Blood and Fire: The Reborn Dragon
Chapter 2.
…
Dear Journal as I refuse to call you diary,
I have the sword Blackfyre. It was just as I thought. The chest Illyrio gave Aegon/Young Griff in the books did have Blackfyre. While this is a good thing, the theory of whether I am a Targaryen or a Blackfyre comes to mind. I thought about asking Illyrio if I was indeed a Blackfyre, but I wasn't sure how to approach the matter. Ultimately, I decided who cares if I'm a Blackfyre or a Targaryen? I suppose in the long run it doesn't matter if I am either the Red or the Black.
But I digress.
So far, the Dirigible is holding up well. Some hiccups here and there with the engine, but I've been able to fix what I could. Again, I'm glad I took the Mechanical Engineering course in the Army, otherwise I wouldn't be able to fix the engine and for that matter, the Dirigible wouldn't have been built.
My other projects are coming along nicely. After a while, I found the right mix of coal, saltpetre and sulphur to create black-powder for the cannons of the dirigible and the first ever gun of Essos and Westeros is being put through testing phases. My penicillin growing crop is progressing well and with Haldon's help, I'm close to developing penicillin in pill form to create the first antibiotics this world has ever seen. And the first ever dirigible flight to deliver a cargo full of goods has gone well and we've made the first steps to building some funding. I went along on the voyage to make sure the dirigible was flying smoothly, despite Ser Jon and Illyrio's protests saying that it was too dangerous.
It was almost amusing watching everyone deal with air sickness for the first time. Will have to come up with medicine to combat air sickness. Another little project to do. The voyage was from Pentos to Volantis and with the engine propelling the dirigible we made the journey in five days, when by horse or boat it would take close to a month. The Volantenes had been warned ahead of my dirigible, and while they scoffed at the idea of a flying machine, it was worth it to see the looks on their faces. It was even more hilarious to see their faces when they learned that a boy had come up with the idea. The leaders of Volantis spoke with me at length on the dirigible and if I would be willing to sell the schematics to them. I respectfully refused, although the amount of gold they were offering was tempting. Afterwards, I was careful of my food and drink, in case they tried to poison me and take the dirigible for themselves. Like they'd even know how to operate it.
I also did some asking around and learnt that my 'uncle' and 'aunt', Viserys and Khaleesi are currently in Lorath in some magister's house as guests. But considering Viserys's unstable temperament, I don't think they'll be there for long. Might have to keep an eye them and see if it's possible to meet them, or at least meet with Khaleesi and perhaps get her away from Viserys.
In other news, Ser Jon has told me of a Dothraki khalasar that we could test the Dirigible's combat capabilities on and as luck would have it, the Khal possesses a Valyrian arahk (that's the big sickle-like swords Dothraki and Daario use to fight with). Talk about serendipity. If all goes well, I could have the arahk reshaped into a longsword. I know I already have Blackfyre, but if/when I go to Westeros to do some reconnaissance, I can't exactly walk around with Blackfyre on my hip and having another Valyrian weapon would be useful, against both the living and the dead.
We're going to attack the Khalasar a few days from now. They're about a day's ride, but with the dirigible, we'll meet them within hours.
Will write more when I get a chance to.
Martin Volkov/Aegon Targaryen.
…
Khal Caggo rode with his Blood riders beside him. They'd had a good week of raiding so far. They had razed a fishing village to the ground and claimed a good number of slaves to sell and other valuables. After slaking his manhood on some of the fisherwomen last night and this morning, Khal Caggo was in good spirits and they were about a day's ride from Pentos where the soft Magisters would present them their tribute to leave them alone. Caggo almost considered taking the tribute and raiding Pentos anyway. But Caggo was smart, not stupid. If his Khalasar razed Pentos to the ground, the other Free Cities would hire multiple sellsword companies to wipe his Khalasar out.
So Caggo contented himself to take the tribute and continuing raiding villages and settlements. Perhaps it was time to head to Vaes Dothrak? As Caggo ruminated on this, one of his Bloodriders saw something in the sky and spoke "What manner of creature is that?" the Bloodrider asked in his harsh guttural tongue.
Caggo looked up at the sky and his dark eyes widened as he saw what he thought was some kind of sailing ship floating in the sky high above the Khalasar. And hovering just above the ship was a large giant bladder and Caggo could see some ropes attaching the giant bladder to the ship.
As the floating ship neared the Khalasar, Caggo could spy some men manning it and they appeared to be armed. Caggo sneered. This would not stop his Khalasar from reaching Pentos. Shouting a command in Dothrak, Caggo's archers nocked arrows to their compound bows and aimed at the floating ship. With another command, the arrows were drawn back to their limits and with another command, they were released. Sadly, the arrows fell short of their target before falling back to earth. Caggo roared out more orders and his archers in vain tried to shoot the floating ship.
Then dropping from the floating ship were strange candles. One of the Dothraki Screamers dismounted and picked up the candle to see that the wick was fizzing, hissing and sparking loudly. The bright light dazzled the warrior's eyes until it reached into the candle.
BOOM!
Large explosions rang out as the candles that had been dropped to the ground exploded among the khalasar, sending both men and horses flying into broken torn apart pieces. The Khalasar was thrown into disarray and the horses panicked and threw their riders off, fleeing and galloping about, whinnying and neighing in fear.
Caggo roared his displeasure as his mighty Khalasar was being torn apart and he drew his arahk, made of Valyrian steel and roared out for his remaining warriors to bring down the floating ship. The ship slowly descended to the ground and the men aboard aimed what appeared to be long staffs and flashes of fire and roars of thunder rang out and Dothraki screamers fell off their horses wounded or dead by whatever had hit them. Caggo's Bloodriders yelled out their war-cries and they surged forward towards the flying ship only to be cut down. Caggo roared his defiance and urged his stallion into a gallop charging towards the flying as it slowly settled near the ground. Then dropping down from the ship was a young boy, barely into his teens with hair dyed blue, much in the way those of Tyrosh would. Caggo snarled and spurred his horse harder, preparing to swing his arahk to cut the boy's head off. The boy then pulled something the Khal did not recognise and raised it towards Caggo's horse.
BANG!
Caggo's steed gave a scream and fell to the ground causing Caggo to be thrown off. Caggo gave grunts of pain as he hit the ground. After a moment, Caggo got to his feet and saw that the blue-haired boy was standing over him with a smile on his lips. Caggo snarled in anger; he was a mighty Khal! He was not afraid of anything! With a strangled scream of rage, Caggo leapt to his feet and swung his arahk intent on cutting this boy down to then proceed with the rest of the men that had attacked and decimated his Khalasar. But the boy drew from his back a sword and stabbed it into Caggo's chest. Caggo gave a choked cough as the blade that he saw was Valyrian steel pierced his bare chest and felt it exit out his back. The boy then pulled his sword free, the blade stained with blood and with one easy swing, he lopped off Caggo's head.
The rest of Caggo's Khalasar had fled and their captured slaves had fled as well, no doubt to go back to where it was they came from.
The blue haired boy simply picked up Caggo's Valyrian Arahk and a taller man walked up to him and he asked, "Is that it?"
The blue haired boy nodded before replying. "Yeah. Time to collect our reward, wouldn't you say?" the boy smiled widely, and the older man nodded in agreement as they climbed back aboard the floating ship. The floating ship then slowly ascended into the sky before slowly turning on the spot and flew back towards Pentos.
…
Dear Journal (Still not calling you diary!),
Things went well, all things considered. For a moment I thought the Dothraki archers might shoot the ship down, but thankfully their bows didn't have the range to hit the ship, or the balloon for that matter. The remaining Dothraki have fled back into the Grass Sea and while it would've been nice if the slaves had come to the city, they likely would've just been enslaved by the magisters. I know that Pentos doesn't officially have slaves, but the 'servants' are slaves in all but name.
The Magisters of Pentos were very grateful that I had eliminated the Dothraki Khalasar heading for their city and promptly paid me a huge chest of gold and some even offered their daughters in marriage. I took the gold, but I turned down the offers of marriage. Can't marry anyone just yet. And I can't exactly risk having a bastard through a mistress. Not that I'm gay mind you, I like women and I like having sex with women just as much as straight red-blooded guy out there, but I can't risk having a child out of wedlock. Even then, I'm not sure how I'd be as a father or husband.
But, anyway, the Magisters were grateful I got rid of the Khalasar heading for them and I even got the Valyrian Arahk from the Khal's body on top of that.
Ser Jon asked why I took the Valyrian Arahk when I already have Blackfyre and I told him that having two Valyrian weapons is better than having and I reminded him that my ancestors, Aegon and Visenya had a Valyrian weapon each, Blackfyre and Dark Sister. The location of Dark Sister is unknown to me at this time, so having the Valyrian Arahk reshaped into a longsword would be useful. At least, that's how I see it. But regardless, I have two Valyrian weapons now and a big chest of gold.
Illyrio's told me that the other Free Cities are asking for my services and wish to see the dirigible now that news has spread of its capabilities in battle. This could be good. Or very bad. The good part is that I'll have steady work from the Free Cities asking me to transport goods for them or get rid of Dothraki khalasars that come near their cities. The bad part is that they'll want a dirigible of their own and I'll need to watch my back and my food in case any of the Free Cities send someone to relieve me of the dirigible and its schematics. I've spoken to Ser Jon about this and he agrees that it would be best to keep a watchful eye out in case anyone tries that.
So far, news of my dirigible hasn't reach Westeros yet, but I know it will eventually. I'm hopeful that his Grace, Robert, will just dismiss it as the Free Cities fighting each other and go back to fucking boars and hunting whores. Or is that the other way around? Others in Westeros will take an interest in a flying ship. One that comes to mind is Littlefinger. I trust the prick about as far as I can throw him, and I know that all he does is turn people against each other for his own ends. And as I've said before, I know I'll need to get rid of him at some point. Discreetly, of course and replaced with someone more reliable and trustworthy. Others that need to be removed are Grand Maester Pycelle as he's little more than a Lannister pawn who'd betray anyone to Queen Resting-Bitch-Face (my name for Cersei Lannister) just as he betrayed Ned to her when he asked about the book.
Speaking of Ned, I'll need to try arrange a meeting with him at some point and at least try to make friends with the man. He's honourable to a fault, but that's his ultimate downfall sadly and I know that he's been protecting Jon Snow, the other Aegon Targaryen, since the Rebellion, so I'm hopeful that he'd be willing to hear me out. Jon Snow… well, I know at this stage he'll probably want to join the Night's Watch and I may let him for a couple of reasons. One: he'll see the true danger in the North, two: he'll get his hands on Longclaw and later on learn firsthand that Valyrian steel can kill White walkers and wights. These are just a couple of reasons to let him go join the Night's Watch, but while I don't have any children just yet, Jon would technically be next in line for the throne should something happen to me as he isn't actually a bastard, but Rhaegar and Lyanna's legitimate son, so he'd be the next best option to rule apart from Khaleesi.
Getting tired now. Will have to write more tomorrow or whenever.
Martin/Aegon.
…
Aegon stood in the sparring ring with Ser Jon facing him. Both were armed with blunted practice swords. Aegon was currently shirtless and Ser Jon was wearing a leather jerkin.
"Are you sure you don't want to wear some padding?" Jon asked the boy who shook his head in response and said, "I'll be fine."
Ser Jon nodded and said, "Alright, you asked for it," he stated as he moved towards the boy who held his sword in a ready stance. The former lord of Griffin's Roost swung his practice sword at Aegon. Aegon simply ducked under the swing and thrust his weapon at Jon's chest. Jon gave a grunt as he felt the blunt tip of Aegon's sparring sword hit his chest and he stumbled back and held his own in a ready stance. Aegon twirled his sword in a lazy circle and Ser Jon made an overhead swing which Aegon parried and feinted to the side before swinging his sword at Ser Jon's head, stopping short an inch away. Ser Jon looked at his pupil in surprise and Aegon smiled in response. Moving away Aegon held his sword loosely and Ser Jon readied himself for whatever attack the boy was about to make next.
Aegon simply stood and watched Ser Jon. Jon stared back waiting for the boy to attack first. Then Aegon struck, he charged towards Ser Jon who thrust his sword out like a pike. Aegon spun to the side and kicked Ser Jon's legs out from under him. Jon fell to the floor with a crash, his chest and pride bruised. Aegon stood over him and asked, "Do you wish to continue, Ser Jon?"
Ser Jon then lunged like a viper and grabbed Aegon's wrist and pulled him down to the floor. Aegon quickly freed himself from Ser Jon's grip by grabbing and twisting the hand that grabbed his wrist and wrenched it free. Ser Jon gave a growl of pain as his hand and wrist were put into a strange position. Forcing Ser Jon to his feet, Aegon swung the old knight around before releasing and Ser Jon went stumbling out of the sparring ring before crashing to the ground.
"Seven hells…"
Aegon walked over to Ser Jon and asked him "Are you alright, Ser Jon?"
Jon stood back on his feet, holding his sore wrist before replying, "I'm fine, lad," he said. "How did you do that, anyway?" he asked.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you," Aegon said.
"Perhaps the Warrior taught it to you when you lay dead," Ser Jon mused.
"You could say that," Aegon said dryly.
"Could you teach me it? Seems pretty useful," Ser Jon said. Aegon acquiesced and after half an hour, Ser Jon had learnt the basics of the move as well as a few others.
The rest of the day was spent with Aegon in his room drawing up schematics or speaking with the Halfmaester.
…
Dear journal,
I've been hit with another idea. It's more or less to do with the Valyrian Arahk I took from the Khal I killed. I've noted it's very tedious and tiring to hammer hot metal with your hands and I thought why not create a pneumatic hammer or otherwise called a drop hammer? It'd be much easier than using your own strength and a hammer to bash metal on an anvil. I know back home, modern drop hammers use compressed air to make the hammer strikes, but considering where I am, it might be better to build a steam engine or have the machine powered by a water wheel.
I spoke with Haldon on the matter and he was interested by the concept. I explained the idea to him and I even drew up some blue prints for the drop hammer to better show Halfmaester. Haldon was quite surprised and had some questions about the machine. After explaining it to him, Haldon said he would bring the idea to Illyrio and see if we could get some funding and materials for the machine.
Once the machine is built, I'll present to the smiths of Qohor, or at least one who can reshape Valyrian steel. I'm hopeful that such a device can act as payment for the service I require.
Will write more later.
Martin/Aegon.
…
Dear journal,
Illyrio was intrigued by the concept of the drop hammer and said he would fund the idea and within a couple of months, the first drop hammer was built. When Illyrio asked what I intended to do with the machine, I had replied that the machine would act as payment to the smiths of Qohor, or one who could reshape Valyrian steel. Illyrio said it made sense that such a machine would be a perfect gift to the people of Qohor and he's sent word to a smith he knows who can reshape Valyrian steel.
More on the drop hammer. The first one is a steam powered device and the second one is powered by a water wheel, so depending on where this smith's workshop is located, I can either give him the steam powered drop hammer, or if he's close to a running river, I'll give him the water wheel powered one.
Admittedly the strikes aren't as fast as a compressed air drop hammer, but it'll save time and energy instead of having to smack steel with your own hand and hammer which I imagine can get very tiring.
We should expect a reply for the smiths of Qohor soon and once we've received word, we can travel there and give them the drop hammer. I'll need to draw some diagrams of what I want the Arahk reshaped into. I've got a few designs in mind, but I'll need to be mindful since reshaping metal does make it lose some of its mass.
…
Qohor.
Aegon and Ser Jon and Illyrio stood at the front of the smith's shop. It was a well furnished and stocked shop and it was here Illyrio said that the smith who ran it was one of the few smiths in the world who could reshape Valyrian steel.
A serving girl ushered them inside where they were shown to an office where a man with medium skin and wearing fine clothing greeted them.
"Greetings, Illyrio Mopatis," the man said to the Pentosi. "How have you been of late?" he asked.
"I've been keeping well, Einar Hattori," replied Illyrio. "I'm glad you have welcomed us to your workshop, I know that you are a busy man," he said.
"Bah! When I read your letter and heard the wonders of this flying machine, I cleared my schedule as much as it would allow," the Qohorian snorted. "I understand from your letter that you have a weapon of Valyrian steel you wish me to reshape for you," he said rather than asked.
"We do," said Illyrio. "You've obviously heard of the destruction of a Dothraki Khalasar and the weapon we took from the Khal who led it," he added.
"I have heard of the devastation done towards Khal Caggo's Khalasar," replied Einar nodding his head. "I thought the rumours of a Valyrian Arahk were just legend at best," he said carelessly.
"Well, they were quite true," Illyrio said cunningly. "Young Griff killed the Khal and took the Arahk from his dead hands," he stated proudly, laying a fat jewelled hand on the boy's shoulder smiling proudly.
"Ah, so you were the mighty warrior who cut down a Dothraki Khal," Einar said looking at the boy. "Tell me truthfully, boy, how was it that a boy of three and ten years managed to kill a Dothraki Khal well versed at killing and armed with a Valyrian Arahk?" he asked.
The boy smiled and said, "He came charging at me with his horse, so I killed his horse first then stuck my blade through his heart. Nothing glorious about it really," he said modestly.
Einar blinked before chuckling, "You're an honest one, Young Griff," he said with mirth. "Do you have the Arahk with you?" he then asked.
Ser Jon then took from his back the Valyrian Arahk wrapped in brown cloth. Einar unwrapped the cloth around the weapon and his eyes widened a fraction as he saw the familiar dark smoky metal of Valyrian steel with a thousand folds rippling along the surface of the metal.
"This is indeed Valyrian steel," Einar stated knowingly after appraising the weapon. "Very few smiths in all the world can reshape Valyrian steel weapons and it's a difficult process that consumes much time and money," he said.
"Ah, we have a way to compensate you for your time and effort, Einar," said Illyrio. "Young Griff has built a machine that can save you your strength from hammering at hot metal with your own bare hands," he added.
"A machine that can hammer metal for me?" Einar said disbelievingly. "I should like to see such a thing," he added.
The machine was then brought into the workshop where it was unveiled before Einar and the smiths and apprentices working within. Einar stared at the machine flabbergasted. He didn't quite know what he was looking at. Young Griff then spoke to everyone looking at the machine in a loud clear voice.
"What you see here is called a pneumatic hammer, or drop hammer if you wish to give it a simpler name," the boy said and he then began to explain how this machine was powered by hot steam, something that Einar found hard to believe. What good was steam? Young Griff then demonstrated how to make the machine come to life by lighting the fires within the machine and letting the machine boil the water inside and let it build up pressure within. Soon the small smoke stack at the top of the machine started billowing white steam and the device hummed and groaned into life.
The boy then demonstrated how to use the machine by taking a long piece of metal, placed it on the anvil where hanging above it was a block of solid metal. Young Griff then pressed a booted foot to a small pedal close to the machine's body and the heavy metal block above the anvil smacked down onto the metal on the anvil.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
The familiar sound of metal smacking metal rang out into the workshop before Young Griff removed his foot from the pedal and the machine stopped striking. Einar stared at the machine impressed; his mind was whirring with thoughts of what he could do with such a machine in his shop. It would certainly save time and energy for himself and his workers if they had such a machine here. Young Griff then began to explain the functions of the drop hammer and how it worked and even how to repair and maintain it and he even explained how he had built one that could be powered by a water wheel using running water instead of a steam engine.
After the lengthy explanation, Einar gladly took the machine as payment to reshape the arahk and invited his guests to stay at his manse whilst he reshaped the arahk. Young Griff then presented a diagram of what he would like the arahk reshaped into. Einar said he would get to work on it immediately and made some orders for his workers to place their new machine somewhere in the workshop where it could be used by all.
…
Dear journal,
We stayed the night at Einar's home and the next morning, he came bearing the reshaped Arahk. The diagram I had given to Einar was a basic arming sword that in a way looks or will look similar to Widow's Wail, just without any Baratheon/Lannister sigils/designs on it. Einar gave the sword to me saying that the drop hammer was payment enough for the sword and I passed on some manuals on how to clean and repair the machine for the times it wasn't be used and I advised Einar that if anything happened to the machine that he couldn't fix to send a raven to me immediately.
Soon after, Ser Jon, Illyrio and I headed back to Pentos in the dirigible. I took the time to get used to the feel of my new secondary weapon. I know that Valyrian steel is much lighter and stronger than regular or castle forged steel, but damn did it feel good to swing around. Ser Jon reminded that we would still train with regular steel as it wouldn't be good to get complacent using Valyrian steel. I agreed readily enough with that sentiment so from now on, I'll be training with regular steel so I can get used to the weight of it.
As soon as we got back to Pentos, Illyrio received an urgent letter, likely from the Spider, that Robert's assassins were closing in on Khaleesi and Viserys and that Khaleesi and Viserys would be heading to Pentos for safety. Illyrio then told me it was perhaps time to meet my aunt and uncle. I'm kinda nervous to be honest. I know that Emilia Clarke who portrays Khaleesi in the show is a beautiful woman, but I'm wondering if seeing Khaleesi for the first time myself will be any different. Would she be just as beautiful? Or perhaps plainer? Can't think about that right now, so I told Illyrio that it would be good to see my aunt and uncle but I also said that no matter what 'Uncle Viserys' thinks, I am the first in line for succession, not him. Ser Jon was pleased by that and said that I was acting like a dragon already. Septa Lemore also advised me to be kind to Daenerys and to be her knight and I promised her I would.
Speaking of Septa Lemore, I'm aware of the theories that she may be Ashara Dayne, sister to Ser Arthur Dayne the Sword of the Morning and looking closely at Septa Lemore, I can see that she does possess some of House Dayne features who are said to look similar to those of Valyrian descent, fair hair and purple/lilac/violet eyes. But that's for another time, Lemore will tell me who she really is in her own time, it's none of my business.
Illyrio told me that Viserys and Khaleesi would be arriving within a fortnight from now, so I've got time to prepare for their arrival.
Will write more later after I meet Viserys and Khaleesi.
Martin/Aegon.
…
Aegon stood beside Ser Jon and Duck and Septa Lemore at the entrance to Illyrio's manse. Aegon's hair had been trimmed back and he was dressed in fine but plain clothes and the collar chafed a little and he pulled at it almost gagging.
"Stay still, boy!" Ser Jon hissed. "You look like you're about to choke on your tongue!" he chided.
"Well, this collar is too tight, Ser!" Aegon complained. Ser Jon furrowed his brow and Aegon stopped pulling at the collar. Soon enough a carriage being pulled by horses came into view. Illyrio stepped into view and gave out greetings. Stepping out from the carriage was a tall thin man, a few years older than Aegon with a snide displeased expression on his face and behind him was a young maiden with silver-blonde hair and fair features and wide violet eyes. Aegon stared at the girl who stared back.
"She's beautiful," Aegon whispered to himself. Duck heard the boy and grinned, "Aye, she's a pretty one. Viserys would sell her sweet loins to any lord to get an army," he chuckled.
Aegon glared at Duck, "That won't happen! Not while I'm here!" he hissed.
"Quiet boy!" Ser Jon snapped and Aegon stayed quiet.
Viserys spoke some demanding words to Illyrio who simpered and Viserys then snapped some words to Daenerys who followed meekly.
"My Prince, may I present Ser Jon Connington and his retinue, Duck, Septa Lemore and Haldon the Halfmaester and lastly this is," Illyrio began to say when Aegon interrupted.
"Aegon Targaryen, son of Rhaegar Targaryen and your nephew," Aegon said boldly.
Viserys did a double take before laughing derisively. "A joke of yours, Illyrio?" he laughed. "I do believe this brat said he was my brother's son," he said.
"No, my prince, it is quite true," said Illyrio. "Your nephew is here in front of you," he declared.
Viserys glared at Aegon who looked back at him coolly while Daenerys stared at Aegon in interest. "He has the right look for one of the blood, but my nephew was killed by the Usurper's dogs!" Viserys spat.
"The boy that was killed was a tanner's son," replied Aegon. "I was smuggled out of Kings Landing and raised here in Essos in secret. I am the heir to the Iron Throne," he said firmly.
"My father disowned yours!" Viserys snarled. "He named me heir to the Irone Throne! My throne!" he shrieked.
"And who would heed the words of a madman?" asked Aegon.
"He was your grandfather! His word was law!" Viserys spat.
Aegon smirked. "So, you admit that I am Rhaegar's son?" he said. Viserys spluttered his face going red from anger.
"In any case, the words of a madman need not be heeded," Aegon then said. "Rhaegar, my father, was first in line for succession, and as I am his only son, I am the one to inherit the Iron Throne. You would be the last choice I would have take the throne," he added.
"Have care how speak, boy! I am the Dragon!" Viserys gritted his teeth in anger while Daenerys looked frightened at how angry her brother was getting.
"You're not acting like one," replied Aegon. "You act more like a seething toothless worm and a bully," he said coldly.
Viserys's hand strayed to the curved dagger on his hip. "I would choose your next move very carefully, uncle," Aegon said in an icy voice and Ser Jon and Duck laid their hands on the pommels of their swords, ready to draw them at the command.
Seeing two knights beside Aegon, Viserys seethed before relenting and he stormed into the manse. Aegon stared after Viserys before looking at Daenerys who looked quite nervous and lost.
"Greetings, aunt Daenerys, it's a pleasure to meet you at long last," Aegon smiled at the silver haired girl who looked frightened. Aegon held out his hand, "It's alright, I won't hurt you," he said gently. Daenerys hesitantly took Aegon's hand and spoke.
"It is good to see my nephew is indeed alive. I thought for years you were dead by the Usurper's dogs," she said in a quiet meek voice.
"Well, I did die for a short time a little while ago, but I got better," Aegon jested and Daenerys gave a small smile. "Shall I show you to your chambers?" Aegon then asked and his aunt nodded in reply. Aegon then led Daenerys into the house speaking to her gently.
Ser Jon sighed in relief, "Don't know what got into the boy's head when he introduced himself like that," he muttered. "I have half a mind to spank him!" he added.
"Wouldn't do any good, Connington," replied Duck. "The boy's a dragon, he'd likely roast you," he japed. "And he's getting better than either of us with a sword," he added.
"He's still got a ways to go, Duckfield," Ser Jon argued. "The Usurper may think our prince dead, but they're still looking for Prince Viserys and Princess Daenerys," he warned.
"The Spider is keeping us well informed of the Usurper's spies," Illyrio put in as they headed into the manse. "And with all the advancements Aegon has made these past few months, we'll soon be ready," he said confidently.
"But the question is, how soon?" said Ser Jon grimly.
…
"And this is your room," Aegon said to his aunt leading into a sizable room with a large bed against the wall, a table with chairs and a balcony overlooking the ocean.
"This is my room?" Daenerys asked in surprise as she looked around astonished.
"Yes, I just said that," Aegon grinned a boyish grin.
"I've never had a room this big before," Daenerys stated as she wandered around the room looking at everything in amazement.
"Well, it's yours," replied Aegon. "And my room is just down the hall from yours," he then said. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask," he advised.
"Thank you, nephew," Daenerys said graciously.
"Call me Aegon," Aegon smiled.
"Then you may call me Dany if it pleases you," Daenerys replied with a smile of her own. "Viserys calls me by that name," she said quietly. A frown passed over Aegon's face before he asked.
"Dany, are you afraid?" he asked gently.
"Am I afraid of what?" Daenerys feigned confusion feeling nervous at this question.
"Of Viserys, are you afraid of him?" Aegon said to clarify.
Daenerys went very quiet at this and tried to stammer out a reply when Aegon cut her off. "It's alright if you are afraid of him, but I promise that I'll protect you should he try to hurt you," he said solemnly. Daenerys blinked before asking.
"Are you going to be my knight?"
Aegon smiled. "If you wish me to be, I will," he said kindly.
"Viserys… does frighten me," Daenerys said slowly. "He… hits me sometimes when he's angry," she added hesitantly as if afraid Viserys would appear any moment.
"Go on," Aegon urged gently.
"He… yells at everyone who doesn't do what he says and he…" Daenerys tried to say more but she couldn't find the words to express her fear. Aegon took her hands into his own and she shivered slightly at the feeling of the callouses on her nephew's palms and she looked into his eyes.
"It's alright, you don't have to be afraid any longer. I can protect you," Aegon promised.
"Do you swear it?" Daenerys asked as tears threatened to leak out of her violet eyes.
"I don't make oaths I don't intend to keep, Dany," Aegon whispered and Daenerys looked at him in confusion wondering what he meant by those words, but she saw the honest look in Aegon's purple eyes and she smiled in response before she suddenly hugged him. Aegon grunted in surprise but he hugged his aunt back, enjoying the closeness. After a moment, Dany pulled away and looked at Aegon smiling widely.
"Thank you, my brave knight," she said and Aegon smiled in response. Then a serving girl fetched them for the midday meal. Holding hands, Aegon and Daenerys went to the dining hall where Viserys sat in his seat glaring at them in anger. Dany trembled and gripped Aegon's tighter and Aegon gave her hand a comforting squeeze and smiled at her encouragingly and she relaxed.
Later at night, Dany lay in her large bed staring up at the ceiling as the winds blowed through the open balcony bringing in the scent of the sea. Viserys tried to remove Dany from Aegon's presence but Aegon refused to budge from her side telling his uncle that he was Dany's knight and that it was his duty to guard. Viserys raged and threatened to draw his dagger, but Aegon drew his sword, one of Valyrian steel and pressed the point at Viserys's throat so much that a small bead of blood stained the tip of the blade. Suitably cowed, Viserys slunk off, muttering something dark. Dany had warned Aegon that Viserys was likely going to hurt him for protecting her, but Aegon smiled that boyish smile of his and said to her that Viserys was a coward and a bully and wouldn't do anything he wasn't prepared for.
So afterwards when it came to sleep, Dany was walked back to her room by her nephew who said that if she needed anything at all, he was just down the hall from her and left for his own room. Dany lay there in bed staring up at the ceiling when she heard a rustling at her door. Looking over at the door, she could see shadows of something moving about. Dany's first thought was that it was the servants doing their nightly duties, but why were they lingering at her door. A slight hint of panic creeped up her spine; was it the knives of the Usurper here to slit her throat? Or was it Viserys come to exact punishment on her for spending some much time with Aegon?
Fear churned in Dany's stomach as she lay there frightened. A faint scratching at the door was heard and she hid beneath the sheets of the bed, hoping that whomever it was would go away and leave her alone.
The lock of the door clicked and the door slowly swung inwards to reveal a tall shadowy shape. Letting her fear get the better of her, Dany gave a wail of fear and the shadowy shape fled from the doorway, footsteps thudding down the hallway.
Then entering the room with sword in hand was Aegon, his eyes darting to and fro alert. "Are you alright, Dany? Speak!" he urged.
"There… was someone entering my room," Dany whispered, her eyes leaking fat tears.
Aegon pursed his lips together and replied "I heard someone creeping around," he remarked. "Are you alright now? Do you want me to stay with you?" he offered.
"I… I…" Dany tried to say. Aegon took her hand and led her down the hallway to his room where he closed the door behind them and locked it and then placed a high-backed chair under the doorknob.
Dany then looked around at Aegon's room. Drawings were everywhere as well as objects of strange devices that Dany didn't recognise.
"Sorry about the mess," Aegon said apologetically. "I don't trust the servants to come in here and tidy, lest they try to steal some of my notes and my journal," he explained.
"Your journal?" asked Dany.
"Yes, I like to document my thoughts and experiences," replied Aegon. "It helps me think," he said simply.
"What do you write about in your journal?" Dany then asked as Aegon led her over to the bed where she sat down on the edge.
"Well, some things that I've built such as my dirigible," said Aegon.
"Dirigible? What is that?" asked Dany.
"It's a flying ship," Aegon said.
"A flying ship? A ship that flies through the air like a dragon?" Dany asked in amazement.
"Well, yes, but not as fast as a dragon I dare say," replied Aegon.
"Would you show me your dirigible?" Dany asked sweetly.
"On the morrow, I'll show you," said Aegon kindly. "It's late, you'd best get some sleep," he suggested.
"I'm too scared to sleep," Dany confessed. "What if… whomever it was comes back?" she asked fearfully.
"Don't worry, I'm right here to make sure that no-one will harm you," Aegon promised. Dany then swung her legs up onto the bed with Aegon seated beside the bed.
"Do you want to sleep yet?" Aegon asked Dany who shook her head. "Well, how about I tell you a story?" he suggested.
"A story?" Dany said sceptically her brows knitting together.
"Yes. A story to help you sleep," replied Aegon. "You'll like it, I promise," he said reassuringly. After a moment, Dany slowly nodded her head.
Aegon smiled and faced Dany before beginning his story, "Once upon a time, in a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins…" Dany lay on the bed enthralled by the story her nephew wove for her. It was a story unlike anything she'd heard of before; a hobbit (whatever that was), a company of dwarves looking to take back their kingdom, a wise & powerful wizard, a cunning elf king, a brave stalwart archer, a mighty dragon, a lonely mountain kingdom, a hoard of forgotten treasure, an army of wicked creatures and a magical ring.
Soon Dany's eyes closed shut and she fell asleep. Aegon smiled at his aunt now sound asleep and he looked over to his journal and decided to document his thoughts before going to sleep himself on the chair beside the bed that Dany lay on.
TO BE CONTINUED…
A/N: well there it is, the second chapter of this done and dusted. This chapter might seem a little rushed what with Daenerys and Viserys showing up this soon, but I honestly couldn't think of anything better to put in this chapter and some of you did request that I have Aegon take Dany away from Viserys before he sells her to Khal Drogo for his army. And the part with the dirigible annihilating the Khalasar I think might've been done too easy, but it's done, I can't change anything about it now without rewriting the whole chapter which would take longer to do, so I apologise if I took the easy route and made Aegon OP in this chapter, but I will try to level him out in the rest of the story.
Also, there was some cute fluff between Aegon and Dany towards the end which I hope was good and plants the seed of a relationship between them, even though they're both related by blood, but we'll see how it goes. I think in the next chapter Aegon will be writing in his journal about how Dany is more beautiful than he expected her to be even though she's about thirteen/fourteen so far, but then again he's about the same age as well. And I'm not going to do a young marriage right away, although it is tempting to do, as I want to develop Aegon and Dany's relationship more and hopefully Aegon inspires his aunt to stand up to Viserys and put him in his place. Viserys is going to die, make no mistake, he will die in this story, maybe in the next chapter or the one after that, who knows?
I'm also thinking of doing a time-skip to when Aegon and Dany are around seventeen years of age, but not in the next chapter that's for sure.
In other news, I've got a new idea in my head for a Witcher/Fallout/Game of Thrones crossover where the Courier and ED-E from New Vegas end up in the Witcher world due to a sorceress tampering with a portal that sucks them into Temeria and they begin to make a name for themselves whilst the sorceress tries to track down the monster she netted. Four guesses as to who that sorceress might.
And while we're on the subject of the Witcher, I've also got the idea of a Witcher/Game of Thrones crossover where Gaunter O'Dimm AKA the Devil AKA Evil Incarnate AKA Master Mirror appears before Elia Martell during the Sacking of Kings Landing and offers to save an infant Aegon Targaryen from being killed, Elia accepts and Gaunter switches baby Aegon for a tanner's son and Aegon is dropped out the front of Kaer Morhen and is raised a Witcher of the School of the Wolf before Gaunter brings him back to Westeros to bring about a new Age. I'm still working on details right on that idea as the whole story of Kaer Morhen and Geralt and Ciri is pretty complete, so I'm working on trying to find a way to incorporate Aegon Targaryen into the Witcher world.
But that's all I have to say on that idea as I'm trying to focus on what stories I currently have instead of pumping out new ones so I should try to focus on them.
That's about it from me, so drop a review if you liked what you saw or if you have any criticisms to make. Friendly feedback and constructive criticism is always welcomed (^_^)
But any unpleasant reviews of abuse will be taken down. I've had a few nasty reviews lately, but I was quick to take those down. You have been warned.
Be kind to one another,
Angry lil' elf.