In the southeast of Essos, at the edge of the known world, lies a region known as the Shadow Lands. Asshai is thus also called "Asshai by the Shadow."
According to the Citadel's records, which allegedly span ten thousand years, the Shadow Lands are a place devoid of the living, of any creatures, of fire, and of light.
Rhaegar Targaryen had been curious about these secrets since childhood. During his brief period of intensive study at the Citadel, not only did he earn two chain links, but he also searched with a burning thirst for the secrets and truth of this world.
Chapter 152