Chapter 20

Chapter 20

ARMANDO FEROSA

Armando Ferosa sat with his councilors as they discussed the latest developments over the last couple of weeks. His counselor, which included Alisano Nesaris, one of his oldest friends, sat to his left, followed by his Bravo. And on the other side were two other key holders of the Iron Bank, Panthor Derkins and Ellen Flement. He had known these gentlemen for years, and they had been instrumental in helping him become the Sea Lord.

Armando smiled at his oldest friend Alisano, as he decided to skip all the small talk and just get on with the reason for their special gathering.

"So, I believe at this point all of you have heard of what happened in Westeros a week ago?" he began, and the three members nodded. Of course, they had heard. Compared to Bravos, Westeros was a land of savages, yet it was necessary to keep an eye on happenings there, for that land was also home to the last remaining vestiges of Valyria itself.

"Indeed, we have, and it seems that the young Prince Aenys felled Vhagar," began Panthor as his oldest friend added from the side.

"There are also reports of very big differences forming between him and his family; I have heard that the Prince has vowed never to step back there again," asked Alisano from the side before he suddenly frowned as he added.

"Didn't the Prince come to meet you a couple of days ago? I have also heard that there was a lady with him, someone that hasn't been seen in Bravos previously?" and Armando noticed how all three were now looking at him for the answers.

The Sealord nodded as he began.

"It is true that the Prince came to visit me a couple of days ago. And we did talk a bit about what happened in Westeros, and I was able to confirm that the Prince has indeed slain Vhagar," and there were gasps as he confirmed the news. And why wouldn't there be?

Vhagar, the brown beast, was the second-largest dragon alive after the Black Dread. The giant beast was said to be large enough to devour Auroch whole. And now it was gone. Dead at the hands of a Prince famed for his prowess as a healer instead of his prowess as a fighter.

"And what about the strife between him and King Viserys?" questioned Panthor, and Armando nodded.

"That was a rather delicate topic, but from what I could understand, those rumors are also somewhat true. The brothers have had a falling out, and it is probable that Prince Aenys won't return to Westeros again," and he saw their minds race as they tried to process the implication of that decision. And Armando waited for a couple of seconds before he continued.

"And your second question brings me to why I called for this meeting?" and he saw them perk up at his words. For Prince Aenys hadn't returned alone this time and had brought someone rather interesting with himself.

"When the Prince came to visit me, he was joined by a rather lovely lady. A lady whom the Prince intends to marry in a couple of months," and he saw their eyes widen at his words. And Armando had been surprised as well. It was no secret that Lady Maegella, god bless her departed soul, had been trying to get the Prince settled before her untimely demise. Truth was that he and other elites of Bravos had been trying to do something similar, for having a dragon-riding Prince with wealth and influence like that was no small matter. It was also the reason they had nudged the Poetess towards the Prince, hoping that perhaps her ignominious beauty could sway the Prince's heart.

"Who was she?" questioned Sarmind, and Armando waited a second before he told them the name of the lady that the Prince intended to marry.

"She is Lady Alicent Hightower, and from my investigations, the Prince fought a duel wagering his Valyrian Steel sword for her hand, and from what I saw, she holds considerable influence on Aenys," and he saw them frown at his words.

"That cannot be true. Why would he have to fight for a chance to marry her? House Hightower should have been honored that the Prince had chosen their daughter as his wife," said Panthor, and Armando shrugged.

"I don't know the details myself, but I have dispatched men to bring them to me. But that's minor news. The main purpose of Prince Aenys's visit was something else. Something more dangerous and personal," he began again.

"The Prince has asked for our assistance in bringing down Drahar. The Prince plans to hire a mercenary company. The Company of the Rose to bring down Drahar," which was expected after Lady Maegella's fate. Armando had expected this. Yet, with the Prince's estrangement from Westeros, the circumstances had changed, and now he would be using the mercenary group for his revenge against the pirate who killed her family.

"You do know who stands behind Drahar, right? We cannot rush into this blindly," said Flement, and Armando nodded. While not a match for Bravos's might, the Triarchy could not underestimate.

"Yes, and that is why I have called you all here. To discuss whether we support the Prince in this or not," all three nodded as the discussion began in earnest.

"What are the Prince's conditions?" spoke Sarmind.

"The Prince wants Drahar for himself. He is open to discussion on the rest," said Armando.

"And what about those who stand behind Drahar? Does he plan on sparing them?" spoke Flement, and Armando shook his head.

"No, he doesn't. Though he did not elaborate, I have never seen him more enraged than this in all the time I have known him. Today, or years later, Aenys will destroy them all," and the whole chambers were quiet at his words. Armando considered himself a good judge of character, and in all the years he had known Aenys, he had never seen such hatred and anger in his eyes.

"Well then, let's hear your thoughts. Should Bravos support Prince Aenys in his revenge against Cragas Drahar and strengthen our relationship with the Prince, or we remain neutral to avoid upsetting the Triarchy?"

The discussion would go deep into the night. And only when the Sun had set and night had enveloped all of Bravos Sarmind Mealrios walked out of the Sealord's castle in his characteristic purple robes as he toyed with the ornate key hanging around his neck.

"Alicent Hightower, just who are you to sway the heart of a man who never cast a second glance even at the Poetess herself," he muttered into the night as he kept toying with his neck.

"Well, no matter. It seems we have quite an opportunity on our hands!"

0000

RODRIK ELROSE- Captain of the Company of Rose.

The city of Bravos had always fascinated him. It had been the first symbol of rebellion against the Valyrian freehold. Unlike the other free cities, Bravos was the only one who held true to the title. All the rest originated as colonies of the Valyrian empire, yet Bravos was the first ever free city.

The first beacon of freedom from the horrors of Old Valyria and its wings beasts. He liked the similarity he shared with the city. The red rose embroidered on his and his companion's shirts spoke of similar defiance.

The origins of his company, The Company of Rose, lay in a similar defiance. A mercenary group founded by men and women from the North, composed of people who refused to bow down to the dragon's might. Formed by the rebellious son of the King Who Knelt, the company of the Rose was a symbol of defiance.

Yet much like the man sitting in front of him was anti-thesis to Bravos's founding, his presence here was the antithesis to the purpose of his great grandsire's ambition. A Nortman working for a Targaryen. But what could he do for the Prince had gold to offer and if Rodrik wouldn't take it. There were plenty of others who would be willing to take it. So, it better be him who gets the Gold because it was a lot of Gold.

There were many names for him, Aenys Targaryen, the exiled prince, the healer prince, and now the latest one.

The Dragon Slayer.

Rodrik's eyes went up and down the man's form as his companion chatted with the man, and he tried to match it with all he knew of the man. The younger dragon Prince was said to be a healer of godly skill. The magisters and the merchants sang praises of the man and called him a Saint for his ability.

"So, Prince Aenys, I believe we should now focus on the main reason for this meeting," said Kimber, his paymaster from the side. Despite Rodrik's protests, The red-haired man had convinced Rodrik to accept the offer from the famed Targaryen Prince.

The infamous healer prince put down his wine glass and nodded as Rodrik's eyes wandered around the room. The Prince's manse was impressive and spoke of massive wealth. A wealth that he had amassed doing the opposite of what Rodrik.

"Yes, I believe that would be better. You mentioned a willingness to accept my offer to bring down Cragas Drahar and his whole followers. You will be paid a hundred thousand gold dragons and a quarter of his plunder. I believe those terms are generous enough," began the Dragon Slayer.

The Prince had felled down a dragon, and not just any dragon. Vhagar, the largest dragon alive and Rodrik still found it ironic that it was him, the healer who did it.

"And yes, those terms are agreeable. But there is still the matter of ships to discuss. We would need at least a hundred ships. The company itself holds around thirty, but we would still need…." But Rodrik cut off his paymaster as he decided to ask the man himself.

"Did you really kill a dragon!" and he saw those purple orbs land on him. He felt Kimber pinch him in the leg as Aenys Targaryen looked him over before nodding slowly.

"Yes, I did," and Rodrik nodded at that and suddenly broke out into a small laugh. He didn't miss the horrified look on his paymaster's face at his behavior. The Prince sitting opposite them frowned as well.

"I am sorry for my captain. I think he has drunk a bit too mu…" began Kimber from the side. But Rodrik cut him off.

"Slaying dragon. Do you know how many kids dream of such a thing? Idiots, all of them, I would say, but there is a certain glory associated with bringing one down. None have ever been able to do that. For no warrior since the age of the Free Hold has ever been to do so. And now, the only person who pulls it off is a healer. A Healer!" and he couldn't himself as he broke out into a chuckle again.

"Are you trying to insu…" and Rodrik immediately shook his head.

"No. No. Nothing of the sort. I just find it all rather ironic. That of all the people in the world who could have felled a dragon. It was the one they call A Saint," he tried to explain further but was cut off by his paymaster.

"The news of your feat was quite a shock, my Prince. The Captain himself was quite impressed by such a feat and couldn't believe that a dragon had been killed. But let us move on," Kimber interrupted as he leaned closer and whispered.

"Shut your mouth, captain!" Rodrik recognized that tone as well. Kimber was getting mad, so he decided to get on to the main topic.

"Well, moving on to your pirate problem. Drahar has at least two hundred ships and can always ask for more from his backers in the triarchy," and the Prince raised his hand at that stopping him. And Rodrik felt a change in the Prince's demeanor as those amethyst orbs lit up. His voice was also sharper

"I believe I will have to correct you on that. Drahar will not be getting any more support from the Triarchy," began the Prince making him frown. Drahar was a Myrish Prince. The only reason he posed such a big threat was because of the backing of the Triarchy.

"What do you mean by that, Prince Aenys," asked Kimber from the side. And he saw the prince's eyes glint sharply as he replied.

"The wise magisters of the Traichy have rid themselves of all those who supported Drahar in this whole venture. Most of his major backers have been beggared because of their support of such a heinous crime," replied the Prince, his tone sharp but monotonous, yet the clear disregard with which the Prince spoke made Rodrik lick his lips. He also understood exactly what the Prince's words met.

Rodrik was well aware of just how much backing, Drahar had, and yet the Prince in front of him had dismantled them all within months. Wealth and influence built by families over decades are all lost in merely two months.

"Nonetheless, I won't bore you with the details. But I can assure you that, Drahar will have no support. And as for ships, I have a modest fleet of my own which I will lend you for this task, and the rest can be leased from the Sea Lord," and Kimber gulped as he nodded.

"That seems appropriate!" began Kimber however, the Prince suddenly swirled his wine and spoke up once again.

0000

RHAENYS VELARYON

Rhaenys' heart lurched as she watched the Maesters take care of her daughter. And once more, she cursed the gods for putting her daughter through all this. She watched as her daughter lay there, pale and thin as a sheet, and the slow movement of her chest was the only hint of life.

"She will be fine. The Maesters say they expect her to wake up any day," came her husband's voice from behind as she felt his reassuring hand on her shoulder. And she also looked back and found him staring at their daughter with grief-filled eyes.

"Come with me. I bring news from the Council," said Corlys as he led her away from Laena's room. The Capital had been clamoring with gossip and murmurs about the whole incident that had taken place at Dragonstone. The crown could do little to suppress the spread of such massive news; hence, it had spread like fire.

Even in her manse, she could hear them whisper about how the King and the rogue Prince abandoned their brother. And how Aenys Targaryen became a god of thunder and brought down the mighty Vhagar. She heard them call him the blessed and many other names, and each time she heard her cousin's name, her heart lurched in pain and guilt.

"What happened?" she questioned her husband as they entered their chambers. The Council meeting was set to take place a couple of days later. However, a letter from the castle had arrived from Viserys for an emergency summons.

Corlys sat down on the chair and poured a glass of Arbor Gold for each of them before he finally replied.

"The King received news from Bravos today," and her hand stilled while reaching for the glass. She looked up at Corlys, who had a complicated expression on his face as he continued.

"There was news that the Captain of the Company of Rose was in Bravos, meeting a backer for a contract to clear out the Pirates in the Stepstones," and her eyes widened at that. For all the realm knew exactly who bore the Pirates a grudge.

"Is it Aenys?" she questioned, and Corlys nodded.

"Indeed, it is him. My sources in Myr already speak of how Alessandro Freguino and the rest of the Magisters who backed Drahar and his ilk are losing their influence and fortunes rapidly. Aenys has been using his influence to beggar them so he could strike at Drahar," and she could only nod at that. She sipped her wine as Corlys continued.

"Viserys wanted my opinion about how to deal with this," Corlys added, and she looked up at him.

"What did you say?" she questioned him. Corlys sighed as he replied.

"The matter is complex. If it were simply about Aenys, I would have advised him to stay out of the issue. Or just offer support to him. But the Bravos could use this opportunity to assert their control over those islands, and the Crown cannot have that," began Corlys while she understood that. She also knew what Corlys was implying.

"So, what did you say?" she asked him.

"I have advised Viserys to make common cause with Bravos. And perhaps we could both sign a treaty for hiring the Company of the Rose to clear the islands and then use them to maintain peace on the islands," he began, and the tone of his voice told her that Viserys hadn't liked the idea. Truthfully, she did not like the idea either.

Having a mercenary company controlling those islands was dangerous for the Kingdom.

"But the Council didn't like it. And in the end, Daemon got what he always wanted," and her heart stilled at that.

"War," she finished his words, and Corlys nodded as he drowned his cup.

"War," he said as he placed his cup back on the table with force a frown marring his forehead.

"If Aenys catches wind of this, it will push him further away. Has he replied to any of the letters?" she asked him. And Corlys shook his head.

"He hasn't. I have been thinking about writing to him for Laena," but she stopped him and shook her head.

"He won't come," she cut him off. His healer was already here and taking care of her daughter. And she shivered as she remembered the look in his eyes as he stood atop the dead body of Vhagar. Those eyes had been filled with pain, and a moon was too little time to wash away such pain.

"I know. But someone has to tell him about the War. Viserys and Daemon are behaving as if nothing happened," and she wasn't surprised by that.

Though before she could say anything, there was a knock on the door. She frowned as her husband stood up and walked up to the door. He opened the door, and she saw a servant standing there with a scroll in his hand. He passed it to her husband and left with a bow.

"What is it?" she questioned him as he rejoined her with a frown on his face.

"It's a missive from Viserys," he replied as he broke the seal and opened the missive.

"He has invited us to dinner. A private family dinner for the whole family!"

0000

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