Alicent was uncomfortable at Dragonstone. This was the place of Rhaenyra's power. While here her children would be expected to train with the Dragonstone Master-at-arms. They would also be around guards who no doubt would one day be tasked with murdering her children. It made a mother uneasy.
Elaena had seen her head toward the training grounds and had joined her.
"Mother, I noticed you did not eat much at the feast last night, nor did you have breakfast. Are you unwell?"
"Sea voyages are not always easy on the stomach."
"The Maester can prepare you something to help with nausea. There is a tea they can brew with a specific plant that will set your stomach well."
The Queen demurred, "I'm fine, no need to concern yourself."
Alicent saw Elaena frown.
"Mother, I've watched you at feasts as well as when we dine more privately. You are restricting yourself from eating your fill, why?"
She sighed. "Daughter, one of the duties as a wife is to keep one's figure properly. I, but do my duty."
Elaena shook her head, "No, you are lax in your obligation. The birth was likely harder because you are starving yourself, as is your recovery. I am not suggesting you eat like father used to, but you must eat more. Childbirth exhausts your body; you need to replenish its reserves."
It was Alicent's turn to frown. Elaena seemed knowledgeable; she had studied at the Citadel for a time. It was hard to get her father's voice out of her head. And she certainly didn't want to gain weight as Rhaenyra had done. Perhaps she should…
"Promise me, mother. This is important."
Alicent relented, "Yes, I will endeavor to eat more, but not too much more. I will keep up with my appearance as a Queen should."
Her daughter seemed to take that agreeance at face value and they continued their walk to the training yard. Overseeing the training was Joffrey Lonmouth, with Ser Criston and Ser Steffon of the Kingsguard also watching. Aemond was striking a wooden post, while Aegon was in padding and sparring with one of Laenor's squires. The squire was older than Aegon, but Aegon was fierce and unrelenting. Joffrey called a halt after Aegon had taken out the feet under his opponent.
Ser Criston laughed. "Ser Laenor, perhaps you should bring a master-at-arms who is more able."
Joffrey flushed, and Alicent frowned. Ser Criston took issue with Rhaenyra's husband. Laenor's perversions were foul, but it was not her place to stand in judgement over him. Ser Criston seemed to relish making japes at Laenor's expense.
Alicent saw Laenor's jaw clench as he approached Ser Criston.
"Ser Joffrey is a good and true knight, do not speak ill of him, after you tried to murder him."
Ser Criston backed a step with his hands out. "Ser, that issue has long been laid to rest. I merely thought that Dragonstone deserved a Master-at-arms who wasn't a cripple."
Laenor swung at Ser Cole, striking him across the face. Cole hit the ground, lip split, but smiling. Ser Steffon hastily approached to get between the princess's consort and a fellow knight of the Kingsguard. Alicent race down the steps.
"What is the meaning of this, Laenor?"
Laenor inclined his head a tiny fraction, "Your Grace, Ser Criston gave insult. He is fortunate that is all I gave him."
Alicent glared at him. "He is of the Kingsguard, you know he cannot strike back at the husband of the princess in a brawl. You dishonor your house with your actions. I demand you apologize."
Ser Criston had risen to his feet. Laenor glared at him and then back at the Queen. Ser Joffrey also approached and gave Laenor a look.
"Very well, you have my apologies, Ser Criston. This is no family dinner; you are to guard your tongue and focus on protecting the King's family and not on making suggestions. You are a guard dog; you will bark on request only."
"Aemond," a clear voice called out, "stay focused on your training," Elaena spoke, and loud enough to be heard by the rest.
Alicent and the others turned to see the squires and princes had been staring at them. She felt some mild embarrassment, but also worry. There was no love lost between Laenor and Criston, and she feared for her sworn shield's future. There was a hate in Laenor's eyes that she had not seen before, and it may not wait until Viserys had passed.
***
Viserys was pleased with how the trip had turned out. His son Aegon had not been able to claim Silverwing, but he had claimed Sunfyre. The dragon was young still, but already its scales shone brightly. For many reasons, Viserys would always view Balerion as the greatest dragon in living memory, but even he admitted Sunfyre was easily the most beautiful.
Aegon had been disappointed in failing to claim the larger Silverwing. As soon as he had claimed Sunfyre, he sang a different tune. It warmed his heart to see his family claim another dragon. Now three of his children had dragons. The two seemed closely bonded already, enough so that he was confident Aegon could fly back to King's Landing. Elaena on Viktoriya would guide the way and then Sunfyre would be housed in the Dragonpit. Once again, he thought about how wonderful a match between Aegon and Elaena would be, though sadly Elaena still clung to the odd notion that marrying her half-sibling was foul. Viserys intended to honor his word and allow Elaena to choose, within reason, but if she did not make a choice after her own tour, she would marry Aegon. If she remained stubborn, he would match Aegon to Helaena and be done with it.
Viserys was not unaware of the coiled tension between some of his family. The distance apart allowed people to think the worst of each other, but by bringing them together, they could find common ground. Feasting together, sharing stories, and telling jests could help heal the rifts that had grown. Or so he hoped.
On the sea voyage back to King's Landing he saw Alicent quite energetic as she nursed their newest child.
"You seem to be in a good mood, my wife. Getting out of King's Landing for a time is good for the soul."
Alicent smiled back in reply. "Yes, every now and then. I am just so happy that Aegon has a dragon. I'm sure Helaena and Aemond will soon wish to try their hand at it as well. They do grow up so quickly."
"Ah, but you speak a harsh truth. It feels as if it is was but yesterday that Aegon was a baby in swaddling, and now he is flying a dragon. Would that I could stop the relentless march of time!"
Daenora had finished drinking and Alicent laid her down.
"It was a shocking thing to hear about Daemon. Your brother has always spread chaos, is there naught that can be done about him?"
Viserys laughed. "Would that I could, but Daemon has always done what Daemon wishes." He put on a more serious face. "There really isn't anything I can do, unless we want bloodshed there is no use trying to force them to return and stop their marriage. As dragons grow older, they grow more formidable. It is not just their size. The fires in their belly grow hotter and their scales grow harder. Vhagar is monstrously powerful. It would take Syrax, Seasmoke, and Meleys just to stand a chance against her. And even then, it is certain at least one dragon and rider will fall before Vhagar could be brought low."
Alicent gave a shiver. "The thought of those beasts fighting against each other with people on their backs is terrifying."
Viserys nodded, "Fortunately, outside of Daemon and his recklessness, our family is responsible with the use of their dragons. And even he would be loath to pit dragon against dragon. As I am, he too puts much stock in history and our house's legacy that carries out the torch of Old Valyria. What made Old Valyria, Old Valyria, were the dragons. Dragons fighting dragons should only occur in the vilest circumstances. So, fret not my wife, there is nothing to worry over."
***
Rhaenyra was pleased that Harwin was back in Dragonstone in time for the birth of their son. It had created some tension with her sister. As soon as Elaena had seen him, she commented, "Ser Harwin, I had thought you were acting in your father's stead as Lord of Harrenhal?"
"Lyra has quite the head for sums, just like you. She's working closely with the Maester and keeping the house in order. Princess Rhaenyra is used to my presence nearby as a good fortune talisman during the birthing process."
"I see." Elaena's words were somehow both politely soft-spoken, and filled with ice. Rhaenyra wasn't sure how her little sister had managed the juxtaposing of the two with but a few words.
After that exchange, Elaena fully ignored Ser Harwin's presence, focusing on Rhaenyra. Elaena had been there for near on two weeks now awaiting the birth, only taking short trips back to King's Landing. Rhaenyra was pleased to share their days together again. It was wonderful to share stories and catch up properly on their lives now that they were regularly apart.
The babe was another easy delivery. It was uncomfortable and the dull pain of the contractions a wearying trial, but she was pleased to have delivered another healthy Targaryen child. She had hoped for a daughter, but she would love her new son all the same. She had picked the name Aenar for her son. Laenor thought it a fine name, and had no great preference for the naming of 'their' children.
Little Aenar was very similar in appearance to both Jace and Luke. Laenor held him all the same, treating the babe just as he would if it was he who had fathered him. Elaena was weary after being by her side for so long and took her leave.
Rhaenyra slept and when she awoke her sister was there beside her again.
"Sister, I will not give voice to what is obvious, but I do not understand. Why put so much at risk?"
The heir to the Iron Throne lay back and sighed. "Elaena… I believe you will understand when you are older."
"That is quite unlikely."
She couldn't help but laugh at her oh-so-serious sister. "I'm your older and wiser sister, put your trust in me. When you experience your moon's blood, you will understand. Life is about choices, and I choose to be happy."
"I don't begrudge your happiness; I simply question your risk-management assessment. Is fleeting pleasure worth the potential harm that could befall your children?"
Rhaenyra stopped smiling. "That's enough Elaena. And I expect you not to speak of this with others."
Elaena just stared at her with her blue eyes. "I would not do that to you, Laenor, or even Ser Harwin, let alone my nephews."
"I didn't think you would, I just want it to be clear."
Elaena nodded, "See, now that is wise. Ensuring there are no misunderstandings when communication takes place is the hallmark of great leadership."
Rhaenyra's grin returned. Elaena's unique way of looking at the world was always interesting. In the past she thought it adorable, but that word didn't quite fit the more she thought about it. Nonetheless it was endearing.
"Come and give your sister a hug."
Elaena approached and gently hugged her, only for Rhaenyra to take the opportunity to ruffle her sister's hair.
She gave a squawk of betrayal and retreated.
"Ugh, now I have to go brush it again."
Rhaenyra laughed. "You live life too seriously, my sweet sister. I'm the Lady of Dragonstone, and all those on this island are loyal to me. I promise you, having mussed hair in public will not ruin your reputation."
Elaena gave a huff, but sat back down. Gods, she would miss her when Elaena returned to King's Landing. Ser Harwin would fill that void, but he couldn't stay overlong until he put a child in Lyra. She still wasn't sure how she felt about that. No matter, it had been decided by her, Laenor, and Harwin that it was for the best. Ultimately, if it allowed her lover more time back here with her on Dragonstone, he could have as many children with Lyra as needed. Or so she told herself.
***
"What do you think, Elaena? Rhaenyra says I should forgive Daemon and Laena and welcome them back into the fold. Others counsel me against it, but in truth, I am still furious with him."
Time had passed and he now had two nieces. Laena had borne twins, Rhaena and Baela. Family was important to him, but the constant disrespect his brother had shown him was wearing his patience beyond thin.
"I would like to see my newborn cousins. I also believe antagonizing the dragon rider of the largest dragon is foolish. Not that I think Laena would do something rash, but I know Laenor misses his sister. Let them return from exile and mend fences. Perhaps demand a service, such as aiding the Velaryons against the Triarchy. They've been pushed to the brink; Laenor's father has gone personally to aid in the fighting."
Viserys sighed. Elaena saw the issue of the Stepstones through the view of commerce. With the Triarchy winning and controlling much of the Stepstones, despite the best efforts of the Velaryons and their allies, they were once again demanding exorbitant tribute and tolls. And many vessels were also disappearing, and it clear who was responsible.
The problem was that Dorne was still allying with the Triarchy. Several lords, including ones in the Reach and the Westerlands, wrote commending Viserys for keeping the peace. No one, save for some in the Stormlands, wanted war with Dorne. A darker part in his heart also privately rejoiced at the proud Sea Snake being humbled. He had gone to war with the Triarchy on his own, at the time with the help of Daemon, but still without his leave. Lord Corlys had not asked his King permission before starting his unilateral war, and a part of him wanted to let him suffer the full consequences.
"I will not be asking that of him. The Stepstones will have to be decided without dragons."
Elaena made a noise of disagreement. "It won't, once he gets desperate enough, Corlys will have his son take Seasmoke into battle. My good-brother will not refuse his father in need."
"Laenor can make his own choices. I do not wish to show you a hard heart, but he has given Rhaenyra three sons, so should the worst occur, Rhaenyra will have heirs."
"Cold comfort to his family."
"Which is why he shouldn't go! The Sea Snake should have long since attempted to make peace. Form an agreement on a cost that isn't so prohibitive. If they set it too high trade just goes elsewhere. I'm damned tired of hearing about those collection of rocks."
"But he will go. Beyond just the familial concern, there are other fiscal issues. Remember, the largest loans we currently have outstanding are to House Velaryon. It would not be good for the Bank of the Dragon to see their fortune wasted and their fleets destroyed."
Viserys frowned. "Lyman reports that the bank is already making money for the Crown."
"It is, and will continue to do so. A large default would be disappointing, even if recoverable. We now have clients in the Vale, Riverlands and the Crownlands. The small portfolio of non-noble mercantile loans has maintained profitability. I'm pleased with the success of the bank."
Viserys would not be moved. As he grew older, he was even more committed to leaving a legacy of peace. No war with Dorne. He did not desire Laenor harmed, he had been good to his daughter, but he also could not justify starting a war that would kill thousands.
His daughter let out a small sigh. "Regardless of the Stepstones issue, I still believe family should be unified. Invite them at least to bring their babes to be recognized in the court as your kin."
"Not yet, but one day. I will let Daemon stew longer. He can reside in Pentos, or wherever else he desires in Essos. Hopefully it will curb his future recklessness."
"Do I have permission to visit them in Pentos?"
Viserys frowned. He didn't like his daughter going to Essos for a variety of reasons. She was still shy of twelfth name day, and as responsible as she was, it was still another continent full of potential dangers. He doubted Daemon would truly harm his daughter… but his damnable brother was so unpredictable.
"I'm sorry, but you do not. It will also send mixed messages to my errant younger brother."
Elaena inclined her head. She, at least, was dutiful and obedient. Never had she ever disobeyed him. Debated issues? Yes. Make her voice heard? Yes. But when there was a conflict with what she desired and his expressed order, she always obeyed her King and father. Would that the rest of his family would do the same!
***
"You want to do what?" Laenor asked Elaena in shock.
"The plan makes sense. Your stories of your prior battles in the Stepstones clearly demonstrated that when you worked in concert with Daemon to time your dragon-led attacks, the outcomes were far superior. When the Triarchy merely expected one dragon, they could act in multiple places at once, knowing only one area had to deal with a dragon. With Seasmoke fighting on one front and Caraxes fighting on another they were flummoxed."
Laenor shook his head.
"No, I understand that. What I don't understand is you think your father would allow you to join the fighting."
"Oh, he won't, but he also hasn't refused me either."
Laenor blinked.
"Elaena…"
"Good-brother, I've thought this through. Our dragons don't look similar when they are next to each other or up close. But from a distance? People are not good at judging size from a distance and Seasmoke is not that much larger than Viktoriya. The coloring isn't that off from each other, and once you add smoke from draconic fire, I think it will be safe to say one cannot positively state it wasn't Seasmoke participating."
"Except the dragons will be in two places fighting at the same time!"
"Fog of war. Battle is confusing. What's the alternative, that the princess who has not yet reached ten and two has entered the fray?"
Laenor frowned, thinking about it. Elaena was correct, even two people in the same battle would argue and disagree with the details. He suspected it was the battle-fever that overtook people. That filled their veins with urgency and renewed strength right before the clash of men and steel. But there were of course a number of concerns.
"You haven't faced battle, nor should you at your age."
Elaena gave a distant smile. "I've seen death. I witnessed the execution of the murderer from Flea Bottom. I've also seen a rider fall off their mount and break their neck. Valar Morghulis. Death is a part of life."
"Yes, but it is different when you are causing it."
"Perhaps, but if mine actions save more in the long-run it is a just act. Squeamishness over personally doing the deed is hypocrisy. In the North they say the man who passes the sentence should swing the sword. I find such gestures meaningless, in all ways, passing the sentence is swinging the sword. If you are squeamish about doing it personally, you should not be making decisions."
Laenor gave a sigh. She didn't understand, but then how could she? She had never taken a life. He remembered the first time he had done so. It changed him, but he was a noble of House Velaryon and had the blood of the dragon, so he got over it, but for days he had been distraught.
"This is a foolish discussion; I will not be taking you to the Stepstones. Your father and your sister would kill me if I put you in harm's way."
"Laenor. Your father is losing. House Velaryon has suffered significant reversals. Do you think I would wish my beloved sister to be a widow? I can out fly you on my dragon. I understand how the trajectories of crossbow bolts and scorpion's function. Tell me, do you know the maximum angle that a scorpion can be fired at?"
"What do you mean?"
"It is a simple equation. You must know the elevation of yourself, the scorpion, the angle it is aimed at, and the force of used to fire the bolt. When you know these, you know how low your dragon can fly and from which direction to avoid them. I suspect you eyeball it without doing the arithmetic for it. I can do the calculations, and will only act when I can be assured of my self-preservation."
His eyes grew wide. He knew his good-sister had a deep knowledge of financial matters, and those required a foundation of mathematics. But to do calculations of this sort in the midst of battle seemed impossible.
"Elaena, please, I don't doubt your understanding of how high a bolt can travel, but that doesn't change my decision. It is too risky and it is not something your father would approve of."
"Laenor, the way I see it, is that we can work together or we can work separately, but I intend to go. The Stepstones are too important, and the Bank of the Dragon cannot show weakness this early. If your house defaults…"
"This is about the bank!?"
"Well, partially, but it obviously isn't as if I don't care about you and my sister. However, the urgency of my participation is rooted within the concerns of my first major initiative for father facing a setback."
Laenor laughed. "You… you are telling me that if I don't work with you, you intend to fly alone to the Stepstones?"
"Yes, you'll have left me no choice."
"I could tell Rhaenyra."
"That would just make her complicit when I go anyway. Which is it Laenor? Work with me where you have some control, or unleash me to do what I do be… beyond oversight."
Laenor wanted to tear his hair out. It was rank madness to allow a child onto a battlefield. But short of going to the King and explaining, she had trapped him with no good options. He could go to the King, but the fallout from that would be concerning.
"How will you explain your departure for so long from King's Landing?"
"Oh, I have already planned for that. I'll be working on a research project with the Citadel. The Archmaester of Bronze has allowed me to borrow an advanced Myrish lens tube that allows me to see the celestial bodies. I will be collecting data from various locations in short succession at different elevations across the eastern portion of Westeros."
"But if you will be at the Stepstones, how can you…"
"Laenor, my observations can be calculated when you know the variables. Even if I make a mistake in my calculations, it would be chalked up to inaccuracies in identifying my location. My alibi wouldn't be ironclad, but the Citadel itself will confirm if asked what I was doing. Time and distance obscure reports, no one will know I was there."
Laenor did not share her confidence. And confidence she clearly had, for were it any other child, Laenor knew he would have held steadfast. But she was not normal. She flew her dragon with impeccable ease. She had reformed taxation and accounting across Westeros and then formed a bank. The combination of it all and the threat that she'd fly off on her own, which would be more dangerous than allowing him to choose the battlefields, he relented.
"I know I am going to regret this, and you must never tell your father or your sister."
"You have my word. Now, I did have some ideas on how to better utilize our forces…"
***
Alicent arrived at the study that the children often used for learning. Aemond and Helaena had both learned their letters swiftly. Alicent doubted that Rhaenyra's children would learn as fast as hers did. Aemond, in particular, had been quick to master the skill. As Alicent entered the room she heard the tail end of the conversation.
"But why is that important? If they rebel, we can just burn them with our dragons."
"And lose productive manpower that could be spent tilling the fields and paying taxes? Force is unfortunately a necessity at times, but it is a terrible waste of human resources. It is far better to take into considerations what your subordinates desire."
"I don't know sister, it seems that if you crush anyone who challenges your rule, there will be less people challenging it in the future."
"Yes, and if you killed any hound that disobeyed their first command, you would have less hounds challenging you, and no hounds. A wise leader seeks scenarios where he wins and the other end also wins. Through these win/win situations you will maximize productivity."
Alicent stopped eavesdropping and fully entered the study. "What are you two speaking of?"
"Hello, mother. I was just teaching Aemond some lessons in leaderships. I appreciate how he challenges my perspective; he has taken an interest in the subjects of history and philosophy."
Alicent saw her son nod happily. "Yes! It is fascinating to learn about our ancestors. It is fun to consider not just what they did, but why they did it. Someday I want others to read of me and what I did, and perhaps ponder why!"
Ponder?
Alicent wondered if Aegon would be the fighter and Aemond the advisor. It would be fitting for when Aegon was crowned to have a learned Hand. But that was not why she was here.
"I'm glad you find your lessons so thrilling. If you don't mind, I must steal your sister for a few moments."
"I can read elsewhere," Aemond replied and left them alone.
"Elaena, is it really necessary for you to be gone so long?"
"It isn't that long, mother. I believe I can get all the observations done in a month, but if we have enough clear days I may return sooner."
Alicent pursed her lips, "If you can, please do so. Daeron loves spending time with you. He hasn't started being taught by a Maester and Daenora commands much of my attention these days. I can leave him with the maidservants, but he much prefers you. Also, Helaena wishes to attempt to bond with a dragon as well. Aegon thinks she should only try if you go with her."
"Yes, mother. I will do my best not to tarry. Once I return, I commit to testing Helaena's knowledge of the commands in Old Valyria. I believe she will do well. I must confess, I have spent more time with Aegon and Aemond than with her, but that is because she is self-sufficient and does not get into mischief. Put her paints before her, the occasional text, and she is content."
Alicent nodded. She wouldn't press the issue. Elaena had sounded so excited at dinner when she announced her partnership with one of the Archmaesters. She was still unsure of why mapping the celestial bodies on land was so important. She vaguely understood that sailors somehow used the stars as a marker for their voyages, but how that translated onto land was a mystery, one she didn't truly care about.
What she was sure of, was the anticipatory gleam in her daughter's eyes. Even more so than working with the Dragon Bank, when she talked of her intentions there was an air of unrestrained anticipation. She couldn't bring herself to try to convince her husband to forbid Elaena from going just to help take care of her siblings. Alicent would just have to try and keep all five of them happy without her. This would impact her ability to stay abreast with the important court gossip, but it would not be very long. She would just have to endure the distraction with grace.
"That is all I can ask." She kissed her daughter on the cheek and said, "And you will be careful, yes? Don't fly too fast. If it is storming, you wait it out instead of being hasty."
"I'm always careful, mother."
***
Racallio Ryndoon of Tyrosh had led the effort to finally oust the Seven Kingdoms from the Stepstones. With the newfound help of their Dornish allies it had been going well. Daemon and his damned dragon were the only true impediment. They had attempted counter measures, and they worked to an extent, but every attack, defense, or operation had to take the massive monster into account. When some internal matter in the Seven Kingdoms caused him to leave the Stepstones, Racallio knew that the Stepstones were as good as won.
Immediately the lack of a dragon proved their foe's undoing. Yet, they were tenacious. The Sea Snake had hired mercenaries, some of which were quite good and used to fighting against Tyrosh, and the other members of the Triarchy. However, even that wealthy house could not compete in the long run. Eventually coin ran low, and the end drew nigh.
Then the Sea Snake himself arrived. The man had seen more than six decades of life, and was still a formidable fighter. A charismatic leader who rallied his house and counterattacked in surprising ways. Once more the inevitable defeat of Westerosi forces was delayed. But even Lord Velaryon would not be enough.
Sadly, it was clear that Velaryon knew it as well, and so the man summoned his son, a dragonrider, to the warfront. Seasmoke was a lesser threat compared to the great Caraxes, but still a profound danger. Scorpions now needed to be positioned more carefully before any major action on the island holdings. They only needed one lucky shot and it would be enough to take down the dragon and break the morale of their enemies.
The dragon was staying close to Corlys. They would show their forces and threaten the island and the ships anchored nearby. However, it was no true attack, and they would be ready to retreat into the battery of a dozen scorpions on the cliffs of the easternmost isle. There was no guarantee those massive bolts could hit the dragon, but there was a chance. And the longer the dragon pursued, the odds rose.
Meanwhile, the second force that he would be leading which included the Dornish sea captains would be completing an all-out attack on the other islands still held by House Velaryon. They would massacre those defenders in the largest two-pronged assault in years. Whether or not Seasmoke fell today did not matter for this battle. The losses would be immense and hopefully the damned stubborn fool known as the Sea Snake would finally realize his house could not defeat the Triarchy.
Some of his ships would take the vessels docked at the island, so that their foes couldn't flee. The rest would storm the small keep and the camps on the isle. That plan had been good, and Racallio was shocked to see the silvery dragon descend upon his men. Laenor had picked the right time to strike, right as most of the men had offloaded to shore. White flames scorched them as the dragon strafed them. He had seen dragons do that before, but not for such a continuous motion. So many of the men ashore suffered burns, with many outright dying in agony.
Archers took up their bows and shot at the dragon, but the beast was already gaining altitude and the shafts could not reach it. The dragon did not circle back down to them, instead it descend toward the vessels about to engage the enemy ships. Most of the ships mounted at least one scorpion; it was a necessity when dealing with Targaryens.
Seasmoke descended again and the crews let loose arrows and crossbow bolts. They deflected off the scales of the dragons and white flames alighted the first two ships. On his own vessel watching from a somewhat safe distance, he bellowed orders to turn his ships so that their own mounted scorpions would be facing in the likely direction if Ser Laenor came this way.
How did he know now was the time to leave his father's side? Do we have a traitor in our inner circle?
This was a setback, but only that. If Laenor wasn't with his father, then the Sea Snake would be vulnerable. And even here, he had hundreds of archers and crossbowmen and each ship mounted a scorpion. Racallio grimaced in frustration as another pass of the dragon set two more ships on fire. The dragonrider was wary about which direction to descend upon the vessels, and the scorpions could not get within the proper arc.
The Velaryon vessels began advancing, seeking to take advantage of the disarray and confusion. Outnumbered though they were, their men did not have to worry about a dragon descending from the skies. Racallio nervously realized he had a dangerous decision to make. He still had overwhelming numbers; he could commit his personal force. Eventually the dragon had to tire, eventually it would make a mistake, or one of his men would get lucky. He had dozens of ships and thousands of men between his fleet and the Dornish.
"Sound the call! All hands, stand ready for the onslaught. I want our vessels spread wide, yet poised to shield each other with our scorpions. We are not letting the Velaryon's hold the isle, every ship of theirs is destined for the bottom of the sea!"