Chapter 21 - 21. Daemon's Thoughts

Anarion landed in the open space with a heavy thud, forcing the dragon keepers and Targaryens to step back and shield their eyes from the rising dirt. Anarion roared again, this time directing it towards Syrax and Caraxes. He positioned himself protectively between me and the Targaryen dragons. I hadn't realized dragons could be possessive.

Although Syrax did not return Anarion's roar of aggression, Caraxes seized the opportunity to create more chaos, unleashing his own high-pitched, shrieking roar. The dragon keepers and Daemon attempted to soothe him, while I endeavored to calm Anarion through our strengthened bond. However, my efforts were in vain as Anarion, witnessing Caraxes' aggressive stance, refused to heed my commands and readied himself for any attacks from Caraxes.

What should be done? The situation deteriorates with each passing moment. I ponder what actions I might take. Anarion's restraint from attacking is substantial evidence that my efforts to pacify him are succeeding. If that were not the case, we would be facing a dragon fight right now. Although Caraxes has shown me more favor than he does most humans, it doesn't guarantee he will heed my counsel. Even Daemon is struggling to soothe him. In this predicament, one of the dragons must yield, or conflict is inevitable. Both dragons are too proud to retreat, so if neither does, a battle is the only foreseeable outcome. At best, we can hope to postpone it for a while.

As I pondered our current dilemma, I sent soothing thoughts to Anarion through our bond. It occurred to me that if dragons are fond of magic, which is why Syrax and Caraxes allowed me to touch, then perhaps I could intensify it significantly and emanate the calming magic from within me. Given that Caraxes would likely attack me before allowing a touch in this state, my only option is to project a calming magic in the surrounding, devoid of any harmful intent, and trust that it will be effective.

I closed my eyes and reached toward the force within my heart. A small tint of blue now mingled with the blood-red flame, a sign of Vezofina's influence. Tapping into this force, I began to gather as much magic as possible. Once gathered, I released it all, creating an aura around me that matched the color of the force in my heart. When I opened my eyes, not a single second had passed since they were closed.

Anarion and Caraxes' gazes were fixed on me, and I turned my attention to Caraxes. I sent calming emotions through our bond to ensure Anarion wouldn't negate my efforts. I began to channel a calming intent into my magic as much as possible, utilizing an ability influenced by Vezofina while in Bloodflame mode.

"Lykiri," I called out to Caraxes, my voice calm yet loud. The sound that emerged surprised me; it was a diluted echo of Vezofina's voice. Caraxes maintained his stance initially, but as seconds passed, the aggression in his eyes began to fade. Encouraged, I took slow, deliberate steps toward him. He growled a warning, but I persisted. When I came within arm's reach, Caraxes met my gaze with a perilous look.

I stood before him, unleashing such potent magic with a calming intent that Dragon Keepers, Guards, and Targaryens remained still. They stood frozen in their positions, allowing the tranquil waves to envelop them. It appeared to affect humans as well. Moments later, Caraxes's snout approached me. Seizing the opportunity presented, I placed my hand on his snout and allowed half of the accumulated magic to flow from my palm. In the vast expanse of the Dragonpit, only Caraxes's low, contented shrieks and growls could be heard.

After a minute had passed, I removed my hand from Caraxes' snout and ceased the flow of magic. Caraxes relaxed his aggressive stance. The dragon keepers and Daemon managed to take control and led him to Syrax's side, positioning Syrax between Anarion and Caraxes. Anarion, too, dropped his guard. I approached him, placed my hand on his snout, and conveyed feelings of pride and gratitude for his restraint when I had touched Caraxes before him. He exhaled a puff of hot air that nearly toppled me.

I deactivated Bloodflame mode. A wave of fatigue swept over me, having sustained this mode for three to four minutes. After pausing to take deep breaths, I steadied myself. Turning towards the onlookers who had front-row seats to the entire event, I caught Rhaenyra and the King's Guard gazing at me as if seeing me for the first time, their faces etched with a measure of awe. Rhaenyra began to approach, with her Kingsguard following behind her.

[ Third-person POV ]

"That was incredible, Lord Drakonar. I had no idea anyone in my family had ever accomplished such a feat—to soothe a wrathful Dragon, especially Caraxes. My father would be thrilled to hear of this. Your bloodline ability is truly remarkable," Rhaenyra said, giggling at the thought of her father's reaction to the news. She was certain her father would regret missing such a breathtaking event. She also wouldn't let him live it down, considering she still owed him for refusing her journey to the Vale with her uncle.

The King's guard trailing behind her couldn't help but agree that their princess was correct. Their King's obsession with Valyria meant that news of the power of one of the five major houses being utilized would please him greatly. Though some guards hailed from noble houses, they preferred swords over books and seldom read. However, they were well-versed in the significant events of Westeros' history, and none had heard of such an event that happened before them from any Maester.

After soothing Caraxes and instructing the dragon keepers to feed him as a distraction, Daemon began walking towards his niece and a boy several years her senior who claimed descent from one of the five Valyrian Freehold families. Daemon was initially skeptical of the boy's claim to such noble lineage. However, he could not deny the boy's status as a Dragonlord, evidenced by the living, breathing behemoth that glided through the clouds above King's Landing—a silver Dragon almost as large as Vhagar, which no one in his family could claim. He could only remember two silver dragons that ever belonged to his family.

Quicksilver and Silverwing: Quicksilver might have been this size, but she is deceased, and her skull at Dragonstone is enough to silence his doubts. Silverwing is not as large, and Daemon has seen his grandmother's dragon many times. There is also Grey Ghost, residing on Dragonmont at Dragonstone, yet smaller than the dragon Anarion. Despite this, Daeranyx appears more Valyrian than he does. The less said about his High Valyrian fluency and accent, the better. Daemon is aware that the boy hails from a prestigious family of the Freehold. However, claiming a lineage akin to the five families did not sit well with him. Yet, all doubts and suspicions about his claim dissipated upon witnessing a sight he would never forget. He believes that everyone present will remember this event for the rest of their lives.

The notion that Valyria once housed such powerful families is astounding. The Doom must have been a catastrophic event to obliterate all five families, especially one as such formidable as Daeranyx. Daemon had never given much thought to his family's other ability—the ability to see prophetic dreams. He had always believed that it was not dreams that made them kings, but dragons. Without them, the Targaryens were merely beautiful foreigners. However, if these dreams were to save House Targaryen from the same Doom that claimed the other five families, then Daemon would have to acknowledge their significance.

Although Daemon had not spent much time with Caraxes, nor had he taken him into any battles to strengthen their bond, Caraxes remained whimsical by nature. There is a reason he is considered the most ferocious dragon, even in Balerion's presence. That old mass of bones is a different entity altogether, and Daemon still wonders how Viserys, of all people, managed to claim him. Perhaps it was because Balerion had grown very old and lost his sanity. Daemon is certain that even after many years, Caraxes would never fully obey him. And why should he? Caraxes is a dragon, and dragons bow to no one. His grandfather would always say, "The notion that we control dragons is an illusion. It's not in their nature to be controlled by others. We can only bond with them because they choose us as their riders. So, treat them with caution." He wonders what his kingly grandfather's reaction would be to the scene he has witnessed.

Daemon is certain that upon hearing this news, Viserys would not allow Daeranyx to leave without first securing a marriage alliance with his daughter. Daemon wouldn't declare it an unprofitable venture either. Should Rhaenyra and Daeranyx marry in the future, their daughter could be betrothed to House Targaryen, a prospect that pleases him. If not, Corlys might offer Laena's hand in marriage before Viserys does, considering Rhaenyra is too young to wed.

The real issue arises if Daeranyx ever aligns with another family out there. Daemon dislikes the idea of his descendants from House Targaryen facing an enemy with such adept control over dragons. If Daeranyx could soothe Caraxes in his fury, Daemon could only fathom the extent of his dominion over Anarion. He mentioned that his lineage was renowned for breeding war dragons. Controlling dragons like Caraxes, it's conceivable why they would be esteemed as one of the five families. Daemon does not desire adversaries wielding such might against him or his house. Daeranyx must either join House Targaryen or its allies through marriage, or Daemon will intervene personally before he or his progeny can contest the Targaryens' power. He is confident that Meleys and Rhaenys would support him in this endeavor; together, they could quell this threat before it becomes unmanageable.

"...My previous encounter with Caraxes greatly aided in pacifying his fury. Otherwise, we would be amidst a dragon battle now," said Daeranyx. Daemon arrived at the spot where he and his niece were engaged in conversation.

"Do not be overly modest, Lord Drakonar. Here in King's Landing, numerous lords would eagerly offer their daughters as concubines to you, should they learn of your bloodline abilities. Of course, House Targaryen would not allow them to gain more power than our own house. And thank you for pacifying Caraxes and averting a clash between dragons. Your bloodline ability is indeed remarkable," he said to Daeranyx. And he speaks the truth, for if Daeranyx's abilities were known throughout the realm, the lords would not hesitate to rise to a position higher than they currently hold.

"I will heed your wise words, Prince. Much time has elapsed since our arrival, Princess. Let us not squander any more of it; let's fly," said Daeranyx, as Rhaenyra looked on, struck by a sudden recollection of something crucial she had forgotten. Hastily, she ran to Syrax and climbed onto the saddle secured on her back.

Daemon observed that Daeranyx never addressed Viserys as "His Grace," suggesting he had no intention of remaining here to continue his house's legacy with Targaryens. Daemon could, albeit reluctantly, understand this, as he himself would not follow men of lower status. However, if Daeranyx does not plan to stay, his motives remain unclear. Moreover, why has he approached House Targaryen if not to unite his house with theirs?

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