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Game of Thrones: The Ruler- Chapter 20: Astapor Under Control
🕑 Added 2025-06-24 16:57:02 +0000 UTCIt took Jon more than a few hours to completely take over the city.
With Jon beheading Kraznys mo Nakloz, a surge of revolution spread throughout Astapor. The majority of the slaves joined Jon.
Knowing that resistance was futile, most of the Good Masters and rich merchants who owned slaves submitted to Jon. A few deluded fools refused to accept reality, and Jon showed them no mercy. They were beheaded instantly.
With such a vast number of Unsullied backing Jon, there was not even a slight chance of him failing to take over the city.
The other side effect of the civil war going on inside the city was on other merchants who were not from Astapor. Not wanting to become collateral damage in the conflict, they were quick to flee the city. The once bustling Astapori port and its market were devoid of human activity.
The remains of the conflict, in the form of blood and dead bodies, littered the streets and roads of Astapor.
The setting sun illuminated the Plaza of Pride in a light golden hue. Jon stood on a raised platform, and immediately next to him stood Slyvia, her entire body drenched in the blood of the people she had killed today.
Surrounding Jon and Slyvia, about a dozen Unsullied stood in complete attention. They had voluntarily taken up the task of protecting their liberator.
Below the plaza stood the Unsullied whom Jon had liberated today. These were joined by other Unsullied and slave guards who had decided to follow Jon.
Next to them stood other non-fighter slaves like housemaids, labourers, shop workers, and prostitutes.
Though not as famous as Meereen for its prostitutes, Astapor still housed a sizable number.
At the other end stood the slave-owning merchants and Good Masters, who had terrified looks on their faces. Though their lives had been spared at the moment, they were anxious about what Jon would do next.
They were also worried about their fate even if they were left alive. Behind these merchants and Good Masters stood the freemen of the city, the common people. Though not as afraid as the Good Masters, they were also anxious and worried.
"As the sun sets over the city of Astapor," Jon began, his steel like voice booming across the plaza. "It marks the dawn of a new beginning."
"History will remember this day as the day when a new age began. The older traditions of barbarism and cruelty will be buried, and newer traditions of happiness and pleasure will begin today."
His words were welcomed with joyous cheers from the slaves, while the rich merchants offered awkward smiles.
Jon continued, "From now onwards, any kind of slavery is banned in my reign. To force anyone into slavery would be a crime punishable by death."
Jon's announcement brought another loud cheer from the crowd.
Jon knew that he had to establish a proper governing structure for his kingdom.
Otherwise, like Daenerys, he would never be able to solidify his rule, and rebellions would continue. Though the 'Mother of Dragons' was able to conquer many cities, she never held them under her firm control.
She had no fixed approach to maintain her rule. Sometimes, she would choose a path of compromise with the previous nobles of the cities, while other times, one of extreme aggressiveness.
This was the reason any city she left after conquering fell immediately.
He faced the crowd, "I know that instantly applying my decision is not possible."
"Even if I do not like it, I must admit that the slaves are the backbone of Astapor. You run the shops, businesses, and ships which bring food and wealth to Astapor. Also, without your masters providing for you, you do not have a source of accommodation and food."
Jon declared, "So, considering this factor, the former slaves, if they wish from their free will, can continue to work for their former masters."
A murmur spread through the crowd, and the slaves turned anxious. They understood that their masters had many methods to force them to work for them of 'free will.'
Meanwhile, the faces of the Good Masters lit up with joy. But how could Jon be unaware of these conditions?
Jon steeled his voice and stared in the direction of the Good Masters and merchants. "As I said, without them working for your businesses, the economy of this city will cripple. You can continue to employ the former slaves."
He continued with eyes as if burning with flames and a voice as cold as ice, "But you will have to follow the following rules until I establish a proper law regarding this matter."
"Firstly, you will not force anyone to work for you. If anyone decides to leave, he or she is free to leave. Go against it, and I will nail you the same way you nailed the slaves."
The assurance brought slight comfort to the slaves, and they listened with curiosity. A few merchants also sighed in relief, mostly those who were not cruel to their former slaves. They had a good chance to continue working for their former masters because, as Jon said, without their masters, they had no other source of food or a place to live.
Jon continued, "Secondly, every person who decides to work for you will receive monthly wages based on the market rate. They will be your employees and not your slaves."
"Thirdly, by tomorrow evening, all of you will come here and register the details of all the former slaves who have decided to continue working," Jon commanded the Good Masters.
He further announced, "If even a single rule is violated, death will be a mercy for you."
Jon turned towards the Unsullied. "As I had said earlier, if any of you want to leave, you can leave. You all are free."
"If you decide to stay, then you will get paid as a regular army should get paid," declared Jon.
Jon said further, "All of you are now dismissed except merchants running the brothels and women working in them."
With a commotion, all the people except those commanded by Jon left the plaza. A batch of fifty Unsullied, as if in silent agreement, stayed back to take over the protection of Jon and the mansion he would be staying in.
Around a dozen merchants remained in the plaza, their faces pale with fear and anxiety.
Jon chuckled, seeing their reactions. "Calm down. I am not going to kill you all."
His expression turned serious. "I believe you all have accumulated enough wealth to last for some time."
The merchants gave a fearful nod, wondering if their wealth was going to be confiscated.
Jon smiled. "Good. And I am not capturing your wealth."
The merchants relaxed at this, and Jon continued, "But until further instructions, you will close all your brothels."
Jon paid no heed to their reactions and continued, "In this period, you will continue to provide for all the ladies who work at your establishment."
"I understand your losses, but I assure you that all of you will be granted a chance to recover the loss you have made. But until then, I hope my order will be followed with sincerity," Jon announced in a hard tone, leaving no room for argument.
Jon turned towards the ladies. "Live your life in comfort for some days. I promise, I will make all your lives better."
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