Game of Thrones: Rise of Kings

A sudden wind swept away the hazy fog as moonlight cast a faint glow. The fragrance of flowers and plants gently wafted through the air with the breeze.

The eyes of the old man Oliver shone with an increasingly fiery light, and his wrinkled face reflected the wear of life as he exclaimed excitedly:

"Yes, the Undercurrent River is right here. It originates from the Norvos Hills northwest of Qohor City and flows into the Qinn River. It's the only route from Qohor City to Pentos via the Valyrian Road. This is also the last chance. Beyond the Undercurrent River are hills and mountains, leaving no room for cavalry attacks."

Hearing this, Mongo lowered his eyebrows in deep thought.

The changes in Wes Kadoc's landscape made Oliver a bit uncertain, and he cautiously reminded:

"Four years ago, when I passed here, the terrain was flat and open. From east to west, cavalry could charge from a high position, but I don't know now..."

Before the old man could finish, Mongo gestured decisively:

"Let's do it. The Qohor people will never turn the entire world into a forest. Let's head to the Undercurrent River ahead to survey the terrain."

The Dothraki tribes have their own territories, but the Dothraki Sea is vast, and tribes plunder various city-states in Essos. If this opportunity is missed, finding Jumo Khal again won't be easy.

After mounting their horses and following the Valyrian Road along the Sarn River, Mongo and Oliver returned to the tribal camp under the stars and moon.

Outside the camp, a short, stocky Dothraki man waited.

He had thick eyebrows and big eyes, half of his face covered by a thick beard, with eyes gleaming sharply. Though relatively short, his entire body exuded agility and power.

Hearing the war horses' neighs and seeing the figure emerging from the darkness, a hint of fanaticism appeared in his eyes.

He reined in his horse and stopped immediately. Seeing the man before him alive, Mongo smiled brightly.

The man leaned down respectfully and said:

"Khal, you now need to reappoint a Ko loyal to you."

Dismounting, Mongo stepped forward, bending slightly to touch the man's shoulder. After all, he was now a full eight feet tall. Without the Noble Phantasm Rider's Reins, no war horse could carry him in a running attack.

"Kosoro, my bravest and most loyal subordinate, I will reward you and appoint you as the new bandit." Then Mongo turned sideways, gesturing to the old man beside him, "This is Oliver, familiar with the geography and history of Essos. He is my wise man."

Kosoro showed no emotion regarding Khal's appointment. He believed he lacked leadership skills and wanted to serve as Khal's bloodrider. However, obeying all Khal's orders was his loyalty.

Kosoro had great strength but struggled to express emotions. Born abandoned for his weakness, he survived and had an unknown past.

Facing Oliver's enthusiasm, he bared his teeth in response. After all, Khal once said showing teeth was a standard smile.

Seeing them at peace, Mongo was pleased, leading them into the camp, calling them to follow.

In the camp, to make the flames burn brighter, Mongo put his hand directly into the brazier, stirring it.

Oliver, unable to stop him, looked shocked. Khal's hand seemed to stir his heart, his thoughts surging, suspecting it might be magic.

Kosoro had long been accustomed to Khal's actions, his fanaticism evident. He firmly believed Khal was blessed by the horse god.

Mongo had already carefully considered this battle. Wiping the dust from his hands, he said seriously:

"Oliver, I appoint you as Khal's steward. When the sun rises in the east, you must count supplies for six thousand roaring warriors, one person and two horses, with seven days of rations. At dawn, these six thousand warriors will leave the tribe, following you and me north along the Sarn River, avoiding Jumo Khal's cavalry patrols, then turning west, through the Qohor Forest, to the Undercurrent River area. Kosoro, now that you are Ko's bandit, I want you to lead your Ko and the remaining guard tribes toward Qohor City. However, you are not to approach Qohor without my orders."

Kosoro had no objections to Khal's orders, but Oliver thought and said:

"Khal, please forgive me."

"That's great, please tell me." Mongo held Kosoro, who was about to draw his sword, smiling: "Oliver is my steward, and the Blood Guard's duty is to protect Khal. Ko commands and manages his Ko, while the steward provides insights and assists in managing the tribe."

Seeing Kosoro hesitate, Mongo shook his head calmly:

"Compared to the negligible loss of authority from listening to others, I am more eager to win at all costs. The Dothraki cannot survive without victory. A Khal who cannot lead warriors to victory is no real Khal. I admit this may cause tribal misunderstandings, but if anyone doubts me, I will eliminate that doubt by cutting off their head."

Immediately, Mongo gestured to Oliver:

"Time is pressing, please continue."

Oliver, seeing the short Dothraki had no intention to attack, sighed in relief, whispering:

"Khal, in your plan, seven days of supplies are sufficient based on the marching distance and speed. But if Jumo Khal stays in Qohor's suburbs, seven days may not be enough."

Mongo looked puzzled, waiting quietly as Oliver continued:

"The Qohor people do not fear Dothraki khals. Qohor has thick stone walls, and over four hundred years ago, they resisted a tribe led by Khal Temo with three thousand Unsullied, against at least 50,000 Dothraki. After the battle, 12,000 Dothraki died, including Khal Temo and his bloodriders. The remaining Dothraki cut their braids and threw them at the feet of the surviving Unsullied Warriors, who became known as the Three Thousand Warriors of Qohor."

Oliver paused, continuing:

"Since then, Qohor's garrison has been entirely Unsullied, each with a spear adorned with Dothraki braids. Now the garrison exceeds 3,000. The Qohor people also have a fleet, and Jumo Khal's tribe has only over 40,000 people, so the Qohor people won't fear Jumo Khal's threat. Only when impatient will they pay tribute gold to send him away. This time won't be too long but not too short."

Jumo Khal dared not attack Qohor City. Lacking cavalry, the Qohor people wouldn't choose to fight outside the city.

Based on past experience, Oliver believed the Qohor-Jumo Khal standoff wouldn't exceed three days, affecting Qohor City trade.

Mongo decided to carry ten days of supplies to set off for the Undercurrent River. War is full of variables, and they could only prepare as best as they could.

The moonlight brightened the sky, and dawn was still far off. After Oliver and Kosoro left, Mongo didn't rest but was thoughtful.

He knew the Unsullied name, light infantry using spears, shields, and daggers, akin to ancient Greek spear phalanx infantry.

The Unsullied are castrated slave warriors, absolutely obedient and fearless in war.

Their traits come from cruel selection and training. Slave owners choose male slaves by size, speed, and strength. Training begins at five, with strict combat training from dawn to dusk. Taking courage wine regularly, they feel no pain, and training erases personality, emotions, and self.

Any training failure results in death. Only one-third of slaves endure to become Unsullied.

Previously, Mongo knew nothing of Qohor's armaments. He was puzzled by the Dothraki's regular tribute collection from Qohor, a long-term trickle, but the Dothraki Sea's ruins showed they lacked such wisdom.

Now he understood, Qohor's strength explained it. Khals could only harass for tribute, as Unsullied light infantry couldn't catch Dothraki cavalry.

But what was Khal Temo thinking, using light cavalry against Unsullied spear formations four hundred years ago?

Similarly, Mongo found Qohor's mindset strange. Training a light cavalry unit to engage Dothraki, then encircling with Unsullied, could prevent future harassment.

Perhaps, as the show says, Essos city-states don't rely on steel but gold coins.

As a free trade city-state, for merchants, money-solvable problems aren't problems, but they'll pay for it eventually.

In stereotype, Qohor's military strength is unknown, but their forging and woodworking skills are renowned, which Mongo envied.