Chapter 20 - Lions Revenge Arc
AegonThe new sept, the Sept of Aerys, was one of the most beautiful buildings ever constructed, according to anyone you asked. The Centre Hall stood over 30 metres tall capped with a dome made of green and blue mosaic, made to mimic the open sky. The dome's peak glistened with yellow glass, filling the Hall with amplified sunlight. Seven vast statues of the gods stood towards the back wall of the Hall in a circle, each about ten metres tall and made of ivory and gold. Their clothes, made of silk and real jewels, danced in rainbow light that refracted off prisms strategically placed around the hall. Incense burned thickly in the Sept, mixing with the body odours of the High Born and their rich perfumes. Aegeon suppressed a gag.
He looked around as the High Septon droned on about the rights of kings and some other religious propaganda. Rhaegar knelt patiently before the old grey man who spoke with a whiney voice and had the neck of an aged turkey. He'd been speaking for over twenty minutes, Aegeon guessed, at this point, Rhaegar's knees must have been killing him. He'd only been on his knees for that long once…Aegon laughed. A thousand eyes of High Borns, Septons and Septas, Acolytes and the suspicious number of guards glared at him, the High Septon paused for a moment and continued. Aegon's face ran red and he politely fake coughed into his black sleeve, embroidered with green leaves. If the gods were real, surely they would be kind to his childlike humour.
From beside him, Margaergy slipped her hand into his. Over the last few days, they'd spoken about the future and what they wanted from it. His last conversation with Oberyn lingered in his mind, Dorne wanted Rhaegar gone, and Rhaenys on the Throne. The Westerlands wanted Targayerns gone and Gaemon, a lion raised with scales, to sit on the Throne, with the Pupetter Cersei on his back. The people wanted to feel safe and secure, with a monarch that protected them, a job Rhaegar was failing at. Most of all, Aegon wanted a calm Realm to raise his family in, his girl, his boy, and another on the way…he hoped for many more…and that chance to find the truth of Aerea's mother.
"Egg, have you thought about my offer?", Oberyn asked, pulling up his horse, a black Dornish stallion, to his simple Porriage. New Kings Landing gleamed in white on the horizon, large looming walls of Vale marble and quarried stone from a nearby mine.
Aegon told Dennis, the young Captain, to tell Oberyn and ridden ahead, that he wanted to speak with him, alone. Together the two men, thirty and three and forty, who had seen half a world together, stood in silence on their horses.
"I cannot betray my brother, Oberyn-", Aegon started.
"Am I not your brother, Aegon? Did we not bind our blood together on the battlefield? What was it you said to me when you told me of Aerea's mother, Lady He-"
"Dont say her name, Viper"
"Brothers born in battle are worth more than any brother of born blood", Oberyn said in High Valyrian, then changed back to common, "You swore to me that you would be there for my family, our family, whenever we needed you".
Aegon thought of his wife, and his children, "That was before I had a family of my own, Oberyn. I can't be as reckless as we were as youths. I have so much more to lose now. I can't make my family suffer a war… I hung up my sword years ago". A silence fell over the pair and Oberyn sighed.
"We were warriors, Egg. We once fought for honour and glory, lesser sons have to have to find their way in this mysterious world and we did. Then we pledged ourselves to our families, to each other's families, Egg, we are family, bound through Elia and Rhaegar, Aegon and Rhaenys. You've seen what Rhaegar has done to your family, to mine. He killed my sister, Egg. Elia is dead because of that silver-haired swine, Visenya, his little girl, our niece, dead, Jaeheryes, my brother from the Citidel, dead, your mother and father, Shaena's little girl and Maegella's baby, killed by black magic, Rhaegar's black magic. He is causing more damage to your family than any other alive. And you want to stay loyal to him? To a babe slaughterer?", Oberyn's voice was laced heavy with emotion. Aegon looked at his dark face, tears gathering in the small of his eyes. He grieved Elia and Viseyna still, over half a year later.
"Rhaegar will be king in less than a fortnight, Oberyn. We will ensure peace in the Realm. The standing army is the strongest it has ever been under Lord Celtigar, the Royal Fleet is Admiraled by the young Velayron boy, the heir of Driftmark, food is more than we can eat from the Reach and the Vale, trade in the North and with Essos has ever been better since Eddard began the lumber market from White Harbour. The grounds for a Golden Age are laid, we…we dont need war", Aegon tried to sound convincing but the words felt hollow to him, he did not believe what he was saying, it was simply a routine Rhaegar had taught him to pacify naysayers. He could not lie to Oberyn, nor would he. The dragon lord dismounted off his horse and looked to the sky.
Over the last few moons, he had grown accustomed to the sight of Wildfyre's emerald hue soaring above. He would feel what she felt, the currents of air in the sky, the dirt under her talons, the burn like chilli peppers from his nose when she breathed flames. He had grown more passive since her hatching, he felt more grounded, more at peace, he was slower to anger…but felt it more passionately than ever.
Oberyn dismounted and sat next to him on the grass, the two men enjoyed each other's company for a moment.
"Rhaegar had sworn me to secret by all the gods, but watch them strike me down and laugh for all I care. Rhaegar suspects Dareon has betrayed him, working with Cersei and the Lions to disrupt the Realm. Admiral Velyraon took a wound in his last battle and they think he will die, leaving the Fleet vulnerable to the pirates. We are nearly sure they are a Greyjoy rebellion in league with Dareon. Rhaegar refuses to seek help from any House that does not boast some notable blood of Valyria, no matter how old it may be. He fears the other house will betray him if not bound by ancestry to Dragons. His letters recently have worried me and Marg. He doesn't sound like himself, he keeps going on about Pure Blood and the Power of Blood. He's even started asking questions about Aerea…but I could never do that to her, she'd be killed…or married to Aegon to save her blood. She's my baby girl, Oberyn-" his voice cracked.
Oberyn pulled him in close and hugged him tightly. Both of the men were fathers, the love of children was something they could agree on more than anything.
"And Rhaegar faulters still. The Realm does not want him, they blame the Golden Festival on him and Maegella. They say he lays with demons and that's what killed your family, or the Gods themselves striking them down…I think the Faith only sticks by the Crown due to Viserys's strange devotion, he's in line to be the next High Septon if my spies can be believed. They also confirmed what I suspected, and what you said, Egg. War is brewing between the Westerlands and the Crown, the old wounds of the Lion's Folly have not to be treated, they fester like…poison. The North, Vale and Stromlands will blow anyway the wind goes, by my guess, and the Reach… will follow you and Marg. You prove to them every day that you are a real leader, more than Dareon and Rhaegar combined.
I would follow you, Aegon, but my dying promise to Elia was I would see Rhaenys on the Throne before the Stranger took me, I intend to fulfil that. Dorne will never be happy with King Rhaegar, he murdered Elia, of that we are certain, with the Witch. The Realm will throw itself into war soon, from Dareon and Rhaegar, or when he dies, and Aegon tries to succeed. Now or in a decade, war will come. Would you rather have real power in what is to come? Join us now, Egg, pledge the Reach and yourself to Rhaenys, to avenge your family, our family. Help us remove a king who would murder babies for power and see a real strong ruler on the Throne…", Oberyn continued to ramble on about family and power while Aegon's thoughts trailed away.
Rhaenys was a choice, she had the blood and the merit of a ruler, she was well studied, smart, trained in blade and politics, more aware of people than many would like to admit…but soon that could be said of another who boasted even better blood…his girl.
"And with the blessing of the Father, the Holy Patriarch of Law, with the Love of the Mother, the Innocence of the Madien, the Wisdom of the Crone…The Strength of the Warrior, the Skill of the Smith and the…the Respect of the Stranger…I hereby present to you, King Rhaegar of House Targaryen, First of his Name. King of the Andals, the Rhoynish and the First Men, Lord of the Iron Throne, The Silver, Protector of the Realm, Shield of Westeros" The High Septon took long breaths in between many of his words. Aegon mentally noted the mistakes in the epithets of the king, the High Septon was getting worse and would soon die if rumours were believed, and there was still no replacement for him after Viserys left on, "an important mission for Crown and Faith", with Maegella who was seeking the Crones Wisdom in travel of Essos.
The Sept of Aeyrs erupted in cheers by High Borns. The seven great bells of the drum towers rang out clearly. Each bell was a different timbre with the female god's bells being higher and cleaner, the male being deep and heavy, and the Stranger being in the perfect middle range. It was a beautiful sound, a beautiful building, a beautiful day, but a sour feeling seeped into Aegon, like a poison.
Rhaegar rose from the floor and waved to the crowds of the Sept, roughly one thousand of them crammed onto the floor and elevated bleachers to witness. Outside thousands more gathered, hoping to catch a glimpse of a freshly appointed king.
The SIiver King of the Golden Age, who was destined to plunge the Realm into war…unless he got his shit together very quickly.
An attractive singer with dyed purple hair from Tyrosh played a stringed instrument in the corner of Rhaegar's private hall, The Kings Hall. it was made with the intention of the King being able to host a middle-sized party without needing to use the Great Hall. Pillars of snaking serpents held up the ceiling, mosaiced with acts of lovemaking. The floor gleamed in the brazier light of the pure black fused stone, quarried from Dragonstone.
Rhaegar held a lavish feast for the large party of Highborns in the Great Hall, over fifteen hundred guests were fed and supplied with the finest drinks he could afford. As the children went to bed, and the feasting turned to dance and drunken games, Rhaegar asked the family to come for a smaller supper and sweets.
The table itself was made to mimic the table from Dragonstone, depicting the whole of Westeros, in Weirwood. At the far left of the table, Dareon and Cersei debated about something with waving hands, it was odd for Aegon to see Dareon so heated. A few months ago he would have expected Cersei to be yelling and for him to be silent.
Next to them sat Shaena and Lord Robert, Robert was flush with wine and Shaena sadly poked at her cherry tart, the exact opposite of Dareon and Cersei.
In the middle of the table sat Rhaegar, with Rhaenys and Aegon at his side. Aegon spied on the serving girls with a hunger that reminded Egg of himself, in a way. He was even drunker than Robert, his pale face beyond red, brown eyes clouded and bloodshot, his speech slurring. Rhaenys looked visually uncomfortable and Egg's heart hurt. Since their wedding, Rhaenys had locked herself in her room, it was the first time he'd seen her.
After that, Dany and Robb sat, staring at one another with eyes that only puppy love could make. Robb fed Dany food off his plate and made her laugh with his jokes. Egg remembered a time when he was like that, a youth who did not know the cruelness of the world yet, green as summer grass.
And then there was Marg and him, on the end of the table, a world away from Dareon. After his conversation with Oberyn, Egg told Margaery everything; Oberyn's and Dorne's plan, the real unrest growing around the continent, and the impending risk of war. Over the last few days, they discussed at length the steps they wanted to take. Margaery exchanged letters with her Grandmother nearly daily, through secret messages hidden in flower bouquets, the private language developed by high-born ladies of the Reach. They hadn't made a decision yet, nor would they act hastily, they had a family to protect first and foremost, the Game of Thrones came second.
"So, Stark, Robb, can I call you Robb? Robb, are you taken by my sweet aunt? You're a lucky boy to have her. I'm sure your family is jealous up there in the North", Aegon asked sheepishly, taking a bite of a hard cheese and smiling. Robb stopped looking at Daenerys and shifted his gaze to the Prince of Dragonstone. Dany blushed behind her hand and Robb's face shifted.
"Princess Daenerys is a maid beyond my worth, I am truly lucky to be her betrothed. I hope by the old gods and the new I shall do her honour", Robb said formally. It had recently been announced that Bran, his younger brother, would be taking the seat at Riverrun, and in time, marry Aerea. When he had heard that, apparently Robb was happy, then the glee disappeared.
That would make Robb his brother by marriage, and make Robb the brother-in-law of his daughter, would that make Aerea his sister-in-law by extension? Egg dismissed the thought, he did not want his daughter to be his sister.
"Princess Daenerys is a beauty of Valyrian stock would you say? Purple eyes and silver hair, fragile, graceful, elegant, all the traits my wife lacks", Aegon laughed and took a drink of his goblet. The conversation at the table quieted slightly.
"I would almost say she is wasted on you. Robb, not even a knight? By your age, I was knighted, seven and ten and still just Robb. What a shame but the gods are cruel, your gods, not mine. And speaking of looks, I dare say, forgive me Stark, but you dont look like one at all. Browny red hair, clear blue eyes? Perhaps more a Tully than a Stark, it would be a shame if you too turned into a traitor like your dear uncle, and grandfather…"
Robb stood and planted his hands firmly on the table, shaking the candles and plates. The singer stopped his song and the servants stopped moving.
"Aegon Targaryen-", Rhaegar started.
"And now we see the wolf blood come out, isnt that right, Robb? Unable to control yourself? Seems to be a common theme with Starks and Tullys. We all know the rumours of your Aunt and my father…that her son, Rickard Manderly, is my bastard brother. Tut tut, no impulse control at all. A traitor's blood and a wildling, too, not suitable consort for a princess of the royal family. And your brother? Being married to cousin Aerea? Too much Stark was beginning to smell like wet dog-".
Before he could finish his words, Robb lunged at him, fists bared. The Nothern lad took Aegon off his chair and they smashed onto the floor. Dany cried out for them to stop and Rhaenys lept into action before Egg could react. His niece delivered one quick booted kick through her red gown to Robb's head, who pummeled fists into Aegon's laughing face, drunk on pain and ale.
Robb fell to the side and Daenyers moved to check on him. His brow had begun to bleed and a nice welt formed on his head. No one bothered with Aegon who laughed to himself on the floor. Rhaegar remained unmoved for a moment, his face, which was usually streaked with wrinkles, smoothed even more. He played with the chain around his neck, it was a new thing, made of shiny metal. It looked very plain for royal wear but Egg realised he had not seen him without it since he arrived.
Rhaenys eventually helped Aegon to his feet, unsteadly. He lent his full weight onto his sister, who stood a whole head taller than him. Rhaenys repulsed at his touch but held him upright with dignity.
"Father, I will care for Aegon. Excuse us, my lord", Rhaenys bowed deeply and a guard appeared to help them move the Heir to the Iron Throne. Egg looked down while Daenerys used the sleeve of her purple gown to wipe Robb's lip, but the boy looked ashamed. Aegon offered a small smile to the boy and remembered the many tavern fights he'd have in Essos about a myriad of different things. Youth and alcohol, with hot tempers, were a dangerous concoction.
Dany with the help of Margaery moved Robb from the room to be checked by a maester elsewhere. The room hung in silence, Rhaegar remained silent, Dareon and Cersei, silent, somehow Robert had fallen into a drunken slumber, but he and Shaena were silent, too. Tension built and the fuse was lit by none other than the Last Lioness, who muttered something under her breath. Rhaegar sent the remained guards and servants away to assist the injured, leaving Rhaegar, Dareon, Cersei, Shaena, a sleeping Robert and Egg alone with the sounds of crackling flames and snoring.
"And what was that? Lady Cersei?", Rhaegar asked calmly. Cersei smiled with a dazzling white grin.
"I believe my dear wife was questioning your ability to control your son, much like how we struggle with ours, Lord Rhaegar. Daughters seem to be much easier to handle", Dareon replied curtly. Rhaegar's face showed no expression at all.
"I think it reflects on your capability as a whole, gods know it. Cannot control your son, cannot control the Realm, and no one is safe. No one receives justice or punishment. Long gone are the days of our father", Aegon spun his head to she Shaena speak. Her eyes were bloodshot and small tears gathered in her eyes.
"Six moons and we are no closer to resolving anything than when it all started. The Stormlands are being raided by pirates from gods know where the Westerlands dont listen to you. My maid told me that kitchens are at a breaking point because food isnt getting here from the Vale and the Reach, your supply chains are being strangled, Rhaegar-"
"Oh, they are loud words from someone who hid in their castle for six moons. Alyssanne received her justice, Shaena. We have all lost children, collect yourself and move on. The Westerlands suffer more. Dareon and I are struggling-" Cersei shot back.
For the second time that evening, Aegon had to suppress a laugh at the wrong time, but this one failed.
"Of course, you are struggling with military means. Dareon is not a knight or a general in the slightest means. He proved that during the Folly when his whole legion was wiped out and smashed. I was a better leader than he was in wartime, and I was barely a man! Cersei, I pity you, you married a sad wyrm, not a dragon", a new fire from inside came from Aegon. He had no clue where, it was like a second consciousness came into him, a demon, or a wight like the bedtime stories.
"You can't say anything, whore. You were in the capitol for the war while Rhaegar, Jaeheryes and I risked our lives for Father. You know why you were confined to the castle. At least I was out in the field-"
"Out in the field? Gods, you were so stupid, Dareon the Red, that Rhaegar was reinstated as Prince of Dragonstone and heir because Father knew the lords would never follow a king who could not even win a single battle. You are not strong or smart, you are weak and grovelling. A drunkard with an expensive taste and an artist, brother. Go back to your easels and leave the real politics to the warriors", Aegon lent back in his chair and delivered his words with a new cool calm, like the cool breeze he felt when Wildfyre flew.
A quiet word uttered from Rhaegar's lips but no one heard. He repeated himself but this time luder.
"Enough. I am the king and you will listen to me. No more insults or slights. We are one house, one family. We are Dragons and I will not stand for this. Aegon acted out of line, it was not prickly of him to attack his sister, aunt or Stark. I will have them all make amends. We cannot risk the Northern loyalty, should they side with the Rebels we might as well give up. Aegon had suggested that he take Daenerys as his wife too, like Aegon the Dragon and his two brides. He was beyond offended when I told him no and he will not let the issue go. For the War, we must have a crossover of Ice and Fire, Daeneyrs and Robb are one possibility of it. Their marriage must go through and the seeds must mix".
The rest of the family looked at each other, speechless.
"What War, brother. There is rebellion around the Realm but we are not at war yet", Shaena said, questioning. Rhaegar played with his necklace once more,
"The Great War, the reason we sit the throne. Why our dragons were reborn, Shaena? Why we must be reunited so we may defeat the real enemy to the North", Rhaegar said.
"The Starks?", Dareon asked, looking at Cersei. Rhaegar shook his head and laughed humourlessly. A cold creeping sensation climbed up Aegon's spine like a spreading chill.
"Then why did you send Viserys and Maegella away, why did you let them leave?", Aegon asked, "if we are divided we are easier to conquer. If we must be a force untied why do you let them leave? Why do you let Aegon treat Rhaenys so poorly? And Daenerys? Isnt he meant to rule us after you? We won't follow a man who acts the way Aegon does", Egg said with an urgency in his voice, thinking of Oberyn's words. Would his family ever be safe if Aegon sat on the Throne?
"Viserys and Maegella were liabilities. Maegella had a gift unseen for generations, but I suspect Aerea has one even greater, I have seen it in my dreams, but I cannot think of why…yet", Rhaegar looked at Aegon with a cool gaze, how the fuck does he look younger? Aegon thought.
"I have arranged for their ship not to make it to Essos. A sacrifice but one I am willing to make. Their dragons shall be free to be reclaimed by Aegon and the next eldest male, Gaemon. The tarnish to our family name shall be restored. The people will be so focused on mourning them that they'll forget the magic, witch allegations and affair if they know it. The Riverlands will be appeased the widow of Edmure is dead, and the Faith will have a new saint. If we blame the attack on the pirates I then have a common enemy for the Realm to fight for now, to keep them united. All shall be well", Rhaegar said cooly.
The room fell deadly silent.
"You can't kill them", Dareon said.
"Rhaegar, brother please, this is madness. It is cruel, Maegella is with child", Shaena pleaded, falling to his chair side.
"No, fuck this, fuck you, Rhaegar. You can't just kill Mae and Viserys because they are liabilities, they are family. We've all made mistakes, Rhaegar. Its fucking madness to kill someone for an affair. I'd be dead, you would be too. Rhaegar, this is fucking insane…We'll stop you, Rhaegar. Familicide is something that will unite the Realm just as much as a common enemy", Aegon gripped the sides of his seat and spat his words out.
Rhaeger took a deep breath and made an eerie smile with his youthful face.
"Well, you see, my dear brothers and sisters. You will not tell the Realm of what I have said because if you remember correctly, whose house are you in? Who sleeps soundly in their beds right now? Little Princes and Princesses after a long day of dancing and feasting. One word of our conversation leaves this room, and say goodbye to your children, all of them. Do not make me Wake the Dragon".
Excerpt 8No one is sure of the precise date the Second Dance of the Dragons truly commenced, as the seeds of war are often sewn in times of peace. During the Gods Month of the year 300 AC is the most commonly accepted first event of to start of the rift that would lead to the Civil War.
The attempted assassination of Princess Maegella and Septon Viserys (at the time) is suspected to have been commissioned by Lord Dareon Goldfyre, at the request of his Lady-Wife, Cersei. The purpose was to act as a catalyst to the war and to eliminate two potential dragon siders from the side of the Royals, also known as the Blacks.
Although this is still highly debated among maesters as other sources and accounts suggest King Rhaegar the Silver commissioned the attack himself to restore the family name and prevent a war between the Crown and the Smallfolk on the accounts of witchcraft, familicide and infanticide; all of which are great sins in the eyes of the Faith.
In the following years, more events would occur that caused divides among the House of the Dragon to eventually form the three sides of the Second Dance, following the War for the Dawn: the Blacks, the Oranges and the Golds.