章節 24: Sails And Tales

Vhagar's Perspective: The Old Dragon's Legacy

Off the coast of Driftmark, the colossal figure of Vhagar, the mightiest of the Targaryen dragons, loomed against the horizon. Her age showed in her deliberate movements, yet her sheer size and presence spoke volumes of her unmatched experience. Once a terror of battlefields, her purpose now seemed more introspective. As she took to the skies, gliding effortlessly above the waves, her ancient mind was driven by one last ambition—leaving behind a legacy.

Dragons, for all their ferocity, possess intelligence rivaling humans and an innate connection to the world's magic. This bond is often mistaken for mere obedience to their riders. But Vhagar, with her centuries of wisdom, knew otherwise. She was no longer bound by youthful instincts; her choices were deliberate, imbued with meaning. Her aging body would not allow her to fight many more battles, but there was something she could do—secure the lineage of her kind.

Her wings carried her to Dragonstone, where the volatile and feared Cannibal, one of the largest and most feral dragons, resided. Her arrival was heralded by an earth-shaking roar that scattered lesser dragons like hatchlings fleeing a storm. For ten minutes, she circled and bellowed, her challenge echoing over the volcanic island.

Finally, an equally defiant roar answered her. The Cannibal, a towering shadow of black scales and malevolence, emerged from the Dragonmont. The confrontation was swift and violent, a primal dance of claw, fire, and dominance. Though the younger Cannibal was faster and more aggressive, Vhagar's experience prevailed. Their clash ended not in death but in understanding. This was not a battle for territory or vengeance but a union born of purpose. The Cannibal yielded, and for a brief moment, the skies of Dragonstone bore witness to an alliance between the old and the wild.

Satisfied, Vhagar returned to Driftmark, weary but accomplished. The last chapter of her storied life had begun.

Driftmark: A Prince Among the People

On Driftmark, Aegon, the grandson of Corlys Velaryon, turned a simple arrival into a grand spectacle. Clad in intricately engraved Velaryon armor, he strode through the port like a performer on a stage. Merchants and sailors gathered as he greeted them with smiles, bought trinkets, and even hired a baker on the spot, recognizing her potential. His charisma was magnetic, his every action deliberate yet genuine, endearing him to the common folk.

"How do you do that?" Baela asked from their carriage, watching him interact with the crowd.

"Do what?" Aegon replied, adjusting the greatsword strapped across his back.

"Let them touch you," Rhaena clarified, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Aegon smiled, his golden eyes glinting. "Because I am their better. And being their better means I am unthreatened by their touch. Besides, those I let near me have pure hearts. You just know."

His words left his sisters thoughtful as they traveled to Driftmark Castle, where Aegon would meet his sisters properly and rest before the next day's events.

The Hatchling: Ophiuchus, the Sky Serpent

The following day, the siblings were enjoying a quiet morning in Driftmark's courtyard when Vhagar's massive shadow darkened the skies. The ancient dragon landed on the beach with an uncharacteristic vigor, prompting Aegon to investigate, his sisters trailing behind him.

Before Aegon could approach, he noticed fresh scars on Vhagar's body, a testament to her recent encounter. Yet his gaze fell on something far more intriguing—a dragon egg. Larger than most and shimmering with seafoam green and black hues, it bore round, unique scales. Vhagar nudged the egg toward Aegon, her low growl vibrating through the air. The old dragon's pride was unmistakable, though beneath it lay exhaustion—the quiet acceptance of her nearing end.

Understanding her intention, Aegon whispered, "I'll make your final days peaceful. You'll have your own island in the Stepstones. Rest easy, old girl."

He turned to his sisters, who stared in shock as Aegon began stripping down. "What are you doing?" they exclaimed in unison.

"Freeing my gift," Aegon replied. "Step back—it's about to get hot."

Approaching the egg, Aegon knelt and unleashed a guttural shriek that resonated with raw power. Vhagar responded, unleashing a torrent of golden flames that engulfed both Aegon and the egg. The flames danced wildly, but the prince remained unfazed, his body shielding the egg as he curled over it.

A piercing cry cut through the air as the flames subsided, revealing a newborn dragon unlike any other. The hatchling's elongated, snake-like body gleamed with a vibrant green sheen, its eyes glowing with intelligence. Though it bore Vhagar's formidable head and horns, its unique serpentine form made it unmistakably distinct. The dragon, already seven feet long, curled affectionately around Aegon, who looked at it with awe.

Stretching his own wings, Aegon took to the skies with the hatchling, testing its agility. The creature flew with a fluid grace, snaking through the air in mesmerizing patterns. Aegon extended a hand, allowing the dragon to return to him and coil around his body.

"You are Ophiuchus," Aegon declared, his voice firm. "The Sky Serpent."

The dragon let out an excited shriek, solidifying their bond. As Aegon descended, his sisters and grandfather rushed to meet him. Corlys, though visibly shocked, admired the creature's beauty and unique form.

"What is that?" Corlys asked, his voice tinged with both wonder and disbelief.

Aegon smiled, pride radiating from him. "This is my partner—Ophiuchus, the Sky Serpent."

In that moment, amidst the crashing waves and Vhagar's approving gaze, the legacy of the old dragon lived on through her hatchling and the young prince destined for greatness.