Game of Thrones: Second Son of House Targaryen

Chapter 11: The Fierce Fish Mansion Collapsed

“My lord, that's what happened. They broke into my house in the middle of the night and tried to kidnap my sister. Braavos has strict laws against human trafficking. Not only that, they were mixed up with the most heinous of wanted criminals!” Viserys recounted the events of the previous night to the mayor, carefully omitting any details that might cast him in a negative light.

He had imagined the 'court' in Braavos to be like those depicted in historical dramas: the Lord of Justice presiding in the main hall, a crowd of onlookers gathered outside, and a magistrate clapping a gavel to the applause of the people. However, the reality was quite different. He found himself in a relatively spacious hall with fireplaces around the room and stone slabs covering the floor. There were no ordinary people outside, but a number of important-looking individuals who had come to watch the proceedings.

These observers, dressed in black or white, scrutinized the siblings. Despite the serious atmosphere, their good looks worked in their favor. Some of the noble ladies seemed to have already passed judgment, charmed by timid Dany's lovable demeanor and thin but determined Viserys.

Viserys noted the unusual fashion: in Braavos, black and white clothing was worn by the rich and nobles to flaunt their status, which was the exact opposite of other places. The effect was somewhat gloomy, reminding him of grim messengers of death. Despite this, Viserys remained respectful and courteous, trying to win the sympathy of the Lord Mayor.

The mayor of Bitterwell, Franz, was a middle-aged man in his late forties. He had been in a foul mood since early morning when he heard about the murder in town. It was his youngest daughter's fourteenth birthday, and the news had spoiled his day. He was surprised to hear that the so-called “Beggar King” was involved in the incident, but it was only a fleeting surprise. After all, Braavos was a haven for refugees, and the siblings, despite their different identities, were no exception.

Franz's mood improved slightly when he learned that one of the dead was a wanted criminal, seeing it as an achievement of his own. However, he still had some doubts about the case and needed to ask a few questions to clarify.

“You mean to tell me you defeated six of them single-handedly? With this?” Mayor Franz Long held up the broken crossbow, skepticism evident in his voice.

“Yes, I soaked the wooden arrow in the intestines of a black belly fish, so…” Viserys began to explain.

“Intestines?” Franz interrupted, confused. It was clear the mayor wasn't familiar with handling such things himself.

A Maester-like figure beside Franz leaned in and whispered an explanation. Franz nodded, his doubts easing.

Banergar was notorious, and Enghis was a fugitive. From a practical standpoint, Franz favored the siblings. Besides, Viserys's respectful and sincere demeanor made a positive impression.

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Franz nodded and commanded, “Bring Banergar and the others here!”

A few guards dragged Banergar and his men forward, having cut the ropes binding them for the Lord Mayor's questioning. Franz looked at them with clear disdain.

“You broke into their home at night and were found with a wanted criminal. What were you up to?” Franz demanded.

Banergar, with a cut on his lip, struggled to speak clearly but knew he had to respond. “I don't know this Enghis. I don't know him,” he lied, his eyes unflinching.

Viserys watched in amazement at Banergar's blatant deceit.

“He owes us money, and we came to collect! Instead, he attacked us and killed our men. Lord Mayor, please arrest him!” Banergar continued, attempting to flip the situation.

‘What the hell! He’s turning the tables on us!’ Viserys thought, incredulous.

“Oh? Is that so?” Franz turned to Viserys, his initial sympathy waning. The Braavosi despised bad debtors, and failing to pay debts carried a moral stigma.

Viserys quickly responded, “My Lord, it is true I owe them money, but I have been diligently looking for work. I’ve secured a good job and will repay my debt in two months at most! And,” he pointed to Enghis's body, “this wanted criminal is worth a few gold coins as well. I'll be able to pay back soon!”

“Lord Mayor, I owe the money, but they tried to take my sister, my only family. What could I do against such debt collectors?” Viserys pleaded.

Franz frowned, turning back to Banergar. “You tried to kidnap a child?”

Banergar hesitated, knowing the gravity of the accusation. Braavos had a particular hatred for traffickers, even more so than for debtors.

"He's lying! We never said anything like that!"
"No, we didn't!"

Before Viserys could finish his retort, Dany suddenly collapsed next to him. The ladies who had come to watch the proceedings gasped in horror.

"Dany!" Viserys quickly picked her up, feeling her forehead. She had a fever.

He remembered that children had weaker constitutions and were prone to illness, often due to exhaustion or emotional distress. Dany clearly belonged to the latter.

"Dany! What's wrong with you, Dany?" Viserys held her tightly, his voice full of anxiety. Though they had only been together for half a month, they had already faced life and death together. Despite his harsh treatment of her, the bond between siblings couldn't be denied. They had been together for seven or eight years, and those feelings had transferred to Viserys.

Seeing Dany faint made him panic. In the Middle Ages, fevers could be fatal. "Dany! Dany, don't scare me!" he cried, letting his emotions flow freely. A tear rolled down his cheek.

"You bastards! If anything happens to my sister, I'll kill you all!" Viserys's eyes were bloodshot, his voice like the roar of a furious dragon.

The nobles who had come to watch were now firmly on the side of the siblings. Some were parents themselves and knew how easily children could fall ill from fright. It was now clear whether Banergar and his men had malicious intent. Their long history of bad behavior didn't help their case.

"My Lord, this scum should be locked up!"
"Yes! Lock him up!"

The crowd's outcry swayed Franz's judgment. Banergar realized the situation was turning against him and tried to speak up, but another announcement came from outside.

"Lord Mayor, there was a fire at the Fierce Fish Mansion on Blue Water Street last night, killing three people."

"The Fierce Fish Mansion, isn't that my house?" Banergar asked, panic rising in his voice. "Who, who was burned to death?"

The man seemed to know Banergar and replied with a strange look, "The identities haven't been confirmed yet, but it appears to be your two sons and a prostitute."

"Ah..." Banergar screamed and fainted.