"And you all," he said, looking at the other slaves.
"From today onwards, no one can ever tell you 'you are a slave' again. You are Freemen."
"But Yunkai's fleet is gathering. Meereen's army is also on its way. They will return with more chains and branding irons, to tell the world that slaves should remain slaves, and freedom is merely a pipe dream."
Uneasy whispers rose from the crowd, and many newly freed people hugged their children tightly.
"But I will not let that happen." Viserys's voice cut through the whispers. "What I've done today is to give you a free city. But freedom requires force to defend it."
Viserys continued, "Those willing to follow the dragon, willing to fight for their own freedom and that of their families, pick up whatever weapons you can find and join the Free Folk Legion. From now on, Astapor will be the home of the Freemen under the rule of the New Valyrian Empire."
The first slave, a bony old man, raised his head, looking at Viserys on the high platform, at the majestic dragon, and tears welled up in his cloudy eyes.
He raised his withered arm, marked with deep scars from shackles, and let out a hoarse cry, "Fight for freedom!"
This cry ignited everyone.
"Fight for freedom!"
"Freedom!"
"breaker of chains!"
"Dragon King!"
"Father of Dragons!"
Cheers began to rise, quickly forming a wave.
That evening, atop Astapor's tallest Pyramid, a black and red banner embroidered with three fiery dragons was raised. Bonfires burned throughout the city as the Freemen incinerated shackles and whips. The air was filled with smoke and the scent of blood, but also with an unprecedented hope.
Viserys stood on the top-floor terrace of the Pyramid, overlooking the city that had just changed hands.
Ser Arthur stood behind him, reporting, "Your Majesty, Astapor is largely under control. The Unsullied are now serving as a temporary city guard. The liberated Freemen have organized temporary teams to assist in maintaining order and inventorying supplies. Almost all the Good Masters and their cronies died in today's chaos. Treasures and granaries are still being inventoried; the numbers are very large."
Viserys nodded. He gazed in the direction of distant Yunkai and Meereen.
Astapor was just the first step. Slavers Bay, and even the broader Essos, would gradually be incorporated into the New Valyrian Empire. And the titles of "breaker of chains," "Valyrian Dragon King," and "Father of Dragons" would spread across the continent like wildfire with today's story.
Several days of continuous planning and action had left him feeling a little tired, even with his current stamina.
After all, he was also distracted by worries about Daenerys and the others; they had remained on the Valyrian Peninsula, but he had brought both dragons to Astapor.
However, after the war, he had already sent Blackflame back.
"Your Majesty, it's time to rest," Ser Arthur gently reminded him. The loyal knight also looked somewhat weary but remained at his post.
Viserys rubbed his temples. "Wait a little longer. Have arrangements been made to gather intelligence on Yunkai and Meereen?"
"Scouts have been dispatched, and we should receive reports in a few days. However, they certainly won't leave us alone," Ser Arthur replied. "Your Majesty, you need to maintain your strength for the challenges ahead."
Viserys nodded. Just as he was about to get up, a soft knock came from outside the door.
"Come in."
The door opened, and two women entered. The one in front was a middle-aged woman, dressed in a simple grey gown, holding a silver basin with hot water and a towel, her posture respectful. Following her was a particularly striking young girl.
The girl was about ten years old, slender, wearing a pale yellow linen dress that, though old, was clean and well-fitting.
She had smooth brown skin, and on her delicate small face, the most captivating feature was her eyes—large, bright, and filled with a wisdom and serenity beyond her years.
At this moment, she was cautiously observing Viserys, but quickly lowered her gaze shyly. Her hair was braided into many small plaits, falling over her shoulders.
"Your Majesty," the middle-aged woman bowed, "Ser Alliser instructed us to attend to your washing and rest. This is Missandei. She was trained by the Good Masters to serve distinguished guests and act as a translator. She knows many languages and is meticulous in her work."
Viserys's heart stirred. Missandei.
In the original story, she was liberated by Daenerys in Astapor and became one of Daenerys's most trusted confidantes due to her loyalty and intelligence, fluent in multiple languages, calm, and wise.
He looked at Missandei. "Missandei, how old are you?"
Missandei stepped forward, her posture graceful, with a trained accent. "Reporting to Your Majesty, this humble one is ten years old. This humble one understands High Valyrian, the Common Tongue, Ghiscari, and Dothraki. This humble one can also read, write, and calculate."
Ten years old, yet already proficient in so many languages, Viserys couldn't help but feel admiration.
"Where is your family?" he asked.
Missandei's gaze dimmed for a moment but quickly regained its composure, though a hidden sadness seemed to lie beneath the calm. "This humble one has no family, Your Majesty. This humble one's parents passed away when this humble one was very young. This humble one's three elder brothers were chosen by the Good Masters many years ago and sent for training to become Unsullied."
She paused, her voice softer. "This humble one has never seen them again. The Good Masters said it was their honor, but this humble one knew what that meant."
She raised her head, her eyes meeting Viserys's directly. There were no tears, only a nascent hope. "Today, this humble one saw what you did. You killed the Good Masters, you had the chains and whips burned. This humble one heard you say that people can live with dignity. Therefore, this humble one requests to serve you. This humble one is not afraid of hardship. You are different from those people."
Her directness and courage surprised Viserys and made him appreciate her even more. This girl not only had talent but also a firm will and a clear sense of right and wrong.
"You are right, I am different from them," Viserys affirmed.
He pondered for a moment, then made a decision. "Missandei, you will no longer need to serve me with dressing and washing like an ordinary maid."
A flicker of confusion and unease crossed Missandei's face, thinking she had been rejected.
Viserys smiled slightly and patted her head. "Starting tomorrow, you will stay by my side. I need someone who understands many languages to help me translate documents and perhaps record some things. When you are older and more experienced, I will give you more important responsibilities."
He paused, thinking of Daenerys. "Moreover, I have a sister and a niece, who are about your age. Once things settle down, I will introduce you to them. I think you will become friends."
Missandei was stunned, seemingly unable to process this sudden change and immense opportunity.
She performed an extremely standard bow, her voice slightly choked. "Thank you, Your Majesty. This humble one swears to you that I will study diligently, work earnestly, and never betray your trust."
"I believe you," Viserys said gently. "Now, go back and rest. There's a lot of work tomorrow."
Missandei bowed again, then followed the middle-aged woman out. As she reached the doorway, she couldn't help but look back at Viserys once more, her eyes filled with gratitude.
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