Baelon tried not to lose focus and keep a calm expression on his face as he listened to Ser Ryman go through his reports of trade imports into the Seven Kingdoms. The old commander of the Kingsguard stammered over his words as he read out the report of how their exports concerning wine and alcohol to other parts of the world had seen a small dip with the tariffs imposed by the Triarchy and whether this was an issue.
The man could rouse a hall of warriors and soldiers to fight to the last man yet reading a report he sounds so unsure of himself.
"What merchants in King's Landing have told me, well us, is that their own profits have fallen." Ryman said as he put aside one piece of parchment on the table "While not a large amount, this could represent a loss in tax over time."
"Lord Beesbury, is this true?" his father asked, stroking his long beard.
"It is, your Grace." Beesbury replied "Though it should be mentioned that the loss in tax revenue is small, we can cover it raising taxes in different areas or making adjustments elsewhere."
"I have it under good authority that many a lord and trader has been pilfered from the Triarchy's tariffs." Ryman said.
"If I may ask my Lord, who are these lords?" Baelon asked, he felt he already knew the answer to this.
Ryman was silent for a few seconds "Houses Rosby, Masseys and Celtigar have reported losses in trade concerning these goods, houses Grafton and Sunglass have also said that their incomes have lessen somewhat."
"Somewhat?" Baelon asked. "Have they provided any numbers or estimates? And while have nothing but admiration and respect for these houses, they are all relatively minor ones, have other houses reported any losses."
"House Velaryon-"
Ah there it is…
There were audible sighs across the table; of course the Sea Snake will have pushed this cause too, when the imposition of tariffs by the Triarchy came he was the first to champion a cause to seize the islands.
Protecting your House and interests are you, Corlys?
"House Velaryon, a sister house to his grace, have reported their own trade and incomes hampered by the Triarchy."
"I have read the reports of their income losses, Lord Ryman." Lyman said "It seems that Corlys is aggrieved over the loss of a few gold dragons worth of incomes and is likely trying to band an alliance over the matter."
"Some may wonder if he has other ambitions for lords coming to his cause." Maester Allar suggested.
"Careful Maester." Baelon said "Corlys may be ambition but accusations of treachery to my dear niece's lord husband will not be tolerated."
"Of course, My Prince." Maester Allar said. "Still the matter of the Triarchy's tariffs on luxury goods is not something this council should concern itself with." He turned to Ryman who looked himself aggrieved as the council dismissed the petition he had alerted them to and worked on. "What responses have the Triarchy sent regarding this?"
"None so far, they have asked instead with an audience with myself or his Grace over the matter." Ryman replied "I had hoped that the council would support me in the endeavour but it seems I find myself without allies around this table."
The tension in the room became palpable and Baelon wondered and fear if Ryman would lash out against them; in a fight he could take them all easily.
"That is enough, Lord Ryman." Jaehaerys spoke up, raising his hand "The council is dismissed, that shall be all for today." The members rose from the seats and bowed their heads before leaving through the door. Baelon was about to leave the room "Baelon, stay and be seated." His father commanded as the Kingsguard on the other side shut the door.
Baelon turned to face his father and walked back to his seat
"You did well today, Baelon." His father said. "It gladdens me to see you conduct yourself well during these sessions."
"Thank you, your Grace." Baelon replied "You are too kind." He disliked the formal manner of speaking with his father.
I shall tell Viserys and Daemon to address me as their father than their king when the time comes.
"I do not think that Ryman will last long in his position, I am looking to a replacement hand." Jaehaerys said.
"I am sure that even Ryman will be relieved to hear the news."
His father scoffed "I should think so, let this be a lesson to you Baelon, even a king can make mistakes. I wonder at times why I picked him as my hand, perhaps I needed a familiar face at all times when Barth died." He looked off into the distance "dwelling on the past serves no-one, I have a small number of those who can fulfil the role."
"Such as who?"
"I had considered Lord Manderly or Lannister for the position, or a Reacher lord." Jaehaerys contemplated "Someone who would strengthen my hand within their region too and perhaps give my brother some pause regarding his staunch support for Rhaenys." Baelon swallowed slightly as the mention of her name "There was a young man, a second son to Lord Hightower; by all accounts he has been an exceptional administrator and is married to a Tyrell. He was my second choice."
"And your first?"
"You, my son." Baelon had expected this, he knew that him taking charge in council sessions was not only his father's way of letting him become accustomed to rulership but also a test of his skill. "I have decided you shall take the position as my hand, this hopefully ease you into rulership."
"Thank you, your Grace."
"Now, tell me, how is Daemon?" his father asked "Last I had heard he has awoken again, yes?"
Baelon exhaled through his nose "Yes, Daemon is back on his feet again; he had taken to light training and visits the Dragon pits every other day or so."
"It was a strange accident; no one had seen what had happened to him in the pit." He commented "No matter, Daemon had always been a stubborn and prideful child, it seems this has not held him back; has he tried to forgo our agreement?"
Baelon bit the inside of his cheek.
You should be more worried for his health.
"Daemon has sworn he will be ready and able to travel to Runestone by four turns of the moon." Baelon said.
"Do you believe him?"
"Yes, he is aware of the importance of House Targeryen keeping to it's word to our vassals." Baelon wanted to tell his father that it shouldn't matter and that he should be more concerned for his grandson's health than his own pride.
It is also Daemon's pride that pushes him forward too.
"Good, that is good." Jaehaerys stroked his long white beard "Perhaps Daemon has truly taken to his duties to his House and the realm, but we shall wait and see."
"Father, have you gotten word from mother and Gael?" this time Jaehaerys sighed audibly as his hand stopped stroking his bread and instead clench it between his fingers.
"You mother… I have no yet received word from her yet- or my sister." his father confessed.
"Or anything on her babe?" Baelon asked.
"Her bastard has not yet been brought into this world." Jaehaerys said, Baelon sighed; he wanted to berate his father for his callousness and tell him to treasure his children, after everything they've been through. "That is all I know, or what your mother allows me to know."
"Perhaps you should reconcile with her again."
"Perhaps, there may still be time for that, but not today." Jaehaerys said. Baelon looked down to the table, hiding his disappointment "Do not mistake it for cruelty, Baelon; I still care deeply for your mother and sister but I must also care for our reputation."
"I understand, your Grace." Baelon got up from his seat "By your leave." Jaehaerys nodded his head and Baelon walked through the council chamber doors. As soon as the chambers to the council doors had closed he let out a loud sigh, it was as if he had been holding his breath the entire time.
"My Prince." A kingsguard greeted him, Erryk or was it Arryk? He bowed his head.
"Ser." Baelon replied "Walk with me, I shall see my son and his family in the Godswood" The two began to walk through the Hall of the Red Keep. When they arrived the garden containing the large tree he spotted Viserys and Aemma sitting on a velvet rug, feeding Rhaenyra an array of food set out for them as another member of the Kingsguard stood by. "Viserys!" he called out to them.
Baelon must have sat with them for an hour or so, dotting on his sweet granddaughter Rhaenyra as she laughed and giggled as Baelon bounced her on his knee on his chair. While both Viserys and Aemma watched smiling.
If only you could have met Alyssa…
"Perhaps you need a little sister or brother to keep you company, yes?" he said laughing.
Aemma giggled while Viserys chuckled "Mayhaps soon father." He said rubbing Aemma thigh. Baelon smiled, he had wished that this moment could stretch out for longer and he could enjoy the peace afforded to him. Yet there was still one person missing.
"Where is Daemon?"
"He is back in the Dragonpit." Viserys said.
"Again? He must miss taking his rides upon Caraxes."
"He doesn't ride Caraxes when he visits the pit." Baelon raised his eyebrow "From what others tell me he merely spends time with his dragon."
Strange…
"Not even once?"
"It doesn't seem so, the only dragon I've seen fly over King's Landing is Silverwing before Grandmother had left for Dragonstone with Gael."
"That is peculiar." Baelon scratched his beard as he held little Rhaenyra with his other hand. "It seems unlike him." He remembered how proud Daemon had been to claim Aemon's dragon and how he had ridden the dragon often around Kingsland. Though now the memory of Daemon lying still as the dragon stood over him filled him with unease.
"I heard that he taken to spending time with some of the servants; speaking with them and even doing tasks with them in the kitchen keep." Viserys added. "It is unlike him, mayhaps the accident has given he a change in his past ways."
"Mayhaps." Baelon handed Rhaenyra back to Aemma and stood up from his chair. "I should go see him, I would hate to have him feel neglected." He bayed his son and his family goodbye as the kingsguard member escorted him to the stables where he took to his horse and made his way to the dragonpit.
As he walked the paved roads of the city, knights and guards flanked around him, the smallfolk of the city bowed their heads and greeted with him with a curtesy.
As he approached the Dragonpit he was met with rows of the Dragonkeepers lined up by the entrance. As he dismounted his horse and approached them, all seventy seven of them knelt before him. "My Prince." The commander of the keepers greeted him.
"Rise." Baelon commanded, the dragonkeeper stood up "I am here to see my son, is he still here or has he flown away with Caraxes?"
"Prince Daemon is still in the chamber his dragon, I can escort you there."
"Lead the way." Baelon followed the guard as he led him into the mouth of the pit and into the chambers, he glanced the slumbering dragons. He stared at Vhagar for a moment; his proud and mighty mount as it feasted on some charred cows.
As they approached the chamber that held Caraxes he could hear the dragon walking around and the sound of his son's voice underneath the noise.
He saw Caraxes stomp around the walls of his chamber as his son stood in the centre, his back turned to the entrance as he watched the dragon "Good Caraxes!" he called out to the dragon before he then starting to write down something in his hand, a pot of ink in his hand.
He wields a quill more than a sword now.
"You can leave us." He told the dragonkeeper, he bowed his head and left him "Daemon!" Baelon called out, both Daemon and Caraxes turned their heads to Baelon, stopping what they were doing, surprised by his visit.
"Father!" Daemon called out "This is… a surprise."
"I thought I should come see you, Daemon." Baelon walked towards his son and embraced him tightly, memories of the incident in his head as he stepped back into the chamber. "It is good to see you."
"Likewise, father." Daemon replied.
"I heard that you've been visiting the dragonpit frequently?"
Daemon seemed to hesitate for a second "Yes, I have been making notes on dragons." He said holding up a small journal. "I thought it might be helpful for future riders to have writings of the dragons by a fellow rider or to have their knowledge put to paper."
"I have heard you have not ridden Caraxes yet? Not since before your first accident." Daemon seemed to shift uncomfortably, Baelon could tell that Daemon was trying to think of something to say, which confused Baelon; his son was a rider and keen on dragons, why not go flying once again?
"I…" the words seem to die in Daemon throat. Daemon dropped the quill and closed his book "Fuck." He muttered and looked away at the ground, almost ashamed of something.
"Whatever ever is the matter?" Baelon asked.
Daemon breathed in deeply "I had… tried…" Caraxes moved towards Daemon, he could have sworn he saw Daemon flinch slightly before raising his hand and placing it on the snout of the dragon, rubbing it affectionately. "It is difficult to explain." He clutched at his chest again and shut his eyes.
"I have time, my son, you can speak freely with me."
"I feel… scared." Daemon admitted "I don't know how to describe it, it is as if I'm having to learn once more what I had skilled at." Baelon blinked and nodded his head "I still have the memories of it! Of fighting and of flying and yet, it is as if I am doing it for the first time, feeling the fear of it again for the first time."
Baelon raised his hand and gripped Daemon by the shoulder, he knew well what Daemon was ails him; he had seen many a man, a brave warrior or knight, leave battlefield scarred not only of body but of the mind, sometimes gripped with fear which haunts them for the rest of their lives.
He must overcome this, he can overcome this.
"You fear flying?" Daemon nodded his head sheepishly.
"I shall fulfil my promise to my grandfather, I will leave for Runestone." He turned to his dragon "But I cannot leave Caraxes here." The dragon seemed to hum in agreement.
"I understand." Baelon said, he turned his head towards the gate "Dragonkeeper!" he called out, there was a scampering of feet as a dragonkeeper rushed towards the entrance.
"My Prince." The dragonkeeper replied.
"Have my dragon ready, I've decided to go flying with my son." The dragonkeeper nodded his head and quickly moved away. "Let us face this fear, Daemon." He grabbed his son hand "Together."
There was a look of apprehension on Daemon face "Together." He followed Baelon towards the chamber that held Vhagar. Baelon smiled as his dragon rose its head and looked upon him, Daemon seemed to stared at the dragon with his mouth slightly agape, like a child witness it for the first time. It almost made Baelon laugh.
Baelon patted Vhagar's jaw "Come now, the skies await." He felt a rush of excitement; it had been a while since he had ridden his dragon, it would be a good opportunity to clear his head somewhat. Vhagar lowered her wing, allowing the riders to climb up to its back as the dragonkeepers fitted the saddle. He noticed Daemon legs wobble as he sat onto the saddle with him. "Trust me." Daemon nodded his head. Baelon grabbed the handles at the end of the saddle and gave Vhagar a quick pat on the neck "Dohaerās, Vhagar!" The dragon rose to its feet "Jās!" Vhagar moved through the entrance of her chamber and into the large corridors towards the open dome, dragonkeepers circling around watching "Sōvēs!"
Vhagar flapped his wings, striking against the air as the dragon rose from the ground and into flight. As Vhagar past through the hole in the dome he looked up the vast city of King's Landing; an ocean of houses, temples, manses and keeps greeted him and above them all was the Red Keep on Aegon's Hill. As Vhagar continued to rise he could spot the crowds of people watching as the mighty dragon took flight in the sky above them.
A smile lifted his lips "Vēzot!" Vhagar craned it's neck up into the sky "Dracarys!" he commanded as Vhagar shot fire into the sky, creating a spectacle for those on the ground, above the rushing wind and wings he could hear the cheers of the spectators watching him. A memory of youth rushing to him of all those times he showed up for the people. "Sōvēs!" Vhagar then took off, passed the smoke left from his flames and up into the clouds while Baelon cheered on.
The wind rushing through his hair as he leaned forward into his saddle, Vhagar climbing higher and higher to the heavens. "Paerī, Vhagar" the dragon halted its ascend and took to gliding forward. From this height Baelon was able to gaze upon what was in front of him; from a distant he could almost make out the faint green of the landscape and the hills that dotted it. Yet it was the blue of the sky and the clouds that held his sight.
He turned his body around, his belt still locked In placed to his waist. He turned to see Daemon breathing heavily, as he looked around him wide eyed; a look of terror but also… wonder.
"Breathe it in, Daemon." He said, speaking to him as he had when Daemon was but a child "There is no air more clearer than that which touches the heavens." He said smiling, waving his hand up to the sky just above them. "So few will ever see the view we Targaryens will see."
"Its… it's beautiful…" Daemon said, truly his look was one of someone who had never seen such a sight.
Mayhaps the accident had taken away his memory of flying?
"A view like this, it never fails to amaze." Baelon looked out before he, he could now make out the bay of King's Landing. "Your mother loved the view from here too." He said "You remember how she would strap you to her breast and take you and Viserys riding on Meleys."
"Yes- I know." Daemon said "She always told us, said Viserys had been laughing the entire time."
Baelon laughed at that "It is true! Your brother was a jolly child and now a jolly man."
Joy is what is needed in these times…
"Come now, we should head back, let us see more of our city up close!" Baelon declared, spinning back round "Hold on tight!" he gripped the handles "Embrot, Vhagar! Aderī!" The dragon craned it's neck down as it dove down through the sky and hurtled towards the ground. The ground was now in clear view as they passed through the clouds, the city of King's Landing growing larger and larger and they continued their dive down. "Vēzot!" he commanded, the dragon stopped it's descent down and swirled and circled around the city. "Nopot, Vhagar!" he said as he spotted the dragonpit.
Vhagar flew towards the dragonpit and hovered around the entrance to the dome "Tegot!" Baelon ordered, the dragon flapped its wings as it made it's descent down into the pit before it's feet touched the ground and lowered its body onto the ground. Vhagar lowered its wing onto the ground, allowing both Baelon and Daemon to unstrap themselves and climb off it's back.
Balon slid down Vhagar wing with all the experience of a seasoned rider while Daemon tumbled down, landing on his back. He tried to get up and yet his legs wobbled as he tried to stand up. Baelon rushed to his son aid when Daemon raised his hand.
"Stop, let me-" it may have taken a minute but Daemon was able to stand up, his legs growing stiller and stiller.
"Was it as you remembered?" Baelon asked his son as he placed an arm around his shoulder.
"Far greater than that." Daemon smiled.
"If you still desire my help than you need only ask, I shall always make time for you and Viserys." Baelon assured him.
"You are too kind, father." Daemon said "Next time, I shall be riding Vhagar." The two laughed and for but a moment Baelon could see his son's old smile there as the two walked out of the dragonpit together.