Chapter 43: Homecoming

Swish—

The warship cleaved through the calm waters, moving serenely under the afternoon sun.

The sea, after the storm, was as quiet as a dignified young maiden. The smooth, mirror-like surface reflected the golden sunlight, and the gentle sea breeze caressed the boy's cheeks like a maiden's delicate hand.

Viserys stood on the highest deck of the Black Death, facing the sea breeze and savoring its gentle touch. His silvery-gold curls fluttered in the wind, and his lovely face was filled with tranquility.

This was the first time since he had arrived in this world that he had allowed himself to relax even a little.

Unlike the advice he had received from the maester earlier, this time Viserys truly felt that the once-looming sense of crisis had temporarily subsided.

At least for now, the immediate threats were gone, allowing him to breathe a sigh of relief and buy himself some time.

"We're almost at Dragonstone."

At this moment, cheers arose from the soldiers on the lower deck. They had spotted the familiar island and knew that they were close to home.

In fact, among the soldiers in this fleet, there were not many from Dragonstone. Most were from the Crownlands near King's Landing and had been recruited there.

Some even hailed from other regions like the Westerlands, the Reach, and the Stormlands. A few were mercenaries from across the Narrow Sea in Essos.

For these soldiers, the concept of "home" had long since become blurred.

They were all poor folk, and in times like these, it was difficult for anyone who wasn't a noble to get ahead. Being a soldier was already considered a decent way out for those who were tall and strong.

At least they could plunder others without worrying about bandits daring to attack them.

For example, in King's Landing, becoming a goldcloak not only required good physical fitness but also a hefty bribe for the recruitment officer, which was no small sum for commoners.

The soldiers now cheered because they were finally returning to Dragonstone. They had survived the war once again, and the long days at sea had numbed them. They longed to set foot on land once more.

Viserys's heart also leaped with anticipation, his beautiful lilac eyes revealing his excitement.

The silver-haired boy then turned and looked in the opposite direction.

According to the nautical charts, the fleet was passing by the tip of a peninsula and navigating through the straits. This was one of the main sea routes between Essos and Westeros.

"Is that... Shipbreaker Bay?" Viserys asked, standing on the deck with his small hands gripping the railing as he gazed at the distant island silhouette.

Turning to the soldier beside him, he asked curiously.

"Yes, Your Grace," replied a slightly plump, black-haired soldier clad in leather armor with a longsword at his waist. He had a good-natured, simple look on his face.

The old knight was resting in the cabin, and an officer in charge of paperwork now accompanied Viserys.

The old knight had replaced his previous bodyguard, and this slightly plump officer now ensured Viserys's safety and answered his many questions.

It was unclear what the old knight's reasons were for making this arrangement.

Perhaps the previous guard was incompetent, or perhaps Viserys simply had too many questions.

Now appearing within the fleet's line of sight was the silhouette of an island, and the soldiers cheered upon seeing it.

Before setting sail, due to the approaching storm, visibility was low at sea, and Viserys had not noticed this nearby island.

However, he knew its name.

Tidehead Island.

Tidehead Island should have been a vassal of the Lord of Dragonstone, and the island's ruling house, House Valyrian, shared the Valyrian bloodline.

Once, they had been closely tied to House Targaryen, frequently intermarrying, but this relationship ceased after the time of Aegon III.

House Valyrian had also been one of the rulers of the seas of Westeros in the past, but during the bloody "Dance of the Dragon," they suffered a significant blow and eventually declined.

All of this had been explained to Viserys by Maester Danyel, who had insisted that he thoroughly study the histories of the various houses, memorizing their sigils and words.

Now, House Valyrian had not openly sided with the usurper, but they had also refused Dragonstone's summons, seemingly content to watch from the sidelines.

Viserys recalled when he and his mother had first arrived at Dragonstone, Queen Rhaella had summoned all the vassals of Dragonstone, but in truth, none had heeded her call.

Tidehead Island, despite its proximity to Dragonstone, had not responded at all, as if they had neither heard nor seen anything.

Viserys understood the choice of his distant relatives.

But while expressing understanding, he also had to be cautious of this neighbor's potential betrayal.

"House Valyrian also has a fleet."

At this moment, a voice came from behind Viserys and the steward.

Ser Joffrey, the old knight, had emerged from the cabin, having heard the two's conversation, and the pair on the deck turned to face him.

"Morford Valyrian is also a man of war."

Ser Joffrey's grizzled hair fluttered, and his weathered cheeks bore age spots as he rested a hand on his belt and gazed into the distance.

"But it's a pity that the fleet may have been lost at sea, and Count Morford has lost his courage as well."

Viserys could detect a hint of mockery in the old man's voice, but he did not press the matter further.

This unprecedented storm had destroyed any ships present in the area, even reducing some islands to nothing but submerged rubble.

Ser Joffrey's words also reassured Viserys that he need not worry about House Valyrian, as he seemed to have picked up on the subtle implications in Viserys' speech.

The Targaryen fleet passed by Tidehead Island without landing or even exchanging greetings, but the islanders were frightened nonetheless.

Viserys stood on the deck at the closest point to the island and finally saw the panicked figures of the startled people in the castle. They swarmed about, seemingly gazing in his direction.

They feared that the Targaryen fleet would pillage Tidehead Island in response to their previous silence.

However, neither Ser Joffrey nor Viserys had any such intentions.

By sailing so close to Tidehead Island, they merely aimed to issue a warning with the aura of their recent victory, urging those with ulterior motives on the island to think twice before making any moves.

Choose wisely.

The Targaryen fleet then sailed towards the horizon.

Tidehead Island was not far from Dragonstone, a mere thirty nautical miles away.

In less than half a day.

As the sun set, the fleet finally broke through the red sea haze and returned to Dragonstone.