It was Drogon's bugle that announced Aulix's return to Mereen. Only Taron and Aegerys were there, as a tired Aulix came into the castle. Still he greeted them both, before telling them to follow him to the kitchens. Between wolfing down food and drinking, he told them what his travels had discovered.
"As expected Dragonstone is heavily guarded, but also where the Night King stays with his Queen, Sansa. King's Landing is the location of his commanders. They have an on going fight with the southern cities, but the horde remains unmoving otherwise."
Aegerys nodded, "so what Taron suggested will work… the main force of our side will distract, while a select few go after the Night King."
"The living in the south of Westeros, have discovered that weighted nets confuse the wights, allowing them to launch flaming pitch. It's a smart way to keep the horde at a distance." Aulix burped and finished the pitcher of wine in his hand. "Also melee weapons are a fine tool against the wights, but I wouldn't recommend picking up hammers or ball flails. Even though it might seem satisfying to squish a wight's skull, the swing these two weapons create, means a sizeable arc and that gives the wights plenty of time to bite at your armpits or worse."
Taron agreed. "That's what I originally noticed during our war at White Harbour. So dragonglass swords and other weapons, are best."
Aegerys wondered, "could we make dragonglass spiked wood cages, that can be launched by catapult? That would trap and kill all at the same time."
"An interesting idea, but both would shatter on impact. Bucket catapults on the ships, might be better; launching dragonglass spikes, would spread and kill well, from a distance." Aulix suggested.
Aegerys asked, "how's Drogon?"
"He's better and becomes eager to kill wights, whenever we came close enough to see them. Problem with that is the Night King knows we've been flying near Westeros, which means he'll be preparing for our attack now too."
They discussed strategies and how to best defend against the wights. It was early am, as the sun crested the horizon, when their conversation finally ended. Aulix was exhausted by then and Taron had to help him to bed. Aegerys knew what he had to do next, as Aulix had told him to begin gathering the army and to finalize preparations. At the end of next month, they'd begin to travel back to Westeros to launch the final war.
Later that afternoon, Taron left Aulix's bed, so the dragon rider could continue to sleep. He too had to complete specific tasks before they left for the ice war. First he sent for Gendry and Tam. Both would be assigned to confirm the weapons list and determine the exact number of ships they had ready to sail. Next Taron spoke to Byt about Wildfire production and transport. Finally he went to the guilds, choosing those who'd be going with them to Westeros and those who would have to stay behind. By the time Taron completed his rounds, everyone was talking about the impending war.
King Aegerys and his council sent the ravens to the cities he ruled over in Essos, to send their fighters to Mereen and Braavos and get ready for the journey across the sea. His call to arms also meant that all these warriors would need to be fed. With Arya and Rayanna's assistance, the loads of food were inventoried. What was not needed to feed the men in camp, was readied for transport. Even though everyone knew that it would take almost six months to arrive back at the shores of Westeros, a form of excited anxiety ran through all their veins.
From the air, King Aegerys surveyed the legions of warriors that camped outside of Mereen and Braavos. The masses looked like an organized swarm of ants, until the dragon flew lower. As the sun set, that's when King Aegerys made sure his people saw him riding Drogon, sword raised above his head and shouting their war chant. He also asked the dragon to roar, before they flew away from his army.
As it neared their departure date, Aegerys was busy making sure that after the war was won, they'd still have a kingdom to come back to. He also spent more evenings in council. The time to leave came almost as a surprise to him, because of how little time he'd had to think about fighting the Night King himself. The night before their ship launch, the young king had a feast with his friends.
"Tomorrow we begin the journey to take back Westeros for the living. Tonight we celebrate our lives. No more talks of war, because too soon that's what will consume our every minute. I couldn't have organized this without all of you. My mother's death was not in vain and I thank you all for supporting me in this quest!"
"To King Aegerys!" Gendry shouted.
The cheers filled the dining room with loud voices and it took a minute for them to quiet down again.
"Come my friends, let's eat and drink, for tomorrow comes soon!" Aegerys announced and then sat down to eat.
There was duck, lamb, beef and pig roast to devour. Breads, sauces, vegetables and fruits were heaped high on everyones' plates. Ale, cider and wine flowed all night, to wash down every rich bite. Those who had room for desert, indulged on cakes, cookies, pies and more. It was like a summer festival feast and no one had ever eaten better.
Tam and Byt left first, going to the room prepared for them in the castle. "This will be the first time I'll be gone from your side, that's longer than a few months. Don't forget how much I love you, while I'm gone."
Byt caressed his face. "I'll never forget, now or ever. You're the best thing in my life. I love my children and the guild, but you are my soul."
Their love making was repeated throughout the night, before shipping out. They came to the docks with a few hours to spare, to spend time with Tallen and Emeryt. Byt and Emeryt had been chosen to stay behind.
"I know Mera will be the one to oversee the wildfire and also to lead a group of people to manage the healing arts for wounded warriors. But I still wish I could go with you two," Byt said while holding Tallen and Tam's hands.
Emeryt agreed, "I know my duty here, but part of me will be with you too." She wouldn't let go of Tallen's other hand. "Don't die on me brother, because I can't live without you."
"Your my twin and have half my heart. We'll come back victorious, don't worry." Tallen said bravely and hugged his sister.
They saw Taron and Daeron carrying their packs on to their assigned ship. Sarra was weeping, while she passed their weapons to them. Her husband and son would be fighting without her. They'd lead the chosen street guild warriors without her, as she'd continue to command the guild in their absence.
"Mom it'll be okay, I will protect dad's back!" Daeron vowed seriously.
"I know son, you've grown into a strong, reliable man. I couldn't be more proud of you."
Taron promised, "Daeron will return to your side before you know it."
Sarra stopped crying, eyes narrowed. "It'll take at least half a year to get there, or did you see something? Are you telling me you'll die?"
"Not at all. I'll be around too, I've got too much skill to die from a wight."
She laughed, "how conceited of you my love." Sarra kissed him, in a way that made their son blush.
"I'll just join Rayanna and Kiren on board." Daeron made a hasty exit. Once on the ship he located his friends. "Hi guys, you two all set?"
"Yeah, we're waiting on Mom and Dad. Mom's with Aulix and Dad is double checking their packs to make sure everything is there."
"Yeah, my Mom was pestering us about that too." Daeron grinned. "Hey, there's Tallen, I'll bring him over here."
Arya looked up at the kids, as they leaned on the ship's railing. Gendry noticed. "The thrill of being on a ship at sea will wear off after the first storm we hit…. I won't be the only one puking over the rail."
She laughed. "True, this trip we spend longer on the sea. Sure we'll stop in the ports along the way as we collect more for King Aegerys's army, but mostly water travel."
Gendry saw Taron and asked, "is Aulix or King Aegerys going to ride Drogon?"
"Aulix will, King Aegerys will be on the ship with us."
"How will the ships from Mereen and those from Braavos co-ordinate landing on Westros? It takes much longer for us to get there, than them," Tallen asked.
"That's the marvellous thing about having a dragon," Arya winked.
"Wait does that mean we'll be riding Drogon too?" Rian asked with awe.
"When the time comes, all will be explained." Taron answered vaguely.
Gendry shook his head in disgust. "You're becoming more like Aulix daily."
Aenys grinned, "at least he still answers something. Aulix just ignores the questions completely."
"It's amazing that he can still be so mysterious even to this day," Arya marvelled. "We've never found out anything about him, unless he wants us to."
Aulix came on board the ship and snuck up on the group. "But that's why you love me." He laughed and then climbed up to the crows nest, to see how far along everything for departure was. "King Aegerys is making his way to the port!" Aulix shouted down from the tip of the mast.
That meant it wouldn't be much longer before the ships set sail. There was a strong wind, that would propel them through Slaver's Bay. The ship the King sail on, was the fastest in the whole fleet, even though it was enormous. It had made several trips to and from Mereen and Asshai, transporting dragonglass. Most of the main fleet had been used to transport equipment, food and war supplies, while the recruitment of people for the army occurred. It was the part of the year where their travel to Westeros would have the best weather for sailing.
Aulix went off the ship and greeted King Aegerys as he arrived on the dock. Then he went to meet up with the dragon, as the King gave the order to set sail.
Gendry summed it up best as they pulled away from shore, "now it's all a matter of time. So begins our end game."