Samwell Tarly:
Samwell was nervous. Even more so than usual. Though in this case, his nervousness was likely justified by any who knew of the position he was thrusted into. It had been four years since he had set foot in Westeros and while he felt a certain giddiness in returning to his homeland, he knew that his welcome would be anything but joyful.
'Damn you Jon' Sam thought sourly though any feelings of resentment vanished before they could even form. He understood the reasons why Jon had sent him ahead of his own arrival but still he couldn't shake the feeling that his friend had sent him for all intended purposes to the lion's den. Dragon's Den Samwell corrected himself. Still, he understood why it had to be him. He was the only highborn that wouldn't be beheaded or thrown in chains on sight, once word reached the capital of their arrival. Sam had only been a boy when he set out with Jon on their adventure across the narrow seas so no one in the right mind could blame Sam for indulging Jon's brashness or agreeing to Lord Gerion's crazy plans. Though Sam doubted Jon's mother and father would spare their anger on seeing him instead of their own son. His first night in Westeros and already he was drawing the ire of the King and Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Sam gulped at the thought.
Their ship was a small trader vessel so unlike the vessels that Sam had grown use to in his travels across the Eastern Continent. It was little more than a pleasure barge, with a red striped hull, twenty oars and not a single defensive structure insight. The crew was a motley mix made up of the pretty Lysene with their bastard Valyrian features and other almond skinned Essosi. All of them were freed men and women granted by a lost Prince who made good on a promise. Soon enough, they would all be decently rich highborn as well with lands of their own once their wayward prince finally returned home.
Sam suppressed another sigh as the ship glided across the dark waters of Blackwater Bay. The sun was high in the sky causing drops of sweat to drip down from his brow. There was a mummer of excitement that passed through the inhabitants of his vessel as they neared the beach. He could make out the unmistakable sight of a small army of Gold Cloaks who arranged themselves in a barrier to shield the Royal family from the rather large gathering of small folk who craned their necks, shoved and shouted to get a better look of the approaching vessel. In the center of the shield of gold, sunlight glinted off the white armor of the Kingsguard. There six of them standing regally in the blazing light of the morning sun.
Samwell realized that if all six kingsguard were on the beach save for the lone Lannister who was still guarding the wayward Prince then that meant the entire royal family was there. He was soon proven correct as they drew closer. Spotting King Rhaegar next to his wife Queen Lyanna, Princess Daenerys was on the other side of the King looking nearly as impatient as Jon's mother. Viserys was there with his three young daughters, as was Jon's half siblings Crown Prince Aegon and Princess Rhaenys and next to them was Jon's full sister Princess Visenya who only been a girl when Jon left. She had grown in the meantime, sprouting into a beauty of Valyrian features like her aunt. Even the Dowager Queen Rhaella was present standing next to her daughter. It was a rare occurrence seeing the matriarch of the Targaryen house leave Dragonstone.
Time seemed to slow as the ship came to a stop along the beach. Jon had instructed Sam to send a raven months in advance, to announce their arrival. Apparently, it had caused such a stir within Kingslanding that the King had instructed them to land on a beach of the Blackwater, outside of the city walls so as not to disrupt port traffic into the city. That precaution apparently hadn't stopped what seemed like half of the city to flow outward to catch a sight of the returning prince. Sam could only imagine how disappointed everyone would be once they found out the Prince wasn't within the arrival party.
Sam was the first one off the ship and his crew of former slaves followed him with wide eyes at the large gathering of people. A murmur went through the crowd at the sight of them. No doubt anyone had expected such an exotic group of people. Still Sam could feel a nervous tingle run up his spine as he saw eyes searching for a certain dark haired Targaryen.
He had barely kneeled before the royal family when a voice Sam didn't think hear again so soon spoke out in exclamation "Samwell?" That was the strong voice of his Father. Surprise lined his voice instead of the usual anger or disdain that Sam remembered all too well.
"Father?" Sam chanced a glance upwards, meeting the questioning gaze of his father. Randyll Tarly looked exactly as Sam remembered. Tall with a strong jawline and steely dark eyes. He was bald with a well maintained grey beard gracing his jawline and upper lips. His expression was something unlike Sam had seen before especially in his direction. Filled with question and maybe even wonder. Sam realized then how different he must have looked in comparison to how he did he when he left.
Sam had been a fat boy. Truly huge with no athletic ability or warrior spirit. He preferred food and books rather than a sword or horse. Paired that with his cowardice and aversion to violence or bloodshed, his Lord Father had all but disowned Sam and was intending on sending him to take the black before Sam had met and became fast friends with Prince Jaehaerys 'Jon' Targaryen. Now after four years of travel, harsh conditions, nearly being killed more times than he could count and going multiple nights without food or sweets, Sam had trimmed down drastically. He wasn't as lean as Jon nor did he truly have much muscle definition but Sam imagined he must be nearly unrecognizable.
Queen Lyanna interrupted their reunion. "Samwell where is my son?" Her tone was sharp and demanding. Understandable for a mother whose only son stole off into the night and hadn't been in contact with his family for four years. Samwell cringed all the same, shrinking from the combined glare of the concerned family.
"Yes, where is Jon?" That was the King's voice. The monarch was renowned for his patience and cool demeanor but now his tone mirrored his wife's. He was dressed in a rich red and black doublet and pants which contrasted with his wife's elegant grey dress. They both wore crowns Rhaegar's a circlet of Valyrian steel with square inlaid rubies and Lyanna's a small golden band with a ring of sapphires worked into the gold. Rhaegar was tall and fair with silver hair and purple eyes of the traditional Targaryen features. Lyanna had soft brown locks that tumbled down her back and grey eyes that were the color of stormy skies. Everyone said that Jon favored his mother in looks and while it was true that Jon had her eyes and black hair instead of silver, Sam could see how much Jon looked like his father now that he had matured out of boyhood.
"Uh… Sorry your grace. Jon didn't travel with me." There was a groan that went through the crowd at his words. Sam shuffled nervously. He knew that was the most likely reaction but it didn't sit well with him disappointing so many people.
"Well then where is he?" Queen Lyanna who had always been sweet to him had a look on her comely face that promised murder. Her husband noticed her mood and squeezed her hand comfortingly. He motioned for Samwell to rise.
"Jon's a bit busy in Pentos right now. He's there with Ser Jaime, Lord Tyrion and Lord Gerion. Last time I checked he was in good health and told me to apologize on his behalf for the delay." Sam smiled apologetically.
"What could be so important that he can't come see his family after all these years?" Queen Lyanna asked tears brimming her grey eyes. Sam shifted awkwardly as he noticed similar expressions in many of the women of the Targaryen clan. They all seemed genuinely hurt and angry at Jon's delay. Those forlorn looks vanished as a white blur made a timely appearance, leaping out of the ship and bounding towards the royal family.
"Ghost!" Multiple voices shouted in unison as the Giant White Direwolf greeted them eagerly. He was massive now, as tall as a war horse and lean with corded muscle hidden by a huge coat of fur. The wolf seemed to melt under the attention rolling onto his back in the sand as multiple hands rubbed his belly.
Samwell smiled at the sight. Good timing. "Jon let me know that he should be here in no longer than a fortnight. He is preparing something quite extravagant that will undoubtedly justify his travels."
"Nothing can justify four years away with barely a letter explaining where he's gone." That was Princess Daenerys voice adding to disdain against Jon. A nod from mother, grandmother and sister confirmed that her opinion was of the majority. Samwell almost felt sorry for Jon when he came back. His friend certainly thought that the treasures and discoveries they made on their travels would wholly justify his long hiatus from the Seven Kingdoms. Now Samwell was certain for all of Jon's heroism, honor and nobility the man truly was ignorant of how women worked. He would certainly have his work cut out for him on making amends.
"I'm sorry, Princess. Trust me when I say this but Jon wanted to send a letter to all of you but our location for much of our journey made communication impossible. He understands as well as anyone the strain that his journey has place on all of you and I know that he will make amends with all of you when he does return."
Queen Rhaella smiled at Sam. "Sweet words Samwell. No wonder Jon sent you in his place. If he were here he would be stumbling over his words and crumbling under my family's stares."
Sam laughed at that nodding agreement. "Yes, Jon was smart to send me but I insist his delay is with good reason."
"Can you tell where you've all been Sam? And what you have been doing all this time? We've heard rumors but it's was so long before you sent that letter that we feared something terrible happened to you." Lyanna's voice had softened but her eyes conveyed her insistence
for answers.
Samwell couldn't help but feel some guilt at the distress of his best friend's mother. It had been he along with Tyrion Lannister who convinced Jon four years ago, that sending any detail about their journey would likely result in them being intercepted before they could make any progress. As a result of his council, Jon's letters to his family were short and cryptic. Only two were sent in their entire four years away from the homeland. The first letter likely had not reached King's Landing until they had landed in Lys. By the time the royal family could launch any sort of response they were already making their way down to Slaver's Bay. From then on none of them sent anymore letters as word soon reached them that King Rhaegar had offered a Lordship with accompanying lands for anyone who could bring his son home alive and well. No doubt without any word or sighting from of them for so long many probably thought Jon and his party dead. "Yes I can help fill in a lot of the details but Jon made me swear that I leave a lot of the important parts for him when he returns."
No one seemed satisfied with his answer. Princess Daenerys looked like she was ready to voice a protest but King Rhaegar spoke first "Very well Sam. We'll wait for the whole story when Jon returns. Go ahead Sam with what you can tell us of your journey."
Sam glanced around at the large crowd of people suddenly feeling very uncomfortable with all the attention directed his way. "Perhaps...we can go somewhere more private? Jon would probably want much of our story to remain with family until he returns."
King Rhaegar nodded at that and his Kingsgaurd sprang into action ordering the Gold-cloaks to prepare for their departure. "Oh, and those two chests should stay as close as possible to us." Sam gestured towards the two-large chest that were being dragged onto the beach by the crew. They were made of black lacquered wood with steel bindings for reinforcement. The lock protecting their contents was thick and Sam resisted the urge to feel the ring of keys under his shirt. King Rhaegar looked at the chest curiously before acknowledging Sam's words and assigning guards to bring the chests with them.
The ride back to the Red Keep was awkward to say the least. Sam sat with the women of the royal family in their massive carriage as they made their way up to the city. Every single one of them were scrutinizing him as if he himself had devised the plan that took Jon away from them for so long. Jon's little sister Princess Visenya sat next to him and was the only one who could smile at him with good nature. She was three years younger than Jon and had only been ten when Jon left. Now at nearly five and ten she had grown into a beauty like her mother but with her father's silver hair and her mother's grey eyes. Her body had just begun to sprout into womanhood so she was still lean with little curves. Undoubtedly when Jon returned he would have his work cut out for him fending off her suitors.
Princess Daenerys and Princess Rhaenys were two very different classical beauties. The former was the picture of centuries of Valyrian breeding with pale skin, long silver hair and lilac eyes. The years that gone by had only enhanced her beauty adding a curvaceousness to her small figure that bewitched men. Bewitched Jon. Princess Rhaenys was taller than Princess Daenerys. Olive skinned where Princess Daenerys was fair, with dark curls that ran in rivets down her back. The only feature that denoted her half Targaryen heritage was her purple eyes which were much darker than Daenerys' eyes. Princess Rhaenys was the tallest woman in the carriage, nearly as tall as Sam. Queen Lyanna and the Dowager Queen Rhaella were seated next to each other. They too stared at Sam, silently forming a multitude of questions that Sam would probably struggle to answer.
Princess Visenya spoke first breaking the tense silence. "How is Jon? Is he any different from when he left?"
"Well he's taller now." That drew some laughter from his audience. "More confident I suppose as well. Someone who leads by example and won't ask you to do something that he's not willing to do himself." Sam added. There were things he didn't say though. His best friend had gone from a boy who was unsure of his place to a man confident in his abilities. That hadn't come without cost though. Jon had a darkness in him now that sometimes frightened Sam.
"Why didn't you send more letters?" Queen Rhaella asked. Her voice was as smooth as harp note. Her purple eyes didn't hold much of the same ferocity as her daughters by blood and marriage but her voice conveyed the same concern.
"We wanted to...Jon wanted to, trust me. But we had heard that there was a large ransom out for anyone who could return Jon home." His words hung heavily in the air. As much as Jon didn't want to cause distress to his family by letting the assume something terrible happened to him due to his silence, what he wanted more was not to be found until it was on his terms.
Princess Visenya who seemed the most unburden by thoughts spoke again "Why did Jon leave? What was he hoping to accomplish?"
Sam shifted nervously and couldn't help but look at Princess Daenerys who caught his eye. She leaned in closer waiting for his answer. That's definitely a question for Jon. "Uh… I can't speak for Jon entirely. His reasons are his own and I'm sure that he can explain them for you all when he returns." He offered diplomatically.
Queen Lyanna didn't seem satisfied with his answer though and inquired further. "I'm sure you have an insight into his motives that you can share with us. You were his closest companion for four years."
"Yes, why don't you tell us what possessed my half-brother to cause such a shit-storm." Princess Rhaenys had an accent that was a mix of King's Landing and Dornish that caused all her words to roll off the tip of her tongue. This was Sam's first time speaking with her but from all Jon's stories about his half-sister's temper and disdain for him she caused a feeling of apprehension to run up his spine.
"Well. I think what Jon intends is to bring back something that would bring his family great honor. He went on about restoring your legacy."
"So, did he succeed?" Princess Visenya inquired eagerly. It appeared she had already forgiven her brother and was eager to hear stories of his adventure as well as looking forward to their eventual reunion. Though by the looks of the other inhabitants of their large carriage none of them were as quick to forgive.
Sam smiled at the young beauty. "Oh yes. I believe he did."
The rest of the ride to the Red Keep was filled with a barrage of questions which Sam did his best to answer without spoiling too much of the story that Jon wished to tell on his own or deflecting as his answers would likely be repeated once they reached the castle. He did his best but by the time the carriage door opened to the courtyard of the Red Keep, Sam could tell most of his audience was frustrated by his answers or rather by the lack of them.
Following the guide of the Kingsguard the royal family was lead to the King's solar. Sam felt even more out of place as he sat amongst the entirety of the Targaryen line. Behind them servants set down the two-large chest and exited quickly. The doors were sealed leaving Sam alone with Ser Arthur Dayne and Ser Barristan Selmy being the only individuals besides himself who weren't of the royal bloodline. Across from him sat King Rhaegar, his wife sat to his left and Jon's elder brother, the crown prince, Aegon sat to his right. The others filled in the seats around the ornate carved table with Princess Daenerys and Princess Visenya taking the seats closest to him. Once they were all settled Rhaegar addressed him "Samwell I believe you have a story to tell us?"
"Yes, of course your grace." Sam tried not to notice the collection of stares he received but his hands already felt clammy. Visenya squeezed his knee in support and he let out a deep breath before beginning. "As you all know, four years ago me, Jon, Tyrion, Jaime and Lord Gerion left Lannisport to sail to Essos."
"Under the guise of visiting Oldtown and Dorne" Aegon corrected. He was taller than his father now with broader shoulders and hair that was blonde instead of silver. Strands ran down to his chiseled jawline with the rest of it held up in a high tail.
Sam nodded at the crown Prince stuttering as he continued "Yes. We actually did visit many cities along the coastline including Oldtown and Sunspear but of course we continued east without anyone other than our crew knowing our true destination."
"We stopped in Lys for a few days to resupply. Added new crew members and then sailed for Volantis. Once we were there that's when it was time to flesh out our plan."
"Where did you stay in Volantis?" Queen Lyanna asked.
Sam blinked and looked at Prince Viserys who paled once everyone directed their attention to him.
"So you did know where they went?" Queen Lyanna growled. Viserys had left Westeros a few years before them with the goal of finding a wife of Valyrian blood. The rich families of Volantis, the only ones who could reside behind the ancient black walls built by Valyrians in the days when the freehold was the dominant power on the continent had family lines that could be traced all the way back to days before the Doom. Viserys had found a wife from one of the influential families in the city and was residing with her when they first landed in Volantis. They had stayed in his family's estate for several moons before continuing on with their journey and Prince Viserys was well aware of what they intended.
"You lied to us! For years, you claimed you had no idea where he went!" Princess Daenerys was livid and looked likely to leap from her chair and pounce on her brother across the wide table. Even the King looked at Viserys with a look that was somewhere between anger and disappointment.
Sam cleared his throat bringing the attention back to him. He smiled at Viserys apologetically. "To be fair Jon threatened Prince Viserys if he told anyone. We didn't actually think he would hold out all this time."
Viserys seemed to take offence to the statement. "When I give my word, I don't go back on it."
"Yes, and we thank you for that." Trying to ignore the glares that came his way Sam continued. "The Venigars were actually quite helpful in getting us the documentation that we needed to successfully plan our journey. "
"You knew that they were planning to go to Valyria? You didn't think to warn any of us?" Queen Lyanna's tone was icy and if looks could kill then the Kingsguard would have one less charge to care about.
"Yes, I knew what he was planning. Told him not to go but when does that brat ever listen to anyone much less me? He had a Kingsguard for protection and two Lords from the richest house in the Kingdom planning and financing their trip. My words weren't going to sway him. After all you denying him Daenerys is what caused him to go anyway. Don't blame this on me."
The words were like a slap and the air went out of Queen Lyanna's lungs at Viserys rebuttal. His sneer lost some of his venom as King Rhaegar wheeled on him "Watch your tone brother. You're speaking to my wife." The King's eyes held an anger that was akin to his sons. They were of similar temperament, slow to anger but when the fire was lit it was a fury.
Viserys held his brothers gaze for a moment and Sam briefly thought Viserys was foolish enough to challenge his elder brother. Even without the protection of the Kingsguard Rhaegar would trash Viserys. Rhaegar was a warrior whose talent passed to both of his sons, Viserys had a mountain of pride but a shadow of their ability. Eventually Viserys dropped his stare, composing his face. "Apologies brother."
"Apologize to my wife. That's where the offence lies." King Rhaegar' s voice was strong leaving no room for dissent.
"I'm sorry for the offence your grace. I was out of line." Viserys said amenably though none were fooled in believing his sincerity.
"You sent the boy to die Viserys. You knew the risk and let your own blood go on a foolish adventure." Viserys seemed genuinely hurt by the accusation made by his mother and wilted under her stare.
"But we didn't die and without Prince Viserys' help and his connections we probably would have." Samwell added quickly, deciding that Viserys had endured enough punishment. He stood from his chair and unlocked one of the chest behind him. All eyes were on him when he pulled an unmistakable sword shaped bundle from the chest. It was wrapped in the banners of house Targaryen: a red three headed dragon on a black field. "This is from Jon. He knew that regardless if you kept your word about our trip or not your family would be have reason to be angry with you."
Prince Viserys gingerly took the bundle from Sam's hands. Unwrapping the cloth revealed a black scabbard of solid, high quality wood with the symbol of house Targaryen stamped upon its length. The hilt of the longsword was unadorned with simple black leather and a steel pommel and cross guard. Gasp went through the room when Viserys pulled the sword from it's sheath revealing the characteristic swirls of Valyrian steel.
"Most of the original hilts were ruined so we had to replace them with simple hilts. Jon was sure that you would change them anyway."
"Hilts? You found multiple swords?" That was the elder Kingsguard knight Ser Barristan, he sounded like a boy who was seeing his first tourney.
"Yes. We found several swords. Enough for every man on the Kingsguard, for the royal family and one for a certain member of House Stark. Gerion also found Brightroar, House Lannister's ancestral great sword." The royal family was speechless as Sam handed out the priceless weaponry. King Rhaegar was given a great sword, Prince Aegon a long sword. All the ladies of the family were given daggers whose hilts were made of dragon bone and had survived the harsh conditions of the ruin of the freehold. "Jon knew that even Valyrian steel wouldn't replace Dawn but he told me to give you a longsword anyway just in case you decide you need to fight with a shield." Sam said to Ser Arthur who seemed awestruck like the rest of them.
"How is this possible Sam? There are more swords here than all of Westeros. We could build entire city if we sold them." Prince Aegon asked. The dark blue blade of his longsword seemed to mesmerize him.
"We found a way in to the Valyrian Peninsula." Sam answered.
"That's not possible. Every single person whether they be King or a common sailor who's tried to enter Valyria has never been heard from again." Princess Visenya exclaimed factually.
"I'll admit it wasn't easy. We spent half a year researching every large expedition taken to reclaim the secrets of Valyria. From King Tommen of Casterly Rock, fleets from Volantis and even the last dragonlord Aurion." He said the last part under his breath and visible shudder went through his body as he voiced the name.
"Aurion was the last of the dragonlords other than our family. He raised an army and declared himself empire of Valyria and then marched to reclaim it. He was never seen again." Sam recalled Jon telling him that his younger sister was very fond of history and was prone to spout off facts when there were lulls in conversation. Apparently, time hadn't dulled her curiosity.
"That's correct. Aurion's journey was one of the main focuses of our research. He had a large army and sent multiple scouts ahead of their column to report conditions. While the bulk of the force was never seen again including Aurion and his dragon, a detailed account of their journey before their disappearance resides in the library of Volantis."
"So you simply followed the steps of a dead man and found the biggest treasure trove in history?" Prince Aegon scoffed.
"Well we also took in reports of all the known ships that went missing in the smoking sea and investigated anyone who could give reports of travels into Valyria. It took us a year before we finally decided on our initial path and another three months were spent gathering a crew that wouldn't descend into mutiny. There were a lot of setbacks in the smoking seas though and we finally decided to travel to Qohor and followed the path of Aurion."
"You traveled almost all of Essos?" Queen Lyanna was stunned and leaned back in her chair seemingly faint from the knowledge.
Sam nodded. "We had to pursue every lead. None of us intended on dying due to the lack of information."
"That seems too easy" Prince Aegon said. "There's a lot you're leaving out."
"Well we did get attacked by a Dothraki horde and Jon and Jaime slew a Dothraki warlord and his blood riders. Multiple attacks by pirates. Jon was briefly kidnapped by warlocks who were outsmarted by Tyrion. And we were chased by men sent from a powerful Volantene family for months before we lost them." The words poured from his lips before he realized what he was saying but the damage had been done. Prince Aegon and Princess Visenya looked impressed. Princess Rhaenys looked surprised an expression that was shared by the Kingsguard. Queen Rhaella and Princess Daenerys looked even more concerned. Prince Viserys had the usual smugness that seemed to permanently decorate his face but even his eyes widen at the tale. Queen Lyanna looked horrified and King Rhaegar's face was unreadable.
The King was the first one to speak. "Jon is unharmed?" Concern colored his voice.
"A few more scars than he left with but he still in one piece though not for lack of trying… I swear he leaps into action like he's an expendable foot soldier and not a prince. "Ser Arthur and Ser Barristan chuckled knowingly but the Queen and Princess Daenerys clearly weren't amused.
"Swords and daggers are nice but still don't make up for four years away." Princess Daenerys muttered angrily. Queen Lyanna nodded in agreement but Prince Aegon looked ready to argue otherwise before Princess Rhaenys delivered a quick elbow to his ribs. She whispered something in his ears and Aegon composed himself in silence.
"We didn't just find swords your grace." Sam moved to the other chest and jostled with the lock. This one was locked even tighter than the one containing the swords. With three iron wrought locks all needing different individual keys to open it. A heavy clank rang throughout the room as the top peeled open revealing the contents of its cargo. There were ten large, smooth stones nestled neatly in the chest. They were an assortment of colors: onyx black, sea green, sky blue and some had veins of different colors running along their length. Whenever light hit them the scales of the stones shimmered brilliantly. In his hands the eggs felt cold and lifeless as if they were made of solid stone but he watched knowingly as wonder went across each of the Targaryen's faces' as he placed the eggs in their hands.
"I can feel the warmth!"
"I can too. It's like somethings moving beneath the surface."
Only the Dowager Queen and the King seemed reserved. Samwell suddenly remembered the tragedy at Summerhall where the King was born. Queen Rhaella was among the members of the Targaryen clan that tried hatching dragons. She placed her dragon egg on the table as if to distance herself from it. "Don't worry your grace. We know the mistakes of the past and aren't trying to repeat them. "
Noticing the discomfort of her grandmother, Princess Rhaenys addressed Sam. "They're beautiful Samwell but I don't think finding pretty fossils is restoring our family's legacy."
Sam nodded in agreement. "I would agree with you but we have a pretty good idea of how to hatch them."
A near unified "What?" Was the answer to his statement.
"How?" Princess Rhaenys asked.
"Hatching Dragon eggs is dangerous. Since the last dragon died out everyone whose tried has ended up dead." The Dowager Queen voiced her concern.
"Yes, everyone has failed before but they didn't have most of the knowledge that we acquired on our Journey. Jon is Pentos right now securing the final pieces for the hatching ritual."
"Hatching ritual?" Princess Visenya asked.
"Yes" Sam scratched his head in embarrassment "Admittedly we don't know all of the details about the ritual or exactly how it works but we do have a general idea."
"And what is that idea? Fire and blood?" Queen Rhaella scowled. Sam winced at the disdain in the voice of the normally genial natured matriarch.
"Fire and blood are needed in sufficient quantities. What was lacking in previous rituals was a good deal of Valyrian steel though we have that now. We also have a number of Qohorki warlocks who accompanied us throughout our Journey who are more familiar with the magic necessary to hatch dragons."
His words only seemed to seemed to make Queen Rhaella's mood worse. "You don't think we had fire and blood magic? There were warlocks at Summerhall probably as foolish as the ones that you're bringing here. Magic is dangerous boy. Sailing the smoking seas and finding fancy swords doesn't change that."
Sam remained silent. There was a lot of things that he could have said. The weapons and the eggs weren't the only things that they brought back from their travels. They had seen things that he would scarcely believe if it weren't for his own two eyes. Even now he wasn't sure what was reality and what was hallucinations. He had a healthy fear of magic as well and thought that Queen Rhaella's skepticism was well placed but Sam had personally seen the power of Targaryen blood and knew that power could be harnessed if done correctly.
Queen Rhaella's hostility ended the discussion about the dragon eggs and hatching them. Other members of the family questioned Sam about other details of his journey. From why they went all the way to Qohor, to how they ran into the Dothraki and how Jon ended up kidnapped by warlocks. Rhaegar and Lyanna seemed immensely relieved when Sam ensured them that Jon emerged unscathed. The questions turned to why a Volantene magister sent men after them, Sam struggled for a suitable answer.
"Well he had the opinion that Jon stole his daughter." Sam said sheepishly. Gasp went out across the room.
"Jon would never do that" Queen Lyanna protested.
"No but she did run away with us and Jon did help her escape." He answered.
"She must be beautiful" Princess Daenerys said with a strange tone to her voice.
"She was but Jon didn't help her because of her looks. In fact, the two of them didn't get a long for a long while. Or at least they convinced themselves that they didn't like one another." He replied earnestly.
"Was? Did something happen to her?" Queen Lyanna chimed in.
Sam nodded solemnly "She died on the way back from Qohor in the Dothraki sea."
"How did Jon react to her death?" Sympathetic faces lined the visages of the royal family. Even Prince Viserys had the decency to look like he cared for his nephew's loss.
"Jon avenged her death. The Dothraki he and Jaime killed were among her murders."
After his revelation, the conversation was mute in comparison to the start. They grappled with the knowledge that Jon had lost so much at a young age. Princess Daenerys and Queen Lyanna seemed to take the knowledge the hardest and the queen mother openly wept while Princess Daenerys had such sadness on her face that every time Sam caught her eye his heart broke. After a time, the family began filing out of the solar until Sam stood alone with Prince Aegon and the king. They noticed Sam lingered.
"Is there anymore that you wish to share with us Sam?" King Rhaegar asked. He looked haggard and Sam knew that the King wanted nothing more than to go comfort his wife.
"Your grace. I thought that I should only share this with you both at least until Jon gets here. And a plan can be made." He said in a hushed tone.
"Plan? What are you going on about?" Prince Aegon asked.
"Quiet Aegon" King Rhaegar scolded. "Let him speak."
"When were in the ruins, Jon became separated from our group for nearly a week… When we found, him he was talking to himself and barely recognized us. He tried running away from us even from Ghost."
The two men paled at the news. They shared a look that spoke volumes. "Are you saying.." Aegon started but trailed off.
"He didn't recover until we were halfway to Volantis. We thought we were going to lose him when his fever lasted over a week. Every night he had nightmares and would wake up screaming. It got so bad that we were going to restrain him but Ghost wouldn't allow it and would snarl at anyone who attempted to."
"You said he recovered? Fully?"
Sam shook his head. "Jon doesn't think we know but I've heard him still have his nightmares. He tries to hide it but I've seen him stare at the sky like he's expecting something."
"Why would he be expecting something from the sky?"
"Jon is convinced that we woke up something. He thinks that whatever was of Valyria was stirred by our presence."
"Do you believe him?" Prince Aegon all but whispered. His face looked horrified.
Sam shook his head. "We searched everywhere in those days that Jon was gone. There was no change. Everything there is dead and broken."
"So is his plan about hatching Dragons nonsense?" Rhaegar swallowed hard. "Due to his madness?"
"No Jon might be right about that. He has kind of a proven track record."
"A proven track record? What are you saying?" King Rhaegar asked.
"Jon has a dragon." Sam answered simply. The two Targaryens quieted as they stewed on the information. A mad dragon rider.