Chapter 13:"The Trial"

As the flames engulfed Vahaemorys, he felt an intense burning sensation throughout his body. The pain was excruciating, and he began to lose consciousness. But then, Vahaemorys found himself in a different place, no longer in the dragon cave. Everything was shrouded in darkness, and he couldn't see anything around him. When he looked down, he saw his reflection, not as Vahaemorys Narnareon, but as his true self, Jay.

This sudden revelation was terrifying for Vahaemorys, and he couldn't shake the feeling that this was more than just a dream. His past appearance became clearer and more vivid as he stared at his reflection. Vahaemorys was frightened and confused. He began to question whether he was still dreaming or if this was something else entirely.

Then, a mysterious voice echoed in the darkness, asking, "Are you worthy?" Vahaemorys looked around but couldn't see anyone. He asked the voice, "Who are you?" But the voice only repeated its enigmatic question, "Are you worthy?"

Suddenly, Vahaemorys's vision began to shift. He saw glimpses of his past self, moments from his childhood with his parents, and scenes from different stages of his life. It was as if he was reliving his entire existence, from his earliest memories to the very moment before he became Vahaemorys Narnareon.

The voice's question echoed once more, "Are you worthy?" Vahaemorys delved into deep thought, reflecting on his past and how it had shaped him into the person he had become. The voice persisted, repeating the question, "Are you worthy?" Vahaemorys, lost in his contemplation, could only respond with a simple, "I am."

As he continued to dwell on his past, his memories shifted to his life as Vahaemorys Narnareon. He saw the deeds he had committed, the moments when he chose to turn a blind eye to the suffering of others, like the time his father callously burned slaves for trivial reasons. Vahaemorys had often acted as though the misery of those around him had nothing to do with him.

The more he observed his own actions, the more complex his emotions became. Once again, the voice inquired, "Are you worthy?"

Vahaemorys, growing increasingly frustrated, exclaimed, "Enough! I understand what you're trying to convey. Tell me, what am I supposed to do in this tumultuous world? If I commit one right act, will it bring about peace and harmony to this world?" The vision then shifted to people who had sacrificed their lives to save others, displaying incredible courage and selflessness even in their final moments. They harbored no regrets for their actions.

Finally, the question changed, and the voice asked, "What does it mean to be the King?"

Vahaemorys had become less tolerant, his emotions in turmoil. Vahaemorys responded, "Enlighten me." The voice explained, "Rulership, Leadership, Protection, Justice, Representation, Legacy. That is what it means to be a king. Are you worthy?" Vahaemorys firmly replied, "My past isn't something that defines my worth, but rather, it's the lessons I've learned and the growth I've experienced that truly matter. I am worthy."

The voice then questioned, "Then can your actions bring change to the world?" Vahaemorys's voice was low and determined as he said, "Yes." Suddenly, huge flames emerged and engulfed him. He felt an excruciating pain that seemed unbearable, but slowly, the pain began to lessen.

In that moment, he saw visions of dragons wreaking havoc, like mindless creatures, causing the extinction of many species and the loss of land. Then, his vision changed, and he found himself standing before an Ancient Dragon, a marvel defying logic. The dragon's voice echoed the same as the earlier one, "I hope you can lead my kin the right way."

Once more, the voice sounded, "Valyria must fall for your rise." And then, everything went blank.