Game of Thrones: I am Dothraki, not a barbarian

Chapter 21 Ge Duoha

The old blacksmith put down his hammer, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and after a moment's silence, he said, "A true warrior dares to withstand the enemy's attacks with his body. This is something engraved in the bones of the Dothraki. Making them wear armor is indeed contrary to this concept."

Laharo nodded, knowing that the old blacksmith was telling the truth.

"What if we think about it differently?" he asked. "If we put on armor to fight better, to achieve ultimate victory, does that count as courage?"

The old blacksmith was silent for a moment, then raised his head, a glint in his eyes: "Lord Kao, what you said may make sense, but it may not be easy to get others to accept this idea."

Rhahalo pondered, he wanted to redefine what courage was so that the Dothraki would be more receptive.

The next day, Rhahalo once again gathered his bloodriders and his warriors.

In the center of the tent, there were several more sets of half-breastplates and horsetail helmets.

The warriors looked reluctant, as if the armor could spread greyscale.

Rhahalo pointed at the armor, looked around at everyone, and asked in a serious tone: "Since you always say that Dothraki warriors must have courage, then I ask you, do you have the courage to wear them?"

In fact, this is a narrative trick, just like asking whether an indestructible spear can destroy an impenetrable shield.

It’s not brilliant, but it works!
The tent fell silent in an instant, and everyone was dumbfounded. They had never thought that Laharo's angle was so tricky.

"Also, I have to ask you a question," Laharo continued, "Is it honorable to have your head chopped off in battle with the enemy? Or is it more honorable to survive and cut off the enemy's braids with your own hands?

You and I are as close as brothers, sharing the same life. I don't want what happened last time, when Lazar was dying, to happen again!

What if he died in the bushes, and no one knew where he had gone, and someone said he was a deserter? How could he prove his courage?

"I am definitely not a deserter!" Lazar roared, but a hint of worry flashed in his eyes.

Rahalo's gaze swept over every warrior present.

Their expressions varied, some showed suspicion, some were disdainful, some were hesitant, and some began to look thoughtful.

Is it really cowardice to wear armor?
Or perhaps, true courage lies in daring to accept new things?

Finally, Rahalo's gaze rested on Old Mosso's weathered face, and he slowly spoke, "You say that wearing armor is cowardly. Well, let me ask you..."

He paused. "I defeated Drogo and his three bloodriders. Who can call me a coward? I defeated Khal Folger. Who can question my courage?"
I personally executed the traitor Jaco, and used his braid to tell the entire Grass Sea that I, the Khalasar of Rhahalo, must not be tarnished by my honor. Who dares to say that I fear death?

His voice gradually rose. "My blood, Mosuo, you have witnessed all this. Tell me, am I, Rahalo, a coward?"

Old Mosso was silent, and a complex light flashed in his turbid eyes.

Rahalo pointed at the armor. "I want to prove I have the courage to wear it. True courage isn't just about being a coward. It's about daring to change and embrace new things!"

He grabbed the breastplate and buckled it on skillfully. It fit perfectly with his muscular body and looked very heroic!

He picked up the helmet again and put it on his head. The horsetail hung down from the top of the helmet behind him like a flag fluttering in the wind.

"This armor is not a coward's tortoise shell, but rather a warrior's battle suit! It will enable us to win greater victories in battle and unify the Grass Sea with our Khalasar!" At this moment, a voice broke the silence: "I do!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw Jiku walking out from the crowd, his chest straight, his eyes determined, and no hesitation on his face.

"Kaa!" Jiku's voice echoed clearly throughout the tent. "I will wear this iron suit!"

A promising material!
Laharo silently gave him a thumbs-up, walked up to Jiku, and put on the armor for him himself.

After quickly putting on the armor, Jiku moved his body and felt the changes brought about by the armor.

Rahalo asked. "How does it feel?"

Jiku clenched his fist and said, "It feels good! It's lighter and more flexible than I thought. I can fight in iron clothes, and I can live to see the day when Khal Rahalo unites the Grass Sea!"

Laharo patted Jiku on the shoulder, his tone full of appreciation: "Jiku, you made a brave decision!"

The discussions in the tent grew louder and louder, and many soldiers began to whisper to each other, their eyes filled with eagerness to try, and several sets of armor were quickly distributed.

Laharo knew that one must strike while the iron is hot.

He cleared his throat, "It's not enough to just have powerful warriors. We need a strong rear to provide logistical support for our campaign!"

He pointed northwest, "Therefore, I decided to build a city in Ge Dohe!"

A cry of surprise was heard in the tent, and then it was replaced by a louder buzzing sound.

Ge Doha!
The name was not unfamiliar to the Dothraki.

Gol Dohol is located on the edge of the Dothraki Grass Sea, in the Norvos Hills region, west of Qohor and east of Pentos. It controls the Velvet Hill Pass and is a must-pass on the Valyrian Road.

It was once a city of the Rhoynar, but was burned to ashes by the dragons of Valyria during the Rhoynar Wars and was reduced to ruins.

Although it was devoured by dragon flames, the foundation was still very solid. The stones were all piled on the ground and could be used at any time. The water supply and drainage facilities left by the Rhoyna people were also basically intact.

Tyrion Lannister once said that the historical Godohol was outstandingly beautiful, with emerald green and flowers, and canals and fountains crisscrossing. Maester Adar also praised it for its orchards and waterfalls.

More importantly, it controls the trade routes and controls trade between the three free states of Pentos, Qohor and Norvos.

Collecting tolls is much better than collecting protection fees. Even if it is only half, it will still bring in at least 200,000 to 300,000 gold royals every year.

Moreover, the mountains that began at the Velvet Downs extended southward, and a narrow strip of land parallel to the River Rhoyne stretched for a thousand miles. That vast land was now all pasture of Rhallor, more extensive than any other kingdom in Westeros.

One hectare of grassland can only support one person, but one hectare of farmland can support twenty people.

As long as he has a sufficient population, builds water conservancy projects, develops farmland, and grows barley and soybeans, he will be richer than any other king!
Collecting taxes required a fixed castle, and ships could depart from Gor Dholl. The Rhoyne River went south to Volantis and north to Braavos, and it was only a fifteen-day ride to Qohor and Pentos.

Starting with Gel Dorhol, Rhahalo will build an empire more powerful than Valyria!
(End of this chapter)