Aegon

A storm was raging on the island of Dragonstone, but by now the inhabitants there were use to it. The former Valyrian outpost was as far west as the freehold extended and never highly regarded by the dragonlords. Now it was the last Bastion of the Valyrian people. A century after the Doom, The rulers of Dragonstone, the Targaryens now have a new ruler. But unlike his ancestors, this Targaryan has plans for Westeros.

Aegon Targaryen sat in the Chamber of the Painted Table. His right hand held a goblet of wine as he looked over his latest project newly completed. The Painted table was in truth a highly detailed map of Westeros. Complete with every river, mountain, lake, forest, castle, city and town. Aegon made sure the Painted Table was carved with pinpoint accuracy. The only detail that the map lacked was the borders. This was done on purpose for two reasons, one was that with the constant fighting that occurred between the seven kingdoms the supposed borders were in a constant state of shifting, making borders would of been a wasted effort. The second was that this was Aegon's vision, a united Westeros. No more borders and no more seven kings kings, one realm and one king.

Aegon took a sip of Arbor gold as he regarded each of the seven kingdoms. Four of them were Andal kingdoms and worshipped the new gods. The other three held a mix of several religions.

The North, the largest and oldest of the kingdoms boasted the purest line of First Men. They held firm to the old gods and defied the Andals more times than can be counted. Despite it's size the North is lightly populated due to the intense cold especially in winter. Winterfell the seat of house Stark is one of the oldest standing castles in Westeros today. The King in the North Torrhen Stark was a middle aged man who believed greatly in Honor. He held his own bastard brother Brandon Snow to a high regard. Even giving him a seat as one of Torrhen's principle advisors. Aegon smiled at that remembering fondly his relationship with his own baseborn brother Orys Baratheon.

The Vale, was the most isolated of the kingdoms held the purest line of Andal blood. The Vale is first and foremost a mountainous region. While these mountains werecomfortable during the summer, winter makes the mountains impassable forcing the people to either move south or remain in their castles and hope that they have stored up well for the season. The Eyrie, the seat of house vale is considered nigh impregnable. The Vale is under the reign of the boy-king Ronnel Arryn. Because of his young age, rule of the Vale itself went to Ronnell's mother Sharra Arryn who was regarded as one of the most beautiful women in Westeros. Aegon scoffed at that, no westerosi could ever match the beauty of his sisters.

The Westerlands, were the richest of the Kingdoms. It's lands were not as fertile as that of their neighbors in the south and east. But what is lacked in fertility, it made up for in wealth, the hills and mountains of the Westerlands were teaming with gems and minerals. Like the Vale, the Westerlands are a mountainoud region, though these mountains don't offer near the same protection as themountains of the Vale. Casterly Rock, the seat of House Lannister sit atop the largest gold miine in Westeros and is by far the largest castle in Westeros. The Westerlands are ruled by Loren Lannister, the King of the Rock.

The Reach is the most fretile, most populous and most beautiful of the seven kingdoms. Their vast lands are the largest suppliers of harvest. they not only feed their own population, they provide for the other kingdoms that ally with them. The Reach is considered the birthplace of kighthood and thus have the largest cavalry force. Being the most populous of the kingdoms, the Reach can also field the second largest army. Highgarden like the Reach is the most beautiful castle in Westeros. But Highgarden is by far the most vulnerable of the region capitals, such is the price for beauty. The Reach is ruled by Mern Gardener the ninth of his name.

The Stormlands had certainly earned it's name. With it's frequent storms that harass it's coastline, it is a wonder how ships survive here at Stormlands encompassed two of the largest forests in Westeros, the Kingswood and the Rainwood. This makes them one of the main suppliers of wood in westeros. Storm's End the seat of House Durrendon is one of the strongest castles in Westeros. It is rumored that the castle is additionally protected by magic. Aegon wondered if such magic existed would Storm's End be able to withstand Dragonfire. From Storm's End Argliac Durrendon ruled as the Storm King.

Dorne was the only Rhoynish Kingdom in Westeros. Dorne was as hot as the North was cold and by far the least populated of the seven kingdoms. They also had the more culturally unique as oppose to most of Westeros. Examples being Dorne is the only kingdom that is not ruled by a king of queen but rather an prince or princess, and the throne passes to the eldest child regardless of gender. Because of their rhoynish background, Dorne provides an abundance of exotic foods that are not found anywhere else. Princess Meria Martell, the ruler of Dorne is by far the oldest of the monarchs. Her seat is Sunspear the capital.

Finally in the middle of the continent lay the seventh Kingdom, Troyad. Though it wasn't as large as the North, as rich as the Westerlands, as populous as the Reach, or as well protected as the Vale. Of all his adversaries, Aegon considered house Blackreyne to be his greatest challenge. While the other houses continued to practice feudalism. House Blackreyne's method of ruling revolved around efficiancy, unbiased methodical and fair. To simplify rule, Troyad was divided into provinces. House Blackreyne is also the only house that commanded with a full time professional army and a navy that outnumbered the vessels of the other kingdom's combined. The Current Trident King of Troyad was Dalton Blackreyne, a man as mysterious as Aegon himself.

Aegon shook his head. Throughout their history, these kingdoms have bickered and fought like children over toys for minor gains. The only notable exceptions are the Blackreynes and Starks. The Starks are the only House, that the Blackreynes never warred against having been allies for over 6,000 years.

"That is all about to change," Aegon declared. He had called a council meeting with his bannermen and supporters later on in the day. The doors opened and in entered Aegon's Council.

First came Aegon's sister wives. Visenya and Rhaenys. Visenya was his elder sisterand a true Warrior women. She preferred chainmail over silk and wore her long hair in braided coils. She was a valyrian beauty with silvery gold hair and deep purple eyes. Visenya was a woman with powerful passions and a serious nature. Because of her prowness as a warrior she was gifted with the Valyrian Steel Sword Dark Sister. On the opposite end was the youngest of the Targaryen siblings, Rhaenys Targaryen. Visenya may have been a beauty but she paled in comparison to Rhaenys who practically glowed. Rhaenys was everything her sister was not, sweet, graceful and free-spirited. She wore her silvery gold hair loose and loves music. Unlike her sister, she took no pleasure in the feat of arms though she was skilled in the Water Dance. Rhaenys greatest love was Meraxes, she spent more time riding her dragon than Aegon and Visenya did combined.

Next came his bannermen Daemon Velaryon and Crispian Celtigar, both men were capable and had proven their loyalty time and time again. Finally came the man Aegon trusted above everyone else. His closest friend and bastard brother, Orys Baratheon. Oryn was an imposing figure, at six foot six, he towered over Aegon's supporters. His mane of thick black hair and eyes a purple so dark they were mistaken for black. Orys was a fierce warrior and equal to Aegon in swordsmanship.

Once his council was seated Aegon stood up. "As you all know it has been my plan to unite Westeros under House Targaryen. For thousands of years, these petty kings fought over measly gains. This constant warring ends this day. From now until the end of time Westeros shall be united as one. One realm and one King to rule them all."

Murmering was heard among the council. "And how do you intend to unite them brother?"

Aegon looked at Orys. "that is why I have called this meeting to hear any suggestions on how I shall start pur campaign." Preferably Aegon would of landed his troops at the mouth of the Blackwater Rush, unfortunately House Blackreyne had unintentionally ruined that plan.

For the past forty years, House Blackreyne had been working on a massive project at the spot known as the Starpoint Hills. At first they believed it to be a castle, but as worked progressed, the truth became clear. The Blackreynes weren't building a castle, they were building a city. Complete with subterranean drains and sewerages, aqueducts, canals, wells, thick coastal walls, high watchtowers, and wide granite sett streets. Any kind of business you could name was there, smithys, tailors, masons, markets, taverns, brothels, workshops and artisan quarters. Naturally it also had barracks, stables, training grounds for soldiers and even Temples for the gods of the First Men, the Rhoynar and the Arnorians on one of the hills. The entire eastern side was one giant harbor and shipyard. The buildings and streets were all laid in a straight lines giving the layout of the city a grid-like design. On the highest hill, was a ringwall where a drum shaped structure was being built. The City was named Tridenton.

Visenya was the first to speak. "I would recommend that we sent forth your declaration to unite westeros. Afterwards we see which houses rally to our cause, before we can decide the next course of action."

"Wouldn't that give the kingdoms plenty of warning?" Orys asked.

"Any course had great risk Orys," Visenya replied calmly. "But we must start somewhere." Visenya turned to her husband, where should we land our forces brother?"

Aegon rubbed his chin in thought, he had considered Troyad at one point but gaining support from their was unlikely at best. The Teague uprising had led to the elimination of over 2/3rds of the noble houses in their domain. Some like the Vance's and Vyprens fled to the Reach. Those that remained would have cemented loyalty to the Blackreynes. Aegon had to think of an alternative.

Aegon called for his squire to write his declaration to all of westeros.

To all the Lord, Ladies and the Seven Rulers of Westeros

By decree of Lord Aegon the Dragon of the House Targaryen, Lord of Dragonstone. The era of the seven Kingdoms is over. From this day forward, Westeros shall be united as one Realm under one king. All those who surrender and bend the knee shall keep their lands, holding and titles. But those that defy us shall be cast down, humbled and destroyed. Make your decision wisely.

Aegon had copies of this declaration made for every raven available to him. These ravens would carry it from Dorne to the North. The next day a cloud of ravens swarmed out of Dragonstone to deliver Aegon's message. High above the ravens was the factor that will gain Aegon the allegiance of all Westeros. There flying in a circle were the pride of House Targaryen, three gigantic firebreathing dragons.

Dalton

Dalton Blackreyne sat on a stone chair in war-room of Arnor contemplating the recent events. At six and twenty, he was the youngest of the rulers in Westeros, since Sharra Arryn ruled in the place of her son. Dalton was a powerfully built man standing 6 feet, eight inches tall and 240 pounds of hard muscle. He was as clever as he was cunning and handsome with midnight black hair and piercing silvery eyes. Dalton was considered the deadliest swordsman of his time, wielding the family sword Fury with unparalleled skill.

Dalton held Aegon's letter with an amused smile on his face. Unlike the other Kings, the letter came as no surprse to Dalton. He had guessed the valyrian lord ambitions years ago and had been preparing for his arrival. Dalton had cleared the coffers of his settlements to prevent Aegon from adding their wealth to his own coffers. He had already assembled his army which numbered 70,000 strong, 10,000 Horse Archers, 20,000 Warriors and 40,000 Rangers.

But Dalton would not rely on his own strength alone. He had reached out to the other Kings proposing an alliance against the Dragonlords should they invade. He reasoned to them that the one thing they could agree on was that none of them wanted to loose their crowns as well as the birthright of their Arryns, Martells, Lannisters and Gardeners refused to fight along side the Blackreynes. The Arryns and Martells shut themselves in their respected kingdoms while the Gardeners and Lannisters forged an alliance.

However the Starks and Durrendons proved to be more interested in the idea. Torrhen Stark naturally agreed due to their alliance with Triyad. Argilac Durrendon had fought along side Dev during a border war against the Reach. Dev's third son Tyron was currently a ward of Argilac. During his years as a Ward Tyron spend a great deal of time with Argilac's only child Argella. He taught her how to wield a sword and soon the two became close. Argilac later wrote to Dalton suggesting that Tyron marry his daughter on the condition that he adopt the Durrendon family name. Dalton readily agreed to the proposal and the betrothal was set.

The three kings agreed to gather their forces with Torrhen bringing 40,000 and Argilac with 30,000. They would gather at the God's Eye to challenge the Dragonlord.

Before him Dalton's siblings murmered amongs themselves regarding Aegon's letter. They were seated along a round table to symbolize their equality Dalton had four brothers and four sisters. All were different but Dalton loved them for it.

The eldest were currently absent the twins Ciron and Tyron. They were exactly identical in looks with dark gold hair and dark green eyes. They were so much alike that it annoyed them that no one but Dalton could tell them apart. To end the confusion, Ciron dyed a streak of his golden black. While Tyron was in the Stormlands, Ciron was in the North as a ward for Torrhen Stark.

Daala is Dalton's eldest sister, she was volumtuous and wilder than most animals. She would challenge a bear whitout hesitation, Dalton couldn't tell whether she was brave or insane. She had her father's black hair and her mother's green eyes giving her a harsh yet seductive beauty. In the bedchamber, she was as comfortable with other women as she was with men. Daala was a master at archery referring distance over brute force.

Malgus is the strongest of the brothers, a huge mountain of a man standing at eight feet tall and could twist steel with his bare hands. He keeps his head shaved and his silver eyes seemed to be wild with energy. His fiery temper matched his strength and his body was covered in scars due to his habit of not wearing armour in a fight. He had little interest in women preferring instead to hone his combat skills. Despite his size he is by no means dim witted and has shown time and again to display a high level of cunning.

Veiga was a very private woman who rarely socialized with others She has no desire for companionship and was obsessed with magic. Veiga is as tough as Daala with none of her beauty. Flat chested and freckled, she kept her blonde hair short and her grey eyes seemed like slush.

Cora and Tara were the female set of twins. Pretty, playful and sweet as doves. Unlike Ciron and Tyron, their was no mistaking these twins. Cora had black hair and silver eyes while Tara has soft blonde hair with bright green eyes. Their beauty was described as innocence yet and were often found with other pretty women that they took to bed. It is known that Cora and Tara were the only ones who could fully control Malgus fiery nature.

Jangus is the youngest sibling and arguable the smartest. His face took after his father with black hair and silver eyes. the opposite of Malgus, Jangus was lean and fast, He was often found with his nose in huge books or in the company of men.

"It seems you were right about Lord Aegon brother," Daala spoke up. the other nodded in agreement. "How did you know it would be him?"

Dalton set the letter down and faced his siblings. "Dragons have a lifespan of 200 years," he began to explain. "It takes a century for a dragon to reach maturity though they will continued to grown in size and strength long afterwards. By now Vhagar, the youngest of Aegon's dragons will be large enough to suit his purposes."

"Why not just kill then like we did with the four dragons Aenar Targaryen brought?" Malgus wondered.

Dalton shook his head. "That would be an unnessessary waste. My grandfather started the Dragon Hunt so the Targaryens could not interfere while he emmancipated Essos." Dalton reached across the table and grabbed a bunch of graped from a bowl. "Many tamed dragons are a problem, many wild dragons is worse." Dalton closed his fingers causing most of the grapes to fall back into the bowl. "But a few is fine, as long as they are contained." By now most of the graped had returned to the bowl leaving only a few enough for Dalton to completely enclose his hand over them."

Veiga spoke next, "So what your saying is-"

"All we need to to is ensure these dragons stay 'contained' as it were." Dalton finished as he popped the remaining grapes into his mouth.

"Does this mean?" Jangus began.

Dalton smiled and nodded. He stood up and headed for a special room with his siblings in tow. This room had the thickest door that wasn't a gate. Dalton pulled the stone door open strange noises could be heard. "We shall fight the dragons of House Targaryen," Dalton declared, "and they shall help us do it."

The door revealed a long corridor, along the sides were dozens of cells. In each cell were huge black horses with bat-like wings on their back. Their roars were a combinatuion of a horses neigh and a dragon's roar as they spit bolts of strange blue light.