Difference between revisions of "Targaryen campaign in Slaver's Bay"

From A Wiki of Ice and Fire
Jump to: navigation, search
(30 intermediate revisions by 7 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{Infobox Military Conflict
 
{{Infobox Military Conflict
| style = width:300px;
+
| conflict_name         = Targaryen campaign in Slaver's Bay
| conflict_name = Daenerys' War of Emancipation
+
| part_of               =
| part_of =
+
| image                 = [[File:SurrenderOfMeereen by StephenNajarian.jpg|Queen Daenerys - by StephenNajarian ©|400px]]
| image = [[File:Mario Teodosio dracarys.jpg|Queen Daenerys - by Mario Teodosio ©|400px]]
+
| caption               = The surrender of Meereen, by Stephen Najarian
| caption = Daenerys Targaryen with her dragons - by Mario Teodosio
+
| date                   = {{Date|299}} - Ongoing
| date = {{Date|299}}-Present
+
| battles               =  
| battles = [[Sack of Astapor]], [[Battle of Yunkai]], [[Siege of Meereen]], [[Siege of Astapor]], [[Second Siege of Meereen]]
+
| location               = [[Essos]]
| location = [[Slaver's Bay]], [[Essos]]
+
| result                 = Coronation of [[Daenerys Targaryen]] as Queen of Meereen<br>Abolition of slavery in Meereen<br>Conflict still ongoing
| result = Ongoing
+
<!-- combatant 1 -->  
<!-- combatant 1 -->
+
| combatant1             = [[House Targaryen]]
| combatant1 = [[House Targaryen]]<br>[[Meereen]] (seat)
+
| commander1            = [[Daenerys Targaryen]]
* [[Stormcrows]]
+
:: Ser [[Barristan Selmy]]
* [[Second Sons]] (switched sides thrice)
+
:: Ser [[Jorah Mormont]]
* [[Windblown]] (switched sides)
+
:: [[Grey Worm]]
* [[Iron Fleet]]
+
:: [[Daario Naharis]]
----
+
:: [[Ben Plumm]]
[[Astapor]] (briefly)
+
| strength1              = Dragons ([[Drogon]], [[Viserion]], [[Rhaegal]])<br>
| commander1      = Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]<br>Ser [[Jorah Mormont]]<br>Ser [[Barristan Selmy]]<br>[[Daario Naharis]]<br>[[Ben Plumm]]<br>[[Tattered Prince]]<br>[[Victarion Greyjoy]]
+
:8.600 Unsullied
----
+
:5.000 Unsullied still in training
[[Cleon|Cleon the Great]] †<br>[[Cleon the Second|Cleon II]] †<br>[[King Cutthroat]] †<br>[[Queen Whore]] †<br>The [[Green Grace (Astapor)|Green Grace]] of Astapor †
+
:Freedmen
| strength1 =
+
::Stalwart Shields
| losses1 =
+
::Free Brothers
 +
::Mother's Men
 +
:[[Brazen Beasts]]
 +
:Sellsword companies:
 +
::[[Stormcrows]]
 +
::[[Second Sons]] (switches sides)
 +
| losses1               =  
 
<!-- combatant 2 -->  
 
<!-- combatant 2 -->  
| combatant2 = Astapor (pre-sack)<br>[[Meereen]] (pre-conquest)<br>[[Yunkai]] and allies
+
| combatant2             = The [[Good Masters]] of [[Astapor]]
* [[New Ghis]]
+
| commander2            = [[Kraznys mo Nakloz]]<br>
* [[Qarth]]
+
:[[Grazdan mo Ullhor]]
* [[Tolos]]
+
:[[Grazdan (fat one)|Grazdan]] ("the fat one")
* [[Mantarys]]
+
:[[Grazdan (spiked beard)|Grazdan]] ("the one with the spiked beard")
* [[Elyria]]
+
:[[Grazdan (tall one)|Grazdan]] ("the tall one")
* [[Volantis]]
+
| strength2              = City guard of Astapor
* [[Stormcrows]] (switched sides)
+
| losses2                =
* [[Windblown]] (switched sides)
+
<!-- combatant 3 -->  
* [[Company of the Cat]]
+
| combatant3            = [[Yunkai]]
* [[Long Lances]]
+
| commander3            = [[Yurkhaz zo Yunzak]]†
* [[Second Sons]] (switched sides thrice)
+
: [[Wise Masters]]
| commander2 = [[Good Masters]] †<br>[[Wise Masters]]<br>[[Great Masters]]<br>[[Sallor the Bald]] <br>[[Prendahl na Ghezn]] <br>[[Daario Naharis]] (switched sides)<br>[[Mero]] †<br>[[Ben Plumm]] (switched sides thrice)<br>The [[Tattered Prince]] (switched sides)<br>[[Bloodbeard]]<br>[[Gylo Rhegan]]
+
: [[Prendahl na Ghezn]]†
| strength2 =
+
:[[Sallor]]†
| losses2 =
+
:[[Daario Naharis]] (switched sides)
 +
:[[Mero]]†
 +
:[[Ben Plumm]] (switched sides thrice)
 +
:[[Tattered Prince]] (switched sides)
 +
:[[Bloodbeard]]
 +
:[[Gylo Rhegan]]
 +
| strength3              = Slave soldiers<br>
 +
:Allies
 +
::[[New Ghis]] (six legions{{Ref|ADWD|36}} of 6.000 men<ref>asoiaf.westeros.org: Boskone 2013, reading of Barristan I and [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/81338-twow-spoilers-barristan/&do=findComment&comment=4122024 Barristan II]</ref>)
 +
::[[Qarth]]
 +
::[[Tolos]]
 +
::[[Mantarys]]
 +
::[[Elyria]]
 +
::[[Volantis]]
 +
:Sellswords:
 +
::[[Stormcrows]] (switches sides)
 +
::[[Second Sons]] (switched sides thrice)
 +
::[[Windblown]] (switches sides)
 +
::[[Company of the Cat]]
 +
::[[Long Lances]]
 +
| losses3                =
 +
<!-- combatant 4 -->
 +
| combatant4            = [[Great Masters]] of [[Meereen]]<br>[[Sons of the Harpy]]
 +
| commander4            = [[Great Masters]]<br>The [[Harpy]]
 +
| strength4              = Ghiscari noblemen
 +
| losses4                =
 +
<!-- combatant 5 -->  
 +
| combatant5            = Freedmen in [[Astapor]]
 +
| commander5            = King [[Cleon|Cleon I]] †<br>
 +
:King [[Cleon the Second|Cleon II]]
 +
:[[King Cutthroat]]
 +
:[[Queen Whore]]
 +
:[[Green Grace (Astapor)|Green Grace]] of Astapor †
 +
| strength5              = Unknown number of new Unsullied
 +
| losses5                =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
'''Daenerys' War of Emancipation''' is an ongoing conflict that is taking place on [[Essos]], mainly at [[Slaver's Bay]]. As the name implies, [[Daenerys]]' main goal is to free all slaves in Slaver's Bay and abolish all slavery. This conflict is a primary military conflict depicted in the last three novels of the [[A Song of Ice and Fire]] series and continues into the unreleased sixth novel.
+
The '''Targaryen campaign in Slaver's Bay''' is an ongoing conflict in [[Essos]], mainly in the region of [[Slaver's Bay]]. [[Daenerys Targaryen]]'s main goal is to free the slaves in Slaver's Bay and abolish all slavery. This primary military conflict is mainly depicted in ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' and ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'', and continues into the unreleased sixth novel, ''[[The Winds of Winter]]''.
+
 
==Causes==
+
==Prelude==
After leaving [[Qarth]], [[Daenerys Targaryen]] travels to [[Pentos]], but Ser [[Jorah Mormont]] manages to convince her to travel to Astapor and buy Unsullied.{{ref|asos|8}} Though sickened by the idea of buying slaves, she agreed to since she needed an army. Daenerys arrived at Astapor and was immediately sickened by the misery of the slave trade she saw,{{ref|asos|23}} but she still agreed to acquire from the slave masters all the Unsullied available for sale in Astapor - 8,000, another 600 guarding the city and 5,000 boys still in training - in exchange for her ships, the trading goods on board, and [[Drogon]].{{ref|asos|27}}
+
Following the death of her husband, [[Khal]] [[Drogo]], [[Daenerys Targaryen]] manages to hatch her three [[dragon]] [[dragon egg|eggs]] on his funeral pyre.{{ref|AGOT|72}} As Drogo's [[khalasar]] has disbanded into several smaller factions, Daenerys sees herself forced to travel through the [[Red Waste]], as she considers the chance of encountering an enemy too large when traveling in any other direction.{{Ref|ACOK|12}} Daenerys eventually arrives in [[Qarth]],{{Ref|ACOK|27}} but following the destruction of the [[House of the Undying]] and the resulting hostility of the Qartheen, finds herself in need of a new destination.{{Ref|ACOK|63}} Whilst looking for a passage on a ship at the docks of Qarth, Daenerys is approached by the eunuch [[Belwas]] and the squire [[Barristan Selmy|Arstan Whitebeard]] (secretly Ser [[Barristan Selmy]] from [[Westeros]]), who were sent to [[Qarth]] by [[magister]] [[Illyrio Mopatis]]. Illyrio wishes her to return to [[Pentos]], and has sent three ships to Qarth for Daenerys to use.{{Ref|ACOK|63}}
 +
 
 +
However, whilst on route to [[Pentos]] with her dragons and the remnants of her khalasar, [[Jorah Mormont]] convinces Daenerys to change course to [[Astapor]] instead, arguing that she will need an army to conquer Westeros. Jorah believes she should buy [[Unsullied]], slave soldiers trained and sold in [[Astapor]] with an extraordinary reputation.{{ref|ASOS|8}} In Astapor, Daenerys inspects the Unsullied, but is sickened by the misery of the slave trade.{{Ref|ASOS|23}} However, she agrees to acquire all the Unsullied available - eight thousand six hundred - as well as the boys still in training - an additional five thousand - in exchange for her three ships, all trading goods on board, and the strongest of her [[dragons]]: [[Drogon]].{{ref|ASOS|27}}
  
 
==Factions==
 
==Factions==
* [[Daenerys Targaryen]]
+
The Targaryen campaign in Slaver's Bay is a multisided conflict, during which many factions make alliances and change sides on numerous occasions. The following main factions participate in the conflict:
Seat: Meereen<br>Allies: The [[Lhazareen]], The [[Iron Fleet]]
+
* '''[[House Targaryen]]''': Led by Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]], House Targaryen possesses the only three living dragons in the world: [[Drogon]], [[Rhaegal]], and [[Viserion]]. Daenerys acquires eight thousand six hundred trained Unsullied in Astapor, and gains the loyalty of thousands of freedmen, half of whom come from [[Yunkai]]{{Ref|ADWD|2}} In Meereen, Daenerys makes alliances with the [[Lhazareen]], orders several fighting companies, the [[Stalwart Shields]], the [[Mother's Men]], and the [[Free Brothers]],{{Ref|ADWD|11}} and a new city watch, the [[Brazen Beasts]], formed.{{Ref|ADWD|16}} Daenerys further has several mercenary companies under her command.
<br>Hired Mercenaries: [[Second Sons]] (Switched sides then switched back), [[Stormcrows]] (switched sides), [[Windblown]] (Switched sides)
+
 
<br>Combined Strength: 25,000-30,000 all free men, [[Drogon]], [[Rhaegal]], and [[Viserion]]
+
* '''The [[Good Masters]] of [[Astapor]]''': The slaver city Astapor lost its Unsullied during the fall, and finds itself included in the struggle with few soldiers and without allies.
 +
 
 +
* '''The [[Wise Masters]] of [[Yunkai]]''': The slaver city Yunkai strikes alliances with the cities [[New Ghis]], [[Volantis]], [[Qarth]], [[Tolos]], [[Mantarys]], and [[Elyria]]. They are joined by the Meereenese fleet, which fled Meereen before its fall. Yunkai employs several mercenary companies.
  
* [[Yunkai]]
+
* '''The Great Masters of [[Meereen]]''' and '''The [[Sons of the Harpy]]''': Descendant of the [[Old Empire of Ghis]], these nobleborn Meereenese engage in a shadow war in Meereen after the city has fallen to [[Daenerys Targaryen]] and her forces.
Seat: Yunkai<br>Allies: [[New Ghis]], [[Volantis]], [[Qarth]], [[Tolos]], [[Mantarys]], [[Elyria]]
 
<br>Hired Mercenaries: [[Company of the Cat]], [[Long Lances]]
 
<br>Combined Strenght: 75,000-100,000 mostly slave soldiers
 
  
* [[Astapor]]
+
*'''Freedmen in Astapor''': Following the fall of Astapor, a council of three rules the city. These three are executed after a former slave, [[Cleon]], convinces the Astapori that the council meant to return the Good Masters to power. Cleon assumes the reign of Astapor as its king, and enslaves the noble survivors in the city, to be trained as Unsullied.{{Ref|ASOS|71}}
Seat: Astapor<br> Allies: none<br>Hired Mercenaries: none<br>Strength: about 3,000
 
  
 
==The War==
 
==The War==
===Sack of Astapor===
+
===Battle against slavery===
:{{Main|Sack of Astapor}}
+
In search of an army, Daenerys Targaryen arrives in Astapor where she is disgusted by the training and the treatment of the slave soldiers, the [[Unsullied]], and the treatment of slaves in general. Nonetheless, she strikes a deal with the [[Good Masters]] of [[Astapor]], promising her three ships, all her trading goods, and the strongest of her three dragons, [[Drogon]], in exchange for all Unsullied present in the city, both those who have completed their training, and those who are still in training.{{ref|asos|27}}
Daenerys Targaryen vs. the [[Good Masters]] of Astapor
+
[[File:Sack of Astapor.jpg|thumb|450px|The Fall of Astapor<br>By [http://majoh.deviantart.com/ Majoh].]]
;Result: Targaryen victory, Astapor sacked
+
*'''[[Fall of Astapor]]''': At the [[Plaza of Punishment]], upon receiving the promised payment, the [[Good Masters]] of Astapor give over the command of the Unsullied soldiers to Daenerys Targaryen. Daenerys betrays the terms of the deal and orders the Unsullied to slay the masters, and anyone wearing a tokar who is twelve years old or older. Astapor’s defense is in a poor state; its walls are old and crumbling, and the towers hold no guards.{{ref|ASOS|23}} Without their Unsullied, the Astapori Good Masters have little defense, as only a few soldiers remain. Daenerys allows her three dragons to join in the ensuing fight. As a result, Astapor is sacked, and all slaves are freed.{{ref|ASOS|27}} In the stead of the Good Masters, Daenerys leaves a council of three men (a healer, a scholar, and a priest) to rule the remaining Astapori.{{ref|asos|49}}
  
Other than the Unsullied, Astapor was poorly defended; its walls were old and crumbling, with no guards in the towers.{{ref|asos|23}} The exchange took place the next morning, at the [[Plaza of Punishment]]. Having closed the deal, receiving the harpy's fingers, a nine lashed whip that symbolizes her ownership of the Unsullied, she betrayed the terms of the deal and unleashed her dragons on the masters and the few remaining soldiers in the plaza, ordering the Unsullied to kill the remaining slave-masters of the city and freeing all of the slaves.{{ref|asos|27}}
+
*'''[[Battle near Yunkai]]''': Following her victory at Astapor, Daenerys frees her Unsullied, and offers them the choice to swear their loyalty to her, or to abandon her service. Most decide to follow her to [[Yunkai]]. The Yunkai'i, aware of what befell Astapor, have raised a slave army of four thousand men strong. Their army is supported by two sellsword companies of five hundred men each: the [[Stormcrows]] and the [[Second Sons]]. Daenerys invites envoys of Yunkai and each of the sellsword companies into her camp. The [[Stormcrows]] refuse to join her. [[Mero]], the captain of the [[Second Sons]], laughs at her offer as well, though accepts wine for his entire company to be send to his men. The envoy from Yunkai attempts to bride Daenerys, but she sends him off with the message that Yunkai have three days to give up its slaves before she attacks. However, Daenerys plans to attack that same night, claiming the Yunkai'i will falsely feel safe, the Stormcrows will be fighting among themselves, and the Second Sons will be drunk. Prior to the battle, [[Daario Naharis]] from the Stormcrows arrives, presenting Daenerys with the heads of his fellow captains, [[Sallor the Bald]] and [[Prendahl na Ghezn]]. He offers Daenerys the service of the Stormcrows, who participate in the battle on her side. The battle ends in Yunkish defeat; Yunkai surrenders and gives in to Daenerys's demands, freeing all of their slaves. In return, they are allowed to remain in control of the city. The freed slaves swell the ranks of Daenerys's freedmen and cement her reputation as the "[[Mhysa|Mother]]" among her followers.{{ref|asos|42}}
  
Before leaving to Yunkai Daenerys left a council of three men, a healer, a scholar and a priest to rule. They were later deposed by [[Cleon]], a former butcher, who led the people to believe that the three intended to return the [[Good Masters]] to their positions of power. Naming himself King after having the council executed, Cleon had all the highborn boys seized to begin training new Unsullied. Each pyramid within Astapor is now an armed camp and the dead lie in the streets and the markets of devoid of food and slaves to purchase.
+
*'''[[Siege of Meereen]]''': Having learned about the fates of Astapor and Yunkai, the [[Meereen]]ese retreat behind the walls of their city. The lands are stripped clean, and a hundred and sixty-three slave children are nailed onto the mileposts placed on the coast road between Yunkai and Meereen. Daenerys's host now numbers more than eighty thousand, though fewer than a quarter are warriors. After [[Belwas]] slays the "hero of Meereen", [[Oznak zo Pahl]], Daenerys sends men into the sewers of Meereen, so they can secretly enter the city and free the slaves. The slaves of Meereen rise in rebellion, while Daenerys's warriors break down the eastern gate using a ram made from Daenerys's ships.{{ref|asos|57}}{{ref|asos|71}}
  
===Battle of Yunkai===
+
While Daenerys conquers Meereen, a former butcher from [[Astapor]] named [[Cleon]] convinces his fellow Astapori that the council of three men (a healer, a scholar and a priest) that Daenerys had left to rule Astapor intended to return the [[Good Masters]] to their positions of power. Naming himself king after having the council executed, Cleon has all highborn boys seized to begin training new Unsullied. Each pyramid within Astapor becomes an armed camp, the dead lie in the streets, and the markets are devoid of food and slaves.{{Ref|ASOS|71}} When she learns about Astapor's troubles, Daenerys chooses to remain in Meereen and installs herself as queen, taking the [[Great Pyramid]] as her seat.{{ref|asos|71}}
:{{Main|Battle of Yunkai}}
 
Daenerys Targaryen v.s Yunkai
 
;Result: Targaryen victory, liberation of Yunkai
 
  
[[Yunkai]] commands 5,000 men, holding the middle with a 4,000 strong infantry slave army, supported by two mounted [[sellsword]] companies in the flanks: the [[Stormcrows]] on the left and the [[Second Sons]] on the right. Both sellsword companies have about 500 men each. Daenerys's host numbers 10,000 Unsullied and several thousand ill-trained armed freedmen. Her forces are stronger both numerically and qualitatively and could easily defeat the Yunkish army. Nevertheless Daenerys, worrying about the cost, extends an invitation to the slavers and the leaders of the sellsword companies to meet with her separately, trying to turn the sellswords over to her side and lure the [[Wise Masters]] of Yunkai to release the city's slaves without a fight.{{ref|asos|42}}
+
===Yunkish campaign===
 +
Following Daenerys's departure from Yunkai, the Yunkai'i returned to slavery.{{Ref|ADWD|2}} The city begins to prepare for the upcoming conflict by hiring new sellsword companies, i.e. the [[Long Lances]], the [[Windblown]], and the [[Company of the Cat]].{{ref|ADWD|6}} They send envoys to [[Qarth]] and other cities spreading false tales about Daenerys in order to gain support to cast her down. [[Grazdan mo Eraz]] travels to [[Volantis]] to persuade the [[triarchs of Volantis|triarchs]] to send their fleet against Daenerys, and other envoys ally Yunkai with [[New Ghis]], [[Tolos]], [[Elyria]], and [[Dothraki]].{{ref|ADWD|22}}
  
The battle plan is outlined by Daenerys herself: a surprise attack on both enemy flanks by the Unsullied, led by their captain, [[Grey Worm]], and Ser Jorah, the supreme commander of the army. Near midnight, the Unsullied catch [[Daario Naharis]] of the Stormcrows approaching the camp. He reveals he has killed the other captains of the Stormcrows, [[Sallor the Bald]] and [[Prendahl na Ghezn]], and he surrenders the Stormcrows over to her. He pledges his sword and Daenerys accepts, aware that she risks being betrayed. Before he returns to his men, he is told to attack the Yunkish in the rear when the attack begins. The attack is launched a few hours after midnight, and the Stormcrows attack the enemy in the rear, as promised. The Second Sons are too drunk to fight and are unable to support the slave army. Surrounded from all directions, the Yunkish troops break and throw down their weapons, while the sellswords yield.{{ref|asos|42}}
+
Meanwhile, several factions set sail towards Daenerys. Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] has been sent to [[Slaver's Bay]] by his father, Prince [[Doran Martell]],{{ref|ADWD|6}} with a [[secret marriage pact|marriage pact]] signed by his uncle, Prince [[Oberyn Martell]], on Doran's behalf, and by Ser [[Willem Darry]]. The pact promises the hand of Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Quentyn's elder sister, to [[Viserys Targaryen]], Daenerys's older brother.{{Ref|ADWD|43}} With Viserys dead, Doran hopes to marry Quentyn to Daenerys, and so ally [[Dorne]] to the cause of [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|adwd|43}} However, Quentyn meets with troubles on his journey, and once in [[Volantis]], is unable to find a ship to [[Slaver's Bay]], due to the war.{{Ref|ADWD|6}} Quentyn and his two remaining companions eventually join the [[Windblown]], a sellsword company hired by Yunkai to fight against Daenerys, in order to get closer to her.{{Ref|ADWD|25}}
  
Yunkai surrenders and gives in to Daenerys's demands, freeing all the slaves. In return they are allowed to remain in control of the city. The freed slaves swelled the ranks of Daenerys's freedmen and cemented her reputation as the "Mother" among her followers.{{ref|asos|42}}
+
*'''The [[Sons of the Harpy]]''': A resistance group of [[Ghis]]cari noblemen from the city of [[Meereen]], known as the "Sons of the Harpy" or "the Harpy's Sons" engage in a [[shadow war]] against Daenerys after she has named herself Queen of Meereen. They slay [[freedmen]], [[Unsullied]] and [[shavepates]] during the night, and leave a mark over the body of their victim: a harpy, drawn in blood.{{Ref|ADWD|2}} In response, Daenerys orders the creation of a city watch, made up from the Meereenese themselves:{{Ref|ADWD|11}} the [[Brazen Beasts]].{{Ref|ADWD|16}} While Daenerys sets the reward concerning the Sons of the Harpy to one thousand honors,{{Ref|ADWD|2}} the Sons of the Harpy offer wealth and glory and a hundred slave girls to whoever slays Daenerys, while promising death to anyone, and their families, who serve Daenerys. Because of this, the members of the [[Brazen Beasts]] hide their true identities by wearing masks.{{ref|ADWD|16}}
  
===Siege of Meereen===
+
*'''Imprisonment of the dragons''': [[Drogon]], [[Viserion]] and [[Rhaegal]] have been becoming wilder as they are growing. They have taken to hunting down sheep, and Drogon especially goes far afield. Daenerys begins to pay the shepherds for the loss of their animals, which leads to an increase in claims, which some of the shepherds try to proof by presenting the court with burned bones. However, during court one day, when Daenerys grants compensation to be given for the loss of twenty-three animals, one man lingers until all petitioners have departed. He presents her with the burned bones of his daughter, [[Hazzea]], and claims that it had been "[[Drogon|the winged shadow]]".{{ref|ADWD|2}} In response to Hazzea's death, Daenerys orders her dragons captured. [[Viserion]] and [[Rhaegal]] are captured and locked in a pit underneath the [[Great Pyramid]]. Three attempts are made to capture Drogon, but he trice escapes, and flies off towards the [[Dothraki Sea]].{{Ref|ADWD|11}}
:{{Main|Siege of Meereen}}
 
Daenerys Targaryen vs. Meereen
 
;Result: Targaryen victory, occupation of Meereen
 
  
The [[Meereen]]ese, warned by the fate of Astapor and Yunkai, did not allow contact to be made with Daenerys, retreating behind the formidable defense of Meereen. They stripped their land and nailed a disemboweled slave child up on every milepost along the coastal road from Yunkai, with an outstretched arm point toward Meereen as a message to Daenerys. Daenerys, followed by 20,000 soldiers and 60,000 refugees from Astapor and Yunkai, was starved of supplies and could not afford a prolonged siege. Daenerys commanded her fleet to be dismantled, to construct battering rams, mantlets, turtles, catapults, and ladders.{{ref|asos|57}}
+
*'''[[Battle at the Horns of Hazzat]]''': The [[Wise Masters]] of [[Yunkai]] resumed slavery after Daenerys left for [[Meereen]], and by now have raised a new army of slave levies and [[sellswords]],{{ref|ADWD|2}} who are joined by [[iron legions]] from [[New Ghis]].{{ref|ADWD|16}} Despite the fact that Astapor is starving, King [[Cleon]] prepares to march with his new Unsullied. His envoy, Lord [[Ghael]], whom he had sent to Meereen, continues to request an alliance between Astapor and Queen Daenerys's forces in Meereen, though she refuses.{{Ref|ADWD|2}} Without allies, Cleon meets Yunkai in battle at the [[Horns of Hazzat]], but is defeated and flees with his host back to Astapor.{{ref|ADWD|16}}
  
The fighting was bitter and bloody for most of a day and well into the night. Daenerys sent rams to batter the city gates, whilst her archers fired flights of flaming arrows over the walls and her forces stormed the walls. At nightfall she sent a diversion force, to set fire to the hulks in the harbor, while allowing Ser Jorah Mormont, Barristan Selmy, [[Strong Belwas]] and a small force to infiltrate the city sewers, under the cover of darkness. Once they found their way into the city, they went to the nearest fighting pit, where they released the slaves. Within an hour, half the fighting slaves in Meereen had been released, and soon after a ram broke through the eastern gate and the defenders broke.{{ref|asos|57}}{{ref|asos|71}}
+
*'''[[Fighting on the Khyzai Pass]]''': Queen Daenerys sends the [[Stormcrows]] under the command of [[Daario Naharis]] to negotiate with the [[Lhazareen]], as to ensure land trade through Khyzai Pass.{{ref|ADWD|2}} The Yunkai'i have meanwhile contracted the [[Long Lances]],{{Ref|ADWD|6}} who they now send to hold the [[Khyzai Pass]] between Meereen and [[Lhazar]], where Daario and his Stormcrows descend upon them in the night. Nine Stormcrows are slain, though twelve Long Lances defect to Daario's side.{{ref|ADWD|23}}
  
In contrast to her previous [[Ghiscari]] conquests, Daenerys chose to remain in Meereen and installed herself as Queen taking the [[Great Pyramid]] as her seat. This was because at this time, she received word that her ruling council in Astapor had been overthrown by a tyrannical butcher resulting in much suffering. Not wanting to let this happen to Meereen, she decided to stay. Her [[Unsullied]] finally restored order, but the sack left a plague of problems in its wake.{{ref|asos|71}}
+
*'''[[Siege of Astapor]]''': Following his defeat at the [[Horns of Hazzat]], King [[Cleon]] had fled back to Astapor.{{Ref|ADWD|16}} The Yunkai'i are not far behind,{{Ref|ADWD|16}} and the Red City is soon under siege.{{Ref|ADWD|23}} Cleon is slain by his own men when he orders them to march out and fight. His successor, [[Cleon the Second]], is slain eight days later, and the killer takes up the crown. The concubine of the first Cleon claims the crown as well, and the Astapori name them "King Cutthroat" and "Queen Whore".{{Ref|ADWD|23}} While Astapor starves, the King and Queen accuse one another of eating the slain.{{Ref|ADWD|30}} When the [[Green Grace (Astapor)|Green Grace]] of [[Astapor]] has a vision that the first Cleon will soon deliver the Astapori from the Yunkai'i,{{Ref|ADWD|30}} the Astapori make the decision to strap Cleon's corpse into his armor and onto his horse to lead the Unsullied in battle.{{Ref|ADWD|30}}{{Ref|ADWD|25}} When the dead King Cleon is slain once again, the Astapori break and attempt to flee, only to find the gates to the city closed. The battle itself is butchery.{{Ref|ADWD|25}}
  
===Siege of Astapor===
+
*'''The [[Bloody flux|Pale Mare]]''': Many of the surviving Astapori have the [[bloody flux]]. The Yunkai'i command the sellswords to hunt them down and turn them, driving them back to Astapor or north to Meereen to prevent the Astapori from going near Yunkai.{{Ref|ADWD|25}} Daenerys receives the news of the fall from three escaped Astapori, and following the advice of her counselors, refuses to allow the other Astapori to settle in the city,{{Ref|ADWD|30}} but instead settles them outside the walls.{{Ref|ADWD|36}}
:{{Main|Siege of Astapor}}
 
Yunkai and allies vs. Astapor
 
;Result: Yunkish victory, Astapor falls
 
  
Battle begins when the new Unsullied march out the city’s gates on the sortie against the forces of Yunkai and its allies and sellswords. The sortie immediately proves to be a disaster, the new Unsullied march right into the iron teeth of a legion from [[New Ghis]] and are cut down to a man by the legion, and the sellswords, who quickly join the battle and finish the massacre. It was [[Caggo]] who finally cut the Butcher King down, fighting through the King's protectors on his monstrous warhorse and opening [[Cleon]] the Great from shoulder to hip with one blow of his curved Valyrian arakh. Dead Cleon’s fall broke the Unsullied; they threw down their spears and shields and ran, only to find the gates of Astapor shut behind them. Slaughter followed; the [[Windblown]] rode down the frightened eunuchs, slashing right and left through the Unsullied.{{ref|adwd|25}}
+
*'''The [[Windblown]]''': Meanwhile, the [[Tattered Prince]], captain of the [[Windblown]], one of the sellsword companies hired by [[Yunkai]], plans to increase his odds by sending some of his own men into Meereen, by pleading they want to change sides.{{ref|ADWD|25}} The Windblown he sends are comprised of only Westerosi descendents and include Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] and his two companions.{{Ref|ADWD|25}} They eventually encounter the [[Stormcrows]] and, as per the instructions of the Tattered Prince, defect to Daenerys's side.{{ref|ADWD|36}} [[Daario Naharis]] convinces Daenerys to meet his new Stormcrows, and Prince Quentyn, known among the Windblown (and thus to Daario) only as "Frog", requests he and his companions may speak to Daenerys and her court in private. He reveals his identity to her, as well as his purpose.{{Ref|ADWD|43}}
  
Soon there is nothing left in Astapor but corpses. What Astapori that still survive creep out of their hidey-holes and pour out into the countryside, hundreds of them, maybe thousands, all starved and sick – many have the bloody flux. The Yunkish command the sellswords to hunt them down and turn them, driving them back to Astapor or north to Meereen to prevent the Astapori from going near the Yellow City.
+
*'''Start of the [[second siege of Meereen]]''': Following the defeat of Astapor, Yunkai marches on to Meereen.{{Ref|ADWD|25}}{{Ref|ADWD|36}} Ships from [[Qarth]], [[Tolos]], and [[New Ghis]] are choking off the bay, aided by ships from the Meereenese fleet who had fled when Daenerys first arrived at the city.{{Ref|ADWD|30}} The Yunkai'i march their new slave soldiers up the coast road, accompanied by four sellsword companies, four [[Ghiscari legion]]s, a hundred elephants, [[Tolos]]i slingers, and a corps of [[Qarth]]een camelry, while another two legions from [[New Ghis]] are set to arrive by ship.{{Ref|ADWD|36}} After Daenerys refuses to use her dragons in battle,{{Ref|ADWD|30}} [[Ben Plumm]] allies his [[Second Sons]] with Yunkai.{{Ref|ADWD|36}} The Yunkai'i are in contact with [[Hizdahr zo Loraq]], and inform him that they are willing to give Meereen peace, on the condition that the Yunkai'i can resume slaving, Astapor, once rebuild, will be a slaver city once again, and the promise that Daenerys will not interfere. The agreements are to be sealed by Daenerys's marriage to Hizdahr.{{Ref|ADWD|36}} The Yunkai'i lay siege to Meereen, building catapults, scorpions, and tall trebuchets, aiming to weaken Meereen until famine and disease brings the city to its knees.{{Ref|ADWD|43}} The bloody flux has by now already spread across Meereen,{{ref|ADWD|43}} as well as the Yunkish camps.{{Ref|ADWD|47}}
 +
[[File:Drogon in Daznak's Pit.jpg|thumb|450px|[[Daenerys Targaryen]] confronts [[Drogon]] in [[Daznak's Pit]]<br>By [http://marcsimonetti.deviantart.com/ Marc Simonetti].]]
 +
*'''[[Daenerys Targaryen]]'s marriage to [[Hizdahr zo Loraq]]''': In an attempt to stop the murders committed by the Sons of the Harpy, Daenerys follows the advice of [[Galazza Galare]] and agrees to a pact with Meereenese nobleman [[Hizdahr zo Loraq]]. If he is able to stop the Sons of the Harpy from killing for ninety days, Daenerys will marry Hizdahr.{{ref|ADWD|23}} Hizdahr and the Yunkai'i come to an agreement regarding the peace, in which the marriage is an important aspect.{{Ref|ADWD|36}} Following ninety days of peace, Daenerys and Hizdahr are wed.{{ref|ADWD|43}}
  
Daenerys Targaryen receives the news of the fall from three escaped Astapori: a brickmaker, a weaver and a cobbler.
+
*'''Poisoned locusts''': Following Daenerys's marriage to Hizdahr, the peace between Meereen and the slavers is to be signed and sealed, and the fighting pits are to be opened once more.{{ref|ADWD|47}} Meereen's ports have already been opened following the wedding,{{ref|adwd|50}} and Hizdahr has invited the Yunkai'i commanders to witness the opening of the fighting pits and sign the peace. Three Yunkai'i noblemen and the four commanders of the sellsword companies enter Meereen, and in return seven Meereenese hostages are sent to the camps of Yunkai.{{Ref|ADWD|50}} The following day, [[Daznak's Pit]] is opened. During the fighting matches, [[Belwas]] eats the honeyed locusts Hizdahr had been pushing Daenerys to eat, and becomes sick as they were poisoned. Just as Belwas falls, [[Drogon]] returns to the city. While the public panicks and attempts to flee, Daenerys rushes to Drogon's side and flies away from Meereen on his back.{{Ref|ADWD|52}}
  
===Second Siege of Meereen===
+
After Daenerys's departure on Drogon, Hizdahr has taken over the rule of Meereen. Hizdahr has removed many of Daenerys's people from command, and angered [[Grey Worm]], resulting in the loss of the [[Unsullied]]. [[Skahaz mo Kandaq]], who has been stripped of his command of the [[Brazen Beasts]] by Hizdahr, contacts [[Barristan Selmy]] and informs him that Hizdahr's confectioner has confessed to having poisoned the locusts on behalf of the [[Sons of the Harpy]], who had threatened to kill his daughter. As Daenerys survived, his daughter was killed. Skahaz has been gathering support against Hizdahr, but needs Barristan to bring the Unsullied to their side. Barristan agrees.{{Ref|ADWD|55}} Following the accidental death of Yunkai's Supreme Commander [[Yurkhaz zo Yunzak]] in [[Daznak's Pit]], the Yunkai'i speak of a breach of the peace, and present Hizdahr with [[Groleo]]'s severed head in response. They return three hostages - all family to Hizdahr - as a show of good faith, while promising to return the other three after Hizdahr has slain the dragons.{{Ref|ADWD|59}} Barristan and Skahaz agree to imprison Hizdahr, as well as [[Reznak mo Reznak]] and rule Meereen by a council.{{Ref|ADWD|67}} In the meantime, Prince [[Quentyn Martell]] has contacted the [[Tattered Prince]] and enlisted his help in capturing Daenerys's dragons, as to not return home empty-handed.{{Ref|ADWD|60}} Their plan, however, occurs the same night as the plan of Barristan and Skahaz. Quentyn and several of the Windblown go to the pit where [[Viserion]] and [[Rhaegal]] remain. They attempt to lure a dragon, but the dragons attack. The Windblown flee, and Quentyn is mortally injured.{{Ref|ADWD|68}} While Barristan is confronting Hizdahr about his role in the poisoning attempt of Daenerys, a [[cupbearer]] informs them that the dragons have been loosened on the city.{{Ref|ADWD|67}}
:{{Main|Second Siege of Meereen}}
 
Daenerys' host vs. Yunkai and allies
 
;Result: to be decided
 
  
Yunkai and her allies march on Meereen in order to cast down Queen Daenerys Targaryen and retake Meereen. Daenerys marries [[Hizdahr zo Loraq]], a Ghiscari noble of the city of Meereen, in order to broker peace. Daenerys holds the wedding feast in the Great Pyramid, with the Yunkish lords and sellsword captains in attendance. An exchange of seven hostages is arranged in order to ensure the peace. The Yunkai'i remain encamped outside of Meereen and the peace does not last after Daenerys goes missing on her dragon Drogon. Her [[Hand of the King|Hand]], Ser [[Barristan Selmy]] has to take command in her stead along with the [[ruling council of Meereen]]. Meanwhile [[Tyrion Lannister]] and Ser [[Jorah Mormont]] escape slavery and join the [[Second Sons]], who have gone over to Yunkai, encamped outside the city.  
+
Following Hizdahr's arrest, the Yunkai'i resume their [[second siege of Meereen|siege]] of [[Meereen]]. Additionally, the [[Sons of the Harpy]] have resumed their killing. Barristan sends [[Galazza Galare]] to the Yunkai'i to negotiate, but realises that the Yunkai'i are not likely to agree to any terms, and that it will eventually come to battle. He enlists [[Gerris Drinkwater]] and [[Archibald Yronwood]], who had been imprisoned following their failed attempt to steal a dragon, to act as his contact to the [[Tattered Prince]], offering [[Pentos]] in return for the loyalty of the [[Windblown]]. When Galazza returns, she informs Barristan that the Yunkai'i will only accept the death of the dragons in return for the peace. At the same time, the Yunkai'i begin to fling corpses into [[Meereen]], using the trebuchets.{{Ref|ADWD|70}}
  
The battle begins shortly before dawn. Dead men and dragons move through the sky, whilst warships crash and clash on Slaver's Bay and [[Ironborn]] are swarming ashore. The battle is split in two, one out on the bay, another one beneath the city. The [[Brazen Beasts]] man the city walls to replace as many Unsullied as possible. They will serve as the city’s last line of protection if Ser Barristan’s attack fails and Dany has not returned.
+
===Fire and Blood===
 +
{{warning/twow}}
 +
[[Drogon]] brings Daenerys to a hill in the [[Dothraki Sea]], which she dubs "[[Dragonstone (hill)|Dragonstone]]", after [[Dragonstone|the place where she was born]]. Daenerys begins her journey back to [[Meereen]], but has to go on foot, as Drogon refuses to listen to her. She eventually spots a [[Dothraki]] scout, from who she is able to remain hidden. The rider flees upon sighting Drogon, who returns to Daenerys's side. Daenerys mounts Drogon, who flies over the Dothraki khalasar and hunts down a horse. Daenerys and Drogon feed on the roasted horse. The [[khalasar]] of [[Khal]] [[Jhaqo]] eventually finds her, standing beside her dragon.{{Ref|ADWD|71}}
  
Ser Barristan leads the charge on the [[Harridan]] with all available cavalry fighters, while all of the [[Unsullied]] he could muster pour out the city gates to form a shield wall and face the bulk of the enemy force. A number of Meereen's pit fighters also join the attack. The Harridan is being defended by a Ghiscari legion six thousand strong and six ranks deep. Ser Barristan is making a feint at the Harridan and he suddenly turns away from the legion guarding the trebuchet at the last minute and heads for [[Paezhar zo Myraq]]'s Herons defending the Harridan. The Unsullied finish lining up outside the gates. In the air Viserion is snatching and devouring corpses being thrown by the Wicked Sister while some corpses set fire by his flame mid-air land and indiscriminately set fire to men below.
+
While Daenerys attempts to return to Meereen, Yunkai and Meereen prepare for battle. [[Victarion Greyjoy]], sent to [[Slaver's Bay]] by his brother, King [[Euron Greyjoy|Euron I Greyjoy]], to bring Daenerys back to [[Westeros]] as Euron's bride,{{Ref|AFFC|29}} is about to arrive.<ref name=tyrion2/> Having learned of Daenerys's troubles during his journey, Victarion and his fleet prepare to enter the battle on the side of [[Meereen]]. Victarion has a horn, [[Dragonbinder]], in his possession, which he believes will bind one or more dragons to his will.{{Ref|ADWD|63}}
  
The Second Sons are commanded by the [[Girl General]] to defend the [[Wicked Sister]]. The closest fighting is a good league (3 ½ miles) off from their encampment. They have a meeting in Brown Ben's tent. By this point the trebuchet the [[Ghost of Astapor]] is already down. The [[Mother's Men]] broke the [[Long Lances]] like a rotten stick and dragged the trebuchet over with chains. Viserion has now flown back to his lair in the Pyramid of Uhlez. A Yunkish nobleman then comes to the tent to inform them that [[Morghaz zo Zherzyn]], supreme commander of the Yunkai'i, wants them to defend the [[Harpy's Daughter]] instead, as the Unsullied are advancing toward the trebuchet while [[Bloodbeard]] and two Ghiscari legions stand against them. The Second Sons are then informed that [[Gorzhak zo Eraz]] has been slain, cut down by the [[Tattered Prince]] - meaning that the [[Windblown]] have gone over to Daenerys Targaryen and the [[Drunken Conqueor]] is now supreme commander. The Yunkish nobleman suddenly recognises [[Tyrion]] as an escaped slave and demands he be turned over. Ser Jorah Mormont answers the nobleman by killing him with his sword. [[Brown Ben Plumm]] then announces that the Second Sons have always been the queen's men and that rejoining the Yunkai'i was just a plot.
+
*'''The [[Battle of Slaver's Bay]]:<ref name=smartertravel>[http://www.smartertravel.com/blogs/today-in-travel/game-of-thrones-exclusive-george-martin-talks-season-the-winds-of-winter-and-real-world-influences-for-song-of-ice-and-fire.html?id=10593041 George R.R. Martin Talks Season Two, 'The Winds of Winter,' and Real-World Influences for 'A Song of Ice and Fire' (March 26, 2012)]</ref>''' [[Barristan Selmy]] leads a sortie from Meereen against the Yunkish lines.<ref>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', Barristan I</ref> Unexpectedly, the [[Iron Fleet]] arrives, ready to attack the Yunkish coalition in Slaver's Bay. [[Rhaegal]] and [[Viserion]] fly overhead, snatching corpses from the sky. The Windblown change their alliance, joining Meereen, and the [[Second Sons]] soon follow.<ref name=tyrion2>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', Tyrion II</ref>
  
Meanwhile Ser Barristan’s attention has been drawn to the bay, he recognises the banners of [[House Greyjoy]] but he is not sure what is going on, he sees that ironmen are coming ashore, fighting the Yunkish, and says, surprised, “They are on our side!”
+
The battle of Slaver's Bay is set to be one of the opening-battles of ''[[The Winds of Winter]]''.<ref name=smartertravel/>
  
==Result==
+
==References==
To be determined.
+
{{References|2}}
  
==References and Notes==
+
{{Targaryen campaign in Slavers Bay|state=uncollapsed}}
{{References|2}}
 
  
{{Template:Targaryen campaign in Slavers Bay}}
+
[[Category:Targaryen campaign in Slaver's Bay| ]]
 +
[[Category:Slaver's Bay]]
 
[[Category:Wars]]
 
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Slaver's Bay]]
+
[[fr:Guerre de la baie des Serfs]]
[[Category:Daenerys' War of Emancipation|*]]
 

Revision as of 19:39, 8 May 2019

Targaryen campaign in Slaver's Bay
Queen Daenerys - by StephenNajarian ©
The surrender of Meereen, by Stephen Najarian

Date 299 AC - Ongoing
Location Essos
Result Coronation of Daenerys Targaryen as Queen of Meereen
Abolition of slavery in Meereen
Conflict still ongoing
Belligerents
1. House Targaryen
2. The Good Masters of Astapor
3. Yunkai
4. Great Masters of Meereen
Sons of the Harpy
5. Freedmen in Astapor

The Targaryen campaign in Slaver's Bay is an ongoing conflict in Essos, mainly in the region of Slaver's Bay. Daenerys Targaryen's main goal is to free the slaves in Slaver's Bay and abolish all slavery. This primary military conflict is mainly depicted in A Storm of Swords and A Dance with Dragons, and continues into the unreleased sixth novel, The Winds of Winter.

Prelude

Following the death of her husband, Khal Drogo, Daenerys Targaryen manages to hatch her three dragon eggs on his funeral pyre.[3] As Drogo's khalasar has disbanded into several smaller factions, Daenerys sees herself forced to travel through the Red Waste, as she considers the chance of encountering an enemy too large when traveling in any other direction.[4] Daenerys eventually arrives in Qarth,[5] but following the destruction of the House of the Undying and the resulting hostility of the Qartheen, finds herself in need of a new destination.[6] Whilst looking for a passage on a ship at the docks of Qarth, Daenerys is approached by the eunuch Belwas and the squire Arstan Whitebeard (secretly Ser Barristan Selmy from Westeros), who were sent to Qarth by magister Illyrio Mopatis. Illyrio wishes her to return to Pentos, and has sent three ships to Qarth for Daenerys to use.[6]

However, whilst on route to Pentos with her dragons and the remnants of her khalasar, Jorah Mormont convinces Daenerys to change course to Astapor instead, arguing that she will need an army to conquer Westeros. Jorah believes she should buy Unsullied, slave soldiers trained and sold in Astapor with an extraordinary reputation.[7] In Astapor, Daenerys inspects the Unsullied, but is sickened by the misery of the slave trade.[8] However, she agrees to acquire all the Unsullied available - eight thousand six hundred - as well as the boys still in training - an additional five thousand - in exchange for her three ships, all trading goods on board, and the strongest of her dragons: Drogon.[9]

Factions

The Targaryen campaign in Slaver's Bay is a multisided conflict, during which many factions make alliances and change sides on numerous occasions. The following main factions participate in the conflict:

  • The Good Masters of Astapor: The slaver city Astapor lost its Unsullied during the fall, and finds itself included in the struggle with few soldiers and without allies.
  • Freedmen in Astapor: Following the fall of Astapor, a council of three rules the city. These three are executed after a former slave, Cleon, convinces the Astapori that the council meant to return the Good Masters to power. Cleon assumes the reign of Astapor as its king, and enslaves the noble survivors in the city, to be trained as Unsullied.[13]

The War

Battle against slavery

In search of an army, Daenerys Targaryen arrives in Astapor where she is disgusted by the training and the treatment of the slave soldiers, the Unsullied, and the treatment of slaves in general. Nonetheless, she strikes a deal with the Good Masters of Astapor, promising her three ships, all her trading goods, and the strongest of her three dragons, Drogon, in exchange for all Unsullied present in the city, both those who have completed their training, and those who are still in training.[9]

The Fall of Astapor
By Majoh.
  • Fall of Astapor: At the Plaza of Punishment, upon receiving the promised payment, the Good Masters of Astapor give over the command of the Unsullied soldiers to Daenerys Targaryen. Daenerys betrays the terms of the deal and orders the Unsullied to slay the masters, and anyone wearing a tokar who is twelve years old or older. Astapor’s defense is in a poor state; its walls are old and crumbling, and the towers hold no guards.[8] Without their Unsullied, the Astapori Good Masters have little defense, as only a few soldiers remain. Daenerys allows her three dragons to join in the ensuing fight. As a result, Astapor is sacked, and all slaves are freed.[9] In the stead of the Good Masters, Daenerys leaves a council of three men (a healer, a scholar, and a priest) to rule the remaining Astapori.[14]
  • Battle near Yunkai: Following her victory at Astapor, Daenerys frees her Unsullied, and offers them the choice to swear their loyalty to her, or to abandon her service. Most decide to follow her to Yunkai. The Yunkai'i, aware of what befell Astapor, have raised a slave army of four thousand men strong. Their army is supported by two sellsword companies of five hundred men each: the Stormcrows and the Second Sons. Daenerys invites envoys of Yunkai and each of the sellsword companies into her camp. The Stormcrows refuse to join her. Mero, the captain of the Second Sons, laughs at her offer as well, though accepts wine for his entire company to be send to his men. The envoy from Yunkai attempts to bride Daenerys, but she sends him off with the message that Yunkai have three days to give up its slaves before she attacks. However, Daenerys plans to attack that same night, claiming the Yunkai'i will falsely feel safe, the Stormcrows will be fighting among themselves, and the Second Sons will be drunk. Prior to the battle, Daario Naharis from the Stormcrows arrives, presenting Daenerys with the heads of his fellow captains, Sallor the Bald and Prendahl na Ghezn. He offers Daenerys the service of the Stormcrows, who participate in the battle on her side. The battle ends in Yunkish defeat; Yunkai surrenders and gives in to Daenerys's demands, freeing all of their slaves. In return, they are allowed to remain in control of the city. The freed slaves swell the ranks of Daenerys's freedmen and cement her reputation as the "Mother" among her followers.[15]
  • Siege of Meereen: Having learned about the fates of Astapor and Yunkai, the Meereenese retreat behind the walls of their city. The lands are stripped clean, and a hundred and sixty-three slave children are nailed onto the mileposts placed on the coast road between Yunkai and Meereen. Daenerys's host now numbers more than eighty thousand, though fewer than a quarter are warriors. After Belwas slays the "hero of Meereen", Oznak zo Pahl, Daenerys sends men into the sewers of Meereen, so they can secretly enter the city and free the slaves. The slaves of Meereen rise in rebellion, while Daenerys's warriors break down the eastern gate using a ram made from Daenerys's ships.[16][13]

While Daenerys conquers Meereen, a former butcher from Astapor named Cleon convinces his fellow Astapori that the council of three men (a healer, a scholar and a priest) that Daenerys had left to rule Astapor intended to return the Good Masters to their positions of power. Naming himself king after having the council executed, Cleon has all highborn boys seized to begin training new Unsullied. Each pyramid within Astapor becomes an armed camp, the dead lie in the streets, and the markets are devoid of food and slaves.[13] When she learns about Astapor's troubles, Daenerys chooses to remain in Meereen and installs herself as queen, taking the Great Pyramid as her seat.[13]

Yunkish campaign

Following Daenerys's departure from Yunkai, the Yunkai'i returned to slavery.[10] The city begins to prepare for the upcoming conflict by hiring new sellsword companies, i.e. the Long Lances, the Windblown, and the Company of the Cat.[17] They send envoys to Qarth and other cities spreading false tales about Daenerys in order to gain support to cast her down. Grazdan mo Eraz travels to Volantis to persuade the triarchs to send their fleet against Daenerys, and other envoys ally Yunkai with New Ghis, Tolos, Elyria, and Dothraki.[18]

Meanwhile, several factions set sail towards Daenerys. Prince Quentyn Martell has been sent to Slaver's Bay by his father, Prince Doran Martell,[17] with a marriage pact signed by his uncle, Prince Oberyn Martell, on Doran's behalf, and by Ser Willem Darry. The pact promises the hand of Princess Arianne Martell, Quentyn's elder sister, to Viserys Targaryen, Daenerys's older brother.[19] With Viserys dead, Doran hopes to marry Quentyn to Daenerys, and so ally Dorne to the cause of House Targaryen.[19] However, Quentyn meets with troubles on his journey, and once in Volantis, is unable to find a ship to Slaver's Bay, due to the war.[17] Quentyn and his two remaining companions eventually join the Windblown, a sellsword company hired by Yunkai to fight against Daenerys, in order to get closer to her.[20]

  • The Sons of the Harpy: A resistance group of Ghiscari noblemen from the city of Meereen, known as the "Sons of the Harpy" or "the Harpy's Sons" engage in a shadow war against Daenerys after she has named herself Queen of Meereen. They slay freedmen, Unsullied and shavepates during the night, and leave a mark over the body of their victim: a harpy, drawn in blood.[10] In response, Daenerys orders the creation of a city watch, made up from the Meereenese themselves:[11] the Brazen Beasts.[12] While Daenerys sets the reward concerning the Sons of the Harpy to one thousand honors,[10] the Sons of the Harpy offer wealth and glory and a hundred slave girls to whoever slays Daenerys, while promising death to anyone, and their families, who serve Daenerys. Because of this, the members of the Brazen Beasts hide their true identities by wearing masks.[12]
  • Imprisonment of the dragons: Drogon, Viserion and Rhaegal have been becoming wilder as they are growing. They have taken to hunting down sheep, and Drogon especially goes far afield. Daenerys begins to pay the shepherds for the loss of their animals, which leads to an increase in claims, which some of the shepherds try to proof by presenting the court with burned bones. However, during court one day, when Daenerys grants compensation to be given for the loss of twenty-three animals, one man lingers until all petitioners have departed. He presents her with the burned bones of his daughter, Hazzea, and claims that it had been "the winged shadow".[10] In response to Hazzea's death, Daenerys orders her dragons captured. Viserion and Rhaegal are captured and locked in a pit underneath the Great Pyramid. Three attempts are made to capture Drogon, but he trice escapes, and flies off towards the Dothraki Sea.[11]
  • Siege of Astapor: Following his defeat at the Horns of Hazzat, King Cleon had fled back to Astapor.[12] The Yunkai'i are not far behind,[12] and the Red City is soon under siege.[21] Cleon is slain by his own men when he orders them to march out and fight. His successor, Cleon the Second, is slain eight days later, and the killer takes up the crown. The concubine of the first Cleon claims the crown as well, and the Astapori name them "King Cutthroat" and "Queen Whore".[21] While Astapor starves, the King and Queen accuse one another of eating the slain.[22] When the Green Grace of Astapor has a vision that the first Cleon will soon deliver the Astapori from the Yunkai'i,[22] the Astapori make the decision to strap Cleon's corpse into his armor and onto his horse to lead the Unsullied in battle.[22][20] When the dead King Cleon is slain once again, the Astapori break and attempt to flee, only to find the gates to the city closed. The battle itself is butchery.[20]
  • The Pale Mare: Many of the surviving Astapori have the bloody flux. The Yunkai'i command the sellswords to hunt them down and turn them, driving them back to Astapor or north to Meereen to prevent the Astapori from going near Yunkai.[20] Daenerys receives the news of the fall from three escaped Astapori, and following the advice of her counselors, refuses to allow the other Astapori to settle in the city,[22] but instead settles them outside the walls.[1]
  • The Windblown: Meanwhile, the Tattered Prince, captain of the Windblown, one of the sellsword companies hired by Yunkai, plans to increase his odds by sending some of his own men into Meereen, by pleading they want to change sides.[20] The Windblown he sends are comprised of only Westerosi descendents and include Prince Quentyn Martell and his two companions.[20] They eventually encounter the Stormcrows and, as per the instructions of the Tattered Prince, defect to Daenerys's side.[1] Daario Naharis convinces Daenerys to meet his new Stormcrows, and Prince Quentyn, known among the Windblown (and thus to Daario) only as "Frog", requests he and his companions may speak to Daenerys and her court in private. He reveals his identity to her, as well as his purpose.[19]
  • Start of the second siege of Meereen: Following the defeat of Astapor, Yunkai marches on to Meereen.[20][1] Ships from Qarth, Tolos, and New Ghis are choking off the bay, aided by ships from the Meereenese fleet who had fled when Daenerys first arrived at the city.[22] The Yunkai'i march their new slave soldiers up the coast road, accompanied by four sellsword companies, four Ghiscari legions, a hundred elephants, Tolosi slingers, and a corps of Qartheen camelry, while another two legions from New Ghis are set to arrive by ship.[1] After Daenerys refuses to use her dragons in battle,[22] Ben Plumm allies his Second Sons with Yunkai.[1] The Yunkai'i are in contact with Hizdahr zo Loraq, and inform him that they are willing to give Meereen peace, on the condition that the Yunkai'i can resume slaving, Astapor, once rebuild, will be a slaver city once again, and the promise that Daenerys will not interfere. The agreements are to be sealed by Daenerys's marriage to Hizdahr.[1] The Yunkai'i lay siege to Meereen, building catapults, scorpions, and tall trebuchets, aiming to weaken Meereen until famine and disease brings the city to its knees.[19] The bloody flux has by now already spread across Meereen,[19] as well as the Yunkish camps.[23]
  • Daenerys Targaryen's marriage to Hizdahr zo Loraq: In an attempt to stop the murders committed by the Sons of the Harpy, Daenerys follows the advice of Galazza Galare and agrees to a pact with Meereenese nobleman Hizdahr zo Loraq. If he is able to stop the Sons of the Harpy from killing for ninety days, Daenerys will marry Hizdahr.[21] Hizdahr and the Yunkai'i come to an agreement regarding the peace, in which the marriage is an important aspect.[1] Following ninety days of peace, Daenerys and Hizdahr are wed.[19]
  • Poisoned locusts: Following Daenerys's marriage to Hizdahr, the peace between Meereen and the slavers is to be signed and sealed, and the fighting pits are to be opened once more.[23] Meereen's ports have already been opened following the wedding,[24] and Hizdahr has invited the Yunkai'i commanders to witness the opening of the fighting pits and sign the peace. Three Yunkai'i noblemen and the four commanders of the sellsword companies enter Meereen, and in return seven Meereenese hostages are sent to the camps of Yunkai.[24] The following day, Daznak's Pit is opened. During the fighting matches, Belwas eats the honeyed locusts Hizdahr had been pushing Daenerys to eat, and becomes sick as they were poisoned. Just as Belwas falls, Drogon returns to the city. While the public panicks and attempts to flee, Daenerys rushes to Drogon's side and flies away from Meereen on his back.[25]

After Daenerys's departure on Drogon, Hizdahr has taken over the rule of Meereen. Hizdahr has removed many of Daenerys's people from command, and angered Grey Worm, resulting in the loss of the Unsullied. Skahaz mo Kandaq, who has been stripped of his command of the Brazen Beasts by Hizdahr, contacts Barristan Selmy and informs him that Hizdahr's confectioner has confessed to having poisoned the locusts on behalf of the Sons of the Harpy, who had threatened to kill his daughter. As Daenerys survived, his daughter was killed. Skahaz has been gathering support against Hizdahr, but needs Barristan to bring the Unsullied to their side. Barristan agrees.[26] Following the accidental death of Yunkai's Supreme Commander Yurkhaz zo Yunzak in Daznak's Pit, the Yunkai'i speak of a breach of the peace, and present Hizdahr with Groleo's severed head in response. They return three hostages - all family to Hizdahr - as a show of good faith, while promising to return the other three after Hizdahr has slain the dragons.[27] Barristan and Skahaz agree to imprison Hizdahr, as well as Reznak mo Reznak and rule Meereen by a council.[28] In the meantime, Prince Quentyn Martell has contacted the Tattered Prince and enlisted his help in capturing Daenerys's dragons, as to not return home empty-handed.[29] Their plan, however, occurs the same night as the plan of Barristan and Skahaz. Quentyn and several of the Windblown go to the pit where Viserion and Rhaegal remain. They attempt to lure a dragon, but the dragons attack. The Windblown flee, and Quentyn is mortally injured.[30] While Barristan is confronting Hizdahr about his role in the poisoning attempt of Daenerys, a cupbearer informs them that the dragons have been loosened on the city.[28]

Following Hizdahr's arrest, the Yunkai'i resume their siege of Meereen. Additionally, the Sons of the Harpy have resumed their killing. Barristan sends Galazza Galare to the Yunkai'i to negotiate, but realises that the Yunkai'i are not likely to agree to any terms, and that it will eventually come to battle. He enlists Gerris Drinkwater and Archibald Yronwood, who had been imprisoned following their failed attempt to steal a dragon, to act as his contact to the Tattered Prince, offering Pentos in return for the loyalty of the Windblown. When Galazza returns, she informs Barristan that the Yunkai'i will only accept the death of the dragons in return for the peace. At the same time, the Yunkai'i begin to fling corpses into Meereen, using the trebuchets.[31]

Fire and Blood

Content.png
Warning
This information has thus far been released in a sample chapter for The Winds of Winter, and might therefore not be in finalized form. Keep in mind that the content as described below is still subject to change.

Drogon brings Daenerys to a hill in the Dothraki Sea, which she dubs "Dragonstone", after the place where she was born. Daenerys begins her journey back to Meereen, but has to go on foot, as Drogon refuses to listen to her. She eventually spots a Dothraki scout, from who she is able to remain hidden. The rider flees upon sighting Drogon, who returns to Daenerys's side. Daenerys mounts Drogon, who flies over the Dothraki khalasar and hunts down a horse. Daenerys and Drogon feed on the roasted horse. The khalasar of Khal Jhaqo eventually finds her, standing beside her dragon.[32]

While Daenerys attempts to return to Meereen, Yunkai and Meereen prepare for battle. Victarion Greyjoy, sent to Slaver's Bay by his brother, King Euron I Greyjoy, to bring Daenerys back to Westeros as Euron's bride,[33] is about to arrive.[34] Having learned of Daenerys's troubles during his journey, Victarion and his fleet prepare to enter the battle on the side of Meereen. Victarion has a horn, Dragonbinder, in his possession, which he believes will bind one or more dragons to his will.[35]

The battle of Slaver's Bay is set to be one of the opening-battles of The Winds of Winter.[36]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 36, Daenerys VI.
  2. asoiaf.westeros.org: Boskone 2013, reading of Barristan I and Barristan II
  3. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 72, Daenerys X.
  4. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 12, Daenerys I.
  5. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 27, Daenerys II.
  6. 6.0 6.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 63, Daenerys V.
  7. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 8, Daenerys I.
  8. 8.0 8.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 23, Daenerys II.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 27, Daenerys III.
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 2, Daenerys I.
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 11, Daenerys II.
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 16, Daenerys III.
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 71, Daenerys VI.
  14. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 49, Catelyn VI.
  15. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 42, Daenerys IV.
  16. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 57, Daenerys V.
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 6, The Merchant's Man.
  18. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 22, Tyrion VI.
  19. 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 19.5 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 43, Daenerys VII.
  20. 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 20.5 20.6 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 25, The Windblown.
  21. 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 23, Daenerys IV.
  22. 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 22.5 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 30, Daenerys V.
  23. 23.0 23.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 47, Tyrion X.
  24. 24.0 24.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 50, Daenerys VIII.
  25. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 52, Daenerys IX.
  26. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 55, The Queensguard.
  27. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 59, The Discarded Knight.
  28. 28.0 28.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 67, The Kingbreaker.
  29. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 60, The Spurned Suitor.
  30. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 68, The Dragontamer.
  31. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 70, The Queen's Hand.
  32. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 71, Daenerys X.
  33. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 29, The Reaver.
  34. 34.0 34.1 The Winds of Winter, Tyrion II
  35. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 63, Victarion I.
  36. 36.0 36.1 George R.R. Martin Talks Season Two, 'The Winds of Winter,' and Real-World Influences for 'A Song of Ice and Fire' (March 26, 2012)
  37. The Winds of Winter, Barristan I