After a brief pause, the group moved on with hushed urgency.
Before the sun reached its zenith, they reached a canyon within the Dragonmont.
A Dragonkeeper accompanying the group stepped forward to offer some insight: "Active volcanoes pose the threat of magma eruptions. To avoid such catastrophes, adult dragons on the island often seek refuge deep underground in the surrounding area."
Pointing to the ravine ahead, he continued, "This ravine was once inhabited by Vermithor and Silverwing, though they eventually abandoned it for reasons unknown.
Rhaegar considered, "Shall we venture inside and take a look?"
"Let the Dragonkeepers do it. Your presence isn't necessary," Cole interjected, directing a few guards to investigate before jogging toward the canyon himself.
Rhaegar saw no reason to disagree. It was an abandoned cave and the chances of encountering a dragon were slim. It simply wasn't worth the risk.
After a period of waiting, the sent dragonkeepers did not return, but two guards approached from the rear.
Bowing respectfully to the group, one of the guards spoke hastily, "Lord Robert has located two young dragons. One is currently being held captive, and the other was discovered within Dragonmont."
"Dragonmont is on the western side of the active volcano - a vast expanse of dangerous peaks where Silverwing recently laid her eggs," the accompanying dragonkeeper explained.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Rhaegar exclaimed, his excitement palpable at the news of Silverwing's presence in Dragonmont.
But Cole leaned in close and warned in a whisper, "Your Grace, Dragonmont is teeming with adult dragons. It's too risky."
"We will only scout Dragonmont. Lord Robert will send his men as well. It should be no problem," Rhaegar countered, determined to seize the opportunity to encounter adult dragons.
Designating one guard to stay behind and await the return of the missing Dragonkeepers, Rhaegar instructed another to lead the way.
The journey to Dragonmont was swift, the landscape barren and desolate, littered with blackened rocks. The air was oppressively hot, reminiscent of the sweltering heat of summer.
As they ventured deeper into the cave of Dragonmont, Cole voiced his concern, "When will Lord Robert arrive? Our current manpower may not be enough to subdue a young dragon if it resists fiercely."
"I'm not sure, Ser," the guard replied, somewhat taken aback by the question, before resuming his lead.
As they progressed, the cave grew hotter and a foul smell permeated the air.
Observing his surroundings, Rhaegar singled out the guard and asked, "Who instructed you to spread this information? Did you personally see Lord Robert?"
The guard paled, unease evident in his reply, "Lord Robert is on his way, Your Grace. Please, do not worry."
Sensing the guard's vulnerability, Rhaegar snapped, "Cole, restrain him!"
Without hesitation, Cole drew his longsword and pressed it against the guard's neck, while the other Dragonkeepers quickly pinned him down.
"Please, Your Grace, I speak the truth! The young dragon really does reside in Dragonmont, and Lord Robert will undoubtedly arrive soon," the guard pleaded desperately.
"Gag him," Rhaegar ordered curtly, his patience wearing thin with the guard's feeble attempts at persuasion. It was obvious that his words had little credibility.
Furrowing his brow, Rhaegar crouched down and played idly with two small stones. "This represents the East Coast, and this, the active volcano, Dragonmont..."
In the heart of Dragonmont, Rhaegar carefully considered the one piece of information he possessed, wary of its implications.
Alicent's revelation about the east coast and the claim of a dragon hatchling in Dragonmont left Rhaegar feeling disoriented.
"What could be the guard's intention in luring me to Dragonmont if the information about the East Coast is partially false?" Rhaegar murmured, his thoughts swirling.
"It is certainly not with good intentions that they intend to take me to a young dragon," he concluded, his mind racing.
Remembering the information about Silverwing nesting in Dragonmont, Rhaegar's thoughts raced forward.
"It is possible that their intention was for the recently nesting Silverwing to encounter me in Dragonmont and go into a rage," he speculated.
With that possibility in mind, Rhaegar took a deep breath, his desire to tame an adult dragon overriding any fear of deception.
"Silverwing is in Dragonmont. I must try to tame her," he decided, knowing the risks.
"Just a glimpse, and if it fails, we retreat," he decided, clinging to hope.
Approaching the guards, Rhaegar addressed them condescendingly, "Did the message say the young dragon was in Dragonmont?"
"Yes, Your Grace. That's what Lord Robert's message said. I swear." the guard defended in a panic.
"Who gave you this information?" Rhaegar inquired further.
"It was one of Lord Robert's Dragonkeepers," the guard replied.
"It seems someone has influenced this Dragonkeeper," Cole interjected, his intuition sharp.
Rhaegar nodded in agreement. "I understand. This is a trap."
"We should return, confront Lord Robert and expose the traitor," Cole suggested seriously.
"No, we've already ventured into Dragonmont. There's no reason to retreat now," Rhaegar countered, his resolve unwavering as he prepared to press on.
But before he could continue, Cole stepped in front of him, his expression solemn. "Your Grace, Dragonmont is extremely dangerous. I cannot allow you to put yourself at risk."
Before Rhaegar could answer, a painful roar echoed from deep within the cave.
"Protect the prince and fall back!" Cole quickly ordered, positioning himself in front of Rhaegar with his sword drawn.
As the roar continued, the Dragonkeepers formed a protective circle around Rhaegar, ready to defend against whatever threat lay ahead.
Rhaegar tugged at Cole's white robe, his surprise evident as he exclaimed, "Listen, that doesn't sound like a grown dragon."
Cole's eyes narrowed as he strained to listen.
Indeed, the roar lacked the depth of an adult dragon's, its tone slightly softer and thinner.
Rhaegar's smile widened. "That's what we're looking for. Let's go and investigate."
Cole hesitated for a moment before Rhaegar stepped forward.
Helpless, Cole gestured to the Dragonkeepers. "Take this traitor with you. If there's danger, feed him to the dragon first."
The gagged guard could only shake his head in panic as he was dragged away.
Navigating through the darkness of the cave, Rhaegar followed the sound of the young dragon's roar, his heart racing with anticipation.
As the cave widened, a massive chamber came into view, and before him stood a restless beast - the young dragon.
Approaching, Rhaegar observed the dragon's features: light gray scales covering its body, translucent white wing membranes, and gray-blue vertical pupils filled with fear.
"This is Grey Ghost, Your Grace," the dragon keeper accompanying him identified the gray dragon.
Rhaegar remained silent, taking in the scene before him.
Gray Ghost, though large, was lying on the ground, roaring in distress.
"He's hurt," Rhaegar remarked softly, noting the wounds that marred Gray Ghost's body, blood seeping from the light gray scales.
One of the worst wounds was on its wing, nearly torn from its ribs and dragging helplessly on the ground, making flight impossible.
"It's badly injured," Rhaegar repeated, remembering Alicent's earlier comment about a skirmish between two young dragons on the east coast.
It seemed her words were true - Gray Ghost's injuries were likely inflicted by Sunfyre.
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