8 Old Valyria and Sightings (Pre-Season)
~~~(POV: Raenon Targaryen)~~~
~~~(Current Age: 13 Years)~~~
~~~(Location: Valyrian Peninsula, Essos)~~~
~~~(Date: 297 AC)~~~
It took another two weeks, but Rhaenys and I made it. I'm not going anywhere near Old Valyria. Not after all the things I heard. While The Shadow Lands are inherently more dangerous, there are far more diseases I don't want to contract.
Being immune to the effects of The Ash River doesn't mean I'm immune to what's happening inside Old Valyria.
Rhaenys is on edge when looking toward Old Valyria. We're resting on a rock that's far enough away.
However, I still don't want to spend so much time close by. Even looking at it, my instincts tell me not to get any closer than I am.
"This is said to be the birthplace of dragons. But from what I've learned through my studying, there is evidence to suggest dragons weren't solely in this part of the world. They're rumored to be in The Shadow Lands too."
I can confirm this is somewhat accurate based on what I found there. That's where I found Rhaenys egg, but that entire situation was suspicious. So I can't say for sure dragons exist in The Shadow Lands.
In the 12 years I lived there, I have never seen one.
Rhaenys is making sure that I'm protected, and I appreciate that about her. There are times she can be overprotective. But that's because our bond is strong.
She didn't acknowledge that I was talking to her. But I know she heard me. Her focus isn't falling in the slightest, and I think getting out of here sooner than later would be good.
"Jēda īlon geptot, Rhaenys."
As soon as I tell her it's time for us to go, she bends down and lets me on. She's eager to get out of this place. I don't really know where to go after this. I want to see some of the Free Cities, but flying in with a dragon will cause various problems.
"Sōvegon."
She lifts off the ground at my words, and we're ascending into the sky. The closest Free City to Old Valyria is Volantis, but before we go there. We'll find a safe place to rest about 300 miles up the coast.
That way, we can get something to eat and rest for tomorrow's journey. Let's hope they're receptive. They'll be the first people we meet or talk to outside of The City of Asshai and Mazzi.
~~~(POV: Daenerys Targaryen)~~~
~~~(Current Age: 13 Years)~~~
~~~(Location: Illyrio Mopatis's Manse, Free City of Pentos, Essos)~~~
~~~(Date: 297 AC)~~~
"Dany, there is no discussion here. Khal Drogo will be here by the beginning of next month. He'll marry you, and I'll get the army I need to retake the throne."
After I had my Flowering, Viserys moved us to a large Manse. Owned by Illyrio Mopatis. He's the one that's arranged for this Khal Drogo to come and see me. Viserys is acting like I'm already sold, but Illyrio has frequently said it's not guaranteed.
I stare at my brother, and the defiance in my eyes causes him to become angry. He's about to strike me again, but I don't flinch this time, and I don't show any fear. His hand fast approaches, and before it can make contact, a knock on the door stops him.
He looks at me in anger and grits his teeth before turning away.
"What is it!!?"
The door opens, and Illyrio walks in.
"I wanted to inform you that Khal Drogo is on schedule and should be arriving as we thought. I've gotten confirmation from my men."
Viserys looks at me one more time before leaving with Illyrio to talk some more. Most people would be dispairing about now. But I figured out that instead of feeling sorry for myself, I should try to do something.
The Dothraki are a fearsome people with their customs and ways. I don't want to be sold, and I don't plan on it. Viserys has been smart, though. He locks the room to my door, so I don't run away.
My rebellious attitude has given him more reasons to keep me in check. And I consider this a lesson learned. There isn't much I can do as I am right now, but even if I end up being sold to Khal Drogo. It'll be a much better situation than what I'm in.
I'll no longer have to suffer at the hands of my brother. But actually succumbing to my fate will be the last thing I do. If nothing else works, I'll live the life I've been given. But I refuse to sit down and let it happen.
My dreams of Raenon are becoming clearer, and I know that sometime soon, we'll meet. I don't know when, and I don't know how. But I feel like he's closer now. I know he's alive.
~~~(POV: Raenon Targaryen)~~~
~~~(Current Age: 13 years)~~~
~~~(Location: Cliffs Over The Summer Sea, Essos)~~~
~~~(Date: 297 AC)~~~
We've taken a couple of days to get food in us, and we're almost ready to leave. Rhaenys is finishing the last of the goats we hunted. And I'm looking out over the cliffs as she does. The view of The Summer Sea from up here is amazing.
Volantis is where we're heading, and I'm hoping for a chance to get my hand on some Gold Honors. They're the main currency in Essos, and you can't do much without them. But most transactions are done with slaves.
I'll be honest. I don't like the idea and practice of slavery. I'm hoping for a better impression than what I'm expecting.
It'll take around a day to reach Volantis, and there shouldn't be any problems getting there. Rhaenys head pops up next to me and nudges me slightly. I scratch her head and get her favorite places. She lets out a couple of purrs and pleasant groans as I do.
"Let's get going."
She lowers her body and allows me to climb on. Her head and body move quickly as we jump off the cliff, and she spreads her wings.
The Summer Sea passes fast below us, and the wind blows my hair back a bit. She's moving faster than usual today.
We fly for a good couple of hours, and we follow the coast. I notice there is a road further inland. Rhaenys turns toward the road, and we fly closer. After a minute of flying over it, we see a carriage ahead.
This is a good chance to talk to another person. Rhaenys flies ahead of the carriage and lands in the middle of the road facing the coming carriage.
The man and woman sitting at the front of the carriage start to freak out, but Rhaenys lowers her body to let me off. They see me and look like they've seen a ghost or something. I make my way to them, and Rhaenys makes sure she stays close.
Not trusting them, I let her.
The horses freak out as Rhaenys gets closer to me, and the man draws his sword as he jumps off the carriage while the woman jumps in the back. I catch a glimpse of two kids looking out toward us.
"What do you want!? We have nothing of value!!"
His panicked and emotional voice set off Rhaenys a little.
"SCHRAAA!!"
She roars, and it's enough to shake my body and the man. The horses jump in place since they can't free themselves from the carriage. Rhaenys is bigger than the carriage by a good amount. The man now knows to stay quiet, or he'll anger Rhaenys.
My dragon is protectively moving in front of me, but she turns to look at me. In a show to tell me I can talk.
"I have some questions for you, and you're going to answer them. As long as you don't try anything stupid, you won't be bathed in Dragon Fire."
He tosses his sword to the side and relaxes a bit more. And so does Rhaenys. She leans back, and I'm no longer being blocked.
"Please, I'll do anything... Just don't hurt my kids or wife..."
His voice sounds defeated. And I feel for the guy. Talk about unlucky.
"You will tell me everything you know about Volantis."
While I know quite a bit, I don't know everything. Like Volantis defenses, potential threats to Rhaenys, and armies or forces. These subtle things are unknown to me.
The man is waiting for any questions I might have.
"How well defended is Volantis? Do they have any weapons capable of taking my dragon out of the sky?"
The man slows, and I can tell he's nervous. He's thinking I might be planning to attack Volantis, but his family is more important to him, which I admire.
"No, Volantis isn't capable of taking your dragon out of the sky... But they do have a large standing army of mercenaries. And Volantis has a large budget for setting bounties..."
That's actually really useful information. I want to know this in case things go wrong, and Rhaenys and I must take drastic measures.
"What about the rest of The Free Cities?"
He shakes his head, and that answers all the questions I have. Rhaenys lowers her head as I turn to her, and I get back on. The man watches as we leave, and we keep heading the same way toward Volantis.
