And The Sky Was Set Ablaze

by Aldon Blackreyne

Westeros and Essos have played a big part in the game of power. But what of Sothoros? What if the houses from the Southern continent decided to make their mark on history. After the Long Night , but before the Andal invasion. A new power arrives in Westeros. They are House Blackreyne, and they have a weapons with wings of their own. MAJOR AU.

14. Showdown

Finally after months of editing it's finally here apologies for the wait hopefully this will make up for it. Merry New Year and enjoy.

Showdown

Aegon's massive army marched along the eastern shores of the Gods Eye. Aegon intended to march his army to the northern bank where a strip of high ground known as Jerricoe Ridge was. Jerricoe Ridge rose to only 20 feet above the surrounding terrain starting at the northernmost point of the Gods Eye stretching 2 miles before turning westward in a fishhook bend. This earned it the nickname the fishhook. Unfortunately the Blackreynes had already taken it and had erected a wooden palisade reinforced by hay spools to act as a barrier.

By now Aegon's own host had swelled to over 232,000 men. Along with his core 3,000 men, Aegon had 40,000 from the Westerlands, 30,000 from the Vale, 10,000 from the Stormlands, and 70,000 from the Reach. They were further backed by the Faith Militant with 77,700 men They also brought a band of 77 Septons and Septas to pray for a glorious victory. The houses from Troyad were only able to give him 1,300 men. Of this host 52,000 were armoured knights on horse, another 50,000 were armoured knights on foot, 120,000 men at arms in chainmail, and 10,000 archers.

Rhaenys returned shortly with the scouts to Aegon's command tent which was located on a nearby hill.

"What news?" Aegon asked.

"Dalton Blackreyne's host numbers 140,000 strong," she replied. "About 80,000 Blackreynes, 40,000 Starks and 20,000 allies. Of this number 24,000 were mounted, with 10,000 being Arnorian Rangers. About 50,000 archers with four in five being a Blackreyne. The rest was 46,000 men at arms." Rhaenys frowned, "oddly enough the Arnorian rangers use Zorses instead of Coursers."

Lord Lannister nodded, "aye it's been that way for a century now. I guess the Blackreynes were intrigued by their ferocity and hardiness."

Sharra Arryn was worried, "Odd House Blackreyne can field 140,000 men not counting the elite. It seems odd that they would only bring half their standing army to fight."

"Which is why we should be extra careful," Loren insisted.

"Doesn't seem so bad," Visenya shrugged.

Rhaenys smiled, "well I know you'll like this next part, the remaining 10,000 are oddly garbed and more than half seemed to be made up of women."

"The Valkeran's and the Stranger's Sons," Aegon realized, "the Blackreynes elite."

Lord Celtigar and Velaryon looked at each other smiling and Sharra Arryn laughed, "I wouldn't be smiling too long boys, the Valkerans are more vicious than the Stranger's Sons. They also have a habit of taking the bones of a middle finger from each of their victims."

Aegon frowned, it was the two largest hosts ever assembled since Prince Garin's campaign in the Second Spice war. As Aegon's army camped at the foot of the hill, the Blackreynes unseen from the top of the hill started banging their spears on their shields, in a rhythmic pattern. To Aegons forces it sounded like rolling thunder and caused anxiety to the men especially his core force who were unffamiliar with it.

"The Blackreynes control the High Ground, we need to find a way to bring them down to us." Aegon explained.

Sharra Arryn scoffed, "good luck the Blackreynes know of this advantage and they will not give it up. Unlike some people," she glared at Loren Lannister who returned the glare but remained silent. "Make no mistake they will not leave that ridge unless they have absolutely no chioce."

Aegon sighed, "than it will be an uphill battle."

Loren nodded, "we can take care of the palisade using grappling claws" He frowned after that though I just don't know."

Just then two knights arrived escorting a woman Aegon recognized as Daala Blackreyne. "My king this woman claims an emissary from the Blackreynes." Aegon nodded and bid her to approach."

Daala bowed her read respectfully and spoke, "King Aegon, my brother requests a final parley with you before the battle begins

Crispian Celtigar scoffed, "what right does a woman have to speak for men?"

Daala smiled at him, "because only arnorian women give birth to real men Lord Celtigar."

Aegon rubbed his chin, he knew full well that Dalton Blackreyne had no intention on surrendering. Nonetheless he need to see for himself what kind of man Dalton was, to talk to him man to man, one king to another. "tell your brother I will meet with him at dawn."

Daala nodded, "as you wish," turned and left the encampment. Aegon slept fitfully that night knowing the carnage tomorrow would bring.

At dawn Aegon rode with 12 companions to meet with the Blackreynes and their allies at the shores of the God's Eye. With him were his sister wives Rhaenys and Visenya all three rode their dragons. Below him rode his sworn lords. Hand of the King Orys Baratheon, Loren Lannister, Harlen Tyrell, Sharra Arryn, and the High Septon. There was also his council. Master of Ships Daemon Velaryon, Master Of Coin Crispian Celtigar, Master of Laws Triston Massey, Master of Whispers Janos Bar Emmon.

The Blackreynes approached with their own group, ten figures on horseback including two bearers with the sigils of Houses Stark and Blackreyne. An eleventh figure larger than the rest rode a bull. Two at the head of the column Aegon guessed were the two opposing monarchs.

Once they reached a certain distance from each other the two groups dismounted and approached each other with the banner-bearers staying behind. Aegon landed with his sisters before the Blackreynes and their allies.

Aegon noted the his opponents, Two of them were clearly from the north due to their garb and one wore a crown. A bronze circle tipped with iron swordlike spikes.

The others had to be the Blackreynes. Aegon saw who must have been King Dalton for he stood next to King Torrhen. Aegon recognised Daala and noted that the Blackreynes had four other women with them. Dalton towered over most in his group save for one, the man who rode the bull. Aegon had heard of Malgus Blackreyne but actually seeing him made those tales look pale. All of whom were armed, armoured and ready for a fight.

They stopped as soon as they came face to face. Aegon was surprised by Dalton's appearance. He had expected someone rough looking. The High Septon made him out to be a demon in human skin. But Dalton was none of those things, he was indeed the youngest of the monarchs and by far the most comely. Clean shaven with high cheek bones, hair like obsidian and piercing silver eyes. He looked every inch regal as tall and powerful as Aegon himself. Rhaenys was eyeing the handsome youth with great interest Aegon suspected that she might be considering Dalton's offer. On his head instead of the typical crown made of gems and some precious metals, Dalton's crown was made of black iron with eight long spikes and smaller shark-tooth like spikes between them.

Dalton and Aegon stared at each other sizing each other up until finally Dalton broke the silence. "King Aegon," his voice was calm and smooth as glass.

Aegon returned the gesture, "King Dalton."

Dalton looked around, "it's a good day for the crows."

"You are a bold man to face me King Dalton," Aegon replied.

"You have come to Troyad armed and uninvited Aegon, take your host and ease on down the road."

"We have come to far and bled to much to turn back now Arnorian," Orys replied.

"It's is the only thing you can do at this point Lord Baratheon."

Aegon decided to skip the formalities, "these are my terms Dalton. Yield to me and you shall keep dominion over your lands. Remember well the fates of Durrendon and Gardener, yield now and you and your family shall escape that fate!"

Dalton frowned, "yield?" He rubbed his chin pretending to think, "well that is a bit of a problem," he said with a smile. "See word has it the Dornish, have already declined your gracious offer." Aegon frowned and even Rhaenys lost her smile at being reminded of her failure. Dalton continued. "So if those sex crazed desert dwellers can find that kind of nerve? Well, you must understand that we Blackreynes have our own reputation to consider."

"Careful King Blackreyne," Aegon warned, he didn't like to be reminded of his failure to gain Dorne but hopefully that would soon change.

"Oh no need to feel raw about it," Dalton waved it off. "Dorne is not like the others they tend to be made of sterner stuff and that's not just because of their infamous sun." He rubbed his chin again. "I noticed that you sent your sisters to treat with the two sole female rulers in Westeros so well done. However if I were you I would have sent Rhaenys to the Vale and Visenya to Dorne."

"What difference would that make?" Aegon wondered.

"In the Vale likely not much though maybe even friendlier confrontation with the boy king," Dalton admitted. "But in Dorne." Dalton's grinned, "I would have given anything to see how that conversation would have played out."

"Do you think Visenya would have had better luck in securing Dorne?"

"Perhaps, and perhaps not, what I do know is that in another life they would have become good friends. But that's another story, what matters is what your intentions are now?"

"The seven kingdoms has brought nothing but chaos to Westeros." Aegon declared. "Under a single ruler the petty wars shall end."

One of Daltons brother's laughed harshly. "If you think it will stop the troubles Westeros has than you're a fool. From what I've seen the only difference between you and these petty kings is that you have dragons to answer any complaints." He stepped forward and removed his helm and Orys and Aegon gasped at the mirror image of one they had met a few months ago.

Orys was the first to speak pointing at Ciron, "Y-You're dead, the Storm's End traitors killed you." He had known twins yet in all of them there had been something that distinguished them from each other. But this man, he remembered Tyron's face. How could he forget the face of the Man his wife still held to her heart. It was a mirror image no difference at all.

Ciron's eyes flashed with rage as he shook his head, "no you killed my twin, and I swear if you touch Argella, your own brother will be picking your remains from every crack in-"

Dalton raised his hand, and Ciron silenced immediately before backing off growling under his breath. "Forgive him the death of one's twin can be quite traumatizing."

Aegon nodded, he had heard of such bonds shared by twins and he didn't know how he would react if anything happened to Rhaenys or Visenya. He gestured to his host. "Look around Blackreyne. I have brought the full might of westeros to your kingdom, all had been kings once and now they serve me."

Dalton smirked, "I hope you're better with a sword than with a fantasy, You have brought only half of Westeros' armies and rule only a third of it's land behind the wall."

"That will soon change," Aegon said confidently. The Houses of Lannister and Arryn bent the knee, and their submission has been rewarded. The houses Durrendon and Gardener ignored this offer and now they are extinct."

Dalton laughed harshly, "what did these lords bend the knee but for the promise of mercy?"

"That was the agreement, we all made," Aegon protested.

"AN AGREEMENT," Dalton hissed. "What choice did they have but to barter their freedom in the face of extinction, to ransom their crowns in exchange for their lives. Tell me King Aegon, how is that fair?" He shook his head in disgust, "Though I guess I shouldn't be surprised by a people who bullied their way into power instead of earning it. You were even willing to forsake the gods of your own people to gain a mass of talking monkey's the Faith call an army."

"It almost seems like you hate us," Rhaenys observed, "yet we never wronged you."

"Make no mistake, I have nothing personal against you," Dalton assured her. "But the past of your people is indeed something to be frowned upon." The Targaryens looked at each other, what could they have done that was so wrong.

"When Valyria brought down the Ghiscari Empire, we rejoiced. We believed that with the ghiscari gone you would lead Essos into a new era of peace and prosperity. Instead you chose to take up the barbaric mantle of the very people you conquered." Aegon frowned, Dalton had him there yet the Blackreyne King continued.

"What was even less forgiving was your treatment of the The Rhoynar." He growled. "The people of the Rhoyne welcomed yours with open arms. They offered you friendship, and in return your people offered them fire and chains."

Aegon bowed his head, "that was a different time, Dalton," he reasoned. "Things have changed."

Dalton was unconvinced. "Tell me Aegon would things really have changed if the Doom had not happened."

Aegon glared at him yet a part of him could not help but think that Dalton was right. Perhaps this man was not as arrogant as he thought he was. "You Blackreynes take pride in your sense of logic, now I urge you to apply it. Bend the need to me and we can avoid unnecessary bloodshed. Thousands do not need to die needlessly."

Dalton smiled, "you are right Aegon I too do not wish to see another massacre, my offer of a marriage pact still stands . But since you don't seem to happy about that I'll instead offer you this. Let us settle this in the old matter, your champion against our champion. If your champion wins, we shall bend the knee to you. But If our champion prevails then you leave Troyad for good."

Aegon shook his head, "everyone I talk to say you're the deadliest swordsman in Westeros, I will not stake the fate of my Kingdoms on the life of a single man."

"Then it seems we are at an impasse," Dalton said simply. It was as if he expected as much since he showed little sign of disappointment.

Aegon's eyes narrowed, "Isn't it?" Behind him Balerion Meraxes and Vhagar advanced. just behind their riders and drawing themselves to their full height ad spreading their wings to their farthest extent. The Starks backed away but the Blackreynes stood their ground. Aegon was surprised at Blackreyne's lack of response, normally people cowed in fear just at the sight of a dragon. The Blackreynes just seemed bored, like they were looking at a dog.

Aegon smirked, behind him all three dragons roared and breathed a stream of fire into the sky heating the air around them. He looked at Dalton, "if you do not yield Lord Blackreyne this shall be your fate."

The High Septon smiled confidently, "Your pagan reign has come to an end. The gods have granted us dragons to ensure it's end is permanent."

Balerion stepped forward towards Dalton's group. his siblings backed off, but Dalton remained where he was even as Balerion came eye to eye with the Blackreyne king and roared in his face.

Dalton looked more annoyed than scared as he waved his hand in front of his nose as a response to getting a full blast of the Dragon's breath. Dalton turned to Aegon and frowned, "you feed him too much fish."

Aegon was starting to get aggravated, "you are either the bravest or the most foolish man I've ever met."

"Perhaps I am both," Dalton replied, "and perhaps I am neither of those things. But if you expect me to look upon your beasts and cower like a white rabbit, then prepare to be disappointed. You see Aegon I'm not a vain man. I defy you not because I want to keep my crown or that I fear looking weak. But because you have not proven at all that you will be a good ruler. All you have done so far is use your dragons to scare everyone into submission and roasting those who refuse to accept you. If you can't do anything without your dragons what kind of ruler does that make you. The rest of us actually have experience ruling. You will find that ruling westeros is different from ruling three islands in the Narrow Sea. If I bend the knee to you I want to be certain that I am do so for a man who will be a good ruler because if I bend to a tyrant than it would have been a wasteful gesture."

Aegon opened his mouth to speak but Rhaenys beat him to it. "Dalton I admit there is some merit to your words. He may not have the experience of being king. But I promise you, my brother is a good man and he will make a good King if you gave him the chance."

Dalton looked other sadly. "I do not doubt that your brother is a good man and even I admit that his intentions are pure. But one thing that has always been evident in history. All power corrupts and it makes no distinction. Power must be handled carefully because if it isn't you will quickly see yourself become the Tyrant."

Dalton's words shocked the Targaryens, and Aegon finally understood Dalton's stubborn defiance. Truth be told he had not considered how being king could change him. But he dismissed it. "Power may corrupt lesser men, Andals, First Men, Rhoynar, Ghiscari, Arnorians. But we are Valyrians it shall not corrupt me."

"You are still just human Aegon Targaryen regardless of how pure your blood is," Dalton countered.

"Listen to reason," Rhaenys pleaded. "You may be able to defeat my brother's armies but you have nothing that can defeat a dragon."

Silence followed as Dalton looked at the ground, "nothing that can defeat a dragon," he repeated in a whisper. Dalton was silent and for a moment it seemed as though he was going to accept. Then he looked up at Aegon and began to chuckle softly. "My dear valyrian friend I have to disagree with you on that."

Aegon and his sisters stared at him absolutely confused, Dalton was laughing as he back of towards his steed. "You wanted a war Aegon Targaryen, then you shall get it. You've done well, thus far but only because you had an unnatural advantage over all your adversaries. Now, let's see how well you do when the odds are a little more...equal."

Aegon's eyes narrowed, "so be it Dalton Blackreyne. When the sun sets your line will end."

Dalton smiled wryly at him and said in fluent Valyrian, "Not Today Aegon Targaryen." This took the Targaryens by surprise as Dalton and his companions rode back behind their lines.

As the two parties, returned back to their hosts, Rhaenys looked back at Dalton with a sad expression. Aegon on his dragon and Dalton on his Stallion raised their swords and gave rallying speeches to their armies.

Aegon: "Men of Westeros, you hear my dragons now hear my words. Before us is the final battle. Today is the End of House Blackreyne, We will bring down the Houses of Stark and Blackreyne and smash their precious host. The North and Troyad will burn until the surface is but glass. I shall teach the Blackreynes the meaning of FIRE AND BLOOD AND ALL SHALL REMEMBER THIS AS THE LAST DAY OF TROYAD!"

Dalton: "Down there, a great host is on the warpath, waiting, hoping, praying to destroy us. The Targaryens think that their dragons make them invincible. That they can take what they wish and do as they please, and nothing will stop them. But on this day my brothers and sisters, THAT...ALL...ENDS. TODAY WE SHALL END THE MYTH OF THE DRAGON'S INVINSIBLILITY. I bid you my brothers and sisters to fight, not just for the independence that is ours by right. But for our people, our homes, for the North and Troyad. THIS IS OUR COUNTRY!"

Despite the Blackreynes holding the high ground a plan was devised. The men at arms would tear down the palisade and engage Dalton's men up the hill. As the Blackreynes and Starks are busy engaging them. Aegon's heavy Horse would flank around and strike the vulnerable spot in Jerricoe Ridge. The southwest area just south of the fishhook's tip. They would come around and strike the archers who would be behind the men at arms. Once they were boxed in then Aegon's dragons would swoop in and turn Jerricoe Ridge into the ridge of fire.

Knowing the risk of riding their dragons, Aegon and chose to lead the front while Visenya held the rear in case of a flanking manuever. Rhaenys over saw the battle from a nearby hill, beside her was the High Septon and Sharra Arryn.

At Aegon's signal the Men at Arms advanced the first line in their ranks was made up of men carrying tower shields protecting the rest of the ranks from archer fire. The Blackreynes moved first unleashing a hail of flaming arrows which landed on the ground at the foot of the ridge. Dalton gave his own signal and men pulled on a series of ropes. The ropes released the spools of hay and send them rolling down the hill. The spools picked up momentum as they rolled down the ridge, the moment they made contact with the flaming arrows they burst into flames . The spools of hay became spools of flame as then rolled straight at Aegon's front line. Upon seeing this the men in Aegon's ranks started to panic and now fought to get out of the path of the spools.

The men carrying the tall shields happen to be poor fellows, for Aegon soon learned that what they lacked in skill and well anything really they made up for in devotion. They did not flee and stood their ground and stuck their shields into the ground against the incoming wave of fire. The spools, bowled over the first line of shieldmen and the second but the third and last line held though many were burned in the process.

With their lines in disarray, Dalton orders the archers to rain hell down upon them. the volley created by 50,000 bows formed a dark cloud in the sky blocking the sun for a brief moment before descending back down to earth. Men at arms fell by the scores, their chainmail and boiled leather provided little protection against the bodkin points of the Blackreyne arrows. As for the Poor Fellows, they certainly earned their name.

Aegon was able to quickly reformed his men as he pressed the army forward. Braving the deadly volley of arrows, they reached the Blackreyne lines and now engaged Dalton's men in fierce close quarters fighting.

Aegon's eyes darkened, "so the Blackreyne likes to play with fire, we'll see how much he likes valyrian fire. He pulled out a horn and blew it giving the signal for his dragons to attack. The three beasts took to the skies and headed straight for the Blackreyne Host

Dalton calmly looked as the three dragons descended upon his host Torrhen was looked between him and the dragons wondering how Dalton intended top handle this. Calmly Dalton then pulled something from his jerkin. But what he pulled out was not a weapon but a flute, Torrhen could tell it was made of dragonbone as he looked at his companion curiously. Dalton smiled, licked his lips and blew a short sinister tune.

The Targaryens watched as the Dragons opened their maws ready to rain their deadly breath upon Daltons host. A flicker barely escaped their mouth when out of nowhere, three blue bolts shot from the sky striking each dragon in the head resulting in an explosion and a huge smoke screen. The strikes caused the dragons to break off their attack as they turned away from the smoke.

When the smoke cleared three creatures came into full view facing the stunned dragons. Everyone save the Blackreynes stared in disbelief at the sight before them. The creatures looked like horses, but they were huge. Each of them dwarfed a draft horse standing no less than 22 hands in height and weighing 3,200 pounds. But their size was the least interesting thing about them. Their snouts came to points and their maws full of serrated teeth. Instead of hooves, their legs, ended in 5 digits, three claws forward and two claws back. Their eyes were golden the tail was lizardlike and a ridge of backswept spikes lined their necks. Despite all this the feature that had everyone staring in was the pair of dragon likewings that protruded from their shoulders. The horse like creatures roared at the dragons flicking their forked tongues at their adversaries, it sounded like a cross between that of a dragon and the neighing of a horse.

Atop the hill Rhaenys was in complete in disbelief at this turn of events, She had read stories, accounts and myths about winged horses. But those only told of ones with wings like a bird, never a dragon and he never knew a creature like this could possibly exist. She cupped her hand over her mouth 'how could we be so blind?' She thought, the signs were there, Dalton's words, "I have dealt with it's kind before," to his declaration about making the odds more equal. Then there were his dreams, that alone should have been enough to reconsider his campaign. But no he dismissed the very visions that had saved his family from the Doom. The Blackreynes had been ready for them and they had fallen into their trap. Beside her the High Septon was saying a prayer in a rapid mumble.

"Beautiful aren't they?" A voice said, Rhaenys, Sharra and the High Septon turned to see Veiga, Cora and Tara riding up the hill to join them

The first one to get over his shock was Aegon who voice the question on everyone's mind. "What in the name of all the gods it that thing?" He asked in horror and awe.

Veiga turned to the Targaryens with a light hearted smile. "We call them Thestrals," she explained, "children of a wyvern and a horse. A little something we bred many thousands or years ago"

"AN ABOMINATION," the High Septon shrieked. "Servants of the seven hells, an affront to the seven and all that is sacred in this world!"

Veiga turned to Rhaenys who was finally getting over the shock and stared at them, her lilac eyes gleaming. She grinned broadly, truly, Rhaenys did you really take us for the rest of those imbecilic monarchs. Did you honestly think our brother would be foolish enough to challenge yours without something to even out the field?"

One of the Thestrals, likely the leader flew forward in front of the other two and hissed at Balerion. "That one is Matthra," Veiga explained, "Dalton's thestral." Balerion sensed the challenge and accepted, he roared in an attempt to frighten his challenger. The Black Dread caused the ground to rattle but Matthra didn't seem intimidated and snarled in defiance

Balerion reared his head up like a snake ready to strike and unleashed it's deadly black fire. The flames engulfed Matthra bathing him entirely. The Sharra and the High Septon smiled believing that this was the end of the creature. After a few moments Balerion stopped breathing fire. As the flames receded and the smoke cleared their smiles died instantly. Matthra was still very much alive and completely unharmed. It's body let off steam from the heat of Balerion's flame, his eyes glowed red as it gave a slow shake of his head.

Balerion was taken aback when his flames failed to kill the creature before him so he opened his mouth and lunged his head forward intending to swallow it whole. A blue flash ran up Matthra's ridge spines as a lightning bolt erupted from his mouth straight at Balerion's gaping maw. The impact caused an explosion and a brief wave of lightning coursed through Balerion's head. The explosion caused Balerion to roar in agony, as the dragon tried to shake off the lightning. Seeing their brother get injured Meraxes and Vhagar charged at Matthra only to be blocked by the other two thestrals. The six wings creatures were now battled in the clouds. The sky was set ablaze as fire and lightning danced across the heavens. Taking advantage of their foe's distracted state, Malgus pressed his men to attack. Caught off guard, Aegon's men quickly tried to form up against the counterattack and the battle on the ground was raging once again

As Aegon engaged the Blackreynes on the ridge, Aegon's heavy horse led by his brother Orys, was able to get around to behind the Blackreyne positions. But as they made their way south, they are met by Daltons own cavalry led by CIron. Ciron had their cavalry form a trident formation, the Starks, Reynes and Royces formed the center prong that would spearhead down the center cutting Aegons cavalry in half, the Arnorian Rangers would make up the flanking prongs that would ride off to either side and hit Aegon's horses in the flanks. The center line crashed with Aegon's with enormous impact, men on both sides were unhorsed. Those still alive continued to fight on foot, chaos had ensued in the center and Aegons heavy horse was decimating the Stark cavalry. As the bloodbath mounted in the center the Arnorian Rangers loosed their arrows on the Targaryen flanks, knights dropped like flies to the skill of the Rangers. Despite this early success, Aegon's superior numbers and equipment was taking it's toll and soon Ciron ordered the men to fall back to the ridge. Lord Orys was able to cut off small pockets of Rangers and swiftly cut them down. Believing their cavalry to be broken, Orys pressed his advance.

He chased them further back when he started to feel something was wrong. Even retreating the Arnorian Rangers continued to loosed arrows behind them picking off more of Orys' men. Then Ciron and Daala sprung their trap, Ciron wheeled his horse around and his men followed his lead now they were facing the charging Targaryen cavalry. Daala then led the 6,000 Valkerans and the 4,000 Stranger's Sons from the tip of Jerricoe ridge. Once Orys's horse rode halfway past she went charging after them. Ciron reformed his men and made a final charge against the Targaryen cavalry this time with the horse archers in the front pouring their arrows into Orys' front lines crippling it and distracting them from Daala's valkerans. Just as the two were going to collide again the Valkeran's slammed into Orys' flanks bringing their charge to a standstill. as Ciron's men smashed into Orys Shattered front. the pincer had been closed and what was once a battle on horseback transformed into a frenzy on the ground as many of the unhorsed men were now at the mercy of longsword wielding women and the Rangers which now rode in a great circle around the fighting picking off the knights that came into view.

Compared to their male counterparts the Stranger's Sons, Valkerans were their equal in courage, second in skill and unmatched in ferocity. Their abilities with a longsword far outclassed the proud knights of the Andals. Valkerans had taken to making a game of slaying andal knights to see who can slay the most, but the most valuable prey were the Warrior's Sons. The Valkerans seemed to dance through the battlefield driving their swords through the chinks in the knights armour, the neck, the armpit the joints. Daala slew many of the Warrior's Sons before slaying their leader.

The Stranger's Sons with their dual bladed sword staffs cut down more knight while suffering minor casualties. and finishing off anyone unfortunate to be wounded. In the chaos, Orys found himself facing a still angry Ciron Blackreyne wielding a simple swordstaff. Orys barely had time to prepare as Ciron charged.

'So this is a Blackreyne,' Orys though as they dueled. "Now I see why everyone was so worried about. This was nothing like fighting Argilac, the Durrendon King was still deadly despite his age. It was one of the hardest fights of his life. But Ciron made that fight look like child's play and Orys had no advantages in this time. Not only was he younger, Ciron was tougher, stronger, faster, and a lot angrier. Ciron moved like a blurr his moves seemed almost inhuman. It took everything he had just to keep up, it didn't help that Ciron had the reach. Orys was constantly on the defensive as he continued to parry Ciron's relentless assault.

"I didn't kill Tyron," Orys was saying. "his death is not my fault."

If he had hoped to reason with him he was wrong as his eyes burned. "NOT YOUR FAULT?!" He struck Orys' sword hard the vibrations crawled up Orys' arm. "Who killed our good-father? (clang) "Who frightened Argella's own guards into betraying her?" (clang) "Who scared them into killing Tyron?" (clang) "WHO TOOK EVERYTHING FROM HIM?!" (CLANG). A final blow broke Orys' sword and he stumbled back. He crawled around looking for a fresh sword until he saw one under Cirons foot. Ciron noticed this and in a shocking move he kicked the sword to Orys who picked it up and struggled to his feet.

"YOU took Tyron's wife, you took Storm's End which was his by right." Ciron snarled.

"Argella married me willingly," Orys tried to explain, "I never forced her."

"What choice did she have?" Ciron countered. "But to either marry you or loose her home to a foreign ruler entirely." The two locked blades as Orys glared at the angry man and he saw him grin."The only consolation I can see is that you have bound yourself to a loveless marriage. Argella will never love you EVER!"

That struck a nerve in Orys as Ciron moved and grabbed Orys by the arm. Orys tried to slash him with his sword but Ciron grabbed that arm too, as he brought Orys' arms behind his back and with a single lurch dislodged them both. Ciron dropped Orys and smirked. "Not so tough without your brother are you?" With that done he turned to join his sister.

By the end of the skirmish Ciron had lost half of his cavalry 14,000 men including 4,000 Rangers. But they had manage to inflict 37,000 casualties on the Aegons horse including all the Warriors Sons. The rest surrendered upon seeing Orys' defeated.

While the cavalry skirmish waned, the battle at the top of Jerricoe Ridge raged ever fiercer. At the 'head' of the ridge Malgus Blackreyne had found himself in and middle of a crowd of Poor Fellows taking them down in scores with his pickaxe. So Far Aegon's men had failed to make Dalton's budge from their position.

Aegon fought in a fury as he dispatched one opponent after another. Nothing could stop Aegon as he cut through armor and flesh with his Valyrian steel blade Blackfyre. Blackreyne warriors proved to not be easy prey aand at one point one was able to knock his helmet off. Many were able to hold their own with some of them attacking him in coordinated groups of 2, 3, and sometimes 4. But eventually Aegons own skill won out as one by one they fell to his blade. The hand-and-a-half sword granting the dragon rider a greater advantage then the others. As with a simple flick of his blade he could remove a man's arm, with a simple overhead slash he could cut a man in two, Valyrian Steel is unrivaled in durability and sharpness. Still Dalton's men did not cower and faced him despite being outmatched.

Yet he quickly found himself overwhelmed through sheer numbers as Aegon was forced to watch for attacks from all angles. Luckily a life time of dragon riding only assisted Aegon in this endeavor as a dragon rider must often look at his surroundings in order to find prey or even an enemy. Aegon had become a master of this task as he cut through would had to be a dozen warriors before Loren Lannister shouted "Your Grace" and pointed to Aegon's left.

Immediately turning Aegon recognized a brutal warrior garbed in all black standing in a circle filled with the bodied of dozens of Targaryen knights many of whom were from Aegon's personal guard. Aegon recognized him as Dalton Blackreyne simply by the all black armor that he wore and his black blade. Unlike Aegon's simple scaled armor and leather Dalton wore a full set of black plate armor that protected all parts of his body in some form yet it did little to hamper the legendary swordsman's fighting ability. Like Aegon Dalton seem to have lost his helm during the battle. A weakness that Dalton turned into an advantage for most men would attempt to strike at Dalton's head. The dragon rider learned this all too quickly as he witnessed Dalton grabbed another one of Aegon's guards who attempted to cleave his head in two from the Blackreyne's blind spot.

Without even bothering to turn fully Dalton cut another knight across the chest who attempted to strike Dalton while he was distracted. His blade effortless cutting through leather and chainmail as though the knight was bare and then he lifted the first knight and tossed him over his head to the ground below.

With Balerion currently trapped in a fight with Matthra Aegon did not have the luxury of his dragon to win the battle. This simple fact infuriated Aegon to no end as the Blackreynes managed to remove Aegon's greatest advantage in the battle, his dragons.

Needless to say Aegon knew he needed to remove Dalton from battle if only to break the Blackreyne army. Thus Aegon charged, intent to show Dalton Blackreyne the taste of Valyrian steel as Dalton smiled and quickly leaned forward with sword in hand to deliver a wide overhead strike. The blow was powerful with both hands on the grip of his blade and Aegon expected this as he brought his own blade to intercept Dalton's blade. Valyerian steel could cut through anything, everyone knew this as Aegon's arms shook when Dalton's blade struck Blackfyre. Yet it did not break, it did not chip nor did not stop beneath the might of Blackfyre as Aegon looked at his foe's blade more closely.

The blade was dark as the night yet shined like a diamond, reminding Aegon of the stories he heard as a boy of House Dayne's own blade Dawn. It was not Valyrian Steel but rather forged from a meteorite that fell upon Starfall long before written history. Yet the blade was just as sharp and just as durable as Valyrian Steel as Aegon realized that his foe was wielding a blade equal to that of Blackfyre.

This momentary lapse in concentration was all that Dalton needed to bend his knees and push forward, sending Aegon backwards."What's the matter dragon rider spent too many years away from solid ground?" Dalton taunted him in a tone that made it seem that he was speaking to a child rather than a fully grown man. Yet Aegon could not fault Dalton's insult, in his childhood Aegon had spent countless hours in the training yard of Dragonstone learning everything there is to know about being a warrior. When he was bonded with Balerion however Aegon spent most of his time learning how to fight on top of his dragon rather than on the ground with the rest of his men.

The two men clashed in a flurry of steel, their blades becoming blurs from the speed of their movements. Aegon broke contact with his foe for only a moment to set his own foot back on solid ground before he could take a tumble. Dalton in turn advanced upon Aegon quickly and sent a powerful kick into the dragon rider's chest Aegon barely had a chance to recover as Blackfyre went flying out of Aegon's hand from the blow.

Dalton merely followed his foe in a slower pace as Aegon stumbled back. Smiling Dalton advanced, Twilight gripped tightly in his hands as he smashed against Aegon Targaryen with heavy cleaves. Striking at Aegon's left shoulder Aegon brought his own blade to meet Dalton's own but once again Dalton showed his superior strength by sending Aegon's arm into a shake from the strike.

Quickly Dalton used the momentum of the blow to position his sword to Aegon's right hip and swung once more with the intention of gutting the dragon rider.

Aegon in turn was forced to leap backwards as Dalton once again used the momentum of his blow to slash Aegon across the chest from left hip to right shoulder. It was just pure luck that kept Aegon from dying as Dalton had chosen a one handed grip for the attack. The one handed grip was best used for speed while a two handed grip was perfect for power blows that would have killed Aegon. In truth however Dalton knew he could have ended the bout at any moment however he had heard of Aegon's legendary skills with a blade and decided to test the would be King. Pity that the man didn't seem to be really into the fight as Dalton pressed his advantage, hammering against Aegon with a barrage of strikes and Aegon in turn was forced to weather the blows.

Aegon held Blackfyre closely to his chest, allowing him to quickly maneuver his blade to block every strike as Dalton continued to attack the dragon rider with a mixture of one and two handed blows. Yet even Aegon knew his foe was holding back, changing the speed and strength of each strike to test how Aegon would react. Dalton wanted a good fight, Aegon knew that sooner or later Dalton would be done with their little duel and dispatch Aegon with ease unless he managed to surprise Dalton. Aegon knew he needed an opening however small, one strike, one perfect strike, and suddenly Dalton would find himself on the defensive.

One moment, one brief moment, that was all he needed as Aegon was forced to defend himself from what felt like a hundred blades. Dalton was a superior swordsman as he did not spend his time riding dragons or on horseback but rather fighting with sword in hand against worthy opponents. On Dragonstone Aegon had the best training offered. He learned techniques from all over the Free Cities, and he could easily best Visenya and Orys.

He began to move away from the blows he could rather than stand his ground, he began to swing his blade with greater strength to meet Dalton's own, and he began to control the angle of his foe's blade.

Dalton smiled at this, Aegon had the training yes but Dalton had something more experience. Aegon began to doubt his odd of defeating him as the famed swordsman began to fight harder. Aegon began to utilize every lesson he learned in matters of the sword.

Once again Blackfyre and Twilight crossed blades and once again their wielders attempted to over power each other. Aegon and Dalton began to add more strength into forcing their foe's blade back until suddenly Aegon slid his blade off of Dalton's own, sending the Blackreyne tumbling forward for a brief moment. That brief moment was all that Aegon needed to slash his foe at the knee and would have likely cut deep had Dalton sensed the attack and pivot to the left.

Still Aegon's strike was enough to cut through Dalton's armored leg and even draw blood but at the sad cost of leaving the dragon rider exposed as Dalton quickly tackled Aegon's chest. Dalton's arms protected by solid plates only served to increase the strength behind the blow as Aegon was sent backwards, the scales of his armor chipping from the force as Aegon attempted to raise Blackfyre to strike Dalton in turn.

Sadly Blackfyre was still pointed low and so the strike was easily avoided to Dalton who halted his advance for a moment to allow the blade to cut nothing but air.

Suddenly Aegon found himself on the defensive again as Dalton attacked with new aggression. He struck Aegon with powerful overhead strikes that sent Aegon's knees into a buckle, he struck Aegon with powerful strikes at Aegon's one and eleven o'clock that sent Aegon reeling as Dalton continued his assault.

Aegon was forced to hold his hands not closely together as before but as far apart as possible in order to give himself maneuverability and speed. Dalton's blows however were still too powerful and every attempt to evade his blows were met with immediate counters as Aegon felt his ribs being struck with each dodge. He felt a quick jab at his left shoulder that pierced his armor in a similar manner to that of a Braavosi Water Dancer. Only instead of merely a glancing blow Dalton continued to move forward to increase the piercing power of his blade. Aegon in turn batted the blade away and once again exposing himself as Dalton quickly repositioned his blade on Aegon's wounded left side and swung at Aegon's neck.

Knowing his wounded shoulder would not allow him time to intercept the blow Aegon did the next best thing and stood side face, his right side towards Dalton and his blade held tightly across his chest.

Dalton's blow in turn was stopped only now Aegon was smart enough to stand his ground rather than prepare to dodge. Such a choice left Aegon from moving as Dalton was surprised at such a maneuver, a maneuver that left the swordsman distracted long enough for Aegon to tackle Dalton with his right shoulder in the same manner as Dalton did before. Only Aegon did not have armored plates protecting his shoulder, he had scale armor and leather yes but solid plate armor made for a better battering ram as Aegon discovered .

Dalton only took a step back from such a blow before angrily grabbing the back of Aegon's hair and pulled hard to the point where parts of it were ripped from his scalp.

Screaming in pain Aegon lost his footing as Dalton quickly brought his wounded knee up to strike Aegon's exposed stomach. Dalton's good leg kept him steady throughout the entirely of the blow, keeping him from falling beneath the weight of his armor and body.

Aegon however was not so lucky as his armor cracked beneath the weight of such a blow as Dalton grabbed Aegon by the neck and tossed the dragon rider to the side. Had Aegon worn proper heavy armor or even weighed another stone perhaps such a feat would have been impossible but alas he was a dragon rider. Dragon riders need to be light in order to move properly on top of their dragon and not annoy the dragon's neck as well. As such Aegon becoming a dragon rider had become quite a weakness against a man such as Dalton Blackreyne as Aegon was flung to the ground. Blackfyre fell out of the dragon rider's grasp as Dalton advanced, Aegon still reeling from the blow could not bring himself to rise let alone reach for his blade.

Dalton knew this and wished to prolong Aegon's suffering as he fell to his knees and raised his blade high above his head in a reverse grip.

Smiling Dalton spoke two simple words to the fallen dragon rider as Aegon attempted to move only to discover that Dalton's right knee had fallen on Aegon's chest, pinning him to the ground.

"Not bad" Dalton spoke and raised his blade as high as he could before bringing it down against Aegon Targaryen, the First of His Name.

Aegon however was not yet ready for hell as he reached for his last weapon, a simple dagger he kept sheathed on his belt meant to cut him loose should he ever be tangled in the saddle of Balerion the Black Dread. Drawing the blade quickly Aegon plunged it into Dalton's left ribs, causing the swordsman to fall back slightly as Aegon quickly freed himself and moved towards where Blackfyre fell.

Not even bothering to stand Aegon crawled as he recognized the dragon shaped hilt of his blade and quickly moved towards it as Dalton pulled the dagger from his ribs and tossed it aside, showing little sign of pain of distress.

The wound was not as deep as one might expect simply because it was made for cutting rather than thrusting, a fact that saved Dalton Blackreyne from being severely wounded.

Instead Dalton was merely bleeding and one of his ribs was no doubt cracked but not enough to keep the warrior down as he rose to find Aegon nearing his blade. Dalton advanced, intent on ending their little fight as dragon and thestral fought above them and both of their armies fought all around them. Yet none would come to Aegon's aid as Aegon managed to grasp Blackfyre just as Dalton raised his blade over Aegon's crawling form.

Holding Blackfyre in one hand Aegon quickly rolled to the side, slashing Dalton across the belly on pure accident as the dragon rider quickly rose just in time to parry a powerful side swipe by Dalton.

Not one to be deterred Dalton quickly brought his sword up and brought it down hard like thunder, causing both blades to spark from the force of the blow. Yet Aegon stood his ground, he was no longer a grounded dragon rider but rather a warrior and warriors do not run as Aegon put all of his strength into his arms and pushed forward. He was intent to slash Dalton across the face and Dalton in turn was intent to merely draw blood from his foe. Both opponents attempting to control each other's blade was a remarkable sight unseen by those who use the knight's stance of Westeros.

Neither of these men however were trained in the same vane however as Aegon began to feel his shoulder wound affecting his arm strength. To make matters worse fatigue was beginning to get to him while Dalton seemed as fresh as ever. The momentary lapse was enough for Dalton to notice as he struck Aegon's already wounded shoulder with the tip of his blade with enough force that Aegon could feel his shoulder crack.

His left arm swinging limply from the blow as Dalton quickly slid his blade high until Blackfyre's edge touched the castle forged guard of Twilight. Unlike most swords however Twilight was angled in such a way that Aegon's blade was locked into place and with a simple flick of his wrist Dalton sent Blackfyre free from Aegon's grasp. Yet Dalton was not yet done as he slashed Aegon across his left knee, enough to leave the rider unable to stand properly as Aegon screamed in pain before falling.

Aegon stumbled to the ground and reached again for his sword. Just as he grabbed it a heavy foot pressed down onto his arm. Aegon was flipped to his back and Dalton put his other foot down on dalton's chest. He smirked as he aimed Twilight's blade directly above Aegon's throat. Aegon's eyes stared directly into Dalton's silver ones as he stood over him looking at him sighed deeply realizing he was beaten, and his hands released his sword.

Upon seeing their king beaten the rest of Aegon's host dropped their weapons in surrender. and now their focus turned to the duel in the sky.

As the two kings were dueling, the dragons and the thestrals continued their deadly dance. The war of wings lasted for 12 hours with neither side gaining any true advantage. Streaks of lightning and streams of fire crossed each other in a stunning display of blue and black and orange. The dragons bathed the sky in fire in a vain attempt to burn their opponents.

As the dragons and the Thestrals fought Aegon noted the Blackreyne's beasts. His dragons were larger stronger and heavier, yet surprisingly the thestrals were not much faster. In fact the Thestrals had several close calls barely avoiding dragons gaping jaws by inches. But what the Thestrals lacked in speed they made up for in agility, they could turn twist and dive better than the dragons ever could.

Little did he know that Dalton was unsure how the outcome would be. Normally Thestrals engaged dragons in pairs. never risking a one on one encounter. Though he had more than three thestrals Dalton believed in fair play. "I vowed to fight Aegon on equal terms, and the gods shall decide between us."

While a dragons hide prevented the Thestral's lightning from killing them but it didn't stop it from causing intense agony. To dragons lightning from a thestral was like a hornet sting to a human. Balerion being the largest and strongest was able to withstand the attacks, but Vhagar the youngest of the three was not so immune. The thestrals seemed to notice this so the thestrals started to tag team Vhagar. Mercilessly pounding her with lightning.

It was said that Dragons were as intelligent as humans, thestrals were no different. They worked in unison one distracting a dragon while the other struck it with lightning. With each bolt that hit her Vhargar found herself getting weaker and weaker her movements becoming slower as the agony was causing her to lose consciousness.

Then the unbelievable happened the thestrals charged Vhargar head on and simultaneously struck the dragon in the head. Vhagar let out an agonizing roar before she finally gave in to unconsciousness. Vhagar crashed to the ground causing the earth to shake from the impact. The dragon laid still unconscious.

The two factions stared in disbelief at the fall of the mighty creature. Vhagars fall seem to break the stalemate and many things happened. With one dragon down it seemed that the thestrals would win, but Vhagar's defeat came at a cot to the thestrals. Balerion was able to get the drop on one of the thestrals and his jaws clamped down, the thestral struggled mightily letting loose a torrent of lightning everywhere in an attempt to break free from Balerions grip. But the dragon refused to relent hellbent on avenging his partner, he clamped down, causing bones to crack. the thestral roared with it's dying breath before going limp. Balerion loosened his grip on the thestral and swallowed the creature whole.

The moment this happened Balerion was pounded mercilessly by thunderbolts from the remaining Thestrals who seemed hellbent on avenging their 'brother.' Meraxes quickly swooped in to help and manage to take one thestral by surprise swiping it's claws down it's back before smacking it with her tail breaking one of the thestral's wings and sending it plummeting to the ground.

Two thestrals had been taken out, one dead and the other badly wounded leaving Matthra to face the two remaining dragons alone. Quickly Matthra flew higher and higher into the clouds with Balerion giving chase and Meraxes flying in nother direction in an attempt to cut him off. Balerion chased Matthra through the clouds directing him towards Meraxes. Matthra was only barely able to stay ahead when Meraxes appeared from a cloud directly in front of him. At the last moment Matthra dived down as balerion started to close it's jaws. He ended up colliding with Meraxes his jaws clamping down on her neck. Balerion quickly realised his actions and released Meraxes fron the death grip. The bite left several holes in Meraxes near impregnable hide. Matthra came back up again and let out a stream of lightning. the lightning found it's mark on Meraxes' neck it's charge finding a path through the dragons newly acquired wounds. Meraxes screamed in pain as the lighting coursed inside her and render her unconscious. Meraxes fell to the ground below not far from where Vhagar laid.

Enraged Balerion charged after Matthra who had taken another dive folding his wings in to prevent wind resistance. The ground inched closer and closer as the two beasts continued their descend. Aegon stared at them until he realized what the Thestral was about to do. He knew that dragons fight more effectively with riders to guide their actions. The most likely reason the thestrals were also riderless was they could perform the loops and twists without and not endanger the rider in the process.

It was then that Aegon realized another reason why the thestrals were able to do so well against his dragons. Unlike his ancestors who were in a constant state of infighting dragon fights were an almost daily occurence. Balerion Meraxes and Vhargar had no such experience and all their victims had been landlocked. Aegon remembered Dalton's words and figured out that these thestrals had experience fighting dragons to the point where they were used to hunt the wild ones. "So this is how he slew Balerion's 4 companions," he thought.

Aegon's fear was realized when at the last moment Matthra spread his wings and halted his descend causing Balerion to overtake him. He had been so focused on taking out the creature that injured his mate that he didn't see the ground untill it was too late. Balerion tried to spread it's wings and stop his fall but he was too large, and going to fast to react in time. Balerion crashed head first to the ground with more force than his mates combined. A moment later Balerion staggered on it's limbs in an attempt to get up but after swaying for a few moments he gave up and collapsed to the ground.

Matthra landed next to him and nudged the great dragon. Balerion let out a snort indicating he was still alive and Matthra trotted towards Dalton everyone backed away in terror creating a path. One fanatical Warrior Son charged and tried to drive his sword into Matthra's hind. To everyone's shock the blade broke against his hide not ave scratching him. Matthra turned to the knight and drove his thumb spikes straight through the steel plate, riveted chainmail and leather as if it was silk. The Warrior Son cried out in pain and expected to be struck by lightning. Instead with his helm still on, Matthra bit his head off. he spat out the helm and gobbled the head whole.

The Targaryen's rushed to check on their dragons wounded and exhausted but still alive. Dalton stroked Matthra's head as the creature purred affectionately and licking his face with a blue forked tongue. Dalton mounted Matthra before turning to Aegon who looked at him unsure of how to feel about what had occurred.

"I think we have had enough for today King Aegon." Dalton said simply, as Orys was taken to Aegon slumped over on a horse.

Aegon turned to his dragons then his men and the sight of his half brother was what finally convinced him to turn back to Dalton and nod. As Dalton flew away with his army behind him, Aegon turned to his men and said two simple words. "Fall Back."

For anyone wondering about the thestral's roar it's like the Reek from Star Wars Episode 2