Summary
A Dragonlord In Valyria(Pre-Doom Self-Insert)
by Otsutsukimitra
An ordinary teenager is reborn in Valyria before doom. This is his memoir of survival of the doom and bringing glory to the freehold
Notes
See the end of the work for notes
Prologue
I had always loved to laze around and watch movies and TV shows whenever I was free. My parents always called me lazy and unmotivated. My only defense to that is I have nothing to be motivated about since I was an overweight only child of a rich couple. So naturally I needed for nothing and hence was a disappointment to my parents. The one area I excelled at was numbers. I would say that I was a prodigy at math, accounting and commerce. I was also a huge fan of GRRM's books and the subsequent TV shows, except for the last season. However, that all ended the day that I was run over by a truck while crossing the road. I think I had been on my phone and hence didn't see or hear the truck until it was too late. The only thing I thought in my last moments was that I had lived my life as an utter disappointment. I had never made my parents proud after the fifth grade despite my prodigious talent and brought shame to my family name (a Middle Eastern family). All I wished for as I stared my death in the face was to not die. See people talk a big game about not being afraid of death and accepting it as the 'next big adventure.' See I call bullshit on that, nobody wants to die unless your life was truly unbearable. This is it I thought, I was going to hell so I prayed my last prayers and then I knew no more. Gradually I came to, I had woken up again only this time I was in a dark cold void. I couldn't move, couldn't see, couldn't hear. This I decided was hell. I screamed, begged, cried, called out and tried anything I could think of. Yet I got no reply just the constant cold feeling of the void. All I could do was think about my family and how I wasted my life and ask God for a second chance.
After what felt like an eternity, something changed, it seemed my prayers were being answered. I could feel again, except I was in a confined space filled with water. Now me being as claustrophobic as I am wanted to scream and thrash but I still couldn't move. I decided to hunker down and think. I was no longer in that god forsaken void. I decided that if I could live again I would tell my parents I loved them and would change my life so that I wasn't such a disappointment. I decided that I must have been in a coma and just had to wake up, so I spent my time thinking about how I had lived the last 18 years of my life. We had lived in the United States for my whole life in San Antonio, Texas. My parents were American born and raised and my late grandparents were migrants from Jordan. My parents were a cultural blend of Western ideals, Texan culture and a lot of pride and love for family that is from the Middle East.
My studies had been exceptional till 5th grade and then it petered off. I stopped caring and started to get into gaming and watching TV. My parents had work all the time so I was left alone usually. However since I stopped being a straight A student they began to express their disappointment in me. That was my life until the end of school all of my potential, wasted. I had wanted to study commerce but I did not apply myself to it. My parents and I had a huge fight and I had stormed off before getting into the accident.
After waking up I decided I would apply to better business schools and hopefully go to a good college. Until then I slept. It was after a long time that I realised something was happened, hopefully I was finally waking up. I started to open my eyes, it was really blurry and after a lot of
squinting, I could finally make out a silver haired effeminate face looking down at me with what I could make out was love and hope combined with expectations. I knew because I used to get those looks from my parents until I started to grow up and act out. I decided to try and move but I was being carried by what I could only say was a giant. I was terrified out of my mind and wanted my mother. I tried to call out and all that came out was a babyish scream making me cry out even more. This was a nightmare, I decided, made by my mind to stave off the insanity from spending too much time in a coma. Surely it had to be or else this seemed like reincarnation, which meant that I had really died.
No more playing soccer with my father, no cooking Arabic dishes with my mother, no more old life. I couldn't apologize to my parents and tell them I loved them ever again. I broke down inside the grief overwhelming me. Through the haze of my grief I could hear the man (I hope) speaking in a kindly manner before handing me down to what I assume was my new mother. The exertion of giving birth hadn't diminished her beauty, even with her silvery gold hair matted with sweat that still shone on her face she looked radiant. Though she was tired I could see the life and love in her sparkling purple eyes.
To be fair I should have made the conclusions then and there but as I said I was dealing with the loss of my loving parents and my previous life, I just gave up rationalising and began wallowing in my grief. I decided to act like the baby I was until my grief passed and I could then logically then I could begin to act like an adult.
It took me an embarrassing 3 months minimum to get over the grief caused by the loss of my family, by which time I had begun to make several conclusions about my new life. My new family was rich, like filthy rich. I had jewell encrusted toys and a nursery room the size of my old house. We also had a lot of staff because I counted at least 12 different nannies.
For the first three months I was a very quiet, grumpy baby. Nobody could get me to laugh or smile but after spending all that time in mourning for the family and friends that I would never see again I started to notice things. There was no electricity, no television and no mobile phones. It seemed I had been reincarnated into a mix of Renaissance and medieval eras.
My new family were extremely beautiful and I mean ethereally beautiful. I do not think that I had seen a woman as beautiful as my new mother in my past life and believe me I had seen a few stunning women. She had unnatural features of purple eyes and silver hair and so did my father. He too was beautiful and I didn't mean handsome. It was at this moment that I started panicking because it had started to seem like I had been inserted into a character instead of reincarnated. I panicked for a few days until I realized that I couldn't go back I was stuck here and panicking served no purpose. This was my new family and going by our wealth and the colouring and features we are probably the Targaryens.
Okay, I was happy if this was the time when we had dragons, I mean hello, they are the Westerosi equivalent of modern day nukes except you can ride them and they can be your best friend. If dragons are still alive and a thing then I would try to get the biggest one. Another thing I realized is
that this is my family and my home. I made a decision to leave behind my old life and start anew. It would also serve me well to leave behind my morals and western ideology if I want to survive along with my family. I had lineage now and I would make my ancestors proud. If we were the Targaryens I will do my best to ensure that our rule will be long lasting and strong without the risk of rebellion.
After my period of moping I became a more cheerful baby and it became easier for everyone to deal with. I had a lot of visitors, but the most frequent were my parents and a small girl who I assumed was my elder sister. I set about winning cute points with my family and staff, I didn't want to be perceived as odd or cold from the start. After a couple of months I was taken outside what I assumed was the red keep. Except the outside was different from what I read. There were a lot of towers and there were no Targaryen banners. I grew worried, this hasn't been a part of the plan.
It was during my fifth month on Planetos that I figured out that my family were not the Targaryens. Then I assumed that this was Volantis and we were part of the old blood which explained the colouring. It was after I had gotten a grasp for the language that I assumed was High Valyrian (A strangely similar language to Arabic and Ancient Greek in my opinion) that I figured out my name was Jaenys. A strange name and not a canon character I had heard of. I decided to set about figuring out the time by listening to my family. There was a lot of talk of 'Freehold' politics which scared me since there was only one Freehold that had a family like this. All my fears were confirmed on the day of my first nameday when I was taken outside.
It was Valyria. It had towers that were spread across city like skyscrapers in New York. But it was when I looked up that I lost my breath. The sky was filled with huge beast like birds that I assumed were dragons. The show did them no favours. The dragons were majestic, I could understand why Valyrians were compared to Gods because with these monsters as our steeds we could not be defeated.
Afterwards my theories were confirmed that we were a Dragonlord family by visiting the Dragonmont belonging to my family. The Dragonmont was a huge series of caverns and caves burrowed into the sides of one of the many Volcanoes surrounding the city. It provided a space in which dragons were free to roam and rest. It was nothing like the prison that was the dragonpit.
Now that I understood that I was in the Planetos version of Pompeii waiting for the eruption I set about seeing if I could place a time to when I was. Turns out I had a decade at the minimum. My parents were talking about the birth of Daenys to Lord freeholder Aenar. He was comparatively minor compared to our family but they were still a family of Dragonlords.
So now I had sussed out that I was living in a ticking time bomb waiting to go off. I decided that my family was surviving whatever happened. At the very least I would insist that we move to Volantis or start a conquest. There was no way I would let the Targaryens become better than us. All I could do now was wait to grow up, study Valyrian blood magic and sorcery and improve
myself and my family's chance of survival.
Reincarnation
Chapter Summary
Six years of SI's life
After 6 Years:
My second childhood was in a way, completely chaotic. I was tutored by my uncle Vaemon Gaelnareon. He was a learned man and also had visited the citadel. He had returned calling them idiotic Andal fools. He described then as against everything that did not agree to the views of the faith and Valyria was one such thing.
But the big thing about learning from my uncle was that he was as much a numbers guy as I was and along with my love for history we hit it off. He taught me basic math and sciences. But it was the extra studies that he offered me. Magic. When I first heard that he was an accomplished sorcerer and blood Mage I had begged him to tutor me. But he refused saying that I was still too young. He lasted a month under my pleading eyes and inherent cuteness. The lessons were different from harnessing fire to shaping stone and also blood magic. But he only allowed me to read it since my body had not developed enough to sustain regular use of blood.
My mother Jaehaera was closest to me comparatively. She loved me a lot and also gave me shorts at the age of four. So the thing about Queen Visenya as a warrior queen? Turns out valyria did not discriminate much from women to men. She was a much better sword than my father. She started teaching me to handle the sword from the age of four. But the one thing about her was that she was a slave driver. She would push me till I collapsed. And yet I would keep coming back. I knew what would happen in a few years. My health and fitness were non-optional.
My father Jacaenys was what I assume a carefree person. He liked to enjoy life. We bonded over our love to make our family better placed in the freehold. He was not as ambitious as me but he still did not ridicule me when I suggested some reforms like farming practices and the freeing of slaves. I explained that since we took slavery from the Ghiscari it was not a Valyrian tradition. My father said that he understood where I was coming from but could not implement all these changes at once. But our family started treating slaves with a little more kindness and respect. It earned us their undying loyalty.
Finally, it was my sister Jaenyra that spent the most time with me. We would talk about our future Valyria, Essos, and Westeros. She would practice sword fighting with me. But she was exceptional at archery. She would tell me stories and take care of me. We had an impervious bond and as an only child in my previous life, I treasured it. My sister was four years older than me. She too shared our angelic features and graceful style.
But today was the day I was turning 6 and I was going to get my Dragon. When my parents had asked if I had wanted a hatchling or a grown dragon I insisted that I wanted a grown dragon. And that was why I was here with my family on my sixth nameday.
My family had at least 40 dragons of which only eighteen were in use. My father had a dragon with a wingspan of 600 feet. I was sure even Balerion the black dread was smaller. His name was Arrax named after the ruler of gods. He was one of the largest dragons in the freehold. Arrax was silver
in colour with gold streaks. His flames were silver in colour and heat enough melt stone. My sister had insisted upon a hatchling that was black and red like Drogon from the show. She named him Caraxes. My mother was the last in the main branch to get a dragon. She had bonded with a blood wyrm that was promptly named Bloodwyrm.
The other dragons were used by various members of the cadet branch.
When we came into the stables my father spoke, "Jaenys, today is the biggest day in the life of any dragonlord especially in a major family like ours. You are my heir and any dragon you choose will bring out family into the next generation. So my son go and make me proud". My father had an unusually serious face today so had my uncle who nodded to me.
My mother hugged me tightly and whispered, "No matter what I will always be proud of you and love you". She then kissed me on the cheek and ruffled my hair to which I pouted. She laughed as she released me.
At last, my sister was in front of me. She had been against me going into the stables alone and she and mother had raised a stink about it until father and I convinced her that it was okay. My sister hadn't relented yet and she spoke," I can come with you, Caraxes will protect us" in a pleading tone. I knew that Caraxes was still not big enough to take on any full-grown dragon so I replied, "you know that I have to do this alone nyra, if you were to take care of me all the time I will never become a respected lord freeholder or a triarch". My sister only hugged me tightly in response and said, "if you don't come back by nightfall I will not wait for anyone before coming to get you" before kissing me on both cheeks and pushing away. I looked closely at her and realized that she was blushing. I would think about this later. It was time to get me a dragon
The entry to our stables was big but not huge enough for dragons since they could fly out. I was extremely nervous. Even though this was not my first time seeing a dragon it was my first time alone. I was surrounded by nukes that could burn me to a crisp.
But before I could panic anymore I felt a pull from the back of the cave. I knew which dragon was there. It was my great uncle's dragon Ōñosmaghare (Light Bringer). He was as big as Arrax and still growing. I went towards him and saw his deep red pools assessing me. I want to say that I was brave but the only sheer will was stopping me from pissing myself. Finally, he rose to his full height and stood in front of me .it was time to perform the ritual. I cut my palm and offered it to him and he brushed his huge snout over my time hand.
And I felt in my soul and magic that a piece of myself had returned. I felt better than ever. I wanted to run a marathon and celebrate but I persevered, he offered me his wing and I climbed onto him. I grabbed tightly onto his navy blue spikes and he leapt. It was nothing like flying with my parents. This was honestly my best moment in both my lives. I was flying over Valyria. I had finally understood why Valyrians were gods among men. I truly felt invincible from up here.
The view of the Valyrian peninsula was immense and beautiful. It felt like I was looking at something from the future. It made me extremely sad that this would all go up in smoke in a decade and a half. But I could not let this stop me. I had achieved part one of my plan to survive the doom. Now I had to build influence and try and save a bunch of hard headed egomaniacs.
I had to preserve Valyria and its traditions.I would not be like those pathetic Targaryens that forsook their ancestry and bowed to the whim of Andals.We were Valyrians and I was Jaenys Gaelnareon and I would be damned before I let my family fade into obscurity.
I could not stop the doom nor could I completely evacuate Valyria. I would not do that even if I could as I could not shape the world in favour of my family if we had competition. The Targaryens were small fish compared to the Triarchs and Archons. They were the top of the Fourty and the
ruling class of which my family was a part of.
Another thing I had to do was select a couple of families that were not dragonlord families and make them our vassals like the Targaryens did to the Celtigars',Velaryons' and Bar Emmons. It would also be good to have at least one more noble dragonlord family but not powerful enough to overthrow us.
I had decided to go the route of conquest. The Targaryens could have Westeros but I will reignite Valyiria in Essos and for that I would have to start from Volantis. It would be my first proper colony after the doom takes place. I had already started gathering rare books and sorcery from obscure libraries in Valyiria. Now all I could do was spread my influence, gain martial prowess and military experience and a name throughout Valyria and I had a decade to do it.
I will also have to marry Jaenyra. It was something I had always known from the start. My mother was my father's older sister. I had accepted our marriage as tradition and moved on. I had nothing against incest in my previous life since my parents were second cousins sharing the same great grandparents. Therefore it did not bother me at all that I had to marry my sister in the next ten years. She had always been my rock and had made these past six years happy for me. She was also exceptionally smart with a great military mind which I do not possess.
My life looked like a huge map of responsibilities and goals from atop Ōñosmaghare I promised myself that I would not die without completing my goals.
AN: Thank you for all your support.I will probably update every other day. If anyone can provide some information about how to describe architecture and Volantis please message me.
Chapter Summary
A Gathering of Dragonlords
A Gathering is held for the forty dragonlord families in the palace of House Gaelnareon
After my maiden flight on top Ōñosmaghare, I was greeted with much fanfare and a feast. The tale of a six-year-old bit claiming one of the largest and fiercest dragons in the freehold spread like wildfire.
My father was very pleased and my family were ecstatic about it. As a celebration, my father decided to host a bark for the forty dragonlord families. It was to be held in our ballroom that was the size of three football fields and decorated richly.
All the families started arriving after sunset. The first to arrive were the two other triarchs, Taerion Melgyreon and Laevon Caenralis and their families. Their families along with ours were the current rulers of Valyria. And so it was the duty of my sister and me to socialize with heirs and the next generation of the forty. We started to welcome all the families that started coming in slowly. By the evening the hall was filled with the forty.
Of these, I took special notice of the Targaryens. Aenar looked to be the same as my father. After everybody was gathered my father took a moment before gathering everyone's attention."Evening fellow freeholders, today we are gathered here to celebrate the coming of age of my son and heir Jaenys Gaelnareon. He has bonded with the great Dragon Ōñosmaghare. It is my pleasure to announce that I shall be gifting my son Bloodreign. It has been in my family
for 700 years and has been wielded by the greatest warriors in the history of the Freehold.". I was speechless. This was a surprise. Bloodreign had been wielded by My great uncle too and it had been crafted during the second spice war against the Rhoynish.
"This is a great honour father. I shall strive to bring greatness to our family and the freehold. I shall cut down our enemies and bathe then in dragon fire" was how I responded. A mix of pride, ambition and bloodthirstiness from a six-year-old made the Valyrians happy and a tad concerned.
It had always been on my agenda to get a Valyrian steel sword. Since we could still make them it was not a rarity but this sword had taken the lives and spilt the blood of many Rhoynar men. I understood that my father was giving me exposure and the push to succeed since he knew of some of my ambitions. My family was looking on in pride and happiness.
My father continued, "Since my son has come of age I have decided to announce his betrothal". This announcement was met with silence. My mother looked content and my uncle and aunt did not look as happy. I knew there was a chance that I would get betrothed to one of my cousins so I looked at my sister and tried to smile. She looked as nervous as I felt. We had never spoken about marriage before and I knew that she desired to marry me. So I crossed my fingers and waited.
"It is my pleasure to announce that of his four and tenth name day he will get married to my
daughter Jaenyra." This announcement was met with applause from all around. I looked at my sister and she was beaming at me.
"It looks like you will have to take care of me for the rest of our lives mandia" I teased her. She hugged me and replied," I have always been taking care of you and cleaning after your messes valonqar. But it will always be my pleasure to look after you. Now let us go out there and charm some people".
Our mother and our uncle and aunt congratulated us as did our cousins. After speaking to our family it was now time to socialize. First I went to the families of the triarchs. They were the most powerful among the forty. The triarchs had seven children in the two families of which only five were our generation. Of the Melgyreon family, its heir was ten and six years old and already married to his twin.
Of our age group was Rhaegar, Rhaenys, and Lucerys Caenralis. Of this Rhaegar and Rhaenys was 7 and 9 respectively. They were betrothed to each other and Lucerys was 6. They were our friends since they would come to our house or go along with our father to theirs for triarch meetings.
The Melgyreon had two sons of age with us, Vaeron and Vaelor. They were already betrothed, Vaeron to a cousin from another branch and Vaelor to a non-dragonlord family.
"So how do you feel about this function Jaenys?" Rhaegar asked me. He was one of my best friends."It is a bit too crowded but I am happy. I have a dragon and a great sword. This is probably the best day of my life" I replied. My sister interjected in a sweet voice that she used whenever she baited me into making a mistake," Is that all you are happy about brother dearest? A sword and a dragon". I knew this question was a trick. I thought about the evening and looked to my friends. They seemed to enjoy making me sweat before it suddenly hit me
"Of course not mandia, the best part of the day was when kepa announced my marriage to you" I replied nervously. Suddenly all the fear vanished when my sister smile happily before clasping onto my hand. Just as suddenly before everyone burst into laughter at my predicament.
The socialising continued from where I spoke to the elders intellectually and charmed them with my knowledge and spoke to the younger generation as friends. I could safely say that this was a successful function.
One of the last families I spoke to was the Targaryens. I had always had a fascination with Valyria in my previous life. I had hated that the Targaryens had betrayed our culture by embracing the filthy Andals and their pathetic faith. They were betrayers to Valyria and its sacred traditions. The fools even had a sept built in the capital. They went from Dragonlords to pathetic snakes who had no right to claim heritage to heroes such as Gaemon the glorious. It was always one Aegon the first's mistake to accept the faith of the seven.
"Gaemon is it not?" I asked a handsome built boy of ten years. He had an imposing figure and looked well muscled for his age.
"It is Lord Jaenys" he replied.
"Please, call me Jaenys, we are to be friends after all" I told him. He merely raised an eyebrow,"Friends, my lord?". " Of course we are all after all children of Valyria. It is our duty to bring greatness to it" as I offered him my hand.
He looked at my hand for a minute before giving me a nod and grasping my arm tightly.
We nodded to each other before turning to our sisters. Even though not as beautiful as my sister Daenys was still a vision. She was dressed resplendently like my sister in a strapless black dress. My sister was dressed in an Essosi green backless dress mathcing my colurs.
We spoke to the Targaryens a bit more and my sister managed to become friends with the Targaryen and invited Gaemon and Daenys to fly our dragons together. They accepted probably since they were not a major family. After finishing socialising we returned to our family by which
time it was time to start the feast.
It was a thirty course meal with all sorts of dishes. We sat at the center of the table with the other Triarchs and Archons going from the left and right. We had chicken, aurochs, beef, fish, lobster and all other types of for items. They even included some items like pizza and hamburgers that I had suggested. It had been a huge success with people enquiring about the dish.
After finishing the feast and final goodbyes the families started leaving. We said our goodbyes and acted as the gracious hosts that we were. After it was just our family my mother turned to me and asked "How are you feeling Jaenys?".
"Today had been the best day of my life muna. Nothing compares to this. I got a sword also." My mother smiled before hugging me tightly and kissing the top of my hair.
My father was next," Today has been a success son, you have impressed the triarchs and the Archons. They were all impressed with your and your sister's intellect and ambition. You both have made me proud with you maturity and handling of all the younger generation"he said before ruffling my hair. "Thank you kepa" was all I could say while blushing.
During the night my sister came to my room and asked me,"Are you happy with our marriage valonqar? I will be okay if you want to marry someone else". She looked very nervous.
"Do you not want to marry me mandia?" I asked." I do but I don't want to force you into anything. You know that whatever happens I will always love you don't you?".
"I know mandia but this is what I want and with you I know that you will never betray me and our family. I know that I can always trust you. I am still too young to understand our marriage but I promise that I will always love and respect you". This was probably the right answer since she glomped me tightly before letting me go and kissing both my cheeks and leaving.
Today was the start I decided while lying on my bed. The start of establishing a second valyria or at least an empire. I already had the respect of the leaders of valyiria and the trust and friendship of most of the younger generation. My next step would be to do something major with a martial style. Maybe I could conquer and annex Braavos. Or I could destroy the Dothraki. Decisions had to be made if I wanted to be great.
Growing up Valyrian
Chapter Summary
A summary of SI'S childhood as a dragonlord
18 BD(Before Doom)
The years following my coming or age was filled with training, learning and socialising.
I have friends with all the major families and their heirs. I also trained with them and started molding a lot of the younger heirs of the forty into my 'friends'. I was treated as an extremely smart but nice and charming prodigy.
Since I wanted to increase me influence I started by introducing new beverages. Since my parents had a brewery I was familiar in the art of creating alcohol. The first alcoholic beverage I introduced was Vodka since it was easiest for me to make. It became a straight hit for all the families. I shared it during my sister's nameday ball and it became highly sought after. I charged and exorbitant price and made it so that only the nobility could afford it. I also made champagne and sold it as the drink of the Dragonlords. I called it the same and charged an extremely high rate for it and it was still very profitable for my family. Within a couple of years it has spread from Valyria and all its cities to Westeros and Essos. Our family became the richest amomg the forty and I garnered a name as blessed by Syrax. I had a high enough standing to implement more of my ideas.
My next idea I suggested on my 9th nameday. I knew that this day would not allow my father to say no at once. He has already been re-elected as a triarch and was arguably the most powerful person in Valyiria. After my suggestion to tasting the slaves well we had garnered a bit of ridicule but it was all thrown back into the face of the other Dragonlords when the slaves were freed as part of an experiment and they refused to leave. Our slaves had an undying loyalty to my family and especially to me. This led to an increased treating of household and regular slaves better. But one place was still unaffected by my influence was the mines. I knew that they could be more profitable with modern machinery that Valyrians could make through magic and sorcery.
So in my nameday I asked my father' Kepa, since most of my suggestions have been well received and made our family greater can I make a bit of a controversy suggestion'. My sister looked befuddled as I had not informed her of this venture and we had taken to telling each other everything.
My father had a suspicious look on his face,'what have you done now?'he asked in a reserved tone. I took offense to that and it must have shown because my father hastily explained himself, 'it isn't because I don't trust you it is because the last time you had this face on you had invited most of the heirs of the forty on a dragon race'. I actually liked sheepish for that. I had conceived of the sport by remembering the disney movie how to train your dragon. To say the least the sight of almost a hundred dragons flying over the fee cities at top speed was not what anyone wanted. But it still raised my popularity among the heirs and a lot of the carefree lords but it was still not something that could be repeated every few months.
So I gave him the benefit of the doubt 'I wanted to talk about the mines'
my father immediately gave me a hard look and I backtracked,
'hear me out, this is not about the slaves, I know the ones that work there are the worst of the
worst. This is about how we can increase our productivity in the mines'.
From the look on his face I knew that I had my father's attention. After explaining the various methods of modern mining my father had a thoughtful look before coming to a decision. 'since this is your decision and as my hair I will use these methods and if they work you will present these methods to the other Triarchs and Archons.'
I knew I had struck gold. My father was finally letting me take a proposal to the council. This would be an imperative step to the freeholders taking me seriously when I want to go to war in a few years. I immediately hugged my father. He just hugged me back and ruffled my hair afterwards.
' I know that this will be a huge responsibility but I know that you will make our family proud' father spoke.
I nodded resolutely to him. I would not lose this opportunity.
When I went back my sister was looking a bit put out but when I asked her what the problem was she did not answer and only replied after a lot of prodding. She looked really sad before speaking, 'Jae, why didn't you tell me about this before asking father'
I was stuck, I really wanted to tell my sister but it was a huge part of my project and I couldn't tell my sister everything now and so I regretfully lied.
'It was a spur of the moment thing mandia, I didn't think of discussing it with you because I didn't think it was a bit thing'
She looked a bit less sad before speaking,
'You are so smart Jae, when you become lied you will have no use for me'.
I knew my sister had insecurities since I was basically an overachiever in academics, magic, dragonriding and swordplay. But my sister was way better at politics and warfare. She could use military tactics and charm the lords without them even noticing.
I knew that with my sister by my side I could take my family to never before seen heights.
'Nyra, just because you aren't as good as me in some things doesn't mean you aren't better than me in others. For example your will be my military commander whenever I need because your strategies and tactics are second none. Then your political mind is a different best in itself. Not saying anything about you rituals and sorcery. You have nothing to worry about mandia. It is I who isn't as good as you' I spoke earnestly.
It seemed to have the desired affect as my sister perked right back up before looking at me wierdly. She seemed to be thinking about something before sending to come to a conclusion. She gave me a copy smile which had me really nervous before darting forward and pecking me on the lips. She jumped up and ran away laughing before I could process what had happened.
I had been kissed. I had been kissed by my sister! Strangely enough I did not feel disgusted, nor did I feel weird, it just seemed right. It seemed that dying had made me lose most of the morals from my previous life. My last life for not bring up and emotions
Memories of my parents became blurry and I did not have any emotions regarding them. The only things I remembered from the last life were numbers and machines.
So there I sat processing recent events before realising that I had the time of my life this past years with a lot of new friends and a far more present family. It also helped that we were filthy rich. I had thought of writing before I came to the conclusion that books were far too expensive and I had no idea how to make a printing press. But maybe I could write mummers plays. I could become the next Shakespeare. But no it would only be my hobby to make myself more loved and famous.
Within three years I was already a defacto leader among the heirs and a beloved child was a role model to all children. Parents told their children to learn from me. I had already laid the foundation to increasing my family's wealth and influence. I had also taken the first step into freehold politics.
I had also received my first kiss in this life.
It was as good a start as any to fulfill my goals.
I will have to consider stopping the doom as I had grown attached to the place. Nothing would compare to grandiosity of Valyiria. No city I built would be it's equal. I will have to annex Braavos and if I didn't get approval I would say the very least burn the House of Black and White to ash. I had already constructed wards across our compund and area stopping any strangers from entering. It would stop the faceless men from entering our compound. It was only a temporary fix but I will bide my time. Braavos would not be a free city for more than a decade.
I will also need someone other than my sister as a general and I had chosen Gaemon as the answer. There was a reason the man was known as Gaemon the glorious. He was ruthless and bloodthirsty but unlike Maegor he could use his brain brilliantly too. He had already duelled and beaten a lot of the children who looked at his sister far too long at the age of eleven. He was very strong and smart for his age. But I understood his reaction to people who stared at Daenys. I had the same reaction to Jaenyra.
Gaemon Targaryen and Rhaegar Caenralis were my best friends. They would be part of my inner circle and main advisors to any and all conquests.
Thinking about the doom set me about thinking about our home. It was truly a world out of it's time. Comparing Valyria to the rest of the Planetos would be like comparing 21st century New York to 17th century London. And there was no way I would give this all up without a fight.
A Meeting of Lords Freeholder
Chapter Summary
Jaenys attends a council meeting in good attempts to grow his influence in Valyria
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
It had been a successful two years for me. My suggestions on mining had been a huge success. Some machines could be created by use of magic and made more lucrative. After a month of application, the results of our mine doubled. This led to our family becoming even more wealthy. This led to the lord freeholders talking and finally, my father had been asked to explain the techniques and he made good on his promise to let me present it.
'Triarch Gaelnareon, why have you brought your son to this meeting, he has not yet reached his ten and third nameday'. A lord freeholder asked my father.
That's right Valyrians considered reaching teens as the right age to begin to participate in council affairs and a few of my older friends were present.
'My son is the one who came up with the recent changes with the mines that led to us increasing its production. Along with that, he has created several opportunities for my family to exploit. I believe he can present his idea or should we keep it to ourselves, Lord Freeholder Syndarys?' My father had a friend on his face while speaking to one of the lesser lords of the forty.
'No, I did not mean any offence Triarch Gaelnareon. Please forgive my presumptuousness'. He hastily replied.
My father only nodded back before introducing me 'Fellow Dragonlords, Honoured Triarchs, I welcome my son and heir Jaenys Gaelnareon to explain his project'
'Thank you for your time and consideration, Fellow Dragonlords and Honoured Triarch. From the time I was born, it was my dream to increase the greatness of our home. Whatever anyone might say we are the leaders of the world. It is our job to bring advancements to the world. Starting with the mining project. Just because I am going does not mean I am not smart and cannot contribute. We as a nation have been stagnant for far too long. We are too reliant on slaves and have gotten to the point where we cannot operate without them. Starting with the mines we should seek to make advancements in technology to remove the human solutions. We should not become the Ghiscari who could not function without the slaves. If we do we are no better than them and it is our responsibility as Valyrians to be better. '
My half patriotic and half derogatory speech was met with silence and I started getting nervous. It was then that my father started applauding me followed by the rest of the council.
It was then that Viserys Belaerys stood up
' I think that I speak for all of us when I say that your words were as true as they were hurtful. But if we continue like this we would be no better than those Ghiscari pigs and I am a Valyrian, not a pig. If your methods work I guarantee as a Triarch and Lord of House Belaerys that you will always be welcome to the council and your words taken as that of any adult'
This was honestly better than anything I had hoped for. I had to do nothing, it was already proven and now within a couple is months I would have the chance to present directly to the council.
'Thank you, my lords, I shall strive to not let any of you down for your trust in me' I spoke.
It was then filled with the usual council proceedings of the Country. It was mostly politics and discussion of Braavos, Westeros, the Dothraki and the rest of Essos. The Valyrians were not worried in a usual Gods above men kind of way.
And I could not blame them. Through magic and sheer will we had mastered and bonded with the greatest creatures in history. A horse grants men dominion over the land. A ship, over the sea, but dragons gave us the sky and everything and everyone beneath it. We ruled the known world, whatever part we didn't, weren't worth knowing.
Our capital of Valyria shamed the magnificent cities of the East. For hammers and chisels were no match for Dragonfire and sorcery. It is a city and an empire built to last until the end of time, except if I didn't do anything we would barely last two decades.
Another great thing about Valyria was our magic. The storm singers and mages controlled the fourteen flames. We could make fires, control water through the inclusion of the defeated Rhoynish that we enslaved after the second spice war. It led to a lot of Dragonlords with powers of the Rhoynish and these were trained in magic and helped in cropping and seafaring.
We could influence the weather and our shadow binders make the ones in Asshai look obsolete.
All Valyrian families had glass candles through which we communicated. It was like facetime. Anywhere in the world, we could hold a conversation through glass candles.
It was honestly a shame that the doom happened.
A civilization like that of Valyria snuffed out due to the greed of others(of course this was my theory and not proof).
Honestly, some of the things here were even more advanced than in my old world.
I could never knowingly let go of all this knowledge and so I started storing it and stockpiling scrolls on sorcery and history. If I could not overcome the Doom there was no way I would become like the Targaryens and accept the filthy Andal ways. I would never turn my back on Mother Valyria this I swear on the Fourteen.
But where we were great there was also the bad. We had rivalries among the forty that were bordering on homicidal. Other families were also jealous of my family and our success. But I digress. We cannot make everyone happy.
Things were looking good. I was successful in exerting a significant influence over the next generation. The current generation respected me and within a couple of months, I would be getting a voice in the council. It was all going pretty well.
Now that I thought about it, the century of blood was illuminating. It proved the daughters of Valyria other than Volantis could not be trusted.
Archons and Triarchs loyal to Mother Valyria has to be placed there. Braavos was the biggest opposition with their faceless men. They were the ones that led to the defeat of Volantis and the death of the Dragonlords during the century of blood.
If I wanted to do this I needed support and approval. It would be hard but I knew a tried and tested method of getting arrogant supremacists to follow me.
Fear-mongering would be my greatest ally, that or pride. Well, that will all be years later.
The start of the day had been a success now it was time to meet my friends and acquaintances and maintain the various social relationships that I had so carefully created. I was close friends with most of the heirs of the forty.
My closest friends were children of Triarchs, and most Dragonlords including the Targaryens. We convened every week in a Tavern which was set up by my family, ergo me.
I knew that if I wanted to fulfil all my ambitions support from the younger generation would be vital. Also being friends with children that were my age was easy. It was even easier being friends with my elders since I had been their age once already.
Thinking of them led to me thinking of war and military efforts. I had already decided that Gaemon would be my Master of war.
My sister would be my hand. If I could get my uncle to agree he could become the master of coin. Else I would ask another friend of mine, Tahaerys Nohaleos, he was academic and good with numbers.
The other members of my inner circle would still be needed to be chosen. I could not slight and of my friends and there was no way I could accommodate all of them.
This was what I was thinking while in the shower. Turns out Valyrians had modern ways of sanitation. Showers were operated by magic and water heated too. Yet another reason to never leave here.
Well my plan was coming along nicely, I was almost
done with acquiring a council position, I have made a name for myself as a visionary and ambitious Lord in the council
Chapter End Notes
Please comment any suggestions and improvements
A Feast of Heirs
Chapter Summary
The next generation of Dragonlords and lords freeholder gather.
Right now I had a meeting with most of my friends in a restaurant that my family had set up. It has become a hotspot for the youth to come to and all it took was fast food and luxurious design.
I walked from the Grand Audience Chamber to our home. My sister was waiting outside. She was dressed elegantly in a black and silver dress that highlighted her growth curve. She smiled at me before skipping up to me and pulling me into a hug and a kiss.
'How was the meeting valonqar?' she asked after letting go of me.
'It went very well. The Dragonlords and the lords have agreed to apply my suggestions. If they prove to be a success they will provide me with a position in the council' I replied with pride in my voice.
My sister smiled slyly to me ' But we already know that it will work so is just a moon. So it is just a delay of a moon till you get your position.'
I smiled before nodding. It was not surprising that my sister had figured it out, she was scary smart like that.
'Can you wait a bit for me, we can go to 'The Tavern' after I dress up. I asked her.
'Of course, we can reach there in an hour. All of the others will reach only in an hour' she replied.
After I dress in an elegant black and silver doublet and breeches my sister and I departed to The Tavern. It served pizzas, hamburgers and sandwiches. I had introduced the pizzas as meat pies. They were an instant hit.
Already branches of The Tavern were opening in various parts of the freehold.
We reached there just as Tahaerys Nohaleos and his sister Elaena. He was an heir to House Tahaerys and was four and ten years old. He was one of the oldest in my friend group and an academic. He was already married to his sister Elaena who was his elder by a year. They were members of my future inner circle.
They saw us before walking towards us. He reached for my sister's hand and kissed it as I did the
same to his sister. We then grasped each other firmly by the forearms. 'An excellent performance in the Council Heir Jaenys.' He said.
'There is no need for formalities between friends Tahaerys. You should refer to me by Jae or at the very least Jaenys. You know how I hate formalities.' I said.
'Indeed but formalities were ingrained in US from the start, and you are the son of an Honoured Triarch but I digress. We are friends and what are formalities between friends.' He responded in a somewhat dutiful tone. Oh well, that was the best that we could get out of him.
We entered the tavern together and greater everyone before sitting in a secluded chamber. I had always reserved this spot two days a week to meet up with my friends.
It was essentially a huge lit room with a huge table in the middle. It was richly furnished huge round table that seated fifty. It was a requirement after I started inviting all the younger generation to the tavern. Those that didn't show up during the first week, were present during the following week after they figured out that they were missing out on creating alliances. Since marriage between the forty was rare due to its political ramifications friendships were the main form of alliance.
After starting this tradition I had become a de facto leader due to being the most influential, wealthy and powerful. I was the best at magic in our group due to my earnestness and need. I could not speak off and this led to me being exceptional in magic and swordplay. I also had a black belt in Karate which with copious amounts of exercise led to my body resembling that of a ten and three-year-old boy instead of my age.
It also meant that I was a winner in all the sparring matches among our group. It leads to me teaching a lot of the group hand to hand combat which leads to them differing from me. This also had the added advantage of being the leader of a group that would if allowed to prosper include the next generation of leaders. I was essentially going to be leading the council in a few decades.
It did not come easily to me. I had to be charming, nice and the right amount of good that made people want to follow me and not slug me.
In conclusion, it was a tumultuous few years filled with blood, sweat and tears. Literally, with the practice of magic.
We all took our seats. My sister to my left, Rhaegar Caenralis to my right along with his sister. To my sister's left, it was Gaemon and Daenys. A prestigious position to a comparatively minor dragonlord house like the Targaryens. But Gaemon had shown his worth by being better at swordplay, military tactics and dragon-riding than most of us.
The rest of the seats were filled with important heirs and members of dragonlord families. I had managed to make a seating arrangement that did not slight anyone and yet allowed exhibited the pecking order.
'Congratulations on your success today at the council Heir Jaenys. It was an inspiration for me to see a younger boy perform that well in the council' Volon Tendearys, a friend of Rhaegar's spoke.
'It was not much my friend, any of us with the right amount of courage, information and pride can sway the council. Hell, my sister would be better at it than I' I replied
This was followed by laughter and agreeing on nods. It was inevitable, all my friends knew of my sister's ability and intellect and greatly respected her.
'What will your next focus be Jaenys?' Rhaegar asked me. I knew he would see that I had more plans coming. He was always way too smart for his own good.
'If my current proposal succeeds then and only then will I reveal my next project. No offence to anyone, but other than my sister, no one knows' I responded to his question.
All of them agreed to it with gestures.
Our discussions lasted hours. The future was discussed, Westeros was discussed and most of all I talked about Braavos. I told them about the faceless men who could wear faces and become anyone they wanted. Mothers, sisters, brothers or fathers none were safe from them.
This led to a lot of the group becoming nervous. This was my first part of the plan. Fear-mongering would get me my first allies in the war against Braavos. After talking about some of the methods through which we can be safe against them it was time for an end.
Everyone said their goodbyes before leaving until only my sister and I were left. 'Was the evening as productive as we intended Jae?' My sister asked
'Very. We have already made them nervous about the existence of a rebel daughter of Valyria that can send untraceable assassins to us. That thought will fester for a few years and we can take advantage of it ' I replied happily to my sister.
I had told her most of my plans for the future and she was all for it.
But I knew even with the almost two dozen dragons that our family alone could field we could not win the wars alone. We had a great naval fleet that was almost as good as the Caenralis, they were the most powerful naval family in Valyria.
But it was our land strength of 40000 men that trumped all others. Because of the somewhat modern way of Valyria, our soldiers were as disciplined as unsullied but stronger. A small part of our force was battle mages and blood mages. They would be the greatest threat against any Andal foe.
Valyria in itself had a combined army of 500000 men not including the daughters and their companies of men.
This combined with magic and more than 700 dragons we were pretty much invincible. But I knew that dragons could only conquer the lands and not keep them.
For my ultimate goal of uniting Essos under Valyiria I would have to improve the quality of life under our control. More modernisation would have to follow and for that more money would be
necessary. But with the application of my mining methods and my next ideas I knew that we would receive a huge influx of spending.
If the people loved us no amount of leaders could stop us from annexing places. And for that we would have to improve the free cities. We would have to make the quality of life in all our constituencies better. This would lead to people wanting to join the empire. But I would have to take this slowly.
To much change would spook the Freeholders. They had not changed in centuries and it was up to me to save all our lives, or at least most since the Targaryens would leave anyway.
My time was running out slowly but steadily and I knew that setbacks would be around the corner. But for now I could enjoy life with my family and friends.
Making a name for myself
Chapter Summary
SI makes a name for himself along his peers
14 BD
My next two years were filled with ups and downs. My mining program was a success. It led to me receiving a council position. I implemented the farming practices first. The creation of fertilizer wasn't necessary since magic was sufficient. Our already high production doubled. I could honestly say that it had been a resounding success.
I knew to make bigger decisions and be taken seriously, I had to make small changes. So I included small controversial parts in my speeches. I knew that Valyria was slowly becoming an evil country like the South during the civil war. I hated slavery and knew that to keep our future conquests happy we would have to take steps against it.
So I would do what Trump did with arrogant supremacists and called slavery a Ghiscari tradition that would lead to our ruin. With the astounding hate, the Valyrians had for the Ghiscari I managed to turn a lot of the Freeholders against the practice.
My friends had already started treating slaves better and the slaves in the mines were safer than ever. I knew that it would take at least decades to remove slavery completely but I could wait.
With my words against Braavos, we had sent spies there. So when one of our spies stumbled upon the faceless men, the terrified fellow fled back and informed the Freeholders of their ability. This along with warning increased the hate and nervousness felt toward the Braavosi.
Another issue that I knew had to be addressed was the three daughters. They were the ones that slaughtered Dragonlords and I knew if they were left alone they would do the same. So I proposed that we could make members of our branch families part of the ruling council of each of our daughters. This suggestion was not met by a lot of success and I had to convince the council that the people, in general, did not like Valyrians.
A deployment of spies later we had our answers. The general feel of the population of Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh was that Valyria was unknown and that they should have freedom. It led to my suggestion being accepted with a lot of grumbling. Of course, the daughters protested and said that this would be against their autonomy to which we said that it was, but it would allow the daughters access to the motherlands resources.
It stymied most of the protests and a lot of the extremist dissidents went missing. I knew that we had assassinated them but I could not bring myself to care. If it meant my family was safe I would do anything for them.
In a year we had improved our crop outputs, improved the relationship between the empire and its constituents and that was not all. I had managed to make a lot of changes both big and small. Most of them were received well and some were controversial.
I knew that if I could discover gunpowder, then with the magic we could make weapons that the modern world would only dream of. But the only thing I knew about gunpowder was that it was a mixture of potassium nitrate, sulfur and charcoal.
Sulfur and charcoal were readily available but for potassium nitrate, I would have to go to the chemists.
If I invented gunpowder I would forever be taken seriously, and my ambitions would receive a lot of support. Already I was well-loved and known throughout the empire.
My reforms made me a hero for the slaves and my charisma and confidence made me a lot of loyal friends. Since I would not discriminate between dragon lords or the lords I had support from their children too.
My hope of befriending most of my generation was a success. Rhaegar and Gaemon were my best friends. We would talk every other day in person or through glass candles.
Another great development was my first play. It was not mine and was Shakespeare's. I had always loved his plays and knew that they would be a success in the imperial world.
'Hamlet' was renamed and the Danish and Norwegian were replaced by the seven kingdoms. My play was met by a lot of success and it was played across the empire and in the daughters. Truly 'Hamlet' was the right story to begin my illustrious career with.
Because of this, my intellect was praised and I was a celebrity. My family had seen 'Hamlet' twice and had loved it especially my father and sister. My mother was indifferent to plays but even she enjoyed it.
It showed me whatever world it was Shakespeare was great in his field. It also showed me plagiarism was the way to go.
I was a voracious leader in my past life and knew a lot of stories.
But it was my next story that made my name a legend among mummers and writers all over the planets. I knew that a romance and drama would be well received especially one with death and heartbreak.
And that was the scene for my second play,
'Romeo and Juliet'. I based this story on two rival families in Lys and Myr. It was received with great fanfare and was played in all the theatres throughout the empire. I was hailed as a genius and it also increased our wealth which I cleverly used to improve lives in Myr, and Lys which led to my name being sung by Bards in the two daughters.
With the increase of my fame, a lot of my friends were jealous and I could not have that. Jealousy bred treachery and I had no place for that. And so I had started games with my friends. By my ten and first nameday, I was an accomplished playwright with 12 plays that were a smash hit. But since the introduction of games like football, most of my friends forgot their jealousy. I knew that to market football would need to have good players and that would happen only after a few years. But I had time with my name being respected and having a say in governing.
My inner circle was rapidly being filled. I even had friends from noon dragonlord families in it. But only ones with magical superiority could maintain that position. By now the next generation of Valyrians would be more united than ever and it would all be because of me.
'What are you thinking of Jae?' my sister asked.
We were sitting together after two hours of flying. Getting better at dragon-riding was imperative.
'I was thinking of the last two years and the years to come. We have established our family as the
wealthiest and most influential among the forty. We are beloved among the slaves and the people. The reforms are going well and I am just content. Almost wish that I didn't have my ambitions.' I replied to her.
Of everyone, only my sister knew of my ambitions. I could not keep it from her anymore and she was my most trusted advisor.
'I think that too. But your ambition is what defines your valonqar. You are going to achieve greatness and will be remembered forever by the people you helped.' my sister reassured me.
'Without you, I would not be this confident or determined. You are my strength mandia. If not you then we can I trust to support me.' I told her before kissing her deeply.
We separated breathlessly before it was seen by anyone.
'When will you suggest your plans for the Dothraki. They are already raiding close to some of our lands.' my sister asked.
'I will inform them a year before or wedding. Until then the Dothraki have a couple of years to make themselves more of a nuisance. All we can do is wait and continue what we are doing now. ' I replied.
My sister nodded. She understood. This is where we stood and where we would area and for a couple of years before my first experience at was. I was terrified already but I couldn't back down now.
Dothraki Advance
Chapter Summary
The Dothraki scourge are provoking the Freehold
13 BD
I was currently in the middle of a council meeting. Along with the other freeholders, we were discussing the nuisance that was the Dothraki. They were still raiding small nations but our tolerance for them decreased after the decrease in buying slaves.
'They have been left unchecked and this has led them to grow arrogant. They no longer recognise the superiority of the Freehold. The Dothraki are a bunch of barbaric savages who are beneath us yet are not under our command' A dragonlord said.
'My fellow dragon lords the Dothraki are impudent and arrogant. They will never admit the superiority of the Valyrians and the fourteen to their great stallion. They are a disease to our empire' I put in my ten cents.
'And what do you suggest we do young Dragonlord. We are after all not benefiting from them raiding our daughters.' A Triarch asked.
'Well, the intelligent thing to do would be to wait for them to strike somewhere that is not ignorance by us and gives us an excuse to wipe them out root and stem. No man, woman or child should be spared.' I knew that this was a Hitler-esque decision but the Dothraki were rapists and pillagers and there was no redemption for them.
'You would have us commit genocide young dragonlord?' Another dragonlord asked.
'It would be preferable to waiting for them to grow in strength and losing many of our brave soldiers against them. But if women and children are to be spared then we should make sure they are slaves or at the very least placed in positions where they cannot gain power. Theirs is a disgusting society that cannot continue to exist' Was my impassive reply.
This got a lot of agreements from the other councillors.
'Then it is according to the young freeholder's suggestion that we proceed. We wait for the Dothraki to cross the line that they have been treading.' My father concluded.
This council meeting went on then with more mundane tasks and suggestions.
My position was more and more favourable with more plays being written and me finally inventing the printing press. It was a half success as the ink and paper were still expensive.
But overall my plays were hits with Macbeth gaining a lot of traction among both the nobility and common people.
My friend group expanded to include branch members and non-dragonlord families. We met at the tavern twice a week still and did our regular games. Football was played as it was meant to be
played with eleven players a team.
My sister had been taking on more responsibilities from my mother who was just as ready to pass it on since it meant more time for her to relax.
My training in swordplay had reached a level where I was equal to strength and skill to my mother with age only making me better. It was high time to apply some of my ideas and the start was the end of the Dothraki.
They were similar to the hated Mongols. I wish that they had been exterminated from my old world as I would do to the Dothraki here. They were disgusting people that did not deserve to breathe the same air as us.
Many of my efforts to restrain and reduce slavery was working since it was a Ghiscari tradition. We were actively becoming better people than before.
My magic was increasing leaps and bounds due to anime and Harry Potter. Some of the suggestions I gave the sorcerers and mages that I saw from Harry Potter was instantly tested and used for our magic. It led to an increase in our magical strength. Our already feared blood mages and battlemages were getting better.
Valyria was getting even better at medicine since I suggested that even traditional nature was a good healer. Our learned men confirmed that.
Braavos was getting increasingly more powerful. On the last moon, we had caught a faceless man in Lys. This had led to an emergency council meeting in which the dragon lords had wanted to exterminate the faceless men. They had been calmed down due to efforts from myself and the Triarchs and more sensible members of the forty.
My plan to deal with the Braavosi would take a couple more years to gain traction but my plan to get a scare from a faceless man was a success since I was the one who hired them. A rogue Triarch from Lys had an anti- Valyria position and I could not allow that to continue. Even though it was very expensive and had taken the amount of ten barrels of champagne to pay for, it achieved my objective of getting rid of the Triarch and ensuring the revealing of a faceless man.
Already scared Dragonlords were suggesting warding of Valyria against them. I was all for it but I knew that it would not be enough. Well, I had to wait.
Post Council Meeting
'You have been busy mandia. These projects have increased the life of the people for our family.' I commented to my sister in an impressed voice.
'Oh, it was not a big thing Valonqar. All we had to do was give little to make their lives better and they worship us like we are the fourteen.' She replied.
'Still, you have accomplished a great deal. Have you thought about what I asked of you?' I asked in a nervous voice.
'Flying on Caraxes with you to exterminate the Dothraki is not a small decision brother. But when we're born I had promised our parents to take care of us. It seems genocide is a great way to get
closer.' She replied a bit subdued.
I knew that she was not like a mother who enjoyed warfare. She was a bit more of a princess who did not like to get her hands dirty.
This showed me her love and support for me and my ambitions. This is why I loved her. So I got closer and kissed her deeply. It was not a passionate one, we were still too young for such things but it was a deep and gentle one.
'I know and you don't know how happy it makes me have you by my side. A lot of my decisions will not make you happy mandia and yet you support me. This is why I love you.' I replied after separating.
Hearing this she only hugged me tighter. She knew that I hated bloodshed almost as much as her. Whatever I might say I could never just lose a lifetime of morals and the thought of being compared to Hitler was sickening. But it was better than the alternative of letting cancer like the Dothraki grow.
Preview of a following chapter
Later that day I decided to go on a flight on Ōñosmaghare. He was getting bigger with the connection to my magic. We were very fast through the air and there was one place that I had wanted to visit. I had visited it once before with my family and a lot of our projects had led to us being well beloved here.
It was a great flight to our destination. I fell asleep somewhere around the middle and only woke up when were came to the beautiful city.
It was very clean and was an example of our superior architectural skills and pride. This was the first daughter of Valyria, Volantis.
I had been here twice. Once with my parents and once with my sister. It was a beautiful city if you ignored all the slaves which I didn't. Our propaganda against slavery had spread throughout the empire and had already affected Volantis. The Tigers had started small campaigns against it but the elephants were against removing it since it made them richer.
And here I was as a dragonlord. I knew that if I could not prevent the doom this was to be my capital for new Valyria which meant it would require more improvements and it was time for me to implement them
A Small Council Meeting
Chapter Summary
A meeting of the heirs and the MC's inner circle
13 BD
We were all gathered in the Tavern. As usual, it group would meet in the tavern after every council assembly. We would discuss issues and plan for the future. Our group had been joined by a few more with our youngest being eight and the oldest being seven and ten.
We were going to be the backbone of the empire in a decade and my initiative to quicken the pace was well received. We would ponder over the wars to come here. My plans were well received among the rest.
We were in word visionaries. Our ideas would bring Valyria back into greatness.
My friends and I had built enough trust among ourselves to tell each other our hopes and dreams. We were truly ready. In a year we would lead our armies and dragons to crush the Dothraki.
They were just starting to raid lands closer to our cities. A new Khal had started gathering Khalasars faster than in canon since the Dothraki only started becoming more powerful after the doom. But I figured that this was the result of my meddling.
'In a year a lot of us will ride our dragons and armies to the bone mountains and Dothraki. They have grown stronger and more courageous. They're old fear for the freehold had been removed by their new leaders. It is time for us to do what we should have done before I started to speak over the discussions.
This led to silence after which Rhaegar asked 'And what is that Jaenys'.
'The Dothraki are like an infected limb. If left to fester too long it will weaken us and cause severe damage. They are nothing more than glorified rapists and raiders. The only way to cure an infected limb is to cut it off before it deteriorates any further. We should destroy them and pluck their culture out root and stem. Make it so that they never recover.' I replied.
'What you are suggesting is the genocide of an entire people Jaenys. Many of whom have not done anything wrong.' A different freeholder replied.
He was one of the softer ones of the forty and thankfully was not the heir to his family. It would have been a travesty.
'You are right. But should we not remove any threats to the empire now and don't get me wrong that's what the Dothraki are, threats. Think what they would do to the freehold without the threat of
our dragons and mother Valyria. Raids after raids. They would kill us and our brothers before raping and enslaving our mothers and sisters. I for one, my friends would rather be the aggressor and commit genocide than risk my family.' I replied.
And this was true. Within years after the doom, the Dothraki had destroyed the remnants of the Freehold along with Braavos and the other free cities. I would never forget their treachery.
My words had the intended effect of getting resolute agreements from my group. These people were not all for the eradication of culture and genocide. God, was this how Hitler felt because it feels terrible.
But I knew that for my family I would welcome a reputation even worse than Hitler.
The rest of the meeting was spent discussing the free cities and Braavos. After I had pointed out that the free cities were too free to be a proper daughter of mother Valyria, we had sent our emissaries as freeholders to take part in the ruling. Branch members of dragonlord families that had dragons were also sent to establish a better support system for the motherland.
After the Doom, the free cities revolted against Volantis because they did not have a love for the freehold. I knew Lys was the worst of the freehold so I sent one of my uncles there to implement changes. Slave trade was restricted much to the chagrin of the Lysene.
The "free cities" had grown to enjoy their semi-autonomous ruling and had forgotten their beginnings. In canon Valyria had grown complacent before doom. Since the cities were made by the freehold they expected loyalty but after doom the cities lusted for freedom and independence.
They likely did not want another Valyria to rule over them leading to their actions post doom. Dragonlords were a threat to their freedom and they were killed off. I did not want this to happen. I did not want our empire to become like the British empire. Complacent and weak leading to its breakdown.
I knew that the ruling councils would hate Dragonlords ruling over them and essentially removing their 'free city' status.
So I had sent my uncle with ideas and resources to get the people on his side without stepping on too many toes.
Now with the people knowing more about Valyria and my uncle's reforms the next council election would have a lot of pro-Valyrian competition. The people of the free cities have loved our projects and innovations. Add that to the resources that they could gain it was easy to gain a foothold in the free cities.
My next move would be to visit Volantis. They had changed a lot from canon. Slavery had gone down a lot since they were essentially a colony for us. With the focus more on mining their riches increased with the knowledge of our mining practices. We had a great relationship with Volantis.
I had even visited Volantis as a youngster.
I had friends among the old blood there but before that, I had to convince my sister to let me go without her.
After the meeting
'There is no way you are leaving alone Jae. It is not safe and even if you take a few guards I will
come with you.' As expected my sister hated the idea of letting me go alone to Volantis.
I knew that during the war we would require Volantis to monitor the free cities and Braavos since most of our forces would be focused on the rest of Essos that was plagued by the Dothraki. It would be easy to convince them to do it but I had an ulterior motive.
If I could not prevent the Doom of Valyria I would take my family and move to Volantis. I had already planned to start regaining the freehold from Volantis since it was the biggest and most loyal of our daughters.
So it was a two-pronged decision to go to Volantis. Now I had to convince my sister.
'If you come with me we will both miss out on a week of gathering. We have made allies among all our peers and have their respect.
Leaving them now would be cowardly. That is why you will have to stay here and look after them. We have a war to fight in a year and it will not be pretty and I only trust you with this mandia. I will also have Ōñosmaghare, he is bigger than most and will protect me with his life.'. I added in my best pleading voice.
My sister did not look convinced but acquiesced since she knew how stubborn I was, but not before laying down some ground rules.
'You will take a squadron of guards with you. You will not blindly trust anyone and will not eat anything without checking it. You will also not go out alone. And so help me you will not lay with any woman while there Valonqar or I shall burn you within the fourteen flames'. I knew that she meant every word.
'I swear sister. I will come back to you in one piece this is a promise on the fourteen flames. And you already know that there is no woman for me except you.' I replied honestly.
Finally, she agreed. Now I had to convince my parents to let me go. This would be a very hard day.
Thinking of the future scared me a lot.
I was going to commit genocide in a year.
I would burn armies from atop my dragon.
I was already 12 years old. Time had flown since I was reborn here. It has been a trying time for all of us and I knew that time was running out.
In a year I would take my first big step to prevention of the Doom.
I had too much to lose for it not to work.
My family and my friends did not know what was coming for them. At least they wouldn't for a couple of years till Daenys would dream of it.
Hopefully, with my support, they would believe her and this catastrophe could be prevented. I had my fingers crossed.
A Valyrian Colony
Chapter Summary
The SI speaks on his thoughts about Valyria
Later that day I decided to go on a flight on Ōñosmaghare. He was getting bigger with the connection to my magic. We were very fast through the air and there was one place that I had wanted to visit. I had visited it once before with my family and a lot of our projects had led to us being well beloved here.
It was a great flight to our destination. I fell asleep somewhere around the middle and only woke up when were came to the beautiful city.
It was very clean and was an example of our superior architectural skills and pride. This was the first daughter of Valyria, Volantis.
I had been here twice. Once with my parents and once with my sister. It was a beautiful city if you ignored all the slaves, which I didn't. Our propaganda against slavery had spread throughout the empire and had already affected Volantis. The Tigers had started small campaigns against it but the elephants were against removing it since it made them richer.
And here I was as a dragonlord. I knew that if I could not prevent the doom this was to be my capital for new Valyria which meant it would require more improvements and it was time for me to implement them.
I knew that Valyria was known as a cruel and evil place and our current efforts would only do so much to alleviate the worries of people. We had been on the precipice of condemnation that we were an all-round bad place. Our efforts have been fruitful in parts of the empire.
The nobility in the capital had been given a voice among the council that were for the lords freeholder. Dragonstone was being built with our finest sorcerers and mages. It would be finished in a few years after which it would become the capital for trades in the narrow sea. It would be our link to Westeros and it's kingdoms.
I had planned on situating our colonies on dragonstone and the stepstones. Our empire would need the lands for any future invasion or conquest. Even if such a thing were not to happen these islands were the perfect place to regulate trade in favour of the empire.
With our sudden change in the rate of slave buying and slavery had garnered a lot of suspicion. Westeros and Braavos had a lot of speculations some even saying that we had gone mad or accepted the teachings of the seven.
I thought of the war that would come. It would be my first step in becoming the youngest triarch and then finally the archon. There hasn't been an archon in Valyria since the death of the last one. After the second spice war against the Rhoynish Valyria sat back and stopped improving.
It was probably our stagnation that led to the doom. We were overly reliant on the slaves and hadn't moved forward. Don't get me wrong we had improvements but not enough that could compare to that of the middle ages.
Our culture was one that I treasured. Festivals were held for the Fourteen every year. A moon of each year is for celebrations and sacrifice to the gods. Even though we were not the most pious of people, claiming that we were gods were not a sign of piety, we still took our religion seriously. The population of Valyria increased every year and with the decrease in slavery a lot of changes were made.
Modern machinery that I suggested was made and was fully functional. Our open towers and dragon nurseries were beautiful.
With our glassmakers I had started designing modern manses that had been a hit among the nobility.
My architectural skill was redundant and I was an amateur at it but I had a cousin who was a genius at it. With him around I knew a few of the designs and with the genius that was present in Valyria we were building manses that put the old ones to shame.
Truly modern design and magical architecture was a match made in heaven. I had been a heavily in demand designer for most of the forty and the rest of the hundred non-dragonlord houses. With this my fame
grew even more leading to me being proclaimed as blessed by Tessarion.
With this I knew that if I claimed that I saw the doom in my dreams along with Daenys the lords freeholder would believe me.
Tessarion was the Goddess of music, arts, knowledge, healing, plague, prophecy, poetry, beauty, archery and booty. I claimed that a lot of designs and ideas came to me by dreams and this led to Tessarion being the source of my visions.
It was because of this that I had as major an influence as I had. Valyrians would always take premonitions and prophecy seriously. The only reason that the Valyrians did not take Daenys' words seriously was due to their pompous pride and arrogance.
Daenys was also not an heir and was a child without renown. The Targaryens were a comparatively small dragonlord family that did not garner much respect.
So they had ignored all the warnings and had been so arrogant that they spat in the face of god. Our people and culture had been wiped out with only the Targaryens surviving. And they too had been stripped of their cultures, traditions and religion in a century and had become Andals.
Truly a pathetic end to our great civilization. Our culture was forgotten, our lands unattainable and were horrid nightmare affected places. I had come to the conclusion that due to our mistreatment of slaves and their deaths in the mines they had cursed us and the power of their lament and suffering had led to the doom. But that was only one theory.
Truly our empire was one that would be looked upon with envy in modern times. We had near perfect health. Magic was a cheat to innovation, truly electricity was unnecessary with magic. Our mages powered a lot of machinery with Dragonfire and sorcery.
Our trade with the rest of Essos, the golden empire of Yi Ti, Westeros and Braavos was changing. We had brought our colonies and cities closer. Sothoryos was going to be repopulated with a lot of our non-dragonlord families asking with mages who would enrich the land and make it a worthy colony. We had abandoned a lot of our holdings due to a lack of need. Truth be told, we had no need for conquest or wars everything we would ever need was already in the peninsula and if we
needed more we could take from the empire. But I knew that a powerful empire like ours would invite a lot of fear and jealousy. If we were to take all of Essos, we could remove a threat that was closer to home.
The only reason we hadn't done so yet was that we had deemed the lands that were not yet part of the empire not worth it. I was of the opposite side, any and all lands could be improved and brought up to our standard. We had the resources and manpower to convert Essos into a Valyrian utopia.
Already our empire was on the way to utopia. Our people were content. Public opinion was changing from evil overlords to kind and just rulers.
Our charities had led to the cleanup of the colonies and helping the poor. Orphanages and schools were built and were open to all. It had been a huge and controversial project that I had to push for and had ultimately paid for more than half of. But it has been rewarding with my name being well known in the empire as a blessed child.
I knew that things could not continue to be this good and the courage of the Dothraki had been a surprise.
I knew that if I made a good name for myself during this war then I could very well cement my position as a Triarch in the next election. The Lords freeholder would have no way to call me a green boy who was not mature enough to take important decisions.
I knew that the commander would be Dragonlord Laenor Tesarys. He was a branch member of one of the forty. He also rode a dragon and was a fierce battle commander. In our few skirmishes that occurred he always led our armies from atop the dragon. If I could get him to include me in the martial planning it would be a huge step for me.
But for now I had to wait. Visiting Volantis was unavoidable. My projects like schools, orphanages, hospitals and taverns had led to an almost godlike following for me in Volantis. It truly was an impressive change. They had gone from an oppressive slave state to a welcoming trading and tourist hub. The people were healthy and happy and the streets were clean. The Tigers were my fierce supporters.
Chapter 10
Volantis was going to be the key in all my plans. She was the first daughter of Valyria and currently the most powerful. Due to the freeing of slaves in Volantis it did not garner as bad a reputation as it had in canon.
I had a decent foothold in Volantis. I was friends with the children of the Triarchs. The Tigers had heard of my accomplishments and my innovations.
I knew that to even go to Valyria I would have to gain permission from my parents and that worried me.
My mother would surely hate me going.
She still treated me as if I was a child and not a teen. She was very overprotective of me
It was time to walk into the dragon's den.
My parents were lounging on the chairs reading books. I cleared my throat to get their attention. In response both of them raised their eyebrows in perfect synchronism. It was honestly weird.
'What trouble have you caused now Jaenys?'
My mother asked in a resigned tone. Even my father cracked an amused smile.
I was incensed. Sure some of my projects might have resulted in me being in trouble and being bailed out by my parents but being judged already, I was ready to protest.
'Before you say anything, you have s face you always make when you have done something or at the very least want something. So which is it?' My father asked.
This caused me to stop short. My parents knew me so well. I was also really freaked out at being so predictable. But I persevered on.
'Well you are right,' I started but was interrupted by my father.
'Aha! I knew it. What do you require now?' He asked in a resigned tone.
'If you would let me finish I could tell you.' I returned heatedly.
This caused my father to snort before speaking 'I am sorry but you are just too predictable'.
This caused me to make my eyes at him while my mother watched on in apparent amusement. I was not happy at the recent development but I was not here for a fight, but the opposite.
'As I was saying before someone interrupted me' I shot back looking pointedly at my father who just smiled back
I took in a deep breath 'I would like your leave to visit Volantis'
Instantly the room sobered. My parents lost their laidback grins and sat up straight. They became serious instantly.
'No, absolutely not. You are still young and visiting Volantis alone is not a minor decision.' My mother protested instantly.
My father seemed to be in deep thought. I knew that after most of my decisions succeeding in some ways he had grown to trust me. I was their heir and still a child in their eyes. It would take s lot of convincing.
'And why are you not prohibiting this. He is still too young to go alone without us to look after him.' My mother spat at my father.
My father just held his hands up defensively
'I know he is young but he is mature enough to make decisions. Hell, he had a position in the council. We cannot always control him. I also want to hear his reasons.'
I was happy that my father was ready to listen to me.
'Volantis is our first daughter kepa. She is our most effective and powerful subject.
I want to go there and establish a power base. The people there already know of me and I already have friends behind the black walls. I will take a squadron of guards and Ōñosmaghare will also be there. If anything happens he will protect me. Let's not forget the fact that I am a powerful battlemage and excellent with a sword.'
I could see that my mother wanted to interject but my father started first
'Yes, I get that you will be safe. What I wanted to know was why you would want to visit Volantis now. And that too alone.'
I knew that I could not lie to him so I decided to give him a half-truth.
'Well, I want to introduce myself to the Volantene people. After this war with the Dothraki, some of my projects will be based on Volantis. I will have to earn their respect.
I also want to go there to personally ensure that they do not forget their responsibilities when we are at war'
My father looked at me intently while my mother looked thoughtful after a long time.
'Very well. I give you a moon to stay in Volantis and start your projects. Your mother and I am trusting you with this Jaenys. Do not betray our trust.'
My father replied in a steely tone.
I knew that this was another one of my father's tests. But I understood, he was showing that he believed in me. Well, I would prove him right.
'Thank you father. I shall not let you down, I give you my word in the name of the Fourteen. I shall strive to bring greatness to our family and mother Valyria.' I promised my father in an assured tone.
'I shall hold you to that .' was my father's reply. He left following that leaving me alone with my mother who was looking at me in worry.
'I know you don't want me to leave this soon and I know that I am young but I have to do this Muna. This is important for our family's future. Please let me do this' I pleaded with my mother.
She looked at me for a long while before sighing.
'I know. I know that you will do this and there is nothing that I can do to stop you yet I understand. There was a time where I too wanted freedom. I wanted to do something that would help my family. I just have to tell you what my father told me when I wanted to do something irresponsible. And before you say you are not listening to what I have to say.'
I nodded and asked her to continue.
'He told me that whatever I would accomplish for our family is not worth losing me over. That my life was more precious to him than all the wealth and power in the world. I want to say the same to you. Whatever you hope to achieve, do not do so in danger to your life. You are more precious to your father and mee thank all wealth in the world' she told me before hugging me.
All I could do to not very was to blink rapidly. I had never thought how much my death would affect my family. My mother would be a wreck and my father would be devastated. Not to mention that my sister would be heartbroken.
Thinking about this message I admit that I loved my new family just as much as I loved my old one if not more. I would burn the world for them.
I had reaffirmed my goals to myself just as my mother let me go and kissed my forehead.
'Thank you, Muna. I will not risk my life not will I cause you any trouble while I am gone I told my mother.
She just smiled at me before hugging me again and telling me to go prepare for the visit. And I did just that I left to select my guards.
At the Household Guard
'Lord Jaenys to what do we owe the pleasure? Any more of your suggestions for training?' Lysandro Mellaris the captain of our household guard asked me in a joking tone.
I had occasionally told him of exercises and martial tips that had proved successful. Since I was kind and polite to all my staff due to them having direct access to me and my health, they had taken a liking to me. I was respectful and charming, a good quality that led to being liked.
'Nothing big Lysandro. Tomorrow I will depart to Volantis and would like to take your fifteen best as guards.' I told him
'This one shall do is my lord' Another captain volunteered himself and his best.
I turned to Lysandro 'He is one of the best and most disciplined. He would protect you with his life' I thanked him and asked them to be ready by the morning.
Now all I had to do was pack and leave tomorrow.
I was so nervous. This would be my first time going anywhere without my family. It was going to be an experience.
It was with so many plans, fears and hopes that I succumbed to a fitful sleep that night.
Arriving in Volantis
Chapter Summary
Jaenys finally reaches the eldest daughter of Valyria
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Leaving For The Eldest Daughter
It was midday by the time everything was ready for my departure. Ōñosmaghare had been harnessed and fitted. I had my ten best guards led by Gaeron Vaeharys, one of our best battle commanders and swordsmen.
My family was gathered outside our keep to send me off. We were saying our goodbyes.
'Do not go anywhere alone, eat on time, look after yourself and call us on a glass candle as soon as you reach. Do not do anything that will put yourself in danger.' My mother said before hugging me tightly and kissing me on the forehead.
'I will take care of myself mother. I will call you as soon as I reach. Goodbye muna.' I told my mother before bidding her farewell.
I turned to my sister next. She was biting her lips and had tears in her eyes and yet I knew she would not cry. She was too proud for such emotions to be displayed in public.
I opened my arms for her and she crashed into me. 'I wish you would take me with you.' She said.
'I wish I say l could too but you have duties and responsibilities here. I will miss you a lot. Take care our friends.' I told her.
'I will. Just take care of yourself and call me every day.' She demanded.
'Look after father and mother. They are not as strong as they seem.' I asked of my sister.
She only nodded her head into my shoulder before letting me go. She looked at me for a long while before kissing me chastely.
My father had just finished talking to my guards, giving them their final instructions when he turned to me.
He had an unusually solemn face. My father was rarely solemn on serious. He was a very carefree man but very rarely did he get serious though when he did, it was never carefree.
'I know that you already have an idea of my expectations and have already surpassed them. You are everything that anyone could ask for in an heir. It has been my utmost pride to watch you grow into the young man that you are now.' Was what my father started with.
I moved nearly to years by my father's declaration.
He was always stingy with complements contrary to his nature. But when he did complement us we would always know that he meant it.
'Thank you father. I promise not to let you nor our family down. I shall strive to bring greatness to our name.' I promised.
'I know. But what I also want you to know is that no amount of prestige and wealth is worth our family. I know your mother must have told you something like this but I just want to reiterate. Take care of yourself my son. Do not make your mother kill me for letting you go.' He said before laughing.
We embraced at last. We bid each other goodbyes before doing the same with the rest of my family and most of my friends.
I had told my friends about my departure the day before and I have to say it was heartwarming to see how many of them wanted to accompany me. I knew that a few of them wanted to come due to their fear that I would accomplish even more (Totally justified) rather than friendship but I digress. You win some you lose some.
Flashback-Begin
'Before we conclude this meeting, I have an announcement to make.' I declared out loud.
This was followed by Gaemon and Rhaegar raising their eyebrows. They were my closest friends other than my family and they had no idea.
'I shall be leaving tomorrow for Volantis. It is a visit that is a moon long. I have a few projects and responsibilities that are both personal and council related in nature.'
My announcement was followed by everyone speaking.
A lot of them wanted to accompany me. A lot of them wanted to know why. And a few even wished that I do not leave.
'Heir Jaenys, if it isn't presumptuous of me, may I enquire as to why you are visiting Volantis.' Asked Lucerys Tarareon. He was one of the non-dragonlord nobles and did not have the confidence to address is by name yet in front of so many Dragonlords.
'No it is not presumptuous. But please call me Jaenys. We are all friends here.'
I declared boldly which was met by nods all round.
'Now, the reason that I am visiting Volantis is twofold. They are our first daughter and most loyal of our colonies. They have also been most receptive to our reforms. Their loyalty had been rewarded but it has been a while since they have been visited by a dragonlord. I seek to make a name for myself in Volantis so that our future endeavours receive their full support. This is my main reason. The other reason is private and shall be revealed in the coming years.' I knew that my answer led a lot to be desired and yet also answered a lot of questions.
'Will you be accompanying your brother Jaenyra?' Rhaenys Caenralis asked my sister.
'No. This is something my brother must do alone. I also have my responsibilities here and cannot just drop everything at my brother's whim.' She spoke contradicting what she said yesterday, but I knew that she wouldn't be caught dead in public admitting her emotions.
The rest of the night was filled with enquiries and suggestions for my activities. A lot of my friends asked to keep in touch.
'Do you think it is wise leaving this soon Jaenys?' Rhaegar asked me.
Him, Rhaenys, Gaemon, Daenys, my sister and a few of our inner circle were gathered around me.
'Well, this is an unavoidable chore. Volantis is the most powerful, influential and populous of all our daughters. Therefore a lot of my projects are based around them and they cannot be expected to listen to a child that has no prior experience in their home.' I started.
'The negative impact to my age is that a lot of people will not take me seriously. They will label me as an immature and pompous brat. This is one of the main reasons why I have to go and go alone.' I finished.
This was followed by agreements from all my friends.
The rest of the night was spent in celebrations and farewells from those who could not come to see me tomorrow.
Flashback-End _
After all the embraces, farewells and will wishes it was finally time to leave.
Ōñosmaghare had been saddled and seats were prepared for all my guards. Ten guards and me made eleven and on top of such a big dragon it left a lot of space.
Ōñosmaghare and my bond had been growing with our frequent rides. It was time to leave. It would be a long ride to Volantis.
'Sōvegon.' I shouted and we replied by a massive flap of ōñosmaghare's wings. We climbed quickly.We were very fast through the air and I estimated that we would reach
in a few days. We would make stops along the way in The Lands of Long Summer.
It was a very freeing thing to fly. With the speed in which we were going I looked down to see the dragon roads that were one of the prides of our land. Truly, I had never seen such magnificent roads in my past life.
They were smooth, strong and clean.
Tyria passed by below us. It was one is our less autonomous cities. It was no less glorious. It shared a lot of characteristics of the capital city. They were governed by men and women we sent. They were also very close to the capital and therefore were visited by us. Truly a city greater than any except the capital. They even had the topless towers.
Tyria, Oros and the Lands of Long Summer were our most developed colonies. It was my dream to make all our colonies this great. I had read that these lands were affected most by the cataclysm after the capital due to their presence in the peninsula.
Thinking about the doom led me to think about the aftermath. Whenever I wake up at home and look outside, it would never cease to amaze me that humans had made something and wonderful and ethereal as this city.
Towers, lava lakes, gardens, and everything under the sky was present. We had built something so beautiful and it was horrifying that there was a huge chance in a decade it would go boom.
The greatest civilization on the face of the world would cease to exist. It depended on me and Daenys to save our culture and people. And I would not fail.
On the night had landed in one of the great manses on the way. It truly was a wonder that this peninsula was this fertile and yet saddening.
We ate and slept till the morn after which we left. It was truly breathtaking views that greeted us. Waterfalls, fields and all sorts of wonders. Truly this peninsula had been blessed by the gods.
It was a day of rest later that we reached the first daughter. We had reached Volantis at last. From atop it looked majestic. The Rhoyne looked fantastic.
Looking at the long bridge was a throwback to the Brooklyn bridge except even that was not as great as this one. Truly we had outdone ourselves on this one.
We circled the sky a few times by which the Volantene and the old blood had seen us. They were busy preparing a welcome and the landing space had been arranged outside the Palace Of Triarchs.
After landing slaves (it could not be abolished at once. Also not all slaves wish to be freed) quickly helped us dismount.
The old blood and the nobility were waiting for us.
As soon as my feet hit the ground I was accosted by a welcoming committee of the Triarchs of Volantis.
The old blood was not far behind.
'It is an honour to have you in the first daughter Dragonlord Jaenys. Word of your accomplishments have reached us. To be graced by one blessed by Tessarion is a great prestige.' Triarch Aerarro. He was one of the more fanatic loyalists to mother Valyria. I was friends with his children.
'Thank you for your kind words and graciousness honoured Triarch. I shall assume that accommodations have been prepared for us. It has been a trying and long journey and we would like nothing more than to rest we can convene on the morrow.' I addressed the Triarch.
'Of course Lord Freeholder. Accommodations have been arranged for you and your guards in the Palace of the Triarchs.' Aerarro responded.
'Thank you honoured Triarchs. I shall sup with your families before retiring for the day. I have been eagerly awaiting meeting my friends.' I knew that this was the right thing to say as seen by the way all the Triarchs smiled. They were happy that a dragonlord was friends with their progeny.
While it would be good for them since there was no cadet branches of the forty in Volantis unlike the other free cities and colonies. I had already located Aurion of Qohor. He was a branch member of the Lanareor family. It was a powerful family of the Forty that had produced many Triarchs.
So my friendship with their children would provide the Volantene with influence and me with supporters in Volantis. It was truly a win-win situation.
'It shall be arranged as you say Lord Freeholder. Our children have been eagerly awaiting your arrival.' Triarch Bararys said.
This was followed by me and my guards being ushered into the Palace and into our quarters. The man led me to my quarters, which were lavishly if impersonally furnished, and included a pair of slaves waiting to attend to me Shown to the personal armory, I placed my sword and daggers on waiting racks, and unclipping my helmet placed it on top of the armor stand. The room was grand, which though not as great as the one I had at home was impressive all the same.
I had taken a A warm and gently-fragrant bath later and Jaenys emerged refreshed. It had taken out most of the tiredness of travel. After they had helped me dress I dismissed the slaves.
I decided to rest before going to sup. After lying down for a while I went to the window.
It was night out and it was beautiful. This world was truly one that was worth dying for. The lights had been lit at the lamps and the black walls liked both intimidating and beautiful.
I was interrupted from my musings by a knock on the door. 'Come in.' I intoned.
The door was opened by what I assumed was a servant girl since she lacked any of the barbaric identification marks that slaves had. She looked to be my age.
'My lord, this one has been asked to invite you to supper at your convenience.' She said nervously.
'Thank you. I shall join you after dressing. What is your name by the way.' I spoke as I rose.
She came to help me dress and spoke while dressing me, 'This one is Nissi my lord'
After finishing dressing myself where I had worn a tunic with gold stitching over linen undergarments.
'I am ready to go Nissi. I shall follow you.' 'This one is honoured.' _
The path leading to the grand dining hall had a lot of sculptures and paintings on the walls that included gorgoyles and wyrms. The paintings involved the Volantene victory against the Rhoynish and Valyria and her three hundred dragons against Prince Garin.
We finally reached the ornate hall whose doors had been held open by my guards. I nodded to them and entered.
'Honoured Triarchs, my ladies and heirs. Thank you for your gracious welcome and your hospitality.' I started in humility.
'Thank you for your kind words Lord Freeholder. It is an honour to host you at the Eldest
Daughter. Please join us.' Triarch Aerarro graciously responded.
I held back a sigh at the overwhelming repast offered to her tonight. A pile of roasted pork chops rested on a silver platter, along with a rich, cheese-based soup of onions, peas, and carrots, resting in a deep bowl of fired porcelain from Yi Ti. There was plenty of bread, freshly baked from an oven, and a wide selection of wines.
It was a rich fare and decidedly delicious. I was soon served by the servants and all of us started to sup in earnest.
'Lord Jaenys, if it is not to presumptuous to ask why has your sister not accompanied you. You are if I am not mistaken betrothed to be married in a year.' Valyx Laenar, son of the Triarch asked. He was a close friend of mine.
'We are friends are we not Valyx. You may call me Jaenys. The same goes for the rest of you.' My declaration was met with nods from my friends and acquaintances and smiles from the Triarchs and their wives.
'As to answer your question my sister had business to take care of in the capital. We are betrothed but cannot always be together. That would make us too dependent on each other and would harm us.' I replied honestly.
The conversation flowed from there as we ate. Occasionally my friends would ask some questions about personal matters which I would answer to the best of my abilities without giving too much away.
The Triarchs and their families would ask questions about my accomplishments and projects too. They were most interested in my reasons for coming here.
'How long will you stay in Volantis my Lord?' Triarch Aerarro asked.
'I shall be staying here for a moon at the most honoured Triarch. I have to commend you on the food and accommodations provided. It is at the level expected of the Eldest Daughter.' I replied.
'What are your reasons for coming here my lord freeholder if it is not to invasive?' Triarch Vaemon asked.
'No it is not invasive but I shall answer it tomorrow in front of the council if it is not to much trouble since I do not want to repeat myself.' Was my reply.
This was followed by affirmatively by the Triarchs. The rest of the conversation was filled with mundane topics that were built to make them more trusting.
After a filling meal and a pseudo-meeting I decided to postpone all other matters to the morrow. I could socialize more with the heirs and the old blood on the morrow.
Currently I was too tired and took the leave of the Triarchs to retire. _
I followed the slave to my room. After closing the door and undressing I collapsed into the bed. I was very tired and all I wanted to do was sleep. The day had been taxing both physically and mentally.
I would have to convince the Triarchs and the old blood that I was a mature lord freeholder that could speak for Valyria.
If I could do it for a moon it would let me build a significant political base and a sphere of influence in the Eldest Daughter.
Chapter End Notes
Any suggestions and help would be appreciated
Chapter 12 - The Wonders of Volantis
The Next Day
As it was, it took me a long time to fall asleep by which time it was almost dawn.
So when I was woken up a few hours later I was grumpy and tired. It was going to be a long day and being tied would not do.
'Draw me a bath and make it cold.' I instructed one of the slaves.
After taking a bath I was invited to drive with the Triarchs without their family.
I knew that this would be a precursor to the meeting with the rest of the council. Even though the council and the old blood had power, the Triarchs could veto my projects and requests since they were not orders from the empire.
A Triarch would be sent to Volantis from Mother Valyria before the war for all the preparations that had to be undertaken.
I knew that Braavos was in talks with the kings from Westeros for trade and they could form strong alliances.
The current discussions that I planned to commit were not strictly ordered by the Empire and hence did not carry that weight.
It had the effect of coming from an honoured and blessed person like me.
I was also a dragonlord and that gave me a significant voice but without the support of the Triarchs, my less than official plans could be kissed goodbye. _
On the way, I noticed that it was not towards the dining halls that we were going to. Sensing my confusion the siege clarified for me.
'The Honoured Triarchs have decided to break the fast in their solar.'
I only nodded my head while inwardly thinking about this move. They had decided to break their fast in the dollar with me due to its private nature and preventing any interruptions. It could also be interpreted as three adults trying to intimidate a young boy.
I smirked inwardly while thinking about that. They would not intimidate me nor could they. My father had taught me from a young age of word games and manipulations in court. I also had intimate knowledge of the court systems and the nobility of the planetos. I had read the books and seen the shows and it was with both nervousness and excitement that I entered the solar. _
'Thank you for inviting me to break my fast along with you honoured Triarchs.' I spoke respectfully.
'It is it no consequence my lord, we have been eagerly waiting for you.' Triarch Aarrero spoke.
I knew that they were very opportunistic people as evidenced by their actions after the Doom. Their greed would beneficial for me. My projects would give them more profits and increase their value in the eyes of the Freehold while consequentially giving me a political threshold to stand-in.
'You are aware of the reasons for my visit at a time like this, yes?' I asked the Triarchs.
'Of course, we have heard of the Dothraki savages that are raiding off the coast of Essaria. We had assumed that the Freehold would not take actions yet?'
Even though it was phrased as a comment and an inconsequential question I knew that the Triarchs were asking about the new and more active involvement of the Freehold in its territories.
'Essaria is part of our empire and the Dothraki are a scourge. That is all I can tell you. The rest will be explained by the Lords Freeholder coming here a moon before any actions will be taken. They will be the official orders of the Empire.' I replied
In essence, I had told them that whatever plans I made were strictly unofficial and not guaranteed but my words would be considered when the official envoy would arrive.
The rest of the meal passed with banal chitchat and other news about the Freehold.
I had encouraged the Triarchs into allowing a few of my reforms into the Eldest Daughter along with some time to spend with their children and the children of the old blood.
The Triarchs were concerned about the Dragonlords of branch families interfering in the governing of the colonies. I reassured them that they still would retain their autonomy and would only be audited for major decisions.
The meal was delicious and helped set the tone for the upcoming council meeting. Before that I had to meet with their children first. It would not do to not establish any friendships. _
After the meal, I joined the Triarchs children, Aeran, Alana, Raena, and Jaella.
They were all children of the old blood and were keen on their superiority. They also had a cunning mind and I knew that they would be at least two of the next Triarchs. Since I had already established a friendship with them it was easy enough to invite them and some of the other friends I had in the black walls for lunch.
Including the children of the Triarchs and me, we had nineteen children and teenagers in our room. I had invited them to dine with me and it was not something that they could ignore.
'What do you think of the Eldest Daughter heir Jaenys?' A member of the old blood asked.
'It is very impressive. A true testament to the greatness of our people. Volantis is a good representative of our glorious empire.'
I knew that praising and flattering them would inspire them to open up to me and to
trust me more. We then discussed some of the projects that I had implemented in the empire including machinery.
The plays that I had written had led to my fame. Jaenys Gaelnareon was a week known name across the empire and the freehold.
My words seemed to have been the right one and the others seemed more inclined to participate in the conversation.
'The Dothraki have grown very bold Jaenys.
They have been raiding cities closer to Essaria and the Kingdom of Sarnor. What will the Freehold do in response.' Aeran asked.
'The Freehold has decided not to interfere in such petty matters until the Dothraki scourge provokes the empire directly. If they do then, well the Rhoynar are an example of what happens when you cross Valyria.
All that is left of them are in the deserts of Dorne. Truly I feel sorry for the Rhoynish whose only mistake was to follow a prince who had been too arrogant and did not have the wisdom to not challenge dragons.'
I answered him with enough confidence.
My statement was received well by the Volantenes since it was as an answer to their can for help they Valyria came down upon the Rhoynish.
'How long will you be staying at Volantis heir Jaenys?' A daughter of the old blood asked.
I could understand how they could call themselves the descendants of Valyria. Most of them had golden blonde hair instead of the silver-blonde that Dragonlords mostly had. They also had the customary purple eyes. Along with that, they were almost as blessed in beauty as real Dragonlords.
'I shall be staying for a moon at the most my lady. I have many duties that I have had to pass onto my sister and she cannot perform them for any longer than a moon.'
'What will you be doing in Volantis Jaenys.
Will you be establishing any new projects or Taverns?' This question was followed by laughter since they knew I was not one to just laze around for a moon.
'I will look into a few projects that I had started in Volantis in collaboration with a few of your families. I shall also seek to write a new play for Tessarion's festival.
It shall be the first time that I do not attend it in the capital but they have plenty of talented playwrights.' My words were true.
Even though they were not as good as me they were really good. Some I felt would give even Shakespeare a run for his money.
My words were met with approval since they had all seen at least one of my plays and I knew that if I were to write a good play on a day as auspicious as a day for the celebration of Tessarion it would establish that I was blessed by the god.
The rest of the afternoon passed by quickly with more everyday topics and politics. _
After passing the evening in the tavern I asking with my friends walked along the Volantis. After being here for a day I had wanted to leave the black walls and explore the main areas of Volantis.
The Black Walls of eastern Volantis protect a large labyrinth of palaces, courtyards, towers, temples, cloisters, bridges, and cellars. The Black Walls are a great oval of fused black dragonstone, harder than steel or diamond, built two hundred feet high by the Valyrian Freehold. It protects the oldest part of the city on the eastern shore, often called Old Volantis. It is wide enough for six four-horse chariots to race around its top abreast, as is done each year to celebrate the founding of the city.
The Long Bridge joins the two halves of Volantis across the mouth of the Rhoyne. It is a great span with a road supported by massive piers that the Valyrians built at the height of their glory. Its gateway is an arch of black stone carved with sphinxes, manticores, dragons, and other beasts. The road is wide enough for two carts to pass abreast. Buildings rise on either side of the roadway. One can buy almost anything in the shops on the Long Bridge. In the centre of the bridge are displayed the hands of thieves and the heads of executed criminals
Fishmonger's Square is bustling in western Volantis congested with traffic where fishmongers sell their catches.[11] The Merchant's House, located on Fishmonger's Square, is the finest inn in Volantis. It was where most of the nobility that was not inside the black walls could reside.
How were the poor supposed to make a living in Volantis? Every so often I wondered if this was some kind of conspiracy of the Old Blood to control the population. I mean, even prostitutes needed a permit and had to pay taxes. Most menial works were made by slaves, therefore, if you were poor, you had to either beg for money, join the army or become a slave. Social mobility was practically non-existent.
It was only after some of the new laws passed by the Freehold that changes started to occur.
It was with a group of guards that I and my friends left the black walls. The outside of the black walls was dusty, populated, and busy. Even though it did not have the luxury of the black walls it did have the beauty of a budding city. If this was my old world I would have said that this was a renaissance fair.
After a fair bit of exploration through the marketplace, we came across a group of guards assembled at a stall.
They were making a commotion and were arguing with what I assumed was a merchant. He was about my age and looked lowborn.
I gained their attention by clearing my throat. Noticing that I was accompanied by a group of the Old blood had them instantly become respectful.
'What is the commotion here.' I asked.
'My lord, the boy is working without a license to trade.' A guard answered my query.
Volantis had merchant licenses for trade since they were in the Rhoyne. Their ports were always busy and their streets full. Without organisation, it would go to shit and it was no surprise that street rats would occasionally trade on the streets.
This time though, the street rats had garnered my attention. He had been selling art and by the fourteen was it beautiful. His shadings were brilliant and so were his drawings. I knew that he could not afford paint and used charcoal and he was talented.
I had a sudden inspiration. I could hire him and take him back with me. He could get a job in the capital as an artist and with his talent, it would come in high demand. If I were to employ him it would make me a pretty penny.
'What do you have to say for yourself then?' I asked him.
He looked nervous but defiant and pointed to a sign that read "Free Portrait" in a multicoloured letter.
'I am not sure if you know your letters, but here says: ́Free portraits ́. Therefore, I am not breaking the law as I am neither selling a product nor offering a paid service!'
This was received by a raised eyebrow from me and my companions. His asking us whether we knew our letters were disrespectful and to a person in my standing it was very offensive but I did not have it in me to be angry at the boy. He was after all just someone trying to make a living.
The guards who were watching asked 'Then what about the half-full coin pouch?'
'Paying is not obligatory.' He said defensively as he tried to hide his hard-earned money. 'It's not my fault that not a lot of people can read, and they give me money anyway.'
His reply sparked laughter from me and my companions and the guards.
'I like you kid, believe me, I like you,' He said with a sigh, 'but we both know that this is not how it works. I received a lot of complaints about a kid with an illegal stand and I need to do my job. If I am to make an exception with you, there is nothing to stop other people from asking for equal treatment. The empire of law is the only thing that separates us from the Dothraki and the savages of Westeros.'
The leader of the guards replied before whistling to his companions who stared advancing on the stall with hammers.
The boy looked close to tears and I couldn't help but feel pity for him. Even though I have lived in this cruel world for more than a decade with its horrifying lack of morals and value for human life I hadn't yet been desensitised to the suffering of the poor.
Seeing him about to lose his livelihood all I could think was this video be me if I was born differently.
I immediately stopped them.
'Please wait for a moment.' I commanded to which the acquiesced. 'What is your name and where are your parents?' I asked him.
'My name is Talos my Lord and my mother is dead. I live in the orphanage but I will have to leave this year as it is my five and tenth nameday.'
Orphanages only accommodated kids below that age after which they had to fend for themselves.
'I am giving you an opportunity. I would like to employ you as an artist for my family. We are not residents of Volantis but I will stay here for a moon. If you wish to accompany me give your reply to one of these guardsmen. They are my companions.'
I told him and he looked ready to cry and he quickly started packing.
'Not today. I shall come to visit the orphanage before leaving and bring you with me if that is what you wish still.' I told him.
'Thank you, milord. I shall wait for you.' He replied a bit more recovered from his emotions.
My actions were met with a lot of raised eyebrows to which I told them I would explain later.
The rest of the walk was filled with more normalcy after that.
We finished the tour and retired to our places of residences and after promising to spend more time in the Old City I went to bed.
It had been a draining day and the next moon would be filled with more days like this one. It was overall a nice day and my new friends were interesting. _
Chapter Summary
Chapter 13 - Taking Part in a Slave Auction
Jaenys arrives in the famed Volantene Slave auction and something interesting catches his eye
The next few weeks of my stay in Volantis had been fairly uneventful. The main highlight of my visit had been the council meeting. It had been the only happening of note in the last few weeks.
Flashback To Council Meeting
The Grand Audience Chamber within the Palace of the Triarchs. The Triarchs of Volantis sat at the bottom, at a raised table, joined by me.
The rest of the nobles say around us in tiered seats. The council has been murmuring about my actions as not all were approving. Many were jealous and a lot of them had lost a lot from the reduction of the slave trade.
'Honoured Triarchs and Volantenes, you have my gratitude for your hospitality and I shall not forget it.' I decided to start by praising them.
'Thank you for your gracious words Dragonlord Jaenys, but as members of the council we have to enquire, are you an official ambassador representing the Freehold?' One of the smarter nobles asked a question that had been on everyone's mind.
It was the procedure for an ambassador to be sent to each of the provinces every year. They would be representatives of the Freehold and would look over the governance of the provinces.
They had the authority to make decisions on the behalf of the Freehold.
'No, my lord, I am just a visitor. I am not here in any formal capacity. This visit is purely unofficial.' My response had been expected but clearing it up led to me losing a bit of influence.
After that, it was a routine council meeting with discussions of the current political climate in Westeros and the other kingdoms in Essos.
'What is the situation in the capital heir Jaenys?' Lord Maegyr(Yes that Maegyr) asked.
'The capital is waiting my lord. We have yet to receive any alarming news that would lead to pre- emptive actions and as long as the Dothraki do not advance upon the provinces of the Freehold, we shall not interfere.' I replied.
The main discussion had been upon the news of the Dothraki and the Council had seen fit to ask
me about it.
'The Dothraki scourge have been raiding cities fairly close to Essaria. There have been rumours of a "Khal of Khals" that are uniting them.' Another lord added.
It was true. I did not know if it was my birth or the butterflies that I had set off but the Dothraki had united far earlier than in canon. It was concerning since it changed canon.
'I am not an official representative of the Freehold but I can say with utmost confidence that if we are provoked by the Dothraki they shall learn the lesson that we have taught the Rhoynar and the Ghiscari.'
My response was well-received going by the applause and since the war against the Rhoynish was started by the Volantenes it did raise their pride.
The meeting was wound up after that.
Flashback End _
I was currently walking down the streets with my friends and acquaintances. It had been a week after the council meeting and I had spent the time wisely. I had ingrained loyalty to me in some of the simpler heirs and youngsters but there was a lot that was sharp. For them, a friendship with me was seen as a profitable investment.
I was a very popular and blessed dragonlord. I would also be a part of the strongest and wealthiest family in the Freehold.
We were walking through the market when we noticed that it was the day of the auctions. It was a slave auction that used to be held every week but now with the policies and decisions of the Freehold affecting its popularity the auctions had become a monthly event.
In my estimation slavery would be passed out within the next century.
The auction was a spectacle due to the gathered crowd. It seemed that a lot of the lowborn and cheap slaves had been bought and some had already been freed.
The slaves were stood on a stand and a master was holding a whip with guards standing around them.
I was about to leave when a man that stood almost to the end of the line caught my attention.
He had dark brown hair and steel grey eyes with a slender stature. I connected the dots and concluded that he had a lineage from the First men as they were the ones in canon with grey eyes.
I decided to enquire with the master who was selling him.
The master had become nervous seeing my approach since my views on slavery had been
publicised.
'Who is that man?' I asked the nervous shaver slaver.
'That is just a Northern bastard from Westeros my Lord.' He replied in a nervous tone. I knew that bastards of lords would go for a good amount in auctions and decided to see how much this bastard would cost me.
I knew that he had most probably been kidnapped and if I could return him to his family it would earn me goodwill from the Starks and it would aid me in my endeavours in Westeros.
'I want him. How much does he cost?' I enquired.
'For you, it is a gift from myself' He spoke in a snivelling voice. I disliked him immediately and was reminded of some of the lickspittles that I had met.
After handing me the bastard's collar he led him to me. I noticed that he had a defiant look on his face. He was most likely taken from his family.
'What is your name bastard?' I asked.
He clenched his jaw but did not reply to my question nor my obvious taunt.
'I am asking because I seek to free you and send you back to you your family.' My statement was met by looks of surprise from him and my friends.
The Stark bastard had a hopeful look on his face before speaking.
'My name is Edwyle Snow Milord. I am the bastard son of Prince Rickard Stark and Meera Reed.'
His declaration caught me by surprise and joy. He was a cousin to the next Northern King and a son of a prince. Although from what I heard Prince Rickard was a whoremonger and not at all like his honourable brother Bennard Stark, the King in the North.
The other part of his parentage piqued my interest. He was the son of a Reed. Their blood along with the blood of the Starks made for a potent combination and could most likely have given him warg or greenseer abilities. At the very least his blood was most precious and if he married someone with my bloodline it could create a new bloodline with both the powers of Valyria and the First Men.
I decided to at least tempt him to join me if he had no other prospects. He looked and behaved like what I assumed Jon Snow would have acted like.
'What are your plans after returning to Westeros my friend?' I asked in a friendly tone that I used when around people who I could influence.
He looked startled to be addressed as a friend by me due to my companions and my apparent wealth he must have assumed that I was a Volantene noble.
'I shall seek to spend time with some of my family. My mother is dead and my father isn't much of a father. I take care of some of my bastard siblings with our eldest brother.'
He spoke of his father with venom and looked to be an honourable man with concern for his family.
'And what shall you do after that, my friend?'
I asked and I knew my question has caught him off guard when he paused.
'I do not know my lord. Maybe I shall go to the wall. It is a noble calling and Starks have served there for centuries. Even a bastard can rise high there.'
Holy shit! This guy is like Jon Snow from canon. He only has attachments to his family and honour and did not have any other place in life.
'What about your mother?' A companion of mine asked him.
Immediately I saw his face darken.
'She is dead my lord. Died giving birth to me and yet Lord Reed did not abandon me. He has raised me with honour for almost my entire life.'
Okay, so he does not like the Starks much from what I see and has no place for himself. That is precisely the reason that he seeks to go to the wall. I was receiving a lot of Jon Snow vibes from this guy.
'What if I was to offer you a job. You could become a guard for my family. Can you handle the sword well at all bastard?'
I asked him and it seemed to startle him.
His face had gained a very hopeful look and a bit of pride.
'I am good at the sword my lord but even better at a bow. I would be honoured to be a guard for your family but would they not be against a bastard serving behind the black walls?'
He seemed to think that I was a Valyrian noble and assumed that I was a member of the old blood. It would be funny to see his face when I revealed that I was a dragonlord. Even my companions seemed to think that this was hilarious.
'I would however like to visit my family and say my goodbyes, my lord. I shall leave in the next week and return before the moon ends.'
This was an expected result. If I could gain his allegiance and loyalty it would help convince him
to marry into my family in a few years.
'Of course, family is everything. This man is Lysandro and he is the captain of my guards'
I said pointing to Lysandro who nodded at us. 'You can go with him and he shall provide you the gold for your journey.'
'Thank you, milord. I am extremely grateful for your kindness and offer and if it would not offend you I would like to ask you about something.'
Edwyle seemed to be fishing for something.
'You may.' I spoke.
'Do you have any slaves my lord? Even though I accept they are part of the culture of these lands it would be against my gods to serve you when slaves are serving with me.'
This didn't surprise me a lot. He was certainly bold and it didn't surprise me that he wouldn't serve me if I had slaves. He seemed an honourable man.
'I do not have any slaves nor do I intend to purchase any. My family does have a few but will free them in a few years. You see the Freehold has started to change its policy on slavery and has reduced the taking and usage of slaves. It is expected to be phased out in the next century.'
This seemed to surprise Edwyle who suddenly looked indecisive before seemingly coming to a decision.
'Then I shall guard you with my life, my lord.'
'You can deal with the declarations and induction after you return. Right now you can leave with Lysandro. He will provide you what you need and make sure to be back before the moon ends if you wish to leave with us.'
That was the end of that after which my companions peppered me with questions about my actions to which I only placated them with half-truths. _
Chapter Summary
Chapter 15 - A Father's PoV
Jacaenys Gaelnareon reflects over his past and the future that is looking ominous for his family and how it got to this point
I had always been very happy and carefree all my life. My father had been a very dutiful man and had tried to get me to be more like him but the only thing I wanted to do was ride Arrax and explore the world. He was my grandfather's dragon and I had claimed him as soon as I could. When I was fourteen I married my younger sister and within a year she gave me an heir. My daughter Jaenyra was born with all the Valyrian traits and by the gods was she beautiful.
She had been very loud and had screamed the ears off of the healers and her poor mother.
My wife had hated pregnancy and childbirth, even though deaths were very less due to our healers she had been in immense pain and discomfort throughout the ordeal.
Since I already had an heir, I decided to agree to my wife's request. Unlike the uncultured Andals and their faith Dragonlords had always been equals and had never discriminated on gender. A woman could rule just as well as she could fight or ride on a dragon. Lordships had always been inherited by the eldest in the family since the beginning of Valyria.
It was my plan to betroth my daughter to my cousin's son. Unlike us my cousin had a couple of children already and looked to have more.
Therefore it took both my wife and myself by surprise when we discovered that she was pregnant. She told me that she had applied the spell as she regularly did but it had failed.
I had asked my wife to not get rid of the child.
If the child could defy my wife's powerful magic, he or she would have great potential. After a few discussions she agreed to have one final child if I agreed on not having anymore.
After six months my son was born and unlike his sister, he was quiet. Almost too quiet that it had sent my wife into a panic.
The next few years were a journey. My daughter seemed quite taken with her younger brother and could always be seen doting on him when she wasn't at her lessons.
He was a very quiet babe and unlike his sister he only cried when he wanted to be fed, changed or moved.
My son was very bright and it could be seen from a young age. He had learned to speak properly at the age of two and my cousin had told me that he had learned to write without errors by four years of age.
It was honestly amazing to watch his behaviour sometimes. He seemed very mature and quick to learn. My cousin was charged with educating my son reported to me that he was the brightest mind that he had seen.
During the next few years son surprised me in many ways. He was the first in the main branch that insisted on learning sorcery. He also seemed wise beyond his years and unlike a lot of our people he was very kind to the slaves.
He was very driven and ambitious yet didn't seem jealous of his sister. In fact the both of them had a very strong bond and would always get up to mischief together.
She would spoil him by covering for him when he escaped from lessons and got into fights with the children.
Alas, as much as my son was smart he was also impatient and foolhardy. His driven speeches in the Council had earned him many enemies and had turned a lot of slavers against us. Even as a lot of my son's plans like the four field crop rotation and the seed drill had sent our farms into a frenzy with the extra yield, he had an abolitionist outlook towards the ancient Ghiscari tradition that we had adopted after crushing the Harpys.
He had also improved our already impressive Dragon ships with the idea of copper sheathing the hull of ships with an alloy of copper and zinc in the ratio of sixty percent copper to forty percent zinc with a trace of iron.
It mitigated the problems of shipworms, barnacles, and marine weeds.
He had also created impressive foods and introduced styles of cooking that brought a lot of happiness to the family.
Even though we had always had runes and wards that kept the foods cold and preserved we had never thought of freezing milk and cream to make "Iced Cream"
It was a dessert delight that was a hit across the freehold.
Yet, he had set a few of the Forty families that had been heavily invested in the slave trade against us. Even though my son had reduced the number of slave deaths in the mine due to his "machines"
it was a heavy blow to the business and livelihood of many people. My son may act mature but he was still a boy and naïve to some of the truly horrific practices that were still happening in our great empire. He seemed to have a black and white view of the world and has yet to see the dangers that his actions would bring upon him.
He has yet to see the penal camp of Ghossos and has not been taught sacrificial magic and for all my son's talk of crushing the Dothraki, I fear that he is a child in his heart yet. It would crush me as father to see him lose his innocence but as a lord he will rule alongside his sister and what this family needs to face the storm that is coming is a man.
I can only teach him and impress upon him the worst of the deeds that our empire still committed. He should not be blind to the cruelties of his family and the legacy he would one day inherit.
For all my son's plans and ambitions, I believe that he has yet to receive any setbacks that would show him the truth of this world and all I and my wife could do is to stand by him.
End Notes
AN: This is my first time writing, any tips and suggestions will be appreciated. Also English is not my first language.
This story has drawn inspiration from Gaemon Redux
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