Robert's plan was simple but effective. As he soared above the villages and settlements on the back of the Cannibal, he never flew too close, and never descended to frighten or harm the people. Instead, he kept his distance, ensuring the villagers could see the massive dragon cutting through the sky but would also know that it posed no threat. At first, the sight of the beast inspired terror. People fled from the streets in panic, mothers grabbing their children and hurrying indoors, merchants abandoning their wares, and even the bravest of men cowering beneath roofs. The fear was palpable, and for a time, Robert worried that his mission would fail before it even began.

But Robert understood that fear was a natural response to something so powerful and unknown. He wasn't here to conquer these people by force, but to win their trust. The Cannibal, the massive black dragon, was as terrifying as it was awe-inspiring, but Robert knew it could be an asset if people learned to live with it. He had claimed the dragon not through violence, but through willpower, and it was time to teach the people of these lands to do the same.

For days, he continued his flights, circling the skies over the villages, making sure that the dragon was seen but never too close to cause true terror. Each day, the panic grew a little less. The villagers would glance up at the sky, their fear still present but beginning to be replaced by curiosity. The people had started talking about the mysterious rider—the dragonlord who flew over their homes without harming a soul.

Soon, the screaming stopped. Instead of running in fear, the villagers began to stand and watch. Children, in particular, were fascinated. They would run into the streets, their eyes wide with wonder, pointing and shouting as the Cannibal soared overhead. They had never seen a dragon before, and to them, it was a creature of myth, brought to life. Robert could see the excitement growing among them, especially the youngest ones, who would chase after the shadow of the dragon as it passed over the fields.

It was a strange feeling, Robert thought, to inspire such awe. He could feel the shift in the air each time he flew over a village. What had begun in terror was slowly transforming into fascination, even admiration. The people were beginning to trust that he and the dragon meant them no harm. The once-panicked villages were now filled with murmurs of excitement whenever the Cannibal appeared on the horizon.

As the days passed, Robert began to land the Cannibal closer to the outskirts of the villages, always careful to maintain a respectful distance. The dragon would settle on the ground, its massive wings folded, while Robert dismounted and watched the reactions of the people. At first, only a few dared to approach, but they were drawn by the spectacle, unable to resist the sight of such a powerful creature sitting peacefully among them.

Some of the braver villagers, mostly young men and children, would stand at a distance, watching in awe. The older men and women, still wary, stayed back, but even they couldn't hide their curiosity. Over time, they began to recognize Robert, not just as a dragonlord, but as a man who came in peace.

After weeks of preparation and settling into the Axe, Robert found himself gazing toward the western horizon, his thoughts drifting back to Westeros. Though he had begun building his future in Essos, there was still unfinished business on the other side of the Narrow Sea. He needed answers—whether anyone had discovered that the Cannibal was missing, whether Rhaenyra was safe, and most importantly, he needed the wealth that he had left behind in Storm's End. His brother Borros held his fortune, and without it, Robert knew his dream of a thriving kingdom in the Axe would remain just that—a dream.

One evening, as the Essosi winds howled through the dense forests surrounding the Axe, Robert decided it was time. He would return to Westeros, to Storm's End, to claim what was his and to find out how much the Seven Kingdoms knew of his movements.

The next morning, he saddled the Cannibal once again. The great black dragon had grown accustomed to the wilderness of Essos, thriving in the untamed lands of the Axe and the forests of Qohor. Yet, Robert knew the beast longed to stretch its wings once more over Westeros, the land of its birth. And Robert himself felt a pull to return—both to his family and to the life he had temporarily left behind.

As the Cannibal rose into the air, its massive wings beating against the sky, Robert felt the thrill of flight course through him once more. They soared higher and higher, leaving the forests of Essos far below, until the coast came into view. The glittering waters of the Narrow Sea stretched before them, and soon, Westeros lay just beyond the horizon.

The flight across the sea was long, but the Cannibal's speed was unmatched. As they approached the shores of Westeros, Robert felt a sense of both anticipation and unease. He wondered what his brother Borros had been up to, and whether his father still ruled Storm's End with his usual iron grip. He hadn't seen either of them since he had left on his mission, and much could have changed.

His first stop was Storm's End. The imposing fortress loomed on the horizon, its massive walls and towers standing defiant against the sea. As the Cannibal descended toward the cliffs outside the castle, Robert couldn't help but smile. This was his home—storm-lashed and unyielding, just as it had always been. But would they welcome him as they had before, now that he had claimed a dragon of his own?

The Cannibal landed with a powerful thud on the cliffs, its wings folding as it settled, and Robert dismounted with the grace of a seasoned rider. He took a moment to gaze at the castle, the memories of his childhood flooding back. Then, with a deep breath, he made his way toward the gates of Storm's End.

Robert made sure to land the Cannibal far from Storm's End, deep within the storm-lashed cliffs where no prying eyes could spot the legendary dragon. He couldn't risk anyone knowing that he had claimed such a fearsome beast. The Cannibal was a secret weapon, one that would allow him to rise above the squabbles of lords and kings when the time came. For now, he needed discretion.

After ensuring that the dragon was settled, Robert made the long trek back to Storm's End on foot, taking care to follow hidden paths so as not to attract attention. As he approached the castle, he was greeted by the familiar sight of the towering walls, weathered by centuries of sea and storm. It was a welcome sight, and though much had changed for Robert, Storm's End still felt like home.

When he passed through the gates, his brother Borros was there to meet him. The moment Borros saw Robert, a broad smile broke across his face. "Robert!" Borros called, striding forward to clasp his younger brother's hand. "You're back! I was beginning to wonder if you'd abandoned us for good."

Robert returned the smile, but his mind remained focused on his mission. "You know me better than that, Borros. There's still much to be done, but I needed to come back and see you—and to gather a few things for my... project."

Borros's eyes glinted with curiosity, though he said nothing about Robert's mysterious ventures. "Father will be pleased to know you've returned, though you've always had a way of disappearing at the most inconvenient times," he teased, giving Robert a friendly thump on the shoulder.

Robert chuckled but kept his tone light. "Well, I've always preferred a bit of adventure. Speaking of which, there are some matters I need to attend to before I head back."

Borros nodded, his excitement barely concealed. "I've been wondering what you've been up to. You've got that look about you—the same one I had when I was a boy, plotting some grand mischief."

Robert only smiled, keeping his cards close. "Let's just say I've got big plans."

Robert's return to Storm's End was met with more enthusiasm than he had expected. Though his stay was brief, the people of the castle and the surrounding lands had always held a soft spot for him. He had a natural charm, treating everyone—from the lowliest stable boy to the most distinguished knights—with kindness and respect. This attitude had earned him their affection, and even in his absence, many had spoken fondly of him.

Lord Boremund Baratheon, Robert's father, had been particularly eager to see him. Ever since Robert's notorious affair with Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen had made its way through court whispers, Lord Boremund had been both proud and concerned. Proud because his son had won the favor of the heir to the Iron Throne, a feat not many could claim. Concerned, however, because Robert had vanished soon after, leading to rumors of his death or assassination by enemies of House Baratheon—or worse, by Targaryen rivals.

As Robert entered the great hall of Storm's End, Lord Boremund was already waiting for him, his face alight with pride as he saw his son standing tall and very much alive. The old lord strode toward him, his voice booming as he called out, "Robert! By the gods, it's good to see you, boy. We all thought you were lost—killed, or worse."

Robert smiled as his father embraced him, feeling the warmth of home and the weight of expectations all at once. "I'm not so easily killed, Father," he replied with a wry grin. "I've been away, but for good reason."

Boremund held him at arm's length, studying his face with an appraising gaze. "I heard about your... exploits with Rhaenyra. I couldn't be prouder. A princess! Ha! You've made quite the name for yourself, lad." He patted Robert on the back. "But now that you're back, I won't let you slip away so easily."

Robert chuckled, though he knew his father's pride came with its own set of expectations. "I won't be here for long, Father. There are things I need to see through."

Lord Boremund's face darkened slightly, though the pride still glimmered in his eyes. "And what's so important that it takes you away again? You've returned from the dead in their eyes, and now you want to vanish once more?"

Robert hesitated, knowing he couldn't reveal his full plans just yet. "It's something that will secure our future, something greater than you can imagine. But I need resources—money. Borros has some of my wealth stored safely, and I intend to put it to good use."

Boremund frowned, but after a moment, he sighed, nodding. "If anyone can pull off something bold, it's you. Just know this, Robert: you're my son, and I'll back you, whatever this plan is. But be careful. The Targaryens aren't ones to forget or forgive easily, especially when it comes to their princess."

Robert nodded, appreciating his father's support but knowing he had to keep certain things—like the Cannibal—hidden for now. He stayed at Storm's End for only a short while, catching up with his brother Borros and securing the funds he needed for his plans in Essos. The warmth of the people's affection and his family's pride strengthened his resolve.

After three days at Storm's End, Robert knew it was time to leave. He had gathered a significant amount of gold—earnings from the countless tourneys he had won, spoils from his fights in the Stepstones, and funds collected over the years. He bundled it carefully, securing his future plans with every coin. As much as he enjoyed the warmth of Storm's End and his family, he had larger ambitions that awaited him across the Narrow Sea.

Before his departure, Robert acquired a new horse, a steed left by a knight who had fallen in battle. The horse was strong, with a sleek black coat that suited Robert's needs for stealth and speed. With his gold safely stored, Robert mounted the horse and set off for his secret meeting spot. He had arranged for the Cannibal to meet him just outside the sight of Storm's End.

As night fell, the Cannibal arrived, its massive wings casting eerie shadows in the moonlight. The dragon had been roaming the skies while Robert was at Storm's End, unseen by the people, and now it returned to its master, ready to carry him back to his kingdom in Essos.

With everything he needed—money, plans, and knowledge—Robert mounted the Cannibal's back once more. As they took to the skies, leaving the familiar shores of Westeros behind, Robert felt a surge of excitement. He had achieved what he came for: gold and information. The Targaryens, despite their obsession with dragons, had no idea that the Cannibal was gone. They had long neglected the wild dragon since it had no rider, allowing Robert to claim it without much opposition. That advantage, along with the fortune he now carried, would fuel his ambitions.

Rhaenyra, he knew, was still unwed. She must still be waiting for him, hoping that he would return as promised. But Robert had no time to waste. He needed to act quickly, solidify his rule in the Axe, and build a kingdom strong enough to make him a king in truth. Only then could he return to Westeros to claim the princess, before the realm forced her into a marriage with some old lord seeking to strengthen his claim.

The wind whipped through Robert's hair as the Cannibal soared over the sea, the stars above guiding them toward their future. Soon, Essos would be his base of power, and from there, he would launch his bid for kingship—a true Baratheon crowned by fire and blood.


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