Chapter 111: The Blacks
(Aerion's POV)
"The dragons known as the Cannibal and Greyfiend were spotted leaving the Island, My Lord." Maester Gerardys said as I walked into the painted table's room, "This is quite strange. The Cannibal flew off East while Greyfiend went further north."
I nodded, "I see." I said, "That is odd, indeed. Where do you think it'll go?"
"Not so sure. But the direction it was seen suggests it could go in the direction of The Vale." He said
I stopped in front of the table, seeing that Rhaenyra was already on the other side, Princess Rhaenys on her side. "The Vale?" I said as I glanced at him, "Hm."
Lord Corlys was sitting down at the side of the table, Luke standing next to him. They were all looking at me.
"I'd say that as long as they don't bother us here, it matters not." Princess Rhaenys said
"I agree." Rhaenyra said, "The Cannibal once worried you enough that you were unable to sleep, Husband. This is good for us."
I nodded, "Perhaps." I said, "But the fact that they do this now....that's what bothers me. Very well, what can I do about it? I shouldn't worry about two wild dragons at the moment when War has been declared."
"Indeed." Lord Corlys said, "Several scandals have happened. Buildings were burnt down, innocent people caught up in it, knights murdered, and a massive riot. What is to be done about it? They say you two are behind it."
"Nonsense." Rhaenyra said, "Why must I stoop so low? I have no desire to take my ire out on the smallfolk. Besides, I have issued for peace, sent my conditions, demanding for the Greens to surrender without bloodshed."
Lord Corlys then looked at me, silently asking me what I had to say about it.
I raised an eyebrow, "Really? You would ask that?" I said, nearly offended, "If I wanted to burn some buildings, you know what I would do. And if I wanted some knights dead, I would drive my sword through them myself, not send some ragged cutthroats to do it. No, this reeks of something else. It's most likely the Hand, acting to persuade Aegon into declaring War. He must be in a fragile state, his children are dead and his wife is hurt. It angers me to even think of that, but I understand the tactic. Aegon may have been a handful when growing up, but no father deserves the heartache of losing their children, no matter how vile they are."
"Nevertheless." Lord Corlys said, "War has been declared."
I heard footsteps approaching and I looked over to see the other lords walk into the room, making their way to the table.
"Your Grace." Lord Celtigar said, "We have received word that the Hightowers are mobilizing to gather a Host through the Crownlands. Chances are that Criston Cole will lead them."
"Yes. They had demanded for House Tyrell to join them but they refused." Ser Alfred said, "Lady Tyrel declared for you, but will not mobilize their forces until absolutely necessary, maintaining a neutral state."
"That is good to hear but what if we need their men now?" Rhaenyra said, "If the Hightowers are moving, they have to do something, they're the Paramount."
"Probably to protect the minor houses that refused House Hightower's call. The Stormlanders might go west and attack them after all." I said, "But They'll be foolish to challenge the Tyrell's full force. If anything, the Host will be gathered in the crownlands while the main Hightower Army begins to march. The right course of action is to create a barrier between them, keeping them from each other while Cole's attention is set on Harrenhal and the Riverlands."
I pointed at the reach and where Oldtown was. It was the right thing to do, prevent the Host and the Hightowers' army to join with the Host.
"There is also House Lannister, they've mustered their army and have begun to march towards the Riverlands. However, with Prince Daemon there, Lord Jason will be cautious." Lord Celtigar said, "That should buy us some time."
"Speaking of Daemon." I said, "How goes the promised Host of Rivermen?"
"No word yet, My Lord." Ser Alfred said, "However, I've sent letters myself. If anything comes up, I'll be sure to let you know."
I looked at him, "Hm."
"That leaves the Vale and The North. I am glad that House Tyrell stands with us, but should War break out, we need men to fight." Rhaenyra said, "I hate to even think about it, but it would be necessary. The Lannister Fleet won't stand a chance against Lord Corlys's fleet, but when it comes to land, we could be at a disadvantage."
"We don't need the Land advantage, My Queen." I said as I looked at the painted table, "No army can outrun a Dragon."
"Aerion, our dragons have never seen War." Rhaenyra said, "You don't plan on flying out yourself and setting the land ablaze, do you?"
"If it's necessary, I will." I said, "Vermithor is a war-dragon, like Caraxes and Vhagar. People sure like to underestimate him and that angers him so. He is in need of letting out some steam."
"Lord Aerion is right, no army can outrun a dragon. We can use your dragons, Your Grace." Lord Celtigar said, "If the time nee-"
"No." I cut him off, "Just my dragon."
"Aerion." Rhaenyra said
"My Lord." Lord Celtigar said with a confused look, "I am afraid I don't understand."
"I won't risk losing the other dragons. It's too risky, especially against Vhagar." I said, "None of them have the experience necessary to combat that one."
"Meleys is faster, My Lord." Princess Rhaenys said, "Surely, you don't think you're the most experienced Dragonrider here. I am prepared to defend my family as much as you are."
I looked at her, "I won't put you in a position like this, Princess." I said, "I will handle things if it comes to that."
"Y-You are King-Consort." Lord Celtigar said, "And-"
"I am a Dragonrider, a Knight, a Warrior, through and through." I said seriously, "If it comes to War, I won't shy away. Anything to defend My Queen and her Heirs, do you understand? And no offense to the Princess Rhaenys, but experience won't win you in a War like this, with dragons in the midst. I won't risk having you lose your life, Princess, No. I will do it. If we use our Dragons, we use them sparingly. Vermithor is the only one that will be used for Combat."
As I said this, I heard more footsteps approaching. I turned to see Jace and Baela approaching.
"A Raven." Jace said holding a letter, "From Lady Jeyne Arryn. She said that we have her full support, so long as there is a Dragon at the Vale, overseeing it. The Knights of Runestone have mobilized, too."
I nodded, "Good."
"A Dragon in The Vale?" Rhaenyra said, "I suppose Lady Arryn is used to Vermithor.....but she is correct. With Aerion's connection to them, the Greens might target that region."
"But we might need the King-Consort on the frontlines." Lord Celtigar said, "Of course, that's what you meant, Lord Aerion..."
I nodded, "Right." I said, "But Lady Jeyne is serious when she voices concerns such as these. She knows that she won't expect me to drop everything and fly over....."
"What do you expect me to do?" Rhaenyra asked, "None of our Dragons are as large as Vermithor...well, besides Meleys."
"I don't mind going there." Princess Rhaenys said
"You're needed to patrol the Gullet, No. I have an idea.." I told her, ". Jace and Baela will go to the Vale. Luke, you'll go with Lord Corlys to Driftmark to oversee the fleet. It's about time the Heir assumes his duty and learns a thing or two. Also, a dragon's presence might be good. Driftmark is a quick flight so you can come and go if needed."
"That...." Rhaenyra started with a frown, "Is a good idea.....a sound one, Husband....."
I looked at her, "Yes." I said as I looked at Jace and Baela, "You two. You are welcomed to stay in Runestone if you need to. But your mission is only to patrol the skies, make sure no Hightower army has a presence there. If by any chance Vhagar or any other dragon the Greens have, you do NOT engage. Do I make myself clear? You two are the future of the Realm, I will not have it that you are harmed. But...you are dragonriders as well....so I suppose your dragons can make themselves useful."
Jace nodded, "R-Right."
Baela gave me a smile, "I won't let you down, brother."
I nodded, "I know."
"I suppose...." I heard Lord Corlys say, "The time has come....."
"War."
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