The Mercenaries in the camp frantically picked up their weapons, but no one dared to shoot arrows. Facing such an existence, arrows seemed so ridiculous. Alarms also sounded in the Second Sons Company's camp. Mero had already climbed the watchtower, observing the situation from afar.
Ghidorah hovered thirty feet above the ground, its dragon wings stirring up a gale that made the tents flap wildly. It was then that people clearly saw the person on the dragon's back, silver hair dancing in the wind, purple eyes gleaming with a cold light.
"Commander of the Stormcrow Company." The person on the dragon's back spoke, their voice not loud, but clearly echoing throughout the entire camp. "I am Viserys Targaryen. I wish to speak with you."
Daario was the first to react. He pushed aside the soldiers in front of him, walked to the open space in the center of the camp, and shouted up, "What do you want to talk about? Are you trying to persuade us to surrender?"
"I'm here to offer you advice," Viserys's voice calmly replied. "I know what the Wise Masters of Yunkai have promised you, and that it will be paid after Astapor is taken. But have you considered what if you can't take it? What if you die under dragonfire?"
Ben Plumm stepped forward, standing shoulder to shoulder with Daario: "What do you want, Dragon King?"
"I give you three choices." Viserys held up three fingers. "First, continue fighting for Yunkai and die here. Second, pack up your camp immediately and leave Slavers Bay. I can guarantee you will live. And perhaps there will be opportunities for cooperation in the future."
He paused, looking at the nervous faces of the Mercenaries below. "Third, fight for me. You can gain wealth and status. If you perform meritorious service, I can even enfeoff you as nobles, grant you territories, hereditary and perpetual. No need to live this life on the edge of a knife anymore. Personally, I recommend you choose the third option."
A glint flashed in Daario's eyes. "An interesting proposition. But how can we trust you?"
Viserys did not answer. The middle head of Ghidorah beneath him subtly turned, aimed at an open space in the camp, and opened its mouth.
No flames erupted.
A golden, distorted ray shot out from the dragon's mouth, striking the ground.
Soundlessly.
That piece of land instantly vanished. It wasn't melted, nor scorched, but utterly annihilated, leaving only a deep pit with smooth edges, its walls gleaming with a vitrified luster.
The entire camp immediately fell into a dead silence.
Daario swallowed, the greed he had felt earlier scared back by this display. Ben Plumm's hand pressed on his sword hilt, his knuckles white. Prendahl gazed wide-eyed, his lips constantly moving, yet unable to utter a single word.
"Her name is Ghidorah." Viserys patted the dragon's neck. "She has many other abilities, which I guess you wouldn't want to witness one by one. Now, tell me your choice."
The three commanders of the Stormcrow Company quickly exchanged glances.
Daario lowered his voice, "I think his offer is good; we can give it a try."
"But the name of treachery..." Ben Plumm still had some reservations.
Prendahl, beside him, spat, "To hell with treachery. Those Wise Masters haven't even paid us yet. Did you see that pit? I think all of us combined wouldn't be enough for that dragon to spit three times with that golden stuff."
Ben Plumm remained silent for a moment, then finally nodded, agreeing to their choice.
Daario looked up and declared loudly, "Your Majesty Targaryen, the Stormcrow Company is willing to serve you."
Viserys on Ghidorah's back smiled. "You have made the right choice."
Upon hearing this, Daario felt a sense of relief. He feared that even if they chose to leave, they might encounter some danger on the way, leading to their complete annihilation.
"Since you have decided to serve me, without further ado, I shall give you your first command: cooperate with me to take down the Second Sons Company."
Daario grinned, "Your Majesty, you've found the right people. With us, that old fellow Mero won't escape."
"Let's go," Viserys reminded. "Remember, I want Mero alive. He's still useful."
Then he controlled Ghidorah to fly towards the Second Sons Company's camp.
At this moment, Mero had already gathered all his officers. The atmosphere inside the tent was heavy, with unease written on everyone's face.
"The Stormcrow Company must have defected," Mero's voice was dry. "They actually abandoned their honor."
An officer urgently said, "Commander, we must act immediately now, either move closer to Yunkai city, or..."
His words were interrupted by the sound of hooves outside the tent.
Urgent hoofbeats, rapidly approaching.
Mero sharply drew his longsword. "Prepare for battle, infantry form ranks, archers to the watchtowers..."
Before he finished speaking, the tent's curtain was already thrown open.
Daario stood at the entrance, two curved swords in hand, a trademark playful smile on his face. Behind him, dozens of elite Stormcrow Company cavalry had taken control of the main tent area.
"Good evening, Commander Mero." Daario walked into the main tent. "Don't be nervous, I'm just here to talk to you."
Mero's face was livid. "Daario, what is the meaning of this? Betraying a contract and attacking allies?"
"Contract?" Daario raised an eyebrow. "The Wise Masters haven't even paid us yet, what kind of contract is that? Mero, you should look outside."
Through the open tent door, Mero saw the sky to the west of the camp. The three-headed giant dragon was circling at a low altitude, its massive shadow engulfing the camp. Some Second Sons Company soldiers had already laid down their weapons and knelt.
"That dragon," Daario's voice became serious. "It can make a piece of land vanish instantly. Mero, you're a smart man. Fight for Yunkai, get no money, and die. Serve the Dragon King, and get better terms. Is that choice difficult?"
A young officer roared, "We, the Second Sons Company, never betray our word."
Daario's curved sword suddenly pressed against his throat. "Child, treachery and suicide are two different things. Only the living are qualified to speak of honor; the dead are only left with maggots in their graves."
Mero closed his eyes. Outside the tent, he could hear the commotion of the soldiers and the neighing of warhorses, as well as the dragon's low roar.
After a long while, he opened his eyes and slid his longsword back into its sheath.
"Terms," Mero's voice was weary. "I want to personally discuss terms with the Dragon King."
"A wise choice," a voice came from outside the tent.
Soon, Viserys walked into the main tent, with Ghidorah guarding the entrance.
"Commander Mero," Viserys walked directly to the main seat and sat down. "I have long heard of the discipline and fighting power of the Second Sons Company. Serve me, and your terms will be the same as the Stormcrow Company. Moreover, I can promise you that after Yunkai is taken, you will receive the full payment that the Wise Masters owed you."
With Viserys's personal affirmation and the fear of the three-headed giant dragon outside the tent, Mero finally agreed.
"Your Majesty, from today onwards, the Second Sons Company will obey your commands." Mero knelt on one knee and swore allegiance to Viserys.
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