Chapter 57: The gift that lasts a life time

                                    

                                          
The next day, all the leaders are gathered and are being led to the catacombs. In the catacombs, Daenerys walks in front and I walk with Barristan just behind her holding torches. When we are in the catacombs, the leaders are being pushed into the catacombs towards the dragons. Daario is with us along with some of the Unsullied. The light does not go very far which makes it hard to see very far into the catacombs. 
                          
We reach a spot that is somewhat close to where the dragons are. The sounds of chains rattling can be heard. All the leaders tremble in fear. Daenerys turns to the group. "Walk forward," Daenerys commands in Valyrian. The leaders are too frightened to walk. The Unsullied point their spears to them forcing them to walk. They hesitantly walk in the direction of the dragons, walking past us. 
                          
"You can't do this," one of the leaders says while they are standing much closer to the dragons. "Another step," Daenerys plainly says. The chains rattle once again and the fear emanating from the leaders is almost palpable. The Unsullied again force the leaders to take another step. 
                          
Daenerys walks through the group of men, speaking to them. "They will eat you if I tell them to," she speaks to them in Valyrian. "They may eat you even if I don't. Children. Some say I should give up on them. But a good mother never gives up on their children. She disciplines and teaches them if she must."
                          
She nods towards Daario, he walks a bit forward and tosses the goat he is carrying into the darkness towards the dragons. The dragons start the screech and tear into the animal. The heat from the fire can be felt and the temperature rises in the tunnel. The smell of burnt flesh fills the air. All the men look terrified. 
                          
"Who is innocent?" Daenerys continues and looks at Hizdahr. "Maybe none of you are. Maybe..." she places a threatening hand on the shoulder of Hizdahr. Who is trembling in fear. "... I should let my dragons decide." Hizdahr swallows. "Valar morghulis," he whispers. I raise an eyebrow. 'Braver then I thought,' I think to myself. 
                          
"Not today. I do not want to overfeed them. Maybe tomorrow," Daenerys says. She motions to the Unsullied to take the men away. Daario and the Unsullied lead them back to their cells. Barristan and I stand next to her. "You did the right thing," I tell her. Barristan nods. "I agree, Your Grace."  Daenerys sighs. "Come, let's get back to the Pyramid." We make our way back to the Pyramid. Barristan goes to his room again to rest his leg and I went with Daenerys to our room for supper. 
                          
As we eat, I notice that Daenerys is quieter than usual. "What is bothering you, Dany?" I ask. She sighs. "I do not know what I should do," she says. I sigh. "I have no answer for you, love. I wish I did, but I have also no idea how to solve this problem," I admitted. "I think Hizdahr is right," she says after a few seconds. "Oh, about what?" I ask curiously. "Tradition," she says. "I think I should reopen the fighting pits and make sure other traditional activities can be held. It could bring both groups together. Stop the killing," she says. 
                          
I nod. "That is very smart. It could work. Hopefully, it will bring the freedman and former slaveholders together," I say in agreement. "I think you should also free the leaders of the great families. As a sign of good faith, perhaps even make Hizdahr an important advisor or something. I wouldn't hurt," I added. She nods and smiles. "Why are you suddenly smiling?" I ask. 
                          
"Oh, I have something in mind for you. I think you are going to like it," she says. I smile. "Really now? I think my surprise will be even bigger," I say proudly. She raises an eyebrow. "I guess we will see."
                          
—
                          
My wounds do not heal fast, but I spent my time with Daenerys accompanying her when she does her queenly duties. Hizdahr has been more prevalent at court. I still don't like him very much, but I tolerate his presence to keep the peace in Meereen. Since Daenerys decided to lift the ban on the fighting pits and gave Hizdahr an important position, the killings have stopped. 
After two weeks and some days, my stitches were removed and I could finally move around unrestricted. On that day, I was also notified by Irri that my order will be finished tomorrow. It truly was perfect timing. I am sure the people of Westeros do it differently, but I have never seen it in my dreams or witnessed it myself. So, I will do what the people of my hometown and in the surrounding area do.