Game of Thrones: The Dangerous Traveler (MULTIVERSAL)

GOT: The Dangerous Traveler 13 

Lyn Corbray IX

Year 282 A.D. - Mantarys

The sun was just beginning to rise when Lyn and Ciri reached the top of a hill that offered a sweeping view of what would be their destination. It was the city of Mantarys.

The town, surrounded by a wall of blackened and worn stone, looked like a remnant of times past. Crumbling columns and battered buildings dotted its interior, while a thick greenish mist rose from the swamp that bordered the city.

Ciri frowned as she surveyed the place. "It looks... dead. what kind of city is this?".

Lyn, arms folded, took in the sight. "A city that has survived more than you should imagine. It is Mantarys, a colony of Valyria before the Curse. What you see now is barely a shadow of what it once was" Lyn replied. His visions had shown him this city, and now he understood why.

With a wave of his hand, Lyn pointed to the figures moving slowly within the walls. There were very few free men and women in sight, but the slaves were numerous. They wore chains around their ankles and iron collars around their necks. Some were visibly injured or sick, but still they worked, carrying stones, cleaning streets or serving their masters.

Ciri's jaw tightened as she took in the scene. "This is disgusting - how can they treat people like this?"

"It's the norm here," Lyn replied, without much emphasis. "Mantarys has always depended on the slave trade. They are its labor force and its bargaining chip. I'm surprised at your reaction, though. I thought someone who had seen so much of the world would have experience with this by now."

"That doesn't make it right," Ciri retorted, her voice rising in pitch. "We can't just stand idly by while this happens."

Lyn put a hand on her shoulder, looking her straight in the eye. "Ciri, I understand how you feel. But we can't change the world right now. If you try to do something stupid, you'll only get us both killed. It's not the time or the place."

Ciri clenched her fists, but finally nodded stiffly. "I don't like this, but you're right. In my flight... I've ignored too many injustices, one more... it won't break my morale."

"Well, it's good that you're getting used to it, that's the way things are around here. Braavos in an oasis in comparison. Welcome to Essos" Lyn murmured as they resumed their journey into the city, passing through the great gate and taking in the surroundings.

The streets of Mantarys were a maze of dark alleys and dilapidated buildings. Although there was some activity, the city seemed deserted compared to places like Braavos or Volantis. The few free citizens who passed by eyed them warily, and the air was laden with a sour stench that made Ciri wrinkle her nose.

"Why does it look so abandoned?" asked Ciri, as she dodged a slave carrying a sack of grain on his hunched back.

"For the same reason she looks dead Ciri, I already explained that to you."

"You were pretty lazy. Besides...the slaves distracted me."

"Here goes the long explanation" Lyn whispered in annoyance. "Mantarys is not what it was. It was a Valyrian colony, but the Curse hit it hard, as I told you. Some say the city survived because it was far enough away from the devastation, but others think it was because of something more... dark."

Ciri looked at him with interest. "What kind of dark things?"

Lyn smiled slightly. "Magic, curses, forbidden experiments. Valyria was famous for tinkering with powers no one else would dare touch. Even now, there are rumors that the people of Mantarys have Valyrian blood, but mixed with.... things that shouldn't exist. At least in the eyes of the majorities, who tend to be rather dull."

Ciri grimaced. "That sounds awful. But what exactly happened with Valyria? I've heard you say some vague things, but never a full story."

Lyn paused in a corner, looking out over a square where a group of slaves were being auctioned off. He lowered his voice as he spoke. "Valyria was the greatest empire the world has ever known. Its dragons and wizards ruled Essos for centuries. They built roads, cities and temples that still defy time. But it all ended in one day: the Curse. No one knows exactly what caused it. Some say it was a natural disaster, like a volcano or an earthquake. Others think it was uncontrolled magic, a price they paid for playing with forbidden forces."

"So what's left now?" asked Ciri, leaning slightly towards him.

"Ruins," Lyn replied, his voice low. "They say they are full of ghosts, fire and smoke. That wild dragons still fly the skies, and that anyone who dares to enter never comes out again. But there are also stories of unimaginable riches, treasures hidden in the depths of the temples, and secrets that could change the world."

Ciri frowned. "You believe those stories?"

Lyn smiled, a glint of ambition in his eyes. "I believe there's something there. And someday, I plan to go find out."

Ciri looked at him with a mixture of disbelief and curiosity. "Really, you'd risk that?"

"Why not? Someone has to," Lyn said, shrugging. "And if there's anything to learn from Valyria, I want to be the first to know about it. Though of course, I'm not reckless. I know I'm not ready yet, though truthfully I don't know how I ever would be. I like playing with fire, but I don't like getting burned. I would never throw myself into a boiling campfire, that's a sure burn, there's no fire."

Ciri was silent for a moment, contemplating his words. Finally, she shook her head with a small smile. "You're an ambitious idiot, you know that?"

"Maybe," Lyn replied, returning his smile. "But ambitious idiots are the ones who have any impact on the world" the young man added in a dramatic tone. His words sounded like a joke.

"So what shall we do now, what's the destination?".

"How long do you have left to get your energy back? And make those rare powers of yours."

"One day. Though in case of emergency... I could force something."

"But what about those guys..."

"The wild hunt."

"Yeah, those. Theoretically they can track where you show up with your powers, right?"

"Yeah, they can."

"Then they must be in the middle of the wilderness now," Lyn commented. "Then there's nothing to worry about!" laughed the young man.

"It's not that simple. It's enough for one of them to get a map so they can see what towns are in the vicinity of where they appeared. They'll probably split up, and each go to a nearby settlement. It's still not safe here."

"Well, that sucks huh..."

"You..." said Ciri, her words stuck in her throat. "You don't have to continue with me. This isn't your burden, I can handle myself" commented Ciri.

"Oh, but where's the fun in that?" asked Lyn with a smile. "Besides, I have yet to teach you the pleasures of the flesh" commented the young man with a snort, causing Ciri to look at him in shock.

"You! You bastard!" she shouted as he slapped her arm, to which Lyn could only laugh at his 'joke'.

"But don't worry, Cirilla. I'll keep you company. I want to see what strange places you take me to."

"Well, you can expect some pretty outlandish things" commented Ciri, her eyes turning tender as she smiled at Lyn. But the conversation was halted by an interruption.

An unusual looking man materialized almost out of nowhere. His skin was a pale, glowing blue, as if carved from ice, and his moon-white hair fell to his shoulders. She wore a long robe of deep blue, decorated with intricate golden patterns that seemed to move as if alive. His face, though carefully made up to look young, could not hide the frailty of age that hid behind the mask of his elegant bearing.

"Welcome, travelers," the man said in a soft, melodious voice, bowing his head slightly.

Lyn looked him up and down, and his lips curved into a mocking smile. "You're the welcoming committee? I thought Mantarys would have something more... intimidating."

The man blinked, apparently not reacting to the comment. "I am Naerizath, councilor of our honorable city. I have come to invite you to a special event to be held tomorrow night at the Palace of Savoras, Eternal Ruler of Mantarys."

"A special event? For us?" asked Ciri, trying to hide her distrust behind a polite voice.

Naerizath nodded with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Not just for you, young lady. This is a celebration in honor of the continuity of our great city. Strangers are welcome, as long as they respect our customs."

Lyn folded his arms, tilting his head to the side as she examined him. "Let me guess, you decide who gets in and who doesn't? Because I have to say it: your hosting skills need a little work. You could start by not looking so creepy."

Ciri glared at him. "Lyn, please" She then turned to Naerizath, smiling more politely. "We appreciate the invitation. We'll think about it."

Naerizath made a gesture that could be interpreted as a nod. "I would hope so. A celebration of this caliber should not be overlooked" His gaze rested briefly on Lyn, and his smile twisted into something that looked like a veiled warning. "I look forward to seeing you there."

The man turned and disappeared as suddenly as he had appeared, leaving behind him a trail of perfume that smelled of exotic herbs and something sweetish.

"Well, that was strange," Lyn said, breaking the silence as they continued walking.

"Did you have to tease him like that?" asked Ciri, crossing her arms. "He seemed like someone important."

Lyn held up his hands in a gesture of feigned innocence. "I couldn't help it, did you see his face? All that makeup and the robe...he looked like a poorly made disguise of a nobleman."

"Maybe because he's a nobleman" replied Ciri.

"Maybe" conceded Lyn, but then added in a more serious tone, "Though I suspect he's no ordinary nobleman. I think that man is one of the Eternals of Qarth. After all, maybe where you come from he's common, but here... normal nobles don't go around teleporting."

Ciri frowned. "Eternals, who are they?"

Lyn paused for a moment, looking around to make sure no one was listening, before answering quietly. "They are the chief sorcerers of Qarth, a city much further east, near the Jade Strait. They feed on something called the shadow of dusk, a magical substance that gives them longevity and power, but at a price. Their flesh, their nails, even the whites of their eyes take on those blue hues you saw on our friend Naerizath. In Qarth, they live in the House of the Eternals, a place said to be full of visions and deadly traps."

"And what is an Eternal doing here, in Mantarys?" asked Ciri, intrigued.

"Good question," Lyn said, rubbing his chin. "Perhaps he's here for politics, trade, or something more sinister. The Undying Ones are not known for their generosity or honesty."

"You know quite a bit about them. In general you know quite a bit about everything in general."

"What can I say, I'm an intellectual. Besides, I have a special interest in magic."

"And Qarth? What's that city like?"

Lyn smiled, relishing the chance to talk. "Qarth is a jewel in the middle of the desert. They call it 'The Queen of Cities.' It is surrounded by three massive walls, each more ornate and opulent than the last. Its streets are filled with merchants from all over the known world, and its markets have everything: spices, gems, slaves, ancient artifacts, you name it. But beneath all that wealth, there is corruption and secrets. The Eternals are just one part of that. There are guilds, merchants, and powerful families who run the city like a cyvasse board."

Ciri nodded slowly, processing it all. "So, do you think we should go to that party, what if it's a trap?"

Lyn shrugged. "It could be. But it could also be an opportunity. If there really are Eternals here, maybe we can learn something... as long as we're careful."

"I have a hard time trusting a place where warlocks host parties," Ciri muttered.

"Welcome to Essos," Lyn said with a wry smile. "Where everything is a danger, and every opportunity has a price. That's why I like it here so much. If I followed a Westeros I would never have met you, after all. And you're a funny person, Ciri."

"Uh, thanks? I guess," Ciri commented, but her eyes were back to the expression they had before the Eternal's appearance.

As they continued walking, the decision on whether or not to attend the party hung in the air, like a coin spinning in the air.