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A Family Legacy II, Volantis, Old City 266
A council of forty nobles of the Old Blood sat around a large, round table. The High Triarch Maegar Vhossar sat in a chair similar to his compatriots but his was a few inches taller. Almost unnoticeable but it gave the subtle reminder of the true balance of power.
"We are gathered here." Maegar began, "To discuss the ongoing situation within the Freehold. The recent peace with Pentos and the election of the Emperor Maekar has changed the balance in Essos and we are here to ensure that Volantis retains its power within that order."
"How are we to ensure that Essaria will not turn on us?" One noble asked. A murmur of agreements passed around the table.
Triarch Baelar Maegyr responded, "Essaria would be fool to believe that it could overpower Volantis. We stand as the wealthiest and most powerful state in the Freehold. We helped to secure the victory of the Constitutionalists. Volantis is a source of trade and prosperity for the Freehold."
"We stand at a crossroads." Maegar added, "Volantis has chosen to side with the Constitutionalists, we still stand strong even within this system. Our colonial expansion is reaping many rewards."
"The Dothraki are being pushed back and soon we will meet Tolos. This will make us stronger when they join us." A small voice said from besides Maegar.
"Daenarys." Maegar said looking to his left at his daughter, sitting besides his fellow Triarch Baelar. "You were invited here to listen and learn."
"I know father." Daenarys said bowing her head, "I am sorry."
"Why?" Maegar asked, "I did not forbid you to speak just as I do not forbid any of the Old Blood here to speak their minds. I may be High Triarch but a man does not rule alone. He needs others, other minds or else that man is rules a kingdom only in their mind."
Daenarys smiled and nodded.
"Father." A second voice, that of Saera, piped up, "What about the Dothraki that still don't bow to us? They have too."
"Indeed they do." One noble agreed "We may have gained some fodder to use against them but there is a horde united by a single Khal terrorizing Slaver's Bay. The latest reports say New Ghis is under threat."
"We could destroy Vaes Dothrak." Saera suggested, "It is their home. If we destroy it maybe they will break."
"She suggests an idea we have already proposed." One lord commented, "We need other solutions."
Daenarys looked confused, "We didn't know you already thought of that."
The lord looked from her to Maegar, who just sat and watched carefully, "Your father never mentioned it?" He asked cautiously.
"No I thought of it on my own." Saera said, "Was it impossible?"
"No." Another Lord answered, "Other complications emerged that delayed the plan."
"With the Constitutionalists in power we once again have the opportunity to destroy their sacred city." Maegar said, "A flight of wyverns and even a dragon would lay the city bare and etch a scare so far into their memory they will never stand to face us again."
The nobles around the table murmured again with with approval. Many of these men owned property and large farmland in the expansion zones. A long standing hatred of the Dothraki also helped.
"My fellow Triarchs and I will ensure that Volantis continues its path, grows stronger and wealthier. I am entrusting you all to continue the good work that has helped Volantis thus far. With the rise of this new Emperor I will help to ensure there are sufficient positions to further our goal of creating a New Valyria."
The Lords applauded.
After several hours of economic discussion and points of negotiation for the coming Congress on the Freehold constitution and hearing the general needs and desires of the Old Blood the meeting adjured. Maegar returned to the palace with his two daughters.
"Father did we make them angry?" Daenarys asked, a small frown on her face.
"Some of them sure but even they must admit to a good idea when they hear it." He replied, "If they couldn't do that well they wouldn't be there. Those are some of our family's allies either through marriage or business. You will find people have many temperaments even towards their friends."
"Thank you for bringing us father." Saera smiled and both girls hugged their father.
Maegar laughed and embraced the two girls, "As hard as things are always remember that I love you all very much. It can be hard to do this day after day but I want you girls to learn this. If something happens you will be the ones who must take up our family legacy. My brilliant girls."
"We will do whatever we can father." Daenarys said, "Viselon will be so happy to hear that."
"Will Aenar be able to teach us when he returns with Lord Dayne?" Saera asked pointedly.
"I am sure when he returns he will be more than happy to teach his sisters everything he knows."
