The Chronicles of Valyria,
Book 1 Resurrection
Chapter 9
The next morning Aurora and Gabrielle were woken by two pairs of hands that were poking them softly through the blanket and Lissena who asked, "Mom, are you awake yet?"
"Am now," both adults groaned groggily and the girls giggled.
"Good," Silvana said, "We need to warm our eggs but we can't get the fire started."
Aurora opened one eye and with a frown she said, "Then why didn't you just ask one of the servants, I'm sure there are plenty around here."
"Yes, we know," both girls said as one and Silvana continued, "But they don't do it as cool as you, we want those blue flames, they were pretty."
Now Gabrielle opened her eyes as well and brought her right hand above the blankets. She flicked her fingers and a blue fireball flew from the tips of her fingers to the fireplace in the corner of the room. The twins cheered in excitement and hurried to put their eggs into the fireplace.
They used a pair of tongs to place the eggs into the fire, though normal fire didn't harm them, dragonfire still would, until they were fully grown.
Aurora and Gabrielle sat up in the bed and smiled softly at the excitement on the faces of the twins, it was obvious that they couldn't wait until the eggs would hatch. Both adults stretched lazily and watched the two girls for a few more minutes before they got out of bed and dressed for the day.
The next week followed more or less the same schedule. In the morning Aurora and Gabrielle would spend a few hours with the twins, getting to know each other and working further towards bonding as a family.
The afternoons they were separated, the twins would stay with Lyanna and Rhaella, learning things like embroidering, singing, dancing and most importantly, etiquette. To use the words of the Queen, Lyanna, Silvana and Lissena had the table manners of a bunch of wildlings, just stuffing everything in their mouths that was within their reach.
Most afternoons saw Aurora and Gabrielle away from the capital, flying to distant castles to bring lords and their families to King's Landing. Rhaegar had summoned every lord and landed knight to King's Landing, for he wanted everyone to be present when he declared some new laws and informed them of the current status of the Seven Kingdoms.
After a week came the day of the royal funerals, and it saw the girls were dressed in somber black dresses, while Aurora and Gabrielle just wore their armor.
They had breakfast in the company of Rhaegar, Lyanna, Rhaella and Rhaenys, who were all dressed in simple black clothing, to express their state of mourning. After breakfast they headed to the throne room, where the four bodies of the royal family had been brought after they had been prepared for burial by the Silent Sisters.
At the doors, they met Doran, Oberyn and the rest of the delegation from Dorne. Contrary to their own group, the Martells were not dressed in black, but in simple, unadorned robes of red and yellow
Rhaegar motioned for the two guards at the door, Ser Gerold and Ser Oswell, to open them, which they did silently, and he led the group into the throne room. The four Targaryans were placed before the throne, on four tables with the Mad King on the left, next to Viserys, who was next to Elia, and the babe Aegon was on the right.
They had all been dressed in beautiful clothes, with the exception of Aerys, who had been dressed in a simple tunic and trousers of black. Elia wore a deep red dress, sewn with pearls and her hair was braided with care in one long braid which rested over her left shoulder and onto her breast. Her disfigured neck was hidden beneath a black shawl of Myrish silk.
Viserys was dressed in a simple red and black tunic, with the three-headed dragon on black embroidered on his chest. His silver blond hair had been combed backwards and he wore a simple silver circlet on his head.
The babe Aegon had been put into a small box of black wood, his wounds being too gruesome to be shown.
This was the first time Doran and Oberyn saw their sister since she had died, as Rhaegar had refused to let them see her until she was properly dressed and placed on the table. Both brothers sank on their knees before the body of their sister and wept in silence for a few minutes.
Arianna and Oberyn's daughters stood silently at the side, they were too young to have known their aunt when she still lived in Dorne, and after she married Rhaegar, the visits had been short and long in between. However, their fathers had told them much about her and they witnessed their fathers' pain and sorrow.
When the last tears had been shed, both Doran and Oberyn rose up and at a sign from Rhaegar, they took a seat on the row of chairs that was placed on the elevation that also held the Iron Throne.
On insistence of Rhaegar, Rhaella took her seat in the Iron Throne, as he had said,
"Today will be your last day as Queen, so it is only fitting that you should sit on the throne." He and Lyanna took a seat on her right hand, and Doran and Oberyn were seated on her left.
This would be the first public appearance of Lyanna at Rhaegar's side, and her dress had been chosen with care. It was very wide, so it hid her baby bump, and Rhaella's dress was similar. They hadn't made a secret of the Queen's pregnancy, but it wasn't widely advertised either, Lyanna's pregnancy was to be kept a secret until after their coronation.
Aurora and Gabrielle took up their position on either side of Rhaegar. The Sers, Barristan Selmy, Jonothor Darry, Arthur Dayne, and Prince Lewyn Martell, were each standing at the head end of one of the tables bearing a body. The twins were seated on the front row of chairs in the great room. They were sitting on either side of one of the Queen's Ladies-in-waiting and were looking rather subdued, which was odd for their normally cheerful behavior, no doubt they were thinking of their own family that had been slain and whose bodies were consumed by the fires in Flea Bottom.
Ser Gerold and Ser Oswell had closed the door after they entered, but now they opened them again and one by one, the nobility of the Seven Kingdoms entered. First to enter were the remaining Lords of the great houses, Eddard Stark, Jon Arryn, and Hoster Tully.
They were followed by the heirs of the houses whose lords were captured or incapacitated. First was Willas Tyrell, who was accompanied by his mother Lady Alerie and his grandmother, Olenna Redwyne.
He was followed by Stannis Baratheon, the eldest of Robert's brothers still looked like a skeleton, after the nearly a year long siege of Storms End. He was accompanied by his six-year-old little brother Renly and an unknown man who was missing the first joints of every finger on his left hand.
Third was Tyrion Lannister. The ten-year-old boy looked not a day past four in height, but he kept his head held high and despite the shackles on his wrists, he refused to feel any shame or act a prisoner. In fact, it was he himself who had suggested to Rhaegar that until the trials were over, he be treated as any other prisoner, since his family was the cause for so much grief.
Last of the great houses to appear were the Greyjoy's. Lord Quellon Greyjoy had claimed he was unable to attend, so he had sent three of his grandchildren in his stead, all children of his eldest son Balon. They were two boys, Rodrik and Maron, and a girl named Yara.
Next came dozens of lesser lords, but the first of those, to enter, were the Lords Randyll Tarly and Paxter Redwyne, both of whom had contributed greatly in the struggle against Tywin Lannister.
In a long procession, which lasted nearly two hours, all of the Lords, Knights, nobles and foreign dignitaries, showed their respect for the murdered royals, before taking a seat in the throne room.
When everyone was seated, Rhaella stood up from the Iron Throne and spoke for the first time that day. "Welcome all of you. It brings comfort to me and my family to see that all of you support us in these difficult times. I would like to add that today we do not only mourn the members of my family who were murdered, but also the countless others who have died as a consequence of this terrible civil war that ravaged our kingdoms for the past year.
Today will be my last day as Queen, tomorrow, my eldest son and only surviving child, will be crowned, with his wife at his side. All of you have probably heard the lies Robert Baratheon has spread, but allow me to rectify them now.
After the birth of Prince Aegon, Princess Elia was no longer able to bear children, so she urged Rhaegar to find a second wife, one who was strong of body and who would be able to give him a true heir, as Aegon had been stillborn."
A loud rumor went through the hall until Rhaella raise her hands and the hall grew quiet again. "The boy known as Prince Aegon, was an orphan boy from the city, who somewhat resemble the real Aegon, and he was introduced to Aerys to save Elia from his wrath.
Rhaegar found a new wife, one he fell in love with during the great tourney at Harrenhal, the Lady Lyanna Stark. Despite her betrothal to Robert Baratheon, Lady Lyanna refused to marry the man, as she saw him for what he really was. They sought the blessing of Lord Rickard Stark, Lyanna's father and he gave it willingly.
With her father's blessing they were married in a quiet and secret ceremony in the Godswood of Winterfell. They are married in the eyes of The Old Gods and the New, and they married out of love. So tomorrow, they shall be crowned as our new King and Queen, and they will lead you all in this time of rebuilding and healing."
Rhaella sat down again and Rhaegar stood up next. "Tomorrow I will be crowned, but today we mourn the dead. I would ask you all to stand up and to follow us as we make our way to the great Sept of Baelor, where the funeral pyres have been prepared."
He looked besides him at Aurora and Gabrielle, who understood without him needing to say anything, and they left the throne room through a side door. From there they quickly headed to the stables and mounted two horses that were waiting for them there. They hurried towards the great Dragonpit from where they would fly back.
Rhaegar, and Ser Barristan took up the stretcher on which Viserys lay, while Doran and Oberyn picked up the one bearing their sister. Ser Arthur and Ser Jonothor took up the body of the Mad King and Prince Lewyn picked up the small wooden coffin holding the body of Aegon.
They walked across the throne room and exited trough the great double doors, where they were joined by Ser Gerold and Ser Oswell, who went to walk before them to clear the way.
In a long and slow procession, they carried the bodies past tens-of-thousands of people who lined the streets from the gates of the Red Keep, all the way to the closed doors of the Great Sept.
On the top of the stairs of the Sept were prepared four large wooden tables with firewood piled under and around them. The stretchers were placed on the tables and the people gathered in the large square before the Sept.
When the square was full, except for two large clearings which were kept open, and all of the nobles were gathered, Rhaegar took the familiar small, black, horn from his belt and blew it. From the top of the Dragonpit, Aurora and Gabrielle answered with a roar of their own and they flew towards the Sept. For the first time, the people of Westeros saw both dragons at the same time, but no one noticed that they carried neither saddles nor riders.
They flew carefully over the city, not wanting to damage it more than it already was, and landed very carefully on the two open spaces on either side of the square before the Sept.
Turning their necks towards the Sept, they brought their heads towards the pyres and very carefully, they released a single, tight, burst of flame each. The two colors mingled and soon the four tables were burning in bright purple flames.
The intense heat of the dragonfire turned the bodies and everything around them to ashes in a matter of minutes, and soon nothing remained but four blackened areas covered by a layer of fine ashes.
Rhaegar motioned towards four servants, who quickly came towards him. Each of the servant was carrying a small black wooden box. Rhaegar took one of the boxes from a servant and turned to Doran and Oberyn. Handing them the box he said, "Gather your sister's ashes, and bring her home to Dorne."
Both brothers bowed in thanks and Doran accepted the box. They kneeled at what remained of their sister and using their hands, they gathered the fine ashes and put them into the box.
Rhaella did the same for Viserys, while Lyanna did it for Aegon. The ashes of Aerys were gathered by the servant who had held the last box, and they would later be thrown into the waters of Blackwater Bay, whereas those of Viserys and Aegon would be added to those of the other Targaryans in the crypt on Dragonstone.
When the funeral was over, Aurora and Gabrielle flew back towards the Dragonpit, while Rhaegar, Lyanna and Rhaella walked back to the Red Keep with the present members of the Great Houses.
The nobles and the smallfolk dispersed slowly, the nobles to wherever they had their lodgings, and the smallfolk back to their homes, as far as they still had any, or otherwise to the great encampments which had been erected outside the walls until the city had been rebuild.
When Aurora and Gabrielle reached the Red Keep again, they were awaited by Ser Jonothor, who informed them that Rhaegar had called a meeting of the Small Council, and that they were expected to make their appearance.
He led them to the Small Council chambers in the Tower of the Hand, where he left them at the door before returning to his duties elsewhere. Gabrielle knocked on the door and Rhaegar's voice came from within. "Enter." Gabrielle opened the door and together they walked into the council chamber.
Already present were Rhaegar, Lyanna, Rhaella, the Lords Eddard, Jon and Hoster, Prince Doran and Prince Oberyn, Stannis Baratheon, Randyll Tarly, Paxter Redwyne, Alerie Tyrell, Rodrik and Maron Greyjoy, Tyrion Lannister still in shackles, and Gerold Hightower along with the Sers, Barristan, Oswell, Arthur and Prince Lewyn.
Rhaegar saw them enter and motioned for them to stand on his left, Lyanna and Rhaella were already seated on his right and the rest of the company was spread out around three tables that were placed opposite them.
When everyone was seated, Rhaegar stood up and spoke, "When my army reached the Trident, we were outnumbered and desperate, and in my darkest hour, I prayed to the Old Gods and they answered me. They showed me how to contact two very powerful allies." He indicated Aurora and Gabrielle who stepped forward and removed their helmets.
Many of the Lords had never seen them without their helmets before and so the familiar shocks and cries of surprise were heard when they revealed their faces.
"They helped me to defeat Robert Baratheon without more bloodshed. They brought my wife to me, and she convinced the Lords Eddard Stark, Hoster Tully and Jon Arryn, to abandon the rebel cause and to join me instead, as they too had been lied to by the would-be usurper.
These three Lords have been pardoned from any and all crimes they might have committed during this war and they are here now as our honored guests and allies.
Robert Baratheon and Tywin Lannister are both spending their time in one of the black cells beneath this very keep, along with most of the nobility from the Westerlands. Tywin's twins, Jamie and Cersei are also in custody, Cersei thanks to Lord Paxter, who was so wise to send his fleet from the Arbor to Lannisport to stop them from doing more harm.
Tyrion Lannister," the young boy looked up and stood on his chair, which put him at eyelevel with Rhaegar, and bowed. "You were wise enough to avoid further bloodshed by yielding Casterly Rock to Lord Paxter, and for this you have my thanks, for I shall have great need of wisdom in the years to come. You are the heir to Casterly Rock, and that you shall stay, until the day of your trial." Tyrion bowed and sat down again.
"Stannis Baratheon," the young man stood up and bowed before Rhaegar, "You stayed loyal to the crown, and defied your brother's will, which led to you being besieged in Storm's End. As a reward for your loyalty and as recompense for the hardships suffered by you, and the men that stayed loyal to you, my Mother the Queen and I have decided to name you Lord of Storm's End and Lord Paramount of the Stormlands. Furthermore, it is our wish that you take up the seat of Master of Laws on the Small Council."
Stannis swallowed in disbelief until he said, "You honor me beyond words, Your Grace. All I did was my duty and I expected no reward in return."
"We know that, Lord Stannis," Rhaella replied, "But you risked everything for us, so this is the least we can do to repay you."
Stannis bowed again before sitting back down.
Now Rhaegar turned to Randyll Tarly and Paxter Redwyne. "Lord Randyll and Lord Paxter, the two of you managed to save the honor of the Reach when the Warden of the South, Mace Tyrell abandoned it.
Lord Randyll, you kept your men together and delayed the Lannister army as much as possible, despite that you were vastly outnumbered, and afterwards helped clear them out of the city. Lord Paxter, as I said you took Lannisport and captured Cersei Lannister. To reward you both for your services and loyalty, my mother and I have decided to bestow upon you the following titles.
Lord Paxter Redwyne, I name you Grand-Admiral of the Western Navies and acting Warden of the West, until a new Lord is named or comes of age.
Lord Randyll Tarly, I name you acting Warden of the South, and task you with raising Willas Tyrell, to be a man worthy of his name, and not to be a cowering wimp like his father. Furthermore, I give you the position of Master of Armies on the Small Council."
Both lords bowed in gratitude before sitting back down.
"Rodrik and Maron Greyjoy," both young men stood up and bowed before Rhaegar continued, "I am grateful to your grandfather that he did not join the rebel cause during this conflict. I know the Ironborn are not warriors for land battles, but your support to the rebels could have devastated the western coastline, so I am grateful that your grandfather stayed loyal."
Both boys bowed and Rodrik said, "But of course Your Grace, our family wouldn't dream of rebelling against you. In fact, we come bearing a proposal to avoid further hostilities."
Rhaegar motioned for him to continue and he explained. "The Iron Islands are a harsh place to live. Our islands are bare, and little grows there, but they are rich in iron and we make stout ships. My grandfather proposes the following, we establish trade between the Iron Islands and the rest of Westeros, we trade iron and ships, for food and wood."
The rest of the lords in the chamber all made noises of approval, but Aurora noticed the slight glimmer in the eyes of Rodrik and Maron, it was too early to draw conclusions, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something was not entirely right.
Rhaegar nodded in acceptance of Rodrik's words and said, "I'm sure we can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement, but details will have to wait for now. Please inform your grandfather that I will eagerly await his arrival to discuss this proposal in further detail."
The two Ironborn bowed and retook their seats, before Rhaegar stood up again and spoke. "That was all for now I believe. If none of you have any more to say, than I bid you all a good day and hope to see you tomorrow. Would the Lords Eddard, Jon and Hoster please remain behind?"
The three lords did as they were asked but the others soon cleared out of the chamber. When the door closed behind Ser Gerold, Rhaegar spoke again. "My lords, I am in need of a new Hand of the King, and I would ask one of you to take that responsibility on your shoulders."
All three looked a little lost, neither of them was very accustomed to the politics of court and they didn't exactly look forward to accept the title. Rhaegar noticed their hesitation and said, "Do not worry my Lords. The title will be mostly ceremonial, I will be much more involved than my predecessor ever was, and my mother will stay on the Small Council in an advisory role."
Finally, after a few minutes of silence, Jon Arryn spoke up. "I would be honored to accept the responsibility my lord, but I have an issue of my own. I have no children left, my son has died, and if I should die than what would happen to my house? I request that you allow me a year to return to the Vale and get everything in order there. And once my wife, the Lady Lysa is pregnant, we will come back to King's Landing together."
Rhaegar again nodded to indicate his acceptance and the trio of lords took their leave, before he turned to Aurora and Gabrielle. "What will be your plans for the future, I don't think your talents lie in rebuilding do they?"
Both shook their heads and Aurora said, "No Rhaegar, you are correct. Our talents are for war, and that is what we shall use them for. When you are crowned and everything is more or less stable in Westeros, we shall take the twins and leave for a tour of Essos."
Rhaegar nodded again sadly and replied, "Mother told me of your intention to leave us, and I understand. I don't like it but I understand why you are going to leave. Is there anything you need from me?"
Aurora and Gabrielle shared a knowing look before Gabrielle said, "We'll let you know soon, we have a few things to take care of and some people to talk to but we'll let you know."
Rhaegar accepted their words rather stoically but Lyanna said, "That's all right, just take your time, we would be glad to have you here a little longer." Both Aurora and Gabrielle inclined their heads in thanks, before standing up and leaving the room.
They made their way towards Maegor's Holdfast, where they found the twins playing with Rhaenys under the watchful eyes of two Ladies-in-waiting. As soon as the doors opened, Silvana and Lissena jumped up and ran towards them saying, "Mom," before slamming into them and hugging them around the waist.
The two women put their own arms against their daughters and pressed them against them. "Have you been behaving sweethearts?"
Both girls nodded at Aurora's question and she looked at the Ladies-in-waiting for confirmation, which she received promptly.
The princes had also risen from the floor and came walking toward them before she asked, "When can I see daddy and mommy Lya again?"
"Right now sweetie," came the voice of Rhaegar from behind them and Rhaenys cheered as she ran into her father's arms.
"DADDY," she yelled loudly before looking over his shoulder and asking, "Daddy who is that?"
Rhaegar looked behind him expecting to only see Lyanna, but instead they saw a girl standing in the doorway. She was roughly the same age as Silvana and Lissena, had an overall skinny appearance and pitch black hair that hung to halfway down her neck, and looked very nervous while stealing glances left and right into the hallway.
Rhaegar put his daughter back on the ground before he turned around and approached the girl who curtsied and said, "G… good day Y… Your Grace, my name is Yara Greyjoy, and I ha… have come to warn you for my bro… brothers, they are planning to AHHHHH!"
Her sentence was cut short when a throwing axe lodged itself in her lower back, just under her ribcage.
