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Yeah.....as someone that wants to keep the Targaryen family pretty small with not a lot of random branches its gonna be fun (*sigh) when all these spare kids start requesting marriages and because Aurion/Maelyx are charitable, they wont be able to refuse.....if they are still alive that is.
Of course, having lots of unmarried and unproductive princes with no prospects for the future can cause dynastic decadence and instability in its own right. Lots of useless princes doing nothing can damage the prestige and authority of the royal house. Alternatively, some princes in that situation could feel that they have nothing to lose and everything to gain by plotting to seize the throne.
It has been observed Westerosi notions of dynastic succession and stability at times more similar to the dynastic traditions of the Imperial House of Japan or House of Yamato which is the oldest surviving dynasty in real life than with European dynasties. Like the Imperial House of Japan, the Westerosi Great Houses are both ancient and quite small in size for such old houses. The Imperial House of Japan has reigned as the Emperors of Japan for 2682 years according to legend or for 1483 years according to the earliest verifiable date. However, Emperors have been occasionally succeeded by very distant relatives or relatives from cadet branches would be probably considered by European standards a new royal family replacing the old one but are still considered as part of the House of Yamato by the Japanese. In the ASOIAF canon, the senior line of House Arryn in the Eyrie has died a few times and has been replaced by distant cousins who take up the role of the new senior House of Arryn and head of the Arryn dynasty. In medieval France, the direct House of Capet died out and was replaced by their cadet house the House of Valois. France is said to have its royal house replaced but kept the rule of the larger Capetian dynasty.
The Imperial House of Japan would also limit its size. Younger non-heir sons usually had two career options. They could "descend" to subject nobility status removed from the line of succession with a surname such as Minamoto or Taira, and serve as a government official, or they could enter the Buddhist priesthood, generally as the head of one of the monzeki temples in and around Kyoto. For example, several Emperors granted their non-heir sons the same surname of Minamoto. Very rarely, the Emperor would grant one of his sons permission to establish a parallel lineage and cadet house to the main imperial line known as the Seshū Shinnōke who could provide a successor to the Chrysanthemum throne if the main line failed to produce an heir. The Seshū Shinnōke houses limited their size in the same way as the senior Imperial line. There were four Seshū Shinnōke houses and the most senior Seshū Shinnōke house had several cadet houses of its own. The cadet houses were stripped of their imperial status in 1947 after WW2 by the Americans but there is talk of restoring their imperial status in Japan if the current Imperial family dies out to keep the Japanese monarchy going.
I am not sure if GRRM was inspired by the Imperial House of Japan when he was developing his absurdly old noble houses or if the similarities are simply due to what it takes to have one noble house rule in one region for thousands of years and be quite small in size. There are major differences between the Westerosi Great Houses and the House of Yamato. The Westerosi great houses claim to be several times older than the Imperial House of Japan which many fans find unbelievable. The Westerosi great houses are maintained real secular authority for their whole existence while the Japanese Emperors have spent most of their history as symbolic figureheads. Even the Starks in the North have not quite gotten the levels of reverence than the House of Yamato gets in Japanese history. Many of the houses formed by the "descended" non-heir sons of the emperors and the cadet houses later formed from descended houses would end up forming the clans that would eventually produce the court officials, daimyos, and shoguns would become the true powerholders and rulers of Japan while the emperors were reduced to sacred figureheads. In Westeros, the families of younger sons who didn't get to form a cadet house have faded into total obscurity and irrelevance. GRRM has said that there are Starks descended from younger sons who didn't join the Night's Watch do exist floating around the North. However, it doesn't seem that these Starks will have any plot relevance in the main canon at all. They exist but no one cares about them. The Arryns descended from younger sons who didn't get to form a major cadet house are a bit luckier. With the actual cadet house of House Arryn of Gulltown being too mercantile and having abandoned their noble status by actually working for a living like commoners in the eyes of the Vale nobility, Arryn branches descended from younger sons who have faded into obscurity are occasionally tracked down and named as heirs to the Eyrie if the senior branch looks like if it might die out again.
Congratulations, @streaker77 for having this AAR "The Dragons Realm, A House Targaryen AAR" named as the Quarter 2 2023 third place winner of the AARland Choice Awards (ACAs) in the CK II category. (As tallied and officially declared here by @Nikolai .)
Thank you for the congratulations and the heads up, my notifications are iffy at best in that corner of the forums and I actually didnt initially see the votes had been tallied until this comment.
Thank you, I initially didnt start with AI art from the begining but was inspired by Thaigas Breaker of Chains and Mother of Dragons. I also really like your wood carving AI art for your own work which fits very well.
Also I hope you dont think ive abandoned reading your work, I have recently finally caught up with a rapidly updating AAR I follow and yours is next up, looking forward to seeing whats goin on with the Danes
The Imperial House of Japan would also limit its size. Younger non-heir sons usually had two career options. They could "descend" to subject nobility status removed from the line of succession with a surname such as Minamoto or Taira, and serve as a government official, or they could enter the Buddhist priesthood, generally as the head of one of the monzeki temples in and around Kyoto. For example, several Emperors granted their non-heir sons the same surname of Minamoto. Very rarely, the Emperor would grant one of his sons permission to establish a parallel lineage and cadet house to the main imperial line known as the Seshū Shinnōke who could provide a successor to the Chrysanthemum throne if the main line failed to produce an heir. The Seshū Shinnōke houses limited their size in the same way as the senior Imperial line. There were four Seshū Shinnōke houses and the most senior Seshū Shinnōke house had several cadet houses of its own. The cadet houses were stripped of their imperial status in 1947 after WW2 by the Americans but there is talk of restoring their imperial status in Japan if the current Imperial family dies out to keep the Japanese monarchy going.
The Arryns descended from younger sons who didn't get to form a major cadet house are a bit luckier. With the actual cadet house of House Arryn of Gulltown being too mercantile and having abandoned their noble status by actually working for a living like commoners in the eyes of the Vale nobility, Arryn branches descended from younger sons who have faded into obscurity are occasionally tracked down and named as heirs to the Eyrie if the senior branch looks like if it might die out again.
So far in the story, there is only one great house that I made an ''official'' cadet house for. House Stonewolf is a cadet house of the Starks, being the lords of Seadragon Point and the overlords of the Stony Shore and the Blue Hills, and claiming ancestry from the second son of Tohhren Stark ''The King Who Knelt'''. House Hightower also has a cadet dynasty, House Willtower of Honeyholt who are descended from a bastard son of a former lord of Oldtown.
I have not actually played much of the game recently so I likely have a little more work to do in adressing various bordergores etc I have seen while using the game as a reference when I resume playing into the future. There likely will be a few more Great House cadet dynasties coming soon. Norman Tyrell has a brother who is the new Lord of Brightwater Keep since the Florents were expelled (though he is imprisoned for his insanity), but if he is released and manages to have kids, I will make the Tyrells of Brightwater Keep take the name Brightrose or Brightthorn.
The Baratheons could also possibly have a Cadet House, as one of Lord Baratheons nephew's has become the Lord of Galemont, though I still have not thought of a good house name taking into account Galemont and the Baratheon sigils (maybe House Blackwind for gale=wind and the black stag of the Baratheons though I dont necessarily love it since Galemont is not on the coast and that seems like it should be a sailor houses name to me) so if anyone has any ideas im all ears.
Arryn branches descended from younger sons who have faded into obscurity are occasionally tracked down and named as heirs to the Eyrie if the senior branch looks like if it might die out again.
Your comments about Houses dying out made me want to check out the great houses in my game and see how healthy they are, and some of them are thriving and others are in some danger if things were to happen to a few members.
Here are the results.
House Baratheon (14 members) Not in any real danger, Lord Baratheon has two sons and several nephews
House Martell (22 members) Not in any danger since women can inherit and there are a few matrilineal marriages
House Tyrell (19 members) Quite healthy as they are a pretty young house with several spare males
House Lannister (4 members) By far the house that is in the most danger though I expect them to rebound, Lord Gerold Lannister only has one trueborn son however and one bastard, his sister is actualy married to Gowen Baratheon, Lord of Galemont, not a lot of room for tragedies. As a sidenote the Lannisters look to have brown hair now.
House Arryn (33 members) Very healthy, many Arryns are now gingers as opposed to blonde.
House Tully (11 members)
House Greyjoy (23 members)
House Stark (29 members)
-To All: I will start writing the next chapter tommorow, funnily enough with all the scenes there are to right, the first one is actually the one that may give me the most trouble but once I get that done hopefully it goes fairly quickly.
From the Westeros.org So Spake Martin archives of GRRM's words. On June 10, 2003, GRRM responded to questions on the Stark family.
THE STARK FAMILY Did Ned Stark have any uncle or aunt?
No.
I asume that important families like the Starks would keep in touch with their greatuncle and greatuncle's grandkids; cousin and 2nd cousin and 3rd cousin and so forth. So there would be a lot more Starks around than just the 7 we saw (like the Freys or Lannisters).
There are probably some descendants of offshoot branches from the family tree floating around the north, most likely in White Harbor and Barrowton.
The More bloodlines submod choses to depict these briefly mentioned offshoots as houses Harstark (Stark of White Harbour) and Barstark (Stark of Barrowton) with Artos Stark the Implacable as their ancestor if I remember correctly.
Thank you for the congratulations and the heads up, my notifications are iffy at best in that corner of the forums and I actually didnt initially see the votes had been tallied until this comment.
Thank you, I initially didnt start with AI art from the begining but was inspired by Thaigas Breaker of Chains and Mother of Dragons. I also really like your wood carving AI art for your own work which fits very well.
I'm sure you will keep up the great quality art work. Like you, trying out AI art is part of the evolution of my own AAR. In honor of your victory, I've adapted one of my woodcuts just for you.
Also I hope you dont think ive abandoned reading your work, I have recently finally caught up with a rapidly updating AAR I follow and yours is next up, looking forward to seeing whats goin on with the Danes
No worries. It will all be there when you have time. That's the point. It is leisure reading. No pressure. Good luck to your Targaryens. (Even though I know they are doomed and I usually favor other houses.)
I only happened upon this AAR a few days ago, fortunately for me, and have been obsessively binge-reading it ever since to catch up. It's been a fascinating, addictive journey and I thank you for writing it - I really admire how creatively you string together seemingly unrelated in-game event into a comprehensive, believable narrative, and your writing has just gotten better and better as the chapters go along. Also, my compliments the AI-generated images, they've also improved hugely over the course of the AAR (almost TOO much, honestly, some of them are scarily lifelike lol) and really help to breath life and individuality into the characters. I have MANY, MANY thoughts of course, but I will try (and fail) to condense them;
The gradual divergence from canon history during Aegon's reign was really fun, and I enjoyed the very different relationship dynamics between him, Visenya, and Rhaenys, as well as the first and most memorable crop of Kingsguard (Ser Langward the Poet was a personal favorite). The sudden death of both Aegon and Balerion was shocking, but in hindsight I think it might have been a great boon to the AAR narratively, as it created just the right amount of instability for a good story.
Vaemond's reign might be my favorite portion of the AAR so far. The tension, drama were at an epic, all time high during the Lion's Rebellion, full of unexpected twists and last minute turnings of the tide. The slower pace, combined with the relatively small size of the Targaryen family at the time really allowed us to get to know Vaemond, Nyel, Matarys, and the characters closest to them very closely and immersively. I'll freely admit that I got a little bit misty-eyed reading through Vaemond's passing.
Laena, on the other hand... Wowza, what a handful. It's hard to deny that her tactics WERE effective, to an extent, and at first I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt as a tough woman making tough decisions in a tough world... but in the end it became painfully clear that SHE was the one making life in the realm tougher for nearly everyone, even those she was trying to protect. I found myself dreading every new chapter with Laena out of fear of who she'd abuse or kill this time - which is a testament to your brilliant writing, of course! She kept herself and her dynasty in power, at the expense of the realm's stability, cohesion, and prosperity, and it seems like her dynasty are reaping the consequences of that tradeoff now. I felt worst of all for Vaekar and Lianna, personally, two brilliant individuals who could both have made amazing rulers in their own right, doomed to toil uselessly in the dark shadow of the Queen of Skulls, their lives essentially wasted. And even Vaella, in her own strange way. She was complicit in Laena's atrocities, but ultimately she was what her mother made her, and might have lived a far happier life otherwise. As satisfying as it was seeing Laena booted off the throne, I do kinda wish she'd died before abdicating, just because it would allow her to keep the cool portrait border and her crown after death. For all her misdeeds she was Queen for 3 decades, and deserved at least THAT much lol, instead of looking like a scullery maid in her final in-game portrait. But sadly there's nothing we can do about game mechanics.
With Jaerion I might be inclined to say "what a waste" but I'm not sure it would be true. He was certainly a fertile subject for "What ifs" (as well as fertile in general, siring all those Targaryen princelings like a damn conveyor belt); He was a man of great physical and personal stature, and for all his faults he DID seem to have the characteristics necessary to make his grand ambitions come true... or perhaps he would have beggared the realm with decades of fruitless attempts at Imperialism in Essos, and they're better off without him.
Tough to say, but one thing I think we can say safely is that, even if Jaerion HAD been successful in all his plans, even if he had been the next great conqueror, he still wouldn't have been the King the realm truly needed. A full century after the conquest this alternate Targaryen lineage was sorely lacking its own Jaehaerys the Wise. Aegon and Vaemond worked hard to bind and hold the realm together through fire and blood, and Laena had kept it all together through sheer terror and scheming, but no ruler had really bothered to bind the realm together with laws or roads... is what I was thinking until Aurion came along. It seems like he, at last, is the perfect candidate to truly transform Westeros from 7 to 9 separate kingdoms which just happen to be bending the knee to the same person under duress into a proper state with a shared sense of identity. There's obviously quite a few Jaehaerys/Alysanne parallels with him and Alicent already, in both deed and personality, and hopefully Aurion's reign proves to be just as long and prosperous as the Conciliator's... if his brothers and sons don't burn it all down around him first. Which brings me to a question - do you have any plans to forge some of the other Targaryen crowns in the future? So far we've had everyone wearing the Conqueror's circlet, aside from Laena who wore the simple gold band that was canonically Aegon III's, bit will the time come when the Conqueror's crown and the image of warrior/conqueror Kings is no longer the desired one?
(Also, as a sucker for record-keeping, I love that you've kept up with the various lists, and the White book, it really helps to contextualize everything over time. No idea how many Grand Maesters there have been but I believe Lord Oldflowers is only the 7th Hand of the King/Queen since the start? Remarkably low turnover rate if so, all things considered, especially during Laena's reign.)
--
Regarding this latest chapter in particular, I'm proud of Vaeron for finding his own way to defy the Aelor/Valerion axis by saving Jaekar like that. It's only the first step towards redemption, I'd say, but it's an important.
..the ashes of Orys and Rhaenys were interred together, side by side, while Visenya Targaryen, whom all members of the House of the Dragon were descended from was interred in Dragonstone….while Aegon the Conqueror was forever lost to the waves of the Sunset Sea.
I did have a question about this part though - weren't Visenya's ashes also scattered in the Sunset Sea after she died, precisely so she could be with Aegon? Matarys travelled to Fair Isle because of it, and nearly got taken hostage when the Lion's Rebellion broke out.
I only happened upon this AAR a few days ago, fortunately for me, and have been obsessively binge-reading it ever since to catch up. It's been a fascinating, addictive journey and I thank you for writing it
Thank you for the suppourt (and dedication slogging through the whole thing, I really should add a reccomendd starting point for new readers) and very insightful comment! Glad you have enjoyed it.
I really admire how creatively you string together seemingly unrelated in-game event into a comprehensive, believable narrative, and your writing has just gotten better and better as the chapters go along. Also, my compliments the AI-generated images, they've also improved hugely over the course of the AAR (almost TOO much, honestly, some of them are scarily lifelike lol) and really help to breath life and individuality into the characters.
Thank you, I had to do a little of this ''stringing-together'' in this coming chapter (which is a big one) , but I have had several weeks to think over it. As for the AI art I cant take that much credit for that, I have gotten a bit better at the mechanics of it, but a lot of the imporvement is due to the Midjourney AI's system getting better, I have also noticed the improvements from when I first started with the vague humanoid figures in King Vaemonds reign to the very realistic ones the system generates now. Whenever someoneone mentions the AI art I always like to credit @Thaiga who inspired me with the use of AI art in their own CK2 AGOT story Breaker of Chains, Mother of Dragons.
Thats a very nice thing to say, thank you, and I feel the same way. Im pretty proud of writing this story, but I guess my one regret I have relates to the begining of the story and thinking Aegon the Conqurer's storyline might be a little clunky intro for new readers. I think the reason for that is I never really felt like Aegon was one of ''my'' characters and I immediatly felt a lot better about writing a character (Vaemond) who developed naturally in the world complete with a childhood as opposed to a character (Aegon) who I inherited.
Yeah, at the begining of the story when there were not a lot of Targaryens, I really leaned on the Kingsguard to be important suppourting characters. As more Targaryens have entered the story however this reliance had kind of waned a little bit, especially since some rulers (Laena) didnt really have as many interactions or use for Kingsguard as their predessesors (Vaemond). Ser Harold Langward was def an important one, and he lived to almost 80 if I remember right, I still remember writing some of his ill-timed poetry lol.
The 1st part of this next chapter I am writing will see a little return to this importance of Kingsguard as actual characters and showcase an as of yet unseen Kingsguard however and (little spoiler) showcase their conflict with a member of the Royal Family and how this conflict will spiral out of control to the big events which will happen next chapter.
Vaemond's reign might be my favorite portion of the AAR so far. The tension, drama were at an epic, all time high during the Lion's Rebellion, full of unexpected twists and last minute turnings of the tide. The slower pace, combined with the relatively small size of the Targaryen family at the time really allowed us to get to know Vaemond, Nyel, Matarys, and the characters closest to them very closely and immersively. I'll freely admit that I got a little bit misty-eyed reading through Vaemond's passing.
As mentioned previously, I really only felt ''comfortable'' with writing the story almost immediatly when I started writing Vaemond, and it was refreshing to write a character from childhood to death. The Lions Rebellion was very fun (though took a long time) to write and I did purposefully stretch it out. The last minute turning of the tide was real, I very nearly lost that war due to my own stupidity (turns out taking rebel castles that do not belong to main beligerent do not stop the rapidly climbing ''rebel controls all holdings'' modifier.) As for the last part that is probably the best praise a writer could get, I agree it was pretty sad to see Vaemond become a depressed craven shell of himself, but his love for Nyel was genuine.
That about sums it up, I had never before written a woman ruler or one with an intrigue focus and it was a new/fun experience, even though I was constantly aware she had the genius trait so I had to make most of her actions seem somewhat logical which was a challenge. I really did enjoy writing a lot of the schemes/murders, even some of the darker stuff was an interesting experience to write.
And even Vaella, in her own strange way. She was complicit in Laena's atrocities, but ultimately she was what her mother made her, and might have lived a far happier life otherwise.
I agree with this, I hinted at this a little in her final conversation with Aurion, but I liked to think that she did feel real regret for her actions in the past.
I felt worst of all for Vaekar and Lianna, personally, two brilliant individuals who could both have made amazing rulers in their own right, doomed to toil uselessly in the dark shadow of the Queen of Skulls, their lives essentially wasted.
They had a lot of potential I agree, Liannas death was especially sad to me, Laena essentially destroyed her after taking her newborn son and making her powerless to stop her murders.
I probably should have done a new crown for Jaerion, I could see either a proud ruler wanting to create his own legacy or a zealous one who does not want to wear the crown of a distant sister-marrying ancestor forging a new crown, for now however, the crown of Aegon gives massive legitimiacy to whoeever wears it. I should probably give this more thought on an individual basis when the time comes to decide whether too make a new crown.
but I believe Lord Oldflowers is only the 7th Hand of the King/Queen since the start? Remarkably low turnover rate if so, all things considered, especially during Laena's reign
I do wish I could make the Hand of the Kings more influencal in the story, but with so many Targaryens, I havent really had a lack of material/actors to tell events. You are right though, there have not been a lot of Hands surprisingly, I would probably say Anders Swygert was the best one as he was more directly responsible for the building of the Kingsroad than Aurion was.
Regarding this latest chapter in particular, I'm proud of Vaeron for finding his own way to defy the Aelor/Valerion axis by saving Jaekar like that. It's only the first step towards redemption, I'd say, but it's an important.
This pride may be short lived.....Vaeron will have a POV in the coming chapter (Vaeron has been reading too many Catelyn Stark POV's is my only hint) but I agree, opposing his brothers to save Jaekar does not completely redeem his cowardice in letting them murder uncle Aemorys, but it is a start.....I have mentioned previously that Vaeron will be (indirectly or otherwise) responsible for people dying and for saving peoples lives in this story, and even with Aemorys and Jaekar Tendfyre factored in.....there is still more to come.
I did have a question about this part though - weren't Visenya's ashes also scattered in the Sunset Sea after she died, precisely so she could be with Aegon? Matarys travelled to Fair Isle because of it, and nearly got taken hostage when the Lion's Rebellion broke out.
Very good observation, it looks like I done goofed. Though, the good think about writing an AAR is I can blame the characters instead of myself, so my official answer is Aurion must have misremembered that the ashes of Visenya were in fact interred in the Sunset Sea (I clearly had nothing to do with this .)
Thank you for a very insightful comment.
-To All: Next Chapter is coming along well (I finished the scene which in my mind would be the most difficult to write) and I now know how I want to split it, dont want to guarantee it but there is a chance the first part of the chapter will be out next week, as I plan to work on the chapter more this weekend. Thanks for the suppourt/comments, when I first started this AAR I wasnt sure where it would go, but this is exactly what I wanted from this project.
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Chapter 58: A Dance of Dragons (125 AC) (Aelor, Vaeron, Baela, Vaegon, Maelyx, Valerion, Matarys, Aurion) (Part 1)
The Dragons Realm
Chapter 58: A Dance of Dragons
1st Moon, 125 AC-
Almost as if to portend what was to come, the 125th year of the House of the Dragons reign began with death.
The first to die was Aenys Targaryen, the last surviving child of the Princess Jaehaera and a grandson of the Queen of Skulls.
Aenys passed away quietly in his sleep, being found in the small tower cell he lived in above the dungeons of the Red Keep. While some older members of the court remembered the man for confronting his rival Jaerion on the back of Oathwing in the courtyard of the Red Keep in his youth, his curious black hair setting him apart as a young man, throughout the years he had faded into obscurity as his hair turned white and was largely forgotten, the man being content to live a simple quiet life overseeing the dungeons of the Red Keep, which were near empty during the reign of King Aurion, and he was only made to oversee a handful of hangings during his time as the King's Justice, as execution was a punishment Aurion only meted out for the worst criminals in the city as well as the man who had struck the killing blow against Lord Bar Emmon.
Shortly after, Viserys Goldfyre, Commander of the City Watch and a bastard child of the late Princess Vaella would also pass into the annals of history. The man was said to have been training a group of Gold Cloak recruits when he collapsed, never to wake, though despite his young age the Maesters did not suspect foul play as for weeks the man had complained he had not been able to sleep, being tormented of nightmares of the fire and death he had inflicted upon the Lyseni Fleet, and ever since his return, he had been stressed and paranoid of vengeful Lyseni assassins, scarcely eating or drinking.
Given the fact that Viserys’s eldest son Aegon, a recruit in the Gold Cloaks was just a squire and in keeping with Viserys’s own wishes, King Aurion appointed his brother Matagar Goldfyre as the next commander of the City Watch.
The appointment of a new King's Justice and overseer of the Red Keeps Dungeons would be put on hold however, as King Aurion made preparations to travel with a small retinue of knights to Greensward, seat of House Blount, to make the few days ride through the Kingswood to participate in a small tourney of the southern Crownlanders. This decision to not immediately assign an overseer of the dungeons would prove to be a great mistake however, as back in King's Landing, a plot was forming.
5th Moon, 125 AC
The Red Keep, Kings Landing
Prince Aelor wearily looked at the sheafs of parchment piled on his table, a sight which he had been in the presence of since the early morning,
For hours, since he had risen at the break of dawn he had been pouring over reports from his informants through the realm, trying to make sense of the intrigues throughout the realm, trying to find some crack among one of the great houses that he could use to his advantage.
Aelor was tired of waiting……the time to make a play for the throne was approaching….and with the death of Viserys Goldfyre and Aenys, Aurion had lost yet more dragonriders….Aelor was not blind to the fact that the longer he waited, the higher the chance of his young nephews claiming dragons of their own…he had to find a crack soon.
The cracks were proving hard to find however, his brother was popular throughout the realm and had a strong position. He could not even be sure of the support of Helia Martell and Dorne against her King Aurion, his mother-by-law, the old fool was honorable and just to a fault, though he hoped when the time came he could overcome this reluctance with promises of land and gold.
The prospect of the other obvious ally, the Baratheons, was equally uncertain. It was common knowledge that Ronnal Baratheon held a grudge against the King for forcing his half-brother into banishment and Aelors informants informed him that the two had quarreled about the revocation of Galemont.
He could not count on asking the Baratheons for aid however, as it seemed Aurion was not the only one displeased by the revocation of the Swygerts land, despite the Prince Maelyx making a visit to calm tensions some months ago, Lords Errol, Swann, and Toyne and their bannermen had raised their levies and a revolt now seemed imminent……Ronnal Baratheon would not be able to provide him with support anytime soon, and Aelor had yet to even send an overture for support.
Getting rid of Aurion would not be much of a problem Aelor mused, his Kingly older brother often traveled the roads of the realm, never with a large escort, the problem would be overcoming the dragon cloaks and Queen Alicents Hightower guard in the castle…which would be a hard task with his own small retinue…he needed support if he were to go the route of murdering Aurion, not only to take the Red Keep and hold it against loyalists in the city, but also powerful lords to support his claim and descend upon the capitol. The fact that his nephew Maelyx, the heir, was also present in the capitol as Master-of-Laws with his own retinue was also a complication.
A double assasination then Aelor thought…..a single strike to take out both his brother and nephew would allow him to take control of the Red Keep in the chaos….if he had sufficient support.
I will need to find a way to gain Matagar Goldfyre and his Gold Cloaks for a start Aelor thought to himself….gaining control of the 2,500 men of the City Watch would be a necessary first step, and allow him to retain control of the Red Keep and the Dragonpit for some time, but he still needed great lords who would come to reinforce him, at least enough to equal the strength of Houses Tyrell and Hightower, who would surely rally against him, though if he held Alicent and her children perhaps the Hightowers would stay their hand.
Aelor felt a resounding headache from these hours of scheming, he had been uncharacteristically cautious in planning his attempt on the throne, a request for support sent to the wrong Lord and his deception would be discovered….but Aelor was tired of waiting, he would not let the opportunity of weakness pass, Aurion seldom traveled the realm on his old dragon Vhagar, and Vaeron would never oppose him on Tridax, that left Aurion with just 2 loyal dragonriders, the seventy year old Larrisa who had not flown in years, and Balaeron….if he seized the Dragonpit when Aurion was away however they would be of no threat however, Balaeron would have to make his choice quickly and if he chose poorly….then perhaps he would have to be killed as well.
I will not skulk in the shadows any longer Aelor thought to himself, starting tomorrow he would abandon his cautious approach and send messages to the great lords of the realm he thought might support him…the time was coming.
But that was tomorrow, his head was hurting from all of the scheming and he was in a foul mood…..he needed to hit someone, and by the sounds of ringing steel in the courtyard below his tower solar, the knights of the Kingsguard who had not accompanied his brother were sparring in the yard below.
Aelor quickly burned the parchments he had read and grabbed his sword belt from the hook by his door and made his way towards the courtyard.
Present in the yard were his brother Vaeron, Ser Emerick Stonecrab and Ser Moribald Ambrose.
‘’Prince Aelor….come to join us, we would welcome an extra man and a skilled sword at that…..we are only three as you can see.’’ The sworn brother Ser Moribald Ambrose called out.
Aelor wordlessly nodded, Ambrose offered the two brothers the chance to spar against each other, but Vaeron politely declined and chose Ambrose as his partner, perhaps recognizing his brother was in a foul mood.
The Prince took up sword and shield and took his stance, Ser Emerick Stonecrab, an Arbor knight of over forty with long brown hair and a goatee did the same.
Aelors mind was clouded with frustration over the slow pace of his scheming and immediately went on the offensive, he was not a particularly large or strong man but he rained down a series of ferocious and heavy handed attacks against his Kingsguard opponent.
The two men were both skilled swordsmen and the fighting went on for a good while, with the two trading blow after blow, parrying strikes with their longswords and blocking with their shields. The two men were quite different in their temperament, Aelor grunted loudly as he pressed the attack, the sound of clashing steel resounding through the courtyard while Ser Emerick was a quieter fighter, battling on with silent determination.
Vaeron and Ser Moribald, who had already finished two sparrs, trading victories, stopped to watch, leaning on their longswords.
Aelors aggressive and reckless attacks eventually caught up to him, and the older Reachman managed to knock his sword from his hand, causing Aelor to stumble forward due to his momentum, falling to the ground.
Ser Emerick Stonecrab, chivalrously lowered his sword to the ground and extended a hand towards the vanquished and Aelor accepted his hand, allowing the Kingsguard to begin to pull him off the ground, but Aelor, in a single motion, wrapped a leg behind the Kingsguards leg and yanked him forward to the red stone courtyard with a crash, pulling a dirk from behind his belt and placing it at the mans throat.
‘’A cowards trick.’’ The Reachman seethed.
‘’Bold words from a dead man.’’ Aelor began, tapping his dirk just below the Kingsguard’s throat ‘’Yield.’’
Stonecrab mumbled the words and got to his feet.
‘’Perhaps we might adjourn…..’’ Ser Moribald Ambrose began, but his older sworn brother shook his head, anger flashing in his brown eyes.
‘’Again.’’ Ser Emerick Stonecrab demanded tersely, and Aelor grinned, taking his stance.
This time it was Ser Emerick who went on the attack, equally reckless as Aelor had been before and, after a hard fight, Aelor found an opening, pointing a sword at his plated heart.
‘’Dead.’’ Aelor sneered, lightly jabbing the sword point against the plate to make his point.
Ser Emerick Stonecrab silently extended a hand, offering Aelor his sword in a gesture of capitulation.
Aelor, slightly confused by such a humble gesture, looked down and clasped his hand around the hilt, but seeing movement from the side he turned to see a chain mailed fist of Ser Emerick Stonecrab, too late to avoid the blow which took him square in the lip, sending him crashing to the ground, his mouth filling with the taste of blood.
The Kingsguard grabbed his sword and marched forward to attempt to place it at Aelors throat, while Aelor rose to his feet with a shout of anger, reaching for his dirk.
‘’THAT IS ENOUGH.’’ Vaeron shouted in a booming voice, while Ser Moribald Ambrose quickly placed himself between the two of them.
‘’I COULD HAVE YOUR HEAD FOR THIS.’’ Aelor snarled, but Vaeron took him by the shoulder.
‘’Both of you are to blame….just go take a walk, cool off brother.’’ Vaeron said and Aelor stormed off.
He knew that his Kingly brother would take no action against the Kingsguards insolence, even though the man had struck the brother of the King and a Prince of the House of the Dragon, more likely than not his brother would wave it off as a training yard scuffle.
As Aelor made his way out of the courtyard, he decided, in no uncertain terms that he strongly disliked the man.
By the time he arrived back in his chambers he decided he wanted Stonecrab dead.
He called one of his informants within the castle who he thought might be suited to such a task and informed him that, come midnight, Ser Emerick Stonecrab would be relieved of his watch in the Royal Apartments by Ser Moribald Ambrose and would make his way out of Vaemonds Holdfast towards the White Sword Tower…..if a man wishing him harm were to hide behind one of the many buildings and towers in the courtyard, shrouded by darkness, it would be an easy enough affair for a potential assassin to put a dagger in the man's throat and retreat unseen before the Dragon Cloaks rushed to the scene….such an act would not go unrewarded.
The man nodded and left the chambers.
Unbeknownst to the Prince Aelor, who had only recently taken this courtier as an informant, the man was playing two sides, also spying for his fellow small council member, Prince Maelyx, Heir to the throne and the Master of Laws.
The man, feeling much more assured in being rewarded by taking the much safer option, made his way to Prince Maelyx’s chambers……
A Few Hours Later, Midnight
Royal Apartments of Prince Aelor, Vaemonds Holdfast
Prince Aelor sat impatiently at his desk, drumming his fingers on the oak wood.
It should be done by now Aelor thought to himself, he had heard no shouts of alarm from the courtyard outside of Vaemonds Holdfast, but if done correctly it was always possible the killing would remain undiscovered until morning…..if his man had accomplished that then perhaps there was time to smuggle the body out of the Red Keep so it remained undiscovered forever….Aelor knew the secret passages of the Red Keep like the back of his hand.
He was shaken from his thinking by a loud rapping at the door.
Damn oaf Aelor thought to himself, the whole point of an assassination was to be quiet and subtle, something this loud fool clearly needed to be educated on.
He made his way to the door and opened it softly, but rather than his catspaw, it was his nephew Maelyx standing outside.
‘’Nephew…..how welcome it is to see you.’’ Aelor said in ill contained surprise.
‘’I could say the same Uncle….but then we would both be lying.’’ Maelyx said, a curt smile on his face.
Aelor, feeling uneasy, peered behind his nephew into the hall….where a force of armed men awaited.
The Kingsguard knights Moribald Ambrose, Emerick Stonecrab and his brother Vaeron were there, portly Alan Oldflowers, the Hand of the King was also behind them, flanked by a few men of his own retinue and a few dragon cloaks.
‘’Still a welcome visit uncle?’’ Maelyx asked, that same curt smile on his face.
‘’What is the meaning of this?’’ Aelor demanded, giving a not so subtle look to his sword belt hanging on the peg just a few feet away from him.
‘’Very well……the time for small talk has passed I see….I, Maelyx Targaryen, Master of Laws and Heir to the Iron Throne, and , with the assent of the Hand of the King Lord Oldflowers, do order you to be seized and confined in the name of my father, King Aurion Targaryen, first of his name.’’ Maelyx responded.
‘’On what charge?’’ Aelor seethed.
‘’On the charge of plotting to murder a Kingsguard knight……speaking of which, Ser Emerick….I believe it would only be fitting….’’
‘’Gladly.’’ The Kingsguard knight said simply, marching in the room to seize Aelor.
Aelor made a move towards his sword belt, but his brother Vaeron quickly put himself between Aelor and his weapon, giving a grim shake of his head.
‘’I am a Targaryen prince….the son of a King…..I have certain privileges….not be thrown into a dank dungeon is one of them.’’ Aelor demanded.
Maelyx hesitated for a second then nodded slightly, waving his hand ‘’Take him to a tower cell not the dungeons….my uncle speaks truly.’’
Aelor, violently cursing, was powerless to resist as he was dragged and pushed by Ser Emerick Stonecrab towards his confinement, where he would be kept until King Aurion returned from the Kingswood to bear judgment over his wayward brother.
The Next Day, A Few Hours After Midnight
Courtyard of the Red Keep, Kings Landing
It was the hour of the wolf, the darkest part of the night as Prince Vaeron Targaryen tiredly made his way through the shadows of the courtyard out of Vaemonds holdfast, having been relieved of his duty guarding the Royal Apartments by Ser Emerick Stonecrab.
There was a chill in the air from Blackwater Bay, and the courtyard of the Red Keep was near silent and deserted, it would be some hours yet until the servants awoke to prepare breakfast for the royal family, it was the hour of the night where all honest folk were deep asleep, huddled under furs and linens, doors closed to the all consuming darkness outside.
Vaeron felt the call of his own small chambers in the White Sword Tower, he had been on duty for hours since many of the Kingsguard brothers had accompanied his brother Aurion to the tourney in Langward Hall, which meant double shifts for those that had drawn lots to remain.
Despite his tiredness, he had one more thing to do…..it was time to see his brother…..Vaeron pulled his gray white cloak close to him, braving the chill in the air and making his way towards the dungeons of the Red Keep.
He had wanted to see Aelor the night before after he had been imprisoned, but he had thought it would be unseemly for him to immediately speak with his wayward brother, who had attempted to murder his own sworn brother Ser Emerick Stonecrab, instead he resolved to wait at least a day.
The thought of speaking with his brother filled him with no small amount of nervousness….and anger, he had no idea of whether he should curse his brother for a fool or try to comfort him…..despite all that Aelor had done, killing their uncle, making his threats about his relationship with Aelinor…despite all of that, Aelor was still his brother.
How can you comfort a man who may be bound for the Wall Vaeron thought to himself, it was hard to say how Aurion would react to Aelors scheming, save that he would not be executed, if any other man had attempted to slay a Kingsguard knight, the punishment would have been death, but Vaeron thought the worst case scenario for the Kings own brother was that Aelor might be sent to the wall or banished to Essos, the best case Vaeron though…., Aurion would have Aelor stripped of his position in the small council and perhaps confined to a tower cell for a year or two.
That may be what he needs….some time away to forget this madness of taking the throne Vaeron thought to himself, though he was not entirely convinced.
He made it to the castle dungeons without encountering a soul to shake him from his thinking. The dungeons were nearly completely deserted, even though outside of Aelor, the dungeons were nearly completely empty except for some common prisoners who languished in the under dungeons, normally he would have been met by at least a few turnkeys, but his brother had not yet replaced Aenys as the keeper of the dungeons, and the few gaelors who remained on were no doubt in the underjails with the common criminals.
But he was not headed to the dank cells below, but rather the tower above the entrance, a long winding staircase which housed several spacious and comfortable tower cells for nobility.
He made his way to the very top, and stepping from the stairs into a small antechamber, he was met with the sight of guards for the first time, two halberd wielding Dragon Cloaks, wearing red mantles and armor, along with swords at their belts, no doubt assigned by his nephew Maelyx to keep Aelor confined under guard.
‘’Who goes there.’’ one of the guards said with surprise, giving the customary greeting, the two men quickly going from slouching to standing at attention.
‘’Vaeron….a knight of the Kingsguard.’’ The prince answered with authority, pulling his white-gray cloak to the forefront.
‘’Ah….Prince Vaeron, what brings you here at this hour?’’ The other guard asked.
‘’I am here to see my brother, I would have come in the day, but as you no doubt understand….duty interfered.’’ He answered.
‘’Apologies my Prince….but Prince Maelyx said that no visitors were to….’’ The man began.
‘’It is not your place to deny a knight of the Kingsguard, I will be brief….get my nephews assent if you must….but I very much doubt my nephew wants to be woken at this hour.’’ Vaeron said sternly, taking several steps forward and the two guards looked at each other and nodded, stepping aside.
He opened the heavy Iron door, and saw his brother Aelor was awake despite the hour, and pacing the small yet luxurious and comfortable carpeted floors of his chamber, like a caged lion.
‘’Ah Vaeron……took you long enough, I did not expect my dear brother to leave me languishing for over a day, even Matarys came by this afternoon and graced me with his presence…..even brought a spiced goose and a cup of wine, unless you've an order for my release, I severely doubt you will be able to upstage that.’’ Aelor said snarkily, stopping his pacing.
‘’I've brought nothing save my company…and you are hardly languishing.’’ Vaeron said curtly, gesturing to the carpeted floors and the feather bed of the comfortable tower cell.
‘’Ah yes, my cage is a gilded one….but a cage nonetheless, I have to piss in a bucket….I have learned in my time here that I am…..not well suited for captivity.’’ Aelor said, his voice rising in intensity.
‘’You should have thought about that before you plotted to murder Ser Emerick, my sworn brother i'd remind you….. a training yard feud is not enough to condemn a man to death…what were you thinking.’’ Vaeron responded.
‘’If you have come all this way to judge me, I suggest you do us both a favor and leave….I suspect I will have to contend with more than my fair share of that from our dear Kingly brother…..let me spend my last few days in peace and warmth, I have heard the Wall is cold.’’ Aelor seethed.
‘’It might not be the Wall, our brother is merciful, throw yourself at his mercy, confess your crimes, and I believe he will spare you the wall, a year or two in here and this could all be ove….’’ Vaeron began but his brother, who had turned to face the wall, suddenly wheeled on him like a cobra.
‘’I will never beg before him….do you hear me….NEVER.’’ His brother said venomously, the ferocity of his words causing Vaeron to take an instinctive step back.
‘’Then it will be the Wall then……’’ Vaeron said, when he had regained his composure.
His brother was silent at that, leaning on the small desk in his cell.
Why did I bother to come the Kingsguard thought with disgust, turning to leave, but just as he reached for the door handle his brother spoke.
‘’Unless you free me from here…..’’ Aelor said softly, almost gently.
Vaeron turned in shock before responding ‘’Are you mad? The danger of it all aside….what makes you think I would free you….after everything you have done….our Uncle Aemorys….those foul threats you made about me and Aelinor….why would I.’’
‘’Because I would do the same for you….and you are my brother.’’ Aelor said quietly.
Vaeron scoffed.
‘’Call me what you like Vaeron…think of me how you will….but you know I am not lying.’’ Aelor pressed.
Vaeron, despite himself, knew Aelor was telling the truth, if his affair with the Silent Sister Aelinor came to light and he was thrown into a cell, his younger brother would not stand back and let him be sent to the wall, he would do everything in his power to free him, reckless and headstrong as he was.
The Kingsguard was silent, battling within himself.
It's madness He thought to himself.
Aelor, seeing he would get no response nodded slowly.
‘’I wont beg…..Theres the door.’’ Aelor said tiredly, gesturing to it.
Vaeron grabbed the iron handle and was about to leave, but he could not force himself to open it….his mind still wrestling with his heart, the battle lines of good and evil, right and wrong, duty and kinship becoming blurred in a fierce melee of the mind and soul.
He turned.
‘’I will free you Aelor.’’ He said quietly, causing Aelor to look in surprise.
‘’I will free you on one condition.’’ Vaeron said, his heart beating as he put his thoughts into words.
‘’Name it.’’ Aelor said, standing from his chair.
‘’You will leave the Seven Kingdoms…leave Westeros…go to Essos, the Free Cities, farther east if you dare, find work as a sellsword or in some magisters court….but you will never return here….this madness about wanting the throne…it is over do you understand.’’ Vaeron said slowly, his heart ringing in his ears.
‘’I have a wife…..children.’’ Aelor said.
‘’You don't give a shit about them.’’ Vaeron said, more harshly than he intended.
Aelor shrugged ‘’Fair enough…..’’
‘’Swear it….swear it or I leave you in here.’’ Vaeron demanded.
Aelor sighed ‘’Very well….I swear I shall leave the Seven Kingdoms following my escape.’’
Vaeron steadied himself on the wall, hoping he was making the right choice.
It is the best way He told himself, in this way he could spare his brother decades of cold and miserable service at the wall, and also remove Aelor from Kings Landing, put an end to his plotting as spymaster and remove his threat to Aurion and his children, in this way he would still be guarding the King, albeit unorthodoxly.
‘’We don't have much time…the castle still sleeps for now, but in an hour or two….give me your sword….with no overseer of the dungeons it's just those two to take care of.’’ Aelor demanded.
Vaeron hesitated, in his decision making, he had completely forgotten the two guards outside, he could hardly just walk out of here with his brother….and yet…could he truly condemn these two innocent men to death….
He did not have long to make his choice as Aelor impatiently held out his hand and Vaeron slowly unbuckled his sword belt, handing the valyrian steel sword Dark Sister to his younger brother.
‘’Don't let them suffer.’’ Vaeron mumbled, the same feeling of shame he had felt with his uncle Aemorys deep in his soul.
A better man would deal the blow himself Vaeron thought to himself, but he held the blade out regardless, for he was a coward.
Aelor took the blade wordlessly and strode over to the door, pushing it open..
‘’All don….’’ The first guard asked as the door opened, clearly expecting Vaeron but before he could finish his sentence, the Seafyre prince brought Dark Sister in a slashing strike across the man's neck, sending a spray of dark red crimson blood across the walls, and the man collapsed, dead before he hit the ground.
The other guard was too stunned to do anything at first, and luckily for them did not cry out in alarm, instead fumbling for his sword while the other hand held the halberd out in front of him, as if he hoped it might protect him.
It did not.
Aelor ran the man through the chest from breast to back, the Valyrian steel puncturing the armor, Aelor, placed a hand over the man's mouth, stifling his groan and lowering him to the ground where he began to convulse before he went still.
With the two Dragon Cloaks dead, Aelor paused for a moment to listen for any sounds of approaching reinforcements, but it appeared these two men were still the only ones present in the tower cells for the highborn and the undergaelors had not heard.
Vaeron stepped out of the cell, looking in horror at the grisly sight of the two dead men, though he did his best to hide it.
Aelor grinned ‘’That's done.’’
Vaeron cleared his throat, which had went dry, holding up a hand, gingerly stepping over the two dead men he made his way to a small table in the guards antechamber adjourning the steps and picked up a wooden trencher with bread and meat sauce, and with a wineskin, filled a goblet, bringing it into Aelors cell before strewing the trencher and cup on the ground, then he drew one of the dead mens swords and handed it too Aelor silently.
‘’Smart…..no doubt the court will think I overcame them when they delivered my breakfast….clever.’’ Aelor said, nodding in approval.
‘’My sword?’’ Vaeron managed to get out, his mouth still dry and heart pounding.
Aelor looked at the bloody Valyrian steel blade of Visenya, turning it in his hand, and for a moment Vaeron feared his younger brother did not mean to return the blade, he could hardly do anything to prevent it.
But Aelor nodded slowly before extending the hilt towards the Kingsguard knight ‘’A fine blade……’’
Vaeron nodded thanks and took the bloodied sword.
Aelor, without a word, began to leave the room but Vaeron stopped him.
‘’Aelor….this is goodbye…..you understand that?’’ The Kingsguard said.
Aelor nodded and wordlessly and extended his hand and Vaeron took it.
‘’I expect you will make a fine sellsword….the Essosi will be no match for you…..and I…I hope you find happiness….sometimes I wonder if you've ever known that’’ Vaeron said awkwardly, clasping his shorter brothers hand and with the other giving Aelors shoulder a squeeze.
‘’I won't forget this.’’ Aelor responded simply, nodding goodbye and leaving, walking down the long winding stairs of the tower cell dungeons with swift strides, no doubt heading to one of the Red Keeps many secret exits that only a spymaster such as himself would know.
Just before he disappeared, his little brother turned and gave a final look, a small, almost knowing smile.
For one moment, Vaeron felt a feeling of fear, as if he had let loose a fox in the henhouse.
He has no allies, nowhere to go, he will be a wanted man here and in the Stepstones as long as Aurion and Maelyx live….he will have no choice to keep his oath and leave…this was goodbye Vaeron thought as he began to wipe down Blackfyre with a cloth, with Aelor going into self imposed banishment in Essos, he no longer needed to fear the day when he would have to choose between Aelor and Aurion, he would no longer have to fear waking up to a coup.
I had to get him out of the city…..I protected Aurion and his family and spared Aelor the Wall Vaeron said, reassuring himself a final time before he slipped quietly out of the tower into the darkness of the night.
5th - 6th Moon 125 AC
And so on the 20th day of the 5th Moon of 125 AC, Aelor Seafyre escaped from his tower cell in Kings Landing, with many of the court believing he had somehow overcome one of his guards when they entered his chambers with his breakfast, stealing a sword, slaying the two men and making good his escape.
In the days following his escape, many theorized that the Seafyre prince had fled to Essos where he was no doubt beyond any hope of recovery or capture, and true enough Aelor Seafyre did cross the Narrow Sea following his escape….but not to Essos….Aelor Seafyre sailed back to Deepstone, his island seat in the Stepstones.
It was there that Aelor Seafyre, gathered in front of a small army of perhaps 900 fisherfolk and former pirates declared himself King Aelor Seafyre, first of his name, scion of the House Targaryen, King of the Andals, the First Men, and the Rhoynar, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, Sovereign of the Riverlands and the Stepstones, and Protector of the Realm, and sent out ravens declaring that any leal lord or lady who raised their banners in his name would not go unrewarded.
To turn to the matter of King Aurion, we do know that he received word from the capitol, a raven from his son Maelyx, of his younger brothers imprisonment at the tourney of Langward Hall, and yet he did not order an immediate return to the capitol, perhaps willing to let his brother stew for a while, and give him some time to ponder what was to be done.
It seems however that King Aurion did not get word of his brothers escape until over a week after it had happened, as the raven never arrived in Langward Hall, with some theorizing that Aelor, after making his escape had met up with some followers of his since scattered and dissolved retinue in an unsavory winesink, and ordered them to shoot down any raven spotted flying in the direction of Langward Hall.
While King Aurion did eventually get word of his brothers escape and uprising from a rider, for at least a week afterwards he was unawares, but while the King did not know of the present danger, the Royal Family in Kings Landing was all too aware, and in the Red Keep, several of the children of King Aurion were plotting on how best they might help put down the uprising of their evil uncle….
30th of 5th Moon, 125 AC
Courtyard of the Red Keep, Kings Landing
Princess Baela Targaryen made her way through the courtyard of the Red Keep, her older brother Jaenar beside her, it was a warm yet windy day, and with annoyance she pushed her auburn brown hair from her lilac eyes.
The Red Keep was alive with movement and an excited energy, all stemming from the news that their evil uncle Aelor had declared himself King, their mother had ordered the Red Keep be doubly provisioned in the event of a siege, however unlikely and servants were rushing about the courtyard bringing barrels and sacks of foodstuffs to the larder. Out in Blackwater Bay, several war galleys flying the Targaryen banner were on alert.
The eldest daughter of the King Aurion gave a look to her older brother at her side, Jaenar was armored in a light black leather gambeson and cloak and wore a sword at his side, walking with that quiet confidence of his, their uncles uprising had affected him no small amount, his marriage to Olene Tyrell had been meant to take place next month, but with the realm on the brink of civil war, their mother Alicent had sent word to Highgarden that it was not wise for the lady Olene to take to the Kingsroad and that the nuptials would have to be delayed until stability was restored.
‘’I don't see why we have to bring Vaegon along with us….I am more than capable of doing his task….he should be the one that goes for the egg.’’ Baella complained as they made their way towards the White Sword Tower, where their brother Vaegon had promised he would find a way to disentangle himself from serving the brothers of the Kinsguard and meet them.
Jaenar did not break his stride or even look at her as he responded ‘’You are not old enough Baela.’’
The Princess scoffed.
Outside the White Sword Tower they found their brother Vaegon, a boy of 14 with short silver hair and the beginnings of a wispy goatee and mustache, even at only 11, Baela stood just as tall if not taller than him, especially with her black riding boots.
‘’Are you ready?’’ Jaenar asked.
Vaegon nodded ‘’I told Uncle Vaeron I would be shining the shields and he didn't question it….looked distracted by something… I've bought myself some time, but I don't like lying to him, I am a squire after all.’’
‘’You will be far more useful to your family with us than polishing some shields……father needs dragon riders….our uncle must be stopped….now enough talking, lets go.’’ Jaenar said curtly, gesturing to his younger siblings to follow him towards the stables.
Inside the Red Keeps stables, they made their way to a stableboy.
‘’We will need 3 horses.’’ Jaenar said.
‘’Beggin pardon m’prince, but Ser Garon said none were to leave the keep.’’ The stableboy said, clearly uncomfortable to be addressing three members of the royal family.
‘’Who are you to deny us…..you are just a smelly stableboy, and besides, Ser Garon is lowborn as well, we want three horses now.’’ Baela sneered tauntingly, unleashing her sharp tongue, which was well known throughout the keep, upon the poor stableboy.
The stableboy, red faced, looked at his feet in shame and murmured his apologies, quickly beginning to saddle their requested horses.
‘’You didnt have to be so mean to him.’’ Vaegon muttered but Baela ignored him.
With their horses secured, the three of them rode towards the main gates of the Red Keep, which were open, and busy with servants bringing in provisions and foodstuffs, they had almost managed to leave the castle without being spotted when a dragon cloak saw them.
‘’Will you be needing an escort?’’ The man asked, but Jaenar shook his head and gestured for the guard to move aside, but he made no move to do so.
‘’I am a man grown….and knighted, I can watch over my own siblings….if we need anything we shall find a squadron of gold cloaks or men-at-arms.’’ Her older brother said, and without another word, he ordered his horse forward, Baela and Vaegon doing the same and forcing the Dragon Cloak to step aside with a shout of protest.
The ride through the city was a quiet one, as both her brothers made no effort to break the silence, both clearly focused on the task ahead, as they turned onto the Street of Sisters, the Hill of Rhaenys and the Dragonpit rising above the city.
Within the hour they reached the Hill of Rhaenys, the streets had been swarming with patrols of gold cloaks and men-at-arms, no doubt due to the unease in the city which had been caused by their evil uncle's rebellion.
The plan was for her older brothers Jaenar and Vaegon to both claim a dragon, while Baela would secure an egg, this Jaenar claimed, would strengthen their families position, they were not children but members of the House of the Dragon and they must all do their part in combating their Seafyre uncle who meant to steal their birthright. Baela thought it was mostly to do with the fact that Aelors uprising had delayed his wedding, Jaenar certainly had more reason than most to want their Uncle defeated quickly.
The dragonpit was more heavily guarded then usual due to the unease in the city and the risk of Aelor sending saboteurs, and each of the entrances to the cavernous pit structure of the main dragonpit, as well as the separate pit housing their fathers dragon Vhagar, was guarded by several dragon keepers, wearing their armor of black plate.
As they approached the main entrance which was dozens of feet in width, they were stopped by a grizzled dragon keeper.
‘’My Princes…..Princess, what you brings you here?’’ The man asked, respectfully, yet firmly.
‘’We are here to see the dragons.’’ Vaegon lied.
‘’Seeing is fine, i'll send you in…..with an escort.’’ The dragon keeper captain said in a tone which brooked no argument, gesturing for several of his men to follow him and the Targaryen children into the pit.
They passed through the long cavernous corridor, where the entrances to the many pits opened up on the sides, they passed many beasts, the small yet brilliantly colored blue dragon Saphyre was being fed a sheep in one pit, while in another, the forty foot pale green Chalfyre, dragon of their great Aunt Larrisa was growling in its sleep.
‘’A strange beast that one.’’ The dragon keeper said, nodding at Chalfyre.
They passed a heavy iron door with smoke and mist being visible from beneath it.
‘’What is in there?’’ Jaenar asked.
‘’That would be the hatchery my Prince.’’ The dragon keeper said, and Jaenar gave a not so subtle look to Baela who nodded her understanding.
They continued to make their way down the corridor, where there were pits to the left and right, housing the dull golden dragon Kastax whos golden wing was blanched white membrane where the hole from the scorpion bolt had healed, while on the other was the orange dragon Oathwing, the former mounts of Viserys Goldfyre and Aenys Targaryen respectively., the domed ceilings of these pits had been drawn open to allow the dragons to get some sun.
Jaenar paused in front of these pits, and turned to the Dragon Keeper captain.
‘’In truth me and my brother have not come just to see the dragons, but to claim Oathwing and Kastax as our mounts…we will be needing a dragon egg as we….’’ Jaenar began.
The grizzled dragon keeper raised a hand ‘’I thought as much……and I am sorry my Prince, but I won't allow it….claiming a dragon is a process, you must be tutored in Valyrian, dragonspeech and the temperament of the beasts by men of our order…and I’ve no notion of how your Valyrian is.’’
‘’It is not your place to deny us…’’ Jaenar began.
‘’Say what you like my Prince, but I won't permit it…..only with permission from your father himself, and with your Uncles declaration we don't have time to train you until this is all over…you have my word when stability returns I will train you myself…Kastax…and…Andalax perhaps, Oathwing is too wild.’’ The dragon keeper said sternly.
Her older brother continued to protest and argue with the dragon keepers, and Baela realized this was her chance, none of them were focusing on her, quietly she slipped away unnoticed, doubling her way back to the hatchery chamber she had passed.
The door was heavy and hot to the touch, and even though Baela was tall and strong for a girl of 11, almost 12, it took all her strength to pull it open.
Inside was a large smoking and steaming room, the mists making it hard to see, braziers were arranged along the walls and on brass plates were several dragon eggs, glowing in the heat. The room was feverishly hot and humid and within a minute Baela was drenched in sweat.
She made her way towards the egg braziers and reached out to touch one, pulling her hand when it was clear the egg was hot to the touch, cursing, she made a makeshift covering of her sleeves.
What Princess Baela did not know however, was the hatchery did not only contain dragon eggs…..but was also used on occasion to inter hatchlings who enjoyed the heat and steam, inside today was the hatchling Ahrugon, a small scaly dragon of 7 feet and uncertain coloration which was bonded to Aurions third son, Prince Maegor.
Ahrugon, who had been sleeping on a steamy rock outcropping in the back of the chamber, obscured by steam, heard the intruder to the hatchery and immediately went to investigate, the Princess Baela, who was so intent on retrieving the egg did not notice its approach, and feeling the scaly dragons nuzzling against her leg, instinctively pushed hard at curious hatchlings snout…a very unwise thing so far as dragons are concerned.
Ahrugon shrieked and let forth a sparking torrent of smoke and fire towards Baelas hand.
The Princess, looking down in horror, realized that her sleeves were alight, and her skin was burning.
With pure agony running through her hand, she screamed loudly and fell to her knees as her hand cracked and burned with dragonfire.
Moments Before
The Dragonpit, Kings Landing
Its hopeless thought Vaegon Targaryen, his older brother Jaenar had tried every way to convince the grizzled dragon keeper to step aside, but the man would not budge…..without their fathers consent there would be no dragon claiming.
Jaenar still stubbornly persisted, growing more impatient by the minute, Vaegon tried to give his older brother a look, this was clearly not going to work and they could not defy the Dragon Keepers.
His older brother, normally quiet and calm, was clearly frustrated, more so than Vaegon had ever seen him.
Before the fruitless arguing could continue any further, suddenly there was a muffled sound in the distance, Vaegon could not make it out exactly but it sounded like the echo of a scream.
‘’Wait here!’’ The Dragon Keeper demanded, running towards the source of the noise.
Jaenar gave Vaegon a look as the black armored dragon keepers rounded the corner and disappeared from sight, gesturing to one of the doors, now was their chance, Jaenar rushed to open the large iron door to the left, while Vaegon ran to the one on the right, both were not currently fastened or secured with bolts or chains.
Vaegon quietly closed the large door, only as it shut did he truly realize the enormity of what he was going to do.
The dull golden dragon Kastax, 35 feet in length, raised its head from a pile of smoking sheep bones, green eyes narrowed and looking at Vaegon silently.
‘’You're quiet……I get it…so am I.’’ Vaegon said slowly, raising a hand in front of him as he inched forward, adrenaline running through his veins.
Suddenly he remembered from his lessons and previous visits to the Dragonpit that the dragon keepers and riders only spoke to the dragons in Valyrian.
‘’Gīda Kastax…..Gīda’’ Calm Kastax Calm Vaegon continued, searching through his memory of his Valyrian lessons before settling on what he hoped was the correct word.
Kastax did not immediately incinerate him so he took it to mean he could even approach, and slowly he placed a gentle hand on the dragon's snout.
‘’Doeharis’’ Serve Prince Vaegon Targaryen said softly.
The dragon rumbled slightly and for a moment Vaegar was tempted to step back yet he remained firm, held his ground and his hand remained on Kastax.
Suddenly the dragon gracefully lowered its head in a sign of submission, and Vaegon, grabbing one of the saddles in the pit from a nearby hook, quickly attached it, his arms buzzing with nervous excitement.
He climbed on.
‘’Ok.’’ He began, breathing heavily and stroking the back of the dragon's head, and it was only then in that moment, he realized that in their haste, he had not seen where his sister Baela had went, but it was too late to turn back now.
From the nearby pit he heard a wild snarling from the adjoining pit that his brother had entered, but he heard no shouts of pain or terror so his brother must be succeeding.
‘’Sōvegon’’ fly He commanded softly, and no sooner had he finished the words, the dragon took to the skies and Vaegon just managed to grab onto the saddle as they went upwards through the opened ceiling.
It was late evening as Kastax took to the skies above Kings Landing, a warm wind on the air, looking around him he could see for miles in every direction, from the Blackwater Rush to the south, to the bay in the east.
Prince Vaegon had always been a quiet boy, not prone to shouting or raising his voice often, but in that moment he felt truly alive as he had never felt before, Kastax, as if sensing his excitement sped up slightly.
‘’WOOOOOHOOO.’’ Vaegon shouted, thrilled as he urged the dull golden dragon to go even faster, he could see crowds forming below in the streets as they watched, the citizenry of Kings Landing no longer hid in terror when the dragons flew above them as they had in the Conqueror's reign,, yet instead crowded to watch ‘’their’’ dragons as the people called them whenever they had the chance too.
Suddenly he noticed a flash of movement in the corner of his eye, and turning, he saw that his brother Jaenar had taken to the skies as well, mounted on the back of the larger burnt orange dragon Oathwing.
Something seemed to be wrong however, Oathwing was shrieking and twisting wildly in resistance to its rider, his brother holding on tightly to its neck as they shot through the air
‘’GĪDA is the word for calm, GĪDA!’’ Vaegon shouted as loud as he could, trying in vain to yell over the winds as his brother continued to struggle to control the dragon.
He did not know if his older brother heard him, but he saw Jaenar turn towards him with an expression Vaegon would only realize much later must have been fear.
With a final wild shriek, Oathwing suddenly turned upwards and began to spin, flapping its wings rapidly as it shot upwards into the sky.
Vaegon, his blood running cold could only watch as his older brother fell from the dragon, uttering not a single cry as he fell hundreds of feet towards the cobbled and dark streets of Kings Landing below.
Vaegon could only watch as his brother, arms and legs flailing, fell to his doom……
Vaegon did not remember much of what came after, as he huddled tightly onto the back of Kastax, his tears freezing on his face as the harsh wind roared across his face, where before he wanted nothing more than to stay in the air forever, now he wanted nothing more than to be on the ground.
Kastax eventually made its way back to its pit in the Dragonpit, with Vaegon still clutching onto the dragon well after it landed, scarcely paying any attention to the dragon keepers or their questions as they pulled him off the saddle.
Waiting outside of the dragonpit was his Uncle Vaeron and a squadron of mounted Dragon Cloaks.
‘’What have you done……what happened.’’ The Kingsguard demanded.
‘’I…I.’’ Vaegon croaked, his mouth so dry he could not finish the sentence.
Vaeron gave a look to the grim looking Dragon Keepers and slowly nodded.
‘’Come….let's get you home.’’ His uncle said, placing a gentle hand on his nephew's shoulder and helped him onto a horse, wrapping his Kingsguard cloak around his shoulders, a necessity since Vaegons teeth had begun to chatter involuntarily.
Vaegon remembered nothing of the ride back, save that his uncle rode beside him, a hand on his shoulder.
After some time, how long Vaegon could not say, they arrived back in the Red Keep and he was escorted over the bridge into Vaemonds Holdfast towards his mothers chambers.
As he passed, the servants and the guards gave him somber and pitying glances.
They know He thought to himself.
‘’Does my mother….’’ Vaegon began.
‘’No.’’ His uncle Vaeron answered, and it was clear from his own thick voiced response that he too was full of grief.
His mothers chambers were completely empty, save for a few guards and the Grandmaester Owen and his acolytes, his brother Maelyx was also inside, leaning against the wall, arms folded, a grim expression on his face.
Everyone knows but my mother Vaegon realized.
Inside, he saw his sister Baela laying on a bed, whimpering in pain as the Grandmaester applied salves and ointments to her hand and forearm which were clearly badly burned.
‘’Vaegon….thank the seven….I had men searching the city for you for hours….what were you thinking bringing your sister with you….she is 11 years old, how did this happen, I still dont understand’’ His mother said standing from her kneeling position at Baelas bedside, embracing him before pulling off as if realizing something.
‘’Where is Jaenar…I was told your Uncle would be bringing both of you back from your foolishness at the dragonpit.’’ She demanded.
‘’Alicent….the boy is in shock.’’ Vaeron said softly.
‘’What is he talking about….Vaegon….where is your brother?’’ Alicent asked, confused, her confused tone growing more and more desperate with every word.
‘’Mother…’’ Maelyx said, approaching her and placing a hand on her shoulder.
Alicent pushed her eldest sons hand off of her shoulder, turning around the room.
‘’Where is my son….what has happened….why wont you tell me?’’ The Queen demanded softly.
Vaeron, Maelyx and the Grandmaester exchanged looks, as if weighing who should speak.
It was Vaegon who broke the silence, the words spilling out before he could think.
‘’He….He fell.’’ The Prince said softly.
Vaegon Targaryen would not remember much of that day, but there was one thing he would remember until the end of his days, and that was the sound Alicent Hightower made as she fell to her knees, shrieking like some sort of wounded animal, grieving for her dead son.
Her cries echoed through the silence of the Red Keep.
Screw Aelor. That scum may burn, he deserves it. But by gods, he is so entertaining to read.
Vaegon is shaping to become the cooler Vaeron, brave where his uncle is craven. Hopes are this hella bad day tempers him and doesn't break or bend him out of shape, as it very well may.
And the atmosphere of relative calm before a storm is palpable. Absolutely great writing.
The most shocking thing was that traitor brother and coward brother are best buds. Baela is a true successor to the Queen of Skulls, cruel and proud. She will probably tackle the dragon pit again. Vaegon is a dragon rider. Maelyx has evil uncle and little brother and sister wanting dragons. It will take generations for stability. Thanks
The death of the loyal dragonriders is a blow to the realm's stability, but it looks like some replacements might emerge... that will be good for this dance.
Aelor is proud, and I can't help but think that said pride will come back to bite him...
Will Vaeron take Aurion's side or Aelor's? He's guilty of betraying the crown, but he also unofficially exiled Aelor to Essos. I wonder if he is simply too trusting...
And there it is, the first Targaryen infighting, not yet a dance but a somber sign of what's to come. Shame on the death of a Royal prince though, a tragic tale that one.
For all his ambition, Aelor really is painfully unsubtle sometimes lol. This is at least the second time now that he’s decided to murder someone on the very same day that they upset him somehow lol, it was bound to blow up in his face eventually.
Vaeron, oh Vaeron. I *want* to be proud of you, because I think you do mean well, but damn… you make it very hard. Two innocent guards dead and probably countless hundreds more to die at war because of your unreliable morality. Regarding Vaeron: This chapter implies that he’s carrying Blackfyre, but I thought Aurion had kept that as the royal sword and granted Vaeron Dark Sister instead a few chapters back?
I do seriously pity the dragonkeepers honestly. They have so many reckless Targaryen kids to deal with now, sneaking in to get mutilated or killed. They gotta up their manpower or something, at least 10 watchful dragonkeepers for every little silver-haired problem child. (Speaking of silver-haired, it’s an interesting stroke of chance that all of Aurion’s many sons seem to have inherited the white Hightower hair from Alicent, making them ironically look more Valyrian than Aurion, who only passed on his genes to both his daughters)
Aelor’s rebellion could be the biggest crisis since the Lion’s Rebellion, or it could be little more than a wet fart. For one thing, to my recollection at least, we still don’t know for sure whether Aelor has any dragon of his own, which will make a huge difference. There’s also Valerion (and Matarys to a lesser extent), conspicuously absent from all this chaos so far, who could either join in on his brother’s foolishness or use this as an opportunity to destroy one potential rival to his own ascension and solidify his control over the Stepstones.
Aelor is a pretty reckless figure. He has tried to get people murdered on a whim and it exposed his murderous nature to everybody who wasn't paying him any attention before. He is also starting a rebellion without any preparations to tarnish Aurion's reputation beforehand or any assurances that he will have any reliable allies at all. Aelor is hoping there are enough ambitious, bold and greedy lords willing to back a fairly illegitimate claimant in exchange for significant concessions to overlook the legitimacy issues of his claim. Aelor may also hope that there is a lot of hidden discontent with Aurion. If there is hidden discontent with Aurion and say the Ironborn or the Northerners use the crisis as a chance to seek independence, they wouldn't accept Aelor as leader and their rebellions would only serve as a distraction for the Iron Throne.
Alternately, it seems wholly possible at this point that nobody joins Aelor's rebellion and the rebellion is swiftly crushed. In real life, there were plenty of would-be usurpers who declared themselves the new ruler only to discover that they had no support and were crushed or forced to surrender. Aelor probably feels that he has nothing to lose and potentially everything to gain with his rebellion. At best, he seizes the Iron Throne. At worst, he is imprisoned or sent to the Wall which would be his destination anyway if he simply stayed and accepted judgment for the attempted murder. Aelor probably believes that Aurion is soft and would never execute or mutilate one of his brothers for treason. Aelor does not care for his family so having his children lose their inheritance in the event Aelor is stripped of his titles means nothing to him.
We will have to wait and see if this dragon dance will become a massive civil war or be more one-sided than the war between Maegor and Aegon the Uncrowned in the canon.
Vaeron is a disgrace to his white cloak, is a liability to the Iron Throne, and should be removed from the Kingsguard at the first opportunity.
Bolder young Targaryens sneaking into the dragonpit to try to claim one of the dragons is practically tradition at this point. The nature of dragon bonds and claiming makes it difficult to deter young Targaryen royals from trying to claiming one of the dragons. The danger of an unauthorized dragon claiming attempt is not that different than an authorized dragon claiming attempt, so the danger is not a deterrence. The dragons do not know if the person trying to bond with them was authorized by the monarch to do so or not after all. The main difference is that a person who was not authorized to claim a dragon might be less prepared than an authorized one. Once a dragon is bonded to a rider, the bond can only be broken by death. The dragons are too rare and valuable to be killed just because the rider was not authorized to claim one. If you declared an unauthorized dragon claiming is punishable by death, those who would try anyway and manage to succeed at claiming a dragon would just immediately use the dragon to blast the Red Keep to try to usurp the Iron Throne in order to save themselves. If you declared an unauthorized dragon claiming is punishable by a long stay in a dungeon cell, those who would try anyway and manage to succeed at claiming a dragon would just flee Westeros and take the dragon with them.
Assassinations of unauthorized dragon riders would be an unreliable measure with obvious dangerous potential backlash. Queen Laena did successful assassinations of unauthorized dragon riders during her reign but those were foreigners who didn't know Laena's reputation. As a method of control against unauthorized Targaryen dragon riders, there are some additional downsides to assassinations. First of all, many Targaryen monarchs may just not be willing to commit kin slaying. If the monarch is willing to assassinate their kin, that it would only work once, and everybody afterwards would just immediately use the dragon to blast the Red Keep to try to usurp the Iron Throne in order to save themselves from the assassination attempts. You could declare that anybody who caught trying to illegally claim a dragon will be severely punished or killed by the dragonkeepers but those who successfully claim a dragon illegally will not be harmed in a Not Cheating Unless You Get Caught policy. The potential problem with this policy is would the monarch be happy if the dragonkeepers reported one day that they shot a disguised person trying to claim a dragon illegally with arrows and the person turned out to be one of the monarch's children?
Increasing the number of Dragonkeepers would be an imperfect solution but probably the most sensible one. Since it is not practical to punish successful unauthorized dragon claimings after the fact and the dangers of unauthorized dragon claimings are not good deterrances against doing so, it would be best to focus on prevent it from happening in the first place. If you really do not like random princes and persons claiming dragons, there are submods that allow you to revoke control of dragons from unwanted riders out there. I personally wouldn't use such submods because that goes against the established dragon ride lore but the option is there.
Is Prince Aelor's war for the Iron Throne a custom thing? Normally, a failed imprisonment attempts triggers a revolt or tyranny war where the rebels seek to depose their liege but not necessarily usurping the throne from what I remember.
Thats good to hear considering Aelor has been one of the hardest chars to write for some reason, and yes he does deserve to die, but this is game of thrones after all and only time will tell......
They have a complicated relationship, and the fact that they are friends in the game has made for some interesting writing, but Vaeron tried to spare his brother being sent to the wall and get him out of the Seven Kingdoms at the same time.....it backfired big time.
Will Vaeron take Aurion's side or Aelor's? He's guilty of betraying the crown, but he also unofficially exiled Aelor to Essos. I wonder if he is simply too trusting...
Vaeron is a craven so it would take a lot for him to fully oppose the crown, especially after he has already stuck out his neck for Aelor and is too blame for Aelors rebellion, he does have the quick trait so the smart thing for him to do would probably lay low for a while, but then again it wasnt very smart to free Aelor. I like to think that Vaeron did at the bottom of his heart know that Aelor could not be trusted to actually leave Westeros, but he convinced himself on a surface level that it was the right thing to do.
For all his ambition, Aelor really is painfully unsubtle sometimes lol. This is at least the second time now that he’s decided to murder someone on the very same day that they upset him somehow lol, it was bound to blow up in his face eventually.
Aelor is a pretty reckless figure. He has tried to get people murdered on a whim and it exposed his murderous nature to everybody who wasn't paying him any attention before. He is also starting a rebellion without any preparations to tarnish Aurion's reputation beforehand or any assurances that he will have any reliable allies at all. Aelor is hoping there are enough ambitious, bold and greedy lords willing to back a fairly illegitimate claimant in exchange for significant concessions to overlook the legitimacy issues of his claim.
The brave and wrothful traits have in my mind made him a pretty reckless figure for sure, It has been interesting to write an intrigue education focused character with such a major weakness, Laena also had the wrothful trait, but there was also the genius trait to balance it out, and I portrayed her fits of anger as relatively short in duration, Aelor on the other hand has been angry his entire life ever since I first wrote him hearing about his mothers death, it is a definite weakness in him, but in terms of starting a rebellion without securing suppourt, it is worth noting that Aelor, as seen with Vaeron, is very manipulative......
Vaeron, oh Vaeron. I *want* to be proud of you, because I think you do mean well, but damn… you make it very hard. Two innocent guards dead and probably countless hundreds more to die at war because of your unreliable morality.
I agree, I think Vaeron means well, but his justifications can certainly be unreliable. And it is true, any potential consequences or bloodshed stemming from Aelors uprising fall upon his shoulders.
Regarding Vaeron: This chapter implies that he’s carrying Blackfyre, but I thought Aurion had kept that as the royal sword and granted Vaeron Dark Sister instead a few chapters back?
Good catch, I completely spaced there, went ahead and changed that, Aurion has Blackfyre and Vaeron has Dark Sister, at some point I would love to somehow get another custom Valyrian steel sword as well.
do seriously pity the dragonkeepers honestly. They have so many reckless Targaryen kids to deal with now, sneaking in to get mutilated or killed. They gotta up their manpower or something, at least 10 watchful dragonkeepers for every little silver-haired problem child.
I agree, one of the things I do regret a little is I have made the dragon keepers of the Dragonpit and the Dragon Cloaks of the Red Keep seem pretty incompetent but it has been necessary to allow Targaryens to sneak out of the castle in some scenes and justify how some Targaryens who normally would not be allowed to attempt to tame dragons or go out into the city end up doing so. I will probably have to frame most future attempts to tame dragons as being official and dragon keeper sanctioned as it is getting a little repetative showing Targaryens constantly sneaking out of the Red Keep and into the Dragonpit.
Speaking of silver-haired, it’s an interesting stroke of chance that all of Aurion’s many sons seem to have inherited the white Hightower hair from Alicent, making them ironically look more Valyrian than Aurion, who only passed on his genes to both his daughters
I did at one point age up the Targaryen kids to see their appearances so I could write them better (obviously reloaded the save after) and it is interesting, Baela is actually the only one that has inherited Aurions Tully auburn brownish hair and one of the only kids that inherited his purple eyes, most of his kids have the Hightower silver hair and the Hightower blue eyes of Alicent. His youngest daughter actually is the most Targaryen looking one with silver hair and purple eyes (the only child with that appearance)....by far the strangest thing I found however is we are going to have no less than two blonde Targaryens........with the blonde hair stemming from Alicents father.
Aelor’s rebellion could be the biggest crisis since the Lion’s Rebellion, or it could be little more than a wet fart. For one thing, to my recollection at least, we still don’t know for sure whether Aelor has any dragon of his own, which will make a huge difference. There’s also Valerion (and Matarys to a lesser extent), conspicuously absent from all this chaos so far, who could either join in on his brother’s foolishness or use this as an opportunity to destroy one potential rival to his own ascension and solidify his control over the Stepstones.
As I mentioned before, I have kept the dragon situation pretty tight lipped, but Aelor does potentially have an Ace up his sleeve....whether or not he is able to play it is the question. Valerion has been absent from all of this, but he (along with Matarys) will have POVs in the final part of this chapter which will show how they stand in the current situation, Balaerons role in this will also be shown.
Aelor probably feels that he has nothing to lose and potentially everything to gain with his rebellion. At best, he seizes the Iron Throne. At worst, he is imprisoned or sent to the Wall which would be his destination anyway if he simply stayed and accepted judgment for the attempted murder. Aelor probably believes that Aurion is soft and would never execute or mutilate one of his brothers for treason. Aelor does not care for his family so having his children lose their inheritance in the event Aelor is stripped of his titles means nothing to him.
If you really do not like random princes and persons claiming dragons, there are submods that allow you to revoke control of dragons from unwanted riders out there. I personally wouldn't use such submods because that goes against the established dragon ride lore but the option is there.
I took a look at the submod, I am wary of adding mods in the middle of a playthrough but it does seem safe to add, I agree if I did end up installing it I wouldnt use it regularly, but to could be a good tool to use just in case something very unrealistic or not fitting with the story happened, ill consider adding it in the future.
Is Prince Aelor's war for the Iron Throne a custom thing? Normally, a failed imprisonment attempts triggers a revolt or tyranny war where the rebels seek to depose their liege but not necessarily usurping the throne from what I remember.
Not a custom thing as far as I remember, maybe it has to do with the fact that I tried to imprison Aelor via an event (Emerick Stonecrab request one) as opposed to imprisonment option.
-To All: Thank you for the comments/likes. I will start writing the next part of this chapter today, despite it being a pretty big chapter importance wise, I dont think it will take me all that long to write as I have the structure of this chapter pretty much settled, not sure when it will be finished though, thinking maybe next week.
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.
What would have been my question thoroughly answered in the comment responses. Yes, it is a familiar lament for CK players. Interested to hear about your narrative—supporting system; it certainly led to a spectacular naval battle story, so Braavo [] for that!
Thank you for reading in the first place! I know the feeling well and hope to get caught up on your AAR soon, though luckily I only have 2 chapters. For reasons Ill explain after I post this next chapter momentarily, this is probably a good time to get caught up as there will be a little break in the AAR for multiple reasons.
Thank you, it is a pretty rudimentary system, whenever two enemy fleets enter the same sea zone (in this case 117 friendly ships to 100 hostile ones) and I generate a number between 1 and 117 for friendly and 1 and 100 for hostile fleet to simulate losses, and I will do a roll as to whether combat continues if losses are low, as I said its very rudimentary and doesnt really take into account quality of ships (though I suppose I could do different phases, skirmish phase roll between 1-20)) the main reason I do it though is for story reasons as in game it doesnt make much of a difference but ASOIAF has a lot of naval combat and I wanted to include some of that.
6th Moon, 125 AC
Courtyard of the Red Keep, King's Landing
It was an odd thing to prepare oneself to watch a brother burn.
With that thought in mind, Prince Maelyx Targaryen forced himself to take another final look at the body laying upon the black slab of dragonglass in the middle of the courtyard of Kings Landing.
The body lying upon the slab did not much look like his younger brother Jaenar, Maelyx had to admit, the Maesters had done their best, but the injuries sustained during his brothers fall hundreds of feet down to the Street of Sisters had made it necessary for his brother to be sent to his rest with a golden face shroud, and the black half cloak covered much of his body, hiding where he had lost an arm.
Maelyx felt a nagging sense of guilt, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't seem to truly feel grief for his younger brother's death, there was sadness yes, but the feeling of grief one might expect when losing a brother was absent, and Maelyx felt more true sadness for his mothers loss than the fact his brother was dead.
He rationalized it was because he had not truly known Jaenar, who had been sent to Highgarden when he was only a boy of 6, and the two had not had much of a chance to bond, either during his absence or after his brief return, Jaenar had always been quiet and had refused or put off most of his more gregarious older brothers overtures or attempts to spend time together.
And so Maelyx was left to grieve the young boy he had known as the man his brother had grown into was near foreign to him, he remembered Jaenar as a boy had always tried to emulate him, always following him around and trying to do as he did, the two had even come to look similar, though Maelyx was taller and broader of shoulder.
You shall not be forgotten Maelyx thought as he looked towards the body of his brother.
Despite the occasion of his brother's funeral, Maelyx still could not give his brother the grief or respect he deserved on this final parting, for he was distracted by the news which was beginning to trickle into the capital…the first skirmishes were beginning to take place as his Uncle Aelors rebellion claimed its first lives.
The first such conflict had taken place in the body of water known as the Gullet, not far from his own seat of Dragonstone. The aged Lord Massey, Lord of Stonedance and the former Master-of-Ships had pledged 16 war galleys to the crown, which he would lead personally to join with the Royal Fleet in Dragonstone.
Unknown to Lord Massey however…..his Uncle Aelor had laid an ambush, sending fifteen small yet swift war galleys of the Stepstones to lie in wait, almost all of his strength at sea, no doubt tipped off by one of his informants on the mainland. As Lord Massey and his ships had rounded the northern tip of Sharp Point they were set upon by the Seafyre ships and a fierce naval battle had taken place at the Battle of the Gullet.
The result had been a decisive victory for his rebellious Uncle Aelor, all but one of Masseys galleys had been sunk or rendered useless, with Lord Massey only barely escaping the battle himself. Hundreds were dead or wounded.
Reports suggested that his Uncle Aelors forces had not come off completely unscathed however, with his uncle losing at least 7 galleys, leaving him with perhaps only eight to ten still seaworthy.
A battle born of desperation Maelyx thought to himself, his Uncle was an intelligent man, and knew that he would need a victory against the crown to hang his hat on if he were to have any chance , it was a bold decision to show the powerful Lords of the realm this rebellion was truly a threat…and he had done so, yet at the cost of nearly half of his meager fleet.
The battle on the seas of the Gullet was not the only fighting that was taking place, a raven had reached him from Boar Isle, where the newly appointed Lord Forley Crakehall was leading what few men he had been able to raise in his short time as Lord, skirmishing with Seafyre men from Flame Isle.
Crakehall had resisted valiantly with so few men, skirmishing with the Seafyres and attempting to dispute their landing, but the raven admitted he had eventually been forced to retreat to his small castle with fewer than fifty followers, as hundreds of Seafyre men began to surround the fort, though Lord Crakehall promised he would hold out as long as possible, even if they had to resort to eating their own boot leather.
These conflicts, while noteworthy, were small in scale, and were not the most concerning news…not by half. In the absence of a Spymaster, and with his father devoting much of his attention since his return to comforting Alicent, Maelyx had taken it upon himself to be the first to receive any new ravens to the capitol, and only an hour before this funeral, he had received some truly concerning news……
He forced himself to put that out of his mind for the moment, it was his brother's funeral ... .and the time to worry about such things would come in a few short hours, now it was time to lay his brother to rest.
He gave a look towards his parents, his mother was dressed all in black, wearing a veil, her eyes downcast, she had been inconsolable since Jaenars death, though his father, the King had returned from Langward Hall three days prior and was at least some solace to her, as Maelyx observed his father slowly taking her hand in his own, a look of grief visible on his own face.
Sensing it was time, Maelyx gave a nod to the Septons in attendance, with his parents in their current state, it had fallen on him to organize his brother's funeral. The septons approached the slab and anointed his brother as best they could with sacred oils and incense, making a lap around the pyre as another began to pray loudly, with their prayers finished, they turned and left the pyre.
It was now time for Maelyx to go up and say the final words, he gave a look to his wife, Myria Tyrell, who like all the men and women present, was adorned in a dress of black silk.
‘’I don't see why you cant let the Septons finish the rites.’’ His wife said, running a hand through her silver hair, a somewhat disapproving look on her face, as a devout follower of the Seven, she did not much appreciate the mixture of Valyrian funeral rites with that of the faith of the Seven, something she had made known more than once that day.
‘’My brother was a Targaryen….he deserves to be laid to rest as such…it is tradition, nothing more.’’ Maelyx said lightly, giving a small pat on the head to his second son Vaelaenor before making his way to the slab of dragonstone which his brother's body laid upon.
There, Maelyx said the traditional words, speaking in well practiced and clear Valyrian, aware that only a select few in the audience would understand him, yet he continued undaunted, speaking the traditional Valyrian funeral rites known only to a few, asking the gods of Fire and Storm to grant safe passage to this fallen son of Valyria.
With that finished, he gave a look to his fathers brother and one of his closest friends, Balaeron, who gave a nod of assent and began to walk towards a nearby adjourning walled courtyard, but Maelyx grabbed him by the shoulder lightly as he passed.
‘’Thank you for this.’’ Maelyx said.
‘’It is the least I can do.’’ Balaeron responded, continuing towards the adjourning courtyard.
Balaeron returned a few moments later, leading his small dragon Saphyre which shuffled along on foot and wing after him, blue scales glimmering in the dull sun, the King had wanted to lay Jaenar to rest himself, but Vhagar was far too large to safely rest in the Red Keeps primary courtyard and far too angry to be trusted in the presence of so many mourners, so Maelyx had asked Balaeron to do the final honors. He had asked his Uncle Vaeron if he might lend Tridaxes fire to the pyre as well, but his Uncle had curtly refused, dark circles of tiredness under his eyes.
Maelyx watched as Balaeron mounted Saphyre, and then as his father wrapped his powerful arms around his mother, pulling her close, giving Balaeron a slight nod.
‘’Dracarys.’’ Balaeron commanded, Saphyre needing no more instruction as he bathed the pyre of dragonglass with a long torrent of blue-orange flame, just as beautiful as his own scales, setting the Pyre alight.
Maelyx watched sadly as his brother's body flickered in the burning flame, obscured, becoming harder and harder to see until at last all semblance of what had been his brother slowly dissipated.
Following this, the mourners made their way from the courtyard, either to the small castle Sept of the Red Keep to light candles and sing hymns in the fallen prince's name or to the Throne Room for a light feast.
Maelyx stayed behind for a while first in the courtyard and then a short time in the Throne Room, accepting condolences from the gathered lords, knights and other courtiers on behalf of his father and mother,and thanking them for their condolences and attendance with well practiced courtesy.
When he felt he could no longer keep quiet the ill news he had received that morning he went to find his father, the King.
He found him in the Sept, standing at the back row, arms crossed, standing next to his Kingsguard brother Vaeron who had the same tired circles under his eyes. His mother Alicent was knelt before the altar to the Mother praying, his wife Myria knelt next to her, comforting her mother in law as she lit a candle to her son.
His father turned slowly, noticing his eldest son.
‘’You spoke well for your brother.’’ The King said, a tired sad smile on his face.
Maelyx nodded uneasily ‘’Could we speak?’’
‘’I don't want to leave your mother.’’ His father grunted, gesturing to the paying Alicent, still knelt in prayer.
‘’I'm afraid it cant wait…I received a raven this morning.’’ Maelyx said, and his father nodded silently, rising and instructing Vaeron to watch the Queen.
The two men made their way up the stairs to a secluded guard tower on the ramparts of the Red Keep, facing Blackwater Bay.
‘’Dark wings, Dark Words?’’ His father asked, the same grim and tired half smile on his lips.
‘’You can be the judge of that.’’ Maelyx replied lightly, withdrawing the raven scroll and handing it to his father.
Aurion read the scroll in silence before nodding slightly, neatly folding the scroll back into the tube and handing it back to Maelyx.
‘’I cant say im surprised….the woman faces an unenviable decision….loyalty to her son-in-law and daughter or her King….and yet I had hoped my visits to Sunspear in the past…..’’ Aurion said.
‘’We can't know for sure….she has not announced her intentions as of yet.’’ Maelyx said, though without much hope.
The raven he had received that morning had been from Blackhaven, seat of House Dondarrion. The Stormlands, the Dornish Marches included, were in the beginnings of a conflict between the Baratheons and several Stormlords unhappy with Raymont Baratheons tyrannical revocation of Galemont.
Despite the conflict, which due to current circumstances Maelyx was unable to prevent as Master-of-Laws, Lord Galladon Dondarrion had still made time to do his duty to the throne, sending a raven bearing the ill news that the Dornish were raising an army in the Stoneway, on the orders of House Martell.
The fact that the Martells were raising an army was not itself disturbing, Lord Norman Tyrell was in Highgarden raising a force, and Houses Stark, Arryn, and Lannister had also promised to send forces to oppose Aelor Seafyre if they were needed, the Tullys had not as of yet begun to marshal a force, yet would surely aid the Throne if needed. This left only the Stormlands, which were currently embroiled in civil war, and the Ironborn who seemed content to do nothing.
What made the Martells' raising of an army most concerning was that they had already begun raising men and yet had not sent a raven announcing their intentions, despite the fact one surely would have arrived if they had sent it. The fact that the aged Princess Meria Martell’s daughter Danella was married to the rebellious Aelor Seafyre was also concerning……
‘’We can't know for sure…and yet I fear there is only one reason they would muster an army without explaining their intentions to us….whether they truly have declared for my brother, or are just raising their forces to see what happens….something must be done.’’ Aurion pondered, running a hand through his dark auburn beard.
‘’Send Balaeron or Vaeron with a force to march south, the prospect of facing a dragon, even a small one, should give the Martells pause to do anything with this army they have raised.’’ Maelyx suggested.
His father looked thoughtful ‘’I want Vaeron here in the city, he has a good military mind and it would put me at ease to know your mother and siblings are protected by him….as for Balaeron…..yes….yes that might work…..I will send Balaeron and his dragon to join this force to the Dornish border….but you will be accompanying him….I will send word to Norman Tyrell to send a force to Horn Hill should the Dornish try the Princes Pass.’’
Maelyx looked at his father with surprise ‘’I am no military man.’’ True enough he was trained at arms as any royal princeling should be, but he much preferred the world of ravens and diplomacy to the art of war and he could not count himself as a particularly skilled war commander.
‘’Perhaps not….but I need you there, I do not question Balaerons loyalty or bravery, but he is reckless and bold to an unseemly degree, I have heard tales of his exploits against the Lyseni…I have said it before but there is more than a drop of dragon's blood in my younger brother….you know this….but you can control him especially at the border….Balaeron is a good man to have in a fight, but I would prefer him to be accompanied by one who knows how to avoid one…..make no mistake, your purpose is to box the Dornish in and prevent them from marching, not to conquer Dorne or kill thousands of my people in battle and dragonflame.’’ His father answered.
Maelyx said nothing, in truth he felt he would be far more useful in the capital, monitoring situations in the realm, keeping up with raven messages and keeping a close eye on untrustworthy lords who might pose a risk of joining his Uncle Aelor.
His father sighed tiredly ‘’I see you are still unsure….think of it this way, in order to reach the Stone Way, you will have to cross through the Stormlands, your presence there could be taken as support and intervention to either Lord Baratheon or the rebel Stormlords….one false word or action and the army marching through the Stormlands could drive half the Stormlords to support Aelor…Balaeron would be all too eager for a fight, which is why I want you there, to calmly avoid any confrontation in the Stormlands.’’
Maelyx nodded his assent, reluctantly seeing the necessity to leave the capitol, when suddenly he remembered something.
‘’What's your role in all of this….you make it seem like you will be leaving with Vhagar as well.’’ Maelyx asked his father.
The King nodded ‘’In truth your march to Dorne is just a precaution…..I wont allow this madness to go on any longer than it must…I will remain a few more days with your mother and then I will fly upon Vhagar to Deepstone in the Stepstones….my brother Aelor has always been reckless, but his men will know they have no chance against a dragon of Vhagars size…I will end this myself and convince Aelor to end this folly and submit to me…..if he manages to flee to Dorne this becomes a much more complicated affair….but I will end this myself, before this becomes a true civil war.’’
‘’You needn't go yourself…the royal fleet….’’ Maelyx began but his father raised a hand.
‘’The Royal Fleet will take time to ready……I mean to end this within the week…and you are wrong, I do have to go myself….Aelor is my brother….If I can only talk to him….give him and his men a way out….if I surround him with the Royal Fleet and pin him against a wall than this will only end in blood..’’ Aurion answered.
‘’If you talk to him he will kill you…you know this.’’ Maelyx said incredulously.
‘’Perhaps…..if given the chance, but I am not so fool as to walk into his hall alone…if he agrees to talk we do it on neutral ground…an island perhaps…. and I shall be on the back of Vhagar…that is the only way I will speak to him face to face….he and his men could try to kill me, but they could not hope to survive against Vhagar.’’ Aurion said and Maelyx had to admit it made sense…..mutually assured destruction was a powerful tool.
‘’At least take a few ships and men with you…should Aelor surrender I hardly think riding double with him on the back of Vhagar is the best means of transport.’’ Maelyx said and his father nodded his assent.
A long moment of silence permeated in the air as the two stood on the ramparts, Maelyx suddenly uncomfortable.
The King looked at him perceptively ‘’You have something to say son?’’
‘’This whole thing…..everything that has come of it….all the death…it is my fault…I should have left more than two guards on Aelors cell….’’ Maelyx said, not an hour had gone by since his uncle's escape that he had not cursed himself for this oversight.
His father nodded pensive, running a hand through his beard ‘’Yes…..you should have’’ He admitted, before raising a hand to continue ‘’And yet you are not the only one that shares blame, it was I who put off appointing a new Kings justice after Aenys death, if I had then the tower cells would have been crawling with turnkeys and Aelor never would have escaped…..the dragon cloaks you sent allowed themselves to be disarmed when going into his cell as well….what happened, happened, now we must deal with it as best we can.’’
A long nagging thought from Maelyx’s mind bubbled to the surface, the words leaving his mouth before he could consider them ‘’’ If Aelor had not escaped and led this uprising then perhaps my siblings would not have thought it necessary to go to the dragonpit….Baelas wound…and…Jaenar….if I had left more than two guards….’’
The King sharply raised a hand ‘’Don't entertain such thoughts…..consider that a royal command….and as for your sister, the Maesters will stem the infection…she will wake from this fever….for your mothers sake you must not think or believe otherwise.’’
Maelyx nodded, and the Prince of Dragonstone and the King stood in silence on the ramparts of the Red Keep, looking out at the waters of Blackwater Bay, which were darkening as if to forewarn of a coming storm…..
6th Moon, 125 AC-
Some days later, Prince Maelyx Targaryen and Balaeron Targaryen, on the back of Saphyre would set out from King's Landing with an army of 7900 men, the greater part of the capitols strength and march south towards the Dornish border to prevent the Martells from marching north, Prince Maelyx could only hope that his father would successfully subdue his uncle Aelor, for if Aelor fled to Dorne then bloodshed would be inevitable. Among this army rode almost 260 heavy knights, including the two Kingsguard Ser Lucos Arryn and Ser Edmure Darry.
King Aurion would remain in Kings Landing for another week, comforting his wife Alicent as best he could and staying until his daughter's fever broke, though the infection which plagued her burnt arm would still remain. Following this, the King would set out from the capitol on the back of Vhagar with a few ships below towards the castle of Stonedance, where he would rest for a few days to prepare the old dragon for the long flight to the Stepstones.
The rebellious Aelor Seafyre however would not remain idle, nor would he flee his holdings for Dorne, instead taking the small lull in the conflict to send a series of ravens to potential allies.
25th 6th Moon, 125 AC
Seafyre Keep, Island of Crabstone, The Stepstones
A ferocious wind howled at the walls of Prince Valerion Seafyres castle. Seafyre Keep was a small fortress of crumbling timber and stone walls, windswept and poor, situated on the island of Crabstone to the north of the Stepstones.
The inside however stood in stark contrast to the unimpressive exterior of the castle. Much of the castle's interior walls were lined with fine silk tapestries looted from Lys, tapestries of the finest golden threads, red silks and sapphire velvet, depicting topics such as love, lust and war.
No room was more decorated or lavish than the small tower chamber which the Valerion Seafyre used as his small yet snug solar, marble pillars of silver and gold supporting the ceiling while rugs and tapestries of rich and vibrant collars stood in contrast to the dark clouds outside.
Valerion, seated on his chair flipped to the next page of the book Rubies and Iron, he had claimed the tome as part of his spoils during the Lyseni campaign, the work focusing on the warrior customs of the eastern cities of Bayasabhad, Samyriana, and Kayakayanaya. In truth it was a ponderous tome, difficult to understand at times due to its aged Valyrian writing, but the Prince was not a man who believed reading should be done for one's own enjoyment…and there was always a bit of tactics and strategy that could be gleaned from such works.
The small tallow candle flickered close to empty, and Valerion ran a hand through it, extinguishing it before lighting it anew from the hearth, turning he saw the door to his solar open and his wife Jasonei Bar Emmon, enter, wearing a fine Lyseni dress of orange silk.
Wordlessly she made her way over to him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and bringing her lips to his, which as usual tasted of wine.
‘’My chambers are empty without you.’’ She whispered in his ear, moving her hands downward.
Valerion, feeling his body respond, gently pushed his wife and lover away, it was not fitting for a warrior to succumb so easily temptation, a man must be in control of himself at all times.
‘’Too much of a good thing……’’ Valerion said, lightly running his hands over the orange silk before withdrawing them and staring at her ‘’I know that look…..what is it.’’
Jasonei withdrew a scroll parchment from her bodice, handing it to him.
‘’You opened it?’’ Valerion asked after seeing the red dragon seal had been broken and his wife shrugged.
Silently, the Lord of Seafyre Keep read the parchment.
Brother,
The time has come to make good on the pact set in motion long ago.
Support my claim and bring me the Royal Fleet.
Consider Riverrun to be yours.
~ Aelor Seafyre, First of his name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, the First Men and Protector of the Realm
‘’Has anyone seen this?’’ Valerion demanded, crumpling the parchment and feeding it to the hearth, the scroll crumpling and burning to ash.
‘’As if I would be so foolish.’’ Jasonei responded sharply and Valerion nodded, returning to his chair, taking a sip of cold ice water.
It was not a surprise to receive such a missive, Valerion had been expecting one ever since word of his younger brother's uprising reached him.
It was true that he would make for a powerful ally, as the realms Master of Ships, he could bring many captains to his side, even though the Royal Fleet was based in Dragonstone and Kings Landing, a few quiet words and promises to the captains would bring at the very least two dozen war galleys to his side, probably more.
And yet, everything about this rebellion screamed foolishness. His brother Aelor had always been reckless, and now it seemed he opposed the throne with no real support except for the Dornish, and no clear way on how to contend with Vhagar…it was true that Valerion could bring his brother many ships with mounted scorpions, but that was a risky strategy, and even if they somehow managed to kill Vhagar, the Tyrells and Hightowers would raise tens of thousands of men which the Dornish alone had no hope of defeating.
He saw by the look on his wifes face that she wanted him to accept, she was a bold and envious woman who had often complained of not being the lady of a more luxurious castle, and the castle of Riverrun was a far greater seat than the crumbling Seafyre Keep in the middle of the Narrow Sea. And besides that, Jasonei had always held a grudge against Aurion for his lenient treatment of Vaella after her fathers death, and was resentful her family had never regained the influence they had when her father had been the Hand of the King.
And yet, he had much to lose by following his brother into this fledgling rebellion. Valerion had received no official confirmation of this, but it was clear to all the realm that he would be named Lord Paramount of the Stepstones by his Kingly brother in time, he was by far the most qualified choice. While not a rich region and lacking in manpower, he stood to become one of the Great Lords of the realm, in name at least…and the Stepstones were in a position to collect tariffs and duties from trading ships going east or west across the sea, and unlike following his brother Aelor, it seemed to be a sure way of advancing his ambition.
There can only be one King after all Valerion thought, in truth he had never truly liked his younger brother Aelor, true enough he had proved a useful ally at times, together they had cemented House Seafyres prominence in the Stepstones and had gained much wealth and renown while campaigning together against the Lyseni.
But Valerion had never planned to oppose his older brother Aurion, his position was too strong, too secure….and Valerion had a grudging respect for his Kingly brother, whom he had always admired since childhood, should Aurion die and his nephew Maelyx take the throne, then Valerion had always thought there might be a chance to reassess and make a play for the throne, but his brother Aelors rebellion was rooted in reckless futility.
He had always known at some point he would have to cut Aelor loose, together they had removed the man that could have uncovered both of their ambition, their Uncle Aemorys, though that had mostly been on Aelors insistence, his planned killing of Jaekar Tendfyre had also been rooted in recklessness, Valerion always knew the time would come when they would have to part ways…and it appeared the time had come sooner than he thought….if he ever opposed the throne it would be for his own claim and in better planned circumstances then he faced currently, he had no intention of risking everything to become his younger brothers lackey in Riverrun, only the thought of himself on the Iron Throne warranted such a risk, and as of now there was no clear path to that.
Aelor speaks of pacts….but I have promised him nothing…..he made his choice….and he chose poorly Valerion thought to himself.
‘’The time is not right to oppose the throne.’’ Valerion said softly, watching the hearth flames crackle and the embers spark.
‘’What will you do then.’’ Jasonei said, disappointment evident in her tone.
‘’Summon the Maester….I have a letter to write.’’ Valerion demanded.
‘’A letter?’’ His wife asked.
Valerion nodded ‘’To inform my brother the King that Crabstone shall support the crown against this rebellion, should he need my ships or men to use against our traitorous brother….he need only ask.’’
Jasonei nodded silently and Valerion, satisfied, turned to face the crackling fire in the hearth, and for an odd moment, he thought he could hear the leathern crack of dragon's wings as the flames danced.
27th of 6th Moon, 125 AC
Skies above Deepstone, Waters of the Stepstones, The Narrow Sea
It was a dark and windy day in the Stepstones, for the past several days, a huge storm had been brewing, though it had not yet broken, almost as if the storm gods of old Valyria were holding back their rage, saving their fury for some specific moment.
The heavy gale and ferocious winds were no match for a dragon however, as Narrah, a large crimson dragon of nearly seventy feet, second oldest of the Targaryen dragons, beat its powerful wings through the dark skies.
Prince Matarys Targaryen, his short silver hair waving in the wind, looked down to the seas below, true enough to Deepstones name, there were several tall spires of windswept dark stone jutting out from the depths.
Far better to travel on dragon than on ship He thought to himself, the seas around his brother Aelors island of Deepstone were notoriously dangerous to navigate as not all of the stone spires ascended over the water, and many an inexperienced captain had scraped the bottom of his galley on hidden rock spires below, dooming him and his men to a watery fate.
With the thought of inexperienced captains, Matarys returned his attention from sightseeing to take better control of Narrah, shouting a command and giving the dragon a firm lash from an engraved silver dragon whip upon its shoulder, commanding it to lower its speed as the island of Deepstone came into view.
Matarys himself had only been bonded with Narrah for just over a year.It had been a long process to claim the crimson dragon with the white horns, made more difficult that the former mount of Queen Nyel and the Princess Vaella had never taken a male rider, yet Matarys was a patient man, returning at least once a week for two months before the dragon at last let him approach and say the ancient claiming words of dragon speech, taking to the skies in the customary first flight.
The small fortress of Deepstone was not large enough to land Narrah, but Matarys saw his brother Aelor had planned for this, as one the beach there was a small pavilion surrounded by silk banners bearing the Seafyre dragon, waving in the wind, and Matarys ordered Narrah to approach the beach.
He had been in King's Landing, leaving his private Manse when he had received a message from one of the unscrupulous former pirates that Aelor had in his employ, claiming his brother Aelor requested a meeting, if his Kingly brother Aurion or nephew Maelyx had still been in the capitol it would have given him pause for leaving to go to his rebellious brother, but with both of them gone, it was a simple affair to leave the city for a few days, even with Narrah, using the pretext of seeing to the defense of his island of Wreckstone in the Stepstones.
Even so, it was risky to associate himself with his rebellious brother, though he had ensured as few people as possible knew of his departure from the city and had taken great cares to avoid flying over populated islands. It was risky, true enough, but he owed his older brother a meeting at the very least, and to hear him out, Matarys was intelligent enough to know there was only one reason Aelor would be calling him too Deepstone.
Narrah slowly descended, landing on the sandy beach with a thunderous rumble, and Matarys lowered his portly frame from the dragon, climbing off from the saddle, breathing heavily by the end of it.
True to his brother's promise, there were few witnesses upon the pavilion, only his brother Aelor sat under the canopy, with two of his guardsmen, both former pirates by the look of it. Unlike their brother Valerion, who had purged all traces of pirates and piracy from Crabstone, Aelor had made use of the former pirates, absorbing them into his own household guard and using them to conduct his shadowy affairs.
Matarys, legs cramping from the long journey, made his way towards the pavilion where Aelor rose and greeted him, grabbing his shoulder and taking his hand, giving it a firm squeeze.
‘’I knew you would come.’’ Aelor said, his brother, normally completely clean shaven had grown his beard somewhat, wearing a fine rob of blue linen, a mantle of brown and gold upon his shoulder though unlike the last time they had met, he wore a Kingly crown of beaten and dull gold, with small sapphires and garnets set in middle, his brother did his best to put on a bold smile, though Matarys knew him well enough to sense an uneasiness normally not present in his older brother, a tightness in his smile, faint dark circles under his eyes.
‘’It was a long journey….I should like to rest for a time before we speak…some food perhaps.’’ Matarys said, even on dragon back, the flight from King's Landing to Deepstone had taken many hours, and he had only stopped briefly at an uninhabited island to break his fast and piss.
‘’Of course…of course.’’ Aelor said, though there was a tense tone of impatience in his voice as he gestured towards the Pavillion, where the two sat and partook in a small feast.
It was poorer fare than Matarys was used to, back in his private Manse in Kings Landing he kept a personal chef, though there were no such luxuries upon the island of Deepstone, only fried cod and dark bread, though there was plenty of Lyseni wine. Matarys ate in silence, slowly yet eagerly setting upon the simple food before him, his brother Aelor sat in silence as well, impatiently drumming his fingers on the table.
Eventually, his brother had enough, standing suddenly.
‘’Walk with me.’’ He commanded, and Matarys reluctantly left the comforts of the table and followed his brother, the two walking upon the sandy beach and the wind howled in the gloomy sky, whipping their cloaks.
‘’You always spoke of making a play for the throne when the opportunity presented itself…..a patient approach…this is born of pure recklessness…..there is no opportunity here.’’ Matarys said, he had always been close to his older brother, and for many years he had been privy to Aelors ambitions for the throne….though Matarys had always counseled patience.
‘’There is always an opportunity, brother….even in the darkest storm’’ Aelor said tersely, stopping on a rocky outcropping, the two watching the roaring waves.
‘’The storm certainly is dark…..you do not have the royal fleet, all of the realm save Dorne and the Iron Islands…and for the moment, the Tullys muster against you…..your fleet is diminished and your army numbers just a thousand men.’’ Matarys said, pulling his cloak tight against his formidable paunch.
‘’Our Kingly brother has a great deal of advantages…..but I have you.’’ Aelor said.
Matarys was silent at that for a moment, choosing his words ‘’Aelor…I have come to hear you out…as your brother…..and save you if possible, as Master-of-Coin I have more than enough resources to arrange your passage to Essos, I can ensure you live comfortably until the end of your days…but that is all you can expect of me….I will hear what you have to say however.’’
‘’I will not run.’’ Aelor said grimly before continuing ‘’What news do you have from the capitol, I have reports from my informants sure enough, but none that I trust half as much as you.’’
‘’Our nephew Maelyx rides at the head of an army of 8,000 men, our brother Balaeron accompanies him on Saphyre, they ride to the Dornish border.’’ Matarys said.
‘’And I suppose as Master-of-Coin you saw this army provisioned and equipped?’’ Aelor sneered.
‘’I could hardly refuse too, you know this.’’ Matarys responded and Aelor nodded reluctantly, gesturing for him to go on.
‘’Our brother Aurion set out on Vhagar from the capitol, accompanied by three galleys….his course is set to this very island…this is why I say you must flee east, your men or castle wont withstand Vhagar…..your uprising will be over within two days.’’ Matarys said.
‘’You are right…..of course I knew Aurion would come himself…it is who he is….my men and castle won't withstand Vhagar true enough.’’ Aelor said, his gaze going down the beach and resting on the large red dragon with horns white as bone.
‘’But Narrah might.’’ He said, the smallest of grins set on his face.
‘’Vhagar is the largest dragon in the world…..thirty feet larger than even Narrah…I know what you are suggesting…..forget the idea.’’ Matarys said, uncomfortable.
‘’How can I forget it when it is my only chance……Vhagar is large yes, but that beast is a hoary old bitch….grown lazy and fat….Narrah is in its prime, just as the dragons of the conqueror were when they took the seven Kingdoms.’’ Aelor said passionately.
‘’I cannot match Aurion as a warrior, his bond with Vhagar is stronger, both in years and skill.’’ Matarys said.
‘’It is the dragons that matter brother, not the rider, and besides that, Aurion does not know you are here, you will have the element of surprise…Narrah will do the work…one sudden attack…a well placed ambush…..you claim there is no opportunity brother….and yet one approaches us this very moment, growing ever closer by the hour.’’ Aelor replied.
Matarys pondered for a moment, running a hand through his goatee, remaining silent and deep in thought as was his habit, choosing his words carefully.
‘’I am sorry brother….but even if I could kill Aurion that doesn't change the fact the realm would still be against you….if I thought it was different I would consider it…but all I can do is advise you to leave this palace, leave and don't look back’’ Matarys said, turning to leave.
‘’You promised to hear me out.’’ Aelor said fiercely and Matarys sighed, gesturing for Aelor to continue.
‘’If you kill our Kingly brother, the throne will pass to Maelyx, though of course there will be no time for a coronation….my wife tells me the main reason her mother dawdles in Dorne and has not officially declared for me is her oath she swore to Aurion…well she has sworn no such oath to Maelyx.’’ Aelor said before continuing.
‘’You yourself are married to Lord Baratheon's daughter, if you declare for me, you could bring him into the fold, and I will promise him eventual support against the rebellious Stormlords, that is Dorne and the Stormlands…..after Aurion is dead we can crush the royal army at the border from the north and south’’ Aelor said, raising two fingers.
‘’Even if things go as you say, Maelyx is at the head of an army, and he himself has a dragonrider with Balaeron, you surely cannot ask me to fight two dragons….Saphyre is small yes, but quick….too quick’’ Matarys said in protest.
‘’Leave Baleron to me, he is formidable on Saphyre yes, but you heard the stories of him during the campaign against Lys…abandoning his dragon to fight on foot….he is utterly reckless…he will die a heroes death I am sure…but I have no doubts he will put himself in a position that he cannot survive, and even if your father in law Lord Baratheon can only spare a few thousand men, between that and the Dornish, we will have Maelyx outnumbered more than two to one from two directions, you would not even need to participate in the battle….after you deal with Aurion there would be time to rest as the realm scrambles, with my victory at the Gullet and Aurions death, no doubt there will be many lords who sense the turning tide and reconsider loyalty to our nephew..’’
‘’And then what?’’ Matarys demanded.
‘’Then you fly to Crabstone…it appears Valerion, that snake will not support me….well, if you arrive on Narrah, he will have no choice but too deliver me the Royal Fleet, we force him to send the summons on pain of you reducing his castle and family to ash, with much of Kings Landings strength with Maelyx, the Royal Fleet could potentially assault Kings Landing….this is as far as can be reasonably planned ahead, but with Vhagar dead, and the largest dragon in the world in our sleeve, we can force the other kingdoms to submit, should we kill Aurion and Maelyx the realm wont bleed for Maelyx’s infant boy…and with my victory at the Gullet and Aurions death, no doubt other houses will sense the momentum shifting and declare for me…and if not, remember that Visenya Targaryen arranged the Vales submission with just a single dragon……all you need to do is kill Aurion brother, he does not know you are here’’ Aelor said, his speech clearly well practiced.
Matarys was silent for a long moment, too long for his brother's liking.
‘’Are you going to make your older brother beg….the opportunity is right here….but I cannot….I CANNOT take it without you……’’ Aelor said, almost pleadingly.
Finally Matarys responded.
‘’If I were to help you….what's in it for me?’’ Matarys asked.
‘’Our Kingly brother thinks he has honored you by granting you a small rock in the middle of the Stepstones, as if that is enough to keep you docile….well I offer you much more….Highgarden or Oldtown….you could have your pick of them.’’ Aelor said.
‘’I hardly think the Tyrells or Hightowers will just give up their seats willingly.’’ Matarys said, though he had to admit the thought of making either of those two places his seat was an attractive prospect.
‘’Perhaps not willingly, but you have the largest dragon in the world, they will give up their seats or burn…and I will have to get rid of both the Hightowers and Tyrells…their loyalty runs too deep too Aurion.’’ Aelor said.
Matarys once again fell into a long silence, watching the roaring waves until at last he turned to his older brother.
‘’I will win your crown for you…...I will kill Aurion.’’ Matarys said simply.
Aelor Seafyre smiled.
29th of 6th Moon, 125 AC
Skies above the Narrow Sea, Waters of Deepstone, the Stepstones
It seemed the storm was finally breaking, the dark clouds above had finally opened up and torrents of cold stinging rain hurtled towards the sea, distant flashes of lightning illuminating the evening sky, the gale of wind so aggressive that it seemed as if the gods of sky and wind were at war with each other.
Aurion paid little attention to the freezing droplets of rain that matted his dark auburn hair and cloak, his eyes focused straight ahead into the dark clouds, the massive dragon Vhagar leaving huge gusts of wind in its wake as it slowly pushed through the gray skies, the muffled sounds of lightning crackling in the King's ears.
He knew the storm would force his small accompanying escort of galleys, which had been strengthened by a few galleys sent by his brother Valerion, to stop and find shelter on some island, but Aurion was determined to press on, and let the island of Deepstone…and Aelors men to become aware of his presence. He had sent Aelor a raven from Stonesdance , requesting the two of them meet on an uninhabited island north of Deepstone, but earlier that day they had passed the island, his ships by sea and Aurion above, and there had been no sign of his rebellious brother.
Aurion was not yet willing to resort to force, he would continue on to Deepstone and make a flight around the castle, a final show of force, which would hopefully convince Aelors men that resistance was futile, and force Aelor to resolve this peacefully.
The winds continued to howl and the rain fell like shards of glass, stinging Aurions eyes, though he forced them open, barely making out the silhouette of the island of Deepstone in the distance, the telltale spires of rock jutting out from the surrounding waters.
Suddenly and without warning there was a change in Vhagars attitude, the large beast letting out a thunderous roar and acting erratically, its huge leathern wings creating gusts of wind and its tail thrashing about wildly.
‘’Gīda!’’ Aurion shouted, commanding calm and yet Vhagar still seemed uneasy, and even Aurion himself felt a rather strange change in the air, his blood running cold for a reason rather than the rain.
A sudden flash of lightning illuminated something from above, a brief flash of……red.
Aurion turned up to look in surprise, and what he saw made his heart leap from his chest.
Hurtling down from the dark clouds above was a large crimson dragon of almost seventy feet, its white horns illuminated by another flash of lightning, its maw open wide, bright red flame building at the back of its throat as it dove downwards. Aurion, in a sudden flash of recognition was reminded of confronting his Aunt Vaella in the dragon pits years earlier, he had seen that same flame…and that same dragon before ... .It was Narrah that was about to bring him to his end.
Vhagar, without any commands from the stunned Aurion moved fast, faster than Aurion had seen the old dragon ever move, instinctively diving to the side, raising its wings in a protective angle above Aurion…..just in time as Narrah let loose a long roaring tendril of red orange flame which would have incinerated the King if Vhagar had not moved, Aurion saw the bright red flame through the dark green scaly membrane of Vhagars thick wings, and for a moment he feared the fire would rupture straight through the wings, yet they stood firm.
The massive old dragon let forth a furious roar of pain, which could no doubt be heard even from the castle of Deepstone, where Aelor Seafyre and his men were no doubt watching with bated breath.
Narrah, still having the advantageous position of being above, let forth another torrent of flame, striking Vhagars scaly back, and the old dragon let forth another roar, stabilizing itself.
Without warning, Vhagar suddenly began to fly straight upwards and Aurion for a single terrifying moment felt himself in free fall before he managed to stop his fall backwards by placing a boot on a jutting scale and grab onto the saddle, holding on for dear life as Vhagar flew towards the skies, attempting to outmaneuver Narrah by blocking it from escape with its wings.
The red dragon, sensing the danger attempted to dive downwards and bite at Vhagars softer underbelly, but Vhagar thrashed its large tail, striking near Narrahs hindquarters and causing the large dragon to stumble through the air, its attack thwarted.
For the first time, the King noticed the dragon rider on the back of the large red dragon, a man in heavy black plate armor and a helmet with a red plume protruding from it, nearly being knocked from the saddle by the force of Vhagars tail strike…..it could only be his younger brother Matarys who was supposed to remain in the capitol, but here he was, along with Narrah.
‘’MATARYS.’’ Aurion tried to shout through the tempest, but the plumed dragonrider gave no sign of hearing and the dance began anew, Vhagar shot green orange flame downwards at Narrah who shrieked in pain, turning to fly on its side and scratching at Vhagars underbelly with its legs, sending long bloody streaks and sending scales plummeting to the ground.
Vhagar roared but did not give up its position flying above Narrah, using its larger wingspan to keep the red dragon boxed in below.
Vhagar, seeing an opportunity suddenly dove downwards, opening its toothy maw and taking Narrahs shoulder in its mouth, rending and tearing in an explosion of blood and scale, Narrah roared and managed to free itself, sending another torrent of flame at Vhagars tough scales.
‘’NO……END THIS.’’ Aurion shouted desperately at the dragonrider below, but the winds were too strong.
Vhagar, recovering from the bout of flame it had received, suddenly dove down again, mouth opened…..going in for the kill, the two dragons crashing into each other with such force Aurion was almost knocked from the saddle, all of his effort being invested into clinging on.
The dragons plummeted downwards, wing, tooth and claw intertwined, biting, scratching and breathing hot flame as they entered a free fall. The smaller red dragon managed to disentangle itself for a moment, Matarys shouting a wild command but just as it seemed Narrah would escape….Vhagar struck.
With the speed of a serpent, Vhagar hurtled itself forward its mouth latching on to Narrahs scaly neck, the dragon which had been hatched from an egg lain by Vhagar and the former mount of Queen Nyel and Princess Vaella let out a heartrending wild shriek but the old dragon did not release its neck, tearing like a hound at a piece of meat, blood flying through the air, the black plated rider shouting and holding on for dear life.
Below them was a small uninhabited rocky island, and Vhagar, still holding Narrah in its toothy maw and pushing it down with its claws, flew down towards the island.
They landed with a crash, Vhagar using Narrahs torso as a landing for its hind claws while tearing upwards with its teeth, and Aurion was able to catch a brief glimpse of the red dragon's white horned head falling into the dark sea.
The collision knocked Aurion from his saddle and he was just able to grab onto one of the scaling ropes below the saddle, a mist of rocky dust obscuring his vision.
Aurion slowly made his way down the ropes to the land, ropes which were necessary to dismount a dragon of Vhagars size, the dust gradually settling, the storm seemingly subsiding as soon as it had begun, the dark skies giving way to the last vestiges of the evening sun.
Aurion, his body aching from the collision and heart beating with adrenaline, slowly drew Blackfyre from the scabbard at his belt and approached the headless carcass of Narrah, dreading what he would find, the body of the first dragon to hatch under the Conqueror's reign was smoking as its hot blood was exposed to the wind.
Matarys was still alive when he found him, pinned underneath one of Narrahs heavy red wings, groaning in pain, his black plumed helm was cracked and had fallen from his face, the red plume smoldering, and it looked as if one of his legs was broken.
Aurion slowly approached, the sword of the Conquerer in his hands Vhagar had calmed somewhat but stood behind him, roaring and nuzzling its wounds.
The King stood over his younger brother, sure enough one of his legs was clearly broken, part of the bone jutting out from the black plate shin guard, his shoulder was also bleeding and small bits of black plate armor had been embedded into the wound.
‘’Can you move?’’ Aurion asked, and his younger brother shook his head, grunting in pain.
The King took hold of the wing and with all of his might managed to move the battered wing of reddish white membrane a few inches, Matarys gasping in pain as the pressure was relieved.
‘’Why Matarys……what possessed you to this….I was always good to you.’’ Aurion said, raw emotion in his tone, for the first time, the ramifications of this event, the first of its kind in Targaryen reign, slowly entering his mind.
‘’I…I expect I shall have many y..years to explain m..myself…..n..no doubt a trial…b..but first get me up.’’ Matarys replied, clearly in pain.
Aurion nodded slowly, whatever his crimes, this was still his younger brother, and he could not leave him like this.
‘’Take my hand.’’ Aurion commanded, lowering his hand to his wayward younger brother.
Matarys took it and Aurion began to pull him up, his younger brother groaning. The King was a powerful man but it was no easy task to pull his large brother to his knees, but eventually he managed, though getting him to his feet, and onto the back of Vhagar was not a task which seemed impossible, but traitor or not, Aurion was not going to leave his younger brother, his mothers son, to die.
‘’Grab hold of my hand Matarys……I have you.’’ Aurion said and Matarys nodded, slowly rising, almost to the point of standing.
‘’Good…now…..’’ Aurion began, pulling Matarys the last few inches, but he never got the chance to finish.
It was then that he saw the knife.
With a sudden roar, Matarys pulled the knife from his belt, using Aurions helping hand against him, gripping it hard and pulling him forward, and in a single motion thrust the blade forward, and Aurion felt a stab of ice and fire in his thigh, pain coursing through his body and panic through his mind.
What happened next happened in a mere moment.
Aurion had managed to take a small step to the side when he first saw the knife, an action that had saved his life as Matarys had been aiming for the heart, instead the knife pierced deep into the king's upper thigh.
Aurion, blinded by pain and one of his hands still being clasped by Matarys, did the first thing that came to his mind, driven by instinct, pushing Matarys away to the side in a desperate effort to dislodge him with his free hand…..which still clasped his sword.
Blackfyre wrought red ruin, slashing across the folds of Matarys’s neck, his younger brother let go of the knife buried in the King's thigh and collapsed backwards with a choking gasp, blood spurting from his neck as the Prince choked and gagged on his own blood.
The King watched in horror, trying to find some words to comfort his dying brother or some final curse too damn him with, but between the blinding pain in his leg and his shock, he could only manage a single world as his brother gurgles sent the last of his lifeblood into the rocky shore.
‘’Matarys….’’ Aurion said……but his brother was gone.
The King would remember little of what followed, he remembered cutting a cord of rope from the scaling ladder attached to Vhagars saddle and fashioning it into a makeshift tourniquet, and climbing to the saddle somehow, his leg awash in ice cold pain.
Aurion gave a final look to the body of his younger brother and tied himself to Vhagars saddle, already beginning to feel the effects of the blood loss.
‘’sōvegon Vhagar’’ Fly Vhagar He commanded tiredly and the old dragon obeyed, flying slowly into the dark night.
6th - 7th Moon, 125 AC
The ambush of Matarys Targaryen and Narrah had been Aelor Seafyres final ace in his sleeve, and true enough he had been watching the dragons dance from the ramparts of nearby Deepstone with his men, whom he had assured of victory, and promised that the death of the King would cause the lords of the realm to rethink their loyalties to the young and untested Maelyx, and swell their ranks to the thousands.
Aelor Seafyre had for many years made use of former pirates on his holdings of Deepstone and Flame Isle, utilizing them quite effectively at times, and yet this would prove to have consequences, as a pirate will always be a pirate. When the garrison of Deepstone watched the dragon Vhagar come together with Narrah in their final deadly embrace and Vhagar sending Narrah plummeting to its doom, the garrison, many of them former pirates turned on the self styled King Aelor Seafyre, dragging him kicking and cursing to the dungeons, where they would later turn him over to one of Valerions galleys and then to the capitol……Aelors rebellion was over.
While the first Seafyre rebellion would in the grand scheme of things not be an overly bloody affair, with the only significant battle of note occurring at the Gullet, and some minor skirmishing in the Stepstones, it would mark the first occasion in which the dragons of the royal house danced in the skies, and proved the House of the Dragon was well and truly capable of devouring itself, seen clearly when King Aurion was forced to slay his younger brother Matarys and his dragon Narrah, the second oldest and largest dragon in the house of dragons possession.
As for King Aurion, following the battle in the skies of Deepstone, Vhagar would make its way back to an island where his small naval escort was waiting out the storm, and the barely conscious King was quickly brought to a Maester. The Maester claimed that any normal man would have succumbed to blood loss, but the King was a powerful man and would survive his wound, returning to the capitol several weeks later……..
21st of 7th Moon, 125 AC
Dungeons of the Red Keep, Kings Landing
King Aurion slowly made his way down the steps, leaning on his cane, his leg throbbing and in agony, though he refused to show his discomfort.
‘’You need not go in there personally.’’ His son Maelyx said as the two descended into the dungeons.
‘’I do…..’’ Aurion responded simply to his son, at last making it down the steps and looking at the cell at the end of the Red Keep dungeons second level, which were reserved for highborn prisoners not deserving of the luxuries of a tower cell, and for the moment only had a single prisoner…..
Aurion made his way down the long hallway, his cane methodically tapping on the cold damp stone, outside of the cell were no less than five dragon cloaks, with a further two arbalists at the end of the hallway, Aelor had escaped a tower cell once, but he would find a much more difficult time of escaping the castle dungeons.
Aurion stopped and looked into the cell where his younger brother Aelor was sitting, shackled by heavy iron manacles on his ankles, wearing thick grey woolen robes, dark circles under his eyes.
‘’Unlock the door….and leave us’’ He commanded the dragon cloaks who looked uncomfortable at his son, as if looking for his approval, the King had not been himself since his return, the killing of his brother and the death of his son Jaenar truly weighing on his soul.
‘’Father….the risks, if you remember two armed and armored dragon cloaks entered his tower cell and he overcame them…and with your leg.’’ Maelyx began, his voice soothing but the King would have none of it.
‘’Damn the risks…..let him try if he wishes….now open the door and leave us…this is the command of your King.’’ He said gruffly and Maelyx sighed, gesturing for the dragon cloaks to obey and the guards and his son withdrew to the other end of the hall, which Aurion assumed was the best he was going to get.
He closed the door with a rattling bang and faced his rebellious younger brother.
‘’I must say I liked my previous accommodations better……this cell is spacious, true enough, but with these chains upon my ankles it might as well be a cupboard.’’ Aelor drawled.
‘’Be glad I dont send you to the Black Cells.’’ Aurion growled.
Aelor was silent at that and Aurion approached slowly.
‘’Why Aelor……I want to hear you say it….why did you betray me.’’ Aurion demanded.
‘’If you are wanting some sad story about how I never had a mother then you will be disappointed, it's not any one thing you did….one mistake or oversight…the truth….I like power….and I wanted to be King….I liked how it felt…and I should very much like to feel it again.’’ Aelor sneered.
‘’Then it is you who will be disappointed.’’ Aurion said, his hand gripping Blackfyres hilt so hard his knuckles turned bone white.
Aelor noticed this ‘’Ah….so that is why you have come…..to kill me, go on then….right in the neck, you know how it goes….just like you killed our brother.’’
Aurion drew Blackfyre and placed it right at Aelors neck, pressing it hard, leaning heavily on his cane.
‘’Matarys is dead because of YOU……my son is dead because of YOU.’’ Aurion seethed, pressing the blade even harder against his younger brother's neck, the Valyrian steel drawing a thin line of blood, forcing Aelor to raise his neck and look up.
‘’Now I find that unfair ... .Matarys is dead because of me? You were the one that cut his throat…..as for the boy, it was his own stupidity…don't put that on m…’’ Aelor said boldly but Aurion increased the pressure, causing Aelor to gasp and grimace.
‘’Why do you think he did what he did….he wanted to stop you.’’ Aurion hissed, tears beginning to well at the back of his eyes, but he forced them back, replacing them with raw fury.
For a single long moment he wanted nothing better than to slash Aelors traitorous neck open, watch him choke on his own blood….feel his hot blood on his face, he had killed one brother ...what was another…
Just as he was about to give in to this dark urge, a single second away from opening Aelors throat, he gave his younger brother a final look, staring into his bright blue eyes, eyes that had once been their mothers.
In that moment he was reminded of a day decades earlier, the day he had called his young brothers Vaeron, Aelor, Matarys, Balaeron to his chambers, and had to tell them their mother had died.
He remembered Aelor had been so angry, staring at him with those same blue Tully eyes, and for the first time Aurion noticed the same look was present in his eyes now as on that day all those years ago, his eyes were so full of anger but there was also….fear, hidden and deep inside, but there nonetheless, like a cornered animal.
Aurion looked into his brother's eyes, the memory of that day slowly bringing him back to his senses, and for the first time in several days, he felt himself for a moment.
He lowered Blackfyre slowly.
‘’You are my brother…..and you deserve to die…..but I find myself unable to kill you….you will spend the rest of your life in this cell….more than you deserve…but in time, I hope you will come to understand what your actions have wrought….for the sake of our mother who bore you, I will spare your life.’’ Aurion said.
‘’I'll get out.’’ Aelor hissed.
‘’No.’’ The King began sadly, turning to leave ‘’You wont’’
With that he closed the door to the cell and motioned for the guards to lock him in, Aelor cursing foully, but Aurion never once turned back, his cane rhythmically tapping on the cold stone floor.
-To All: I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter, have been looking forward to writing this for quite a while. I wish I had the oppurtunity to develop Matarys and his relationship with Aelor a little more before this and hope his dialouge/choice didnt feel too clunky, didnt have a great feel for him and didnt find many oppurtunities to include him previously unfortunately.
One of the reasons I was most excited to write this chapter is with the conclusion of this part, I am essentially caught up with the story and the game (with the exception of some Maelyx dialouge POVS with Alicent, Aurion, and Balaeron) for the first time really since King Vaemonds reign. This also means however I will be unpausing and playing the game for the first time in probably months, so it will take me time to play aroudn 20-30 years in the future and analyze and interpret the events for future chapters, this also seems like a good place to take a little break, so it will probably be around a month until the next chapter, though I could definately see it coming sooner if I get the itch to write again. Thank you for the continued suppourt, whether it be likes or comments
Beautiful artwork as usual. The portraits are superb. And because I know how hard it may be to get AI to make a good prison picture that is also a standout.
Your break is well earned. No doubt your audience will be here when you return. (We all need a break sometimes to gather new content.)
We all need breaks every once in a while. I'll be here when you return.
Aelor only got support from Dorne and a few of his Targaryen relatives, but his defeat was quick. Is Dorne still in rebellion? There was only a single draconic dance in that war - perhaps the true Dance of the Dragons is yet to come?
I want to know some details.
Is Aurion considered kinslayer now, even though his brother was one to attack him with this worlds equivalent of a nuke?
Was Vhagar wounded in gameplay terms or are his injuries just flavour text?
The chapter is awesome. Hoped Aelor would meet his end screaming and burning, but as for now with so much personal harm to the king it seems not entirely impossible still.
PS called it on Vaella's dream, clash of dynasties where both participants bled.
