Chapter 5: The War of the Hundred Candles

The ability to tame and control dragons, the power which helped the forty families of Valyrian shepherds to create the greatest empire the world has ever seen, or so we are told. Suffice to say that many overlook the fact it wasn't just the dragons who helped Valyrians to achieve their supremacy. There were also Valyrian legions created after the first Ghiscari War, replacing the old levy system of Valyria. The decision to create this professional army was a huge success as the Valyrian armies soon became the best and the most effective fighting force in Essos. And even managed to overcome and beat Ghiscar lockstep Legions in the four following Ghiscari Wars, however it is a question how much this outcome was affected by the usage of dragons.

The current composition of Stepstones forces and by extension the Dragon company forces are made by few different units, yet its backbone is still composed of Valyrian Legionnaires. Though they may have changed from the times of the Old Valyria for better or for worse, they are still representing the one of deadliest and disciplined soldiers in Essos. As to how exactly these well-trained and professional soldiers changed from the days of Old Valyria however, is a rather interesting question.

From what I was able to find out on the matter, the Old Valyrian legions were armed with Valyrian steel weapons and armour, mostly scale or chainmail. The Stepstones legions on the other hand do not have the same luxury, as Valyrian steel is mostly reserved for the nobility of Stepstones and Dragon Wrath Guard, probably due to limitation of creating such steel. So, to partially compensate for this, the House Varezys began to arm their legionnaires and other units of Stepstones armies with full plate armour, made out of best quality castle-forged steel. The same steel is then also used for their weapons, which are a spear, a shield, three javelins, a well-balanced longsword and finally the dagger.

The Stepstones legionnaires usually fight and are the most effective in their spear and shield formations but they are also capable individual fighters, in the case when fighting outside their formations is needed or their formation breaks on the battlefield, though that is considered to be a rare occurrence indeed.

Maester Gerion in the book: Stepstones Principality, the Remnant of Old Valyria.

XXX

Aerion moved so quickly that even his guards had a hard time keeping up with him. In his mind there was one destination he was now heading to. The Dragon Wrath Guard barracks.

The information told to him by Alearys about the Lord Daltheon dying hit him more than he dared to admit. Lord Daltheon was the oldest commanding officer Aerion had to his disposal and one of his closest former mentors when it came to sword-fighting and war strategy, what's more he was the Commander of the Dragon Wrath Guards since the rule of Daemon Varezys, Aerions's grandfather and as such his experience was not insignificant.

When Aerion arrived to the barracks, he immediately headed to commander's office and he hoped the Lord Daltheon haven't left yet. Just as he was approaching the doors, they opened and a young man was leaving the room. It was commander Daltheon's nephew and promising member of the Dragon Wrath Guard Matarys Daltheon, Aerion's good friend since childhood. He was visibly shaken and not exactly in the good mood but when he saw Aerion he quickly straightened himself and bowed his head while placing his right hand on his chest. "My Prince."

"Matarys, no need to be formal now. I am here to see your grandfather, is it true? Is he really dying?"

Matarys nodded. "Unfortunately, yes."

Aerion grimaced in frustration. "I see, well it's not like he is not at the age, however this is really inconvenient time but well it is what it is."

Upon hearing Aerion's words, Matarys frowned in confusion. "What do you mean? You know he can't exactly affect this right?"

"Naturally, though it still bothers me. Losing my most experienced commander just before a major campaign is just….. well, not ideal."

"Another campaign so shortly after the previous ended? I see, and who hired Dragon Company services this time?"

"No one, this campaign will be entirely my own endeavour, however you shouldn't be concerned about that, at least for now. I presume, you want to accompany your grandfather back home, no?"

"Yes, he wants to die in his home."

"Alright then go and prepare yourself, I must speak with your grandfather before he departs as there will not be any other opportunity."

"Oh, does that mean that you will not even attend the funeral?" Matarys asked with the hint of a complaint in his voice.

"Unfortunately, something came out and as for now it seems I will have to help someone with a certain Dornish problem."

Matarys frowned, folded his arms. "Dornish problem? And what does this solving involve, burning it with dragon fire?"

Aerion smirked. "Naturally, in fact you wouldn't believe me, just how many problems can be solved that way, especially if those problems are on the wooden ships, anyway, I think we both have something to do."

"Well, yes. I must go and prepare for the journey back home."

Aerion nodded. "Go and be with your family, Dragon Wrath Guard will not crumble when you are away. Now, I will go say my own farewell. "He turned away from his friend, gestured to his guards to stay outside and entered the room without looking back.

XXX

He entered the warlike looking room, the solar of commander of the Dragon Wrath Guard. And behind the desk there was a Gaemor Daltheon, standing despite the fact the chair was behind him and he was in the middle of writing something on the parchment. Old man raised his head and straightened himself up and bowed to his Prince. "Your grace, I had a feeling you will be here today."

"Well, your intuition was always something to envy." Aerion moved to the other side of the desk. "When you didn't show up with the rest of my council today, you had to know I will go and check upon you." Aerion's gaze imminently wandered upon the desk and spotted Gaemor's blood ring.

This, on the first glance, simple piece of jewellery was first created by blood mages during the days of Old Valyria. After the doom and after Principality of Stepstones were founded the members of the Order of the Blood Dragon preserved the knowledge and ability to create this artefact.

These rings carry a rather useful enchantment, enhancing the health of its current owner. The owner who wears such a ring will have high resistance towards various illnesses and won't succumb to them (maybe except some really dangerous ones like the red death). What's more, the owners of these rings will be able to enjoy good physical condition and vigour their whole life, even in their elder days. However, when someone's time comes, the blood rings give a magical sign to its owner and whoever wears it must take the ring off. In practise it gives the wearer time to say goodbye to his loved ones and if there is a need for it, finish his last important matters.

The blood ring is naturally one of the most important artefacts the Valyrians of Stepstones possess. And its powers could be very desirable to other people in Westeros or Essos. Though not many outsides of Stepstones knows about these magical artefacts, it's rumoured the maesters of the citadel suspect such rings exist, however it can't be said for certain.

"So, your time has come?" Aerion pointed to a silver ring with the emerald emblemed in it and various Valyrians runes engraved into the ring's polished surface.

"It would seem so, my Prince. Yet I must say I am not shocked or disturbed by it. I lived a long and fulfilling life in the service to your house and in the end the Balerion will come for all, even dragons." Old man finished writing and sat stiffly on the chair. "I am finished with my duties, I deserve some rest, don't you think?"

"I can't argue against that." Aerion shrugged and sat in the chair opposite his Gaemor, who passed him the parchment.

"Here are the names of those I consider to be worthy of the position of the Commander of the Dragon Wrath Guard after me, all are just my recommendations of course." Aerion knew this. It was always the Varezys ruler who chose the position of the Commander of his elite unit.

Aerion skimmed through the list of twenty names, once finished, he said. "Your grandson, Matarys is here in the first place. I hope you do not favour him just because he is from your family."

Old commander just chuckled. "Perhaps I do, but you know as well as I do, that he is simply one of the best candidates, if not the best. For I have trained him and taught him everything I know, plus there is no secret you both are longtime friends and as such you might confine with him more than with other commanders and he will be loyal beyond question. Of course, I can only advise who you should pick as my successor. The ultimate choice is yours to make, my Prince."

Aerion put the parchment down. "Well, I always took your council into consideration. I will appoint Matarys." Aerion paused for a moment then he added in a joking manner. "Though I fear that if your family will continue to produce such capable members of Dragon Wrath Guard the position of its commander will become hereditary."

Old commander chuckled again at that. It was a fact that the last three commanders of the dragon wrath including him were indeed of House Daltheon. "Well didn't we, the scions of house Daltheon get a job done? Anyway." The old commander unbuckled his sword and handed him to Aerion. The Valyrian steel bastard sword, called Allegiance. The weapon which served as a chain of offices to the commander of Dragon Wrath Guard. "I believe it's time for this blade and my office to be passed to another."

Aerion took the sword, and bowed his head slightly in respect to the old commander. "I thank you for your long years of service."

"It has been an honour, though you seem troubled with my departure. What is it?" Gaemor Daltheon inquired without need to ask any other question.

"Well, it's all just bad timing that's all." Old commander raised his eyebrow. Aerion shrugged. "I am going to start a war, and at its end I can fulfil my Grandfather's dream and an experienced commander like you will surely be missed in such endeavour."

"Hmm…." Gaemor nodded with the nostalgic expression as it was Aerion's grandfather, Daemon Varezys who put him in charge of Dragon Wrath Guard and confided with him in many matters. "I would follow you into that war and gladly, alas my time has come to an end and I must abide by it as do we all. However, if you already have some plans I can at least tell you my opinion of them."

Aerion nodded in appreciation and gestured to the old commander to sit down as he did the same and a long conversation followed.

XXX

"So, you want to make a deal with his grace, King Jaehaerys Targaryen and to even get to the point of negotiating, you need to help him eradicate the Dornish invasion force." The Lord of the Tides said before he took a sip of wine.

"Yes, that is the basic summary. Don't get me wrong. I am not afraid of Targaryens. I just need to make sure I get no trouble from them, that the King Jaehaerys will stay out of Essos and won't support the Free Cities or, what might be even more troublesome, decide the Step Stones look attackable while I am gone with the army and my dragon." Aerion answered while looking at the hearth fire.

"Well, King Jaehaerys can be reasoned with, though he is very stubborn in some regards and he tends to hold a grudge. I mean he never forgot about the Dragon Company involvement and he probably thinks you are up to something."

Aerion sighed. "I will just try my best to remedy the situation. I mean I want nothing to do with that mess which is Seven Kingdoms. The only involvement I personally ever had was allowing you to marry my sister."

Corlys shrugged. "Targaryens tend not to like when someone touches their power, that's all. The prospect of Velaryon dragon riders was something difficult to accept. They think it was the sole reason I married your sister….."

"What can I say to you, Corlys. Everybody knows you are one of the most ambitious lords in Westeros by now. Rest assured that if my sister didn't love you I would probably never agree to the marriage, you may bet on that."

"I know and I am forever grateful to you for agreeing to the match." Corlys paused for a moment and just watched a flickering of the fire, before he continued. "However, when it comes to ambition I believe you have already surpassed me in that regard." Aerion looked at Corlys with raised eyebrows. "The empire of New Valyria, now that is an ambition I would never have dared to aim for."

Aerion couldn't help but smirk at that remark. "Is that so? Even if you had the means to achieve it?"

"Hmmm…I mean even if I had your means at my disposal, I still would have doubts. The people of Free Cities may hate each other but they would put that hatred aside if there is someone who can hate even more. For instance if someone declares himself a new ruler of what's left of Valyria and sets out to conquer it, because that my friend would represent the challenge to their power. Though I must admit that fixing that constant battlefield which is Essos wouldn't be a bad thing. If you manage to do it, of course."

"No great goal worth pursuing is ever easy, Corlys, you know that very well. Besides, it's not ambition alone which drives me to conquer Essos, if Alyrya told you my reasoning you understand the fact I have little choice in the matter."

Corlys took a long sip from his glass of wine before he nodded. "Yes, she told me. I must say I do not envy you this position, anyway when do you go to war?"

Aerion frowned and gave Corlys a questioning look. "We?"

"Well, of course we signed a military alliance or did you forget? There would be a shame if we didn't honour it. If nothing else, my sailors could use some war experience."

"Hmm…. and some spoils of war no doubt….. Well, if you can guarantee me that you will cooperate with my Admiral, Lady Maenerys without any ... unpleasant conflicts, I might take you up on that offer."

Corlys frowned upon mention of the name. "I will try my best if she does the same and finally acknowledges me as an equally experienced and skilled sailor." Corlys paused, resisting the urge to curse Aerion's admiral. "How can you even withstand her arrogant and cocky temperament is beyond my understanding."

"Because she is effective in what she is doing, in fact she is the best naval commander I have." Aerion stated with the tone which left no doubt the statement was indeed a truth.

After this door opened and Alyrya strode into the room with the dragon egg in her arms, the egg was of grey colouration with the shades of blue. "What are you two plotting?"

"Oh, nothing sister, just a casual talk, however I think it's my time to leave you two to your own devices or whatever." Aerion raised from the chair, reached behind belt and handed parchment sealed with the golden seal of house Varezys to Corlys who took it slowly. "For your king, you may tell him, I agree, before you give him that." He walked to the door. "Have a good night and please try not to be too loud, would you?" Corlys caught out his wine mid drinking and Alyrya wanted to say something rude or even throw the dragon egg his way but Aerion left their room before she could do that.

XXX

Raemon Anarys entered the solar. He was welcomed by the sight of Prince Aerion sitting at the table while hovering over the map of Essos, looking like he was lost in his thoughts. "My Prince, did you summon me?"

Aerion raised his head from the map and nodded. "Yes, Lord Anarys, please have a seat." Raemon walked to the table and sat down, expecting what was to come. "I need to know everything there is to know about Targaryen royal family members."

Raemon was not suppressed by this request. "Well, I can tell you only some generally known things about them, however not some more private matters as it's difficult for my agents to infiltrate the Red Keep or to bribe the locals. There are not many people of Valyrian origin in Westeros to get my people there efficiently."

"I see…. Then just tell me what you know. I need to know at least something about them." Aerion said with the clear impatience and annoyance in his voice.

"As you wish. Firstly, there is The King Jaehaerys, known as the Conciliator, a just and firm ruler. Both Lords and common people say that Aegon the First conquered the Seven Kingdoms and Jaehaerys sewed it together. He is stubborn, very skilled with the blade and he has a tendency to really carry a grudge. It's a general knowledge he is spoiling his two daughters currently present in the Red Keep and is influenced by the great decree by his sister-wife. He is bonded with the bronze coloured dragon, Vermithor, the third largest of Targaryen dragons, only Balerion and Vhagar are said to be larger."

"Then there is his wife Alyssanne, known as a Good Queen, as I said before, she holds great influence on the King as she sits on the small council with him, I can't say if she holds some real power but it's said some laws were implemented only because of her. It's a widely known fact she is very kind yet fearless and still prefers negotiations against violent solutions. The silvery coloured she-dragon Silverwing is her mount."

Some of the information about the Queen caught Aerion's interest. "Interesting… so, if I wanted to raise the probability of King Jaehaerys accepting any deal, I should get Queen Alysanne interested in it."

Raemon shrugged. "It might be the way to increase a chance of successful negotiation, but she is hardly the only influential counsellor in King Jaehaerys court. Plus there is also the fact that Queen Alysanne is said to be…..Well obsessed with marriage arrangements, whatever that means."

"I see. What do you know about her and Jaehaerys's children?"

"That they are too many to count, although some died shortly after birth and some even recently, princess Daella for instance a year ago after childbirth complications. The current oldest and heir apparent to the iron throne is Prince Aemon Targaryen, brave and chivalrous knight, though by some accounts he has some arrogance and impatience about him. He rides a fierce red dragon, Caraxes. He married Jocelyn Baratheon and it is said to be a happy union though they have only one child in fifteen years of marriage, nine years old daughter Rhaenys Targaryen."

Aerion raised his eyebrow. "Really? Just one child in fifteen years? Strange."

"Indeed. Then there is Prince Bailon Targaryen, called the Brave, because when he was a child, the prince smacked Balerion the Black Dread on the snout." Upon mention of this Aerion smirked briefly, however didn't say anything. "He has very good relations with his older brother and he is happily married to his free-spirited sister Alyssa Targaryen, rider of another red dragon Meleys. Bailon himself is bonded to the second largest dragon of Targaryen dragons, Vhagar. His children are five years old Viserys and two years old Daemon Targaryen."

"Had anyone of the Targaryen family had claimed Balerion?"

"As far as I know, no one is a rider of the Black Dread currently. Princess Aerea Targaryen, the eldest daughter of Prince Aegon and Princess Rhaena Targaryen was his last rider and she died tragically after returning from the ruins of Old Valyria, at least that is what people say."

The rest of Jaehaerys' children, currently alive, are Vaegon who is the archmaester, Maegelle who is a septa and there are two Princesses Saera and Viserra Targaryen who are by all accounts… well spoiled brats and there is a three years old Gael Targaryen. None of these children are dragon riders."

"Hmm, it seems they are all one happy family. Thank you for the information, Shadowmaster."

"I do my duty." Raemon bowed his head. Then he added, "Should I set my agents to find out more of the private matters on the Targaryens?"

"That won't be necessary, I don't want to do anything risky in King's Landing. Rather, move more of your agents to Volantis."

"Volantis, my Prince? Oh, I see and what should they do there?"

Aerion looked at the map again before he turned to Raemon with the serious expression and handed him a rolled parchment "These are detailed instructions. In short, your agents must be there and prepared to commit a little sabotage when time comes."

Raemon flattened parchment and skimmed through it in the matter of seconds. "I am going to see this through myself and with my best people, there is no room for error here."

"Indeed, take what you need from storages, though be careful the substance is highly volatile and unstable." Aerion leaned forward and spoke with a deadly serious tone. "I don't want any explosive incidents. Have I made myself clear? I will assign some fire mages to go with you just in case. Do not fail, Lord Anarys."

"Oh, I won't fail you, my Prince. Never again."

Aerion nodded, satisfied with the answer and leaned back into his chair. "Once everything is prepared and you will be sure that nothing bad happens, you may return to Bloodstone. When the campaign starts you will go to Volantis to execute the plan, it is vital that it succeeds. Now, you got your orders." Aerion gestured with his hand towards the exit.

Raemon got from his chair bowed and walked towards his task, determined to fulfil his orders to the letter.

XXX

Another small council meeting just ended and Jaehaerys was standing near the window looking at his city, when everybody except Septon Barth and his wife left he asked his question. "So, what were you able to find out about Prince Aerion Varezys?"

"Not too much your grace, as you know his realm is off limits for our spies, but it doesn't mean that nothing is known about him. In fact some of the rumours about his deeds are able to circulate around Essos here and there."

"Indeed?" Jaehaerys gave one last look to the capitol and moved back to his seat. "Then tell us what you know."

"Rumours? Such things can't give us the full picture." Alysanne spoke with the hint of doubts.

"True, my love, but it can give us at least a rough picture, which is better than nothing. Go on, Barth." Jaehaerys gestured to hand to continue.

"Thank you, your grace, as you already know, he is a firstborn child of Princess Daena Varezys and her Prince-consort Gaemon Varezys formerly Rahareon. He has two younger sisters, Larissa of whom we know nothing about other than she is currently not present on the Stepstones. the other is Alyrya who is now Lord Corlys's wife, as you know, of course."

"Both Daena and Gaemon died three years ago during the siege of Qohor, nobody knows what exactly transpired at that city, there are only some rumours of the shadow magic, I am not sure. What I am sure of is that after the sacking of that city, the Aerion Varezys ascended the Step Stones throne."

"Since then, he made a name for himself as a brilliant military commander, he fought in several wars and never lost a battle. Aerion also seems to be excellent swordsman, his most renowned fight was against Khal Mogo and all of his blood riders when he slayed all of them in single combat, recently he slayed Cossomo Sordios, the men bearing the title The First Sword, the deadliest of water dancers of Braavos and commander of Sea Lord Guards."

"Really?" Jaehaerys said with a cynical tone. "I wonder how he would fare against the renown fighters of Westeros."

"Who knows? Aerion is also known for abiding the long standing principal of the Dragon Company."

"Principal? What kind of principal?" Jaehaerys asked, clearly interested.

"His company will never break or change previously negotiated contracts, once someone hires the Dragon Company, he can be sure to receive their services until time stated in the contract runs out, of course if someone should refuse to pay or violate the contract in other ways, it would have a dire consequence. Norvos got sacked a year ago because its magister refused payment to the Dragon Company. However, that happened only a few times in the past and the Free Cities are contracting Dragon Company on a regular basis and paying them huge amounts of gold, which obviously makes House Varezys quite rich."

Septon Barth put away the parchment from which he did read all this time. "And the most important thing that is known about him, he is a dragon lord, bonded with formerly his mother's dragon Vassarion, better known as Purple Doom, thanks to the event transpired in Qohor and other fights that dragon participated in."

"What event?" Alysanne asked curiously

"It's said the Palace of the Magisters was burned to the ground by Prince Aerion with Vassarion, though few mourned those burned there, I would bet the ousted magister who hired Dragon Company to take back his city, later thanked Prince Aerion for eliminating his enemies in the single swoop." After this both Jaehaerys and Alysanne were quiet thinking what exactly might have happened at Qohor.

Septon Barth ended awkward silence with a simple conclusion. "Well, I believe that is all I was able to gather about him, if you want to know more you will have to ask him. If he will give you any answer and if you are going to grant him his request to negotiate, your grace."

Jaehaerys blinked to get himself out of the previous thoughts. "The letter brought back by Lord Corlys was clear. Prince Aerion promised to help me with the Dornish invasion, if he does I will keep my word too. Anyway that would be all, Barth, thank you."

"As you wish, your grace, my queen." The Hand of the King bowed and left the small council room.

When the door closed Alysanne turned to her husband. "So what do you think, my love?"

Jaehaerys folded his arms. "Aerion Varezys seems like a dangerous man to me, yet by the accounts I just heard he also keeps his word once he gives it, either way our future meeting is bound to be interesting."

XXX

Two weeks later, and four days after Dornish fleet passed the Stepstones waters

"This is ridiculous, I don't need this, it's annoying." Vassarion was complaining as the armourers were putting a Valyrian steel armour consisting of specially designed plates and chainmail on him.

Aerion, already fully clad in armour, folded his arms while looking at the scenery. "Oh stop whining, you do it every time you are being clad in armour. It's designed specifically for dragons, it's light, flexible and comfortable. And most importantly it can save you from injury or even death."

Vassarion growl so loud everyone around, except for Aerion flinched. "As if their puny weapons could wound me…"

"Well, for your information, the scorpions the Dornishmen used to shot down the dragon in the not-so-distant past are bound to be on the ships we are about turn into cinder, so if you don't want to end up the same way as Meraxes, let my people put that armour on without a fuss. We are both in those skies. If you go down, I go too."

"He still doesn't like wearing armour, does he?" The Alearys who just approached spoke next to Aerion.

"No, but he doesn't have to like it, that armour can save his life and mine by extension."

"True." Alearys nodded. "Are you certain you will arrive in time to burn those ship near the Stormlands shore?"

"As certain as I can be." Aerion turned to Alearys with a reassuring smile. "Oh, don't worry, with the current wind I should even have a time reserve."

"If you say so, though, I still don't like the fact you are doing it for the Targaryens."

Aerion shrugged. "I admit that, maybe from the certain angle it could indeed may look like I am doing it solely for the Targaryens but you forget something important." Alearys raised her eyebrow in silent question. "The Dornish fleet mostly consists of two large groups. Firstly, pirates from the Dagger Lake and corsairs from the Pepper Coast and by destroying them, we will have much safer trade routes which is not a bad thing in the long run. And secondly, there are sellsails from Myr and Tyrosh who would otherwise serve their respective free cities if at war, so by destroying these I won't have to deal with them when I come to conquer their cities."

Alearys just shook her head in disbelief. "Why I didn't see it sooner? So there is silver lining in doing that."

Aerion smiled. "Yes, indeed, it is."

"One of the messengers who we sent to the banks returned at night."

"Which one?"

"From Rogare bank they refused to comply with your request. " The messenger said that Lord Rogare was very saddened by your decision and he wants to meet to negotiate matters further. To quote Lord Rogare: "As both proud descendants of Valyria we should come to an agreement which would be more profitable for both of us."

Aerion felt a shiver of rage coming to him and it was imminently projected by his dragon who roared and snapped with his jaws. "That gloried merchant from the family whose noble title was bought with gold and slaves, dares to deny my request?"

Alearys nervously bite her lip before she answered. "It would seem so, though to hazard a guess I would say it's just a facade to find your intentions. I am sure you can press him to do what you requested in no time if you meet him in person."

"Alright I am going to deal with that shit once I am back, invite him to Bloodstone, now I have some Dornish ships to burn." Aerion turned away and walked to climb on now, fully armoured Vassarion, who obediently bent his neck and let him climb onto his back.

Alearys came closer while Aerion was attaching to himself the saddle chains. "I wish you good Fortune, my Prince. And may you safely return."

Aerion smirked. "Please…. I always do." He turned away and looked forward. "Go on boy, we have a Dornish problem to solve."

"It will be my pleasure." With that the Vassarion leaped into the sky.

XXX

Aerion and Vassarion were very high in the skies. Neither of them had any suspicion of being seen by the Dornish. During their flight Aerion managed to identify the flagship of the Dornish fleet and choose it as their first target.

Now, when they spotted the Stormlands coast, he reached down to pet the base of Vassarion's neck. "So, ready to stop this little invasion?"

"At your call." The purple dragon slowed down ready to perform diving flight.

Aerion reached to the of his saddle for the helmet, put it on and braced himself. "Now, burn the flag ship in the diving flight, then we will fly between other ships and bathe them in flames. Do not stop at one place, we must stay in motion. I will direct you in which direction we move."

XXX

Prince Morion stood on the deck of his flag ship, feeling anticipation as he watched the Stormlands shore. He was really eager to finally get revenge upon Jaeherys Targaryen and his crackdown on the vulture king.

Next to him was Lord Uller. "Have no worries, your grace. All scorpions and crossbowmen are at the ready, if any dragon tries to burn us, we shoot it down."

"I have no doubts, no at all." As soon as the Prince of Dorne said these words, he got some strange feeling and suddenly a dragon roar resonated from directly above him and his ship.

Shouts of men followed with one word dominating. "Dragon!" Though the Prince heard it only for a moment as he glanced up the purple flames and the sharp pain engulfed him.

XXX

Jaehaerys watched the enemy fleet, next to him on either side his two sons Aemon and Bailon Targaryen, both impatient to get the coming battle over with, their dragons felt the same. There was also eager Lord Boremund Baratheon, clenching his Great Axe in his hands.

However, Jaehaerys remained calm. "Hmm, it seems the Aerion Varezys didn't help me. Well, no matter, let's get this done. Lord Boremund, go to your men and prepare for any enemy forces that manage to get to shore."

"Your grace." Lord Baratheon bowed and left.

Aemon and Bailon took it as a command and started to walk towards their dragons but abruptly stopped when they heard the dragon's roar which didn't belong to either of their dragons. When they turned to the sound they spotted a dragon in the dive flight and the purple fire in which it engulfed the ship in the centre of the Dornish fleet.

After this the dragon levelled its flight above the sea surface and continued to move between other ships while breathing fire on them. The purple dragon's movement seemed to be chaotic and very quick. There were small glitters from the arrows fired at it. Jaehaerys also spotted glitter from the dragon's body, which was a little confusing.

"Would you look at that, maybe I have spoken too soon." Jaehaerys remarked while rubbing his beard and Aemon and Bailen exchanged surprised looks. "It seems like the help from Aerion Varezys arrived. Well, we shouldn't just watch, come on, sons, let's join the fray."

So, the three Targaryens went to their Dragons, Jaehaerys to Vermithor the Bronze Fury, Aemon to Caraxes the Blood Wyrm and finally Bailon, who climbed on the back of the second largest and oldest of all Targaryen Dragons, Vhagar.

As one all three dragons leaped into the sky towards the Dornish man's fleet, to the horror of its sailors. Needless to say, their day was about to become much more fiery, one ship after another.

XXX

Aerion landed with Vassarion on the cliffs of the Cape Wrath, rather satisfied with the results of the battle, though in his opinion calling it a battle would be generous. He removed his helmet and latched it to the dragon saddle and climbed down to just watch the scenery on the sea.

Not long after three shadows passed above and, in seconds, three dragons landed a few metres away. Aerion hasn't turned to that direction yet and patiently waited till their riders will walk closer. Though Vassarion already stared at dragons opposite him and took a posture which may seem like a defensive stance.

Jaehaerys set his gaze on the purple dragon as he approached. What caught his attention immediately was the fact of the dragon wearing what seemed like the Valyrian steel armour, something which he knew was sometimes put on the dragons in the days of old Valyria, however only by dragon lords from the most powerful and richest families. Then he finally turned his gaze to the rider who still had his back turned on them.

The King and his sons stopped a couple of metres from Vassarion, who was still in defensive stance, though not towards them, rather to their three dragons, who also watched the purple dragon with suspicion. Caraxes in particular, looked ready to fight the newly met dragon, despite the fact the purple dragon was of comparable size to Vermithor, hence the so-called Red Wyrm was smaller than the dragon which earned himself a nickname the Purple Doom.

Aerion, probably sensing the tension in the air, finally spoke in high Valyrian. "It would seem you accomplished to win the war without a single life lost, on your side." Aerion turned to face the three men. "And let me tell you that it's a very rare achievement. Anyway, I think it's time for me to introduce myself. I am Aerion Varezys, Prince of Stepstones, General of the Dragon Company and Lord of Bloodstone and the rider of Vassarion." As he was saying his titles, Aerion placed the fist of his right hand on his chest and bowed his head slightly in traditional and respectful greeting used among Valyrian nobility and especially between dragon lords.

Jaehaerys was silent for a moment, complimenting the fact that the man before him was indeed someone of high Valyrian heritage, given his noticeable traits like silver-blond hair, amethyst-purple eyes and obvious connection to a dragon. What really caught his eye was the man's armour, made in the style of Old Valyria, blackened, adorned with gold and what was the most intriguing to Jaehaerys, made out of the Valyrian steel.

After this, the king of the Seven Kingdoms finally got out of his thoughts and repeated the respectful greeting gesture of Valyrian dragon lords. "So, you are the Prince of Stepstones, it's nice to finally put a face to your name. I am Jaehaerys Targaryen, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. These are my sons, my heir, Prince Aemon Targaryen, Prince of Dragonstone and Prince Bailon Targaryen."

Aerion respectfully nodded to both Targaryen princes and looked back to the King who continued talking. "When the Dornish fleet showed up I was thinking you went back on your word. I mean when I asked for help with it I was hoping for more substantial help, like destroying that invasion force before it reaches my shores."

Aerion shrugged with the neutral expression on his face. "In the letter I sent you by Lord Corlys, I gave you my word that I will help you deal with this invasion and I did just that. Maybe not the way you wanted but hey, the Dornish fleet and soldiers are burning on the sea, with my contribution. In other words, I have kept my word to you, now the only question now is whether you will keep yours."

Jaehaerys was again silent for a moment and his face was indescribable, then he folded his arms and answered. "Well, I can't deny that you indeed helped me to end that foolish endeavour, the Prince of Dorne set himself into, and despite the fact your help was something else than I would hope for at first…. I am satisfied with how things turned out. So yes, provided you will lower those high tolls for Westerosi merchants as you promised, I will grant you the negotiations you seek."

Aerion smiled. "I have already arranged it. Tolls were already lowered when I was leaving Stepstones to help you in the fight against Dornish. Now, shall we arrange the details of our future negotiation? I would be glad to have it held as soon as possible, I am quite a busy man."

"I suppose we can get to it, but first I would like to know something, Prince Aerion. Why are you willing to go this far to have a chance to negotiate with me? I mean, I am not even sure if I want any agreement between our houses to be reached, given your mercenary company and Maegor's past dealings." Jaehaerys said with an ominous challenge in his tone, especially during the last few words. Which was amplified by growls coming from Vermithor.

Aerion didn't butch, instead he looked even annoyed by the reminder of the events long gone. "Oh, I see how it is. Tell me, King Jaehaerys, how long are you planning to be pent up about that past hassle?"

"Hassle?" Jaehaerys raised his eyebrow in disbelief. "I would hardly call it a hassle, Prince Aerion."

"Yes, Maegor the Cruel killed thousands and your company backed his usurpation of the Iron Throne, don't expect it to be forgotten." Prince Aemon abruptly spoke while he clenched the handle of a sword of Queen Visenya, the Dark Sister, at his side.

"Is that so? Then let me explain something which you clearly don't understand. The Dragon Company is a mercenary force, we usually fight for those who pay us or in the case of King Maegor provides us with something my family wants."

"It has nothing to do with the political reasons or motivations. We simply do the job we were paid for, no matter the cause, no matter the results, hence holding a grudge against me because my grandfather was helping Maegor a decades ago is simply putted, stupid. I wasn't even born when it happened."

"So, I should just forget your family helped the monster who was my uncle?" Jaehaerys asked, clearly irritated.

"Was he really a complete monster though? I mean, if I read the records of his action correctly he saved the rule of house Targaryen, put down the faith rebels down and stabilised the realm for a while. Until of course your older brother, Aegon the Uncrowned, foolishly chose to march against him. I don't know how you look at it but ask yourself one question, would you have managed to make peace with the Faith of the Seven if Maegor didn't show them what happens when you challenge the rule of the dragons? Something to think about."

Aerion watched with hidden satisfaction as Jaehaerys's jaw tightened and anger flickered in his eyes while his son nervously exchanged glances. In fact, the King of the Seven Kingdoms seemed ready to explode but before he could do that, Aerion continued with a calm tone. "Anyway, what is past is past and I suggest let bygones be bygones. We can't change what happened, anyhow. The future however that is something we can."

Jaehaerys let out a heavy sight and calmed down, he always prided himself upon his ability to remain level-headed. "What do you want? The same treaty that Maegor struck with your grandfather and I later didn't acknowledge?"

"Spot on," Aerion nodded. "Or something close to it. In essence, I just want a mutual non-interference treaty between our houses, so The Seven Kingdoms stay out of Essos affairs like wars and other conflicts and my realm would stay out of Westeros business."

"And what exactly are you planning to do, if we make such a treaty?" Jaehaerys asked with a voice full of suspicion.

"Well, I am going to break the constant cycle of war, infighting and death among so-called free cities and finally make House Varezys into the power it should have been."

"But you would have to take so many lives to accomplish something like that, not many, tremendous. The people of free cities won't bow to you willingly." Prince Bailon remarked disbelievingly.

"Indeed, but in their hearts, most people and mainly the nobility of the free cities are just cowards. If they weren't, they wouldn't be using slaves and mercenaries to fight their wars. I am not afraid to fight them, to force them to their knees and when it comes to loss of lives? Well, tell me Prince Bailon how many people we killed just a moment ago? Or how many of them died to Aegon and his sisters when he was conquering Westeros?" Aerion just shrugged while giving the Spring Prince a casual look. "Beings die in war, that is the price that must be paid, one can only affect how big this price is and who is paying more. In my case I always try to lower the price as much as possible, at least from my side of the war.

After his prolonged answer Aerion looked back to King Jaehaerys. "However, I would say we spoke about my reasons enough. Shall we discuss the details of said negotiations like time and place?"

"Yes, we shall, how about thirty days from now, in my capital, the Red Keep? Since it is you who requested this negotiation I think it's fitting it takes place in my lands not yours."

Aerion could understand that sentiment though he wasn't entirely comfortable with the motion of going to King's Landing. "Indeed. I think I can agree on time, but I am not sure if it's a good idea to hold our talks in King's Landing. I would prefer for it to be held somewhere less on the eyes, if you get my meaning. I can think of a better place in your realm well suited for our talks, a compromise if you will."

Jaehaerys narrowed his eyes as he tried to figure out the reason for Aerion's hesitancy and what place he would prefer. In the end, one place came to his mind, still he asked his question. "And what place do you suggest, Prince Aerion?"

"Driftmark. I think it's the best place, as Lord Corlys is your vassal and my brother in law. Don't you agree?"

"Alright." Jaehaerys couldn't deny the levity of the suggestion. "I am going to inform Lord Velaryon and make the necessary arrangements and in thirty days from now we will hold our talks in Driftmark."

"Glad to hear it. I am looking forward to our meeting, until then, farewell, King Jaehaerys." Without another word, Aerion nodded with a smile and turned to climb onto Vassarion's back who obediently lowered his neck, breaking his gaze at other dragons.

Before they turned to fly away however, Aerion called to Jaehaerys the last few words. "I hope we will be able to come to a mutually beneficial agreement, if you give me what I want, I promise that you won't regret it." With that the purple dragon turned around and leapt into the air, surprisingly fast for a dragon of its size.

Jaeherys frowned and watched as Aerion disappeared in the distance. His attention was diverted to his son Aemon. "So, father, what do you think? Can we actually make a deal with him?"

"We will see, Aemon. To hear what he offers is probably the best thing to do now, whether I accept it or refuse remains to be seen. Besides, I wonder how far Aerion Varezys is willing to go to get the treaty he desires."

The younger son, Bailon gave his father a look of a light shock upon certain realisation. "Father, you wish to bind our house with his don't you?"

Jaeherys nodded. "The idea crossed my mind, though your mother is the one who claims it's the best way to ensure future good relations. She is right of course, Aerion Varezys is a dragon rider and as you saw today, of pure Valyrian lineage, it is certain that should he have children, they will be dragon riders too. I would say that it would be beneficial to finally make some family ties between two last dragon riding Valyrian houses."

"Yes, but can we trust him?" Aemon asked with scepticism clearly resonating from his voice.

"Only time will tell. My son, time will tell."

XXX

The Archmaester's eyes went over the text and felt a slight feeling of uneasiness creeping up his spine. When he read it aloud to his fellows of the Conclave, no one said anything for a long moment as if all of them were thinking what to make of the unsettling news.

In the end, the silence has been broken. "So, Jaehaerys Targaryen met with Aerion Varezys. Who assisted him with the burning of the Dornish fleet? And they are about to meet again in Driftmark?"

"We can not allow House Varezys to start to meddle in Westeros and especially get involved with the Targaryens, our plans could be in jeopardy."

"I agree we can't let the Order of the Blood Dragon and its foul blood-mages interfere in any sort of way."

"It's already started, hasn't it? Lord Corlys Velaryon sent his maesters away in favour of the blood-mages, who came to serve his wife."

Angered murmurs sounded all around the table and they were abruptly interrupted by the dull hit to the table. "It's late to argue about what was already done. We must concentrate our efforts on what is about to be done. Both maester Elysar and Septon Barth will be present at their meeting. We will know everything that will be said there and we are going to act accordingly. We are sworn to bring down the house of the dragon. Should another join it, we will bring down both of them."

So, there you have it another chapter after some time, well I try to write as my time and mood allows me to, yet I have discovered that having three fanfics to write is not exactly ideal. Nevertheless, I am willing to keep at it. For those who are interested I am currently in the finishing stages of writing another chapter of the Last Dragon's Daughter and in the middle of writing another Blood of Númenor chapter, so if everything goes well, I will release those chapters before the year's end. Next in time this fanfic: Driftmark. Have a nice day.