So Hello everyone, in the light of the interest in this fanfic and some positive comments, here is a second chapter. Just a few things that probably need to be explained. Firstly, this story has nothing to do with Crusader Kings 2 Game of Thrones mod except the names. It's going to be a normal story. I just took the name Varezys and went with the interpretation that it was Emperor Aurion's family name because I like it. And of course because we do not have the names of any other dragon riding family in the lore, maybe except Jaenara Belaerys which had a dragon, so I suspect her family was one of the forty families ruling the freehold.
Secondly, there have been some assumptions that the Stepstones are too small to house a dragon. On that I can only say: Compare Bloodstone and Dragonstone on the maps. Also someone commented if you had a dragon you would not just be on the Stepstones. Yes, Stepstones seem small but I took into consideration that Aerion's people who live there are Valyrians who has knowledge of Old Valyria, their skill in building and farming are much better than the rest of the world so they can make their living on those islands. Yes. I know it's how gamers would call it overpowered but hey, Old Valyria was overpowered. Anyway when it comes to the dragons House Varezys currently has, they are: Aerion's dragon, formerly his mother's dragon. (he will be introduced in this chapter), Larissa's Varezys she-dragon Kastaraxes currently missing in Sothoryos, both rider and dragon are assumed to be dead by most people of the Stepstones. Are they? I mean probably. Who can say? ;) Then there is Elenixes she-dragon of Aerion youngest sister Alyrya Varezys which is currently the heir apparent to the Stepstones and yes she is married. To whom? Well you are about to find out. I picked a character from the canon as a husband for her and it actually makes some sort of sense given that character backstory.
As to why there are so few Varezys dragons? Well in the previous chapter Vaenys alluded to the fact House Varezys has one tradition and that is that they only married for love. I know it might sound silly to someone, but it's my opinion and the opinion of Valyrians of Stepstones that marriage out of love is much healthier than the one out of duty. Plus rulers of house Varezys are also generals of Dragon Company and are often in the field. Nevertheless as a consequence all Aerion's ancestors married quite late and had one or two kids at most and dragons were inherited from parents to children. And yes, I know the dragons are not necessarily inherited but they could bond with another rider once the former dies. It's also easier to keep track of characters if the family isn't too big. I am sure that those of you who write fanfics agree. House Varezys have a lot of dragon eggs stored so, do not worry there will probably be a lot more dragons under house Varezys in the future.
Chapter 2: The Conciliator
They served the house Varezys for over two hundred years. Chosen and trained from the ranks of Stepstones Valyrian legions and nobility for their fighting skill and prowess. They are armed with Valyrian steel arms and armor, discipline and bravery and unwavering or even fanatical loyalty to Varezys Princess or Princesses. The Dragon Wrath Guard or shortly The Dragon Guard.
These soldiers serve as royal guards to House Varezys. Amongst their duties are: Protection of Varezys family and royal residence, Jointed duty with the specialized Blood Mages from the Order of the Blood Dragon, dragon breeders, to guard House Varezys dragons and eggs and of course fighting with their rulers in war.
They can be seen on the battlefield serving either on foot as a frontline heavy infantry or as a deadly heavy cavalry which devastating charge leaves their enemy ranks in shambles, if any ranks survive it. In this cavalry form they very well complement the rest of the Valyrian cavalry forces, which consists of heavy Valyrian cataphracts (equivalent to our Westerosi knights). In conclusion, these soldiers are the pride of the Stepstones forces, Valyrian warrior elite and very few who face them in battle can tell the tale about it.
Maester Gerion in the book: Stepstones Principality, the Remnant of Old Valyria.
XXX
Aerion could finally see his island home, the Blood Stone, from Vassarion's back. Vassarion was the purple male-dragon which was hatched in Aerion's mother cradle after his grandfather placed the egg into it. He was now 46 years old, growing big and muscular. He was characteristically fierce and fearless but also loyal and protective of his rider plus he was a battle hardened veteran of several battles. Daena named him after the Valyrian god of Justice, leadership and power, it was the same name as Emperor Aurion's dragon had.
Princess Daena Varezys always meant for Aerion to inherit her dragon when time comes and that's why she never placed a dragon egg into his son's cradle when he was little. What she didn't predict was that he will inherit Vassarion sooner than everyone expected.
House Varezys was always hesitant about bringing new dragons to the world when they didn't need to as dragons can be powerful assents and it's better when their number is under control. And two dragons, Rovaxes and Morghull, were always enough. This pair of dragons produced a lot of eggs which are now stored and ready to be hatched.
"Prepare for the landing boy, we are home." Aerion told his dragon through their mind connection.
"Right away, I hope they have prepared an animal for me, I am starving."
Aerion was caught off guard by this statement."It can't be so bad. I know it was a long journey, however you have been eating one of the Elephants which Bravossi sent against us during the battle at Berylos. And you have finished doing that just before we left Pentos. How in Balerion's name can you be starving?"
Aerion sensed mixed feelings of amusement and disbelief from Vassarion. "What can I say? I am a growing dragon."
"I suppose…" Aerion chuckled and reached with his hand to pat him on the base of the neck. After this Aerion's thoughts drifted to his last conversation with Lord Nesterion to one particular topic.
"You know, we could go to Southorios to search for them, if you really want it." Vassarion as always felt where Aerion thoughts wondered.
Aeron mentally sighted. "Yes we could, however but I begin to fear that no one will ever find her. It's a huge continent and full of jungless, wyverns, basilisks, great apes, great bats and other cursed and dangerous things. If you believe the legends, thousands of people disappeared over the night in that cursed city of Yeen, killed or worse by whatever shadow magic is working there. I never really understood why Larissa flew there with Kastaraxes… I mean it's true we are periodically sending expeditions to harvest some of the riches there but those are brief and never go too far into the mainland."
"Well, I would say she was a little bit jealous of her sister, who began to travel the world with her husband and she was also an adventurous soul and very curious of what lies on that continent, so she just went for her dream."
"As my grandfather used to say: Dreams are beautiful, yet to achieve them you must do something for it." Aerion liked his grandfather, even if he only knew him for a short amount of time.
Vassarion growled. "I am worried too, Kastaraxes is my sister after all."
"I know, but perhaps Lord Nesterion is right. Maybe holding onto a hope they are still alive is a fool's errand."
Aerion felt Vassarion's response, he sensed disappointment in it."And here I thought you believed the hope dies last."
"I do believe that, Vassarion, yet I must also think more practically and until Larissa is found I have to proclaim my other sister as my heir in the case… well something happens to me."
Vassarion seemed to understand. "And what about the fact her children won't be of house Varezys?"
"The good question, I will have to speak with Alyrya and Corlys about it. I could probably arrange that after the Velaryon heir is born, the second child they have, would take Varezys name and Stepstones, if the worse should come to pass. Nevertheless it's too soon to panic. I am still alive and young. I believe I will be able to finally meet someone special, sooner or later."
"I am sure you will someday. You have tried already, no?" Vassarion asked with a hint of mischievousness.
Aerion fought the urge to hit him though he knew it would do little. "How many times do I have to tell you? It was a one time thing and we both had too much wine. Her and I are just friends now, so do not dig into it."
Vassarion was amuzed a little but he liked his rider too much to tease him any further. "Alright calm down, I am just messing with you." Vassarion reassured his rider and finally went to the landing course. He also didn't forget to roar to announce their arrival.
As soon as they landed on the Blood Keep courtyard, Aerion spotted one of his cousins, Alearys Rahareon approaching them. She was named Archon by Aerion and she was also fulfilling the role of court physician. As all Rahareons, she was a very gifted blood mage, trained by the Order of the Blood Dragon in the art of magic and healing. When she got closer her pregnancy became more visible. She bowed. "My prince, I am glad you are back."
Aerion smiled at her and unstrapped chains binding him to the saddle, and claimed off Vassarion. "Why you are so formal, Alearys?" He came closer and pulled her for a hug which she returned.
When they pulled off. She gave him a warm smile. "You are still my ruler, some levels of formality must be preserved."
Vassarion's head appeared above Aerion as he began to stare at Alearys with his amethyst eyes. She just looked at him with raised eyebrows. "What are you looking at, hmm?" A dragon let out a low growl. "I have already ordered the dragon breeders to bring you a cow to dragon lair, so you know, you can fly and eat it if you want."
Vassarion lowered his head next to Aerion who patted him on the snout and neck. "Go and take some rest in the heat, it will do you really good."
"Call me when you need me." Vassarion answered, moved a few meters away from them and took to the air in the direction of Artificial Dragonmont, the great architectonic marvel of Valyrian builders which magically simulated volcanic environment and conditions for Varezys dragons to live in as it was a structure with the opening on the top and dragons were free to roam and bask in the heat produced by it. It was more commonly known amongst Aerion's people as a dragon lair.
"So, Aerion, did you receive that letter?" Alearys asked inquisitively.
Aerion reached to his belt and handed her a letter from Morios Martell. "Of course I did, I wouldn't have gotten here so fast otherwise. The seal was intact when it arrived. I gather you didn't read it?"
"Who do you take me for? I do not read the letters addressed directly to you. That letter had a house Martell seal and your name on it, so I thought it was important enough to send it directly to you."
"Well you will read it on the way to my solar. Let's go, there is no point discussing it in the middle of the courtyard." Two members of the Dragon Wrath Guard showed up behind them already as they began to move inside the keep.
On the way Aerion looked beside him on Alearys who with one hand rubbed her growing belly. "By the way, shouldn't you be resting in your state?"
She snorted. "Please, don't be just like my dear brother-husband Talaegar. Before you took him with you to Pentos, he was all over me. Are you alright? Are you hungry? Is the baby kicking? Will you be resting?"
"He is your husband and you are carrying his child, it's natural he is asking you these questions. Besides, you enjoyed that kind of attention, didn't you?" Aerion smirked.
Despite herself, Alearys blushed a little. "I admit it wasn't all too bad. And without him I found much more difficult to talk our little brother out of his experiments."
Aerion let out a heavy sigh. "What kind of experiments is he doing this time?"
"I think… it's better you don't know, otherwise I fear for his health." She said while looking at the letter.
Of course by pointing this out she achieved only to raise Aerion's concerns. He stopped and caught her by the arm. "Alearys." She stopped and look at him while biting her lip. "What the hell your stubborn younger brother is doing this time. Tell me so I can finally go and punch him in the face for doing it."
"What if I told you that the expedition from Sothoryos caught a small living Basilisk and Vaelyx is now making some experiments on it right now?" Alearys wasn't sure how loud her cousin reaction would be.
Aerion raised his eyebrow. "Define a small…"
"Like a big dog no more."
"Does Vaelyx know what those creatures are capable of? Even if this smaller one, should it escape, the amount of deaths would be substantial. I will deal with it and your brother later. Now, come and read that letter, I am going to tell you about my plans."
They moving without disturbance this time. "The heir of Valyria." Alearys spoken on the way. "At least someone who calls you that outside the Stepstones."
"Hah, that title is contested these days, don't you think? Never mind that."
They finally reached the doors to the solar. Above the doors were words of House Varezys. From the Flames we Rise. Two more guards were standing before the doors. So Aerion turned to those walking behind him. "Get me Lord Vaelyx Rahareon, drag him out of his laboratorium if he refuses to come here."
"At once my Prince." They both bowed their heads while placing right hands on their chests, a typical gesture of showing respect to their liege amongst Valyrians and left to do their Prince's command without hesitation.
Solar was rather simple yet spacious, in the middle of the room was the big table and several chairs made from ebony. There were several windows and the room was otherwise lighted with torches and in some places were glass candles illuminating red light. On the Eastenr wall was a big map of the known world mapped by Valarr Varezys, including the shattered Valyrian peninsula and northern parts of Sothoryos.
In the corners next to the entrance were two enormous dragon skulls. On the right was the skull of Rovaxes she-dragon who died of old age 319 years old and on the left was the skull of Morghull who died when was 317 years old. On the west wall were various chests, and a bookshelf filled with books and scrolls and also on the wall was hanging House Varezys banner as well as above the doors from the inside. Black dragon rising from the circle of the red flames, breathing red fire on the golden field. There were also various paintings and Valyrian steel armors in the style of Old Valyria in the room. In the northern wall was a bigger window with the view to the sea.
Aerion sat down at the head of the table and looked at Alearys who sat on the first chair on the right side of the table. "So what do you think of that letter?"
"I think the Prince of Dorne is an idiot." Alearys told nonchalantly. "Tell me that you don't really consider it."
Aerion laughed. "How did you say it? Who do you take me for? No, I am not planning to accept his offer, though his offer and Lord Nesterion reminded me of an important fact."
Alearys arched her eyebrows. "Indeed? What that might be?"
"You know as well as I do that the Stepstones are beginning to be too small for our population, our building and farming art can stretch us only for so long. So I decided to make my grandfather's dream and plans come true."
Alearys just look on the map in the room, her gaze stopped on the Essos and she just said five words. "The Empire of New Valyria.ׅ"
"Yes, Haerys Varezys and his sister-wife Alyrya Varezys once saved as many remaining Valyrian people as they could after the doom. Did they do it so we die out on these damned islands? No, it was just a convenient and temporary solution. The free cities claim they are bearing the Valyrian legacy yet they only fight amongst each other like children over the broken toy. I have the best army in the east, the dragon and pure Valyrian heritage. I am going to finally remind those fools from the Free Cities who are the real heirs of Valyria and they will either accept it or burn."
Alearys nodded in agreement. "And what about the Targaryens wouldn't they mind if you start to conquer lands in Essos?"
"This is where this letter comes in, Alearys." He pointed on the letter still in her hand. "You see now I have a concrete evidence the Morion Martell will attack the sev… Well, the six kingdoms, and also what is his war target."
Alearys's face brightened with recognition. "You want to warn King Jaeherys about it and try to get on his good side and if you manage that, you want to make a treaty with him. A similar treaty to which your grandfather made with Maegor Targaryen, aren't you?"
Aerion smiled. "You were always quick to grasp the situation, Alearys, that is why I named you my Archon." He leaned back in his chair. "Nevertheless, I fear that even if I don't manage to make a non interventional treaty with the Targaryens, I won't have a choice but to start conquer new lands regardless but it would be better if we don't have Targaryen army in our back and therefore I am going to try this option first."
"It makes sense. Even so, I just don't like this.. make treaties with house Targaryen like they are better than us, in the old days Targaryens would fear both House Rahareon and especially House Varezys, it's humiliating." Aerion shrugged after hearing those words. House Rahareon was also one of the forty dragon riding families ruling Old Valyria though they didn't reach the power levels of the strongest ten they were much more powerful than Targaryens. They survived after the doom through one rider who was caught in Tyrosh after the doom when the populace rebelled and killed dragons and their riders. Rahareon survived for the cost of his dragon's life and swore the blood oath that his family will not mount another dragon until his descendants will see the Tyrosh burn.
"Times changed Alearys, we must change with it. For now I am going to play nice with the Targaryens, but when I will have enough land under my control…. Let's just say I won't care what Targaryens will think." Someone knocked on the door. "Yes! What is it?"
A Guard entered. "My Prince, my Lady-Archon. The Lord Vaelyx Rahareon is here per your request.
"Let him in." Guard bowed and turned to leave. "And soldier." Guard obediently stopped in his tracks and awaited more orders. "Take a few more Dragon Guards, arm yourself with halberts and go to Lord's Rahareon laboratory. There is a Basilisk there, kill that beast."
"As you command, my Prince." The guard left and in the moment the youngest of three Rahareon siblings strode in.
"Greetings my Prince, I heard you wanted to see me, so what can I do for you." He went to sit on the chair opposite Alearys. "Sister, how are you feeling?"
"I am alright and still the same since you last asked me, Vaelyx. "Alearys answered with slight irritation in her voice.
After this Vaelyx noticed his cousin's piercing gaze, which left him quite uncomfortable. "Aerion, did I do something wrong?"
"I don't know, did you? Tell me what you know about basilisks?"
Vaelyx understood and looked at his sister who just shrugged. Then he looked back at Aerion and started talking. "Basilisks are creatures mainly located in Sothoryos, Basilisk Islands and in the forests of Yi Ti. They are six legged lizards with sharp claws, long and venomous teeths, green durable hide and they can be found in various sizes from dog size to twice the size of the lion. Or did I miss something?"
Aerion folded his arms. "What are you trying to do with the one present in your laboratory?"
"I am trying to figure out how to control him, to teach him to follow orders, I studied the magic of your dragon horn you see and I think I can replicate it someday. But for now I want to create something on a smaller scale like a horn to control basilisks. Can you imagine an army of basilisks at your command, that would be something." He told it with such enthusiasm that Aerion almost didn't want to destroy his theory.
"Have you ever read some books about Valyrian experiments conducted on the Gogossos? No? Well, amongst various despicable things which these books tell have been done on Gogossos, they also contain a detailed description of basilisks and wyverns. And their nature."
Vaelyx narrowed his eyes. "What are you trying to say?"
"I am trying to say that those books state that their violent nature and unusual hatred of all creatures in their line of sight prevents any taming even after using various magical means to do so, hence whatever you are trying to accomplish with that beast is for naught."
Vaelyx clenched his fists like he couldn't believe that he must explain himself. "I am aware of that fact, Aerion. But it doesn't mean I want to give up, once I create a horn which would be able to control these beasts I will be much closer to actually making a fictional dragon horn."
"That's enough Vaelyx." Aerion interrupted his cousin, though he did it calmly." I know you are a powerful blood mage. And I have no doubts about your skills, yet no one was ever able to make a new dragon horn and that was a fact even during the days of Old Valyria. Only fifteen of those horns were made and given to the most powerful Valyrian houses. Unfortunately, the blood mage who created them was mysteriously murdered afterwords."
"I know it's not to your liking cousin but those fifteen horns are the all that will ever be. I have one which was brought from the ruins of Valyria by my ancestor Valarr Varezys and he didn't bother or dared to check other residences for the rest of dragon horns. Just accept it."
"Anyway if you want to study the magic of dragon horn, be my guest, but do it safely. Bringing one of the most dangerous creatures here to my castle is not what I call safe."
Vaelyx wanted to say something, but his sister kicked him under the table, he looked at her with an incredulous expression. "Aerion is right, basilisks are too dangerous to be worked with, you didn't listen to me when I told you that, well at least listen to your Prince."
Vaelyx raised his hands up in resignation. "Fine, I will kill that basilisk."
Aerion nodded. "Good, but you don't have to be worried about that. It has been done by now. Alearys, let's get back to our previous matters. Do we have a ravens trained for Kings Landing?"
"We have a few left, not that we ever used them."
Aerion shrugged. "First time for everything. Prepare one, I am going to send a letter to King Jaeherys about the upcoming Dornish invasion and my desire to negotiate with him. I hope my warning to him will be at least enough to consider it."
"And if he doesn't?" Alearys asked slowly.
"If he doesn't then future years will be interesting, to say the least." Aerion turned toward the window. "Dragons might not bow to each other, yet they should not fight each other either. Because as my grandfather once said to me: When a dragon fights another dragon, there is no victory in the end, only tragedy."
XXX
Jaeherys was awakened from his deep sleep by the sound of pure ecstasy which was echoing through the Red Keep and was coming from his son and daughter's chambers. His wife Alysanne, lying next to him, just smiled at him as she raised her gaze from her book. He rubbed his eyes and asked a simple question. "How long?"
"About an hour or so, I am a little bit impressed they took so long to wake you up."
"What can I say, last day was quite exhausting, apparently not enough." Jaeherys said with the hint of annoyance in his voice.
Alysanne chuckled. "Well, it would seem Alyssa doesn't care about our sleep, or anyone else's sleep for that matter."
"Nothing new…" Jaeherys leaned back into a pillow and let out a deep sigh.
"Our daughter expressed to me a desire to get pregnant again, I imagine that the Red Keep will not be quiet until it will be so."
"I can hear that." Jaeherys shook his head and removed his blanket. "Hmm no sense in lying here, by the sound of it they are not even half done."
He was about to leave the bed when Alysanne caught his hand. "And where do you think you are going?"
Jaeherys looked at his wife with the raised eyebrow. "What do you mean, where am I going? I want to do something useful."
Alyssane put away her book and gave him a cheeky smile. "Tell my Jaeherys, am I not useful?" Still with her smile she took off her nightgown.
Jaeherys smirked. "I suppose the governing can wait a little and since Bailon and Alyssa are already making so much noise, what is a little more."
XXX
Meeting of the small council was really uneventful so far. Around the table was every member of it except one. Alysanne as his queen was always present, next was his son and heir and Master of Laws Prince Aemon Targaryen, Hand of the King Septon Barth, master of ships Manfryd Redwyne, master of coin Martyn Tyrell and lastly the old Ser Gyles Morrigen, lord commander of the king's guard. They were all present at solving the current issues. The missing councilor was Grand Maester Elysar which seemed strange to Jaeherys.
Lord Tyrell was now speaking. "Lately, there have been an increasing number of complaints from the merchants traveling to the Westerosi ports in the narrow sea. Some of the merchants went so far as to change their sea lanes to the ports like Old Town, Lannisport and Arbor."
Jaeherys rubbed his chin, while his hand, Barth spoke. "These complaints have been a common occurrence ever since his grace ascended the Iron Throne. Why would it become a problem now, Lord Tyrell?" It was widely known among the small council members that Lord Tyrell got the position just as a sham and the real master of coins was his wife Florence Fossoway, but her husband was extremely good at saying everything his wife told him about financial problems of the realm.
"Well, as you all know every merchants ship traveling to the narrow sea from the south of Essos must sail through the Stepstones waters and pay heavy tolls to House Varezys since his grace refused to acknowledge the treaty Maegor the Cruel made with the Prince Valerion Varezys."
Jaeherys clenched his hands into fists at the mention of his cruel uncle and he interrupted Lord Tyrell with clear annoyance in his voice. "Yes, I know that Lord Tyrell, but what is the current reason for merchants to transport goods to somewhere else?"
Lord Tyrell caught. "Reason is Lord Corlys Velaryon, your grace."
Jaeherys sighed. "As if we didn't have enough troubles with The Lord of the Tides by now." He stated more to himself than to Lord Tyrell.
Alysanne just put her hand on her husband's shoulder and nodded to Lord Tyrell. "Please, go on."
Lord Tyrell reluctantly continued. "By some accounts, he managed to get lowered tolls for his own trade ships sailing through Stepstones waters and as a consequence he is able to sell their goods for lower price and in greater amounts…."
"And that is how Lord Velaryon is pushing out other merchants." Jaeherys finished for him.
"That could indeed prove itself to be a problem, your grace. If we are reliant only on Lord Velaryon who would be able to stop delivering some essential goods to the Capitol and to other ports, he would be able to easily cut us off from important resources." Hand remarked with a certain hint of warning in his voice.
Jaeherys thought about that, while Alysanne spoke. "Are you suggesting that Lord Velaryon is ready to do such a thing? House Velaryon is one of house Targaryen most faithful allies. It has always been so."
"Mother." All eyes had turned to Prince Aemon. "You know that roughly a year ago in this very room, we were discussing a problem which now House Velaryon represents."
"That's true." Jaeherys followed up on his son's words. "House Velaryon might have been our most loyal ally once, Alysanne. Yet there has been no blood connection between our houses for some time now and as all present here know, Lord Corlys Velaryon married Varezys Princess, a dragon rider which has a potential to cause some more problems in the future."
Alysanne knew that very well, as she was the one flying to Driftmark to meet the newly wedded pair and negotiate with Lord Corlys and Princess Alyrya. "I solved that problem, Jaeherys. Once they have a suitable child, it will marry into house Targaryen and our house will become stronger because of it. That was the deal I made with them for you. It was better than trying to kill a dragon with another dragon." Just to think about such eventuality made Alysanne shiver in disgust.
Jaehaerys smiled at her and nodded. "Yes, you are right of course, though our current problem with Lord Corlys can't be solved by marriage…" After a pause, King continued. "I will order Lord Velaryon to put the selling prices on the same level with other merchants, he will still make more profit than them as he sells more and pays lesser tolls but other merchants will be able to sell goods too. Unless you have a better suggestion, Lord Hand."
"No, your grace. I think this would be the best solution. Others would be if you paid the merchants some recompense or you could try to write to the Stepstones and ask for lower tolls. I don't know much about the current Prince of Stepstones, Aerion Varezys but maybe he would be open to it, if pressured or threatened."
"Yes, father." Aemon stood up, almost too eagerly. "We have more dragons than them, if these tolls cause so much problem why not just take the Stepstones or force this Prince Aerion to bend the knee?"
Jaeherys looked at him and frowned. "Sit down, Aemon." His son was taken back by his father's definitive and commanding tone but he did as he was bid. "It's not that simple." Jaeherys said and gave a stern look to both Septon Barth and his son.
Alysanne was quick to help her husband. "Indeed, I am not sure if you know but Aegon tried to get House Varezys to submit to him. He sent Queen Visenya to Bloodstone to arrange that. Yet it's said that when she returned from her trip, Visenya was almost scared and told Aegon the conquest of Stepstones would not be a good idea, because of House Varezys dragons."
Jaeherys again clenched his fists as the memory of Visenya Targaryen was still in his mind. "Yes, I would say that those dragons must have been something if they put a fear inside that old hag."
Alysanne again put her hand on his. "She is dead, it does you no good to be so angry at her anymore."
"She poisoned our father Alysanne, I can't forget that… Anyway as much as I would love to entertain the idea of conquering the Stepstones, it would be no easy feat just from the information we had. Stepstones Armies are well trained, drilled and experienced soldiers of the Dragon Company, each of the islands is heavily fortified. And there is also the matter of the Stepstones fleet, which ships are more advanced than ours….." Jaeherys looked around the table and stopped his gaze on his son. "In short, it would be a costly invasion even if we use dragons. It's also possible that the free cities would not just sit and wait and probably would support the Stepstones. And we don't have any idea what more defensive Prince Aerion Varezys possesses given the fact his people reportedly still use magic….. Maybe we would be able to claim the Stepstones but it would be very costly, something I am not willing to do."
Before talks could continue a door opened and Maester Elysar strode in. "I apologize, your grace, I had some important business to attend to in the library and I was also summoned to the rookery. A letter arrived and by the looks of the seal on it I think it might be important." Maester bowed and moved to the king with a letter in his hand and handed it to Jaeherys. Who took it with a raised eyebrow and with little interest at least at first.
One look on the seal made out of golden wax, depicting a dragon sigil was enough for him to recognize which house it belonged to. "Varezys." He muttered, yet everyone at the council was able to hear him and few questioning looks were exchanged between council members. Jaeherys gave a puzzled look to Alysanne. "Speaking of a dragon…" He broke the seal, flattened the parchment and started to read. The text was in high Valyrian. Everybody patiently waited and watched him.
To Jaehaerys Targaryen the First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm.
I am not sure if you know who I am. And since all the spies you sent on my islands were either eliminated or were lucky enough to be returned without figuring anything important you probably don't know much about me. Well it's not important as I am not sending this letter to mock you. But this is in fact a letter of warning.
As a general of the Dragon Company I was approached by the Prince Morion Martell of Dorne. He wanted to hire my army for the war he is about to wage on your realm. He is planning to invade the Stormlands most likely from the southern shore. I refuse to participate in this invasion of his.
I know the relations between our families are not on the best of terms and all bridges have been burned some time ago. I know it has something to do with my grandfather working for the King Maegor Targaryen and helping him in a few battles including The Battle Beneath the Gods Eye, however I am willing to build those bridges back up, if you are.
I am not my grandfather and I am not trying to defend his actions. From what I heard of Maegor, I can't say he was a good man or a king. However my grandfather helped him only because he had the same desire as me, to care for my people and only helped him once a certain treaty was signed between him and Maegor.
In any event, it's my opinion that what is done is done and there's no sense in dwelling on it. I will be straight with you King Jaeherys. I desire to make a similar treaty with you. What I ask is to negotiate with you about it. I assure you I can offer a lot of things to you for such a treaty. As a gesture of good will I am sending you this warning. What's more, just for the promise of negotiation I am willing to lower certain tolls for Westerosi merchants which I know are quite high, since the end of Maegor's rule and your refusal to acknowledge his treaty with my House.
I am looking for your answer.
Aerion Varezys, Dragonlord, Prince of Stepstones, General of the Golden Company and Lord of Bloodstone
Jaeherys was quiet for some time and he gave the letter to his wife who read it aloud while also translated it to the common language to the rest of the council.
The Hand of the King was the first to talk. "Now that is very convenient timing, your grace. As it may be a good solution for a problem with unhappy merchants."
Jaeherys frowned. "Are you suggesting I make a treaty with him? Because of a warning about an attack we already know about?"
Septon Barth shrugged. "Not necessarily, though by rejecting and warning us before the Prince of Dorne he certainly proved he is not our immediate enemy. However what I consider important here is that he promised to lower the tolls just for the promise of negotiation. I would advise you to accept this and at least hear him out, you can always refuse him later after you find out what he is offering to you."
"Yes, your grace, it may be interesting to hear what Prince Aerion may offer to you. The people who are living on the Stepstones are of pure Valyrian descent and there are rumors they still hold the secrets of Old Valyria, like how to make Valyrian steel and black dragonstone plus usage of magic. Maybe we can ask him to share these secrets with you, my king." Maester Elysar added his own inside on this matter.
Jaeherys snorted. "I doubt that he would share such secrets very much, maester Elysar. Him being of descendant of Valyria is what I fear. If he is asking for a similar treaty as Maegor had with his grandfather it would be something about house Targayren not intervening in Varezys business which would probably be conquering Essos. And I don't want to see the Old Valyria rise again."
"House Varezys ruled Stepstones as monarchs for over two hundred years by now, no?" Alysanne pointed out. "I doubt the Aerion Varezys would create Old Valyrian freehold as it was, after his family ruled his people for so long, anyway if you are going to negotiate with him you may as well ask him what his plans are. I say, go ahead with this negotiation, as Hand of the King pointed out you can easily refuse afterwards."
"Yes, if nothing else, we can solve those high tolls problem without alienating Lord Corlys Velaryon.ׅ" Master of ships Manfryd Redwyne, who was silent so far added his bid.
Jaeherys let out a heavy sign. "I can see your logic, however I just can't trust Aerion Varezys. I mean yes, he is warning me about the Dornish attack but that's no secret to me and I even dare to say he knows it. For him to prove his good intentions. I am going to ask for more."
"And what that might be, your grace?" Hand of the King asked after some pause.
"The way I see it, Aerion Varezys wants to prove his good intentions to me. To do that he will have to do more than warn me. I am going to ask him to help us destroy this Dornish invasion, if he is going to oblige me, I will give him this negotiation."
"You might be asking too much, Jaeherys. Do you really think he will do such a thing?" Alysanne asked with a puzzled tone.
Jaeherys shrugged. "Perhaps, I just need more than feeble warning about the known, incoming attack to trust Varezys, besides it may also show us how desperate he is to make the treaty with me." Jaeherys looked around the table, all council members nodded in approval, all except Aemon who frowned but didn't say anything and Alysanne whose expression was neutral. "Maester Elysar."
"Yes, your grace?"
"Do we have ravens trained for the Stepstones?"
"Maester shook his head in disapproval. No, I am afraid that we do not have any for some time, if you want to send the letter to the Stepstones you will have to do it by emissary."
Then we are lucky that there is a lord who has personal ties with House Varezys and has a fleet of ships… Send word to Driftmark, I think it would be a perfect task for The Lord of the Tides."
So, there you have it, it took me more time than anticipated to write this chapter, truth be told I am not sure when the next chapter comes out as my time schedule is about to become much thinner due to exams, so please be patient.