บท 11: Mourning
(Aerion's POV)
I stood on the ramparts of Runestone, watching the sun rise as I held a cup of wine in my hand, a single tear rolling down my cheek.
A lot of grief has filled my heart as of late, my own Kin, Ser Gerold, who was there for me all of my life, dead. My betrothed, Ariana Moore, who I was looking forward to marrying, dead. And now, Ser Laenor, someone I considered a friend, was also dead. How much heartbreak can a Man endure? I couldn't sleep after killing the men who murdered Laenor, I merely stood here in these ramparts drinking wine.
"Fuck...." I said softly as I heard Vermithor's rumbling in the distance
I was ten and six, an age most would consider near adulthood. I have done nothing but raise myself to Knighthood by fighting for the people of The Vale, slaying Tribesmen who dared raise their arms against the innocent, and serving justice for those who wronged my people.
Years ago, I claimed Vermithor, The Bronze Fury, in an attempt to get the attention of he who has been absent my whole life; My Father. His first and only words were those of that letter he sent when I received my Valyrian Blade, which I named after my Mother.
I had not heard from him ever since. I didn't know if he attended Ser Laenor's funeral with my sisters and even if he did, I was not going to be present there. I was here in Runestone, mourning my Uncle, Ser Gerold, and the Lady Ariana.
I sighed and looked down as I heard footsteps approach, "Milord." I turned to see a servant, "A letter. From King's Landing."
"What does it say?" I asked as I drank wine from my cup
"T-The Princess Rhaenyra has given birth to a boy." She said, "And King Viserys has summoned you."
I let out another sigh, "Is that so?" I said, "Well, I suppose I shouldn't keep the King waiting."
I noticed the by the look on her face, she wanted to say something else.
"M-Milord." She said, "There are more....rumors....Ser Willam has picked them up...they speak of Princess Rhaenyra's babe..."
I looked at her, "What is it?"
"Well....he does not look like his father..." She said as she hung her head down
"Do not speak of this." I warned her, "Tell the other servants to keep quiet if they've heard this stupid rumor. I'll go and speak to Willam."
************************************************
"You're going? By yourself?" Willam asked me
I nodded, "Yes." I said, "Stay here and manage Runestone in my stead, Uncle."
It was a few hours later, I had bathed and eaten breakfast and was making my way outside the castle and to Vermithor's lair; a cave right next to the castle, near massive cliffs.
"Are you sure?" Willam asked, "You don't want us to come?"
"I'll be fine, I'll manage." I told him, "Worry not about me, Willam."
He grabbed me by my shoulder, "Lord Aerion." He said as he stopped me, "I implore you, do not lose your temper over there, okay? King's Landing, at this moment, is a pit of vipers. Any wrong move and you'll get bitten and their venom will be incurable. It is a wonder how the Princess and her sons have managed."
"With Ser Laenor." I told him as he moved his hand away
"And he's now gone. She's alone there." He said with a concerned face, "I don't know what the King will tell you, but I don't like where this is going."
"Whatever it is, I'll return and relay the information." I told him, "Besides, it is a courtesy to go and extend my condolences to Rhaenyra, she just lost her husband...."
"Very well." He said, "We'll await your return then, Milord."
I nodded and patted his shoulder, "You're a good man." I said
He chuckled, "You know." He said, "Gerold loved you like his own son."
"I know." I said, "I've always known that."
***************************************************************
As I rode atop Vermithor, I felt the salty breeze of the Blackwater, King's Landing coming into sight.
I sighed as Vermithor let out a roar, "Here we go..." I muttered
Vermithor lowered himself down to near water level, I felt his tail lightly dipped into the water. The Bronze Fury let out a deep rumble as I patted his hide.
It has been a few weeks after Ser Gerold's and Ser Laenor's death, I could not attend Ser Laenor's funeral as I was busy at both Gerold's and Ariana's respectively. It left a deep pit in my heart that I couldn't be there to mourn Ser Laenor, but I had to make the choice.
It was terrible timing that their deaths happened at the same time. It filled me with nothing but sorrow and rage, the fact that they were killed like that.
Vermithor roared again as we ascended higher the closer we got to the city. I smelled the trademark scent of the Capital, it reeked of shit and piss, for whatever reason. Well, I know the reason. One of the reasons I don't like visiting this place; I don't know why Rhaenyra doesn't just go back to Dragonstone, it smells nicer there.
Several minutes later, Vermithor landed in front of the entrance to the dragonpit, taking up a huge chunk of space.
The keepers were nervously walking up to us as he let out a deep grumble. Vermithor was infamous for defying the dragonkeepers, his temper causing him to lash out with dragonfire. But due to my conditioning, he has grown calmer.
He can still be a grouch, but he won't attack unless provoked.
"Alright." I said as I hopped off his saddle and landed on the ground
Vermithor roared loudly as the keepers stood their ground.
"Lykiri, Vermithos, Lykiri." I commanded him
He then shook his neck and growled viciously as he turned around, walking towards the side. He did not like King's Landing's Dragonpit and will not enter it, which is why he was kept in Dragonstone since his last rider's death; King Jaehaerys.
The keepers softened their posture as Vermithor laid down, giving off a deep rumble.
"He'll stay calm if you don't bother him." I told the keepers in High Valyrian, "Bring him goats or pigs for food, he won't do anything if he sees you with food."
The keeper nodded as he planted his stick down, "As you wish, My Lord." He responded
I nodded and turned around, placing my arm in between the handles of my swords; Lamentation and Lady Rhea.
I let out a sigh, "Okay then...." I said,
"Let's see what this is about."
******************************************
"Aerion." I heard King Viserys say as he was sitting down in a chair, "Come here, my boy. It is with deep regret to meet after such tragedies."
Lord Lyonel stood next to him as I walked up to him, "Your Grace." I bowed slightly, "Lord Hand."
Lyonel nodded, "Lord Aerion." He said, "It is good to see that you're in good health. My condolences for the death of your Uncle and Betrothed. It is a terrible thing."
Viserys patted my arm with his frail one, "My boy, such heartbreak must be heavy for you to bear." He said
I saw his pale face, his blistering skin, his thinning hair, and his malnourished fingers. It saddened me greatly to see such a man in this state; one that always shown care for his brother's son.
I patted his hand as I nodded, "I...." I started, "We all mourn in our ways, Uncle."
He nodded, "It is a good thing you have a strong heart as you do a body." He said as he smiled and leaned back, "Lord Corlys was upset that you did not attend Ser Laenor's funeral, but it is to be expected, House Royce and House Moore had their own funerals you had to attend. We cannot do everything at once."
I placed my hands behind my back, "It is something I terribly regret, My King." I said as I looked down, "Ser Laenor was one of the few people that I always looked forward to seeing here. No offense to anyone, of course."
Lyonel nodded, "We have always been aware of your.....well, the apathy of many things in the Capital." He said, "But it is good that Ser Laenor was a comforting presence for you, Milord."
"I trust that Lord Corlys is satisfied? The Princess Rhaenys as well?" I asked, "I hanged several man that conspired in his murder and I killed Qarl Correy with dragonfire."
Uncle coughed into a napkin as he looked at me, "Yes, they are." He said, "The Crown thanks you and your men for delivering justice."
I nodded, "You honor me, Your Grace." I said, "May I ask, however, why was i summoned?"
"Well, the thing is-" Lyonel started
"Before that." Viserys cut him off, "You ought to see Rhaenyra and the Prince, Joffrey."
I frowned, "Your Grace?"
"Well, the babe was just born." He told me, "I figured you'd like to see him, he is your cousin's son after all."
"Well....I...." I started
"Now now, go." He said as he waved me off
I nodded, "If you wish, Your Grace." I said, "When shall we continue our discussion?"
"Tonight, at supper, with the Queen and I." He said
"Very well." I bowed slightly, "If you excuse me, Your Grace, My Lord Hand."
Lyonel nodded, "Milord." He said as I straightened up and turned around
I began to walk away, feeling a strange feeling. I didn't think I'll like whatever he wished to discuss with me.
The Queen was going to be there.
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