"I, Asher, do solemnly vow to uphold the virtue and integrity of the Legion and abide by the sacred Rhaenari Code of Law."
The time finally came when I returned to the mainland.
"—I pledge my loyalty and devotion to Prince Rhaenar and dedicate my service to his Legion."
There was not a cloud in the sky that morning. I stood on the beach as each of the familiar faces exited the ship one by one to swear their vows, trudging through the shin-deep tides.
"—I understand that my actions reflect upon the Legion. I will carry out my duties with unwavering commitment, honor, discipline, and respect, be it times of peace or conflict."
There was an unfathomable pride in their eyes as I handed them their red cloaks.
"—I embrace the responsibility of defending our cause with loyalty, courage, and respect."
The dog tags that bore their names were like small medallions, akin to the image of their shields, dangling from their necks with pride.
"—And should our Fathers harm the innocent,
Or our Kings oppress the weak,
Retribution will be red."
They stood tall and resolute, each with a dragonglass dagger on their belts, little black sabres of death.
"I pledge my life and honor to Prince Rhaenar and his Legion until such time as death or the end of my service. By the old and the new, so help me Gods."
By the time each and every one of them had stepped off the boat, walked onto that beach, and uttered their vows, the sun had sunk to the west.
I stood atop the podium, Phoenix and Sari by my side, and gazed down at those who had braved the gauntlet of hell with me.
They stood in salute with a fist over heart. The ocean breeze rustled through my silver streaks.
"You stepped off this beach as orphans, peasants, bastards, nobodies. We care not what you came as, for you returned as men."
"Of the 1,881 who came, only 501 remain. Be proud of yourselves, as I am proud, for this is only the beginning."
That's when Phoenix stepped forward. "Rhaenari!"
And all 501 pumped their spears to the sky.
"A'oo, A'oo, A'oo!"
.
..
…
..
And just as my newfound corps began, it vanished back to the Crownlands like leaves scattering back to their branches.
"We're dismissed?" asked Zane, bewildered.
"Yes," I said, "Go back to your families and enjoy some much-deserved time off."
Zane looked like I had punched him in the gut.
"What's wrong? I asked.
Asher was even curter after taking his vows. He answered me with punctuality, "He burnt bridges in Maidenpool before we came. I think he called his mother… what was the word?"
"A cunt!" exclaimed Zane, "But only because it's true!"
I chuckled, "The Zane I know has more courage than that."
"Well, in truth," he said, "I really wanted to see the capital."
I shook my head, "All in good time. Just don't forget to mix training with leisure."
Zane smiled, "How about I leisurely train?"
We all laughed as if we knew the meaning of such a thing. It was an almost bitter laugh like we found solace in our shared misery.
And after we shared those ironic tears of joy, we knew it was worth it. All the blood, sweat, and tears, all of which occurred in large quantities, crystallized into an iron belief in oneself and each other.
With that, the 501 left Manmaker Beach.
I traveled the countryside on my way back home and met the many families of my compatriots. Garvy's family at the Ivy Inn welcomed us with a hearty feast.
Hardly any could believe the stories their returned loved ones told of our rigorous boot camp. But when they saw their return with that new posture, that red cloak they wore so proudly, that dark gemstone dagger on their waist, and that shield they bore so weightless, they took our word for it.
I returned to the capital alongside my fellow Kingslanders, of which there were about 60 in total if we didn't count the orphan children, and all of whose lodgings I had Arland arrange.
And so we marched. Through the gates and up the streets, we marched.
Cleated boots crunched in lockstep rhythm. Red cloaks draped majestically, and the sun tinted helmets in gold.
The silent awe turned into cheers at my visage, and soon the cheers were for others, as members of my party were recognized by the locals — a homecoming song.
Word spread through the city, and the bells rang for their Prince all the way of our march to the Red Keep.
And when we entered those Red Keep gates, the royal court all came out to greet me.
Then came the time for the big reveal, to show my father what his investment had been going into.
The squads from Kingslanding had been especially set aside for the past few weeks for this occasion.
Marching 501 people in perfect harmony would have been grand enough a spectacle to suit my purposes. But I did not feel we deserved a parade on the streets just for graduating. As such, I knew I would be returning with the Kingslanders, so they had to be sharp come our return.
With practically everyone in court assembled in the outer yard, the murmurs of anticipation made it seem like we were in a bustling market. Anticipation tickled the air as the men stood motionless and erect, eyes forward.
I picked up spear and shield, took my position in front of them, and exclaimed, "Rhaenari!"
They all got in their stance, shield forward, spear at the ready, with a resounding "A'oo!"
The strength of their voices sent shockwaves strong enough to hush the murmurs.
"On me!" I commanded, and shields locked with mine as we formed the line.
"Forward!" I quaked, and together we marched forward like a menacing wall of death, our eyes poised to kill at a moment's notice with our spears, ready to strike down any who would defy our advance.
What followed was everything we rehearsed, a flashy, embellished showcase of everything we learned.
I ordered us to perform all the formations. The tortoise, the wedge, the orb… We showed our seamless transitions from shield wall to having archers pop their heads at the back of the formation to fire arrows.
We displayed our spear throws and rock slings. I had the men lock their shields and face them upwards to simulate shielding from archer fire. Then, taking my father by the hand, I led him up portable steps and bid him walk atop the shields to the other side.
The men later cursed me when Rhaenyra, either in disbelief in our strength or in want to play tricks on us, urged Ser Harrold, with his heavy Kingsguard armor, to walk on top of the shields as well.
I showed the pseudo-phalanx, the expert ways we handled and transitioned between weapons.
We also showed how we could chant songs together at any time on a whim, as well as the many other things that are not at all useful in themselves but highlighted our teamwork nonetheless.
It all led to one final hoorah where we lined back up in casual formation, chanted "Long live the King!" with a salute, and kneeled before my father.
I saw it all: The raised brows and turning heads of the minor nobles. The budding roundness of my mother's belly.
The apprehension in Archmaester Mellos . Piqued interest from Lord Lyonel. Disbelief in Ser Otto. The parted lips of Uncle Daemon. A look from Alicent that portrayed confidence in her perfume that day.
Gushed happiness from my father at my return, and a bundle of joy that ran towards me.
"Rhaenar—!" my sister said as she bowled into me. She squeezed me with the strength of 101 missed hugs, "How I've missed you!"
It used to be she'd almost kill me during those hugs, doomed to suffocate in whatever scent she washed her hair with that morning.
I returned her squeeze and lay my chin on her head. The warm embrace kindled my heart, and for a brief moment, I wondered why I ever left.
But suddenly, as if punctuating the end of this heartfelt scene, a deafening roar pierced the air.
Startled, I looked up just in time to witness Sundance swooping down with unrivaled force.
His powerful wings beat against the atmosphere, generating a gust of wind that unleashed chaos upon the unsuspecting nobles and dignitaries assembled in the outer yard.
Fine garments billowed and twisted, a dust cloud swirled about us.
Highborn women squealed as the wind kicked up their skirts.
I laughed. It was good to be home.