Rhaegar and Cannibal were flying high above the Narrow Sea, soaring through the night sky.
Cannibal had a deep wound on his belly, and blood was trailing behind him and mixing with the sea below.
Despite the rush of the flight, Rhaegar's thoughts kept returning to the recent attack. He gently patted Cannibal's scales, wondering, "Why did those two dragons come after you?"
He thought there might have been foul play, but he was curious about how Vermithor and Silverwing had been enticed into the scheme.
Cannibal growled softly, expressing his displeasure.
Rhaegar understood the message.
Someone had tempted Cannibal with a feast of cattle and sheep, even tossing a dragon egg his way, under the cover of the night.
As a wild dragon with a taste for dragon eggs, Cannibal couldn't resist the offer, especially after failing his hunt for the young dragon.
Rhaegar sighed and guessed that Cannibal must have orchestrated something remarkable to lure Vermithor and Silverwing into attacking it.
"No more stealing in Dragonstone—dragon eggs and young dragons are off-limits!" Rhaegar said firmly.
Cannibal responded with a loud roar.
Despite his injuries, Cannibal remained defiant, letting out a low roar to express his reluctance.
Rhaegar tried to reason with him, discussing the need to stop focusing on dragon eggs and young dragons.
Cannibal was a straightforward creature, so he was noncommittal about stealing dragon eggs.
"Is the territory of Dragonstone Island too small? Are you worried that if you stop eating dragon eggs and smaller dragons, they'll take your place on the island?" Rhaegar guessed again.
Rhaegar got the message. "Don't worry, Dragonstone Island can't take in too many dragons. I'll make arrangements for the new generation."
"And as for you, my friend," Rhaegar continued, "no more stealing. I'll ensure there's plenty of livestock for you."
Offering a solution to Cannibal's concerns, Rhaegar hoped to find common ground. Cannibal remained silent, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
Rhaegar understood that territorial disputes were difficult to solve, so he let the matter rest.
Expanding the land available for dragons would naturally change Cannibal's behavior.
As Cannibal flew farther away, Rhaegar grew unsure of their destination, likely somewhere near the Narrow Sea. Cannibal's flight slowed and his breathing became labored, indicating severe injuries.
"You're hurt badly. We need to find a place to land," Rhaegar urged.
Noting Cannibal's wounds, Rhaegar's concern grew.
"Roar..."
Cannibal's response was weaker than before.
At dawn, Rhaegar, exhausted, spotted land ahead, with lush forests and mountains gradually coming into view.
"Quick, we've found land, Cannibal!" Rhaegar exclaimed.
Without a word, Cannibal adjusted their course downward. He knew exactly where to land; as a wild dragon, he was familiar with suitable resting places.
From sea to land, Rhaegar experienced a new kind of journey, and now he's traveling without a clear plan.
Cannibal navigated through the terrain and eventually landed in a valley rich with forests and rivers.
Upon landing, Cannibal's injuries took their toll, and he collapsed heavily onto the ground, leaving a deep impression in the earth.
Rhaegar hadn't slept all night and was exhausted. He failed to hold on as Cannibal landed, tumbling off the dragon's back and passing out when he hit the ground.
For a brief moment, both human and dragon were displeased by the rough landing.
Yet, despite his injuries, Cannibal managed to rise, blood still flowing from his wounds.
He paused for a moment when he saw Rhaegar unconscious, but then gently adjusted his position to make sure he was safe.
Luckily, Rhaegar had landed on soft grass and wasn't hurt, just tired.
With no immediate threats and plenty of caves for shelter, Cannibal carried Rhaegar to one with a good vantage point, ensuring his safety before venturing out to find healing herbs.
He knew his rider wouldn't withstand the harsh terrain, so he opted for hiding, confident in returning quickly. Before departing, he marked the area with his dung to deter other creatures.
Satisfied, he took off into the sky once more, leaving Rhaegar sheltered and secure in the cave.
...
As the sun reached its peak, warmth flooded the forested valley.
Inside the cave, Rhaegar stirred, eyelids flickering as if awakening.
Outside, voices echoed through the valley.
"Look, a massive bloodstain! Wonder what creature left it?"
"Tormund, watch out. This valley feels off."
Silence followed the cautious exchange.
Amidst the murmurs, Rhaegar slowly blinked awake, scanning his surroundings in confusion.
"Where am I? Where's Cannibal?" he wondered aloud, puzzled by the cobweb-covered cave.
Recollections of their arrival at a hidden valley flashed through his mind, followed by a blank.
"Someone lured me into a trap... a dragon ambush..." Rhaegar suddenly realized.
But who could have breached the security of Dragonstone Island to orchestrate such a scheme?
Only one name emerged as Rhaegar's thoughts raced - the only one with the means and motive.
"When I return, you won't escape," Rhaegar vowed silently, fists clenched in determination.
...
"Hey, Sister, come take a look! There are fresh tracks outside this cave!" A child's voice called out excitedly from beyond the cave.
Rhaegar's senses sharpened as he heard the approaching footsteps.
He quickly rose from his spot, silently retrieving a dagger from his storage bracelet and preparing for whatever awaited outside.
The sounds drew nearer, causing Rhaegar's grip on the dagger to tighten.
As a child and alone in an unfamiliar place without Cannibal by his side, he knew he couldn't afford to take any risks.
"Who's in there? Show yourself!" A young girl's voice demanded from outside.
Rhaegar quickly assessed the situation. Based on the voices, there were likely three individuals outside—two boys and the girl one of them called sister.
Rhaegar blinked. He felt a wave of relief wash over him as he sensed the small threat.
He was confident in his noble birth and harmless look. He doubted anyone would dare harm him, unless they were truly foolish savages.
The thought of encountering a noble hunting party brought a glimmer of hope to him. Perhaps he'd be welcomed with a grand celebration and treated to fine food and drink.
At the very least, he was hoping for a safe escort back to King's Landing.
(Word count: 1028)