When Viserys first arrived in Braavos, it was by sea, as an eight-year-old exiled king.
Now, leaving at fourteen, he was a dangerous Water Dancer and a knight.
This time, Viserys took the river route, heading south along the Sweetwater Canal and the network of waterways deep into the continent of Essos.
Viserys Targaryen had earned the titles "The Bloodthirsty" and "The Violet Swordsman," but he had also become a guest exiled by the Sealord.
"Farewell, Braavos." Viserys looked back at the aqueduct that continuously transported fresh water into the city.
Braavos's high-quality water came from the Sweetwater Canal. This brick-built aqueduct was supported by bridge arches. The rich piped water directly into their homes, while the poor filled buckets at public fountains.
Viserys led an escort of about a hundred people: exiles, fishermen, mostly Westerosi locals, along with some Royalist remnants and down-on-their-luck adventurers.
Plus the servants who were still willing to follow them.
Before leaving, Viserys spent a good amount of gold outfitting his subordinates with armor. He sourced it from Tyroshi smiths and scoured the market stalls for bargains.
The helmets crafted by the Tyroshi were oddly shaped, fashioned to resemble animals and birds.
Full plate armor was scarce, but the stock of chainmail and brigandines was relatively cheap.
Finally, a purple-haired Tyroshi smith realized he had found a major client and agreed to leave with Viserys and his group.
The Tyroshi smith usually forged rapiers; following Viserys was a calculated gamble on a potential windfall.
Ser Roland and Syrio temporarily managed these followers for Viserys.
Viserys sat in a light crab boat arranged by Ringo, suitable only for rivers or shallow coastal waters.
Crossing these rivers that fed the lagoon city-state would lead them to the lands of Andalos.
The primary river of Braavos originated in the hills of Andalos, completely under Braavosi management for its water supply.
To secure water sources and abolish slavery, Braavos had beaten Pentos into submission multiple times.
After crossing this freshwater river that led directly to Braavos, it would be some time before they reached the upper Rhoyne.
Besides Viserys's people, there was an uninvited guest on the boat: the "Cunning" Kasporio, paymaster of the Second Sons.
"Who is the current leader of the Second Sons?" Viserys asked.
"An old man with one foot in the grave. We call him 'The Roster' because all he does is hug the membership roll and reminisce about past glories," Kasporio said dismissively.
"And manpower?"
"About six or seven hundred, but many are clowns. The Second Sons are always short on men, especially warriors," Kasporio explained.
Good swordsmen and warriors were welcome in any mercenary company.
Ser Roland and Syrio merely listened; this negotiation was between Viserys and the Second Sons, and Viserys would make his own decision.
"I know your strength. The Second Sons need a young and dangerous swordsman like you," Kasporio rambled on. "The Bloodthirsty Violet Swordsman—what a majestic name. I imagine you must need some brothers."
"Second Sons... I am indeed a second son. It seems like fate," Viserys mused.
Joining the Second Sons now would fill a vacuum; the company was currently in a transitional period.
Mero, the "Titan's Bastard," who was destined to join (and lead) them, had been killed by Viserys. Brown Ben Plumm hadn't joined yet; he was currently serving as a bodyguard for the uncle of Oznak zo Pahl, a Great Master of Meereen.
"But I also know your strength. From what I hear, the Second Sons haven't been doing so well in recent years," Viserys countered. Caution was the best policy.
Although the Second Sons didn't have the sterling reputation of the Golden Company, they had boasted a commendable combat record for centuries.
However, the company was currently in a downward spiral. The best and most numerous warriors were flocking to rising stars like the Golden Company, the Windblown, and the Company of the Cat.
Even Bittersteel and the Tattered Prince of the Windblown had served in the Second Sons. Perhaps the Second Sons offered decent management experience, but they couldn't retain talent.
If the Second Sons hadn't declined so much, they wouldn't have eventually let Mero become their captain.
"Things are a bit rough, which is exactly why we invite you to join. The Second Sons is an ancient company, and we still possess considerable power," Kasporio said. "From Hard Harwyn to Bittersteel, Brightflame Aerion, the Wild Wolf, and the Red Viper. Our roster is full of famous names, many from your Seven Kingdoms. And Brightflame was a Targaryen, just like you."
Kasporio was eager to recruit skilled fighters. Viserys's skills made him highly qualified. Originally, he had his eye on the hulking Mero, but Mero had died a miserable death, reduced to a toy for the Dragonlord's descendant.
The Second Sons couldn't compete with the larger mercenary companies, leading to a continual decline in prestige. If this continued, they might resort to turning on their employers, becoming completely infamous.
Viserys guessed the Second Sons' intentions. They had always welcomed high-born recruits.
Viserys suspected they might operate similarly to how they would later recruit Tyrion: offering protection now in exchange for promises of gold and land from Viserys in the future.
This was the Second Sons' strategy: First, Viserys could fight, and they were desperate for talent. Second, investing in Viserys was a political gamble.
After all, the Second Sons was founded by forty noble sons who were low in the line of succession, exiled, or neglected. It had since become a home for landless lords, exiled knights, and adventurers.
"I do need brothers, but I require those loyal to me," Viserys said.
Rather than choosing fickle mercenaries, he preferred to incubate an army from scratch.
Besides, nearly all mercenaries were famous for their fickleness; only the Golden Company relied on its reputation.
"We are always very loyal to warriors."
"That's not what I've heard. I heard mercenaries only side with the winners, except for the Golden Company," Viserys said.
"You have the character of a warrior, which makes you our friend. The Second Sons need fresh blood."
"What if you dare not provoke the Usurper? Some mercenaries just want to live a few more days." Viserys looked at Kasporio.
"We are free mercenaries, and mercenaries are adventurers. Investing in Viserys's great cause offers far richer rewards than anything the Usurper can give."
"Alright. When I have the ability to buy your loyalty, I will certainly contact the Second Sons."
"Even so, I think there is still room for cooperation," Kasporio, the Second Sons' envoy, hadn't lost hope.
"I hope we have the opportunity to cooperate as well, but more likely as employer and employee, not as a member of your company," Viserys looked at the envoy.
Establishing himself near the Velvet Hills would bring plenty of trouble; he might indeed need to hire mercenaries. But leaving with the Second Sons now? It was too early for that.
"As long as we have that promise, there is room for cooperation," Kasporio pledged. "The Second Sons have recruitment posts in both Pentos and Braavos. You can reach us there."
Viserys merely had a tentative intent to cooperate with the Second Sons.
To make the Second Sons truly respect him, Viserys needed to demonstrate more overwhelming dominance and prove his strength.
Mercenaries were always this way: they respected power.
Viserys had a hunch that once he reached the fort, he would face more blood and fire, and he might truly need outside help.