I do not own 'The World Of Ice and Fire'.
Hope you guys like the last chapter, And once again I apologize if this chapter was posted late. A lot has been going on these few weeks.
This is my longest chapter yet, And I hope you will all enjoy it.
High Valyrian: Italic
Low Valyrian: Bold
Bastard Valyrian: Underline
Common Tongue: Normal
Draeden slowly stood up from the floor that he had laid on for only gods know how long. He thought his legs would not be steady after what felt like a long slumber in an uncomfortable position. But after he stood up and took a cautious step, Draeden was surprised, as it turns out his legs are as steady as they could be.
Now Draeden was really confused as to why he felt so fine after lying for so long in such an uncomfortable position. By now his aunt-mother has stood up as well and walked towards Draeden.
Vaella who was confused as well asked Draeden. "Draeden, do you feel surprisingly...fine as well"?
Draeden nodded and answered his aunt-mother"Indeed Mama Vae, My muscles aren't as sore and aching as I thought they would. But... they should be sore after lying in such a position for that long amount of time".
Vaella returned the nod and said. "I agree, but I really must say I do enjoy not having aching and sore muscles."
Draeden wanted to chuckle at what his aunt had said, but he found himself unable to do so because he remembered about his parents.
Draeden lowered his head as his eyes were empty, Vaella noticed this and wanted to ask why he was feeling empty. But then it shot her, 'Marion, Vaella...' Vaella thought. They had locked themselves outside of the vault. She don't know they did it, but she WILL find some answers.
Vaella then remebered something. Something she saw before closing her eyes when the vault doors were closing.
Vaella looked towards the vault doors and found four sealed letters on the floor near the vault doors. Vaella then tapped Draeden's shoulders and signaled his attention towards the sealed letters. Draeden snapped himself back and turned his sight towards the letters. Together, they slowly walked towards the letters and picked them up.
All the letters have words written next to their seal. The first letter was written by Marion to Vaella. The second was written by Aella to Draeden. The third was Written by Aella to Vaella and the fourth was written by Marion to Draeden
The letters were written by Marion and Vaella to address Draeden and Vaella. The letters written to Vaella were filled with words of affection by telling her how much they love her and how they had hoped that she could help guide Draeden to greatness. The letters also told Vaella the reason that Marion and Vaella did not reveal their plans to her. Because Draeden was still young, they needed her to guide Draeden so that he does not let his emotions guide him. But the most important reason they did not reveal to her the plan of sacrificing themselves was because they can't bear themselves to sacrifece her. They had both written that 'Even if the seas and rivers dry, the sun no longer rises, they still cannot bear to ask her to scrifice herself.'
Vaella with tears in her eyes, was only able to whisper a single word. "Fools..."
The letters written by Marion and Vaella to Draeden are to tell him how much they had loved him. How much they adored him. How much pride they had felt of him. They had written to explain why they must sacrifice themselves for Vaella and him. They had believed Draeden to be the one that could honour their legacy and lift house Draeterys to unseen heights. But to do that he needs to have goals for himself. They had written something that Draeden didn't understand ' One must dream during his slumber so that one can make the dream into reality when he has energy.' But Marion and Aella's letters kept telling him how much they had loved him and how proud they are of him, and that they will always be in his heart.
Draeden closed his eyelids to dam the tears that are bound to flood out of his eyes.
A while later, after both of them had recovered from their letters. They straighten their backs and strengthen their resolve. They had other important things to do. The letters also told them the MOST IMPORTANT things left inside of the vault.
Other than the 60 dragon eggs and their belongings, there are other important things in the vault that are too valuable to be shipped off to Bloodstone.
The scrolls that contains the knowleges on how to forge Valyrian Steel, how to build with dragon stone and black stone, the knowledges of dragon breeding and training and most important of all the scrolls are scrolls about MAGIC.
These are probably the last of the these knowledges of Valyria. And many will try and take it away from them. Whether they will try stealing or even killing. Draeden and Vaella must protect them as they are both the legacy of Valyria, plus, these knowledges cannot fall into the wrong hands.
Draeden put on his Plate armour and signature shoulder cloak, his two swords were buckled on his hip. While Vaela wore a Valyrian steel made chainmail beneath a scale armour that is also made of Valyrian steel. And above the scale armour was a beautifully and intricately made dragon riding robe with silk of black, red and gold colours. The robe was the most precious of her armour, as the silks were dipped into dragon blood and enchanted with fire magic. The silk robes can endure Valyrian steel weapons and even fire. Vaella was a highly skilled warrior, the armour and robe was gifted by her uncle Vaerys as a reward for her skills.
They then loaded the dragon eggs, scrolls and their belongings on dragon back. They were extremely lucky to have five large dragons to help them carry the treasures.
Before they head out of the vault doors, Vaella and Draeden wore a weired looking mask that will protect from the lethal smoke outside of the Vault that plagued their lands.
The mask was prepared and made by Aella when she knew that the smokes would be harmful. The mask was made similar to a bird's beak that covered the entire face except for the eyes that were concealed with Glasses.
After wearing the mask, the both armoured clad Vaella and Draeden walked towards the large double vault doors. The Door sensing the blood of House Draeterys swinged open to reveal the space outside of the door.
The doors opened to reveal a charred space. Twelve burned and charred dragon skeletons surrounded the centre in a half circle. At the center are two charred human bones embracing each other, and their skulls leaning on each other. Draeden and Vaella then noticed the rings of house Draeterys. Draeden immediately realised who the skeletons belonged to, His beloved parents.
Draeden, was anguished as he walked in trembling steps with slumped shoulders towards the two skeletons. When he was in front of the two embracing skeletons, he kneeled. Vaella watched as her nephew-son wept and howled in his mask at the sight of the remains of her beloved sister-wife and brother-husband.
Vaella walked towards the charred skeletons as well, tears dripping in her mask as well. Vaella put her hands on Draeden's shoulders to comfort him.
Vaella then said "They did this for us, Draeden. Now we must honour their memory and keep on moving, they will wish that you will carry on their legacy."
He still sobbed for a while, but eventually Draeden nodded and responded with a determination that burns like dragon fire. "I will Mama Vae. Because I am their LEGACY."
Vaella nodded in satisfaction that her beloved son will fight on, and with a flame it seems.
Then Draeden said to Vaella after he had recovered a little "We shouldn't leave them like this, They need to be put to rest like the ancestors of our family. With the blessings of dragon fire to send them to the Afterlife."
Vaella nodded and replied "Indeed, my son. The dragons will cremate them properly." With that said,Vaella's two dragons, Paryz and Blaurys stalked forward. They moved away as the dragons prepare themselves to unleash the blessings of dragon fire.
The two dragons then unleashed their fires on the two embracing skeletons. The fire turned them into ashes in a matter of seconds. Draeden and Vaella then proceeded to collect Aella and Marion's ashes into a well crafted container they had found inside of the vault. They will transfer the ashes into a proper urn after they have found one. They had kept the ashes of both Marion and Aella in the same container, as that is what they would want. And when the time comes, Vaella's ashes will join them. They also collected the Rings of House Draeterys that once belonged to Marion and Aella.
After that, Draeden kept his parents ashes close to him and scaled his dragon Draxes' wing to sit in the saddle. Before they leave, Draxes, Jahiryez and Baneryz alongside Parzys and Blaurys released dragon fire to cremate the twelve dragons that have sacrificed. The Dragon Flames burned brightly to honour the sacrificed dragons. For a final tribute, they roared in gratitude to the cremated dragon ashes.
They moved towards the entrance of the cave and flapped their wings once they were outside.
For the first time in 90 years since the Doom of Valyria, Dragons flapped their wing above Valyria. Although the once habitable land was now destroyed and charred while the air was filled with unbreathable smoke.
But luckily Vaella and Draeden's mask will protect them and the dragons were able to breathe in the smoke for it had thinned out after decades.
And now The Legacy Of Valyria flew.
90 Years After The Doom Of Valyria, Dragonstone.
The Lady Visenya of The House Targaryen shot up from her lying position on her feather bed. She was shocked awake on what she saw in her dream. Her nightgown was entirely covered in her cold sweat because of the dream, the sound of her heavy panting filled the room from the shock she received in her dream, The spine chilling dream that says about 'Ice For The Continent Of The West, While Fire On The Continent Of The East.'
The 17 year old thought about those words. And it seems the dream she just had in her dream had indicated that the fire for the continent of the east, Essos has already happened.
Visenya gasped and whispered under her breath "The Doom Of Valyria".
Visenya was shocked, if the fire for the east has already happened, then when will the ice for the west occur. But why hasn't Essos been destroyed completely? And that horrifying creature that she saw in her dream. The dream had told her the name. The NIGHT'S KING.
Visenya shuddered at that, her hair behind her neck was standing, the chilling dread shook her back, she now believed that the legends and myths were real. THE LONG NIGHT is REAL!
But then, the always serious side of her started to function. And she thought to herself 'But it's just a dream, what if it is JUST A DREAM??'
Visenya shook her head to shake out all the thoughts. Her mind was in chaos after the dream. So many questions in her mind, what if it is false, what if it is true. If it will happen, then what should they do?!
Visenya looked out to the only window in her chamber to see the colour of dawn starting to rise. Although Visenya always woke up early, this was too early, the sun wasn't even visible. Yet Visenya, who possesses the will of Valyrian steel stood up from her bed and went to change.
After she was done she walked out of her room carrying her treasured Valyrian Steel made longsword, Dark Sister.
The hallways of Dragonstone are dark, gloomy and grim. But there sure are a lot of dragon carvings on the walls. Visenya walked out of the Sea Dragon Tower that kept her chambers. The entrance of the Tower to the courtyard was carved like a dragon's jaw.
She then made her way to the training yard as this is her daily routine. On the way, servants and guards were already awake and shuffling around to tend to their duties and chores.
As she reached the training yard, she saw the Master At Arms, Ser Quenton Qoherys already there. Visenya made her way to him to begin her training.
The Master At Arms noticed Visenya and greeted her. "Lady Visenya, I know you wake up early for your training, but you never wake up this early. Is Something bothering you"?
Visenya looked at the man, back then when she had started to take up training, his father would demand Ser Quenton to give her a few 'pointers' so as to discourage her from sword training. She remembered her father telling her that "This was no way for a lady of our house".
But Visenya didn't care though, she wanted to learn swordplay and she will and she HAD mastered swordplay. Ser Quenton later had respected her persistence and had began to taught her swordplay properly.
Visenya then responded to the Master At Arms. "It's nothing Ser, just a nightmare, that's all".
The Strong Master At Arms, Ser Quenton barked out a laugh and questioned her with mirth. "Hah! The mighty Lady Visenya was scared by a bad dream?! I'm sure it was a scary one!"
Visenya ignored him as the word 'dream' reminded her about her 'Dream of A Song Of Ice And Fire.'
But Visenya shook her head and drew her sword and went into her combat form to face off the Master At Arms.
She had been allowed to train with live steel a year ago and had used Dark Sister to train ever since then.
Ser Quenton saw her battle stance and immediately stopped laughing and went into his own stance. The man now knew better than to let down his guard in front of Visenya Targaryen.
Visenya was unlike Aegon and Orys that fought honourably, instead she was cunning and practical.
Visenya pushed the thought of the dream away once more and charged at the Master At Arms, she will handle the thought of the dream later...
The sun had already set a couple of hours ago, the large green plain was extremely quiet except for the snoring of dragons after a long day of flying. The plain was situated beside a cliff that leads to the sea. Draeden sat beside the fire that his dragon had helped make. The dragons were sleeping on the large plain they were camped at.
The temperature was bloody hot and uncomfortably humid considering the time was already a few hours into the night. But Draeden had already been expecting the heat and humidity since they were just a few distance outside of the city of Volantis.
Not that it was just the city that was hot and humid. The land surrounding the hot city was not only hot but it was wet. An uncomfortable combination to be sure.
But at least they were not in the city. OH! The heat and smell on the eastern side of the river was quite unbearable. Draeden had visited Volantis before the Qartheen conquest and the Dothraki incursions had started, he was sent by his father to look up their holdings in Volantis and he did not like the heat there.
Luckily his aunt-mother, Vaella has volunteered to enter the city to buy supplies for their trip while Draeden stayed to look after the dragons and keep them out of sight. The reason they don't want people to know that dragons were once again sighted on Essos was that they want to keep it a secret to not only protect the dragons but also themselves and the treasures until they've reached their destination.
Speaking of their destination, the letters that Draeden's parents had written to Vaella and Draeden told them to head to Bloodstone. Before the doom, Aella and Marion had sent a letter to tell them to await the arrival of their promised dragonlord. And the Rexagons and Saraenor that were garrisoned there were loyal families, so Vaella and Draeden thought why not.
But Draeden was not that certain of the future than he usually was. Before...all of this, his goal was to push his family and house to the top. But now...what was he going to do.
He knew he had to restore his house, he knew he would grasp at any opportunity he would find and lock his jaws on it. But, what his mother, Aella had told him has confused the 17 year old. What did she mean 'HIS' own goals.
The family's goals had been Draeden's goals for his entire life. He had worked extremely hard and literally spent most of his time to hone and improve his skills at arms and mind. But now what his family's goals were, he did not know.
But he will damn himself to all the hells if he didn't make the best from every opportunity that he will come across in the future.
Draeden looked into the flames. 'The Flames In The Dark', the unofficial words of his house. They are the words of warning as well as advice that darkness always surrounds the flame, but the words also serve as a reminder to the members of his house so that they should always be grateful for what they had. As the flames had given warmth and light in the cold dark night.
But the words also serve as a word of wisdom, strength and of course magic.
Draeden puts his hand into the fires. All the members of his house possess the power to not be burned by the flames.
In the legends, it is said that his ancestors can wield the arcane of fire. But that was a long time ago, yes, they are still able to wield magic but... NOT in a wide capacity. Besides, magic comes with a price. As only death may pay for life.
Draeden himself knows how to wield magic, his mother had made sure he knows how to. The secrets and key to master magic was in his family's unofficial house words.
Draeden looked to his hand that was embraced by the flames. He can feel the warmth of the fire, but not the pain of the heat. Draeden looked to the sea, the crescent moon hanging above the dark sea that reflected the dark night.
The cloudless night reveals the many stars that shine in the darkness. Similar to what the flames beside Draeden was doing, illuminating the darkness.
Draeden can't help but miss his previous life, with his family whole. Sparring with his uncle when he has time, eating and talking with his parents, learning with them.
But now everything has changed, because of the greed of men.
Draeden sighed, he has only one person he cared about left in this world, his aunt-mother Vaella Draeterys. Before the Fourteen Flames had erupted, he had hundreds of people that shared his family name to care about. But now... He wanted to go back to the things they were.
But he steeled himself and said to himself that nothing can reverse it. Not even the most powerful magic and gods.
Draeden had to remind himself that he is the legacy of Valyria, the remnants of his house. He needs to return the former glory of what House Draeterys formerly was.
Draeden sighed again as he went to his cot. He will have much to do and after going to Bloodstone, he will try his best and take advantage of every opportunity to secure his family's future.
Draeden tucked himself into his cot and closed his eyelids. Despite the fact that they had slept for such a long time, Vaella and Draeden still felt extremely weary. Whether it is because of the trip they had made from Valyria or the loss of their loved ones, they really needed a good rest for what was about to come.
Aryanna of the House Maegyr is extremely pleased with herself for how far she has gone. She stood elegantly, her hands placed on her hips and a grin on her face. A group of foolish men who only think with their cocks surrounding her, trying to court and woo her.
Aryanna didn't care about these idiots though. They only care about her looks, her position, how many babes she can produce and of course, her cunt. No, these fools are not worthy to be even considered a suitor of hers.
But still, she had to entertain them. They may have some important use in the future after all. Not that it means she will have to sleep with them. Gods no, Aryanna finds it repulsive to have to sleep with someone so inferior to her.
But fortunately, she has other ways. She had them so obsessed with her that only a few words from Aryanna were able to satisfy them.
" I thank you for your kind words, my beloved. But unfortunately, I must depart, as the night grows late, the more weary I get." Aryanna said these in High Valyrian to the entire group of men that surrounded her to add more 'warmth' in it as the people in this hall were all blood of Old Valyria. She said the words not to a specific man to make her words vague so that they would believe it was directed to one of them.
As Aryanna walked away from the group of men, she could hear them squabbling and arguing with each other as they each believed that Aryanna said the intimate words to themselves.
Of course, Aryanna didn't mean it. No her words of affection reserves only for the one and only worthy lover. Aryanna chuckled under her breath as she found it amusing that she could manipulate them so easily.
But Aryanna didn't find it surprising though, as she had always been a mistress of manipulation. A few years ago, She was able to convince her 'beloved' late father Matarys Maegyr to 'remove' her brother, Marqou from the line of inheritance as he 'tried' to murder his own father so that he could take his place sooner.
Of course she has a hand in this. She had forced her brother to try and assassinate her, but instead her brother, Marqou had fallen into her well-planned trap when he barged into the hall with a poisoned dagger where Aryanna was supposed to be. Instead, the person in the hall was their father, Matarys Maegyr.
Matarys' first thought was his own son was trying to kill him. So that he could take his own place sooner.
He immediately had his guards subdue his son and banished him from the line of inheritance. Matarys then named Aryanna as her heir. And a few weeks after that, both Father and son had both perished in a 'fight'.
The bodies were found by Aryanna and she suggested that her brother was unhappy with his father's decision to disinherit him and tried to confront him about it. And the confrontation resulted in a dagger fight.
And of course Aryanna had planned that one herself. She had them both murdered and dragged their body to the same place and stabbed the two bloodied daggers in their bodies.
And the Tiger cloaks, the city watch of Volantis had believed that her story was the case on what happened, leaving her to 'mourn'. And now here she is, at a feast that is organised by one of the three Triarchs.
All three of these Triarchs were from the party of the Tigers. The party consists of only the oldest families that have the blood Of Old Valyria. The Tigers advocate war and conquest as they are warriors. The party had dominated the politics of Volantis for a damn long time, and it doesn't seem like it would change for the next few years.
And luckily, House Maegyr is a member of the Tigers. And Aryanna had made good use of the advantage in the few years she had become head of house Maegyr as she had now become the spymistress for the Tiger Party and Volantis as she owns the largest spy network.
The feast that she had now left was organised in the honour of Horonno Qhaedar, as he has once again been selected as Triarch for the 39th year in a row. The man had dominated the seat of Triarch for those thirty nine years.
Once Aryanna made it to the entrance of the manse where the feast hall was held, she made her way to her Palanquin. The slaves stood straight as an arrow when they saw her coming.
The slaves lifted the well-covered litter up after Aryanna had stepped in. Her mind wanders to a subject that had been on her mind for a while. 'Why isn't there a man worthy of me, and me worthy of him'?
Aryanna sighed as her Palanquin moved through the streets to her manse. She wanted to start her search for the worthy man that is most likely somewhere out there, but she needs to constantly elevate herself to evaluate if the worthy man can keep up with her. At that point Aryanna smiled, if she was able to provide the most crucial information in the upcoming invasion on Tyrosh, she may yet earn the respect of the Nobles with voting power.
And perhaps one day, she will become the first female Triarch.
But her smile dimmed as she thought about her love. 'Where could he be'? she wondered.
Near Bloodstone, The Stepstones.
Draeden was sitting on top of Draxes as he flew above the clouds. The day was bright and warm as they neared Bloodstone with speed. The wind created by the speed blew his shoulder length hair in the air.
Jahiryez and Baneryz were flying wing by wing beside Draxes. Draeden's aunt-mother, Vaella and her dragons Paryz and Blaurys flew above and behind Draeden.
They descended a little bit to get a better view of the surface below. The dragons penetrated and dived through the clouds. Their vision was obscured for a moment before they came out of the clouds.
Draeden was finally able to see the view of the blue sea properly without the clouds to block his vision. As Draxes flapped his wing wings to regain some altitude, Draeden can now see the many islands sticking out of the sea.
There are villages and towns that could be seen on some of the larger islands. And soon they came across the largest island that they've seen so far. There is a large and bustling city on the island, with a large port that can handle the many trades of Both the Narrow Sea and Summer Sea.
Vaella then yelled to Draeden as the air was muffling their hearing. "We have finally arrived in BLOODSTONE"!
Draeden looked down towards the large island city, it has certainly changed a lot the last time he had been here. He was but a child when his parents had taken him here and he didn't explore the island that well.
Draeden then yelled to his aunt-mother as well. "I think we should land in a more open area"!
Vaella nodded and scouted for an area to land. After they circled the city for a while, they soon found the City square was the only place that was able to sit more than two dragons. Vaella motioned Blaurys to continue her circle in the sky, while she and Paryz made land.
Draeden motioned to Jahiryez and Baneryz to continue their circle to look out for any threat while he and Draxes landed with Vaella and Paryz.
They wondered what the people and the ruling men would think as two literal strangers come and claim their land.
Taelan Rexagon, the Grand Commander of The Standing Army of The Stepstones, is looking up at the sky alongside his fellow comrade at arms and the people at the market.
Just seconds ago, the market was as busy as always full people going about their business, but then daylight suddenly dimmed and the next thing they knew, it was bright again but it then dimmed again. Curious, the people at the open market one by one lifted their heads up to see what was causing the disturbance of sunlight.
Let's just say they did not expect this.
Taelan's mouth was wide agape while the colour from his face was drained. He was shocked to see FIVE dragons circling the city. He had so many questions in his mind right now.
'Will the city's defenses hold? Why are there suddenly five dragons above us ? Where did they bloody come from? Are they the Targaryens? '. The Grand Commander Taelan who had just returned from a patrol was not ready for this.
Then it hit him. "The prophecy..." Taelan whispered to himself. His heart was thumping hard and he himself was nervous as hell. To make matters worse, two of the dragons started to make their descent.
Taelan immediately snapped back and tried to find out where the dragons were landing. After a few seconds of evaluating, he called out to his still dazed men in High Valyrian while his eyes were not leaving the Dragons. "Men! With me"!
The extremely well trained professional soldiers immediately followed his orders without question after snapping back to reality.
After that, Taelan and his company of men rushed towards the square.
Trevas Woodwell, The Castellan of The Stepstones looked at the five dragons with clear disgust. It didn't need a genius to figure out that they are the subject of the PROPHECY.
No, this had literally disrupted his plans to take The Stepstones as his own. He had served as Stewards for 20 years and now a Castellan. He had made himself Castellan just a year ago when his son, Kavvin had become a Commander in the Standing Army of The Stepstones. Of course, the Rexagon's and Saraenor's protested as there had never been a Castellan in the history of the Stepstones. Besides, they were already suspicious of his actions... involving the coffers.
But in the end, they can't deny his services for years and 'reason'. He told the Rexagon's and Saraenor's that in this perilous time, someone needed to lead 'temporarily.' But of course he intended to usurp The Stepstones after his son had gained the loyalty of the Standing Army of The Stepstones.
But his plans will all go into the fire now that the Dragonlord have returned. He didn't even believe the damn myth. And that MYTH will now take what is rightfully his. Not unless he acted, NOW.
Trevas smirked a wicked smirk, and turned to address his son. " Kavvin, I want you to muster the city watch and the garrison of the standing army on Bloodstone. "
Kavvin looks shocked at that, and replies to his father. " But father, isn't this treason? The dragonlord is the rightful ruler".
Trevas looked angry and yelled back to his son "I AM the lord of Bloodstone, not some upstart dragonspawn from a children's tale!"
Kevvan stepped back at his father's outburst. But his father continued. "You WILL rally the troops. After I die, you will be LORD! We are in the same damn BOAT"!
Kevvan was hesitating but eventually he had no choice but to follow his own father's command. "Of course, father."
Trevas then watched as his son walked out of the chamber they were in. Trevas then looked at the descending dragons.
'Oh they are in for one hell of a greeting'. Trevas thought viciously.
Taelan managed to reach the City's square just in time when the two dragons were making land. The people in the City square immediately scattered to the sides as the dragons descended.
A strong wave of wind almost knocked the people to the ground as the dragons flapped their wings to soften their landing.
Finally, with a thundering thud and an armoured clanking, the two dragons landed. Taelan's face was now as white as milk as they were extremely close to the dragons.
The dragons let out a low and menacing growl that chilled the people's blood. Taelan and his men immediately stepped back as they feared the dragons would do something bad to them.
After they had retreated to the side of the square did Taelan notice something. A man was sitting on the Larger of the two dragons while a woman was sitting on the smaller dragon.
Then the rider of the larger dragon stood up from his dragon saddle. The man looked like a grain of rice compared to his enormous dragon. As the man walked until he was at the shoulder area of the front limb of the dragon, The dragon placed its wings and front limb to the city square's ground to make something like a ramp for his rider to descend.
The rider of the Large Dragon then walked down the dragon's wings. The crowd all thought for a moment that the descending man looked like a god as he walked down a dragon with elegance.
As the man walked down off his mount, a woman also walked down her smaller dragon compared to the man's dragon.
After the man reached the ground, he waited for his lady companion to join him. After she had stood by his side they walked towards Taelan and his armoured party.
As they walked across the large distance of the square towards Taelan, He couldn't help but take a glimpse at the dragons. The smaller one that was ridden by the woman was purple and black scaled. The entire underside of the dragon has a weird yet beautiful and different kind of scale that looks shiny and extremely hard.
The larger dragon was extremely huge. It almost if not already occupied half of the Large square they are standing on. The dragon was entirely covered by the weird, beautiful, shiny and hard scale that looked similar to the smaller dragon's underside. Except the larger dragon's scales' colour is a mixture of black red and gold.
The shiny underside scale of the larger dragon is Crimson red while its shiny upperside scale is a bright gold. Between each scale were black lines that looked equally tough as the scales.
Taelan's attention returned to the approaching duo of dragonriders as they now neared Taelan and his men. Immediately, Taelan couldn't breathe because his breath was taken away from him by the sight of the woman. She is easily the MOST Beautiful woman he has ever seen.
The High Valyrian woman's face isn't covered by a helmet and is free for all to see. Her face owns a shrewd beauty, and her mismatched eyes only solidified her beauty. Her left eyes were purple, but it had a gold rim circling the purple orb. Her right eye is red and with a gold rim as well.
The perfection of the High Valyrian woman's body can only be described as goddess-like. She had full breasts on top of her thin waist, while her hips were round. She wore scale armour on top of chainmail. Covering her armour, she wore a riding robe with black, gold and red colours.
The sight of the beautiful woman made many men's pants stand out. Next to her was the man that rode the larger dragon. The man had a build that every man would hope for, and a body every woman craved for. He is as tall as Taelan Rexagon himself if not taller. His shoulders were broad, but not too broad. Taelan can see that the mysterious dragonlord's body is formidable and strong that belongs to a warrior. But the man's face was hidden by a helmet that has a t-shaped opening on his face that only revealed his eyes, nose and mouth.
Taelan wondered if the man is related to the beautiful woman as the man has mismatched eyes as well. But the left side of his eyes are purple with a similar golden rim while his right eye is red with the golden rim as well.
Then the man lifted his dragon-wing designed helmet off of his head to reveal his face. Taelan can see many women had blood leaking down from their nostrils at the sight of the dragonlord's face. The women that had not have nosebleed were wide-eyed and stunned, Taelan himself as well. He had never seen such an attractive man. He is handsome, but also beautiful at the same time.
After the attractive men had removed his helmet, he shook his below-shoulder length platinum-blonde hair to free them from the pressure of the helmet. That made the women in the square blush more.
The High Valyrian man's eyes were magnetic, it is as if something is drawing people to look at it. But when his eyes catch the looking eyes, they can't help but avert the mismatched eyes.
Taelan noted that the mysterious man's eyes were attractive, yes. But behind those eyes there is a cold strength and will that belongs to a battle hardened man.
The mysterious High Valyrian man then spoke with authority. "Greetings! I am Draeden of The House Draeterys. High Dragonlord, Rider of the Three Flames Of Valyria".
Taelan and the people in the square had their mouth wide agape, shocked at what the man had introduced as Draeden just said. They have the Five Dragons, and the colour of Black, Gold and Red on them proves them to be members of House Draeterys.
Draeden and Vaella were confused as to why the people in the square were all shocked. But they did not show their confusion. They wondered if they had done anything wrong. They mentally told their dragons to be ready if anything bad were to happen.
The dragons let out a low and menacing growl when they sensed their rider's suspicion. That seems to bring what Draeden And Vaella assumed to be a man in charge out of his shock.
The man in armour immediately kneeled. The soldiers that wore the similar black, red and gold coloured armour kneeled as well. After that, all the people in the square kneeled as well. The man then spoke in High Valyrian." My name is Taelan Rexagon My Lord, Grand Commander of The Stepstone's standing army"!
That raised the eyebrow of Draeden and Vaella. Draeden then told Taelan "Rise, Grand Commander Rexagon and all of you as well".
Draeden and Vaella were quite relieved to still have a man with a familiar name at such an important position. But that doesn't mean they can trust him too much though. Since they don't know this generation of the Rexagons.
Draeden observed Taelan Rexagon. The man's height is near his, he has extremely broad shoulders with a big and strong body. He looks to be around in his mid thirties. He kept a short hair closely cutted to his scalp witha trimmed beard. His had an intimidating face that could intimidate his enemies.
The man named Taelan Rexagon rose as did the people in the square. The crowd then whispered among themselves about a 'prophecy'. Draeden and Vaella who had heard some of the whispers are visibly confused.
So Draeden asked subtly towards Taelan to try and get some answers. "Grand Commander Taelan, I expect you were awaiting us"?
The Grand Commander nodded hard and replied in High Valyrian, despite he had used Common tongue more often "Indeed my lord, we have waited for 90 YEARS, the prophecy had finally come true."
Draeden and Vaella raised their eyebrows, they knew many years had passed, but 90 YEARS?! And what is this prophecy?!
But before Vaella and Draeden could ask more questions Taelan and his men kneeled once more and spoke while kneeling. "My Lord, you are the promised lord of House Draeterys. It is prophesised by men from Old Valyria when they have shipped the treasures of House Draeterys here. They arrived on Bloodstone a day before the news of the Doom Of Valyria, and since then the people have awaited their rightful ruler and the five dragons ever since"!
Draeden and Vaella looked at each other as they understood what was happening. In the letters Marion and Aella wrote to them, they had told them that they had sent a message along with the treasures and escorts to Bloodstone. The message to Bloodstone addressed them that one day A High Dragonlord of House Draeterys will awaken to reclaim The Broken Arm of Dorne to deliver them to Greatness with Five Dragons.
Well... it seems the people who received the message misinterpreted the simple message to be a prophecy.
But that doesn't mean Vaella and Draeden will try to correct them. No, instead, being a subject of a Prophecy may increase the loyalty and devotion of the people of The Stepstones.
With that, Vaella finally declared. "Indeed! We are the legacy of House Draeterys, The Embers of Valyria and Draeden Draeterys IS your rightful Liege! Renew your oath of fealty to him."
Taelan Rexagon looked uneasy for a second but he finally said. "We have a test, a test for those who would try to come and claim The Stepstones, only the members of House Draeterys knows the answer to the question, many have tried and failed."
Draeden nodded and said "Ask the question then."
Taelan then asked the question of the test. "What are the words of House Draeterys, and state one of the many significance behind the words."
Draeden didn't even hesitate to answer. But he answered with an implication "The Flames In The Dark, one of the importance behind those words are to remind us, to not forget what and WHO provided them warmth and light"!
Taelan Rexagon immediately bent his knee and swore allegiance to Draeden. "I, Taelan Rexagon, Head of House Rexagon and Commander and servant of Your Standing Army, , Hereby swear my unwavering loyalty to Draeden Draeterys and House Draeterys".
Draeden nodded while helping Taelan up from his kneeling position himself and said "I appreciate your loyalty, Grand Commander Rexagon, let it be known that I reward the Loyal, and Punish the disloyal."
Taelan stood straight and Draeden put his hand on his shoulders. Draeden knew that this alone won't be enough to gain their loyalty, as loyalty and devotion needs to be earned, not through your name and blood. He will have to prove that he is worthy of their loyalty and love.
Then their attention was taken by a fellow High Valyrian as he ran towards the group. Draxes immediately moved to intercept him. The running Valyrian immediately stopped dead in his track as he was horrified by the beast in front of him.
Taelan then asked "What is your business Baerion"?
The running Valyrian that was called Baerion was still panting heavily and was very scared of Draxes, but he managed to speak between his breath. "The Castellan ...*huff*...he...*huff* ...had...*huff*... assembled...*huff*...an army"!
Taelan then responded, "Tell him, the situation is fine, the rightful Lord Of The Stepstones has come".
Baerion looked shocked for a moment at what Taelan had said but he then remembered what was happening and breathed deeply to reply. "NO! The Castellan Trevas is trying to usurp The Stepstones"!
Rexagon looks shocked, but all Draeden said was "Where is he, show me".
Baerion wanted to ask who he was and tell him that it will be suicide to go there but Baerion was intimidated by Draeden's gaze. Baerion didn't say anything else and led him to the Blood-red sand beaches that gave the island the name Bloodstone. That is where Trevas has gathered the soldiers.
Meanwhile Taelan was alarmed at what Draeden had said. He knows that this dragon rider is now his liege, but it didn't take a master strategist to understand that it is basically suicide to go meet Trevas who was now more then likely to have a large number of men.
But Draeden immediately followed Baerion, not giving Taelan any chance to protest. Taelan sighed and hoped that his new Liege lord wouldn't get them killed. But what did shock Taelan was that the woman beside Draeden is extremely confident.
The Blood-red sands that made the beaches are being washed by the waves of the salty sea. Yet after millennia of washing, the waters still can't get rid of the red colour of the Beaches.
That is where two groups of people stood, opposite of each other. Like always the sky above the Stepstones is bright and sunny.
Trevas Woodwell had a sneer on his face. While Taelan Rexagon has an angry expression on his face. He had disliked the man, as Taelan had suspected that Trevas had stolen some money from the coffers into his own pocket. He knew Trevas had tried to open the Draeterys Blood Vault beneath the Castle of Bloodstone. But since he wasn't able to open it, he didn't take any action.
Well...except for today.
Trevas was feeling irritated as a boy had come to try and steal what he thinks is rightfully his. Trevas then spoke to Draeden in the Common Tongue "Hello boy, have you come to bend the knee to your rightful liege"?
Draeden had a blank expression on his face, showing none of his expression. Draeden didn't speak, instead, he glared at Trevas with an undescribable yet at the same time nerve racking glare. Trevas really felt uncomfortable under Draeden's gaze and averted his eyes. Then, Taelan said "You are in the presence of the TRUE lord of the Stepstones, A DRAGONLORD. Not a mere Castellan".
Trevas looked like he was about to burst in fury and chose yell back at Taelan. "I HAVE RULED The Stepstones for DOZENS of years. Not some welp that is borned of incest"!
Trevas spat out the last sentence while looking at Draeden. Draeden didn't look fazed though and instead kept his blank expression on.
Taelan then yelled back, "CAREFUL TREVAS"!
But Trevas replied and took a few steps forward, not looking intimidated "Or what?! What are you going to do? I have half of the 10,000 City Guards here. And 8,000 Professional Soldiers from the Garrison of the Standing Army at Bloodstone! I have a total of 13,000 Skilled men here, what the hell are you going to do" !
Taelan looked behind Trevas and saw the black mass of the men. Taelan can see that they are all visibly hesitant.
Draeden and Vaella were not intimidated by the weasel in front of them. They had chosen to come here because they know the truth about power. Power resides where people believe it resides, and when that belief is torn into two, hesitation will spread in their own beliefs. To mend that hesitation, one of the two beliefs need to be extinguished. What Draeden needed to do was simple, as it was an easy calculation of how to turn two into one.
Then Draeden stepped forward to the head of the group and finally spoke...in the Common Tongue but with a Deep Accent. "So you will not bend the knee and swear fealty to me." Draeden said it as a statement, not a question
Trevas stepped forward again until he was a few meters in front of Draeden and replied "No, I will never bend the knee to you, BOY! I AM THE RIGHTFUL LORD"!!!
After Trevas had said that he turned to face Vaella with a vicious and treacherous smirk and said "But your Lady companion here is a true beauty. Perhaps I will 'PLAY' with her after all of this is finished and your blood has dyed these already red beaches even redder"!
Taelan had a look of outrage and disgust on his face. But Draeden and Vaella just kept their face blank.
Draeden then asked Trevas one last question. "He looks like you, Is that your son"? Draeden pointed at Kavvin as he said those words.
Trevas grinned and replied while stepping closer to Draeden. "Ha, of course. He is the one who rallied the army".
All Draeden did was nod his head and let out a noise of "Hmmm..." Trevas didn't even notice that he was within the distance of Draeden's strike after taking so many steps closer to Draeden in a fit of arrogance.
Baerion and Taelan blinked involuntarily to moisten their eyes, and when they reopened their eyelids, Draeden's single edged sword was already out in his right hand. He held the sword in a diagonal form above his head like he had just struck someone with a backhand strike.
And he did strike.
Trevas was confused as well. But then after a while of confusion, a line of red appeared horizontally across his neck. A moment later, when he tried to speak again Trevas choked and he could feel a metallic taste in his mouth.
As he tried to look down when he felt warm fluid coming out beneath his chin, his entire head fell off cleanly from his neck. His headless body panicked and shook heavily similar to a headless chicken.
Baerion was horrified while Taelan was quite impressed with how cleanly Draeden had cut through the neck.
Trevas' head fell onto the Red sand with a thud. They can still see his facial expression of the decapitated head shifting into horror, his lips stretched wide agape while his body wasn't even able to react in time and fell onto the ground after a few seconds. The already red sand around Trevas' body got even more redder as his blood soaked the sand.
The soldiers that reluctantly accompanied Trevas and his son were all in shock as well. Most of all Kavvin...
But before they even had time to regather their senses, Draeden spoke in the common tongue. "The False Lord is dead! Those who bend the knee will be gifted with the gift of my good graces and you may continue to serve as soldiers. Those who don't..." Draeden didn't finish, instead he motioned and looked towards the displaced and still quivering head and body of the late Trevas.
The 13,000 men all bend their knee after realising that their former Castellan is now dead and now there is only one lord to follow.
When Kavvin tried to kneel, Draeden spoke. "Take him".
Kavvin's heart instantly dropped and was only able to squeak out a word. "No"
Two men beside Kavvin who were his comrades just a few minutes ago dragged him until he was in front of Draeden and Vaella.
Draeden then pulled out his bastard sword and drove it through Kavvin's stomach and cut sideways to let his entrails fall out .
Kavvin didn't feel anything at first as he was too horrified. But a few seconds later the pain finally hit him. He cried out in pain as he could feel every inch of the cold steel driving through his body. He yelled even more desperately and in more agony as his entrails fell out of his body onto the red sand.
Kavvin knelt down and desperately tried to put his intestines back into his bowel to ease the pain. But all he did was cause more pain as the sand-covered entrails came into contact with his inside when he put it in.
He died a slow and agonizing pain. He was still dying when they left the red and now bloodied beach. But finally, his body shook violently as his life blood had emptied out of his body. The shaking continued for some torturing moment until it finally stopped. And Kavvin Woodwell was no more...
Taelan did not feel uncomfortable when Draeden had executed the Woodwell Father and son. He believed that treason must be punished with death, he also believed that all crimes except the ones with suitable reason be punished accordingly. In fact, Taelan felt quite pleased that his liege was able to carry out the punishment by himself, as those who passed the sentence should swing the sword.
Order and discipline was extremely important. That is why he had drilled and disciplined the soldiers so hard, so that they do not commit crimes or disobey orders.
But he is not a hypocrite, he has followed strictly to his principals and will continue to follow the principals.
Taelan and the others are now at the City Watch's Fortress which also serves as the City's Main Gatehouse. They are in the main hall of the fortress, His new Liege Lord wishes to settle some businesses first before retiring back to the castle of Bloodstone. One of those businesses being the people that held offices of importance to swear fealty to him.
Taelan is now leading his fellow Commanders of The Standing Army of The Stepstones to swear their oath of fealty to Lord Draeden and his House.
After they had done and Lord Draeden had bid them to rise, the current Steward of The Stepstones, Tobas Hill swore his oath of fealty. Taelan liked the man, although he is good at managing the coins, he is an honest man. Tobas was in the middle of his forties, a short and lanky man with unkept hair. He is also a bastard son of an unknown Westerland lord.
After Tobas was done, it was the Keeper of Knowledge, Keeper Colliff's turn to swear fealty. An old but jolly man, he has a shorter and average build. His head was balding but still kept a long beard. After he was done, and was granted to stand up, Colliff couldn't help but jape a little. "My, oh my, if I was a young girl I would've swore more than just an oath of fealty".
That earned a few chuckles while Lord Draeden smiled and nodded. Vaella who was currently known as Draeden's lady companion by the others gave a slight smile as well.
After that the Head of the Order of the Healers kneels and swears fealty. He name is Zanda, a middle aged woman from the Summer Isles, she has a robust form and greying hair. And has the signature ebony skin of a Summer Islander.
After their swearing of the oath of fealty was done, Lord Draeden went into business while sitting on the Head Seat in the hall of the City Watch's Fortress.
But first he had to address something " I apologise, but may I speak High Valyrian. The common tongue is still...uncommon to my tongue".
The people in the room chuckled at the little joke while Keeper Colliff laughed loudly at that. But after he recovered, Keeper Colliff answered in High Valyrian. "Of course My Lord, High Valyrian is the Unofficial main language of the Stepstones since your ancestors were the ones who founded the place, almost everyone here can speak some High Valyrian."
The members in the hall nodded in agreement, indicating that they could understand High Valyrian.
Draeden then continued in High Valyrian. "Well, perhaps one day My tongue will get used to the language."
He paused for a moment before continuing. "First of all, since Trevas has rebelled openly, I believe that the 'Former Steward' had taken some 'liberties' from the coffers. I want an investigation on the books and a search at where he lives."
The Steward, Tobas Hill stepped forward, while bowing his head in shame and answered in High Valyrian "My Lord, when I had been newly appointed as a Steward, I had found something strange in the books left by Trevas when he was still Steward. When I inquired about it, He threatened me to stay silent or else...he'll do something to my wife and children, I apologise, My Lord."
Lord Draeden nodded, gave Tobas a kind smile and answered. "It is no matter, Tobas. He was in power back then, I will not blame you. Since there is proven suspicions to my theory, I want you to check on the books, while the City Guards will search where he lives."
Tobas nodded and Draeden said mournfully. "But unfortunately, I was told just now that the aged Commander of The City Watch had passed recently, I am grateful for his services to Bloodstone."
The council members bowed their heads in mourning for the extremely responsible late City Watch Commander.
Draeden paused for a moment before continuing "But we still need a new Commander Of the City Watch to watch the peace of the City, or else we will fail the late Commander. But for now, since there are no eligible candidates yet, A commander of the Standing Army will take the Position of Commander of the City Watch temporarily."
Taelan nodded in agreement and answered "I will send a competent and loyal man as acting commander my lord."
Draeden nodded and replied." Thank you Grand Commander, and there is the matter of the law. Those who commit serious crimes will be punished ACCORDINGLY without any mercy to enforce the stability, while the people who committed lighter crimes can be shown mercy, but this mercy will only be shown once, after that they will be punished accordingly."
The council members all nodded their heads in agreement. The heavy criminals such as murderers and rapists will not be let off lightly and they will be punished severely to warn any people who would dare to break the peace. But this will also give chances to lighter offenders such as hungry children stealing food.
Then Draeden continued "We will also need a Justiciar to enforce these laws. So Let me introduce my Aunt-mother, Lady Vaella Draeterys."
Everyone raised an eyebrow at that. A nephew acknowledging his aunt as his mother figure is not a common thing. She must be very important to their liege for him to call her that. They gladly welcomed and congratulated her.
Vaella bowed slightly and introduced herself. "I am Vaella of the House Draeterys, I will be working with you all from now."
They greeted her in return after her introduction.
After that Draeden only has one last business left to settle before going to the Castle.
So he cleared his throat and asked. "And may I ask where is the Admiral of The Stepstone Fleet"?
Baerion Saraenor, was the one who answered. "My Lord, My apologies, but my cousins are still out patrolling the eastern seas, The Volantene had become bolder in recent years."
The Keeper of Knowledge coughed into his fist and said thoughtfully "Please, that can be business for tomorrow. The lord and his mother needs rest after a long flight and what they had gone through today."
Vaella nodded as she understood the importance of rest. She put her hand on her nephew-son's shoulders to tell him to retire for today.
Draeden nodded in agreement as he could feel the weariness and told everyone. "The meeting is adjourned for today. We will continue in the castle tomorrow."
The council members all bowed and left. While a few professional soldiers followed Draeden and Vaella as guards when they made their way to The Castle Of Bloodstone.
Do you guys have any suggestions for the Standing Army and the City Watch's name. I have thought of a few names but they just sounded stupid. And some names are reserved for future fics, So please feel free to suggest something in the reviews or my PM.
: I don't want to give you guys any expectations about magic, because magic in GRRM's world is not quite similar to The Wizarding World. You have to give something to receive something. So basically you have to sacrifice something for the use of magic, look at Melisandre for example, she has to sacrifice people to use magical abilities. But there will be magic in the story, but not quite what you will all expect...
:And no Horni guys. Vaella is a mentor and mother figure to Draeden. They won't have any romantic relationships. Although Vaella has a great role in the future. But it doesn't involve incest.
:Interesting imagination about The Fourteen Towers, I really wanted to write and describe more about the Fourteen Towers. Your imagination of mixture between The Ten Towers of Harlaw and Harrenhal, but more cathedral-like, was quite impressive But I believe that I forgot to say the Fourteen Towers form a large crescent.
: Extremely interesting. I don't want to spoil anything, but I forgot to mention that the other Lord Freeholders didn't want to support a bunch of self-proclaimed assassins that were actually mining slaves. Marion, who was sympathetic decided to give them a chance to earn a living besides being a tool. The Faceless men weren't that reluctant though, they went to the Council to seek patronage. And the Valyrian Religion accepts other religions, so the Faceless men thought that they would accept it.
As for Braavos, In the history of this fan fiction I have originally planned out for Draeden to talk about this ancestor but it just didn't fit. I'm talking about an ancestor of House Draeterys named Naelia was the one who set the slaves free to Braavos. She had planned it behind the back of her father, the head of her house. And she can't reveal it to anyone. So Draeden and other members of his family don't know.
No there won't be Daenerys and Jon Snow in this story. Mayhaps the future.
:Okay, so an extremely good point about House Draeterys being similar to House Hightower. But they are chasing power in other methods. The Hightowers prefers trade over war because it gives them more money and with that more power and prestige and it also doesn't include thousands dying. House Draeterys is different in power grabbing as well. The other Lord Freeholders are all busy trying to compete with each other in the mines because they believe the source of magic is in the Fourteen Flames. But House Draeterys, who knows the secret of the Fourteen Flames treated the Volcanoes with respect and believed them to be sacred. So they didn't join the competition in the mines. And instead they use other ways to pursue power. At the start of the story, Draeden is fighting a war with Qarth so that his family can gain more power and influence in this expansion because House Draeterys sponsored the Conquest. What I'm trying to say is that they are still pursuing power, but in a different way.
:Yeah, I really wanted to write more about The Valyrian Freehold, but this story isn't about the Freehold. And I think I've already written enough about the Freehold. But in the future, I would probably write a Freehold-based story. (I'll definitely go and read that fic when I have time) to improve my skills.
:Thank you guys for all the support and words of encouragement, I hope this story won't let you guys down. And I apologise for any mistakes. I'm still new to writing so I need all your help.