King's Landing ― Near Blackwater Bay…
Aegon and Viserys spent quality time meditating on the beach near Blackwater Bay. Since two years had passed, the Targaryen twins have reflected on their past behavior and reputation as insufferable pranksters who didn't seem to take things seriously. The way Aemond took Vhagar and Lucerys slashing out his eye, in addition to the hostilities between the rival factions, the Black and the Caltrops, both decided that now was no longer the time for games. If they were to keep up with their father and brother, Aegon and Viserys swore to improve themselves for the sake of their family and as a way to correct their mistakes. Overseen by Lykirī Mēre elder Maenya Valitheos, the twins followed the lead of the other acolytes-in-training.
"Dokimarves. Māzigon yno iemnȳ aōla trūma. (Focus. Reach deep within yourselves.)" Maelarys instructed. "Jenitan glaesot gīsgōviārza. (Feel your life essence flow through you.)"
"What's this old fossil saying?" one of the young initiates whispered to the other.
"No idea. I don't speak High Valyrian," they replied silently.
"Dokimaina, ruo iksā. (Concentrate, young ones.)"
One of the initiates tapped on one of the twin's shoulders. "Psst! Hey, Viserys," he whispered. "What's she saying?"
"He's Viserys. I'm Aegon," Aegon directed his eyes at his brother.
"And keep it down. You're going to get us all in trouble," Viserys warned.
"Ruo! (Young ones!)" Maelarys scolded. "Gōntan ryptegon ivestretan daor? (Did you not listen to what I had to say?)"
"Huh? Wha…? Wh... Well… I-I… ah…"
Aegon noticed the apparent confusion. "Teptys Māelārees? (Master Maelarys?)" he spoke in High Valyrian. "Valyrio iksan raqiros ziry daoriot zūgusy. Quptenkos mērī. (I'm afraid our friend here doesn't understand High Valyrian. Only the Common Tongue.)" he explained.
"Mmm. Gimigho iksā.Vesterozia skorion brōzi? (I thought as much. What's the Westerosi's name?)"
"Hey," Viserys leaned back, whispering to the initiate. "She says she wants to know your name. What is your name?"
"Uh, my name? Well, um, it-it's… it's R-Ryden, master, lady, or-or however they call you," the commoner replied.
"Yedhra Rȳdēn ziry brōzi, teptys. (He says his name is Ryden, master.)" Viserys interpreted.
"Rȳdēn? (Ryden?)"
"Kessa. (Yes.)"
"Ivestretan sȳrī gūrēñagon bona. Vasko jikagon. (Well, tell him to learn to brush up on that. Now go.)" Maelarys firmly told them. "Hen ilinītsos ao, rāelagon gūrēñare! (The rest of you, keep up with your training!)"
Red Keep ― Courtyard…
After several hours, evening descended, and the majority of the trainee acolytes had dispersed to their respective destinations. However, Aegon and Viserys, the two twelve-year-old Targaryen twins, had finished their daily business and decided to retire early. Meanwhile, the Targaryen men-at-arms and household staff performed their various duties within and outside the castle gates. As the young princes strolled through the massive gates to the Red Keep, they couldn't help but ponder the day's events and what the future had in store for them. Despite the sense of relief that came with being back home, both boys were uncertain about what to expect next.
"Afternoon, Ae… Viserys?" one of the smiths inquired.
"Yes, that's right. Good afternoon, ser," Viserys affirmed. As time passed, more people began to perceptively identify the twins from one another, as they engaged in fewer and fewer acts of mischief these past two years.
"Good to see you're finally on your best behavior, you two," one of the handmaidens observed.
"Hey, milady, we're doing our best to live up to your specific standards," Aegon humorously curtsied.
"Well, you still have areas to improve."
"Ooh, ouch."
"She's got you there, Aegon," Viserys stated. "But we both can't remain sitting on our laurels forever. After all, you'll be pretty busy in two years."
"Ah. You mean that." Aegon was reminded of his father's previous announcement that he would marry his sister, Aemma. While he was old enough to understand the political implications of such a union and the potential for the Caltrops to use her as a pawn if no action had been taken beforehand, precautions were taken to ensure Aemma's safety. Because they were raised in a loving family that deeply cared for one another, they fiercely protected each other. House Targaryen's ancient traditions, including the practice of incestuous marriages to maintain their Valyrian bloodline pure, a custom dating back to the days of Old Valyria before the Doom. Due to the Doctrine of Exceptionalism negotiated between King Jaehaerys and the Faith, they held themselves apart from and above the noble Westerosi families since their traditions did not originate from Andalos. These customs and practices were seen as necessary to maintain the strength and purity of their bloodline, which they viewed as essential to their exceptionalism. "I know the rest of us have always been… well, close, but… Marry her? She's our sister. It feels so weird."
"Would you rather see Aemma be brutally oppressed at the hands of another?"
"What?! Seven hells, no, never!"
"Hey Aegon, you're my twin. I understand how you feel. Believe me. I really do. But our family's safety is at stake here. We must maintain our Valyrian bloodline and ensure that Aemma remains protected. Our parents entrusted us with this responsibility, and we made a promise to them. So let's keep it."
"Haaah… yeah, I know. I'll do what I can and marry Aemma, but what if I make a mistake? What if I do something wrong? What if I hurt her? I-I don't want to do that."
"You won't," Viserys reassured him. "And if you do," he continued, "I won't hesitate to do what mother does to us: I'll nag you until you're ready to tear out your hair."
Aegon shuddered. "Eugh, that's one thing I can do without; thank you very much," he said. "Has anyone heard on Aunt Rhaenyra, Viserys?"
"Come to think of it; there was a raven from Duskendale earlier."
"Gunthor? What did he say?"
"It was about Aunt Rhaenyra. Lord Darklyn said she's given birth to a healthy baby boy."
"Wow. So we have another cousin? Is she okay?"
"Yes, Aegon. We would've been told otherwise if things occurred differently."
"What about Jace and Luke? Or Joffrey, for that matter?"
"Joffrey's two, so he still can't talk yet. Luke's almost as tall as we are, but he's in good spirits. At least, I hope so. They're doing everything they can for the new baby. Especially Jace. I hear he's been taking a more active role around the household. Studying, training at arms, he's trying to better himself so he can be seen as a strong leader one day – though I worry Jace might be pushing himself a little too hard."
"But that's good. Isn't it? Why does that a concern?"
"Because Jace has a habit of forgetting that, Aegon, just like Daeron. You know how frustrated he gets when things don't go according to plan. Remember that one time during the Grand Maester's history lesson?"
"Oh yeah, he had difficulty deciphering High Valyrian hieroglyphs; he nearly blew his top."
"Understandable. High Valyrian is not an easy language to learn or decode. It's like trying to solve a puzzle with three hundred tiny pieces scattered across the floor."
"Maybe we should go to Duskendale and pay them a visit."
"Perhaps. Father's a no-go, so we might have to petition grandfather for permission. Even if mother doesn't agree with some of father's decisions, she would at least understand our concerns."
"Yeah. Maybe we should. I mean, it's been more than two years already! At least seeing our aunt in person is preferable to simply sending letters back and forth day in and day out." However, that would depend on father's uncle, Prince Daemon. I heard he's a bit of a rogue. Unapologetic, yet direct. Before long, as soon as the younger Targaryen turned his head, he noticed a familiar face approaching. "Uh, Viserys. Īlon qogror. (We've got company.)" he warned.
As Aegon cautioned his twin brother Viserys, both young adolescents turned to see their uncle, Prince Aegon the Elder, steadily approaching. The fifteen-year-old prince appeared slightly altered, with chin-length hair. He wore a dark orange hue with gold embroidery. However, his lazy and indifferent demeanor remained constant, even after two years. Helaena, their aunt, trailed closely behind him, appearing disinterested. The twins surmised that she was dissatisfied with her marriage to their uncle, who had already fathered a few illegitimate children within the first year of their union. This created a negative impression among the nobles and commoners alike as it made the Young Dragon's offspring more preferable. Additionally, they had heard rumors that their uncle was a bastard himself, but they knew these were merely unfounded speculations without any concrete evidence.
"Well, well," Aegon the Elder paraded himself before the assembly. "Look who we have here. My nephews, I trust you've been... well-behaved this morning, have we?" he grinned mockingly.
"Uncle," Viserys greeted.
Aegon the Younger merely shook his head in annoyance. Barely back, and already he's gotten on my nerves. He redirected his attention to Helaena instead. "Aunt Helaena, good evening. You look more lovely every time I see you," he complimented. No matter the ill will toward their two uncles, the rest at least had a warm, friendly reception with their aunt.
Helaena was ever quieter and socially withdrawn. Yet she did acknowledge her nephews. "Oh. Th… Thank you, Aegon," she replied softly before breaking eye contact, a small smile forming. Her nephew's words caused her words to be understood more clearly. Of course, the twins couldn't be entirely sure, but they could have sworn they saw their aunt blush just now.
"Flirting with your aunt now, Aegon?" Aegon the Elder raised an eyebrow. Even if he didn't care about his sister-wife, Helaena was still his.
"It's a compliment, uncle. He wasn't flirting," Viserys replied.
"Learn to know the difference, at least," Aegon the Younger rolled his eyes.
"Huh. I know the difference; I just don't care. But, in any case, you would do well to cease."
"Is it a big deal to even want to say hello to our aunt and see how she's doing without getting any flack for it?"
"Aegon," Viserys eased.
"What?" they both said.
"Ugh! Not you," Viserys said to his uncle. "Him," he pointed at his twin. "Aegon, we've been over this countless times. You know what mother said."
Aegon the Younger remembered Alicent's words, "'Avoid any kind of trouble that could cause difficulties for yourself or others.'" He let out a deep sigh and looked toward his uncle. "Uncle, I want to apologize in case I've offended you in any way, directly or indirectly," he spoke slowly. Even though I'm sure it wouldn't matter. "Viserys and I would like to go and check on grandpa now. If you'll excuse us, please."
Aegon the Elder rolled his eyes. "Beh, 'sorry this,' 'sorry that.' Don't 'sorry' me. I hear enough of that already," he dismissed.
"It's… fine. No harm was done," Helaena tried to speak up. "I… didn't mind."
"Woman, if I want your opinion on something, I'll ask you. But until then, I would prefer you to remain the same quiet, anti-social, idiotic girl our mother forced me to marry. Gods be good; you've been nothing but a headache every day."
"Hey!" Aegon the Younger said. "That wasn't very nice, uncle. Aunt Helaena's real person with real feelings."
"Pffft! You marry her then. You'll be doing us both a favor."
"Aegon is already betrothed to Aemma," Viserys reminded him. "You might not like it, but it's been a tradition in our family since before the Doom wiped out Old Valyria. So try to find some solace in that."
"Viserys, spare me the details. Every one of us knows that. I don't need to have it told back to me for the umpteenth time." The elder Aegon took one of the courtyard's dulled training swords, swinging from one direction to the next. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some training to do."
"Good for you. We just finished ours," the younger Aegon replied.
"What? Sitting by the cliff as still as a statue? Huh. That's not training. This is training," Aegon demonstrated his swordsmanship against a practice dummy. One strike, a downward stroke, parry, spin, and thrust in the center. "That is how you do it, nephews. Really gets the blood flowing."
"I'm sure that's pretty impressive, uncle," Viserys noticed, "however, I must assess the noticeable difference with―"
"Are you on about that again?" Aegon the Younger remarked. "Same training exercises, but you still couldn't beat Jaehaerys when pitted against each other, so tell me, uncle, how is that supposed to help in a one-on-one?"
The elder Aegon fumed at being reminded of his humiliation. "What did you say?" he dared.
"Aegon," Viserys warned.
Helaena fidged the seashell between her fingers, not paying attention, but still suppressed a silent giggle. "Different scenario, yet same results," she whispered cryptically.
"All right, then. If you're so confident about your training…" Aegon snapped his fingers. Two squires hurried to the courtyard carrying sparring swords. When they arrived, the Targaryen prince grabbed one and tossed it at his nephew's feet. "Go on. Please pick it up. Prove it. Show me what you're capable of."
"Uncle, we're not interested in fighting you," Viserys tried dissuading.
"No, no, no. It's all right. I can take him," the younger Aegon said to his twin.
"Don't stoop to his level, brother. Father's not going to like it."
"That's fine. I'll deal with the consequences if it displeases him."
Aegon the Elder remained smug. "You deal with it either way. After I knock you flat on your ass. Or do we have to wait for mommy dearest to wipe your bottom again?" he taunted.
Even Viserys whipped his head around, his eyes glaring at him. "You did not just say that, did you?" he dared.
"Aōhoso bona vestās dōrī, kepus. (You're going to wish you never said that, uncle.)" Aegon the Younger replied heatedly. Regardless of the kinsmanship, disrespecting one's loving, caring, attentive mother is never acceptable. He would be sure to teach him a lesson regardless of the outcome. Although his uncle is older than him by three years and holds a height advantage, the younger Aegon remains steadfast in his confidence that he can defend himself against the elder Aegon. He reasons that, aside from being nimbler and more agile, if his older brother Jaehaerys could easily trounce him without breaking a sweat, then so could he considering he is the son of Prince Aeonar Targaryen, the Young Dragon and Heir to the Flames. The King of Dragons! His blood coursed through his veins. And one thing separated him and his brothers from their uncles: Aegon, Jaehaerys, Viserys, and Daeron all received the same training under the Lykirī Mēre's senior leadership. This ought to be no different.
"Look! Look, look, look!" onlookers pointed.
A modest gathering had formed at the periphery of the dueling arena, poised to witness two contenders bearing the name of their legendary ancestor Aegon the Conqueror, squaring up to face each other in what is expected to be a fierce duel. These two were the sons of the respective leaders of the Blacks and the Caltrops, signifying the emergence of a new generation of Targaryen royalty.
"Idiot," Viserys shook his head. "I told him it was a bad idea."
"Different scenario, yet same results," Helaena whispered cryptically while twiddling the seashell between her fingers.
"What?"
"Different scenario, yet same results. Look. You'll… see what I mean."
Viserys, despite his Valyrian heritage, found himself somewhat perplexed by Helaena's peculiar way of speaking. Her enigmatic mannerisms left him unable to decipher her true intentions. However, his father's tales of prophetic dragon dreams that ran through their bloodline came to mind. Their ancestor, Daenys the Dreamer, was famously known for foreseeing the Doom of Valyria twelve years before it happened, thus sparing House Targaryen from suffering the same fate as the rest of the old Valyrian Freehold and securing their future as the only surviving dragonlords. Though such visions were scarce in modern times, King Viserys I, his grandfather and namesake, had recorded similar dreams in his journal. Prince Aeonar, Viserys' father, had also experienced restless nights but never spoke of his dreams if that was what kept him up most nights. Seven hells, he could have had a nightmare, and no one would have noticed or told the difference. Now, his aunt Helaena exhibited similar behavior, which was incomprehensible to Viserys. However, he knew that the archives of Lykirī Mēre held valuable information that could provide him with a better understanding of these visions. Once their current situation was resolved, Viserys planned to explore the archives and delve deeper into their family's mysterious past.
"Any last words before I put you down?" Aegon the Elder taunted.
"Your laziness and philandering will be your undoing, uncle," Aegon the Younger replied. "It's long overdue that someone humbled you."
Both Aegons lash out at each other and begin a ferocious sword fight. The elder Aegon utilized his height advantage to keep the pressure on his opponent, but the younger Aegon's agility allowed him to make a quick recovery with a swift sideswipe followed by a kip-up to regain his footing. The duel continued as they moved around the edge of the arena, with their swords sending sparks flying and slicing up the ground, causing dirt and debris to scatter. Both Aegons employed all their skills and tricks to counter each other, with the younger one even leaping off a training dummy in an attempt to gain the upper hand. However, the elder Aegon anticipated this move and tripped him up.
To everyone's surprise, both combatants appeared to be almost evenly matched, with each regaining their footing after being knocked down. The elder Aegon gave the younger one a powerful kick in the chest, but the latter was not deterred. In fact, he used the momentum of his more diminutive stature to roll aside, kick at his uncle's ankle, and deliver a swift blow to his jaw, causing the elder Aegon to bleed from his lower lip. It was a thrilling and intense battle between two skilled Targaryen royals, with neither willing to back down until the very end. "That does it! Now I'm pissed!" yelled the elder Aegon.
Aegon the Younger waited patiently for the next move. Come on. It's just like the masters said. One wrong step, and it's all over. He moved back and forth across the arena, conserving energy and waiting for a good chance to attack. Thanks to Elder Maenya Valitheos's training, Aegon's adrenaline was pumping, making everything around him appear as if they were moving in slow motion. This helped him predict his uncle's movements and sword strikes with ease. The two princes clashed, with Aegon the Elder relying on his strength and speed while Aegon the Younger utilized his speed and the Lykirī Mēre's deadly assassination techniques. Finally, after a long and intense battle, he spotted a weakness in his uncle's stance and seized the opportunity. Now's my chance!
Clashing steel, both Aegons locked blades until the younger twirled his arms in a circular motion to catch the elder off-guard and dig it into the ground. Before the elder could respond, his nephew jumped and performed a quick rotation of approximately 540 degrees before delivering two crescent kicks, one to the chest and one to the side of the head, knocking him down.
"Look at that!" a spectator commented.
"He moves so fast!" replied another.
During the intense duel between Aegon the Younger and Aegon the Elder, the former gained momentum and moved quickly to avoid his uncle's charge. Then, with impressive agility, he executed a spinning high kick aimed at the back of his opponent's head, causing him to stumble and fall to the ground. Without hesitation, Aegon the Younger kicked away the training sword that had fallen within his uncle's reach, ensuring that the duel was over. The crowd watched in awe as the young Targaryen displayed his prowess and skill, earning him the respect and admiration of all present.
"The winner is… Prince Aegon Targaryen, the Younger!" exclaimed a spectator.
Viserys blinked before turning to Helaena. "'Different scenario, yet same results.' Aunt Helaena, is that what you meant?" he asked.
"Different scenario, yet same results," Helaena echoed. Then, blinking, she stared at the two Aegons. "Yes… Yes, it does. Otherwise, how could we not see it? We see things but hear them differently all at once."
Feeling triumphant, Aegon returned to his twin's side. "See? I told you I can take him," he boasted.
"Aegon," Viserys shook his head. "That act wasn't meant to be displayed for all to see. There's a reason why we have to maintain secrecy."
"And miss out on demonstrating the fruits of our labor?"
"Because we'd never know who is watching us. That little stunt you pulled guaranteed they would study us, searching for any potential weaknesses they could exploit. Then we'd be back to square one all over again."
While the twins engaged in conversation, Aegon the Elder seethed on the ground, his teeth tightly clenched around a bloody lip. Despite his rigorous training in swordsmanship and years of effort, he had once again lost to his nephews. The infuriation boiled within him, compelling him to rise and stomp toward the pair. Both Aegon the Younger and Viserys noticed their uncle's approach and turned to face him defensively. "You! I will not stand for this humiliation!" he shouted. Someone suddenly caught his wrist as he was about to throw a punch. "Let go of me! How dare y―" Just as Aegon the Elder was about to continue his rant, he was suddenly silenced by the realization that whoever stopped him in his tracks was his older half-brother, Aeonar. Aegon felt a sudden surge of fear and began to sweat profusely.
"Why don't you pick on someone your own size," Aeonar coldly stared him down, still holding his half-brother's wrist in a relatively tight grip. "All of you! Return to your posts!" he commanded.
"Y-Yes, my prince! I-I mean, my Lord Hand!" some of the onlookers scrambled.
Aeonar, redirecting his gaze towards Aegon the Elder, shoved him aside. "Go. And take this moment to cool off… before you end up doing something you will regret," he sternly told him.
Without hesitation, Aegon the Elder waddled away with Helaena following him, emotionally showing fear and intimidation with the Young Dragon's presence.
"F-Father," Viserys gulped nervously. He knew when Aeonar spoke like that, now was not the time to joke around.
"Did you see that, father?" Aegon the Younger said with pride. "'If you're so confident about your training,' pfft! Yeah, of course, I am. I sure showed him. Knocked him straight on hi―" he was interrupted with a firm smack across the back of his head. "OW!" he yelped. "Father? What was that for?"
"Targaryens don't act like fools," Aeonar reprimanded his son.
Viserys interceded on behalf of his twin. "I'm sorry, father, I… I take full responsibility for this," the young prince pleaded his case. "You can punish me instead, but please don't blame Aegon for what transpired here."
"And why not, Viserys?"
"Our uncle, he… he insulted mother," Aegon the Younger murmured.
Aeonar listened to his boys. Did he now? What had happened was inexcusable, but to hear the implication of Aegon the Elder or anyone affiliated with the Caltrops mock or degrade his beloved wife with such disrespect, was something the Young Dragon would look into. But rest assured, the next unfortunate soul who put so much as a toe out of line or slander Alicent, Aeonar would cut out their tongues personally. And he would make them suffer for it. Painfully. Well, we'll have to do something about that. Won't we? "Inside, both of you," he told them.
Aegon and Viserys obediently trailed behind their father as they were led into the Red Keep.
"I thought you at least did very well," Viserys told his twin.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Aegon replied, still rubbing the back of his head. Still… he didn't have to hit me.
Chapter End
Author's Note: Another filler arc chapter, only this time we center around none other than the twins! Aegon and Viserys Targaryen. Here we catch a glimpse of their training exercise under one of the Lykirī Mēre's elders, as well as other wannabe acolytes-in-training or initiates if you'd like to call them. Yet there's more returns in this chapter: Aegon the Elder and Helaena Targaryen. It's been a year since they wed, and already the elder Aegon's disapproval is lower than the worst politician in world history. But guess what? He lost AGAIN to someone younger and who has the same name as him! What else? Aeonar intervened before Aegon could harm any of his sons, though he scolded them for allowing themselves to be seen in public. What do you guys think? Will this influence future chapters as each filler arc fills in the gap of the upcoming timeskip? Let me know.
Code Westeros: Hello, first I'm sorry about my English, it's not my native language, but I do my best... I'm delighted with these stories about the Targaryen princes and I hope the next one is focused on Aemma (one of my favorites along with Jaehaerys and now Daeron) I imagine her as a combination of the archetype of the Ojou-sama and oneee-san (I love anime) of the family, a sweet and loving girl, but who respects herself and is the protective heart of her brothers... I'm waiting looking forward to the next chapter
I have some questions
What are the love interests of each? Does Aemma like Daeron or does Daeron like her? Is Heleana in love with Jaeharys and hers, would that be interesting because it would intensify the hatred between Aegon the Elder and Jaehaerys? Is there any noble or commoner or bastard girl who is some kind of lover of Jaehaerys or her twin brothers have some love? I would like to see some commoner or dragon seed or better yet a Donian girl who is the Crush of one of they. a kind of interaction with Dorne that although in the books they were oblivious to the conflict, it would be nice to see a connection between the crown and the Dornishmen, not necessarily the Martells, a minor house, or one like the Daynes or perhaps a commoner or daughter of a whore like Gaemon in the books (a bastard said to be the son of Aegon II)
I love the twins, I see them as sort of uffnut and tuffnut how to train your dragon... and Daeron I see it as Damian Wayne.
this chapter gave me a Star wars vibe... Do the lykiri Mere have any rituals or special weapons like the mandolarians or the league of assassins from DC comics, like choosing new names as a sign of their rebirth within the order?
And finally, is there a Daeron of caltrops? In the series and the books there was a fourth son of the greens named Daeron, he was in Antigua and served as a page and squire to his family, he was the most popular of the brothers. If so, what role will it play?
It would be great to see more mini stories of the Targeryan brothers, in their daily coexistence and the relationship between them, especially in a conflict as big as the Dance of Dragons of the West.
the twins will be squires of a member of the royal guard like the Cargyll Twins and if so, which would it be, Arryk or Erryk
and what are the dreams of each brother... someone dreams of living quietly in a castle, being a mercenary, which is Aemma's dream, or someone wants to be a sworn brother of the royal guard or wear black.
―Daeron likes Aemma as an older sister
―Jaehaerys/Baela pairing
―Helaena is on good terms with her nephews and niece
―The Lykiri Mere is the equivalent of the Assassin's Creed, they preceeded the Faceless Men
―Haven't thought of a Caltrops affiliate whose like Daeron yet
―What are the dreams of each brother? Each are prepared for their respective duties, yet Jaehaerys has it the hardest since he's second-in-line for the throne. They all have a role to play within their family.
C.E.W: Nice to see that the twins Aegon the Younger, and Viserys have outgrown much of their impulsive personality. Although some recklessness is still there, not as bad as it was before the incident at Driftmark. Both boys see that fighting and war between the Blacks and the Caltrops is inevitable, deep down they know it.
Aegon the Elder is once again bested by a nephew, younger than Jaehaerys I might add. Unwin and Beatrice expect Aegon the Elder to take the Iron Throne. Yet how can he hope to accomplish this? How can he hope to beat Aeonar, when he can't even best his nephews in a fight. Aegon the Elder fared better with Aegon the Younger than he did with Jaehaerys but still. The Caltrops as usual are one to two steps behind, even with Aemond bonding with Vhagar. Aegon the Elder is not a warrior Aemond is, and Helaena is no fighter. So Aemond is the only capable dragon rider the Caltrops have. Outnumbered by the dragon riders of the Blacks. Not to mention that Aeonar has the advantage of being the elder son whose proven himself time and again to be a worthy successor to King Viserys.
Helaena on the other seems to be on okay terms with Aeonar's children, unlike Aegon the Elder, and Aemond, I doubt Aeonar has much of a problem with Helaena.
Questions:
Is Aemond capable of taking Aeonar's children in a fight?
―The smaller ones, sure. But Aemond and Jaehaerys are on par.
Has Rhenyra and Daemon done anything to improve conditions at the Hollard castle given the place is a ruin?
―I think it might've occurred centuries down the line so they're guests of House Darklyn at Duskendale.
Still no clashes between the Stormlands and Dorne?
―There are frequent clashes in the Dornish Marches.
Is King Viserys starting to become bedridden from his condition?
―If he hasn't yet, he soon will be.
randomdude24: Liked this chapter the twins are an interesting bunch, prankster they tend to be but seems like they do at least to take their duties and their family seriously. I imagine the caltrops won't take the news of Aegon losing very well, to me they are arrogant and prideful, top it off desperate to take Aeonar down. Aeonar is very protective of Alicent isn't he? Loves her so much he wouldn't stand for anyone insulting her to him or his children. Almost seems like if Aeonar has a weakness it's Alicent, would the Caltrops ever use that to their advantage?
―The Caltrops will llikely try, but the Young Dragon is always on the lookout for potential prey/threats
Moran: Unfortunately, more than half of Targaryens act like fools.
MichaelBisopone: "Targaryens don't act like fools" You can't help yourself with references to tywin can't you.
garrysprawson123: I have this question, what are the sigils and banners of the blacks and the caltrops? will it be a dragon with three colorful heads such as red, green and blue because Red represents house Targaryen and the Green represents house hightower and blue represents the velaryons and the Arryns, While the Catrops banners are three black Dragons on a orange field
―The Blacks retain the black and red three-headed dragon as their sigil; the Caltrops', however, is an orange three-headed dragon.