are expensive right now so when we produce them with a method only we understand we also can get more money out of it." not to mention regulate the production as well. It wouldn't do for other people to find out how they did it.
After Harry nodded, accepting her sound reasoning she went on. "We also have free ink due to the Giant squid now living in the Black Lake." Ironically enough the Poison Sea was renamed after their last name. Giving it the same name as the squids previous home. The gigantic lake now having inhabitants besides the Hydra and Selma with the squid and many many new fish swimming in from now connected rivers.
After that came many other new sources of income. Production of inks, dyes and cosmetics. Glass and ceramic manufacture. All of it was taught by Harry and his knowledge of Alchemy. On top of it he also had long given his people new methods for testing and refining ore, metalworking and preparation of extracts and liquors.
All accomplishments that made Alchemy what it was in their world.
"Thank you, Gabrielle." Harry said, having not really expected her to give such a detailed report, but appreciative to it nonetheless. "Now to the next piece on the order today. The laws." here he looked at Fleur telling her with his eyes to begin.
The older Veela just nodded and gave her own report. "I have just composed a few essential laws, because to have as many laws as at home would only be confusing." Not to mention that most couldn't even be applied.
"First one is an interesting one. It is a thing called Guest right from Westeros. It basically means that when you let someone eat and sleep under your roof then you can't harm him and visa versa. Only when the guest leaves is it lifted." then Fleur went to explain why she choose this law. "It is a good law, because it gives order and safety to the people." it would take a while to implement, but with the explanation of 'if you don't abide by it you offend the gods' it should work pretty good. The people would believe it, because they thought him and his wives a messenger of R'hllor anyway.
"The second one just basically means you shall not hurt your own people or steal from them." coming from the Lharzeen and one they all could live by.
"Qartheen marriage law was also a good idea, so I took it in with a small modification." the idea of giving and receiving a gift one couldn't refuse was good, but could be abused. Now it was to be a gift of equal value. That means when someone wants you to give him or her a palace then they have to give something of equal value, too. If they can't then the demand has to be lowered.
"The fourth law, states that women can inherit just the same as men, depending on who was born first." it wasn't exactly what they wanted, namely giving the person with the highest merit the inheritance. Though, Fleur doubted it would work. Same as with letting the Head of House choose, it would only be males chosen by most. This way the law clearly states the first-born gets it.
"Other than that I would like to implement basic human rights." Fleur said passionately, fire burning in her eyes. The same was mirrored by most of the rest. Only Bella, Melisandre and Marcella couldn't care less. It wasn't even worth a debate Harry agreed immediately, as did the rest. So a charter was drawn up with rights like the one to live in safety, to live free of abuse, extortion or prejudice and to live free in general.
After that only came a few methods of punishment for various crimes.
Murder was answered short and simple with execution in turn, when found guilty. Self-defence of course didn't count as well as tragic accidents. They did not take into account why someone would murder another without a really good reason. Examples were that when someone had no choice without more dying when nothing was done. Revenge did not count. When you killed someone out of revenge then you also died, plain and simple.
After all the court system was there to be used and if you know someone had killed somebody then it should be brought before it and not taken into the own hands.
Rapists got a more colourful solution. The offender was placed under a curse that let him or her experience pain instead of pleasure during intercourse. Harry just barely won with that solution, otherwise all his wives wanted to sell the offender into slavery and simply let him or her rot in a brothel in Volantis without being able to talk about where he or she came from. Of course, should it occur a second time the dick and balls got simply chopped off. Everyone only getting a second chance.
Theft was a bit milder crime and one did not get his hands cut off for it, at first. Like with all the motive counted. When someone stole out of necessity to survive then he or she was given help in finding a job with the first few pays were cut down to pay for the stolen items. When it was done out of greed then it was a different matter. In that case the offender had to give back whatever he stole and pay a fine on top of it. A recidivist got a slit on his ear identifying him as a thief, when it is done again the hands get chopped off.
Turning to Kinvara Fleur asked "Can you spread these few laws by word of mouth and tell the other priest to do the same?" as long as most people stayed illiterate it was no use in writing them down and hang them out. So, they had to rely on a few propaganda makers. And who was a bigger one than religion? No matter how little they wanted to do with fanatics and the like it was an integral part of peoples life in this day and age. And also a reason the punishments were as they are now.
"Sure, with pleasure!" chirped Kinvara. She recently learned that her life could get better. She now was responsible for spreading the word of Harry or Azor Ahai the two were interchangeable in her mind.
Then she gave her own report. Many people now worshipped R'hllor most likely due to Harry's influence however unwilling Harry's part in it may be. Though, he hardly could stop existing, which for many was proof alone. The temple was nearly finished with the last touch being coloured glass as windows with various motifs of the faith. A big wooden hut was a shrine for the Great Shepard were also many people went during the day. That were the biggest two at the moment the others being negligible in their city.
"Brilliant, then only a few topics remain." Harry exclaimed smiling. It went smoother than he expected, if he was honest with himself.
The last to speak for the day was Abha, bringing her concerns forth after clearing her throat with her pierced bare breasts laying on the table distractingly. "I would like to know what you want to do with the Unsullied, my Lord."
Harry turned to Narcissa. "Do you have potions or spells that regrow parts of the body?" they had many things at their disposal to heal, but he didn't know if such was possible. If it was then he would restore the manhoods of the remaining eunuchs as well, beginning with the Unsullied.
The youngest Black just nodded. "Sure, we may not have needed to do so for ourselves, but it is possible. The ingredients just need time to grow, so it will be a few years before all can be restored." when bones can be regrown then the rest could be as well.
With that decided the council dispersed and everyone went to fulfil their tasks.
It took a year and a half until everything was somewhat stabilized. So it was now the middle of the year 281 AC. Many things happened in that short a time.
The Qartheen ruins in the former Red Waste, that now was called the Fields of Elysium, were repaired and improved together with the two cities of Port Yhos and Qarkash, both having bent the knee after Qarth's fall. They even found the skeleton of a dragon outside of one, giving them precious magical materials.
Other cities quickly repaired were Adakhakileki and Yinishar, which were immediately inhabited by the Dothraki women, their horses and ex-slaves. Other than that the group acquired Ar Noy, Ny Sar, Ghoyan Drohe and Sar Mell placing them south of Chroyane at various tributaries of the rivers now flowing once more with the help of the artefact Fleur and Gabrielle brought. Nobody would miss the ruins and so they saved time, not to mention that the architecture was much more fitting. The cities were occupied by a part of the million people they had too much in Chroyane. At once farms with irrigation sprang to life outside of them, together with aqueducts and every other trade available.
Ghis swallowed Lhazar with the people from it gone.
So, now it was in their best interest to free slaves and give them a new life. Not to mention that the people there were grateful for having their lands restored. Shirego Kou even was rebuilding Old Ghis with the intention of further expanding into Lhazar and restoring the cities destroyed by the Dothraki.
She also wanted the possile metals in the Khyzai Pass and the mountains connecting to it. The few slavers left hiding out in their mansions there had no way out. Those were soon apprehended and convicted like the rest.
Of course all these cities together with the conquered ones were modified with the same runes as in Chroyane or Atlantis like they now called it. No one had known the name of it, besides them and the group wasn't keen on the idea of using it further. Preferring to give it their own brand. The others kept their names, however.
The cities were beautiful with crystal clear rivers flowing through them, emerald green grass growing, the many white marble fountains in them and the myriad of flowers and trees now growing there. There even were places akin to the Water Gardens in Dorne in every city.
The walls of Astrapor, Yunkai, New Ghis, Meereen and the Rhoynish cities were repaired and improved in the valyrian fashion, so that they resembled the Black Walls of Volantis.
Even the dust wasn't such a bother anymore due to plant-life returning. Every city was also equipped with the standard wards for structural integrity, fire-proofing and siege defence. It was a good thing they now had a few hundred rune carvers or it would've taken a pretty substantial amount of time to do all that.
The cities of the Patrimony were flourishing too, now that the water had returned to the canyon. The life-energy causing the water sources in the earth to spring forth, refilling it. If he hadn't the loyalty of the many people in his area before Harry certainly had it now. Most people did not care who fancied to rule over them. Only wanting a roof over their head, food on the table and security. Harry and his wives provided all that and more.
Newly made valyrian roads, made with the help of their dragons and magic, connected the cities. Making travel more swift and helping trade. Schools, hospitals, bath-houses and gardens to grow potion ingredients were now present in every city, spreading the knowledge of their medicine.
The scholars and scribes were enraptured with the printing press and eager to use it.
Harry even released the Mermaids, or Sirens as they are also called, Fleur and Gabrielle brought with them into the Black Lake. The climate was ideal for them. There had been the concern of them being kidnapped, but after a demonstration of how fast they swam these fears were laid to rest.
On top of it every Mermaid was equipped with a Lobalug and Trident as weapons together with the released Shrakes. Both aquatic creatures now also inhabiting the Lake. The Lobalug was capable of spraying venom at enemies and the Shrake could shred the nets of fishers protecting the mermaids further. At first glance it was counter productive having a fish in the lake that made it harder to fish, but that was illegal the moment the mermaids came into the lake anyway.
As compensation for having rescued them and being given a new home they fished for them. The only thing the people had to do is fetch the fish at a specific location by the harbour each morning. They even regulated the population of the Shrakes and other smaller fish inhabiting the lake. Carefully ensuring that they do not overfish as well.
Other aquatic magical creatures released were the Fire crabs and Grindylows. The Ramora removed from the ships of Qarth were now used for docking at their harbour, also under the supervision of the mermaids. Hippocampi, Murtlaps, Plimpies and Kelpies were in the lake also.
The Merpeople, cousins of the Mermaids living in colder waters were still in stasis, because Harry would've to conquer the Dothraki sea first to get at the Shivering Sea. The other creatures too were still incapacitated.
Some of them needed special handling and the group really couldn't be there all the time. Sadly someone like Hagrid. A gentle, peaceful giant with thick skin and practically perfect for such a thing wasn't here. So either they found some giants or another solution.
Their army now contained nearly sixty-thousand with thirty-thousand light infantry that also could be cavalry. The warrior-maids were capable of both, though it wasn't needed for their previous conquests, therefore a kind of hybrid force.
The pure cavalry were the former Dothraki from which ten-thousand were now warriors, as well as eight-thousand light Infantry in form of the Unsullied and ten-thousand sailors were on the war-ships.
By now the city-watches of the towns consisted completely out of people trained by the warrior-maids. With their magical protections it was a solid defence against further attacks from slavers.
Luckily, no further attacks were coming their way. Not a single Dothraki raid came in that time.
The remaining slaver cities Tolos, Elyria and Mantarys on the other side of Slavers Bay were quiet too, but were probably planning an invasion together with Volantis, the city who relied most heavily on slave trade. Maybe Lys, Tyrosh and Myr would join in, but Harry wasn't sure about that.
Though, it was one of the reasons Harry commanded the war ships of Qarth and Ghis to be ready at all times. There certainly were enough of them.
From three-thousand Qartheen trade ships five-hundred were re-purposed into warships so that they now had a round thousand. Improving the ships like they did the pirate ship they once captured. Harry could create gunpowder, but was hesitant to introduce it into this clearly dangerous world. In the end it was decided to stick by scorpions and catapults. Maybe he would do so at a later time.
Right now Harry and his consorts stood on deck of one of the many modified ships on their way to Eastwatch-by-the-sea.
The ship itself had been at sea six months already and Harry phoenix-flamed onto it only today with the rest when they would disembark and dispose of the male children of the former masters. Ranging from age five to nearly out of their teens.
For now the girls were under house arrest while Harry looked into the Silent Sisters where he could. It had been briefly discussed if they couldn't be also given to the Night's Watch, but from the looks of things rape was more likely than employment and Harry definitely wouldn't wish that on them.
The infants were raised in the Orphanages with money on the side for them. Harry was hoping to raise them better and without the values their family had possessed.
Standing on deck each in full armour stood Harry and his wives. Only Melisandre and Kinvara stood in their Phoenix-feather dresses. Not bothered by the cold in the least just like the rest of their group. In stark contrast to the crew who all had cloaked themselves in thick furs and cloaks. Not used to this weather in the slightest.
The massive Qartheen ship docked without problems in the harbour letting Harry and his group disembark. Just a few steps from the jetty and they already were witnessing an execution by hanging.
Davos did not have a good day. Not that a day could be considered good when it began in a dungeon.
The smuggler, hailing from Gin alley of Flea Bottom in King's Landing currently stood on the gallows. The reasons for this was that the crew of the Cobblecat under captain Roro Uhoris was caught by members of the Nights Watch trading weapons to wildlings. Something they took not kindly to. The so called wildlings, or Free Folk like they called themselves, being their enemy for more than a few thousand years.
It should have been an easy task. The Night's Watch was only a shadow of its former self and ridiculously undermanned. The problem wasn't that they he or the crew were bad smugglers.
No, that had gone off without a hitch. The problems came once they were on land and bartering with the wildlings. A group of rangers that had most likely been following the trail of the wildlings saw and swiftly apprehended them. No matter how undermanned they are these men were still hardened through the harsh conditions and training done to them, making them better fighters than their crew of smugglers had to offer.
Standing next to his fellows Davos stood straight, head held high. He was a slight man with a plain face and of ordinary height. He had brown eyes and hair together with a beard. Wearing simply brown clothes and a green wool mantle his wife had made for him.
He would miss her the most, his wife Marya, daughter of a carpenter and his two years and one year old sons Dale and Allard.
His dream of one day having his own ship now seemed farther away than ever despite him having saved a good amount of money. At least it could get his wife through a few years. Seven Hells, he even would miss the smell of King's Landing and the small river of shit he had to step over every time when leaving his home. The crew by now was all standing on the gallows with Roro being first.
Just as Roro hung like a fish on the fishmongers square Davos thought his time would come shortly, sending a muttered prayer to the Seven for help and if not then he hoped that the Stranger gave him a swift end.
Cotter Pyke the commander of Eastwatch by the Sea stood nearby having sentenced them a moment before and taking a little too much amusement out of it. His small close-set eyes in his pox marred face holding something akin to glee in them.
'Though what can one expect off someone raised on the Iron Islands.' Davos thought without rage or contempt. Having known exactly what he subscribed to when he boarded the ship and became a smuggler.
Nearby stood the Maester Harmune, drunk out of his mind. From the gossip he had overheard from a pair of guards in the dungeon that seemed to be a common occurrence. As the executions proceeded something unexpected happened.
First Davos thought he was already dead, but just didn't knew it yet. The reason for this was a group, but mostly the tall and powerful looking man at the front of it.
He was apparently clothed in shadows together with silver armour shining brilliantly. Golden runes on both glimmering the little light that penetrated the constant clouds so far north. A golden steak going through his messy hair together with gold and emerald eyes lying in what looked the starless night sky.
The company he kept was not any less eye-catching. Eight woman behind him all possessing beauty not from this world. Two women with silver-gold hair going to their waist, heart shaped faces and sapphire eyes encircled by a silver rings in dark pools, both women related by the looks of things. Willowy and shapely figures clad in equally expensive silver looking armour with the motif of a bird Davos did not know. Each had a rapier by her side.
The four women beside them having more sharp and aristocratic features. High cheekbones, strong jaw, full lips and thick eye-lashes with purple eyes surrounded by a silver ring each, also seemingly having black where normally white was in the eye. In contrast to the previous two these four had all a different kind of weapon on them. All of them like the silver-golden haired ones were tall too. Not as tall as the man, but reaching 5 feet eight inches to six feet approximately. Though that was only a guess from his perspective he couldn't see that good. The hair of these four was different for all of them, despite it seemingly being so dark that it was sucking the light in.
Although, the hair of two of them looked curly, while all of them had thick and shiny hair. One had many shifting silvery dots in it looking like stars. Another's resembled the evening sky without clouds. The next ones had the dots concentrated in a single spot, while the last ones were all at the tips of her hair. Wearing attire like the man, namely armour. Theirs like the man's having a snake motif that made it look as if they were alive.
Last came two women that looked like twins, but different in height. One was tall, taller than most knights and the other small. However, these two wore dresses that would make most Queens green with envy. The dress leaving the back bare. It was a deep red with a golden flame embroidery on the chest and longs sleeves that too seemed to come alive with their movement. The dress seemed to hold itself up with straps at the neck, but also showing a good amount of cleavage. Downwards from the waist it consisted of gold, red and orange feathers that seemed to be on fire. The right leg showed through a slit of it, revealing a long leg with sinfully looking smooth skin. Their hair falling past their shoulders looked like the rest of them on fire. The eyes of them were red with a silver ring around it in a pool of black ink. No weapons were showing from those two.
What all of them had in common was the collar made out of gold, black runes on it and a small silver and twisted horn hanging from the throat, identifying them as slaves. High-class slaves, but slaves nonetheless. They also had each a silver ring with a big gem on their fingers.
It was as if time had frozen still once the group entered. Everyone now focusing on them or rather the women and their ethereal beauty. Only Davos was more interested in the dangerous looking man.
He knew him to be the leader from posture alone. The rest also had the same predatory grace to them and the smuggler knew these people were not to be trifled with. They practically screamed danger to his senses.
Not that the others currently present in the courtyard seemed to perceive that fact.
It seemed that even the executioner cutting the rope was enraptured by the women. Well, they were educated of their folly swiftly and brutally. One tried to make a grab for one of the women. She flowed like water, baring her... fangs? Grabbed the man's right arm with her own stepped beside him while holding the arm straight and punching his elbow with her left arm, breaking it. Bone showed through the skin as the forearm seemed to only dangle onto the upper part of it.
The man was howling in agony. As he sank to his knees he got a brutal kick to his temple, knocking him out.
Afterwards the woman looked at the unconscious man with such utter and pure contempt Davos thought she would finish it, but she did not. The starsky-haired woman rather continued walking as if she didn't just mutilate a man, who would likely die from the wound or the resulting infection.
The leader of the group seemed to only shake his head in amusement and exasperation, while muttering under his breath.
Despite the act of violence nobody made to draw a weapon. Only supporting Davos' theory that he was already dead. Further supported the moment he was released after the man talked with Cotter Pyke and one of the flame-haired women. As he was released Davos asked himself what the heck was going on. Though, he guessed he would get answers soon as the group made way for him.
Ignoring the looks they received and being grateful for Fleur and Gabrielle that they could suppress their Allure. Luckily, the others only got their beauty and not the Allure, too.
Otherwise it would be much more difficult. Not that they needed that as was evident from all the lustful leers directed their way. Well ,that would probably happen when you stuffed rapists and murderers together to be celibate and then present them with something of the calibre Harry's wives represented.
They ignored the stares with practised ease in favour of admiring the frozen monstrosity of a wall. There was definitely magic in it.
From the looks of it and the feeling Harry got he wouldn't even be able to apparate on the other side of the wall. Just as Harry wanted to inquire where to find the man in charge he saw an idiot making his way to Marcella as if to grab her.
The response was quick. Breaking his right arm at the elbow and knocking him unconscious afterwards. Harry could only shake his head in a mixture of amusement and exasperation, knowing the guy had it coming, but also hoping they would simply knock them out. Though, the argument of driving the point home was a good one.
"He had it coming." Harry muttered under his breath. Even when Harry knew the man couldn't possibly have anticipated this outcome, but to grab a woman in such a way did he really expect something else?
A short look around and he saw the man Harry was assuming led them was the one standing in front of the gallows. He looked to be in his thirties already with a widows peak, small close-set eyes and his face full of pox. Not a pleasant fellow to look at, but the quick Legilimency probe confirmed that he was as sick in the head as he looked.
Head held high with an air of confidence Harry walked towards the scum with his usual grace. "Greetings, are you the commander of this fort?" his tone flat and not conveying a single emotion.
"Aye, I am." the man confirmed "Cotter Pyke, who wants to know?" nearly completely ignoring his partner of conversation in favour of leering at his wives. Who in turn completely ignored Cotter in favour for looking at the massive wall of ice.
Resisting the temptation of eviscerating the pig in front of him Harry instead subtly fired a compulsion on the man not to question what Harry told him. "We are here to bring you new recruits to join your... illustrious order." keeping the sneer off his face and plastered instead a false smile on it.
"You do, do you now?" looking at the two men behind Harry that carried the unconscious man to the Maester chamber. "And why shouldn't I simply imprison you for attacking a member of the Nights Watch?"
Harry just sighed as he felt the women behind him tensing in preparation for the escape and their killing intent rising considerably. No matter how much he may dislike this man, to kill this whole garrison would be counterproductive. "He made to grab one of my companions first, but I can heal him later, if you like." Harry proposed, just a bit away from firing another compulsion at the man to simply follow the instructions.
Harry didn't fancy the idea of mind-controlling the idiot in front of him, but he would to get it done.
Luckily he did not have to as the bastard yelled for several men to get the new recruits from the ship. While that happened Melisandre seemed to recover from her staring at the ice wall. "Master, I saw that man in the flames." the red priestess said while pointing at the gallows where more than few corpses were hanging.
By now Harry knew not to disregard Melisandre's visions, so he asked "You saw him die?" curious inspecting the plain looking man. Harry knew by now that the slightest ripple can cause the biggest waves. He reserved judgement for now.
She shook her head, causing her flaming hair to swing with the motion. "No, I saw him alive and well, but I could not glimpse anything more. Sorry master." she explained with a bit of shame in her tone at her inability to get more out of it.
"You have done all you could." Harry responded, trying to console her "Besides how many times do I have to tell you to call me Harry instead of master?" hoping against hope that it would penetrate this time.
Now again calm as ever she replied "It wouldn't be proper to do so in public." in private that was no problem, but in public she always showed the proper respect.
Harry just nodded and turned again to the man before him, who too was finished yelling things at other men. Wondering how he could persuade him to let the smuggler go. In the end it took a sack of gold and a heavy compulsion to achieve it. Though even then he only did it when he could hack the fingers off of the left hand.
Together they with the commander they walked towards the now released man. Cotter saying with a sneer "Good news for you, smuggler. You get to be free."
The man had a clearly disbelieving expression on his face, asking baffled "What?" eyes wide and looking around while landing on Harry's group.
Cotter pointed behind him with his thumb where Davos was looking anyway, explaining "These people paid for your miserable life. Punishment is still on the table though."
The bastard of Pyke nodded smirking towards another man, who brought a block, normally used for beheading people. The leather gloves were removed the hand laid on the block and Cotter brought out the cleaver. Brining It down not at the left hand and also not at the highest joint, but at the knuckles. "Ops, my mistake, smuggler." The commander of Eastwatch by the Sea commented cruelly as the smuggler cried out at having his fingers removed.
Just his iron control allowed Harry to not kill the man and create and incident. "Narcissa tend to the man when we are back on the ship." He walked to the block and picked up the fingers, while afterwards motioning the rest to follow him back onto the ship. The walk back was silent, Narcissa having cast a numbing charm on the wounds.
Opening a door, Harry led them into the conference room of the ship.
Putting the digits on the table Harry sat down with the rest following suit, Narcissa sat down after snatching the fingers and forcing the man to sit. A look from her silencing the man as she set to reattach his fingers with a bit of Bifröst pine sap. It did not take long, but it caused the man to stare at his hand regardless.
"Either I am really dead like I thought or am hallucinating as I hang dying at the gallows." Davos said in wonderment. Inspecting and clenching his hand for any scar or indication that his fingers weren't there a moment before.
'That must've been a wondrous ointment.' he wondered. Blushing in embarrassment at the attention he now got, Davos apologized immediately. "I am sorry, m'Lord I.."
Harry chuckled at that. "No, need for formalities, please." waving him off "You're not dead I can assure you that. However, I am sure you have many questions." Davos send a positive reply in form of a nod "Good, but we reserve to not answer questions we don't want to answer." with that he motioned the man to start.
"Before we begin introductions are in order. My name is Harry Black and these ladies are my wives. Andromeda, Bellatrix, Narcissa, Marcella, Fleur, Gabrielle. Then we have Melisandre and Kinvara, my advisers." pointing at each as he said their names.
Not reacting to the fact that this man and women were in a polygamous relationship the smuggler said his name. "Davos is my name." getting straight to the point he asked "Why did you prevent my execution, m'Lord. I knew what dangers I would face as a smuggler."
Marcella just shrugged disinterested, saying. "We haven't rescued you for any particular reason." pointing towards Melisandre she went on. "She was of the opinion that one of her visions showed you living in the future, so we arranged it." followed by another shrug of her shoulders, causing Melisandre to send her a scowl.
"I see." he didn't. The reason was nonsensical.
He decided to ask more questions to, hopefully, understand the motives of these people better. It couldn't be gold because they handed over a pouch full of it to Cotter.
"Not that I am not grateful, because I am. However, this seems a bit odd for a reason to save someone you don't know." it just did not happen to people in this world. Flee Bottom orphans knew that better than anyone. That these obvious highborn people let him speak so freely was also perplexing.
Now one of the woman with silver-gold hair began to talk, Fleur was her name Davos believed. "Well, then just see it as a kindness you don't have to repay." she made a dismissive gesture with her hand "A whim, if you will."
Now Davos shook his head "No, I have to repay you. Otherwise I couldn't live with myself." Davos was a man believing in repaying debts and this was a rather big one. To simply disregard it wouldn't be in him to do so, no matter how unlikely it was that they helped him. Not to mention that the gods wouldn't take kindly to such behaviour.
The appearance of these people was a off putting, with their unusual eyes, fangs and hair that had colours not normally seen in people, but they had saved him from certain death. They couldn't be so bad then.
"And how do you plan to do that?" inquired Narcissa not unkindly, but also not friendly. More than bit disbelieving that he could have something they would want. He was just a lowly smuggler after all.
In response Davos simply knelt, saying. "I can pledge my service to you until you deem the debt repaid, m'Lord, m'Ladies."
Harry just sighed, while the woman giggled, knowing what he thought. "Rise, Davos and I accept your pledge." he only accepted because he knew the man before him was an honourable one. To mess with the mind of such a man to make him forget wasn't in Harry.
"Do you know of the Tourney at Harrenhal?" Harry had heard mutterings of it from the Nights Watch and also in the head of Cotter. It sparked his interest and was maybe a chance at a vacation together with seeing what was so special about tourneys.
"Aye, I do." came the instant reply of the now standing Davos. "It is hosted by Lord Walter Whent, who is said to have prepared it for a year now and spared no expense. It is the talk of Westeros right now, be it smallfolk or highborn, who talk of it."
Now Harry smiled, saying through the mind-link with his wives. 'There is the week long vacation I promised you, Andy. Sorry, it took so long.' he only received giddy smiles in response and a mental one from Andromeda.
'Don't worry about it. I know that stabilizing our home was more important.' she soothed, knowing they now couldn't just up an leave any time they wanted. Although, a week or two with daily contact wouldn't be too much, surely.
"Do you know when it begins?" Bellatrix demanded of Davos, wanting to get to the vacation as soon as she could. She had had much too little private time with Harry in the last months. Even with shared responsibility, ruling a kingdom wasn't easy and required much time.
Thinking back a bit on the information he heard the smuggler replied "I believe it will be held in two to three days, m'Lady." despite having gotten permission to just call them by name Davos did not do so. Living in King's Landing calibrated one towards such things. A prickly lord could take offence and decide to gut you was a good idea. After all who would be believed, the street urchin or the rich lord?
"By the time we would arrive at Harrenhal the tourney will most likely already be over." The travel by ship to the Saltpans would take a week or two, not fast enough to arrive in time.
Harry rubbed his chin in thought, debating if he should just show Davos what they could do or knock him out. 'Either way he will know sooner or later.' decision made he said. "Let that be our problem, but I doubt we will arrive late. Do you have all your possessions on you?"
"Yes, m'Lord." he did not have much and at the moment it only were the clothes on his back. Afterwards followed an explanation that they were from the far east, behind the free cities even. When he wanted to still work for them then he logically had to come with them and learn the language. His wife and children could come with him.
With that concluded Harry went to thank the captain, while the others went to get the transportation.
Davos simply waited on deck trying to figure out how they wanted to travel down to the Riverlands in less than two to three days. Other things on his mind were his wife and how she did at the moment.
It did not take long for the others to return, but the ship had began sailing regardless. Bringing Davos back to his thoughts on how the journey should be completed so fast. The knowing smiles the crew had on their tanned faces went directly over his head.
Davos could only stare at what they brought with them.
Out of the hull of the ship onto the big deck came horses, but not just any horses. Their coats was letting the freshly fallen snow outside look like grey mud in contrast.
That wasn't what had him staring though. No, it were the wings of the horses, as well as the golden hooves. Davos first thought his eyes played tricks on him, letting the inside seem bigger than it looked from outside. Now, he wasn't so sure.
"Never seen a Pegasus, Davos?" Harry asked with a cheeky grin on his face. Enjoying the baffled looks every time someone saw something magical for the first time. The rest just smiled together with the laughing crew.
The Pegasi were creatures Fleur and Gabrielle brought with them.
It seemed Madame Maxime had more giants blood in her than everyone thought. Apparently she just didn't breed Abraxaner for the carriage of the school, but also cross-bred them with Unicorns.
Though, she only could do so after having visited Hogwarts and its Unicorn herd, having been gifted with a pair of mares by the smitten Hagrid. The woman was still a virgin at that point in time, so it wasn't a problem for her to handle them.
When Hagrid could bring a chimera to do the naked tango with a fire-crab and succeed to produce whatever the hell Blast-ended screwts were Harry saw nothing wrong with two very similar beasts doing it.
The result was much better anyway.
They had the speed of Unicorns, but could be handled by a man that was no virgin. The powerful wings of the Abraxaner together with the speed and smaller stature of the Unicorn made them easier to ride than the monstrous Abraxaner and the fastest in the sky. Faster than a Firebolt broom, who could fly hundred-fifty miles per hour. The Pegasi reaching speeds of hundred-seventy miles per hour.
Sure, they could fly pretty good by themselves, but this way nobody had to tax himself by using magic. It also was more comfortable. Melisandre and Kinvara could technically fly on their dragons, but these would attract too much attention in Westeros.
"No, m'Lord." Davos croaked out still astonished to see such beasts in his life.
With that all swung themselves into the modified saddle, as not to impair the animal's ability to fly.
The first in the sky was Fleur, followed by her sister. One after another sat on the saddle with Davos still standing on deck. His feet not wanting to leave the familiar and reassuring ground of the back and forth rocking ship. The motion reminded him of a mother trying to sooth her child.
Harry simply held his hand out, waiting for Davos to take it so he could swing the man behind himself. Not really trusting the smuggler's ability to ride such a horse when he and the rest needed instructions for several months from Fleur and Gabrielle, who in turn had gotten it from their school.
Finally Davos convinced himself to trust these people to a certain extent, no matter how foreign they looked or how he didn't understand their relationship with one another or how strangely they behaved.
If they weren't good people then they wouldn't have rescued him from certain death. His trust in the Faith of the Seven contradictorily helping him with people who seemed to stand against said faith.
"Hold on tight." Harry murmured and drove his ankles into the horses flanks, spurring it on. After a few moments they were in the air, flying south and hopefully towards Harrenhal.
It took Davos a few minutes of just feeling the wind in his hair and imagining it was the one that blew in his face on a boat or ship to open his eyes. Once he did so his breath was stuck in his throat, holding tighter onto Harry.
He was between clouds, flying and seeing over the horizon, farther than he ever did without a myrish far-eye. It was beautiful and strangely relaxing.
While they flew Davos thought what the future in the service of these people might hold.