Chapter 9: Volantis

Volantis

They saw the city of Volantis in the distance and as they entered the harbor, standing on the ship's dock, Aenar heard Arthur say, "He was smart in there. Whatever happens, don't trust them. The red priests are very powerful and pray to the god of fire. "

Aenar nodded.

"You know Volantisi is the strongest of the Free Cities. It was founded after the fall of Valyria. Be careful if the dragon is born. Because he is power. An adult dragon is worth a whole army, especially if subjugated and empowered with ancient magic. The Old Ghish tried, but Valyria succeeded first and destroyed their empire with the dragons. "

"I know Arthur."

After climbing out of the boat they headed for the Temple.

He didn't really like this city for Aenar and above all that they accepted slavery.

Arriving at the temple, he saw one of the priestesses coming towards him. She was really beautiful, thinks Aenar, certainly not as beautiful as the two Valyrian women, but still beautiful.

"Welcome Aenar of House Targaryen, we were waiting for you."

'Waiting for him? But if we have not told anyone', Aenar thinks between himself.

Then putting her hand on his face and looking in his eyes, she said "I see great power in you, my king. The power to make life ... and the power to kill death. You have a great destiny in front of you. But I see that you will not be alone. Two identical women by your side. "

Aenar was tired of these riddles and took her hand off his face.

"You said you were waiting for me. Who told you? "Asked Aenar. He really wanted to find out and know if there was any traitors in his ranks.

"I saw you in the flames, my king. It was the god of fire, R'hllor who showed me your destiny, and ordered me to help you" she answered.

"I'm not a king."

"You are. Even if you don't have yet the Iron Throne. Come!"

She showed with the hand towards the temple.

"Sorry, my lady. You know my name but I don't know yours. "

"My name is Kinvara, my king."

"You said that you saw me coming. So I assume that you know why I'm here. "

"Yes, and everything was already prepared. There'll be a sacrifice and your dragon will be born. "

Aenar stopped immediately and looked at her. He didn't like this at all. Sacrificing innocent people just to give birth to a dragon.

"I don't want a sacrifice Lady Kinvara."

It's the only way to give birth to dragons. Sacrifice and Valyrian blood."

Then Arthur takes a step forward and asks "Are there no thieves or cutthroats?"

"Yes, there are. But not in this temple. "

"You find the prisoner. And tomorrow we will start the ritual. "

"All right, your grace. Come tomorrow and we'll begin the ritual. "

While they were going to find an Inn to book, Aenar saw Arthur approach a jewelry merchant and look specifically at a beautiful crown.

He approached Arthur, smiling and asked "Who do you want to buy that beautiful crown?"

He turned to Aenar said "This is your grandmother Rhaella crown. I can recognize it everywhere. "

Aenar did not know what to say and turning towards the merchant he asked "Who gives it to you?"

He seems hesitant, so Aenar added "I'll buy it. Only tell me who sold it to you? "

"The beggar king" and Aenar turned toward Arthur. He heard about these rumors.

"What did he looked like?" Aenar asked the merchant.

"Valyrian. Young. I think he was eighteen, but I'm not sure. And with him, there was a girl. "

"What did she looked like?"

"Same as the boy only younger, but she was beaten. She had a bruise on her lips and a black eye. "

"And he also beat someone when asked, for silver. I don't know how much they give him for that scene. I don't like when the little girls are beaten. "

"Yet you did nothing to stop him."

"It was not my business going to sleep. So you want to buy the crown? "

"How much do you want?"

"1000 golden dragon."

"1000?"

"It belonged to the last queen of the Dragons of Westeros. It would be worth even more, but I'll give you a discount. So you can give your beauty?

"How do you know it belonged to the Dragon Queen?"

"The boy told me."

Thank the gods he had that money.

"Arthur goes to the ship and takes the money."

Arthur runs to the harbor and after a while, he saw him coming back.

"There are 1000 golden dragons" Aenar asked, still feeling the blood boiling, for the mistreatment that the poor girl suffered. Now Aenar was sure that the Beggar king was his uncle Viserys.

Aenar gave the money and took the crown then went furiously towards the inn.

The next day Aenar and Arthur went to the temple they saw that Kinvara was waiting for him and next to her there was a warrior priest.

"He is Alester Sarwyck. He will be by your side until you have defeated The Great Other, and he will make sure that you survive until that moment. But considering the power that is in you and the path that the god of light has traced for you, I think you will succeed. "

As they were going to the ritual room Kinvara asked "Did you ever have dreams about the future?"

Thinking back to the dream he had some time ago and considering the latest news he had discovered he was sure it was the future.

"Once."

"And was it Good or Bad?"

'Considering that there were two beautiful naked women in his bed,' I think to myself, if Aenar, smiling and then responding "Good."

"That's good. Because, if you have bad dreams, then you will have to be worried. Especially if you see the great enemy in them. "

Arriving at the ritual room, he saw that there was a symbol on the ground.

"Take a knife and your egg and go to the center of the symbol."

Aenar did so and went to the center and the priestess began saying a prayer before the fire.

Then turning to Alester she said "Bring the prisoner in."

When Alester returned, I tied the prisoner to a ring on the floor.

"Cut your hand and let the blood drip on the egg."

Aenar did it and suddenly saw that the priestess threw a torch of fire that set the symbol on fire. He felt a little warm, but didn't burn. After the flames began to die out, he heard a crack and a small roar. Looking down, there was a silver dragon with red eyes, climbing his leg towards his shoulder, then he saw Kinvara kneeling before him and saying, "You are the Prince that was promised. You will bring the dawn. "

Aenar feels a little embarrassed now because he was naked, and she was kneeling before him and saying that prayer.

Thankfully, Arthur comes and give him his coat.

Then when she rose from the ground, she looked at the dragon with widened eyes and asked " May I ask who gives you that egg. That kind of four-legged dragon never existed for what I know."

"I'm not sure where it was found. The owner died before I even meet him."

"Now you really have to be worried about that dragon, because it is the first of its race and has a power and resistance never seen before on this earth," she said with a worried voice, looking in the eyes of the dragon. "Keep him safe until he grows. He'll be your strongest ally."

Aenar nodded.

"Now, my king will be time to create more connection between you and your dragon."

"What?"

"Tomorrow we leave for Old Valyria."

"Alister, lead them out. And my king, tomorrow at the first light we set sail. "

After receiving some clothes and a cage to hide the dragon, he and Arthur walked towards the ship.

"Do you already have a name for him?"

"Caraxes. Like the dragon of Daemon Targaryen. "

"Why?"

"Because he was fearsom, and he defeats Vhagar, who was twice his size. "

"Do you know that they both died in that fight."

"Yes, but, anyway, I like the name."

"What do you think Old Valyria has in serve for us?"

Aenar sighed and replied "I really don't know, but maybe we'll find some valyrian steel. I had an armor in mind and I know that here is the only one who can reforge that metal. "

Arthur nodded.

And they headed to the ship.

Winterfell

Ned was in his study. Thinking back to the request Robb had made to him, and he had made a decision.

After writing the letter for his nephew, which will be delivered together with the direwolf pup, who called for Jory, who after a moment entered "Jory. Send for my son. I need to talk to him. "

"Yes my lord" Jory bowed and left.

After some time he saw Robb enter "Father. You wanted to see me?"

"Yes, Robb. Is there any guard outside the door? "

Robb shakes his head "I told them to go."

"I made a decision about your request to go to Essos." He saw Robb smiling.

"I give you permission to go, but you'll have guards with you and you won't have the Stark sigil with you. I don't want you to be in danger because of that. "

"Of course, father. Thank you for letting me. "

"Now we have to decide what to say to your mother. We know that she will never give you permission to go, to Essos above all, to meet a cousin. "

"Aren't you going to tell her the truth about Aenar?"

"Not yet. Not until he lands in Westeros. "

"Then we'll tell her that I'm going across the North for investigation and to the Wall. Because of the continuous raids of the Wildings. Which is also true. And I don't know when I'll be back. "

Eddard nodded. Then taking the letter, he gave it to Robb.

"Robb you will give this letter with the direwolf, to your cousin. And, take care of yourself, son. Don't put yourself in danger unnecessarily. And watch out for Arya. You know how she is and how much she likes adventures, she might ask you to take her with you. "

"I know father. But quiet. He won't come. " Then Robb hugged him.

"Farewell, son."

"Farewell, father" and I leave the study.

Robb was going to his mother to tell her what he intended to do. Arrived at his mother's room, Robb knocked.

"Come in!"

"Mother."

"Robb. What is it?"

"I have to tell you something. I will have to leave for a few months, perhaps longer, from Winterfell. "

"What! Why?"

"I want to know the North better, and we have received reports of Wildings ride "

"But why do you have to do it yourself?" his mother asked, standing up.

"One day I will be Lord of Winterfell, I want to know my lands. And I'm old enough to decide. "He saw that she still had a worried look. "Mother, I won't be alone. I'll have guards with me. And I'm also good with the sword. "

His mother sighed and nodded "But be very careful and do not put yourself in danger when you are looking for the Wildings." Then he embraced her and left.

Returning to his room, he saw Arya running towards him and jumping in his arms.

"I heard your conversation with our father."

Robb widened his eyes and become white and pale.

"What conversation?"

"About Essos. And about a certain cousin. "

"But how did you feel there was no one in the room but me and our father."

"I know tricks too, big brother. So, will you take me with you? "

"No Arya. This will be a dangerous journey and you're just an 8-year-old girl. "

"Please Robb," she said with that puppy eyes that she made when she wants something.

"No, Arya. This time it doesn't work. Arya, you have to promise me that you won't tell anyone. "

"I promise, but I want to come too."

"Stop being so insistent and learn to do what you are asked!" said Robb shooting, and immediately fell bad.

He saw that she had tears in her eyes, and she runs away.

"Arya, wait. Forgive me, " he shouted after her. But she was already gone.

Robb sighed and kept going to his room.

Arriving at his room Robb closed the door and leaned against it, thinking back to the scene with Arya.

He really didn't want to scream at her, but she was so insistent. He didn't know what to do.

Then he started to prepare his things. And was smiling to himself.

He was really excited for the trip and to meet his new cousin.

His uncle Benjen has now three children. Two boys and one girl. But they were still little children. Now he discovers he has a cousin of his age and that he will be the King of the Seven Kingdoms.

Robb sighed and smiled again.

Ned was walking through a Winterfell's courtyard toward the Godswood. When he arrived, he saw that Arya was sitting on the log near the Weirwood, and that she was crying.

"Hey, little wolf. What happens? Why are you crying? " Ned asked, stepping closer and sitting next to her and putting his hand on her back.

She looked at him. And throwing her arms around his neck, she cried.

"Shhh. Don't cry little wolf " Ned said and felt her start to calm down.

"Do you want to tell me what happened?" Picking her up and putting her on his right knee.

"I heard the conversation between you and Robb about in Essos. That there is the son of our aunt Lyanna and that Robb has the intention to go there."

Ned widened his eyes.

"When did you heard the conversation?"

"This morning. I leaned and heard everything. Then when I ask him to take me with him. But he treated me badly, "she said, starting to cry again

"Hey, little wolf. You know that Robb loves you very much, right? "

She nodded.

"He just wanted to protect you. He doesn't want anything bad to happen to you. " Then he added with a smile. "Even if you have more courage than any soldier."

Kissing his head, he said, "Now go and say hello to Robb before he leaves."

When she left, he sighed. One of these days she will do something stupid and give him a heart attack.

King's Landing

Orys was sitting with his father, in the King's study, drinking wine and talking about war and women. Ser Barristan was also in the room sharing some tales of his adventures in his youth. Of his fight during the Blackfire rebellion.

"Ser Barristan. You never told me how it was fighting the Monstrous. Was he strong? "Asked Orys.

"He was very strong, my prince? We fought for almost two hours. And above all, the battle was a chaos. He was big but I was young and fast. After an arduous duel, I managed to kill him. "

Orys smiled. When Ser Barristan left the studio turning to his father, he asked "Father, did the Targaryens die? "

His father became serious "I don't know. Every time I send the killers, they tell me they are dead, but then the Targaryens come out of nowhere. The boy. He is as crazy as his father, so nobody will help him and the girl, they tell me that she is so ugly that no lord would marry her. But then who cares about the look. She just needs to open her legs and give him an heir, so he can challenge us for the throne. "

Sighing added "The one that worries me the most is their mother. I met her once and at that time she was more submissive to her husband. But now. Having nothing to lose, she could unleash upon us all the heals. Fire and Blood. That is theyre moth. And we are Seven Kingdoms divided. To many hate us. Especially your mother's family. "

Orys nodded. He knew there was that possibility and for this, they had to understand if the Targaryens were really dead. All three. Then he asked, "Father, what do you know about the Golden Company? "

"They are sellswords, Orys. And they operate in Essos. Don't worry about them. And above all, they hate the Targaryens to death. Ask Selmy. They will never join them. Now these enough with these arguments. I need fun, "said his father laughing the last part.

"Father. Would you train with me? I would like you to teach me more tricks with the hammer. "

His father laughed so hard that he almost choked with the wine he was drinking "What boy. Do you want to conquer the throne? Yes, sometimes we could train. I need some practice. "

Suddenly they saw a servant, enter "Your grace! Your grace!"

"How dare you enter without knocking!" His father said angrily

"Lord Jon Arryn is dead, your grace."

"Dead?" His father shouted and ran to Jon's room and Orys followed.

He couldn't believe that Jon was dead. He had spoken to him two days ago and was in excellent health. He knew something was wrong.

"What happened?" His father asked Pycelle.

"We do not yet know your grace. He seems to have died suddenly. A heart attack. "

"Orys tells Varys to send a raven to Ned and begins preparations for a trip to Winterfell."

"Yes, father," and he left.

After finding Lord Varys and telling him what he should have asked him, "Lord Varys. It is possible that Jon was poisoned. "

"Everything is possible my prince."

"Do you know what he was investigating?"

"I don't know what you're talking about, my prince."

"Come on Varys. Just jokes I know you knew. "

"I swear I didn't know."

"Anyway find it. And send the raven to Lord Stark. "

"Of course, my prince." He bowed and left.

He will come to the bottom of this story.

Braavos

She had come to Braavos two years ago, after running across Essos to escape the assassins hired by the crown, after they discovered she was alive. Thanks to Marry's sacrifice she managed to escape, but now she had been alone for the past four years.

After inspecting the place where Ser Willem's House was and which was a pile of rubble that no one has ever bought, or taken away.

She was starting to lose hope about the survival of her children when suddenly you hear a conversation between a man and a woman about a certain beggar King.

"Sorry if I interrupt you. I heard you were talking about a certain 'Beggar King'. I can know this story. "

"Yes. A few years ago, four if I'm not mistaken, there was a boy who wandered through the Free Cities of Essos begging, and saying that he was the King of Westeros. So, everyone laughed at him and sometimes, threw him some coins. "

Rhaella's heart lit up with hope and asked, "Do you know what this boy looked like, and if he was accompanied by someone?"

"The tales say that he has Valyrian appearance, and that he was usually accompanied by a little girl of the same appearance. But that was four years ago. Now, who knows if she is alive or not. The only things that I know is, that the boy, who was now a man, but still a beggar, was in Myr. At least the last time I was there for business "responded the man.

Now she knew she needed to go to Myr.

"Goodman. Are you a merchant? "

"Yes."

"Do you have business in Myr. I would like a passage until there. "

"Do you have the coin. "

"Yes."

"Good. We leave tomorrow at dawn. "

And she goes back to the inn. He couldn't wait to be reunited with her children and especially Daenerys.