I do not own the world of Ice and Fire
High Valyrian: Italic
Bold: Low Valyrian
Bastard Valyrian: Underline
Common Tongue: Normal
Pentos
One of the many Magisters in Pentos sits in his desk with a letter in his hand. He was one of the wealthiest among the Magisters, which had given him a seat on the council.
To say the Magister of Pentos was confused was an understatement. Various emotions fill him with various reactions. But confusion is the biggest sentiment.
The Magister had heard rumours of a Dragonlord in the Stepstones before. Yet he paid such rumours no mind. In fact, he was even delighted that he heard the supposed dragonlord joining their side against the ambitious Volantis , regardless of whether the Stepstone lord had any supposed dragons because the Stepstones held a strong fleet and formidable army.
But now...
When he heard both news about the said Dragonlord launching a successful power grab in Tyrosh AND taking the once mighty city of Myr within a day, his opinion on the Stepstone lord deteriorated.
And what made the Magister even more confused is that the Stepstone lord even dares to declare that he is the true Legacy of Valyria. And desires to compete against the powerful Volantis.
The Magister takes a big swig of his wine, as he resigned to the fact that he will have to be the one to report this to the council and the Prince of Pentos.
The council of Magister's stance on the war is to quell the Volantene ambitions and to compete against them to become the dominant power in western Essos. But now with another powerful player in the game, the future seems so blurry.
He can only hope that this Lord of Dragonstone does not have any ambitions on Pentos...
So Magister Yorko begins to prepare his case for the Council.
Volon Therys, Volantis
A glass chalice flew across the great chamber with ferocity and smashed against a wall. A result of Triarch Horonno's outburst. The entire war council of Volantis was silent. All fearful of earning the Triarch's anger.
Except for Aryanna of course.
She was the first one to bring in the word that Myr has been lost. But of course, she had read it first hand.
It seems Myr had fallen, but not to Tyrosh to everyone's surprise. It seems they have underestimated the Stepstone's ambitions as well.
Aryanna was shocked, when she heard of how both the great city states of Tyrosh and Myr fell into the hands of a newly made Lord of the Stepstones. Not to mention within a day.
That is why the Triarch is so furious.
Grohan Ragan had a morbid face on his look as well.
Ragan believed the fall of Myr was his fault, as he did not predict that the enemy would make such a bold assault on the impregnable fortress city, at least when it once was.
But who could have predicted such a sudden and bold move. All they could do now other than mustering the main army was to weep and be angered by the defeat.
Horonno was furious, but he was more furious for one reason other than Myr has fallen.
That reason being the lord of the Stepstones challenging his claimant to Old Valyria.
Horonno sat back in his chair defeated. After regaining his breath and composure, he furiously asks Grohan Ragan "Is my army ready"?
Ragan picks up his head and answers slowly "We still do not have enough supplies master, the army is too large, the training is also not enough, the majority of the army are made up by farmers before this war, it will take more tim-"
Horonno slams his fist to the table, causing Ragan to flinch. "Can you not see! I don't have time"!
Despite his fear, Ragan continues "Please master, we cannot afford to be hasty"!
Horonno growled and returned "Every second I wait the more inches of land the upstart of Stepstone gains"!
Ragan, out of everyone's surprise, had an outburst of his own "One victory of ours is more decisive to the ten of their victories"!
This reminded Aryanna that Ragan was still a warrior deep within.
Horonno was shocked for a second, before the fury returned to his blood. "I shall have you and your family whipped for such insolence, dog"!
Then the cold returned to Ragan's blood.
He immediately kneeled down in front of Horonno and pleaded "I apologize master! I only thought what is best for you"!
Horonno stepped on Ragan's shoulders to humiliate him as the Triarch replies "Raise your voice at me again, I will have your daughter and her mother raped".
The Warrior slave then swears "I swear I will not, master".
A cough interrupts the exchange between Horonno and Grohan.
Aryanna's eyes dart towards the owner of the voice, Captain Belicho of the Tiger's jaw. Captain Belicho is a serious yet passionate man, tall and formidable, he was a mentee of the legendary Grohan Ragan. Aryanna had heard that Belicho was a prodigy of warfare from a young age, being a third son of house Tagaros, he was sent to join the Volantene army.
And the third son of Tagaros volunteered to learn under the slave of war, Grohan Ragan. Intel reports that Belicho is a formidable and intelligent battle commander, and a very skillful warrior.
Needless to say, this caused a quite controversial debate as a son of a powerful family learning under a slave. But still, the boy was determined to learn under the best Volantis has to offer.
His skills, intellect, name and status gave him in command of a newly assembled army in service of the Tiger Party. Their discipline and skills for combat earned them the name of Tiger's jaw.
The idea of a professional army, was proposed by none other than Grohan Ragan. Three professional armies were then created.
Horonno distrusted the idea. As skilled men are in charge of a skilled army, the jealous man fearing their skills will one day turn against him.
But according to the rumours, the former and other two Triarchs at the time supported the idea.
In which Aryanna believes led to Horonno buying the loyalty of the future Triarchs, which is the current other two Triarchs.
Aryanna's attention was then taken back to Captain Belicho as he began to speak. "My Lord Triarch, what Grohan Ragan says has merit".
Horonno then looks toward the captain suspiciously and asks "And why is that, captain. Is it because that my slave here was your mentor, and that your beliefs lie where his lie"?
Belicho blinks, but his face is still an emotionless face as he answers "No, I only speak what I thought to believe".
Before Horonno can reply, Belicho continues "The enemy can take as many lands as they want, but, when they meet our main force, they will be defeated and we can recover our lost lands with ease without their presence".
Horonno narrows his eyes, but he is considering this.
A gigantic man besides Belicho then finally speaks. "I agree with Belicho, I mean, he is literally the smartest among the three of us... Two, now that Lyorro is dead".
The Three Prodigies, the three students of Grohan Ragan, with them being Belicho, Lyorro and Ordello. Each of them holds up the hope of Volantis' military might.
Aryanna then looks at the man speaking. The man is Captain Ordello of the Tiger's claw, one of the Three professional armies created by Ragan.
According to Aryanna's intelligence sources, The three professional armies of Volantis, excluding the Tiger Cloaks of Volantis City watch each number up to thousands.
The Tiger Jaws and the Tiger Claws each number about 10,000 men. But the third professional army... It is led by Grohan Ragan himself. But of course, under the 'supervision' of Horonno. The Third Professional army, is called the Tiger's Honour, numbering around 30,000.
Ragan's hope for this army was to be the paragon of discipline. But Horonno had other plans. He made them trained hard, yes. But he also let them indulge in vices. Some even crimes. Which led to them being the most hated and most feared army.
But still, there are those who did not indulge, instead they have even followed Ragan in every aspect. 2,000 elite archers. Called the 'Honourable 2,000' by the common folk. But this had only made Horonno even more distrustful of Ragan.
Back to the conversation, Horonno then replied with irritation "But, I still won't tolerate those bastards gaining land on us"!
Belicho looks like he wants to continue the argument, and may have a better reasoning.
But then Horonno thought of a great idea, an idea to potentially stop the Stepstone advance, but to also, get rid of two of Ragan's students.
Horonno can't help the smirk formed on his face.
And Belicho sees it.
Before he can even react, Horonno makes his move "Captain Belicho, Captain Ordello, hear my orders"!
Belicho will forever hate the discipline instilled in him as he immediately shoots up with Ordello.
Horonno then continued with a smirk. "The two of you will head west, and hunt down this Stepstone rabble"!
Ragan had a face of shock on his face as he exclaimed "But master! They are of more use here than on the field"!
Horonno shoots him a look of anger and says "This is an order, and it has been delivered, and WILL be executed"!
Grohan Ragan still wants to object "But this is suicid-"
"Silence!" Yelled Horonno.
Ragan flinched and backed down.
Ordello and Belicho both exchanged a look. But Belicho sighs "Very well Lord Triarch. It will be done".
And both the captains left the tent to prepare.
Aryanna made to leave the tent as well, but a loud and painful thud echoed across the space.
Horonno had kicked Ragan to the side, Aryanna could see Ragan holding his side on the floor.
Horonno then says "I will order your wife and daughter to be brought here, so that their husband and father may learn that if he dares to disobey me again, they will suffer because of him"!
For a moment, Aryanna can see Ragan clench his fist, and his face squeezes into a rageful monstrosity. That frightened Horonno for a second. But the chains have held Ragan long. In the end , Ragan backed down and kneeled. "I swear master, I will always be your most obedient servant".
Aryanna accidentally clicked her tongue in disappointment.
But the Triarch took nothing of it.
Horonno then turns to Aryanna and orders "Go back to Old Volantis spymistress, I will continue to need your reports on the rebellious cunts".
Aryanna only nodded, before heading out of the tent with a quick pace.
Dragonstone
In the solar of Lord Aerion Targaryen, all his children except for the bastard, Orys filled the chairs on the opposite side of the large desk.
The Lord of Dragonstone's wife, Lady Valaena Velaryon, stood at her husband's side.
None of them knows what to make of the situation in Essos.
Reports from merchants have claimed the Valyrian Lord of Stepstone made a play against Volantis as the Legacy of Valyria.
And this had complicated things.
So Aerion had gathered his children here to discuss what course of action they should take.
"Is it true that we are no longer the only Dragonlord from Old Valyria"? ask Aerion's youngest child, Rhaenys Targaryen. Beautiful and playful. She is the most graceful and kindest among the Targaryen family. Aegon and Visenya both doted upon the youngest, sometimes Aerion can't bear to punish the mischievous girl.
Aerion's legitimate son, Aegon was the one to answer Rhaenys "Reports suggest so darling sister. There have been rumours and suspected sightings of large dragons in the Stepstones, but many of them dismiss such '
farce".
But they knew better, the Targaryens have three dragons after all.
Rhaenys's face lights up as she hears her brother confirm this "Wonderful! That means we are not alone in this world"!
But her Eldest sister Visenya, will always be there to ruin her hopes by telling her the harsh truths "It may not be as wonderful as you think baby sister. With another family with dragons, it means there is another equal in strength to us, should they seek harm upon us, we will certainly be in great danger".
Rhaenys pouted "You always ruin my fantasies".
Aegon puts his hand on Rhaenys' back to comfort her, sending a weird shiver down Rhaenys' spine. But Aegon is considering Visenya's words. "Vis may be right, our might is now contested".
Aerion then adds "And with two great city states now in their hands, it will only make them stronger".
Visenya nodded and moved on to an important topic "We have pledged ourselves to Tyrosh's cause, but now that The Stepstones have betrayed and conquered Tyrosh, what shall we do".
Aerion massages his forehead with his fingers as he answers "That's the problem, I have yet to decide what to do, we can either ask one of the former allies of Tyrosh, Pentos on what to do, or, we can do nothing".
Visenya shakes her head, "We cannot follow Pentos in this father, it will make our positions weaker than Pentos".
Aegon then asks "Do you suggest we do nothing".
The Lady of Dragonstone, the mother of Visenya, Aegon and Rhaenys, and wife to Lord Aerion Targaryen finally says "We must do something, we have already pledged ourselves to this foolish game. We must do something".
"But what will we do"? asks her husband.
Visenya then answers "Well, we cannot act in favour of Volantis' side. Horonno's ambition and lust for power is insatiable, besides we have already made them our enemy when we decide to join Tyrosh against them".
Aegon then asked, "Who should we aid then"?
Visenya smirks as she answers her brother "Who else brother, The Stepstones of course".
But Valaena Velaryon voices her concern, "The Steptone lord may have the advantage for now, it still doesn't mean that he will win in certain".
Aerion nods and suggests a plan of his own "Then we don't commit all our forces, some aid will do, an aid enough to earn us a favour from the Stepstones".
Visenya nodded and said "An action that can bring great benefits to the Stepstones, yet little effort for us to conduct this action".
Aerion Targaryen nods as he looks at Aegon "Yes, this could work".
Visenya smirked and said "And I have even heard whispers that the Lord of Stepstone has sent his fleet to capture Lys, which is guarded by another fleet of flammable, wooden ships".
Aerion lets out a laugh and says "Yes, now I see".
Visenya smiles and steps forward, desiring to volunteer and ride Vhagar to Lys and burn the Volantene fleet into ashes.
But Aerion Targaryen had other plans "Aegon, you will mount Balerion and fly to Lys, and burn the Volantene fleet".
Aegon, who is paying close attention and understanding to the entire conversation, quickly stood up and replied "It will be done father, I will now go to prepare for the journey".
Aerion nodded as Aegon made his way out of the room.
Visenya scrunched up her face, and demanded "Why send Aegon father, it was I who proposed the plan".
Aerion sighed and slumped into his chair "And tell me another reason why I should send you"?
Visenya took a step forward and replied confidently "I have been preparing myself for this, every day since you've allowed me to train the sword".
Aerion sighed "Vis, it was already unbecoming of a lord to let his daughter train in the way of a warrior. Not to mention let her fight in a battle".
Visenya grits her teeth, but still. She left the chamber.
Rhaenys looked back and forth during the exchange, and after Visenya left, she couldn't help but to tell her father "But still, Vis is the best among the 4 of us".
But her mother Valaena scoffed "Three".
Rhaenys rolled her eyes but continued "She has always been the smartest, strongest, fastest and even has the most determination, you have seen it first hand"!
Aerion sighed but said "It is bad enough that I let your sister train in the ways of war, if she did go to war, I don't know which sensible lad in Westeros would want to marry her"!
Rhaenys scoffs "And why would you think she would want to marry some unworthy boy from some poor lan-".
Aerion only cuts her off "Not another word Rhae, now leave me to my thoughts".
Rhaenys only sighs as her mother comes to comfort her. She knows that her father still wants them to be happy and let them choose whoever they love to marry, but Rhaenys just doesn't understand why, her father is still not willing to let them choose their own path.
Outside the Coast of Myr, at the eastern sea of Myrth.
Admiral Jaeron Sarenor is standing in his command chamber, overlooking a maritime map.
He will sail down south, docking briefly at the Stepstones to restock supplies, and continue to sail southeast after that.
By sailing southeast, he will go to Lys and capture the Island City for his lord.
When he had received the order from Lord Draeden, Jaeron was more than delighted to execute this task.
Jaeron can't stand the sight of letting Taelan Rexagon gain all the glory of this war, so he was all too eager.
Somewhere in the center of The Disputed Lands
A soft breeze swept across the barren plains in the Disputed Lands. Years of war, blood and conquest have left the land to waste.
The only sign of life were the watering holes, where once great rivers flowed with vigour and brought life wherever it went. Tumbleweeds, follow the breeze to continue their blind and meaningless journey.
The soil of the plain, which was once fertile and rich, is now barren and dry.
The sun hung high, bringing noon with it. But to the west, storm clouds are gathering. But to the north, the sky is clear, a bright blue canvas.
It makes a strange sight. But still, the plains remain a still and peaceful place as no one is there to disturb the solemn land, yet.
It is not long, until that peace is broken.
The land rumbles as two armies close in. The wind picks up speed as they continue to close in.
From the west, a formidable host of men led by the Storm King, Argilac Durrandon marches proudly towards the center of the plain. The men are fresh and eager, as they have yet to face battle. The banners of the Stormlands flutter against the wind.
From the north, a seasoned army led by the Dragonlord of Stepstones, Draeden Draeterys, moves south towards the center with graceful discipline. The men are seasoned and disciplined, having experienced a few victories. The banner of a Red and Gold Dragon on a blackfield flutters proudly after a few triumphs.
As the Strom host reaches the center of the plain, they turn their ranks facing the north, with their back against the south.
The Dragon host of the Stepstones halted at the display.
And the two armies began a standoff, each standing solemnly facing each other.
Until a small party from the Dragon host rode forth towards the Storm host. They ride with grace and strength, the horses carry their riders ferociously, each thundering step they take shakes the land, but their riders carry a calm and expressionless face.
Seeing this, the Head of the Storm host and his most trusted riders ride towards the Dragon party as well. The storm party rides proudly and determined.
The Dragon party, halted somewhere in the middle of both armies, at the head of the party is a man dressed in a red and black silk robe with gold detailings, the man reveals to be Lord Draeden Draeterys, beautiful, graceful yet imposing on his aggressive horse.
It wasn't long before the Storm Party reached the Dragon.
The man at the head of the party is none other than the Storm King Argilac. Argilac was built like a warrior, tall and strong, already past his prime, but Draeden still senses that the old man still possesses some fire in him.
The two parties stand facing each other, for a long time they stood silently, until both leaders stepped forth from their party.
Draeden raised his hand in greeting, but his back was straight and imperious. Argilac did the same, but more out of courtesy than respect.
"It seems the conqueror of Myr and Tyrosh , is no more than a boy". Argilac breaks the silence, his mane of grey hair and beard flow with the wind.
Taelan wants to bite back, but Draeden raises a hand to calm him. Taelan reluctantly backs down and Draeden returns in the common tongue "Indeed, the boy you speak of did just that in a day".
Argilac barks out a laugh, more in respect than mockery. After recovering, Argilac notices the Dragonlord is not wearing armour, while he himself is in full plated armour, so he asks "Why are you not in armour"?
Draeden looks Argiliac in the eye as he answers "Why? Am I here for a fight"?
Argilac chuckles "Very good".
Then Argilac gets into business "Why are you here, Lord of Stepstones"?
Draeden shrugs "And why are YOU here, King of the Stormlands"?
Argilac narrows his eyes and bites back "Stop playing games with me boy, answer me"!
Draeden gives the Storm King a smirk "And who says I am playing games with you? I AM here to ask your standings in this whole affair".
Argilac narrows his eyes in suspicion and asks "You mean to tell me that you came here into the middle of a barren wasteland just to ask me what my reason here is"?
Draeden nodded "As I have said my lord. It was Tyrosh that bargained for your co-operation with them against Volantis, I know they have promised compensation for your efforts. But I do not understand why, after they have fallen, you and your men decide to continue to push on despite having no one to compensate, what is, not your fight"?
King Argilac then answers offensively "That is none of your concern, boy"!
But Draeden was not deterred by the King's anger and pressed on "How can it not be my concern, I am at war with Volantis, how can I not know if you are against us"?
Argilac is now irritated "All you need to know, is that Volantis is our only target"!
Now Draeden has them "Ah, so we have a common enemy".
Argilac was silent.
So Draeden proposed a plan "Since we have the same enemy, what say you if we were to stand together and face Volantis' blade at the same side".
All Argilac did was stare at Draeden
But Draeden continued "I may not know your purpose on Volantis. But as long as your intentions do not harm mine or the city of Volantis, I may guarantee you have my full support on your plans".
Now, Argilac is interested "What do you propose"?
Draeden smiles "An alliance, King Argilac, I will give what Tyrosh promised you, and aid whatever you wish to accomplish in Essos as long as they don't go against me, or my people".
King Argilac finally smiles as he extends his arm for Draeden to shake "Now we're talkin' ..
At night, both armies set up their respective camps, but there is a larger tent set up at the border of both camps.
The large tent hosts the Storm Lords and the Stepstone commanders. Draeden and Argilac sat on a large table in the middle of the tent.
The Storm Lords were free to drink ale to quench their thirst. While the Stepstone Commanders can only sip on some Yi Tish tea, as discipline demands them not to give in to the indulgence of alcohol.
Argilac is already deep in his cups, his words already incoherent as he speaks "I'd say, you should let your captains enjoy some ale, let them have some fun, who knows when they will die".
Draeden sipped on his tea before answering "The men do not drink during a campaign, only when they are in peace and off duty, do discipline allow them to indulge".
Argilac snorted "Bah! You Valyrians and your discipline. But that tea of yours smells refreshing"!
Draeden then replied "Indeed, they were imported from Yi Ti, I not only find them refreshing, I also find them energizing".
The Storm King smiles for a second, but as if remembering something dark and hopeless, the Storm King looked worried for a second, but only for a second.
Draeden observes the Storm King, he was curious of what is causing the Storm King so much distress.
Then the Storm King ordered "Out! All of you! There is something Lord Draeden and I must discuss"!
The Stormlords all file out, Lord Estermont and Dondarrion almost tripping in the process.
The Stepstone commanders look for Draeden, and Draeden nodded for them to leave the two lords to themselves.
After the last commander leaves the tent, Argilac falls silent for a moment, a minute or so later, he says "As allies, I feel that I must tell you why I continue this campaign despite having seemingly no reason to".
Argilac sighed and leaned forward "The true reason of why I continue this campaign is that I believe the Volantenes have allied themselves with either Dorne or the Ironborn, or worse, maybe both".
But this time Draeden is confused, he knows that the Stormlands have been enemies of both Dorne and the Ironborn, but he can't find the reason as to why Volantis would Ally with them.
But soon, Draeden received the answer as Argilac continued "The bastard Ironborns cannot survive without reaving, those cunts believe themselves above farming and mining like honest folk, and in their process, they capture people to make them slaves, and sometimes they will sell some to Volantis, in fact, Volantis is the largest slave buyer from the Ironborn, and recently, they kept raiding my coasts, deeply affecting the trade and lives of my people. They seek to plunder our wealth and use them to build a new cursed castle. They've even started to call it Harrenhal".
Draeden had heard about it, the Ironborn King, Harren the black's new keep, they say it will even rival the Bloodstone castle.
And Argilac isn't even finished, he took another swig of his drink before continuing "As for Dorne, they may not be slave traders, but they have been purchasing those wicked war engines from Volantis. I have even heard some are capable of taking out a dozen men in one strike. And guess who they plan to use those blasted contraptions against. US".
Draeden had heard about the mighty Storm King's great victory against Dorne in his early reign, and to see the proud warrior king so stressed out now means it is serious.
Then Argilac slumps in his seat and sighs "Enemies in the north, enemies in the south".
Draeden was surprised the drunk king would reveal so much, but he guesses that a king and protector would need all the help he can get to defend his lands and people, even if it means revealing all his difficulties.
Draeden then says "And by attacking Volantis, or perhaps forcing them to never again deal with Dorne or the Ironborn, it will deal a heavy blow to your enemies".
"Indeed" Argilac then sits straighter, and he speaks with the voice of a proud warrior. "I have brought only ten thousand men from the Stormlands here, in this foreign land, I will need all the help I can get. If you help me, I will recognise you as the Legacy of Valyria or whatever pomp shit you call yourself".
Draeden nodded and answered "I am already helping you aren't I".
The Storm King finally smirks and looks towards Draeden "Good, now let our enemies tremble before the Storm and the Dragon"!
Comments:
Greetings my lords and ladies, it is my greatest pleasure and regret to finally release this chapter after a long delay.
I deeply apologise for the wait, but my life has been going through many things, I need to take care of studies, work for my part time job, and try to fit into society as a human, but still. I won't abandon this story this easily.
The meeting between King Argilac and Draeden was inspired by the scene in Kingdom of Heaven, where King Baldwin met and parlayed with Saladin, a very powerful scene.
