One month later
Stepstones Island
"Roar..."
A black dragon and a light silver dragon glided through the air and landed on Bloodstone Island.
"The prince is back, make way!"
The soldiers, recognizing the black dragon, hurriedly stepped back and warned the newcomers to keep their distance. Dragons were formidable creatures, best admired from afar.
In the past month, the landscape of Bloodstone Island had changed dramatically. Several towering watchtowers now dotted the coastline, vigilantly scanning the seas. Rows of barricades lined the beach, ready to thwart any enemy attempts to land. The rocky caves in the mountains had been explored, with the high ground chosen for the construction of cave fortresses. Tents were pitched, and soldiers sat around fires, diligently polishing their weapons.
Rhaegar surveyed the bustling camp, then dismounted his dragon.
"Cousin, let's go to the tent first," Laenor suggested as he dismounted from his own dragon, a smile on his face.
He had grown fond of his cousin. Of course, it wasn't an attraction in the romantic sense. Rhaegar was handsome, of noble birth, and had a powerful dragon at his command. He was also kind and easygoing, making those around him feel at ease.
Rhaegar brushed back his long hair and laughed softly. "Good. Lord Corlys is healed. It's time to formulate a plan to counterattack the Triarchy."
Laughing and joking, the two cousins made their way to the command tent.
Since the last battle to defend Bloodstone Island, the pirates of the Triarchy had been unusually quiet. In the intervening month, the fortifications around Bloodstone Island had been nearly completed. Fleets from Gulltown, Oldtown, and Arbor Island had arrived to reinforce them.
Now Bloodstone Island had more soldiers and generals than ever before, and more than a dozen patrol ships circled the island daily. Rhaegar and Laenor also rode their dragons to scout the surrounding seas.
Meanwhile, a few small contingents of pirates had been sent from the Triarchy, but they were easily dispatched. The situation was favorable, making it an opportune moment for a counterattack.
As they approached the central command tent, several young soldiers in fine armor stood guard.
"Prince!"
The soldiers greeted Rhaegar as he arrived. One of them, a black-haired boy, stepped forward and said respectfully, "Prince, Lord Corlys and Ser Tyland are inside."
Rhaegar nodded. "Robb, how's it going as a commander?"
Robb's face was serious. "The brothers of the Second Sons are united in their determination to fight for you."
"I look forward to seeing your performance," Rhaegar said, patting Robb on the shoulder. Leaning forward, he added with a smile, "I've sent someone to take your sister back to the Red Keep. Don't worry."
Robb's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Prince."
"You serve me well; I can't let you worry," Rhaegar replied, lifting the curtain and entering the tent.
Robb quickly held the curtain open for Laenor, then followed them inside. The Second Sons were Rhaegar's direct subordinate troops, led by Robb. As a mid-ranking commander, he was qualified to join them in the tent for the strategic discussions.
Rhaegar and Laenor entered the tent and found a long table in the center with a sand table on it. Sea Snake and Tyland sat on either side of the table, neither speaking. Sara, acting as a servant, was quietly wiping the table. When the three inside noticed the newcomers, they nodded but remained silent.
Rhaegar and Laenor exchanged looks, both sensing the tension. For some reason, Sea Snake and Tyland had been at odds since their arrival on Bloodstone Island, and the rift had only grown.
Sea Snake wanted to solidify their position by fortifying Bloodstone Island and slowly expanding their defenses to Grey Gallows Island. His strategy was to occupy the two largest islands in the Stepstones, turning them into a stronghold against the Triarchy.
Tyland, however, strongly disagreed. He argued that maintaining even one island was already draining the treasury, let alone expanding further. Tyland sought a swift victory, believing that the treasury could not sustain a prolonged conflict.
Seeing the impasse, Rhaegar shrugged and took a seat. Although he was the king's heir, he had little experience in command and preferred to observe and stabilize the army.
Additionally, Tyland's contentious stance served his father Viserys' purpose of keeping the powerful Sea Snake in check.
After a short wait, more people entered the tent: Rhaenys, Vaemond, Cole, and fleet commanders from various regions. The meeting began with Vaemond reporting, "Pirates of the Three Daughters have been spotted near the Grey Gallows. They may be preparing to attack."
"Send more patrol ships and stay on guard," Sea Snake replied.
As Sea Snake spoke, Tyland quickly interjected, leading to another argument between the two. One faction preferred to wait and fortify, while the other advocated taking the initiative. The commanders exchanged glances but remained silent, divided in their loyalties: Cole sided with Tyland, Vaemond remained silent, and Rhaenys remained neutral. Rhaegar and Laenor simply listened, reading the room.
Rhaegar noted that most of those present seemed eager to end the conflict quickly, suggesting that Sea Snake's cautious approach was less popular. The argument continued until noon, when the meeting was suspended and everyone left the tent.
As Rhaegar prepared to leave, Rhaenys handed him a letter. He read it, frowning. "The Dornish want to make peace," he said.
Rhaenys guessed, "I suspect foul play."
The letter also mentioned that Lady Jeyne Arryn of the Eyrie had arrived in King's Landing, expressing gratitude for the King's assistance in quelling a rebellion. The letter concluded with an invitation for Rhaegar to return to King's Landing, both to receive the Dornish envoy and to attend a banquet for Lady Jeyne.
"Dornishmen..." Rhaegar murmured, his eyes flashing with suspicion. He doubted their sincerity, knowing them to be a resilient and rebellious folk.
"Your father needs your advice," Rhaenys urged.
Rhaegar nodded. "I'll leave with Cannibal. Keep a close watch on the Triarchy."
Sara and Robb will stay here on Bloodstone Island and act as his eyes.
...
King's Landing, Dragonpit.
"Dreamfyre, Dracarys!" Helaena's clear, childish voice echoed through the cavernous space.
"Roar..." Dreamfyre, the majestic blue dragon, lay prostrate on the ground, responding with a gentle roar.
Clad in a small white dress and deerskin boots, Helaena approached Dreamfyre, her light purple eyes filled with determination. She squatted down, gazing into the dragon's eyes.
Dreamfyre tolerated her presence and wouldn't harm her, but it also wouldn't obey her commands or engage with her beyond passive acceptance.
A low rumble filled the air as the massive doors of the Dragonpit slowly creaked open.
"Roar..." Dreamfyre's roar was one of surprise as it rose from the cold floor.
"Roar!!" The shadow of a dark dragon loomed over the entrance, landing with a gust of wind that swept through the Dragonpit.
(Word count: 1,140)