บท 18: Chapter 17: Embers of Rage
Viserys seemed to have become an entirely different person, diligently working harder than ever before.
William Darry, having served as the Master-at-Arms of the Red Keep for many years, had practically watched Viserys grow up. In his memory, the prince was never an easy student to teach, often mischievous and even somewhat stubborn.
When Viserys initially sought his instruction in swordsmanship, William didn't take it too seriously, assuming the boy would likely give up after a couple of days due to the hard work.
However, when they were attacked later on, the silver-haired boy displayed the courage of a true warrior, earning William's admiration.
The moment Viserys personally killed Kevan Lannister and attempted but failed to sever his head was when the Master-at-Arms was truly astonished.
The image of an innocent-looking young boy holding a longsword, trying to cut off his enemy's head, only for the sword to become stuck in the neck as blood sprayed across his face—this striking contrast was something William would never forget.
"Perhaps the recent string of terrible events has truly shaken him," he thought.
The middle-aged man with slightly curly hair was well aware of the many recent incidents, which were difficult for even an adult to bear.
Nevertheless, he was delighted to see the complete transformation in Viserys, attributing it to the severe shock the boy had experienced.
His loyalty to the Iron Throne was unwavering, just like his brother who served as a Kingsguard.
As such, he naturally hoped for Viserys to rise above it all. Only when Viserys became a true 'dragon' could House Targaryen, in the future, make a triumphant return and exact their vengeance.
The middle-aged man stood in place, lost in thought while holding his wooden sword with one hand.
Just then...
Maester Daniel, advanced in years and with an unsteady gait, hurried past them with great effort. He simply nodded at the Master-at-Arms and Viserys as a greeting, then continued on his way.
"Huh?"
"What's going on?"
Sir William scratched his head in confusion, while Viserys, panting from exhaustion, sheathed his sword and wiped the sweat from his brow.
The boy stared at the old maester's retreating figure for a moment before turning back to ask a question.
"Could the maester's hurried pace cause him to trip and fall?"
His swordsmanship instructor hesitated for a moment, then looked down at his pupil.
At times, Viserys seemed as mature as an adult, and at other times as childish as a little kid...
No, he was still just a little imp.
Ser William couldn't quite figure out if Viserys was putting on some kind of act.
At this moment, all he could do was shake his head and explain.
"If the maester is in such a hurry, something important must have happened."
The instructor furrowed his brow, speaking in a somewhat somber tone.
"Moreover, his face looked terrible. It's likely... that this matter isn't good."
...
The gardens of Aegon were filled with the pleasant scent of pine, and tall dark trees sprouted from the ground all around.
There were wild roses and towering brambles, and cranberries grew in the muddy soil.
Viserys and his instructor practiced swordplay in the distance, while Queen Rhaella played with her granddaughter Rhaenys on the other side.
Initially, Rhaenys wanted to join Viserys in play, but the queen told her not to disturb her uncle's training.
Viserys was Queen Rhaella's last hope. She wished that her youngest son could become a pillar of the Targaryen family, just like his renowned elder brother, and reclaim the Iron Throne's rule.
At that moment, Maester Daniel arrived, staggering in haste.
The old maester whispered something into the silver-haired woman's ear before handing her a sealed, anonymous letter.
It contained secret intelligence from King's Landing, sent by someone who outwardly supported the Baratheons but still held allegiance to the Targaryen claimants to the Iron Throne.
The intelligence detailed recent events in King's Landing, including a multitude of terrible news, even the minutiae. Many major events had taken place before this informant's eyes, making the information more accurate than recent rumors.
Initially, Queen Rhaella was somewhat puzzled by the old maester's words.
They had hidden on Dragonstone, with a loyal Targaryen fleet, while the Baratheons lacked a strong navy.
Dragonstone was at least temporarily safe.
Then, the silver-haired woman unfolded the intelligence received from Maester Daniel, her gaze shifting slightly.
However, after only a few glances, Queen Rhaella's face changed dramatically. Tears welled up in her reddened eyes, and she covered her mouth with a delicate hand as they began to flow.
"Your Grace, the Queen."
Fortunately, the old maester reacted quickly and supported her, or else Queen Rhaella might have fainted on the spot.
The letter brought a slew of terrible news.
But the headline was undoubtedly a bolt from the blue, so much so that Queen Rhaella couldn't bear to look at it any longer after just a glimpse.
She then broke down into tears.
Rhaenys, who was accompanying her grandmother, stood frozen on the spot, feeling rather helpless.
The young girl knew nothing about the situation, not even that her father had died. And even if she did know, she might not be able to comprehend it.
Soon, Viserys and the middle-aged sword master, who had been practicing swordsmanship not far away, hurried over after witnessing the scene.
The sword master didn't look at the letter, while Viserys picked it up and skimmed through it, falling silent.
"This..."
Although he didn't remember some of the events clearly, he had a rough idea about them.
He understood that all of this was inescapable fate, especially since he didn't have the power to change the situation.
That's why he was so desperate to practice swordsmanship, not to achieve grand ambitions, nor to exact blood vengeance for House Targaryen in the future.
In fact, since arriving in this world, he had never met his father, the origin of all the stories, the infamous "Mad King" Aerys Targaryen II.
He hadn't seen him even once.
And then, in haste, he was put on a carriage and fled from King's Landing.
Thus, he never considered any grand ambitions or vengeance.
All he wanted to do was change his own fate, struggle to survive, and not end up as a "beggar king" or die with a golden crown on his head.
"Monsters..."
Finally, the silver-haired boy crouching on the ground clenched his teeth and let out a sound.
Even though he had no previous emotional attachment, saving Rhaenys had just been a reflex action. He even thought that if his father sent soldiers after them, he would hand Rhaenys back to them.
But now...
Once the past words turned into a bloody reality, his nephew Aegon's head was smashed against the wall, and his sister-in-law, Princess Elia, was raped and killed by the Mountain, who still had Aegon's blood and brains on his hands.
This horrifying brutality would enrage even the most cowardly, let alone him.
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