The Narrow Sea…
"Aeragon, Meleks! (Move, Maelyx!)" Viserys shouted.
"*Reeeeee!*"
"Dracarys!"
Maelyx flapped his wings vigorously, maneuvering skillfully to evade the scorpion bolts hurtling from the Triarchy remnants' northern fleet through the air toward him. Despite the danger, the young dragon relied on his speed and agility, aided by his smaller size, to steer clear of danger for the time being. The battle continued at a distance, with Viserys and Nettles facing attacks from arrows and iron bolts. However, whenever Maelyx saw an opening to retaliate, Viserys directed his dragon to unleash streams of dragonflame along the perimeters of each vessel, explicitly targeting the scorpions, before swiftly retreating to safety. After each attack, Maelyx would quickly dash to safety. Despite two arrows piercing his right leg, he appeared to remain unfazed. To a dragon of his stature, the impact of the arrows feels like nothing more than a slight tickle.
Nettles, riding atop Sheepstealer, however, took a more aggressive approach. "Dracarys!" she commanded.
Being larger than Maelyx, Sheepstealer's jaws opened wide, and a torrent of scorching flames erupted from within, hurtling towards the nearest Triarchy ship. Focusing on a specific target, the wild dragon instinctively adjusted the trajectory of its dragonflame, making it more concentrated. The intensity of the fire grew, its heat becoming almost unbearable. Once sturdy and proud, the ship's hull was no match for the sheer power of the dragonflame. It cracked and splintered under the onslaught, unable to withstand the force unleashed upon it. As the flames engulfed the vessel, panic spread among the Triarchy corsairs. They scrambled to escape the inferno, but their efforts were in vain until they were consumed. The ship began to list, its once mighty structure succumbing to the relentless assault. Water rushed through the breached hull, dragging the vessel down into the depths below.
Nettles watched with a mix of satisfaction. "Hehe! Take that, ya cunts!" she taunted.
"Nettles, you're getting too low! Pull up! Pull up!"
"Oh, shite! Ngh!"
"*Roooooooah!*"
As Nettles repeatedly bumped Sheepstealer's scales, the dragon's instincts kicked in, prompting it to adjust its position and ascend swiftly into the sky, his mighty wings beating against the air with a thunderous force. Realizing their proximity, the Triarchy captains aimed their spears and arrows at the formidable beast, hoping to bring it down. However, their attempts proved almost futile, as the arrows merely bounced off Sheepstealer's scales, which were as hard as iron, rendering the arrows useless as they barely impacted his scaly hide. Only two spears managed to graze its underbelly barely. Undeterred by the feeble attacks, Sheepstealer let out a thunderous growl, displaying its power and aggression. With each beat of its mighty wings, the dragon soared higher, effortlessly evading the feeble attempts of its adversaries. As it ascended in the vast expanse of the sky above, Sheepstealer's eyes locked onto Viserys and Maelyx.
"Damn it, Nettles, stop getting so careless! We're supposed to work together as a team - not rush headlong into danger! You're going to get us both killed!"
"Oh, sod off, Serys! I'm doin' pretty good for myself, ya see?"
"It's not about looking good, Nettles; stick to the plan!" Viserys tightly held onto the reins of his saddle as he directed his dragon towards another strafe, meticulously calculating the timing of his shots and strategically choosing the opportune moment to ensure that he and Maelyx would not be exposed to excessive danger. "Dracarys!" Gracefully maneuvering through the sky, Maelyx swooped in again, unleashing a powerful dragonflame attack while effortlessly evading the iron bolts.
"Shoot that dragon out of the sky!" a Triarchy captain bellowed.
"Dracarys!" Nettles steers Sheepstealer again, commanding the dragon to release another powerful surge of flames upon the Triarchy remnants' northern fleet ships to divert their attention away from Viserys and Maelyx. The intense heat from the dragon's flames lingers in the air, scorching everything in its path. Although most vessels sailed off to avoid being caught in the fiery onslaught, only one ship, weakened from previous attacks, wasn't so lucky; the all-encompassing heat proved too overwhelming. The wooden vessel groans and creaks under immense pressure, unable to withstand the force of the flames before succumbing to the tremendous heat and splitting in two with a thunderous crack. The once-proud vessel is now nothing more than a sinking wreck, disappearing into the depths of the Narrow Sea. The roaring flames and the crashing waves drown out the crew's desperate cries for help.
"Fire!"
Amidst the chaos, arrows and scorpion bolts rain down upon Nettles and Sheepstealer, a desperate attempt by the Triarchy's forces to bring down the formidable dragon and its rider. The projectiles whiz through the air, narrowly missing their mark or bouncing off Sheepstealer's armored scales. Nettles, her face set in determination, maneuvers the wild dragon to evade the incoming attacks, but the relentless assault forces them to retreat. Viserys, knowing he couldn't take them on alone without backup, firmly pulls the reins to the side, guiding Maelyx to also withdraw to safety.
As the Triarchy remnants' northern fleet began regrouping and preparing for another assault, a shrill whistling noise suddenly filled the atmosphere. The noise reverberated through the air, adding to the confusion before a bright ball illuminated the skies above. Soon, everyone noticed it was getting increasingly closer quickly. Without any time for either faction to respond, a blazing projectile emerged from the misty heavens and collided with the surface of the Narrow Sea. The impact of the fiery projectile caused the Triarchy ships to sway violently as waves crashed against their hulls, followed by a barrage of similar attacks. Realizing another naval force attacking them, the Triarchy commanders tried to rally their forces. They ordered their ships to scatter, hoping to minimize the damage caused by the relentless assault. However, one ship wasn't so lucky. Another flaming projectile, hurtling with deadly precision through the foggy heavens, had found its mark, wreaking havoc upon the Triarchy ship. Splintered wood, twisted metal, and shattered sails littered the surface of the Narrow Sea, evidence of the devastating impact.
"What's that?" Nettles questioned.
Viserys recognized the sound of blazing war horns in the distance. "We've got reinforcements!" he exclaimed." Good boy, Luke. I knew you wouldn't let me down.
"*Reeeeee!*" Arrax screeched, coming into view with Addam of Hull's auxiliary fleet closely behind him.
"Viserys! Nettles!" Lucerys called out. "I brought help!"
"Good work, Luke. Now… let's turn this tide around! Push them south! We need to corral them in one spot! On me!" With a quick hand motion, Viserys prompted Maelyx to move forward, indicating the beginning of the pursuit. Nettles, riding on Sheepstealer, and Lucerys, who was mounted on Arrax, swiftly followed suit as they chased the retreating Triarchy remnants' northern fleet to force them to sail south.
Addam's supporting fleet trailed behind, giving chase to the trio. "All hands, open fire! Fire all!"
Despite the thick fog that enveloped the sea, the Velaryon forces remained steadfast in their determination to keep the Triarchy remnants' northern fleet on a set course. With the Queen Rhaenys at the helm, the vanguard charged ahead, leading the charge. The Velaryon sailors deftly maneuvered their ships, using their knowledge of the sea and the wind to their advantage. They divided into two groups to prevent the Triarchy's northern fleet from breaking formation while the other to attack. The fiery projectiles they hurled at the enemy ships illuminated the mist, creating an eerie and surreal atmosphere.
"We've got them in our sights, captain!" a Velaryon sailor called out.
"Keep up the pressure! Give them no quarter!"
The clash between the two sides was accompanied by a loud cacophony of yells, curses, and a relentless barrage of arrows and iron scorpion bolts that filled the air. The sailors of House Velaryon and the corsairs of the Triarchy remnants engaged in a brutal exchange of fire. The sea became a battlefield, with both sides unleashing their entire arsenal upon each other's ships. The air was thick with the acrid smell of burning wood and the metallic tang of blood. The sound of arrows whistling through the air and the thud of iron bolts hitting the hulls of the ships was constant. Reinforced by three dragons, the Velaryon auxiliary fleet bombarded the Triarchy's northern fleet in the pursuit south.
Despite the intense fighting, neither side could gain a clear advantage. The Velaryon sailors were skilled fighters, but the Triarchy's corsairs were equally capable and determined. Ship after ship was caught in the crossfire, their hulls bearing the brunt of the relentless assault. The once proud vessels, adorned with intricate carvings and colorful sails, now bore battle scars. Planks splintered, sails tore, and masts groaned under the strain of the onslaught. The sea around them turned crimson as the clash continued, a testament to the lives lost in this brutal conflict.
"Watch that crossfire, you two!" Viserys cautioned, gripping his reins. He carefully maneuvered Maelyx through the misty skies, avoiding the scorpion bolts launched toward them from different directions. The loud sound of the bolts whizzing past them filled the air as Viserys relied on his instincts and years of training to keep himself and his dragon safe. The fog made it difficult to see the attackers clearly, but Viserys could sense their presence. He could feel the tension in Maelyx's muscles as the dragon adjusted its wings, ready to change direction at a moment's notice. The scorpion bolts, deadly projectiles designed to pierce dragon scales, were a constant threat, but Viserys was determined not to let them find their mark.
With each bolt hurtling towards them, Viserys deftly steered Maelyx in a zigzag pattern, making it nearly impossible for the attackers to predict their next move. He could hear the shouts and curses of the enemy soldiers as their bolts missed their target, frustration evident in their voices. Viserys knew their failure to hit him, and Maelyx only fueled their anger and desperation.
Behind him, Nettles guided Sheepstealer. The wild dragon was determined to cause as much destruction as possible, unleashing a furious roar toward the humans below. The scene mirrored the situation on Dragonstone, where people attempted to subdue the dragon through sheer trying to tame it, Sheepstealer stayed true to his bestial nature. With a mighty flap of its wings, it released a stream of dragonflame, engulfing the ships below in a fiery inferno. The sound of wood cracking and metal melting filled the air as the ships were reduced to nothing but ash and debris. The flames danced and licked at the wooden vessels, reducing them to mere ashes within seconds. The sailors, desperate to escape the inferno, leaped into the unforgiving waters, their screams of agony and despair drowned out by the crackling of the flames.
Nettles held on tight to Sheepstealer's back, feeling the heat of the dragonflame on her skin. She knew she had to rein him in, but it wasn't easy. Sheepstealer was a wild dragon, and they could work together only through Nettles' bond with the creature.
"Nettles, calm him down!"
"I'm tryin'!"
"Luke, keep an eye on your surroundings! You have to adapt!"
"O-Okay!" Lucerys sounded unsure; it was, after all, his first battle.
"Follow me, Luke!"
Luke obediently followed Viserys's lead as they deftly maneuvered Arrax in a strafing pattern. The forceful flapping of Maelyx's wings propelled them forward with astonishing speed, the wind rushing past their faces as they soared through the sky. The Triarchy corsairs, caught off guard by the sudden attack, scrambled to react, their panicked shouts filling the air. As the Triarchy ships desperately tried to adjust their aim, Luke and Viserys took advantage of their distraction. The Triarchy corsairs had made a fatal mistake in becoming overly fixated on shooting at the dragons, their obsession inadvertently revealing their location. It was a costly error that they would soon regret.
"Dracarys, Meleks! (Maelyx!)"
"Dr-Dracarys, Arraks! (Arrax!)"
Viserys guided Maelyx toward the first Triarchy ship before unleashing his devastating power. Arrax, following closely behind, unleashed a torrent of dragonfire toward the ship's upper deck, engulfing it in a blazing inferno. The Triarchy corsairs, now defenseless against the wrath of the dragons, scrambled to find cover or escape. But their attempts were futile as Maelyx's fiery breath continued to rain down upon them, reducing their bodies to mere charred corpses.
Lucerys felt a surge of adrenaline as his pulse quickened. He was captivated by the dragons' awe-inspiring might and elegance as they effortlessly obliterated their foes. Never before had he been so close to such a remarkable demonstration of sheer power. However, his focus shifted as he looked behind him to survey the damage.
"Move away, boy! Pay attention!" Nettles echoed.
"Luke, watch out!" Viserys warned.
Lucerys was snapped out of his momentary daze and jolted back to the present, but it was too late as he witnessed eight scorpion iron bolts hurtling toward him and his dragon, Arrax. His heart pounded in his chest as he realized their imminent danger. Panic surged through his veins, urging him to take immediate action. Despite Luke's efforts to maneuver Arrax out of harm's way, six bolts found their mark. The first bolt struck with a sickening thud, burying itself deep into Arrax's chest.
"*REEEEEEEEEE! ReAReAR!*" A pained Arrax screech erupted from the juvenile dragon's throat, reverberating through the sky. The impact caused Arrax to falter momentarily, its wings faltering as it struggled to maintain its flight.
"Arraks! (Arrax!)" Lucerys cried.
Viserys immediately looked back to see it. "Oh no," he realized.
But the onslaught continued, unrelenting in its ferocity. Five more bolts found their mark, each one piercing through Arrax's vulnerable underbelly. The juvenile dragon's scales offered little protection against the deadly projectiles, and blood began to gush out, staining the sky with a crimson hue. Lucerys could feel his heart breaking as he witnessed his dragon's life force draining away, drop by agonizing drop.
As if the cruel hand of destiny had not dealt enough suffering, the final bolt struck with such immense force that it reverberated through the air itself. The impact was so powerful that it violently expelled Lucerys from his saddle, hurtling him through the atmosphere like a ragdoll. His eyes widened in terror as he plummeted towards the Narrow Sea below. The wind howled in his ears as he descended towards the Narrow Sea, his mind racing with a thousand thoughts. He tried to scream, but the air was knocked out of his lungs, leaving Lucerys gasping for breath. He could see the water rushing up to meet him. Was this it? Was he going to die?
"LUKE!" Viserys shouted. I have to save him! "Aderī! Mazēdan jāla! (Quickly! Grab him!)"
"*Reeeeaaah!*" Maelyx gave a piercing shriek, swiftly changing direction, and folded his wings tightly against his body as he dove toward the plummeting Velaryon princeling.
Nettles and Sheepstealer tried to turn, but Maelyx was much too quick.
Viserys tightened his grip on the reins. As he drew nearer, he saw the terror etched on Lucerys' face. He knew that if he didn't act fast, his cousin would meet a gruesome end. "Bēdan! Bēdan! (Faster! Faster!)" He had urged his dragon to fly quicker, pushing Maelyx to his limits. The wind whipped through his hair, stinging his face, but he paid no mind to the discomfort. All that mattered was reaching Lucerys in time before it was too late. He could see his cousin's flailing limbs, desperately reaching for something to hold onto. Viserys let out a frustrated groan, a mix of anger and determination. He knew that time was running out, that they were on the precipice of disaster. "Mazēdan jāla! (Grab him!)" he commanded again.
"*RAAAAAAAAA!*" Maelyx's response was immediate, his muscles taut and his wings flapping with newfound strength. With his foot claws extended, the young sub-adult dragon stretched out his foot claws to seize Lucerys. The Narrow Sea loomed perilously close, its treacherous waters ready to claim any who dared to fall. At last, within grasp, Maelyx forcefully pulled his legs forward and firmly clasped Lucerys by the shoulders, holding onto him tightly as he vigorously flapped his wings, soaring towards the Velaryon auxiliary fleet.
"Got you!" Viserys exclaimed.
"* Reeeeearrrr!*" Maelyx screeched again, this time in frustration. His wings were flapping furiously, trying to keep him aloft as he carried the weight of both Viserys and Lucerys. The sub-adult dragon had never attempted such a feat before, and he was quickly realizing just how difficult it was. His muscles were starting to ache. He also tried to adjust his grip on Lucerys, hoping to find a more comfortable position that would allow him to fly more efficiently.
Lucerys gradually opened his eyes, only to reveal the sight of his feet suspended in mid-air. A sense of unease washed over him as he felt an uncomfortable pressure constricting his shoulders, prompting him to extend his fingers and brush against the source. The texture beneath his touch was rough and reptilian, accompanied by the sound of wings fluttering and a deep, draconic moan. Gazing upwards, Luke's eyes met Maelyx's piercing gaze as the dragon clutched him tightly in its talons, inadvertently tearing at the fabric of his garments and intensifying the pressure on his shoulders. However, a wave of despair engulfed Lucerys when he witnessed Arrax plummeting into the ocean's depths, never to be seen again. Overwhelmed with sorrow, tears streamed down his face. "I-I'm sorry, Arrax… I-I'm sorry…~" he wept. With another life lost in front of him, Lucerys felt like he had failed again.
The sound of Luke's soft cries barely reached Viserys' ears. The loss of his own dragon, Arrax, had left him with empathy for his cousin's despair. He knew that if he were in Luke's position, he would have reacted the same way if he lost his dragon, Maelyx. I feel you, Luke… However, there wasn't enough time to grieve at the moment. Viserys had to find a safe place to land with Lucerys. As he scanned the area, he spotted a Velaryon ship nearby and quickly directed Maelyx towards it. "Toliot konir. (Over there.)"
However, more scorpion bolts whizzed past him.
"Look out, Serys!" Nettles warned
Viserys quickly glanced behind him, his heart racing as he spotted Triarchy ships sending a barrage of iron bolts hurtling toward him. "Shit! Sōvēs, Meleks! Hepās, vēzot! (Fly, Maelyx! Climb, upward!)"
"*Reeeeeeaaah!*" Maelyx let out a piercing screech as he desperately flapped his wings, attempting to maneuver himself away from the oncoming iron scorpion bolts. With each beat of his wings, he desperately tried to swerve left and right, desperately trying to avoid being struck. However, the additional weight he carried was causing him to slow down, making his escape all the more challenging.
Addam looked up to see it. "Hurry! Get that net over here! Spread out!" he ordered his crew.
In their haste, the Velaryon sailors hurriedly ascended to the upper deck, carrying a safety net and stretching it out like a giant spider's web, ready to provide a wide landing area for Lucerys.
Viserys peered downwards, realizing he was only slightly above the Queen Rhaenys. "Come on, Luke… Let go. There! Ivestragī jikagon! (Let go!)"
Maelyx screeched and finally released Lucerys, allowing him to plummet onto the safety net below. The Velaryon crew swiftly came to his aid, knowing that they had successfully saved the life of one of their own. Working together seamlessly, they carefully lifted Lucerys from the net, their muscles straining under the weight. With utmost care, they carried him to a nearby area where they could assess his condition more thoroughly. The crew members surrounded him, their concern evident as they checked for any signs of injury. Although there were no visible wounds, it was clear that Lucerys was deeply shaken and emotionally devastated. The loss of Arrax and his near-death experience had taken a toll on him. His eyes were filled with a mixture of grief and guilt, and his body trembled with the weight of his emotions.
In the vast expanse of the sky, Maelyx and Sheepstealer weaved through scorpion bolts that were launched toward them from all seemingly directions. Their wings tirelessly flapped, propelling them forward as they desperately searched for an opportunity to strike back. Ships were burning and sinking, and the sounds of battle were deafening. But they focused on their mission, using their agility and speed to dodge the incoming bolts. Addam of Hull and his auxiliary fleet were doing their best to support them, but the Triarchy's ships were numerous and well-armed. Pushing them towards the south seemed difficult, but Maelyx and Sheepstealer refused to give up. The Triarchy's northern fleet ships proved relatively resilient despite their combined efforts. Their ships were heavily armed, bristling with anti-dragon weaponry and archers, ready to rain death upon any who dared to challenge them. They launched wave after wave of attacks, their scorpion bolts raining down upon the dragons and the Velaryon fleet. The dragons, though powerful, were not invincible. The battle seemed to stretch on endlessly, with no clear end in sight.
"Quite da stubborn bunch, are they?" Nettles exclaimed, her voice rising with annoyance.
"Keep up the pressure! Don't let them get a lock on you," Viserys grunted.
One of the Triarchy captains, eyeing the sky, found an opening. "There you are," he exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement and anticipation. "Aim for the―" But before he could finish his sentence, a deafening roar echoed through the air, drowning out his words.
What came next was a scene of utter chaos.
In an instant, the sky was ablaze with a torrent of dragonflame, a powerful and intense force that seemed to consume everything in its path. The Triarchy corsairs, caught off guard by the sudden onslaught, had no time to react or comprehend the gravity of the situation. The dragonflame was unlike any fire ever witnessed, burning with an almost supernatural intensity. The flames danced and flickered, creating a mesmerizing display of light and heat that was both beautiful and terrifying. The flames engulfed their ship, licking at the sails and rigging and reducing them to mere ashes within seconds. The force of the blast shattered the vessel's hull, splintering it into fragments like toothpicks, scattering the wreckage of the Triarchy ship across the Narrow Sea.
"Ah! What the fuck was that?!" Nettles exclaimed, hastily shielding her face with her arm. Even from a considerable distance, the dragonseed could feel the searing heat emanating from the inferno. Even Sheepstealer instinctively flapped his wings to maintain his balance in the air, clearly affected by the shockwave generated by the explosive blast.
"Ngh!" Viserys let out a pained grunt and quickly lifted his hand to shield his eyes from the scorching heat. Despite the rarity of some Targaryens to be known for their tolerance to heat, the young prince felt as if his leather riding gloves were melting onto his skin. Even his dragon, Maelyx, let out a piercing shriek in response to the blistering heat and frantically flapped his wings, trying to create distance between himself and the source of the searing temperature.
As the smoke cleared, the ship was gone, reduced to nothing but a pile of smoldering ash and debris. The sea around it was boiling and churning as if the very water itself had been set ablaze. The air was thick with the acrid smell of burning wood and flesh, and the sound of crackling flames filled their ears.
"*RRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOOHH!*"
The deafening roar of a dragon nearby immediately captured Viserys and Nettles' attention. Despite the dense fog obstructing their vision, the sheer power of the roar resonated through the air, sending vibrations that could be felt. Gradually, the once misty sky began to transform into a foreboding darkness, intensifying their sense of urgency. With a mixture of anxiety and anticipation, they anxiously scanned their surroundings, desperately searching for the origin of the sound.
Suddenly, Viserys gazed upwards and caught sight of a colossal dragon descending from the heavens, its silhouette shrouded in shadows. As the dragon drew closer, its massive wings beat against the air, creating a gust that whipped through the fog and sent Nettles' hair flying. The deafening roar grew louder, reverberating through their bones and causing their hearts to race with a mixture of fear and awe.
The dragon's silhouette grew clearer, its immense wingspan caused the fog to swirl and part, revealing Vaelor as he broke through the fog. His crimson eyes glowed with an otherworldly intensity, reflecting a primal power that seemed to emanate from within. His snout curled into a menacing grin, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth that glistened with a deadly sheen; his wings stretched to their full span and seemed to encompass the entire landscape, casting an ominous shadow over the Narrow Sea below; each of his overlapping black scales coated his whole body, providing a formidable natural defense. Locking onto the Triarchy remnants' northern fleet, scattering in multiple directions, the Swiftrunner's maw emanated a dark orangish hue. With a sudden burst of energy, the dragon let out another deafening roar, its voice echoing through the sea.
"F-Father?" Viserys recognized the beast.
Aeonar maintained a firm grip on the reins of his saddle as he guided his dragon to show no mercy to his enemies. "Dracarys," he commanded.
Vaelor swooped down from the sky, his massive jaws opening wide to unleash a blast of dark orange flames. The ships were engulfed in fire, their wooden hulls splintering and cracking under the intense heat. He circled around and picked them off one by one, forcing the Triarchy's northern fleet to flee south. The dragon's black scales provided a strong defense against the corsairs' arrows and spears, which bounced off his hide as if mocking their feeble attempts to harm him, while its razor-sharp teeth and claws tore through the Triarchy's defenses with ease. With a flick of his tail, Vaelor sent a powerful gust of wind toward the nearest ship, causing it to capsize and sink beneath the waves. The crashing of the sea drowned out the crew's screams, their futile struggles against the inevitable swallowed by the abyss.
"Hmph! How pathetic. Spryjatas pōntā. (Destroy them.)"
"*Rooooooooooooooaaaaaaa!*" Vaelor roared.
With a single sweep of his massive wings, Vaelor unleashed another torrent of flames, engulfing yet another ship in a fiery inferno. The crew members, their bodies consumed by the searing heat, let out agonized screams that were quickly silenced by the crackling of the flames. The dragon's eyes glowed with a malevolent gleam as he reveled in the destruction he had wrought. The Triarchy's southern fleet, now reduced to a mere fifteen ships, made a desperate attempt to escape the dragon's wrath. They turned their vessels towards the open sea, their sails billowing in the wind as they raced towards the horizon.
But Vaelor was not one to let his prey escape so easily. With a powerful beat of his wings, the Swiftrunner soared through the air, closing the distance between himself and the fleeing ships in a matter of moments.
"Dracarys."
The sound of crackling flames echoed across the sea as Vaelor's fiery breath surged forward, engulfing the ship's sails in a blazing inferno that devoured the once sturdy fabric within seconds. As the flames licked hungrily at the wooden masts, their ancient timbers groaned and crackled under the immense heat. The fire spread rapidly, climbing up the masts like insatiable serpents, leaving behind a trail of charred destruction and sending plumes of smoke billowing into the sky. The Triarchy's northern fleet now found itself crippled and vulnerable, its momentum faltering as the flames consumed its means of propulsion. The Triarchy corsairs aboard the doomed vessels scrambled in panic, desperately attempting to douse the flames that threatened to consume their ships entirely. But their efforts were in vain, as Vaelor's flames were relentless, their scorching intensity unmatched. The once proud sails, now reduced to mere ashes, fluttered weakly in the wind, their destruction a testament to the overwhelming power of Vaelor's fury.
The Triarchy's southern fleet emerged on the horizon, their sails billowing in the wind as it clashed with Alyn of Hull's fleet. With the pieces falling into place, the Blacks had strategically maneuvered their ships into a perfect position, ready to encircle the Triarchy remnants in a double envelopment, a tactic that would surely spell doom for their enemies. The Triarchy's fleet, once poised to launch an invasion past the Gullet, now found themselves outmaneuvered and outmatched.
Accompanying the Sea Snake were the dragons Vermithor and Vermax, ridden by Jaehaerys and Jacaerys, respectively. With a powerful roar, the dragons charged through the battlefield, ready to unleash their fiery breath upon the enemy.
"Serys, look down there!" Nettles pointed.
Viserys snapped back to reality and quickly followed Nettles' pointed finger. His gaze landed on the chaotic scene of Velaryon sailors engaged in a fierce battle. However, the details were hazy and unclear. Determined to get a closer look, he retrieved his spyglass and adjusted the crystal to zoom in. And there it was, his heart skipped a beat as he spotted his twin brother Aegon locked in a duel with Daeron Velaryon. What?! Aegon, what are you doing?! The shock was overwhelming. But as Viserys shifted his attention to the left, he noticed Daemion Velaryon charging into view toward them. Panic surged through him, realizing that his twin was about to be ambushed from behind. "Shit! Aeragon, Meleks! (Move, Maelyx!)"
"*Reeeeeeeeeeeh!*"
Hold on, Aegon! I'm coming! Please, let me make it in time!
Chapter End
Author's Note: It appears the Battle of the Gullet will be even longer than expected, so please bear with me for a while longer okay? With Viserys and Nettles fighting for their lives, Lucerys brings back help. Unfortunately, we lose Arrax in the process. Sticking to the principles of protecting one's family, Viserys risked his own safety to try to rescue Luke. Meanwhile, Vaelor makes an appearance, displaying his power. How will Part 4 entail? And will Viserys reach his twin brother Aegon in time? Speculate.
Fantasymaker: Well, the Gullet is so far the bloodiest battle so far. I think at least one character will die but in my opinion, I think it will be Lucerys who will take the hit to redeem himself for Daeron death and save Aegon. Jacerys may also die just like his original version although his brothers dragon is deaf instead. As for the Caltrops, they are biding their time and attacking Oldtown which is less defended.
C.E.W: The Battle of the Gullet has taken its tool as the Blacks have lost another dragon, Arrax which means now the Blacks have lost four dragons since the war started which are Gaemon, Meleys, Corxes and now Arrax. The Caltrops on the other hand had five dragons when the war started and have lost one, Vhagar, Sunfyre, Dreamfyre, Seasmoke and Tessarion. Sunfyre has perished at the Battle of Rook's Rest. Seasmoke and Tessarion might've left the Caltrops at Rook's Rest but are still a danger at a later time. So not quite a good sign for the Blacks.
Took Aeonar long enough to enter the Battle of the Gullet with Vaelor. Much of the Triarchy fleet now lies burnt or at the bottom of the Narrow Sea. The battle looks to be in the Blacks' favor, but at great cost with two dragons. This might embolden the Caltrops to make further moves against the Blacks once the battle is over.
As for Viserys reaching Aegon the Younger well, Viserys doesn't seem to have a bow and arrows so he'll probably have to use his dragon to grab Daemion in the sky and throw him to his death. Aegon the Younger has a fifty/fifty chance of survival on this.
Questions:
Did any Velaryon ships get caught in dragon fire?
―Unfortunately, 2 of them
How many ships have the Triarchy and Velaryon lost?
―So far, 48 ships - mostly the smaller ones
Will Nettles be more cautious after the Gullet?
―Maybe, but I doubt it
Are Aeonar, Jaehaerys and Jacaerys going after Admiral Sharako Lohar?
―Jaehaerys and Jacaerys are concentrated on executing the plan, Aeonar just wants them all dead
randomdude24: The Battle continues on, and the loss of Arrax means Blacks have suffered 2 dragon losses. Granted, they were the smallest and youngest, but the more dragons lost, the bigger the threat the Caltrops become, even though they currently have only Vhagar, until the Two Betrayers play their cards
The entire southern fleet is on its last legs, thanks to Aeonars. Now, both fleets are about to be surrounded with no escape, The Triarchy will die here.
Aegon is in terrible trouble, while he's focused on fighting Dareon, but he doesn't notice Daemion about to ambush him. Hopefully, Viserys can get to him, but something tells me it will cost him if he gets there.
Question,
Currently, what are the Caltrops doing or plotting? I imagine once this battle is over, they will begin executing their plans
―They're biding their time, waiting for the Blacks and Triarchy remnants to wear each other down.