CHAPTER 38. THE KING OF THE EAST

PART 1. REIGN OF FIRE

NEW VALYRIA

Many of the Free Cities had surrendered and sent tribute to Aegon after New Valyria fell. The majority of the Free Cities army bent the knee adding men to Aegon's army and ships to his fleet. With only a few holdouts Aegon can now focus on crossing the Narrow sea and taking back the Iron Throne for his family. He moves the bulk of his army to New Valyria.

"How soon can we sail for Dragonstone?" Aegon asks in a meeting with his wife, sister, and advisors.

"I am afraid our trip west may be delayed your Grace…My little birds tell me that Vivienne Tyrell has borrowed gold from the Iron Bank of Braavos and has hired the Golden Company to attack Volantis…"

"We have four Dragons…We should unleash them on the Golden Company instead of sending the army…" Josselyn says.

Volantis

The city of Volantis is under siege from the Golden Company as it bombards the city from the sea, over half the army had been deployed on land and attacks the city from the beach. The city echoes with the sound of a golden head battering ram smashing against the main gates. Arrows fly back and forth as great stones are dropped onto men with ladders.

Everyone pauses as a roar splits the air and then a huge gout of flame engulfs the soldiers at the main gate. They cry out in terror as they are burned to ash. The men manning the catapults for the Golden Company, scatter and run as another Dragon blasts their engines of war. Meanwhile on the sea the ships are attacked by another two Dragons.

Daenarys on Rhaegal with Viserion attack the ships in the water. Some men jump ships while others try to sail away. "Dracarys!" She commands and the command ship is blown in half, the front splintered by the force of Rhaegal's fire. The rest of the ship sinks as they fly off. Viserion turns over a ship by swimming under it and flipping it over.

Soon many of the men fighting for the Golden Company surrender. All four Dragons land on the beach, with Aegon, Josselyn, and Daenarys. His wife stands at his right while his sister stands on the left. "I am Aegon Targaryen Sixth of his name…King of the Eastern Freeholds…Rightful King of the Seven Western Kingdoms, Lord of the Andels and the First Men, Protector of the Realm, Khal of all Khals…The Blood of the Dragon…You will bend the knee or burn in Dragon Fire. The choice is yours…" They all fall to their knees and as they do Drogon roars and is joined by the other Dragons. A week later they fly on the city of New Ghis and burn the grain stores, the palace of Masters and the city barracks. They also destroy the main gates before flying off.

"I am Van ro Kasten of New Ghis…and I come on behalf of the cities of New Ghis, Merathon, Qaunthel, and far side city of Xaronthees. We name you our true King and bring this small gift of our fealty…"

Aegon looks at Daenarys, "Your gift is accepted…I will be sending people I have chosen to rule those cities in my name…Any act of defiance will be met with Dragon Fire…" It takes three weeks to make all the proper appointments. When that is done Aegon can now plan to sail to Dragonstone and take back what belonged to his family.

PART 2. GO WEST

Aegon runs through the halls of New Valyria Palace to his bed chambers where Josselyn lies on the bed. "She is with child your Grace…" Maester Farro says bowing. Aegon had sent to Old Town for a Maester. Tara is standing beside the bed watching the Maester like a Hawk to ensure he doesn't take any liberties while examining her Queen.

Aegon remembers how his mother died bringing Dany into the world. Fear grips his heart, "Why is she in bed?"

"I feinted…Sir Barristan was nearby and caught me…I am fine…" Josselyn says.

"I gave her some soup and more food is being prepared…"

Aegon looks at Sir Barristan, "You have my thanks my friend…"

"I live to serve House Targaryen…"

Because of Josselyn's pregnancy Aegon decides to hold off on heading west. The next day Josselyn summons Missandei, "Are we still on schedule to sail West?"

"Um…Perhaps I should call the King to discuss this with you my Queen…"

"Missandei…Tell me what is going on…"

"Your husband the King said not to discuss these things with you…"

She sits up, "Call my sister…" Josselyn likes to refer to Dany as her sister. Soon she joins her.

"Are you alright?"

"I am not an invalid. I just feinted…Now tell me true dear sister…Has my husband delayed the move west…"

She sighs and looks at Missandei, "I said nothing…"

Dany smiles, "He will forgive me faster than you…" She looks at Josselyn her hair is spread across the pillow. "Yes he has decided to wait…"

She shakes her head, "Your destiny is in the west and any delay may be too late…Missandei call the King I need to see him immediately…"

As Missandei leaves the room Dany grabs her hand, "You said something about my destiny before…What did you mean?"

"I will tell be patient…"

Soon Missandei returns with Aegon, "Are you alright?"

She gently slaps his face, "Why are you delaying our trip West…"

He touches her stomach, "The Baby…"

"Yes and you know what awaits us in the West? Another Targaryen."

Aegon and Daenarys exchange looks, "What?"

"I have seen him in the fires…Jon Stark who everyone thought was a bastard of Eddard Stark…Not so…He is the son of your brother Rhaegar by Lyanna Stark…"

Aegon stands up as his mind goes back to that day. "I remember…At the tourney…Mother took us home after Rhaegar won the tourney…"

"Everyone believed Rhaegar kidnapped Lyanna Stark…not so…"

"Yes…Your nephew is Jon Stark and he faces the Long Night…He is the Prince that was promised…" Josselyn explains the long Night, Azar Ahai and the Night King. "We must go without delay…"

Aegon sighs, "Missandei summon my small council…"

"Yes your Grace…"

Aegon kisses Josselyn on the lips, "If you insist…" Aegon meets with his advisors which include Varys, Sir Cade, Sir Barristan, Sir Cade, Dragonfly, Khal Jhoqo, Jon Connington, Missandei, and Grey Worm. He informs them that the trip west will proceed. Aegon will go ahead with Daenarys their Dragons Drogon and Rhaegal along with half the fleet and army. Jon Connington, Sir Barristan, and Jhoqo will bring up the rest of the army with Josselyn and the two remaining Dragons. After two weeks of planning and more preparing they set sail for Dragonstone.