Chapter 27: Conflict in the mind
The Red Keep
105 AC
As I stepped into my chambers, I pondered how I could have neglected the Valyrian glass candle. The answer came to me swiftly; I knew from my world that no living soul possessed the knowledge to wield the candle. Those who did, such as the people of Asshai, would not concern themselves with me until I unveiled something monumental, which I had yet to do. My foreknowledge of this world, coupled with my origins in the modern world, has presented me with numerous challenges alongside the advantages of possessing knowledge others lack.
I began to contemplate my next move since the family residing in Volantis is aware of some of the powers, I disclosed to the Targaryen's. It's not much, but it's still significant. If they were observing me during Caraxes' fury, they might also learn of my bloodline ability. However, I didn't sense any spying from my magical sense at that time. On the bright side, I now realize that I can detect if someone is spying on me through magical means, as my magical senses have significantly sharpened since my dragon bond deepened with Anarion more than ever before.
I can be at ease knowing that the anti-spying wards are effective with the Candle. Yesterday, during our conversation after the midday meal, I sensed that we were being spied upon. And once I had secured my chambers, the sensation dissipated. With this in mind, I must consider that they are aware of our plans thus far. Although our plans are not extensive, it's clear that we, the Targaryen's, will form alliances with the other free cities should they begin to conquer Essos.
A question emerged in my mind: Why am I aligning with the Targaryen's? I came here because the Targaryen's and Velaryons were the only ones with dragon blood. As a fan of Dragonlords from my previous world, I hoped to woo Laena and Rhaenyra. Yet, the world seems to have other plans for me. Now, there's an alternative, especially if they still possess some knowledge from Old Valyria, evidenced by their use of the Valyrian glass candle. Why shouldn't I consider this option, particularly after upgrading Anarion to rival their Black Dragon?
Conquering Essos with the might of dragons could indeed bring me fame, much like Valyria did in the past. And who knows, another family might contemplate rebuilding Valyria. I wouldn't oppose having my name in the annals as the man who restored Valyria to its former glory. A few repairs charm and some rituals might suffice to make Old Valyria habitable for humans again. However, I don't wish to dwell there; I have no desire to rebuild where a great empire once stood. With vast expanses of the known world still unclaimed, rich with untapped resources, why not venture there and construct something magnificent from the ground up?
Considering what to do next, I find myself wanting to assist the Targaryen's, as I was quite a fan of theirs back on Earth. However, here they are not mere characters whose fates are dictated by an author's pen. Why should I risk involvement in a war I could avoid? As I come from one of five major houses from Old Valyria, every Dragonlord family would want a piece of me, unless they belong to the other four. Yet, my instincts suggest that the Targaryen's will survive even if I switch allegiances, because the world seems unwilling to let them perish.
I have changed my decision not because of their Dragons. But magic if they could use the Valyrian candle back from Old Valyria, they will still have some semblance of magic alive in their blood. And that is what I want as Targaryen's do not have that advantage. On another hand Targaryen have seer bloodline which is powerful ability to have. And with that mixing with my Grindelwald my bloodline could have much more than prophetic dream or glimpse of near future. But there is link that is holding me on side of Targaryen's that is my word to Aemma. I like her personality after spending the time that we've met for few times. And Vezofina warming up to her has also reassured me that she is not faking it for sake of making me their allies.
After careful consideration, I decided to stay natural until I meet the other family and understand their views on me. I couldn't leave the Red Keep protected from their surveillance; if I created wards around the Keep, they might attack upon realizing I possess significant power. So far, they have only witnessed the creation of Vezofina from me. However, I will maintain my wards in my rooms to let them underestimate my capabilities. I need to focus on rituals that will strengthen Anarion enough to rival the black one, as weakness in the eyes of the other family is not an option I want.
I ventured into my dimension to retrieve the Pensieve, which would allow the Targaryen's to view my memories of the Dragons of Volantis. Having mastered Runes, I crafted it for its versatile uses. I commanded servants to invite the Targaryen's to my chambers, as no other location was secure for revealing the Pensieve. With the Pensieve retrieved, I awaited their arrival in my chambers.
Viserys and Rhaenyra arrived shortly. Once they were seated, we began discussing the dragons I had seen at Volantis and awaited Daemon's arrival. Corlys would have departed for Driftmark, having been scheduled to leave following the small council meeting. About fifteen minutes later, the doors to my chambers were opened by the King's guards stationed outside.
"What is this, brother? First, you tell me to 'get out,' and then, within hours, you call for me," said Daemon, amusement twinkling in his eyes. I couldn't help but smile at his remark. Viserys' sigh echoed through the room, too drained even to scold Daemon.
Volantis
At The same time
Unknown Pov
As I made my way to my brother's chambers in the mansion gifted to us by the Tigers of Volantis, I reflected on our actions. Employing dragons to intimidate and manipulate the elephants proved fruitful. The Tigers, having been out of power for over a century, are now resurgent and will not allow the elephants to suppress them again. It suits the interests of our house to keep the Tigers in power. The elephants, who despise war and prefer to amass wealth, would never align with them if they were to become triarchs of Volantis. Indeed, their greed knows no bounds.
As I opened the door to my brother's chamber, I saw him engrossed in the book handed down through our family. Our sister sat beside, gazing out the window at the sky where our dragons were soaring. I took my seat next to her and watched as my little brother closed his book and approached us, taking a seat opposite me.
"How has your progress been up until now, Kaerinon?" I asked my brother, who looked at me with defeat in his eyes, and that was enough for me to know the answer to my question.
"I couldn't accomplish that, brother. I've attempted various methods, repeatedly consulted books, and followed their guidance, yet success eludes me. I'm certain something is missing, but I can't identify what it is. I apologize for my failure," Kaerinon expressed, his tone laden with self-disappointment. Albiella gazed at Kaerinon, her eyes filled with sympathy.
"Don't overwork yourself, brother. You've accomplished so much; don't be disheartened by this one setback. With enough time, I'm certain you could even dream walk with a Valyrian glass candle," I said, aiming to bolster his spirits rather than let one failure dishearten him. He looked at me and nodded, resolute in his determination not to rest until he achieved his goal.
"How did the meeting with the Triarchy go, Raemor?" Albiella asked, her gaze fixed on me. A frown creased my brow as the memories of the encounter with those haughty fools surfaced. They have undoubtedly forgotten the threat of the Dragonlord, likely due to the failings of the cowardly House Targaryen.
"We must act as they do in Volantis, or let them clash with the Targaryens and deplete their forces against each other. Once they have both exhausted themselves, we will attack them both at the same time," I told them.
"We will consult with our cousins and then decide which action to take," said Albiella, turning to face my brother and me.
"Have you discovered anything about the Dragonlord who approached House Targaryen. Kaerinon?" I inquired of my brother.
"No more than what we already know, brother. He hasn't disclosed anything further to the Targaryens. Not that I can blame him for that," my brother replied, ending with a laugh.
"See if you can discover more about him. And if not, don't worry; it doesn't matter even if he is from one of the five major houses, as he is the last of his line. House Targaryen and he alone cannot halt the rise of House Zelyrioqar. No one can," I declared with determination in my voice. I would not allow our house to relive the times we faced after the Doom.
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