Chapter 9: Eyes Opened

When Torrhen Stark knelt before Aegon the Conqueror the northerners were not pleased. Some just gritted their teeth and returned to their homes. Others, Torrhen's youngest son among them, refused to bend the knee, so these northern men and women left Westeros rather than to live under Targaryen rule. In exile they formed the Company of the Rose, one of the most respected mercenary companies in Essos. It is said they await the moment the Targaryens lose their grip over the North and Starks will be Kings of the North once again, though that day might never come.

Maester Trevor in the book: History of the North

Edric Redstark was woken up from his slumber by a commotion and shouts outside of his tent. "What in the seven hells is going on?" He muttered and proceeded to remove two pairs of women's hands which were wrapped around him on both sides and sit down on his bed.

Soon after a guard bursted inside. "Captain! Captain!" A man paused as he spotted Edrick awake and especially two naked Lyseni courtesans waking up on the captain's bed.

"Careful lad. Your eyes might pop out….." Edric grumbled and went to find his pants and shirt. "Tell me what is going on out there, it sounded like something very heavy just landed in the middle of our encampment."

"Of course, Captain." Man quickly composed himself as he was trying to ignore two beauties, who were glancing curiously at the ongoing conversation. "Well, thing is…..Someone wants to see you."

"Don't walk around the bush. And tell me who?"

"An old acquaintance." A familiar voice spoke up as the even more familiar person walked into a tent.

"I'll be dammed if it is not Aerion Fucking Varezys himself. Leave us, you two, and you too lad "Edric commanded and tossed two women a bag of gold. Afterwards he went to the makeshift table to pour two tankards of ale.

Lyseni slowly got out the bed and took their meager clothes from the floor but otherwise made no effort to cover themselves as they walked around Aerion to whom they were giving a seductive smile and displaying their qualities. Man, who previously announced Dragonlord presence was fixated on two women but then he obeyed and rather quickly left too.

Aerion smiled and went to Edric. "Really? Two?"

Edric snorted. Look who's talking. "Don't even try to tell me you never did try it. You Valyrian"

"I visited Lys, once or twice." Aerion admitted. "Afterall, Lyseni are good only in three things, trading, scheming and fucking. If only their courtesans didn't have that nasty habit of putting the tiers of Lys into their customers' wine. It can ruin your day."

"And then some." Edric couldn't really argue about that particular point when they both shook their hands in honest greeting. "So, what do I owe the pleasure of your presence? I mean you are not here just to visit me. Right?"

"Indeed." Aerion said as they both sat down at the table. I have an offer for you and your people."

"Offer, you say? Does this have anything to do with the upcoming war between the Volantis and the coalition of Tyrosh, Lys and Myr?"

"In a way, yes."

Edric narrowed his eyes. You know I heard that you haven't signed up to any side with the Dragon Company yet. Still, I hope you are not trying to convince me to change sides here, I am not breaking the contract."

"That do you credit, Edric, provided you had signed a contract, which you hadn't just yet, or am I wrong?"

Edric shrugged. "True, but we are already on the way to Volantis, it is practically just a sign what is left to do."

"If you are really so determined to fight for those fuckers I won't stop you Edrick, it would just be a great shame to see you die for the worthless cause, something preventable should you at least hear me out."

"I must say, I really dislike your tone, Aerion. You sound like you chose the opposite side of this conflict. Fine I will hear what you have to say. Possibility of fighting against you and your dragon is not exactly a desirable prospect."

Aerion nodded. "Good. Although just to set things straight. I am not choosing any side in this but my own. The war between free cities is just a distraction which will give me an easier time in my own war against Volantis."

Now Edric's eyes widened in shock. "And why the hell would you even do something like that?"

"Well, why…. To conquer its territories and Rebuild the city of Volantis into the New Valyria, a centre of the new empire I am going to create. And you my friend can be a part of its creation and not be just destroyed and swept away like other mercenary companies which without doubt will stand in my way, being hired by fools."

"I see, so you want to hire Company of the Rose? Is that it?"

"In the manner of speaking, yes. I mean I could hire you like any other company, give gold after this is all done and you move on. Or I can offer something more valuable."

"Such as?" Edric asked slowly and folded his arms.

"How about the land to settle in my future empire?"

"You mean like me becoming your bannerman in exchange for my services?" Edric paused and shook his head. "I am afraid that is not going to fly. Are you familiar with how the Company of the Rose came to be?"

"I am."

"So, I don't need to remind you that my people went into exile so we do not bow to the dragons. My ancestors didn't refuse to bend the knee just for me to bow to another dragon in Essos."

Aerion titled his head. "That's fair. But how it worked out for you and your people hmm? The way I see it is, as long as house Targaryen has its dragons, the North won't be independent ever again and as such there will never ever be another King in the North. You can only survive in Essos because there is constant war here but what would happen should that change? Or do you think I am going to stop with Volantis?"

"What are you saying?"

"Simply put I am going to conquer Free cities one by one until all former colonies of Valyria are united under my banner. There will be no more wars, no more instabilities and mercenary companies will have no more purpose, unless of course they move to the Golden Empire of Yi Ti to fight for various princes in the local squabbles."

Aerion leaned forward with a very serious expression. "What I am offering you is the way out. Your people can have what they have lost. Land and home and you and your nobles would have full privileges that come with being nobility of my realm, heck I would even let you keep worshiping the Old Gods. In exchange you would swear me your allegiance and become my vassal, once landed you will pay taxes to me and your pikemen and northern cavalry would serve as auxiliaries in my armies." Aerion paused and leaned back after he gave Edric enough time to process his words he added. "The Winter rose would bloom under the protective wings of the dragon, a poet might say."

"Well, I am no fucking poet, Aerion…" Edric said and paused for a rather long moment while considering Aerion's offer. He found himself not entirely opposed to it, though there was still one question left. "And what land would you grant me?"

"The lands which were once lands of The Rhoynar around the Dagger Lake and around the River Rhoyne I would say the borders could end a few miles after three former cities of Ny Sar, Chroyane and Ar Noy, if you can get the picture. Any of those cities could be rebuilt into splendid homes or you can build entirely new home for yourself, that would be up to you."

"Are you serious right now? Those lands are infested with pirates. Plus those ruined cities are filled with stone men speaking of which those waters and mist there are cursed with the greyscale…."

Aerion raised his hand in a calming gesture. "Yes I am aware of those issues. I in fact intend to fix them. Pirates will be hunted down and exterminated like the pests they are. Same goes for the stone men in those ruined cities, they will be eradicated with dragon fire if need be and as for greyscale itself…. Well I would be very mad if I wanted water cursed with such malevolent ailment to flow through my future realm, now wouldn't I? Simply put, my blood mages are going to cleanse both the river and ruins of Chroyane from tainted water and mist by magical means. So no future greyscale or stone men shall pose any problems whatsoever."

Edric blinked in surprise. "Wait, are you telling me that your blood mages can just eliminate the grey scale? Just like that?"

"Of course. That illness or rather curse is a work of Rhoynar magic and as such it can be magically removed, simplicity itself really. Anyhow, once it is all done those fertile lands will be ripe for resettlement, that is why I am offering them to you, of course should you refuse. It is as they say, your choice."

"Hmm, you know, it is rather large territory, people of my company won't be enough to resettle it, you will need more people if you want to make those lands inhabited. You know that right?"

"Naturally. I already have a plan to account for it. You see there is a large number of slaves in the Free Cities and most of them have no life to return to, should I liberate them after the war. So, I will give them a choice to start a new one in the lands I would grant you. It goes without saying, you would have work cut out for you in bringing those lands to prosperity. Especially with so many former slaves to be, however I believe that if anyone can achieve such a feat, it is a northerner."

Edric snorted. "I wouldn't be so sure…. Although I must admit what you are offering is tempting. Still, it is not my decision alone to agree to it. I must consult my people, surely you understand."

Aerion shrugged. "Do as you will, should you choose to accept, send a messenger to me, so my fleet could fare you to Stepstones." Aerion stood up. "In either case I said my piece and it is really time for me to be going, in was good to see you regardless, Edric."

"Likewise, and don't worry I will let you know as soon as I am able." They both grasped their hands in a handshake and said their farewells. Edric was already consumed by his thoughts while he was watching Aerion climb Vassarion in the middle of the Company of Rose camp which attracted more than a few curious gazes.

As soon as Dragon leapt into the sky and Edric went back into his tent, he was left alone to ponder possibilities.

XXX

Prince Aemon was quickly walking his wife in tow towards the Dragonstone courtyard, the castle was quiet and peaceful with only a few guards here and there. He spent quite a lot of time talking Jocelyn into his plan of having blood mages of Aerion Varezys to help them with their childless problem but she in the end relented.

Not without complaints… "I am still not sure if it is a sound idea, my love. I mean are we really going just two of us on the back of Caraxes? What if Aerion Varezys does something…"

"He gave me his word that no harm would come to us. I trust him, besides he just recently made a pact with my father. I somehow doubt he would be willing to ruin it by harming me or you."

"I suppose you are correct, but why all this secrecy? It feels like we are escaping from our own castle…."

"You know why…. Please just bear it with me." Aemon knew that should the word of him getting magical help from blood mages of Stepstones get out, he would be the world of problems with the faith and citadel would also have their own complaints.

When on the courtyard they were greeted by Prince Bailon, the only one in whom Aemon confided in about the nature of this sudden trip. They both hugged. "Brother, I really hope you know what you're doing."

"Likewise, I would hate to come back to the ruined castle." Aemon answered with the jest.

Bailon chuckled but his serious face returned immediately. "Good luck, If you are not back in time I will go after you with Vhagar…."

Then Aemon walked to Caraxes and slowly bid Jocelyn to come forward as he took her hand and laid it on the red dragon's neck. Although she was a Baratheon and half Velaryon and had dragon blood herself, Jocelyn was never overly fond of dragons, hence it took her some willpower to get to ride them with her husband, this day was no different.

"So, we are again flying with you mate today huh? You know Aemon, I can sense a dragon in her, yet she is afraid of me like a chicken, I don't understand it." Caraxes said to his rider through their connection.

"Come on boy, that is just rude. She is simply weary of you that is all."

"I am not rude, I am honest…"

"Yeah and I am lucky she can't hear you… Anyway, less talking, more flying." Caraxes just hissed and leapt into the sky with his typical speed as Aemon directed him towards their destination.

XXX

Bloodstone was certainly impressive by Aemon estimation, the main castle, The Blood Keep was without doubt built in Valyrian style and clearly made of black fused stone. To his surprise Caraxes landing on the main castle courtyard didn't cause any commotion and Aerion was already waiting for them with his guards and with the woman who seemed to be pregnant but very dignified.

When Aemon and Jocelyn got off the dragon back they slowly walked toward their host who smiled as he welcomed them. "Prince Aemon and Lady Jocelyn welcome to Bloodstone, I hope your journey was without a hitch."

"Prince Aerion. Thank you. The journey was quick and without problems." Aemon answered calmly but his gaze then fell upon the person next to Prince of Stepstone. Who registered it.

"Ah, allow me to introduce you. This is my cousin Alearys Rahareon, also my Archon, blood mage of high esteem and my personal physician."

Alearys bowed her head slightly in respect. "Prince Aemon, Lady Jocelyn it is honour to meet you. Prince Aerion informed me about your predicament and I will be glad to help you out."

"Now that it is out of the way, I would say it is time to go inside and get you some refreshments before we proceed to deal with your problem, so if you please, follow me." Then Aerion paused when he saw Jocelyn's clear nervousness. So he spoke directly to her. "Lady Jocelyn, do not worry, no harm will come to you while in my castle, harming guests gives people a bad name and I am not one of them, nor I plan to be."

Jocelyn studied Aerion expression for a while then she nodded and visibly eased. "I apologize Prince Aerion, I didn't want to look like I was expecting some harm, I am just not used to travelling without a proper escort that's all."

Aerion smiled and nodded. "Understandable. We might not have a guest right in Essos as you have in Westeros but in Stepstones we simply do not harm our guest."

After some refreshments and all the formalities over, time has come to finally get to the core of the reason why Prince Aemon Lady Jocelyn came to Bloodstone.

So while sitting in Aerion's solar, Alearys began explaining how she and blood mages will proceed. "So given the fact you already had a child we can assume that the problem to conceive stems from something less than natural. However I do not want to get ahead of myself, first I want to check your, Lady Jocelyn. As from my experience infertility issues are usually with women, if not I shall proceed in checking you, Prince Aemon."

"I see and will there be any unpleasantness?" Jocelyn asked, voice full of caution.

"You have nothing to fear. I will only require a few drops of your blood and some time while I will check you with magic, nothing painful. In the case we found something wrong, the other blood mages will cast healing spells as I in my state can't cast any draining spells. Now if you would follow me to my study so we may begin."

Jocelyn reluctantly followed Alearys out the solar and Aemon was left alone with Aerion at the table who poured him a glass of wine which the Prince of the Iron Throne accepted.

"There is really no need to worry, Prince Aemon. My cousin is a master of the higher arts when it comes to blood magic and healing. If there is indeed something wrong with your wife, she will find out and solve it. You have my word on that."

"Oh, I am just a little surprised that is all. I mean the blood magic is something of a myth in Westeros and here you spoke of it as if it were simple as breathing here."

Aerion chuckled at that but proceeded to correct Prince Aemon's statement. "Nothing about blood magic is simple, especially if you delve deeper into it. I should know."

Aemon twisted in a curious expression. "So, you are a blood mage too, right? You showed me blood magic back on Driftmark that evening."

"That would depend on the definition as to what blood mage really is… It comes down to two different questions regarding me personally. Am I a practitioner of blood magic and can I perform certain spells at a higher skill level than most? Yes. In such a case I could be called the blood mage. On the other hand Do I possess deeper knowledge and understanding of more complicated higher art in blood magic? No."

"So, To Answer your question, no I am not a blood mage in the true sense of the word and even though I am more capable than most when it comes to blood magic, thanks to the talent I inherited from my father's family. I am simply satisfied with learning the spell to mend wounds and cure poison as those are useful skills, lifesaving even."

"Lifesaving?" Aemon asked with raised eyebrows.

"Indeed. I think it was just a year ago after a certain battle against Myr forces when I walked on the battlefield with my cousin, Talaegar. While not paying attention one of the wounded enemy crossbowmen took a shot at me, yet instead of me he managed to hit Talaegar right through the neck as his helmet was already off." Aemon stared at Aerion with disbelief when hearing this but Prince of Stepstones was not done talking. "In that instance, I didn't hesitate for a second and when he fell on the ground I quickly pulled out the bolt and thanks to blood magic I saved his life, before he could bleed and suffocate to death. Were I but a moment slower…..It would be too late."

After a brief pause completely overwhelmed, Aemon finally spoke. "Frankly I am still very puzzled by it all, healing such mortal wounds with just a few words it just seems unreal."

"And yet you are here in hopes of these seemingly unreal ways to help you and your wife…." Aerion said with a light smile.

Aemon didn't say anything on that, instead his gaze averted towards two enormous dragon skulls in the solar.

"Rovaxes and Morghul, two dragons which stood behind House Varezys power after the doom. Both died of natural causes, 319 and 317 years old. Majestic creatures which remembered Old Valyria. Both Vassarion and Elenixes are their offsprings." Aerion said when noticing Aemon's gazing upon them.

Aemon was taken by surprise. "So old? Forgive my lack of knowledge but is that normal age for a dragon?"

"Quite normal. Every dragon can live up to 300 hundred years give or take. Provided of course they have enough food, movement and enough living space. Plus if they have an option to bask in the natural or artificial volcanic heat it makes them even stronger and more vital. Come to think of it, you have something of that sort on Dragonstone, Dragonmont right?"

Aemon frowned but nodded. "Yes we have but usually only wild dragons are living there, granted my Caraxes too spend time inside that mountain… Anyway, does the dragon really live 300 hundred years? The reason I am asking is because our biggest and oldest dragon Balerion doesn't seem like it can live that long."

Aerion folded his arms. "I can't presume to know his condition but do you keep Balerion shackled in that abomination of a building you call dragon pit?"

"Yes." Aemon answered cautiously.

"And did that dragon by any chance become sluggish and had its growth slow down?"

"Also yes, but did you guess that?"

"Simple, as a Valyrian dragon lord I know dragons, I also know that if you lock your dragons in the dragon pit without the option of free movement and hunting… You are basically slowly killing them." Aerion let out a heavy sigh. "Dragon is not a horse. You as a Dragon rider should understand the difference. They are partners, because when you are bonding with a dragon you are also giving it a part of your own soul and in doing so, the bond between dragon and rider is something truly remarkable and also unbreakable. You feel each other's pain, joy and thoughts. By enclosing your dragons you are not only hurting them but also desecrating your bonds."

Aemon was stunned for a minute and when he was about to speak his wife and Alearys enter the room. "My Prince, Prince Aemon we are done."

Prince Aemon forgot about everything and went to his wife. "Are you alright, my love?"

Jocelyn looked uncertain but she confirmed with the weak smile. "Yes, Lady Rahareon was very kind. But what she found out… Well, it would be best if you hear it from her…."

"What? What is it?" Aemon turned to Alearys who in response just gestured back to the table pragmatically.

"I think it is better we sit down for this, Prince Aemon." Prince reluctantly sat and went back to the table with his wife as Alearys sat down next to Aerion and started explaining. "So firstly let me tell you that your wife would be healthy and completely capable of having children if not for a fact she had been poisoned and not only once but continuously"

If someone dropped a boulder on Aemon's head in that moment he wouldn't be as stunned and shocked by it like he was by this statement. "What? I mean…. What do you mean by poisoned?"

"I mean what I said… Lady Jocelyn had been poisoned. To be more precise, by an extract from a certain plant, Pennyroyal."

Aemon frowned because he wasn't familiar with the plant. But lucky for him Alearys soon explained it to him. "Pennyroyal is a rather common plant with the round violet flowers, extract made out of it, has for some a useful property, it can prevent or abort pregnancy. And if I am not mistaken the maesters of the Citadel know it and are capable of making moon tea out of it."

"I see…" Aemon clenched his fist in anger aimed at whomever poisoned his wife with it. "And are you really certain?"

"Absolutely. In addition to my spell, your wife also confessed to having terrible headaches lately, which is one of the side symptoms of using this herb. The only reason she didn't have even worse symptoms is that the herb was given in the small dosages but they would show up in time too. Fortunately Lady Jocelyn is now healed and poison has been cleared from her body. Only thing you now need to do now, is to prevent any future poisoning. And before you leave today I will check you too, if you drink the same wine as your wife you can be poisoned too."

"But who would do it? Who would even dare to do such a thing? And How?"

"Well, prince Aemon if you and your wife drink some stronger wine with rich taste. Pennyroyal would be unnoticeable when mixed in it." Aerion said and turned to Jocelyn. "Do you drink Arbour Gold or maybe some strong Dornish Red?"

"Well, my husband always keeps Dragonstone cellars full with Arbour Gold….."

"But who would have such gall to try to poison us in our own castle and with my own wine…."

Aerion shrugged. "I dare to say Prince Aemon, that is a question you would have to find an answer yourself. If I were you I would ask, who has access to that extract, who can move through the entire castle without raising suspicion and most importantly who servants wouldn't question should they be adding something to the wines? I would also advise discretion, but that is just my input, in either case you must stop this poisoning or you will never have a son, however after you leave back home you will be both fully healed."

"Thank you. I am in your debt, Prince Aerion."

Aerion smiled. "Of course you are, Prince Aemon. We made a deal did we not? And it is as I said, if you will be true to your word while dealing with me, so will I."

After this Alearys cured Aemon too and Both Crown Prince and his wife were now ready on the courtyard to leave Bloodstone to fly back home. Aemon stuck out his hand in a handshake offer and Aerion repaid the gesture like they were good acquaintances already. "Thank you again Prince Aerion, you might have just opened my eyes today. Maybe even spared my house from future troubles."

"Please, Prince Aemon… Troubles will always be there, they have a tendency to supplement each other. In any case good luck and also try to fetch your own wine."

Aemon honestly smiled at that and nodded. "Will do. Farewell and I wish you good fortune in the wars to come."

With that Aemon helped Jocelyn onto Caraxes back before he climbed after her, then Caraxes took to flight.

When Aerion turned to go back into the keep, Alearys gave him conspiratorial look. "You know. While professing you have no interest in Westeros, you are poking your nose into it quite a lot."

Aerion chuckled. "What can I say, my dear Alearys …. Sometimes, I like to make my life more interesting."

Hi there, So I had a writing mood streak and here was another chapter as you can see. In case I hope you liked it. I don't know if another chapter will come just as fast though… We shall see.