Game of Thrones: Rise of Kings

The Sarn River surges and roars like a wild horse running free, flying through the sky.

Later, Khal Mongo's anger may be as fierce as the raging river, and the old man Oliver wonders if he will die from the legendary branch or the dagger.

Oliver doesn't know if he fears death, but he hopes to live.

A khal's decision is unquestionable, and his authority inviolable. He was momentarily confused to have dared refuse a khal's request and speak against him.

His cloudy eyes look northwest with nostalgia, waiting for the final judgment.

Then, Mongo's calm and commanding voice sounds again:

"Oliver, do you recognize the writing on this stone?"

This is the most beautiful sound the old man has ever heard. He quickly steps forward to inspect it.

Watching Oliver's eagerness, Mongo knows his previous silence had the desired effect.

"Valyrian text, the stones are road signs. The top one points to the city of Esalia, which is the ruins of Vaes Kadoc, and the bottom one points to..."

Oliver's mouth moves but he cannot continue. Mongo, standing behind him, steps forward and asks:

"I didn't expect you to know Valyrian. Where does the road sign below lead?"

Faced with Mongo's insistent questioning, Oliver calms himself. He knows this is no illusion; today has revealed too many clues.

After seven days together, he knows this legendary khal is strong and brave, with the delicacy and wisdom lacking in other khals.

The old man Oliver takes a deep breath and pretends to be calm, saying:

"Khal, this Valyrian road also leads to Saias in the northwest. The Sarnori people linger here, but the city has declined. Now there is only hunger, poverty, and disease."

"Really?" Mongo's mouth curls slightly, "Then, wise Oliver, the Sarnori people huddle here and linger, having long lost their past glory. After destroying them, I am willing to give them the last honor."

Oliver's breath catches and he falls silent.

Mongo stares into the old man's eyes and continues expressionlessly:

"You share the bloodlines of Dothraki and Sarnori. The bronze skin belongs to the Dothraki, and the slender limbs are characteristic of the Sarnori. However, you do not agree with Dothraki culture but admire Sarnori civilization. You call your tribal brothers Dothraki and yourself Tangazan Fein, recognizing the proud title of Sarnori in your heart."

Hearing this, Oliver seems deeply wounded. He cannot restrain himself, his wrinkles tighten, his beard trembles, and he says excitedly:

"The most elite Sarnori warriors fight in sword-wheeled chariots. The chariot drivers are the wives or daughters of the warriors. Women and men go to battle together. This is the tradition and glory of the Sarnori people."

His eyes are full of reverence and admiration as he speaks of the Sarnori.

Oliver's eyes then show anger, his voice hoarse as he growls:

"The Dothraki believe life's most important moments occur under the sky, so there is no privacy in the tribe. They mate like animals under the tribe's watchful eyes, even sharing their wives without guilt or shame."

Mongo observes Oliver's increasingly distorted face. He knows the Dothraki's concept of sin and shame differs from other cultures, and some customs he cannot accept either.

After venting, Oliver trembles and lowers his head, realizing the person before him is a Dothraki Khal.

Oliver often claims to hate Dothraki culture, yet he adheres to Dothraki traditions.

A complete Dothraki with a rebellious mind.

Childhood shadows, Mongo sighs, patting Oliver's shoulder, whispering:

"I won't punish you. Your mother was Sarnori, right? She raised and taught you in the tribe."

Oliver remains silent, head lowered.

Mongo continues:

"I swear by the horse god: I, Khal Mongo, will not punish you, nor will I destroy Saias. I swear to the Mother Mountain and the Womb of the World: I will change the Dothraki, making them as great as the Sarnori and Valyrian civilizations."

Oliver finally raises his head and then kneels:

"Khal Mongo, I swear by the gods of Tangazan Fein, by the horses and all the world's gods, by the Mother Mountain and the Womb of the World: I, Oliver, will be yours. We share the same blood, a mercy granted by fate."

Mongo helps Oliver up, looking at his weathered face, asking:

"I know this may pain you, but I need to know what else your Sarnori mother taught you, which will determine how I use your talents."

Oliver stands, lost in memories, and after a moment says:

"My mother's lineage traces back to the last High King of the Sarnori Kingdom, Mazoro Alessiu. Besides teaching me Sarnori language and writing, she also taught me Valyrian and the Common Tongue across the Narrow Sea, making me familiar with all Essos history."

Hearing this, Mongo is momentarily unresponsive, his face dull. He thought the old man was a wise Dothraki, but now he feels he's found a treasure—a talent proficient in geography, history, and four foreign languages, among the best in the world.

Oliver has stayed in the Dothraki tribe all his life. Aside from horse-riding and killing, he hasn't used his other skills, lacking awareness of his abilities. Even with these talents, he remains in the Dothraki Sea, begging.

Seeing Mongo unmoved, Oliver hurriedly adds:

"I know both High Valyrian and Low Valyrian."

Inside, Mongo feels like the overflowing Sarn River, turbulent and roiling. High and Low Valyrian are akin to a standard language, allowing communication throughout the country. At the same time, he speaks nine dialects, each with its own system.

Oliver is now completely fanatical. Seeing Mongo hasn't recognized his value, he eagerly shows his abilities, blurting out:

"I have a way to deal with the three khas bandits in the tribe."

Oliver believes Khal Mongo is powerful but cautious about attacking Vaes Kadoc, concerned the three khas bandits might break away during the battle.

Mongo's main concern is minimizing casualties while gaining control of the enemy's tribe.

He indeed has concerns about the three khas bandits. Although they expressed surrender, trust can't be fully given after a short time together. Hesitation in battle could be fatal.

Regarding this, Mongo has a plan. For his ambition, he can only honor his opponents, then pats Oliver's shoulder to acknowledge his talent.