Chapter 37: Death in the Riverlands - 2

The Heart of the Seven Kingdoms is in turmoil.

The capital has blown into full rebellion. Deaths are now occuring everywhere on the streets as the common folk rebel against their king.

Aerys had wanted the other dragons be bought back from the dead as well and so he had ordered another set of sacrifices. The Red Priests themselves were curious if it would work and so they encouraged it.

The common folk of course was not one to take a second burning lying down not when the preferred sacrifice are now centered around children. The men took out anything they could use to defend themselves and resisted to the best of their abilities only to be dragged along with them and share the same fate. The ritual of course failed miserably but the King ordered another and this one was double the numbers. This was when everything broke out of hand. Before the ritual could be performed a barracks was sacked by the people and their weapons and armors were used against the guards allowing their incredible number to force themselves through and save their loved ones. And then they all huddled into their homes ones more.

The King was angered and ordered that they be executed. Rhaegar himself could only lessen the demand by suggesting making an example of a chosen few instead. Though that failed just as badly.

Any knight no matter the allegiance would be stabbed countless times, beaten to death by wooden clubs, crushed by a block of stone, impaled by a wooden pole and even throat slitted and then stripped of weapons and armor.

No one could make them go out now. The barracks and storages were slowly being looted. The food and weapons were being taken. And no one amongs the small folk wanted anything to do with the crown anymore.

Rhaegar tried to reestablish faith by trying to speak to them. But the moment he opened his mouth, someone threw a pile of shit in his face. He gagged and spat as more and more shits were thrown towards him. The knights had to shield him as they were forced to retreate back to the castle.

The anger of the citizens of course not only angered both Targaryens but also Varys.

The master of whispers had felt lost for the past several months. Nothing is going their way anymore. As he walked to harrowing corridors of the Red Keep he pondered multiple actions that could be taken and should be taken but all ultimately failed when pressed with the unpredictable force of magic.

His face morphed into a scowl when he thought of a powerful secret that is surely surfacing. A fact that he had never voiced to anyone but his ally. The rise of magic since the lifting of the doom.

He doesn't understand what the doom truly entailed but he was sure they were tied. And if the horrors that were found in those ancient ruins were anything to go by, then the world truly is ignorant about the vileness of magic.

Exiting the darkness of a cave, he arrived at a rocky beach. Where he was greeted by his oldest friend.

Illyrio Mopatis.

"You have come a long way from home old friend." Varys asked.

"I must, specially since the occurances around my investments are no longer in favorable light."

"Ah! Yes, understandable but still you came. Despite knowing there is nothing to be done."

"There is always something to be done."

"Not this time my friend. I am afraid we will have to weather the storm for now. Only after will we be able to move."

Illyrio was displeased with what he was hearing he returned to the decorated boat and urged Varys within. There they dropped all pretenses.

"This is not part of the plan Varys!"

"You think I wouldn't know that?"

"Tell me... How bad is it?"

"Slightly favorable in all honesty. But I admit to a few factors are beyond my capabilities to predict and one might prove terribly difficult to control."

"...how could this war be favorable? We were supposed to weaken the Dragons while we strengthened our own. Not all out war!"

"Because the one to replace the current King is as easy to manage." Illyrio waited for him to elaborate. "Robert Baratheon, a whoremonger drunkard. Oh and also a fine warrior... that's it."

"...I see. So it isn't all lost then."

"If anything this works in our favor more. Instead of weakening them just by ourselves they will be doing it to themselves. The seven will be fractured but uniting it under another one banner once more would not have been far from the initial plans."

"Tell me everything."

"The Greyjoys have united with house Lannister with Asha Greyjoy already promised to one Jamie Lannister."

"I heared. I'd say the boy is lucky to have a daughter of a great house be weded to him. Not after hearing of his adventures with his own sister no less."

"Indeed, though surprising is the fact that Balon did not make any noise regarding the scandal, smart of him, something to hold over the Old Lion I guess.

"The Reach is gaining the least in the deal, Mace have called his Banners for the prince but for no promises. Well....not from the crown at least."

"...fool..."

"From a merchants point of view, it is. But the Lannisters are... I dare say, hesitant."

"Were they not given a queen?"

"They were, though much to the young ladies dismay, Tywin continued to hold a little bit more than half of his forces trained in the West....Under orders to not march unless he leads them himself."

"...why?"

"True, I was disappointed too that he had kept much of his strength. But the main reason is simple. He has no faith with House Targaryen's victory."

"They bought back The Black Dread."

"And he has a match, possibly two." Varys looked into the cheesemonger's eyes. "House Sieghart has TWO full grown Dragons."

"How!?"

"I believe they were the ones responsible for the lifting of the doom. Let me explain." Illyrio nodded. "Their sudden appearance times perfectly with it. Two Valyrian steel swords. No one has that. I believe they may have waited for the fever of Valyrian treasure to go down before they made an appearance but their point of origin is still the same. South. To ascertain my accuracy I had the nearest coasts in Valyria looked into. And lo and behold, they have established themselves on the beaches of Sothoryos.

"You will now find a small city there, building warships unlike any other along with weapons that defied logic. That and those dragons aren't exactly hiding."

"I think I may have heard about some truth about this."

"You have, you just discarded it. Ships upon ships had burned and sunk beneath their fire and the waves. You knew there was nothing else to be done with those creatures. Unless of course you have a dragon of your own. As for the Seven Kingdoms. They also discarded it like wifely gossips. Specially since the Tourney of Harrenhal.

"Which in turn conincides with the topic that worries me most. The current affairs of the capital is equal to the rest of Westeros. If this continues then-"

"Then no one will want a Dragon to be king." supplied Illyrio. "Yes, yes that is most important."

"We are discarding the fact that the man has TWO dragons again?"

"As you said yourself. Nothing can be done about it. Specially since I remember word of this two now. Incredibly smart was the best way to describe the two creatures. Don't worry, I have no plans of ignoring them specially since you confirmed them real. I will have the wise men draw something up to kill them or capture them."

"Very well, now we must address how to proceed. Should I salvage the Targaryen name or let it fall?"

"And the rest of the Seven Kingdoms?"

"Can be ignored. They currently have no real weight in the grand scheme of things."

"House Sieghart is on one side."

"They do. Sadly, they would never accept him. And believe me, their Lord knows of it. Why do you think he only has the Mountain Clansmen in his forces and the small number of men he had? Why do you think no raven has been sent to gather his forces in Pentos or Sothoryos?"

Illyrio nodded and then answered. "Salvage it. It is already too late to pull back now. Let us make sure that they fight longer and exhaust more of their forces. Giving the Targaryen's a fighting chance is a must for that. It would also give us a little foundation, no matter how broken, to work with once the True King returns. Now tell me about this city."

"Nothing to tell really, saw a glimpse of it along with the ships. But was unnaturally covered by the fog almost immediately. No way to get in it too. Now tell me....were you able to secure them?"

"No."

"No...?"

"Securing the Dornish is not as easy you initially thought old friend. Things have changed, not just in the West but also in East."

"As smart as I am, I am no mind reader old friend. Perhaps you could elaborate."

"The rise of House Sieghart is uncontrollable. People had seen their wealth and had begun to replicate it."

"Are you telling me you are losing in terms of wealth? The same wealth you had been cultivating for years?"

"It is not their coin, it is their methods. People called Pentos one of the free cities but you and I both know that it was far from one. House Sieghart had basically undone everything centered around slavery. Their people are paid in reasonable wages. Allowing them to buy their freedom. But of the many that did earn their freedom, most chose to stay. And those that did made work that surpassed at least ten slaves. The magisters all saw this and while many were not pleased specially those with ties to the slave trade most were actually happy with the result of copying the same method. The rest is agriculture. Food mostly, and their blessed means easily outstrip any other.

"People believed that Sieghart's faith with the Old Gods allowed him to harvest bountifully in only half the time others could. And just like with 'Fair Wages' most also copied the same method. They embraced the same faith. And though their speed of harvest is not on par with Siegharts it was still better and a bountiful harvest no less. This is making food so affordable and despite the dropping prices, the market had to expand making those who followed the same path make more coin.

"The shift of power in Pentos is in Sieghart's favor. And those that tried to challenge it died.

"The slavers of Slavers Bay made a pact with the slave traders of Pentos and tried to attack their Merchant ships. No one has been heard of since. The Magisters that were in on the conspiracy were all found dead. Tragically in an accident.

"Believe me when I say the magisters are greedy, but fools they aren't, not all of us at least.

Illyrio took a deep breath after his long rant. "...so you see my friend. I came here hoping for good news, away from the foreign land I had long called my home. But it seems we are both in dire straits aren't we?"

Varys rubbed his face due to the growing headache. Again their plans turned sideways. And it all traced back to the same name.

"We are juggling too many things at once. I think we should take a step back at the moment."

Illyrio looked at him questioningly. "I thought we had an opportunity here Varys."

"Oh do not misunderstand. I still intend to act. But regarding any big moves, I think we should hold it off. There are already too many sides in this war, and things are still about to get chaotic. And chaos is not something we could safely manipulate."

"Yes, yes you are right. Very well, we shall take a back seat on this war."

"Now tell me, I have no true measure of his coin or swords. Do you?"

"In terms of wealth, he is exactly as he is expected to be. A golden key holder of the Iron Bank."

"So slightly wealthier than a Lannister."

"In terms of swords, no less than twenty thousand men." Illyrio said grimly.

Varys was wide eyed at the estimation. "That is too much forces for a magister of Pentos."

"They are not based in Pentos. If what you said about Sothoryos is anything to go by then that is were his seat of power currently is."

"Then how did you get to such an assumption?"

"Because that is the number of slaves that never made it into their buyers.

"Yes that is right Varys. That is the bare minimum of his military might."

Varys pondered on the possibilities and he can't help but think of the immeasurable benefits of having such a power house as an ally.

'perhaps he could be convinced of the possibility. The young lord is already the most ideal king if any. One who actually cares for his people. It could be beneficial to let him in the secret. Yes, I'll try and probe his responses. See a little bit about the man. That is...if he survives the war.

"The Dornish?"

"In Sieghart's manse. Tightly guarded but not too guarded. Princess Elia has been garnerring some good will by praying to both the Old Gods and the New. She never leaves unguarded and the one on her side is not some knight I wish to poke at."

Varys looked at Illyrio questioningly making the man elaborate.

"There are four knights that safe guard their assets. Knights that had proven themselves above the current crop of warriors. Be it against Ironborns, Pirates, Dothraki or even some stupid bandit and all sorts of assassins. Chief amongs them is Valka and Nymeria on Lady Sieghart's side.

"Nymeria never leaves her Lady's side. But the one guarding Elia is Valka."

"I'm impressed that you know so much about the woman. I had thought you smitten." jested Varys.

"Far from it. I am just like any Magister of Pentos. Ronan Sieghart is what you would call the unofficial ruler of Pentos." Varys was surprised but not by much.

"With everything you had told me. I am not surprised. How many of the Lords would be more...meleable... to an alliance?"

"Most of them, but very few are actually worth the trouble. But I suppose their coins could be of great use."

"See to it. I'll try and probe the young Lord should we meet. I'll see if he is a possible ally or an immediate threat."

"The man has Dragons."

"Exactly old friend, exactly... A man."

~~~ Break ~~~

Elesis stood at the balcony of Riverrun just simply looking up at the stars. They were so... New. Foreign would be the better word to describe it.

She smiled feeling the wind upon her face. She remembered the night her beloved returned. He stood quietly not knowing how to proceed but in the end he was able to muster the courage to speak.

She had been aware of his reason but it still pained her of hearing it. She didn't want the better life. At the time she would have been happy just having him nearby. Of course love is never so simple.

They were both scared. Not just of childbirth but of parenting in general. The present and the future frightened them. They just dealt with it in different ways that it unfortunately split them both.

She was afraid that she clung to him in fear. But he wanted to push forward and do something. Anything to make things better for both of them. They were headed in two different directions that when he seemingly removed himself from their lives, his actions seemed harsh from her eyes.

It was a long overdue talk. One they didn't get the chance to do. But the wait was so worth it in the end.

Her heart felt light. She feels so warm. So loved. She shed a tear as she relish in this small closure they have both had.

It had only bought them closer and she couldn't be happier about it. Hearing a childish giggle she turned to see her daughter who had just woken up with the cutest smile she had ever seen.

As soon as she stepped towards the crib she felt a sudden pervading sense of dread. It was still far away but she could feel it. Feeling the earring in her finger tips she made her way towards the closet instead.

And from there she started putting on her own armor helped by her personal handmaiden.

Nymeria looked on in fascination, awe and slight bit of jealousy as her Mistress tugged at the hems of her clothes.

Her armor of incredible make one she didn't think possible with it's intricacies. Valyrian steel and enchanted clothing, added with her new armaments. A halberd paired with a sword. The entire set is painted black hiding the rippling pattern from afar, but as clear as day in closer inspection.

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Elesis Nodded in satisfaction after ensuring that everything was fastened properly. She then turned to her daughter once more and simply smiled and laughed softly at each other.

While she was cooing at her baby, Ronan's men had been preparing as well. They do not know what was going on but everyone is fully rearming. The commotion they made triggered a chain that opted the men sleeping at the castle to do the same. Everyone was confused as to what was happening but acted anyway due to the panicky and heavy footfalls of the foreigners and Clansmen, who in their eyes, might as well be an official army than a group of knights.

Minutes passed when Elesis gave her daughter a kiss and handed her over to Nymeria who inturn nodded in understanding and left.

Elesis then pulled out a cloth covered weapon underneath the bed. With determined eyes, with tear stricken eyes she left one prayer before leaving.

Then they heard a roar. The people stopped at their tracks and looked to the night sky with fear. There they saw what they had feared. The first they saw from the massive shadow were it's blood red eyes accompanied by the strong winds with each flap of it's mighty wings.

A shrill scream echoed in the silence. And then pandemonium.

Men, women and children alike were running into anything and anyone. The men of the castle walls though were different. Several scorpion bolts were fired and each spear bounced off of Balerion's scales.

"Dracarys!"

A voice boomed, drawing the attention of the people below and only then did they noticed it's insignificant rider.

Prince Rhaegar was donning he same armor and helmet he had during the tourney. But slightly different. The elbows and knees had spikes with his fingers more clawed along with talon like blades at his feet. His shoulders were also bulkier.

What had the people gaping was not the tell tale sign of Valyrian steel armor he had on himself. But the Red cloak that release wisp of flames and smoke, as if it was made of fire.

A burst of black fire erupted from the dragon and the burned off an entire section of the castle wall that mounted a scorpion and a ballista.

The people were horrified at the scene as men were cooked in a matter of seconds. Brynden drew his sword and then walked forward. But barely five steps out he was stunned as he saw a red blurr smash against the Dragons neck.

With a pained roar Balerion fell trying to clutch at his attacker. In front of Rhaegar now stood the very person he had come for.

That single strike was all she needed to confirm her fears. The dragon eats magic. She could feel her weapon's enchantments slowly faded away just by being near it. She instead turned her attention to the rider.

With nothing but the moon and stars as light, he saw her flaming red hair, garbed in resplendent armor and weapons, puffy lips and a glare in her golden eyes. The vision the made him utter one word.

"Beautiful..."

His words though did the opposite to Elesis. With a snarl, she yanked the glaive off of the Dragons neck and then threw it at one it's wings. The dragon though in his struggle was hit instead in its claws. Sprouting blood as a finger was cut.

Rhaegar refocused at the Dragon's roar and raised his shield against her sword. The two exchanged but Rhaegar was clearly losing. Elesis is far more skilled than he was. Prompting another look of utter adoration from the prince. A look that made Elesis feel even more disgust at the man and even more anger as the images of Elia and their daughters surfaced in her mind. With a rage filled shout she charged at the mad Prince.

At the ground. The men struggled to even scratch the dragon as it clawed, stomped, swipe and spewd fire were it stood.

Hundreds were easily injured. And then a short distance away, they saw several Clansmen hefted a couple of long wooden crates. They rushed against the dragon as several Ruby and Azure knights kept the dragon distracted. They were dumbfounded when they smashed against the dragon like a ram. But to their confusion a large man with a war hammer swung at the back end of the crate with a loud cry. They then watched as a small greenish explosion occured from where the hammer struck and the next thing they knew was that the dragon was roaring in pain as a giant slab of metal can be seen protruding from it's side with black blood oozing from the wound. Everyone cheered at their small victory.

With the men invigorated, one more struck the dragon close to it's hind legs. The crates were taken back and prepped a second round as a small vial of wildfire was placed at the trigger and a huge slab of pointed metal was reloaded.

Again they went for another round but this time the dragon has learned. It tried to to fly off, no longer underestimating it's prey but to it's surprise the halberd flew from the ground and back to Elesis' waiting hands. With another throw one of the Dragon's wings received a massive gash. As Balerion fell to the ground once more, his injured wing was then pinned down by several Northmen with spears and ballista bolts. Grounded and vulnerable he retaliated in rage swinging his tail and arm against it's attackers while slowly unpinning himself.

But despite it's ragefilled struggle the men are as relentless in their attack as the dragon.

Rickard rolled to the side avoiding a stomp of it's arm, others are not so lucky. Archers are now aiming at it's eyes trying to distract it from the the only weapons that can hurt it. It had tried to burn many but failed. It seemed they were left to rely with Ronan's gifts again.

Tower shields that can resist fire, for a time. The only problem with those shields is that it was useless against the Dragons limbs. Seeing the building of flames from the Dragons throat he raised his shield again and tucked himself behind it. He felt the wave of heat from the flames as he held on tightly, like resisting a raging tide. Opening his eyes he was met with Lord Reed and Lord Umber, each clutching a fire resistant shield like he does and behind them is the weapon held down by several knights.

Once the fire died down, Rickard looked on in horror as the other weapon was burned to crisp leaving only the slab of metal.

The dragon shook it's head as Elesis tried to hold on but after a powerful wing she was flung to the concrete. Crashing harshly, her vision blurred and she was then suddenly pinned to the ground by the dragon.

She felt the pressure first. She could feel it growing as if it was only a matter of time before her armor was crushed with her still inside of it. She then panicked as the halberd failed to respond to her call and then she struggled as she tried to reach for her sword just a little outside of her finger tips.

Rickard could see Rhaegar as the man yelled at the Dragon who continued to looked at the woman with rage.

"Lykiri!"

"Dohaeris!!"

"DAOR!!!"

Rhaegar shouted as he tried to wrestle back Balerion by pulling on it's chains.

As the Dragon soon began building fire. Elesis shouted with all her heart. A cry of fear, desperation, and a great desire to live.

"ALEXSTRASZA!!!"

From the sky, it fell like a star crashing through a wall and against Balerion, who was thrown unto his back.

Rhaegar rolled across the pavement his flaming cloak and menacing armor halted the men from advancing against him but the glares of anger and fear he received did not escape his notice.

Their attention shifted again as Balerion rose into his full height and roared towards the thick smoke from where he once stood. His rage could be felt by everyone as everything and everyone shook at the sheer power he exuded.

But before fear could take hold in their hearts they heared a growling. All turned as from the smoke stepped out a Dragon barely three quarters the height and size of Balerion. Adorned with Golden bracelets on it's limbs and giant rings around it's horns. Red colored scales in golden edges, like the flame of a candle. With black spikes trailing from the tip of the tail to it's nose. With it's orange eyes that emitted a warmth and then it's roar that emitted courage.

Standing in challenge and defiance, against him Balerion huffed and growled at the Dragon.

Everyone took a step back as the two Dragons stood before each other. And then they breath fire. As they covered their eyes from the intensity of the heat, some could see that Balerion was winning. Cutting off it's flames Alexstrasza dashed forward as she curled behind her wings. she then rammed herself against Balerion and then fell atop the Black Dragon. Alexstrasza clawed at Balerion but the Black Dragon bit down hard on her neck. She tried to wrestle against his hold rolling over and scratching at Balerion, but he refused to let go. She was then saved as a ballista bolt was launched against the side of Balerion's eye hurting him greatly. He roared in pain and Alexstrasza slipped off of his grip. She then tried to sink her own teeth at his neck but Balerion raise his injured arm instead.

Rickard on the other hand is running with Lords Reed, Umber and Brynden. As they reached for the metal slab while carrying the weapon that would launch it.

They loaded the slab and then waited for their opportunity. They all watched as the two Dragons struggled against one another but all of a sudden, Rickard rushed towards Rhaegar.

Rhaegar marched towards his target, his eyes fixed upon her vulnerable form. Elesis could only lay down as she tried to get her bearings, her breath is labored, quick and heavy and her body is in great pain. Her own armor is doing what it can to repair her broken form but she knew it would not be enough. She had spent so much magic just strengthening herself against her foe earlier, with her own magic not recovering fast enough greatly hindered her healing.

She was suddenly lifted off the ground as clawed gauntlets dug against her neck and jaw.

Rhaegar stood before his price in great satisfaction. She is weak enough to be pried open however he wished. Her broken and ragged form only adding to her incredible charm as he struggled against the urge to have his way with her then and there.

Unbeknownst to Rhaegar is that his feelings were being made known to everyone around him with the dark magic that leaked off of him through his cloak. Sadly for Rhaegar, the time for fear was over for them.

With a loud war cry Rickard struck Rhaegar at the back with Ice. Sending him crashing forward to the waiting hammer of Jon Umber. Umber clocked Rhaegar right at the face. Sending him flying and then rolling to the ground. Rhaegar quickly picked himself up but was stunned at what he saw.

Elesis is now surrounded by everymen in the castle swords, shields, and spears were trained on him. Their glares were of conviction. One directed against him. And for some reason... he didn't like it. Unsheathing his sword he stood against them, knowing they would have to die if he were to succeed.

But then again not everything goes according to plan.

From the night another fell like a black lightning, crashing in top of Balerion. There they saw a Black Dragon in black scales, edged in red like scorching flames. With three sets of horns potriduing from his skull. With fin like spikes at the back. It's arms, legs and tail are muscled and bulky. But what set this dragon apart is it's jaw. Strength. Is the only word that could be used to describe such a dragon.

They then heared Elesis whisper with a smile. "Neltharion."

Even Rhaegar was as surprised as the rest as two Dragons now struggle against Balerion as they destroyed everything around them. Claws, breath, tail and wings. A clash of Spears that cleaved the very ground itself, fires that left nothing but mortel stone, boulders worth of strength that turned anything beneath into rubble and their very wings like a hurricane.

Such a field was just no place for any man.

But Rhaegar knew different. As strong as Balerion is. He is still out umbered and injured. And he could not risk his dragon. Not this early in the game.

Before he could even formulate a plan of escape. He felt the very air around him fall upon his shoulders.

Falling from the sky the first they saw were a pair of large blue wings. As soon as it unfurled itself they saw non other than Ronan himself walking softly towards Elesis.

No one spoke as the man's steeled footfalls echoed across the place. He knelt before his wife as he removed his helmet showing nothing but a cold and blank expression. But his wife knew better.

She held her hand at his cheek as she smiled and whispered. "I'm ok. We're ok." Giving her a kiss on her forehead. He stood up and faced Rhaegar.

They waited in tense silence as the two faced each other while just beyond them, the two Dragons stood side by side as they glared at the Black Dread that stood above all.

With a burst of speed, Ronan smashed against Rhaegar with his fist turning his head with a punch, signaling the beginning the fight. As the three Dragons spewed fire and swiped at each other Ronan continued to pummel Rhaegar with his bare fist.

Everyone wondered were his swords were until, like a bolt of lightning it flew towards Ronan's waiting hand. Where he then struck against Rhaegar's sword causing the lesser sword to shatter like broken glass against the mythic blade. Rhaegar didn't get the chance to be shocked as Ronan followed with a relentless assault. Rhaegar for all his efforts continued to get beaten. Luckily for him he was strong enough that he endured. Scratching his armor but not truly harming him in anyway.

Ronan heared a pained cry and turned to see Neltharion trapped between Balerion's jaws with Alexstrasza trapped beneath it's arms. He spun his sword unto a reverse grip and like a spear he hurled it towards Balerion's eye who dodged causing the sword to strike the neck digging deep into the dragon causing a large amount of blood to spill from it.

Balerion's cry of pain was all the two needed as Neltharion and Alexstrasza freed themselves and rejoined the fight.

Rhaegar took advantage of Ronan's distraction and rushed him unsheathing a hidden dagger from his bracer. He struck and the weapon between his plated armor and dugg against Ronan's flesh causing him to stumble. He gripped Rhaegar's arm as he pushed back with all of his strength.

He could see his blood as he pushed back against the blade. He tried channeling more magic to heal his wounds but to his surprise, his core was inaccessible to him.

Making his decision in an instant he used what magic he had left to further strengthen himself against his limits. With a pained cry he punched Rhaegar left and right. He kept hitting the man against his armored fist. Body, head, shoulder, arm, thigh abdomen, Ronan punched were his arms could reach and then.

*Crack!*

Rhaegar stumbled back as he looked at his bracer. At the point of impact, a crack could be seen, staining his black armor. While Rhaegar was slowly filled with doubt and fear, Ronan found renewed vigor.

And with it he once again rushed against the prince.

Balerion struggled against the two Dragons. Though their flames could barely hurt him, their claws were strong enough to injure him greatly. He continued his fight with caution as the two younglings were not raised in seclusion. Even he could tell, just like him, this Dragons grew up owning the skies and being challenged in it.

At the corner of his vision he saw humans carrying those things again. They were running up on his blind side. Be he did not give them that chance. He instantly swung his tail wide, throwing the two Dragons off for a moment and gathered his flames but before he could burn the puny humans, another sword flew towards him striking his throat just were the flames were.

The flames spilled out of the hole like lava. Seering and enlarging his injury. Rickard, Reed and Brynden rammed the weapon atop the Dragons hand and with a loud cry, Umber hefted his Hammer and then smashed the trigger and like a nail and a hammer, the slab of metal dugg through the dragons hand and the concret trapping one of Balerion's limbs.

Neltharion jumped at his neck but Balerion raised his other arm instead. But instead of letting go, Neltharion's strong jaws crunched down at this arm as the little dragon kicked and scratch against Balerion's body. Balerion lowered his arm as his jaws approached the vulnerable Neltharion. Alexstrasza though did not let it happen and clutched Balerion's neck from behind. His scales were thicker at the back and so he knew he could not be fully injured by the Red dragon but his neck was hindered and could not approach the Black Dragon anymore.

His train of thought changed when he felt a sharp pain coming from his belly.

Rickard Stark had planted Ice right through the Dragon's belly. Though piercing the skin and cutting it open proved difficult. Aid came when Brynden and Lord Reed held the sword and his hands as they together tried to cut open the creatures belly. Slowly and surely the sword was cutting the dragon's skin.

But Balerion was not one to give up easily. He looked down as best as he could. And gathered his flames ones more. Seconds after concentrating his flames he released his breath at the humans. Balerion fought against the pain in his throat with fire still spilling out of his open injury. When he could release no longer he looked to his targets and saw much to his anger a pair of shields held side by side.

Umber held on strong against the flames with a shield in each hand. He could feel the metal heat slowly but melt it did not. His hands shook as he felt the tide stop, forcing him down on his knees as he took breaths he never thought he held. A shrill cry of pain left the dragons throat, music that made the Umber smile.

Lord Reed grabbed Umber on one side while Brynden held the other while Rickard ran ahead of them as they ran way from the slowly falling dragon.

Blood is pooling beneath Balerion as the wound done by Ice added with the two Dragons that kept the offense against the larger more weakened state of the Black Dread continued.

Against those odds the people of the castle still looked on as two men struggled against one another not far from their respective beast. One clad in armor foreign and elegant, crafted from the most mythical steel known to man. And against him, another clad in black and red, adorned in spikes and dragon motifs. Crafted from what ever witchcraft and who knows how many sacrifices.

His presence striking anger, resentment, and hatred in contrast to the one they hoped and prayed to win. One who's wings continued to dance like a pair of comforting blue lights in the darkness. A darkness that is further expanded by the shadow of the black cape whos fire torched and destroyed anything it touches. Then they heard it.

*Crash!!!*

Like the breaking of glass they saw The mad Prince flew several feet away from Ronan. His chest plate is shattered against their hero's fist. Making everyone cheer.

*CRUNCH!!!*

*RRROAAAAAARRR!!!*

With Neltharion and Alexstrasza pulling at opposite directions, they all turned to see as Balerion's arm was ripped off of his shoulder. Balerion fell unable to support his weight with his remaining arm trapped against the concrete. Neltharion threw off the arm and then lunged at the fallen Dragon. Prompting a louder cheer from everyone watching. But Balerion is not so easily bested.

Ronan slowly dragged his weakened body towards the broken prince. He called for his weapons but non answered and so he bent down and picked up some weapon lying around and dragged himself forward.

Reaching his target. He kicked Rhaegar unto his back exposing his shattered chest piece. As he raised his sword for the final blow he was struck by a giant tail.

Balerion is in flames, the black smoke from his joints are now in full on fire. He could feel his own life force slowly dwindling away. But the urge, the mission, the must! was the only thing in his mind.

With one last struggled he forcefully unpinned his hand and smashed Neltharion away. And with great flexibility from a dragon, he fell on his back smashing Alexstrasza against the ground. Seeing his target was in danger he swiped his tail against the armored man. And with little care he secured the prince in his mouth and then run off back to the Red Keep.

Despite not being able to deliver the killing blow, the people cried out loud in joy and relief with wide smiles and some tears shared along with it as they watched the two Dragons roared in the direction of the fleeing winged demon.

Even more cheers erupted as Ronan picked himself off from the ground. His legs gave out but was caught by Rickard Stark and Brynden Tully.

Ronan felt his wife's touch against his skin. With bleery eyes and a fading conciousness. He could only utter one phrase.

"...my love..."

"Shhh...rest my love, we will be here when you wake."

And with those words, Ronan slumped from conciousness. Brynden and Rickard took a lot of eyes, attention and cheers as people tried to graze his blue wings that still remained in full display. Umber himself along with the Ruby and Azure knights barely kept the people at bay, and it was not made easier when the knights themselves were joining in with the crowed.

The very image and the tales that came from that night sprung across the Seven Kingdoms. Starting the first of House Sieghart's Legends.