The Dragons Realm, A House Targaryen AAR

[Bullfilter]

I hope one day Vaeron may put both Dark Sister and his new dragon to good use. Perhaps against a rebellious brother, even though they appear very loyal to Aurion for now. Another great death scene too.

 

[streaker77]

What has become of Vaella's dragon? Will it be used to light her pyre? Claimants, claimants, the more, the merrier except for rulers. Thanks

Her dragon Narrah will be seen in the future, I would doubt it would be used to light her pyre however as it has no rider and as the second biggest dragon alive now (I think, either Narrah or Moondancer) it would be hard for anyone to control. Lots of claimnants yes, but not just to the Iron Throne as the next chapter will show, the Targaryens do have other ancestry.

At least Vaella's death removes any threat she might have been... even if she wasn't truly a threat anymore.

True, the realm has no been pretty much babyproofed of all the sharp objects Queen Laena left lying around, but she wasnt much of a threat in her final years I agree.

Who were the two women?

The question isnt so much who they were but rather who they represented in Vaellas dream.

Ah, religious warfare. I wonder when the crown will decide to intervene... if they aren't too afraid of fanaticism to do so, that is.

It would be hard to stop those random religous conflicts as you cant demand them to stop, though you can preemptively send Marshal to areas with unrest to lower the chance of, which I probably should have been doing, lots of religous tension near White Harbor.

The Tyrell threat fades once again with the death of their untrustworthy lord and the death of Meraxes. Now, Aurion's dragon is the largest living dragon and the last of the original three conquest dragons making the King's position very hard to challenge as long as he and his dragon are alive and well.

Difficult to challenge, but not impossible

Aurion may work very hard to know his realm and people, but he doesn't know his own brothers very well. The King is seemingly unaware that his younger brothers are turning into liabilities or threats to his line. Of course, it is understandable. Aurion is very busy, he has always been generous in providing for them, his brothers have shown no public signs of resentment or disloyalty, and he does not seem to be the type of monarch that would have all of his brothers constantly watched by spies.

Very good point, Aurions brothers are really his blindspot, he has pretty much given them everything they ask for at this point, but this does have a limit as the next chapter will show. The dangers his brothers pose, one in particular will be noticed by someone in his immediate family at some point in the future, but whether it is too late or if Aurion listens remain to be seen.

I hope one day Vaeron may put both Dark Sister and his new dragon to good use.

Dark Sister will see use and one of Vaerons brothers will be involved, but who is on the recieving end (and who is holding it) remains to be seen.....there will be quite a bit of dragon stuff coming up too.

ven though they appear very loyal to Aurion for now

Key word there is appear

Another great death scene too.

Thanks, I do love writing death/dream scenes.

-To All: Thank you for the likes/suppourt. These last few chapters have surprised me a little bit structure wise, was planning on two massive multiple part chapters but next chapter will be another one part, 2 POV chapter, though it will be longer in length than this last one. Finished writing it today and wrote probably my favorite battle scene of this AAR if not any of my previous ones, (made a ton of progress and wrote it all in one sitting lol) it will be out likely on friday or saturday.

 

[Voidm@n]

My guess is...
Those two women in Vaella dream are either dragons or dynasties. Old woman in green with copper crown may represent Targaryens proper (with auburn hair right now and green dragon Vhagar as their power piece), and young one in red with moonstones a Seafyres (with Targ white hair and... Narrah maybe?)
Last chapters are just great, please keep it comimg!

 

[streaker77]

My guess is...
Those two women in Vaella dream are either dragons or dynasties. Old woman in green with copper crown may represent Targaryens proper (with auburn hair right now and green dragon Vhagar as their power piece), and young one in red with moonstones a Seafyres (with Targ white hair and... Narrah maybe?)

Good guess, as you showed there are a lot of possibilities, and your comment actually made me consider something that I hadnt before, I will say it wont be all that long before the answer will be shown.

Last chapters are just great, please keep it comimg!

Thank you! Next chapter will be out Friday.

 

[Bored Student1414]

Thinking about it, the most likely outcome when a daughter is eventually firstborn and the succession question in this AAR pops up is the restoration of male-preference primogeniture or even the establishment of agnatic primogeniture. Historically in European-style monarchies, it has been far easier to change the succession laws to exclude women from inheriting the throne even if the kingdom previously had successful female monarchs than it is to change the law to allow women or to restore the ability of women to inherit the throne. It would please most lords outside Dorne to see the Iron Throne follow male-preference or agnatic primogeniture to prevent a second Laena.

Laena can be treated as a Wu Zetian type figure by later generations of Targaryens and court historians being a ruthless genius scheming master of intrigue who seized power as the only ruling female monarch in the Iron Throne's history who ruled the realm with an iron grip for decades before suddenly being deposed very shortly before her natural death by her heir similar to Empress Regnant Wu Zetian of China in real life. Later Tang Emperors descended from Empress Wu would favorably view her, but Chinese court historians would vilify her as a murderous usurper of the Throne with every ambiguous action and rumor about Wu viewed in the worst possible interpretation and for stepping out of traditional gender roles and was viewed traditionally by them as an example of what can go wrong when a woman is in charge. Like Wu Zetian, Queen Laena can be respected by her descendants as a strong ruler while being viewed as a unique figure who should not to be emulated by other women and being vilified by the court historians.

There are major differences between Laena and Wu Zetian. Wu Zetian performed effective meritocratic reforms to the Chinese government that survived past her reign and her reign was a time of well managed prosperity for Chinese commoners while Laena did plenty of damage to the government and people of Westeros while having little influence past her reign. Wu Zetian was also far more ruthless than Laena toward her family with Wu's mass purges of the branches of the Imperial families and possible murders of some of her own children. Laena was born into the royal family while Wu was a former concubine.

I think, with the Targaryens assimilating more to mainstream Westerosi customs and with several unbroken generations of firstborn sons inheriting or poised to inherit in a row, it is quite unlikely for a Targaryen princess to inherit before her brothers again especially without the special circumstances and factors of Laena's rise.

Some speculations
Prince Balaeron will remain loyal to Aurion and his line thanks to his friendship with Crown Prince Maelyx and Balaerion's personality. Jaekar Tendfyre's upcoming appearance in a future update will be as an Iron Bank agent overseeing a loan taken out by the Seafyre brothers to fund their quest to usurp the Iron Throne. Aurion does not seem to be the sort of king that would need an Iron Bank loan despite his lavish spending on projects without raising taxes.

 

[streaker77]

Laena can be treated as a Wu Zetian type figure by later generations of Targaryens and court historians being a ruthless genius scheming master of intergise who seized power as the only ruling female monarch in the Iron Throne's history who ruled the realm with an iron grip for decades before suddenly being deposed very shortly before her natural death by her heir similar to Empress Regnant Wu Zetian of China in real life. Later Tang Emperors descended from Empress Wu would favorably view her, but Chinese court historians would vilify her as a murderous usurper of the Throne with every ambiguous action and rumor about Wu viewed in the worst possible interpretation and for stepping out of traditional gender roles and was viewed traditionally by them as an example of what can go wrong when a woman is in charge. Like Wu Zetian, Queen Laena can be respected by her descendants as a strong ruler while being viewed as a unique figure who should not to be emulated by other women and being vilified by the court historians.

There are major differences between Laena and Wi Zetian. Wu Zetian performed effective meritocratic reforms to the Chinese government that survived past her reign and her reign was a time of well managed prosperity for Chinese commoners while Laena did plenty of damage to the government and people of Westeros while having little influence past her reign. Wu Zetian was also far more ruthless than Laena toward her family with Wu's mass purges of the branches of the Imperial families and possible murders of some of her own children. Laena was born into the royal family while Wu was a former concubine.

I will have to look into this, I have watched a few videos on the Han, but ill admit dont know a lot about the Tang. Queen Laenas reign certainly wasnt a time of well managed prosperity I agree, though im sure the coffin builders managed to fill their pockets.

I think, with the Targaryens assimilating more to mainstream Westerosi customs and with several unbroken generations of firstborn sons inheriting or poised to inherit in a row, it is quite unlikely for a Targaryen princess to inherit before her brothers again especially without the special circumstances and factors of Laena's rise.

I agree, probably very unlikely, at some point I hope that there is a ruler with an uncertain succession so I could write a ''Great Council'' and portray all the different claimnants.

Prince Balaeron will remain loyal to Aurion and his line thanks to his friendship with Crown Prince Maelyx and Balaerion's personality. Jaekar Tendfyre's upcoming appearance in a future update will be as an Iron Bank agent overseeing a loan taken out by the Seafyre brothers to fund their quest to usurp the Iron Throne. Aurion does not seem to be the sort of king that would need an Iron Bank loan despite his lavish spending on projects without raising taxes.

Some very good guesses, I agree Balaeron's loyalty is shifted more torwards the throne, though more thanks to Maelyx than Aurion. As for Jaekar Tendfyre he will be appearing soon, and he is still in Braavos.

 

[streaker77]

Spoiler: Authors Note

-To All: Random question but I was wondering if people listen to music when they read/write AARs? If so, I personally found Battle at the Gates by Tyler Cunningham worked really well while writing the second half of this chapter during Valerions POV.

The Dragons Realm
Chapter 56: The Drums of War
8th Moon, 118 AC
Throne Room of the Red Keep, Kings Landing


The Great Hall of the Red Keep had seen its fair share of events, important decisions had been passed down from the Iron Throne, orders of execution and of mercy, of trade and war. Rulers had gained, and lost their crowns in this room, and yes, people had even died in the shadow of the Iron Throne.

Today was to be one of the more pleasant occasions to take place within the throne room however, as the realm was coming together to celebrate the wedding of Prince Maelyx Targaryen, Heir to the Iron Throne to Myria Tyrell, eldest daughter of Lord Norman Tyrell, the Lord of Highgarden and Marshal of the Realm.

The Great Hall of the Iron Throne had been decorated for the wedding, with many heavy trestle tables being brought inside to seat the hundreds of nobles who had come from every corner of the realm to celebrate the nuptials, true to his nature, King Aurion had not been closefisted in honoring his son and in addition to the expansive guest list, had ordered a feast of fifty courses to be held, with any remnants being donated to the poor folk of the city.

Aurion gently took Alicents hand and they exchanged a smile as they took in the sights of their eldest child's wedding.

The King and Queen of course sat at the High Table, to their right sat their children old enough to attend the feast as well as his brothers, Valerion, Aelor, and Matarys. To his left sat Norman Tyrell and his wife Jaenyra Targaryen and their three young sons, Raymund, Merrel and Adam, furthest on the left of the High Table sat Alicents brother and the King's brother-by-law Wendell Hightower and his wife Arnessa Serrett. Behind the High Table newly woven banners of fine silk had been woven and hung, bright sigils bearing the dragons of houses Targaryen and Seafyre, the rose of House Tyrell and the beacon of House Hightower.

In truth, the King did not think much of his brother by law, with Wendell Hightower being a lazy and incompetent man, but as Alicents brother it would be a grave insult to not seat him at the High Table, and he knew Wendell was prickly when it came to his pride, and he supposed he could deal with the man for a few days, luckily his brother by law preferred to remain in the comfortable chambers of the Hightower back in Oldtown and had never demanded any position in the King's Court which Aurion was grateful for as he very much doubted he would have been capable in any position of import, it seemed it was enough for Wendell to remain in Oldtown and leverage his position as the King's Brother-by-Law in exchange for gifts, favorable relations and trade with other Reach Lords, and that was just fine with the King.

The Bride and Groom were seated at their own table in front of the High Table, with his son Maelyx and the Lady Myria being surrounded by close friends which neither of them had any lack of, true to their shared gregarious nature, Aurions brother Balaeron sat closest to the Prince, along with many young lordlings and household knights his son had befriended, while Lady Myrias friends Taena Footly and Rosaeli Tyrell were her principal companions, joined by a host of other Reach ladies of noble birth, a veritable sea of silks and samite. He saw his brother Balaeron rise to his feet and loudly proclaim a toast earning a raucous cheer, and the rapid flow of wine continued at that table.

Aurion watched as his son leaned close to his bride and whispered something which must have been amusing as Lady Myria giggled and whispered something back.

‘’They make a fine couple.’’ Queen Alicent said with a smile.

‘’They do indeed.’’ replied Norman Tyrell, the King's old friend had grown fleshly in recent years and his silver hair had set to balding, but the former explorer and sailor still commanded an air of dignity and power.

The betrothal of Maelyx and Myria had been in the works for well over a decade, though the official declaration had only been made a year prior. The two friends had spoken for years of how they were blessed with a son and daughter of near the same age, with Norman Tyrell stating it was a sign from the seven that their friendship and bond be cemented by marriage, with Aurion agreeing as well. The King had waited until his old friend had become Lord of Highgarden in his own right after his fathers passing to officially arrange the match however.

Ascending to the Lord Paramountcy of the Reach was no easy task, it was by far the richest and most powerful Kingdom within the realm, filled with powerful and influential lords, and Aurion could think of no better way to help secure his friends position then by arranging the match in tandem with his ascension as Lord of Highgarden, showing the realm and the Reach that Houses Targaryen and Tyrell stood united.

Aurion gave another look towards his son Maelyx, the boy, like many of his Targaryen kinsmen was tall for his 15, almost 16 years of age, having short silver hair and being clean shaven, though he insisted on growing out his sideburns.

He regretted that he had little opportunity to truly spend with his son during the past years of his childhood, having been so busy with affairs of the realm, but to his relief it was clear his son was turning out to be a good man, being well mannered and gregarious and speech and possessing a sense of charity and justice, important qualities Aurion had done his best to instill in his son when the boy became old enough to accompany him on progresses and visits across the realm.

‘’We have raised a fine son.’’ Alicent smiled, taking Aurions hand once again as the sounds of music and merriment reverberated through the cavernous great hall.

‘’I can't take much credit for that.’’ Aurion replied.

Before the Queen could respond, the next round of dishes were brought from the kitchens into the hall, with the serving men and women ascending upon the tables like ants, bearing trays of meat, salads, soups, breads , cakes, pies, and everything in between.

The King sent a bowl of hearty crab stew, stirred with butter, spices and cream along with a tankard of spiced mead from the North down to his Kingsguard brother Vaeron, who was guarding the other end of the High Table, and a plate of spiced and buttered lobster down to Alicents mother Lady Graceford, the only one of her family he truly abided.

Cutting into a hearty piece of venison pie, he once again looked into the crowd, hearing one voice which was louder than the other, at one of the forefront tables he saw his cousin Horas Tyrell, the Lord of Riverrun and a large pale fleshy man with a mop of thin blonde hair standing from his seat and vomiting on the ground, red trails of wine running down his doublet.

Aurion was hardly surprised, he knew his cousin was a man who enjoyed his wine.

What did surprise him was the feeling of someone walking behind him, turning, he saw his brother Valerion approaching.

‘’Dear sister…..would you mind?’’ His younger brother began, looking towards Alicent, a small smile set on his pale face.

‘’Of course…..I shall go and see how our new daughter is faring.’’ Alicent said politely to her brother-by-law, excusing herself and allowing Valerion to take her seat for a moment.

‘’Is something wrong brother?’’ Aurion asked, curious.

‘’Nothing save that….our cousin continues to disgrace himself ’’ Valerion said, nodding slightly towards their cousin Horas Tully, who was drunkenly and profusely apologizing to the servants, attempting to help clean the vomit with a kerchief which only made the problem worse, much to the amusement of the nobility around him.

‘’It is a feast…….such things are to be expected.’’ Aurion said, taking a sip of his own wine, he himself had drank more than he usually did, but if there was any time to indulge, surely it was the celebration of his eldest son's nuptials.

‘’There's more than that i'm afraid.’’ Valerion said calmly.

Aurion gave a look towards his younger brother, some time in the windswept Stepstones had put some color on his previously pale face, yet he remained a tall and thin man, his piercing eyes locked onto Aurions in a way that reminded him of their late father.

‘’Tell me then.’’ Aurion said, breaking away from his brother's gaze and cutting himself another serving of venison pie.

‘’I hear there were noises of carousing in the darkest hours of the night coming from the chambers you put him up in the Red Keep…..sounds of celebration, whatever pleasure our cousin partook in involved a rather unusual amount of comely young Tully serving men.’’ Valerion stated.

‘’Why are you telling me this…….I have no cause to take action against him, especially on mere rumors…..what he does in his bed chamber does not concern me.’’ Aurion said, hoping to make an end to this unpleasant business.

‘’These ‘’rumors’’ as you call them have become common knowledge throughout the realm…..and they have begun to reflect poorly on you….especially since these perversions occur under your very nose here in the Red Keep….our cousin sullies his relationship with the crown with every passing day.’’ his younger brother responded.

Aurion was silent at that, seeing his brother still had more to say.

The Lord of Seafyre Keep thoughtfully adjusted his silver and sapphire ring upon his finger before his gaze returned to his kingly brother, the same piercing look in his eyes ‘’Which is why I have come to ask you for support.’’

‘’My support?’’ Aurion asked, though he already knew what his brother meant to ask in truth.

‘’Your support so that I may install myself as Lord of Riverrun and Lord Paramount of the Riverlands….our grandfather was Andrey the Honorable, and his grandfather before him was Edmyn Tully…..my claim is clear.’’ Valerion said lightly.

‘’You want me to wage war against our own cousin……against my own vassal?’’ The King asked incredulously.

‘’If it is your image you are considered with, I understand….that is why I ask for gold and silver to hire mercenaries not your armies, you wouldn't have to lift a finger….it would be done quickly and without indication of your support.’’ Valerian continued.

‘’Done quickly…..Horas won't just give up his ancestral seat……you ask me to sanction a bloody war which could lead to the death of hundreds if not thousands, to let loose mercenaries in the Riverlands!’’ Aurion demanded.

‘’I would hardly be alone….there are zealous lords in the Riverlands who disapprove of his perversions…..Lord Harroway, Lady Mallister, Lords Perryn and Buckwell….if asked I believe they would rally to my cause…..Lord Tully would be foolish to resist’’ His younger brother said calmly.

Aurion squinted his eyebrows in suspicion ‘’You have been planning this behind my back?’’

‘’Of course not dear brother….I merely wish to make an informed case….it is speculation nothing more.’’ Valerion explained.

‘’You have made your case then…..and I am sorry Valerion, but my answer is no…not only to giving support but to the entire idea…..the realm is at peace and I wont allow war and death to erupt in the Riverlands….the region borders many other kingdoms….. The Riverlords have their own marriages….alliances…..this could lead to civil war if other regions become involved….Lord Horas for example is married to a Celtigar….abandon this foolish idea.’’ Aurion said firmly.

His brother took to his feet ‘’I see……it shall be as you say, far be it from me to oppose your will.’’

‘’Valerion….’’ Aurion called out as his brother made to leave, causing the tall man to turn.

‘’I have always provided for you and seen your worth….I do not wish for this to cause division between us….I had not meant to tell you until it was confirmed but Lord Massey means to retire from his position as Master of Ships soon, a role which none is better suited to take on than you….and in the meantime I would like you to sit my small council….you shall be rewarded with more in time, I mean to tame the Stepstones as you know and the region will need a strong ruler….but for the sake of your brother and King forget this foolishness.’’ Aurion said, gentling his tone from his previous chastisement.

‘’Thank you, your Grace.’’ His brother said, bowing his head slightly, his piercing eyes betraying no trace of his feelings, either anger or appeasement.

‘’What was that about?’’ Alicent asked as she returned to her seat.

‘’Nothing you need be concerned about…let us enjoy the moment.’’ Aurion said, taking Alicents hand and quickly forgetting the matter.

The wedding feast was considered a great success among the gathered nobles, and later that night Prince Maelyx Targaryen and Lady Myria Tyrell were wed in the courtyard of the Red Keep.

Many gifts and honors were exchanged between the Targaryens and the Tyrells, Aurion once again honored his old friend Norman Tyrell by declaring that his fifth son Prince Yraenor would join his elder brother Jaenar as a ward of Norman Tyrell, splitting his time between Highgarden and the court, while Norman Tyrell requested that his son and heir Raymund be fostered in the Red Keep, which Aurion accepted.

9th Moon, 118 AC - 119 AC

The marriage between Prince Maelyx and Lady Myria Tyrell would not take long to bear fruit as just weeks after their marriage, Lady Myria would show signs of pregnancy and in the year 119 AC would give birth to a son, Prince Taegar, making King Aurion a grandfather at the ripe old age of 33.

The young Princes birth coincided with a period of growth for the newly established Seafyres in the Stepstones as well, Prince Valerion of Crabstone welcomed a son, Tychoros by his Bar Emmon wife in the final months of 118 AC to join his daughter Wyna, who had been born in 113 AC.

Similarly on Deepstone, Danella Martell, wife of the Prince Aelor gave birth to a daughter Rhaera, and in 120 AC, Prince Matarys Targaryen would become a father in Kings Landing when Aminna Baratheon gave birth to a son, Baeryn.

To return to the year 119 AC however, just as new members of the Houses of the Dragon were entering the world, so too were new conflicts emerging.

The Tyroshi-Myrish union, established by the rebellion of slaves from every corner of Essos nearly 30 years prior had long proved a source of fear to the neighboring slaver states, and the rage of the fearsome armies of the liberated had at one point even threatened the might of Old Volantis and Lys.

As the years wore on however, many of the competent generals who had struck so much fear into the neighboring slave states, veterans of many victories began to lose their influence or pass away, and combined with squabbles between the unions predominantly Summer Islander nobility and the outbreak of plagues of Greyscale and the Bloody Flux had left the Union particularly vulnerable.

As news of the weakness of the once feared Tyroshi-Myrish union spread to their neighbors, the slavers returned in earnest, like vultures to a corpse.

Slavers from the numerous Volantene city states crossed the Rhoyne and began roaming the countryside, attacking farms, pillaging valuables and carrying off the sons and daughters of the men and women who had liberated themselves, taking them to the slave markets of the Orange Shore and Valysar, while armies from Selhorys and Volyn Therys marched into several towns and villages of the union, announcing their taxes and goods were to be sent east rather than west and the resumption of slavery in these cities were to continue.

By far the most threatening war however came from the Lyseni, who began a campaign to annex the entire union, and add the Free Cities of Myr and Tyrosh, along with all of their hinterlands, to their empire, seeking to rival the Freehold of Braavos, who held Braavos, Pentos, and Lorath. This campaign was largely spurred on by the surviving Tyroshi nobility who had sworn allegiance to Lys to avoid being annexed by the rebellious former slaves, the time to avenge their humiliation at the hands of these upstarts had come they claimed.

King Aurion was understandably concerned by such a blatant war of aggression and expansion across the sea which threatened to rapidly change the balance of both power and trade upon the Narrow Sea.

Aurion summoned Lyseni envoys to Kings Landing no less than three times to try and secure an end to the war, but ever since Aurions declaration that slavers were not welcome in his kingdoms as a young boy, the Lyseni were not well disposed towards their Westerosi neighbors and these talks accomplished nothing and the Lyseni indignantly ignored King Aurions demands to end the war, refusing to let a foreigner dictate the future of their expanding empire.

In the meantime, as these talks progressed, the Lyseni armies were cutting through the weakened forces and garrisons of the union like a knife through hot butter, capturing the towns and cities of Dreylia, Myrwater, and Kios. The walls of the Free City of Myr were stormed and after a bloody melee, the flag of Lys was raised above the ramparts, what followed next were several days of wanton rape and murder of former slaves and their descendents, women and children among the victims as the slavers enacted their long awaited vengeance. Shortly after this, 100 war galleys and more than 13,000 men and mercenaries blockaded Tyrosh, and while the city had stores and provisions for years, it seemed as if the war was over….the Union was on the brink of collapse and the thousands of shackles and manacles were being produced in Lys in expectation of their imminent victory.

Just as the Union began to gurgle its last breaths of freedom, word of the atrocities in Myr reached Kings Landing.

King Aurion, always an early riser called an emergency meeting of the small council early on the morning of the 12th day of the 10th Moon, 119 AC , calling in his tired councilors and ordering his old friend Norman Tyrell to make preparations for an expedition across the Narrow Sea to aid the Union…..King Aurion claimed that honor compelled them to help their trading partners of nearly 30 years, they could not sit back and let the atrocities in Myr be repeated in Tyrosh, they would not let thousands of men, women, and children fall back into the clutches of the depraved practice of slavery.

The Lyseni had ignored every warning….and the Seven Kingdoms were going to war.

While the King's sense of honor and justice in regards to aiding the Union was more than likely genuine, the fact that much of the realms nobility was in agreement with the entrance into a foreign war across the sea showed that there were economic considerations in play as well.

First and foremost, should Lys take control of Myr and Tyrosh, the markets of these cities, which produced dyed goods, Tyroshi pear brandy, finely crafted armor, Myrish glass and lenses, silks and lace and dozens of other desired trade goods would no longer be available (through legal trade networks at least) to Westerosi nobility due to poor relations with the Lyseni and control of Tyrosh would threaten Westerosi interests in the Narrow Sea, with Dorne in particular risk of financial ruin as they relied heavily on trade with the Union.

Secondly, King's Landing’s greatest trading partner was the Free City of Braavos, with the most in demand goods in the capital being the deep purple dyed clothing and silks made from dyes extracted from snails in the waters and coasts of Braavos. The city of Tyrosh also had special snail dyes produced in their cities, and many Braavosi merchants had set up outposts in Myr to keep up with King's Landing’s insatiable appetite for dyed clothing and textiles, should Tyrosh fall, the Braavosi would no doubt be expelled and would lead to a fall in the supply of dyed goods, severely damaging the capitals economy. Finally, the fact that dyed goods from independent Braavosi merchants were coming in from Tyrosh, where labor was cheaper, meant the Free City of Braavos had to provide their goods in Kings Landing at a reasonable and cheap rate at risk of being cut out, simply put, if Tyrosh and Myr were to fall, the effects on Kings Landing could be ruinous…..Tyrosh and Myr had to remain free, at all costs.

It was hoped that the Braavosi, always a people who reviled slavery might join the Seven Kingdoms in a coalition, but the Sealords Court and the Iron Bank of Braavos were embroiled in a particularly vicious ‘’court war’’leading to a spate of poisonings, alleyway stabbings, and economic feuds and the Freehold would not personally join the war, though they did send several galleys, chests of silver and provisions to the Tyroshi-Myrish Union, who have since come to be known as ‘’The Free Sisters.’’.

It would take time for the necessary forces to prepared for transport across the sea, but the King and his commanders were aware that they needed a victory in the meantime, something to take the pressure off the Free Sisters, and it would not take long before the opportunity for the Westerosi to show their ability would come, as just weeks after their entrance into the war….the waters of the Narrow Sea would turn red with blood.



11th Moon, 119 AC
Waters of the Narrow Sea, North of Deepstone

Prince Valerion Targaryen, Lord of Crabstone and the crowns Master of Ships, paced the deck of Sea Fyre, hand on his longsword as he walked the length of the ship, checking that all was in order for the battle to come, he had met with all 16 of his captains multiple times that morning and the previous day, he had spoken to his crew and made sure that all knew their stations….the preparations had been made….now all they could do was wait….the calm before the storm.

He breathed in the salty sea air of the Narrow Sea, it was a crisp and windy day, overcast with heavy waves, but Valerion paid it no mind, he had been sailing the waters of the Narrow Sea since he was a young boy under Lord Massey, and the sea was a second home to him,though as a commander he knew the wind could prove problematic for his archers.

If I need to rely on my archers then the plan has truly failed Valerion thought to himself, today would not be a day of archers dueling on the decks of opposing galleys, it would be a day of boarding, of steel on steel, the plan relied on absolute ferocity and speed and giving the archers time to soften up their targets was not a luxury they could afford.

He saw his banner, the red dragon of House Seafyre waving on a blue silk field.

Valerion supposed the name for his ship, Sea Fyre was not especially creative, but this was not a pleasure barge that the maidens of the Reach used to sail up and down the mander, listening to the high harp…..this was a ship of war, and as long as it sailed swiftly and brought death to the enemy he didnt care what it was named.

His fleet number seventeen galleys, four of them his own, and thirteen from the Royal Fleet on Dragonstone, all personally inspected and hand picked by him, along with their captains. His Kingly brother had wanted him to take more, but it took time to crew ships and make them seaworthy and that was a luxury he didn't have, besides the plan relied on them remaining undetected. He also didn't want his best sailors split up between many galleys, and rather wanted his small fleet crewed entirely by the most iron willed and experienced sailors in the Royal Fleet and the Stepstones.

The thought of his brother elicited some mixed emotions from the Prince, he had not truly expected his brother to support his bid for Riverrun, but he had held out some hope and it had stung all the same, and yet here he was….doing his brother's bidding without question, fighting his war for him.

But he had thought of this before and had come to realize there were several advantages to serving in the campaign, first and foremost he could cement his reputation as a skilled naval commander and perhaps even a battle commander, secondly, the Free City of Lys was a rich opponent and there would be plenty of opportunity for wealth and plunder to advance his position and ambition.

Finally, even after years of tending to his ambition to one day sit the throne, to wear the conqueror's crown,, he still did not hate or despise his older brother, he could remain the dedicated younger brother for some time yet, so long as he felt his power was growing and he was sufficiently rewarded.

Making his way back to the prow of the galley he was met with the sight of his five strongest warriors, tall and strapping men all, though in place of their normal weapons of war, they held a collection of instruments, drums, horns and trumpets….he had ordered the same on each of the other 16 galleys…he hoped it would prove a worthy investment….that was 85 men that could be used elsewhere….but the plan relied on themselves being able to present themselves as more than just 17 galleys but an entire fleet.

‘’Smoke……’’ Alran the Sisterman, his most trusted man nodded in the distance, the man's hair had since gone gray but his eyes remained just as sharp as ever.

Valerion took out his Myrish Far-Eye and looked in the distance, and sure enough he could see the spiral of smoke rising over the mountainous coastal ridge he had arranged his ships under.

‘’Your eyes are as good as ever….the battle has started….but its thin yet…..only a few ships are alight, we wait.’’ Valerion commanded.

Several miles away he knew that almost 200 galleys were locked in deadly combat, nearly one hundred Lyseni war galleys and around the same amount of Tyroshi and Myrish vessels, or near enough to make no difference.

The Myrish were lucky to have that amount of ships available to them, when it became clear Myr would fall and Tyrosh would be surrounded, the ships of the ‘’Free Sisters’’ had left port and taken to the open water, many of their sailors manning loaned Braavosi galleys, they would fight fiercely he knew, especially the sailors manning the twenty or so high quality Braavosi galleys, but they would be inexperienced compared to the veteran slaver ships and demoralized from their recent defeats….Valerion knew he needed to wait long enough to make sure the Lyseni were well and truly engaged in the midst of battle, but not so long that the ships of the ‘’Free Sisters’’ began to break or lose hope.

Fifteen minutes passed agonizingly slowly, and the smoke plumes which climbed towards the sky gradually grew more frequent, and it became clear the skirmishing phase of the battle had come to an end and more ships were engaged in ship to ship combat.

The time had come.

‘’OARS’’ Valerion shouted and Alran paced the decks, relaying his order and Sea Fyre began to cut through the water from its sheltered and obscured position in the rocky cove he had hidden his ships in.

With his ship leading the way, the other ships began to follow, with Lady Alyssane, Vhagars Fury, Cymellas Wrath and Jaerions Pride drawing level to them and making up the first line as they cut through the heavy waves and into the open sea, behind the first line of five galleys were four further lines of three ships each.

As they sailed towards the smoke which was fast becoming more prevalent in the dark and cloudy sky, Valerion couldn't help but have a moment of doubt…..his plan relied on the Lyseni having no idea there were seventeen galleys approaching their rear….he had diligently studied the tactics and campaign of Vaekar Targaryen, the Prince of the Stepstone, a man whos scouring of the Stepstones had been one of the most effective military actions in the region…..similar to Vaekar he had ordered his ships to sail from Sunstone to Deepstone two at a time to avoid being detected….but even so if the Lyseni had caught on to his fleet….he could find a line of ships facing him rather than turned around…and the fact his attacking line was only five ships wide at the front and three behind meant he could easily be encircled and enveloped…..a commander of Valerions skill knew the risk was very real.

We shall see soon enough Prince Valerion thought to himself, wiping any doubt from his face, he would soon ask his men to follow him in attacking almost 100 ships as an attacking force of five galleys….if the commander lost hope….then the battle was already lost.

As the minutes passed and they drew closer to the battle the sounds of battle, death and burning began to reach them….slowly but surely growing in intensity as they sailed over the choppy waves, a light drizzle falling from the overcast skies.

‘’Lord Valerion.’’ called out a voice, and he turned to see his squire Gerard Elesham standing behind him, a chubby boy of 13 who was holding his shield and helmet, which Valerion accepted and donned, giving a look to his squire who was pale in anticipation.

Finally….the moment of truth arrived and the great battle upon the seas came into sight.

Even though he was aware of the scale of the battle, the sight still shocked even Valerion….there were dozens and dozens of ships spread out in the choppy waters, rowed galleys of various sizes, large sail reliant cogs, small boarding ships, merchant carracks, and everything in between.

It was hard to tell who was having the best of it, he saw many ships burning, both bearing the banner of the Lyseni and that of the ‘’Free Sisters’’, screams and the crash of splintering ships resounded over the water. At a moment's glance it seemed that the Lyseni were giving more than they got however.

He forced himself to abandon his shock and take in his surroundings as his ships lingered a distance away from the battle.

‘’Mother help us there are hundreds.’’ His young squire said, pale as a sheet.

‘’It's not us you should pray for its these poor dumb bastards were about to send to the bottom of the sea.’’ Valerion shouted over the wind to the lad, scarcely believing his eyes…..it had worked.

The Lyseni had not left so much as a single boat in reserve or guarding their rear…..Valerions fleet had remained undetected…the Lyseni had no idea they were here.

‘’COME MEN….FOLLOW ME….FOLLOW ME INTO HELL….DRUMS…..DRUMS!.’’ Valerion bellowed at the top of his lungs, almost giddily….they had them…..they had them right where they wanted them.

His men obliged and began to play the drums of war and sound the trumpets with a power and ferocity fitting their stature as the first wave of five galleys shot through the rough dark waves, the rain coming down even harder…the five galleys sailing into the hellfire and storm, five galleys against dozens.

The back rank of Lyseni ships had no idea what hit them, many of them already engaged in fierce combat with the Tyroshi, Summer Islanders and Myrish.

Sea Fyre entered the fray, in between two Lyseni Galleys, Valerion ordered his crew to split and board both of them at the same time, a risky proposition since they would be outnumbered on both ships, but if this was to work they needed to be ferocious and fearless….they needed to fight like it was an entire fleet that was behind them, not 12 galleys.

Drawing his longsword he joined his men in boarding the leftmost galley, the Seafyre prince had no idea how many men he cut down but surprised Lyseni began to fall at his feet.

Hearing a sound across the waves he turned and saw Queen of Skulls, Swordfish, and Aurions Honor cutting across the waves, the rhythmic pounding of the massive drums being heard from far away, joined with the shrill blasts of the trumpets….the second wave had arrived.

He saw Lyseni on other boats, not able to turn their ships around, pouring to the back of their ships, crowding to get a look at what was coming from behind them, and where the loud noise of drum and trumpet which surely signaled dozens of ships was coming from. a futile gesture for the ships in the middle of the maze of wood and fire, who couldn't see all the way to their rear, disheartening them.

Valerion did not know how, but he was back on Sea Fyre, pushing a Lyseni who was attempting to board down into the cold waters below, above him he saw a bolt from a mounted scorpion on a ship pass overheard with a terrible whistling noise and strike the sides of Lyseni ship, sending shards of splintery death everywhere, causing cries of agony from those unfortunate enough to be struck.

Good Queen Alicent, Vaekars Cunning, and Conquerers Trident, which was captained by his younger brother Aelor Seafyre, crashed into the melee, the third wave going far into the logjam and wrecking havoc and panic as the trumpets bellowed across the waters.

‘’AT THEM!’’ Valerion shouted, hacking a Volantene sellsail across the neck, sending dark crimson blood across the deck as he disentangled himself from the melee and made his way to the elevated back of Sea Fyre to get a better look at the battle.

More drums, more ships, Daenys Dream led the way while Nyels Courage and Vaemonds Strength sailed side by side, the fourth wave joining the fray, and shouts of panic and confusion from the Lyseni became even more evident, to them it must have seemed like there was no end to these waves of devils….and the rapidly approaching sound of the drums betrayed there must be dozens more coming.

The Lyseni began to rout, as captains quickly began to try and disentangle themselves from the melee and take to the seas and escape but the Myrish and Tyroshi……seeing that their first victory was at hand stubbornly continued the fight and refused to let them escape….many of them had watched powerlessly from the seas as Myr burned….they would get their vengeance today.

Valerion caught a blow of a Lysenis sword on his own and with well practiced technique skewered him through the chest, turning to the side he saw a few Lyseni ships had escaped the butchery….but before they had gotten far Vaellas Silence, Strongfyre, and Queen Belle were upon them, drums pounding, trumpets blaring, and swords hacking.

What followed next was a slaughter as the Lyseni crews, caught in the logjam and with no escape were torn to shreds and butchered from all sides, their ships burnt and sent to the bottom of the sea, with many Lyseni upon them.

Many of the crews tried to surrender, which was often not much good against the angry men of the ‘’Free Sisters’’ with many Lyseni preferring to leap into the cold depths than face the blades of the Tyroshi and Myrish, those who surrendered to the Westerosi, or foreign sell sails generally had a better time of it.

A few Lyseni galleys limped away, but the Prince would accept nothing less than total and complete victory and sent ships in pursuit and soon enough those ships were added to the butcher's bill.

Valerion Seafyre took in the sights of the burning battle as the drums of war resounded over the waves and his crew shouted his name.

100 Lyseni Galleys had participated in the battle.

3 escaped.

The Battle of Deepstone marked a turning point in the war, and would prove a horrendous loss for the Lyseni, who had lost control of the seas and had no way to transport their almost 13,000 men upon the island of Tyrosh, who had taken the city proper but were still opposed by the formidable walls of the Bleeding Tower, which could not be taken by force and had years of provisions.

The histories have often portrayed the battle of Deepstone as completely a product of Prince Valerion Seafyres martial ability and strategy and while it is true the battle would not have been won if it were not for his multiple wave attacks which, along with the terrifying effects of drum and horn, completely disheartened the enemy….it must not be forgotten that the free men of Tyrosh and Myr paid a heavy cost to lure the Lyseni into the trap, taking the brunt of the losses, with only 21 of their original 100 Galleys seaworthy by the battles end, and with hundreds, if not thousands dead, wounded, or missing.

As for the Westerosi, the 17 galleys of Valerions fleet did far more damage than their number, likely accounting for nearly thirty to forty ships captured and sunk, at the loss of only two ships, Queen Belle, which overpursued the enemy and was overwhelmed at the loss of two thirds of her crew, and Swordfish which took multiple scorpion bolts to the hull, being lost beneath the waves with all hands, save a lucky few.

The ‘’Free Sisters’’ had the victory they so desperately needed, but it would not be the last battle of the war……

 

[HistoryDude]

(Some AARs have playlists. I frequently listen to songs that I like well reading and writing AARs myself, also.)

While keeping good relations with the Lord Paramounts is a good idea, maybe the Targaryens should marry a family that isn‘t from the Reach soon. This marriage, combined with Alicent‘s, might be seen as giving favor to the Reach, which could anger other kingdoms (like Dorne). Maybe the next marriage could be to Dorne to keep their loyalty?

I‘m unconvinced that Valerion has abandoned this ”take the Riverlands“ idea. Even so, I imagine it would have been more difficult than he thought, as the other families would be inclined to want the position of Lord Paramount for themselves…

Down with the slavers! To war!

Also, isn‘t naming a ship God Queen Alicent a tad blasphemous? Can‘t imagine the Faith was happy about that one.

 

[Midnite Duke]

That maybe the greatest CK naval battle tale. CK3, especially the AGOT mods, needs more start dates so that all known characters can be played. Can Aleor be made a vassal of Valerion? The crown prince and bride are like two peas in a pod. Both with intrigue education and intrigue not being their strong suit, gregarious, and I do not think I saw a vice.

Is there terms for male dragons, female dragons and dragon youth (fledglings?) Thanks

 

[Bored Student1414]

Also, isn‘t naming a ship God Queen Alicent a tad blasphemous? Can‘t imagine the Faith was happy about that one.

I think you misread that ship's name. It is the Good Queen Alicent which is presumably the popular current queen consort's nickname among the masses similar to Queen Alysanne being known as Good Queen Alysanne in the ASOIAF canon or Matilda of Scotland, first wife of Henry I of England and mother of Empress Matilda being known as Good Queen Maud/Mathilda bona regina for their good character and generosity to the commoners in their kingdom.

That maybe the greatest CK naval battle tale.

A shame that naval battles do not actually exist in the CK game engine.

Random question but I was wondering if people listen to music when they read/write AARs? If so, I personally found Battle at the Gates by Tyler Cunningham worked really well while writing the second half of this chapter during Valerions POV.

As for reading this AAR, I sometimes listen to a fitting GOT and HoTD soundtracks or the base CK soundtrack. For example, I had CK3's The Banquet play in the background while reading about the wedding feast in this update.

Valerion betrays his ambition in this update. When will Aurion realize the danger that his younger brothers pose if he ever does?

The union of Myr and Tyrosh is clearly on life support at this point. The union's future will be dependent on being an unofficial client state of the Iron Throne at best unless someone turns things around. Slavery-free Free Cities formed by a slave revolt or imposed by a certain Targaryen queen in the later bookmarks rarely seem to remain slavery free without constant player intervention.

 

[HistoryDude]

I think you misread that ship's name. It is the Good Queen Alicent which is presumably the popular current queen consort's nickname among the masses similar to Queen Alysanne being known as Good Queen Alysanne in the ASOIAF canon or Matilda of Scotland, first wife of Henry I of England and mother of Empress Matilda being known as Good Queen Maud/Mathilda bona regina for their good character and generosity to the commoners in their kingdom.

Whoops! Yeah, I did. That makes more sense..

 

[Thaiga]

if people listen to music when they read/write AARs

I definitely do when I write. If an author provides a composition to accompany their work, then I listen to it while reading.

King Aurion's unwavering opposition to the vile practice of slavery is like the cherry on top of his already giant pile of virtues. I am very concerned for his wellbeing. I know RNG and I know AGOT, virtuous are in grave danger.

This chapter made me violently crave naval combat in Crusader Kings games. I hope there are devs reading this cause helllooo, we need the carnage on the high seas!

The AI art here is so alive and cozy, I love it!

 

[streaker77]

While keeping good relations with the Lord Paramounts is a good idea, maybe the Targaryens should marry a family that isn‘t from the Reach soon. This marriage, combined with Alicent‘s, might be seen as giving favor to the Reach, which could anger other kingdoms (like Dorne). Maybe the next marriage could be to Dorne to keep their loyalty?

It wouldnt be a bad idea at all, but the fact that House Tyrell has some of the ''Blood of the Dragon'' makes them a tempting choice, and this wont the last time a Tyrell is chosen for a royal marriage, this focus on Reach Lords will continue in the future as one of them will be given the nod for an important position on the council.

Down with the slavers! To war!

This wont be the only battle of the war, and Valerion wont be the only one of his family to strike a blow and make a name for himself.

Can Aleor be made a vassal of Valerion?

Theoretically, but his lands dont fall within Valerions duchy dejure, and I generally like to keep things pretty neat as far as that is concerned.

That maybe the greatest CK naval battle tale. CK3, especially the AGOT mods, needs more start dates so that all known characters can be played.

I actually havent yet played the CK3 AGOT mod, though I do know there is only one start date.

Is there terms for male dragons, female dragons and dragon youth (fledglings?) Thanks

Dragons are actually described as being genderless and its a mystery as to how they reproduce/lay eggs, the babies are called hatchlings, but given the fact that I wait for the dragon to be at least 15 feet or so before I consider them being able to fight in battles, so I think fledgings would be a great descriptor of the stage in between hatchlings and fully grown dragons. There will be some dragon stuff coming in the near future, as some both old and newer will be seen.

A shame that naval battles do not actually exist in the CK game engine.

I completely agree, I can understand it a little for base CK2, but naval battles and strength at sea seem very important in the ASOIAF universe, though I have heard it would be almost impossible to implement them in CK2 mods. I have made a little system to simulate battles when two enemy fleets enter the same sea (the results of this latest naval battle were not pre-selected to be a victory and relied on generating random numbers between 1 and the maximum fleet strength) Obviously it doesnt make a huge difference in the actual game, unless I can switch over to the enemy and disband their fleet to simulate its destruction (temporarily) but I find it makes for great story telling and thats what im mostly concerned with..... this wont be the last naval conflict to occur.

Valerion betrays his ambition in this update. When will Aurion realize the danger that his younger brothers pose if he ever does?

There will come an event where the danger his brother(s) pose will be so clear even Aurion wont be able to deny it. However he does have multiple brothers and some in particular may be better at playing the loyal brother, in that case there may be some of his family who grow suspicious of them but whether Aurion listens remains to be seen.

The union of Myr and Tyrosh is clearly on life support at this point. The union's future will be dependent on being an unofficial client state of the Iron Throne at best unless someone turns things around. Slavery-free Free Cities formed by a slave revolt or imposed by a certain Targaryen queen in the later bookmarks rarely seem to remain slavery free without constant player intervention.

True, the Free Sisters are truly the target for vultures, and in the future there was a development that quite dissapointed me.

King Aurion's unwavering opposition to the vile practice of slavery is like the cherry on top of his already giant pile of virtues. I am very concerned for his wellbeing. I know RNG and I know AGOT, virtuous are in grave danger.

You may be right to be concerned with him....some significant danger is coming his way, and in multiple waves I might add, some brought on by himself and other dangers that are much harder to predict....as to whether he is able to weather these storms, future chapters will answer that.

This chapter made me violently crave naval combat in Crusader Kings games. I hope there are devs reading this cause helllooo, we need the carnage on the high seas!

True, though I know CK3 was a step in the wrong direction as they dont even have ships, you just pay gold to embark your troops, some find it tedious but I quite liked having to actually have enough ships from buildings to go on campaigns. It is just a little detail but it is one of the small reasons I havent really gotten into ck3 for AARS as I feel ck2 just has more resources and story generating material/features.

The AI art here is so alive and cozy, I love it!

Thank you, I quite liked a lot of them this chapter as well, Midjourney was being cooperative.


-To All: Thank you for the comments/likes. Next two full chapters are going to be pretty big and likely both multiple part though that could change, even if I do end up splitting this next chapter it may be a while before it comes out as even when splitting it I do like to finish around 80% of the whole chapter before posting so I know the halves wont be lopsided, I have started the next chapter however, and it will be called The Bells and have POVs from Aurion, Balaeron, Aelor, Jaekar Tendfyre and potentially Prince Jaenar.

In between then and now ill post another world map update chapter for Tyrosh, Myr and Lys and go a little more in detail about their situations.

 

[streaker77]

The Free Cities of Tyrosh and Myr, ‘’The Free Sisters’’

The Free City of Tyrosh

The Free City of Tyrosh has undergone much change in recent years, as it has truly become a bastion of freedom among the Essosi free cities, being the birthplace of Dallahor’s rebellion, a slave revolt led by a Summer Islander, who along with fellow slaves from all over Essos and the poor folk of Tyrosh, secretly armed themselves and made plans for the liberation of the city. The formidable and sprawling fused black dragonstone walls of the Bleeding Tower, which protect the inner city have long been thought to be impenetrable….but against an enemy already in the city they proved no match as the revolt took the slavers completely by surprise and within days the Archon’s palace was occupied and many of the old slaving families put to the sword.

From there, the rebellion spread to Myr, where Dallahors forces, aided by the slaves of Myr and the poor folk of the city, seized control of the city, hanged the Magister of Myr, and seized hundreds of miles of the city's hinterlands to the east. Dahallors army, now numbering in the tens of thousands continued their march east and conquered the entirety of the Volantene disputed lands, leaving the grand city of Old Volantis trembling behind their walls.

Dallahor might have conquered even more, plundering many cities and villages in the Lyseni disputed lands before the naval supremacy of Lys forced him to make peace with the slavers, ceding the neighboring island fortress of Little Tyrosh to Lys and to, recognize Lysene overlordship of the Tyroshi disputed lands, as the Tyroshi nobility had pledged fealty to Lys to avoid being subjugated, in return, the abolition of slavery in Myr and Tyrosh was recognized, as were his conquests in the Volantene disputed lands, and Dallahor was given twenty years of peace to cement his new realm.

The liberator Dallahor would not even enjoy a year of it however, being murdered by a relative of his successor, the Summer Islander Adayemi Doqos, who would also be poisoned after a few years of reigning, though the position of Summer Islander leadership in Tyrosh and the realm as a whole would be secured.

The Tyroshi themselves are known to be a flamboyant and mercantile people, often sporting hair and mustachios dyed bright colors, such as red, blue, or bright yellow, produced by dyes extracted from the snails which have made the city very wealthy.

While the old Tyroshi nobility has since fled the city proper to Little Tyrosh and their holdings in the disputed lands, being subservient to the Lyseni, the common Tyroshi people still make up the majority of the city proper, though the Summer Islanders hold most positions of power and make up a significant minority of around twenty to thirty percent of the city.

Relations between the Summer Islanders and the Tyroshi are not particularly strained however, with an arrangement being made that the Summer Islanders will handle matters of governance and defense while the Tyroshi, known for their production of pear brandies, ornate armors and helmets, and dyed goods will handle matters of trade.

Years after its liberation, Tyrosh had stabilized and due to trade with Westeros and the Braavosi Freehold to the north once again became a wealthy city, however the return of prosperity was not to last as two plagues, one of Greyscale and the other of the Bloody Flux hit the city, and along with political scheming of the Summer Islander nobility, left the city vulnerable and weakened….which their slaver neighbors have taken advantage of, the Volantene city states have launched slave raids and minor conquests across the Rhoyne, while the Serene Empire of Lys seeks to annex the entire kingdom……

Unseen Westeros by Claudio Pilia https://claudiopilia.artstation.com/projects/8lloRO




The Free City of Myr

The Free City of Myr, the second of the ‘’Free Sisters’’ is a cultured and storied city.

The Myrish, a people with olive skin and dark hair are among the most advanced of the Essosi coast, with Myrish glasswork being seen as the finest in the world, with most of the telescopes and lenses in the world produced here.

The city is also known for the quality of its lace and tapestries, both of which are worth their weight in gold. Myrish crossbows, some known for their ability to shoot multiple quarrels at once, and fire wine are also exceedingly sought after. The city of Myr also has one of the largest temples to R'hllor, The Lord of Light..


Unlike the free Tyroshi within the union, who are limited to the island itself and the Vysos plains, the entirety of the traditional Myrish realm has been incorporated into the union of the ‘’Free Sisters’’, with the Myrmen having near complete autonomy and control of their affairs, as opposed to the Tyroshi who share power with the Summer Islanders, though in theory the writ of the Summer Islander Archon of Tyrosh applies to the Myrish. The majority of the union's military strength is comprised of Myrish men, who have borne the brunt of the conflicts the ‘’Free Sisters’’ currently find themselves engaged in.

At the current point of our story, the city of Myr has been sacked by the Lyseni, as have many of its southern territories, though more than half of the ships present at the battle of Deepstone were crewed by the men of Myr, proving the men of these lands are more than just merchants.

Temple of R'hllor, the Lord of Light and its formidable fortifications, the City of Myr sprawling in the background




The Serene Empire of Lys

The island port city of Lys is among the most wealthy in the world, and the beauty of its city, filled with gardens, fountains, and courtyards, is only matched by the famed beauty of its people. The blood of the ancient Dragonlords of Valyria runs thick in the City of Lys, and its people are known for their pale skin, light eyes, and silver to platinum blonde hair, similar to the Targaryens, for the sunny and fertile island was once the ‘’playground’’ of the dragonlords of old, who kept many palaces and manses in the area before the fall of Valyria, though many of the old nobility still claim lineage to the dragonriders.

Lys enjoys a warm climate and uses this to its benefit as outside the city there are many acres of orchards and fruit trees. Inside the city is no less beautiful, with the streets being orderly and cobbled, leading to fountains, courtyards and gardens.

Titus Lunter https://magazine.artstation.com/2014/07/concept-artist-titus-lunter/

Like all Free Cities, the Lyseni economy is heavily focused around trade, with the island city producing fine red and white wines and wonderful tapestries, though not so fine as those from Myr. Lys also produces the most sought after perfumes and scents on the market, and many a poison, both sweet smelling and foul originate in Lys.

The most important attribute of the Lyseni economy is not perfumes or wines however….but slaves, with Lyseni bed slaves being considered the finest in the world. The Lyseni have a voracious appetite for comely slaves which they often train in pillow houses from a young age, while older slaves are used to breed the next generation.

While the island of Lys may appear to be a paradise with its flowers and scents, their slavers are no less vicious or cruel than others, and the city is known for its powerful navy, having great strength at sea both in trade vessels and galleys of war, though not so much as Braavos.

The Free City of Lys has since become an empire, its territories engorged and greatly expanded through the fealty of the Tyroshi disputed lands and their old nobility, as well as the acquisition of Little Tyrosh, causing its Magister to proclaim the Serene Empire of Lys.

Not content with this however, the Lyseni have launched a war of complete and total annexation against the ‘’Free Sisters’’ of Tyrosh and Myr, hoping to match the power of their rivals to the north, Braavos, who hold Pentos and Lorath under their sway.

At the time of our story, the Lyseni war of conquest against the Free Sisters has brought them into conflict with the Iron Throne, and the Lyseni, in devastating fashion have suffered their first defeat in the waters of the Stepstones, losing almost the entirety of one of their fleets to the leadership of Prince Valerion Seafyre.

 

[HistoryDude]

Nice update on Essos!

Why did Lys get so much more ambitious recently? They now seem to want to unite all of Valyria’s successors…

 

[Thaiga]

Leading your people to victory and getting stabbed in the back by one of them? Viriathus, is that you?

Warmongering Lys, now that's new. Usually they have their pretty snowy bottoms sitting on the pillows doing absolutely nothing or get said bottoms handed to them by Volantis or Tyrosh.

 

[streaker77]

Nice update on Essos!

Thanks!

Why did Lys get so much more ambitious recently? They now seem to want to unite all of Valyria’s successors…

Warmongering Lys, now that's new. Usually they have their pretty snowy bottoms sitting on the pillows doing absolutely nothing or get said bottoms handed to them by Volantis or Tyrosh.

From a strategic position I can definately understand why, the staunch anti-slavers of Braavos have brought Lorath and Pentos under their dominion and Lys wants to rival their power. To make matters even worse, given how Myr and Tyrosh are now also against slavery, there is a real possibility they could fall under the influence of the Braavosi Freehold and join them, and Lys wouldnt stand a chance against a coalition of 5 free cities (Tyrosh, Myr, Braavos, Lorath and Pentos) with perhaps no allies except the divided city states of Volantis and maybe the weak now-monarchy Norvos.

The attack on Myr and Tyrosh looks like a preemptive strike by Lys to prevent Braavos from taking control of them.

 

[streaker77]

The Dragons Realm
Chapter 57: The Bells
11th Moon 119 AC- 120 AC

With the victory at the battle of Deepstone, the Westerosi and their allies of the ‘’Free Sisters’’ had control of the Narrow Sea and the ability to transport troops across the waters, with the almost 13,000 man Lyseni army trapped outside the walls of the Bleeding Tower in Tyrosh, at least until they could assemble another warfleet, which would take time.

Further adding to their advantage was the fact that the Braavosi sent several chests of silver and gold to the ‘’Free Sisters’’ to aid them in their struggle against the slaver states, and the Tyroshi-Myrish Union were able to hire two mercenary companies, the Maidens Men and the Iron Shields, amounting to nearly four thousand men. This newly raised army however was swiftly deployed to the east along with two thousand men of the Free Sisters to resist the incursions of the Volantene city states, meaning the war effort against the Lyseni would still primarily fall to the Westerosi.

With control of the seas established the first forces from Westeros would cross the narrow sea. After conferring with his counselors and generals, King Aurion agreed that the best course of action was to send two separate forces to fight the Lyseni.

The first, comprised of men from Dragonstone, Claw Isle and Driftmark, amounting to nearly 2900 men would be led by Norman Tyrell, marshal of the realm, and accompanied by the Kingsguard Vaeron Targaryen who had proved a capable commander in the Stepstones. This force would land to the north in the Tyroshi disputed lands, with the goal of capturing the city of Kylos and its inner fortress.

The second and smaller force would be made up of around 1700 men, primarily raised from the Stepstones but the pious Lord Lomas Sunglass would pledge 200 men to the army as well. This force would be commanded by the Kings Seafyre brothers, Valerion and Aelor and would strike to the south with the goal of capturing the rich city of Silkhead, which would surely result in much plunder.

To further bolster their forces, Norman Tyrell would promise 1300 of some of his finest knights and men-at-arms from Highgarden, though it would take time for them to arrive.

King Aurion for his part wished dearly to join his old friend and brothers on the campaign, it had been his order that this conflict had started and he should fight alongside his men and share the risk….not to mention his dragon Vhagar would be of great use after all.

However, the campaign against the Lyseni would likely last for years, two to three was the estimate his generals had given him, and he understood, albeit reluctantly, that was far too long to leave the realm unattended, he was most needed in the realm, especially since two significant losses in the court of Kings Landing had made it so that he felt uneasy leaving the capitol for any significant amount of time.

The first and most significant of these losses was the Hand of the King, Anders Swygert, who passed away just weeks after the final stretch of cobbled road had reached the Wall to the North, the crowning achievement on the Kingsroad the man had given so much effort to seeing completed.

The amiable one-legged man had been making his way down the steep stairs of the Tower of the Hand, in quite a haste as he wished to attend a service in Kings Landings sept to pray for the brave warriors who were fighting across the sea when he lost his balance and cane, and suffered a serious fall, fracturing his hip.

Despite the best efforts of the Maesters, the shock was too great for the aged Hand who had tirelessly served his King and the realm for nearly 15 years, and he passed away shortly after.

The small council suffered another significant loss when Willem Lannister succumbed to a long bout of cancerous illness. In his stead, King Aurion appointed his younger brother Prince Matarys as the realms new Master of Coin, who despite being only 23 years of age had several years experience in various roles and a good understanding of the capitol, and the realms finances, though he would become known to leave much of the positions heavy lifting to his subordinates.

With so much change to the small council and the loss of the experienced Lord Swygerts leadership, Aurion knew it would be foolish to join the campaign personally, and quickly set about the tedious task of selecting a new hand.

Eventually he settled on Alan Oldflowers, Lord of Somerset and a Reachman. The man had served as Master of Coin for the Tarlys of Horn Hill for many years and to great effect as the flow of coin increased two fold in the region.

The Lord of Somerset had been so successful in increasing the wealth of the Tarlys and the coffers of his own house that he had even managed to come into some land in Dorne.

House Blackmont, a house that had once tried to murder King Aegon the Conqueror had slowly grown more and more disgraced and impoverished through the decades, with a series of scandals leading to many of the most promising members of the house being sent to the Wall.

Eventually the once powerful House Blackmont became functionally extinct and the Lordship fell to Princess Helia Martell of Sunspear, a just yet rather greedy monarch who auctioned off her new lands to the highest bidder….Lord Alan Oldflowers.

King Aurion recognized that the man was a shrewd businessman and a Lord on the rise, and stories of his famous charity were well known, it was said no guest left Somerset empty handed, an initiative the King appreciated.

Aurion resolved to deliver the honor in person and travel to Somerset, leaving Alicent to rule in his stead while he made the trip to the Reach, before that however, the King decided to make a detour north to the Riverlands.


4th Moon, 120 AC
Ruins of Oldstones, The Riverlands

It was a hot and sweltering day in the Riverlands, the air hot and heavy as the King and his small retinue ordered their horses through the thick brush, the buzzing of mosquitoes from small pools among the weeds the chirping of crickets and the croaks of frogs from the thick brush adding to the sounds of the afternoon.

His younger brother Matarys rode behind him, red as a beet and sweating profusely, still stubbornly adorned in those fine clothes he loved so much, today it was a doublet of fine red silk and a black sash embroidered with silver patterned dragons, with a necklace of rubies to go along with it.

Aurion had expected his brother to have dressed more appropriately, given the fact he had been fostered in the often humid climate of the Riverlands in Riverrun as a child, but it made sense when one considered the fact that the young Prince had never much liked to leave the comforts behind the walls, and when Aurion had asked if he might be more comfortable in lighter clothing, Matarys had responded that as Master-of-Coin he had a certain reputation to uphold.

Aurion knew his younger brother was not at all pleased to leave the comforts of the capitol to ‘’trudge through the Riverlands’’ as he stated on more than one occasion, grumbling that it would have been perfectly fine to send one of his deputies in his stead, but given the scale of the Kings plans in the area, he thought it necessary his brother and Master-of-Coin get a first hand look at the area and the challenges it posed as opposed to looking at scribblings in a ledger, a commander could not rely on the accounts of scouts alone.

They were two hours riding off of the Kingsroad, leaving the comforts of the neat and paved cobbled roads his Late Hand had seen built to the less impressive muddy tracks and roads leading through the Riverlands.

Though sparsely populated…. they had seen only a few individual thatch houses along the river side and woods since they had left the Kingsroad,, Aurion had the sense this was an ancient and once powerful area, evidenced by the many crumbling stone monuments, markers and barrows that they passed along….remnants from the First Men, who had ruled the Kingdom of Rivers and Hills many centuries before the Targaryens had come to Westeros..

In the distance through the trees and weeds, Aurion could see a large hill rising above the tree cover, the small retinue continued on, crossing a small and shallow ford of the Blue Fork. Aurion couldnt help but give a small subtle smile when he heard Matarys let forth a sharp stream of curses as he was forced to ride through a thicket of leaves.

‘’It's best to walk from here y’Grace.’’ One of the guides they had acquired in Martlet Bay said in the thick local accent, and Aurion nodded, giving the signal for all in his party to dismount and follow the guides through the thicket and trees.

At first glance, the King had not seen any hint of ruins on the hill, but as they marched closer to the formidable hill, he could indeed see traces of gray stone among the overgrown bushes and weeds, the ruins of the Castle of Oldstones, which the Kings of House Mudd had ruled for centuries.

‘’Much o’ the stone has been taken by nearby villages to build their barns and holdfasts, but there is still some left.’’ Their head guide, a short man with a brown spaded goatee said knowledgeably.

It was a long way to the top, the winding rough trail wound around the hill two times before they began to summit at the top, his brother Matarys was huffing and puffing, his formidable paunch straining against his doublet, and even Aurion, an athletic man, was feeling winded.

It was a beautiful view atop the hill, the castle of Oldstones had clearly once been a formidable fortress, but now all that remained was overgrown with weeds and lichen, trees and roots were cutting through the crumbling stone, below them, the river of the Blue Fork could be seen, its fast moving waters shining like diamonds.

They made their way through the crumbling courtyard, most of the buildings had been stripped of their stone walls save for their foundations, he smiled as he saw his young squire and cousin Raymont Tyrell run off to look at a small sepulcher, obscured by waist high grass which showed the faded likeness of a man holding a warhammer in his hands….the man's name was King Tristifer the Fourth their guide claimed, of the House Mudd.

They continued through the inner castle, wild roses and other flowers of bright colors had taken root among the stones, and a large and twisting Weirwood was still visible in the Godswood, underneath it a black pool, thick with mossy weeds and leaves.

As they reached the other end of the ruins, and as Aurion continued to take in the sight, for a moment he grew sentimental, it seemed almost a shame to disturb this peaceful and ancient place, where the Kings of the First Men had once ruled, and continued to rule centuries after their fall, watching over their ruins and home, the crumbling stone a monument to their legacy.

He quickly shook the thought from his mind however, this place was perfect for his plans and leaving things be was the enemy of progress.

King Aurion had six sons…. As his first born, Maelyx would be his heir and inherit his crown and Kingdom, but as a charitable man, he wished to secure the futures of his other five sons, to leave them something after he was gone. He knew full well the difficulties in providing for multiple brothers, and did not wish to leave that burden to Maelyx.

He knew it was unlikely he would be able to find land and title for all five of his younger sons, the youngest would likely have to be satisfied with inheritances of gold and other incomes, but the ruins of Oldstones presented an interesting opportunity.

The castle, though currently in ruins, could surely (at considerable cost) be repaired and restored to its former formidable state, it held a fine defensive position atop the hill, and commanded a good view of the surrounding areas, in time some of the forests could be cleared and a village could be established by the Blue Fork.

Aurion had the opportunity to install one of his sons, likely his second son Jaenar he thought, as a powerful man among the Riverlords, securing his future and a goodly inheritance for a second son. In addition it would give the House of the Dragon an outpost at the crossroads of the Riverlands, Vale, and the North.

‘’Its perfect.’’ Aurion mused, taking in the sights of the ruins once more before turning to his brother Matarys who stood beside him.

‘’How much would this project cost….can it be done?’’ the King asked his finely dressed younger brother.

His brother Matarys was silent for several minutes and Aurion made no move to interrupt, despite his brother's slothful nature, he knew he had a sharp mind for finances and was a patient thinker, never wishing to rush into an answer without having considered it in its entirety.

Finally his brother cleared his throat ‘’It can be done…..but it will be expensive…..the castle will need to be rebuilt in full, the current foundation is near useless…new towers…..fortifications….a new great hall, barracks…..the list goes on and on.’’

Matarys caught his breath and continued ‘’The Kingsroad will need to be extended to the ruins and the underbrush and foliage cleared so carts of stone can be brought here….a village must be erected for the workers as well.’’

‘’Can the treasury bear such an expense?’’ Aurion asked, hopeful.

Matarys nodded ‘’It can…there will no doubt be unexpected expenses throughout the project however….perhaps the smallfolk of the Riverlands should be made to take their share of the burden of paying for this.’’

The King shook his head, dismissing the idea before continuing ‘’I am sure we can handle any such expenses…..As far as how long this might take?’’

Matarys shrugged lazily ‘’It is hard to say….years, perhaps even a decade or more, as a mentioned the castle must be rebuilt in full, and you have stated you want it to be one of the biggest in the Riverlands….the fact that this region is close enough to the North to suffer from winter snows must also be taken into account….it can be done faster if the workers are not spared the lash.’’

‘’I find fair pay and rewards is a far better and more efficient form of motivation….offer the builders double pay from what they might normally receive…that should give us no shortage of labor.’’ the King commanded firmly.

Matarys nodded and went off to take a look at more of the castle, grumbling something about unneeded expenses.

The King and his party encamped at Oldstones that night, and as the King sat around the small cookfire his guides had prepared for them, he looked up at the stars and took in the peaceful sights and sounds of the surroundings for they would be the last to pay homage to the Kings of Hills and Rivers among the ancient ruins.


5th Moon 120 AC-121 AC

And so it was that the long process of restoring Oldstones was begun, and soon after a small village, Pitford would be erected to house the workers who began to clear the weeds and brush and construct roads leading to the site.

While King Aurion was focused on the realm, there were developments across the Narrow Sea, as his brothers and friend Norman Tyrell continued to campaign against the Lyseni.

To the south, in Silkhead, his Seafyre brothers Valerion and Aelor had made good progress, landing with little resistance, save for a few bands each of a dozen or so Lyseni who raided their supply lines and harassed their scouts….though within a week or two most of these men would be hanging from gallows on the orders of Aelor and Valerion.

After months of a rather uneventful siege, the city of Silkhead opened its gates and surrendered, and much of the city was plundered, with huge stores of silk being looted. Silkhead, as the name suggests, was a major port in the silk trade, and the Westerosi captured hundreds of pounds of silk products from Qarth, the Jade Islands, and even the fine quality silk produced by Naathi slaves, and soon the nobility of Westeros would be able to indulge in the fruits of their conquest, as goods that normally would be available in limited supply flooded into the wardrobes of the wealthy lords and ladies of the Seven Kingdoms.

The inner fortress of Silkhead resisted for another week or two, but in time they also surrendered, with the garrison being spared as they had offered little violent resistance in the months of siege….which was fortunate for them considering the temperaments of the Seafyre brothers.

In the north however, Norman Tyrell and Vaeron Targaryen were having a much harder time of it as the Siege of Kylos was proving to be more difficult than expected, for the old Tyroshi nobility were much more warlike and hotheaded than their Lyseni overlords.

The siege had begun poorly almost from the start, as in the opening days, the Tyroshi had led nearly one hundred slaves to the walls of the city and executed them in full sight of the horrified Westerosi.

Norman Tyrell, knowing that they lacked the men to assault the walls, suggested that perhaps Prince Vaeron might mount his dragon Tridax and give the slavers a taste of dragonfire, softening them up for an attack and perhaps force their surrender.

Prince Vaeron excused himself from the idea however, claiming that if he were to attack Kylos with dragon flame, it would not only be the slavers on the walls who burned, but also the innocent, slaves, and women and children.

The Tyroshi were not content to simply starve as the defenders in Silkhead were, and they launched several sorties from the city, including two major attacks aimed at the camp of the besiegers.

These fights were bloody, and the Westerosi would lose no less than four hundred men killed and wounded, and suffer many burnt trebuchets and siege engines, though Norman Tyrell would personally see both attacks repelled, riding his white stallion at the front and forcing the Tyroshi to flee back to the city.

Despite these losses however, the Westerosi eventually managed to force the surrender of the city of Kylos as the watchmen on the outer wall surrendered, however the inner fortress of the Tyroshi nobility would continue to resist.

The forces of Norman Tyrell and Vaeron Targaryen would not attempt to take the inner fortress however, breaking their siege camp after taking on provisions and loot in the city proper and taking to the seas. Their forces would travel south and link up with those of Valerion and Aelor in Silkhead, for there were rumors forming that the lords of the Lyseni disputed lands were raising an army to oppose them.

They would not face this new army alone however, as around the same time, they would be receiving reinforcements, the 1300 men of Highgarden Norman Tyrell had promised had finally arrived in the capitol and were embarking to join the campaign, but by far the greatest assistance was not coming in the form of the men who sailed on the water, but those that flew above it.

Viserys Goldfyre, Commander of the City Watch went before the King and requested that he be allowed to attempt to tame one of the dragons from the dragonpit and join the war across the sea, his brother Matagar Goldfyre was more than experienced enough to take up his command of the Goldcloaks in his absence.

Aurion assented, and his kinsmen claimed the golden dragon Kastax, a beast of just over thirty feet that had once been the dragon of the late Princess Lianna.

He would not be going alone however as the Prince Balaeron, now a young man of 21 would be accompanying him on the dragon Saphyre, a smaller yet magnificently colored dragon of only fifteen feet. The young Prince had wished to join the campaign from the onset but Aurion had requested Maelyx to convince him to stay, his dragon had been too small to do much good at the beginning of the war, and he still felt his youngest brother was not yet ready for war, having such an unpredictable nature.

His brother had repeatedly asked for permission in recent weeks, and Aurion felt he could not deny him any further and consented that he should join the war effort.

These forces of Vaeron, Norman Tyrell and Viserys Goldyfyre and Balaeron arrived in Silkhead around the same time, reinforcing the Seafyre brothers, waiting for the inevitable counterattack from the Lyseni which was sure to come….



10th Moon, 121 AC
City of Silkhead, Lyseni Disputed Lands

Prince Balaeron Targaryen strolled through the streets of Silkhead enjoying the sunny day and the cool breeze coming in from the Orange Sea, moving through the crowds of the occupied city.

His brother Vaeron had, not unkindly but sternly told him that even with most of the resistance in the city pacified it was still dangerous to galavant around the city without an escort….they were not popular among the merchant class, who had lost a fortune of their silk goods due to Westerosi plundering, but Balaeron had no intentions of spending his days lounging in the inner castle like most of his brothers, the adventure he had been seeking was finally at hand and he would not waste it.

He had been wanting to join his brothers across the Narrow Sea for months, but his kingly older brother had at first refused, stating his dragon Saphyre was not big enough to make much of a difference and he was still too young to go to war.

The youngest of King Jaerions sons had offered no complaint as was his nature and instead dedicated himself to diligently studying the campaigns of famous Westerosi and Essosi generals, Aegon the Conquerer, the Unsullied of Qohor, it made no difference to Balaeron, who meant to be fully prepared when the time did come for him to do his part.

His patience had been fully tested however when his brother Aurion had left for Oldstones, with Matarys in tow. Balaeron had been miserable, Valerion, Aelor and Vaeron were across the sea fighting the slavers and Aurion and Matarys were away handling matters of the realm, and yet he alone of his brothers was left in the Red Keep….he had never felt so useless.

Prince Maelyx, his closest companion noticed his unhappiness and promised to speak to his father about letting him join the campaign, and happiness once again returned to Prince Balaeron as spent his days hunting in the Kingswood awaiting his brothers return, and eventual assent for him to join the war against the Lyseni.

Balaeron continued his way through the crowds, in truth he did not know why his brother Vaeron was so worried, he looked much like many of the other Lyseni with his silver hair and plain clothing, though his deep lilac eyes and the castle forged longsword at his side somewhat betrayed him of someone of importance.

He had explored much of the inner city in the previous days and today he resolved to travel to the harbourside district and see what there was to see.

It did not take him long to spot by far the most impressive building on the harbor, a medium sized complex of white marble which looked to be a temple of sorts. Balaeron had come across many smaller temples in the inner city, each specifically dedicated to one of the strange deities the Lyseni worshiped, but this one seemed to be the largest and perhaps the main temple of the city of Silkhead.

He left the harbor and made his way through the marble courtyard, not failing to notice that the gold and brass inlay was missing in some parts, no doubt the result of plundering by the Westerosi troops.

There was no door to the inner temple, but rather a covering of white and gold silk, which Balaeron pushed his way through.

There were several acolytes dressed in robes of white, both men and women who attended the shrines within the temple, there were over a dozen of them, each with a marble statue, some of which Balaeron recognized from the smaller specialized temple, there was a pale infant holding a sword, a six breasted cat deity, and a naked woman, whose statue was coated in gold rather than marble, alongside them were other peculiar deities, a faceless one, and a statue depicting a figure with both the parts of a man and a woman.

Balaeron strolled through the temple, stopping at a marble statue of an aged woman knelt as if in prayer, tears falling down her face, which Balaeron assumed came from some cleverly designed cistern or fountain underneath the pedestal.

Of far more interest to him however was the necklace of pearl and lapis lazuli beads which hung about her neck, it would make for a handsome souvenir Balaeron thought to himself as he carefully pulled the necklace over the statue's head.

He felt the eyes of the temple acolytes upon him, including one who began to say something angrily and step forward, but the eldest of them, an aged bald man with a long beard of silver gold platinum placed a hand on his subordinates shoulder, for the man knew a Targaryen when he saw one, who else but one of the foreign occupiers would be so bold to bear steel at his side in the sanctity of the temple.

Balaeron shrugged, placing the necklace on his own neck, if the artifact was anything of importance all they had needed to do was say as much and he would have returned it.

He continued to stroll through the temple. He recognized the pale infant deity with the sword as Baakalon, and the cat deity as Pantera from his visits to their small temples in the city, but the golden naked woman was unfamiliar to him, though he recognized it as being present as the main sigil on Lyseni flags.

He approached the elder man, clearly the authority figure of the temple and inquired about it politely, to which the man responded that the woman was the Lyseni goddess of Love.

Balaerons face brightened at that, he remembered from his studies with the Grandmaester that many temples of love, such as those of the Summer Islanders involved more tangible acts of worship than mere praying, and such practices were not frowned upon, but in fact encouraged.

Without bothering to ask for clarification, he looked back towards the statue to the naked woman with an interest he previously hadn't before, his eyes settling on a young clean shaven Lyseni man with long golden hair who was lighting incense near the statue…….

Balaeron strode towards the acolyte and unabashedly and boldly inquired in well practiced Valyrian as to what the Lyseni customs were in honoring the goddess of love, and whether or not they were at all similar to the customs of the Summer Islanders in their temples of love….

The young man did not understand the question at first, but after Balaeron repeated the question with an additional question as to whether a ‘’donation’’ was needed first or whether the very act of worship was pleasing to the goddess, the acolyte finally understood.

With a red face, the young Lyseni stammered that there was clearly a misunderstanding as he was but a simple acolyte, responsible for lighting the candles and this was in fact not a temple in the style of the Summer Islanders….though perhaps he might try at temple of Yndros of the Twighlight, the deity with both the parts of a man and a woman.

Disappointed, but not deterred, Balaeron took another step forward and with a well practiced motion took the young man's hand, the acolyte shifted slightly but did not attempt to pull back his hand.

‘’Mēre daor gīmigon pōnta dislike iā dish mijegon emare sylutan ziry ēlī’’ Balaeron said quietly in Valyrian with a small smile One cannot know they dislike a dish without having tried it first.

The acolyte looked hesitant but still made no move to pull back his hand, before he could respond however, he heard the angry pacing of boots entering the temple.

‘’BALAERON….you are needed….now.’’ His brother Aelor hissed in a tone which brooked no argument, a look of disgust on his face.

Balaeron meekly let go of the man's hand, all the boldness leaving his body and followed his brother, struggling to meet his swift strides.

‘’You disgrace yourself and your house with your perversions…..’’ Aelor said angrily.

As was so often the case when his elder brother or anyone else for that matter chastised him, Balaeron made no move to defend himself against the abuse, instead retreating inside of himself.

‘’A Lyseni army has been spotted on the horizon…….they will be here within hours.’’ Aelor said as they walked through the harbor side towards Aelors escort and waiting horses.

‘’How did you know where I was…..did you have me followed?’’ Balaeron asked meekly as he mounted his horse.

His brother did not respond, his blue eyes trained ahead at the inner fortress which the Targaryens had made their headquarters. Marching through the city was a company of fisherfolk from the Stepstones, armed with spears, glaives and javelins, making their way out of the city.

They rode through the castle gates, which were adorned with the banners of Houses Targaryen, Tyrell and Seafyre, and halberd wielding guardsmen from the ramparts nodded respectfully at them.

Dismounting, Balaeron saw the castle was alive with activity, a squadron of heavy knights from Highgarden were mounting up while their squires began to attach their heavy plate armor and see to their lances, while men at arms formed up and prepared to march to the city outskirts.

Walking beside his brother Aelor, he found his brothers Vaeron and Valerion sitting in a small garden courtyard, Norman Tyrell peering over a map, all of them armed and armored. Viserys Goldfyre stood next to him, clearly just having returned from a scouting mission atop his dragon Kastax, explaining the situation to Lord Tyrell, the overall commander.

Aelor gave Balaeron a shove, pushing him forward towards the table ‘’We don't have all day….you've cost us enough time as it is.’’

‘’Ah there you are…..just in time, we feared we might have to begin without you two….the time to make our final preparations for the battle is upon us, our forces are mustering outside the city, now all that remains is to establish the order of battle.’’ The portly yet distinguished Lord of Highgarden said, gesturing Balaeron and Aelor to take their seats.

‘’Repeat your findings Goldfyre……I had to go and fetch my brother.’’ Aelor said, giving Balaeron one last glare.

Viserys Goldfyre nodded ‘’A Lyseni army is marching on the city….three to four hours away….they will have the numbers on us, likely three thousand more men than our 5400, but we have more men-at-arms and calvary, the majority of their forces are peasants levied from their territories within the disputed lands, they are stiffened with the Gallant Men however, a mercenary company based in Volantis.’’

‘’More calvary, more heavy foot….and most importantly more dragons….their advantage in numbers will mean little and less when it comes to battle, are they mad?’’ Vaeron asked in disbelief, running his hand through his thick silver beard.

‘’Desperation can drive any commander into foolishness….and it may be that they think we only have one dragon, they have only seen Kastax scouting them….Tridax and Saphyre have not taken to the sky ever since we arrived in the city.’’ Valerion replied calmly.

‘’Our advantage in dragons notwithstanding, I did spot many crewed scorpions on the ground….capable of bringing down any of our dragons, I will do what I can on Kastax, but the fact remains that our largest dragon is just thirty feet in length, and Tridax just over twenty…..one well placed scorpion bolt…..’’ Viserys Goldfyre cautioned.

‘’Smaller means harder to hit….warrior willing’’ Norman Tyrell said, grasping his amulet to the warrior before gesturing them to huddle around the map.

‘’As for the order of battle,...all three flanks are to be of even sizes……I shall take command of the center…..Prince Aelor, you shall take the right flank, and Prince Vaeron shall cover you upon Tridax……Prince Valerion, you shall hold the left flank…..Viserys reports that they have overloaded some four thousand men on that flank to your two thousand….but they are almost entirely made up of a peasant horde, with Viserys and Kastax aiding you their advantage in numbers will prove worthless.’’ Norman Tyrell said before at last turning to Balaeron, almost as an afterthought.

‘’As for you young Balaeron, I have been told that you have studied the art of war and tactics most diligently, you shall lead our reserve, I am giving you fifty knights and two hundred freeriders, along a personal guard of one hundred men at arms…..if they try for any of our flanks, send the calvary and envelop them, if any line falters, send the infantry forward….have your dragon flying behind you as well, it may be that it is too small to do any good in combat, but the sight of a third dragon may very well dishearten them all the same.’’ Norman Tyrell commanded.

Balaeron hesitated for a moment, he was a very humble young man, but the one thing he felt some measure of pride for was his dragon. It was true Saphyre, though magnificently colored like the most beautiful of seas was small, there was perhaps no quicker dragon in the Targaryens possession, an opinion stated by more than one dragonkeeper in the dragonpit…and Saphyre was certainly faster than its rather dull and unremarkable green sibling Tridax, his brother Vaerons dragon who was only seven to eight feet larger, though Tridax did have more combat experience in the Stepstones, that was with their late uncle Aemorys however and Balaeron was sure he flew Saphyre far more often than Vaeron did Tridax.

Norman Tyrell sensed his hesitation ‘’Do you have something to say lad?’’

Balaeron hesitated again for a moment before speaking ‘’I will of course do as I am commanded….but I feel as if Saphyre is not as useless in combat as you suggested….she may be small yes, but the dragon keepers have stated there is perhaps no quicker dragon in the pits.’’

His brother Vaeron looked thoughtful ‘’ My younger brother may be right, and it is as you said smaller dragons make smaller targets…..and Viserys has said many of their scorpions are concentrated on the right, perhaps it would be wise for Balaeron to take my place on the right….I do have experience commanding the reserve after all.’’

Aelor broke the silence with a chuckle, earning a glare from Vaeron and a questioning look from Norman Tyrell.

Aelor raised his hands in the air ‘’I agree….perhaps Balaeron would be a better fit covering my flank…..and I know he is an experienced rider, he has known that dragon since he was an infant…while my brother Vaerons Kingsguard duties keep him from experiencing the joys of flight as often as he would like I am sure.’’

Norman Tyrell nodded ‘’Then the order of battle is settled then….may the Warrior be with all of you.’’

Balaeron gave Aelor a rather surprised look, he had not been expecting his brother's support, he had always believed Aelor thought him useless.

Aelor took him by the shoulders, dusting them off and leaned in to whisper ‘’Scorpions fly fast brother….lets hope your Saphyre flies faster.’’ With a final pat on the back, his brother Aelor turned and mounted up without a second look.

Without any more small talk, the commanders mounted up and rode to the outskirts of the city where they would do battle against their Lyseni foes.


Three Hours Later
Outskirts of Silkhead, Lyseni Disputed Lands

Balaeron did another circle above the battlefield, taking in his surroundings.

His brothers Aelor and Valerion had not been idle while awaiting reinforcements, they had ordered some trenches dug and placed wooden spikes to make the Lyseni advance more difficult.

His attention was not particularly focused on the fortifications, but rather what they were designed to hinder…..the Lyseni army.

It was an impressive sight, true enough it did appear the Lyseni had a significant advantage in numbers, though Balaeron hoped that Kastax and Saphyre would make it an unimportant one.

He heard a ponderous yet powerful whizzing noise, and turning Saphyre to the side to see that the scorpion crews behind the Lyseni army had spotted him and were firing a bolt, more to test the range he thought then to actually attempt to hit him, and sure enough the bolt did not travel far enough to pose any real threat to him.

The bolt did have an effect on Saphyre, his magnificent blue dragon. When he had initially taken her up to the skies, Saphyre had behaved as if it were just another joy ride that they so often took above the skies of Kings Landing, playfully circling about, but the scorpion bolt put an end to all that and a sense of alertness passed over the dragon, more instinctual than anything else as the small dragon had never seen any sort of combat.

‘’gīda saphyre. īlē āzma syt’’ Calm Saphyre…you were born for this Balaeron said, placing a hand on its scaled head as they circled around. Balaeron leaned forward, he had never much liked riding with a saddle and was simply content to grasp onto the dragon's smooth scaled neck, much to the terror of the dragonriders who were always fearing he would fall on one of his flights, but the Prince was not one to whom fear came easily.

He gave a look to the positions of his own forces who, despite their lesser numbers still looked formidable in their own right, the Tyrell banner raised high in the center, the red dragon of House Seafyre on the flanks, and the Targaryen banner placed in the rear. Looking far to the left he saw a flash of golden yellow in the skies….Viserys Goldfyre and his dragon Kastax….

Balaeron heard the sounding of horns below from the Lyseni, one could almost feel their unease from the skies, but their commanders had ordered the attack to commence anyway…..the battle had begun.

They did not all attack at once however, but flank by flank, almost as if testing the Westerosi defenses.

The Lyseni began the first push on the left towards his brother Valerions position, with the Lyseni sending forward almost four thousand lightly armed peasant levies and infantry to cross the field.

His brother Valerion had dug several stretches of small trenches where a man might stand protected to above his waist, inside he had placed pikemen and crossbowmen inside to make the Lyseni advance across the open field difficult.

It had its desired effect and the Lyseni peasants were having a hard time pushing past these doughty defenders, and so they employed the most logical tactic one could in that situation, sending forth a company of mercenary crossbowmen to pelt them from a distance.

The crossbowmen advanced, hesitantly as they too had seen the flash of gold in the distant skies as they had advanced, but they formed a line and prepared to fire upon the trenches, the Lyseni infantry halted and formed in a horde while they waited for the way forward to be cleared.

They were right to be hesitant…..

Suddenly, Balaeron saw the flash of dull gold swoop down from the skies and bathe the crossbowmen in bright gold flame, the thirty foot dragon taking to the skies as the crossbowmen began to widely fire into the air, the dragon emerging from the clouds again to strike at the massed light infantry, taking out another rank of them, though Balaeron sensed that his kinsman Viserys Goldfyre was holding back Kastax’s full power and only doing what was necessary to cause a retreat, being a kind man who did not wish to burn hundreds of peasants alive.

The sortie had the desired effect as the Lyseni on the left began to flee, though some skirmishing with the entrenched defenders continued.

Balaeron heard more horns, this time from the Lyseni center as he saw several hundred mercenary light cavalry forming up, being led by a company of Lyseni nobles, armored in plate and silk and heavily armored.

With another blast of the trumpets, the Lyseni calvary charged forward where Norman Tyrell had ordered his men-at-arms to form a shield wall and attempt to absorb their attack.

Before he could see the result of this charge he heard the trumpets on the Lyseni right who were sending most of their proper infantry charging across the plains to attack his brother Aelors flank of waiting infantry….

He ordered Saphyre forward, and the small dragon obeyed, hurtling through the sky like a blue comet, he heard more of the ugly sounds signaling that more scorpion bolts had been fired, yet luckily Saphyre seemed to know how to instinctively avoid these, though there were some close calls as the massive metal bolts punched through the air, and Balaeron nearly fell from the dragon as Saphyre turned sharply to avoid a bolt.

Regaining his grip however, he let out a shout of pure adrenaline, he had never felt so alive.

Below him his brother Aelors infantry had begun to skirmish with the Lyseni troops, Balaeron ordered Saphyre into a dive and set several Lyseni aflame in blue orange fire. With the damage done, he quickly ordered Saphyre back up into the skies, out of the range of crossbow bolts and javelins which a dragon of Sapyres size was still vulnerable too.

He launched several more strafing passes over the Lyseni infantry, the air was filled with projectives, but Saphyre was too quick for the Lyseni archers and skirmishers, seemingly being able to strafe the grounds and return high to the sky in mere seconds, though Balaeron felt a crossbow bolt pierce his riding cloak, tearing it from his body.

After another strafe of fire from the small dragon and facing stiff resistance from Aelor’s men, the Lyseni had suffered enough and began to retreat.

Balaeron saw things were going equally as well in the center, as Norman Tyrells infantry had repulsed the Lyseni cavalry charge after a fierce melee, and his brother Vaeron had sent the knights of the reserve to see them off….the Lyseni army was in full retreat.

The sound of a Scorpion whizzing through the air, just feet away from Saphyres head reminded Balaeron that this was still an active battlefield, and he turned far towards the Lyseni back rank where he saw the mounted scorpions and their crews attaching oxen to the carts they were mounted on and begin to flee.

The Prince thought little enough of himself but it was a different case with his dragon Saphyre, a sudden flash of anger ran through him, who were these men who thought themselves worthy to attempt to strike down such a noble and beautiful creature from the skies and simply run off.

With a surge of determination, the young Targaryen prince ordered Saphyre forward, flying over the terrified and retreating Lyseni, but he ignored them….they were not his target.

The scorpion crews saw him coming, many of them were a good distance away, but some crews had lagged behind in retreating, another bolt came hissing through the air which Saphyre avoided easily enough.

He had selected his target by now, a crew of about a dozen men who were frantically trying to fix a stuck wheel, their armed escort watching nervously as the small blue dragon came ever closer, readying crossbows and spears.

Two of the wiser men fled, but the others held their ground.

A sudden bout of insane boldness came over the Prince, his body coursing with adrenaline, not a single hint of fear but rather excitement driving him on…he would deal with these men himself.

He ordered Saphyre to dive as the Scorpion crew readied another bolt, its overseer pulling back the mechanism with a loud clicking noise, the bolt aimed dead ahead at Saphyre who was so low to the ground she was almost skimming the dirt.

‘’BĒ…..QRĪDRUGHAGON….Up….Away’’ Balaeron screamed, throwing himself from the dragon and landing in a rough roll on the ground, as Saphyre obeyed immediately, flying upwards with the speed of a Geyser, the scorpion bolt whizzing just missing the dragon by inches.

The crew looked in terror after they had missed, but Saphyre, obeying her master's command, albeit with obvious hesitation flew away.

With the dragon out of sight, the ten man crew, all armed looked with shock at the one man that stood across the smoking field from them, getting to his feet slowly and drawing his longsword….looking at the fool who had either fallen from his dragon or inexplicably hurled himself from it.

The leader of the crew shouted something about surrender to the unfortunate man who had clearly fallen from his dragon….thinking of the gold he would be given for capturing a dragon rider…truly there was victory in the jaws of defeat.

Balaeron Targaryen ignored the man's demands and with a sudden shout charged at the crew, one man against ten.

The Lyseni were so shocked at this display of bravery, bordering on pure unbelievable madness that two of them were dead before they could draw their swords.

One of the scorpion crew swung at the madman with a hatchet, but Balaeron slashed him across the neck with his longsword, rushing into the crowd like a boar.

The Lyseni, who had just seconds earlier been filled with elation that the dragon had fled and they had captured a valuable prisoner were now filled with crippling terror as this fearless demon struck widly at them with longsword and dagger, many Lyseni tripping over themselves to get out of the center of the conflict.

A man was beheaded, another took a dagger through the throat, all the while their foe was shouting a war cry of utter madness hacking men down until all of the scorpion crew were dead or fled.

It was here that the pursuing Westerosi found the Prince Balaeron, looking in sheer amazement at the scene as the youngest son of King Jaerion casually searched the pockets of the many dead men for any valuables, asking if the battle was over.

The Lyseni counterattack on Silkhead would be a disaster, with 2400 Lyseni being killed, captured, or wounded to only 250 Westerosi, most of whom had been in the center repelling the Lyseni cavalry charge. Tales would spread through both sides of Prince Balaerons bravery, with some stories claiming the Targaryen Prince had charged and routed a force of one hundred men, though this is clearly an exaggeration, the fact remains that Balaeron, since then called Balaeron the Bold would gain quite a reputation for himself following the battle.

With their rear secured and the Lyseni forces on the mainland scattered, the way to Lys…and an end to the war….was clear.

 

[TWR97]

Damn Balaeron was an absolute unit back there, for once the Targaryen madness actually helped a Targaryen survive an unfortunate event. Though no doubt he's gonna get chastised for nearly being captured but it's clear the young prince has done quite well, reminds me of Daeron the Daring, also helps that his dragon is female and blue like Daeron's mount.

 

[Voidm@n]

Aelor raised his hands in the air ‘’I agree….perhaps Balaeron would be a better fit covering my flank…..and I know he is an experienced rider, he has known that dragon since he was an infant…

Dammit, Aelor, stop trying to get interesting characters killed! Good thing Valaeron is too awesome to die yet.

As for Valaeron the Brave... Sometimes madness and greatness are on the same side of the coin it seems. But the only way Balaeron lives long is through his sheer reckless audacity awing The Seven themselves. Such mindless bravery is great for legends, not so much for living person.

Viserys Goldfyre was holding back Kastax’s full power and only doing what was necessary to cause a retreat, being a kind man who did not wish to burn hundreds of peasants alive.

That got me thinking maybe in ck3agot there must be stress increase attached to non-cruel character using dragonfire in battle, more severe for kind-hearted, and some "demoralizing strike" option for curbing that stress gain but limiting effectiveness of a dragon.

All in all another awesome chapter!