The Crownlands ― Rook's Rest…
The battle raged around Rhaenys as she groaned in pain from her recent scuffle with Vhagar and Sunfyre. Her dragon Meleys growled in agony and stumbled when she attempted to rise again. Vhagar's bite had shattered the Red Queen's hip and mangled her right leg, causing her wounds to spill out her life's essence onto the ground, staining it a deep red. Despite Meleys's shallow breaths, she still stubbornly clung to life. Aegon the Younger continued his aerial battle with Aegon the Elder while Sunfyre received vicious wounds from Corxes hovering above her. Aemma and Silverwing were still struggling against Aemond and Vhagar. Without help, they stood no chance against them. Viserys and Maelyx did their best to strafe the Caltrops with dragonfire, hoping to obliterate their anti-dragon armaments. However, they had to break off the attack when one of the scorpion bolts came too close. Rhaenys gripped her reins tightly, refusing to go down without a fight. She knew the cliffs were still within range, and she was unwilling to watch the battle from afar. "Aertan, Meles… (Let's go, Meleys…)" she panted wearily.
"*Guuuuuuuuuuu…*"
Meleys, struggling to lift herself off the ground, firmly pressed both wings against the earth to stabilize her balance. Although wounded and bleeding heavily from fighting two dragons simultaneously, Meleys limped her way to the cliff on one leg with a determined look in her eyes. Slowly, she began to gain speed before doing a nosedive over the edge, plummeting into the abyss below. As she fell, Rhaenys pulled back on the reins of her saddle, gritting her teeth as she strained against her internal discomfort sustained from the fall.
However, Meleys was not defeated yet.
With all her strength, she opened her wings to catch the air, beating them with force to take flight once more. The Red Queen soared through the air, wounded and bloodied, yet still fierce and unrelenting. Meleys was not going to give up. She was a dragon, and she was going to fight as one. With every ounce of strength she had left, she continued to fly, determined to continue the fight. Her wings were heavy, and her body ached, but she refused to let that defeat her. She would fight until the bitter end.
"Dracarys!" Viserys commanded.
Maelyx maneuvered through the battlefield as the young sub-adult dragon continued to attack the line of anti-dragon armament below fiercely. Each beat of his mighty wings propelled him higher into the sky, deftly dodging a line of scorpions aimed at him. His sharp eyes spotted the Caltrops' archers, and he swerved sideways to avoid the Caltrops' archers and quickly get out of range. Although the projectiles grazed against his scales, he remained undeterred - feeling only a minor pinch as they stuck to his scaly, draconic hide. Suddenly, a sense of unease washed over him as he screeched anxiously, detecting the presence of another dragon approaching.
"*Reeeeeeee!*"
Viserys sensed it, too. Is… Is that…?
Aegon the Younger and Corxes relentlessly attacked Aegon the Elder and Sunfyre, unleashing a barrage of ferocious bites and deep gashes onto the golden dragon's gleaming scales. Despite his efforts to break free, Sunfyre struggled to stay aloft with one of his wings severely damaged. Corxes stubbornly held Sunfyre with his foot claws, determined to keep him within his grasp. With renewed vigor, the sub-adult dragon clawed at Sunfyre again, tearing into his already wounded flanks with his razor-sharp talons. "It's not much fun being hunted down, isn't it, bastard?!" he shouted at the pretender. "Being hunted… just like the way you―" he stopped when he suddenly sensed something big approaching at high speed. Checking his surroundings, Aegon the Younger soon felt an eclipse slowly consuming all four combatants. Looking up, he saw who was coming from above. You're here. "Korkys, pryjātās! (Corxes, break off!)" He then turned to Aegon the Elder. "This is the end of the line… for you, Waters."
"*Raaaaaaa!*"
With a burst of effort, Corxes pushed Sunfyre away from him and then turned around, flapping his wings with great power and speed to put some distance between himself and his adversary.
Aegon the Elder gasped for air as he and Sunfyre finally broke free from the clutches of Aegon the Younger and his dragon Corxes. His chest heaved with the effort of his escape, and he breathed heavily as he regained his composure. "Vēsperzys! (Sunfyre!)" He checked his dragon for injuries, but a sudden heat overwhelmed him. "Ahh! Oww, what the…?!" The intense heat then seared through Aegon's clothes and riding gloves. He could feel the scorching temperature of the air rising with each passing moment. When he felt his hair beginning to burn, Aegon lifted his gaze to the sky and saw a sudden burst of tan-orange flames piercing through the clouds, followed by the sight of an enormous dragon lunging towards him from above with its jaws wide open, ready to encircle him. No… No, no, no, no, no, no! "NOOOOOOO!" he screamed in terror.
In a sudden, horrifying moment, Sunfyre's deafening scream pierced through the air as the flames engulfed him. A split second later, without any warning or mercy, Vermithor clamped his massive jaws around Sunfyre in a bone-crushing bite before plowing him into the ground with a tremendous force akin to that of a tidal wave, creating a shockwave that echoed through the earth and reverberated the very air, causing the ground to shake violently beneath everyone's feet. The impact was so massive that it caused the earth to ripple and shake, and an enormous cloud of dirt and debris exploded into the air, engulfing the entire battlefield and Rook's Rest in a thick, suffocating blanket of dust.
Vhagar abruptly let go of Silverwing and swiftly turned her head toward the source of the sudden commotion. Aemond was also caught off-guard by the arrival of the Bronze Fury. From atop his dragon, Aemond, even though he had only one functioning eye, strained to see through the thick cloud of dust that enveloped the battlefield and the castle of Rook's Rest. Despite hearing the clanging of swords and the sound of horses' hooves, he couldn't discern any movement. The dust cloud was so thick that it filled his mouth and left a gritty taste on his teeth, frustrating him. He wished for the dust to clear so he could finally see what was happening, but for now, he knew who it was. "Vermithor," he uttered under his breath. So, he's here too. "Jaehaerys…"
Ser Criston, fending off Blacks supporters left and right with his morning star, stood his ground amidst a chaotic battlefield and fought fiercely against Blacks supporters attacking him from all sides. The air was thick with the sounds of clashing swords, screams of pain, and the stench of death. Suddenly, the tremor caused by Vermithor's impact shook the ground beneath him violently, causing his horse to rear up on its hind legs and panic, throwing the Kingsguard knight off his mount. "Ngh!" he grunted as he landed hard on the ground, losing his morning star. A dense cloud of dust enveloped him as he tried to get back on his feet. He couldn't see a thing! The battlefield was a gruesome sight, littered with shattered weapons, debris, and the bodies of fallen soldiers. Despite the chaos, he quickly regained his bearings and shouted orders to his troops. "Men! Form up! Gather a line! Get in line now!" he barked, his voice rising above the din of battle. The Blacks and Caltrops were shouting, screaming, and cursing in all directions. With his sword in hand, Criston felt his ears ringing, and he had to defend himself from attackers coming from multiple angles. He moved swiftly and expertly, anticipating every move of his opponents. His eyes darted back and forth, searching for any sign of danger. The ground beneath him was unsteady, making it difficult to maintain balance. Yet Criston fought on, driven by his sense of duty as a soldier. He knew he had to keep the line at all costs.
Criston's focus was suddenly interrupted by a piercing and high-pitched screech. He cautiously peeked over the thick, swirling dust cloud to glimpse two dragon silhouettes in the distance. One was noticeably larger than the other, but Criston could unmistakably recognize Sunfyre, Aegon the Elder's dragon. Aegon's screams were heard momentarily before it was snuffed out, but he was nowhere to be seen.
When the view gradually became clearer, the sight that greeted Criston's eyes was gruesome.
Vermithor tightly clenched the neck of Sunfyre in his powerful jaws. The immense pressure caused Sunfyre to cry in terror, desperately flapping his wings and kicking his legs frantically, attempting to escape Vermithor's grip. However, Vermithor refused to release his prey. He exerted even more force, causing Sunfyre's vertebrae and muscles to make a sickening sound under strain. Displaying his dominance, Vermithor forcefully slammed the young golden dragon onto the ground, repeating this action with tremendous force while violently shaking his head from side to side. The agonized blood-curdling screeches of Sunfyre filled the air as his bones were crushed and his muscles and tissue mercilessly torn apart. Flexing all the power in his jaws, Vermithor ripped off Sunfyre's head, triumphantly clutching it in his mouth as he let loose a resounding roar of victory. "*ROOOOOOOOOAAAAAAA!*"
With a heavy heart, Jaehaerys watched from his saddle as the Caltrops and Blacks clashed on the battlefield, their boundaries shifting back and forth. Sunfyre's headless corpse lay on the ground, and he searched for Aegon the Elder's body, but it was nowhere to be found. He wondered whether it lay buried under the weight of the golden dragon's corpse or if Vermithor had devoured it, much like Vhagar had done with Daeron. Jaehaerys was deeply disappointed that the Caltrops had forced his family's hand and pushed them to this point. As he took in the scene before him and felt the weight of his responsibilities, he vowed to end the brutal civil war and bring peace to the Seven Kingdoms.
"Brother!" Aegon the Younger flew over with Corxes.
Jaehaerys acknowledged his brother's presence with a slight nod of his head. In the distance, Vhagar and Aemond could be seen descending toward him. Jaehaerys watched intently, preparing himself for the next move. He shifted his weight slightly, ready for the challenge ahead. "You did well, Aegon," he said. "But I'll take it from here. Go and help Viserys." He tapped his dragon three times. "Sōvēs, Vērmithari! (Fly, Vermithor!)"
"*Ruuuuuuuu!*"
Vermithor turned his enormous body towards Vhagar, fixing her with a fierce gaze. He spread his expansive wings and launched himself towards her with great exertion, his impressive wingspan stretching like a dark cloud in the sky. The Bronze Fury and the Queen of All Dragons, two of the oldest and most powerful dragons in the Seven Kingdoms, were now locked in a fierce and awe-inspiring battle, their scales glinting in the sun as they clashed and roared in the skies above Rook's Rest.
"Kick his ass, Jay!" Aegon shouted in encouragement. "Sōvēs, Korkys! (Fly, Corxes!)"
Corxes screeched as he swiftly turned around in midair, his wings creating a gust of wind behind him as he went to reinforce Maelyx, who was locked in a fierce battle against Ser Criston and the Caltrops as their anti-dragon armaments had now been entirely aimed at him instead. Aegon, who had been watching from a great distance, finally caught up with his twin, feeling a sense of relief and safety as they reunited.
"Aegon!" Viserys shouted, his voice echoing through the air. "Was that Jaehaerys?"
Aegon turned around, a smug grin spreading across his face. "Yeah, Viserys. Jay's here! He's said he will assist Aemma while simultaneously taking care of Aemond and Vhagar. He even suggested that I lend you a hand with Ser Criston!"
"Too bad it took Aemond to bring us all together."
"I know, right?" Aegon replied, turning to face the Caltrops. "But we're united now, and that's all that matters. Are you ready, brother?"
"I'm right behind you, Aegon," Viserys said, determination shining in his eyes. "Just stay out of their range, and we'll take them down together."
Without wasting time, the Targaryen brothers initiated another dragon run, soaring high up in the sky side-by-side and unleashing their deadly arsenal of dragonfire upon their foes. The two dragons, Corxes and Maelyx, worked in perfect unison, their scales shimmering in the bright sun as they unleashed fiery breaths at their enemies, laying down crossing walls of fire.
Without wasting time, the Targaryen brothers took to the skies again on Corxes and Maelyx side-by-side to initiate another dragon run. The two dragons worked in perfect unison, their scales shimmering in the bright sun and reflecting them, drawing their enemies' attention below. With deadly precision, the twins unleashed their deadly arsenal of dragonfire upon their foes, scorching the earth and setting the air alight with their heat. That left their enemies unable to break past the boundary line, pushing them further away from Rook's Rest. The twin brothers showed no mercy, and their enemies, aghast, watched as the two dragons wreaked havoc on the battlefield.
From a vantage point atop the towering cliffs that overlooked the fierce battlefield, the rogue dragonseeds, Ulf White and Hugh Hammer, could be spotted watching the unfolding events below. Despite their apparent alignment with the Caltrops, their eyes had a sly and cunning glint, hinting at a deeper and more sinister motive behind their presence. Their every move was shrouded in mystery, leaving those below to wonder what secrets they held and what role they would ultimately play in the battle's outcome.
"It would seem the Caltrops have bitten off more than they could chew," Ulf speculated.
"We are knights now, truly," Hugh replied.
"Fie on that; we should be lords."
"Why be a lord when you can be a king?"
Ulf carefully considered the proposal presented by his fellow dragonseed counterpart. The ongoing conflict between the Blacks and Caltrops had reached a boiling point, with each side determined to emerge as the sole victor. However, Ulf and Hugh were not interested in being subservient to either the Orange Queen or the Young Dragon. They longed for supreme power and absolute control over the realm, and this was the perfect opportunity to achieve their goals. They already had Tessarion and Seasmoke, but Ulf and Hugh craved even more power. With great deliberation, they chose not to intervene in the battle, instead mounting their dragons to observe from a safe distance. They were content to watch the two factions fight it out among themselves, leaving the Caltrop forces to their fate.
Criston was amid another brutal battle with the Blacks when he suddenly caught sight of Seasmoke and Tessarion taking off into the sky and realized that the dragonseeds had abandoned them; a fierce anger boiled inside him. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. "You… TRAITORS!" he yelled at them, his voice full of fury and betrayal.
Meanwhile, Vermithor and Vhagar's piercing gaze locked and, with a loud roar, charged toward each other with incredible speed. The sky trembled with the force of their approach, and the air around them crackled with energy. Their jaws shone with a bright orange glow. The air around them became a blazing inferno as they closed in on each other.
Aemond was perched on his dragon, holding onto the reins of his saddle tightly with a wicked grin on his face. He eagerly anticipated when his nephew and arch-rival Jaehaerys would emerge from hiding to face him in a fierce battle of dragon riding and combat. Aemond was no stranger to such contests, having already emerged victorious against Aemma and her dragon, Silverwing. He was confident that he could quickly dispatch Jaehaerys and his dragon Vermithor and prove that he was the superior dragonrider and warrior. "Jēda vēttegon, tresy! (Time to settle this, nephew!) Dracarys, Vhagar!"
Vhagar spewed forth a conflagration of dragonflame. Its intense heat was so hot that it could melt a knight's armor and cook him inside.
Jaehaerys was not interested in playing games at that moment. His serious expression conveyed that this was not one of their duels in the Red Keep's courtyard, where they would practice their combat skills. This was serious, and there would be no draws this time. Analyzing the wounds inflicted on Vhagar, Jaehaerys calmly searched for a vulnerable spot to take advantage of. Additionally, he had a few tricks up his sleeve. If you believe things will play out the same way as before, Aemond, you're sorely mistaken. "Urnēptre jāla, Vērmithari. (Show him, Vermithor.)"
Anticipating the blast, Vermithor quickly dashed to the side. Even though the Queen of All Dragons was bigger and more ferocious than him, the Bronze Fury was just as strong, if not equal, in terms of strength and more maneuverable in the air due to being much younger than her. As Vermithor dodged the attack, Aemond saw the dragon unleash a concentrated fireball that blazed through the air, leaving a trail of flames in its wake. The fireball collided with Vhagar's unprotected right flank with great force, causing the larger dragon to roar in pain and anger.
"*RUUUUUUUUAA!*" Vhagar snarled angrily.
"*GRRRRRR!*" Vermithor emitted a ferocious growl from deep within his throat. With his wings tucked tightly to his side, the Bronze Fury swiftly closed the distance between himself and Vhagar, the two dragons fiercely clashing in a mid-air melee of gnashing teeth and razor-sharp claws, their scales clanging together like steel.
"Argh! Grraaah!" Aemond strained with frustration.
"Mmph! Guh!" Jaehaerys grunted.
The battle between Vhagar and Vermithor was a sight to behold. Their roars were so loud that they shook the very ground beneath them. The sound echoed through the sky with every clash, causing the birds to scatter in fear. Despite the difference in size, Vermithor stood his ground against the much bigger, more battle-hardened Vhagar. Their razor-sharp claws caused equal damage to each other's bodies, locking them together as they tumbled through the 's jaws and claws were particularly powerful, relentlessly attacking the same spots on Vhagar's hide, gradually inflicting more and more harm with each strike and causing Vhagar to bleed. The pain only enraged her further, and she fought back even harder. With renewed vigor, she was determined not to let Vermithor gain the upper hand. Suddenly, her tail whipped through the air with incredible force, striking Vermithor with a thunderous impact that sent the Bronze Fury tumbling out of control. Jaehaerys held on for dear life as they spiraled perilously close to the ground below. But Vermithor was not done yet. With a fierce determination, he regained his balance, flapping his wings with all his might to propel himself back into the skies. The battle continued, each dragon refusing to back down. Their movements were so fast and powerful that it was hard to keep up. The sky was filled with fire and smoke as they breathed flames at each other, their massive bodies jerking towards the earth with each blow.
"*GRUUUUUU!*"
"*GRRRRRRR!*"
With their hot breaths forming steam clouds in the frigid air, Vermithor and Vhagar break off their attack and land on the ground with a thunderous stomp, shaking the earth with their combined weight. Despite their injuries, the two dragons stood firm, their movements slow and cautious, their eyes locked onto one another. They grunt and pant as they circle each other, their muscles flexing with each step. Covered in scratches, bite marks, and burns, their scales broken in places revealing raw flesh, the Bronze Fury and the Queen of All Dragons are formidable creatures. As they face each other, they let out deep growls reverberating in their throats, their eyes burning fiercely. They rear themselves on their hind legs, wings spread wide, creating an intimidating display. The atmosphere around them is tense as they continue to size each other up, neither willing to back down. Despite their exhaustion, they are determined to win.
Aemond fixed his gaze upon his nephew with keen intensity. Whether they were locked in fierce swordsmanship or riding on their perspective dragons, it was clear that he was every bit as skilled as he was. Every move was executed with calculating precision, and neither combatant showed any sign of weakness or faltering over the other. "Not bad, nephew. Very impressive. But the fact doesn't change that you can't keep up with Vhagar," he stated. "Unlike yours, my dragon is the last of the original three who conquered the Seven Kingdoms and is the veteran of 100 battles. Yours only fought in the Fourth Dornish War fifty years ago. Surely, you can understand why Vermithor doesn't even come close to Vhagar regarding combat, size, or experience."
Despite facing provocation, Jaehaerys remained composed and resolute. He analyzed his surroundings and caught a glimpse of movement out of the corner of his eye. Perfect. Any second now… Though it was a risky move, his mind was entirely focused on executing the strategy. Just stay out of sight a bit longer. "While it is true that your assessment of Vhagar is accurate and the differences between your dragon and mine are notable," he acknowledged, "however, it's worth mentioning that a crucial aspect seems to have eluded your attention. A fundamental factor we have, Aemond, but you yourself do not."
"What?"
"Lentor qīzy. (Familial support.)"
Aemond looked at Jaehaerys with a puzzled expression. He couldn't understand why his nephew sounded so confident. After all, Aemond was the rider of the biggest dragon in the world, not Jaehaerys. Nevertheless, Jaehaerys appeared undaunted despite Aemond's apparent advantage. Aemond contemplated the implications of Jaehaerys's words when he felt a sudden jolt below him, bringing him back to the present moment.
"*GRAAAAAAAAAAAA!*" Vhagar let out a deafening roar as a searing pain shot through her left leg. She turned to see Silverwing, who had risen from her previous defeat and relentlessly resumed her attack. With fierce determination, Silverwing sunk her jaws around Vhagar's leg and pulled back with all her might, tearing it and ripping off tiny bits of flesh.
"Leave my brother alone!" Aemma shouted fiercely.
"Argh! Why you…!" Aemond's attention was solely fixated on Jaehaerys, causing him to curse as he suddenly realized he had forgotten entirely about Aemma.
"*GRRRRRRRRR!*" Vhagar roared with fury, her eyes blazing with anger. She was not ready to surrender without a fight. Vhagar fought back fiercely, gnashing her razor-sharp teeth trying to reach Silverwing, thrashing her powerful tail and lashing out with her foot, trying to kick off the smaller yet stubbornly tenacious, silver-scaled dragon who clung to her.
"Sīr, Vērmithari! (Now, Vermithor!)"
Aemond's attention was abruptly drawn to the sight of Vermithor launching himself into the air. His massive jaws clamped down tightly around Vhagar's neck as he came down, and the sheer force of his bite compelled Vhagar's head to lower, leaving her unbalanced and vulnerable. With his powerful foot claws digging deep into the earth, Vermithor applied increasing pressure, determined to overpower the Queen of All Dragons. Meanwhile, Silverwing pulled unwaveringly, adding her strength to the effort. Vermithor pushed harder, his jaws clamping down with even more force. The muscles in his legs bulged with effort as he pushed and shoved, lending his strength to help his mate try to tip over Vhagar. If they succeeded, it would expose Vhagar's soft yet vulnerable underbelly, and they would mercilessly tear her open. "Vilībari arlī, Vagar! (Fight back, Vhagar!)"
With a swift movement, Vhagar reared her head to the side and swung back to smack Vermithor off of her. Feeling free from her opponent, she raised her foot and kicked Silverwing off, sending the elder dragon away as she applied pressure to slow herself from sliding across the ground. With all three dragons now evenly spaced, one each keeping a watchful eye on the two, their wings spread wide in a show of dominance. Vhagar, with her years of experience as a veteran dragon, was particularly mindful of her unprotected flanks, ready to defend herself against any sudden attack. The air was filled with the sound of their roars, hissing, and the baring of their razor-sharp teeth as they all jostled for position, waiting for one of them to make the first move.
Aemond's gaze flicked back and forth between Jaehaerys astride Vermithor and Aemma, who moved with a grace that matched her dragon, Silverwing. Both dragons were undeniably aged, but Vhagar exceeded them in years and experience. The Queen of All Dragons had known them since they were hatchlings. However, what made Vermithor and Silverwing truly remarkable was their undeniable bond as mates, allowing them to function seamlessly as a formidable duo. Aemond's previous assumption that separating the Targaryen siblings would leave them vulnerable to Vhagar's overwhelming size and power had proven correct when they were alone. Yet, fate had brought them together. Now that they were fully aware of his nefarious plan, Aemond realized he needed to devise an alternative strategy to defeat them. "Sōvēs, Vagar. (Fly, Vhagar.)"
With a deafening roar that echoed across the battlefield, Vhagar sprang herself off the ground with a mighty push, flapping her colossal wings and ascending into the sky. Vermithor and Silverwing, the two elder dragons, were quick to follow, gaining altitude, determined to take down the Queen of All Dragons. They flew on each side of Vhagar, hoping to flank and overpower her. However, Aemond, riding Vhagar, purposefully held back and allowed the other two dragons to fly ahead of him. Vhagar had them in her sight, and she was ready to attack. The situation quickly escalated as Vermithor and Silverwing realized their peril and turned around to face Vhagar. As they braced themselves for the next move, Meleys, the Red Queen, suddenly reappeared into view, sweeping in with lightning speed and sinking her razor-sharp teeth into Vhagar's rib cage. The sudden attack surprised everyone watching the battle from below, including Jaehaerys and Aemma, as they had not expected Princess Rhaenys to rejoin the fray. The clash of the dragons was a spectacle to behold, with flames, smoke, and scales flying in all directions.
"*RAAARGH!*" Vhagar roared, enraged by the act of defiance.
"Rhaenys!" Aemma exclaimed. "Jay," she turned to her brother, "we have to help her! She's in no condition to keep fighting!"
"I know, Aemma! Come! On me!" Jaehaerys replied. Damn it! This changes things.
Aemond snarled at the presence of more intruders. "Rargh! Damn you! Still alive, huh? Well, allow me to send you to the grave… THE QUEEN WHO NEVER WAS!" he shouted.
Roaring in acknowledgment of their riders, Vermithor and Silverwing rushed to assist Meleys in the fight against Vhagar. All four were engaged in a vicious aerial duel above Rook's Rest. With Meleys's speed and Vermithor's size and power, the two dragons were forced to battle her at close range. Living up to his nickname, "the Bronze Fury," Vermithor was the first to clash with Vhagar in a mid-air melee while Meleys used her speed to her advantage to strike at Vhagar from her unprotected flanks. However, Aemond anticipated this. Although it was three against one, Vhagar was still a formidable dragon to be reckoned with. Rhaenys attempted to strike at the giant dragon's soft underbelly, but Aemond recognized this and kept maneuvering to keep Rhaenys from flying beneath him. Aemma rode Silverwing around to fill in as a support role, using her foot claws to dig into Vhagar's back for stability before delivering crushing bites.
Aemond's gaze turned to look behind him, only to come face to face with Aemma. The situation had become intense, and the ball was now in her court. Aemma had two options - she could either take revenge for Daeron's death by finishing Aemond off right then and there, which would also lead to the death of Rhaenys and Jaehaerys, or she could have her dragon target Vhagar's vulnerable wing membranes and potentially cripple the Queen of All Dragons. But this would mean leaving her brother's killer alive. The weight of the decision was heavy on the Targaryen princess, as she struggled with the internal conflict of having to make a difficult choice. However, despite the gravity of the situation, she bravely made the ultimate choice in the end.
"Dracarys!" Aemma commanded, steering the harness to the right.
Silverwing received the commands of her rider, and she swiftly turned towards Vhagar's wing, acknowledging the urgency of the situation. The membrane was set ablaze with a mighty blast of dragonflame, causing a fiery inferno to engulf the Queen of All Dragons. The intense heat and the deafening roar of the flames echoed across the battlefield, leaving no doubt about the power and ferocity of the dragons and their riders. However, although more sections of the wing membrane were slowly becoming more ruptured and increased the size of the holes already embedded, even Silverwing's flame did little but piss off Vhagar.
"*RAAAAAAAAA!*" Vhagar let out a deafening roar as she felt the searing pain of her wing being burned. Using her massive body, she began to buck wildly in the air. The Queen of All Dragons shook and shuddered and finally, with a violent convulsion, threw Silverwing off her back, her eyes glowing fiercely with rage. A memory stirred in the memory of the ancient dragon, a memory from the days of her first rider, Queen Visenya Targaryen; she remembered that her mistress had hated Vermithor and Silverwing along with their riders.
"Damn you!" Aemond cursed at Aemma. "Dracarys!"
Vermithor, Silverwing, and Meleys positioned themselves amid a heated battle - Silverwing to Vermithor's left and Meleys to his right. The air was thick with tension as Vhagar, who loomed in front of them, drew a deep breath, her chest expanding with power. With a sudden burst of energy, Vhagar released an enormous stream of scorching fire aimed directly at her three rivals. The intense heat and bright flames illuminated the sky. All three dragons twisted and turned, their wings beating furiously, attempting to avoid the deadly flames. But the blast was too massive, and they had no choice but to confront it head-on.
"Dracarys!" they shouted.
Vermithor, Silverwing, and Meleys simultaneously unleashed a fierce and combined torrent of their blazing breaths. The fiery blast collided with Vhagar's at a central point, creating a massive explosion that stopped it in its tracks and once again became locked. All four dragons were locked in a fiery standoff, their magnificent wings flapping as they struggled to gain the upper hand in the flame-lock. Aemond and Aemma had experienced this before, but with all dragons wearing out from the fighting, neither side gained any traction over the other. Vermithor, Vhagar, Silverwing, and Meleys sent energy pulses along their dragonflames.
Aemond's face was pressed hard against the lock, the heat emanating from it making him sweat profusely. He could feel the pressure building up, and he knew it was time to bring this prolonged struggle to an end. "Dracarys! lēda kostion, Vagar! (Full power, Vhagar!)"
Jaehaerys could sense a hidden motive behind his uncle's actions. "Kelītīs zirȳla, Vērmithari! lēda kostion! (Stop him, Vermithor! Full power!)" he shouted.
In a display of breathtaking synchronicity, Vhagar and Vemithor simultaneously reared their heads back, then lunged forward, unleashing a torrent of dragonfire at each other with all their might. The resulting confrontation was nothing short of explosive, as the two dragons' pulses met in a fiery lock that crackled with energy. The moment's intensity was palpable as the two beasts closed in, their flames growing hotter and more intense by the second. Finally, with a loud roar, the Queen of All Dragons' and Bronze Fury's pulses collided in a fiery burst, creating a massive explosion that sent shockwaves and micro-vibrations rippling through the air.
Criston, heavily engaged in combat on the ground, fought with all his might until he suddenly felt a powerful shockwave from the explosion. As he looked up, his eyes couldn't believe the scene as he witnessed the sight of all four dragons plummeting from the sky, leaving a trail of thick smoke behind them. "Aemond…" As the dragons Vhagar, Vermithor, Silverwing, and Meleys spun toward the ground, wide smoke trails filled the sky. Their impact shook the earth again, sending another earth-shattering tremor to ripple across Rook's Rest. They struck the ground so hard that stones fell from the battlements of Rook's Rest, half a league away.
After the intense battle, the dragons were left exhausted and injured. As time passed, Vhagar was the first to awaken and slowly rise to her feet with her bruised wings fully extended. Criston, watching the dragons from a distance, noticed that Vermithor and Silverwing were still alive despite their injuries. Although the silver dragon was badly wounded, she managed to breathe weakly and move her tail, eventually clawing at the ground to try to stand up. The Bronze Fury growled low in his throat and shook his head, seemingly trying to shake off the pain, placing his snout underneath Silverwing's neck to lend her his support. As for Meleys, the once fierce and formidable Red Queen herself, she remained engulfed in a cloud of smoky dust, and her fate was unknown.
"Uuuugh…" Aemond groaned; his ribs cracked under the force of the impact. As blood trickled from his mouth, he saw Aemma and Jaehaerys still alive. Knowing that neither could continue the fight, the rogue prince had to reorganize a counteroffensive if he were to triumph over his extended family members. Tapping his dragon three times, it was time to fall back. Let them have this day. But I'll be back. And the next time we meet, you won't be so lucky, Jaehaerys. "Sōvēs, Vagar. (Fly, Vhagar.)"
"*Ruuuuuuuuuu…*"
Vhagar, exhausted from the fierce battle, took to the skies yet struggled to maintain a certain angle above the Caltrops. The soldiers on the ground looked up as they watched the Queen of All Dragons soar away, her wings beating slowly and wearily. The sight filled them with despair, for they knew that with Vhagar's departure, their chances of victory had been lost.
"Pull back! Retreat!" Criston called out.
Lord Staunton and his men stood in awe as they witnessed the Caltrops retreat from Rook's Rest. The battle had been brutal, but the castle's defenders had held their ground, surviving not only the relentless assault but also the fury of Vhagar, the ancient dragon from the era of Aegon's Conquest that had been unleashed upon them. As the dust settled and the last of the Caltrops fled, a jubilation swept through Rook's Rest. There were embraces, cheers, and music filling the air. When the castle gates opened, House Staunton's garrison poured out, eager to taunt the retreating enemy and retrieve and honor their fallen comrades who had given their lives to defend the castle. They deserved a proper burial.
Corxes and Maelyx, still hovering above, quickly swooped down and landed. Aegon and Viserys dismounted their dragons and hurried over to the field.
"Jay! Aemma!" Aegon shouted with concern in his voice.
"Are you both all right? Is anyone hurt?" Viserys also ran towards them, wanting to offer his help.
Aemma, momentarily dazed from the fall, stumbled unsteadily away from her dragon. The force of the impact had left her with aching ribs despite the protective, draconic leather riding armor she wore. The princess, however, bore a more visible wound - a deep gash on her forehead, inflicted when she smacked her head against the unforgiving saddle. Blood droplets trickled down her cheek from her facial wound. "Ow, ow, ow. Ow…" she groaned, exhausted and in pain.
"Aemma!" Aegon the Younger hurried towards his sister-wife with a sense of urgency, his heart pounding. Just in time, he caught her in his strong arms, preventing her from collapsing to the ground. As he gazed upon her face, he gently brushed his thumb across her cheek, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. Despite the blood and bruises that marred her delicate face, Aemma was still breathing, still alive. Aegon's love for her swelled within him, and he vowed to protect her at all costs. "Em. Oh, Aemma…"
"Ae… Aegon…"
Viserys moved around deftly, going to where his older brother was. Jaehaerys was grasping his side in obvious discomfort. He, too, had sustained injuries from the impact and seemed to be in pain. Viserys's thoughts turned to what could be hidden beneath Jaehaerys's armor. He speculated there could be bruises, tender muscles, and bones, all aching and throbbing. His concern deepened as he noticed blood trickling from Jaehaerys's mouth, causing him to worry that his brother had also suffered internal damage. The thought made him uneasy, and he immediately resolved to get Jaehaerys the medical help he needed as soon as possible. "Jay…" he approached.
"Rha… Rhaenys," Jaehaerys turned to the crater. "Check… Check on her."
"But you're―"
"I'll be fine… Viserys. Just leave me be."
Reluctantly obeying his older brother's request, Viserys raised his hand to cover his eyes. "Rhaenys?" he called out. No answer. "Princess Rhaenys, are you there?" he called again. Again, no answer. Something's wrong. When the smoke and fire finally gutted out, Viserys saw, from the ashes, that Meleys was dead, broken by the fall, and incinerated from the fiery explosion from earlier. "Oh no… Jay! JAEHAERYS! I think you need to come and see this!" he urgently called out.
With a slow and unsteady gait, Jaehaerys made his way toward Viserys, his eyes fixed on the ground. Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks, his body frozen with disbelief at the sight of Meleys's lifeless body lying motionless on the ground. However, Rhaenys was nowhere to be seen. "Meleys… But where's…?" Not wanting to jump to conclusions just yet, Jaehaerys carefully scanned the surrounding area, his eyes darting from one spot to another, hoping against all odds to find Rhaenys before giving up hope. After a thorough search, Jaehaerys and Viserys finally found Rhaenys, barely a league away from the impact crater. "Rh-Rhaenys…" he groaned in pain. Kneeling, the Queen Who Never Was was unresponsive.
"Is… Is she…?" Viserys inquired.
Jaehaerys gingerly laid his hands upon the delicate curve of Rhaenys's neck, his fingertips seeking the faint rhythm of life pulsating beneath her pale Valyrian skin. A moment of trepidation passed as he anxiously awaited any sign of vitality. Time seemed to stretch on, elongating the heavy suspense in the air. "Help me get her armor off," he instructed, his voice laced with urgency. With the aid of Viserys, they meticulously unfastened the intricate steel and copper plate armor that encased Rhaenys's body, each piece relinquishing its hold with a reluctant surrender. Once the burdensome armor had been cast aside, Jaehaerys shifted and pressed his ear against her chest. The silence enveloped them was profound, a weighty absence that seemed to consume the essence of the air they breathed.
And then…
*Thump, thump…*
"By the gods, she's still alive!" Jaehaerys exclaimed.
"R-Really?" Viserys asked.
"Viserys, find a maester! Hurry!"
"Yes, brother!"
Viserys ran frantically searching for a maester, as Aegon and Aemma rushed to the source of the commotion. The noise had piqued the interest of the soldiers of Rook's Rest, who hastened over to investigate. Upon arrival, they witnessed Jaehaerys cautiously attempting to scoop Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, the Queen Who Never Was, into his arms. Despite surviving the fall, Rhaenys lay motionless and unresponsive. "Get her inside! Now!" he commanded, his voice firm.
"Come on, move it!"
"Come on, come on!"
"Don't touch her, she's too hot!"
"Use your cloaks!"
"Easy, easy, easy! Watch her head!"
The aftermath of the battle was still fresh in the minds of Aegon and Aemma, but they didn't hesitate to lend a hand as Jaehaerys and the Rook's Rest garrison soldiers lifted Rhaenys off the ground and carried her toward the castle. Despite the situation's urgency, they were careful not to cause any more harm to the already injured princess. Aemma felt a pang in her chest as she thought about her earlier decision. She had the opportunity to kill Aemond but ultimately chose to put her family first. As they rushed inside the castle, Aemma couldn't help but wonder if the risk was worth it. "Jay… I―" Aemma tried to speak.
"I know, Aemma," Jaehaerys reassured her. "I felt your struggle with the decision you've been forced to make. But don't doubt yourself. Revenge is a great motivator–yet it often clouds judgment. Once you cross that line, there's no coming back from it. In the end, I'm glad you made the right choice."
"Haaah… Tha-Thank you, Jay."
The bond between Jaehaerys, Aegon, Viserys, and Aemma was unbreakable. Despite being the Prince of Dragonstone and designated heir to the Iron Throne, he never forgot his duty as their elder brother to protect and care for them. Standing amidst the gentle breeze, Jaehaerys gazed out at the vast horizon and caught sight of the Velaryon ships gracefully sailing toward the docks of Rook's Rest. The ships' sails swayed in the wind as they made their way closer, their masts towering high into the sky. It was a sight to behold, and Jaehaerys couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of it when he glanced behind him, the headless corpse of Sunfyre and the charred, broken remains of Meleys was still present. This battle is far from over. No, we've only just begun.
Chapter End
Author's Note: As we bring the Battle of Rook's Rest to a close, we can see the difference on what might have been in regards to Princess Rhaenys Targaryen's fate. Here, all of Aeonar's children arrived on the scene to rescue Rook's Rest and the Queen Who Never Was. But what many couldn't comprehend was the bond between Jaehaerys, Aegon the Younger, Viserys, and Aemma. They had a spiritual sense that allowed them to let them know if any of their siblings were in danger. What was your reaction to Vermithor's entry? And the titanic battle with Vhagar? The effects of the dragonfire-lock and the fiery mass explosion created when Vhagar and Vermithor decided to go full-tilt in the middle of the lock? But overall, what is your take on Rhaenys's condition? As Jaehaerys stated, Rhaenys is still alive but unresponsive. Let me know.
LordDarkness89: will Addam of hull be here ?
―I'll try
C.E.W: The Battle of Rook's Rest is over, the Blacks have won and the Caltrops are in full retreat. The Blacks have lost another dragon Meleys, one of the fastest second behind Vaelor. However, the Caltrops have sustained a bigger lost, Sunfyre dead and Aegon the Elder's fate is unknown, more likely severely injured due to no body being found. Furthermore, the Dragonseeds Hugh Hammer and Ulf White have shown their true colors and abandoned the Caltrops. Which means the Caltrops have lost three dragons, which leaves Vhagar and Dreamfyre. Dreamfyre belongs to Helaena whose no fighter, and Vhagar is severely injured, and will take some time to recover.
Vermithor, Silverwing, Maelyx and Corxes have taken some injuries, more serious for the former two along with riders Jaehaerys and Aemma. Although the Blacks dragons Vaelor, Caraxes, Syrax, Vermax, Arrax and Moondancer remain in good health.
The four siblings' performance in working together as a team and saving Rook's Rest sends a good message to the realm, many will consider them to be the bright future of House Targaryen. Saving Rhaenys' life also earns them the eternal gratitude of Lord Corlys and House Velaryon. Furthermore, the battle has costed the Caltrops three dragons, one to death and the other to desertion. The Blacks have more dragons than the Caltrops do. Wonder if the Ironborn will see that as their signal to move against the Caltrops by attacking the Westerlands.
As for Rhaenys' condition, well, she took a hard fall and from the looks of it she had it the worst. I ain't no doctor, but I'm confident she might make it, what's the point of her surviving otherwise. Although I'm sure she'll be sadden by the death of Meleys.
As for Aeonar, Alicent and Otto's reaction, I'm confident that Alicent and Otto, and even Aeonar will be proud of their performance. On the other hand, I suspect Aeonar will berate them for putting their lives in danger, not to mention Aemma, Aegon the Younger and Viserys leaving with his permission. They could've been killed, especially if Hugh and Ulf had intervened. Aeonar might point that there is one reason that Jaehaerys, Aemma, Aegon the Younger and Viserys are alive, and that is luck, luck that the Dragonseeds did not intervene.
Odds are, Vermithor and Silverwing will be too wounded and still recovering by the time the Triarchy make their move. Aeonar himself might get involved with Vaelor whose speed and agile will be vital.
As for the Dragonseeds Hugh Hammer and Ulf White, they'll probably wait out as the Blacks and Caltrops fight each other. When Aemond and Vhagar perish, Hugh Hammer might come by, marry Beatrice or Helaena when the Caltrops are desperate.
Very, very well done battle of dragons by the way.
Questions:
Is Corlys Velaryon with the Velaryon fleet near Rook's Rest?
―Yes
Now that the battle is over, I assume Baela will go to Rook's Rest to check on her grandmother and husband?
―Yes
What's the final casualties on both sides in the Battle of Rook's Rest?
―1000 troops and all anti-dragon armament for the Caltrops, and 1400 for the Blacks
I take it Hugh and Ulf will participate in the Battle of Gullet with the Triarchy?
―No
Will Nettles and Sheepstealer be appearing again soon?
―Yes
Guest #1: good chapter.
randomdude24: Well, I'm happy to see the Blacks won. Unfortunately, they lost Meleys, but on the other hand, Sunfyre is dead, so both sides lost a dragon rider. I'm actually surprised Hugh and Ulf didn't drop into to save them. I guess they are truly loyal to themselves, big surprise their.
I'm hoping Rhaenys is not dead, badly injured, but not dead. The Caltrops will not take this defeat well. Now they have 3 dragons (assuming Hugh and Ulf are still on their side), and this will make them desperate to make the young dragon pay.
Questions.
What happened to Aegon? His body was never found.
―No one knows
What is the overall death toll on both sides?
―The Caltrops lost 1,000 men and all their siege weapons. The Blacks lost more than 1,400.