2nd Moon, 112 AC
The Red Keep, Kings Landing
Grandmaester Owen, a young but exceptional man of 38 with curly orange hair and a thick beard paced the chambers, holding the little rod he used to point to the large parchment map which hung in the chamber where Maelyx and Balaeron took their lessons.
''We shall finish with this…..Which principal houses opposed the crown during the Lion's Rebellion?'' The Reachman asked, pointing at Maelyx with the rod.
''Houses Lannister and Arryn.'' Maelyx answered dutifully.
''I believe you are forgetting one my Prince.'' The maester responded.
Maelyx paused, trying to remember their reading of the civil war which had embroiled the realm during the reign of his kinsman Vaemond the Strong, the Prince, a boy of eight was a dutiful if not diligent study, but that had not stopped him from skipping much of the background reading and going right to the battles.
''House Darklyn.'' Balaeron whispered, as usual knowing the answer, Maleyx knew his kinsman had read their assigned passage no less than three times, never wanting to not know the answer to anything when called upon.
''House Darklyn, of Duskendale.'' Maelyx quickly responded, remembering, and giving his fathers brother a grateful glance.
The Grandmaester nodded, rapping the rod against Duskendale on the map….''Very good my Prince….I believe we are done for today….next week we shall begin Battles and Sieges of the Century of Blood by Master Joseth…..a tome i'm sure you two boys will enjoy.''
Balaeron and Maelyx bid farewell to their tutor and left the chambers, walking one of the expansive hallways of the Red Keep.
The two Princes were fast friends, despite Balaeron being four years Maelyx's senior, the two shared a strong bond, though forged largely through necessity, with Maelyx considering the older boy more of a brother than an uncle. Balaeron was the youngest of his brothers, with the closest to his age, Matarys, being away in Riverrun.
Maelyx was in a similar situation, albeit the opposite, his three younger brothers were all infants and not much for providing companionship. Maelyx's father, the King Aurion similarly seemed to have little time for his son, having been gone from the capitol for well over a year, and even when he was in the capitol, his father always seemed to be busy with something, never having time for him. His father had promised him that he would accompany him on his next progress however and Maelyx counted the days until he could spend time with his father, but until then Balaeron was the only constant companion Maelyx had access too, though he enjoyed conversing with the sons of cooks, stablemasters, and knights whenever they came to the Red Keep, however these were constantly changing positions, with it being common for the Prince to make friends with the son of some knight or cook only to never see them again, Balaeron was his only constant friend.
The two were quite different however, with Maelyx, despite being years younger was growing into a stocky young man, while Balaeron was slim and lithe, though blessed with a dashing smile and deep purple eyes which were the delight of every girl in the Red Keep, though he seemed to have little interest in their advances.
Maelyx also had to admit his kinsman was more than a little odd, Balaeron had a reckless and bold streak to him, seemingly fearing nothing and at the same time seemed to go into a shell of submission and meekness whenever anyone, mostly his older brother Aelor criticized or mocked him, never attempting to argue or stand up for himself. Balaeron was also the hardest worker Maelyx had ever met, with his older friend having an obsession with not taking any shortcuts, often studying hours at a time before their lessons with the Maester and keeping his chambers completely organized and spotless, refusing to let the servants do anything. Maelyx had once heard his father remark quietly to his mother that the boy surely had more than a drop of the blood of the dragon, spoken in jest.
The two got on very well however, largely due to their love of talking, often conversing for hours at a time, sometimes from morning to dusk, just walking the halls of the Red Keep, Balaeron would talk to anyone, servants, cooks, soldiers, kingsguard…it made no difference.
''So…..what do you say…..can we go…it will be fun'' Balaeron asked, despite being four years Maelyx's senior his kinsman was often content to let the younger boy take the lead and make decisions as to their plans for the day.
''I guess…if you know the way.'' Maelyx answered, Balaeron had been asking him to accompany him into the city for the past several days and Maelyx had no wish to deny him any longer.
Balaeron flashed him a smile and gestured for him to follow.
Maelyx assumed they were going to go through a tunnel, it was common knowledge among the Targaryen children that there were many secret passages in the Red Keep and Maelyx had no doubt that Balaeron, with his bold temperament had managed to find one, perhaps multiple.
However instead of some dark tunnel, Balaeron led him towards the back of the Keep, facing Blackwater Bay, waiting a moment for one of the patrolling Dragon Cloaks to turn the corner of the ramparts above, Balaeron kneeled at the base of the red brick walls and carefully removed a loose brick a few feet in width, grabbing a satchel stored within and slithered his way through to the rocky cliffs above the sea, gesturing Maelyx to follow, and he did, albeit with discomfort, Balaeron then placed the loose brick back.
''This way.'' Balaeron said, without any hesitation dropping his body over the rocky cliffs, holding onto the jagged rocky outcropping with his bare hands and making his way downwards.
Maelyx paused, looking down the cliff to the swirling waters of the Blackwater Bay over a hundred feet below, it was a clear day and he could see the rocks in the clear waters below, once again he felt awe out how little Balaeron seemed to fear things that made his stomach turn.
''If I can do it so can you….i've made this climb at night…you can do it.'' The older boy encouraged him, hanging from the rocks like some kind of monkey in Essos Maelyx remembered the Grandmaester showing them a drawing of.
Maelyx hesitantly followed, with the two of them slowly making their way down the rocks, Maelyx was strong for his age, but he found his arms and hands aching by the time they descended to the rocky pools below, several small scratches and cuts stinging as he maneuvered the salty wet rocks.
It took them at least half an hours turn wading through the rocks and watery pools, the Red Keep looming above them as they turned the corner, eventually coming to one of the wharves outside the city's formidable walls.
Before they approached, Balaeron reached into his satchel and pulled out two caps that boys their age often wore in the city to prevent lice Balaeron claimed, and a necessity for the both of them as they both had short silver hair which would betray their nobility quickly.
''You will have it easier than me since your eyes are blue…I have to avoid looking people in the eyes.'' Balaeron explained, helping Maelyx pull on the cap.
They then made their way to the wharves and docks, the stink of fish heavy in the air but Maelyx paid it little mind, enthralled by the sight of so many people, the Red Keep was often quite crowded but there were hundreds of people walking around.
The two princes ran down the docks, looking at the days catch, with Balaeron inquiring to the shopkeepers as to what the most colorful fishes were called, more often than naught being met with a curse or a rap on the head for scaring the customers away, to which Balaeron would quickly retreat and begin speaking to the next fishmonger down the line, undeterred.
Having walked the length of the wharf, they made their way inside the city proper through one of the gates, the Gold Cloaks paying them no further attention they would any other gutter rat that was a common sight roaming the city.
''This way.'' Balaeron gestured as they walked through the streets of Kings Landing, quickly leaving the crowded streets behind and turning into some rather shady looking alley ways.
Leaning against the moldy walls of a timber wine sink was an old man with one arm, dozing, a small wooden bowl next to him, Maelyx, feeling sorry for the man fished a few coppers from the purse he had brought with him and placed it in the bowl, and walking away, though a few feet away he stopped and turned around, his suspicions correct as Balaeron was kneeling and taking the coins he had left with the other pennies already in the bowl for himself.
''Put that back.'' Maelyx said, annoyed, Balaeron had many oddities beside his insatiable appetite for conversation and recklessness, he also had a strange obsession with coin and money, despite his privileged upbringing, one time when he was younger he had even stolen some jewels from Maelyx's mothers chambers, though Alicent had refused to let the boy be punished, seeing the return of the jewels and her young brother-by-laws apology as lesson enough, though unfortunately this had not hampered the young Princes kleptomaniac tendencies.
''What is he going to buy a new arm with it?'' Balaeron jested, flashing a smile, but when he saw his younger friend's expression he became meek as he often did when chastised and put the coins back in the bowl.
''Sorry.'' The older boy said glumly as they walked in silence.
''Why do you do it…we have anything we could want back in the Red Keep, you don't need any of the stuff you take.'' Maelyx asked.
Balaeron was silent for a moment before answering ''I dont know…its just…exciting I guess….anyways were already here.''
They arrived at a small walled gate, with a burly man in a patched vest standing in front of the entrance, Balaeron claimed he knew a way to sneak in but Maelyx insisted that they pay the few groat entrance fee, taking some more coins from the coin purse he had hidden in his shirt.
Once inside they came to a dingy courtyard, with several rough wooden benches set up facing a ramshackle stage of some sort, there was a good sized crowd there, mostly poorer folk Maelyx ventured by the rags they wore, the dirt on their faces and the smell of sour wine which adorned them like a cloak.
''What is this?'' He asked Balaeron who excitedly told him he would see soon enough.
And see he did…..the event turned out to be a visiting troupe of actors from the Free Cities, who put on a play, the cast ranging from blue bearded Tyroshi, long haired Lyseni, and scantily clad women who looked to have received some sort of painful tattoo or brand of a tear shape below one of their eyes, but when asked Balaeron couldn't or wouldn't answer what that meant.
The actors were loud and boisterous, often times making jokes that Maelyx did not understand but he enjoyed the bright if often tattered dress of the actors and found the wooden sword fights entertaining and before long he was enthralled in the pageantry, laughing along with Balaeron, who seemed to find amusement in every line, laughing his head off.
There was a rather uncomfortable scene when the two main actors had come to the stage completely nude and began to wrestle. Maelyx, abashed and confused, quickly averted his eyes, though Balaeron seemed to have no qualms about watching, seemingly particularly interested in the tall Lyseni man with the long hair.
Overall however it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and Maelyx looked to Balaeron to tell him as much when he saw his older friend was missing. Not particularly alarmed and feeling hungry, Maelyx went over to the food cart and paid for some sort of grilled meat.
After he had eaten the food, grease still dripping from his fingers he turned and saw Balaeron, who was walking through the crowd and to Maelyx's horror, saw him subtly snatch a small coin purse from the belt of an old bald man with a gray goatee and a faded brown cloak, who was so engrossed in conversation with one of the women actors he noticed nothing.
''Lets go.'' Balaeron said, walking by quickly, not breaking his stride.
''Put that back.'' Maelyx hissed.
''It doesn't work like that…I can't simply put it back on his belt.'' The older boy said meekly, looking uncomfortable.
Maelyx was about to insist, grabbing the coin purse from his hand and intending to tell the man he dropped it when he saw the old man frantically patting around his belt, his eyes searching the crowd before he landed on the two princes, Maelyx quite literally caught holding the coin purse.
''OI…THIEF…THIEF.'' The old man said, pointing and raising the cry.
''I didnt….'' Maelyx began, attempting to explain but it appeared the patrons of the threatre and the man himself were in no mood for a nuanced discussion it seemed, rapidly approaching the two Targaryens.
''RUN.'' Balaeron shouted, the slim and lithe older boy sprinting through the rusty gate and gesturing for Maelyx to follow.
The young Prince, dropping the coin purse did his best to oblige, yet he ran straight into the man who had been watching the gate, bouncing backwards to the ground with a groan.
The man, brown skinned and winburnt was on him in a moment, pinning him to the ground. ''You want to see how we deal with thieving little gutter rats in Volantis…..little shit.''
''Don't….please.'' Maelyx gasped, struggling to breathe.
Suddenly he heard the man grunt as Balaeron, who had already escaped, had apparently ran back to attempt to help his friend, lept on the back of the man, who rather predictably shrugged him off roughly.
Before the man could retaliate, a small patrol of Gold Cloaks, who had been summoned by one of the audience came by.
''What's going on 'ere.'' One of them demanded.
''Caught a couple of thieves picking pockets.'' The gate guard said, glaring at the two boys.
''Alright…..its right to the dungeon with you lot.'' One of the Gold Cloaks said, spitting to the ground and advancing to grab Maelyx.
''Wait….Wait…im a Targaryen….the King is my father.'' Maelyx said desperately, causing the two gold cloaks to laugh, which abruptly stopped when Maelyx pulled the cap off of his head, baring his short silver hair.
''Il….Ill get the commander.'' One of the Gold Cloaks said, rushing off.
Shortly later, their kinsmen Viserys Goldfyre arrived on horseback, his golden armor glinting in the late evening sun, looking none too pleased, dismounting he had a quiet word with the owner of the establishment before turning his attention to the two rogue princes.
''Balaeron….this is the fourth time this year you've been caught causing trouble in the city….perhaps I should have a word with the King upon his return…..you've been warned time and time again, some time in the dungeon might be the only thing that gets through to you….would you like to spend time with real criminals?'' The Commander of the City Watch said sternly.
Balaeron bowed his head ''Im sorry…..It won't happen again.''
''See that it doesn't.'' He said sternly before his tone gentled somewhat ''You are going to get yourself killed boy….its a wonder you haven't already, I won't always be close at hand to save you…and to involve Maelyx,a boy of eight in this….use your head.'' Viserys said, not unkindly and Balaeron once again meekly apologized.
Viserys then turned to Maelyx ''I trust you are unhurt my Prince?''
Maelyx nodded slightly, the fear and adrenaline slowly abating.
''Good….I hope you learned your lesson…..come, ill escort you both back, your mother is most worried my Prince…about both of you I might add, god's help that poor woman, she has enough to worry about with three young boys, too add the Kings brothers on top of that…..I mean it Balaeron….this cannot continue.'' Viserys said, most of his anger directed at the older prince.
The two princes were escorted back to the Red Keep and reunited with a worried, if understandably upset Queen Alicent, who made it clear to both boys in no uncertain terms what she had thought of their little escapade.
112 AC- 113 AC
King Aurion did not dwell in the capitol for long following his return from his progress, almost immediately riding to Sunspear after receiving an invitation to attend a great tourney in Sunspear, with Queen Alicent also accompanying him, joined by their eldest son Maelyx who was deemed old enough to make the journey, it was to be the Kings third visit to Dorne, and Alicents second, with the Queen holding a ''women's court'' in the Water Gardens of Dorne.
Following this, the royal party returned to Kings Landing where Aurion made preparations for the future of yet another of his brothers, the Prince Vaeron having recently come of age while the King was away on a progress.
The boy had spent near all his life as a squire to Lord Commander Aemorys, as well as serving the other sworn brothers of the Kingsguard, residing in the White Sword Tower, and it was Aurions hope that his younger brother would take to the lifestyle. As chance would have it, a spot within the sworn seven was vacant after a recent death, and when Aurion politely suggested the prospect to his younger brother, who looked every image of the gallant knight with his long silver hair and strong build, Vaeron agreed. Strictly speaking the Kingsguard was meant to be made up of seven knights from different regions of the realm, and Vaerons appointment meant that there would be two Targaryens serving, but the King felt if anything warranted bending the rules slightly, it was to ensure the future of his own brother.
Shortly after this, Queen Alicent announced she was pregnant once again and the delighted King ordered preparations for a great tourney to be held in King's Landing to celebrate the news.
Knights, Lords, and Ladies from every corner of the realm made the trip to Kings Landing, joined by hedge knights, bards and merchants, all seeking to be apart of the splendor and lured by the promise of gold and renown, it was said the King was sparing no expense on the festivities and in addition to the jousts there would be an archery tournament, horse races, a tourney of singers and even a dismounted melee in the style of the Northerners.
Just days into the tourney, Queen Alicent would give birth to twins, a girl and a boy, whom would be named Baela and Yraenor. The streets of Kings Landing were close to bursting as the King and Queen appeared on the ramparts of the Red Keep with the two newest members of the royal family, with no cheers being louder than when the beloved Queen Alicent appeared holding the couple's first daughter, the girl the Queen had always wanted.
The tournament brought crowds that Kings Landing had never before seen, with the population of the city swelling to well over half a million for the festivities, though it would decrease after the conclusion of the tournament. The King did not dedicate himself wholly to idle pursuits and entertainment however, with so many nobles in attendance it was a rare opportunity for the King to converse with much of the realm in the comfort of his own city.
The Kings old friend, the famed sailor and heir to Highgarden Norman Tyrell was of course in attendance, and it was decided that six year old Prince Jaenar, the second child of Aurion and Alicent would accompany Norman Tyrell back to Highgarden to be fostered as a ward, the Queen Alicent would at first claim the boy was too young, but eventually gave her assent when Aurion assured her of his absolute trust in Norman Tyrell. Furthermore, Aurion took the opportunity to hold court after each day's jousts, with many powerful lords of the realm in attendance.
Many notable decisions came of these court sessions, with Aurion sentencing Lord Lewis Turnberry to abdicate his seat in the Westerlands and live the rest of his life as a brother of the Night's Watch when evidence was provided to the King the man had ordered a fifteen year old Reach lord killed. This was not to be the only significant case presided over by the King. At court, a minor member of House Kidwell in the Reach accused Lord Hobert Kidwell, the current Lord of Ivy Hall of attempting to murder him. King Aurion found the accusations serious enough to order Lord Kidwells arrest and preparation of a trial.
Lord Kidwell, who had arrived in the city with a retinue, had no intention of rotting in a cell, no matter how comfortable and demanded a trial by combat to prove his innocence, appointing a one Ser Samwell Kidwell as his champion. The King was resolved at first to face the man himself, however after a conversation with the Queen Alicent he rather reluctantly instructed his Uncle Aemorys to select one of the sworn brothers of the Kingsguard to stand for the crown in the upcoming trial by combat.
10th Moon, 113 AC
The White Sword Tower, Red Keep
Vaeron stood in the plain chambers of the Tower of the White Sword Hand surrounded by his sworn brothers.
Maynard Mormont, the Northman, sat on a bench sharpening his two handed ax, an exceedingly fine weapon which had a snarling figure of a bear on the end of it, beside him, Ser Edmure Darry poured himself a glass of wine, as he always did before a fight.
Both of them would be the best choices…I surely won't be chosen The young Prince, a tall and attractive young man thought to himself as he stood against the stonewall of the tower of the Kingsguard, doing his best to hide his nervousness from his sworn brothers, his hand fiddling with the sword at his side.
Ser Edmure Darry was a well known tourney knight and a skilled fighter, Vaeron had seen his prowess first hand when he had won the small tourney Aurion had arranged for his brother years earlier, and Ser Maynard Mormont was one of the finest fighters in the realm, Ser Emerick Stonecrab and Ser Moribald Ambrose were skilled with a sword as well. There was also the chance his Uncle might decide to champion for Aurion himself, and why not….the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard was a strong and imposing man.
He will choose Ser Maynard, surely Vaeron thought, reassuring himself, he had faced that veritable bear of a man several times on the training yard, and it was apparent that there were few, if any that could match his strength and quickness with that two handed ax of his.
Vaeron to his credit was a competent sword, his size and strength gave him an instant advantage in most fights and he had a quick mind for when to launch a feint or spot a pattern his opponent was utilizing.
Vaeron had never feared the training yard, there were of course moments of nervousness before facing the best of his brothers, especially Mormont but training was training….there was no real risk involved….but the thought of a fight, a true fight where the other man was actually trying to kill him, especially with dozens, if not hundreds watching…it was a thought that quite frankly terrified Vaeron Targaryen.
He was shaken from his thinking by the opening of the door to the tower, seeing his brother Aurion walking in, with all the Kingsguard, Vaeron included, bowing their heads respectfully.
''Lord Commander…I trust you have come to a decision?'' Aurion asked their Uncle.
Aemorys nodded, running a hand through his thick brown beard and looking at the gathered Kingsguard, his gaze resting on Ser Maynard Mormont, who got to his feet slowly, placing the whetstone on the bench, his ax in hand. Vaeron felt a wave of relief wash over him, Mormont had been the obvious choice.
This moment of relief washed away almost immediately when his Uncle's gaze suddenly shifted to him, Vaerons blood running cold.
''I think it best your brother, the Prince gets some experience your Grace…..the yard is one thing….but not all battles will be fought in the yard.'' Aemorys, who had been his guardian for several years, said.
Aurion nodded slowly, also turning his gaze to his younger brother ''You are ready for this Vaeron?''
Vaeron felt the eyes of all his sworn brothers converge on him at once, he forced himself to put on a brave face and nodded ''I've been ready for this for a while.''
His Kingly brother looked relieved ''Well, the trial shall take place in two hours…I suggest you prepare….If you have need of anything come to me personally.''
''We shall leave our sworn brother to ready himself.'' Aemorys said, gesturing the rest of the Kingsguard to follow him, stopping just before he left the chamber.
''Vaeron….you will be needing this…wield it well….it's lighter than any blade you're used to…should you be wishing for a man to spar with, you need only ask…i'll send a man when it's time. '' His uncle said, holding out a sheathed Dark Sister towards him.
Vaeron gave a nod of thanks and accepted the Valyrian Steel sword, and his uncle withdrew.
With the room to himself, the Prince began to nervously pace the room, he reached for the flagon of wine Ser Edmure Darry had left behind and took a swallow before quickly putting it down…the last thing he needed was to show up drunk at a fight where his very life was in the balance.
He sat down on the bench, drawing Dark Sister from its sheath, turning it in his hand.
He was startled when the door opened and he saw his younger brother Aelor, a young man of 16 strut in, Vaeron stood to greet him, laying Dark Sister on the table.
''I hear you are going to fight today.'' Aelor said, approaching him.
Vaeron opened his mouth to speak but all that came out was a dry croak ''Yes.''
''You cannot be that much of a craven.'' Aelor said in disbelief, approaching him.
Vaerons jaw tightened at that, he had went to great pains to hide his dark secret and quite successfully he thought, but Aelor was the only one who knew, the two had a complicated relationship, but being quite close in age had spent the most time with each other during their childhood, during which time Aelor had ascertained his brothers true nature, Vaeron thought it possible his uncle and former guardian Aemorys had a suspicion…but Aelor was the only one who truly knew.
Aelor suddenly and without warning pushed Vaeron against the stone wall, hard, with Vaerons armor rattling from the collision and the Prince flinching involuntarily.
''What do you have to fear….you are bigger than most men….you have plate armor…and a blade of Valyrian fucking Steel.'' He hissed, despite standing several inches shorter than Vaeron, he knew better than to interfere when the wrath was upon his younger brother and remained silent.
Seeing his brother wasn't going to respond, Aelor sighed, steadied Vaeron, and dusted off his armor ''Well…..I've gotten a look at your opponent in the yard.''
''Is he good?'' Vaeron asked, no small amount of nervousness stemmed from the fact he had no idea of who he was to fight.
''Aye….he's a better sword than you.'' His brother said simply.
''Can I beat him…he surely must have some weakness.'' Vaeron asked desperately, the prince had a sharp mind and knew that one's sword skill wasn't the only thing that mattered in a fight.
''You're bigger than him, and smarter id wager….not to mention your armor and blade is far better than anything he will be able to scrape together…but can you beat him…that comes down to you….if you go out there thinking you're going to lose…than its over.'' Aelor said.
''Then give me something to work with.'' Vaeron demanded.
Aelor sighed ''His technique is lazy…..and if you hold him off long enough it gets worse as he gets frustrated, he will try and trick you…don't get lulled to sleep by only focusing his sword…he will use his shield as well.''
''In most fights the smaller man will try and dance around someone like you….don't let him….use your size and pin him in a corner…don't let him slip away, let Dark Sister do the rest.'' Aelor continued before turning to leave.
Vaeron nodded slightly, it was good to have a plan and yet worrying at the same time now that he had a clearer picture of his foe.
Aelor stopped just before leaving ''For someone as smart as you, you are a fool to be worried….if worse comes to worse, you truly think our brother will just sit and watch you be killed, besides Kidwell would be an idiot to slay the Kings own brother in front of him…seven hells, if it comes to it, i'll put an end to it myself….this is no true battle, and that's all the better for you, not everyone has that luxury.''
Vaeron opened his mouth to respond but his brother was already gone.
He spent the remainder of the time going through his stances, getting used to the light weight of the blade, for a while the nervousness abating slightly as he slipped into the familiar routine.
His Uncle Aemorys came to fetch him shortly after, but Vaeron remembered little of their walk to the courtyard of the Red Keep, the nervousness back stronger than ever and turning his Uncle's words to a murmur.
He saw several hundred people in the courtyard, forming a circle, standing in the middle was his opponent, an angry looking man with auburn curls and a scraggly beard, armored in leather and a steel half helm, with a sword and shield at his side.
''You are ready for this?'' His Uncle asked, stopping him and placing a hand on Vaerons shoulder.
For a moment he wanted nothing better than to claim illness, to make some sort of excuse but his Uncle would see right through that….and he would truly know his secret then. ''I am Uncle.'' He lied, forcing himself to adopt an air and voice of confidence.
Aemorys nodded and gave him a final squeeze on the shoulder and gestured for Vaeron to make his way towards the center of the pit.
The young Kingsguard heard little of what was said, trying to focus completely on his stance, he was so focused on trying to remain calm he did not even realize his brother had signaled for the fight to begin, with it coming as a surprise when his opponent began to launch a flurry of furious strikes with his sword.
He was taken so off guard that one of the strikes even took him across the face, just above his nose and under his eye in the eye slit of his armor, Vaeron desperately tried to regain his composure, backpedaling and raising his shield, all the while as he felt his blood running down his helmet and onto his mouth.
It's just like the training yard…nothing more than that He thought to himself as he desperately tried to regain his composure, catching one of his opponents strikes on Dark Sister, and launching a thrust of his own which Kidwell turned away with his shield.
He suddenly remembered Aelors warning that the man enjoyed to use his shield, just in time as out of the corner of his eye he saw Kidwell attempting to bash his shield from the side towards his helmet. Thinking quickly he backstepped quickly, dodging the shield bash and then stepped forward, barging into the smaller man with a plated shoulder and sending him stumbling towards the corner.
Determined not to let the man get away, Vaeron used his strength and size to block his escape and launched attack after attack with Dark Sister, hacks, thrusts, slashes, which his opponent was hard pressed to stop as the Valyrian Steel cut through the air.
Exhausted and seeing the futility of further resistance, his opponent threw down his sword and Vaeron accepted his surrender, the rapid beating of his heart deafening anything his brother might have said.
10th Moon 113 AC -114 AC
Following the trial by combat, Lord Kidwell would be banished to the night's watch, and the focus of the court returned to the tourney. It would be a Northman named Cregan Stark to win the champions purse, dismounting many southron knights along the way. The man, who would come to be known as the ''Direwolf of Winterfell'' is well recorded in Northern tomes and was known to be utterly mad and reckless, though an honorable sort.
As the crowds departed the great tourney, all would agree it was one of the greatest tourneys of the past few decades, however there would be one more event of significance to occur around this time period.
The Prince Aelor Targaryen, seeing that it had worked out quite well for his older brother Valerion approached his Kingly brother and asked for land and title in the Stepstones.
Aurion, perhaps realizing that his plans for a single conquest of the Stepstones were unrealistic and recognizing the precedent he had set with Valerion assented, this time ordering the island of Torturers Deep be brought under the crowns influence. Though he wished to lead the expedition himself, he realized he would be of more use to the realm ruling in the capitol and gave his younger brother Valerion overall command of the campaign, making Aelor a captain as well and asking their Uncle Aemorys to accompany the two with his dragon Tridax, to which the Lord Commander agreed, never one to argue, taking the young Kingsguard Vaeron with him as well as to give his nephew a taste of command.
Unlike the conquest of Crabstone, there was to be a pitched battle as the pirates of Torturers Deep attempted to defend their lands, with Prince Valerion and Aelor holding off the pirates attack by employing a shield wall on the rocky coastland, holding long enough for their uncle Aemorys to arrive on the back of Tridax, setting the pirates to flight, inflicting about 1200 dead, wounded and captured to 300 Targaryen men, with their ramshackle keep falling soon after.
Torturer's Deep would officially become part of the crown's frontier territories, being renamed to Deepstone on account of the large rocky spires which shot out of the waters around the island, which Maesters theorized could be hundreds of feet in length. Prince Aelor would be granted the island as his personal seat, and he would join his brother Valerion in taking the name and sigil of House Seafyre as his own. Soon after, the Prince Aelor would arrange a marriage between himself and one of the daughters of Princess Helia Martell of Dorne.
Before all of this, the royal forces would slowly begin to withdraw troops from the island, supervised by their commanders, with the campaign claiming one final victim….
5th Moon, 114 AC
Island of Deepstone, the Stepstones
Prince Vaeron walked about the camp, watching as mule led wagons filled with weapons and provisions, followed by columns of men made their way towards the coast where rowboats were waiting to take them out to sea to the Royal Galleys.
''No….those wagons go to Vhagars Fury….and that one to Jaerions Pride'' Vaeron ordered in a loud voice, he found he was quite good at commanding and making his voice be heard, and much preferred it to actual fighting, he thought he had acquitted himself quite well when leading the reserves during the battle against the Pirates, observing the battle from the rear and sending men to whatever part of the line needed it the most.
The wagonmaster nodded and the young Kingsguard, satisfied, went off to supervise the loading on the other end of camp.
Walking briskly, he made his way past the tent of his older brother Valerion, pausing for a moment when he heard voices coming from inside, recognizing that of Valerion and his younger brother Aelor.
Knowing better, but curious he moved closer to the tent so that he might hear the hushed tones of his brothers.
''We agreed it would be years before we made our move….too soon.'' One voice, which Vaeron thought belonged to Valerion said.
''Keep our options open….remove his greatest ally from the board….and a dra…'' The other voice, belonging to his younger brother Aelor began, stopping rather abruptly.
''Wait.'' The voice belonging to Valerion commanded.
Vaeron, still leaning closer to the tent flaps, listened closer, only to hear footsteps approaching the entrance of the tent. Silently cursing himself he quickly moved away from the tent and started to make his way away from it, but the tent flap had already opened, and Vaeron had no choice but to face his brothers.
''How long were you standing there.'' Aelor hissed angrily, taking an aggressive step towards Vaeron.
Their older brother Valerion stopped him by placing a calming hand on his shoulder ''It's quite all right Aelor….doubtless our brother was just passing by.''
The Lord of Crabstone approached, Vaeron was a tall man, but Valerion stood even taller, a thin and pale yet attractive man with piercing lilac eyes, Vaeron found himself quite intimidated by his eldest brother and instinctively took a small step back.
''We were just speaking of how perhaps we should keep the momentum going….move on Wreckstone….we've removed the greatest allies of the Harratys family by seizing this island….but of course our kingly brother must give his assent….have you any thoughts on the matter?'' Valerion lied effortlessly.
Vaeron did not know his eldest brother very well, Valerion had been sent to Stonedance as a ward when Vaeron was an infant and almost immediately leaving for his lands in the Stepstones following the end of his education, and they had only interacted when Valerion had made his rare visits back to King's Landing, despite this, Vaeron was an intelligent man and he knew his older brother was lying to him, and he had a strong suspicion as to what they had really been speaking of.
''Not really….the ships must be resupplied and equipment seen too, that will take weeks if not months at most, I agree going back to King's Landing is likely our best course before any future conquests.'' Vaeron answered, forcing himself to smile through the discomfort and the growing pit in his stomach.
His brother Valerion nodded.
''Well, I had best get back to it, it's my hope the fleet is loaded and ready to return to Dragonstone by tomorrow morning.'' Vaeron said, turning to leave.
''Leaving so soon….off to see that woman of yours i'd wager…..I don't blame you….a pretty thing, though I can't help but wonder….is she silent in bed as well?'' The voice of his younger brother Aelor called out behind him, his voice dripping with false friendliness and cruelty.
Vaeron paled, turning slowly, while on campaign on the island he had met a beautiful and kind hearted young Silent Sister, a lowborn woman whose father had given her to the faith as he could not hope to provide a dowry for her…the two had since become romantically involved, sharing a bed for the past few weeks.
''Ah yes….we know all about her Vaeron….a beautiful woman I agree.'' Valerion said, approaching, his piercing dark lilac eyes locked on his own.
''No need to look so worried little brother….your secret is safe with us…after all what are brothers for if not to keep each other's secrets…..we should never betray your confidence…as I am sure you would never betray ours.'' Valerion said, resting a hand on Vaerons plated shoulder.
''Ah but….I fear our brother and King would see it differently….you know how he is about honor and oaths.'' Valerion continued.
''A Kingsguard and a Silent Sister….now there is a dangerous pairing…..more of a risk than I thought you were capable of.'' Aelor said nonchalantly, flanking Vaeron.
''Very dangerous indeed…..I wonder what the penalty for such is…..we all know our brother would never harm you….he would be forced to do something however…banishment, gelding, perhaps a stern warning…it's hard to say…but a silent sister caught whoring in another's bed…..I can't imagine the penalty is very pleasant.'' Valerion said smiling, but there was no humor in his eyes.
''Dont…'' Vaeron said softly, Aelionor was as kind hearted a girl as he had ever met, and she trusted him completely, if anything happened to her…he would never be able to forgive himself.
''We just told you brother….you have nothing to fear, your private affairs are your own….as are ours.'' Valerion responded.
Vaeron nodded silently and slowly, satisfied his brothers turned to leave, with Aelor giving him a parting slap on his plated shoulder, and a final parting look as they left.
The young Kingsguard stood in silence for a moment, watching his brothers return to the tent, looking down he saw he was gripping his sword so tightly his fingers had gone bone white.
He forced himself to take a deep breath and continue on towards the coast….he had to find his Uncle. Last he had heard the Lord Commander was supervising the loading of ships on the other end of camp.
Making his way quickly he walked up and down the beach, desperately looking for a glimpse of white armor. By then the sun had slowly began to set.
Having searched for his former guardian for quite a while on his own, he grabbed the shoulder of a passing quartermaster.
''Where is the Lord Commander?'' He demanded.
''I believe he was walking towards the center of the camp some time ago…to where I cannot say Ser.'' The man said respectfully.
The pit in his stomach returned as the Kingsguard knight quickly made his way towards the center of the camp.
Surely not tonight….. He thought to himself, the noises of the surrounding soldiers at their cookfires muffled by the beating of his heart.
He saw his brother Valerions tent rising above the others in the center of camp, and carefully he walked towards it.
What he heard inside chilled him to the very bone, he heard the polite yet strong voice of his Uncle Aemorys inside conversing with Aelor and Valerion, the sounds of silverware and cutlery inside.
No Vaeron thought desperately, taking a step towards the entrance of the tent, but stopping just as he reached for it.
Vaeron stopped and waited for a moment, scarcely able to stop the onset of tears. He knew that this was a moment and a decision which could have far reaching consequences, he musnt act hastily.
He made his decision at last, lowering his hand away from the tent flap and slowly turning away, sulking off into the darkness, and hating himself for it.
He wanted nothing more than to barge into the tent, that pit of vipers and warn his Uncle of the danger he faced…if he were a braver man he would have done it….but Vaeron Targaryen was not a brave man….he was a coward.
He went to Aelinor.
Lord Commander Aemorys Targaryen was dead the next day, a few hours after noon, the previous night complaining of a stitch in his side, and spending his final hours vomiting and shitting his life away, with all attempts to hydrate him failing.
The Maester of Crabstone Valerion had brought along with him on campaign would examine the body and claim the Lord Commander had perished due to food poisoning, eating shellfish that had been poorly prepared.
There would be some few who would claim that they witnessed Aemorys, henceforth known as Strongfyre, entering the tent of his nephews Aelor and Valerion for his final deadly dinner, but these stories were never confirmed and in the coming months there would be very few left speaking these rumors…..