18 Chapter 18

The following morning, Androw was roused from his slumber by the presence of Aerea and young Daenerys. Rubbing his sleepy eyes, Androw glanced at Aerea, who was eager for him to wake, as her little cousin Daenerys wanted to see Baal.

Aerea's plea was met with a teasing remark from Androw, who questioned, "Are you already tired of your cousin already?" With a somewhat puzzled expression, Aerea inquired, "What do you mean?" Androw didn't respond further, choosing to get up from bed.

Daenerys, who had been peering from the doorway, quickly retreated as Androw approached. He informed Aerea, "Not today," indicating that he wasn't planning to summon Baal for the little girl's amusement. His intentions for the day were different, as he intended to purchase a saddle for Baal.

Androw decided to inquire about the saddle from Rhaena, but when he arrived at her room, she was nowhere to be found. Consequently, he headed to seek the queen's guidance.

Coincidentally, as he exited Rhaena's room, Queen Alysanne was approaching. With a courteous bow and a smile, Androw greeted her, saying, "Your Grace, I was on my way to find you." Alysanne responded with a friendly tone, mentioning, "Androw, there's no need for such formalities on a personal occasion."

Alysanne inquired about the purpose of his search, and Androw explained, "Your Grace, I am in need of a saddle for my dragon." To his surprise, Alysanne revealed, "I believe there is a spare saddle of Vhagar." This information delighted Androw, as he wouldn't have to go through the trouble of having one made.

Alysanne continued, offering her assistance, "If you could bring your dragon to the Maegar Holdfast yard, I will instruct my servants to deliver the saddle there, if that suits you." Androw, grateful for her generosity, replied, "Not at all, Your Grace.".

With a warm smile, Queen Alysanne expressed her curiosity, saying, "I've always wanted to meet a wild dragon. I've never had the chance before. I've heard your dragon is different from our kind of dragons. I'm eager to see it." Androw responded graciously, "The pleasure is mine, Your Grace."

News quickly spread throughout the Red Keep about Androw's dragon's arrival, particularly catching the attention of King Jahaerays. The king decided to witness Baal's arrival from the Tower of the Hand, accompanied by Septon Barth. Baal's presence was not just imposing due to his size but also because he emanated an aura reminiscent of Balerion. Those who had once glimpsed Baal began to refer to him as the Demon Dragon, as his appearance made him stand out even among dragons, earning him a fearsome reputation.

Androw, along with Queen Alysanne, made their way to the Maegar Holdfast yard, where they awaited the arrival of Baal. A procession of servants and guards trailed behind them, along with the King's Guard, ensuring the queen's protection. They brought with them a saddle specially modified for Baal.

Androw had communicated to Baal the importance of making a grand entrance, considering that everyone was eager to meet him as an honored guest. As they waited, the distant sound of a powerful roar resonated through the air, prompting Vermithar and Silverwing, the other dragons in King's Landing, to respond with their own roars. Baal's colossal shadow darkened the sky above, signaling his approach. With a resounding roar, Baal landed in the Maegar Holdfast yard with a ground-shaking thud. His emerald eyes scanned the surroundings, his presence akin to a predator sizing up its prey, until Androw stepped forward to greet him.

Baal obediently lowered his massive head, allowing Androw to pat him gently. Androw spoke to him with a smile, his hand resting on Baal's scaly skin. "Baal, please let everybody come closer and stay calm," he said. Baal, not fully comprehending Androw's words, trusted his rider and followed the command.

As the servants cautiously approached, Alysanne, though somewhat distanced from Androw at this moment, observed in awe as this mighty wild dragon displayed a remarkable ability to comprehend Androw's commands. They carefully moved towards Baal, their task being to place the saddle on his broad back. However, when Baal noticed the approaching figures, he instinctively raised his head, prompting Androw to quickly intervene. "Baal, it's alright. Let them come closer," Androw reassured him. Baal, though still puzzled, complied, lowering his head once more. The gatekeepers, despite their initial fear, cautiously moved in.

As the servants carefully attached the saddle to Baal's back, Androw remained close, offering guidance to ensure that the dragon remained calm and cooperative. Baal, though imposing and intimidating, restrained himself from harming the servants, obeying Androw's firm but reassuring commands. Upon the successful attachment of the saddle, the servants wisely retreated to a safer distance, avoiding any potential confrontation with the mighty dragon.

Androw was elated to see the saddle securely in place and proceeded to express his gratitude to Alysanne. He inquired, "Your Grace, do you wish to join me on a ride with my dragon?"

The initial reaction of the Kingsguard, ready to defend Alysanne's honor, was swiftly halted by Alysanne herself. Her graceful response impressed Androw, and he couldn't help but admire her for her poised demeanor. With a smile, Alysanne accepted his offer, saying, "Certainly."

The saddle, designed for two riders with their own personal space.

As Alysanne approached Baal alongside Androw, the dragon's demeanor conveyed a clear hint of displeasure. He laid down, allowing them to climb onto his back. First, Androw ascended, extending a helping hand to Alysanne. Once positioned, they settled in, finding their own spaces on the saddle. Androw then signaled to Baal, who regarded him with a dissatisfied gaze.

As Baal ascended into the sky, Androw braced himself for what came next. To his surprise, Baal suddenly changed his flight pattern, hurtling downward with astonishing speed. A rush of fear gripped even Alysanne, a seasoned dragon rider who had never experienced such a daring maneuver on her own dragon, Silverwing.

Androw's heart raced, and his voice rose in a mix of awe and terror, "What in the Seven Hells are you doing, Baaaaaaaaaaaaaal?" The sensation was both exhilarating and heart-stopping, leaving them breathless as they plummeted towards the ground.

As Baal continued his thrilling aerobics, Androw's plea finally reached the dragon's ears, prompting a resounding thud as they landed back in the yard. With some effort, Androw disembarked from Baal and extended a helping hand to Alysanne, who descended with an embarrassed smile. The servants kept their distance, still in awe of the formidable dragon.

Alysanne quipped, "A wild dragon indeed." Androw could only offer an embarrassed smile in return as he glanced at Baal, who seemed quite pleased with himself.

Meanwhile, in the distance, Rhaena observed the scene, her dissatisfaction with Androw's attention towards her sister evident in her expression.