Thank you for all your support! Well I do apologize if the fonts are a bit messy, but I don't know any other way to present their languages. Any suggestion is welcomed. For now most of the words will be in High Valyrian, before we can find a solution though, I hope Italic can ease your headaches. I really want to write more about Draeden's family relationship and most importantly, POLITICS and DRAGONS in the Valyrian Freehold. But unfortunately this is not what the fic is about. I promise we're just a few chapters away from the appearance of a certain conqueror. The Freehold story of Draeden is important to the plot, I PROMISE.
Also I want to thank the encouragement, it meant a lot to me.
The chapter only contains High Valyrian, which are Italics.
Now without a further ado, please enjoy My Lords and Ladies
Vaella was thrilled at the notion that her son will be coming home...Well not really her son, more like a nephew-son. But she still loved him with all of her heart, even if she wasn't the one who bore and gave birth to him. No, that privilege belonged to her brother-husband and her sister-wife. Yet she still treated Draeden as her own. She had a hand in raising and educating him. She was there with her sister-wife, Aella when Draeden spoke his first words. She will always remember the words the infant Draeden blurted out. "Mama". They weren't sure who it was directed to, but Aella and Vaella liked to think he referred to both of them.
Vaella never wanted children of her own. That is because Vaella was scared at the notion of giving birth. She had seen what Aella had gone through when Aella had given birth to Draeden, the blood-curdling screams and even more blood pouring out of her beloved sister. Although Vaella would never admit it, she was scared of giving birth. But the birth of Draeden almost changed her mind into wanting a baby of her own... well almost. The healthy and beautiful babe, made by her siblings. She was the first to hold the blood covered crying babe after Aella had passed out. And she fell in love with the babe in her arms immediately. The moment Draeden opened his eyes, his eyes were similar to hers, Those magnetic eyes. Vaella could almost see into the future of girls chasing after him.
Those beautiful eyes that are the colours of the flames their family loved so much about.
And now, Her boy is coming back. Vaella was still in her solar at the Fourteen Towers, the ancestral home of house Draeterys. The work as Chief of Finance and economy was a lot. Aella and Marion, her brother-husband are most likely already at the courtyard. Although she occupies a really bookish office, she is everybit of a warrior like her son and her uncle. It was her uncle, Vaerys, that had taught all of them including Draeden, how to fight. The current First Captain of the Blood Guardians. The order was 6,000 strong, created to protect the Grand Pyramid of the Freehold Council, to protect the Keepers of The Flames and carry out orders from the Grand Freehold Council. The most prestigious military order in the Freehold. And the only remaining order other than the healers that are not festered by the Freehold Infighting. The other important Orders, even the Keepers of the Flames are festered by various members from various factions in The Freehold. To gain more advantage and profit from the orders.
Vaella's uncle though, The Leader of the Blood Guardians had an Iron hand in ruling out the members that wanted to infiltrate the order. The discovered agents working for the Lord Freeholders are either gelded and exiled or beheaded after torture. That sent a message. And the reputation as The First Sword of The Valyrian Freehold, held by her uncle Vaerys, intimidated anyone who wanted to rule him out.
After, finishing her work for the day, Vaella made her way down to the courtyard to join the welcome party. A part of Vaella didn't want Draeden to come back, the cutthroat plots and politics had gotten truly dangerous after he had left. She has a really bad feeling about what will come in these few weeks...
Draeden was feeling truly alive in the air with his dragons. And the knowledge of coming back home. He had entered the Peninsular of Valyria a few hours ago.The high mountains of the Fourteen flames soon appeared in Draeden's view, Draeden gave a slight bow of respect to the great fire mountains. Draeden noticed that the mouth of the mountains glowed in a brighter red than the last time Draeden had left. The chained volcanoes stretched across the Peninsular from east to west . Soon the sight of hundreds of black cloud piercing towers entered his view. The well-carved Gargoyles of demons, dragons and sphinx all sit permanently on the Black stone and Dragon stone built Towers. Draeden and his dragons are soon welcomed by more dragons and their riders soaring through the sky, beneath him, the busy markets and square bustled. The heart of the city soon came into view. The land of the heart of the city Of Valyria was owned by House Draeterys, HIS house.
And soon the sight of Draeden's home came into view. The Fourteen Towers. Built to honour the Fourteen Flames. The towers were built with Dragon stone and Dragon fire that helped strengthen the material with its magical properties. It is built by the first ancestor of House Draeterys. Laerren Draeterys, Lord Freeholder and The first High Dragonlord. He was one of the first sheepherders that had discovered the Dragons. But unlike other sheepherders that immediately went to try and tame the dragons, he ventured into the heart of the Fourteen Flames. People thought him mad. But after days in the underground of the Fourteen Flames, he came back with a Large Dragon that has armoured scales that breathe the hottest flames. The ancestor dragon of Draeden's dragons.
But he came back with more than just a powerful dragon. He had returned with knowledge of the way to forge Valyrian steel, building with Dragon stone, mine the fourteen flames and of course MAGIC.
He and alongside the other dragonlords had built The city Draeden is flying above that spanned beyond the eye could see. And the home he lived in was also built by Laerren Draeterys.
Soon enough, Draeden descended into the large courtyard of the Fourteen Towers and was welcomed by it's household. From the lowest slaves to the Lord Freeholder himself, Dragonlord Marion Draeterys, Draeden's father. As Draeden descended from his dragon, he could see his parents at the front of the party. After landing on his feet, Draeden was immediately rushed in a tight embrace by his mother, Aella Draeterys. "Oh my sweet baby has finally returned." Draeden smiled and returned the hug. Draeden's father and aunt-mother walked up calmly, but he could see that they were only holding their eagerness back. Draeden's father greeted his son and heir. "Welcome home, my son, I hope the wind in your journey was blowing towards the direction of home." Draeden wanted to say yes, but the wind was strangely blowing away from Valyria. But still, not wanting his parents to worry, but also not wanting to lie, he found a compromise.
"Indeed father, my journey was smooth, nothing unhappy has happened except for the few nights I had to stop and rest." Luckily Marion, nodded his head and gestured for Draeden to head inside the main tower. The main branch and family of the ruling Lord Freeholder lives in the main tower, while other branches and cousins that bear the name Draeterys lived in the other 13 towers.
After greeting with other members of the welcome party. His father told Draeden to clean himself up and rest to attend the welcome feast, they had organized for him. As Draeden walked towards the entrance of the main tower, he took notice of the unchained slaves of his household. His family considers slaves are living things instead of property, and that they should be treated with such. His house offers good living quarters, food and pays them well for their services. Draeden's family didn't like torturing slaves like other houses. And some more vile houses rapes and breed their slaves, even if it is their own seed. They will still enslave the babes and take them from their mother and sell them to slavers.
In the Fourteen Towers if a slave served loyally they would be awarded with freedom and their first choice as free humans were whether to stay as a free human to work in exchange for accommodation and money or leave and find other means of living.
After Draeden had made his way into the tower and away from the crowd. His aunt-mother Vaella squeezed Draeden into a hug. "My sweet boy, welcome home." Draeden returned a hug and responded "I'm glad as well Mama Vaella, I had missed you all dearly." His father although happy to see him, actually didn't want Draeden to come back. The situation in the City was growing dangerous each day, he didn't want to endanger his only son. But his skills are required in the struggles to come if they want to survive this. But still Marion can't help but feel bad.
"I'm sorry my son, I didn't want to call you back from the east, but the Grand Keeper of the Flames has called the Grand Council, and I fear the situation will escalate in the next few weeks." Draeden nodded his understanding and asked "I understand father, but what had happened that had made the situation so dire." Draeden's parents looked troubled as Vaella said "Two major Dragonlord houses and their allies had clashed in the city..." That had widened Draeden's eye as he took in the information.
He didn't think the infighting would actually come to blows. The Lords Freeholders had never brought their conflicts under the light, and they had only been plotting against each other for mining rights and office positions, of course sometimes there are the occasional 'disappearings' and sudden 'accidental' deaths. This is a large 'progress' for the infighting. Still, Draeden couldn't understand what could cause them to come to blows.
"What caused it" ? Draeden asked his parents. His mother, Aella answered his question. "The mines, they believed they have found the 'heart and soul' of the Fourteen Flames when their slave miners had reached a tougher than normal layer of rock." These few months Aella had been uneasy, surprisingly it is not directed at her son that is in the middle of a war, but she could feel something worse than that. Then a few weeks later, two of the most powerful High Dragonlords had clashed for what they thought was the secret to the power of Laerren Draeterys. 'Oh how wrong they are.' Aella thought, 'All those deaths, just for the false assumption that they are nearing supreme power. The secret was never in those depths. Not the actual flames from the Fourteen Flames, but the true power and magic lies with-' Aella's thoughts were interrupted by Draeden as he asked, "how are the casualties. "
"It's quite horrendous, the slave miners were ordered to kill each other if they encountered the rival houses' miners. Their Household armies fought on the streets, innocent small folk were caught in the fighting, but fortunately, they're smart enough to not send in the dragons. The City guards that were festered by their agents fought against each other, two Freeholder families that didn't have dragons but chose to ally themselves with the Dragonlords from each side went extinct, this happened when they started to sack the manses of the rival houses. It was nasty business, the male members of the two houses became extinct, while the females were raped and enslaved. We were able to save and put a few girls into our custody before they were enslaved, and we claimed their holdings as they are the last living members of the two families. We managed to get away with it by forfeiting the mines to the fighting family." It was Marion who explained the situation to Draeden.
Draeden nodded with a solemn look on his face and asked "Is that why the High Keeper called the Grand Council?" His parents nodded and Aella answered. " Mostly,
but he didn't tell me anything other than that." Aella had asked the Grand Keeper of the Fourteen Flames why he had called the meeting as her office position of Chief Of Mysterious Arts. All the old man said was that it involved the Fourteen Flames.
Aella can't help but worry. She still remembered her former student, Daenys Targaryen's prophecy about A Cataclysm that would destroy Valyria. If she weren't angry at her at the time, she would've believed Daenys. Aella, after finding out the potential talent in magic that Daenys Targaryen had possessed, arranged a betrothal between the 15 year old Daenys and the 5 year old Draeden. She did this because she wanted to add such a powerful magic talent into house Draeterys. House Targaryen being a lesser Dragonlord house, shocked everyone at the time. And Aenar Targaryen asked for a dragonhorn as their dowry alongside scrolls about magic. Aella was irritated but still gave Aenar what he wanted. But then, Daenys claimed that she dreamt and warned the Lord Freeholders about a Doom that she had dreamt that would destroy Valyria and would divide it's colonies. The Lord Freeholders laughed and called her a Dreamer. But Aella was furious instead. Aella thought House Targaryen had gone against their word after cheating the dragon horn and magic scrolls from House Draeterys. And that they had married Daenys to her brother Gaemon after the announcement that they were fleeing to Dragonstone.
That night, a furious Aella brought the household soldiers of house Draeterys to storm the manse of house Targaryen. They had taken back all the scrolls and the dragon horn. Other than that she threatened a crying Daenys that she will geld her husband to end the line of house Targaryen. Daenys cried to plead mercy and said that she told the truth. An unconvinced Aella gelded Aenar Targaryen instead and warned them not to return to Valyria, or they will feel the might of all the dragon's wrath of house Draeterys.
But these years Aella could feel something was wrong. What if she had been right? That's why these last few years Aella had modified The Flame Vault. The vault, built in a lone mountain full of Dragon stone while the vaults were forged with Valyrian steel, forged and enchanted with Dragon fire. It is said it could endure attacks from thousands of dragons. All the precious riches and knowledge was held inside. Only the persons that held the blood of the Ruling Branch may enter the vault. The entrance of the vault consists of 10 doors made of Valyrian steel, enchanted with fire rubies dug from the Fourteen Flames. The doors know no key but the blood of House Draeterys.
Aella was brought back to the present when Draeden sighed, "Very well, I shall get ready then". After that Draeden went to his room to get ready for the welcome feast.
Marion and Aella Draeterys watched as their son went. They had promised themselves that they would do anything to protect their son and family. They had never participated in other houses' competing to mine deeper into the Fourteen Flames. Not that there was actually a magical secret beneath them. They had even pulled out from the shallow mines even if they are just at near ground level that only produces normal gold, ruby and steel, just to shift the attention off of them. That is how they had managed to not lose any single one of them, even the members of the distant branches.
And they would do anything to protect their beloved son...Even if it meant sacrificing themselves.
As Draeden made his way to his room, he noticed the portraits and mural of his ancestors. The first of whom was Laerren Draeterys holding a mallet. The next was a mural of the Ghiscari Wars, the 5th and last one to be specific. His ancestor, Daerren Draeterys called a Grand Council of the Lords Freeholders when the Old Empire of Ghis had once again declared war with their infamous Lockstep Legion and Harpies. Daerren, after being given the freehold forces and dragons, marched off to war. It is said only the Harpies can defeat the dragons. It was proved false, after making sure no Harpy lived afterwards, then Daerren burned and melted The ancient brick walls of Ghis built by Grazdan the Great. And burned the city of Old Ghis to the ground so that they will never rise and declare war on the freehold again. He had salted and sowed their field with lime and skull to make sure nothing, not even weeds can be grown in those lands. The Ghiscari are then enslaved while their domains turn into the Freehold's. After Daerren's return he declared himself Grand Protector of Valyria, at first everyone was content until he had raped and killed some of the wives and concubines of the other Lord Freeholders. When he had walked in the Pyramid of The Grand Council to attend the next Council meeting, he never again walked out of the Pyramid. His brother became Lord Freeholder but never took the title of Grand Protector.
Next on the mural was the maiden sorceress sister of Daerren, her name is called Leanna, she believed that the inbreeding had caused many illnesses that caused lunacy, madness and infertility. Her brother, Daerren is also a victim of the madness caused by inbreeding. But she agreed to the purification of the bloodline and the tradition of incest. So she had the finest metal workers to create Fourteen Goblets of Flame made with Valyrian steel. Alongside thirteen other maiden daughters of house Draeterys they willingly sacrificed themselves by throwing themselves off into the Fourteen Flames after draining their blood into the goblets. Then as instructed, after their sacrifice, the brother that succeeded Daerren Drank all the fourteen cups of blood. And ever since then, no sign of madness had been seen in incest born Draeterys children.
The fourth mural on the wall shows Marlaeris Draeterys, hero of the Spice Wars and Conqueror of The Rhoynar. When the Valyrian colony of Volantis destroyed the port of Sahoy, that was owned by the Rhoynars. Prince Garin united the Rhoynar except for Princess Nymeria who Claimed they can't win this war. But Prince Garin still went and conquered Selhorys and Valysar. Marlaeris Draeterys called for the Grand Council of The Lords Freeholders to gain support to repel the Rhoynar. The Council fearing for another Daerren Draeterys refused to give him command. Instead they send another commander. But the three dragons were defeated by the Rhoynar Water Mages. Frustrated, Marlaeris mustered any willing freehold houses with his own forces of his house. He managed to muster 300 dragons and a smaller host comparing to the massive 250,000 strong warriors, the largest army ever seen. But the Rhoynar proved powerless against the Might Of Valyria. Marlaeris unleashed the 300 dragons on the Rhoynar army. And crushed the mighty Rhoynar host, Prince Garin was imprisoned in the battle. The Council of The Lord Freeholders then commanded him to burn Chroyane to the Ground. Marlaeris refused as the Valyrians are the aggressor in this war. He then took all the dragons that belonged to house Draeterys and returned to Valyria. After he had returned to Valyria, he received news of what happened in Chroyane, as the Freehold forces sacked the city, Prince Garin called upon the Mother Royne to sink the city along with the pillaging and raping Valyrians. After learning The Princess of Ny Sar, Princess Nymeria had survived, and had fled with ten thousand ships that are mostly filled with Women and children after most of the man had been burned by dragon fire. Marlaeris reached out to Princess Nymeria and offered a plot of Fertile lands as recompense to what his people had done to hers. Princess Nymeria refused and said she will never trust the Dragonspawn that destroyed her people and then left. Years later hearing that Princess Nymeria and her people were once again asked to leave by the Prince of the Summer Isles. Marlaeris flew to the Summer Isles to meet Princess Nymeria. Until this day no one knew what they said. But they did know that after the talk, Princess Nymeria had found a place for her people to call home at Dorne.
Some said Marlaeris was in love with Princess Nymeria, which was why he had wanted to help her. Draeden couldn't blame him though if he did love her, if such a strong willed woman exists this day Draeden would've been her staunchest suitor.
The last of the mural was the more recent event dating less than a hundred years. When The Broken Arm Of Dorne, also called as the Stepstones which was located at a very strategic location that borders the Narrow Sea at the North, and the Summer Sea at the South, Westeros to the West and Essos at the East was seized by mutinied raiders from the Islands of Iron from the west, They had robbed and raided any merchant ship that needed to go south from the Narrow Sea to the Summer Sea. Draeden's great-grandfather, Daemar petitioned that The Grand Council of The Lord Freeholders to repel these pirates, but was refused. That is because the infighting in The Freehold had already started at the time. And all the Freehold houses only focused on searching secrets to power that lay in the Fourteen Flames. After training his Household Army, Daemar sailed to invade the Broken Arm Of Dorne. Daemar hatched and rode Draeden's current Dragon, Draxes. Draxes was the first dragon in a Millennia that was hatched possessing the fully armoured-scale that covered the entire body that was as tough as Valyrian steel. House Draeterys had bred armoured scale dragons for millennials, but at some point, most of the dragons were only bred half armoured. Daemar, who was born in a lesser branch of House Draeterys was wed to the only daughter and heir of the main branch because of Draxes. Draeden's great grandfather had then conquered and burned all the weak and pathetic raiders into ashes.
He then built a large fortress made of Dragon stone and Black stone on Bloodstone and all its islands and received tolls from passing merchant ships in return for protection when passing the islands. After Daemar had returned to Valyria, The greedy Lord Freeholders like sharks smelling blood immediately discussed the distribution of land and profit on the Broken Arm of Dorne. Draeden's great grandfather, without a hint of mercy tongue-lashed the Lord Freeholder who suggested it and humiliated him in front of everyone on the council. "The islands were conquered by House Draeterys, Soldiers of House Draeterys, Dragons of House Draeterys! Not some fat and greedy lord who came from some upstart family. You! my lord is more of a fat lizard than a dragon!"
The Stepstones are now rich and thriving. Since they are on a busy trade route, many inns, gambling dens, taverns, markets, merchants'guilds, smiths, ship builders and brothels were allowed to be built and run in return for a share in their profit. Soon some even moved to the Islands that were protected by the elite standing army. The Stepstones are run by a selected worthy steward, while the military and protection is run by the ever loyal cousins of House Rexagon. While the fleet is also run by a loyal cousin of House Saraenor whose house has long lines of Admirals of The Valyrian Fleet who were also risen to Lord Freeholders by Draeden's Ancestors.
He soon remembered where he was going on his way to do and continued his way to his room to prepare himself for tonights feast.
Draeden took a deep breath in front of the hall they would be using today to host Draeden's welcome feast and celebration of his victories at the eastern front. Entering the hall, he noticed the enitre of his house was there, hundreds of people that share the name Draeterys. In unison, they all turned their head and greeted Draeden. It was a whirlwind of warm welcomes and congratulations that mixed with each other. Draeden's grand uncle, Vaerys Draeterys immediately went to hug Draeden. The First Sword of Valyria said proudly, "Huh, just a blink of an eye, you went from a little green boy into a tall and hardened commander! but...still a boy." Draeden laughed alongside his family and his uncle let him go on.
At the high table sits Draeden's parents. His father Marion has a tall and strong build which Draeden had inherited from. A pair of purple eyes with a golden rim surrounding the purple orbs. His father kept his hair short and kept a close trimmed beard. His face has strong features and is handsome.
On his father's right was Draeden's mother Aella. His mother is plump but it still didn't hide her beauty. She was the most beautiful woman in Valyria before Draeden had born. But after gaining weight during her pregnancy with Draeden, she had failed to lose weight. People would mistake her elegant and gentle nature as weak. But his mother has more fire than her twin-brother-husband. Her fire is reflected at her red eyes with a gold rim around the red orb.
On his father's left was Draeden's Aunt-Mother Vaella. She is a beautiful woman, there is no doubt about it. But her beauty is more of a shrewd beauty. Her mismatched eyes are similar to Draeden, but the purple-gold on the left side of the eye has Marion's hue while the red-gold on the right side of the eye has Aella's. Vaella was four years younger than her 40 year old brother-husband and sister-wife. Her body fit from the training yard and has one of the most desirable bodies in Valyria. Her curves are voluptuous with full breasts and a round hip. She is the shrewdest of the three siblings, only showing her feelings when she is with her family.
Everyone is dressed in black, gold and red to signify their house words. 'The Flames in the Dark'. Marion stood up to give a speech.
"We are gathered here to welcome and celebrate the return and victory of Draeden, our son. Let the feast begin." On cue, the musicians began playing their instruments and everyone in the hall cheered with excitement. The participants chatted happily, ladies and lords danced on the floor. The most delicious foods were being served on the banquet table. The blushing young girls trying to flirt their way into Draeden's bed. Draeden appreciated their efforts but he wouldn't give into the pleasure when he had duties.
Little do the attendants know this would very well be the last of the most enjoyable days.
A few weeks later, Draeden and his parents made their way to The Grand Pyramid that hosts The Grand Council Of the Lords Freeholders. The entire structure was built with black stone and dragon stone. Draeden and his family must hand over any steel weapons they brought before they could enter the grounds of the Pyramid. It is a sacred law that no blood will be spilled in the grounds. The weapons will be returned to them if they leave the Pyramid compounds. The guards are to wait outside in the inns.
Draeden sat behind his parents as the first day of the council went on. Things went on normally as they discussed affairs of the Freehold. There is the occasional squabbling and arguing between other families. The two High dragonlord houses that had fought a few moons ago were kept on either side of the hall to avoid conflict. They do occasionally yell at each other, maybe sometimes pushing and shoves.
But other than that, the meeting was quite dormant...for now at least.
But a Dragonlady kept staring at Draeden with a predatory grin that made Draeden feel slightly uncomfortable. Draeden remembered her name to be Lady Freeholder Alaynna Voraegon. One of the most powerful High Dragonlords. Draeden's father Marion did mention a marriage proposal to Draeden from her. His parents had wanted Draeden to marry for love. But as the situation gets more dire everyday, they need more allies. Draeden had told his father that he'll think about it despite the protests from his mothers. They didn't like the match because Lady Alaynna was 38 years of age, 21 years older than Draeden. He didn't really mind, as long as his house survives he would do his duty.
If the two most powerful houses were to align, they would be an unstoppable force. As once their power combines, they would own almost half of the dragons in the Freehold.
But now her grin and stare at Draeden was making him feel rather uncomfortable, it is not a stare that wants to dominate the battle of the gaze but something more...primal?
But luckily the council was adjourned for the day and they would be taking part in the feast that would be held.
Vaella and Aella were NOT liking how that Voraegon Lady was looking at Draeden. Even now, the Head of House Voraegon stares at Draeden with that predatory smirk of hers. Alaynna Voraegon is a dangerous woman. She is unpredictable and powerful. She is the current Chief of the Whispers. A vast network of spies were owned by her. She knows almost anything and everything. Even as she stared at Draeden, her female servants kept running in and reported to her about useful information.
Aella and Vaella both know that their son attracted many eyes of adoration, infatuation and even lust. But not...whatever this is.
Draeden hides it well but as mothers nothing could escape their eyes. Even if he was surrounded by other of his suitors and potential prospects, they could see he was feeling uncomfortable under her gaze.
And then Lady Alaynna elegantly stood up and made her way to Draeden, her round and full hips swaying every step she went and attracted many eyes. Aella and Vaella got even more tense as she neared their son.
Draeden was panicking when Lady Alaynna made her way towards him. 'What the hell does she want!?" he thought. Her hips sway left and right in a hypnotizing way. It immediately took the attention of Draeden's suitors. As she stood in front of the group The Lady Alaynna Voraegon said "Leave, I wish to be alone with my Future HUSBAND."
The ladies around immediately scattered as she spoke with a strange tone, it is not menacing nor it is kind.
Lady Alaynna moved a chair right beside Draeden and sat uncomfortably close to him. Their thighs were already touching and her shoulders touching his. Lady Alaynna turned her head left towards Draeden with a smile on her face. "Greetings, MY POWERFUL COMMANDER. It is a pleasure to finally meet you." Draeden gulped at the word 'My Powerful Commander' as she said it like it was the most pleasant word ever created.
Draeden was now finally able to take in her features, despite nearing her fourties, she looked like a woman half her age. Her wavy and silky hair is a silver gold that reached down above her hips. Her eyes are a deep purple. She is extremely beautiful but in a mysterious and elegant way. Her voluptuous curve enhanced her beauty further. She wore a tight black dress that showed her curves, full breasts and round, full hips.
"See something you like, my sweet?" Lady Alaynna spoke in a teasing way. Draeden's face immediately went red from that. Lady Alaynna chuckled elegantly. " Worry not, I will soon be yours my love, only you are worthy to claim me to be my husband." Draeden was about to say that they weren't betrothed yet. But as if she could read his mind she answered for him. "Oh your father will arrange it, I am too valuable of an ally for him, and only you will be worthy to be with me."
Draeden wanted to speak but Lady Alaynna had finally lost her control around Draeden and spoke. "The night after we have been wed, you will claim my maidenhead, as is your right, for I have watched you with care since when two fully-armoured dragons were hatched in your crib. And when you have claimed the Flying Flame, Draxes that refused any other rider since the death of your great-grandfather as your own when you were only 5, I KNOW you are the one for me then. And when I had heard about the victories you have won. OH, I have seen then, YOU will father our Children who will become a long line of Emperors of Valyria. TOGETHER, WE will crush our enemies and create a long Lasting Dynasty. ONLY ME my love, is worthy of you!" Lady Alaynna was breathing heavily into Draeden's face. Her own face flushed with excitement at this point and continued. "I have denied every marriage proposal just to find someone like you, I have waited for my entire life just for you! I will be fulfilled because of you! I will be fine because of you! I have a sway of my hip when I walk because of you! I am yours! "
Draeden was too scared and shocked to do anything when she grabbed his nape during her declaration. Her breathing is heavy and quick, eyes glimmer with excitement. Her face is right in front of Draeden's. She was about to claim him right there in the hall filled with hundreds of Lord Freeholders and their companions. But a cough brought her out of her rampage. She turned around furiously to see who would DARE to disturb her time with her one true love.
Standing there furiously, was Draeden's mothers. Lady Alaynna frowned for a moment before she released her grip on Draeden and gave his cheek a caress and sat back in her chair elegantly and greeted Aella and Vaella like nothing had ever happened. "Ah, my future good mothers, what can I be of service." Aella was about to lash out on her when Marion stopped her and spoke. "Greetings Lady Alaynna, we HATE to bother you but we need to speak with our son.'"
Lady Alaynna was confused as to why they were upset when all she did was express and show her love and devotion to the Love Of her Life. Lady Alaynna relented and stood up and walked away, but this time there was no sway in her hips as her mood was ruined.
Marion alongside his sister-wives brought Draeden to their assigned suites and talked about the situation. "Well, she is certainly passionate about the prospect of wedding Draeden". Aella and Vaella growled at their husband. "There WILL be no wedding between them!! she is clearly mad!!!" Yelled Aella. Vaella voiced her support. " Indeed, I don't like my son being tied to a madwoman."
But she also added, " But we need their spy work. And perhaps, if there are children from their union, they will not be lunatics with 'The Blessing of Leanna' in our blood." Aella was about to protest when Draeden spoke. "Can we cross the bridge when we get there"? Vaella nodded and said"We should at least entertain her first, let her think we are considering." Aella was about to protest but relented, they needed more allies, now more than ever. Especially one of the most powerful High Dragonlords.
The Council went on smoothly for House Draeterys since they don't have much mining ownership. There are still traps and a lot of manipulators around the major mining families, each waiting for a chance to strike. One idiot did have the audacity to ask for the distribution of the Conquered Lhazareen Lands. The fool of a Lord got a humiliating tongue-lashing from Draeden. "Perhaps you should have claimed the bodies we created that day when WE ARE THERE to claim the lands, all you have a claim at is the chicken later in the feast! You may find it to be similar to the one you ate when we are fighting for our lives !!", as none of the Lord Freeholders in the Council other than House Draeterys and House Rexagon have supported it. Thus the other lord freeholders have no claim on it. Draeden still reserved a coastal keep and land to reward House Saraenor for their loyalty. Aella and Vaella were quite proud of their sons performance on the council.
Everything went smoothly for the next few weeks. But the tension in the council was getting tenser each passing day, former friends had turned into enemies and multiple plots had been uncovered in the pyramid by none other Lady Alaynna, It has almost reached the point where they will literally kill each other if the chance were to arise.
Other than Draeden constantly being 'courted' by Lady Alaynna Voraegon. She had threatened other ladies to not approach Draeden. And one morning she had been discovered sleeping naked beside Draeden. Draeden, who had not worn any undergarments when sleeping was frozen when he saw Lady Alaynna sleeping naked beside him. Luckily, they didn't do anything other than sleep. Aella had checked Alaynna's maidenhead and was relieved it was still intact. Alaynna had claimed that she was trying to get used to sleeping beside her future husband after 'night-time activities' which explained her nakedness. But Draeden swore he felt something wet and warm enveloping his member, and something like teeth scraping against the skin of his member. But decided to keep it to himself.
On the last day of the council meeting, the High Keeper of the Fourteen Flames, High Keeper Baenor, the leader of the Order of the Keepers of The Fourteen Flames. Their duty was to observe and study the condition and movement of the flames and give mining rights of the Fourteen Flames as they see fit.
But unfortunately, the holy order was corrupted by the politics between the Rivaling Freeholder families. All they did now was give out mining rights if it profited them. The Keepers of the flame except for the High Keeper himself were either bribed or replaced by other People loyal to Freeholder families. They did this so that they can gain more mining rights that gave them free reign to dig deeper and do whatever they want into the fire mountains.
House Draeterys has long been pulled out from the mines when his ancestors discovered the abomination they called Firewyrms.
They are dragon-like creatures but without wings and they dwell beneath the earth. A dozen slave-miners were found charred and they immediately pulled out of the mines. His ancestors believe they are the guardians of the Fourteen Flames and thought that they were warning from the Gods to not dig deeper
Back to the High Keeper, an old man with a long white beard who looks like he could bend over at any moment. Still he stood tall and spoke. "13 years ago, some mining teams blocked the path of the liquid fires and sealed them in their caverns that were linked across all the fourteen Volcanoes instead of letting it flow into the sea that were turned into rock. And now the Liquid fires, also called Lava are now increasing in their volumes so-......
Except for The members of House Draeterys other houses were not paying attention and instead talked between themselves. Aella was looking even more disturbed as the High Keeper spoke. And somehow she just felt dread about the Fourteen Flames.
"So I hereby DECLARE that you will not continue to mine in the Fourteen Flames !!" That shocked everyone in the room at the outburst of the High Keeper. "If you continue to mine into the Flames, it will be the end of us all!!!" The mining houses all looked OUTRAGE at the notion and began yelling and screaming. "And what if we refuse? What will you do old man" It was said by Vadar Vaethor the eldest of the three Vaethor triplets and heir of house Vaethor. The man is hot-headed and rides a large dragon that may even rival with Draxes.
"If you refuse, it would be the DOOM OF US ALL!!!" Except for house Draeterys and house Voraegon everyone laughed.
"Look! It's Daenys the Dreamer with a cock!" Laughed Vadar. "Or is it a threat, old man, you dare threaten us!!?" He then Questioned. High Keeper look outraged and done something stupid. "As I, the High Keeper of the flames hereby declare the mining rights of house Vaethor be revoked!!" The entire council room gasped. And an outraged Vadar had literally declared war to all the people eyeing their mines. "Then I deem you unfit as a High Keeper! you have been warned, High Keeper! I hereby declare WAR!!" The rival houses of Vaethor immediately bite on this chance to gain their mines. Dozens of 'I support the High Keeper! in exchange for the mines of house Vaethor!' or something similar could be heard. The High Keeper then realised what he had done.
After realising the High Keeper was too shocked to speak, many Lord Freeholders took this chance and burst out of the hall, already many were eyeing to get their hands on Vaethor mines, since they are the deepest mines. Most of them will call their army to seize the mines. And if it does happen, the results would be horrible. Vadar Vaethor and his brothers immediately ran out to call their armies. Fearing there will be a civil war, Draeden whispered to his Parents.
"With your leave father, I will go to our Fortress of Tyria and rally the man, if the fighting were to occur, we would have more of our strength rather than the 30,000 men defending the Fourteen towers. " The Grand Fortress of Tyria that is located in the only pass in The Fourteen Flames. Since the Chain Volcanoes that stretched from east coast to west coast acted as a natural barrier, all they needed to do was build a mighty fortress in the only pass to protect the city Of Valyria. And the fortress and garrison were owned and supplied by none other than house Draeterys. Draeden's parents nodded and Marion told him "Go, it seems war will be inevitable." Draeden nodded and told them "You all must be careful, go back and hole up in the Fourteen Towers, it is the safest place for now." Aella then said. "But they can't spill blood in here." Draeden shook his head. "I don't think the hot-headed Vadar agrees." He then kissed his mothers' s cheek and ran out of the door as fast as he could.
Vaellar turning her head back to the scene. Vaella looked to her uncle, Vaerys the first captain of the blood Guardians. He locked their gaze and then went to his niece and nephews and asked. "What will happen next?" Vaella answered solemnly "War, against each other."
Vaerys shook his head then discussed with them what to do next. They realised what Draeden said was right. The Fourteen Towers were the most fortified area in Valyria. Without saying another word, they left the Grand Pyramid with The High Keeper and Lady Alaynna. As they were running down the streets. The streets were getting more and more chaotic. Their path was then blocked by an extremely large group of men-at-arms by other Freehold Houses. They shined their blades as they looked at the woman of the group with a grin. The blood Guardians immediately unsheathed their swords. The men-at-arms then charged at the outnumbered Blood Guardians. Vaerys immediately went to join the fighting and yelled to his niece and nephews and the others to. "RUN"!
They didn't need to be told twice and ran as fast they could. Soon the fighting noises faded away as they ran farther away from the place of fighting. But as they ran they soon encontered a more serious threat. Dragons. When they were running through one of the squares, they were stopped dead by the roar of dragons. Oh how they all hope their own dragons were here when Vadar Vaethor and his two other twin brothers landed on the square with their full grown dragons. The winds flapped by their wings and the shaking of the ground when they landed caused most of them to fall.
Vadar Vaethor then spoke on his large dragon, the dragon was as large as Draxes but older. Its teeth were the height of Draeden like Draxes. It's scale green in colour. Vadar then spoke on top of his dragon." Hand over the High Keeper now and none of you except for him needs to die." The High Keeper didn't tremble in fear though. Instead he stood high and walked to the dragon rider before the others could stop him. "Kill me and be done with it, do not harm these innocent people." Vadar immediately ordered his dragon to feast upon the old man. No one even had time to stop Baenar. The sick crunching sound made by the dragon as he swiftly devours the old man gave a wince on everyone's face, including Vadar.
But nonetheless he continued."Now, let's finish this business shall we." He faced his dragon to Vaella and her group, Marion stood in front of the group to protect his family and well...Lady Alaynna.
Vadar's brothers then protested." Vadar! you said they don't need to die except for the High Keeper!" But Vadar replied nonchalantly. "I did. but if they died, the house Draeterys would be in disarray and we would have an advantage even if it is just a moment."
Aella usually wouldn't do anything so reckless like this. But feeling the familiar presence of magic coming near them every second, she laughed. "What is so funny, woman. Do you find being burned by a dragon amusing." Asked Vadar. But Aella laughed even harder. This unsettled the Vaethor brothers. "Oh you have no idea." Was all Aella could say between laughs.
An impatient Vadar growled and motioned his dragon to prepare for a roast. He was about to unleash dragon fire on the group when a roar and a searing heat alarmed him on his right. He was shocked to see what he was seeing. His brother and his dragon are being burned by three columns of extremely hot dragon fire of different colours.
The screams and cries and shrieks by the burning Dragon and man had burned their way into the minds of the people present. The screams are so blood curdling that it unnerved everyone, even Lady Alaynna.
Vadar was horrified at the scene of his brother and his mount being burned into charred corpses. Once the bodies hit the ground, the bodies dissolved into black ashes like sand upon impact.
Draeden was glad he was back in time to save his parents. After flying with full speed
to the Fortress of Tyria. The Fortress of Tyria is only a few dozen miles away from Valyria, so he had managed to reach the Fortress within an hour. He had then managed to command the commanders to rally the troops to march on Valyria. After that, he felt a sense of unease and immediately went
back to Valyria to search for his parents.
After arriving at a ruined Grand Pyramid of The Great Council, he had hoped that his parents had made it to the Fourteen Towers. So he immediately flew his way to the towers. But on his way he spotted three dragons. His face turned dread and flew towards them.
The face of Dread turned into a smirk as he burned a Vaethor Dragon and it's rider. He. will punish those who had threatened his family with Dragon claw and FLAMES!!
Next chapter has Dragon Fight!!!
Yeah who says men don't get sexually harassed huh? Well then My Lords and Ladies, until next time.