Chapter 069 – Third

[295 AC]

Phenex wasn't surprised by this development as the Faith of the Old Gods was prevalent in the North, adding to the fact that they were rather stubborn and inflexible people. The Lord of Winterfell also didn't really like him, not to speak of his wife Catelyn Tully, who hated Phenex with a fanatic passion.

The current Lord of House Tully, Hoster Tully, was also a very pious and stubborn man, so he didn't allow any temples or shrines to be built for the Red God in his lands, though even he was not ignorant enough to act against the wandering priests and priestesses of the temple.

After the 'Red God's Wrath', no one dared to lay hands on his priests or believers, so while it seemed as if the Red Temple had no influence in the Riverlands, there actually existed a sizeable amount of followers of that religion in these lands.

The situation in the Reach was even more complicated, as the Starry Sept was located in Oldtown, along with several other great septs all over the Reach like the Sailor's Sept, the Lord's Sept, and the Seven Shrines, which gave the Faith of the Seven an incredible influence in the Reach.

This influence though had taken a great hit after the destruction of the Faith's Militants and while the Faith didn't dare to act against the Red Temple afterwards, their foundation was still strong.

Added to the fact that the Reach was also home to the Citadel, whose Maesters for the most part hated and feared magic as they held themselves as men of science and thought that magic violated the natural laws of the world, it was difficult for the temple to gain a foothold in these lands.

Phenex also knew that Olena Tyrell, Matriarch of the House Tyrell and the most influential and powerful woman in the Reach, didn't particularly care for religion, though she would not approach the temple for any kind of cooperation.

She was a smart and cunning woman that would not act without seeing a benefit to her House and considering the situation in the Reach, she was not going to intervene for the time being.

And while this should have meant that the Red Temple's influence in the North, the Riverlands, and the Reach was limited, that was only on the surface as the spies and courtesans trained under the temple priests, priestesses, and Bellegere, the former Black Pearl of Braavos, had long since infiltrated these lands.

Phenex knew it was only a matter of time before the Red Temple managed to erect some more great temples and spread its influence over the Seven Kingdoms, especially with the chaos that was going to befall these lands, which he knew was just waiting to befall Westeros.

His focus was drawn back to the present though as he sensed the approach of two life forces.

Settling the sleeping beauty down gently, Phenex left Rhaella in the care of his draconic daughters, as he moved towards the people coming in his direction to avoid disturbing her rest.

A short walk and his gaze fell on a stoic man, who led a small girl around seven years of age towards Phenex.

The girl though had other plans it seemed, as she slipped out of the man's grip and ran up to Phenex, while calling out in joy, "Phenex!"

Crouching down, Phenex took hold of the small girl as she ran into his embrace, a gentle smile sitting on his lips, as he did so.

"I see you are in a good mood, Shireen.", Phenex greeted the girl, before turning towards her father, "I am glad you could free up some time so soon, Commander."

"My duties are secondary in the face of your request, my Lord.", the stoic man answered.

Phenex had asked Stannis to bring his daughter to meet him just yesterday, as he had something important to discuss with them. Though he also knew how busy the man was, considering he commanded the naval forces of the whole temple.

Stannis though, while still stoic and generally not too keen on showing his emotions, had not hesitated to free up some of his time for this meeting, as his gratitude for Phenex was only trumped by his loyalty.

The chance Phenex had given him a few years ago had changed his destiny and made him experience what he had sought since he was a young man. Serving under Phenex, he felt valued for his contributions, while the responsibilities and duties he had, gave him a sense of purpose and confidence.

He was a completely different man than he had been five years ago and he knew very well who he had to thank for his opportunity. Stannis was also wholly convinced that Phenex was an incredible ruler, as he had seen the greatness of the Blessed Cities and experienced life in these sanctuaries himself.

His daughter was also incredibly fond of Phenex, as he had regularly visited her over the last few years to read her stories or play with her, after having informed Stannis that Shireen was 'special', which did all the more to increase the man's loyalty.

At this point, Stannis just felt honored to be able to serve under the god before him.

"Come, let's sit down for a few moments, so I can tell you why I asked for you to visit me.", Phenex voiced out, as he guided them to a nearby grove between the vibrant trees, leading Shireen by her hand.

Sitting down on the lush green grass, Phenex' hand turned into immaterial blazing flames, as he grabbed the empty air in front of him. And while Stannis stared at this with only mild surprise, having seen other priests cast their magic a number of times, Shireen's eyes were shining with wonder.

What both of them couldn't see with their mortal senses though, was that the hand reached into a gap in space to bring out an object that Phenex had stored in the temple's vaults from the distance.

Withdrawing his blazing hand, which slowly turned back into mortal flesh, a cream-coloured and scaly egg with golden markings sat in his palm.

"This is the last unhatched dragon egg I have in my possession and also the reason I have called you here.", Phenex intoned calmly, gently setting down the egg before Shireen, "And now it is time that it is hatched."

"L-lord, I-I am afraid I do not understand.", Stannis voiced out visibly shocked, knowing how priceless the egg was.

Shireen's gaze was focused on the egg though, as she tentatively placed her palm on it, brushing her fingers over the smooth scales in a captivated daze.

Smiling faintly, Phenex answered: "Shireen has the gift necessary to hatch the dragon and bond with it. She has been born with the gift to become a dragon rider."

These words rang like thunder in the ears of the father-daughter duo, as they stared wide-eyed at him.

Phenex was telling the truth, as he had sensed her being able to bond with the creature in the egg the moment he had first laid his eyes on the dragon egg.

Knowing about her character only vaguely, Phenex had spent some time every now and then with the girl, to get a better impression of her personality. Over the years though he had grown quite fond of the girl, as she had a kind heart and a bright mind.

Phenex knew that while Shireen was still quite young, this might be the best time for her to learn about the duties and responsibilities of a dragonrider. It would also ensure that her bond with the unhatched dragon would grow very strong over the course of her life.

"C-can I really have a dragon?", Shireen whispered softly, not really sure that she wasn't dreaming.

"You can.", Phenex replied, "I will teach you to be a dragonrider, though you should know that it won't be easy, little fawn. Being a dragonrider is a great privilege, but it also comes with equally great responsibilities."