Belwas

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Belwas
Strong Belwas by Amoka©
Strong Belwas by Amoka©

Aliases
  • Strong Belwas
  • Belwas the Strong
Allegiances
Culture Meereenees
Books

Belwas, more commonly known as Strong Belwas, is a tanned eunuch colossus. His nickname Strong Belwas comes from the arenas of Meereen where he used to fight. [1] He claims he never lost a fight and he allowed all his opponents to cut him once before they died.

Appearance

Belwas' skin is nut-brown. Daenerys Targaryen originally estimates Belwas to weigh 20 stones (127 kilograms/280 pounds). [1] He has a gleaming bald head and the smooth cheeks of a eunuch. He leaves his upper torso mostly naked. Making visible pale old scars in his arms, chest, and belly. Daenerys considers his arms similar to tree-trunks, his chest huge, and his belly massive. [1] Belwas has 3 times the size of Daenerys. [1]

Later, Daenerys estimates Belwas to weigh 15 stones (95,25 kilograms/210 pounds). He wears baggy pants, a yellow silk bellyband and a tiny leather vest with iron studs. [2] He has gapped teeth, is bald and his arms and belly are huge. He is armed with a curved arakh and a small shield the size of a pie plate which he holds with his hand instead of strapped to his forearm like a knight. [2] [3]

History

Belwas was a slave, bred and trained in Meereen. [2] Belwas is a veteran pit-fighter, who earned a reputation at the fighting pits of Meereen. He claims to have never lost a fight. His signature move was to allow each opponent to cut him once, then to go on the offensive and kill them. He is proud of his scars. Pointing that you can count them and find out how many opponents he has slain. [1] [3] He finds Dothraki "horse boys" to be amusing opponents. He clams to have killed many of them in the fighting pits, and their bells jingle while they die. [1]

Belwas was eventually sold away. From Meereen to Qohor, and from there to Pentos. His latest owner was Illyrio Mopatis, who he describes as a "fat man with sweet stink in his hair". He send Belwas across the sea to locate Daenerys for him. [1] Belwas remembers Illyrio weeping when news reached him of the recent death of Viserys Targaryen. He will later report this scene to Daenerys and Jorah. In reaction, Jorah wonders if Illyrio wept for Viserys, or because the death cancelled certain plans involving the claimant king. [2]

Recent Events

A Clash of Kings

Strong Belwas by The Mico©

Illyrio assigned Barristan Selmy to serve Belwas in his mission. [1] They were both told to locate Daenerys and return her to Pentos. [1] Illyrio hires three ships for their transportation: Saduleon, Summer Sun, and Joso's Prank. [1] Selmy uses the alias "Arstan". But during their voyage, Belwas nicknames him "Whitebeard". [1]

In Qarth, Daenerys Targaryen visits the horseshoe-shaped harbor to negotiate with ship captains, She seeks transportation out of Qarth. When she and her escort leave the ship Quicksilver, Belwas and Selmy start following her. [1] At some point, Jorah Mormont notices two men following them and alerts the khaleesi. He leads Daenerys towards a brass-sellers' booth and lifts up a polished platter. The platter works as a mirror and allows her to see the figures behind her. Daenerys notices the "fat brown man" (Belwas) and the "older man with a staff" (Barristan Selmy). She whispers that they might mean no harm, as they could be merely ogling her. She privately wonders if they are after the lordship offered by Robert Baratheon to whoever kills her, or working for the local warlocks. [1]

Daenerys haggles with the brass-seller and turns around to walk off, supposedly offended by his prices. She uses the move to take a direct look at the men following her. She has some doubts if the men are enemy agents, since they openly stare at her. She feels than only fools would give away their intentions in such manner. She decides, however, to head back to the location where Jhogo and Aggo are waiting. [1] Daenerys and Jorah walk away, with the brass-seller following them and continuing to negotiate for his platter. Belwas and Selmy continue to follow them. The old man tries to mask his surveillance, But Belwas has eyes only for the khaleesi. [1]

An agent of the Sorrowful Men attempts to assassinate Daenerys, using a manticore. Selmy use his walking staff to hit the hand of Daenerys, and then drives its lower end into the ground. Jorah mistakes this for an offensive move, and attacks Belwas. He slams the brass platter on Belwas' head. Belwas retaliates and shoves Jorah off his feet. Belwas then unsheathes his arakh, while Jorah unsheathes his longsword. The two men are about to duel. [1] Meanwhile, Selmy explains that he was merely trying to knock the manticore out of Daenerys' hand. Daenerys notices the manticore crushed under his stuff. Daenerys runs between Belwas and Jorah, ending their fight. [1] Daenerys later notices that the hard head of Belwas legt the brass platter badly bent. [1]

Selmy introduces himself as both "Arstan" and "Whitebeard". He mentions the name "Belwas", which causes Daenerys to ask "who is Belwas?". Belwas sheaths his arakh, and swaggers forward to introduce himself. [1] Daenerys asks Belwas for his purpose. He identifies Illyrio Mopatis as his current owner and employer. [1] "Arstan" further claims to squire for Belwas. Though Jorah finds him a bit old to be a squire. Daenerys welcomes them both in her service. [1]

Belwas is amused to find Daenerys in the company of her Dothraki bloodrider. He brags about his previous victories over "horse boys". Aggo takes offense and unsheathes his arakh, challenging Belwas. Daenerys stops Aggo. But instructs Belwas to treat her people with respect, or her will leave her service sooner than expected and gain new scars in the process. The smile of Belwas fades to a confused scowl. Daenerys estimates that Belwas is not used to being threatened by girls who stand at 1/3 of his own size. [1] She smiles at Belwas, to take some sting off her rebuke. [1]

Daenerys asks Belwas, "what would Magister Illyrio have of me?". Belwas gruffly replies that Illyrio wants dragons and the girl who makes them, Daenerys herself. "Arstan" clarifies that they were told to locate Daenerys and bring her to Pentos. [1] Daenerys points that she is not alone. She has three dragons, a khalasar with more that 100 people, horses, and their goods. Belwas is quite confident that their three ships can transport all of them. [1]

A Storm of Swords

Strong Belwas fights hero before Meereen- by Sir-Heartsalot ©.

Belwas travels with Daenerys Targaryen in the ship, Balerion, where he is served by "Arstan". On the ship all he does is eat.[2] Belwas claims that Illyrio sent him to guard the khaleesi. Daenerys is not certain if this is the full extent of his instructions, but agrees that she needs guards. [2] The big man has earned freedman status. It is left unclear whether he was granted this status by Illyrio or Daenerys. [2] Daenerys finds Belwas to be quite nimble for his size. [2]

"Arstan" converses with Daenerys, offering some details on Aerys II Targaryen and Rhaegar Targaryen. When Belwas rises from his sleep, "Arstan" prepares to leave to attend to the needs of the eunuch. [2] Belwas roars that he is hungry, addressing no one in particular. He demands food. Once he sees "Whitebeard" approaching him, he asks him to deliver food. [2] Jorah dismisses Belwas as a common "oaf" and finds the subservient role of "Arstan" suspicious. Daenerys also finds something "queer" in the role of "Arstan". [2] Daenerys contemplates that Jorah and "Arstan" have each saved her from a previous assassination. She wonders if Belwas will save her from the next one. She worries because of Belwas' childlike intellect and behavior. Finding that as a protector, the big man is rather inadequate. [2]

For a week, the ships of Daenerys were becalmed (unable to move due to lack of wind). They had to rely on using oars, but travelled in a painfully slow pace. When the wind returns, the crews cheer up. Belwas lets out a great bellow and performs a little dance. [2] At night, Jorah visits Daenerys at her cabin. He is still troubled with suspicions over the role and intentions of Belwas, "Arstan Whitebeard", and Illyrio Mopatis. Daenerys finds his thought patterns repetitive. He connects these men with the warnings about betrayals which Daenerys received from the Undying Ones. [2]

Daenerys points to "Arstan" saving her life as evidence of his good intentions. Jorah suspects, however, that Belwas and "Arstan" were in league with the Sorrowful Man. The rescue, in his view, could be a ploy for them to win the trust of Daenerys. She laughs at this suggestion and expresses her trust for the two men. Jorah reminds her that these two work for Illyrio, not for her. [2] Jorah criticizes Daenerys for surrounding herself with men she does not really know. He points to the self-important eunuch as a prime example of this tendency. He warns Daenerys against trusting in liars and schemers. She counters that Belwas is neither, since he could not even scheme his way to breakfast. [2]

Jorah points that if Daenerys finds Belwas suitable for service, they could sail for Meereen and acquire hundreds of pit-fighters there. Even better, they could sale towards Astapor and purchase Unsullied. [2] Jorah soon manages to convince Daenerys to change course for Slaver's Bay. But she wonders whether Groleo, "Arstan", and Belwas will oppose this decision. Jorah points this will determine where their loyalties lie. [2]

Balerion has found port near Astapor. Daenerys steps down from her litter. She finds Belwas seated on a piling, eating a "haunch" (leg and loin of an animal) of brown roasted meat. He seems quite happy and offers to share his food with the khaleesi. His grin makes evident the grease in his mouth. He is eating dog meat and recommends the good dogs available in Astapor. Daenerys thanks him for his kindness, but declines his offer. While she has eaten dog before, at the time her thoughts are preoccupied by the puppies of the Unsullied. She sweeps past Belwas and walks up the plank onto the deck of Balerion. [4]

Daenerys enters Astapor to complete negotiations with the Good Masters of Astapor, agreeing to purchase the available Unsullied. The slavers meeting her take care to always be attended by 2 to 6 body slaves, making a show of their social status. Daenerys does not wish to appear alone like a beggar. So she takes with her most of her entourage: Irri, Jhiqui, "Whitebeard", Belwas, her bloodriders (Aggo, Jhogo, Rakharo), and Jorah Mormont. Her group of 8 includes Belwas and all her available bodyguards, so her personal safety is never in question during the meeting. [5]

The following day, Daenerys enters the city to complete the purchase. Daenerys rides the Silver. The mare is surrounded on all sides by the trusted followers of the Targaryen: Aggo walking in front of it, Belwas to its right, Missandei to its left, and Mormont right behind it. Daenerys is dressed as a Dothraki and her entire khalasar follows her into the city. [5] Daenerys has agreed to offer one of her dragons, Drogon, to the Good Masters. She walks to the litter where the chained dragon waits. Belwas and Jorah escort her to the litter, again ensuring her safety. [5] Daenerys receives the harpy's fingers, a nine lashed whip that symbolizes her ownership of the Unsullied. She soon uses it to whip Kraznys mo Nakloz, the signal for her followers and dragons to start attacking. Belwas pulls out his arakh and charges against the Astapori. He takes part in the Sack of Astapor. [5]

Daenerys and her forces march against the city of Yunkai. During the march, Aggo, Jhoho, and Rakharo take command of the "tiny" cavalry force available to their khaleesi. Serving more as captains than bodyguards. As a result, the responsibility of protecting Daenerys falls on the shoulders of Belwas and "Arstan". [6] Daenerys and Jorah look at the enemy forces from afar, estimating their numbers and composition. They then return to their camp. "Arstan" stands guard at the entrance of Daenerys' tent, while Belwas sits cross-legged on the nearby grass. Belwas eats figs from a bowl. [6]

Daenerys has arranged a meeting with the captains of the sellsword companies working for the Yunkai'i. The captains of the Stormcrows arrive first. Jorah escorts Daario Naharis, Prendahl na Ghezn, and Sallor to Daenerys' tent. Belwas still stands guard during the meeting. Prendahl insults Daenerys by calling her "a horselord's whore", in reference to her previous wedding to Khal Drogo. He also threatens to breed Daenerys to his stallion. Belwas takes offense at the words of the sellsword captain and pulls out his arakh. He offers to cut out the tongue of Prendahl and to then give it to "the little queen". Daenerys holds him back, pointing that she promised safe conduct to all three of the enemy captains. [6]

As midnight approaches, Belwas still stands guard. Jorah suddenly arrives and bulls his way past the guard and into the tent. He reports that the Unsullied have captured an enemy sellsword, when the man attempted to sneak into their camp. He has already identified the man to be Daario. [6] Daario has come to offer his allegiance and that of the Stormcrows. Jorah warns Daenerys against trusting him. He is also against accepting the nominal allegiance of five hundred sellswords of uncertain loyalty. Daenerys is quite frustrated with his constant warnings against trusting any potential ally. She points out that Jorah daily comes to her with concerns about Belwas being a braggart and "Arstan" an assassin. She feels that to listen to him would result in isolating herself from the world, and relying solely on Jorah. Which she guesses is the actual purpose behind his words. [6]

Past midnight, Belwas and "Arstan" still stand guard. Daenerys has trouble sleeping and eventually invites "Arstan" to converse with her. [6] While they speak, the Battle of Yunkai takes place. "Arstan" is in the process of explaining the musical preferences of Robert Baratheon, when Daenerys recognizes the soubd of approaching horses. Outside, Belwas shouts something. Daenerys recognizes his bellowing voice, though she fails to understand what Belwas is saying. The horsemen turn out to be led by Jorah, who arrives to report their victory at the Battle. [6] Two days later, the Wise Masters releaseda large number of slaves to Daenerys. Missandei explains to them that they owe their freedom to Daenerys. She then had to translate their new term for Daenerys: "Mhysa", Ghiscari for "Mother". The Targaryen mounts the Silver to greet the new arrivals. The new freedmen wish to approach Daenerys and her bodyguards fail to stop them. Belwas grunts and growls in dismay while trying to hold back the crowd. [6]

During the Siege of Meereen, defender Oznak zo Pahl issues a challenge to the besieging forces. He calls for them to send a champion to meet him in single combat. Daenerys and Jorah are both in favor of simply ignoring the challenge, until "Arstan" points out that this is matter of morale. As long as the challenge goes unanswered, the besieged population of Meereen will feel confidence in their own combat prowess. While their own forces will start doubting their chances of victory. While Aggo, Jhogo, Rakharo, and Daario all volunteer to face Oznak, Daenerys decides to summon Belwas and offer him this task. [3]

Belwas is located at the shade of Daenerys' pavilion, while eating a sausage. Informed of his new task, Belwas seems quite calm. He quickly finishes his meal, and wipes the grease from his hands on his trousers. He instructs "Arstan" to fetch his weapons. Belwas' arakh is in good condition, having been sharpened and oiled every day by "Arstan". Belwas squints at his blade, then places it within its leather sheath. He finally ties his swordbelt around his waist and grasps his shield with his left hand. The shield is made of steel, round in shape, and in size similar to a pie plate. Daenerys notices that Belwas keeps holding his shield, instead of strapping it to his forearm. The latter method is more frequently used by Westerosi fighters, and Daenerys assumes that Belwas is unfamiliar with it. [3] Belwas instructs "Arstan" to find some liver and onions for him. He explains that he will need them after the fight, as "killing" always makes him hungry. He is quite confident that he will win this fight. He then leaves the camp to face Oznak. [3]

Rakharo questions the wisdom of sending Belwas out there to fight. In his view, the man is fat and stupid. Daenerys points out that Belwas is a former slave from the fighting pits of Meereen. If one of their own former slaves defeats a Meereenese nobleman, the event would humiliate the Great Masters. If the former slave is instead killed in combat, Oznak would not gain much prestige. Defeating someone considered inferior would earn him no honor in the eyes of his peers. [3] Privately, Daenerys has further reasons for choosing Belwas. First, he is expendable. She is quite aware that she could instead have sent out out someone else among her current subordinates: Jorah Mormont, Daario Naharis, Brown Ben Plumm, Aggo, Jhogo, and Rakharo. But she considers them all too valuable to loose. These are the men who she trusts to lead troops, plan battles, and give her counsel. Belwas can not be trusted with any of these tasks. In her experience with him, all that Belwas does is eat, boast, and bellow at "Arstan". Second, she is still uncertain of his value as a protector. This is one way to assess the man. [3]

As Belwas plods his way towards his opponent, shouts and jeers can be heard from within the walls of Meereen. Oznak mounts his horse, arms himself with a lance, and waits for his opponent to approach. He then lowers his lance and charges. Belwas stops with his legs spread wide, the arakh in his right hand, and the shield in his left hand. Daenerys realizes too late that her champion is not wearing any armor. She states ou loud that they should have given him chainmail to wear. Jorah disagrees, as the armor would onl slow him down. As a former pit fighter, Belwas should be used to fighting without armor. [3] As Oznak charges, Belwas stands his ground. Daenerys notes the lack of expression in his face, as if the eunuch is made of stone. When Oznak aims for Belwas' chest, Belwas spins sideways and evades the lance. He makes no offensive move of his own. Jorah realizes that Belwas is giving the crowds a show, using showmanship skills honed at the fighting pits. [3]

Oznak charges his opponent for a second time, and Belwas simply spins and knocks the point of the lance aside. The booming laughter of Belwas echoes across the plain. Jorah realizes that Oznak's lance is too long and cumbersome. The 14-foot (4,27 meters) lance is simply impractical. He also notes a flaw in the strategy of the nobleman. He is determined to pierce Belwas with the lance, forgetting that he could simply trample the man with his horse. As long as Belwas manages to avoid the point of the lance, he remains safe. Daenerys herself notes that Oznak's moves are reminiscent of Westerosi jousting, while a Dothraki would have already attempted to ride down his foe. The flat level ground allows the horse of Oznak to build speed, but also also Belwas to move without losing his balance. [3] Oznak charges for a third time. When Belwas starts to dodge as expected, Oznak swings his lance sideways. He had expected, however, that Belwas would spin sideways as before. Instead, Belwas drops down and the lance passes harmlessly over his head. Belwas starts rolling on the ground, using the arakh to slash the legs of Oznak's horse. The wounded horse falls and Oznak tumbles from the saddle. [3]

Oznak manages to stand up and pull out his sword. Oznak and Belwas meet each other in a sword duel, with fast and furious blows. Belwas allows his opponent to wound him, with a slice right below his breasts. At the same time he plants his arakh on the head of his opponent, right between the "ram's horns" formations of Oznak's hairstyle. Belwas easily wrenches his blade loose, and proceeds to decapitate his opponent with three blows to the neck. He picks up the severed head and holds it up high, demonstrating it to the besieged population of Meereen. He finally flings the head towards the city gates. [3] The defenders at the walls start firing their crossbows, attempting to wound or kill Belwas. Their arrows fall short of their target. Belwas turns his back to this raid of arrows, lowers his trousers, squats, and defecates in the direction of the city. He wipes himself with the cloak of Oznak. He takes his time to loot the corpse of Oznak, and to euthanize the wounded horse. He then returns to Daenerys' camp. [3]

The besiegers welcome Belwas back in their ranks. The Dothaki hoot and scream, the Unsullied bang their spears against their shields. Both moves intended to honor the victor of the duel. Jorah congratulates Belwas on a job well done. Ben Plumm tosses Belwas a ripe plum, and proclaims: "a sweet fruit for a sweet fight". Jhiqui praises Belwas, claiming it is a pity that Belwas has no hair. Else, she and her fellow handmaidens would braid his hair and hang a bell in it. [3] Belwas answers that he needs no "tinkly bells". He eats the plum offered at him, and then asks for his liver and onions. Daenerys assures that he will have his food. But she is concerned with the wound below his breasts. It has continued to bleed since the duel, covering his stomach in blood. Belwas is quite dismissive of her concern, pointing that his many scars resulted from previous cuts on his flesh. [3]

Daenerys insists on getting him medical treatment, having lost Khal Drogo to a similar wound which got infected. She sends Missandei to locate a healer. The man, unnamed in the text, is a Yunkish freedman "renowned for his skill in the healing arts". Belwas howls and complains, reluctant to be treated. Daenerys scolds him and calls him out for acting like a big bald baby. Belwas finally agrees to be treated. The healer first uses vinegar to stanch the wound. He then sews it shut and binds Belwas' chest with strips of linen soaked in fire wine. Daenerys stands nearby during the process and leaves once it ends. [3]

Daenerys later called for Missandei to have the Silver and the girl's own horse saddled, in preparation for a visit to the camps. She decides to use "Arstan" as her bodyguard for this visit, finding that Belwas talks too much. [3] After "Arstan" rescues the khaleesi from an assassination attempt, Daenerys asks Jorah to knight "Arstan". Both men refuse and "Arstan" is forced to admit that has already been knighted. He claims to have told the truth about squiring Manfred Swann. He also told the truth about serving Illyrio Mopatis and Belwas. But in between these two periods, he was a knight in Westeros. He avoided direct lies, but withheld truths. He also did not lie when he claimed that people call him "Arstan". Many people have called him by this alias, during his travels with Belwas. He never caimed it was his true name. Jorah finally recognizes that "Arstan" is Barristan Selmy. [3]

Strong Belwas, Ser Barristan Selmy, Ser Jorah Mormont and twenty other men enter Meereen though the sewers to take the city. These "sewer rats", as Jorah calls their group, are a mixed force of sellswords, Unsullied, and freedmen. A few of the freedmen are scared of the actual rats in the sewers, which have grown to a huge size. Belwas catches a huge rat and bites it, severing its body to two pieces with his skin. He thus demonstrates to his fellows that they can face the rats with no problems. [7] Once the "sewer rats" find their way to the surface, Belwas leads them to the nearest fighting pit. The small group is able to surprise the guards and free the slaves from their chains. Securing help from the present pit fighters. Within an hour, half the fighting slaves in Meereen had revolted. Enabling Daenerys to take the city. [7]

With Meereen fallen, Daenerys chose the Great Pyramid as her new seat. Daenerys gives orders, for someone to instruct Belwas to fetch her two knights (Jorah Mormont, Barristan Selmy). Belwas soon marches through the doors of her audience chamber, each of his hands wrapped around the arm of a knight. Daenerys notes that Belwas is puffing, evidence that climbing the stairs of the Pyramid tires him. [7] All three men halt before the ebony bench of the queen. Belwas then steps back, and stands with his arms crossed across his chest. [7]

In this meeting, Selmy proclaims his conviction that Daenerys is the "trueborn heir of Westeros". He offers to serve her to the end of his days. As a knight, if she grants him permission to bear a sword. As a squire to Belwas, if Daenerys wishes him to remain unarmed. Daenerys points that she could also appoint him as her "fool" (jester), or her cook. Selmy is willing to accept either position, and points out that he already knows how to cook. Daenerys in finally convinced of his loyalty. [7] On the other hand, Jorah fails to convince her of his loyalty. She banishes him from Meereen. She gives him time until dawn to leave the city with his property. If he fails to obey and remains within the walls, she will have Belwas twist his head off. [7] She then instructs Belwas to remove the "liar" from her sight. Belwas seizes Jorah by the arm and drags him out of the audience chamber. [7]

A Dance with Dragons

In Meereen, the Sons of the Harpy start a campaign of assassinations. Skahaz mo Kandaq points out that the enemies of Daenerys are already known. He lists a number of old slaving families which are seen as hostile to the new regime. Among them is the House of Pahl. Daenerys herself considers the death of Oznak zo Pahl at the hands of Belwas to be a primary reason of the "blood" between her and this House. [8]

Daenerys holds court at the Hall of the Great Pyramid. Belwas stands nearby as her protector. [8] A young Meereenese boy demands justice from the Queen. During the fall of Meereen to her forces, two of the household slaves of his family rose up in revolt. They killed his father and elder brother, raped and killed his mother, and scarred his own face. One of the killers claimed his family house for his own, the other has joined the Mother's Men. The boy wants them both executed for their crimes. Daenerys denies his request, as she has already declared a "blanket pardon" for all crimes committed during the Sack of Meereen. The boy then rushes at Daenerys, attempting to assault her. He tangles his feet at his own tokar and falls to the floor. Belwas instantly grasps him with one of his hands, and yanks him up with minimal effort. Belwas shakes him around, in a movement which reminds Daenerys of a mastiff shaking a rat. She calls on Belwas to release the boy. Then she allows the boy to walk away, since his attempt failed. Noticing the boy's eyes, she is painfully aware that she has created another enemy. Another Son for the Harpy. [8]

Belwas, Galazza Galare, Reznak mo Reznak, and Skahaz mo Kandaq are all in favor of the petition to re-open the fighting pits, though each for his own reasons. Belwas remembers his time as a champion, and offers Daenerys a simple advise concerning the pit fighters: "Let them fight". [9]

Daenerys again holds court at the Hall, and Belwas again stands nearby as her protector. The first petitioner of the day is Ghael, an envoy from Astapor. He requests military assistance for his city, which is currently threatened by the forces of Yunkai. When Daenerys refuses to aid Astapor, Ghael accuses her of sentencing the Astapori to death. The same population to which she once offered freedom. Ghael then spits on her face. Belwas seizes the envoy by the shoulder, and then slams him down on the marble floor. He uses sufficient force to break several of Ghael's teeth. As Ghael is transported out of the Hall, the man leaves behind him a trail of broken teeth and blood. [10]

Xaro Xhoan Daxos has offered 13 galleys to Daenerys, sufficient to transport at least part of her forces to Westeros. She seriously considers the proposal. At afternoon, Daenerys summons a council, meeting with representatives of her various supporters. Belwas stands right behind her with his arms crossed. He seems to be there to defend Daenerys from any threat. [10]

Daario Naharis and the Stormcrows return to the city. Daario reports that a number of enemy mercenaries defected to their side. Among them is an axeman from the Basilisk Isles, a brute bigger than Belwas. [11] When Daario reports that Brown Ben Plumm and the Second Sons have defected to the enemy, the gathered courtiers react in various ways. Belwas thumps his scarred belly with his fist. He swears to eat the heart of Brown Ben with plums and onions. [11]

A number of Westerosi mercenaries have recently defected from the Windblown to the Stormcrows. Daario wants to introduce them to Daenerys. The queen notices that "Greenguts" (Archibald Yronwood) has arms thick enough to rival Belwas. [12] The following day, the wedding of Daenerys and Hizdahr zo Loraq takes place. Belwas waits for the bride at the Base of the Great Pyramid, eating grapes. [12] Daenerys’s wedding procession forms up inside the gates. When they are ready to depart, Belwas bellows for the gates to be opened. It is unclear whether he himself is part of the procession, or just sees them depart. [12]

Games are held to celebrate the re-opening of the fighting pits. Daenerys prepares to leave the Great Pyramid and attend the games, escorted by a guard consisting of Brazen Beasts. Barristan Selmy expresses his concerns about the lack of experience and doubtful loyalty of the Beasts. He would have preferred an escort guard consisting of Unsullied, who he considers more reliable. Daenerys reminds him that both Selmy himself and Belwas will be there to protect her. Selmy still has doubts if they can provide sufficient security to their queen. [13] Selmy transfers a message from Pretty Meris to the queen. According to her words, the Tattered Prince is willing to switch sides in the conflict. For a price. He seeks an alliance with Daenerys against the city of Pentos. Daenerys turns down the offer, since she already has an ally in Pentos: Illyrio Mopatis. She feels obligated to Illyrio, since he was the one who secured the services of Selmy, Belwas, and Groleo for her. [13]

The royal procession crosses the streets of Meereen. Belwas walks in front of the Brazen Beasts. Daenerys notes that Belwas has no love for horses, which is the reason the eunnuch chose to walk instead of ride towards Daznak's Pit. [13] Two towering statues stand at the gates of Daznak's Pit, depicting warriors locked in mortal combat. As Daenerys and Hizdahr pass beneath the statues, Belwas and Selmy position themselves at either side of the royal couple. [13] Hizdahr has prepared a box (small separated area) for himself, his wife, and their escort. Food and drinks are available to them. Belwas takes special note of a big bowl of honeyed locusts. He seizes the bowl and begins to eat them by the handful. [13]

While Belwas eats, Hizdahr comments that the locusts are very tasty. He suggests that Daenerys should try a few for herself. In his words, the combination of spice and honey used to prepare them, makes them both sweet and hot. Daenerys turns down his offer, in favor of eating figs and dates. She notices that Belwas is sweating, which she attributes to the effects of eating the locusts. [13] Hizdahr opinionates that Khrazz is the best pit fighter ever. Belwas protests that he was better in his prime. [13] The Spotted Cat faces an obscure opponent. Daenerys notes that this pit fighter has a height similar to Goghor the Giant and a breadth similar to Belwas. But she also notes that his movements are slow, which turns into a fatal flaw when facing the agile Cat. She is not surprised when the Cat kills his opponent with relative ease. [13] By the time Cat finishes his opponent, Belwas has finished all the honeyed locusts. Belwas comments that the unnamed man fought badly but was better in death. He died without screaming, and Belwas claims that he hates it when the dying scream. He then belches and takes a swig of wine. [13]

Among other types of blood sport, the games include instances of animal fighting. Hizdahr points out that the carcasses of the animals are not wasted. They are taken by butchers and added to stew, which is available to the hungry masses of the city. Anyone can ask for a bowl of stew at the Gates of Fate. A later fight involves fighters equipped similar to Westerosi knights against horsemen equipped similar to the Dothraki. All horses and horsemen are killed. Daenerys jokingly asks whether these "carcasses" will also be added to the stew. Hizdahr answers that the horses will indeed be added to the stew, but not the corpses of their riders. Belwas seems pleased at the availability of horsemeat. He insists that horsemeat and onion have nutritional value, making a person strong and healthy. [13] [14]

The games also include a comical number, featuring a pair of jousting dwarfs (Tyrion Lannister and Penny). Belwas finds their antics amusing. His snorting laughter can be heard throughout the box. On the other hand, Daenerys is nor particularly amused. She can only master a forced smile. [13] The dwarfs are followed by the next performance, featuring Barsena Blackhair. Hizdahr considers Barsena to be the bravest woman known to him. Belwas has heard that Barsena earned her reputation by fighting other women. He comments that fighting girls is not a particularly brave activity. He brags that Barsena should fight him to prove her courage. [13] Barsena faces a wild boar. Selmy doubts her chances to succeed as Barsena is equipped with a sword, while she really needs a spear. Barsena indeed looses her duel with the boar and is mortally wounded. As Barsena screams in pain, Daenerys poignantly asks Belwas whether this desperate fight was brave enough for him. Belwas admits that fighting pigs is a brave deed. But loud screaming is not equally brave. He complains that the scream caused pain in his own ears. He starts rubbing his swollen stomach. He complains about feeling "sick in his belly", though he considers this to be another side-effect of the scream. [13]

Barsena is either dying or already dead, when Irri and Jhiqui start arguing. The two handmaidens argue about who will win in the upcoming duel between Belaquo Bonebreaker and Goghor the Giant. Daenerys momentarily turns her attention to the two arguing women. But then returns her attention to Belwas, who has a "queasy" (nauseated) look on his face. He admits to eating too many locusts and asks for milk. Hizdahr ignores him and his request. [13] Drogon flies above the pit and most eyes turn skyward. Meanwhile, Belwas moans. He then stumbles from his seat and falls to his knees. [13] Drogon starts feasting on the corpses of both Barsena and the boar. Meanwhile, Belwas vomits noisily. Daenerys turns her attention to Hizdahr, who has a strange facial expression. She seems to recognize a mix of emotions in this expression: fear, lust, and rapture. [13] Daenerys leaves the safety of the box and enters the pit, intent on facing Drogon. Meanwhile, Belwas is still vomiting. [13] Selmy later recalls Belwas on his knees. The eunuch vomiting bile and blood. The scene is repeatedly featured in the dreams of Selmy. [15]

Daenerys faces Drogon in the pit. The dragon flies away with the queen. Following Daenerys' disappearance, Hizdahr becomes the sole ruler of Meereen. Several loyalists of the queen refuse to serve him. Others are dismissed from service. Belwas lingers at death's door. [13] [15] Belwas has been transferred to the Temple of the Graces, where he receives treatment from the Blue Graces. Barristan Selmy half suspects that they are finishing the job those honeyed locusts had begun. In other words, he suspects them of trying to kill Belwas instead of healing him. [15]

Skahaz and Selmy have a secret meeting by the stables of the Great Pyramid. Skahaz claims to have already captured the poisoner, the man behind the poisoned locusts. The man served as the confectioner of Hizdahr. The Sons of the Harpy had abducted this man's daughter and blackmailed him, exchanging the life of Daenerys for that of the missing girl. Once the locusts failed to kill Daenerys, the remains of the daughter were returned to the poisoner. Skahaz points that the plot failed due to Belwas and Drogon, who both unwittingly saved Daenerys' life. [15]

Belwas continues to suffer from the effects of the poisoning. The Blue Graces claim that only his size and freakish strength were able to save him, so far. His continued survival is still uncertain. [16] Selmy reports the poisoning plot to Quentyn Martell. He clarifies that it was only by chance that Belwas got poisoned instead of Daenerys. He also reports on the current health status of Belwas. Quentyn seems genuinely shocked. Selmy next warns Quentyn that he can be accused of being behind this plot, a convenient scapegoat. Quentyn pales in response. Selmy mentally notes that either the young man is innocent and completely unaware of the poisoning plot, or Quentyn is a "master mummer". [16] Later, Selmy confronts Hizdahr about the poisoned locusts. According to Hizdahr, Reznak holds the Dornishmen responsible for this plot. He has no proof on the matter. But claims the Dornish are all poisoners who worship snakes. [17] Selmy points out that Daznak's Pit belongs to Hizdahr. He was the one who provided the box and their seats. He was the one who had provided their food and drinks, including the locusts. He provided everything, and urged Daenerys to taste the locusts. But never tasted a single locust himself. Hizdahr claims that he simply doesn't like hot spices. But fails to convince Selmy. [17]


Despite the poison he managed to survive and later recovered. He attended the war council of Ser Barristan Selmy.[17][18]

Quotes

I let each man cut me once, before I kill him. Count the cuts and you will know how many Strong Belwas has slain. [1]

Bad fighting, good dying. Strong Belwas hates it when they scream. [13]

References and Notes

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 63, Daenerys V.
  2. 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 8, Daenerys I.
  3. 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 57, Daenerys V.
  4. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 23, Daenerys II.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 27, Daenerys III.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 42, Daenerys IV.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 71, Daenerys VI.
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 2, Daenerys I.
  9. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 11, Daenerys II.
  10. 10.0 10.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 16, Daenerys III.
  11. 11.0 11.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 36, Daenerys VI.
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 43, Daenerys VII.
  13. 13.00 13.01 13.02 13.03 13.04 13.05 13.06 13.07 13.08 13.09 13.10 13.11 13.12 13.13 13.14 13.15 13.16 13.17 13.18 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 52, Daenerys IX.
  14. Horse meat indeed has nutritional value. It has high levels of protein (21% of its contents), nearly identical to the levels found in beef and pork. While at the same having lower levels of fat (6% vs. 14-16&). See more details in Nutritional characteristics of horsemeat in comparison with those of beef and pork. Onions (and garlic) contain allicin, a chemical compound useful in decreasing blood pressure. Allicin also has recognized antibacterial and antiviral properties.
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 55, The Queensguard.
  16. 16.0 16.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 59, The Discarded Knight.
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 67, The Kingbreaker.
  18. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 70, The Queen's Hand.