Several hours passed in a blur of activities, frenzy and arrests. The Unsullied managed to stop most of the Lannister followers and to defect the last remaining traps. Already, the Lannister banners had been pulled down and a few Targaryen sigils already hung in the Red Keep.
By the end of the day, the whole city of King's Landing was secure and Daenerys had managed to secure it while avoiding a bloodshed. Overall, it was a success on all points for her.
Cersei had been killed but the place was still filled with some last Lannister sympathisers. Hopefully, the presence of both Jaime and Tyrion might help hope Eragon, even if the former had been rather subdued since the death of his twin. They had found him in one of the closest cells, kept thereafter he had pleaded with his sister to surrender.
But part of Eragon's mind was already thinking of the future. He had dealt with already two major threats to Westeros and was longing for some respite. Rhunön's best craft, Brisingr, was an object Eragon cherished. But for the time being, he yearned to keep it in its shaft and to focus his mind on the rebuilding of the Cast rather than on his fighting stance. He also didn't want to involve himself more in human matters. His longevity and magical prowess unbalanced all the discussions and decisions which could be taken, something he wished to avoid.
With these thoughts in mind, he wandered in the silent corridors of the castle, completely unblemished by the recent wars that had plagued the city. Here, everything was richly decorated with noble materials such as marble and gold and displayed the wealth and achievements of the previous kings and queens. Many paintings and sculptures kept the eyes occupied, sometimes representing people he had he had seen alive in people's minds while he screened their thoughts.
Daenerys had asked him to join her in one of the many unused rooms of the Red Keep, one of the most isolated and highest.
He knocked, and, hearing her agreement, entered the room. This one was quite spacious, with several expensive furniture and a tall window.
When he entered the room, he found her near the window, staring at the city. High in the air, no one but the dragons could disturb them. The city, scattered under was a hazardous mix of neighbours and houses, with a few lights here and there. For the novice eyes, everything was a blur of darkness, of shades of black. For Eragon however, the darkness mattered little and he could easily spot the harbour in the distance, the camp where the army stayed, the countless walls of the city and even the small arena where they had met with Cersei for the first time.
However, there was a newfound feeling of peace inside the city.
« Could you make sure we won't be overheard please? » asked Daenerys. « I know the walls have ears and I'd rather avoid being overheard »
Eragon hadn't been sure about the purpose of this meeting, but he had certainly not expected such a start. It was unlike Daenerys to ask for some magic. She was now more knowledgeable than most humans, but refrained her curiosity most of the time. Nevertheless, he complied quickly, muttering a spell between his lips to make sure no one would hear their conversation even though he couldn't feel any presence in the vicinity. He saw some interest in her eyes, but she didn't comment further. In a few years, it should be within her reach, but for now, this was still a small wonder for her.
Nevertheless, the task was quickly done and he nodded to her.
« Thank you. As you probably guessed, there are a few serious matters I would like to discuss with you » started the young woman.
Eragon nodded, preferring to remain silent.
« I need time to think. Or rather, I needed time, » continued Daenerys.
Once again, this wasn't what he expected to hear from her. From what he had seen, this wasn't a familiar state for her as she usually had plenty of suggestions – some more brazen than others- to carry.
« Recent events left me confused and full of interrogations. Rhaegal's death, the Gedwey, your arrival, Saphira with her packs, Jon's heritage or even Jaime Lannister's revelations as much as it pains me to admit it. All of this left me full of questions, some still without a clear answer yet » explained the young woman with a frown marring her face.
« We all had difficult months and lived through events no one could have expected, » replied Eragon
« You are right. Dragons, riders, the Army of the Dead… There have been more myths exposed in the past few months than in the last century, and we had to shed some light on some of these. But I've had time to think Eragon. Being on the sea for so long, cut from most political games for a few weeks gave me … relative inner peace. And I'm now left with some questions, some of which only you can answer » enquired Daenerys.
« It becomes quite dangerous when only one person has the ability to answer some questions, especially if the matters handed are as sensitive as I expect they will be. But I will try my best to give some insight if it is within my capacity » Replied Eragon cautiously.
« Thank you » she replied seriously before taking a deep breath and asking « Am I ready to be a Rider? »
Eragon looked stunned for a few seconds. The topic of Rider had never really come between them. Eragon had taken the role of a mentor, someone knowledgeable about dragons, but just like Brom with him, he hadn't gone in-depth to explain the role of the Cast or Riders. There wasn't much to talk about at the moment, the Cast still reduced to a memory for the time being, something that earned him a spike of regret, shame and irritation from a few Eldunaris.
« This is an interesting question you ask. I will reply by asking a question before giving one answer. In my opinion, the first question is, are you a Rider? For a long time, I was unable to provide a definite answer. However, this is not the case anymore. I have an answer, and this answer lies on your hand. The Gedwey proves it, at least, to me and Saphira. But I think your question isn't on this technicality, but on whether you've learnt enough to be considered a grown Rider, yes? »
Seeing her nod, he kept going
« Then I would say you're still too early in your training to be considered a trained Rider so to say. It takes time to get there, years usually, sometimes decades sometimes. And this isn't only about you, but also concerns Drogon and Rhaegal » added Eragon.
« This is what I expected » replied the young Rider, absently rubbing with her thumb her own Gedwey, a symbol of her Targaryen ancestry. It was hidden most of the time and so far, only Eragon had seen it.
They kept discussing for a long time, talking in depth about Riders, dragons and ruling. For an external spectator, the discussion lacked any sort of logic, and coherence and the topics were fired without any pattern. Yet, in the middle of the night, Eragon could see, just as clearly as the harbour outside, new ideas slowly merging in her mind, some of which were immediately shared with him and others kept to her. They finished in the middle of the night and Eragon felt, deep inside, that this discussion might have shaped the future of Westeros and perhaps the future Cast of the Riders as he left himself the room filled with ideas and visions for the future dragons and their Riders.
When he left, he wandered aimlessly in the corridors of the Red Keep. It was probably his first opportunity to explore the place alone at his own pace with the rest of the world asleep, with a rather lax security in some places.
Saphira wasn't too far, enjoying a night stroll above King's Landing Bay alone. The air was cool around both of them and none was eager to break the comforting silence that was taking place. Their bond was more than enough, letting both know how the other felt.
Eragon's steps were light, a fleeting touch but in the silence of the night, the sound echoed against the cold walls of the building, reverbing.
It was an impressive structure which served to flaunt the wealth and engineering prowess of the previous centuries. He walked through several tapestries highlighting the glorious and wealthy past of the Lannister. He found several inner courts and gardens perfectly maintained. The contrast between this place and the city below couldn't be more pronounced. Here, flowers were blooming and trees and bushes were trimmed excessively. It was the pinnacle of superficiality and superfluous, where flowers received more care than some newborns outside the wall.
Finding such places in the middle of the winter and with so much poverty around only served to amplify the feeling of confusion and worry about the current state of this country.
He even found a large and complete map of Westeros painted on the ground on one of those inner courts. It left him bewildered to notice it was probably the most detailed he had found so far of Westeros.
He spent the whole night exploring the citadel, mostly alone. During his nocturn walk, he walked past a few Unsullied, stationed at several points of the castle, but except for a quick nod, none tried to initiate a conversation with him, which suited him just fine. The hours where spent in the same comforting silence.
He found several bedrooms, dungeons, and kitchens. The lower he went, the more common the rooms appeared to be. The Targaryens truly had made this place to make them look like gods.
He was surprised by the lack of books or trinkets. This was something he had already observed in the last few months. Handcraft was something quite important in Alagaësia and deeply rooted. A handful of trinkets were expected for most if not all ceremonies, the Agaeti Sangren being a prime example of it. Yet here, he had only found practical items, which were often duplicated on a large scale.
Back in the throne room, he noticed a flight of stairs unexplored. Feeling no danger, he made his way there. While the Throne Room had been an inviting place, bathed in light during the day, it suddenly felt cold and hostile in the dead of the night. The shadows of the swords were long and thin. The throne now almost felt and looked like the jaws of a dragon. He felt no need to inspect more closely the fabled throne, preferring to turn his attention elsewhere for the time being.
He kept walking, going down the stairs, his senses on alert.
The atmosphere of the room subtly shifted and he felt some tingles on his Gedwey Ignesia. Absently, he grabbed the hilt of Brisingr, before stopping dead in his tracks.
The jaw he had pictured moments ago was now a reality, facing him. Much bigger than Saphira and, from what he could see, bigger than Belgabad. Rows upon rows of teeth, all longer than his arms. Some of the front teeth were even longer than Tyrion's entire body.
The skull of this dragon was massive and he could feel the interest of all the dragons, especially the wild dragons. The fabled Balerion was truly gigantic. Vroengard had been an eye opener, a reminder of what was once the might of an elder institution. There had been too many bones and dragon fragments to count. Here, he was facing the true scale of the behemoth they were described.
Nothing could prepare him for facing a skull the size of a small farm, where he almost doubted the veracity of the piece in front of him. But the magic, the power and the atmosphere were impossible to mistake. Saphira's interest was there too, trying to compare this with what she had seen and learnt. But he could feel her surprise and awe mixed with his own.
A few dozen candles were lit, around and also inside the skull, accentuating the mind-blowing dimensions of the dragon. The flickers of the flames, licking behind the eye lobes were a sight to behold. In a way, it felt alive, carrying for the briefest of moments the legacy of the first Targaryens in the darkness of the dungeons. The legacy impregnated the stones of this cold place.
For the first time, he wondered about the Eldunaris of such dragons. From what Saphira had gathered, Drogon and Viserion didn't know anything about this. Why had the Targaryen's dragons forgotten about their Eldunaris? It was a question to ponder in a calm setting and not in the middle of a poorly lit cave.
Respectfully, and after some time spent silently watching the display, he distanced himself before carrying on the exploration of the undergrounds. Nothing would prove to be as exciting as what they had just witnessed.
But his thoughts were cut down when a Dothraki arrived to lead him to a meeting room which had been expected. He had expanded his tour underground to avoid the chaos of uncertainty.
Tyrion, Varys, Jon and a few other lords were already present, seated around an imposing wooden table. He could feel the tension slowly rising. There were around two dozen chairs placed, most already filled
« We will learn what this hatchling has in mind for the rest in Westeros then » mused Umaroth. As usual, all the Eldunaris had pressed Eragon's mind to get front seats for the coming gathering. Sometimes, he wondered how much gossiping happened between them, before wincing when all the Eldunaris sent the equivalent of a mental dragon pat behind the head while having Saphira laughing at his predicament. He must have made a face because Tyrion looked at him strangely for a few seconds before turning his attention back to his glass of wine.
The first minutes inside the room were painfully slow and very formal, with most lords trying to congratulate the others while receiving their part of thanks. It was simply a bore to follow but Eragon knew this was just the beginning of alliances that could shape an important part of the future Westerosi politics. Not many were paying attention to him for the moment and he was grateful for this short respite.
After a few more minutes, Daenerys made her entrance. Immediately after, silence fell on the room before all the people rose to greet her. She responded with a smile and a few words before making her way around the table.
There was only one last remaining seat which was conveniently a dark- almost black- wooden chair, with the Targaryen sigil engraved. It was an open invitation, a sign all of the lords acknowledged her as the Queen of Westeros.
She sat, her back straight, looking ahead, with all eyes converging on her.
« I needed time to think » were her first words, echoing those Eragon had heard hours ago.
« The history of the Targaryen family is intimately tied with the history of Westeros and the last years can only prove how true this statement remains. The two last decades haven't been easy for Westeros nor for my family. We both lost, suffered and struggled. But it is my strong belief that today, Westeros remains as strong as ever while I manage to bring back my ancestry where it belongs. I came here to conquer what was rightfully mine, the Iron Throne, and together, we managed to overthrow both Cersei Lannister and the Night King, and bring back dragons who were thought long lost. »
The whole room was silent, listening to her very words
« I've always wanted to break the wheel. Help those in need, trying to improve the lives of many in Westeros. By some unexpected turn of events, my path has led me to Essos where we fought to free Slaver's Bay. But coming to Westeros and helping all the Westeros has always been my purpose, what I want to do. Here I am now, in the castle my ancestors built. And yet, I gathered you here because I've decided to not step on the Iron Throne »
One, two and then three seconds. That was all the time they got to prepare themselves for the pandemonium that broke following Daenerys' declaration.
All sense of decorum had left the room.
While all the others were trying to make sense of what she had just said, by rising, shouting, Eragon connected eyes with Daenerys. He had strong suspicions of course, but he could now feel some pride in her last decision.
It probably wasn't the easiest one, but he believed, for the time being, that she wasn't fit to rule Westeros. He had never voiced it directly, but he had shared some doubts and expressed some ideas that betrayed his opinions to Saphira. She had listened patiently and even tried to help him, no atter how a bore human politics were for her.
He was proud that Daenerys had reached the same conclusion by herself, especially since he suspected she would have a long lifespan. Humans deserved better than a ruler with more power than a whole army and an extended life expectancy. Arya's situation would probably change in the next decade or so, but he trusted her to come by herself on the decision.
But Eragon was getting annoyed by the noise. He had to endure both the mess inside the room and also in his mind since all the Eldunaris were having some fun commenting on the pitifulness of the situation. Finally having enough, he slowly drew Brisingr a few inches from its shaft before whispering its name. And because he had enough, he poured more magic into his intention. The sword immediately burst into life, licking the metal with its blue flames, silencing the room almost as quickly as Daenerys' entrance a few minutes ago. Pleased with himself, Eragon stopped the spell and just as quietly, brought his sword back into its shaft.
The room was now deadly silent but all eyes were on him. Daenerys appeared slightly shocked but Tyrion and Jon were smirking, the former more openly than the latter.
Daenerys nodded to him as he remained impassive and silent., resuming her speech.
« As I was saying, I decided to not take the Iron Throne for the time being. Recent events have made me aware that I still need time and that I wouldn't be the best choice for Westeros. »
« What could have changed your mind? The Iron Throne has been on your mind for so long » asked Tyrion Lannister
« I think you know it as well as I do Tyrion, you've been with me for a few years now, can't you guess the reasons? » replied Daenerys with a soft smile.
He didn't answer, preferring to take a sip from his glass, his eyes never leaving the bottom of his cup but Eragon was sure the Lannister had a fairly good idea that somehow, Eragon was somehow involved in the current change.
« Then forgive me for my next question, but who shall we put on the Iron Throne? We crossed the country to remove Cersei and the country can't remain without a leader, especially in such troubling times»
« Removing Cersei was not only for me but also for all the people of King's Landing and Westeros in general. It was the right thing to do. And to get back to your question, I think this task should be quite easy for once. The rightful heir of the Iron Throne will sit on the Throne for the first time in twenty years, as it should be» she replied with some emotion lacing her voice.
No one reacted, unsure of how to take the news. No one had made a claim, except for Daenerys Targaryen and Cersei hadn't left any children. From Eragon's perspective, only Jon looked completely unphased.
« I fear that once again, you have some information that we don't » started Varys.
This made people turn their heads. It wasn't very common for Kings or Queens to keep their cards close to their chests. What was surprising was that Varys, who had always read, interpreted and made steps ahead of others when it came to political strategies, was the one asking for specific details of the situation.
The anticipation rose suddenly in the room. This was the moment of truth.
« That would be Aegon VI, the third-born child of my brother Rhaegar, also known as Jon Snow » announced Daenerys slowly.
Immediately, the attention of the room shifted to Jon who remained stoic, meeting their gaze without flinching.
« This is getting us nowhere your Grace. Whenever we ask a question, I fear it rises five more »
"Then allow me to clarify a situation which has been misunderstood and tarnished far too long. Two people, in two different places and with different means found some evidence of Jon's heritage. Bran Stark and Samuel Tarly recently discovered the truth about Jon's heritage and origins. Some information brought a new light on the Rebellion and its very origins. Lyanna Stark, Ned Stark's sister has never been kidnapped. She willingly eloped with my brother and got married quickly after, in a secret affair. This has been found out both by Jon's cousin, Bran Stark before he died and also by Samuel Tarly during his stay in Oldtown. They married and had a child. As you all know, my brother was killed during the battle of the Trident by Robert Baratheon and Lyanna Stark died in Dorne. What most don't know is that she died of childbirth. Eddard Stark was the one who found her and Jon moments before her passing » explained Daenerys slowly, giving a lesson in history to the lords sitting around.
People were contemplating her words, their looks holding some doubts. They were probably either contemplating the political impact of this statement or the likeliness of this story, twenty years after the events.
« What says it isn't another plot to steal the throne » exclaimed one of the lords present in the room, whom Eragon hadn't met before.
« Dimwit, she won the throne. Nothing is stopping Daenerys Targaryen from walking on it today, why would she create a plot to help her plans, » exclaimed Tyrion who was getting worked up by the latest news.
The other lord leaned back, properly chastised and remained silent. But Tyrion wasn't done and he kept talking, directing his questions
« Have you properly thought of this, your Grace? I'm not questioning what Bran Stark and the Tarly boy found, but I'm curious to see it and others will too. The Rebellion cost a lot of lives and some families still harbour some hatred towards some families. You more than anyone know how deep some grudges go. More than the choice of the new King, there is a lot to think about: you brought the Dothrakis, Unsullied and even dragons here. They followed your lead. How will they adapt? »
Daenerys listened to the words of her advisor before replying to the people in the room, careful with her own choice of words
"This isn't a decision taken lightly. Some of you may believe this and think this is a rushed action, that I made on my own, without thinking properly and overlooking most matters. But I can assure you, most of this has been deliberated thoroughly;
"So where will all your armies remain? As far as I know, no Lord has accepted the presence of Dothrakis "asked one of the most suspicious men. pompously
"As far as I'm concerned, no permission is requested as long as they respect the law, which they will" she answered confidently, with a smug smile.
He saw the indignation rise in their eyes, and so did Daenerys. But she took pity on them, quickly carrying on before they exploded in indignation, continuing her speech
"But you'll be happy to know that I have in fact asked for permission and that it was granted"
This proved to bring some curiosity, and the one who had questioned her past statement didn't lose a second to ask them who had agreed to such a deal
« The North did. Jon Snow and Tormund Giantsbane, the leader of the Wildings have both agreed to let the Dothraki, the Unsullied and whoever wanted to settle North of the Wall. There is a lot of unclaimed land, perfectly adapted for all kinds of lifestyles. From what our companions and the maesters from the North have gathered, the weather should be much more accommodating now that the Night King is dead." explained Daenerys patiently.
But he could hear the attention of the lords elsewhere, laughing at the idea of seasons changing. They were stuck in their presumptions of years-long winters they had always experienced.
Several lords scoffed but Eragon silenced them with a look.
« I don't remember seeing you in the battle at Winterfell. Therefore, I would suggest you decide carefully on your next course of action. I can be wrong, I've been before. But I won't be mocked, especially not by people without an inkling of what they're talking about and who were cowardly waiting in their keep while others fought and died for their freedom»
Most of them had the decency to look down, but one of them decided to push his luck
"So, you believe that in a few months, this foreigner found the explanation behind the year-long winters of Westeros while the maesters sought the answer for thousands of years," he asked, raising a single eyebrow in a drawling voice.
And while Eragon found this attempt pathetic, he couldn't help but feel some fury at the words of the man.
"Have you ever seen a coven of trees bow to honour the passing of true heroes? Have you ever seen an Edelweiss weep in joy at the feeling of its newfound freedom? Have you ever witnessed a night so cold that not a single sunlight could pass through for days?
We have. We have because we fought, bled and some died because you couldn't get yourself to move a finger after we crossed the whole fucking Westeros to bring a wight to Cersei Lannister. We stood there, not six months ago, in the Dragon Pit, with a very much alive wildling, asking for help and reinforcement. Some of you were here, quite happy to let Cersei do all the talking. Now, the Dragonpit is still here, the dragons are still here, but the wights and Cersei are gone. But I assure you, if you believe yourself smarter, I will attach you to my dragon's claw and bring you North so that you can witness by yourself the scars left there" replied Eragon coldly.
All around him, the room had turned deadly silent. The eyes of the lord were fearful after the threat he had made about Saphira. And they would do it if they had to. Eragon wouldn't let the sacrifice of his friends be forgotten or associated with a mundane event. Mayhap the words had gotten out rash from the lack of sleep. He really did not like talking in front of people.
The tension was now high in the room, the subject of the new King almost forgotten. Daenerys could feel the tension slowly rise and she wanted to avoid a direct confrontation after Cersei's removal.
"As Eragon pointed out, the situation North isn't as dire as it once was. This isn't something we, in general, fully understand. But as we speak, several of his companions are exploring the North and the latest reports all share the same pattern. It is getting warmer and nature is flourishing, faster than we have ever seen it before. The same reports are coming from all over Westeros"
« This is all good news for the farmers who would have suffered the most from a long winter » summarised Tyrion. « But unless I'm mistaken, you haven't answered my question »
«Indeed, you're not mistaken. The reason behind this exploration North of the Wall isn't purely sentimental. Eragon has asked both Jon, Tormund and I permission, to settle deep North with his companion to settle down there. I'm pleased to say that we agreed and I, personally, will join him to learn under his tutelage » shared Daenerys.
This had been the major point of discussion, in the past few weeks between Eragon, Saphira and the elves. Once they had started to understand the extent of the renewal of the North, they had looked onto the deep North, curious about this new area.
Eragon had immediately been interested in this zone. According to the few maps they had found, the space North of the Wall was enormous and completely unpopulated. And now that the snow was melting, they might have found a unique place to raise dragons and build a new Cast for the Riders. There were mountains, lakes, and no human settlements on an unbelievably wide radius. Their only concern was the lack of wildlife after the destruction of the Night King, but they knew that time would allow a steady repopulation.
The current situation was getting better and better for Eragon, or worse depending on the point of view. He felt that each intervention of Daenerys was pushing the people around the table to their utmost limits.
But she kept going,
« Concerning my armies, you are indeed right. They are obviously free to decide about their new life, as they've been since the liberation of Slaver's Bay. We spoke to them and most will either go back to Essos or follow us in our exploration North of the Wall. However, a few might have voiced their wish to settle somewhere in Westeros, something that won't cause any issues because of the numbers concerned by this specific choice and their promise to follow the law. Since the Northern leader, and the current King of the Andals, the Rhyonar and the First Men has approved this, this shouldn't be an issue, right? » she concluded, looking at the man who had challenged her on this point moments ago.
Once again, disarray broke. Eragon just hoped there wouldn't be more news received like this since it would mean more shouts. His patience was running thin with his lack of sleep. But he guessed it was to be expected since Daenerys was basically going against everything they had expected. She had wanted to break the wheel with her ruling, but Eragon thought she was breaking more by going against what had been expected of her.
He guessed not many were happy to know that Dothrakis would be free to roam Westeros. He knew the leaders of the Khalassar had promised to stop the most problematic and violent aspects of their previous lifestyle, but still, many Westerosi looked at them with fear and mistrust. He could however understand their unease. He had after all witnessed a similar deal when Nasuada had made her alliance with the Urgals. He had quickly been proven wrong and her decision was already shaping the face of Alagaësia and the Cast of the Riders
These decisions were going to change Westeros to its roots, and as always, those who had the power were hesitant to proceed with the change, afraid to lose their privileges and status of power;
The atmosphere in the room was solemn. Somehow, the people felt times were changing, that it was the end of a period and the start of another.
The eyes of everyone were now on Jon Snow. He had entered the room as a bastard and might leave it as a King. Stunned, no one seemed to be able to form any coherent reflection and were passively watching the outcome of the meeting. The few who had some opposition had been properly chastised and could only
All the plans of the lords had been blown away; their eyes were unable to hide the surprise created by Daenerys' statements. Even Varys, who usually managed to remain in control of his emotions, had slipped a few times, something unnoticed by everyone except for Eragon.
Jon was still waiting for his moment, knowing these seconds would be the last before he would be known as the ruler of Westeros. He had sat as a commoner and would rise as a King, and he knew it. He had known for a few days, and he had known this would happen when he had entered the room.
Leaving this room, nothing would ever be the same for him. The perception of all the people about his lineage, family, status and even his name would be changed. It was a daunting perspective to conceive. Once again, Eragon was forced the see the similarities between him and Nasuada. They had been raised without any motherly figure, had been singled out because of something out of their control, and had climbed to the highest positions in their country.
Finally, both had fought and bled for their country, to an extent rarely seen.
If Jon's ruling was anything like what he had seen in Alagaësia, then Eragon had little doubts about Westeros' future. His most difficult task was already in sight and was in fact, sitting at the same table as him. Jon would have to go past the lords who would crawl to him quickly enough to get in his good grace.
It was Tyrion who broke the silence that no one dared to ask. But he did so only after slowly
"Long live the King"
This is the end of the chapter! I hope you've enjoyed it!The end is now near, only chapter left which will act as an epilogue.
In the meantime, have you read the latest Eragon? I'm starting just now :D