King's Landing
105 AC
The guard and I were walking through the corridors towards the gate where the Princess was waiting. Just as we were about to turn towards the other side, I noticed someone emerging from the Throne Room I had entered the previous day. The two individuals were chatting among themselves. I asked the guard to wait a moment. Shortly after, they became aware of my presence from afar and began walking in my direction, bowing before me as they approached.
"Lord Drakonar," said the man, who appeared older of the two. He was a large, burly figure, tall and muscular, with broad shoulders and a thick neck. His face was square, marked by a strong jawline, and his expression conveyed that he was a no-nonsense man. He had black hair, although only a few patches remained on his head, now mostly grey, complemented by a full beard that added to his imposing appearance.
The man standing beside the one who spoke is same as the one who spoke. But he looks more younger and greater in size than the other. He had black hair and more intimidating presence than other. And he has also very rugged feature. After seeing those two I had idea who they are. That's why I had waited for those two.
"Pardon me, my Lord, but we have not been introduced. Thus, I find myself at a disadvantage. However, a man matching your description has been mentioned to me as one of the closest advisors to King Viserys. He spoke of his nearest confidants and their traits. If my memory serves correctly, his depiction of a man, namely Lord Strong, the Master of Laws, shares the same features as you," I said, my eyes reflecting my curiosity. Upon hearing my words, a proud expression briefly crossed Lord Strong's face before disappearing, yet his eyes revealed his pleasure.
"You are correct, my Lord. I am Lyonel Strong, serving King Viserys on his small council as the Master of Laws. Beside me stands my son and heir to Harrenhal, Ser Harwin Strong. We have heard King Viserys speak of your noble house, once one of the five major houses of the Valyrian Freehold. It is an honor to meet you, my Lord. Please accept my condolences for the loss of your family in the Doom of Valyria," stated Lord Strong, his tone laden with sorrow.
"I thank you for your kind words, Lord Strong. It is a pleasure to meet both you and Ser Harwin," I said, giving Harwin a nod. He returned the gesture with a smile.
"Then let us not detain you any longer, my Lord. But should you ever visit the Riverlands, remember that Harrenhal's hospitality awaits you, Lord Drakonar," said Lord Strong. Following him, Harwin added, "The forests and the Isles of the Gods are a sight to behold."
"Of course, my lord. I would like to see the grandest castle in Westeros. I'll make sure to visit Harrenhal. I hope you have a good day, my lords," I said as we began to part ways. The guard then led me towards Rhaenyra. I encountered many lords during our walk, but none as significant as Lord Strong.
******
Upon arriving at the location, I saw Rhaenyra engaged in conversation with Alicent and several other ladies whom I did not recognize. I began searching for Daemon, as he had mentioned he would be there for dragon riding. When I couldn't find him, I approached Rhaenyra and greeted her along with the other ladies.
"Where is Prince Daemon, Princess?" I asked. Rhaenyra said in response, "Uncle is likely waiting for us at the Dragonpit. He may not join me every day to fly on Caraxes, but since I claimed Syrax, he has accompanied me many times."
"Let us not delay any further, or my mother and father will scold me for being late to the Midday Meal," said Rhaenyra. She quickly made her way to the wagon that had been prepared for her. Once inside, she invited me to join her, but I declined, informing her that I would arrive on horseback. After requesting a horse from the King's guard, he promptly arranged one for me by giving orders to the nearby servants.
After mounting my horse, we set off towards the Dragonpit. Our journey took us through the city, affording me a glimpse of the smallfolk in the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. Despite not being in the best of conditions, they bore no resemblance to the peasants or beggars of my former world. This, I surmised, must be the result of Robert Baratheon's progeny ascending the throne. They were clad in clean garments, murmuring amongst themselves as they cast glances my way. Eventually, we arrived at the dome-like structure I had seen from Anarion's back upon my first arrival in King's Landing.
*****
Watching the Dragonpit, I can't help but smile at the Targaryens' folly. Their Valyrian ancestors never built a Dragonpit on Dragonstone. What inspired them to chain dragons is puzzling. Maegor was a fool, but Jaehaerys should have realized the folly from the dwindling size of their dragons. They reduced apex predators to the status of common animals and pets for the realm's lords.
Upon reaching the pit, I observed Daemon instructing the Dragonkeepers to lead Syrax and Caraxes out and saddle them. After I dismounted my horse and stood next to Daemon, we awaited the arrival of the Dragonkeepers with Syrax and Caraxes. Soon, the silhouettes of the dragons and their keepers became visible. The dragons began to roar with joy upon seeing their riders and the clear skies above.
The first dragon that caught my gaze was Syrax. Her scales gleamed a lustrous gold, shimmering with a metallic sheen that captured the light, similar to Anarion's silver scales. She possessed a large, muscular frame, yet she moved with a grace that belied her strength and agility. Syrax's wings were expansive and bat-like, the leathery membrane taut between elongated, spiny bones. In full span, they showcased a spectrum of golden hues, from rich, burnished tones close to the bones to paler, nearly translucent shades at the tips.
Her head is majestic and exquisitely carved, crowned with large, intelligent eyes that shine with sharp, predatory alertness. The eyes are a striking yellow-green, akin to a cat. Her snout is elongated and subtly tapered, adorned with sharp, bony crests that trace her visage, enhancing her intimidating look. Her maw bristles with needle-like teeth. Her neck, lengthy and flexible, is sheathed in interlocking scales that serve as a formidable armor, while her robust tail concludes in a barbed extremity.
I'm particularly excited about the second dragon, as Caraxes is depicted as a ferocious dragon in the books and shows. I appreciate dragons of his kind because they should embody that fierce nature, not be docile creatures. They are the gods among animals and should possess an attitude to match. The look in Caraxes' eyes certainly didn't disappoint me.
Caraxes is a big dragon bigger tha at least Syrax , distinguished by his vivid crimson hue. His formidable presence is accentuated by a long, lean physique and an expansive wingspan. With razor-sharp teeth and claws, and eyes that blaze with intense ferocity, Caraxes exudes a raw and wild fierceness, marking him as a dragon of formidable prowess.
When our eyes met, he unleashed a roar so fierce and angry, it was as if I had taken something precious from him. My Drakonar family would have adored him had they been alive. Caraxes may not be large in size, but his gaze is intimidating. His eyes have retained their ferocity since the moment he entered the clearing, even as Daemon attempts to soothe him. I stood unflinching at his roar; although mighty, it pales in comparison to Anarion's. Overall, I admire Caraxes' nature and physique; his build enables him to glide through the skies with ease. I can understand how he defeated Vhagar, as a dragon of his nature would not fall without taking his adversaries. Had it not been for the lack of magic and diet stunting his growth, I would have offered anything the Targaryens demanded after Daemon's death to transfer Caraxes to the Drakonar family. A dragon of his ferocity is indeed rare to come by. Truly unfortunate.
As Rhaenyra called out to me, she gestured for me to approach Syrax. I walked towards her and Syrax, devoid of any fear. Whether dragons can smell fear or discern it from our expressions, I cannot say. But it is known that they do not regard a fearful person seriously, and dragons like Caraxes may even burn those they sense fear in. Upon reaching Rhaenyra's side, I turned to face Syrax, who regarded me with a mix of curiosity and amusement in her yellow-green eyes.
After placing my hand on her scales, I began to gently stroke her neck, moving towards her snout. As I did so, I released magic through my hands, ensuring it was devoid of any harmful intent. This wasn't my first attempt; I had tried similar magic with Anarion. Although he became quite agitated when I attempted to stupefy him, he did not show the same aggression towards the magic of the HP world. Instead, he leaned into my caresses, indicating their extreme sensitivity to magic and their ability to discern whether it is malevolent. This might also explain why Silverwing, belonging to Alyssane, refused to go beyond the Wall, possibly repelled by the magic emanating from its other side.
And results from actions weren't different than Anarion. Syrax started to emit happy growls and thrums along her neck. And make her position best as she can to allow me to carasess her neck. After some minutes giving her satisfaction, I withdraw my hands. Syrax gazed at me joyfully, and Rhaenyra observed Syrax and me for a few minutes before affirming she was correct. Syrax enjoyed my company.
Feeling the hot breath on my neck, I turned around to come face-to-face with Caraxes. He gazed at both me and Syrax, seemingly aware of my recent interaction with her and desiring the same affection. As I stood motionless, I noticed a growing rage in his eyes. Daemon watched us, instructing the dragon keepers not to interfere. Approaching Caraxes, I caressed his scales, infusing the touch with magic. He responded with joyful shrieks and growls. His scales were smoother than Syrax's. Once his rage subsided and he had received ample caresses, he turned his long neck towards Daemon.
"Caraxes usually doesn't allow the Dragon Keepers to saddle him without a fuss, yet he seeks caresses from you. Would you care to explain, Lord Drakonar?" Daemon inquired with genuine curiosity, emphasizing his words more forcefully in his final sentence. Both the Dragon Keepers and Rhaenyra appeared equally eager to hear my response.
"There are no secrets or skills that you could learn, Prince. It's in my blood. Do you think the five major houses would simply have more dragons for power? No, each of them possesses a bloodline ability, just as your house has prophetic dreams. Your house has the powerful ability to see prophetic dreams, but not every member possesses them. In my house, however, everyone has the ability that the Drakonars were famous for, and that is dragon taming. Specifically, we are breeders of ferocious war dragons. Our control over our dragons surpasses that of any Dragonlord house in Freehold," I declared, a proud look on my face. The dragon keepers and Rhaenyra wore looks of awe upon hearing about my bloodline's ability to control dragons, one of the reasons they had built the Dragonpit. Daemon's expression soured when I mentioned that not every Targaryen has prophetic dreams.
But before he could utter a single word, a roar echoed throughout King's Landing. A shadow passed over us, and I knew who had arrived, for I felt his presence through the bond we shared. He is angry because I did not take flight with him yesterday, and now I find myself among other Dragons. Anarion is displeased.
Hope you like the chapter. And if you want to support me or want to read ahead of this chapter here is my patreon,
patreon.com/Daeranyx_Drakonar