After the final death march, Rhaenar granted the camp a well-deserved few days off before addressing them with purpose.
"Attention!" he called out, standing atop a sturdy crate. The camp quickly halted their activities and gathered around, eager to hear what their leader had to say.
"As an artist, I firmly believe in leaving the world better than how we found it," Rhaenar began, his voice commanding attention. "Let us consider the remarkable Bee as an example. If you are fortunate enough to come across this insect, you will find this industrious creature thrives with nothing more than the gifts of the earth."
He paused, allowing the significance of his words to sink in. The camp listened intently.
"The Bee sustains itself by gathering pollen from flowers, aiding in the spread of this pollen and fostering further plant growth. It's a beautiful symbiotic relationship," Rhaenar explained. "But what intrigues me most is their resourcefulness.
"Bee's extract wax from their bodies — similar to the wax in our ears — and use it to construct their homes."
He gestured towards the crates that were being carried over, indicating the incoming supplies.
"While I acknowledge that we can't use piss and shit to achieve the same effect," Rhaenar continued, a hint of amusement in his tone, "That doesn't mean we can't harness our own industrious spirit in other ways."
With a nimble hop, Rhaenar stepped down from the crate and pried it open. Inside were several "tool-rolls," inspired by the rolls used by traveling chefs to transport their knives.
"These tool-rolls, of which you are already acquainted with," Rhaenar explained, walking towards a long table, "represent a new chapter for us. We've focused on engineering within the camp, building ditches, latrines, palisades, and even a church dedicated to the Seven."
He unrolled the tool roll on the table, revealing an array of useful implements.
"However," Rhaenar continued, his voice filled with purpose, "we cannot overlook the invaluable assistance we've received from the smallfolk on this island. Without their generous support, our humble endeavor would not have been possible."
He retrieved a map that had been meticulously drawn the night before and unrolled it on the table.
"Now, there are two villages on this island — one situated just west of the castle and another to the northeast," Rhaenar explained, pointing to the respective locations on the map. "I propose that we start from here and work our way towards these villages. Additionally, we should consider extending our efforts to the easternmost side of the island."
Throughout Rhaenar's speech, Zane scratched his head in confusion. Finally, he voiced his question.
"Uh, okay. But what are we doing?"
Rhaenar's eyes sparkled with determination.
"Grab your tools. We're going to build a road."
.
..
…
..
.
A Maester-in-training may come across literature on road building, although it may not be the most popular area in the Citadel's library.
To the layman, the importance of roads might be surprising. At first glance, they appear to be nothing more than hardened ground that helps you get from point A to point B. However, beneath the surface, roads offer a myriad of uses.
Beyond increasing travel speed and convenience, roads have numerous benefits.
A well-constructed road can significantly improve trade and commerce. It facilitates the movement of merchants, caravans, and traders, enabling them to transport their goods more efficiently and reach distant markets.
This, in turn, promotes economic growth in existing population centers and allows the establishment of new ones. Improved connectivity opens up opportunities for agriculture, mining, and all industries that contribute to economic development and prosperity.
Furthermore, roads play a vital cultural role by connecting communities, facilitating easier access to neighboring villages and towns, fostering social interactions, cultural exchange, and the spread of ideas.
For the devout who wish to embark on a pilgrimage to the great Starry Sept in Oldtown, the home of the Faith of the Seven and the place where Aegon the Conqueror was anointed Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, a road facilitates such a journey.
However, perhaps the true value of a road lies in its military potential.
Well-constructed roads are crucial for military operations and strategic movements. They allow armies to mobilize quickly, reinforce garrisons, and maintain supply lines.
Essentially, more roads mean greater movement of troops, equipment, and provisions.
Furthermore, roads serve as vital communication routes, enabling messengers, couriers, and travelers to move swiftly between locations. The exchange of information, news, and diplomatic messages fosters better governance and coordination.
Roads: they help build, maintain, and prosper.
Therefore, it should come as no surprise that roads have been extensively documented throughout history.
In the far eastern lands, tales speak of stone roads built by the Eunuch Emperors of Yi Ti. Closer to home, we have the legendary Valyrian roads, often referred to as dragon roads, which were broad stone highways constructed during the reign of the Valyrian Freehold in Essos.
The dragonlords of old employed the power of dragonfire to fuse stone, a method lost to the annals of time. Consequently, much of Valyrian architecture, including their roads, possesses an otherworldly quality that remains shrouded in mystery.
As for the stone roads of Yi Ti, primary sources offer little assistance. Even the accounts of Westerosi travelers who chanced upon them fail to provide detailed insights into the nature of these ancient thoroughfares.
Thus, without a comprehensive manual for either of these renowned antiquated roads, it fell upon us to piece together information from various sources and rely on our own ingenuity to create our road system.
In this endeavor, we drew inspiration from the construction methods employed during the reign of King Jaehaerys. We emulated the materials and general processes, undertaking numerous trials and errors until we eventually arrived at the perfect formula.
The road construction process began with the essential task of leveling the terrain.
To accomplish this, we enlisted the genius of Hayden Cuckright, who devised a remarkable wide wheel apparatus. This wheel could be pulled along by horses, smoothing and leveling the surface. We employed an inclinometer to confirm the level once it was done.
Next, we proceeded to establish the width of the road by constructing curbs on either side. These curbs extended a considerable distance before the actual road construction began, allowing us to have a clear view of the road ahead—an important precautionary measure.
When it came to the materials for the road itself, we made use of cobblestones and a mix of available stones found on the island.
Digging into the ground, sometimes reaching depths of 9 to 16 feet, we began by creating a foundation layer of sand.
The next layer consisted of fist-sized cobblestones, supplemented with whatever materials were available. In our case, clay proved to be a suitable option.
Finally, Dick and his team of masons showed how to pave the road with flat stone slabs. The arrangement of these slabs created a gentle slope or "hump" in the middle, ensuring that rainwater naturally flowed down to the ditches along the sides.
Initially, the process was slow, but after weeks of dedicated practice and continuous refinement, the Rhaenari crew achieved an impressive rate of constructing 1.5 yards of road per person. With increased efficiency, this rate escalated to 2 yards per person on our better days.
The extensive road network that connected the two fishing villages to Dragonstone Castle spanned approximately 13 miles.
It took us a total of 33 days to complete this ambitious project, growing pains and all.
Initially, Rhaenar had envisioned a road extending to the island's easternmost point, but due to time constraints, we abandoned that plan.
With the road construction completed, the remaining time on the island was dedicated to miscellaneous tasks and preparations. Half of our team, under the leadership of Pheonix, was assigned to assist the neighboring villages with any necessary repairs. During their time at the western village, Pheonix and his men witnessed a remarkable spectacle.
"It happened out of nowhere," Asher recounted later. "I was fixing a leak in someone's hut when it struck. A piercing screech that could have burst my eardrums. I rushed out of the hut only to witness a beast as black as dragonglass soaring through the sky.
"And then out of nowhere, he emerged, as if descending from the very sun itself. Sundance swooped down like a gull diving into the ocean. The two creatures coiled in a mid-air battle, their roars and breaths of fire swirl.
"A few jaw snaps and fiery breaths, and before we knew it, the beasts disentangled themselves just before descending too close to the ground. Sundance flew away with haste, desperately evading the enraged black dragon, who, although furious, proved too slow and lacking agility to continue the pursuit."
A few days later, Sundance made his return, bearing a fresh scar marked by the distinct bite of his adversary.
At that moment, I witnessed a level of anger in the Prince that surpassed anything I had seen before. His countenance darkened with rage, and his hands trembled with fury.
We soon discovered that the black dragon involved in the aerial confrontation was none other than Cannibal, the oldest and largest of the wild beasts residing on Dragonstone.
Cannibal had gained infamy for his insatiable appetite for his fellow dragons. In hindsight, we realized that the screeching we had often heard during the nights was the result of Sundance and Cannibal posturing and challenging each other, much like two intoxicated fools shouting on a street corner.
As for what motivated Sundance to take on such a formidable creature, I cannot say. However, it is safe to assume that he had bitten off more than he could chew.
Had it not been for the element of surprise and Sundance's renowned speed, there would be little doubt that the larger and presumably more experienced dragon would have emerged victorious.
While these events unfolded, Prince Rhaenar and the remaining volunteers were engaged in mining dragonglass on the southern side of the island.
The entrance to the cave was located on the beach, and Theodore, ever the logistical mind, stood by the Prince's side, discussing the vast quantities of dragonglass and the plans for arming the people.
However, their mining expedition took an unexpected turn when some of the men made a discovery.
"My Prince," Chit spoke up, his face illuminated by the flickering torchlight.
"Hmm?" Rhaenar responded, curious.
"You might want to see this," Chit continued.
He led us through the narrow chasm, and as the torchlight danced, the jeweled fragments of dragonglass above us shimmered with hues of red, green, and blue against the black backdrop.
Chit used his torch to light a pyre positioned in the center of the chasm, and gradually, our eyes adjusted to the light. It revealed a cavernous expanse above us, stretching high into an immense void that concealed the ceiling.
"What?" Rhaenar inquired, his interest piqued. "More dragonglass?"
Chit scratched his head, a perplexed expression crossing his face. "There's something else."
The path grew narrow at certain points, and we had to maneuver with a slight sideways motion, allowing our shoulders to squeeze through. Eventually, we emerged on the other side, reaching a small chamber within the cave.
As we approached the chamber, the intricate carvings on the walls gradually became visible.
Spiraling patterns adorned the surfaces, circles with radiating rays reminiscent of celestial bodies. Circles within circles, intricately interwoven. Lotus spirals extended their arms outward like an octopus swirling down a whirlpool.
Prince Rhaenar ran his fingers along the intricate carvings, his expression filled with astonishment. "Well, I'll be damned."
"Right?" Chit chimed in, a sense of accomplishment in his voice. "I knew you'd want to see it."
I could hardly believe what I was witnessing. "Do you know who made these?"
Theodore scoffed, his tone dismissive. "I suspect you'll enlighten us."
"These have to be from the Children of the Forest," I declared confidently.
"We cannot be certain," Rhaenar cautioned. "Who knows when these carvings were made and by whom?"
"A very long time ago," I retorted, growing slightly irritated. "That's when."
Prince Rhaenar lifted his gaze, taking in the endless spiraling carvings that adorned the cave walls.
"What do you make of this spiral?" Rhaenar inquired, his curiosity piqued. "It reminds me of crop circles. Apologies, you're not familiar with those."
"Regardless of their meaning," I replied, "They bear witness to those who stood here. The children, right here. Before there were any Targaryens or Starks."
"Think again, my clever friend," Chit interjected, his voice carrying an air of mystery. He descended further into the darkness, beckoning us to follow.
We followed Chit until we reached the very end of the cave.
There, on the final wall, an eerie sight awaited us. Carved into the stone were the figures of four beings, their eyes resembling lapis lazuli. Their bodies were gaunt, skeletal, devoid of flesh. Their mouths took on a ghastly visage, while their hands gripped spike-like weapons.
But one of these figures stood out as particularly horrifying. Thorn-like protrusions emerged from its head, forming what resembled a crown, and its gaze seemed fixed directly upon us, regardless of the angle from which we viewed the carving.
Theodore's jaw dropped, his astonishment mirroring my own. "Others take us!"
"You see!" I exclaimed, feeling righteous in my point. "They must have stood here, the Children and the First Men, united against a common enemy!"
"Calm yourself," Rhaenar intervened, his voice steady. "I remind you once again that we cannot confirm the exact date of these artworks. For all we know, they were created thousands of years after the events they depict."
"But these carvings align with the descriptions we find throughout recorded history!"
"Indeed," Theodore said, "Who's to say that someone with access to those descriptions didn't create these carvings?"
"I can't believe what I'm hearing from both of you!" I exclaimed, the frustration made my temples throb. "This is solid evidence that supports the events of the Long Night, and you're dismissing it?"
"No one is dismissing anything," Rhaenar replied calmly. "It's called skepticism. You taught me that."
"Oh, healthy skepticism, how convenient," I retorted, pacing back and forth. "And I suppose Bran the Builder was also just being healthily skeptical when he constructed the Wall?"
Theodore chuckled, seemingly unfazed. "Someone seems rather sensitive."
"Sensitive?!" I exclaimed, exasperated. "We have evidence from multiple sources that corroborate the existence of a long winter lasting an entire generation! How many myths and legends do we need? How many oral and written accounts must we consider?"
I turned to Rhaenar, my voice pleading. "They were not defeated, my Prince. They were only driven back. And you know they will return."
"Be that as it may," Rhaenar responded, his tone measured. "It has been thousands of years. Fear not, Brien Flowers. We have a massive wall, fire-breathing dragons, and a vast distance between us."
For a moment, I didn't recognize the boy I had once taught about the world's mysteries. "How can you rely so heavily on such assurances?"
"What the fuck do you think I've been doing?" Rhaenar snapped, his words causing my heart to sink. "Playing paint with my cock?"
I swallowed hard, seeking forgiveness. "Forgive me, my Prince. I just..."
Rhaenar sighed, his expression softening as he gave me an assuring smile and patted me on the shoulder. "There is nothing to forgive. Come, we must prepare for our return to the mainland. Talk of grumpkins and snarks can wait."
I couldn't comprehend the jest. "Grumpkins and snarks?!"
Theodore shook his head, a look of understanding in his eyes. "Brien..."
As the weight of my mistake settled in, the awkwardness threatened to consume me. "Oh, I beg your pardon..."
Rhaenar simply laughed.
To most, he was Rhaenar the Ready.
To those he loved, it was more like Rhaenar:
Rile of the Realm.
-Brien Flowers.