[Arthur's POV]
King Robert's Hammer, the pride of the Royal Fleet and the mightiest warship in Westeros, led the way - all four hundred oars in motion.
Five thousand men stormed the port of Pentos, going so far as to ram already docked ships out of the way. Banners from the Reach and Westerlands soared high alongside Edric's personal banner carried by the Stormguard; a crowned black stag on a golden field accompanied by a storm of lightning above.
Edric could have easily brought over twelve thousand men to the battle if he wished alongside the entire Royal Fleet, yet took less than half that number. With the docks already overloaded with ships, Arthur could see why.
Edric was first to land, fully armoured - a sight that even foreigners could recognise.
No man raised any arms against him as he led the way to the walls of Pentos and the closest gate.
"It has come to my attention that Pentos has been harbouring a magister who has actively pursued my assassination for years. In light of this, I have come to take his head. Who might be so bold, you might think?" Edric's voice was loud, clear and carried authority. "Illyrio Mopatis, a pig wrapped in gold hiding behind a veil of lies and secrecy. Now, I have arrived to seek out justice. You all have a minute to open this gate and get out of the way before I burn it to the ground and storm this city."
"Either cooperate with me or pay the price. Time is ticking…"
After the speech, Edric turned to him.
"Only a minute?" Arthur questioned. Undoubtedly, opening the gate in such a situation was authority that belonged to the magisters alone. And they… most certainly weren't sitting on the walls.
"I wanted to test something out…" He grinned slightly. "And, besides, time is of the essence. I don't want to spend a day chasing that fat bastard."
"And that something is… what?"
"You'll see. If it works as I think it should, that gate will be more open than ever before."
"I'd imagine forcefully breaking such a fortified gate would be exhausting even for you. Time-consuming, no less."
"You're entirely right. But I'm not on my own, am I? I need you to make the largest fire you can as close to the gate as possible while keeping your distance."
"... Very well."
Arthur didn't question it, putting his trust in Edric's strategy.
Primarily, he had used his flames alongside his blade and very rarely without. Though, in this case, it would not be fitting. He stretched out his hand, feeling his body ignite as he focused. A small fire emerged near the gate.
I could do better. Far better.
He put forth all his energy and focus, growing the flame. A strong wind blew around it, making it even larger. In the corner of his eye, he could see Edric ready his bow. The wind grew even more violent, pushing the flames against the gate. It was then, in the blink of an eye, lightning in the form of an arrow soared through the air and smashed against the gate.
BOOOOM.
The wind synergised both lightning and wind, leading to a devastating explosion that blew the gate open.
Not just the gate, either… some of the wall around it had fallen apart, with large cracks further out.
That kind of power was terrifying to behold. It startled even those in Edric's own host; Arthur himself was no exception. As for the men atop the walls... well, they looked down as if the Lord of the Seven Hells himself had come for them. He couldn't blame them.
"How wonderful." Edric watched in awe, looking at the broken gate as if it were a work of art. "Now that... is an elemental reaction."
"... It's destructive, that's for certain."
"All that from your lousy fire, eh?" Edric chuckled. "Imagine what we could accomplish when you're stronger."
"Would we ever need that much power?"
"Obviously... now, I want you to secure the city while I go hunting."
"... You're leaving command entirely to me?"
"Yeah..." Edric shrugged. "Why not? Pentos should be easy to handle."
"I find occupying the city rather... unnecessary. Surely you could come to some agreement?"
"You can do that, if it suits you. Just cover me."
He sheathed his bow inside of himself and... just started running at the gate. Arthur sighed, drawing his sword. It seems that Edric really wanted the magister dead.
With Edric charging in, hundreds of men immediately followed, even without a single order to do so. The militia of Pentos tried to form a wall to stop Edric... but one heavy step sent a shockwave of lightning that led to half the formation collapsing onto the ground while the rest were too dazed to react. With that, he breezed past their entire defence and proceeded to the streets - not losing even a fraction of speed.
Was there anything that could stop him?
Arthur, not having much of a choice, pushed his way to the vanguard and began to cut through the militia that had engaged against the royal host. This being the Stormguard's first battle, they naturally faced their fair share of nerves... but their hearts had long since been carved for battle.
"BIG BAEGAL SMASH!!!"
The Kingsguard, Sandor Clegane, Ser Garlan Tyrell, Ser Jaime Lannister, the Blue Cloaks alongside dozens of knights from across the Realm... the vanguard of the royal host was cutting through the Pentoshi militia like a hot knife through butter. They crumbled before the battle had even truly began, surrendering in mere minutes.
That was when the chaos truly began as men began to turn into beasts. Looting, killing indiscriminately, committing any sin under the sun... since so many others were doing it, it seemed only natural.
"CEASE THIS MADNESS AT ONCE!"
Arthur's voice was loud, halting many in their tracks.
"WE ARE HERE TO COVER HIS GRACE'S TRACKS AND SECURE THE CITY, NOTHING MORE! VICTORY DOES NOT GIVE YOU THE RIGHT TO TURN INTO BEASTS! EVERY MAN WHO CONTINUES WILL BE PUNISHED ACCORDINGLY!"
He feared that he would have to take more drastic measures, but his word carried considerable weight. From top to bottom of the chain of command, his word reached everyone and order was restored. Most notably, Ser Jaime took hold of Lannister's bannermen, who were very notably the most savage of the entire royal host.
"What is all this... madness?! What have we done to bring the wrath of the Iron Throne upon our Pentos?" A well-dressed man with plenty of guards approached. "If you sought Illyrio, we could have arranged a trial..."
"And do you know where he is now?" Arthur questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"Well..."
"Precisely why His Grace took initiative. It was mayhaps a bit impulsive... but he didn't want to leave anything to chance."
"A broken gate, a hole in the walls, so many of our militia dead, the damaged ships-"
"He will return in time, and then you can speak of..." Arthur tilted his head slightly. "Compensation. For now, I'd ask that you and all the other magisters gather for his arrival."
"... It best be good."
"You have my word, magister."
Arthur smiled slightly, knowing better.
Edric wasn't going to give them a thing, and they'll be plenty happy about it.
~
Meanwhile.
Illyrio Mopatis had absolutely no intention of remaining in Pentos and being served up to Edric Baratheon on a golden platter. He gathered his most important servants and objects in haste before leaving through the hidden garden gate.
He hurried to one of his carriages and had an Unsullied ride it through the wet streets towards one of Pentos' gates. It was opened for him, and the carriage continued onwards. The black raven continued to follow from above. The current weather was terrible for taking to the sea, so he had the carriage be ridden along the road to Myr.
As the minutes passed by, Illyrio felt at peace for once... but it did not last.
Distant hooves hit the ground like thunder, growing louder and louder with each passing moment.
Illyrio turned around and saw it.
Above a hill, mounted on a horse; a tower in black-golden armour and the distinct antlered greathelm. He slowly raised his hand to the sky, lightning encircling it. He... couldn't reach from that far away, could he?
He brought his hand down like a hammer, and the skies obeyed...
The next thing Illyrio saw was thunder... and fire.
Then he heard heavy steps.
When he regained consciousness, Edric Storm stood over him. He had been taken away from the burning carriage. His Unsullied were all butchered or burnt... only one of his servants had survived, straying far away in fear.
"Wakey, wakey." Edric removed his helmet, grinning. He extended his arm, and the black raven landed in it. "Who's the best raven in the world? You are."
He... had used it to track me?
Illyrio watched helplessly as Edric fed the raven before turning his attention back to him.
"It was you who arranged that large bounty on my head, wasn't it? That man... Skreknis-whateverhisothernameis was just a decoy."
"... How... do you know?"
"Ah, I'm a bloody genius." Edric took pride in himself. "Who else but you, cheesemonger, the man who dreams of putting that fake Aegon on the throne and has all the money in the world to make men mad enough to make an attempt at my life?"
Had Varys... betrayed him?
Illyrio frowned, not knowing what to say in response.
Edric laughed.
"See, my friend, the game was never fair to begin with. I know everything there is to know about you - while you... quite frankly, know nothing about me."
"Why do you keep me alive?"
"A whim." Edric shrugged. "I imagined you might have something useful to say, too."
"If you knew everything, then you wouldn't think so..."
"Well, aren't you shrewd?" Edric nodded. "To be honest, you are quite remarkable... coming from nothing to the wealthy magister you are today. Of course, you had your help from Varys, but it's extraordinary nonetheless. It's a real shame you support a pretender. Otherwise, we could've had some form of partnership..."
"That... could still happen." Illyrio was grasping at straws, but nothing was quite as precious to him as his own life. "I could devote my loyalty to you-"
"Very well." Edric nodded, surprising him. "As my loyal servant, you ought to tell me everything you know, right? Let's start with Aegon; who is he?"
"The son of Rhaegar Targaryen-"
He raised his hand and lightning emerged from his fingers, shocking Illyrio. It was the most agonising experience he could remember in recent memory.
"I give you a chance, and the first thing that comes out of your mouth is a lie. I might have considered taking you as prisoner and breaking you down, but... You and I on a single horse? The poor animal's back would break in an instant. Besides, there's really no use in wasting my time on you." Edric shook his head, chuckling. "What does it matter who Aegon is if I'm going to kill him either way?"
"If you can live long enough to do so..." Illyrio knew there was no use in running from him, standing up. "The future belongs to the dragons regardless. What good are your magic tricks when fire rains down upon you?"
"Indeed, dragons will soar across the skies uncontested." Edric towered over him, his eyes flashing purple. "Only difference is... I will be their master."
"Your arrogance knows no bounds." Illyrio shook his head.
"It is 'arrogance' until I make it into a reality."
The look in his eyes was that of supreme, fearless confidence. The type of confidence that bred doubt of failure. In that moment, Illyrio saw the boy whom Dorian had given his loyalty to.
For a man blind in one eye, you see far too well...
"Any last words, magister?"
"Ask Dorian if his betrayal was worthwhile..."
Edric's expression changed as he frowned.
"Betrayal?"
Illyrio chuckled, seeing an opportunity.
"You don't know, do you? His blood is not so different from Aegon's..."
"So, he turned his back on your little camp?"
"Who is to say?" Illyrio shrugged. "That man is ever so unpredictable, switching sides like a coin flipping in the air. One day, he will give you a great victory, and in the next, he will murder you in your sleep. His only true loyalty is to himself."
"Who does not keep their own interests in mind?" Edric looked unfazed. "See, I know you're trying to sow seeds of discord between him and me. A desperate attempt at any sort of win, really."
"Whatever gives you comfort, Your Grace." Illyrio laughed.
"Grasping at any straw you can till the bitter end." He drew the warhammer from his chest. "In the end, I know him better than you ever did."
Illyrio tried to evade it... But it was inevitable.
In one swing, he cracked his skull.
~
[Edric's POV]
Oh my, this man is stacked.
I started taking off the rings from his fingers (he had more of them than Bill Russell) alongside all the other jewellery from his body. Then I took a look in the carriage and found even more valuables. My inner loot goblin was in seventh heaven.
All this alone was worth the hunt...
"Part-time King, full-time looter," Raiden remarked.
"You know it."
I muttered, smiling slightly.
I had so much space in my Inner World, why not use it?
After taking absolutely everything, I turned to the servant. Illyrio had good taste, if anything. She was fair with blonde-hair, blue eyes and had an elegant figure. Not anything exceptional, but pretty good for a servant.
She seemed quite frightened of me. Which... was fair.
"You're quite good at keeping silent. I almost forgot you were there."
"What do you want from me?" She stepped back. "I... can do anything, just d-don't kill me."
"And what could I want from you?" I chuckled, shaking my head.
"... Well, what men often want..."
I dare say she looked disappointed.
"I'm not other men, sweetheart. You didn't do anything wrong, either, but... I did just kill your master." I looked around. We were in the middle of nowhere. "And you have nowhere to go, isn't that right?"
It would be pretty irresponsible to ride off by myself... I might even feel bad.
"Yes..."
"Your fate is not so enviable. You'll either die, get snatched by some rogue on the way or find yourself in the hands of another master from desperation and become a slave again. Or..." I offered my hand, smiling. "You can serve me. No harm would ever come to you, you'll be a King's direct servant, and, if I find you useful, I'll pay you a fair wage."
Honestly, she'd never find a better offer.
"... I accept."
"Well, let's go then. Hop on my horse."
...
When I returned to Pentos, I was greeted by Arthur, who told me the situation in the city. They had effectively taken the city, but Arthur had chosen a more diplomatic route and gave the magisters the idea that they'd be compensated.
"Arthur, we hold all the cards." I looked at him. "Pentoshi are known for their reluctance to fight, paying off every Khal that comes around."
"I thought you might find silencing them amusing."
"That is a fair point. Though, you should learn to be more forceful next time in such a position. What will these magisters do, fight you?"
"Well, the way we approached this was quite unreasonable, to be fair..."
"Power makes reason."
I walked over to the magister's equivalent of the small council chamber and sat in the empty seat, which I assumed was Illyrio's. I relaxed, putting my feet on the table and took a good look at all the ruling figures of Pentos. Some of them glared at me, others had an accepting expression.
"So, I heard there were talks of... compensation?"
"With all due respect, we are not one of your Seven Kingdoms, where you can do as you wish." One of the magisters spoke his mind. "Indeed, there must be compensation for this sudden act of aggression-"
"Funnily enough, I could very well amend that. Isn't Pentos at my mercy as of this moment? Though, the eight Kingdoms doesn't sound quite as good-"
"You have no right-"
"Shut up, Draqen. Don't dig any deeper graves than Illyrio already has. What is it that you seek, King Edric?"
"Well, the death of this one magister - which I've accomplished." I looked back and Arthur tossed me Illyrio's head, which I threw to the middle of the table. "He gave me quite the chase, but I caught him in the end. Now, for those of you who think I was unreasonable, I will state his crimes:"
"Not only did he put a contract on my head, which resulted in numerous assassination attempts, but he also sought to sow chaos in the Seven Kingdoms by using Khal Drogo and plotted to overthrow me with his choice of King. He also broke the very laws of his own city by possessing a multitude of slaves posing as servants, isn't that right Tiresa?"
"Yes, Your Grace." The servant I had taken from Illyrio nodded. She learnt quickly. "I was one of them... we had no choice."
"Oh, you poor girl." One of the magisters noted.
"If Braavos had known one of Pentos' very own magisters glossed over the abolition of slavery that was enforced, it would be quite unsightly, no?"
"... Quite so." Another magister nodded. "You have done us a great favour in this regard."
"Now, how many more of you magisters are doing the same, I wonder?" I stroked my chin, looking from one end of the table to the next.
I could see that what I said unnerved many of them.
"As the lord of the Seven Kingdoms, a realm in which slavery is also forbidden, it really is... concerning." My eyes narrowed. "I could uncover the truth all too quickly and, when it comes out, who would really blame me for taking justice into my own hands? What magisters would be left to speak of compensation then, I wonder?"
"That... really isn't necessary." One of the magisters nervously chuckled. "We would never break our own laws. Illyrio was an outlier."
"Indeed, he was-"
"Oh, I'm sure he was." I chuckled, shaking my head. Arthur was right - I was enjoying this. "Since we're all on the same page at last... I'll be seizing Illyrio's manse alongside the rest of his properties and possessions to do with as I see fit. As for the repairs and damages to get to this point - I'm sure you rich, wealthy, magisters can easily pay for it."
"The repairs are a small price to pay for Illyrio's misdeeds." A magister replied, and they all were in agreement.
"How wonderful that this council is so united!" I smiled, standing up. "Well, looks like I'm done there. I'll see you all one more time before my departure."
After leaving the chamber, Arthur and Tiresa accompanied me.
"You make it look so easy," Arthur remarked. "I bet you could've gotten them to pay you to leave."
"That would've been bullying." I chuckled. "Besides, there is value in having good relations with our neighbours. I'd rather not drag it in the mud for some short-term gain."
"Fair point..."
"Also, I can't believe I'm saying this, but you address me as Grace, Tiresa." I was not fond of the word - having to hear it all the time, but it was much more pleasant than m'lord.
"Yes, My Grace..."
That's a new one.
I chuckled.
"It's Your Grace when addressing him directly." Arthur corrected, saving me the effort. "His Grace, when you speak of him."
"I understand... I think."
"You'll get the hang of it." I waved my hand dismissively. "Go right ahead and lead us to my new manse. I want to see it for myself."
"Yes, Your Grace."
"There we go."