Chapter 87

Rhaenys, the skilled negotiator and along with her sister Visenys, who was skilled in politics.

They spent a whole month meticulously crafting the contract that would bind the three Kingdoms of Dorne, Reach, and North. Initially, the terms heavily favored these regions, ensuring they retained their autonomy and authority. They were still practically still King's of Dorne, Reach and North.

The first clause dictated that the Targaryens must never interfere in the internal affairs of Reach, Dorne, or North. Matters such as choosing their own heir or heiress, and even altering their laws, required the explicit permission of their respective leaders.

The second condition pertained to trade, Dorne, Reach and North would help Four Kingsdoms with trading. But this would be taken for granted by the future generation of Targaryens.

Dorne, Reach and North were okay with this and was ready to sell there goods at lesser price and they were also willing pay a Targaryen House small amount as taxes to keep the stability of Four Kingdoms. But this clause didn't mean Four Kingdoms could randomly impose taxes on them, since tb

his was Alliance way of showing they are sincere in wanting to help thr Targaryens fight the Whitewalkers in the future.

The most advantageous clause granted the Kingdoms the right to sever ties with the Targaryen Dynasty should they suffer any form of injustice or maltreatment. This provision granted them the ultimate power to break away from the Targaryen rule at any time, safeguarding their freedom and sovereignty.

Although Visenya harbored reservations about the last condition, her counterparts, Torren Stark, Mern IX Gardener, and Loren Dayne Martell, remained steadfast in their stance. They refused to waver, recognizing the importance of this clause to protect their Kingdoms' interests.

In contrast, Aegon, the wise and pragmatic ruler, accepted the terms wholeheartedly. He understood that aligning with these powerful allies was crucial to combat the impending darkness threatening the realm. Thus, he willingly embraced the agreement.

In the heart of Oldtown, Aegon's reign began with the anointment by the High Septon, marking the convergence of both ancient gods that his wives followed. It was a carefully devised method to reconcile their differing faiths and ensure harmony in the realm.

One fateful day, as Rhaenys and Visenya embraced the ancient gods, the throne room was bathed in a blinding flash of light. In its wake, a shimmering, translucent figure materialized – it was Hathor, the Goddess of Love. The sight left the Targaryens and all in attendance awestruck, for they had only heard tales of the gods but had never fathomed witnessing one in person.

Hathor's radiant smile graced King Aegon, Queen Rhaenys, and Queen Visenya as she spoke with a celestial aura, "I have been sent by Eru to extend his regards on your coronation, young king."

With a graceful wave of her hand, an oath stone materialized before the Targaryen family. They recognized the significance of the stone, knowing it to be a symbol of divine blessings. Hathor bestowed her words upon them, "May your reign be prosperous, young king and queens."

Overwhelmed with reverence, Aegon, Visenya, and Rhaenys bowed humbly before the divine presence. Hathor's gaze lingered on the trio, imparting a loving benediction, "May you three have a life of boundless beauty and love together."

With her blessing, Hathor bestowed upon them a divine marriage, and then she gently faded away. The revelation spread like wildfire among the gathered crowd, sparking whispers of excitement. Many believed that this divine visitation signified the approval of the Ancient gods for Aegon's ascent to the throne.

Filled with joy and gratitude, Aegon, Rhaenys, and Visenya celebrated the divine blessing with a grand ball and a majestic tournament. The entire realm reveled in the momentous occasion, as their beloved King and his Queens embarked on a new chapter of their extraordinary reign.

Rather than ruling from Oldtown or Dragonstone, Aegon chose to make his seat King's Landing, the new settlement growing around the Aegonfort. He also took the swords of his defeated enemies, forging them into the Iron Throne. Aegon also began what would become known as the small council, as well as that of the Hand of the King, with Lord Orys Baratheon becoming his first Hand.Aegon's first established law was the King's Peace, which forbid conflict in the realm without the leave of the Iron Throne. Aegon treated the defeated lords with respect and allowed each region to retain its own laws and customs and for the lords to retain both the right of pit and gallows and the first night.

During that rumors spread like wildfire about a mysterious white-haired mage traversing the realm, using his extraordinary powers to heal ordinary folk. Curiosity gripped Aegon, and Rhaenys shared the same intrigue, wondering aloud, "He must be a descendant of Valyrian House, who where sorcerers?"

Aegon pondered and muttered."Only Valyrian sorcerer well-known is Merlin from Essos."

Aegon had heard tales about Merlin the sorcerer from his parents. It always awed him, especially since Valyrian sorcerers disappeared with the Doom Of Valyria. Only one alive was Merlin and his grandparents.

Visenya, however, furrowed her brows, pondering a different aspect, "It's possible, but what I truly wish to understand is his purpose here."

Unable to resist the temptation to meet this enigmatic figure, Aegon ventured towards the village where the whispers and tales originated. As they approached, they spotted the mage, draped in a robe crafted from the most exquisite fabrics, yet emanating an air of modesty. His long, silvery-white hair shimmered like a rainbow under the gentle caress of sunlight.

In the village square, they witnessed a man with a bleeding wound on his head slowly making his way to the healer. With a simple nod, the mage gently placed his hand upon the wound, and a soft glow emanated from his touch. Before their very eyes, the wound closed up, leaving no trace of the injury behind, not even a scar.

Awe-struck, Aegon couldn't help but marvel, "This is truly astonishing."

Visenya and Rhaenys were equally astounded, their mouths agape with amazement. Determined to learn more, Visenya turned to a nearby villager and inquired, "What is this man's name?"

The humble villager bowed respectfully and replied, "My Lord, the sorcerer introduced himself as Merlin."

Visenya's eyes lit up, asking further, "Does he not have a last name?"

The villager hesitated, "We have not heard of one, my lady."

Rhaenys chimed in, "He must have come here after hearing about you."

Aegon nodded, contemplating, "Indeed, it is a plausible theory."

Concern clouded Visenya's face as she expressed her worry, "Allowing such a powerful figure to roam freely in our kingdoms might not be wise."

As Aegon was about to caution the others not to provoke a powerful mage and King like Merlin.

While Merlin turned towards them and boomed, "Welcome, King Aegon, Queen Visenya, and Rhaenys Targaryen!" Startled, the trio emerged from their hiding place.

With a graceful gesture, the enigmatic figure, now identified as Merlin, stood up and offered a deep bow, saying, "It is an honor to meet you."

Aegon's curiosity was piqued, and he inquired, "Are you really Merlin from Essos?"

Merlin smiled enigmatically and replied, "Yes, I am."

Taking this as confirmation, Aegon, Rhaenys, and Visenya bombarded Merlin with questions about his origin and the reasons for his presence.

"I heard about your Conquest and wanted to meet, the new King of Four Kingdoms" Merlin revealed, his eyes gleaming with ancient wisdom.

The trio was fascinated by Merlin's experiences and eagerly invited him as a guest to Kingslanding. On their way, Visenya couldn't help but be curious about his abilities, remarking, "I've heard many tales about your mastery of not only healing magic but also elemental and conjuration spells."

Merlin humbly acknowledged, providing brief descriptions of his remarkable powers.

Aegon felt elated to have such a figure on his side, while Merlin confessed, "Unfortunately, my abilities have been met with disapproval by some Lords due to their religious beliefs."

As Aegon, Visenya, and Rhaenys frowned, they were well aware of the Faith of the Seven's conservative stance.The Faith traditionally held several rights. Apart from the right to maintain its own military orders, the Faith also had the right to hold its own ecclesiastical courts to try servants of the Faith accused of wrongdoing, who were exempt from being tried in the lordly courts of local monarchs. In addition, the Faith's substantial wealth and properties were exempt from taxation.

King Aegon I Targaryen tread lightly with the Faith and upheld all of these rights during his reign.While there had attempts to get Visenya and Rhaenys to renounce Ancient god's.

Which hasn't been successful, since Ancient gods had even more influence and followers.It's just they do not have high restriction, nor there respective temples care about it.Since many who are Priests/Priestess of Eru or other Ancient gods like Ulmo, Surya, Yavanna, Mados, Set,Nephthys, Hathor, Horus and Anubis we're considered honored and everyone of the ones who were chosen to be Priests and Priestesses of these gods were esteemed, living prosperous lives.Even though none of them have huge luxurious cathedrals.

Despite the efforts of the Faith to curb the worship of Ancient gods flourished with time, gaining more followers. While the southern regions still remained strongholds of the Faith, ordinary people of the said region gradually would start to embrace the Ancient gods, including followers of deities like Ulmo, Surya, Yavanna, Mados, Set, Nephthys, Hathor, Horus, and Anubis.

With time, Aegon and Merlin forged a deep bond, and the mage became one of the King's closest friends and advisors. Recognizing Merlin's vast knowledge and expertise in not magic just magic, Aegon honored him with a significant role in the council, bestowing him the title of "Master of Arcane." As the years passed, Merlin's presence as an ally and counsel would prove invaluable to the Targaryen dynasty.