Chapter 42

During the Ghiscari-Valyria war, the name of Perseus was on everyone's lips. In Westeros, two other remarkable individuals, Raven and Lucian, were also making their own marks with their unique powers.

Yet, amidst these emerging legends, there were those, mainly followers of the Faith of the Seven and the so-called Maesters from the Citadel, who sought to tarnish Raven's abilities by labeling them as dark and demonic. Their attempts were subtle, for they dared not be reckless, aware of the formidable alliance between the North, Dorne, and the Reach.

However, within this group, the Lannisters harbored a different interest. They had heard of Raven's astounding feat in annihilating an invading Arryn army and saw a potential advantage in acquiring such power through marriage. Vlad, ever astute, quickly discerned their intentions and firmly denied their pursuit.

Amidst the intensifying war that claimed countless lives on both sides, Valyria held a commanding position, largely attributed to the formidable presence of Perseus and their awe-inspiring dragons.

However, this success came at a painful cost for Perseus. The war claimed the life of his eldest son Alcaeus, and the third war, which took his wife, left him weary. He decided to pass on the mantle of Lordship to his second son Hector and retire from the battlefield.

In a gesture of honor and to provide an outlet for Perseus's grief and anger, King Belerys ordered the complete destruction of Ghiscari.

Vlad thought ongoing devastation, muttered to himself, "Valyria will soon turn the Ghiscari empire to ashes." By his side, loyal companions Ulmo, Surya, Yavanna, Set, and Horus offered their silent support.

Yavanna couldn't help but sigh with sadness and said, "Yet another kingdom has fallen."

Set, wearing a hint of cynicism, remarked, "Their fate was sealed regardless. If not Valyria, someone else would have brought about their downfall, perhaps even a rebellion of the oppressed slaves."

Ulmo, Surya, and Horus nodded in agreement with their brother. Surya then turned to Horus and Ulmo, inquiring, "I noticed that Valyria has now adopted a system of slavery."

Ulmo and Horus exchanged knowing glances, and Horus replied, "Both of us have subtly warned them about the potential consequences. Now it is up to them whether to heed our counsel."

Ulmo, well aware of the likely outcome, added, "Even though King Belerys speaks of treating the slaves with respect and housing them, in the end, they are still bound in servitude."

Set shook his head and added thoughtfully, "The treatment of these slaves could change in the future."

Vlad, with a nod of understanding, spoke up, "They have made their choices, and if circumstances worsen in the future, it will be their choices that led them there."

In the waning days of the Ghiscari wars, the yearning for victory clashed with the agony of defeat. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an eerie glow upon the battlefield, the final vestiges of the Ghiscari Empire crumbled like ancient parchment under the weight of history. The once-proud brick walls of Old Ghis, standing as a testament to the artistry of Grazdan the Great, were reduced to rubble and dust, an echo of their former grandeur.

Amidst the chaos, the sky became a canvas for fire and fury as Valyrian dragonlords, riding majestic beasts of flame, unleashed their destructive might upon the city. The very air seemed to tremble with the deafening roars of the dragons as they turned homes, temples, and pyramids into infernos that blazed with an otherworldly brilliance. The heart of Ghis, a city that had stood for ages, was consumed by the merciless dance of dragonflame.

Perseus and his son, Hector Velaryon, watched the devastating scene with a mixture of grim determination and a hint of satisfaction, knowing that their actions were a form of vengeance for their lost son and brother. Still, they couldn't escape the harsh reality that this was a brutal massacre.

With a heavy sigh, Perseus made a heartfelt announcement, "I've decided to leave Valyria and move to Atlantis."

Hector, who had witnessed his father's ongoing struggle to come to terms with the loss of his wife and son, he was well aware that father also didn't wish to witness his own children succumbing to the ravages of time. Given this, he was not surprised by his father's decision to leave Valyria. He recognized that this move was a way for his father to reunite with their departed loved ones in his grandfather's kingdom.

With deep understanding and empathy, Hector reassured Perseus, "Don't worry, Father. I'll take care of our family. We'll all be together again in the end."

Touched by his son's understanding and support, Perseus patted Hector on the shoulder and offered a small, grateful smile.

The aftermath painted a haunting tableau – a desolate landscape where once fertile fields now lay barren, sown with salt and lime, a grim testament to the Valyrian conquerors' determination to ensure that nothing would ever thrive again. Skulls, too, bore silent witness, arranged as macabre markers of a power forever shattered.