Storyboard elements:
- Save a large community from danger
- Assassinate the enemy commander
- Establish control over a hostile area
The trip was long and grueling, to say the least. Many hadn't survived the journey over the sea; a shortage of food and an infestation problem severely hampered their chances. The prospect of reclaiming the throne seemed impossible; how could she expect to lead the great nations if she couldn't lead her people to food? Even the Wyvern Rhaegal and her Creation Drogon grew hungry, an ominous sign of these behemoths. Their species were known to feast on humans to satisfy their hunger if need be, a need that caused many soldiers to desert in the night. Between the deserters, the dead, and the mutineers (feeling they could lead the forces loyal to Daenerys better than she could, many tried to overthrow her late one night to ill effect: As she was seized from her chambers, a line shrill shriek into the night was all that was needed to summon Drogon, who quickly rebuffed the attacks by the mutineers as his claws and tail maimed them), her once large army was down to a handful of supporters, most of which appeared to be awaiting a messenger hawk from Death. It was just her and Missandei left, having told the remaining soldiers to better themselves as she tended to her clan affairs for a while.
"It seems my titles are misleading, Missandei," Daenerys spoke softly to her assistant as they walked towards the castle.
"What do you mean, my Queen?" She responded, puzzled to Daenerys' meaning.
"How can I rule a Kingdom if I can't rule an empty stomach? These people looked to me and I've only bought them closer to the heavens," she sighed, looking towards Missandei as they and the few troops marched on.
"My Queen, your people and I would follow you to and would only complain that we all couldn't be the first to die for you.. Perhaps we can reach out to the artisans here and acquire food and shelter. I hear this region still supports the Hanguri Empire."
"Is it smart to trust these strangers? Times have changed, they could very well wish to kill the descendent of the Mad Queen. I don't trust them or any of these people."
"What was it that you once told us? 'It seems to me that a queen who trusts no one is as foolish as a queen who trusts everyone.' I believe I may be wrong," Missandei said, walking ahead of Daenerys as she made a slight smile. Rolling her eyes, Daenerys agreed reluctantly, remembering to point out that if they died, it's Missandei's fault.
*******
The women along with a handful of guards traveled along the road towards the gated community, taking in the scenery and environment; the roads were danger struck, their horses and chariots rocking as they moved. The homes were few and faf between and though they passed many lush hills and forests, it was all for naught as there seemed to be little edible vegetation of wildlife around and the homes looked poverty stricken, lowly and in ruins. Dany couldn't help but feel a twinge of sorrow for them, remembering her days of servitude to the suitors her brother pawned her off to. Her home was nothing more than a cage and she ate scraps and though there were no shackles on these people, they too were caged: caged in a open prison below the surface of society. She sympathized with them, but couldn't help much. Promising mentally to help when she can, the group pushed towards the gates.
After a short hold up where Daenerys and her group were searched, they were allowed entry into the gated village. Upon entering, she became puzzled as there was little reason to have the actual gates as the inside of the village resembled the land outside it: razed, sacked, and pillaged. It was then that Daenerys learned of the local bandits that had overtaken the area, holding the kingdom hostage as they forced the people into forced servitude.
Turning to ask why weren't they told about this before entering, Daenerys became face to face with a large hand with a seal in the palm designed to suppress chakra touching her forehead, one of the guards reaching forward to do so.
"The Dragon Princess, eh? You'll make someone some good money,"
The seal had restricted her chakra and energy, becoming weak quickly as she struggled to speak.
"D-Dracarys-s.." She stuttered, remembering painfully the animals were nowhere around and the seal prevented her thoughts from reaching Drogon as she soon fainted.
*****
To be continued in the next post.