A/N: finally the Valreons depart Valyria! This concludes the events of organising Valyrians to leave the FreeHold, next week the chapters beginning the unfolding of the Doom begin :)
Chapter 20: They can't all be Saved
Aeyrelis and Alaerya swept through their home, the home they had grown into adults and raised their children in. The rooms were all empty, even of enchanted furniture. It was hard to believe this was really happening, they looked at each other as they swept through one last time before departure.
"We are really leaving our home" said Alaerya quietly in disbelief it was real.
"I never thought I would leave this place" murmured Aeyrelis laying a hand on the walls of the magnificent home. He thought of all the history in these walls, of his prestigious family and how they're leaving this behind.
"Even though I know what's coming I hate the idea of leaving" she said looking around at the vast open spaces.
"Change always brings these feelings" he replied as he took her hand and they continued.
They held hands as they walked through the house laughing at memories of their childhood and bringing up their own children. They finished by ensuring the vaults were emptied and secret compartments were empty also.
They packed the remnants the servants hadn't known to find and took one last look around the dragon dome.
"I struggle to comprehend this will disappear" said Aeyrelis.
"I feel the same, so often I plead with myself for it not to be true. And then I see it in my visions and it breaks my heart"
"Come, lets fly to the waiting ships and organise the last flight of dragons"
They mounted Vaella and Varyon and flew from their home for the last time both feeling grief within their hearts.
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The port was bustling with people unloading cargo and loading exports, Alaerya had cast magic to deflect interest in all those departing. Themselves included. Allaria was waiting for them anxiously to come, watching others who had taken her mother's warning boarding other ships in their fleet. She noticed her parents approaching and saw people waiting to speak with them before they boarded the ship. She smiled in relief and retreated to wait for them in their cabin.
They saw a small group of people waiting to have audience with them, Alaerya spoke to her remaining servants first.
"There will be ships leaving daily, be here to greet and organise their departure. The last ship leaves in one week from now, board that ship with your families. Do not leave anyone you care about behind. That offer is for all our remaining staff ensure they all make arrangements. On Valreos things will be different and you will be paid for your services" Alaerya spoke in a low voice to her waiting servants, they bowed in response. "You have been given lodgings at the port here, all your belongings are there. You'll be given baggage to easily transport to Valreos."
One servant reached out and took her hand, a gesture not usually allowed, "My Lady, thank you"
Alaerya smiled, "you have all served our House well. When you arrive come to us we will discuss new terms of service, and your homes will be allocated"
The servants scurried off to arrange their families and prepare for the next departing ships. Being treated well had created absolute loyalty from their servants.
Aeyrelis turned and saw Vhaerya and Vaeris waiting side by side, "I don't want this to be goodbye, you've both done so much for us-" spoke Aeyrelis to the pair.
"Don't get emotional child you've had time to prepare for this moment" said Vhaerya who had eyes glistening and he knew she didn't want to say goodbye either. He hugged her tightly and whispered to her, "Make it a spectacular way to go"
She sniffed quietly, "They have a surprise coming for them"
Alaerya hugged her Aunt tight not wanting to let go, remembering the times she spent with her from childhood to accomplished wielder of all the Mysteries.
"We will communicate before the end my dear" her Aunt whispered to her, "And it's not really goodbye forever after all"
Alaerya knew this, she had mastered the practices of the Temple of the Long Sleep and knew the secrets of afterlife.
The Valreon's looked to Vaeris, the High Governor, Aeyrelis shook his hand and he hugged Alaerya.
"Have you made plans to leave?" Said Aeyrelis.
"I will leave, I'm waiting for the right moment" he said to the young couple.
Alaerya looked relieved, "Last ship is a week from today, I'll expect to see you on one of the arrivals shortly"
"My family is already there, I want to see them again" he said simply, "and most of the Council has left too making things tricky but a solution will present itself"
They hugged again and departed from the docks leaving the young Valreons to speak with the others waiting for them.
Numerous families spoke with Aeyrelis and Alaerya before they departed, they were assured that there was daily ships departing and would be given appropriate housing upon arrival. They answered questions regarding food availability and industry, all understandable questions for people leaving behind their homes and wanting to ensure they were going to be secure in Valreos.
"Anyone unsatisfied is free to leave Valreos at any time but if you leave Valreos you cannot return" said Alaerya
"Why is that?" Said one of the noble men.
"Because you won't find it"
"That is impossible, lands can't simply disappear" he scoffed in response.
"You forget the magic she holds" spoke one of the women, "but why hide the islands?"
"That area is prone to raiding by pirates and mercenaries. I won't have a war being waged while we set up our new society. I will enact magic to repel anyone sailing into our territories."
"What about trade routes? How can we survive on our own with no economy?" Spoke another with fear in his voice.
"Trade will be set up, these things take time and I've been focused on getting people safely to the islands. Be assured the trade ships will be able to leave and return, there is a way to let them pass through the magic safely"
Seeming to be appeased no one else had questions or spoke, Aeyrelis stepped to his wife's rescue.
"You all have the opportunity to leave Valyria, if you're unsure at the very least send your children, give them a chance to survive. If the destruction doesn't occur they can return"
"You think there is doubt, it might not happen?" spoke a man at the back of the crowd.
"No", said Alaerya, "the destruction is inevitable"
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After much discussion with people they finally boarded the ship after sending other ships with passengers and possessions before them. Alaerya looked up and saw their dragons ringed around their vessels.
'Last flight tonight my friend. The remaining families coming don't have dragons, and those that do won't be joining us'
Vaella dipped her head in acknowledgment and led the Valreon dragons for a feast in the fields next to the mountains. They would need a feast for their midnight flight. Allaria was impatient and came to hug her parents, smiling happily.
"You are happy my daughter" smiled Alaerya
"I didn't think you would make it" replied Allaria.
"I wouldn't leave it too late, we must rejoin our family on Valreos. I heard of your training with the DreamWalkers"
"Yes I'm handling it much better now and using some advanced concepts."
"Let's discuss this over dinner, I need to ensure all the checks are done before we leave"
Allaria smiled, hugged Aeyrelis and went below deck.
Aeyrelis looked at Alaerya and gripped her hand, "Ready for an adventure?"
She swallowed nervously, "I don't have a choice, but yes I'm ready"
They walked around the ship ensuring all the necessary arrangements were in place, a last bag was handed to Alaerya.
Aeyrelis looked at her confused, "Forget something?"
"These are from the Flame Temple, I've been making these for Valreos"
She opened the bag and showed him some amazing Valyrian spears inlaid with diamonds, rubies and emeralds.
"What are these artifacts for?"
"When the last ship enters Valreon territory, these contain the magic to render Valreos unfindable. We will disappear and no one can approach us"
He looked at them impressed, "And trade?"
"I made extras, the ones which aren't used to protect us will be built into our trade ships. They will enable the ships to come and go as well as protect them from attack."
"My goodness you have an answer for everything"
"We have had plenty of time to prepare, I don't just sit in my flames and meditate "
"Well I learnt something new today"
He laughed and she shoved him playfully, as she did he drew her close to him.
They signalled to leave and as the ship pulled away from Valyria they remained on the deck watching the FreeHold slip into the horizon. The last time they would see Valyria as they knew it ever again.
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The High Governor entered his office to find Orys drinking his fine Valyrian liquor and looking out over the city. He poured a glass and joined him, swirling it as he walked towards him. He detested this man and he knew the feeling was mutual, Orys had wanted his position since he was elected. He hadn't had any luck encouraging the other governors to vote against him either, deepening his hatred of Vaellis.
"I thought you would last one term in this office Vaeris. Seems I underestimated you"
"You did Orys. You underestimated how likeable I am"
"I underestimated your connections too" he said coldly in response as he glared out to Valyria.
"I don't know what you're talking about"
"Yes you do" he looked accusingly at him, "Your connection to these people", he spat the words out, "we have given them too much power. It has weakened us and you know it!"
"The only weak one here is you Orys. Valyria is as strong as it always has been"
Orys slammed his glass down on the nearest table
"You need to control yourself Orys, you're being a fool"
"Don't tell me how to behave old man! Half the council is gone thanks to your allies in nobility. Valyria lays open to attack!"
"Attack from who? We have dominated the territories around us, we have numerous small outposts. There is no one seeking to attack us, unless you know something I don't?"
Orys looked angry but had nothing to back up his argument with, he turned and angrily went to the window.
Vaellis sighed, "Why do you hate me so much? Before I came into this position we had never met. I don't understand-"
"It was supposed to be me!" raged Orys, "this was supposed to be my city, you were supposed to work for me!"
Years of anger seeped off him and he stormed around the office.
"So why punish me for it? I didn't do anything directly to you to stop your appointment."
"Everyone loves you, that makes it even worse"
"I just do what's best for the people, not for myself"
"Is that why you chose to evacuate your own family?"
"Excuse me?"
"I have people watching too, your family disappeared a fortnight ago heading to the docks. No one saw them leave but I know you sent them with her"
"What I did doesn't concern you"
"Oh but it does," he smiled gleefully, "If you did that shows you don't really care for Valyria. I will have you removed from this office"
"You can't prove anything, you can't even prove they've left the freehold. Go plot your revenge. Do your worst Orys"
"I'll find out what happened and it'll be the last thing you do in this office"
Vaeris smiled, "If you weren't smart enough to get elected as high Governor I doubt you're smart enough to do any damage to me. Now get the fuck out of my office"
Orys slammed his glass down so hard it shattered on the table, and he stalked out of the office.
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The Valreons settled in to their voyage and enjoyed spending time with Allaria, watching the stars shining brightly in the sky. They had dinner together and talked and laughed the most they had in the longest time. As soon as they left Valyria Alaerya felt the weight of the world shift from her shoulders. She relaxed after being tense for so long and felt more present in the moment. The long lists of things to do and people to see had been completed and they had closed the door on their Valyrian life. The family stood together breathing in the salt air, feeling the spray of the water on their skin when they heard a shout. They turned around to see one of the crew running towards them. Casting out Alaerya knew there was no danger, she started forward "What is it?" She said with urgency.
"My Lady and Master, please come we need to show you something" spoke the crew member.
They looked at each other with concern and surged towards the captains cabin leaving Allaria on the deck.
They rushed into the cabin to see three men and a group being held at knife point.
Alaerya recognised these people, they were some of her students.
"Men, lower your weapons!"
She rushed forward and checked the children weren't hurt.
"What were you doing children?"
The eldest, from a family known for dark magic looked at her fearfully.
"We ran away, our families forbid us from following you. We saw our bodies burning in the flames and-"
They all became distressed, crying and holding each other.
Instinctively Alaerya sent her mind into theirs combing for deceit and lies, she found none just frightened children.
She hugged them close to her, her heart hurting inside for their pain.
"Your parents will be searching for you..."
The eldest spoke again and shook his head, "We sealed our rooms shut with the magic you taught us, magic they don't know because they only wield dark-"
"Right I understand, no need to say any more"
She turned to the captain, "Find these children suitable room on the ship," she looked back at the boy who spoke, "Rhylius come with us"
The children looked frightened that he was leaving, "No harm will come to him children, you're safe we are not going back to Valyria"
They still remained scared.
Aeyrelis and Alaerya took Rhylius onto the deck. Allaria came over looking shocked at his appearance
"You didn't know of this Allaria?" questioned Aeyrelis
"No father I did not. I would have requested passage for them not hidden it from you"
"Why didn't you come to us and ask for our help?" Asked Alaerya
"We were forbidden from returning to your House, we were watched always and some of the others parents beat them for trying to escape."
"Were there others who didn't escape with you?" asked Aeyrelis looking concerned.
Rhylius nodded, "Another ten didn't make it to the ports, they're trying to leave also"
"Why did your parents forbid you to leave with us?" said Aeyrelis sternly
"They don't remember the dreams sir. And they think your leaving gives them certain...opportunities"
Aeyrelis looked to Alaerya for an explanation, "In the dream magic I told them if they don't want to do things a new way to simply forget the dream upon waking"
He looked confused, "I don't understand why they would choose to stay and die with their children? Why not send the children away?"
No one answered and the silence was uncomfortable.
Alaerya looked at Rhylius, "There will be no dark magic allowed on Valreos. Your family is known for it..." she started.
"It doesn't mean I agree with my family, I want to try a new way. Look where it got us, we weren't offered betrothals to the most important family and we got left behind to face the fire. If I'm the last member of my family I want to try a different way"
"If you give me a reason to doubt my decision to keep you here the consequences will be swift and deadly" warned Alaerya.
"I understand" he replied standing strong and proudly, "I won't disappoint you"
"I'll see what can be done about the other runaways, you'll need to tell me who they are"
He bowed deeply, "Thank you for your faith and I will give you their names"
Later, everyone was sleeping, it was the dead of night but Alaerya was restless. She ventured up on deck and found Aeyrelis there watching the stars.
She wrapped her arms around him, "Looking for something up here?"
He looked back at her, "I'm waiting to see the dragons pass over us. They should be coming soon..."
They stood together in silence waiting for the familiar sight of their dragons and the dragons of the other families.
"How do you feel about our runaways?" He asked quietly.
"We wanted people to come of their own free will. We can only give them a chance and hopefully they don't ruin the opportunity to change"
"Do you think this boy has changed?"
"I don't think he was following in the same path as his family anyway dear. He never seemed to fit with them"
Aeyrelis nodded and looked thoughtful, he turned back to the sky and kept watch for the flock of dragons. The sound of the water lapping against the boat and the slight breeze blowing on their skin was mesmerising. It was the quietest moment they had had together in months. After a long while they saw a darkness approaching them in the sky, the stars temporarily blacked out and the sound of leathery wings filling the air. Alaerya felt Vaella and Aeyrelis recognised Varyon leading the huge pack of dragons. They sent out greetings to their dragons and felt them returned, the sight was breathtaking watching them all fly over. The wind blowing in their wake as they disappeared into the dark of night.
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The next day Vaellis entered his office to several angry families waiting for him.
He allowed them to enter and they told him their children had disappeared or been kidnapped. These were low level families not known for being the purest of heart or sound of mind either. He listened half heartedly to the squabbling families who quickly turned on each other with accusations.
'This is practically all that's left of the Valyrian nobility' he thought to himself, 'if Valyria doesn't detonate and I'm stuck with these people I'll fly a dragon to Valreos myself' He spent a few moments contemplating how he would even make that a possibility.
He realised the families were still squabbling like he wasn't even present.
"Enough!" He boomed, "I am sick to my bones of hearing all of you moaning and blaming one another. Grow up! Your children are missing and you two are squabbling about an unpaid debt and you are complaining about them cheating on dragon racing. Stop fighting amongst yourselves! You came here to discuss your children, we will find them! Is there a chance they ran away?"
"Where would they go?" said one arrogantly, "Valyria is the greatest civilisation why leave?"
Everyone in the room sniggered, he got the point they were making.
"If you're referring to the higher nobility leaving..."
"Who gets their properties and assets?" cut in one woman.
This started a new range of in fighting over the departed families assets that remained in Valyria.
'Picking the bones the higher families didn't bother to take with them' he thought to himself with disgust.
He put his head in his hands and let their words wash over him, as he wished the volcano would erupt this very moment.
When it didn't he looked up and tried a different tact with these people.
"Well it seems with the families who have left you are now the highest Valyrian families. Go home and discuss what assets you think are fair to be given to you and I'll call a meeting next week. We will allocate accordingly"
This changed the energy of the room from argumentative to competitive and the arrogance of these families came forth. He heard them continue to squabble over who gets what assets as they departed down the hall. He realised in exasperation the families had forgotten their children were missing.
'Gods get me out of here' he thought to himself.
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Vhaerya dedicated her last week alive to ensuring the fanatics from her temple felt like they had everything in place to work their ritual. Which was scheduled to be one week from now, she accepted their offer to join them in their practices with the Flames and had ensured their use of the flames was much more successful. They even showed her the power they were wielding and she ensured it showcased great power to keep them ensnared.
Afterward she sat in her offices bathing in the green flames of healing remembering how she felt so drunk on power when she had wielded this same power in her youth. She sighed at the despicable acts she had undertaken to own this power, and the moment she realised there was something wrong with this power.
'Sacrifice the children' it hissed in her mind, 'give me their power and you will be the most powerful wielder of Valyrian magic. Think of the greatness, the conquests, and the power you will hold...'
It taunted her with visions of power, enslaving the world in her grasp and being the seat of all Valyrian greatness. When she was asked to give them Alaerya though she began to question it. She was forced to make a choice between her most loved niece and all the promise of riches and glory. Eternally thankful of how she chose she dismissed the memories and floated in the dark blackness of the void and felt the green flames bathing her in healing light.
'They are just like I was, poor children. Drunk on power and the promise of ruling the world. They don't even know what to do with the power they have now, the flames will devour them' she thought with sadness as she knew this power wouldn't allow them to wield it. It was a miracle they had made it this far and she knew this power was using them to lure in a stronger presence. She knew it was consuming and using them like fuel and the only way to stop it was to detonate the volcano and burn anyone who can awaken it again. She finished her practices and prepared to leave for a last meeting with the remaining temple leaders. Many had decided to stay, some out of ignorance and some out of desire to serve. The ones who wanted to serve would help ensure Valyria imploded on itself never to rise again. She walked from the burning temple, the flames leaping away from her as she walked through them and into the night.
The meeting was held in her home near to the Temple of Flames, the main volcano looming above the top of her dome she stared at it as they arrived. Grim faced and determined, she smiled tightly and walked from the dome to a meeting room. They followed her silently and seated themselves and awaited her to speak.
"Thank you for coming everyone. This time a week from now we will all be memories lost in time. Sounds dramatic I know but it's the reality of what's coming..." she spoke with determination.
"What can we do? I've seen my life thread leading to the volcano but I'm uncertain exactly what it is I need to do there" spoke the High Priest of Temple of Wind.
"I need you all to come with me and feed your power to me and with the collective powers of us I will detonate the volcano and kill the fanatics and obliterate the power that drives them"
"What is this power exactly? Why have we never been threatened by it before?" asked the Warrior from the Temple of Shaerya.
Vhaerya sighed and released the orb showing her memories and experiences with this greedy force. Many were shocked by the urging of sacrificing her family's children and how she had silenced the power already.
The High Priestess from the Temple of Shadow spoke next "This sequence of events would've coincided with the last prophecy we heard of Valyrias destruction. The one which was ignored. Was it directly tied to this force?"
Vhaery nodded and didn't speak, she was ashamed at showing her worst memories.
"Don't be ashamed" spoke the First Dreamwalker, "we have all had temptations and flirted with abusing our powers"
Many in the room nodded in agreement, "What can I do?" Said the First DreamWalker.
"You need to go to Valreos, your thread doesn't lay here my Friend"
"Why am I not of use to you?"
Vhaerya looked around the room, "I only need a small number of you to come, too many and the force of the detonation will threaten the lives of those we are trying to save on Valreos. The rest of you must leave and leave tomorrow."
"Isn't this meeting in a week?" Spoke another.
"It takes a week to sail to Valreos, if you leave any later by sea it will be too late. You will die in the fury of the water"
"What if we do nothing? Won't this power destroy them and all of us anyway?" queried the Shadow Priestess.
"Yes it may, but it might not. We need to make sure Valyria dies next week, if not we have unleashed a terrible fury on the world. And that will be the end of every living being in the known world. This power will not stop until it has consumed every thing and every one. We cannot let it"
"How many do you need?" spoke the Shadow Priestess
"Four will be ideal"
The First Dreamwalker looked at the Shadow priestess, his daughter. She returned his look, "I'll go" she said quietly.
"I will assist you" said an elderly priestess from the Temple of Wind
"As will I" said an older man, from the Temple of Stone
"I will make the last to help" stood a young woman, from the Temple of Shaerya. This temple trained the female Valyrian warriors and headed battle strategies. It was named after the most famous female Valyrian battle commander who decimated Ghiscari cities.
Vhaerya solemnly accepted their pledges and addressed the remainder, "Take the enchanted bags provided by Lady Valreon and remove every text and valuables from your temples that remain here. Leave tomorrow"
She stood and began to leave, the First Dreamwalker followed her out. The others followed behind and made their exits.
Vhaerya turned to the DreamWalker, "Promise me you will go to Valreos. They need the right guidance and I trust you to give it"
"There is more than one person who can guide them..."
"I know and both of you have decided to stay behind for whatever reason I don't understand" she snapped at him.
He looked at her amused, "I came here to see if I can help"
"I understand that, but I don't need you to help me. You need to help them move forward properly, and do not repeat the same mistakes"
She glared at him and he understood, "I know cruelty and greed corrupt everyone I'll make sure this doesn't happen on Valreos"
Vhaerya nodded satisfied with his answer, "It's understandable to admit you'll miss them Vhaerya" he said quietly to her.
Her eyes harden, "I had no children of my own, I watched them grow together and grow to love each other. I'm beyond angry I can't watch them grow to the next phase of leadership. So im doing what I can to get revenge on those who have taken this part of my life away from me. I'm leaving their journey to leadership with you"
They shake hands and she leaves him with tears pricking her eyes.
She walks to her chambers, holding it together, and when the door is closed and the shields are up she finally sheds some tears.
Remembering those two little blonde heads running around her feet, looking in amazement when she would play with flames, and playing games with them almost every day. She had no children of her own but she felt like they were partly hers. Her grief flowed freely as the memories overwhelmed her, but it was replaced by anger as she remembered all she was losing and the flames leapt from her arms and burnt angrily around her.
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After days on the ship and an uneventful journey, the captain shouted, "Land ahead!"
Everyone's heads jolted and they came running to get their first glimpse of the new lands, and their homes. Before they saw the islands they saw the dragons, flying around the islands and diving around each other. Even from a distance they could be heard screeching with joy of play. The people who had never seen the islands before looked in awe which was everyone except the crew, Alaerya and Aeyrelis.
The islands looked completed with minor works being done on the volcanic island and some temples still being built. They noticed a huge crowd of people awaiting their arrival, there was beautiful flowers and banners with the Valreon sigil, a dragon flying up towards a star. The roar from the crowd became deafening as they approached and realised this was their welcome party. As the boat drew to the docks they saw Aeyrelion and Krysaella and the boat began to sprout with beautiful vines and flowers. Allaria laughed in delight and waved as she saw her betrothed waiting for her. The allied families were there and many others who had chosen to relocate from the lower noble families. Alaerya felt embarrassed to have this many people waving to her and at her, Aeyrelis relished the moment, grabbed his wife and dragged her forward. The crowd cheered and threw flowers at the boat, some used magic to send flowers floating all around them. The moment was truly surreal and unexpected.
Aeyrelis cleared his throat, "This is most unexpected, thank you everyone. We can assume from the welcome we have received you're all enjoying life on Valreos?"
The crowd cheered again and whistled in response, Alaerya felt her heart flutter as all her hard work to get people here and living on the islands had come to fruition.
The ship docked and unpacking begun, the passengers disembarked into the crowd with hugging and reuniting with family and friends. It took some time to leave the Port and the people who had never been to Valreos couldn't believe their eyes. The islands resembled a second Valyria, well planned out and filled with stunning architecture, gardens and plenty of housing for the arrivals and more.
The allied families all hugged and bowed to Alaerya, the founder of their new home. Their reunion with their children was teary and happy, and their wards all came to give heartfelt welcomes. The love all around was palpable. In the sky the dragons joined in with welcoming screeches and fire displays to show their approval the Lady of Valreos had returned.
