Chapter 34.4- The Seadragon's Roar

“But it is my offer” I said, and the Magisters spoke to one another in their Bastard Valyrian until one of the Lyseni men finally spoke to the interpreter. And the man finally turned to me, clearly more pleased to be able to actually relay the message that had been given to him.

“The Triarchy can not afford the terms of the offer you have laid out before us. We can suggest other terms however. The return of the Westerosi slaves who have found their way into Triarchy territory through whatever means can be secured. We can pay reparations of two million gold pieces upfront, and an additional five hundred thousand a year for five years. We can sell slaves to you from industries other than our key industries at below market rates. The terms you have laid out from your end are acceptable” He said. It was a bad offer.

I knew that. Much in the way my first offer had been designed to provoke and see how far I could push things, theirs was to see how little they could get away with giving.”

“Good that we can agree on the Westerosi slaves. That can be noted down as an agreed term. Now let us discuss the rest. As for the gold you will be paying, it will be going towards strengthening the Stepstones in our mutual interests so that the Pirates that once called the place home will not find fertile ground for them to return to. Surely this would a worthwhile investment. And if you could find the gold for Braavos, you can find the gold for me”

“You would see us beggared with such a sum. We would have to raise taxes beyond sustainable levels. Our cities would cease to be if we tried to make that payment, and if our people are beggared, then who knows what they would turn to. If keeping piracy out of the Stepstones is your goal, then you would seeks a more reasonable payment.”

“What can you comfortably afford? Do try to be honest with me” I prompted.

“Four million up front and seven hundred and fifty thousand a year for seven years.”

“Then we can call it even at five million up front and one and a half a year for ten years. Your comfort is little concern of mine, to be honest.”

“We can not afford it, comfortably or not. Four million up front and eight hundred thousand for eight years”

“You mistake the situation here, magisters. I could destroy your city. My sister and I have dragons that would make it child’s play. The only reason I choose not to do so is because I see the value you can bring in peace. So let us stop counting coppers and end it at five million up front and one and a quarter million for ten years.” I said, making it clear with my tone that I would not be budging on this point. The Lyseni pursed his lips. He was clearly the leader of this lot, and his tiny nod was the sign that we had come to an accord on that term at least.