The Crownlands ― Near King's Landing…
Rhaenyra, with her harness securely fastened, soared high above the Crownlands on Syrax's back, embarking on a crucial scouting mission. Reports had already reached the capital, indicating that the Caltrops were slowly inching closer to Stokeworth. Duskendale, meanwhile, was preparing for an inevitable invasion by rallying whatever ground forces House Darklyn could muster from the castle's garrison. Although Otto Hightower had sent Lord Gunthor an early warning, it was clear that more help was needed. With the enemy commander, Ser Criston Cole, at the helm, reinforcements were crucial. Unfortunately, the combined numbers of Rosby, Stokeworth, and Duskendale garrison forces were far fewer than Criston's formidable 4,000 troops. Rhaenyra couldn't help but wonder if the Caltrops would receive aid from a dragon, perhaps Sunfyre or Vhagar. Anticipating such a move, Princess Rhaenys had bravely volunteered to survey Crackclaw Point atop Meleys, providing much-needed air support in this critical moment.
"Mother!"
Rhaenyra glanced over her shoulder to see Jacaerys atop Vermax, returning home from his long flight to Winterfell. "Jace," she replied.
"Lord Cregan Stark has called his banners, but the North will need time to raise their troops before marching south," Jacaerys informed his mother.
So until then, we're on our own for the moment. "Then I suppose the task of defending the Crownlands is entirely on us. You did well, Jace. It will take time, but the Starks are the most honorable lords in the realm."
"If I may, I'll need to deliver the report to uncle Aeonar."
Given her brother's state of mind, Rhaenyra raised an eyebrow, unsure if Jace should deliver the report in person. "I wouldn't advise that, Jace," she gently shook her head. "Let me handle it. Can you give me some details about what you mentioned while you were at Winterfell?"
"Well," Jace began, "I negotiated betrothal terms between House Manderly and House Stark. Lord Desmond was promised that Joffrey would marry his youngest daughter after the war. I also requested that the crown look into restoring House Manderly's ancient lands from the Peakes, which were taken long before our forebears settled in this land. In the past, Jaehaerys I promised Lord Manderly's great-grandfather an arranged marriage with the Old King's daughter, Princess Viserra, to redress the matter. But after she died, the promise was forgotten."
"And what did you promise to Lord Stark?"
"If any of us were to have any firstborn daughters, they would be betrothed to Lord Cregan's son and heir, Rickon Stark. We called it 'the Pact of Ice and Fire.' Sworn before Winterfell's godswood, the pact was sealed in blood."
So explains how the entire North is taking much larger to amass a large force. "I see. Then it would be best to inform His Grace about what you told me. He's still upset about what happened with Daeron at Storm's End."
Jacaerys frowned, briefly lowering his head. "Yes, I… I heard what happened. I cannot fathom the emotional turmoil uncle Aeonar and aunt Alicent are going through at this time." He rose to look at his mother. "But I don't think it's fair to blame my brother for something he had no control over! Luke wasn't responsible for Daeron's murder! That was Aemond who did it! Our cousin saved my brother's life by sacrificing his!"
"I know, Jace, I know. But not everyone sees it that way." They call Daeron a hero but are relatively quick to blame Luke for his tragic death. Even after all these years, there are still whispers at court calling my sons 'Strong,' persistently questioning their legitimacy. My father decreed them true Velaryons, and my brother upheld that decree, yet they still talk behind my back. It's an insult that can't be ignored. "Listen, we have no time to waste. I just noticed a following encroaching near Stokeworth. Even if we were to amass a force to respond, we would need more time to make it. Let's hope that―"
"*RRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOOHH!*"
Without warning, Vaelor emerged before Rhaenyra and Jacaerys, skillfully evading a close encounter with the dragons Syrax and Vermax. His sudden arrival was so jarring that Rhaenyra and Jacaerys instinctively flinched to avoid him. However, before they could react further, Vaelor's tail vanished as he descended through the clouds. Even though Jace was awestruck by the sheer magnitude of the Swiftrunner and how much larger the dragon had grown from before, only Rhaenyra could identify Vaelor's presence based on an intangible quality that went beyond his color and physical traits. There was a symbiotic connection between Vaelor and Aeonar, something that transcended human comprehension.
"What the…?! Was that a dragon?!" Jacaerys exclaimed in surprise.
As Rhaenyra gazed back at the clouds, she couldn't help but ponder the significance of Vaelor's sudden descent. She was sure that if the Swiftrunner was nearby, Aeonar must be preparing to mobilize soon. However, the thought of her brother departing for the battlefield left her with a sense of unease. After all, what would become of King's Landing in his absence? Rhaenyra couldn't shake the feeling that her brother's intentions were mysterious. "Pālēs, Syraks! (Turn, Syrax!)" she commanded.
Syrax darted through the air with a deafening cry, her nostrils flaring as she caught the scent of her mate, Vaelor. Despite her unease at his sudden growth spurt, she knew she had to keep up with him. Vermax followed closely behind, screeching in excitement. The two dragons swooped down, their wings slicing through the wind as they searched for any sign of Vaelor's trail. Rhaenyra's heart pounded in her chest as she gripped her harness tightly, scanning the skies for any hint of her companions. Every nerve in her body was on high alert, ready to react at a moment's notice.
Red Keep ― Outer courtyard…
As Rhaenyra and Jacaerys approached the Red Keep, their eyes were drawn to the awe-inspiring sight of Vaelor already stationed in the outer courtyard. His sheer size was so immense that he had to land on the outskirts of Aegon's High Hill, his wingspan alone casting a shadow over the entire area. The other dragons in attendance, Vermithor, Silverwing, Corxes, and Maelyx, were also present, along with the esteemed council members. As they gracefully descended from the sky, Rhaenyra and Jacaerys dismounted quickly and joined the gathered group.
"Father, I really must protest!" Aemma exclaimed.
"Your Grace, I must express my objection to the proposition," Otto stated. "The course of action you suggest is not only perilous but also imprudent. I earnestly implore you to reconsider your decision."
"This is madness, father!" Viserys said.
"Don't do this!" Aegon echoed.
"We have to safeguard the well-being of our people, not discard them as if they were sacrificial pawns," Jaehaerys emphasized.
Rhaenyra was now suspicious. "What's going on here?" she inquired.
"It's terrible news," Aemma shared with a worried tone. "We tried to send aid to Stokeworth and Rosby, but father ordered our troops to hold back. Unfortunately, the Caltrops took advantage of this and seized both castles without resistance. What's concerning now is that Ser Criston and Aegon Waters are on their way to Duskendale."
"Brother, how could you do such a thing?" This is so unlike you.
Aeonar, with an unwavering resolve, refused to remain idle as a civil war raged throughout his kingdom. The Young Dragon was determined to take action, even in the face of danger. However, the mad Targaryen king failed to disclose his merciless strategy, which involved sacrificing Rosby and Stokeworth to the Caltrops to draw them in closer. Such calculated and ruthless tactics were employed without remorse or consideration for the human cost of his actions. "I don't expect you to understand, Rhaenyra, and I'm most certainly not looking for your approval. I already know everything," he stated coldly. "That's what separates us. While you enjoyed yourself in your younger days, I was fighting on the frontlines – to protect House Targaryen's interests from the shadows and ensure the blood of Old Valyria was not to be trifled with. But like the rest who oppose the House of the Dragon, they will be dealt with accordingly. With fire and blood."
Vaelor loomed over the others with a menacing growl, revealing his sharp teeth. The intense rush of blood coursing through his veins caused his scales to prickle with anticipation. The Swiftrunner was poised for battle, eagerly awaiting his rider's command. As if sensing his rider's intentions, Vaelor lifted his tail and delivered a thunderous thud upon the ground.
Vermithor, having grown to a formidable 215 feet in length, emitted a guttural growl that reverberated throughout the air. Although he may not have been quite as large as Vhagar or Vaelor, the Bronze Fury possessed a wealth of experience as a seasoned veteran. Even if he could not compete with Vaelor's sheer size, Vermithor more than made up for it with his unmatched ferocity.
Vaelor roared angrily as Vermithor refused to submit despite the smaller dragons showing their throats.
"You disapprove, Jaehaerys."
"Of course I do, father," Jaehaerys affirmed. "Our current state of affairs doesn't coincide with the values and principles that our late grandfather taught us. As human beings, we are better than this. We have the capacity to rise above such barbarism and senseless violence. There are other ways to achieve our goals that do not involve widespread destruction and loss of life. We owe it to ourselves, our family, and the realm to uphold the high standards that Viserys the Peaceful and the Old King instilled in us."
Aeonar stared at his eldest son. Stubborn boy. You're just like your mother. "How poetic. You'd do better than most, but you still have much to learn. Diplomacy is best when it works, but it is difficult when everyone already perceives you as a threat. But more importantly, the Caltrops have shown they were nothing but hostile towards our family ever since that whore Beatrice stepped foot in the Red Keep and corrupted the crown with her stench. I intend to rectify this mistake – something I should have done long ago." He glanced at the rest of his children. "And so should the rest of you." He then glanced at Otto. "And you, Otto, what would you have done if our roles were reversed? Sit around and do nothing?"
"Sometimes nothing is the hardest thing any of us have to do, Your Grace," Otto replied. "In the meantime, I suggest patience while the rest of us work out a plan." Daemon has managed to create more enemies than allies throughout his life. This is also true for Aeonar. If the Caltrops choose to engage with the remaining magisters of the Triarchy, a two-front war could ensue. If it turns out that way, Lord Corlys will have to deal with them. I'll have to send word to the Arbor, just in case.
"Just get it done. You have served me loyally, but do not test my tolerance." Aeonar deftly ascended the side of his dragon, securing himself into the saddle with unwavering determination. Blackfyre and a Westerosi longsword were firmly fastened to his waist, while his prized Yi Tish longbow and quiver of arrows were expertly holstered on his back. With all his essential equipment in place, the Young Dragon was primed and prepared to soar into the endless expanse of the sky above. "Sōvēs, Valor! (Fly, Vaelor!)" he commanded.
"Father! Where are you going?!" Aemma called out.
"*RRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOOHH!*"
Vaelor lifted himself from the ground and stood tall, ready to take flight. His powerful legs propelled him forward as he began to run along the steep, rocky cliffs of Aegon's High Hill. With each step, he gained more momentum until he ran faster than the wind. Suddenly, his massive wings unfurled, and he beat them with incredible force, lifting himself and his rider again into the air. The sound of his wings flapping was like the deafening clap of thunder, and the rush of air past Aeonar was more forceful than ever before. As they soared through the sky, Aeonar's eyes were fixed on his destination: Duskendale. The Caltrops, led by Ser Criston Cole, and the rival claimant Aegon were preparing to lay siege to House Darklyn's stronghold, and the time to act was now. Aeonar knew that he had a surprise in store for his enemies, and a sinister smirk spread across his face as he thought about what was to come. With Vaelor by his side, he was ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.
He was expecting help from an old friend in the Vale to ensure the success of his strategy.
The Crownlands ― Near Duskendale…
Under the capable leadership of Ser Criston Cole, the armies of the Caltrops were marshaled, and preparations were made to lay siege to the city of Duskendale. Aegon's forces had swelled in number following the capture of Rosby and Stokeworth, with the addition of 100 knights, 500 men-at-arms, and a formidable contingent of sellswords - three times the number of the other troops, amounting to approximately 2,400 soldiers in total. As they approached Duskendale, the combined forces had grown to a staggering 6,400 soldiers, providing a significant advantage against the Duskendale garrison. Since taking over as Aegon's Hand in place of Lord Unwin Peake, Ser Criston had proven himself a leader of great skill and resolve, devoting his efforts entirely towards the success of their mission. "It is not for you to plead for support from your lords, like a beggar pleading for alms," he told Aegon. "You are the lawful king of Westeros, as per King Viserys's decree, and those who deny it are traitors. It is past time they learned the price of treason."
Aegon nodded as he waited atop Sunfyre, who had grown to rival Syrax at 110 feet long. He planned to burn Lord Gunthor Darklyn's holdfast if he didn't surrender in the face of overwhelming forces. "Good. My new Hand is a steel fist," he boasted. We are done with writing letters, as grandfather had always done. Now's the time for action. "Give the order, Lord Commander."
"Yes, Your Grace. To Duskendale!" Ser Criston commands. "Lord Darklyn has given his loyalty to the kinslayer Aeonar!"
"Close the gates! Archers on the wall!" Terrified at the sight of the army, Lord Darklyn orders Duskendale's gates barred as Ser Criston prepares the battering rams. Gunthor received advance notice that the Caltrops were approaching Duskendale with a vast army, but his garrison was heavily outnumbered by 100 against 6,400. He hoped for reinforcements to break the siege. They could only hold out for so long before being overrun.
"I will have Lord Darklyn's head for swearing to the false king! Man the rams!"
The Caltrops readied the battering rams, wheeling them closer to the castle gates.
"Nock arrows! Don't let those rams reach the gates!" Lord Gunthor commanded.
"Nock!"
"Draw!"
"Loose!"
As the Caltrops approached with battering rams and siege ladders, a barrage of arrows erupted from Duskendale's upper battlements, striking several soldiers before the enemy retaliated with a volley of their own. The lucky ones were able to find refuge behind the battlements, while others were left vulnerable to the onslaught. Gunthor could feel his heart pounding as the sound of the rams battering the castle gates grew louder. Despite their valiant efforts, his men were vastly outnumbered. With Sunfyre looming overhead, the fate of Duskendale hung in the balance, its very walls at risk of being consumed by flames, much like Harrenhal during Aegon the Conqueror's invasion of Westeros.
Aegon and his loyal dragon, Sunfyre, were locked in a tense standoff with the defiant city of Duskendale. Despite the pressure exerted, the city refused to surrender. Aegon decided that the best course of action was to starve out the city and hasten their ultimate defeat slowly. As they circled above the city, Sunfyre unleashed a scorching blaze of golden fire upon the docks, causing the ships of Duskendale to burn and sink into the depths of the Blackwater. The magnificent golden dragon then took to the skies once more, soaring high above the castle as the Caltrops continued their relentless siege.
Criston had been leading his army with ease, conquering one castle after another. The capture of Rosby and Stokeworth had been surprisingly effortless, but Duskendale proved to be a different story. The town was not going down without a fight, and Criston could feel a sense of unease gnawing at him. It was as if there was something he was missing, something he couldn't quite put his finger on. Despite the apparent victory, he couldn't shake off the feeling that things were not as they seemed. There was a wariness that he couldn't ignore. Suddenly, a sharp sound pierced the air, and Criston realized it was the blaring of a war horn coming from the north.
"Enemy reinforcements coming from the left flank!"
Criston turned to look in the direction of the sounding horn. A force of cavalry appears across the battlefield carrying flags bearing the white falcon sigil of House Arryn.
"For House Arryn!" Gerold Royce yelled, raising Arryn banners. "For the Vale!"
"For the Vale!"
As dawn broke, Criston prepared himself for the arrival of the Vale of Arryn. He gripped his morningstar tightly, fully aware of the impending danger. The knights of the Vale had been dispatched by House Arryn to break the siege of Duskendale and support the Blacks in the ongoing civil war. This news was disheartening for Criston, as House Arryn had declared their allegiance to Aeonar Targaryen due to their blood ties. Despite the unfavorable circumstances, the charging cavalry numbered only around 4,000, which was a relief for Criston. The Caltrops, on the other hand, had a higher number of troops, with approximately 2,000 more soldiers. However, with his superior numbers and access to siege armament, Criston was confident in his ability to face the upcoming battle. "Spears and shields! Spears and shields!" he called out. "Move it! Get in line! Fall in line now!"
As the hostile targets approached, Sunfyre, the dragon ridden by Aegon, noticed their presence and alerted his rider. Without hesitation, Aegon directed his dragon to turn around and intercept the charging cavalry. This strategic move was crucial in ensuring a successful defense against the Vale of Arryn. I have you now. Aegon prepared to fight.
"*RRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOOHH!*"
Aegon froze at the sound of a dragon's roar in the distance. It was loud… and bloodcurdling.
"*Reeeeeeeeeh!*" Sunfyre screeched. He sensed danger approaching.
Aegon glanced in all directions, trying to locate the source of the familiar roar he had just heard. He's here! He used to be a confident contender for the Iron Throne against the Targaryens, but upon hearing Vaelor's name, he became terrified once again. "Where are you?! Show yourself, brother!" he shouted. As Aegon continued to scour the area, desperately seeking any signs of Vaelor and Aeonar, his unease only grew. Vaelor, his dark coloring blending seamlessly into the night, was elusive and almost impossible to see at night. Despite his heightened senses, Aegon could not shake the feeling that he was being watched. Suddenly, he felt a sharp breeze rush past him, followed by a searing pain in his side. With a gasp of surprise, Aegon realized that someone had taken a shot at him!
"*RRAAAAAAAAAAA!*" Unexpectedly, Vaelor materialized out of thin air, narrowly missing a collision with the Sunfyre. The atmosphere was permeated by the malevolent cackling of Aeonar, causing a shiver to run down Aegon Waters' spine. The last time Aegon had encountered Vaelor was during his mother's attempted coup when Vaelor was still small in size. However, now Vaelor had grown to almost the same size as Vhagar. Aegon couldn't help but wonder how Vaelor had managed to grow so quickly in such a short amount of time.
Wha…?! How!
"Dragon!" one of the scouts pointed to the skies.
Criston's attention was suddenly diverted by the sight of Vaelor swooping in to chase after Aegon and Sunfyre. With a quick and urgent command, he called out to the engineers to man the scorpions and take down the dragon from the sky. As the Caltrops scurried around to their assigned posts, the Arryn cavalry takes them from the rear, then circles around and knocks them all down. Criston grunted angrily and swung at the Vale knights who came too close with his morningstar.
"Lord Darklyn! It's the king!" one of the garrison archers pointed.
Gunthor gazed at the sky, feeling relieved that House Darklyn and Duskendale had a fighting chance for survival. "I knew they would arrive," he sighed. "Archers, keep attacking! Don't stop!"
Sunfyre's agile moves allowed him to evade Vaelor's ferocious bite with ease. Aegon quickly glanced behind him and saw Aeonar's dragon hot on their heels, its razor-sharp teeth dangerously close to Sunfyre's tail. The heart-pounding chase between the dragons intensified as they weaved through the air, leaving behind a trail of smoke and fire. Despite the danger, Aegon remained focused, determined to protect himself and his dragon at all costs.
"I see you! Ilībōños! (Bastard!)" Aeonar taunted. "Skoriot gaoma pendagon sagon jāre?! (Where do you think you're going?!)"
"Vīlībagon arlī, Vēsperzys! (Fight back, Sunfyre!)" Aegon urged.
Aegon, mounted on his golden dragon Sunfyre, found himself in a tense aerial battle with the massive black dragon Vaelor. Despite Vaelor's size advantage, Sunfyre proved to be just as nimble in the air, making sharp turns and diving low near the rocky shores. Aegon knew he had to be cautious, as one wrong move could result in his and Sunfyre's demise. As he trailed water behind him, Sunfyre sought to outmaneuver Vaelor, who remained in hot pursuit. "Dracarys!" he commanded.
As Sunfyre soared across the ocean's surface, it unleashed a breathtaking display of golden flames that illuminated the surrounding waters. However, Vaelor, who was in hot pursuit of the creature, was not intimidated by its fiery spectacle. With a determined focus, he expertly navigated past the flames and continued his chase, determined to catch his much smaller adversary.
You'll have to do better than that, Aegon. As Aeonar took aim with his Yi Tish longbow, his eyes fixed on his intended target. He was entirely focused on lining up the perfect shot, but suddenly, his concentration was shattered by the sound of a scorpion bolt whizzing past him, narrowly missing its mark.
"*GRRRRRRRRR!*" Vaelor's fury boiled over as his eyes fixated on Sunfyre. But suddenly, he sensed danger from the ground. Someone had taken a shot at him, threatening his rider's safety. Without a second thought, Vaelor broke off pursuit and redirected his attention towards the Caltrops soldiers on the ground.
Criston's morningstar clashed against the enemy knights' armor as he deftly parried and bashed. But the unexpected enemy forces attacking from the flanks and Vaelor from the skies had shifted the tide of the battle. Scorpion bolts and arrows rained down, but Vaelor was close enough to strike.
"Dracarys!" Aeonar commanded.
Vaelor breathes fire into the first line of Caltrop soldiers. The men burst into flames and started screaming. Criston was nearly thrown off his horse after it reared back, startled by the flames. A flanking group of Vale cavalry, who fled to a safe distance to avoid being caught in the blast, saw an opening and rode over the flames through the hole created by Vaelor before starting to cut men down.
Aeonar awkwardly positioned himself on his saddle to strategically cover Vaelor's flanks and vice versa. He deftly readied his Yi Tish longbow, an exceptional weapon known for its accuracy and range. With a steady hand, he drew back on the bowstring, taking careful aim at the enemy below. Quick feet, fast hands, keen eyesight, deadly precision… His arrows flew swiftly from his saddle, piercing the air with a deadly precision.
On the ground, Criston scrambled to avoid the barrage of arrows raining down upon him. He narrowly missed one of the sharp projectiles, his heart racing with adrenaline. He knew he had to act quickly if he wanted to survive this battle. With a fierce determination, he dove for cover under one of the destroyed scorpions, using its metal carcass to shield himself from further attacks.
Vaelor soared through the sky, his massive wingspan casting a shadow over the battlefield. He knew he had to help his fellow warriors on the ground. With a powerful swoop, he snatched up battering rams and unlucky stragglers caught in the crossfire with his razor-sharp foot claws. Flying higher into the sky, he dropped them from a dizzying altitude, unleashing devastating destruction upon the enemy below. Before long, a golden flame blasted him in the face. "*Wraaaaaaoooooh!* he roared.
Sunfyre again flew past him, ready to fight.
"Nyke māzigon se jiōragon, lēkia! (Come and get me, brother!)" Aegon challenged.
Filled with furious anger, Vaelor pursued Sunfyre relentlessly, determined to assert his dominance over all dragons. In a daring move, the Swiftrunner folded his powerful wings tightly against his body, closing the gap between him and his prey with alarming speed. Aegon clung tightly to Sunfyre's reins, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew that he had to bring his half-brother closer to the archers waiting, and with a sudden tug on the reins, Sunfyre veered sharply to the left.
Aeonar noticed their presence and signaled his dragon by nudging it three times.
"Nock! Draw! Loose!"
With a keen sense of his rider's innermost thoughts, Vaelor adroitly swerves to the left, shielding him from the incoming barrage of arrows. The tiny projectiles, incapable of penetrating his thick, reinforced scales, merely bounce harmlessly off his chest. In a display of sheer power and dominance, he makes another ferocious charge at the archers and exhales a single breath, engulfing them in a scorching inferno. Amidst the pandemonium and chaos, the men scream in agony as they find themselves helplessly catching fire.
Criston rushes towards a wagon, shoving burning soldiers aside to reach the lone scorpion. With no one else around to use it, he takes aim at Swiftrunner and reloads the weapon, making adjustments to line up a shot on Vaelor. "Come on. Where are you?" he scanned the skies. Lining up his sights, he sees Vaelor engaged in an aerial fight with Sunfyre above the Blackwater. Good, Your Grace. Keep him distracted. Just don't get caught. He reaches down and pulls the lever to fire. A bolt sails past Vaelor and misses.
Aeonar again noticed the scorpion. "Arlī, Valor! (Again, Vaelor!)" he warned his dragon.
*"HIIIIIIIIISSS!"* Vaelor snapped at Sunfyre, then dove towards a threat on the ground.
"That's it. Come on. Just a little closer," Criston urged under his breath. "Come on, you fucker." If the Dornish can kill a dragon during Aegon's Conquest, we can do so again. Once he calculated Vaelor was within range, he smirked. "Take this!"
In the heat of battle, Vaelor had his sights set on unleashing a fiery attack. However, his plans were abruptly halted as Criston fired a well-aimed bolt that struck Vaelor's shoulder with precision. The Swiftrunner let out an agonizing screech. Criston took advantage of the situation and swiftly maneuvered his machine to reload, but as he did so, he noticed Vaelor recovering quickly and beating his wings to hover before landing on the ground. With a fiery urge to retaliate, Vaelor reached his jaws around his wounded shoulder and gripped the scorpion bolt, deftly pulling it out before crushing it with one mighty bite. Criston's heart raced as he realized he no longer had the luxury of time to reload, for both the Swiftrunner and Aeonar had now locked their eyes on him, ready to strike.
"Dracarys!" Aeonar commanded.
Criston immediately dives out of the way of the incoming dragonfire. Vaelor spits flames at the machine and instantly destroys it. Flames lick over Criston but he is uninjured. Looking up, the Swiftrunner raises his feet to crush Caltrop soldiers who got too close, swung his tail to hurl others away, and engulfed more in flames. Before long, Criston saw the Caltrops' formation was breaking with many beginning to retreat. Those who weren't able were cut down by the Vale cavalry or forced to surrender. You win this time, Aeonar. But the next time we meet, you won't be so lucky. My apprentice will see to that.
As Criston withdrew, Aeonar's attention was caught by the sight of Sunfyre hurtling towards them with alarming velocity. Aegon readied himself for the inevitable onslaught, his jaw tightening in anticipation. However, his focus was broken by Vaelor's sudden appearance, the dragon turning to face them with a deep, fiery glow emanating from his maw.
"Pālēs! (Turn!)" Aegon commanded urgently.
Shut one's eyes tight, open one's arms wide, either way, you're still a fool, Aegon. "Dracarys!" Aeonar commanded.
Vaelor let out a massive burst of flames toward Sunfyre, the latter barely managed to dodge it. However, the golden dragon let out a loud screech as the fire caught his hind legs and the lower portion of his tail. Aegon was taken aback as his cloak caught fire, causing him to panic and frantically try to extinguish the burning cloth. Sunfyre, now fleeing from sight, left the scene. The Swiftrunner growled in dissatisfaction, observing them fly away. With Sunfyre no longer being perceived as a threat, Vaelor shifted his attention towards the deceased Caltrop soldiers, ready to feast on their corpses. Meanwhile, Aeonar dismounted from his mount.
"Your Grace," Gunthor arrived on the scene, "I… I thought we weren't going to make it."
"You'll live," Aeonar dismissed. He turned to the Vale knights. "Lord Gerold," he acknowledged.
"Your Grace," Gerold reciprocated. "It's been a long time since we last met."
"Indeed." After Lady Rhea's murder and the succession issue of Runestone were discussed, Lady Jeyne Arryn named Gerold as her cousin's successor with Aeonar's endorsement. Although they usually kept in contact, Aeonar shifted his attention to the captive Caltrop troops who surrendered. "Stay loyal to an incompetent fool and die, or serve me and live. It's your choice."
As the battle drew to a close, a few of the Caltrop men remained standing while the majority knelt in submission. Vaelor let out a menacing roar and strode forward, causing the stragglers to quickly bend the knee. However, there were a handful of men who refused to show deference, and they were taken away for execution. Aeonar stood with his arms folded and watched as Vaelor returned to feast on the corpses of the fallen. His pale lilac eyes gazed into the distance, considering the cost of his strategy. He had sacrificed Rosby and Stokeworth to draw in the Caltrops, and while Criston and Aegon had managed to escape, this defeat would undoubtedly be a devastating blow to the Caltrops. The two castles would be rebuilt, but they would never forget how their king used them as sacrificial pawns in the grand scheme of his design.
But his work was not yet done.
The Young Dragon was barely getting warmed up.
Chapter End
Author's Note: Sorry I haven't updated for some time, guys. I've been really sick so I couldn't publish another chapter for some time. After some time, we get a first glance into a battle in the Dance of the Dragons - at Duskendale. What were your thoughts when it was revealed Aeonar intentionally held his forces back, denying aid to Rosby and Stokeworth, sacrificing them to decimate the Caltrops at Duskendale? Even his children are aware that what their father was doing was wrong. Besides Vaelor, Vermithor grew a bit larger than before and even stood up to the Swiftrunner before departure. What do you guys think will happen when Criston and Aegon retreat back to House Peake's castles? Let me know.
Moran: I wonder, if Aeonar survives the Dance and snapped out of his madness by then, however unlikely that is, when things get settled enough, Aeonar will abdicate the throne and personally crown Jae. Then Aeonar will either spend the rest of his life as an advisor and spymaster for his son and grandson or go to a more permanent exile.
Dante 101: I wanted to say this for sometime now regarding the start of the Dance.
The grief and rage of losing a child could burn down the world"
-Catelyn Stark on The Dance of Dragons
randomdude24: Happy to see the battle of Duskendale was a victory for the blacks, Aeonar made a somewhat calculated move, to sacrifice two castles while he won this battle it does bring up questions about his morals.
So the Caltrops had 6400 soldiers once this battle took place. How many men did they lose? Are they really falling back to Starpike? Finally, what about the battle of Rooks Rest, is that next?
―The Caltrops lost 4,500. Most to Starpike, the others to the two other castles. I might plan to split Rook's Rest into two parts.
LordDarkness89: thank God vaelor didn't die, because it would be too early I think