latelenovela #360 - Chapter 94: Journey to the West (Part 2)
#360 - Chapter 94: Journey to the West (Part 2)
Although the years have left deep marks on this city, it still retains some ancient and precious buildings and relics. With careful restoration and reasonable utilization, this city has the potential to radiate new vitality and become a key stronghold. It can not only enhance control over the surrounding areas but also provide strong support for trade and economic prosperity. What's even more exciting is that cities like this are not unique; there are dozens scattered across the vast area north of the Dothraki Sea to the Shivering Sea. Furthermore, it may even be possible to break Bravos' long-standing monopoly on trade in the Shivering Sea and open up a new route directly to the North of Westeros!
As his understanding of this world deepened, various whimsical ideas and grand plans constantly emerged in Liu Yuan's mind. He was determined to maximize all the advantages here to seek more and greater benefits for the forces he represented—of course, these would need to be realized slowly in the future. After politely refusing the young girls offered by the local elders, Liu Yuan urged the Dothraki people to seize the time to rest, and then set out again on their journey the next morning.
Next, they successively passed through several cities: Vhagga Samoyi, Jali Qamai, the capital of Sarnor, Vaes Khvo, Vaes Graddakh, which resisted the Dothraki invasion for the longest time... In addition, there were also three ancient cities that had completely disappeared into the long river of history: Lhazar, Hothor, and Kazar.
Since the entire army was composed of cavalry, the marching speed was quite fast. In just six days, they successfully crossed most of the Dothraki Sea and smoothly reached the edge of the forest of Qohor.
Qohor and Norvos are located inland, and their ranking among the Free Cities is only slightly higher than Pentos. However, relying on the navigation of the Qhoyne River tributary, the Little Rhoyne, and the gold produced by the forest of Qohor, Qohor's military strength should not be underestimated. Currently, there are twelve thousand guards here, the vast majority of whom are Unsullied.
In addition, Qohor and Norvos have been allied for four hundred years, sharing weal and woe. Even the powerful Dothraki khals dare not easily attack them. For example, Khal Jhaqo would plunder near Qohor every two or three years, and Qohor would contribute some gold and slaves to send him away.
When Liu Yuan led the massive Dothraki army closer, the governors of Qohor were terrified. Not long ago, they had just presented tribute to Khal Jhaqo, but now they were welcoming an even larger and more threatening khalasar.
These governors often dealt with the Dothraki and could tell at a glance that this team was unusual. They carried very few old, weak, women, and children, and more than 80% of the members were experienced horsemen, which was obviously an army dedicated to combat. Faced with more than 50,000 fierce mounted warriors, no city-state had the ability to resist such a powerful offensive.
The governors of Qohor immediately ordered the city gates to be closed and the city defenses to be strengthened. In addition to the city guards, they also mobilized the private soldiers of the city's nobles and the guards of the merchant groups. They also immediately sent messengers to their closest ally, Norvos, to request reinforcements.
The Qohor governors had just made preparations when dust billowed in the sky. The huge cavalry team arrived outside Qohor at an alarming speed like a surging flood.
The soldiers of Qohor widened their eyes, their faces full of astonishment, and they had not yet recovered from the shock that the Dothraki people's marching speed was so rapid. The governor burst into swearing: "Damn it, didn't you say that the Dothraki people still had half a day's journey? Why are they here so soon? You idiots are still in a daze, get on the wall. If you let an enemy up, I'll chop off your heads!"
The cavalry outside the city did not stop at all, bypassing the city wall and heading straight for the Little Rhoyne ford not far away. Someone screamed in horror: "Not good, these Dothraki people are obviously prepared, they are trying to cut off our access to the outside world! In this way, if the Norvos reinforcements want to arrive, they must go around a huge circle!"
Liu Yuan had no interest in the city of Qohor. He decisively issued an order for the troops to rest and prepare for the river crossing. However, the number of existing ferries and pontoons here was limited, far from meeting the needs of the army. Therefore, he decisively sent thousands of soldiers to the forest to the northwest to cut down trees to make more pontoons.
Jorah pointed to the top of the city and said worriedly: "Do I need to explain to the people in the city? Our sudden appearance outside the city must have scared them."
Liu Yuan replied indifferently: "Whatever you want! Our time is very tight, and we will leave here soon, so there is really no need to get entangled with them. Besides, even if you tell them the truth, those guys won't believe it."
Jorah thought for a while, although he thought what Liu Yuan said was not unreasonable, he still decided to go and inform them. So, he rode his horse to the bottom of the city wall, looked up and shouted loudly: "I am Ser Jorah, the representative of Daenerys Stormborn...Protector of the Realm...The Unburnt, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains, Queen of Meereen, Daenerys Targaryen! I am here only to deliver an important message to the city of Qohor. The Dothraki cavalry in front of you are all brave warriors who follow Her Majesty. I hereby inform your city that our visit is not hostile, but only passing through this place."
The guards on the city wall heard Jorah announce his name, and their expressions instantly became serious. They knew what the name Daenerys meant; the Dragon Mother's influence on the continent of Westeros could be described as significant.
At this moment, a general in armor stepped forward and said loudly: "Since you are followers of the Dragon Mother, why are you all Dothraki people? And why didn't you send an envoy to inform us in advance? Such a sudden visit makes it difficult for me to believe your intentions?" His voice was loud, resounding throughout the city walls.
Jorah quickly explained: "We are just passing by here and have no intention of offending you. If the city of Qohor is not at ease, we will leave soon. I hope you can understand and forgive our presumptuous disturbance; this is completely a misunderstanding!"
The general thought for a moment and said: "Okay, in that case, you can temporarily camp outside the city, but please be sure to abide by our regulations and not act without authorization. At the same time, I will forward your words to the Council of Governors and await further instructions."
Jorah nodded in agreement. He knew that it was not appropriate to conflict with the other party at this time, so he led the Dothraki cavalry back to the temporary camp outside the city silently. Along the way, he secretly prayed that things would go smoothly so as not to cause unnecessary trouble.
When they returned to the camp, Liu Yuan had been waiting for a long time. Seeing them return safely, Liu Yuan just smiled slightly, as if he had expected all this. He didn't ask too much but immediately threw himself into work, continuing to direct the Dothraki people to build pontoon bridges.