High Valyrian: Italic
Bold: Low Valyrian
Bastard Valyrian: Underline
Normal: Common Tongue
Three Months After Draeden And Vaella's Arrival On Bloodstone.
Dragonstone.
Aerion Targaryen, Lord of Dragonstone sat in his solar with a piece of parchment in his hands.
To say that he was confused is an understatement.
The information written in the parchment is about the rightful Dragonlord of Stepstone has returned...
"What in the Seven hells does that mean"? said Lord Aerion in an incredulous tone.
He had thought that house Targaryen is the last of the Dragonlords, but now... everything is changed.
Aerion had heard of the Dragonlord a few weeks before, but he thought them to be rumours from the commoners. But this piece of parchment that was sent by a merchant under his employment has confirmed the rumour.
What he read next shocked him "They have FIVE dragons"...
Aerion Targaryen lifted his head up in shock. He didn't believe it to be true... or he didn't want to believe it to be true. Because the power of the Dragon is no longer the Targaryen's alone.
Lord Aerion suddenly felt a force rushing up from his lungs to his throat. The sick Aerion Targaryen coughed violently. It took a while before he stopped coughing.
Aerion lowered his head in deep contemplation, 'What shall we do"? thought Aerion Targaryen.
He had so many questions in his mind right now. What will this bring? What will happen to Essos or Westeros?
Aerion is in such deep thinking he didn't notice that his eldest child and daughter, Visenya has entered his solar.
Visenya went in front of her father's desk and asked "Father, what news does the parchment delivers".
Aerion sighed and passed the piece of. parchment to Visenya.
Visenya's eyes widened in shock as she took in the words. She immediately asked Aerion "Is it true, father"?!
Aerion nodded his head and answered "They had no reason to lie, it may well be true".
Visenya nodded with her eyebrows tense.
Aerion sighed, he had no idea on how to deal with this. But he is glad that Visenya is here as his eldest daughter has always given him wise council when he is too troubled to think.
So Aerion asked Visenya "What do you think we should do next?"
Visenya thought for a moment before replying "For now, nothing."
Aerion raised his eyebrows at that.
Visenya then continued to explain "We do not know who and what they are father, we should wait and observe what will be their next action, we can't directly go and meet them as this will make us look weak".
Aerion then asks "What of the other kingdoms in Westeros? What if they've heard of the Dragonlord."
Visenya smirked and said "I don't think those foolish kings would believe it, as they didn't even believe our dragons to exist. Why should they believe a sudden Dragonlord to appear out of thin air".
Aerion nodded as he feels a bit relieved.
But Aerion is still uncertain. Aerion looked into the hearth in his solar and said "What will the future bring"?
At The Same Time, Bloodstone.
A man screams and cries desperately at the top of his lung as he was dragged onto the gallows in the city square. The man is naked, body filled with scars and bruises, his removed manhood visible to all the bystanders.
After he is on the gallow, two city guards hold the man steady while another put the rope around the man's neck. At this point the man is crying and has shat on the gallow plank. After the rope is tightly secured on the man's neck, the guards backed away from the man.
The Lady Justicar, Lady Vaella Draeterys nodded her head and the plank beneath the man released and the man's body dropped down. A sickening snap can be heard from one end to the other as the force snapped the man's neck.
Vaella nodded her head and motioned the guards to hang the body with the rest of the bodies of murderers and rapists in the city square. For the man that was hung just now is the latter category.
Vaella is about to move back to the Castle of Bloodstone when the Admiral of Stepstone, Jaeron Saraenor rushed towards Vaella.
Vaella turned to Jaeron and asked "What is the matter Jaeron".
The admiral then replied "A falcon, my lady. It is sent from one of the Stepstone ships near Bloodstones, they've spotted Lord Draeden."
Vaella nodded happily, Draeden had been away to tour the Stepstones for three months while Vaella is left as acting Lady of The Stepstones.
While Draeden was away, Jaeron Saraenor has returned from a patrol. He had immediately swore allegiance to Vaella at first, he had said that he will swear his fealty to Draeden once he had returned.
Jaeron Saraenor is in his mid-thirties, almost the same age as Vaella, he has the Valyrian appearance and has a wide built. Jaeron also had thick and steady feet to balance himself on a rocking ship.
Vaella then asked "When did the falcon arrived"?
Jaeron Saraenor then replied immediately "About half an hour ago my lady".
Vaella nodded and went to prepare Draeden's arrival...
The sky is clear as Draeden flew on Draxes's back. The wind ravaged his platinum blond hair as his dragons moved swiftly. Jahiryez and Baneryz screech happily which reflects their rider's emotion.
Draeden had been away for almost three months to tour his land and waters. Now with the knowledge of his land, Draeden is eager to improve The Stepstone's standing.
As Draeden and his dragons neared Bloodstone, he urged his dragons to make their descent towards the grand harbour of Bloodstone.
The harbour can easily fit more than a thousand ships to accommodate the vast trade of both the Narrow sea and Summer sea.
As the large city of Bloodstone came into view, so did the grand harbour that is hard to miss. But the port currently is not filled with merchant ships as whispers of another conquest launched by Volantis is brewing.
On Draeden's mental urging, Draxes flew down towards the large space on the harbour so that Draeden can make his landing.
While Baneryz and Jahiryez continue to circle the air, Draxes landed on the harbour gently to not cause panic to the merchants.
Vaella was already at the harbour alongside the council members to greet their lord. As Draeden scaled down Draxes' large wing to reach the ground.
Those that are not a dragon rider all seemed unsettled in the presence of the Flying Flame, Draxes.
As Draeden reached Vaella's group, the Admiral of the fleet of Stepstone, Jaeron Saraenor stepped forward and knelt in front of Draeden and swore his fealty. "I, Jaeron Saraenor, admiral of the fleet of Stepstone hereby declare my undying devotion to Lord Draeden, Lord of the Stepstones"!
Draeden nodded in satisfaction and went to help Jaeron up from his kneeling position and told him "Thank you, lord admiral. Your loyalty is greatly appreciated, and know that service and devotion will rewarded".
Jaeron bowed his head at that.
Vaella is the next to step forward and declare "My Lord, I welcome you back to Bloodstone".
The other council members then stepped forward to repeat Vaella's words.
Draeden gave his thanks and said "I thank you for all your welcomes, my friends, but there are more important matters to discuss. Let us head back to The Castle for the meeting".
Vaella sat on Draeden's right in Castle's council hall, this time all the seats were filled with the council members.
Draeden is still wearing his armour, but he had removed his helmet.
Immediately, Draeden went into business "The census, High Keeper Colliff, is it done"?
The High Keeper stood up and handed over a scroll to Lord Draeden. As Lord Draeden takes the scroll, High Keeper Colliff replied "Indeed My Lord, the census is done, although it is only an estimate as the census is rushed in such short time, but it gives us information nontheless".
Draeden nodded and read the contents out loud so that the council members can hear. "The Stepstones has an estimated total population of 2 million and five hundred thousand people, while Bloodstone holds the most population with about 400,000 people living behind its walls. The population will increase during winter as more Westerosi will come here to the Stepstones that is warmer to avoid the cold".
Draeden nodded at the numbers, although the islands are small compared to Westeros, the position and size of the islands are still able to attract and accommodate many people.
But one thing still troubled Draeden, so he raised his concerns "During my tour, I have found out that most of our food source come from the reach in the west. Why is that?"
Keeper Colliff then answered "Indeed my lord, although we can cultivate the limited lands of the Stepstones, we are unable to produce much food as the capacity of the islands are small and most islands are mountainous. That is why we will need to purchase some food from the bountiful reach".
Draeden frowned, should the Reach decided to not sell their produce to the Stepstones, it will be troubling. But Draeden then thought of a scroll he had read about. The very scroll that he and Vaella had brought to Bloodstone. The scroll teaches people on how to farm in mountainous regions and a process that plants a series of different crops on a same plot of land that can improve the harvest. Draeden will need to hand the scroll to the High Keeper to discuss about this.
After that Draeden continued, "And how many men does the the Stepstones fields"?
Taelan Rexagon is the next to rise up from his seat and answers "My lord, the Stepstones currently has a standing army of 25,000 men. All disciplined and trained, but most of them are yet to be bloodied".
Draeden nodded at that, although the army is not as large as what house Draeterys has once commanded, it is still sizeable.
But Draeden has his concerns.
Draeden then said "But during my tour, most of the fortresses, save for the dragon stone made commanding fortresses on the major islands, are all in disrepair. Most of the stone fortresses are in shambles. I want to know why"?
Taelan Rexagon sighed but answered "I apologise my lord, but it is because of the former Castellan, Trevas Woodwell. He had denied my requests to fund the repair of the fortresses. He had only funded the 14 main fortresses in each major island. "
Draeden nodded and he was reminded of the former false Castellan's crimes.
So Draeden turned to the steward Tobas Hill that was tasked with investigating the whereabouts of the coins stolen from the coffers.
Draeden then asks Tobas Hill "And have you found out where the coins are hidden"?
The socially nervous Tobas Hill replied "Indeed my Lord, he had hidden some of them in a warehouse in the city, they are mostly silver and copper coins, but they worth about 100,000 gold coin, they were found in one of the warehouses on Sea trader street".
Draeden is now confused however "But why in silver coins and copper coins"?
Tobas hill then answered "To not make it obvious my lord, but I have found out another 100,000 worth of gold coins that he had stolen are placed in the Iron Bank and Rogare bank separately."
Draeden clenched his teeth, it will be harder to regain the coins if Trevas had placed them in a bank, Draeden fears that the banks will not return the coins back to them after the banks have found out the supposed 'owner' of these coins are dead. And the banks will take advantage and keep the coins to themselves.
But Draeden has to reclaim the coins as it is rightfully his.
So Draeden asks Tobas hill to pen a letter to the banks to return the coins.
If they don't return the money it would be troubling.
But there are still matters to be discussed.
Draeden then asks Jaeron Saraenor about the fleet. "Admiral Jaeron, how many ships do we have"?
Jaeron Saraenor stood up and answered " The Stepstones lives on trades on seas, we are the masters of sea, the fleet will always be strong". Draeden notices that Taelan Rexagon, the commander of the army on land scoffs. 'So there is a rivalry between the soldiers on land and sea". thought Draeden.
Before Draeden can address this problem however, Jaeron Saraenor said "You have a fleet of 300 ships my lord, with another 200 acting as reserves. All the ships except for the reserves are all in good condition! The active fleet has 100 heavy war galleys, 30 light war galleys, 100 trireme ramming ships and 70 Quadrireme heavy ramming ships my lord"!
Draeden is so satisfied he failed to notice Taelan Rexagon scoffing.
Besides, Draeden has more things to discuss.
Draeden then said "Speaking of trade. What of trade? How has it been"?
Vaella is the one to speak this time and answered Draeden "Trade has been decreasing for the last three months unfortunately. It is because of the rumours lately, it is said that Volantis plans to rally their troops to conquer Tyrosh".
Draeden sighed, he knew war. And it is ugly.
But Draeden has to deal with the problems in front of him. And you need coins to solve problems.
So Draeden asks Tobas Hill "Are the coffers full"?
Tobas Hill then answered "Extremely full, my lord, although the false Castellan Trevas has stolen some coins, the trade of both the narrow and summer sea are constantly filling our coffers".
Draeden finally sighed in relief, he may have the requirements to solve these problems.
Draeden and his council members continued to discuss the problems that have risen. With so many problems to discuss, Draeden has a hard time of finding ways to solve these problems during the meeting.
After hours, the council for the day is finally concluded. And Draeden and Vaella joined for supper.
Vaella is quite curious about what Draeden had seen on his tour, and she had missed her nephew-son.
So Vaella asked "What have you seen in your tour my son"?
Draeden put down his knife and fork and smiled at Vaella as he answered. "Each major island has a large town or a small city, and there are many fortresses that protect every island. But it is the people that interest me".
Vaella raised an eyebrow and said "Oh, what part of the people interests you then"?
Draeden answered "People of different races, people of different religions and people of different cultures, all live together in harmony. Valyrians, Andals, First men, Summer Islanders, Rhoynars and many others are all able to put aside their differences to build a working community. This is what interests me".
Vaella thought about it and agreed, the Rhoynars have warred the Valyrians while the Andals have invaded the First Men. Yet they have somehow thought of a way to work together here in the Stepstones.
Vaella replied "It is indeed special, beautiful even. This is our house's legacy Draeden, where everyone can live peacefully together."
Draeden smiled and joked "Well not everyone, the Ironborn and the Dothraki will never".
Vaella laughed at that and said "But I believe you have a way to convince them, my son".
Draeden chuckled and replied "I sure hope so".
Later that night Draeden used all of his energy to think of solutions to solve their problems.
He had added his previous ideas into his solutions. Draeden only slept on his desk an hour before dawn, he would wake up with sore necks, bloated eyelids and tired eyeballs.
Taelan Rexagon and Jaeron Saraenor are both shocked and worried at the state of their liege lord.
Lord Draeden had looked perfect during yesterday's council meeting. But now... Lord Draeden looked dreadful.
So, Taelan Rexagon decided to raise his concerns "My lord, are you feeling well? Should we cancel today's meeting?"
Lord Draeden just smiled and said "Thank you for your concern Taelan, but there is something that needs to be settled."
Taelan wanted to protest but Lord Draeden spoke first. "First business, High Keeper Colliff."
Draeden handed the scroll to Colliff which taught the way to terrace farming and crop rotation.
After Keeper Colliff had taken the scroll, Draeden continued. "Read and learn from the contents of the scroll. Then teach the farmers of every island. The cultivation will be funded by the coffers".
High Keeper Colliff looked at the scroll and said "I will do my best, My Lord".
Draeden nodded and turned to Tobas Hill and said "Tobas, I task you with building 100 merchant ships using the coins found in the former Castellan's grounds. After the ships are built, find those that have talent in trading and put them in charge. The profits will not only belong to Stepstones but it will also increase trade and competition, causing other merchants to increase trading in the Stepstones."
Tobas Hill bowed and answered "It will be done accordingly my lord".
Draeden then turned towards Taelan Rexagon and ordered "Funds and engineers will be given and hired to repair the fortresses, a new recipe for the soldier's meals will be given, new and quality armours and weapons will be provided as well. But the soldiers will receive harsher drills".
Taelan Rexagon then answered "I thank you my lord".
Draeden turned to Jaeron Saraenor next and said "Your sailors will receive new meal recipes and new equipment as well. And you will be in charge of the construction of a new flagship of the fleet".
Jaeron Saraenor bowed and replied "I will do my best for you My Lord"!
Draeden nodded once again and turned to the Head of Healers this time. "Zanda, this is a scroll which records the healing methods during the time of the Freehold. Learn and use these methods to the best of your abilities".
Zanda took the scroll gratefully and replied "I will do as you say to the best of my abilities".
Draeden nodded and said "I want the operations to begin immediately. I want no delay on them".
The council members bowed and replied "As you command my lord".
Two months have passed since Lord Draeden has announced the new improvements. For the past months the council members have been tending to their duties given by their lord.
But today the council members once again gather in Bloodstone castle's council hall to discuss their progress.
All of the council members are still feeling reserved for their lord's ideas. But they are hoping that it can improve The Stepstone's standing.
Lord Draeden sat in the lord's seat and asked "So my friends, how have your works been".
Jaeron Saraenor wanted to stand to answer first, but Taelan Rexagon beat him to it as he stood quicker.
Taelan shot a look of triumph to Jaeron while Jaeron looked irritated. After that Taelan spoke "The engineers have started working on the repairs my lord, all of the engineers are local to the Stepstones, so they are not likely to spill these informations to outsiders . The meal is a welcome to the troops, combined with the drills you have provided, the soldiers look stronger and faster compared to before already".
Draeden is satisfied with the results, the meals are recipes used back in the time of the Freehold. The meal comprises a balance portion of meat and vegetables and starch foods. Mixing with the drills, the soldiers are able to improve their skills and body better.
Jaeron Saraenor scoffed, and this is noticed by Draeden. Jaeron Saraenor stood up next to report his progress. "My Lord, after we have used the recipes, the sailors all seemed to have more steady feet. And the flagship's keel is already finished".
Draeden nodded, he is quite worried about the animosity between Taelan and Jaeron. He wanted to de-escalate the situation, but decided to let it be for now as he had more important matters to deal with.
Zanda is the next to stand up to brief "My Lord, the contents of the scroll are still being learned, but we have tested the medicine that reduces blood loss when mothers are giving birth, and it has done a splendid job. We already adopted the method of using wine to wash our hands, but this had saved more pregnant mothers'lives"!
Draeden is happy to know that the contents are helping. And the healers will have more useful knowledge to help save lives after they've learned the ways.
High Keeper Colliff is the next to stand up to report his works. "My Lord, the terrace farm lands are mostly finished, the farmers are preparing to sow seeds on the farms, but my lord, is it wise to prepare so many farm lands without testing? It is quite expensive to make terrace farms. And considering the mass spending on other projects".
Draeden gave him an assuring smile and said "Do not worry about it, Colliff. If one has the means, one will succeed.".
Although Colliff looked like he wanted to add more, as he is worried about the finances, he decided against it.
Draeden then moved on to The Steward, Tobas Hill.
Tobas Hill stood up and said "The construction of the ships is progressing smoothly and without any problems so far. I have started to find talents for trading and sources for goods to trade".
Draeden nodded at that and continued on with the council meeting.
Two Months Later, Bloodstone.
"I plead with you, Lord Draeden of the House Draeterys, to forsaken this path of following false gods..." Said a Septon from Oldtown in the common tongue.
Draeden sat in the lord's seat in the main hall of the castle of Bloodstone. The septon is obviously a bit intimidated by both Draeden and the dragon throne in the hall.
The throne is elevated on a dais. carpets of red, black and gold decorate the dais' floor.
The walls are decorated with tapestries of red black and golden colours.
The throne Draeden sat on is an intimidating figure indeed. The dragon stone throne is carved into the shape similar to the head of Draxes.
The cushioned seat is placed in front of the dragon's jaw. It is like the statue is supporting and protecting the one that sits.
Beside the two sides of the throne is a dragon stone carved into the shape of Draxes' fromt limbs.
If one stands before the throne, one would think the stone carved dragon to be real, and with Draeden on the seat, one would be intimidated, such as the Septon in front.
"I pray to the Seven, in hopes that one day. The Stepstones will follow the true gods, and cast out the false faiths". said the Septon.
The Septon stopped for a breath before he continued "I pray, that Lord Draeden, will make the right decision, as all lords are judged and chosen by the Father". After the Septon is finished he gave a bow to Draeden.
Draeden is smirking during the entire petition. Because he knew the truth of said 'faith'. Where the faith, the people in command to be precise, are sometimes not as faithful of what their faith preaches. And Draeden not only knew the secret of the Seven, but he also knew the truth of the idea of 'religion'.
Draeden knew exactly what the faith of the seven want in the Stepstones. The riches and influence delivered by the Stepstones.
'Well, at least they chose an Envoy that actually looked like a Septon'. Thought Draeden. Because according to news from Vaella, the Septon of the sept of Bloodstone is a fat, whoring drunkard.
Draeden then answered the Septon High Valyrian instead of the Common Tongue. "I must reject, Septon. Because I must be a just ruler, the people in The Stepstones have different beliefs, as their protector I must protect their beliefs. And... without discrimination."
The Septon looks taken aback, it took him a few seconds to react, "But...but, my lord, there is only one true faith. To follow and protect these faiths is blasphemy"!
Draeden's patience is starting to thin, so Draeden asks the Septon in the common tongue "Tell me then, Septon. What is it that the faith WANTS"!?
The Septon immediately replied, "To see that people follows the one and true faith".
Draeden immediately asks again after the septon finished "Like what the current Septon of the sept of Bloodstone follows!?"
The Septon, who didn't know the 'habits' of the Septon of Bloodstone said "Yes, indeed like what the Septon of Bloodstone follows".
Draeden scoffed and returned "Then, you should know now that the Septon of Bloodstone follows the way of wine, the way of the brothel and the way of wealth, a sinner to what YOU believe"!
The Septon looks shocked. But the Septon replies, "You lie! All of our brothers are faithful to our gods, you are a lyin-".
Before the Septon can continue, Draeden interrupted sharply "Do not lie! I will not have such a corrupted clergy to be the official faith of the Stepstones! Guards! see our guest out"!
The Septon looked angry, and as the guards took their place behind him, the Septon said "The gods will send their faithful champions to punish the blasphemous".
Draeden smirked as he perceived the Septon's threat, so Draeden responded in High Valyrian "Ah yes, I have heard of the faith militant, but do know this! Your armed farmers, knighted murderers cannot even be compared to my soldiers, who are professionally trained to kill! Guards, escort him out"!
As the Septon was escorted out, the Seneschal of the castle of Bloodstone, Ermesande approached Draeden to inform him "My Lord, we have received a letter from the Rogare Bank."
Draeden took the letter and broke the seal. Ermesande backed up a little bit to give her lord some privacy.
Draeden then opened the letter and read the contents.
The council members are all curious and anxious at the same time as they wonder what the Rogares will reply.
Draeden scoffed at the letter. He then lifted his head up and read the Rogare bank's letter to his council "The Rogares said, that the name registered to deposit the coins is not house Draeterys nor the Stepstones, and by law, if there is no heir, the coin tranfers to the bank itself".
Taelan Rexagon scoffed and said "Greedy coin counters".
Draeden then continued "But the Rogare bank is willing to return the coins if only the Stepstones deposit another 500,000 gold coin to the Rogare bank".
Tobas Hill then said "They mean to extort us, we only have 50,000 gold coin in their vaults, now they want us to put 10 times that number into their pockets".
Draeden popped his head up in his palms. Vaella then stepped up and said "I believe they want to further expand their business, that's why they want us to give them more coin. But the 50,000 gold coins rightfully belongs to us. We cannot give them another 500,000".
The others agreed and so did Draeden.
Before he can make a decision to respond, Ermesande approached him and said "My lord, there is one more petition for today".
Draeden arched his eyebrows.
Ermesande then said "It is an envoy, from the Iron bank of Braavos".
Now this interested Draeden. Draeden then motioned Ermesande to bring the envoy in.
The large doors of the hall that have intricate dragon carvings on it opened to reveal an envoy.
The envoy made his way in front of the dais Draeden is on and bowed. The envoy then spoke in High Valyrian. "Greetings, Lord of Stepstone, I come on behalf of the Iron Bank".
Draeden nodded and replied "Greetings to you too, may I ask if this is about the coins I requested to return".
The envoy smiled and said "I see you are a man that hits straight to business. I like that".
Draeden stayed silent and the envoy said "Indeed, I came here to talk about the coins".
Draeden nodded and said "Please proceed then".
The envoy nodded and said "Although the Iron bank is not the most powerful bank, we will return the 50,000 gold coin that rightfully belongs to you".
All the council members raised their eyebrows at that. Draeden then ask "And what does the Iron Bank want in return"?
The envoy smiled and shook his head as he answer "Nothing my lord".
Draeden now finally raised his eyebrows and ask "Why"?
The envoy straightened himself and replied "There is a saying in the Kingdom of the North, it is said the North remembers. We of the Iron Bank remembers as well. Every debt owed to us is remembered. As well as the debts we owed".
Draeden is even more confused as to why the Iron bank is willing to return the coin where they can keep them. As their competitor, the Rogare bank is keeping the coin to themselves.
But during his confusion, Draeden had an idea.
Draeden then asks Tobas Hill "How much coin do we have left in our coffers".
Tobas Hill is confused but he answers "Our coffers are always full due to the trade of both the Summer and Narrow Sea, but the expenses recently are vast. Our coffers only have 1 million worth of coin left".
Draeden nodded and ordered "Deposit 600,000 worth of gold coin into the vaults of the Iron Bank".
All of the council looks shocked except for Vaella. Before they can voice their reason, Draeden said to the envoy "Recently, I have started to build a new merchant fleet, I only pray that the Iron Bank and the merchant fleet can work together in the future". The envoy looked shocked for a moment but answers, "I will need to report this to my superiors first, my lord".
Draeden nodded and the envoy of the Iron Born made his way to leave the hall.
After the envoy left the hall, Tobas hill raises his concern to Draeden "But My Lord, we have used many of our finances these few months, and if problems arise in our projects, we will need more spare coins to cover them".
Draeden isn't as worried and answers "The Iron Bank will give us plenty of opportunity for us, and our projects will provide plenty of coins after they are done preparing".
Tobas wanted to protest but Vaella cut in and reprimanded"Have faith in your lord".
Tobas conceded to wait and see if his lord's projects would be successful or not.
3 weeks after
Draeden sat in his spacious solar with the envoy of the Iron Bank opposite him. A wide copper desk sits between them.
Draeden spoke first in this meeting as he is curious about what the Iron Bank will reply. "So, what say your superiors"?
The envoy gave Draeden a smile and nod before answering "Thanks to your fast hawks, the message was delivered with haste. The council of the Iron Bank of course accepts your deposit of such a large amount of coin, and our collaboration can only bring benefits to us But, my lord, if you do this you will make an enemy of the Rogare bank as the Iron Bank and the Rogare Bank are hostile competitors".
Draeden returned the smile and replied "It is of little matter". This is only partly true as the Rogares have already made an enemy of the Stepstones the moment they sent that letter.
The envoy of the Iron Bank nodded, but there is still one question that he needed to ask, as the Iron Bank wishes to identify if Draeden is the TRUE descendant of house Draeterys. So he asks Draeden "But why do you choose to invest your resources in us, the Iron Bank"?
Draeden almost immediately answered "I reward the loyal, and punish the disloyal, although the Iron Bank is not swore to me, I must reward these kind of good actions."
The envoy smiled in satisfaction.
The envoy stood up from his seat while smiling and said to Draeden "My Lord Draeden, I believe I have occupied much of your time, please excuse me".
Later That night
Vaella is in deep thought. Her stomach turns as she thinks if it is time to reveal where and when they came from. They are now the ruling family of the Stepstones now, and a lord that hides their background a secret to their servants never ends well.
'But how will they react if they knew"? thought Vaella. She knew that sooner or later, they had to reveal the secret to the council members.
When she is deep in her thoughts, Draeden entered the solar Vaella was in.
Vaella raised her head to greet her nephew-son. Draeden can feel Vaella's trouble, so he asks "What is troubling you, mama Vae"?
Vaella sighed and answered "I was wondering, if we should reveal our past and who and what we are to our council members"?
It was Draeden's turn to sigh. It is dangerous for a lord if their servants do not know his past as they may doubt the lord, but Draeden and Vaella's case are so unique, Draeden and Vaella don't know how their council members will react, will they call them demons, monsters from tales of old.
Draeden lowered his head and went into silence, to consider his options.
After a few silent minutes, Draeden raised his head then, and finally said "If we desire a stable rule, we need to tell them the truth".
Vaella nodded, but here comes the problem on how to relay the information to the council members.
But then it hit Vaella, she found out a good way to ease the impact of revelation.
Vaella turned to Draeden and discussed what to do the next morning...
Taelan and Jaelan didn't know why they were here on the red beaches of Bloodstone.
The same beach Draeden slew the former Castellan. All they know is that their lord has requested them to be here.
The sun is just starting to rise, the orange and a mixture of other warm colours are just starting to clash against the dark.
The other council members are here on the red beach as well. A retinue of mounted guards, with torches on their hands are behind them to make sure they are unharmed.
While they are wondering why they are here instead of sleeping in their beds, a screech came from above them.
The screech became screeches, and then come the roars. Soon, the flapping of wings can be heard, they are all unnerved at the noises. Especially the horses.
Finally, with one last roar, the five dragons made land on the red beaches.
The horses were all panicking now, and the guards are struggling to control their horses.
Everyone on that beach are now trembling at the sight of the large dragons.
Two dragons landed on the shallow waters of the beach as the beach is to small to hold five large dragons.
If the people on the beach are not panicking with fear, they would've admired the beauty of the rays of orange sunlight reflected from the rays of sunrise on the smooth and hard dragon scales.
The eyes of the dragons look like they are glowing in the gloomy dark as the sun has yet to fully rise. The colours in their eyes shine bright. This only stoked the council member's fear.
But then they saw two figures dismounting from the saddles on two of the Dragon's back
The two riders had their backs against the rising sun, making the front of the body dark from the lack of light.
Then the two riders dismounted from their dragon, the dragons are so gigantic, the two riders had to dismount through their dragon's wings.
As the riders walked down their dragon, the sun continues to rise above the sea.
As the riders finally touched the ground, the sun had already offered enough light to illuminate the surroundings.
The sky still has a colour of dark blue, but stripes of orange and gold have littered the sky.
And the council members have finally realised who were the riders. Seeing the sight of their lord, the council members bowed.
'Glorious', thought the High Keeper. Lord Draeden wore a leather surcoat, his shoulder length platinum hair tied into a ponytail. Lady Vaella also wore a leather surcoat and had her heair tied into a ponytail as well.
The head of healers, Zanda greeted and asked "Good Morning My Lord and Lady, may I ask the reason why you asked us here"?
Draeden breathed a long breath to steady himself while Vaella took a step forward to stand beside Draeden.
Vaella then spoke "We have asked you all to meet us here, as there is something important for us to tell you all".
The council members are now all confised and interested at the same time. Taelan then asks curiously "What is it that can't be discussed at the council meeting"?
Vaella sighed and said "This is not a matter of business... But a matter of 'personal' matters".
Vaella stopped for a second before she continued "90 years ago the Doom had killed all that lives in Valyria. But what if I told you, that some had survived the Doom."
Taelan and Jaelan were shocked and confused. While the others had some clue of it.
Vaella continues to reveal their past "Before the Doom, we were born to House Draeterys. I am the Last Lord Freeholder of House Draeterys, Marion Draeterys' wife and sister, Lord Draeden Draeterys is my nephew-son and so of Lord Marion and our sister, Aella Draeterys."
Vaella paused to let the council members process this information and continued "Before the Doom, Lord Marion and Aella used blood magic to protect us from the threat of Valyria..."
The council members' eyes widen in shock as they take this in.
During their shock, Vaella continued "And thus we survived a catastophe where we shouldn't have".
Everyone on that beach had the same idea then. And they all croaked out "Thus makes you two the leagcy of Valyria". in unison.
Draeden and Vaella stood taller and straighter at that and walked towards the council members and Draeden said "Together, we will rebuild the former glory of Valyria. But I need all your help".
At that moment, the sun has risen high enough to cover each inch of land with its warmth and light. The sun hung behind Draeden casting an enormous shadow of Draeden on the council members.
Taelan and Jaelan were the first to fall to their knees to declare "By the gods and Balerion, I swear to devote all I have for my Lord and his legacy".
The others were next and declare the words "By the gods and Balerion, I swear to devote all I have for my Lord and his legacy".
And thus begins the Age Of The Dragon.
Comments:
So this chapter is about actual ruling. It isn't always about wars, plots, weddings and backstabbings. Instead this chapter actually focuses on building a functional nation. I originally planned the improvenments on Steptones to span for a few chapters. But it is just fucking boring ya know.
:Happy (belated) new years, friends! Thank you for sticking with this story, it means a lot!
:Well, this is Aerion Targaryen's reaction, Visenya is shrewd, so that makes her Aerion's most trusted advisor. And about too much Valyrian Steel, I mean Valyrian steel is quite common in the Freehold (I think) plus, House Draeterys is one of the most powerful.
:I'm really sorry for the wait, I just finished my final exam for this semester and new years means new things to do.
:I am sorry if you feel the names are changing each chapter. But I'm not changing their names.
Important OCs (That are not dead)
Draeden (our main oc)
Vaella (Oc's aunt-mom)
High Keeper Colliff
Taelan Rexagon (Grand Commander)
Jaeron Saraenor (Admiral)
Zanda (Head of Healers)
Aryanna (Spymistress of Volantis)
Baerion Saraenor (Nephew of Jaeron, yet to be properly introduced)
There will be more OCs to come (and die)
:They will meet the Targaryens, but just not yet.
:Bro, Moran. You are god damn awesome for writing Daemar's backstory. But it is a little bit different from what I have planned. As for Daerren and Leanna's brother I left him unnamed because his descendants decided to cut his name from history. I'm sorry if I didn't mention this. But its because he had kinslayed his brother (planned the assassination), and it is quite serious, but most importantly, he loved Daerren... romantically. So, out of guilt he asked his children to erase his name from the family history. Daerren loved his family, but he was a mad dragon and a menace to Valyria. As the Draeterys' blood runs thick. And their values hold them together. This is a story for another day. (Perhaps one day, I will write a Draeterys fic).
:The Draeterys family is close, minor branches are still looked after by the main branch, they will support them no matter what.
:Thank you for pointing out my mistakes, I was confused with portcullis and drawbridge lol. Bro I didn't even realise that Paul and Draeden had so much in common. But, Draeden's prophecy is made up by the inhabitants of Bloodstone, a misunderstanding.
:I drew the dragon armour inspiration from a fic by Sage1988. His stories are god damn awesome.
: The words that are in full capital words are words that are exclaimed. For example, when my mom yells at me: TOMMY, GET OVER HERE!!!
:I will try to update the story soon by I have my own life to take care of. Once again, I hope you guys like this chapter. I wish you guys a great and happy new year. I hope that this year will be your year. Thank you for all your support guys!
P/s: I'm open for a new thumbnail for this story cuz the pic is just a random fire in a dark. i can't feel the life in the pic. If you're feeling generous and creative, please feel free to DM me! And the name for the army and city watch is still empty.
Next Chapter, Declaration of war.