The Final Feast

Days turned into months and months dragged on to become years. It seemed only yesterday that Aegon proclaimed to his sisters that he was going to conquer Westeros but now five years had already passed. It still surprised Aegon how fast timed flowed. Over those five brutal spring years Orys had succeeded in turning Aegon's army into the finest fighting machine. Food was stockpiled and Aegon's invasion fleet was completed. Everyday Aegon shut himself in the Chamber of the Painted Table, going over his great model of Westeros with his generals and advisers. They had formulated a solid invasion plan that Aegon was sure couldn't fail.

But what satisfied him the most was the growth of the dragons. Within five short years, the dragons had grown from the size of aurochs to creatures that can swallow aurochs whole. His own dragon in particular had grown to be bigger than the rest. Aegon was sure it can swallow even a giant mammoth rumored to roam the north. The astounding growth of the dragons surprised even him. They would be his vanguard, his champions, and his ultimate weapon.

Excitement was growing in Aegon as he walked up the stairs of the Storm Drum. The keep and tallest tower of the castle, it was called Storm Drum because of the powerful booming sound it made during storms. It was here at the top that Aegon's prized map of Westeros was housed; inside the Chamber of the Painted Table. Today would be the last time he would see this map. Tomorrow the invasion would begin. Tomorrow would be the start of his reign as King of Westeros.

Aegon walked into the Chamber of the Painted Table and sat on a wooden seat set on top of a short stone pillar. Aegon nodded to a servant, who turned a large wheel behind the seat that caused the pillar to rise up from the ground. It was an ingenious contraption designed by Maester Harwin. When the seat is raised, the angle allows whoever sits on the chair to see a perfect view of the entire map. It was from this seat that Aegon formulated his invasion plan.

The others were already gathered below. Visenya and Rhaenys, one dressed in black armor while the other in crimson robes, stood on one side of the map. Orys Baratheon, also in battle armor, and Maester Harwin stood on the other side. The rest of the room was filled with commanders and advisers.

"Lord Aegon," they all said in unison after the seat was raised to its full.

Aegon waved off their salute. "Tomorrow marks a great day my friends. Tomorrow is the day that House Targaryen brings a new order to the savage men of Westeros. Tomorrow I will lead my dragons and my warriors across the sea to accomplish what no man has done before, to unite the Seven Kingdoms."

The men and women bellowed him cheered and clapped. Aegon raised his hand and silenced them. "In order for tomorrow to be successful, we would need to make final preparations today. Orys are your troops ready?"

"Ten thousand well trained and well armed warriors at your command my lord," Orys said with a slight bow.

"Visenya, the dragons?"

"Do not worry lord brother; the dragons are eager for combat."

"Rhaenys how about the fleet?"

"The fleet is ready to sail lord brother."

"Good," Aegon nodded to himself. "Summer is upon us my friends and the locals say that this summer will be a long one. The omens are good my friends, our invasion will succeed!"

The men cheered again. "Maester Harwin," Aegon said after the cheer died down. "After we are gone the defenses of Dragonstone will be up to you. You only have five thousand troops and whatever local militia you can raise but Dragonstone must not fall."

"Rest assured my lord," Harwin said. "Dragonstone will be here when you have conquered the Seven Kingdoms."

"I have great faith in your ability Maester," Aegon replied. "I have also received word that House Velaryon has sent troops to support our invasion. A thousand of their warriors have just landed. Greven I am putting these troops under your command."

The young man known as Greven bowed. "And since the House Velaryon have sweared fealty to the King of Westeros, your majesty should award them," Harwin suggested.

"A most excellent suggestion," Aegon said happily. "Maester Harwin, you will write a letter to Lord Horace Velaryon saying that I appoint him Master of Driftmark and bestow upon him the title of Lord of the Tides. Tell him when my conquest is complete he will be well rewarded."

"It will be done my lord," Maester Harwin said with a bow.

"Good. It seems everything is in order," Aegon said. "You all know the details of the plan so there is no need to go over it again. Go now, rest my loyal warriors. Tonight we shall have our last feast on Dragonstone and tomorrow we sail for Westeros!"

The Great Hall, a massive five story tall banquet chamber designed like a dragon lying on its belly, was the largest room in the castle with the main entrance shaped like the mouth of a dragon. Here was where the great Targaryen lords held banquets and celebrations, so it is fitting that Aegon hold his grand feast here.

The hall was decorated with large Targaryen banners bearing their sigil of a three headed dragon. The Targaryen motto Fire and Blood were carved at strategic locations on the walls. Suites of armor belonging to past Targaryen lords and warriors were brought in and placed around the walls. Aegon had done everything he could to remind those in attendance that they were warriors and they had a mission; to conquer Westeros.

His generals and advisers sat close to the main table. Behind them were warriors and scholars who had won special recognition through combat or some work. Aegon knew that he could not fit all ten thousand of his men into the hall so he chose the best of the best. Outside the rest of his men were also feasting, albeit in their tents.

The food, Aegon thought, was simply superb. There were roasted beef, pig, duck, chicken, and fish. Stew of all kind was served along with bread and cake. And there was enough beer and wine for everyone to drink to their heart's content. Men chattered among themselves as they ate, laughter filled the chamber, and many began dancing as music started playing. Aegon watched them from the main seat.

"Something troubles you my lord?" Rhaenys leaned over and asked him as she observed his face.

"No, no," Aegon replied, waving it off. "I'm simply watching the men enjoy themselves."

"Tomorrow will be a great day brother," Rhaenys said. "Tomorrow will be the beginning of your reign as King of Westeros."

Aegon smiled as he took her hand and kissed it lightly. He enjoyed the feeling of her smooth skin on his lips. "Yes…tomorrow."

The feast dragged on. Aegon got up from his seat and toasted several of his commanders and advisers. His sisters got up and joined the men in dancing. But Aegon knew the feast couldn't go on forever. At around midnight, at Maester Harwin's suggestion, Aegon gave his speech.

"My fellow soldiers, my friends," Aegon began. "Five years ago I had a vision. A vision of conquest, glory, and power. A vision of a great army sailing west, men and dragon, steel and fire. And tomorrow that vision will come true."

Everyone in the room cheered and toasted him. Aegon waited until the room was silent before he continued on. "Tomorrow we will fight the war of the century. We will be outnumbered and out supplied, but our courage and our resolve will keep us strong. These western lords have been kept weak by their wine and women; they are nothing to be afraid off. They will quake at the sight of our dragons. Their men will flee before our onslaught. We will emerge victorious and I guarantee you that is a fact!

Tomorrow we sail to our destiny. Tomorrow we sail to our victory. Tomorrow we sail for Westeros!"