The Tartered Dragon - Aegon, Son of Baelon

by mootjeman7

An man from our world is reborn in the world of ASOIAF and decides to make the best out of it through adventure yet it never is that easy, even for a third prince. OC-SI - Overlaps with HOTD.

25. Chapter 23

Zerias - Yep! Shocked is one word of it. Both will have different reactions, of course, but they will have one thing in common...they'll both be unhappy with Aegon.

flevantein - I'm glad you're enjoying (and all others like yourself!) Aegon's vision is one that will take a very long time to manifest but as you say, he is laying the roots for it...and the world that he wishes his people one day share with others.

lentPower98 - No Valyria and no Rhoyne River. Aegon is not foolish enough to dabble with things that he knows he ain't prepared for...or wishes to be prepared for. Plus, he's got enough shit to be dealing with...lol. RE: the pressures internally of Old Valyria...there are hints that suggest they solved their differences through assassination and political manoeuvring. Which...makes sense. No one wants a dragon war which would escalate to fucking nightmarish proportions if enough families were pulled into it.

This lot were fleshcrafting creatures for fuck's sake lmao. No one wants the fucking apocalypse unleashed so instead I'm sure they kept the peace through assassination and machinations. The Doom could have been a misshap through something like this too.

Lightur - NP.

HeyStardust - Aegon isn't conquering. He is removing slavery from Slaver's Bay and installing psuedo republic governments in its place. He can't conquer these lands. He doesn't have the means or even wants to do it. The whole thing is a way to enrich Elamaerys, send warnings to other states not to 'fuck' with Elamaerys, get friendly cities that will look favourably to Elamaerys for a very long time, take knowledge and learn, and lastly, privately and secretly, to do something about the worst kinds of slavery whilst he still could. The last point is a very minor reason, especially as he's grown and became a father, but he knows nothing changes there if he makes sure that he leaves behind a relatively stable region once he's done getting what he wants.

For all the others who have left reviews that express their like of this story - thank you and I hope it continues to satisfy you!

Please enjoy this chapter and let me know what you think. I always read the reviews even if I don't comment on them.

Note: If you would like to read ahead, the next three chapters after this chapter are available on P^A^T^R^E^O^N / Boombox117

---

Early to Mid 112 AC – Corinth

Sallen Baerros POV

A single mighty roar of Mīsaragorn dominated over all the voices in the tavern, voices that were quieted in a near instant as the meaning of the roar became apparent to all present.

"The Prince is back." Maronos, one of the merchants he'd struck a friendship with, a man from Braavosi origin, murmured as he looked to Sallen with wide eyes.

Yes…

The Prince was likely back, Sallen thought to himself.

The dragon rarely made a noise in its nest within the Olympic tourney gro-, stadia, and they only found out about Mīsaragorn's defence of their shores – supposed 'corsairs' had thought Corinth easy game without the dragons being present and Mīsaragorn had dissuaded them of that notion – after the sailors informed them.

And he mused to himself, they'd known that the Prince was imminent thanks to Ser Uthrik and Ser Galaenys Qargaris who kept in constant contact with the Prince through the glass candles.

Boash be good, even Sallen had spoken to the Prince once through the glass candle, and what an experience that was. To think that such magicks still existed!

He could imagine how much that could change everything, damn the fire tricks he's heard the Prince rumoured to be capable of!

From Yin to Asabhad to Volantis to Lys to Braavos, he could ensure his contacts at these cities would have the goods he needed, his buyers needed, by the time he arrived!

Coordination would be seamless, time would be extraordinarily saved, and coin! So much coin could be made! His contacts could say what was needed and within moons, a fleet of ships would be on their way to deliver the goods!

"You'll let us know, won't you?" Maronos' question drew him out of his thoughts and he turned to look at the man. 'But first…there are things I must discuss with the Prince' he thought. Since they'd been all gradually called back over a period of two moons, the merchant fleets have been…restless to say the least.

They'd all gotten used to being on the move, the vast sea in front of them with goods and coin waiting on them on the other side, making tremendous amount coin for the Prince, and most importantly for themselves.

And, of course, the uncertainty a great many of the merchants felt was certainly not helping matters and some of the better merchants were…not exactly happy. Either with their circumstances or with how much Corinth was falling apart before their eyes and they were questioning, to say the least, of what was to be their future.

They'd all gotten accustomed to a certain of way of things – their wealth and the privileges it brought and their good status amongst the people mostly – and with the town of Corinth having gradually reduced in people and liveliness each time they returned to port and now nearly desolate empty save for the army, the sailors, merchants, the bulk of the shipbuilders, blacksmiths, tradesmen and a few hundred farming families along with all of the rest of their families, there was hardly much in Corinth that they recognised or liked, especially when nearly six thousand, the majority of the last of the artisans and workers, had left with the last wave, a wave that included the silkworms and the weavers he'd brought back from the East.

All in all, there were thirty thousand people remaining in Corinth and the majority of them were not exactly gutted the life out of Corinth, a lively place that many of the merchants had helped built from the ground up and had cherished greatly. That everyone had cherished, he himself included.

It was not the best place to remain for moons on end nor did the uncertainty of what was to be of them help matters as many came to question so.

Did the Prince want them to continue to trade? Or did he want them for something in this war? Or would they too be sent to Elamaerys and what would they do there?

The last two options were not popular at all with the merchants, particularly those who had come to the Prince to find work and opportunity from the Free Cities.

They made a home in Corinth, yes, but Corinth was to be no more and to be so far away from the rest of the Known World in Elamaerys a land that was so distant from the many cities of which they'd visited and established contacts within…

He took a drink from his sweet wine as he pondered a little further.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the sailors, guardsmen, captains and merchants were amongst the wealthiest of all of Cori-…Elamaerys.

The nobles of Westeros and the merchant families in the Free Cities were likely the only ones who could be said to be far wealthier than they were.

Sailors were not as well paid as the sailors who were promoted to man a galleon, but there was not much difference in it. Captains and their first officers made as much as a captain of a galleon whilst the merchants operating under the Trading Merchant's Guild, which Sallen led, made the most of the coin as they were the ones who haggled and battled – through sly words and cunning of mind – with their equivalents to maximise the earning of the trades.

Though they did not own the ships – the ships were owned by the Prince himself who paid for the ships to be built in totality – they were granted 'licences' to conduct trade on them on the behalf of the Prince in return for twenty of the profits shared amongst the merchants on each ship or trade mission with eighty percent of the trade going into the Prince's coffers.

It was a hefty sum to give up, one that would make many a merchant swallow bitterly and plot ways to cheat the system, however, the benefits provided were good enough for most of the merchants in the Guild and they also saw that much of the coin was spent or to be spent on Corinth, its people and the liberation of more slaves.

Your ship sinking – there had been a few before the Prince made it mandatory for all ships to undergo mandatory maintenance and repair checks when returning from a journey – would not bring ruin to oneself, for the goods were not theirs and thus had no consequence for the merchants who would simply license out onto another ship, causing no ruin or cost to the merchant.

Second, the merchants were granted a good set wage from the coffers of the royal family as well, so the coin they earned through their trading was a great addition rather than something that their livelihoods depended on.

Third, they had no need to invest their own coin earned to purchase goods to trade as the royal coffers would cover that trade and fourth, and for some merchants the most important benefit when they'd been told they too would see good return for service like the army or the farmers and others sent to Elamaerys to prepare the colony, they would earn themselves a good deal of land in Elamaerys.

For most, this was worth turning their minds and thoughts away from all of the coin they laid their eyes on though most of the merchants were not of the…traditional mind like the rest of the merchants in the Guild, those who had come as freemen and were raised in the Free Cities, since they were of a background as either being former slaves, married to a former slave or being of Dragonstone heritage who were as loyal to the Targaryen family as the most fervent former slave.

Their loyalties were fashioned out of history…personal or familial and so their priorities were different to the men like Maronos…men who were increasingly finding the riskless benefits that paid well to be…less appealing than making their own way…keeping the amount of coin they'd seen on their trade missions for themselves. And with this uncertainty of their fate, such thoughts were becoming…popular amongst these merchants who may be in the minority but were still sizable in number.

He paused for a moment in his thinking as he looked towards Maronos. With the Prince's return…they thought they could find a solution of some kind, an agreement that would allow an amicable split.

And it would have to be amicable. That much was clear.

The ships were captained and manned by men loyal to the Prince and his family, their gold, the bulk of it, was stored away in the treasury that they could not withdraw and take and even if they could, it was not as if they were free to leave, not when the city was in siege-like conditions where none could freely enter or leave, not without an escort of some kind like the farmers had.

It was their hope, now that the Prince was back, they would be free to leave if they so wished which many did, especially since the move to Elamaerys was changing things irrevocably for the Trading Merchant's Guild.

With Elamaerys so far, as far away from the Summer Isles as much as Dorne was from Yi-Ti let alone from the rest of the Known World, and with the focus for the present time to build up the land, a process that would take many, many years, the fear amongst these merchants was that their livelihoods would no longer be.

Those who had been there in the early days of Corinth were not interested to be as involved in the building process as they had been back then, when they had come with empty pockets and desperation, and the ones who came after, during the more settled period, were even less interested in being involved.

So, unless promises were made and the contract the Trading Merchant's Guild signed with the Prince was changed, a contract that would not be up for renegotiation until 124 AC, something that he could see happen but could not be certain of…not when there was to be a foolish prideful war, the split was almost certainly going to happen.

He didn't think the Prince would allow galleons to be purchased outright by the Trading Merchant's Guild but he did think an amicable agreement of 'licensing' could potentially be agreed with if only the Prince guaranteed far better terms in terms of the take of the trade the Prince took.

That…that alongside of ensuring that the trade missions would not cease for any long period would be the largest issues that he could see posing to an agreement that could make all of the merchants happy.

"Aye, I will inform you all once I have news of the Prince's plans for us." Sallen promised to Maranos. Another thing that he was sure would cause problems was the assurances the Guild wanted in not being involved in the war.

He took hold of his drink and drank the rest of his sweet win in one gulp before he stood up "Right. I shall likely be called upon so I may as well go and greet our Prince." Sallen said to Maronos and after a quick farewell, he made his way out of the tavern towards the training yards of the army, knowing that the Prince would be brought here by Ser Galaenys and Ser Uthrik.

His eyes glanced towards the docks and he saw a crowd of people, knights and soldiers, blacksmiths and shipbuilders, merchants and tradesmen, and all else alike, moving towards the docks like a collection of driftwood out on the open sea, all eager to see the Prince they'd not seen for a year.

His eyes went up, towards the heavens, and he saw the large dragon flying in circles in the distance, a distance that he could estimate was where the Prince's ship was, and he knew it wouldn't be long before he'd meet with the Prince.

"Baerros." Ser Maerro greeted as he'd arrived at the small fort, which has fashioned as a lodging for some of the men, beside the training yard.

"Ser Maerro." Sallen said with a respectful dip of the head as he eyed the man cautiously. He's changed much over the past few years, more so than Ser Galaenys.

There was a zeal in his eyes, one that reflected the kind of man he was, now. The command he and Ser Galaenys were given, to train the men, to prepare the men, had been followed religiously, done so in anticipation, in wait, for the war to come.

Almost like a disease, such anticipation had spread amongst the men, even those who before, before they'd picked up a spear or sword, had been nought but a farmer or worker in the factories.

A war that Ser Galeanys had taken to think that he lived for, that he thought he was destined for. A war that many a man in this army held. Were made to think.

A war that would see Myr humbled and a supposed great wrong righted.

Many a men were certain that the 'corsairs' at their coasts were Myrish ships sent to taunt them, to see if they would cower from the challenge they were supposedly setting for them.

It was ridiculous. Completely and utterly.

Yet Sallen could not say for certain that it was false.

And there were no survivors, as far he knew, that escaped those ships when Mīsaragorn fell upon them – something that made him put credence to the notion that the dragon was not normal for what beast could be so particular which ships to burn and which ships to spare – so all that burning of ships did was make such ridiculous belief foster amongst the men.

Sallen looked away from Ser Maerro's gaze, in part done so to shake away the thoughts that irritated – and worried – him and instead looked towards the docks.

"Ser Galeanys and Ser Uthrik went to welcome the Prince. He'll be here shortly." Ser Maerro said and Sallen nodded.

"Aye. It will be good to hear tales of Elamaerys." 'And to hear if the construction efforts have begun in earnest'. He was most curious about this.

More than half of the townfolk were in Elamaerys now.

From what he'd heard from Ser Uthrik and the captains who returned from Elamaerys, the construction of the city had been sparse as the focus had been to make sure the people were fed, much like how it had been in Corinth at the beginning, but now with tens of thousands of acres planted, surely it was begun?

The conversation with Ser Maerro had not gone further beyond their initial greetings. Both men had little in common, beyond their roles as leaders who shared the Prince's confidence.

It was some time later that the Prince arrived on horseback alongside a dozen men, amongst whom were Ser Uthrik and Ser Galaenys. The Prince looked the same as the last he'd seen him, the same beard, the same hair, yet, there was something in the way he was looking towards them that made him…pause.

There was a hardness in his gaze.

The Prince came to a stop not far from him and stepped off of the horse and made for him and Ser Maerro, a severe look on his face that made way slightly for a look that bore a trace of welcome.

Sallen bowed before the Prince, as did Ser Maerro.

"My Prince." They both said though Ser Maerro expanded "It is great to see you."

A faint smile broke through the Prince's bearded face. "Ser Maerro. Sallen. I'm pleased to see you both so well." The Prince then looked to Sallen, his faint smile losing its strength as his eyes bored into him with a strange intensity.

"Sallen. I will need to speak with these men privately as a matter of import. It will take the rest of this day and night. Mayhaps for the next few days too. I will come speak to you once I am done." The way the Prince said so made it clear that there was no room for disagreement.

He hid his disappointment as much as he could under the eyes of the Prince.

"Of course my Prince." Sallen said, could only say, and just moments later, the Prince nodded lightly to him and he thought that would be it yet the Prince spoke once more.

"I am greatly pleased by your loyalty and your work, Sallen. Know that you and the other merchants will be justly rewarded for your service and loyalty."

Sallen bowed once more, after adding a few platitudes of his own, and the Prince walked away, his knights following him so.

He took a moment before he turned and watched the back of the Prince, a frown now making itself known on his face. Loyalty and service…

Why did that make him feel more worried than it did assuage him, as he was guessed was the Prince's intent?

The Prince did not call on him the next day…or the day after. He'd seen the Prince in the town, speaking with the shipbuilders, speaking with the blacksmiths and had seen the dragon-armour they'd created, and most acutely, he'd seen the Prince much of his time speaking with the knights and the commanders of the army.

It was clear where the priorities of the Prince lay.

It was three days later that he was called upon, days that each took longer to come than any day he remembered taking and yet, as he made the journey to the fort and soon arrived at the doors of the Prince's great hall, it felt like no time had passed at all.

He was let into the hall by the guards and the Prince was seated at the end of the table, his eyes that had seemed affixed onto the documents now set upon him.

"My Prince." Sallen said as he bowed before him.

"Sallen. Take a seat." The Prince said as he gestured to a seat on his right side. Sallen could not remember the last time the Prince had ever used his last name.

Once he did so, the Prince turned to look at him fully as he set aside the documents.

The look in his face was cold, without warmth, as if he was gazing upon something that only inspired indifference within his heart and Sallen did not understand what could inspire such a look in the Prince when he looked at Sallen and a feeling of indignity welled up within him.

Was he not loyal? Has he not ensured the Prince's coffers were overflowing with coin? Millions of gold coin? Did he not ensure that Corinth survived that much easier in the early days, when he led the efforts to ensure that the goods that Corinth made sold and sold well so that it could be exchanged for food and coin?

"My Prince…" Sallen began severely as he met the Prince's gaze.

"Have I done you wrong?"

"You have not." The Prince answered calmly without any change in his expression though there was a glimmer of change in the Prince's mismatching eyes.

"Then why are you treating me so?" Sallen said with indignity written on his face, his voice rising slightly. "Why do you look upon me as if I am an enemy rather than someone who has served you loyally for a decade!"

"Do you remember that day, the day I agreed with my wife that you have a place with my family, granting you the shelter and succour you needed from the threat of your enemies from and within Norvos?" the Prince asked of him with a calm tone, stumping Sallen for a moment before he quickly recovered.

"I do." Sallen said with a stiff nod.

He'd promised his services to the Prince in exchange for safety.

Services he'd never failed to deliver. He'd kept his promises and his services did a great deal for Corinth!

The Prince nodded slightly. "You promised your services as a trader, as a merchant and as a man who knows what people want." The Prince paused for a moment before he smiled faintly. "You delivered on your promises and you served me well for over a decade." The Prince's smile faded as he continued to speak.

"And that is why I offer you – and the rest of the merchants – a choice. A choice you have earned the right to make. The choice to take your cut of the coin as is your due and go make for a home elsewhere. I will grant several ships to take you and others to your chosen destinations. With what you have earned, you'll live like Princes everywhere except mayhaps Qarth and Yi-Ti if they allowed it."

The offer shocked Sallen. "I…."

The Prince sat back in his chair and eyed Sallen intently. "I am not unaware that there is…unhappiness amongst some of the merchants. Unhappiness and worry about what is to be of them. They are right to be worried." The Prince said to Sallen as he sat back in his chair, looking upon Sallen with a glint of imperiousness in his eyes.

"Elamaerys will take many years to build and presently, the fleets of galleons will be needed to transport people and much needed goods to Elamaerys for the next few years. The carracks that fashioned as trading ships will, as you are well aware, be needed elsewhere. There will be little need for trade beyond that." The Prince paused for a moment before he waved his hand slightly as he spoke further.

"For some of the merchants, for whom profits will plummet drastically, this will be unacceptable, particularly since they hold no real connection or familial ties to my people and what we're building. This…this is a way out. For them. For you."

Sallen remained quiet for a long few moments as his mind rapidly worked. The discontent of the merchants had not unnoticed, it seemed.

'It must have been Uthrik and his men…' he thought to himself and he realised the Prince must think that he too wished to leave.

He…he had not quite decided where he stood to be truthful.

His own wealth was now more than he could have dreamed off when he fled Norvos for the sake of his life. And with the contacts he's made, he could easily make a home in Qarth, Braavos or Pentos and by the time the Naeraan family or his former compatriots found out where he was staying, he would have a small army surrounding him.

He then could marry a daughter from one of the noble or merchant families within the city he chose to remain in and work his way up into a position of power.

True power.

He could even choose to fulfil the revenge he'd promised himself against his former family and against the Naeraan family and all of the rest of his enemies.

It had been the plan not long since he'd been accepted at Dragonstone. The thought of winning against his enemies, casting them low, lower than they had cast him…

It had fuelled him for years. That plan.

…But, he realised just now, it was a plan that held only a small warm ember in his heart, the fires of revenge long having been simmering away into death.

He'd been so busy for the past seven years, too busy to even think about it until recently. Aiding and advising the Prince in Corinth. Becoming an honoured man in every city he visited and traded in. Establishing trade networks.

Managing and training merchants. Leading people. A man who was thought greatly of by these people. And then there was Elamaerys…the place that would one day host the 'Queen of Cities'…

A place where he would give up on if he took the coin and left.

It was leaving a bad taste in his mouth.

"Just like that?" Sallen asked finally as he met the Prince's gaze, breaking away forcefully from his thoughts, refocusing in the present. He was right to be cautious in his question. Though the Prince kept his word and treated fairly, he was…aware that the Prince brook no traitors amongst him.

The instances of unruly and blatantly untrustworthy men – and a few women – disappearing from Corinth, having said to 'left' Corinth, over the years made that clear…something that plenty of other people also knew…

"Just like that." The Prince said with an incline of the head. "The merchants, and yourself, have served me well and loyally for the past many years. You have earned my gratitude and the right to decide your fates."

"The ships will be targets for corsairs." Sallen said cautiously. The Stepstones were dangerous still. Very dangerous.

The Prince nodded understandingly. "There will be a small escort accompanying the ships. Safe passage by the Dornish coast will be honoured for a time yet. I would recommend they choose to go to Braavos first and secure an account but ultimately, it is for you all to decide."

Reasonable…

"What of those who chose to stay?"

"Those who decide to stay will be reassigned fitting to their skills and the needs our people have. Some of them may be needed in Elamaerys – I believe a good number of these men with experiences with natural resources would be suitable in the efforts to find deposits of minerals and ores along with charting Elamaerys in full – whilst others may help me with my…efforts to come." The Prince said.

"Would you also reassign me?" he asked the Prince.

"If you chose to stay…yes. I would reassign you to something befitting your skills and stature." The Prince said with an incline of the head before he smiled faintly as he spoke further.

"You misunderstood my look, Sallen. I do not look upon as an enemy. Far from it. Aside from your service and the silkworms you delivered to me, you have value to me. I value you greatly and I have come to regard you as a man to be respected and whose words are to be taken into considerations." The Prince said to him and he was shocked to hear such words said with such truthfulness.

The Prince rarely spoke like this, and never to this extent. He'd realised long ago that the Prince was a man who showed his appreciation of others through action and favour. He himself had been one such beneficiary of such a thing, having been appointed to a position of influence and within the Prince's confidence and close circle early on once he had proven himself and proven himself loyal and dutiful.

"You have served me as well and loyally as my knights or any of the other councillors have served me, Sallen. It would be regrettable if you chose to leave but you'd part with me on good terms and with reward." The Prince finished.

"Reward?"

The Prince smiled faintly. "More coin in lieu of land and more."

He remained quiet for some time.

He was startled out of his quietness by the Prince's words. "Go." The Prince said before he expanded as he brought the documents back before him. "Go tell the merchants of my proposition and think on what you wish to do, Sallen." The Prince then turned to his documents. "You have two days to think on your own choice."

He'd left only moments later and he remembered little of the journey back to the town, his mind preoccupied with a single question… 'What do I want?'

Before he realised it, it was time for him to meet with the rest of the Guild and he walked into the meeting hall and a hush fell, a hush that he broke as soon as he took his seat and begun speaking of the offer presented by the Prince.

Questions were fired at him, questions he answered as well as he could. Questions such as about what cities they and their coin would be safe in or when they could leave or what the reassignments would be.

He often answered questions such as reassignment with 'I am not sure' but thankfully, the questions soon enough ceased and he dismissed them all after telling them that they were to give an answer by midday tomorrow.

All left…with the exception of Maronos and Nyessicho, two men who Sallen considered as something of friends.

Nyessicho was from Selhorys and a man that Sallen had personally recruited and vouched for after he'd dealt with him a number of times during his trade missions. A man that was cutthroat yet charming and smart enough to know how and when to toe the line. Maronos was similar in this way.

"Pentos or Lys?" Nyessicho only said as he cut into an apple with gleaming eyes, leaving no doubt on what he wished to do.

He'd sometimes talked with Maronos and Sallen about establishing a trading empire of a kind with them both, an empire that would mayhaps would see them elevated as Merchant Princes of whatever city they decided to call their own.

He'd humoured them, for the most part, but there was a part of him that wished it too.

A lofty dream he shared with them, men who were in their thirties and entering the period of their lives where they wished to leave behind a legacy of a kind.

Something that he too wished…something he still hadn't quite yet decided he wished still…or at least if he wanted it to be the same as the two men before him.

"Pentos would be easier. Lys with its long established families would make things difficult." Maronos said with a mild scowl as he sat back in his chair before he smirked a little with amusement. "Plus, we'd catch a goblet of Tears if we reached too highly too fast." Nyessicho scoffed before he ate the cut of the apple.

"Mayhaps." Nyessicho acceded before he too smirked. "I may be content enough with a manor full splendour and full of beauties producing my sons rather than taking power that others would seek me dead for." He said with a laugh before he smiled widely "After all, we will have that choice."

They continued to talk about their plans though Sallen said nothing during the discussions until finally Maronos asked him the question of where he'd like to settle. He'd waved it off, giving a nondescript answer before he got up to leave.

But before he could leave, Maronos' question stopped him in his steps. "You're not actually thinking of staying…are you?"

"Of course he isn't. He isn't like these other fools who wish to spent their lives trying to make another city out of nothing somewhere in the far nowhere." Nyessicho scoffed. "We've served the Prince well enough and now we have a way to get out with our coin before this all falls apart, starting with this foolish war."

These men, along with a few others, were of the opinion that the war with Myr was doomed for failure. Not only that, they also believed that Elamaerys was not worth it and would not be worth it for generations to come.

Why go there when there was plenty of everything elsewhere?

"I will see you on the morrow." Sallen said more curtly than he expected and he ignored them as they called after him. He had no wish to listen to them presently and time seemed to fly by after he'd arrived home and dined on a lemon-honey chicken dish cooked for him by his servants and after night arrived, he struggled to sleep, his thoughts not allowing him to do so.

It shouldn't this hard…to decide. He knew what he should do. He could live a life of splendour and influence in any of the Cities in the Known World. He was crafty and smart enough and connected enough to do so.

He would want for nothing and his enemies would not be allowed to touch him.

So why he was he hesitating so much? Why did it feel like he was leaving things unfinished? Did the noble title he was certain to have matter so much to him?

He knew very well that the Prince was going to ennoble many men for their service to him. 'And more' rang in his mind. Ser Galaenys, Ser Maerro, Ser Uthrik, Edwyn, Bryce Arenter, Boash above! The entire council would be ennobled, he was certain, once the Prince crowned himself Archon of Elamaerys.

'No…it did not' he thought himself. It did not matter to him if he had a title or not.

Titles were worthless…what was truly important was what it gave you.

He got up from his bed and sat on the side of it as he lighted the candle and afterwards…he simply stared the flickering flame.

He knew if he stayed…if he stayed with the Prince…he'd never rise above the position granted…the title he was granted.

He would earn it yes, but ultimately it was nothing that he took for himself. Not like he could take power and title in the Free Cities with guile and cleverness.

He liked the challenge it brought him. To win.

Coin was only an aid to winning…of leaving behind a legacy that was brought by his victories. It was why he was so drawn to merchantry. To get extract the best possible deals for the least amount of payment or trade. It satisfied him greatly. Extracting the highest position from one of the Cities…

But he also liked the idea of mattering like he would in Elamaerys which would have a need – and place – for him.

And importantly, he also believed that Elamaerys was – and would grow to be – an enticing place. He'd been asked plenty about in the few ports he'd visited in the past year.

From Sunspear to even Qarth.

There was curiosity about Elamaerys in a way that was similar to that Yi-Ti but it was new. It was also familiar in a certain way. A land that was found by Westerosi and Essosi led by a Valyrian Dragonlord.

A glimmer began to shine in his eyes as he finally realised what was stopping him from choosing the Free Cities.

Yes…

He could see it.

Elamaerys could become as exotic as Yi-Ti yet it would remain unreachable to all sailors except for Corinthian galleons. The goods and the merchants' words, once trade resumed, would inspire tales, tales of riches and exoticness and even wonder.

And once Elamarysian silk was introduced to the Known World…

Yes…

Elamaerys and its goods could become a goldmine with the right guidance. With the right direction. The fur and the pelts that was traded in Yi-Ti, something that fetched a great deal of coin in its uniqueness, was only the start.

"It looks like I've decided…" he muttered to himself and he moved to blow out the candle though not before he said to himself somewhat wryly even as a sense of new excitement grew within him. "Becoming the first merchant prince of Elamaerys, if not by name then at least in stature, is a big win of its own."

Like the great Illan Hestyrion, the man helped the Bearded Priests build Norvos into the city it was with his guile and acumen, a man who ensured that Valyria was content with the 'trade' the city brought them, he too would write his name into history, into the very gilded walls of Elamaerys.

He scoffed a little to himself.

'Albeit with less blood and sacrifice' he thought himself and sooner than he thought possible, he drifted off to sleep, the weight of the decision he had to make no longer there, for he was content in the choice he made.

Four Days Later…

He watched the fleet of a dozen ships depart. Half of them filled with riches and two fifths of the merchants and the other half escorting them to Braavos which they'd decided was the best course of action lest their riches be taken from them.

"From the look on your face you're already regretting your decision." Ser Galaenys said with a snort. He turned to the man with a disdainful glare.

"Those were amongst the best traders we have. Some of them were able to get a full third or even a quarter less in price for purchased goods and double for our gods than some of the others…others who are all staying." he shook his head. He lamented their skill more than he lamented the loss of those he was friendly with.

"The loss of disloyal men, merchants at that, is no great thing to be bothered about." Ser Galaenys said dismissively and Sallen' eye twitched at that. 'So says the fool who likes parts of his armour in a blue paint that is only found in Yi-Ti'

"Besides…" Ser Galeanys continued as he smirked at Sallen "The best of them has remained with us." He said with a slap to Sallen' shoulder. The comment – and the slap of…comradery? – made him raise his eyebrows but he quickly recovered as he scoffed as he spoke with a little smirk.

"Was that a compliment? I thought your tiny mind could think only of battle and teats."

Ser Galeanys glared at him as he spoke with an undercurrent of a growl, worrying Sallen' that he'd greatly offended the oaf. "I don't just think of battle and teats."

"I also think of putting my sword through the hearts of men and my face in between mountainous teats." He said with a snort before he began to walk away, leaving Sallen stumped with surprise.

Moments later Sallen shook himself clear from his surprise.

'Huh…it seems like I've earned his respect in some way…' despite being on the same council, his interaction with the commanders was…non-existent. They lived for battle and an idea of honour and he lived…for something else.

'Curious…' he thought to himself as he began to walk away from the docks.

Days later, he was called upon by the Prince and when he walked into the great hall of the Fortress castle, he was surprised to see who else was present in the hall.

Ser Uthrik, Ser Galaenys, the Celtigar, Ser Lomerys Romaerys, Lorgan Keller a Scholar in his early twenties he'd seen follow Edwyn around and came back with the Prince and lastly, Eddard Shiphard who was the man who led the Alchemists in Dorlund's absence.

He realised soon enough that this was no ordinary meeting…this was a war council he thought as he eyed a bundle of letters by the Prince's side.

Not long after he took a seat, Ser Maerro, Ser Trytas and Bobal, a Summer Islander and one the old gladiators, arrived.

"Good. We're all present." The Prince began as he turned around went towards something at the back that was cladded with a white sheet. The Prince ripped off the white sheet and it seemed to be…a small wooden table without legs?

The Prince picked it up and turned around and walked back to the meeting table and placed the-…his eyes widened in shock as he was what it was. A map!

The map clunk onto the table with a thud and was adjusted to be at the centre of it. He barely registered a whole score of figurines placed onto the table.

"Is that…" Sallen breathed out as understanding was dawning on him.

The heel, the islands…the mountains, the city locations…were those?! Estates?! Mines?! Even the damned estates and mines were named and located!

"Aye, Baerros." Ser Galaenys said with a laugh before he sat back in his chair with a pleased look on his face. "That is indeed a map of Slaver's Bay…one that will no longer be accurate by the time we're done with the filth!"

He quickly turned his gaze around to look at the men around the table and he saw that no one was surprised except for him and he turned to look at the Prince who was looking at him intently.

"All this time…Slaver's Bay?" he asked of the Prince.

The Prince inclined his head and a cold look descended across his face as he spoke "The Myrish were not the only ones responsible for the enslavement of our people years ago." The Prince gestured towards the bundles of letters.

"Saathos Saan was wise enough to exchange the lives of his family for the evidence of the collusion of Astapor and Meereen in this act against our people." The Prince then looked around, his eyes sweeping across their faces. "An act that I will see them destroyed for. Utterly."

"It'll be good riddance." Ser Maerro said with a scoff though with a hungry look.

The Prince then continued to speak, speaking of how far the collusion had been between the Masters of Slaver's Bay, Myr and Saathos Saan and how much further they'd been willing to go had it not been for the war in the Basilisk Isles.

Sallen could only sit there absorbing it all in and finally, when the Prince stopped, he could only say. "This was why you were unconcerned about the merchants."

The merchants that left knew that a war with Myr was planned. Something that would not be able to be kept secret. And it was also something that the Triarchy would want to know. It was all but certain some of them would sell it for a price.

He was certain that his friends were going to attempt it to curry a position for themselves within the Triarchy. Much of the secrecy of Corinth, something that the Prince and the people had taken much effort to ensure, would be spilled and word of the planned with Myr would be the very first.

He'd warned the Prince of this who'd only smiled and said that it wouldn't matter.

Well…he could see now why it wouldn't matter.

The Prince smiled at him but it was Ser Uthrik who spoke and did so with a calm tone of voice. "By the time we're ready to go, Myr are certain to hire armies of sellswords in anticipation for our arrival. The rest of the Triarchy mayhaps too."

Ser Uthrik then stood up and placed half a dozen figurines around the foot of Essos, near to the lands of Myr before he placed a figurine onto Astapor.

"And when we arrive in Slaver's Bay…at Astapor, at a point where word will have already spread, they'll believe we'll only be there to purchase an army." Ser Uthrik said with a grim note to his voice even if his eyes shone in satisfaction.

"They won't the attack coming…" Sallen said with wide eyes. It was…ingenious.

The Masters of Astapor were arrogant men who were largely safe because of their importance to the slave trade. The Dothraki went there to sell their slaves, slaves they took from all those who lived in places unprotected by city walls, and much of the rest of Essos went there to purchase them.

They boasted no armies and hired them just as the rest of Essos did. Only when they had a need for them. And once Astapor was taken…but how…his eyes widened in realisation and he laughed merrily.

"Aye…" Lomerys said with a snort as their eyes met. "I may not be a man capable of flowery words like my brother but even I can see the poetic-ness in the plan."

'Was poetic-ness even a word…' he thought absentmindedly as he stared at the map. His attentions were grabbed by the Prince as he spoke.

"It is not certain that Myr and the Triarchy will behave exactly as we expect them too" the Prince said as he looked at the map. "But given their past behaviours with my brother's war in the Stepstones and their nature, it is a confident estimation. Even if we're off, the diversion of sellswords is of no great importance. Only that the information we wish to be known is known by all."

'Yes…I understand' he thought as he looked towards the Prince. "You'll make enemies out of almost everyone in Essos." He stated more than he asked.

"Pah! As if, if we went against Myr" there was a growl in his voice as Maerro spoke "wouldn't make half of Essos our enemies anyway. Tyrosh and Lys for certain. The Volantene would scream and shout at us as if we were at their gates and the Pentoshi would be no different." Maerro then smiled and there was a hungry glint in his eyes.

"At least this way we'll have a second army, even if they are half-men, and likely one or two more in the form of former slave levies, if the rest of Essos were to make their displeasure known." Maerro said and Sallen nodded absentmindedly.

He was no warrior but he could understand the logic they were going by.

"My Prince…you really kept this…all of this secret since the Basilisk Isle war?" he asked as he looked towards the Prince as more questions popped in his mind. About how far this…war was to go. And all he could think of was that the Prince had years to plan this all out…on how to win…how to keep Slaver's Bay.

And he did this without anyone present knowing…?

"We only learnt of this when the Prince returned, Baerros." Ser Galaenys said in answer. 'I see…so that's why he'd been with the army for much of his return…'

"Secrecy was paramount as you can well understand." And Sallen stiffly nodded, keeping the burble of laughter that threatened itself loose under control.

"As I sailed back from the Basilisk Isles with this treachery and attack playing on my mind" the Prince began as everyone took to look at him, listening intently.

"I was uncertain of…how far I, we, must go to gain retribution." The Prince said as he placed his arms behind his back, his eyes sweeping across their faces. "Above all else, I have a responsibility to our people. Plunging our people in a war that would harm us more than it would help us was a folly I could not allow to happen." The Prince said to them before he continued, his eyes now on the map.

"But with the discovery of Elamaerys, an isolated paradise far from all elsewhere…that changed. I could be assured that our people and our families were safe in Elamaerys." The Prince began to walk around the table, around them, gesturing towards the map as he spoke.

"And then I further realised that Elamaerys would not be safe until we made it safe. Until we made all understand the folly of attacking our people in any way." The Prince then looked at him, his eyes boring into Sallen's own.

"From the lowest to the highest. From merchant ship or not. No attack will be permitted and our war in Slaver's Bay and the extent in which we make our displeasure known will reside in the hearts and minds of our enemies as surely as the tale of the Rhoynar served to warn away fools from angering Valyria. We will reshape their entire world in retribution."

Sallen felt a cold chill run down his spine with how coldly the Prince spoke, his mismatching eyes gleaming with barely restrained anger and he could feel the fury touching upon the hearts of the men around him. Most of whom who were knights.

Warriors.

"Only three others knew of my plans until now. And now…now it is time to start our retribution and all that we gain from it in earnest." The Prince finished.

Sallen understood now why trade was inconsequential for the next few years if what he thought the Prince aimed to do was right…and he didn't think his understanding was wrong.

"How far are we going with this war?" Sallen asked as he looked around.

"Slaver's Bay will be no more." Ser Uthrik was the one to speak up and there was a harshness in his tone and when Sallen saw his expression, there was an anger in his eyes that startled him.

'Why was he so angry?' he wondered. The anger seemed personal.

Ser Uthrik continued "There will be no Masters by the time we're done with Slaver's Bay. The cities will be turned over to its people and we'll ensure they'll be readied enough that they can defend themselves against their enemies."

Ser Lomerys grunted before he spoke up. "Along with their lives, their wealth shall be forfeited in restitution." There was a tang of smirk in his voice even if he didn't show it across his face.

Lomerys continued. We'll be there for a while, I think. Not too long but long enough." Ser Lomerys looked towards the Prince before he looked to Sallen. "Chances are some of the Essosi, especially the Volantene and the Dothraki, need to be dealt with in some way to give the poor fuckers half a chance"

"It will give the shipbuilders the time – and mayhaps labour in some way – we expect we'll need to build another twenty galleons." Lorgan Keller, the Scholar, said, speaking up for the first time.

He looked at the scholar curiously for a moment at that comment. They by now had something like two and fifty galleons. 'Did they really that many more ships?'

He looked to the Prince. "My Prince…" Sallen began carefully. "Why I am here?" he asked as he looked around. "These men…I understand that they are to aid in your command of the army." He nodded towards the Alchemist. "And he to aid with the wildfyre." He wasn't entirely sure what the scholar would do but he imagined everything that Edwyn would usually do for the Prince and Princess.

The comment about the galleons suggested that there was also more afoot about this war. Mayhaps the Scholar was needed for that…

The Prince inclined his head slightly towards Sallen and a faint smile grew on his face. "Aye. When you chose to remain, I knew then that you also made another choice. To become truly one of us. One of our people. Just as I hoped." The Prince said and Sallen's eyes widened in surprise.

"You're no more a merchant. You're our merchant!" Ser Galaenys said with a jeer causing the rest of the men to snort in amusement yet Sallen found himself not slighted, oddly enough. Mayhaps the glint of respect in the men's eyes as he met their gazes had something to do with it…

"He's more than a merchant." The Prince said with a shake of the head though there was a small smile gracing his face, his eyes growing in intensity. "He's the man who will beguile the most perfidious merchants in existence and get us their support."

Sallen stilled for a moment as his mind quickly thought over what the Prince meant. Perfidious merchants…why did it sound like he'd heard it before…

His eyes widened slightly before he quickly schooled his expression as a burble of excitement took hold of him. "Braavos."

"Braavos." The Prince said with an inclined head.

"They are not critical to our war but they will be the only non-hostile Free City that we can approach who possess…shall we say the most similar mutual interests. Shared interests that you are the ideal man to highlight to them about."

The Prince placed his arms behind his back as he spoke further, as he leaned in a little "Of course…convincing them won't be easy but" there was a gleam of something in his eyes as he spoke "there are several avenues we can take to impress upon them of this opportunity."

The Prince smiled and it was a smile akin to a shark. "How would you like to corner those who have never been cornered before, to extract a victory out of them like no one ever has, Sallen Baerros?"

The smile on Sallen's face provided the answer the Prince sought and Sallen thought to himself…

'I made the right choice.'

-Break-

Mid 112 AC – Kings Landing

Alicent POV

The shrill cries of Jaehaerys echoed against the walls as she held him to her chest, her attempts to soothe him, to calm him, failing and failing miserably.

"What's wrong with him?" she asked as she glared with worry and anger at the new Grandmaester before she looked back at her not-yet seven moons old son. He had no cold or fever nor did he cough once. It worried her greatly.

"You said that he'd be fine after the ointment on his gums. It seems to have made it worse!" She said with a dark scowl that quickly faded away as Jaehaerys' cries grew shriller still. She gestured the wetnurse to her and the girl hurried to Alicent, taking Jaehaerys from her bosom. Her son quietened down a little but he still cried out of pain.

Grandmaester Mellos approached and gently pulled down Jaehaerys' bottom lip and inspected her son's gums carefully. "It may be" the Grandmaester began as he looked around in her son's mouth. "That the ointment isn't strong enough. Some times, when a child is teething, the edges of the teeth are pushing against the gums in places they ought not."

"None of my other children had such an issue." Alicent said as she bit her lip as she stared at Jaehaerys. Aegon, Helaena and Aemond had no issues with their teething. She worried that his early birth had something to do with it.

"No child is alike, Your Grace." Grandmaester Mellos said before he signalled one of his aides forward and the aide took out a tin, a tin of ointment and Mellos dipped two fingers in it before he rubbed it into the mouth of a futilely resisting Jaehaerys who cried even louder at the intrusion.

The Grandmaester stepped away from her son and the wetnurse moved towards her but a sharp shake of the head stopped her.

"There is nought else wrong with your son, Your Grace. I checked him thoroughly – twice at your request." The Grandmaester smiled reassuring at her as he continued. "He is fine and healthy and soon enough will be without the little pain."

'If he isn't, I will have your head!' she thought viciously as she smiled demurely at the man before she dismissed him. "You are to stay with him and feed him." She told the wetnurse and she glanced at Jaehaerys who clung onto the wetnurse with one last look, her eyes flittering towards the cradle which bore one of the eggs of Dreamfyre's recent clutch, before she left and made her way to her other children, the welling of bitterness deeply suppressed.

She made it back to the royal apartment and the sole Kingsguard bowed his head to her before she stepped in. She was graced with her brother Gwayne seated nearby her almost five nameday old son Aegon who played with the figurine knights her brother had brought with him from Oldtown whilst the other two were attended to by the servants.

Her brother looked towards her and stood up as she'd approached with a slight look of worry on his face. "How is the boy?" her brother asked.

Her son Aegon saw her and waved at her in quick greeting as he childishly asked her to look at his knights fighting before he quickly was consumed by his toys once more. She smiled faintly before she sighed and turned to her brother.

"Still in great pain." She said tiredly and her brother took her arm and guided her to a seat and she smiled gratefully at her brother. She was glad her youngest brother stayed when their father was made to leave by her husband, even if she knew that he was there at their father's doing and not only because he wanted to be here.

"The Grandmaester still says its the teething?"

She looked at her brother and kept the anger and worry from her voice. "Yes. He's certain that it is only teething and no more."

"I see." Her brother said before he nodded. "Then it will pass soon enough."

She had nothing else to say that and she only nodded in answer before she looked at Aegon who animatedly played with his knights.

A long moment of silence passed between them as they simply sat by one another, a silence that was broken when her brother spoke up. "Rhaenyra is set to return on the morrow." An ugliness bloomed within her. 'Rhaenyra…'

"She is, Gods willing." She said without much emotion in her voice and she could feel her brother's eyes burning into the side of her face.

"Alicent…"

She grabbed hold of her dress tightly and she turned sharply to the servants. "Leave." She almost hissed out commandingly and the girls quickly stepped out of the apartment. She spared a quick look at Aemond and Helaena and once she felt they were of no need to be minded closely as they absorbed by their toys, she turned back to her brother, an angry look on her face. "Do not be so careless!"

"They're loyal to us. Father ensured it." Gwayne said defensively and she suppressed to urge to slap her naïve six and ten nameday old brother.

"No one is loyal except our own family." Alicent said in a quiet hiss of a hush before she breathed in heavily and looked away from her brother. She learnt that lesson all too well. And the lesson that you could not rely on anyone except family.

She looked towards Aegon.

Blood family.

There was another moment of silence before she, this time, broke it. "Father doesn't need to be concerned. My husband will leave no questions unturned when she's back." There was a touch of bitterness in her voice as she'd spoke but her brother didn't pick it up.

Gwayne nodded a little hesitantly before he looked at her sympathetically "I'm sorry Alicent. It's just…father isn't able to get anything out of Dragonstone anymore." He sighed and Alicent looked away from her brother and back to Aegon.

Ever since Daemon convinced her husband that Dragonstone needed to be put in order when he returned, telling him of the supposed 'concerning' news he's heard, and spent two full moons three moons ago on the Targaryen island, all control and most worrying, all news, on the isles had ceased.

From what her father had been able to tell her in their letters, Daemon had gotten men from the City Watch along with a few men from Runestone to replace the men and guards at the castle. Even the servants and cooks that had been hired since the third brother took away much of the isle' population, were replaced.

Daemon also convinced Viserys to have Rhaenyra visit Dragonstone ahead of time as she was set to rule after she was wed in two years' time. This, Viserys was more reluctant to agree to but once Rhaenyra begged for it, he caved in. As he always did for her. And three of the Kingsguard had gone with her.

Only one of the Kingsguard guarded her children.

"I know Gwayne." She said as she turned back to her brother, a sisterly smile on her face as she tapped him on the cheek. He was still so young…so naïve.

She dropped her smile as she looked away towards her youngest children in the room. "I will do what I can to learn what is happening." She said, ugliness and bitterness and worry battling within her. After all…she simply had to.

Evening came and the dinner was silent save for the cutlery onto silver and the loud chewing of her husband as they dined alone.

As it always tended to be when Rhaenyra wasn't here. And Viserys made it clear that he preferred Aegon to be older before he could dine with them. Rhaenyra had been of a much younger age when she started to dine with Viserys…

"Grandmaester Mellos" Her husband began, his mouthful though mercifully he swallowed his mouthful before he continued, his eyes set on her with curiosity. "Tells me Jaehaerys is discomforted but will fine soon enough."

She cut into her venison as she smiled kindly at her husband. 'Discomforted?! If you bothered to look into your own son you'd learn that it was no mere discomfort!' "Yes, he's struggling a little with teething." She paused momentarily before she spoke again. "It would do him well to see his father."

Viserys laughed merrily before he drank of his goblet before he looked at Alicent a little amused and mayhaps a little lost too. "I'm sure it matters not to him. He's not even a nameday old and children that young cannot tell apart anyone." Viserys said with a shake of the head and she only smiled a little demurely as she bowed her head slightly. He'd not seen Jaehaerys more than a handful of time.

She was not surprised that his 'not even a nameday old' son being in discomfort was enough to invoke a visit. She long ago realised with Aegon's birth that he cared very little about his children not named Rhaenyra.

"Besides" her husband continued "I wouldn't know what to do with children that young." He smiled at her fondly with a look of teasing on his expression "It is what wives and wetnurses are for!" he said with a laugh before he shook his head and begun to dug into his lamb.

"Of course, husband." Alicent said with a smile before she too cut, albeit with more vigour than before, into her meal.

Long moments of silence passed before she broke it, side-eying him from the corner of her eyes. "What do you think of holding a tourney in celebration of Jaehaerys' first nameday later this year?" she asked him and when she caught him looking she continued "Like we did for Aegon and Aemond?"

Her husband looked surprised before he turned thoughtful. Finally, he nodded slowly "It would be good for the realm to gather once more." He agreed and she smiled, this time even a little genuine. 'Father and uncle and my older brothers would be able to come with good reason.' She thought to herself.

Though she was not without support even in her father's absence, this…keep, felt suffocating and it was ever more so ever since her father had left and Rhaenyra had grown…bolder in her father's absence. Something that had started once, may the seven curse him, Daemon had stepped back into her life.

She did what she could to teach the girl her place, as much as she could anyway, but without her father and his authority…the girl was that much harder to cow.

And importantly…

She thought as she held onto her knife tighter, she feared the way Viserys was warming once more to Daemon, the way he was taking council of Daemon…she feared that he would be welcomed back into Kings Landing.

She thought that she and her children would be free of him when Viserys forced him away from Kings Landing, a moment she'd celebrated and relieved her greatly, yet the moment was brief when Viserys banished her father away.

All because he was intent on ignoring the laws of men and the Gods – even ignoring the decision set by his own grandsire! – when it came to her Aegon's rightful place as future King of the Realm in favour of a spoilt girl and the spawn of a man destined for the seven hells.

And once Rhaenyra married Daemon's son...she'd be vastly outnumbered with a husband who would do nothing to defend her…defend their children together…

"And Baelon is old enough to make the journey to Kin-" her knife scraped against the silver plate, faltering Viserys for a moment "-gs Landing." Viserys leaned forward, a look of worry on his face.

"Apologies, husband. I was merely surprised about the idea." She smiled at Viserys as she continued "I think it's a good idea. It would be good to meet the future heir of Runestone." Viserys looked pleased with her words and he nodded.

"Yes, it would be." Viserys shook his head. "Lady Rhea was always adamant that young Baelon was too young for such a long journey, and I have not asked again ever since that horrible bandit attack knowing how much the boy mattered to her."

Alicent remained quiet as she ate her meal, focusing as she was on the meal.

"But with Daemon back from the conflict in the Stepstones, he can easily make the journey with young Baelon on Caraxes." Viserys finished.

Alicent looked up and looked at Viserys, a small smile gracing her face. "Rhaenyra would be delighted to meet her betrothed."

"Aye." Viserys chuckled as he stuffed his mouth with a mouthful of lamb and moments later he spoke once more "They've been exchanging letters for quite some time now but there is nothing better than speaking with ones intended…" Viserys went quiet for a moment as he looked away into the distance and she heard him mutter something, something she didn't hear with how he spoke under his breath.

"This will be the first in many years that Kings Landing will see so many of our family…and mayhaps even Aegon…"

She was startled by the utterance of her son's name…no, she realised, the utterance of Viserys' brother. "You sent for Prince Aegon to return?"

"Ye-" Viserys stopped himself as he turned to look at Alicent with surprise on his face before he frowned. "I said no such thing." He said with a firm tone of voice before he looked away from her and continued to eat.

She wasn't going to let go…this was important.

"Husband…" she began as she reached out with her hand slightly "Am I not your wife? Your closest confidante? You can tell me about your family…our family."

Viserys stopped and for a moment she thought she angered him but when he looked at her, a look of hesitation adorned on his face, she knew that she only needed to press him slightly. Viserys was easily swayed. On all but one single thing…

"If your youngest brother is to return, I must make sure that he is welcomed befitting his station, husband." Alicent demurred before she gasped and then proceeded to let a delighted gleam in her eyes show.

"It must be the work of the Seven. For Prince Aegon, the third son of Prince Baelon to return in time for Jaehaerys' first nameday, the third son of Viserys the first…! Oh I must prepare for the joyous occasion!"

"It is not certain Aegon will arrive in time." Viserys quickly intervened and denied and she looked at him surprised and Viserys sighed before he leaned back in his chair and she inwardly smiled with triumph. 'If only her biggest problem could be solved as easily…'

Viserys looked at her for a moment before he sent her a stern look "Alicent. You are forbidden to tell anyone what I am about to tell you. Not your brother." Viserys' expression grew grave. "Not your father…is that understood Alicent?"

"I swear on the heavenly Seven themselves I will not betray your confidence, my husband." Alicent's tone of voice was solemn and sincere.

Viserys looked at her for several moments longer before he nodded slowly and spoke "I sent ships to Corinth, carrying missives written by my hand ordering Aegon to return and to explain himself."

Alicent's eyes widened and it was genuine. "You ordered Prince Aegon to return?"

"I am his King." Viserys simply said and she felt the mood shift and she quickly spoke to move past it, to keep him speaking.

"Of course, husband, but why the urgency? Because of this…new land discovery?"

"Amongst other things." Viserys said with a light nod and she could guess that the younger brother had done something to offend Viserys, like Daemon had done when he'd insulted Aemma's sickly son who lived only a day.

He was often tight lipped when it came to his brother's slights against him and she only learnt of Daemon's words through her father…and the court.

"They- Corinth, has never accepted any ships into their city, have they? Not even Westerosi ships."

"They will with mine. My brother will accept it." Viserys said with a tone that brook no argument and Alicent wisely said nothing to that.

Her father once told her that they tried several times to get ships into Corinth and when that didn't work, they tried to get people, Westerosi and sellsword Summer Islanders alike, into Corinth and that didn't work either.

Only through accounts of the native Summer Islanders and information they gleaned from the merchants and captains Corinth sent throughout the Known World did they know even anything about the place…and about the rogue Targaryens.

Her father and her family were greatly concerned about an entire family of dragonriders unaccounted for and she understood the threat. And, to be truthful, she hadn't been sure how to feel about this news about new land…if it was to be a great boon for her family…for her children or if it was to be a curse.

She had nightmares when her father told her about the terrible possible danger the third son and Princess Gael and their children posed to Alicent and to her children.

If they backed Rhaenyra's claim…

The hope she had for her Aegon ascending to the throne had been crushed by that idea and she'd demanded that her father find a way to bind them to her family to both Aegon and Helaena! It would save her from having her children commit a grave sin under the eyes of the Gods and bring much needed power to her side.

The fact that all of those children had dragons…

Daemon and Aegon always had a difficult relationship, something that most of the nobility knew, so she had thought she would be able to sway that family to their cause and the benefit of having their daughter, what was her name…Rhaena becoming queen was what no man could deny.

But …such possibilities had seemed unlikely with the news of this new land, especially since the unworthy Celtigars had gotten there first, removing powerful allies from their cause but also, at the same time, denying them from joining Rhaenyra.

From what she heard, the terms set to the Celtigars was that they were send their daughters to the Targaryens, something she would never allow to happen to sweet and innocent Helaena.

She had been…content with the problem removal and all that she had to do was to ensure, she thought with painful grimace and bitterness, that she had enough sons.

Enough sons who could claim the remaining matured dragons.

Vermithor who Aegon had to bond with. Dreamfyre. Grey Ghost. Sheepstealer.

She hated her father for demanding it off of her but she also greatly feared for the lives of her children should Rhaenyra and Daemon's son take the throne for she knew that her Aegon, her children, would get no mercy from them.

Her sons needed to depend on one another and her sons needed to claim all of the dragons. A sharp sense of chill trickled up her spine at the thought of her sons being near those unnatural things.

They were abominations, truly, and she hated the idea of her children being close to them but they were abominations that would protect her children's lives.

But, she thought as she smiled at Viserys demurely, if Viserys managed to succeed in getting Aegon the Elder to return, she may be able to still to get an alliance with his family through Rhaena and Aegon.

If…Viserys was successful, she thought to herself.

She remembered when the court had thought that Aegon the Elder had been…dishonourable towards Princess Gael and she remembered her father telling her that Viserys wasn't defending his brother. Her father told her that he'd believed that part of the reason Aegon the Elder had left was because of Viserys' betrayal.

Father had said that Aegon the Elder was not a man to let go of slights and she thought it was true considering that she still remembered how uncomfortable the court had been whenever he'd been around.

Such a man…so far away from Westeros with a land fully of his own to rule now, a land without people, had little reason to answer to a brother that slighted him so.

She would not forgive her brothers if they ever sided with those who believed she'd committed the crime of birthing bastards and it was a crime that was terrible as forcing oneself on a maiden noble lady, a maiden princess.

And then the fact that Viserys also disinherited Aegon the Elder and his line was undoubtedly a grave slight that for many was unforgivable. All for the sake of that spoilt girl. If Viserys ever dared to disinherit their children for that stupid girl…

"I will look forward to meeting my good-brother, husband." Alicent said with a small smile and Viserys nodded to her words. "I hope he brings his family."

Viserys' expression softened and he nodded once more, this time gently.

"Aye. It would be good to see my aunt again and to meet my nephews and nieces. Yes…it would be good to see the House of the Dragon united once more." Viserys said in a way that seemed longingly.

'I must send word to father…should this happen, should Aegon the Elder return, they'd have an ally they must bind through blood and they wouldn't be dependent on the Velaryons honouring their words…nor be at the mercy of the Blacks'

Alicent said nothing and continued to eat before her dinner grew cold and the rest of the dinner, once more, was silent…and with little warmth.

-Break-

Mid to Late 122 AC – Lys

Johanna Swann POV

Her eyes crawled over the coded letter, growing wider and wider as she read more of the letter, something the corners of her mouth also did.

"What is it?" Ritte asked, the urgency and impatience clear to hear in her voice and Johanna looked up from the letter, a bright smile on her face.

"It seems we won't have to wait much longer for our opportunity." She said with a laugh in her voice, her eyes shining with anticipation.

The letter did not go into great detail, only that the war that was rumoured to come was coming in the next moon, news of which should reach them not too long after that.

Ritte looked surprised for a moment before she heavily frowned, her gaze falling onto the coded letter. Ritte was mostly illiterate, thanks to her background as a wildling and thanks to her former master who did not care to rectify it for it was her body that was valuable and nought else, and Ritte had never shown much interest in learning her letters.

"How much longer till the war comes for Myr?" she asked as she stepped closer and took a seat by Johanna.

"In a moon. Or less." Johanna answers although she didn't add that there were some curiosities she had about Prince Aegon's phrasings of the war. He never directly referenced Myr in his letter. She continued "It will take longer until word reaches us, mayhaps a week or a sennight."

Ritte nodded. "It will give us great amount of time to start the coup."

Yes…yes it would. But they also needed to be careful. Their people were in a great many positions of varying levels of influence, true, and their backing, support and control of the Rogare Bank gave them influence over other families that were likely to be spared entirely if they cooperated, but there were still merchants families and sellsword companies in Lys that needed to be dealt with.

And then there was the captains of the fleets.

Unfortunately, they only managed to make headway with fewer captains than they liked so the chances of them joining the rest of the Triarchy was rather high…and she was sceptical that their gambit of paying them handsome to fight for Free Lys, a gambit that she held little confidence in, would work as well as they needed it to.

"We will start slow." Johanna said as she met Ritte's gaze. "We can't raise suspicions." There was already a lot of attentions on her, made worse when she eliminated the bulk of the Poisoner's Guild and their families.

There was little to connect back to her, true, but the fact that she, even if it was through her proxies, benefitted greatly by their demise – their lands, their auxiliary businesses that dealt in health and beauty tonics and ointments – made many of her remaining enemies ally together.

It wouldn't matter so much, of course, once the rebellion was kicked off – they'd be the first to suffer – but for now…she wanted them as unprepared as possible.

"No but we also can't let it spiral out of our control." Ritte returned "You know as well as I do that in the chaos, we need to present ourselves as the best people to take charge of Free Lys." That…that was also true.

There were other parties on Lys that could prove problematic to keep in line and if they stole a march on them, things would be difficult to keep on plan. If the plan was even possible. They needed to be the first to take charge. To get their voices out. To shout 'Liberty to all slaves', 'Free Lys', 'Lys for all'.

"We'll get Belano and Adaridos to be ready." Johanna said and Ritte smiled pleased at her words before she nodded. These were former slaves who had grown to be some of the more influential and connected in Lys.

They were also the most loyal and committed to the conspiracy.

Ritte then frowned a little, something she looked inquisitively at. "Do you think he's prepared enough for the scorpions mounted on the walls?" Ritte asked.

Ritte was speaking of the hastily constructed scorpions that the Myrish were adding to their walls, taking a page from the Tyroshi book when it looked possible that Prince Daemon would attack their city just as he'd attacked their merchant ships.

"He's been warned of them." Johanna said in reply.

She didn't think Prince Aegon would be so foolish to not act on that information. "And the scorpions they've built for the sellswords." The sellswords all but demanded them in concert with greater pay than standard. The experiences many of them had with Prince Daemon had left them wary and cautious, especially since the war may well take place on the Disputed Lands and the Myrish lands which did not have the fortune to have caves and the ocean to hide in.

"It would be a shame if he perished at an inconvenient time." Ritte muttered and Johanna rolled her eyes at Ritte's comment.

"Of course." Johanna said in a dry tone as she watched Ritte begin to walk away.

"I'll go see to the preparations." Ritte said before she bid Johanna goodbye, leaving her alone in her solar.

She sighed as looked towards the letter.

There was something else in the letter, something she had not mentioned to Ritte as she didn't think it mattered much, but…there was a comment that once the war was underway, his men would bring her a way for them to remain in contact.

What exactly that meant, she didn't know.

"It's almost time…" she whispered before she took the letter and set it aflame on a candle fire. Time for things to change.

-Break-

Mid to Late 112 AC – Summer Isles, Omboru

Ser Galaenys Qargaris POV

The smile on his face was broad, broader than his wife's hips, he was sure, as he felt the cool air pushing on his face. The dragon, Mīsaragorn, suddenly changed direction and he tightly gripped on the handle of his saddle and he felt the strap that fastened him onto his saddle tighten around his waist as they flew sideways.

He let off a ripple of joy out of his mouth as he let go of the handle, trusting the strength of the strap – even if it failed and he plummeted to his death, he'd die a happy man! He loved flying more than he did fighting – and he glanced towards his front and he laughed heartily at the way Trytas was flush to the saddle and clung desperately onto the spikes not far from either side of him.

The man could skin a man with nary a thought, could break his ribs and the bones in his hands, yet, here he was, as frightened as a lamb was before a growling wolf.

"Don't you dare laugh at me Qargaris!" Trytas bellowed but against the wind it was nought but a whisper and the sight of the side of his face, pale as snow, made him laugh even louder. The foul curses he was blessed with, such foulness that would make even the dead blush, only made the whole thing sweeter!

They soon enough landed and Galaenys was quite disappointed with that fact.

He really did loving flying! He'd flown several times, accompanying the Prince to the Summer Islander Jalla and to a few others like him in the Isles, this being the second time he'd flown to Omboru, and he loved every moment of it.

He saw the Prince with his hand on the great dragon's face and he turned away, looking towards the Summer Islander, the fourth in their party, and saw that he was shaky but still firm of feet…unlike Trytas he thought amused as he glanced towards the man who was bow-legged like a satisfied woman.

He walked towards him and saw clearer that he was still pale of face. Trytas turned to look at him, a scowl forming on his face. "Men were not meant for the skies."

He snorted, barely able to withhold it from turning into a laugh, and it made Trytas scowled further as the man glared angrily at him. A glare that he'd seen prisoners weep for mercy yet all it did for him was make him smile more.

"Careful, you brute. You're insulting the Prince and the young Princes."

He saw the Summer Islander shake his head though he could see the trace smile on his face.

Trytas scoffed, drawing Galaenys' attentions once more, and he growled moments later as he stood straighter, his angry glare positively murderous now. "They're dragons. They don't count." He narrowed his eyes at Galaenys and he was ready to make a threat but the Prince spoke from behind Trytas before he could.

"I do not have wings, Trytas, nor do I think I'll be sprouting them any time soon." The Prince said and they turned to face him. "Ease up on him, Ser Galaenys."

"Yes my Prince." He said with a bow of the head though still smiling amused at the whole thing. Trytas sent him one last angry look before he turned to the Prince.

He walked towards the head of the dragon and the dragon eyed him with his great big green eyes. He bowed from the hip as he stood still a fair distance away.

"Thank you great Mīsaragorn for flying us well and safely." He said sincerely.

He'd pet the dragon like the Prince did but he'd rather not lose his arm.

He knew very well that the dragon only really tolerated them because of the Prince. Even the dragonkeepers were tolerated only because the dragons knew they gave them food and even dragonkeepers were not allowed to touch them, not without the riders present.

He heard a scoff and he knew who it was without even turning…or hearing his voice. "And they say I'm the crazy one…" Trytas said with obvious mocking in his voice but it was no matter to Galaenys. Not when the dragon snorted and closed his eyes as the dragon laid down his head to the ground and Galaenys felt greatly satisfied that his words of praise and respect were accepted.

He turned around feeling greatly pleased about himself and he saw the Prince smiling at him with amusement before he shook his head and looked towards the distance. "It won't be long before they're here."

A great tang of excitement coursed through his veins. It wouldn't be long now before the war began. Less than a week, now.

The last of their 'non-essential' people, a term that the Prince made up, had gone to Elamaerys now, leaving them with an army of twelve thousand men, three thousand sailors, four thousand volunteers – blacksmiths, shipbuilders, healers, a few farmers and so on – and 'the Ghiscari administrators' who were to administrate the Ghiscari cities and teach the slaves how to govern their cities and lands.

Hundred and a fifty ships, the majority of which were Corinthian Carracks and half of them mounted with Jar-Bolt Scorpions.

They were ready. They have been ready for a long time. The spearmen were seasoned fighters now, working impeccably in units, only now they had to pass the test of true combat. The knights were in the best condition since the Basilisk Isles whilst the footmen, the cavalry and the bowmen were all well trained too.

Yes, they were ready, and soon, they'd finally be at war!

The Summer Islander, Sodhabhas Qhaxos, kin to the Prince of this isle, inclined his head grandly "I saw the horses being prepared during on the circling passes. Less than ten minutes, I estimate."

The Summer Islanders didn't quite like to find a dragon landing in their gardens. He looked to Prince Aegon, a wry smile forming on his face. The Prince respected boundaries of these peoples…all save for Jalla.

He didn't exactly know why but he decided the reason was because the Prince wanted to show Jalla that Wallano may be Jalla's but that he was not the man who not in control of Corinth and its lands, showing that it was the dragons who truly ruled when they were here.

He liked that reason quite a bit. And he never really liked Jalla anyway. The only Summer Islander who had a permanent dour face. Cunt. Dour cunt. Pah! As if his 'sad' story was reason enough to be such a dour cunt…

It wasn't long before they were found in the open field by curious natives, some of whom made to approach them but they stayed away when Mīsaragorn reared his head and set his eyes upon them and instead, only a few and some of the children, the ones brave enough anyway, came a little closer and waved at them.

Galaenys waved back at them. He liked the Summer Islanders. Good people.

A party of a dozen horsemen rode for them with a few unmanned horses and he recognised one of them. As did the Prince. The men stepped off of their horses and approached them before they came to a stop in front of them and bowed their heads with their right hands placed on the centre of their hearts.

"Greetings, Dragon Prince. May Peace be upon you." Balhas Qhaxos said in the Summer Tongue to the Prince, a language that Galaenys knew enough off to get by.

"Greetings, greatest of the Crow Warriors." The Prince said with an incline of the head and the Summer Islanders smiled at the greeting before the dark-skinned man turned to the rest of them, his gaze lingering for a moment longer on Sodhabhas before he set his eyes on Galaenys with a smile.

"And greetings to you too, warriors of Corinth." And they too, he, Trytas and Sodhabhas returned the greetings to the men before them.

"Our Prince is having a feast prepared for you." The dark-skinned man laughed as he gestured towards Mīsaragorn. "Your dragon may come too for there is space for him and a feast too for him to have."

"He has fed but he will come with us too." The Prince replied with a smile and a nod and the Summer Islander warrior smiled in acceptance and soon enough, they were on their way to the holdfast of the ruling Prince of this island, Mīsaragorn flying above their heads.

He looked around as they travelled the path towards the holdfast, a considering look forming on his face. He was not of the same mind as the Prince on this.

He did not think they should approach these Summer Islanders, good warriors they may be. Their army and the army they'd take from the slave masters was more than enough. The Prince said he agreed but he also said having a larger army was better than a smaller army in return, especially when the army by the presence of allies that could be trusted not to betray you to the enemy you were fighting.

On that, the Prince had a fair point.

The Summer Islanders hated Slaver's Bay. Many of their people, even still now, were taken by slavers and it was not unheard of for entire villages to suddenly disappear…and there were was truth that some of the Summers Islanders, those who referred to 'The Shameless', an obvious name to their nature, secretly aided in the enslavement of Summer Islanders.

In any case…the Summer Islanders were partly at fault at that, for the slavers running amuck on their Isles and the traitors too, he thought to himself as he eyed the men who were conversing with Prince Aegon.

They were a good people, true, and they did have good warriors as well, but they were also a people who collectively lacked a certain fire within them and, he thought as he looked around, seeing sights of lush trees and colourful plants, this land was part to blame too.

He agreed with the idea that the land was just as much of import in fashioning hard men as the father was. The North was an excellent example in this.

Few they may be, but they were a hardy people and the feat they accomplished, keeping their Old Gods when the rest of the lands had succumbed to the Andal invasion despite dozens of attempted invasions and wars, wars they won despite being outnumbered even if the Andals wouldn't ever admit it – the fact the North kept their tree gods was enough to tell him that the North definitely won their wars – and much of that could be lain at the feet of their harsh land.

A harshness that these people never suffered…would never suffer.

Their faith too, made them softer than they ought to be. But also, he thought, the lack of iron and bronze also made them weaker than they ought to be.

But importantly, the main reason he thought they were weak, was because they were a fractious lot despite their shared lands, tongue and culture, something that was aided by their ways of war which was queer to the rest of the Known World.

Settling wars through tourney-like combat, nonfatal combat involving no more than a score of men? That was no way to build a kingdom. Or defend it. It was not surprising that only a few times in their history were they united, despite being as old and seafaring as Valyria itself.

All of that aided in his thoughts that they weren't the best of allies to have, despite the mutual hatred of slavers and Slaver's Bay their people had with his own.

He did not think Prince Aegon could successfully entice these warriors to fight in a war like they were set to wage, a total war where they took no prisoners, took no hostages.

He glanced towards the curious faces of the Summer Islanders around them as they rode into the main square of this town on their way to the holdfast.

No, he thought, it was not in their nature to fight a war like this, even if it was for the greater good of the Summer Isles…of all.

They were greeted with salt and bread when they arrived the holdfast and not long after they came to sight the Ruler of this isle, Balal Qhaxos, a portly old man with a kindly face that was not yet marred with the lines of age despite his more than fifty nameday age and he greeted Prince Aegon with the traditional of those who were of equal rank to him and Galeanys and the rest bowed their heads slightly and greeted the man with the respect that he was due.

Soon enough, they were surrounded by a feast of food, food that made him salivate by smell and sight alone, and once the curiosities – curiosity such as where the dragon had gone despite the open field not far from their location having been prepared for the dragon being left unoccupied, a curiosity the Prince had answered that he was nearby but keeping watch – was settled, they dug into the feast.

He truly loved the Summer Islanders and their food…

Spiced rum lathered fish, apricot and amber fish stew, sticky and stuffed goat, honey-roasted peacock…and so many wines!

Wines he unfortunately was forbidden of drinking too much lest turn drunk but he grieved his way through with a pot of giant prawns.

Conversation had flowed, though much of it was between the two Princes, with the Omboru ruler questioning a great deal on Elamaerys, which many amongst the Summer Islanders were listening intently on.

"Ah! How I wish I was three decades younger!" Balal Qhaxos lamented before he gestured wildly around "I could have led this new age of exploration, following the footsteps the great voyages of my ancestors before finally passing them into the great unknown beyond the seas!" the portly ruler turned to his sons.

"You are young enough, my sons, you shall have to do it in my stead!" the man said with a laugh and Galeanys was amused to see only a few of his many sons were interested in the idea.

"There is still much to be discovered." Prince Aegon said with an incline of the head. "Though we found Elamaerys, we do not know of the lands beyond the seas around it excepting that of the East of the land. Mayhaps on the other side, the path to the Yi-Ti lay only a few weeks journey away."

"You truly believe a path that xamaynos the world can be found?" Bhadhos, the eldest son of Balal questioned curiously. The man had used a Summer Tongue word that he did not recognise.

"You mean circumnavigate?" Prince Aegon asked and Bhadhos nodded.

"Yes. xamaynos means…the closest Common word would be serpents but it does not explain it fully. Circumnavigate is mayhaps the closest true meaning to the word." Bhadhos further explained.

Prince Aegon nodded his understanding "I see and yes…I do believe a path exists and mayhaps not in my lifetime but my people will find it." Prince Aegon then smiled at them before he said with a chuckle "Unless one of your sons or descendants beats my own sons and grandsons to the achievement."

Balal laughed but the glint in his eyes made it clear that there was some great desire there "My descendants will find a way first!"

The rest of the feast was merry but finally, they were alone with Balal Bhadhos and a few of the Crow warriors, Balhas included, three other sons of the old ruler.

"So, Prince Aegon." Balal began with an intensity in his gaze as they sat on opposite sides of the table, his gaze flickering towards Sodhabhas for a moment before he returned to look at Prince Aegon "You mentioned a matter of import you wished to discuss with me." Balal gestured towards the Crow warriors.

"With them."

Balal looked at the Prince with fiercely scrutinising eyes. "You seek war." He said, not quite accusing but not friendly either.

"I seek justice." The Prince said as he leaned forward a little, the flames of the fire dimming a little, surprising everyone at the table though Galaenys realised that it was likely the Prince's doing. "When a crime is committed against you, are there not laws that bind and judge men for their actions?"

"There are no laws that justify nor cover what you seek." Balal said with a dismissive wave of the hand before he eyed Prince Aegon "You would seek…justice…against an entire continent? That is madness."

"Not against an entire continent." Prince Aegon gestured away with a flick of his fingers. "Only to bring a few to justice who ordered the enslavement of my people." The Prince met Balal's gaze. "Justice that would these few face the consequences of their despicable actions." The Prince said with great gravity in his voice as he stared directly into the eyes of Balal.

"Not a continent. Just a few. A few would be enough to warn away others, a few for the sake for an entire people. My people." The Prince extended his arms.

"And you think warring against a few, like those in Myr" Balal said knowingly before he continued "as you suggest would cease this?" Balal said with a scoff before he shook his head. "The Essosi are cursed, Prince Aegon. You may destroy one band of slavers, five others take their place."

What Balal was saying was not wrong. However, with the destruction of Slaver's Bay, a great source of the slave trade, mayhaps the most important source in all of Essos, it would go a great way in breaking apart the slave trade.

Not completely but significantly. And if the free people of Slaver's Bay stand strong as was the hope of Prince Aegon in the years and decades to come, mayhaps, one day, it can be destroyed in the Free Cities.

Of course, the Summer Islanders were not to know that, not yet, he thought as he looked towards Sodhabhas who was keeping a neutral face.

Prince Aegon wanted to see how much support he could gain from them first before he made any of these men aware of his true plans.

"That is true." Prince Aegon easily agreed. "The problem of the Essosi is far beyond what you or I can solve in five lifetimes, let alone in our single lifetime however…" The Prince said as he leaned forward, his voice quietening.

"This war it is about destroying the image that they invulnerable. To correct them on the false notion they do not suffer consequences of their transgressions against my people…our people if you joined me." The Prince gestured with his hand as he met the gaze of Balal before he looked towards the sons and then to the Crow warriors.

"In a language these barbarians who think themselves otherwise understand fully." The Prince cocked his head as he smiled grimly at Balal.

"You know of my war in the Basilisk Isles. Of what it brought to these Isles." The Prince leaned back a little, his arm perched on his right knee. "How many raids have these Isles suffered in the years since? How many raids has there been since word had spread I left these Isles for Elamaerys?"

He could see the Crow warriors muttering to one another and he saw the exchanged look between two of Balal's sons. They'd learnt from the Summer Islanders amongst them that there has been an uptick in raids again.

An all time low number of raids since the destruction of Basilisk Isles was now no more. It didn't help, according to the Prince that the war in the Stepstones had ended too, making corsairs seek employment elsewhere…such as taking slaving contracts.

Prince Aegon continued. "These raiders understand strength and only strength. I intent to show them the strength of my people so that they know the gravity of acting against my people ever again."

Balal made a noise of displeasure before he spoke up, looking at the Prince with a hard gaze. "What do you propose then? That I send men with you on this war of yours? How does that solve my problem? The problem of our people?" Balal asked not unkindly but not friendly either.

Balal continued. "This war of yours with the Myrish…They are a very small part of this issue." Balal shook his head. "The slave raiders are from all of Essos. They serve Slaver's Bay. Qarth. The Free Cities. Even as far as Yi-Ti, do these raiders serve." Balal stared into the Prince's eyes. "How does one small war with the Myrish bring an end to these raids?"

"It does not." The Prince conceded with a nod of the head. "But" he said as he looked towards the Crow warriors. "It will aid your men. Get them the experience of war they need. To learn how they fight" the Prince said with a clenched fist. "And importantly, it will show that the Summer Isles can send armies to fight."

Balhas scoffed "We do not need to learn how they fight."

"Everyone needs to learn how the other fights." The Prince denies "Even myself. Even you. Or have you not learnt of the lessons passed down learnt from the Slaver Wars?" the Prince posed to them. "Did you not learn the importance of steel and bronze when your ancestors faced them? When your spears proved not enough?"

"So that is what you propose? That I grant you my warriors for your war so that they can gain this…experience?" Balal stepped in with his questions.

Prince Aegon turned towards Balal.

"Yes. And when Myr is defeated and humbled by our swords, with your men by the side of my men, I will aid you in your raider problem should you seek to find justice against your enemies." Prince Aegon leaned forward as he spoke further.

"Think of it. With my aid, you could humble some of the worst transgressors, those in Slaver's Bay, and secure a peace that will leave these Isles raider-free, casting your name in the same veins as that of Xanda Qo!"

One of the sons of Balal had a severe look of want on his face, one that spoke of a desire of glory. The other men were not as affected by the Prince's words whilst Balal was unmoved by the reference to the woman who many still revered on these isles.

The Prince spoke with great gravity in his voice. "Two years ago, four villages on the Crescent coast was plundered of its people."

The Prince continued. "Before then" he gestured towards Sodhabhas. "Another pillaging saw to it that thousands of were taken from this very isle, thousands that I helped return home."

"And for that, your people will always be welcomed on this land." Balal said and there was gruffness in his voice when he'd said so.

Prince Aegon inclined his head

"May the friendship between our peoples be eternal." He espoused before he grew graver still. "And before my rescue, the times in which your people have been preyed upon has been uncountable. In your own lifetime, Prince Balal, two and twenty separate instances of slavers preying on your shores are known about."

The Prince's voice went low, dangerous, as he spoke further. "Your people, ever since the Essosi appeared and showed you of their existence – and in turn informing others of your existence – have suffered slavers plaguing your shores." Prince Aegon's gaze swept across the faces of the men as he continued.

"This is the chance to set forth the final chapter of the Slaver's Wars, the chapter that brings forth true peace, not this peace that is bitter for many."

The Crow warriors sat up a little straighter at that, something that Balal had noticed and he met the Prince's gaze as he'd spoken with a sharp note to his voice.

"We must think on this."

"Of course." Prince Aegon said with an incline of the head as he stood up and moments later, Mīsaragorn roared, capturing their attentions and a dark silhouette of the dragon appeared to grow larger.

"We'll await a swan ship with your answer." The Prince said before he looked towards them and their party all quickly rose to their feet and made their way towards Mīsaragorn who landed not far from them.

The journey back took several hours, a journey in the dark that saw him marvel at many of the stars, and only a few moments after they landed and set their feet onto the ground, Sodhabhas had spoken up to the Prince. "My great-uncle will refuse."

Yes…it was a waste of time.

"My Prince may have been better served in telling them the truth about the war." Sodhabhas added.

"It wouldn't have changed anything even if he knew the truth, Sodhabhas." Prince Aegon said to the Summer Islander before he continued.

"And yes, yes he will refuse." Prince Aegon agreed as he turned to Sodhabhas "But we know now that there are those who are amongst him that see things…differently." The Prince said as one of the guards appeared with a torch, a torch that the Prince took hold off and he gestured them to walk with them.

"The Crow warriors and the sons, my Prince?" Trytas asked and after the Prince nodded "But how does that change anything? We are to leave in a week's time."

"It doesn't." Prince Aegon said as he glanced to Trytas and then Sodhabhas before setting his gaze onto Galaenys. "I never intended to gain their warriors for our cause. Our men are enough for this war. If I needed them, I'd have been truthful about the war with Slaver's Bay rather than let them believe otherwise.

No, I wanted their support for after we take Slaver's Bay."

Galaenys eyebrows climbed. "The Crow warriors and the Qhaxos sons are connected by blood to many of the Princes of these Isles." The Prince paused as he looked to Sodhabhas "Tell me, Sodhabhas…do you think my words had an positive impact on your kinsmen and the warriors?"

Sodhabhas was quiet for a moment before he spoke. "Yes. The issue of raiders is a big one amongst the Crow warriors and historically, there have been many Crow warriors who chose their path as a consequence of losing family to the raids." Sodhabhas paused for a moment as he eyed the Prince.

"After we take Slaver's Bay…my Prince believe they will help us even if Prince Balal will not?" he asked of the Prince.

"With the right incentives…yes." Prince Aegon said before he added.

"There will be Summer Islanders in Slaver's Bay that we can send back on our campaign. People who will be reunited with their families who had thought them forever lost." Prince looked grave for a moment as they all saw the displeased expression on Sodhabhas' expression as they begun to understand the Prince's scheme.

"Aye, it is distasteful to use such tactics and pressure to gain support but it will be needed."

The Prince looked away from Sodhabhas as they continued to walk and moments later, the Prince continued. "The people we liberate after our retribution is finished, will face a great many challenges in the years to come. Having the Summer Islanders support Liberty Bay during that time will somewhat ease those challenges." The Prince glanced back at them as he spoke.

"It also will set grounds for alliance between the Summer Isles and Liberty Bay once we depart, especially since both peoples will have something the other needs. Iron, copper and tin for the Summer Islanders and a great many items for Liberty Bay to help grow their industries and their wealth."

The conversation after that had come to a standstill and it wasn't long before they all split away to their own abodes.

The days that came afterwards had come and gone quickly and before they knew it, it was time to finally depart for war.

He stared at the sight with a prideful look on his face.

Thousands of men were arrayed at the docks, docks that were filled with a hundred and fifty ships, warships, stocked with supplies and armour and Jar-Bolts, ready to be boarded and set sail for their destination.

Corinth was now a ghost town, empty of all people, ready to be taken by the dour cunt Jalla. This was the last time they'd ever set foot on this Isle. Some were regretful about that but Galaenys cared not for Corinth. Not since Elamaerys.

No, he thought as he looked back to the town in the distance before he swept his gaze across the thousands of armoured men, men who whose quiet voices melted into one another as they waited for the Prince to arrive, he would not miss this place.

Before he could think anything else, a loud and shocked murmur grew amongst the men, a murmur that was shattered with a roar ripped through the air and he turned to the direction of the sound.

Sunlight split and broke against gleaming black armour, black armour that covered the chest, the neck and much of the dragon's serpentine face, and the dragon's wings, wings the span of ships, helped the dragon glide down the bulking form of Mīsaragorn.

The ground shook as the dragon landed, a low growl escaping its throat and Galeanys caught a form on the back of the dragon, the Prince, who rose to his full height atop of the great dragon, his body cladded with the red and blue of his branch of the Targaryen branch of the family, looking like the very Conqueror himself.

"MEN!" The Prince bellowed, his voice traversing far and wide and Galaenys did not doubt even the farthest away man could hear the Prince loud and clearly.

"YOU KNOW WHAT THIS DAY IS. YOU HAVE TRAINED FOR IT. YOU HAVE BLED AND SWEATED FOR IT. YOU RAGED AND ANGERED IN WAIT FOR IT.

AND NOW THAT DAY ARRIVED. THE DAY HAS BEEN COMING EVER SINCE WE LEARNT OF THEIR CONSPIRING AGAINST US!" The Prince bellowed from atop Mīsaragorn and he cut his arm across as he continued.

"TODAY AND EVERY DAY AFTER IT, ALL OF THE KNOWN WORLD WILL KNOW THE MIGHT AND FURY OF OUR PEOPLE WHEN WE TEAR DOWN ALL THAT OUR ENEMIES CHERISH BRICK BY BRICK AND CORPSE BY CORPSE!" The Prince bellowed in a furious roar, a roar that made his blood course faster in his veins, a feat that he seemed to share with many as men began to shout their agreement back to the Prince.

"ARE YOU READY, MEN OF CORINTH? MEN OF ELAMAERYS? ARE YOU READY TO LET THE WORLD WITNESS WHAT IT MEANS TO ANGER US?!" the Prince roared as he unsheathed his sword and raised high into the air above his head.

The very ground shook as thousands of men stamped their feet and roared their ayes and yeses in a delirious fury, a fury he as he too unsheathed his sword and roared in unison, a collection of roars that made the very ground tremble.

A tremble that would follow them, following them into their war, and shake apart the foundations of all that their enemies held dear.