We Bleed Silver(GOT/ASOIAF Fanfic)

Chapter 14: Chapter 14: Landing on the Ruins



"The Unsullied will send five of our most elite warriors, my lord," Silver Scorpion, the commander of the Unsullied, declared before anyone else could speak.

"Silver Scorpion, the Silverblood Guard hasn't spoken yet—what do you think you're doing?" Aslan Rondell immediately protested.

"The Unsullied are more suited for this mission than the Silverblood Guard," Silver Scorpion countered without flinching. "Although the Silver Blood Army has been trained by the old master, the Unsullied are stronger than the Silver Blood Army in terms of training intensity and adaptability to magic."

"Evidence?"

"Silver Scorpion is correct," Draezell affirmed, supporting the eunuch warrior's statement. "In Astapor, Unsullied trainees were given a concoction called Courage Wine during their training. Though termed 'wine,' it was in fact a poisonous mixture designed to enhance their magical resilience."

"Nightshade, bloodfly larvae, the black lotus roots of Slaver's Bay, and secret formulas from the alchemists of Asshai," Zesar, well-versed in poisons, enumerated the toxic ingredients. "Astapor's masters used these to numb the Unsullied's bodies. I agree with Silver Scorpion's suggestion."

Nearby, Tigarro, the poison apprentice, quickly jotted down the recipe in a small notebook.

"The Silverblood Guard is the soul of Vaelarys," Aslan insisted, pointing to himself. "At the very least, I should serve by your side until my death."

"Valar and Rey will accompany me," Draezell nodded toward Aslan, signaling no objection before continuing. "This is foretold. The three of us share a blood bond. With them, my magic will last longer."

"Brother, you'll need more men," Valar interjected. "Rey needs protection. We can't have him following us too deeply into the ruins."

"I can handle it," Rey protested. "I'm already twelve. When you two were twelve, you followed Father to fight the Dothraki. Why can't I go deeper into the ruins?"

Draezell tousled his younger brother's hair. "Fine, Rey. If you're so insistent, you'll come with us into the ruins. Just don't cry later."

Rey's pout transformed into a grin.

"I'll stay aboard the Silent Lord with Tigarro and young Adams," Zesar offered, standing up. "The boy and I will ensure your rear remains solid as stone."

Draezell nodded in agreement. Zessar and Tigarro, while adept with poisons, were less skilled in combat, making them ideal for holding the ship.

"Aslan, Amos, Sebastian—you'll take a boat with selected Silverblood brothers," Draezell began assigning roles.

"How many Silverblood brothers should I take?" Aslan inquired, needing clarification. With only fifteen spots, five were already allocated to the Unsullied, and six to Draezell's chosen followers, leaving just four for the Silverblood Guard—and one for the Red Priest.

"Lynn is bound to me by blood," Draezell explained. Although Lynn's magical properties had been dulled Draezell, with his consent, the blood connection remained intact. This allowed Draezell's blood magic to work directly on him without external aid.

"He doesn't need the vials and can activate the protective runes naturally."

Lynn Valtaken, upon being taken in by Draezell, had learned of his heritage. However, as a precocious and insightful child, he had begged Draezell to dull his bloodline's magical traits, seeing his lineage as more a burden than a gift. This had spared him its dangers without forfeiting his status as Draezell's kin.

"I also don't require your lordship's vials," the Red Priest mumbled. "The power of the Lord of Light is strong here. I can cast magic to protect myself."

Lyn's and the Red Priest's slots were reassigned, and Aslan, without hesitation, allocated them to eager Silverblood warriors striving for glory.

Draezell did not object. He trusted the Silverblood Guard's loyalty. After all, they weren't just a "royal guard" handpicked and trained by his father—almost all of them had consumed a beverage mixed with Draezell's blood.

The drink had no adverse effects but strengthened the bond between Draezell and his men. It made the warriors instinctively recognize his leadership, growing closer to him and more obedient to his commands.

"Lynn, you'll join me, along with Argo and Hoffa," Draezell instructed as he surveyed the group. Everyone stood at attention.

With the personnel assigned, the Silent Lord departed from its course under the cover of the Weeping Boy and the Sailfish. They sailed toward the Smoking Sea until reaching the edge of the Valyrian Peninsula, where they finally dropped anchor.

The large ship lowered smaller boats inscribed with glowing runes. The deep red markings laced with silver emitted a faint light as they touched the Smoking Sea's water. It felt as though something beneath the surface carried the boats forward. Without the need for oarsmen, the vessels advanced swiftly.

"Lynn, something feels off," said Hoffa, the golden-eyed youth, clad in gleaming chainmail as he sidled up to Lynn, who was intently observing the sea.

The water was murky and seemed to boil, while the air carried a sulfuric stench that gnawed at their nerves. Hoffa might not have seen it, but Lynn could make out faint shadows beneath the waves.

He was certain Draezell could see them too.

"Hoffa, stay alert," commanded Argo, dressed in traditional Dothraki garb. He wore no armor, his bare chest adorned with intricate patterns of silver and red, faintly glowing in the dim light.

Hofah quickly returned to his station, scanning the sea for any sign of danger. The two small boats continued their steady pace across the ominous waters.

"Brother, did you see that?" Valar's grip tightened on his spear, his gaze fixed on the restless waves.

Draezell placed a hand on the hilt of his sword—a plain Valyrian steel blade named Black Widow. Its unadorned, pitch-black design reflected no light, as if it were forged from the essence of night itself.

The Vaelarys family originally possessed a magnificent Valyrian steel sword, Silverblood, as their heirloom. However, the Emperor Orion took the family sword, and after his dramatic disappearance, the Vaelarys family was left with only one Valyrian steel sword—the one the Emperor had left for his wife in Qohor.

"I see it," Draezell replied, struggling to put into words what he was seeing. On the murky sea, shadows took the form of figures that danced wildly, as if inviting people to embrace them or foretelling some ominous event.

He saw some of the scenes from the earlier fire ritual, strange sounds echoing in his ears. This time, however, he couldn't make out any of the words.

Rey had a similar feeling. He saw even more than Valar, but lacked Draezell's sensitivity, so he quickly shut his eyes upon entering.

Suddenly, the boiling sea rose, and a massive shadow emerged from the depths, only to slowly sink back, as though it didn't notice the two small boats on the surface.

The group relaxed slightly, lowering their weapons.

In the distance, the Valyrian Peninsula grew ever closer.

The small boats found a suitable spot to anchor. The group disembarked in threes, cautiously scanning their surroundings.

What seemed to have once been a port now appeared to be a blazing hell. Black fog and red liquid stained the air, and crumbling buildings had long since lost any recognizable form.

There were no signs of life.

They cautiously advanced inland.

At first, their journey went smoothly. They crossed the destroyed port without incident and saw toppled towers, until they passed a tower that had long since turned to rubble.

Suddenly, Hoffa, the golden-eyed youth, thrust his spear forward.

A high-pitched scream instantly pierced the ears of the group. Draezell swiftly drew Black Widow and cut through the air.

There was no blood.

Only molten liquid still burning like magma.

Something hidden in the shadows slowly tumbled into view.

It was a severed body, impossible to identify by species.

"Alert! Alert!" A Silverblood soldier screamed, just as something from the shadows pierced his chest. His iron armor was torn apart as though it were made of paper.

The faint rustling sound in the shadows grew louder as the creatures slowly revealed themselves...


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