Unbound: The Wolves of Essos 4 ASOIAF

The shadow of the dragon has returned to Slaver's Bay, and the fragile illusions of Meereen’s masters have burned to ash. The wild flight from Daznak’s Pit is over; Daenerys Targaryen has ridden out of the deep wastes of the Great Grass Sea and reclaimed her sovereign fire, no longer a political token to be bartered away to Hizdahr zo Loraq. Back in Westeros, the Boltons and Freys still toast to a stolen victory, blissfully blind to the northern contingency plan waiting in the wings. But Carn Stark’s focus is locked entirely on the volatile immediate future. ​It is the closing months of 300 AC, and the immediate task is brutal, boots-on-the-ground stabilization. Running unarmored in pale linen trousers and dark oiled vests under the oppressive Ghiscari sun, Carn and the Wolves of Essos are locking down Meereen's fractured streets, routing out the remnants of the Harpy with ruthless tactical efficiency. They aren't just holding a city—they are preparing a staging ground. ​Flanked by his specialized pack and his massive, silent black predator Zoklo, Carn is shifting the global ledger from defensive survival to absolute offensive momentum. The roadmap ahead is clear: clamp an iron fist around Meereen’s factions, pivot the vanguard north to secure the wealth of Braavos, and launch an unshakeable, battle-hardened invasion force straight into the teeth of the West.