Game of Thrones: King of Magic

Solomon. Braavos.

Two days later, in the evening, I was sitting in Kirana's living room, waiting for the Artist to arrive, while the owner of the mansion was minding her own business, reading the astronomy books I had created. Yes, the stars here are quite different, but a few pages giving a basic understanding of the structure of the universe may well push science in this section. After all, the physics and chemistry of the two worlds are in no way different.

Anyway, we could have gone after Kinvara yesterday, but Lavena wanted to say goodbye to her maids and the people from the bakery she was taking care of. I, on the other hand, limited myself to Lina, who sighed sadly at that, but wished me a happy journey. Though, she threw me a rather odd look when it came to Kinvara.

What about Velano? I didn't agree to his last request, and we hadn't gotten close enough to say goodbye in person, so there was no point. After all, it's an internal family matter.

- Thank you again for these gifts, Master Solomon. It is indeed a delightful sentiment," Kirana said, putting the papers aside.

- Don't mention it, it was no trouble," I smiled and took a sip from my glass of wine.

Ah, yes. She looked about twenty to twenty-five years old now, and she was savoring the sensations of long ago. Her hair was shiny and silky, her skin was smooth, tight and supple, and the fine lines and wrinkles were completely gone. I had no trouble doing it, because it was enough to fine-tune the mana and infuse it into Kirana's body, replenishing the body's resources and restoring its cells. That was the first "gift".

The second was what was now under Kirana's heart. It was my child, and I can say that I was experiencing some rather... strange feelings. Known and unknown to me at the same time.

Unlike me, Solomon had children, and his care for them could be described not as "father and child" but "teacher and student". This is not because he was a bad father, but because he couldn't do it any other way. Solomon was not known for emotional attachment, and his "wisdom" only got in the way of a child-parent relationship that is healthy for modern times.

Again, I have not had children, and therefore have no experience with them. Seeing it is one thing, and quite another when going through it yourself. For this reason, I want to try to be a "proper" father, separate from what Solomon was like.

At first I was planning to do this later, when the milestone has been passed, but then, after a bit of thought, I came to the conclusion that there is no point in waiting. It will sound pragmatic, but thanks to a child, I will have someone to come back to and something to think about and care about. A purpose in life, in short.

And because of that, I did what I didn't want to do before, but what I wanted to do now, which was to summon another Servant. There were many choices, but I needed someone who could protect and take care of the child and Kieran in case of anything. 

And there was such a Servant. She fit the criteria perfectly. Harmless and small in appearance, but able to do what was necessary to care and protect. Japanese mythology is really amazing in this regard, where kindness and strength are combined.

- Were the diaries I gave you able to help?

- They were interesting, although not exactly what I was looking for.

They described the daily life of Valyria, and one could conclude that it was definitely similar to what the Seven Kingdoms are now, but a notch higher, which I already knew.

What I found much more interesting were the records of magic and its research. Valyria was dominated by the "Formal Arts", a section of magic devoted to rituals and equal exchange. It was the one used by Kirana, who used the mana in gemstones to cast spells. This was aided by the presence of dragons, for any part of their body, be it blood, scales, or organs, was capable of transmitting and storing mana, as well as enhancing certain spells.

The diaries also mentioned several mage families, like the Satrion, that took seriously the prediction of Doom by one Daenerys Targaryen, nicknamed "Daenerys the Dreamer" and mentioned in almost all sources. And this directly suggests that there may be more such families.

- I apologize for not being able to please you.

- That's all right," I shook my head. - Since Mistress Lavena still hasn't arrived, I'd like to know who her father is. I was interested in the part of her story where he gave you a great deal, but with no explanation and essentially no personal gain for himself.

- Tarmo. He is Lavena's father," Kirana replied calmly. - And about his actions... Like you, they also confused me, because Tarmo is a merchant, but I didn't hear at least some acceptable answer from him.

I raised an eyebrow.

So Kirana doesn't know anything either, huh? That's not really any of my business, though. On the other hand, I realize I'm taking my beloved from Oris, but I doubt that Lavena herself is in any way concerned about it. Besides, after Valyria, Lavena will come back here if she wants to, so there's essentially no problem.

In a moment, I turned toward the entrance, where Lavena appeared a moment later. Her outfit had not changed in any way, except for the veil she wore over her lower face and the small pouch on her belt that jingled with coins.

- Good morning, Lavena," Kirana greeted her, to which the Artist herself did not react in any way and went inside and sat down on the couch.

- Are you ready? - I asked.

- Yes.

- In that case, fine," I smiled and covered us with a closed field to protect us from the cold, and then looked at Kirana. - 'This is where we bid you farewell, Mistress Kirana. 'She' will keep an eye on you and contact me if anything happens.

- Very well. Have a safe journey.

And with that, Lavena and I disappeared from Kirana's mansion.

I wonder how Kinvara will react to my arrival. It's been a long time since we've seen each other, and I suppose she misses me a bit, doesn't she?

-0-

Kinvara. Winterfell.

Lady Stark and I watched as Robb left Winterfell with a small detachment and headed for Blackwater, the ancestral castle of the Sleuths, who are the former kings of the North and current vassals of the Starks.

Of all the houses subject to the Starks, only four - the Boltons, the Dustins, the Riswells and the Sleuths - show obvious animosity. All of them hold grudges because of the events that occurred in the current king's rebellion, but only the latter are suddenly quiet and docile.

Open conflict is out of the question, for Robert Baratheon is sure to support Lord Stark and his house, but something is definitely going on in the Slate castle. And Robb wants to make at least a cursory inspection, for the spies have failed to report anything worthwhile. Anyway, we've got work to do, too.

- So, did you get his answer, Lady Stark? - I asked as soon as Robb's party had disappeared beyond the forest.

- Yes, he wrote that he would settle the matter with His Majesty and the rest of the Small Council.

- Anything else? It's clear by the look on your face that his letter was not so short.

- Petyr asked for information about Lord Solomon. To be specific, about his magic, interests, and character.

I frowned.

"Littlefinger is trying to sniff out my king and use him, huh? Frankly, I feel like contacting the Myrn assigned to King's Landing right now and giving orders to get rid of him. He has our followers in his brothels and it shouldn't be any problem to pull this off, but I can't do that for now because he's still useful.

- I suppose you want my opinion? - I asked rather coldly.

- Yes. I'd give him what he wants, but I was thinking of you. And given your changed tone, I was right.

- How... thoughtful of you," I said, calming down a little.

- I could say you've become my sister, and a much nicer one than Lisa," Lady Stark grinned. - Do you mind?

- No. Just do what you need to do and don't worry about me. He'll get his when the time comes.

- All right," Lady Stark nodded. - 'Among other things, you've been looking a little tired and dull lately. I assume it has something to do with Lord Solomon?

When I heard her question, I inwardly cringed, revealing a strained smile.

On the whole, she's right. These days, I never dared to contact Lina and ask her to summon my king. This dilemma kept me from sleeping well, but in the end, I preferred to just wait for his arrival.

- Let's... just leave this moment aside. - I asked softly, to which Lady Stark rolled her eyes.

- It's none of my business, but you should have confessed to him. From what I can tell, he's like Ned in that way. My husband was oblivious to the glances the ladies in love with him were giving him. And aren't you supposed to be knowledgeable in all this?

- I am, but it's hard to explain what I'm feeling right now.

- In that case, I suggest we talk about it. - suddenly came a voice from outside that I would recognize out of a thousand.

Instantly turning my head, my eyes saw my king looking at me with a soft smile. I felt embarrassed, so I hid my gaze, but at the same time, a wave of warmth and joy began to rage in my heart and I wanted to dance. However...

- Poor woman. This is another one of your slaves, huh? And a broken one at that. Do you want to make me like her, Master Solomon?

There was a beautiful and young girl standing next to him. And I knew her, for she's quite famous in Braavos. Because of her, all the good feelings from the long-awaited meeting were almost instantly overridden by others, such as irritation and jealousy.

And my king himself didn't see anything wrong with the way she was talking to him, judging by the look on his face. My blossoming smile immediately froze and its edge twitched at the harshness of this prostitute's tone.

I don't like this... Definitely....

-0-

Shiro Kotomine. Plains.

While Khalasar moved northeast to the city of Norvos to collect tribute, and Semi rode in her wagon, which I had upgraded a bit for cushioning, I approached Mormont, who was following right behind the princess. I wanted to know what kind of man he was, and what someone like him had forgotten here on another continent.

Deni herself these past couple of days is constantly brooding, even if she doesn't show it. I'm glad Seven's lessons have had an effect, but we still have yet to hear her response to our ultimatum. I estimate the Khalasar will arrive at Quokhor by the appointed time, and if the princess does not respond by then... well, then, that is fate.

Beyond that, Deni resumed her lessons, which apparently surprised Seven. The princess said that this way she wouldn't lose any time studying, though both Semi and I realized that she just wanted to be in our company. I took it calmly and good-naturedly, as I always did, but Semi found it mildly annoying. Not because of the obvious lies, but the choice of words, because she read the true intentions almost instantly. Anyway...

- Ser Jorah," I greeted. - May I take a moment of your time?

- Of course, Ser Shiro.

- Can you tell me how you ended up in Essos? - I asked. - As far as I know, the Marmoths are vassals of the Starks who rule the North. That's a long way off, and I understand you've been here a long time.

- I made a mistake, and I apologize, but I won't say more. It's my own business.

- I understand," I smiled, seeing the change in his face. - Do you regret what you did?

He sounded like the kind of man whose confessions I'd listened to when I was alive. Jorah did not look like an ordinary sinner who had sinned before the Almighty and only tried to make amends with words. The mistakes of youth, I suppose.

- Yes. If I could go back in time, I would not hesitate to do otherwise," he said.

- That's good. Everyone has the right to make mistakes, as well as the opportunity to correct them. If I had that power, I could help you.

- I'm glad to hear that," Jorah smiled. - May I ask you a question, too?

- Don't be shy.

- How did you meet your wife? - he asked. - No offense, but you are like fire and ice. You give the impression of a real knight, compassionate and helpful, and she....

- "A haughty queen?" - I laughed and even heard a chuckle coming from the princess' side. And Jorah smiled awkwardly. - It may seem like she's bad, but I assure you she's not. Semi fits the definition of a Tsundere. She doesn't show her true feelings, hiding them under a cloak of acrimony and arrogance. But we love and support each other, and that's what counts. But that's only true for me, so you're right about something.

- I see.

- Why did you ask?

- I was just curious.

I could hear the sadness and melancholy in his voice, as if he had been part of it himself, and his story must be connected to something like that. On the other hand, I could understand the kind of person he was, namely, wallowing in regret. Which meant that if given a way out, he would grab it without a second thought.

I separated from Jorah and the princess, heading back toward Seven's wagon.

I'll keep an eye on him once we're in town. My beloved is rarely wrong, and since she said he was suspicious, he is.

-0-

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