III
Three riders broke from the approaching army, and appeared to signal a parley. The leader of the group was tall, thin, and gaunt. He has a narrow face with dark eyes and a long, thin beard, which almost reaches his waist. He wears a brimless three-tiered hat of purple felt, robes of a sober purple trimmed with ermine and a high stiff collar. On his flanks were two guardsmen, One sat high in his saddle wearing plate armour wielding a battle-axe and the other was wearing leather armour with an arakh at his side.
"Aegon Targaryen! My name is Tycho Nestoris, representative of the Iron Bank of Braavos. I am here to make you a deal." the centre rider announced
Aegon and Rolly came to a stop across from the trio. "What deal would that be Representative Nestoris?"
"Ah i'm glad you are willing to discuss terms, that dour Stannis Baratheon wouldn't even talk to me. The Crown owes my employers a rather large sum of money. Any of the claimants that promise to repay the Iron Bank will find that we are a most valuable ally." Nestoris smiled and gestured behind him to the army.
Rolly leaned in and whispered to Aegon "My King, these men would almost guarantee a victory over Stannis"
Aegon pondered the proposal. "If I take the crown would I need to repay the loan immediately?"
"Oh no, of course not! It would hardly be fair to punish you for the mismanagement of the realm. You would repay the sum plus all interest accumulated until today, ten years after you win the throne."
"Well these terms seem quite generous Nestoris, it would seem foolish to pass up such an opportunity."
"Excellent, let me just write up the details of the contract."
Aegon inspected the army alongside one of the Representative's bodyguards, a Northman named Lachlan. "As you can see, the most vicious and toughest sellswords are being provided. Dothraki screamers make up the cavalry, while warriors from all across the free cities are the bulk of the infantry. For my money, this army could take on any force in Westeros and win."
"Really? How have you arrived at that conclusion? These Dothraki screamers are fearless however their arakhs can't pierce plate. The men are disorganised a cavalry charge into them would cause havoc."
"You haven't seen them in combat, my lord" Lachlan replied smoothly, a grin spreading across his face. "I can't wait to see your face."
"Won't you return to Braavos with Nestoris?" Aegon said confused
"No, i'm the commander of this army, I won't leave while my men are here."
Varys was sending a raven, when Aegon returned to Griffin's Roost. "My King." Varys bowed "I have sent ravens to the major lords in the realm. including your uncle Prince Doran Martell of Dorne. When we engage the Lannister we will need Dorne to stand against them."
Aegon nodded
"However my King, bad news had arrived from Storm's End, Lord Jon Connington has died in his cell"