Chapter 77 — Time to Get to Work
Daenerys knew well how effective the Second Sons were at gathering information. She nodded.
"A thousand men is too few. I'll assign another thousand Unsullied to ensure Astapor's safety."
"As you command, my queen," Daario replied, accepting the order.
After settling that, Daenerys turned to Tyrion with a faint smile.
"Do you have any suggestions?"
Tyrion had assumed he was only allowed to observe. He hadn't expected her to consult him directly. Still, he had been thinking about solutions the entire time.
After a moment, he said,
"I imagine the local Great Masters know the most about the Sons of the Harpy."
The reminder made Daenerys think of Meereenese spokesman, Hizdahr, the Great Master who had repeatedly petitioned her.
She turned to Grey Worm. "Bring Hizdahr to me. I want answers."
After issuing the order, she looked back at Tyrion.
He continued, more confidently now.
"The reason the former slaves rioted is simple: Your Grace executed the man they considered a hero.
They know Mossador died for killing a Son of the Harpy in secret—but they don't understand why your decision was necessary."
He clasped his hands lightly.
"You should find respected figures among the freedmen—people who both hold influence and understand your reasoning—to speak publicly. Let them explain Mossador's crime, and remind the people of what you have done for Meereen."
"At the same time, make it clear that from now on, freedmen and Great Masters alike are your subjects. Any mutual killing will be punished under the law."
Drogon, listening, was impressed.
Political education. Smart move.
Daenerys nodded as she listened, clearly agreeing with Tyrion's proposal.
The hatred between the Great Masters and the freedmen had deep roots. Even if this riot were suppressed by force, smaller conflicts would keep flaring up. Tyrion's idea offered a long-term solution—gradually easing tensions while reinforcing the authority of law in the people's minds.
She accepted his suggestion in full and assigned Jorah to oversee it.
After giving the order, Daenerys turned with a smile toward Shireen, curious whether the Baratheon girl might also have something to offer.
Under the queen's gaze, Shireen grew nervous. After a hesitant pause, she spoke softly:
"I… I think Drogon could have the other two dragons fly over the riot areas. That might stop them from fighting each other."
She had read enough to know the psychological impact dragons had on common folk. On the way to the pyramid, she had already seen how deeply Meereen's people feared them.
If dragons hovered overhead, she doubted freedmen and Great Masters alike would feel brave enough to keep brawling.
Of course, Drogon in his full-grown form would be the most intimidating—but Shireen knew he wasn't an ordinary dragon and probably wouldn't bother with something like that. The other two, though smaller than his adult form, would still be more than enough to terrify a crowd.
As she finished, eyes around the chamber lit up. The logic was obvious: with dragons watching from above, no one would dare continue fighting.
Drogon snorted inwardly.
Finally, those two gluttons get something to do.
Rhaegal and Viserion spent their days eating, sleeping, and occasionally flying laps around Meereen. Meanwhile he ran everywhere, worrying about everything. What kind of dragon life was that?
But what choice did he have? Survival came first.
Ever since facing the warlock's strange abilities, witnessing his own death in visions, and suspecting the schemes of higher powers, Drogon had been forced to stay vigilant.
From Daenerys' shoulder, he nodded at Shireen in approval.
Daenerys, however, had a different first thought. From Shireen's words, she sensed the girl and Drogon seemed unusually familiar. When had they grown close? How did I not know this?
She realized everyone was watching her, waiting for her decision, and quickly nodded.
"A good idea. It's not as if they have anything better to do."
Drogon: …
Shireen beamed at having her suggestion accepted. When Daenerys continued looking at her, she thought the queen wanted more ideas—but shook her head shyly. She had other thoughts, but wasn't confident enough to voice them.
Drogon, knowing the riots outside were worsening, flew from the hall to find the two dragons lazily circling beyond the city.
Seeing him approach, Rhaegal and Viserion braced—thinking he wanted another sparring match. But after gestures and sharp hisses, they understood.
They soared over Meereen, scanned the streets, and dove toward the fiercest fighting.
A shout rippled through the crowd. People looked up to see a massive shadow hurtling down. They scattered and threw themselves to the ground, barely avoiding Rhaegal's talons.
Once she passed, confusion turned back into anger—and the brawl resumed.
This time, Rhaegal landed directly in their midst and unleashed a thunderous roar. Panic broke them completely. Freedmen and Masters alike fled in all directions.
Seeing the crowd dispersed, she flew to the next hotspot to repeat the intimidation.
After explaining the task to the two dragons, Drogon returned to the council chamber, where Daenerys was already issuing further orders.
"Ser Jorah, take five hundred Unsullied to guard the academy pyramid. Ensure construction continues with minimal disruption."
"You'll also command a thousand Second Sons to gather intelligence within the city."
"Yes, Your Grace."
Turning to Grey Worm, she continued:
"Post a thousand Unsullied on the city walls by day, two thousand by night. The rest will suppress unrest and maintain order. If riots cannot be stopped peacefully, use force. Arrest the ringleaders."
"Operate in squads of five to ten. No one moves alone. Do not give the Sons of the Harpy an opportunity. If you can capture them, do so. If not—kill them on the spot."
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Boom. The queen just shifted from liberator to ruler.