Chapter 26 : The aftermath

Corlys Velaryon (108 A.C Thrid Moon)

Little Tyrosh – The Harbor

As Seasnake docked, he looked around at the destruction. At least one-third of the harbor was rubble. He saw where his son's dragon had crashed into the wall. Blood and dark ash were on it, but no dragon, so he still hoped his son lived. The rest around was rubble, and in front of it was an even greater crater in the previous stone paving. It was where Balerion had landed; he hoped it had protected his son. As he looked in front, molten stone and still-smoldering pieces of wood were in front of the crater. Balerion and Aemon had burned all that came and were in front of it.

"Bring out the captives; we will present them to the Prince. Also, bring the captured spoils," he ordered a command after he looked at his brother. "You have the command. I must find out what happened with my son." His brother nodded, "Good brother, find your son."

He walked through the streets and looked at the carnage. Soldiers had been butchered, and even other civilians had been killed. "In every man hides a beast," he muttered. As he walked, patrols of the army guarded the streets, most of them being of the Oathguard of Aemon. They had always been the most disciplined force in the army that set sail to the Stepstones.

As they arrived at the main square, it led directly to the citadel of Little Tyrosh. However, the main square was packed with soldiers from the army and also the people of the city itself, as well as slaves held in bondage. He saw Aemon standing proudly with Valyrian armor shining in the sun.

"Move aside for the Lord Admiral, Corlys Velaryon, Good-Father of Prince Aemon Targaryen," one of the oathguards who had escorted him and commanded in High Valyrian. However, you could hear the gruff northern voice in them.

As he looked at the citadel, he saw that it had a Valyrian design, with the Blackstone of the freehold at its base. Like many structures, the rest had a yellow coloring of sandstone. To the left in front was Balerion himself, lying down in peace. A small black pool of blood was on the left wing. As well as a couple of cauldrons above a fire. What was that for, he wondered. But as he walked closer to the front of the stairs, the other top commanders and, to his relief, his son waited. He wanted to rush to him and embrace him, but he held his emotions in check in front of the men.

He only walked up, "I'm glad you are okay, my son," as he patted him on the shoulder. His son looked somber. He just noticed he had not seen Seasmoke. 'Where his son's dragon was?' He wondered. "Where is Seasmoke?" He asked, Laenor. "Outside the walls, Balerion and Aemon saved us. A bolt hit his shoulder joint, shattering the bone. Balerion carried us outside the walls. He also broke the same wing when we fell into the city, crashing into walls," his son said with tears in his eyes. "He will recover. He is strong, just like his rider. You both were very brave," he said, looking his son in the eyes.

"Lord Corlys, it's good to see you hail. Any injuries?" Aemon questioned him. "No, my Prince, just shock and fear for my son and you. The smoke and dust made it difficult to see." He gave in answer. As he looked at Aemon, the man had a resigned face, accepting the carnage done. The rest of him was covered with ash and dust, making him look more fearsome. With those eyes of knowledge, a man so young shouldn't have. That wasn't the first time he had thought that.

"Well, yes, my brother here gave me much the same," Aemon patted Laenor on the shoulder and gave his son a warm smile. "How was the sea battle? I guess they didn't give much trouble." "No, not much; the ice certainly helped. No ships escaped, and the most prominent people have been captured. As well as large parts of the treasury, as you expected, they would take with them in their cowardly flight."

"Well, we will discuss a plan for the city soon enough and send a message out. Now, let's address the city, shall we," Aemon said with a smirk and walked further atop the stairs to speak to the city. He held a brass megaphone in his hand so that most of the people gathered could hear his words.

"My brave men, you all have fought well today and have given me this city. Little Tyrosh has fallen, but we also have liberated its people, not the Tyroshi. No, not them, but the slaves that had been held hostage by these people who considered some people no better than cattle," he spoke in the common tongue, and he repeated the words in Valyrian. Looking in the crowd, he saw his brother approaching with the captives taken during the sea battle. He saw the fear in their eyes. 'Yes, fear you bastards, it's what you deserve,' he thought, with a smirk.

"Unfortunately, some of my own men have disgraced themselves and have proven themselves no better than the slavers. Bring these men forth." Corlys looked at them, ten in total, all men of different houses of Westeros. "These men have disobeyed my orders. They stand accused of rape, murder." Aemon's face was filled with deep fury, the dragon's and wolf's wrath.

"As I said, no dishonorable acts, but here we are. Let this stand for all of you gathered and those that shall join us. Injustice shall never go unpunished." He gestured toward Balerion, who rose without command; the connection between riders was thick. "I promise you will be the Dread's next meal." He said toward the man, and the man begged him to spare them. Aemon paid them no mind as he gave the command, "Dracarys."

The Black Dread bathed them all in flame. Then, as they burned, he noticed the flame burn less hot, not blasting the dragon used on the city. They burned and screamed, and Balerion charged down, swallowing about three of the men at the time. The last man screamed still; Balerion burned him again, but the dragon burned him to ash, with only a mess of ash and molten stone remaining.

"In whose army do you belong?" Aemon roared to the crowd. "The White Dragon, The White Dragon, The White Dragon," it echoed from the soldiers; he even heard his son shouting the same thing. "So you follow my commands, break them, and that will be your fate." "The White Dragon, The White Dragon, The White Dragon." It was that kind of fanatic loyalty you see sometimes come forth in men, as their leader was inspiring. He wondered if Aemon would tell them to kill their lords. He could believe they might actually do it.

The demonstration of the execution of these men had hardened their resolve more, and it had demonstrated to the gathered people of the city that Aemon would treat them differently. It was a show of no favoritism, and it would inspire loyalty into the hearts of the people, the freemen especially. He did not doubt that some were soon more than willing to join the army.

"To all the enslaved people of Little Tyrosh, for this moment, you are all free. From tomorrow, you will be asked to represent yourselves, to be given assignments, and to choose to work in this city. You will be paid for it and can choose not to do it. Also, in two weeks' time, trials shall be held for all those who have held slaves. Any slave who wants to see justice done can do so, depending on the crime. The severity of the punishment shall vary. All slave owners will already be guilty of the crime of slavery." Aemon paused, "Kepa, Kepa, Kepa, Kaerinio, Kaerinio." If I remember correctly, the words of the freemen were words of father and savior if translated to the common tongue. They all held their hands toward him; it seemed Aemon had gained the loyalty of the freemen.

"I stand here today; this city shall cast off the shadow of slavery, and justice for all shall be shone on it from this day. I shall do my best to break the bonds that held you away. I need your help; together, it can be done. Be better than your masters; be better than these men you saw burn today. Together, we can make the world better than we found it." Aemon spoke with compassion, and he felt even a small swell of pride in Aemon's words.

"The White Dragon, The White Dragon, The White Dragon." A mix of Valyrian and the common tongue sounded across the square.

Rhaenyra Targaryen (108 A.C. Fourth Moon)

Kingslanding – Council Chambers – a moon after the fall of Little Tyrosh

She was inside the council chamber, performing the duties of her father's cupbearer, something she had found more enjoyable since Aemon's counsel echoed in her mind like a guiding mantra – 'learn, listen, and see' – lending a purposeful focus to her responsibilities. Her attention sharpened, and she hung on every word uttered within the chamber's walls.

Surveying the gathering of the small council, each member took their designated seats. Among them, the most recent addition was Tyland Lannister of Casterly Rock, appointed as the master of ships a year prior. With Lord Corlys undertaking military endeavors in the Stepstones, Tyland assumed the crucial role of overseeing naval affairs.

"Your Grace, a message has arrived from Little Tyrosh. It bears the mark of the Crown Prince," the Old Maester spoke as all of them had been seated in their respective places. A palpable tension filled the air as the news of the missive gripped her heart. It had been a full two moons since she last received word from Aemon, her husband, and the mere mention of his name halted her breath for a fleeting moment.

"Little Tyrosh, Maester, why does Aemon write from there? The city is directly under the command of the Triarch and Tyrosh. Open the scroll and read his words," her father said rather impatiently.

"At your pleasure, your grace." Mellos nodded deferentially and commenced the reading of Aemon's missive.

"To His Grace, Viserys Targaryen, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms.

By the decree of this proclamation, I, Aemon Targaryen, Heir to the Iron Throne, Prince of Dragonstone, and Lord of Sea Dragon Point, hereby convey to Your Grace the tidings concerning the Stronghold of Little Tyrosh.

On the third moon and tenth day of the year 108 after the conquest, a direct and triumphant assault was executed, resulting in the fall of the aforementioned stronghold. The entire treasury and naval fleet now reside under my jurisdiction and that of His Grace, the King. The city's slaves have been emancipated and provided with new foundations for their lives, albeit the complete reorganization of the city shall require some time.

Trials conducted in accordance with our established laws have duly punished the guilty. Three ships carrying the convicted have been dispatched to the Wall, while the remainder faced either execution or banishment from the city.

Word has reached us from the Tyroshi High Council of Oligarchs, expressing their withdrawal of support for the Stepstones pirates, apprehensive of potential reprisals on their cities. Volantis has officially pledged support with their fleet. The city is apprehensive about future escalations, but with Volantis' backing, the backing for the brigands is declining. Anticipation is that their support will crumble entirely with the impending blockade, leading to the withdrawal of Lys and Myr's assistance.

Noteworthy is the absence of significant casualties among our forces during the battle, with the sole regrettable incident being the temporary incapacitation of the dragon Seasmoke, struck by a scorpion bolt. Lord Laenor Velaryon is injured, and Seasmoke himself is healing. But with his incapacitation, a missive has been dispatched to Driftmark to summon Lady Laena to help in this endeavor. To ensure the protection of the upcoming blockade.

News of this triumph has been sent to Dorne, Dragonstone, Old Town, Winterfell, and Sea Dragon Point. Additionally, messages have been directed to my wife, Princess Rhaenyra, my mother, and my sister, as well as to the master of coin to discuss future trade possibilities beseeching their prompt arrival.

Should Your Grace deem it appropriate, I extend an invitation to dispatch a member of the Master of Laws to inspect the nascent institutions in Little Tyrosh. Furthermore, I seek any counsel Your Grace may offer to facilitate the seamless transition of Little Tyrosh into a bastion befitting the Iron Throne.

Presently, I lead the final assault against the Isle of Skulls, to commence immediately following the initiation of the blockade.

Yours faithfully,

Prince Aemon Targaryen, Heir to the Iron Throne, Prince of Dragonstone, Lord of Sea Dragon Point."

Aemon had written her and was unharmed. Laena was going to the Stepstones to fight in the war or scout, but she wasn't sure. She was a little disappointed that she wasn't going to see her beloved husband again, but it might be better; she was younger, and the same was said about Syrax. Vhagar was the second largest dragon in the world; Laena wasn't the king's daughter. She suspected her father wouldn't have let her go; he was the king and could overrule any command Aemon could give her.

"Your Grace, this has been an unprovoked attack on the domain of the Triarch and the city of Tyrosh. Their territory was invaded by an army of Westeros sanctioned by the Crown. For now, the Triarch is weakened, but who is to say they would retaliate in the future?" Otto said, his tone harsh and condescending.

"I heartily agree, Your Grace. Laenor could have fallen, the heir to Driftmark. Who is to say the Seasnake wouldn't have blamed us for his fall?" Melos said, and she rolled her eyes; yes, of course. She had yet to hear an argument from Otto that the Grandmaster had yet to disagree with.

"Your Grace, as much as I would say, taking Little Tyrosh was a risk. It isn't as dissimilar to what your ancestors did. To my current seat, Harrenhal. By wiping out House Hoare, he sent a message to all lords that would resist him in the future. It was one of the reasons why Lord Orys took Storm's End, and it did not burn, as well as House Stark bending the knee because of the field of fire," Lord Lyonel argued. "Continue, Lyonel," her father said with a wave.

"Prince Aemon has sent a message about what could happen to their other cities. Tyrosh has now backed out, and possible discord is now in the High Council of the Triarch. Also, it will make the Triarch uneasy as the free slaves in Little Tyrosh might spark thoughts of rebellion in the slaves of the Triarch. Prince Aemon might have acted with his gut, but it isn't something your ancestors haven't done before. I say it a calculated risk your brother and heir has taken." She was happy; it seemed that at least some in this small council had sense.

"Your Grace, I also have something to add." The master of the coin had spoken up. Her father nodded in approval. "Tyrosh, Your Grace, and its smaller city itself are makers of fine dye and with the capture of the city. The Iron Throne has acquired this as well. Tyrosh held the main monopoly, and we also hold a share in it. It will lower the cost of dye, and we will also gain a share in the revenue gathered for selling it as well."

"Thank you for your insight, Lord Beesbury. A valuable thought, it certainly shall be taken into account," her father said, and she saw a frown on Otto's head. It seemed trying to discredit Aemon wasn't working. Her father looked at his master of ships, gesturing him to speak his voice on the matter.

Then Lord Tyland spoke entering the discussion. "Well, Your Grace, all shipping reports have increased this past year, as I lay the year report beside the two years before, still not at the level of before Triarch and brigands took control of the Stepstones. I suppose one of the downsides to this war is that much of the naval power is there. I have received reports from my brother that the Westerlands have seen an increase in raids. The Tyrells and the lord of the Reach have sent in similar reports. I suggest that perhaps part of the western fleet of the Arbor and lords on the Sunset Sea can return. To halt these increases in the raids, I suspect these are Ironborn rogues." He wanted to take away ships; now, the blockade and fall of the Stepstones were this close.

"For now, I suggest that Casterly Rock and the West deal with this. As far as I know, the West supplied only a handful of ships for the expedition. Lord Tyland, if the raids increase in the future, we shall revisit the matter of ships in the Stepstones. For now, I shall write to Lord Vickon of Pyke to inquire after these raids," her father said, and it seemed to quiet Tyland, suggesting removing ships from the Stepstones.

"Your Grace, you are much appreciated for your efforts. I shall write my brother about this report." "Very well. Are there any other reports that require attention?" Her father questioned, looking around the Council table. She filled the cups again as most had drained theirs.

Otto spoke then, "Yes, there is; I have received reports from Runestone. I thought it wished to inquire about it since Daemon moved there. Since Daemon arrived, the army he stole from Kingslanding has settled in, and reports of increased lumber, stone exports, and raw materials have come in. It seems your brother is planning something. As for Lady Royce, she has accepted him back, even rumors of Lady Royce being with child." Her father coughed in shock. "Indeed, Your Grace, I had the very same reaction. If the rumors are true, we will hear about that soon enough. Although I doubt it, Daemon has spoken often enough about his disdain for Lady Rhae."

'Had Daemon really consummated his marriage, she would have been surprised if he had. What Otto had said was true; Daemon had often spoken about the disdain of Lady Rhae.' She thought, surprised. "Well, if my brother becomes a father, perhaps his temper might lessen. It seems Aemon's and the Princess's arrival on Dragonstone has perhaps changed his mind," her father said.

"I find it rather unlikely, Your Grace. Daemon has never been someone to change," Otto rebuked. 'Well, dear hand, you are very much the same,' she thought bitterly.

"Well, if that's all, I think we can end here for today," her father said, and he stood up and left the room, followed by his Kingsguard.

Queen chambers.

Alicent had invited her for tea; Alicent had been a good mother to Aegon. She seemed to love him, still having been quite sore for her; Baelon was dead, as was her mother. Now, there was a new wife for her father and a boy to dote on, although her father hadn't been seen much with him, mostly leaving it to Alicent and her maids. She wondered about it as she looked at the boy in her crib. "He looks peaceful. He has no thought of war. No thought about life or the realm," she said as Alicent came standing beside her. "Yes, for now, he still is blissfully unaware," Alicent said with a smile. "For now, yes, I wonder if I'm ever so blessed with a son and how he would look like me or his father." She half-laughed at the thoughts. A year ago, her mother said she didn't have the burden of childbearing. Now, she was hoping for it, and perhaps she could bear herself a little Aemma.

"Well, I'm sure Aemon will give you what you desire when he returns. I think he would be a wonderful father, of what I heard, and he is wonderful to his sister and his cousins." Alicent smiled brightly when she spoke of Aemon; it seemed one of the two topics that made her smile. The other was her son. "Yes, I think so too, and an uncle." Alicent nodded, then beckoned toward the brought-in tea. She nodded, and they both took their seats.

"Aemon has written," she said after she had taken a sip of her tea. She looked at Alicent, her eyes sparkling up a little. "He has, hmm, I hope all good news?" "Yes, mostly. Aemon has taken Little Tyrosh. It caused Tyrosh to withdraw support, but during the siege, Seasmoke was injured." She said, her voice saddened for her cousin. He hadn't been hurt, but she suspected it had been a terrifying experience.

"Laenor was unhurt, but Seasmoke is incapacitated for the foreseeable future. Aemon has asked for Laena to come to the Stepstones; she might already be on her way or has yet to receive Aemon's summons." She said somberly. 'Aemon, oh, how she missed him. She hoped he would come back soon, and this damn war would be over.' She thought as she hung her head down.

Alicent spoke then. "Well, Vhagar is the second-largest dragon in Westeros. I don't know much about the intrigues of war, but having the dragon might only help." She wasn't wrong. She only feared for Laena. 'It had been a moon since she had seen her, and deep down, she started to feel something. Their couplings had been passionate, and with Aemon's absence, they had only each other. Soon, she would be alone. At least Aemon and Laena would have each other.' That thought was both saddening and brought happiness. The thought of Aemon having someone to love again beside his side after a year of war, he deserved it.

"Well, I only hope they both return. I have come to care for them both; I love Aemon as my husband, and I p.." She paused as she wasn't too sure she could say more. Relationships between the same sex were frowned upon by the Faith. Then again, her marriage had, by all books, multiple sins.

"Rhaenyra, I'm your friend, a sister. You can tell me anything," Alicent said as she held her hand. "Well, I might have feelings for Laena. It's all still new. We have been together ever since Aemon left." Her face was red as she felt it. "Yes, I know. You and Laena slept in the same room when she visited Kingslanding. With feelings, you mean caring for the other wife of your husband. I suspect it's more than normal if you share a husband," Alicent said. Oh, dear friend.

"No, that's not what I meant. With together, I mean coupling." She said in a shallow voice. "Oh," Alicent's eyes were large, and her cheeks started blushing. "I understand; that's good, I suppose. I can't really speak on it. But I suppose it's helpful if you share a husband," Alicent spoke very timidly.

"Yes, it was strange at first without Aemon, but it was a relief. We both missed him and partnered when Aemon was still here, so that was a good starter." She blushes happily. "Well, I suppose coupling with one's partner is more than expected." 'Oh, yes, it was, and she wanted to couple with her husband, to be full with him.' She wondered if Alicent wanted the same. 'Thinking back now, she had seen Alicent look at her own wedding. She had confessed she was in love with Aemon. She wonders what Alicent experienced when she had sex. She was as loving and passionate as she had experienced with Aemon and Laena. She wanted to ask but wasn't sure if she wanted to know about the woman who had lain with her father. Perhaps one day I will ask her.' She thought as looked at her friend.

"Hmm, well, it's expected, but I don't think the Faith means a woman with a woman." She said with a sly smile, and they both chuckled.

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