Rituals 2/2

Author's note: A new chapter, 3.1k words, and we have reached 17k for the week.

More than I expected, but I had fun, so who cares?:)

This is also the last chapter for Volume 1, Aegon's "Creation".

His time at The Wall will be relatively swift, since the politics of it are kinda boring. I am also pretty satisfied with the rituals and their effects, hope you like them.

The ones he has used this time are primarily for his senses to make him almost impossible to get the drop on. He knows a lot of characters have died because of that, and he doesn't want his years of practice going to waste because of a freaking assassin or something similar.

His last rituals will be more focused on making him... More:) We'll get to that later though.

Anyway, enjoy the chapter!

The Shadow Tower, Ritual Room - The Wall 287 AC

POV | Aegon Targaryen

He looked at the last four circles and proceeded with the Bloodhound ritual.

The procedure was similar, and the pain was almost non-existent in comparison to what his eyes and skin went through. Either that or his pain tolerance had increased radically.

When it finished, his sense of smell had improved to a degree where he almost felt as if he could lose his sight and still navigate the world as per usual. By following the different scents, he could close his eyes and navigate a room with almost no issues.

The Bat-Sonar was a ritual he fortunately realized could have spelled his doom. He knew bats had one of the craziest hearing ranges, with a range that went up to 200kHz compared to a humans 20kHz.

'It is impressive, but I don't need that. I need to be able to hear people coming from far away. Wolves are once more much better suited for that. How fortunate that I kept all parts of the wolves after I killed them.'

Wolves can hear sounds from up to 10 miles away in an open tundra and 6 miles in a forest area. He would never be ambushed unwillingly again if he stayed awake of course. 'I can always have a few of my friends scouting in the night. I need to catch myself an Owl. I already have the Goddess of the Underworld, Hel. Now I need the guide.'

His smirk grew into a crazy grin at that thought. 'What better than looking into the eyes of an owl, before a feline of death rips your throat out? A harbinger of death followed by death itself.'

He finished the ritual quickly. The pain felt like a slight irritation, and he felt a slight urge to scratch his ears but left it at that until he realized something. 'Fuck. It's not by much, but my ears feel slightly more elvish.'

He grabbed a looking glass to check it out, and he let out a breath of relief when he saw the change. 'Thank the old gods that it doesn't look inhuman. My eyes are slightly more noticeable, but the light tone of purple can be explained by saying the light makes the colour of my irises bleed out into my sclera. It probably won't be an issue.'

He closed his eyes and concentrated on his ears.

"I am tired of the little shit, who thinks himself better than us! I say we teach him a lesson."

"Aye, the little bastard thinks himself all high and mighty!"

"Oh, so you dumb fucks, want to play with his demon pets? Have you seen the fucking shadowcat that follows him around like a damn puppy? It'll rip your damn throats out. Even the damn cat on his shoulder looks bloody menacing!"

"The fat fuck has got a point, Ironborn. You forget the wolfish looking shadowcat as well. Every time I even had the thought, it looks at me like I am a bug. It fuckin' knows."

Aegon could not believe it. He could hear everything they said when he concentrated. "This is fucking amazing!"

'I apparently have to be extra careful from now on. The fuckers are actually bored enough to try to cause problems for me. I might have to arrange for a few accidents to happen.' Ever since his ordeal in the Wolfswood, Aegon had become more comfortable with killing those with ill intent towards himself and his family.

He was not going to murder people at random, but if they came at him with the intent to kill, then he would show no mercy. If they intended to rape a man, woman, or child? No mercy. Cold-blooded murderers? No mercy. Those were the codes he had decided to live by.

Catching and selling people into slavery? That would depend on the individual case. He had thought about it a lot, and he really did not know what to think of it. Could slavers redeem themselves? Maybe.

He had much to experience and see for himself before he could decide on a lot of things in good conscience. He had never seen slavery with his own eyes, so he could not give an actual and nuanced answer on it. He only knew that he disliked the idea thoroughly.

He cleaned himself again before the 6th ritual. Goat's Grace. He had considered finding a cheetah or leopard for another ritual called Feline Grace, but those animals lived too far away for it to be possible.

He was not too put out, by it, since Goats were actually some of the craziest climbers in the animal kingdom, even without the use of hands. They were agile, fast, and extremely adept at changing directions fast, as well as staying standing no matter where they ended up.

Besides, he had called the three mountain goats Heidrun, Tanngrisner, and Tanngnjost, before he butchered them, and it made him feel much better about it. Names held power, and those three might strengthen the ritual.

At least he told himself so. None of the knowledge he had received about rituals actually said so. He was just happy that no one would ever know that his ritual was called Goat's Grace. He did not want to be known as Aegon the Goat. 'That might not be too bad, now that I think about it…'

He sat down again and was shocked when the ritual actually hurt him. He had thought it more benign, but he had absolutely underestimated the effect. His legs felt like they were burning, and he could see the muscles bulging, ripping themselves apart, before they were rebuilt once more.

This happened multiple times, until he felt like he could kick a grown man to death if he so wished. He quickly got to his feet, and if it was not for the increased equilibrioception, he would have fallen because of the power in his legs. 'I'll have to test the limits of my speed now…' He jumped as high as he could, and it was clear that he jumped around four feet up without a running start.

'This will help my spear- and swordsmanship severely.'

He looked at the changes he had made to his last ritual. It was special, even among all the ones he had already done. This one would be his Kingmaker ritual. It was weaker than Predator's Intimidation, which is why he had neglected it at first. He was mistaken for doing that.

The potential in this one, was not even in the same class. It was like comparing a super rare item with a growth type item. The super rare item would be better for some time, but when the growth type had been developed… The sky was the limit.

The ritual's purpose was to give the person it was used on, an aura depending on what the person has done. The ritual itself was named Aura and it held immense potential. If a person had or developed a large kill count, they would be able to radiate bloodlust or killing intent.

It would work as if the person was locked in a room with a predator. The fear one would be able to invoke would, as with a predator, increase if the ones it was used on, could see the user's eyes.

If the person was just, kind, or good, they would likewise be able to make those aspects of their personality emanate from their bodies. Aegon was certain this ability alone could let a person achieve unimaginable things.

A skill that could inspire loyalty, create fear, and increase trust. 'If used correctly, calling it King's Aura might become more appropriate.'

He would literally become capable of adjusting his aura for every given situation. He could become as pious as The Blessed King, seem cruel as King Maegor or as martially skilled as Cregan or Aemon.

This ritual also happened to be the most complicated ritual, where he had to draw an octagram with different parts of animals were needed. The Redback Spider, Eagle Claws, Wolf Eyes, Lizard Lion Teeth, Rabbit Feet and more.

He had prepared himself for longer than for any of the other rituals because this one was more special. The other rituals had enhanced what he already had. This ritual was fundamentally different, and thus in another class of rituals.

The Aura ritual would give him something that no one had. He was forcing his DNA to become something more than just a man. He was looking forward to it immensely.

He had to take a considerable rest this time, just so he was sure that his body could withstand the coming change without him losing conscious. He had lost a lot of blood, and even with his accelerated healing, it had started taking its toll after 6 successful rituals finished.

He needed a lot of calories, so he grabbed honeyed milk, meat, and nuts before he held a small feast for himself. He had only been away for little more than an hour, which meant it was about 8 in the morning, but he still missed his friends a lot. Freya, Hel, Fenris, Hugin and Munin had been constant companions to him for a lot of time now.

Since he caught Freya more than two and a half years ago, she had not left his side. Not even to hunt. They had done even that together. That was also the reason why he had started worrying about her health lately.

Ever since she helped him heal from the spearman's wound across his torso, a scar that had disappeared after his ritual. She had started sleeping a lot more, her fur had grown lighter, her eyes brighter and her body was enlarging.

He had a hunch about what was going on, but it just did not make sense. How could she have invoked a blood ritual without the needed pentagram and the needed materials?

'Maybe it's a ritual no one has knowledge of? I only have the rituals that exist in books or in someone's mind on Planetos. Did Freya somehow use one that I know nothing of?'

He had wanted to strengthen her with a Lynx ritual. It would make her larger and more deadly, and more importantly, her lifespan would increase. Due to the magic of it, she should be able to live for at least 60 years. A crazy increase, and rather cheap in sacrifice.

Aegon was not above sacrificing 2 cat hearts and 5 lynx hearts. If it allowed Freya to stay with him for longer, then it was worth the sacrifice in his opinion.

For some reason, it seemed to have become unnecessary because she was growing by herself. He just hoped that it meant an increase in lifespan, because he might just reconsider sacrificing a few criminals if it allowed her to live more than 18 years.

'Wow, your thoughts went really dark for a second there, mate. Relax. Deep breath. Yes, rituals are intoxicating, but do not get lost in that power. I am better than that. I have to be better than that.'

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Winterfell, The North - 287 AC

POV | Robb Stark

Robb Stark was pissed. No, he was fucking livid.

'Why did he have to leave?'

THUNK.

He was hitting the straw dummy as hard as he could and as many times as he could. Every single day. 'I will need it to beat Jon's dumb bald head when he comes back.'

Yes, Robb was not amused that his brother decided to leave for the wall. 'What is he even going to do there for five years? No way in any hell that he will actually stay there for so long. He is going to do something stupid. I just know it.'

Robb was not even mad that he went, he was mad because he did not tell him his whole plan. Yes, Robb knew that Jon had some sort of plan, because he had quickly realized that Jon probably knew this since, he was called to their father's solar.

The fact that Jon was angry afterwards did not go unnoticed. Robb was not thick enough to actually miss that.

'I just want to know why he seemed glad for the opportunity after our death hunt and his talk with father in the Godswood. What changed? What devious master plan have you created now?'

Robb had spent a lot of time thinking about it, and he was sure that he knew some of the answers already. He knew that Jon was always looking for new and strong animals. He knew that some cool animals supposedly lived north of The Wall, and Robb was completely sure that Jon was going to find and tame them.

Another thing he was sure of though, was that it was not the entire reason for leaving. Five years was a long time, and Jon was too efficient to spend time so frivolously. 'He learns everything so fast that he could probably finish whatever he needs there in a year or two. What will he do after?'

Robb had so many questions and he would have them all answered. If Jon did not want to say, he would just have to beat the answers out of him. Like a man.

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The Dreadfort, The North - 287 AC

POV | Roose Bolton

"I am telling you, Lord Bolton, he is Brandon's son. Why else would he send him to The Wall, when some of the most powerful of his bannermen ask to foster him? This is a confirmation of our suspicions."

Roose looked at his good father with cold dispassionate eyes that seemed to look into his soul. The light grey, almost white orbs of the man known as The Leech Lord, had the ability to make the most courageous of men, wary.

Even a man such as Lord Ryswell, seemed to shrink back into his seat as Lord Bolton looked at him. Then, in a very low voice, almost a whisper even, he answered: "Lord Stark is not an idiot. If your daughter had kept her nose out of it, you might have gotten to foster the boy. Whilst it is a confirmation, or close to, we have now lost the pawn for five years."

Frankly, Roose Bolton was annoyed. He was a man who enjoyed peace. Even if he had to cut out tongues to achieve it. 'A peaceful land, a quiet people.' This scenario was not what he had hoped for, and now he knew things would not be as quiet as they should.

He knew that if Eddard had any wolf in him, then there would be repercussions for their attempt. The issue was the nature of the wolf. 'He is a quiet man, and he is said to be honourable. That is questionable considering he might be usurping his nephew's right. I can't let my guard down for some time now, lest he sets up a trap I am ill prepared for.'

Roose had believed Eddard to be a fool and too Southern for some time, but he was beginning to think that the Lord Stark was starting to grow into his position as Warden of The North. 'If that is the case, my dream of a peaceful land will grow harder to achieve.'

He looked at the idiot in front of him. 'Should I see what secrets he holds?' The image of his dungeons passed through his mind quickly. He had wanted to add Lord Ryswell to his collection of skins ever since he married the man's daughter.

He enjoyed peace, and he would at least admit that he liked that his wife never made sounds in bed. He would have had to see her truth beneath her skin if she did.

He shook the thought from his mind, as Lord Ryswell continued now that he had regained his courage.

"What should we do now? Lord Stark's first born is quite accomplished for a boy so young, and his wife bears him children enviously fast. We need to strike soon if we want new leadership."

Roose looked at the dimwit in front of him. The man had no patience. "We send men to whisper the truth to the boy. Men who can tell him of his right, and what he should do to receive that power." The Leech Lord whispered.

Lord Ryswell was slightly concerned by the idea. "Would that not be dangerous? We could be implicated."

Again, Lord Bolton thought of inviting the man to see why The Bolton's knives are considered sharp. The Lord of The Dreadfort whispered in response; "We are not going to tell him about us. We are planting a seed and allowing the ambition of men and the desolation of The Wall to let the seed grow. When he returns, we will nurture it further and soon it will be time for us to harvest. The North will fight, House Stark will die, and your grandson will be the heir to The North."

Lord Ryswell almost puffed up in pride at the thought. He was a shrewd man normally, but his ambition and temper were like any other lord of The North. Easy to understand and easy to manipulate. 'If Brandon Stark had been the Lord Paramount, I might have just raised Domeric to end The Starks, but with Eddard, I will do it myself. The honour of an Arryn is not needed here.'

The truth was that he held a healthy amount of respect for Brandon Stark. The man was a fearsome leader and fighter. 'Too bad he was dumb enough to fall in The South. Now his family is weak and vulnerable, and my knives are growing sharper still.' He almost smiled.

'I'll soon be able to add new wolfskins to my collection.'

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The Shadow Tower, Ritual Room - The Wall 287 AC

POV | Aegon Targaryen

PAIN. This time his entire body was convulsing and spasming in agony. His head was burning, and he could feel that something was changing drastically. He could not even bite into the leather strap in his mouth because he had opened it to let out a soundless wail of abject pain and horror.

Then, as soon as it had arrived, it disappeared again.

He opened his eyes to the world and realized for the first time since he arrived 7 years ago. He was more. He could be, no, he would be more than anyone before him.

His journey started here and now. Today was the day that he was truly born anew.

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Author's note: Robb is back again with his wolfish cunning, and I even managed to add some Bolton action.

I think I did pretty well in my depiction of Roose. He is a cunning, cold and ruthless man, but also a coward. He won't attack someone if he isn't sure of his victory or of gaining some sort of benefits. He cares only for his heir, and everyone else is just worth much less to him.

Do tell me what you think of my depiction :)

Freya is also changing. Seems like her feelings for MC, his feelings for her, his magical blood and Freya's general wishes have created a new ritual. Look forward to her changes :)

Did Aegon just consider human sacrifice? I guess the power he gained wasn't free >_<

Let's hope The Wall can cool him off!

Next chapter will be MC interacting more with people, and I will slowly start exploring other POV's around the world!

The next two years at least, will be finished in around 2 chapters. I kinda want him to become older sooner haha, and he needs to do 3 rituals when he turns 9 hehe

See you Monday or Tuesday for the next chapter. Hopefully Monday:)