Chapter 13: Beneath the Dragonmont (Aegon, Nyel)

𝐅𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧, 𝟖𝟎𝟏𝟐

𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐲𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤

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The burning embers of the pyre slowly made their way into the starry night sky as a warm sea wind from the gullet embraced the courtyard.

Aegon stood beside his cousin Corlys Velaryon as they watched Aethen Velaryons body slowly burn.

Aegon's Velaryon cousin, who had served as master of ships for over a decade had died of natural causes the week prior.

The King placed a hand on Corlys's shoulder, who was Aethens younger brother and walked to the front of the pyre to address the court of Driftmark, which was joined by Visenya and her children.

''I knew my cousin Aethen Velaryon since my boyhood….as children we would swim out to the gullet in the dark of night…challenging each other to see who would turn back first….never once did he turn back in fear….my mother used to say he was half-fish…born to be at sea.'' Aegon began.

''He showed the same courage in his role as High Admiral of my Kingdoms….serving in the role for over a decade….he fought at the battle of Gulltown, taking up command of the fleet after his father was slain in the battle, he commanded the Redwyne fleet in putting down the Ironborn rebellion, and years later commanded my fleet in Dragonstone during the Dornish war, sieging the castle of Ghaston Gray, and forcing it to capitulate….the man was a loyal servant of the throne…and a formidable warrior.'' Aegon continued, several members of the crowd nodding.

''May he be given rest.'' Aegon said and the crowd murmured agreement.

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The King then turned to the crowd ''My cousin left behind an heir as well, Daemon, step forward.''

Daemon Velaryon stepped forward, a young man of about 18 with long silver hair and the beginnings of a beard.

He knelt ''You honor my father and our house with your words.''

''Daemon Velaryon….son of Aethen…I do confirm your right as lord of Driftmark, Lord of the Tides, and charge you to continue your fathers role as master of ships, the High Admiral of the seven Kingdoms.'' Aegon continued.

Daemon rose ''Your grace….I feel I am not worthy of the honor…it would be enough to rule Driftmark in your name.''

Aegon frowned, it was most unusual to reject such an honor from one's King and he would have preferred to have a Velaryon in the position, but he would not force the boy to accept the honor.

''As you wish.'' Aegon said and he returned to stand beside Corlys.

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As the last embers of the pyre began to disappear into the night sky, Aegon made his way to his chambers, gesturing Corlys to join him. The two made their way to a balcony outside and sat at a table, the King gestured for his son Vaemond to pour them both a cup of wine.

''Not many boys that age would turn down an appointment that would make them a member of the small council and one of the leading naval powers in the Kingdoms.'' Aegon grumbled.

Corlys took a sip of wine ''From what I know of the boy it does not surprise me…some men have ambition…my nephew is most assuredly not cut from that cloth.''

''Still…..it is one more appointment that must be made.'' Aegon said with some annoyance.

It had been a season of funerals. Jon Rosby, master-of-arms of the Aegonfort had died as well. Aegon had grown quite close to the man, sharing many a dinner with the lord to the point Aegon considered him one of his few true friends, but one morning he did not show up to drill Vaemond and Dalton Wynch. When a servant was sent to rouse him, he was found dead in a chair, a cup of wine close by.

Grandmaester Arlan had examined the wine, and afterwards had shared a quiet word with the King confirming his suspicion that Lord Rosby had been poisoned. As with most poisonings the true killer would likely never be brought to justice so Aegon had to come to terms that he would likely never bring justice for his friend. He had hoped to make Aethon Velaryon the new master-at-arms in addition to his role as high admiral but his cousin had died before he could accept the role. Aegon would need to find a new master of ships in addition to a new master-at-arms now, the main candidate was Jon Mooton, Lord of Maidenpool who had served Aegon well during the conquest.

Old Torrhen Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North had also passed away. Aegon had sent Rhaenys to Winterfell to attend his funeral as well as confirm Brandon Stark's title as the new Warden of the North, hence why she was not present at her cousin's funeral.

Another change to the council had come after the death of Balman Hayford, with Aegon appointing his sister Visenya to the role, the contacts gained during her tour of Essos proving very useful.

Corlys looked out to sea from the balcony, the waves crashing against the dark stone of the castle, rhythmic and gentle.

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''I am glad I got to see it….one more time, before I will join my brother.'' The Lord Commander of the Kingsguard said softly watching the waves roll against the castle walls.

Aegon shook his head, fiercely ''The Grandmaester has assured me your illness is minor….and he has given you the best treatment in my Kingdoms.''

Corlys chuckled lightly at that ''I never knew you to be one to put much stock into the words of maesters cousin.''

''Arlan is a capable man…and I trust him on this matter….you have many years yet.'' Aegon responded.

Aegon had been surprised when his cousin was dismounted quite early on the third day in the Grand Tourney of Kings Landing, his cousin was a fine lance and many expected him to win the champions purse.

It had soon become apparent that the Lord Commander was not himself, having a pale complexion, suffering from vomiting and oft times not being able to train with the other sworn brothers of the Kingsguard.

Corlys had attributed this to some seasonal sickness but Rhaenys had been so concerned she had all but forced him to visit the Grandmaester Arlan, who had revealed the truth of the matter.

Corlys was suffering from a cancer that was sapping his energy. Arlan, while cautioning that it was serious, said it was one of the more minor forms he had seen

''I hope you are right.'' Corlys said.

''Your book will have many pages yet.'' Aegon said with a small smile, referring to the White book, a book Corlys had proposed to keep the histories of each member of the Kingsguard

The two sat there for quite some time, reminiscing about their childhood in Driftmark, which Aegon ahd visited frequently as a boy. The following morning Aegon and his family would make the short voyage by sea from Driftmark to Dragonstone.

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𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬

𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞

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Nyel ran a hand over the rough stone sculpture, carved into the shape of a Dragon. The salty sea winds of the Gullet had faded its features but Nyel thought it had its own type of beauty.

Her mother smiled softly ''As children, your father and aunt and I had a game we would play, we would go through the castle and the towers and look for any sculpture or carving that resembled a dragon….I once counted over two hundred I believe….our father…your grandfather put a stop to it when he discovered your father climbing the outside of the Sea Dragon tower, looking for carvings.''

Nyel laughed at that, she had enjoyed these stories of her mothers childhood, until now she only knew Dragonstone from reputation, but it was entirely different to see it in person.

After the funeral in Driftmark, instead of returning immediately to Kings Landing, her father had decided to take them to Dragonstone for a few days, her family's ancestral seat, thinking the children should see it.

The castle had been an impressive sight as their boat approached, dark and foreboding with the very castle itself seemingly taking flight with all the large stone dragon sculptures along its parapets and ramparts.

The castle was smaller than she had thought, however it was seemingly made larger by the massive Volcano called the Dragonmont that towered above the castle, which had been built into the very mountain itself.

Nyel and Visenya continued along the outdoor walkway, a warm wind coming in from the gullet.

Visenya pushed open a heavy oak door and gestured to Nyel to enter. Nyel followed and looked inside the chamber, which was filled with dark light from the four windows, stained black.

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At the center of the chamber was a massive wooden table, some fifty feet long and in some places half as wide, the dark light in the chamber seemed to reflect off the heavily varnished and polished table, creating a sort of glow around it.

Nyels eyes widened at the impressive sight of it and she approached, running a hand down the smooth table until she reached Dragonstone.

''Your grandfather had it made for Aegon after he burned a Volantene fleet as a young man, your father was once quite influential in Essosi politics….but his true ambition always lay westwards….Your father and I and your aunt planned our invasion at this very table.'' Visenya said, a hint of nostalgia creeping in at the end.

Aegon made visits to Dragonstone quite frequently to hold court and inspect the garrison, and Rhaenys often flew Meraxes to the gullet when she found the time, but Visenya was not a woman that liked to leave her children, and had not been back to the place of her childhood for several years.

''Why is there no Essos?'' Nyel asked, she loved hearing tales of the East, particularly those from Norvos, where she had been born.

Visenya smiled ''Does it look like this chamber can fit a table that large….I shudder to think of the cost making one for Essos would cost….it would be near 100 feet wide…..though I suppose when you are lady of Dragonstone you can do as you please.''

Nyel looked shocked ''Lady of Dragonstone.''

Visenya nodded ''You were not meant to know of this now, and do not mention it to anyone in the court but your father means to make your brother Vaemond the Lord of Dragonstone when he comes of age to give him experience in ruling….and you shall rule alongside him.

Nyel was silent at that, in truth she did not know what to think about the prospect of marrying Vaemond. It was not so much the concept that was strange to her, she had known what would be expected of her to keep the bloodline pure, but she had a hard time thinking of Vaemond as anything but a brother, in truth the two were at an age where they seldom interacted and did their best to ignore each other.

Nyel nodded and looked outside the window, where her brother Vaemond was practicing his sword play under the watchful observation of the King and the knights of the Kingsguard.

''Is that why father has been spending so much time with him here?'' Nyel asked. She had scarcely seen her father or brother the past few days. Almost immediately after landing her Lord father had ridden with Vaemond to the small nearby village of Derlyn and then to the adjacent keep of Windwrym, introducing Vaemond to the notable inhabitants.

Visenya nodded ''Your father wants to teach Vaemond the layout of the land he will one day rule.''

''Does Vaemond know.'' Nyel asked, the thought of her brother being a lord in a few years was an exciting prospect.

Visenya shook her head ''No…your father means to tell him on his 16th name day, and I would appreciate if you kept this between us Nyel.''

Nyel nodded solemnly.

Visenya gestured for Nyel to follow ''Come….it's time you saw the garden.''

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They made their way through dark hallways and open air courtyards until at last, tucked away in an isolated courtyard, Visenya pushed open an Iron door and they entered a small open-air courtyard.

The smell of pine hit Nyel immediately, as she wandered in. Dark trees grew on both sides of the courtyard, while wild roses, cranberry bushes, and neatly trimmed hedges filled the courtyard out. A small stone pathway led to a large obsidian sculpture in the shape of a dragon.

''Your aunt Rhaenys and I spent much time here….she used to write songs here, It is good to see the gardeners have looked after the place, it is not easy to maintain with the salt air.'' Visenya said, looking around.

''I think i'll stay here a while mother.'' Nyel said, suddenly tired, the air was warm and sweet smelling and the courtyard walls diverted most of the sea winds.

Visenya nodded, kissing her on the cheek before leaving to go attend to some business.

Nyel made her way to the Dragon Sculpture, placing her Dragon egg beside her before laying in the soft grass and before she knew it she was asleep.

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She dreamt of Dragons, there were dozens of them, in every color imaginable, filling the skies of Dragonstone watching her, she could not understand how she knew, but in her dream she knew that they were long dead though somehow she found herself able to put names to every one.

Their wings created a howling wind which tore through the castle, in her dream Nyel was in the garden, looking up at them the wind beating against her face, picking up so much she was forced backwards, into the stone dragon.

She felt nothing at first, but then the stone dragon started to burn, turning bright red and orange, she reached out to touch it and felt a sudden flash of pain, she tried to pull her hand away but she could not, the dragon was burning her, hurting her.

Nyel awoke with a searing pain in her hand. When she opened her eyes to look at the source she saw that in her sleep she had grabbed her Dragon Egg, it had always been red, speckled with white but as she saw it now it was bright red, like a sword being forged by a smith.

Suddenly the egg began to slowly crack, from all sides, long black lines appearing on the previously smooth egg.

Nyel did not cry out and instead watched with fascination and excitement as the egg slowly destroyed itself.

Some time later, Visenya re-entered the garden, concerned that her daughter had not yet returned.

To her amazement she returned to not just Nyel, but also a small dragon, crimson red with horns white as bone with two long white stripes going down from the horns all the way to the tail.

The tiny dragon flapped through the garden, with Nyel close by, the dragon occasionally stopping its flight to rest upon her shoulders, her daughter scarcely noticed her.

Soon Aegon and Vaemond also appeared in the garden, a small crowd of stewards and guardsmen also forming.

Nyel turned to her family proudly as the tiny dragon perched upon her shoulder, giving a little roar.

''The first dragon to be born in the world in near seventy years.'' her father said softly, his normally stern and lordly face broken out into a full grin, while Vaemond looked equally shocked.

''Mother what was the name of the bell in Norvos….the strong booming one.'' The princess asked with a smile on her face.

''Narrah….'' Visenya managed to say after a long period of silence, her eyes still transfixed on the little hatchling, born of an egg from her own dragon Vhagar.

''Just as that bell signals strength…so too will my dragon…I name it Narrah.'' Nyel said happily.

The hatchling seemed to approve and let out another roar, this time a bit of smoke appeared, mixing with the heavy air from the volcano Dragonmont above them, seemingly standing watch over the event.

For the first time in seventy years, a new dragon had entered the world, though whether it would do good or evil, only the gods knew.

The Targaryen family's excitement would be lessened the next morning when Visenya received a raven from her connections to the south…there was a plot to kill the King of the Seven Kingdoms, and such a thing could only be repaid in blood.