Red Keep ― Tower of the Hand…
Being an astute strategist, Otto was determined to secure the loyalty of powerful lords, bolster the defenses of King's Landing, forge alliances, and recruit skilled sellswords to his cause. As the civil war raged on, the Hand meticulously scrutinized an array of reports, one of which sent shock waves through the realm. The tragic deaths of Prince Daeron and Jaehaerys Waters only emboldened the already fervent supporters of the Black and Caltrop factions. However, the situation took a turn for the worse when the Caltrops publicly accused Aeonar of orchestrating the assassination of the young prince, citing the bodies of the slain Lykirī Mēre agents as incriminating evidence. This development called for urgent damage control on Otto's part. The tide that had once favored the Blacks could now turn against them, and Aeonar's sanity and judgment could be called into question, causing widespread doubt and mistrust.
A report came in from one of his spies. "My lord Hand," he whispered. "News from the frontlines: Prince Jaehaerys has successfully captured Lord Bracken and has negotiated Stone Hedge's surrender without any loss of life. They've agreed to pledge loyalty to their true king."
As Otto contemplated the situation, he noted that House Bracken was a formidable ally of the Caltrops in the Riverlands. However, his grandson was able to secure their ancestral seat and get them to switch sides without resorting to violence, which impressed Otto. He recognized the significance of this achievement in securing the Riverlands for the Blacks. Given the current state of affairs with his son-in-law's deteriorating mental state, Otto believed that his grandson's level-headedness made him better suited to making important decisions than the increasingly unstable Aeonar. "Hmm. Prince Jaehaerys is faring better than expected," he speculated.
"There's more. I just received word that House Reyne and House Tarbeck have been vital at the Battle of the Red Fork. Ser Adrian Tarbeck personally slew Jason Lannister, but he died of his wounds shortly after. With Aegon's and Viserys's dragons, Corxes and Maelyx, the Lannister host was decimated and forced to retreat."
"Good."
"Shall we set an example out of the rest?"
"No. The current political climate has already caused considerable unrest. Further imposing stricter measures would only serve to validate the Caltrops' claims. Instead, we must show them that we are not what they say we are and disprove their accusations. My grandsons will see to that." Not His Grace.
"And what of the queen?"
After a moment of reflection, Otto halted his thoughts. He couldn't help but reminisce about the time when Alicent had fallen into a state of deep despair after Daeron's passing. She had refused to eat and see anyone, causing concern among the servants. The only sounds that could be heard were the quiet sobs and prayers from her chambers. Eventually, the queen consort emerged from her quarters to finally eat and have visitors. Otto couldn't help but think of his late wife and the pain that came with his daughter losing her youngest child. However, he firmly believed that Alicent was stronger than most young women. After all, House Hightower had a direct connection to the Iron Throne. Otto knew that he had to take charge of the situation and navigate their way through this crisis, just as he had done for the Old King and Viserys. "She will heal in time," he added. "But until then, keep this quiet. No one is to utter a word."
"Yes, my Lord Hand."
"Your Grace," Farrier approached. "Word from our spies. Lord Unwin Peake has been dismissed as the Caltrops' Hand."
"Interesting…"
"He's been replaced by Ser Criston Cole. He's taken to the field with almost 4,000 troops."
"Report!" one of the scouts hurried. "Caltrop movement has been spotted near Stokeworth!"
Otto snatched the report and read through it. "Have there any reports of dragons?" he asked.
"None yet, but our men in the field are growing anxious. They don't know if it's the Two Betrayers, Sunfyre, or worse, Vhagar."
Starpike, Dustonbury, and Whitegrove are too far south in the Reach. They must have taken precautions by securing safe passage through the Stormlands and moving away from the river road to avoid detection. Carving through the center. If they plan to head towards Stokeworth, Rosby would follow suit, and then… Duskendale. The Caltrops would then have King's Landing within sight for a siege. However, such an action would be suicidal and, therefore, a waste of troops and resources. But we're leaving nothing to chance. "Send a raven to Lord Stokeworth and Lord Rosby without delay. Inform them that they're expecting trouble soon. And recall my grandchildren to the capital."
"Yes, my Lord Hand."
Red Keep ― Throne room…
Alicent dreaded when word arrived at the capital. The news of the brutal death of Aegon the Elder's son, Jaehaerys, spread like a plague. Every brothel, wine sink, and ale house in the city was talking about. According to the rumors, assassins were sent, but something had gone wrong, and a young boy at the tender age of four was gruesomely beheaded. Whether or not they were true, Aeonar was being blamed for the heinous act. Alicent didn't want to believe it as she's known Aeonar since childhood, but after their younger son was killed, questions were asked about the Young Dragon's mental state. Was his desire for vengeance so tremendous and profound that he would order the assassination of an innocent child who had nothing to do with what happened to Daeron? The queen needed answers.
But as Alicent approached the throne room, she could overhear two familiar voices echoing.
Upon hearing of the heinous act, Rhaenys wasted no time and promptly headed straight for the throne room, not even waiting for the steward to announce her arrival. Disregarding the Kingsguard's attempt to detain her, she pushed past them and entered the dark and somber atmosphere of the great hall. There, seated upon the Iron Throne, was Aeonar, his eyes cold and ruthless. Rhaenys confronted the Young Dragon, standing firm at the throne's base. "Aeonar, what have you done?" Her voice resonated with indignation and disappointment as she focused on him. "I could have expected such madness from Daemon, but you?"
Aeonar sat on the Iron Throne, his left hand covering his face as a sinister smirk formed beneath it. "No, they have not suffered enough. They do not know the depths of my anger." His pale lilac eyes, surrounded by a darkening crimson color, were undone. "Burn them all. Throw them down, humble them, and destroy them," he continued ranting under his breath.
With a disapproving shake of her head, Rhaenys fixated her eyes on Aeonar, her royal kinsman. "They burn you, you burn them back, and thus creates a cycle of vengeance and destruction. Every reprisal is itself an act of aggression, and every act of aggression triggers immediate reprisal. This cycle only leads to a world reduced to nothing but ash. Did the murder of an innocent boy, who never laid a finger on you, bring back your son?" she questioned, her voice laced with disappointment. Aeonar sat on his throne, meeting her intense glare with his own. As Rhaenys marched out of the throne room, her words lingered. She paused briefly as she passed Alicent, delivering a stern message, "Your husband fought alongside justice when the war began, striving to uphold the integrity of his father's reign. However, with his current actions, he risks becoming another Maegor."
Alicent approached the Iron Throne and got closer to him. Aeonar remained mumbling under his breath, 'Burn them all,' until he saw his consort entering. Removing the clawed gauntlet from his face, Aeonar rose from the throne and went down to her.
Alicent gazed at him with her big brown eyes, almost imploringly. "Please, tell me it's not true," she whispered.
"No," Aeonar denied, his eyes still burning with crimson rings around his sclera. "I have done nothing wrong. Leave it to Daemon just to fuck everything up… again! I had everything carefully planned out, including every painstakingly last detail. Every. Single. One! I only told my people to kill Aemond, Aegon, Unwin, and Beatrice. That's it. No one else! The Caltrops would have been left without leadership or guidance because of Daemon's mistake! I would kill him myself if he wasn't busy waging war across the Riverlands."
"But at what cost? I've known you since we were children, Aeonar. It breaks my heart seeing you do this, what you're becoming. I know you're hurting inside. I am too, but this won't bring our son back. Please, let's find a way to heal together."
"Healing will not begin until our son's killers have paid for their crimes. And I plan to bring the crown's judgment down on them."
"My love, I am deeply concerned about you. We can hold them accountable by putting them on trial, but we mustn't stoop to their level and cause any more harm to innocent people. Aeonar, please, let's find a solution that doesn't endanger anyone else."
"Oh, 'innocent'? Hah! Alicent, the notion of 'innocence' in times of war is a rather outdated concept. Nowadays, everyone is somehow involved in some way or another. I understand that you have some strong views on the matter, but as someone who has experienced the horrors of war firsthand, I can attest to the fact that it is not a matter to be taken lightly. I've fought the Triarchy and brought them to its knees in the past, and I have faced many attempts on my life. The malcontents fear me because they know they were wrong. However, this time around, things are different. This time, it is personal. By willingly entering the dragon's lair and killing one of our own, the Caltrops and anyone who dares to defy me will feel my wrath."
Alicent paused. How could Aeonar have changed so much?
"*RRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOOHH!*"
The resounding roar of a dragon shattered the peacefulness of the skies, leaving the very foundation of the Red Keep trembling in its wake. Even though the sound belonged to Vaelor, the Swiftrunner was nesting at Dragonstone. It was rare for a roar of such magnitude to be heard and felt from miles away. Alicent was caught off guard, and her concentration was abruptly interrupted. Aeonar, on the other hand, was euphoric, as he and Vaelor shared a symbiotic connection that allowed him to feel everything his dragon felt as if he were experiencing it himself, no matter the distance.
"It's begun. The sīmontarlinnon (metamorphosis). If the gods won't heed my prayers…" Aeonar flocked to the window overlooking Blackwater Bay, "then the DEVIL WILL DO IT!" He placed one hand on the glass. Yes, yes…~ Grow, Vaelor. Grow into the alpha dragon you were always destined to be!
"Aeonar," Allicent called out to him, "what have you done?"
"Me? Heh, heh, heh… I have done nothing. Whatever Vaelor feels, I feel, and vice versa," Aeonar chuckled. "It's a connection that has been with me since birth. When my grandfather chose a dragon egg for me, many believed him to be mad, objected, questioned him, and urged him to pick another. Over the years that followed the Century of Blood, the egg had gradually hardened into stone, but grandfather remained resolute in his decision and wouldn't budge, for he knew that life finds a way. It cannot be contained forever. The day Vaelor hatched from that egg was a surprise to everyone, but my grandfather knew what he was doing all along." Aeonar turned to his wife with a sense of pride. "Prince Baelon was brave, but he was no fool either. He was right to choose that one for me." He grows larger every day. I have no need for hostages. Every man, woman, and child in the realm is my hostage whilst I ride him. "Andnow… the Caltrops… are as good… as dead."
"*RRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOOHH!*"
Dragonstone ― Near the Dragonmont…
"*RRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOOHH!*"
Vaelor let out a thunderous roar that echoed throughout the volcanic cavernous lair of the Dragonmont. According to Targaryen lore, once a dragon undergoes the sīmontarlinnon, they grow into larger, stronger creatures. During this process, they shed their outer layer of scales and are replaced by more rigid, overlapping, and hardened bony plates, which are stronger than the last. Their teeth are also replaced with a new set and can regrow indefinitely if broken off. However, Dragonkeepers are wary as dragons become highly volatile and aggressive during this time. The sound of Vaelor's muscles, tissues, skin, bones, and internal organs rearranging to accommodate his metamorphosis was nauseating. He roared and snapped his jaws, thrashing his tail against the ground with such force that it shook the cavern. He repeatedly rammed his head against the Dragonmont, causing rocks and ash to fall. Vaelor was lost in a blood haze, irritated by every sound, no matter how small.
"*GRRRRRRRRR!*"
The four charcoal-grey horns that adorned his head and face experienced the shedding of their outer layer as he aged, resulting in a more distinguished and backward curve. In addition, the smaller horns on his chin and jawline became more prominent, indicating his increased maturity. His previous set of teeth broke off and was replaced by new ones that were reported to possess a higher degree of sharpness, increased crushing force, and noticeable serrations along the edges, providing enhanced functionality and effectiveness. Blood poured from his mouth, fueling his blood-hazed-driven aggression. He exerted pressure on the ground with his feet as the transformation caused him to grow taller, wider, and longer. His back's dorsal spines became more prominent and consolidated at the base. Vaelor growled and snapped his jaws repeatedly as he experienced a fierce metamorphosis, hitting both sides of the cavern walls with his head and tail as he continued to grow in size. The caverns could no longer contain him, and he burst out into the open, destroying a large pillar in the process as he bellowed a deafening roar. The mutation process was ongoing and showed no signs of slowing down.
"*GRRRRRRRRR!*"
Vaelor unleashes a burst of flames above him, and the flame's intensity increases significantly. As the sīmontarlinnon began its final stage, the Swiftrunner stopped and crouched down while growling fiercely. The dragon began to stomp his feet on the ground, causing the sand to rise in small clouds. As he did this, his wingspan expanded, revealing the intricate patterns on the impressive size of his wings. The sunlight beat down on him, causing his rubbery membranes to glisten as they rapidly dried off. After the arduous process of growth and development, the formidable sīmontarlinnon finally reached its full potential and came to a completion. With a length of 310 feet and an impressive wingspan of 620 feet, Vaelor had undoubtedly become a force to be reckoned with, capable of rivaling the mighty Vhagar, the esteemed Queen of All Dragons, and claiming the title of the most dominant creature among their own kind.
"*RRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOOHH!*"
Upon Vaelor's completion of his metamorphosis, his heightened senses picked up an unknown scent mark wafting through the air. Instinctively, the Swiftrunner embarked on a relentless hunt for the source of the scent. To his anger, he discovered that an unfamiliar dragon had invaded his territory and was trespassing on his hunting grounds. Driven by his blood-hazed aggression, Vaelor snarled ferociously and locked in on his target, intending to reassert his dominance as the alpha on Dragonstone. Determined to defend his territory, he relentlessly pursued the intruder, ensuring that no one would dare to infringe upon his territory and walk away unscathed.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––
High up on the eastern side of the Dragonmont, concealed within a smoking vent, there resided a magnificent creature. This pale grey-white dragon was a sight to behold as it soared through the skies, scanning the Narrow Sea for any signs of prey. Known to the smallfolk as the 'Grey Ghost', this dragon preferred to live a life of solitude, often staying away from human civilization for years at a time. The creature's ability to hide in clouds and mist was truly remarkable, and it was this talent that earned it its mysterious moniker. As the dragon's keen eyes surveyed the landscape below, it detected a subtle movement beneath the surface. Without hesitation, the creature honed in on the potential prey, ready to strike at any moment.
"*Reeeeeeee!*"
Grey Ghost gracefully descended from the skies with a piercing shriek, its sharp eyes intently focused on capturing a substantial marine prey from the ocean's depths. With an imposing body length of 110 feet and a wingspan of 220 feet, the dragon soared through the air with effortless ease, its majestic wings propelling it toward its target. Upon successfully capturing the mammal, Grey Ghost returned to its lair with a thump, gently releasing its catch from its jaws, and began to feast on the flesh and blubber with a voracious appetite. Little did Grey Ghost know, however, that its meal was about to be rudely interrupted by the unexpected arrival of an even larger dragon.
"*RRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOOHH!*"
Without wasting any time, Grey Ghost spread his wings and took off, soaring higher and higher, hoping to blend in with the clouds and avoid being spotted by his rival. However, the other dragon was already on his tail, and Grey Ghost could hear the hissing sound of his breath growing louder and louder. Suddenly, a burst of dark-orange flame erupted from the clouds below, causing Grey Ghost to swerve away. As he tried to speed away from the danger, he saw Vaelor flying directly toward him, spewing fire at him with all his might. Grey Ghost knew he was in grave danger, and he had to do everything he could to escape. But no matter how fast he flew, the Swiftrunner was always behind him, chasing him relentlessly through the clouds. Grey Ghost desperately tried to shake off his pursuer. However, Vaelor's sheer size and speed made it almost impossible for him to escape. Soon enough, Vaelor locked in on Grey Ghost's scent and began to track him through the clouds with ease. If this wild dragon refused to submit, he would kill him for simply intruding into the confines of Vaelor's territory, assuming he wasn't driven away.
The elusive Grey Ghost expertly maneuvers through an intricate maze, trying to avoid Vaelor's swift approaches. As the seconds ticked by, the ferocious Vaelor inched nearer and nearer, his formidable jaws poised to clamp down with deadly force on the slender tail of Grey Ghost. The wild dragon frantically attempted to evade his pursuer, deftly employing his muscular foot claws in a desperate bid to outrun the predator's relentless pursuit. Swerving around, Grey Ghost made a wide turn to come back for a full-on assault to defend himself.
"*REEEEEEEEEE!*"
"*WROOOOOOOOOOOOO!*"
However, as the two dragons collide with their foot claws extended forward, Vaelor quickly seized the upper hand against the wild dragon, who now acknowledges that Grey Ghost chose not to submit but instead fight back. Both engage in a vicious clash in a mid-air melee of claws and fangs, flying jerkily toward the earth as one of Dragonstone's local villages takes sight of the battle above their settlement. Vaelor viciously bites and rakes Grey Ghost with his foot claws, slicing significant wounds into the wild dragon's abdomen before clamping his jaws onto Grey Ghost's neck, sinking his teeth in before shaking his head from side to side, utilizing his teeth serrated edges and rips his jaws away, tearing open a gaping hole on Grey Ghost's neck with a sickening crunch.
Gripping tightly with his foot claws, Vaelor quickly overpowers Grey Ghost and sends him crashing into the ground. Capitalizing on his speed and power, the Swiftrunner stomps on Grey Ghost and once again clamps down onto the base of his skull, the wild dragon shrieking in a painful terror before Vaelor forcibly rips off Grey Ghost's head. Releasing the severed head of a wild dragon who dared challenge him, Vaelor reared back and roared triumphantly.
"*RRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOOHH!*"
After successfully reasserting his position as the alpha on Dragonstone, Vaelor took to the skies once again, heeding his master's summons to King's Landing. As the formidable Swiftrunner disappeared from view with incredible speed, the local villagers slowly emerged from their hiding places to survey the aftermath of the recent battle. Among them was a dragonseed, a young woman of mixed Valyrian heritage. Despite her diminutive frame, she possessed a certain ruggedness that hinted at a life of hardship. Her skin was a warm shade of brown, and her black hair framed a face that bore the marks of both time and struggle. Crooked teeth and a scarred nose were evidence of previous struggles, but her piercing brown eyes shone with a fierce determination that could not be denied.
"Stand back, Nettles," one of the fishermen proclaimed.
"I'm not afraid," Nettles dismissed. Examining the dead Grey Ghost, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement. So that's the Swiftrunner's power. She looked back across the Narrow Sea, where Vaelor had faded from view. There's got to be another dragon for me one day. One more… amiable if it's properly fed. Right?
Chapter End
Author's Note: As changes in leadership are made, we experience the firsthand metamorphosis of a Targaryen dragon. Now that Vaelor has grown larger again, do you think the Swiftrunner could be more than a challenge to Vhagar after seeing him in action against Grey Ghost? Speaking of which, we are given a first glance at the appearance of Nettles, one of the dragonseeds who would eventually claim Sheepstealer as her own. Do you think Nettles will play a role in the events to come? Let me know.
C.E.W: The recent death of Jaehaerys son of Aegon the Elder has caused a bad image but the Blacks still hold the edge. With the capture of Stone Hedge, and the decimation of the Westerland army, the Riverlands are all but secure. Although that might not last long as Aemond Targaryen is riding on Vhagar, and Ser Criston Cole now Hand of the King to Aegon the Elder are on the move with an army. The North needs time assemble its army, but the Vale might come quicker. Perhaps the North will send a vanguard ahead of the main army.
King Aeonar Targaryen is really losing it, even Alicent can't get through to him. Now Otto is looking to Crown Prince Jaehaerys, Aeonar's eldest son and heir for better judgement.
Nettles has revealed herself, now she means to claim a dragon, she'll likely fight with the Blacks. If she believes Aeonar will win, no one wants to fight on the losing side, and right now, the Caltrops look like the losing side.
Jason Lannister and the Westerland army getting destroyed happened sooner than expected. Now the Ironborn will take this as a chance to attack the Westerlands once they learned what happened to Jason and his army. Johanna Lannister widow of Lord Jason, and regent of the Westerlands will have no choice but renounce the Caltrops and declare for Aeonar. Perhaps Ser Harrold Westerling can help with negotiations given he and Johanna are kin.
Aeonar might suspect a trap at Duskendale or Rosby and perhaps he or someone else whose a dragon rider might accompany Rhaenys. Its too risky for one dragon rider to travel alone with Vhagar still out there.
Seems the Caltrops are planning an assault on the capital, first to take Duskendale, Rosby, while the Triarchy breaks through the Velaryon blockade to hit the capital by sea, if they can break it that is.
Questions:
If Vaelor is getting bigger, doesn't that mean he gets slower?
―He's still regarded as the fastest dragon alive, but he will eventually get slower as he gets older
Last chapter Unwin said Corlys' navy is not as unified, does that means there are traitors within the Velaryon fleet?
―A slight reference to Vaemond's surviving sons who fled fearing they'd share the same fate
Have the Caltrops made any moves against Black supporters south in the Reach? Most of the powerful lords in the Reach are loyal to the Blacks.
―Yes, mostly to mobilize their forces to march or defend their territories since there are Black troops waiting for a chance to strike.
Will Alicent have a private talk with her remaining children about Aeonar's madness?
―Yes
randomdude24: I'm not sure how I feel about Aeonar. He is mad, but I think he's mad with grief and vengeance, which won't be satisfied until the man responsible for Dareon's death is dead. Maybe I'm a little optimistic but I hope if Aemond does die, Aeonar will at least come a little back to his senses and hopefully Alicent can save him before its too late.
I'm liking the choices you've made for the war so far, surrender of House Braken and the death of Jason Lannister gives the blacks an edge, with a united front in the riverlands and the westerlands army decimated this could lead to a full surrender of house lannister.
I am concerned with the upcoming battles of Duskendale and possibly Rooks Rest, in canon, this was the first major lose the blacks encountered. Death of Rhaenys and her dragon nearly lost the war. Im hoping if those battles occur Aeonar will at least have enough information to realize it's a trap or turn the tables on them.
Question on future events, will any battles take place at any of House Peake's castles? Be a good way to punish the Caltrops
―Around some in a few chapters, yes