The Merchant Prince of Qarth

Thinking back to the history of House Targaryen, a family of blood and fire, the fat merchant prince felt pressure from that one gesture alone. Ronan wasted no words.

"We need supplies. I hope you are wise enough to be helpful."

"Helpful?"

If there had not been a blade resting at his neck, Xaro Xhoan Daxos might have laughed aloud. Calling robbery by such a polite name was impressive in its own way.

Unfortunately, he did not dare refuse outright. The sight frightened the other Qartheen officials and merchant princes badly enough that many began trying to retreat into the city. One movement stirred all the rest.

Daenerys did not need to give an order. The Dothraki surged forward and quickly subdued the soft-bellied merchants.

Xaro regretted his greed bitterly. He had never expected to place his life on the table.

He could only force himself to advise them. "Honored Dothraki warriors, holding us gains you nothing. Qarth will not surrender simply because I, Xaro Xhoan Daxos, am in your hands."

Xaro watched Daenerys's reaction at every moment. Seeing her waver, he pressed further. "Provoking Qarth is unwise. There are likely no other khalasars nearby. If you release me, I can pay what you want.

I only ask that you allow me to enter the city safely." This time, Ronan laughed.

"Do you think we are fools? If we let you into the city, will you still keep your promise?"

"No, no, you may trust me. Xaro's honor is beyond question. How else could I have built such wealth?"

He hurried to explain, then struck at Daenerys's desire as well.

"Honored princess, if you are willing to spare me, I can provide several merchant ships to carry you to Westeros."

Daenerys instinctively looked to Ronan. The cunning Xaro noticed at once and stopped treating her as the weak opening. Instead, he addressed Ronan directly.

"Treasure, women, whatever you ask, I can provide it. The condition is that you let me enter the city. Of course, you may refuse, but decide quickly. Are you prepared to make an enemy of all Qarth?

"You have just crossed the Red Waste, have you not? You will not wish to attempt such a journey again. Even if you did, your bodies would not endure it. Your warriors are brave, but in time they will grow too weak to lift their blades. Then you will gain nothing.

"In other words, you have no other choice."

As if he had seen through their condition, Xaro's words lost some courtesy and gained pressure. Ronan's face did not change.

The hand holding the blade did not loosen. Instead, he pressed the edge into Xaro's flesh. Merchants feared death. That truth had never changed.

Blood touched Xaro's skin, and his face paled, though he still refused to yield with his mouth. Then Ronan said, "Forget it."

Sensing death arrive, Xaro no longer wished to gamble with his life. "Do not! Everything can be discussed. Whatever you want, I agree."

By then, the gates of Qarth had already closed. Xaro's party, including the merchant princes who had come out with him, were all trapped outside. Bald guards crowded the walls with weapons ready.

To Ronan, they looked brave only behind stone. If they dared leave the protection of the walls, the Dothraki would slaughter them in open ground. He whistled.

Fresh Dothraki riders poured forward on strong horses. The sight made the Qartheen officials and guards on the walls even more nervous.

Xaro's face turned dark with fear. He had never imagined that the people who came to Qarth were not lambs, but wolves with a purpose.

These were not refugees on the edge of collapse. This was a prepared invasion.

Even behind high, solid walls, the Qartheen feared the famous Dothraki. The warlocks who had been watching also fell into thought, though no one knew what they considered.

Xaro understood that if he did not show something now, he would truly die at Ronan's hand.

He put on a cooperative face. "Honored Targaryen princess and Dothraki warriors, if you are willing to trust Xaro once, I can negotiate with the rulers inside the city. You came for certain things, yes?

There is no need for both sides to lose more than they gain." Ronan said nothing.

This time, Daenerys chose to believe Xaro's words. Her only condition was that the gates open and any discussion happen at the entrance. In return, she was willing to move her people farther from the gate to show sincerity.

Xaro had no good answer, but it was the only path before him. After a long exchange shouted toward the walls, a slave was finally lowered in a wicker basket to receive his message.

Xaro looked at the escape route so close to him and forced down a foolish urge.

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