Although Qarth is not one of the Nine Free Cities, it IS perhaps the most diverse and resourceful city between the Free Cities and Slaver's Bay. Finding work there should not be too difficult. Your prospects for finding a motherly figure might be fairly high, as well.
With all that in mind, you decide to book passage on the freighter destined for Qarth. Luckily for you, the fare for a single boy and his horse is surprisingly cheap. That is certainly helpful. Until you can secure a job or a stable income in a foreign land, you'll have to be frugal with your expenses.
Less than an hour after you and Aerion board the Qartheen freighter, the vessel pulls out of the harbor, and it sails for its destination. You remain on the bridge and gaze at the western horizon until is disappears from your field of vision. You do not know when, if ever, you will see it again. But since you are not leaving behind anything or anyone important, you will be content if you go a long time without returning to Westeros.
The voyage from Pinkmaiden to Qarth is supposed to take about a fortnight in total. There are no stops or breaks in-between; you will just go straight there. You appreciate the expediency. Unfortunately, though, there are no women on the ship, and you did not bring anything to keep yourself occupied. So, to pass the time, you tend to Aerion and assist the crew whenever they need help.
Finally, after two long weeks of sailing, you reach Qarth. After biding farewell to the captain and his crew, you and Aerion head out into the city. As you ride, you wonder what possibilities await you in this grand place.
About five minutes later, something catches your attention.
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