Chapter 22 - Flight with Syrax and Caraxes

[Daeranyx Pov]

Daemon and Rhaenyra made their way to their respective dragons, while I approached Anarion. He graciously lowered his wing, allowing me to clamber onto his back. Maneuvering carefully, I secured myself onto the saddle that rested upon him. I observed that the Targaryens do not use dragon hide for their saddles; instead, they opt for the hides of other beasts and ordinary steel. It appears not everyone enjoys the same privileges as I do.

Once the three of us were settled in our respective dragon saddles, Rhaenyra was the first to take to the skies with Syrax, using the simple command "Soves." They soared upwards. Daemon and Caraxes began their ascent shortly after, trailing just behind her. I cautioned Anarion against causing trouble in the air. Understanding the warning, Anarion nodded his massive head and launched into the sky without waiting for my command.

[Third-person Pov]

The sun soared high in the clear blue sky, showering King's Landing with its warm light as three dragons sliced through the air, their wings beating in a powerful rhythm. Below, the city teemed with activity, with many pausing on the streets to gaze at the spectacle overhead. Syrax, resplendent in gold, soared with a grace that masked her rider's lack of experience. Rhaenyra, her heart aflutter with both nerves and excitement, steered her dragon with a whip and commands in High Valyrian. Having only recently bonded with Syrax on her seventh name day, the sensation of flight was still a fresh exhilaration for her. The young princess sensed the potent muscles working beneath her, the sheer force of the dragon's might, yet she was aware that their connection was still tender, a bond that required time to deepen and fully form.

To her right, Daemon Targaryen mounted Caraxes, the Blood Wyrm, whose crimson scales shone like a beacon against the bright sky. Daemon, seasoned in flight, had soared the skies often, yet even he relied on his whip to restrain Caraxes. The dragon's fiery spirit mirrored his rider's, and although they held a bond of mutual respect, Caraxes retained a wildness that demanded mastery.

But it was the third rider who truly commanded the sky.

Daeranyx, the newly anointed Valyrian Dragonlord, mounted Anarion with the poise and assurance of a seasoned sky conqueror. Anarion, grander than both Syrax and Caraxes, boasted scales of a radiant silver that reflected the noon sun with a dazzling shimmer. The use of a whip was unnecessary, as were shouted commands. Daeranyx and Anarion were in perfect harmony, their thoughts and movements synchronized.

With a deft shift of his body, Daeranyx coaxed Anarion into a steep dive, the dragon's immense form slicing through the air at an astonishing velocity. They descended rapidly towards the Blackwater Rush, the river's surface glistening in the midday sun, only to ascend sharply at the final instant, grazing the canopy of the Kingswood and then climbing back into the vastness of the sky. The maneuver was executed perfectly, a tribute to the training Daeranyx had undergone in the Valyrian Freehold before its fall, which he had honed during his time on Skagos.

Rhaenyra and Daemon observed with amazement as Daeranyx and Anarion executed a sequence of acrobatic maneuvers, spiraling and diving through the sky with a swiftness and nimbleness that defied their massive stature. Anarion outpaced the other dragons, his colossal wings driving him ahead with relentless momentum. He maneuvered with a grace that had Syrax and Caraxes laboring to match, their riders spurring them forward with cries and the snap of whips.

But no matter how they tried, they could not match the sheer mastery of Daeranyx and Anarion. The sky above King's Landing belonged to them, a vast playground where dragon and rider danced together, their movements a blur of silver and shadow against the bright midday light.

As the sun reached its zenith, casting short, stark shadows over the city and the vast expanse of Kingswood, the three dragons finally slowed, hovering above the Blackwater Rush. Rhaenyra's heart was still racing from the thrill of the flight, as she tried very hard to keep up with Anarion and Daeranyx, the midday heat mingling with the exhilaration in her veins.

Daemon, ever the proud warrior, nodded in respect to Daeranyx, acknowledging the superior skill that had just been displayed. He had known that Daeranyx's control over his dragon and his training in flight from the Valyrian Freehold would not make them victorious in the sky. Yet even then, he couldn't have imagined the gap would be so vast. He had never seen any Dragonrider in his family command their dragons with such mastery as Daeranyx did.

Daeranyx dismounted with the ease of someone who had done so countless times, his hand resting on Anarion's massive neck. 

"We have much to learn," Daemon remarked, his voice tinged with admiration. "If you could teach us the techniques to better control our dragons, House Targaryen would be in your debt, Lord Drakonar." Daemon was eager to gain greater mastery over his dragon. If it meant seeking guidance from the young man before him, he was willing to do so. Dragons are the unique power that sets them apart and elevates them above every other lord in the realm. He could scarcely fathom the consequences for his house should they lose dominion over their dragons. Even with the dragons present, many lords do not conceal their ambitions, which would only grow if the dragons were to abandon House Targaryen. In such a case, only the Valyrian Gods could aid them, as the Seven who are one would not.

Daeranyx offered a faint smile. "I would not deny a fellow Dragon Lord who wishes to strengthen their bond with their dragons. After all, it is the dragons that define us. I am willing to assist House Targaryen in this endeavor. King Viserys and I will discuss the terms of what I shall receive for my aid."

Daemon and Rhaenyra nodded upon hearing that. Rhaenyra was eager to strengthen her bond with Syrax, while Daemon desired nothing more, for there was no one else in the world like Caraxes who understood his temper. If their shared bond could grow stronger, he would assist Viserys in granting whatever favor Lord Drakonar might request of House Targaryen.

"Princess Rhaenyra, Prince Daemon, Lord Drakonar, forgive the interruption," said the King's guard, glancing at each of them. "The midday meal is prepared, and Their Graces await your presence to commence. King Viserys has expressly stated he will not wait much longer. Please make haste." They all shared a smile upon hearing that King Viserys would not wait any longer.

Subsequently, all three of them proceeded towards their respective chambers to bathe and prepare themselves for the midday meal.

[Daeranyx Pov]

Once prepared, I made my way towards the dining chambers. Upon arrival, the King's Guard, stationed by the room, opened the doors for me. Entering the room, I spotted an empty seat to the right of Aemma and proceeded to make myself comfortable in it.

"How was your flight with Daemon and Rhaenyra, Lord Drakonar?" Aemma was the first to ask. She spoke with her usual kind tone and a smile directed at me. However, I noticed it was a knowing smile, rather than the perpetually kind one that usually graced her face.

"It was a good experience flying with another Dragon rider after a year. We flew from Blackwater Rush to Kingswood and back to King's Landing. Daemon and Rhaenyra had decent control over their dragons. There was a minor issue when our dragons met at the Dragonpit, but it didn't escalate much," I replied to her with a smile. All three present heard my reply and nodded. Corlys and Viserys seemed to be in deep thought.

"Thanks to you, the situation didn't escalate. We've been informed by the King's guard who were there," said Aemma, her gaze filled with gratitude for my role in preventing a dire outcome for everyone at King's Landing.

"Yes, Lord Drakonar, Ser Arryk has informed us of the events that transpired at the Dragonpit. He also spoke of your bloodline's ability and how you soothed Caraxes in his furious state. It is truly marvelous, as expected of your lineage. House Targaryen would be honored to learn from you and is prepared to offer anything you desire as recompense for your assistance. We shall discuss this further when both of us have a respite from our duties," said Viserys, smiling with a jovial tone.

"Marvelous indeed. Rhaenys, Laenor and Laena would be delighted to meet you and learn from you as well. Laena has recently claimed the largest dragon of the Targaryens, and she seeks your assistance to strengthen their bond. Vhagar and Laena could be invaluable, especially if the Dragonlord families in Essos do not ally with us. She is of a similar age to you, and I'm certain you both would connect over your shared passion for dragons. And remember, just as with House Targaryen, should you ever require anything from House Velaryon, you need only ask," said Corlys, emphasizing Laena's name repeatedly. He pointedly mentioned that Laena has the largest dragon among the dragon riders in Westeros. After hearing of my abilities, I anticipated that he and Viserys might propose an alliance through his daughter.

Viserys and Aemma exchanged concerned glances after hearing Corlys. They seemed to have anticipated this from Corlys, but knowing did not make it any easier. If I ever marry Laena meant that House Velaryon would receive many things from me that would not be available to them. Moreover, House Velaryon would also have more dragons and their riders. If the relationship between the two houses soured, the outcome would not favor House Targaryen, as many lords still believed Rhaenys had a stronger claim to the throne than Viserys, some of whom are paramount lords of their regions.

"As I mentioned before at the Dragonpit, I would not refuse any Dragonrider wishing to strengthen their bond with their dragons. I would also be delighted to meet your daughter Lady Laena you speak so highly of. What is the current situation in the Stepstones, Lord Corlys?" I inquired. The situation at the Stepstones now involves a Dragonlord family from overseas. The Free Cities have a tendency to unite against threats they cannot face alone. This time, they possess a weapon that could be used against Westeros. It is also one of the reasons I remain here. After dealing with House Targaryen, the family in Volantis, with their massive dragons—and only the Gods know how many—will likely turn their attention towards me.

"It has improved slightly since a few moons ago. They're bolstering their defenses due to the dragons sighted at Volantis. The Triarchy is dedicating half of its resources to crafting scorpions and bracing for the dragon threat. However, this doesn't alleviate our situation as House Velaryon's ships continue to be targeted. I've assigned guards to our ships and ordered them to sail in unison, which should give pause to attackers considering the Triarchy's dwindling funds and resources for mercenaries in the Stepstones," Corlys replied, his smile tightening at the mention of his losses. Viserys chose to overlook Corlys's unilateral actions.

After their conversation shifted to mundane matters of the realm, Daemon and Rhaenyra made their entrance into the dining room. With their arrival, the servants began to serve the meal.

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