Chapter 10:"Daemon Narnareon"

When Vahaemorys finally arrived back in Valyria after more than a month away, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. As he approached the castle, he noticed a large crowd gathered at the entrance. Among them were the elders and heads of vassal houses, all of them looking quite distressed. Vahaemorys descended from Igneel, drawing the attention of both onlookers and servants. One of the servants immediately rushed into the castle to inform his mother of his return.

While many were surprised to see Vahaemorys after his month-long absence, there was a palpable sadness in their eyes, as if they anticipated something dreadful was about to happen to them. Vahaemorys didn't engage in conversation with anyone and made his way into the castle without delay.

As Vahaemorys entered the castle, he was greeted by the sight of his mother rushing toward him. Before he could even say a word, he was met with a strong slap across his face, followed by a tight, tearful hug. His mother, while crying, said, "I thought I had lost you too." Vahaemorys remained silent, his confusion growing.

His mother released him from the embrace and instructed him to follow her. Vahaemorys was even more perplexed by her behavior. She led him to the entrance of a room, her emotions clearly in turmoil. With a trembling voice, she said, "Go in, Vahaemorys. Your father is waiting for you. Please, be understanding with him." Vahaemorys now knew that something had happened to his father, and he entered the room with a sense of unease.

The sight that greeted Vahaemorys was not what he had expected. He couldn't help but utter the word "greyscale" as he saw his father's disheveled hair, dry skin, and the telltale grey scales that covered half of his body, including his face.

His father, in a weakened state, greeted Vahaemorys with a hint of humor with a weak voice, saying, "Haha, my son is no less trouble than me. Why did it take you so long to return? If you had been any later, I might not have been here to see you."

Vahaemorys remained silent, absorbing the sight before him. His father continued, "I'm sorry, my son, for burdening you. Please take care of your mother. That's all I ask of you."

Still, Vahaemorys remained silent. His father then warned him, "Don't trust the dragon lords. If you decide to leave Valyria, you'll have my full blessing. It's what you've always dreamed of."

Surprised, Vahaemorys asked, "You knew?"

His father chuckled, saying, "Haha, I'm your father, Vahaemorys. You may be able to hide your ambitions from your mother, but not from me. You're my blood and fire."

Vahaemorys finally spoke, making a promise to his father, "Father, our legacy will endure, and we will remain the overlords of the known world. That's my pledge as Vahaemorys Narnareon."

With those words, Vahaemorys knelt before his father and paid his respects to the revered dragon lord, Daemon Narnareon. Shortly after, Daemon took his last breath.