Sister's Keeper
Edited by xXFallenSakuraXx52
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
Chapter 64: Forgotten within the Smoke
Alysanne's POV
"Something is on your mind," Visenya murmured as she looked over the Painted Table of the current plans.
I ignored her comment removing the Greyjoy totems and tried to figure out a plan. I'm crossed between reclaiming the Seven Kingdoms or focus on the Army of the Dead. North and South, so which direction should I go? I have four allies who want me to take the Iron Throne now. Meanwhile, I have one who is saying the Dead are marching south. To make things worse, the King in the North holds a strong resemblance to Rhaegar.
"Did you know?" I asked.
"Did I know what?" Visenya replied.
I clenched my fist taking a deep breath, "You mentored Rhaegar?"
"That is correct," she confirmed.
"And you know of every Targaryen?" I asked.
"Possibly," she said.
"Possibly?"
"I can't detect seeds."
"But the Targaryens who come to you are not always purebred."
"Does this have something to do with Jon Snow?"
I glared at her, "He looks like Rhaegar."
"And so does Captain Aurane Waters."
"Just tell me, is he a Targaryen or not? Did Rhaegar sire a bastard?"
Visenya came over, taking the Greyjoy totem out of my hand. "He is the White Wolf, and you are the Dragoness of the West. You made the decision to give the North its independence. Why does it matter?"
"Rhaegar told me there are three Targaryens left in the world," I growled. "Daenerys and I are two of the three. So, who is the third? Because I know it is Aemon unless…."
Visenya stopped the conversation for Vhagar swooped near the window thrusting her head inside. The first dragon Queen walked over, petting his snout. Vhagar growled almost as if she was talking and Visenya nodded. This was something I've noticed lately. None of the books talked about Dragonriders and dragons communicating the same language. I assumed this dimension allowed Visenya and Vhagar to communicate. As both females are the only ones left in this realm.
"She spotted something you must find in Dragonmont," Visenya said.
"In the volcano?" I asked.
"Yes, due to your immunity, it should be easy for you," she said.
My concern was the smoke. When Rhaegal breathed fired on me, I spent weeks, maybe months, recovering from the smoke damage in my lungs. Coughing my head off, forcing to drink a lot of herbal teas to suppress the fits when dealing the supplicants and meetings.
"This is important," Visenya said.
"And what is that, if I'm risking my life in an active volcano?" I asked.
"Don't worry, the next eruption won't happen for several hundred years," she assured.
"Terrific," I muttered. "Something else I should warn my descendants about."
"As long as no one is on the Island when it happens everything should be fine," she said.
"You're changing the subject," I accused. Realizing what she was doing and not answering the question.
Visenya sighed, "I am a spirit, and I can't give you the answers to the current events."
"You foretold the future in Dragonstone," I challenged.
"Things happen for a reason, and I am not at liberty tell you if your theory is true or not. You need to find evidence and learn," she said. "But the question has come if the Seven Kingdoms are important by ruling in a chair or on Viserion's back fighting for it."
I sighed, "You're right."
"Of course I'm right," she said.
I rolled my eyes.
"Go to Dragonmont," she murmured and tapped me on the forehead.
My eyes fluttered, waking up in my bedchambers back in the real world. I groaned, hating that. She always does that to end a discussion that she doesn't want to give the answer to. Makes me question if Rhaegar did sire Jon Snow. But she also did point out, it could be a coincidence since Captain Aurane Water also looked like my brothers; only his face was narrow. Unable to go back to sleep, seeing it was still too early for Missandei, I got dressed in my leather armor and brushed my hair into a simple ponytail. Once dressed, I left the castle going outside towards the dragons.
Viserion sensed my presence as he stirred from his slumber and looked up at me.
"I need your help," I murmured.
Viserion nodded, as he knelt down so I could climb on his back. Although he has a saddle custom made for him, this was not a long-term journey. So, climbing onto his back, I whispered the spell that links our mind and flew towards Dragonmont. The golden dragon gave a shudder, not from chills but of pleasure as the cold air became warm from the volcano. He landed on the edge climbing upwards until coming towards the crater. The volcano has been dormant for many centuries, yet the fog made the illusion of smoke. My thoughts dawdle to the most powerful flames of liquid fire lingers beneath the earth. A fire that can melt anything in its wakes, and the only thing that can stop it is saltwater with a consequence.
What could have Vhagar saw in limbo that she wanted me to find? I tried getting off Viserion, except he refused, cautious for my safety. Even though the Dragonmont has been asleep for centuries, there is chance lava is still exposed. Viserion climbed into the crater, clinging to the stone on edge as the morning light of grave gave us a view. So, what could be lost in here? I whispered a dragon spell so Viserion could breathe a small fire to illuminate the light. A soft glow filled the crater, and that is when I saw it. Curled around the solid lava rock was a skeleton of a dragon. It was gigantic, probably more massive than Balerion. The bones were the shade of coal, almost masking with the lava rock.
I recall most of the whereabouts of the dragon's skulls were kept. Only a handful were not collected and based on the size, I assumed these were the remains of the Cannibal. One of the three wild dragons of Westeros known for eating dragons from the dead, newborns, and eggs. Other than the last dragon, the Cannibal was considered to be the only survivor documented until vanishing after the Dance of the Dragons. Everyone thought the Cannibal flew off West or to Essos. Now it appears the Cannibal remained in Dragonstone. Probably because all his sources of food died out. Here resides the only place that felt like home and died here.
Viserion climbed further into crater cautious of his steps when combing close to the skull. The comparison was drastic, not even Drogo could match the Cannibal's mass. This was a reminder that all things can die, not just vanish. I examined the remains until spotting something around the torso region inside the skeleton. Curious, I told Viserion to move closer. He tried to do so until he couldn't get past the ribs. Deciding to do it myself, I climbed carefully on Viserion's neck until reaching his head. That is when I saw what the objects were. Eggs. Dragon eggs. There were three, though the lighting wasn't enough to display the shades.
My eyes widen, seeing three petrified eggs and back to the Cannibal skull. I thought the Cannibal was male. I mean…all the documentation states the Terror of Dragonstone was male. With Drogon, Viserion, and Rhaegal, we knew they were male since we saw their little pink cocks when they hatched before being sealed inside their bodies or relieving themselves. So many questions were stirring in my head about the dragon reproduction. There has to be a male and a female to fertilize the eggs.
Sometimes,when there is a decrease of a population of the gender of dragons, one or two dragons change their genders. It's a rare occurrence, and the Cannibal did just that before he died. Unfortunately, his life came to an end before laying them, Visenya said.
Will Drogon, Viserion, or Rhaegal do that? I asked.
Again, it is a rare occurrence, Visenya replied.
Well, it would give me an excuse to call my golden dragon Visenya, I thought which caused my spirit guide to chuckle.
Collect the eggs, petrified they may be, they can come of use one day, Visenya instructed.
I nodded as Viserion read my mind and helped me collect the eggs. It was a struggle in securing the eggs. But I managed by trying the sash wrapping them around my torso and secured it. Viserion carefully climbed out of the crater of Dragonmont before taking off to the sky, flying back to the castle. Once Viserion landed on the field outside the fort, I saw Daenerys who was making her way to Drogon. She stopped when seeing me.
"Had a nice morning stroll?" Daenerys asked.
"Even better," I answered, climbing down and presenting her with the three dragon eggs.
Her eyes widen as she picked up one that was a rusted copper. "Where did you find these?"
"Inside Dragonmont is the skeleton of the Cannibal," I explained.
"And you simply just had the urge to go to the volcano?" Daenerys asked. "Or was it another vision?"
I sighed; I can't do this anymore. I can't keep lying to her about talking to the dead. She knows I have visions, or at least dreams that have symbolism. Especially from the House of the Undying. Just as I was about to tell her, a migraine came out of nowhere.
"You all right?" Daenerys asked.
"Yeah, just a headache," I answered, pinching the brim of my nose.
You can't tell her about me, Visenya said. Your sister will think your silence is a betrayal and she will not understand.
I sighed in defeat, "Like you said, I had a vision. You can bring the dragons back and have dragon dreams, while I have visions. Aren't we strange?"
Daenerys chuckled, knowing that is true, "And immune to fire."
"True," I said. "Well, let's see if we can find another way to bring these eggs back to life without you walking into a pyre and burning a witch."
Daenerys nodded as she continues to hold the copper egg. I examined the other two seeing one was purple, almost a dark shade of amethyst while the other one was blue. The blue one reminded me of the sea. Having different shades of blues mainly dark blue with undertones of light. Possibly a hundred and fifty years they were hidden from the world in Dragonmont either to be eaten by their parent or forgotten throughout history. The same with the dragon eggs from Asshai. These eggs were utterly different from Asshai since the Asshai eggs were rough, the colors dull, and yet these eggs were almost similar to gems.
Hopefully, we can figure out a way to bring them back to life, and they were female dragons. There are three male dragons left in the world. They cannot be the last dragons after a few centuries.
.o0o.
Jon's POV
Jon stood by the cliffs comprehending what has happened over the period of time since coming to Dragonstone. He was thinking about his meeting with the Targaryen Sisters. Although a part of him was thinking about what the Queen had stated in her speeches. One thing that bothered him.
'I've been poisoned and died until being resurrected,' Alysanne said.
Jon could see it in her eyes that a piece of her soul was missing, the same as him. No doubt the R'hllor religion was involved. A part of him felt like something was missing as well. He still had his memories. But the price of his resurrection was the passion he had for being a member of the Night's Watch. Being dead and resurrected at least gave him a loophole to break his vows. Now he has a mission to save Westeros from the Night King and his army of the dead.
Another thing that surprised him was that Alysanne believed him. Or at least for him to repeat his statement again to confirm about the Army of the Dead, and the way her pupils dilated showed understanding. But still, he could sense doubt. Jon didn't have enough time to waste, even though it has only been a day. He needs allies, and the dragons can be an added bonus. However, the way Daenerys spoke, he needs to be more convincing. Hopefully later today he can get another appointment with Queen Alysanne to discuss the issue.
She doesn't want the North, stating that it was a test, which Jon felt like a fool. At least he knows he can assure Sansa that the North is not in danger of losing its independence. Unless it's another ruse. He'll need to take his sister's word more seriously. It's like when she says "don't," he does the opposite and like a child experiences the consequences. However, he has a good feeling about it. When he enters the throne room, there was a sense of security when talking to Queen Alysanne. He had a gut feeling. The same he had with the Wildlings. Only the one issue he had is that he cannot return to his ship. Anywhere he goes, there was a Dothraki or Unsullied.
The sound of someone approaching broke his train of thought. He glanced over his shoulder, seeing it was Tyrion.
"I came down here to brood over my failure to predict the Greyjoy attack," Tyrion started. "You're making it difficult. You look a lot better brooding than I do. You make me feel like I'm failing at brooding over failing."
"I'm a prisoner on this island," Jon commented.
"I wouldn't say you're a prisoner on this island," Tyrion tried to reason. "You're free to walk the castle, the beaches, to go wherever you want."
"Except to my ship," Jon reminded. "You took my ship."
"I wouldn't say we took your ship," Tyrion said.
Jon felt like Tyrion was lecturing him like a parent would.
"I'm not playing word games with you," Jon warned. "The dead are coming for us all."
"Why don't you figure out what to do about my missing fleet and murdered allies, and I'll figure out what to do about your walking dead," Tyrion sarcastically offered.
"It's hard for me to fathom. It really is," Jon snapped. "If someone told me about the white walkers and the Night King…" he stopped taking a deep breath. "You probably don't believe me."
Tyrion paused, looking at him, "I do, actually."
"You didn't before," Jon muttered. "'Grumkins and snarks,' you called them. Do you remember?"
Tyrion smiled a little.
"You said it was all nonsense," Jon continued.
"It was nonsense. Everybody knew it." Tyrion agreed. "But then Mormont saw them, and you saw them." He walked over to Jon. "And I trust the eyes of an honest man, more than I trust what everybody knows."
"How do I convince people who don't know me that an enemy they don't believe in is coming to kill them all?"
"Good question."
"I know it's a good question. I'm looking for an answer."
"People's minds aren't made for problems that large. White walkers, the Night King, Army of the Dead – it's almost a relief to confront, a comfortable, familiar monster like my sister."
"I need to help my people for what's coming. I can't help them from here." Jon looked at Tyrion. "I'd like a word with her. Everyone told me to learn from my father's mistakes. Don't go south. Don't answer a summons from the Mad king's daughter, a foreign invader. And here I am, a Northern Fool."
"Children are not their fathers, luckily for all of us. And sometimes there's more to foreign invaders and Northern fools than meets the eye. Alysanne and Daenerys could have sailed for Westeros long ago, but they didn't. Instead, they stayed where they were and saved many people from horrible fates, some of whom are on this island with us right now. While you're our guest here, you might consider asking them what they think of the Mad King's daughters. Alysanne protects people from monsters, just as you do. It's why she came here, having a vision. And she needs a good reason to head north to fight an enemy she's never seen on the word of a man she doesn't know. After a single meeting, it's not a reasonable thing to ask. "
Jon looked at Tyrion, contemplating his words. The dwarf had a good point. He wouldn't believe a person telling him of the White Walkers if he hadn't seen them before. Jon also noticed Tyrion mentioned something about a vision. Knowing he needed another appointment with the Queen, he left to prepare to make his statement.
"So, do you have anything reasonable to ask?" Tyrion asked.
Jon stopped and stared at him, "What do you mean?"
"Maybe you are a Northern fool. I'm asking if there's something I can do to help you. " Tyrion offered.
The King in the North appreciated this. What matters is protecting his people and what Tyrion has been saying about the Dragon Queen. They, or at least Alysanne, cares about the people. If he can get the Dragon Sisters on their side, there is a chance to save the North. Because what he saw in Hardhome, he doesn't want to experience it again.
.o0o.
Alysanne's POV
"Dragonglass?" I asked.
"Yes?" Tyrion answered. "Volcanic glass, obsidian. He says you have a tremendous amount of it here."
Tyrion, Daenerys, and I were in the Painted Table room trying to figure out plans on getting the Dornish to King's Landing. However, based on Jon Snow's testimony the other day, we might have to postpone the siege and focus on the Great War. There was one problem though, House Tyrell and House Redwyne want to do the invasion as soon as possible to bring justice to their family members who perished in the destruction of the Sept of Baelor by wildfire. I made a promise, and I have to keep my word. I learned that mistake with the Masters. Except, I have a sacred obligation to protect the realm. So, I'm in a predicament to decide which war is more important. If I claim the Seven Kingdoms now, I will have a more massive army, but will it be too late when the Army of the Dead comes through.
Daenerys believes if we can grow our armies, the better of our chances, "Why are we talking about glass? We just lost one of our allies."
"Which is why I was speaking to Jon Snow, a potential ally," Tyrion explained.
"And what does the King in the North want with dragonglass?" I asked, now curious.
"Apparently, it can be turned into weapons that kill White Walkers and their foot soldiers. Or stop them. Destroy them. Unsure about the nomenclature." Tyrion answered, still not believing the situation.
Daenerys walked around the table, "And what do you think about this Army of the Dead and White Walkers and the Night King?"
"I'd very much like to believe that Jon Snow is wrong. But a wise man once said that you should believe a thing simply because you want to believe it." Tyrion said.
I nodded, "Which wise man said this?"
Tyrion paused, "I don't remember."
"Are you trying to present your own statements as ancient wisdom again?" I asked, crossing my arms.
"I would never do that…to you." He said.
I snorted, rolling my eyes.
"The reason I believe Jon Snow is because he's here. All of his advisors would have told him not to come. I would have told him not to come. And he's here anyway. You don't have to believe him. Let him mine the dragonglass. If he's wrong, it's worthless. You didn't even know it was here. It's nothing to you. Give him something by giving him nothing. Take a step towards a more productive relationship with a possible ally. Keep him occupied while we focus on the task at hand—Casterly Rock and Lannisport."
The problem was I believe in Jon Snow. He was the White Wolf in my instruction in becoming the Queen of Westeros and saving the realm. Varys confirmed that King Snow inherited the title by the Lords in the North and the color of his direwolf's pelt was white. I could see it in his eyes that he has seen things that cannot be explained, just as I have in the House in the Undying. Let alone the man being in my visions. My main concern was time. How much time do I have before the Dead march south? Tyrion, Daenerys, and my allies want to siege King's Landing now.
Meanwhile Ser Barristan thinks I should take my visions seriously. Grey Worm and Missandei will comply with any decision I make, so having off balance of the scale makes it challenging to decide. If only Jorah were here to help me.
"What was that Ser Davos said about taking a knife in the heart for his people?" Daenerys asked. "Did you notice that?"
"You must allow them their flights of fancy. It's dreary in the North," Tyrion answered.
Something tells me that it was not a flight of fancy. Daenerys seemed to notice this as well. There was enough at stake that we should not investigate a play on word. It could be an exaggeration of Jon being wounded in the chest, a slash that didn't go deep though mares the area of where his heart could be. If Jon Snow did get stabbed in the heart, then he should be dead.
I needed time to make the decision, but I decided I should help King Snow in preparation for the Great War. I instructed one of my soldiers to fetch Jon Snow and to meet me at the Sunset Steps. Ser Barristan accompanies me, though when I reached the ramp, he gave me privacy though stood guard in case of an emergency. Sunset was approaching when King Snow came down the steps. Our attention turned to the horizon as Viserion and Rhaegal roughhoused in the sky.
"Amazing thing to see," King Snow complimented.
"Daenerys and I named them after our brothers, Viserys and Rhaegar. They're both gone now," I said, facing him. "I've been informed you've lost your brothers as well. I give my condolences."
King Snow nodded.
"People thought dragons were gone forever, but here they are. Perhaps we should all be examining what we think we know," I said.
King Snow stepped forward, "You've been talking to Tyrion."
"He is my Lord Hand," I murmured, crossing my arms and leaning on the rail.
"He enjoys talking," he said.
I snorted, "I couldn't disagree. Then again, we all enjoy what we're good at."
"I don't," he murmured.
I looked at him, seeing him contemplating while staring into the sunset. He doesn't enjoy killing. He doesn't enjoy ruling. The Wall has definitely changed this man. Thinking about the Wall, I need to ask him a question. I hope the answer is correct.
"Tell me Jon Snow, when you served on the Wall, did you know of a man name Aemon Targaryen?" I asked. "He is the Maester assigned to Castle Black."
A small yet sad smile graced his lips, "Aye, I have. He mentored me and my friend Sam. Got me out of trouble as well."
"By any chance, is he still station there or has the Citadel reassigned him to a new post? I would appreciate to meet my great-uncle," I said.
King Snow turned to face me, "Your Grace…I'm sorry to tell you this but…Aemon Targaryen passed away a year ago."
My heart sank when hearing this, "Oh…how, did he…die?"
"He lived a long life. Age finally caught up to him and he passed away in his sleep." He explained. "He was a great Maester. Sacrificed all in the name of honor and duty."
"I wished I had known him," I sighed, for I had dreaded this. Selfishly wanting to meet Aemon Targaryen. But alas the Stranger had beaten me yet again leaving Daenerys and I the only remaining Targaryen left in the world. Unless the third Targaryen is standing before me. "I will allow you to mine the dragonglass and forge weapons from it."
This surprised King Snow.
"Any resources or men you need, I will provide for you," I added.
"Thank you," he said, still baffled. "So, you believe me, then, about the Night King and the Army of the Dead?"
"Are you called the White Wolf?" I challenged.
"It's one of my aliases," he confirmed.
I nodded, "Several years ago, my sister's Khalasar and I came upon the city of Qarth. There we entered the House of the Undying. The Warlocks showed me visions from the past, present, and future. I saw my brother Rhaegar and his wife cradle their babe, I saw a bloody massacre for a wedding, and I saw a man made of ice resurrect the dead from the snow hills," I stared into his dark eyes. "I believe you. It seems the North and the East are deviant places."
"Then you'll help me?" King Snow asked.
"I will need to discuss terms with my allies. I made a promise I have to keep. But I assure you, Viserion and I will be there to aid you in the Great War." I answered.
"Thank you, your grace," he sighed in relief.
"And King Snow," I added getting his attention. "We will discuss terms on the alliance and truce. The North will be its own independent kingdom. House Stark will have its monarchy once more as it had with Torrhen Stark."
Once more, this surprised the Northman.
"You'd better get to work, Jon Snow." I finished the discussion, turning my attention to the sunset.
King Snow opened his mouth to say something, but couldn't. Instead, he gave a bow before heading back to the castle, possibly to tell Ser Davos of the grand news along with a letter to Lady Stark. I may be in a predicament, but I know that I need to start making preparation for the Long Night and the Great War that is to come.
Hello my lovely readers.
Thank you all for your patience. As a reminder I am on summer vacation visiting my family in Texas and doing some volunteer work and studying for an important test. Also, I am getting back on track for A Doe in a Lion's Den. So, my usual posting of everyday to every other day is on hold and I will post when I can. Thank you all for the support in my story. Also I realized I've made a mistake, I thought Vhagar was a male, but going over the fandom site, Vhagar is actually female. So, my bad. Can't judge a dragon by it's name.
Thanks for reading and please leave a review!