Reznak mo Reznak

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Reznak mo Reznak
Title Seneschal
Allegiances
Culture Ghiscari
Born Meereen
Book A Dance with Dragons (Appears)

Reznak mo Reznak is the Ghiscari seneschal of the city of Meereen.

Appearance

He is a small man, fleshy and bald from age. He wears lots of perfume. He speaks the local form of Vastard Valyrian with a thick accent. [1] His smile seems slimy. [2]

Recent Events

A Dance with Dragons

After Daenerys Targaryen takes Meereen, Reznak serves her as Seneschal. Daenerys finds him useful, but neither likes nor trusts Reznak. [1] Shavepates associate a shaven head with loyalty to the Queen, and growing hair with insolence and defiance. Reznak is already bald, but assures Daenerys that he will shave whatever "insolent" hair dares to appear. His barber reportedly stands by, ready to use a razor on him. Daenerys at times wonders whether this razor should be used on the throat of the Seneschal. She already expects treason from her allies and subordinates, and finds Reznak suspect. [1] The dragons of Daenerys started growing increasingly wild during their stay in Meereen. On one occasion, Viserion sets aflame the tokar of Reznak. [1] Daenerys authorizes Reznak to offer gold in exchange for information on the Sons of the Harpy. The reward is initially set at 100 honors (gold coins). [1] Reznak and Galazza Galare, the Green Grace keep urging Daenerys to choose a consort among the Meereenese nobles. Suggesting this as a method to reconcile the city to her rule. [1]

Following the assassination of Stalwart Shield, Daenerys asks Barristan Selmy to summon both Reznak and Skahaz mo Kandaq. As she heads from the Apex of the Great Pyramid towards the Hall, Daenerys finds both men waiting atop the marble stairs. Reznak compliments Daenerys on her appearance and radiance. [1] Daenerys authorizes Reznak to raise the reward on the Sons of the Harpy to 1000 honors. [1] Skahaz is certain that the Sons are controlled by a number of old slaving families which are seen as hostile to the new regime. He suggests measures against them. In retaliation for the murders of Daenerys' supporters, one man from each of the hostile great Houses should be executed. When the Sons kill again, the great Houses will pay with the lives of more of their members: two from each House. Reznak protests that this is savagery, an action destined to anger the gods. He also doubts that these Houses have anything to do with the Sons of the Harpy. He instead suggests that the Sons consist of "baseborn filth". [1] Daenerys thanks Skahaz for his counsel, but authorizes Reznak to proceed with her original plan. That is to increase the reward money. [1]

Daenerys holds court in the Hall. Reznak has a list of petitioners waiting to see the queen. He seems to determine the order of hearings. He follows custom by allowing a foreign diplomat to come first: Ghael, envoy of Astapor. He next prompts the queen to hear Hizdahr zo Loraq. [1] Hizdahr is here to request the re-opening of the fighting pits. Reznak whispers in the ear of the queen. Reminding her that she can tax the profits from the pits, and use the revenue to finance state operations. He suggests the customary tax of 1/10 of the profits, "after expenses" are deduced. She counters that it is standard practice to tax "before expenses" are deduced. A lesson which she learned in Qarth, while living with Xaro Xhoan Daxos. [1] [3]

Reznak consults his lists and picks the third petitioner, Grazdan zo Galare. After Grazdan, Reznak prepares to allow more tokar-wearing nobles to meet the queen. Daenerys refuses and insists on meeting a freedman petitioner. Afterwards, she has Reznak alternate between calling forward the former masters and the former slaves. [1] The hearings go on to the afternoon. Daenerys asks Reznak to check how many petitioners remain. He counts 23 of them. He believes they are all shepherds, demanding compensation for animals supposedly eaten by the dragons. The dragons seem to have developed a taste for sheep, though he notes there are also reports of the three of them eating calfs and goats. He points that some of the shepherds have brought charred bones as evidence for their claims. [1] Daenerys suspects that some of the claims are false. Reznak asks whether he should send the "rascals" away, or have them scourged (whipped with a multi-thong type of whip). Daenerys insists that nobody should be afraid to bring a petition at court. She instructs Reznak to compensate them for their lost animals. But to also tell them that further claimants will have to first swear a religious oath at the Temple of the Graces. Reznak promises to instruct his representatives to pay the petitioners within the following day, in coin or in kind. [1]

As the last few petitioners leave the Hall, one man lingers behind. He too presents charred bones. Reznak calls the man a fool and questions whether he is deaf. He instructs him to meet his representatives to get compensation for the killed sheep. Selmy instructs Reznak himself to hold his tongue and take a closer look at the bones. These are not sheep bones, these are the bones of a human child. [1] The man had arrived to report the death of his daughter Hazzea. Claiming that she was killed by Drogon. [1] [4] Daenerys pays him to keep the manner of the death secret. He is uncertain what to tell those who ask. Reznak instructs him to lie. To tell them that Hazzea died of a snakebite, or that she was carried off by a wolf, or that she succumbed to a sudden sickness. To tell them any story, as long as it does not involve dragons. [4]

The Sons of the Harpy manage to kill nine victims in a single night. Six fully-armed Unsullied, and three freedmen: a moneylender, a cobbler, and Rylona Rhee. Late at night, Reznak, Skahaz, and Grey Worm report the incident to Daenerys. Reznak stutters while reporting the number of victims, calling this a dreadful night. [4] Daenerys authorizes Skahaz to create a new army of watchmen, consisting of both Shavepates and freedmen. Allowing him to decide how many recruits will be needed for the new force to be effective. Reznak is concerned, asking how could they secure enough funds to finance the new watch. In response, Daenerys decides to impose a blood tax on the great Houses of Meereen. Each House will have to pay 100 pieces of gold for every freedman slain. [4]

Skahaz reports that two of these Houses are preparing to abandon their pyramids and leave the city. They are Houses Zhak and Merreq. Daenerys decides to let them go but plans to confiscate their gold and food supplies. Reznak again protests. He notes that there is no reason to believe that these two Houses are planning to defect to Daenerys' enemies. He suggests that they may be trying to retreat to their country estates, situated at the hills surrounding the city. Probably worried for the safety of their children. Daenerys still decides to keep the gold in Meereen and to also demand two child hostages from every great House in Meereen. [4]

Quaithe delivers another cryptic warning to Daenerys. A warning which includes the phrase: "Beware the perfumed seneschal". Daenerys immediately assumes that the seneschal mentioned is Reznak and asks for clarification on the reasons to fear him. [4] The following morning, Daenerys has breakfast. Reznak and Skahaz join her in the terrace garden. Daenerys is suspicious of Reznak and is tempted to have Skahaz arrest and interrogate the man. She changes her mind when she recalls the unreliable nature of prophecies. [4]

In the Hall, Reznak at length explains matters concerning the local guilds of craftsmen and their recent problems. The main concern are the guilds of stonemasons and bricklayers. By ancient rights, the guilds alone grant the titles of Journeymen and Masters to skilled craftsmen. Craftsmen who are free and able to negotiate higher wages for their labor. At present, a number of freedmen work on the same fields and ask for much smaller wages. effectively "stealing work" from the guild members. While outside the guild system, a number of these freedmen are self-proclaimed journeymen and masters. The guilds have petitioned the court to restore their exclusive rights to these titles and their field of work. [4] Daenerys is under the impression that Reznak is merely prattling and almost yawns in response. She does, however, grasp the basic problems involved. She agrees to allow only guild members to hold the coveted titles. But instructs the guilds to open themselves to the most skilled of the freedmen. Those who can prove they have sufficient skills to hold the titles. Reznak promises to proclaim her decision to the interested parties. [4] [5]

Reznak next prompts the queen to see Hizdahr. [4] Reznak, Galazza Galare, Skahaz, and Belwas are all in favor of the petition to re-open the fighting pits, though each for his own reasons. Reznak insists that taxation of the pits would bring much needed revenue to the state coffers. [4] Daenerys refuses to re-open the pits and ends the hearing for the day. [4]

Daenerys hosts a gathering in honor of a distinguished guest: Xaro Xhoan Daxos. Reznak is one of the persons attending. During an impressive performance by a group of dancers, Reznak stares at them with open mouth. His lips glisten wetly. He is almost drooling at the sight. By the time the performance ends, Reznak is visibly sweating. [6] Daenerys instructs Reznak to escort the dancers to the baths. He is also tasked with providing them with food and drink. [6]

Xaro offers 13 galleys to Daenerys, sufficient to transport at least part of her forces to Westeros. She seriously considers the proposal. The following afternoon, Daenerys summons a council, meeting with representatives of her various supporters. Reznak hovers at her elbow. Reznak is the first to protest against the idea of Daenerys leaving Meereen. He argues that she would be abandoning her faithful followers within the city. The men will certainly be executed by the Great Masters, while their wives and daughters will be raped and enslaved. He includes himself among the men who will suffer such a fate. Shahaz agrees with him. [6] Daenerys is shocked by their predictions. She invites them to follow her to Westeros. Neither man states his thoughts on the matter. [6] It is determined that the ships are insufficient to transport all of Daenerys' forces. Part of the troops will have to leave Meereen by land and head towards Mantarys. Mollono Yos Dob, commander of the Stalwart Shields, expects high casualties from such an endeavor. Reznak moans that those left behind will suffer worse than those killed in the march. Either enslaved, or thrown in the fighting pits to die. He also estimates that the new regime of the Great Masters will either closely resemble the older one, or will become worse than it. Selmy accuses him of lacking the courage to fight for his freedom. [6] Seeing mounting problems with the plan to leave Meereen, Daenerys eventually decides to turn down Xaro's offer. Daenerys instructs Reznak to summon Xaro for her. [6]

Daenerys and Hizdahr have an agreement. If there are no more murders for a period of 90 days and nights, the two will marry on the 91st day. Hizdahr seems confident that he will succeed. He asks Daenerys to have Reznak start making preparations for their wedding. Daenerys claims that Reznak will be pleased. Privately, she expects Reznak to dance for joy. But uncertain if this joy should concern her, or not. By this point, she distrusts all counsel coming from Reznak. She worries that Reznak may have allied with Hizdahr and Galazza Galare. And that all three could be setting a trap for her. [7] Daario Naharis compliments the beauty of Daenerys. She contemplates that she usually hears such compliments from the likes of Reznak, Xaro, and Hizdahr. The compliment of Daario seems more sincere and means more to her. [7]

There is a naval blockade around Meereen. Part of the enemy ships are actually from Meereen, owned by self-exiled members of the Great Masters. Skahaz produces a list of Houses involved in this blockade. One of them is the House of Reznak, indicating that Reznak has kinsmen among Daenerys' enemies. [8] Daenerys enters the Hall and finds Reznak waiting for her. But the Hall is almost vacant. She asks Reznak to explain this obvious lack of petitioners. He reports that the city is afraid. People are scared of leaving their houses. [8] During the evening, Galazza and Grey Worm jointly request an audience with the queen. Daenerys decides to meet them at the Hall of the Great Pyramid. She instructs Irri to also summon Skahaz and Reznak. The Green Grace and the commander of the Unsullied bring news that the Siege of Astapor has ended with the fall of the city. They also report an incident regarding a sick man from Astapor, who came riding on a pale horse. This is the first known incident of a new epidemic, the so-called Pale Mare. [8]

Eight days later, Brown Ben Plumm and the Second Sons return to Meereen. Daenerys hugs the mercenary captain. He jests and the two of them laugh together. In reaction, Reznak speaks in a series of incoherent bursts. [8] The Second Sons bring with them three survivors of the fall of Astapor, who are able to provide details on what happened to their city. Daenerys and her advisors listen to their story and ask for certain clarifications. When the three leave the Hall, Ben reports that these three arrived early because they had horses. Most of the survivors are walking towards Meereen. Reznak worries about the numbers of these refugees. He views them as "mouths on feet" who will cause supply problems. He is also worried that they will spread sickness. He insists that the refugees must be denied entrance to their city. Ben agrees with him. Daenerys, however, Daenerys dismissed their suggestion in favor of tending to the sick. [8]

Reznak listens to Daenerys explaining who was Eroeh and her role in the fate of that girl. He also listens to her feeling guilty over the fate of Astapor. He intervenes, telling her that she can not change the past. He calls for her to instead focus on the future, and to hasten her marriage with Hizdahr. Insisting that Hizdahr could effectively negotiate with the Wise Masters of Yunkai and settle a peace treaty. Daenerys privately wonders about the terms of such a treaty. She still worries that Reznak conspires against her. {Ref|aDwD|30}} When Daenerys starts listing the forces loyal to her, Plumm adds the dragons to the list. Reznak informs him in a wailing tone that the dragons can not be controlled. And that that they are currently chained in a pit. He claims that even the Unsullied fear to approach and feed the dragons. He describes the dragons as monsters that feed on children. [8] Daenerys interrupts his words with a furious tone in her own voice. He flinches and shrinks away from her. He then asks for her forgiveness. Ben interrupts him to argue that they need the dragons to face the enemy. [8]

Daenerys turns down various proposals by Ben, including one involving leaving Meereen and heading west. She notices that Reznak is pale-faced and sweating. [8] Daenerys suggests using the Second Sons to scout out enemy movements. Plumm accepts the mission. But asks for additional provisions, fresh horses. When Daenerys agrees and tasks Selmy with gathering the necessary resources, Plumm has a second demand. He asks for a few bags of gold and gems. Which he can use to buy out the mercenary captains of their enemies. Daenerys agrees immediately and tasks Reznak with gathering the necessary funds. [8] She also instructs him to close the city gates behind the Second Sons and to double the numbers of guards stationed at the walls. He accepts the mission. But still worries about the Astapori refugees reaching Meereen. Selmy agrees with him that the refugees will spread disease. Daenerys still insists on helping them. [8]

Daenerys decides to personally deliver supplies to an Astapori refugee camp. All her advisors protest the decision, including Reznak. They fail to change her mind on the subject. [9] After the delivery, Missandei reminds Daenerys of her arranged meeting with Reznak and Galazza. Called to discuss wedding preparations. The queen dresses in a tokar to please the two advisors. They are happy to see Daenerys dressed as a proper Meereenese lady. But then explain to Daenerys a wedding custom which they claim is a prerequisite for a marriage. According to the custom, the bride has to present herself naked to the female relatives of the groom. The women then have to examine the womb and private parts of the bride. So Daenerys will have to present herself to the mother and sisters of Hizdahr. Reznak explains the details of the custom, Galazza then explains its purpose in establishing the fertility of the bride. Reznak attempts to convince Daenerys by tempting her with food. Explaining that after the ritual ends, the bride and her female in-laws eat a cake. A special only baked for betrothals, said to be delicious and magical. [9]

Daenerys refuses to obey this custom. Insisting that only one member of the House of Loraq is going to inspect her female parts, Hizdahr himself. She jokes that her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law can examine each other and share the special cake among themselves. She also refuses to obey another wedding custom. One which obliges the bride wash the feet of the groom. [9] Reznak protests, that she misunderstands the meaning of the custom. It symbolizes that the wife will serve as the husband's handmaid. Serving him during their married life. [9] Reznak then explains the customary garb of the wife. A garb consisting of dark red vails worn over a white silk tokar, decorated with pearls. He explains that pearls symbolize fertility. Daenerys prepares to disagree with him. When Galazza supports Reznak on this subject, Daenerys complies. [9] Reznak suggests a fitting wedding gift for the groom, the re-opening of the fighting pits. It would also serve as a symbol that Daenerys embraces the ancient ways and customs of her city. [9] Later, Daenerys narrates the events of this meeting to Hizdahr. Who dismisses the suggestions of Reznak and Galarra as "empty rituals" and "foolish old traditions". [9]

When Daario reports that Brown Ben Plumm and the Second Sons have defected to the enemy, the gathered courtiers react in various ways. Reznak wails. [9] Daenerys decides to seal the city gates, preventing anyone rom entering or leaving Meereen. Preparing for a siege. Reznak asks for instructions on how to handle the Astapori refugees, who are camped outside the city walls. She instructs him to seal the gates and leave them outside. [9]

A day before her wedding, Daenerys holds court. Reznak smiles at her and claims that the queen grows more beautiful with every passing day. He also claims that there is a certain glow about the "shining queen". Which he attributes to her upcoming wedding. [10] She asks him to summon the first petitioner of the day. He summons Galazza Galare. Afterwards Reznak and Daenerys go through a long list of petitioners. [10] "Gerrold" (Gerris Drinkwater), "the Frog" (Quentyn Martell), and "Greenguts" (Archibald Yronwood) reveal their identities to Daenerys and her advisors. Reznak is one of several advisors who stands against the idea of Daenerys marrying Quentyn. He has already heard of Dorne and gives a rather bleak description of it. Describing it as a land of sand, scorpions, red mountains, and burning sun. [10] Daenerys herself informs Quentyn that he has arrived too late, since she is already betrothed to another man. She then instructs Reznak to provide living quarters for the Dornishmen, who are to be treated as nobles. He is also to arrange for whatever they need. [10]

The following day, the wedding of Daenerys and Hizdahr takes place. Reznak has arranged for a palanquin to transport the queen. She instead chooses a sedan chair. Both Reznak and Skahaz request the honor of escorting their queen to the Temple of the Graces. Missandei reports their requests to Daenerys. When the two men meet her, they both kneel before her. Reznak has chosen to wear a maroon samite tokar. [10] The three Dornishmen attend the wedding feast. But Reznak arranges for them to be seated as far as possible from Hizdahr. [11]

Reznak attends the games celebrating the re-opening of the fighting pits. He is seated in an ornate sedan chair while escorting Daenerys to the pits. An awning protects his head from the sun. In the pits, Hizdahr and Daenerys are seated in a box (small separated area). Reznak is also seated within the box. The crowd roars in approval of Daenerys, callomh her "Mhysa", the Ghiscari term for "Mother". Reznak leans to whisper in the ears of the queen, claiming that the crowd love her. Daenerys thinks otherwise. Feeling that the crowd loves their bloodsports and their cheers merely reflect this. [12] Barsena Blackhair faces a wild boar. Reznak explains to Daenerys that Barsena is very fast and agile. He expects her to dance with the boar, evading its attacks and slicing at its side. He sounds certain of her victory. Selmy disagrees with him as Barsena is equipped with a sword, while she really needs a spear. [12]

Barsena is killed by the boar. Then Drogon arrives and kills the boar. The black dragon proceeds to eat both corpses. Reznak seems horrified that Drogon is eating Barsena. He covers his mouth and seems about to throw up. [12] Daenerys faces Drogon in the pit. The dragon flies away with the queen. Following Daenerys' disappearance, Hizdahr becomes the sole ruler of Meereen. Several loyalists of the queen refuse to serve him. Others are dismissed from service. Reznak is among the few royal advisors to remain in service. [12] [2]

Reznak approaches Selmy to announce the knight's dismissal from service. He explains that Selmy is seen as a "queen's man" and Hizdahr wants people loyal to himself. He also claims that during the delicate negotiations with the Yunkai'i, the king of Meereen must be seen supported by Meereenese warriors. Not by a foreigner like Selmy. [2]

Ser Barristan shares his queen's mistrust of the man, believing that a man should smell of sweat not perfume.

Quotes

"Foul work it was, and wicked. A dreadful night, dreadful." [4]

Reznak reporting on a night with multiple murders.

"Pets? Monsters, rather. Monsters that feed on children." [8]

Describing the dragons.

"I know of this Dorne. Dorne is sand and scorpions, and bleak red mountains baking in the sun." [10]

References and Notes

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 2, Daenerys I.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 59, The Discarded Knight.
  3. The argument here is whether business expenses will result in a tax deduction or not.
  4. 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 11, Daenerys II.
  5. In traditional guild systems there were three ranks of workers. Apprentices, Journeymen, and Masters. Apprentices were training for the craft and assisting their masters. They provided inexpensive labour in exchange for food, lodging, and formal training. In England, they had indentured contracts legally binding them to their masters. Journeymen had completed their training and worked in exchange for regular fees. They were legally free to switch employers and travel in search of work. They could also establish their own households and families. Candidate masters typically had to win the support of established masters and to present a work proving their skills. Masters were entitled to higher wages from customers. Masters could also establish their own workshops and have journeymen and apprentices working for them. Typically all ranking members of a guild were masters.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 16, Daenerys III.
  7. 7.0 7.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 23, Daenerys IV.
  8. 8.00 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 8.06 8.07 8.08 8.09 8.10 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 30, Daenerys V.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.7 9.8 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 36, Daenerys VI.
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 43, Daenerys VII.
  11. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 50, Daenerys VIII.
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 52, Daenerys IX.