The Unexpected Offer

Aegon walked through a door shaped like a dragon's mouth and entered the main study. The fireplace and several candles were lit, but the room was still dim. The room was a two story circular structure in the heart of the main castle. There were shelves upon shelves of books on every subject; histories, medicines, warfare, architecture, and much more. In the middle were several cushioned seats and writing tables. Visenya, wearing long robes of silver that matched her braided silvery hair, sat on one of the chairs. Another was occupied by a man who wore robes common to the east. He was a man about forty, with long blonde hair, blue eyes, and fair skin. Judging from the tattoos on his hands, Aegon figured he was from the city of Volantis on Essos.

Compared to the two of them, Aegon in his fur robes was underdressed. The Volentene's expression was uncomfortable and Visenya eyed his outfit in disgust.

Aegon gave a slight cough that seem to bring the two back to reality. "Do excuse me," he said pleasantly as he took a seat next to his older sister. "I'm afraid I was already in bed."

"I apologize for bothering you this late at night," the man said with a slight bow. "My name is Minister Casimiro; I am a representative of the city Volantis."

"What can my sister and I do for you minister?" Aegon asked.

"The Magistrate of Volantis has a proposition he would like to extend to you," Casimiro replied. "He has always admired the House Targaryen and word has reached us that you possess dragons."

Aegon and Visenya looked at each other uneasily. He knew they were both thinking the same thing: the servants talk too much.

Aegon turned his attention back to Casimiro and nodded. "Dragons we have, but only three and they are young. Why do you ask minister?"

Casimiro cleared his throat. "I'm sure you're well aware of the civil war on Essos between the city states in the wake of the Doom," he said. "We call it the Bleeding Years. Magistrates warring against one another, barbarians raiding farms and villages, and rebellions sparking all across the former Valyrian lands. People are dying my lord and we need someone who can end the war."

"And you want us to end it?" Aegon asked.

"Well yes. The city of Volantis is willing to support you my lord," Casimiro explained, "should your forces land on Essos. We will provide you will food, water, supplies, and weapons, anything you require. We must stop the wars and bring back the glory of old Valyria."

"Why not do it yourself minister? Surely Volantis and her allies can defeat some savages and barbarians."

"It's not that simple my lord. The people need someone to lead them, someone strong, honorable, and valiant. The House Targaryen descended from Valyrian nobility and commands great respect among the general populace. Your house is the only noble house that survived the Doom and I am certain the people will welcome you as the new rulers of Essos."

"That is your offer minister? To unite Essos under new Valyrian rule?"

"Essentially yes," Casimiro replied. "Volantis is willing to form a Grand Alliance with House Targaryen and will fully support a Targaryen claim on the Valyrian throne."

"Minister I have only ten thousand troops under my command," Aegon said. "And Volantis doesn't have many troops either. To achieve unification we need at least a hundred thousand well trained troops."

"I know this my lord," Casimiro agreed. "But if troops was all I need, I wouldn't have come to you. You have dragons my lord; just one can destroy armies of thousands. Dragons would be enough to scare any city into submission. With dragons by your side you would have problem gathering an army."

"Perhaps minister, perhaps," Aegon said thoughtfully. "But this is a most important matter for my sisters and I. We would have to discuss it in private. I shall get back to you tomorrow. Servant, show our guest to his quarters."

"Of course my lord," Casimiro said. He stood up and bowed. "I await your decision." The servant led him out of the room.

"The man is a lunatic," Rhaenys said sternly from the bed. After Aegon had left Rhaenys had fallen asleep. Aegon and Visenya woke her up and briefed her on the situation.

"I don't know," Visenya said uncertainly, pacing around the room. "I think the offer is logical and fair."

"And why is that?" Rhaenys asked.

"Essos was the home of Valyria, the great empire our ancestors served. It's only right we take it back and rebuild it under Targaryen rule," Visenya replied.

"My sweet dear sister you have such great vision!" Rhaenys said sarcastically. "I'm sure you took into consideration that most of Valyria's lands are ruins."

Aegon sighed to himself. Visenya and Rhaenys never got along, even at a young age. Rhaenys regarded Visenya as an aloof aristocrat while Visenya thought Rhaenys was bothersome and indifferent. At every opportunity Rhaenys would attempt to poke fun at Visenya's serious nature with sardonic humor and it drove Visenya crazy. And their jealousy towards each other seemed to increase as both fought for Aegon's favor but the truth was, he loved them both.

"But Valyria's colonies aren't!" Visenya protested. "The Free Cities are teeming with riches, as are many of the former Valyrian colonies."

"Enough," Aegon said, holding his hands up. The argument ended right there and both sisters looked at him. For the most part he sat by the door, listening to his sisters' opinions but now he felt like it was time to give his own. "Both of you have a point. But I disagree with an invasion of Essos."

"Why is that sweet brother?" Visenya asked. Behind her, Rhaenys was gloating with victory.

"It is too costly. We don't have the gold or the supplies to sustain our army in Essos," Aegon replied. "And the Magistrates of the Free Cities are well known for their treachery. Volantis might be tricking us into a deal so they can steal our dragons."

"He sounded sincere," Visenya muttered.

"We're going to need a little bit more than that," Rhaenys said.

"Do you have a better plan then?" Visenya shot back, causing Rhaenys to close her mouth.

"Now, now sisters no need to fight," Aegon said. "I have a better plan."

That caught both of their attention. "We invade Westeros," he announced triumphantly. As soon as he said it, criticism flew into the air. Visenya said they had a better chance invading Essos while Rhaenys insisted that it was a suicide mission."

"We don't even have local support!" Visenya protested.

"We can get local support," Aegon said. "We have dragons, they don't. Once they see these majestic creatures they will prostrate themselves at our feet and swear an oath of allegiance."

Visenya seemed unconvinced and Rhaenys was also uncertain. "Look, Valyria is an empire devoid of its former glory," Aegon added. "And Essos has been ravaged from constant warfare. But Westeros, Westeros has not seen major conflicts for centuries. It's a beautiful land with all the natural resources and manpower we ever need. We can create our own empire!"

"But the lords of Westeros have bigger armies," Rhaenys said. "They outnumber us probably a hundred to one."

"Then they will all die under the fire of our dragons," Aegon said fiercely. "And our warriors are of better quality. Orys Baratheon is one of the finest warriors in the world; he is easily worth a thousand men."

"You are certain this is a good idea?" Rhaenys asked.

"I have spent years dreaming about this," Aegon said. "Why did you think I raised an army in the first place? Or began the construction of a fleet? To defend against the House Velaryon? No. This army and fleet is for the invasion of Westeros. Preparations have already begun my sweet sister."

"Is this what you really want brother?" Visenya asked.

"My decision is final," Aegon replied. "Now you can either support me like good sisters, wives, and Targaryens; or you can all just sit here and enjoy your food and wine while I enjoy the thrill of battle. Your choice dear sisters."

Rhaenys giggled and even Visenya couldn't help but smile. Aegon knew he had their support. "I have had enough politics for one night," he said, taking off his robes and smiling widely. "Its time I have some fun."

Review please! How do you guys like it so far? I'm thinking of doing a Prologue for this.