The Rebirth of the Dragons - Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Rhaella Targaryen. 285AC

It was late morning when the port of Lys came into view and Rhaella got her first look at the island that was once considered a paradise by the dragonlords. The palm and fruit trees that so many of the writings of the freehold detailed were hardly present in the vast city; most of it was dominated by buildings. She could see hints of valyrian architecture similar to Dragonstone, Blackened stone fused together by dragon fire. But she could also see buildings that were similar to the ones in Braavos or Pentos which were an interesting mix of ancient Andal, Rhoynar and Sarnori styles.

She had been convinced to leave Braavos with the second trade fleet instead of the first one, that first fleet should by now be somewhere past the ruins of Valyria and near Slaver’s Bay. And since it wouldn’t be traveling all the way to Asshai it would be on its way back by the time she was ready to leave Elyria. Returning with the fleet would make her travel longer but also more secure; something that she was more than happy to do after the surprise she got a few days after leaving Braavos.

How Maekar and Rhaenys managed to leave the manse undetected and stowaway in the ship no one knew, but they found the two of them hiding in the cargo hold three days into the trip.

She had punished them for their irresponsible behavior, a punishment that wouldn’t be over until they returned to Braavos, but she was secretly happy that they had done it. At least she would have some of her family with her.

She had been feeling like a terrible mother. Ever since going to Braavos there were so many things demanding her attention that she hardly spent any time with her children. Viserys was old enough to understand why but Daenerys hadn’t even had her first name day celebration yet. She hated leaving them but she was needed here, working for their future. So she left them with Lyanna, the young woman would take care of them.

While the ship docked in the Lysene harbor she looked at the little ones by her side. Maekar was looking over the railing of the ship; eyes alight with interest and at the same time trying to lift the slightly shorter Rhaenys so she could also look.

The ship stopped and she prepared herself to disembark, the ramp was lowered and Ser Barristan was the first to go, followed by Ser Alliser, the two members of the Kingsguard that came as her guards in this trip. She went next, with the children behind her. This was done on purpose because she hadn’t told them who was waiting for them and she didn’t want Rhaenys running on the ramp and falling into the sea. This was proved as a good decision when they reached the foot of the ramp and Rhaenys screamed “Uncle Oby” and ran towards her uncle who caught her lifting her of her feet.

“How are you little princess?” He asked.

“I’m fine, uncle. We saw a big whale coming here; it was as big as a dragon.” Rhaenys responded.

“Really? I once saw a kraken near the Smoking Sea; i bet it was bigger than your whale.” Oberyn said putting his niece down and ruffling her hair.

“No, the whale was bigger Maekar will tell you. Maekar come hug uncle Oby tell him how big the whale was.”

Maekar approached bending at the waist as a greeting. “Prince Oberyn, Lady Ellaria a pleasure to see you both.” Then he said.

“I think a kraken would be bigger than any whale Rhae, they are known to pull down whaling ships. But the princess doesn’t need to know this; she just has to look pretty.” He said hugging Rhaenys and then running.

“Get back here you meanie.” Rhaenys said running after him.

The two children started running in circles around Prince Oberyn and Ellaria, completely unbecoming of proper behavior but it still brought a smile to all the adults around, Including Rhaella. As she approached the prince of Dorne he and his paramour, both went on one knee.

“Your grace, Might i be so bold to say you look just as beautiful as the day i met you.” Prince Oberyn said looking her from down to up as he lifted himself from his knee.

“That is a lie and we both know it Prince Oberyn. I looked like a corpse the day you met me.” She remembered that day better than many others in her long arduous marriage. Her husband, already deep in his madness was most… demanding that day.

“Ignore him your grace, he can’t help himself but flirting with everything on two legs.” Ellaria said, slapping her lover on the back of the head.

“I know my dear; i know exactly the kind of man he is.” Rhaella responded.

“You said your daughter would be here. Where is her?” She asked the prince of Dorne.

“My apologies for her absence your grace. Obara isn’t feeling quite well after a night of enjoying the entertainment Lys has to offer.” Oberyn responded.

Rhaella knew quite well what Lys was famous for.

“She is four and ten Oberyn.” She said.

“So was I the day she was born” Oberyn retorted ignoring her complains.

Rhaenys stopped running after Maekar, looked at her uncle and asked.

“What entertainment uncle, is it the fire jugglers or the mummers, I’ve heard there are sword swallowers here in Lys.”

There was a moment of silence as the adults looked at the little girl until they all burst out laughing. Even Ser Alliser had a smirk on his face, which for him it might as well be rolling on the floor with laughter.

It took almost a minute for Oberyn to control his laugh and be able to respond.

“Aye little princess, she was seeing the sword swallowers. But you should only see those when you are older understand?” he said still trying to control his laughter.

“Why uncle Oby, is it a grown up thing like that book Maekar and I found?” The little girl asked.

Rhaella narrowed her eyes at that.

“What kind of book and where did you find it?” She asked her granddaughter.

“We were pranking Desmera, the cook, because she wouldn’t give us another piece of pie.” Rhaenys started saying and Maekar took over as they sometimes did without even realizing they were doing it.

“When we were looking through her things to find a shoe to put honey in, and that was the prank by the way. We found this book with pictures of people bending their bodies in weird positions.” Maekar said and Ellaria had already started laughing again at that.

“We took the book and showed it to Lyanna, but she just blushed and said it was a grown up thing and we shouldn’t worry about it.” Rhaenys finished the story to the loud laughter of her uncle and his paramour but the others didn’t really understand until Oberyn said.

“It is a book about the types of activities Lys is known for.”

Oh…Oh. Rhaella felt herself blush; a woman her age shouldn’t be blushing at something like that.

“Well i for one would like to meet this Desmera one day. But for now i think it’s about time i show you the city.” Oberyn said after he controlled his laughter.

“Come little princess, i will show you the fire jugglers.” He said picking his niece up and putting her on his shoulders.

They spent a couple of hours being guided through the city by Oberyn and Ellaria and latter on Obara. They did saw the fire jugglers, but they also saw many fountains, the market place which was smaller than the one in Braavos, but held more exotic goods, and Rhaella’s favorite, the valyrian build amphitheater, a testament to the power of the dragonlords. But it came a time when they needed to continue with their reason to be there so prince Oberyn brought them to the Targaryen Manse, as it was known in the city.

When they arrived at the manse they were helped out of their horses and carriage by a group of stable boys and guided to the building by a couple of girls who looked no older than five and ten.

Waiting for them at the entrance to manse proper were two women. The one on the right was an old looking woman, her posture slouched and she used a cane, her hair white and the amethyst of her eyes held some white in it. Princess Daenora.Rhaella thought.

On the left was a beautiful young woman who clearly was of valyrian blood, her silvery almost white hair shone with the sunlight, her eyes beautiful amethyst orbs that looked almost like they had fire dancing inside them. She might just be the most beautiful woman of Targaryen blood since Shiera Seastar. Thought Rhaella.

Rhaella approached the two women, bent at the waist and said.

“Princess Daenora, it is an honor to meet you again.”

“I knew you as a child but i don’t know you as a woman grown, come closer girl my eyes are not what they used to be anymore.” Daenora said.

Prickly old woman; Rhaella thought. But still she was one of the oldest living members of her family, so Rhaella came closer to her.

The older woman held one hand to Rhaella’s cheek, spent a few seconds looking at her then said.

“By Meraxes, you share a striking resemblance to Elaena, the youngest daughter of the Dragonbane. I don’t remember much of my childhood but i do remember her.”

Rhaella was reminded once again just how old Daenora was. This woman was a niece to her great grandfather; she was born in the reign of the first Aerys, she was the second oldest Targaryen alive and had seen much of their family history.

“I thank you for you kind words. After all, Elaena was a powerful woman, one of the greatest our family has produced since the doom.” Rhaella responded.

“Now, for the reason you’re here. My son is currently in a meeting of the conclave of magisters and will only be available tomorrow.” Daenora said. She then pointed at the young woman by her side and continued.

“My granddaughter Helaena here will show you and your companions to your rooms. She will also answer any questions you have.” Daenora finished, and then she turned and entered the manse without saying another word.

The young woman by her side just shook her head, bowed to Rhaella and said.

“I apologize for my grandmother’s actions, your grace. We found that the older she gets, the less patience she has for social interactions.”

Rhaella let out a low chuckle.

“That is a trouble that affects all those who live to an old age, princess Helaena.”

The young woman expression became harder. When she spoke it was in a low, cold tone.

“I am no princess, your grace. I am only the youngest daughter of a magister of Lys.”

Rhaella was surprised to hear the cold tone the young woman used. There might be a lot more resentment by Maegor and his family about his denied claim to the throne than she imagined. If so, her talks might be a lot more difficult than she was prepared for.

“That might be so, but we share the Targaryen name and blood. That will always make you a princess, in my view.” Rhaella said, giving a smile to the young woman in front of her.

“I suppose i can’t change your mind, nor can i force you to not call me that.” Helaena said with a tired sigh.

After that, introductions were made to all those around. Rhaella had to suppress her laughter at the look Oberyn was giving Helaena; he looked like a dog at a butcher’s shop, like all his dreams had just become truth. She was afraid he would start humping the young woman’s leg if given the chance.

While they were guided to their rooms, they made smalltalk and Rhaella learned a few more things about the young woman. One thing that became immediately clear by the way she interacted with Maekar and Rhaenys was that the young woman was good with children. Since meeting Lyanna, Rhaella was always jealous of the young woman’s ability to interact with the children, but now seeing Helaena do the same she wondered if it wasn’t just easier for them because of their age. Both being eight and ten, they could more easily remember their childhood.

Another thing she learned when the young woman asked Ser Barristan for a spar, was that Helaena was a swordswoman. She heard some of the servants who were also there tell Ser Alliser that some in the city considered Helaena the best sword in Lys.

Once they were shown to their rooms, Helaena looked at Rhaella and said one last thing before leaving.

“A piece of advice, your grace. You should remember that my father and grandmother were all but exiled from Westeros, and they act accordingly.”

It was late afternoon and Rhaella was tutoring Rhaenys on her numbers, it was something Rhaella enjoyed doing. Rhaenys was a bright young girl and learned quickly; Rhaella was always filled with pride by how fast her granddaughter advanced in her studies.

By the end of their lesson, there was a knock on the door and then it opened to show Ser Barristan and Maekar.

“And remember Maekar. It is always better to have a calm mind than a stronger sword arm.”

“Yes Ser Barristan, i understand.” Maekar responded.

“I take it that his sword lessons are finished Ser Barristan?” Rhaella asked the knight of the Kingsguard.”

“They are, your grace. Helaena helped with his lessons today. And i have to say, that young woman is one of the best i ever crossed swords with.”

Rhaella was surprised. She knew Helaena was a swordswoman from the talks earlier, but she never expected the young woman to be that good.

“It is a surprise. But thinking better it shouldn’t be. While i don’t have the skill nor the training, there are many great warrior women in the in the history of house Targaryen.” Rhaella said.

Ser Barristan just inclined his head, conceding the point.

“Thank you for bringing Maekar here Ser Barristan. Please close the door and stay outside, don’t let anyone come in, i need privacy to teach the children.” Rhaella said.

“Yes, your grace.” Ser Barristan responded, and then closed the door.

“Maekar, walk to the middle of the room and stand there.” She ordered the boy.

“Rhaenys, stand up and do the same.” She told her granddaughter.

“Are we going to learn fire sorcery now nana?” Rhaenys asked.

“Yes. And there will be no lighting yourself on fire this time!” Rhaella warned.

That incident almost started a fire on their manse in Braavos, and almost scared Rhaella and Lyanna into an early grave.

“That happened one time.” Complained the little girl.

“And one time was enough.” Rhaella responded.

“Now let’s review what you already know. Show me a basic fire, remember what the book said. Imagine the fire flowing through your body like blood. It flows from your heart, into your arms and hands then ends in your fingers.” Rhaella ordered.

Both children showed her, lifting their hands palms up, flames started dancing along their fingers.

“Good. How does it feel?” Rhaella asked.

“It is not as tiring as it used to be, i feel like i could hold this for a couple of minutes.” Maekar responded.

“The same for me.” Said Rhaenys.

“As you get older you will be able to hold it more, there is only so much energy your body can use at your age.” Rhaella said.

“How long can you hold it mother?” Maekar asked.

Rhaella stopped the happy smile threatening to break into her face. She would never understand how the boy went from her husband’s bastard to being her son in all but blood, but that was what he was, and it always filled her heart with joy every time he called her mother.

“Without using it, i can hold a flame like that in my hands for about an hour.” She responded.

She chuckled seeing the look of awe in the faces of the children.

“Now i’m going to show you something, you’re not ready yet to learn it in practice, but the theory should be fine.”

She opened her right hand and green, angry looking flames started dancing in the palm of her hand.

“Don’t try to use these flames until i say you can.” Rhaella ordered, looking both children in the eyes.

“You already know how different flames are more difficult to summon and control. They take more energy and consequentially are more tiring to use. These are more difficult to use than the blue flames you already know.” Rhaella said. Giving the children a soft smile, she would always be grateful for those two troublemakers for saving her life.

“Again don’t try to use these flames until i say you can!” She reminded them. “You could die trying to use it.”

Seeing the fearful looks and wide eyes, and knowing that the children understood her warnings, she continued.

“Now, you know the blue flames are the flames of creation; they were used in the days of the freehold for healing, crafting and construction.” She paused to make sure the children remembered.

“These green flames are the flames of destruction; they were used for war and war only.” She said, closing her hand causing the flames to disappear.

“They can be summoned by using the desire to burn, to destroy everything in your path, to leave nothing but ashes. That’s why it burns the same color as wildfire.” She paused again to make sure the children understand.

“And that is another reason why i don’t want either of you using it. I don’t want you to immerse yourselves in this feelings understand?” Rhaella said.

“Yes mother.” “Yes nana.” the children responded.

“Now let’s practice some more with the basic fire before we start with the blue flames.”

The next day started well for Rhaella. She enjoyed breaking her fast with the children, then she spent a delightful hour talking with Ellaria and Obara, the young sand snake had a quick wit and sarcastic sense of humor that always keep the conversation interesting. And then she spent another hour with Oberyn preparing for the meeting later in the morning; a meeting that was about to start now.

As she entered the formal dining room where the meeting was being held, she look at who was already there waiting for them. Seating at the head of the table was Maegor Targaryen. At two and fifty his hair was more white than the silver-gold common in those of valyrian blood, broad shoulders, huge arms and suspicious eyes, he looked almost exactly like the portraits of his namesake King Maegor ‘the cruel’.

Seating on his right was his wife Naerys Varezys, youngest daughter of princess Daella and her husband Aerion Varezys. Two years older than her husband, her face held a few less lines and signs of her age than you would expect, with her full figure, kind smile and eyes that betrayed the intelligence she held, Rhaella was painfully reminded of her own mother Shaera.

Across from her, sitting by the left of his father, was their eldest son Daeron. At five and thirty he was a man in the prime of his life, broad shoulders and large arms like his father but mischievous eyes and a kind smile like his mother, he seemed to be a perfect mix of both of his parents.

Sitting at his side was Daenora. The older woman was idle tapping her fingers on the table and looking extremely bored, as old people usually do.

Across from her, sitting by the side of her mother was Helaena. The young woman had ditched the well made, but practical leathers she was dressed with the day before and today was dressed in a beautiful silk dress that hugged her slim figure. Rhaella had to admit to herself that the young woman was extremely attractive, she wasn’t that attracted to a woman for over two decades now, not since Joanna.

Rhaella wasn’t a stranger to the pleasures women could bring each other, she had done so with multiple of her ladies in waiting. Princess Sarella Martell, the mother of Doran, Elia and Oberyn, was the one who taught her how to pleasure herself and others. And Joanna shared her bed almost every night before her marriage to her cousin Tywin. If only Rhaella’s husband knew that at the time she was enjoying what he wanted, if only he hadn’t publicly shamed her during that bedding, he could have had what he wanted. Joanna liked Aerys well enough, and the love she held for Tywin by the time she died wasn’t there yet at the start of her marriage.

She shook her head to stop her musings on the past. She needed to be focused on the present. Rhaella walked forward bowed her head a little and said:

“Thank you for your time and your hospitality magister Maegor. You have a beautiful home and an even more beautiful family.”

“Thank you for your kind words, Queen Rhaella. Please take a seat a let us discuss your reason for this visit.” Maegor responded.

Rhaella took a seat opposite to Maegor at the other end of the table and waited as Oberyn offered his greetings to their hosts, once he ended his greetings, he sat at her right and they were once again addressed by their host.

“Now, what reason does an exiled Targaryen queen have to seek other exiled Targaryens?” Maegor asked.

Daenora snorted but didn’t say anything, and still Rhaella understood what caused her mirth, the reason was quite obvious.

“You know about the troubles that happened to my family in the recent years, so i’m not going to waste time explaining it, suffice to say we are not ready to accept it. With that in mind i believe i have a mutually beneficial proposal to offer you today.” Rhaella said looking at everyone in the table. Daeron and Naerys looked pensive, as did Helaena; Daenora looked bored and Maegor was looking at Rhaella with hard set eyes.

“And why should i believe anything you have to offer would benefit me and not just yourself?” Maegor asked with a harsh tone. “My mother and I were all but exiled from Westeros; we distanced ourselves as much as possible from the seven kingdoms, we don’t even follow the faith of the seven anymore. Why would we involve ourselves with a nation that doesn’t want us?” He asked again.

Rhaella took a moment to contemplate the phrasing of her response, she settled in a more direct approach. While the information she had painted Maegor as a man who knew how to play the game and enjoyed a more indirect approach, as expected from a magister of one of the Free Cities. It appeared that his emotions made him a lot more blunt and direct than he normally was.

“I’m glad you asked magister. The election for First Magister of Lys is coming in the next two years; we” She pointed at herself and Oberyn “have enough gold and information to help a candidate of our choice to win said election. Information such as how one Tigaro Haen is currently in talks with the Tyroshi Archon to sell a few of his perfume factories. I imagine that selling such a vital piece of the Lysene economy will hurt his chances at being elected.”

Rhaella watched for the reactions around the table, Maegor and Daenora showed no reaction, Daeron looked pensive; Naerys raised her eyebrows a little but that was her only reaction, Helaena had a smirk on her face. I imagine anything that inconvenience Tigaro Haen is something she would like, she doesn’t enjoy his constant attempts at courtship after all. Rhaella thought.

She was once again thankful for Varys still being loyal. His spy network and the amount of information it brought to their cause was vital for their future, the information she released right now wasn’t even important compared to everything else they had on the politics of Lys, and it was still enough to sway a election.

“And i imagine that for all this gold and information you would expect military support from the new First Magister once you make war on the Iron throne?” Maegor asked.

“Not at all, for such a small favor we would only ask for a small favor in return, maybe something like relinquishing the Lysene claim on the Stepstones once we invade the islands.” Rhaella respond.

“Of course once we do have control of the islands, we will need a lot of resources to build infrastructure there, we already have trade agreements from Westeros, Dorne and The North are willing to trade with us, and The North is more than willing to extend such trade agreements to our allies.” Rhaella said.

“As is Dorne.” Oberyn took over. “In fact i have leave from my brother, the ruling Prince of Dorne, to negotiate said trade agreement, if the need arises.”

There was visible surprise around the table when Rhaella mentioned The North as one of their allies. No one knew the truth of the rebellion, the truth of Lyanna, and while the fight between Lord Stark and the usurper because of what happened to Elia and ‘her children’ was well known, Rhaella imagined that most thought that such a fight wasn’t enough for Lord Stark to side with her family.

“That is certainly an interesting proposal, but it isn’t your main goal. The Stepstones are a perfect staging ground for an invasion of Westeros, but the amount of men it would take to conquer the islands is not even close to the amount of men it would take to make war on the Iron throne.” Maegor said, his tone a little less harsh than before, he sounded a lot more interested in the discussions.

“Yes, a war in Westeros would take more men than we have at the moment, but we don’t plan on starting said war for at least five and ten years, plenty of time to gather more men and more allies to our cause. Once i leave Lys i will be on my way to Volantis and then Elyria, for just this reason.” Rhaella responded.

“You plan on visiting my brother? And Vaella and her son in Elyria?” Naerys asked.

“Yes” Rhaella responded.

“Well it should be an interesting conversation if nothing else. My brother is a jovial man.” Naerys said with a smile.

“I’ve heard such, and i look forward to meeting him.” Rhaella responded, then she looked back to Maegor and said.

“Of course these allies would be for the future, it wouldn’t solve our short term problem. That is, a potential attack by Myr and Tyrosh for their own claim on the Stepstones. So if the future First Magister of Lys, hopefully an ally of ours, would be willing to launch a military campaign to unify the Three Daughters, we would be more than willing to provide him with fighting men and gold to hire around thirty thousand sellswords.” Rhaella put her strongest card in play, such an expense would almost clear out all the gold they have available at the moment, but they would be making much more in the future. Trade with the far east was extremely lucrative, and no one was doing it at a large scale.

“With a trade agreement in place, Dorne would also be willing to send a large portion of its force to support such a venture. No one in King’s landing would complain about Dorne supporting one of its largest trading partners.” Oberyn said, helping sell their idea even more.

“Of course, for such a favor, we would expect a favor of the military variety in return, once we make war in Westeros.” Rhaella said.

Maegor just lifted an eyebrow and Rhaella knew he was interested. A visible reaction like that, from a man of his skill and experience in politics, might as well be him screaming his interest.

He looked at his wife Naerys, having a silent conversation with their eyes, then he turned and looked at his mother and son again having a silent conversation, once he was done he looked at Rhaella again and said.

“That is a good proposal. But as you know, the First Magister might be able to convince the other Magisters of such a war, but the one in charge of the Lysene Army is the Gonfaloniere. It just so happens that my son is willing to run for the office in the next election.” Maegor said.

“We would be more than happy to support him in such an election.” Rhaella responded.

“Then you have yourself a deal Queen Rhaella.” Maegor responded giving her a nod and a small smile.

The next few hours were spent in the details of the agreement. It was decided that Naerys and Helaena would be traveling with Rhaella, it would serve to show that the Lysene Targaryens were allied with them, Naerys also wanted to see her family in Volantis.

Oberyn would stay in Lys for a few more days to finalize the trade agreement between Lys and Dorne. After that he would probably travel to some other distant land, Oberyn was a free spirit like that.

In the return trip, they would once again stop in Lys. Naerys would stay but Helaena would continue with them all the way to Braavos were she would inspect and instruct their troops in fighting the Lysene way.

They would also be joined by Aelor and his Sister-Wife Rhaenyra. The two other children of Maegor and Naerys were currently returning from a trade voyage to Koj in the Summer Isles, they would be waiting on the return trip when they would join and sail to Braavos with them, from there they would go to White Harbor and finally Winterfell where they would negotiate a trade deal with Lord Stark.

The day after their talks was another day that Rhaella took to enjoy with her family, this time they were joined by Maegor’s family as well. Helaena guided them trough the city, showing them a few of the less known attractions of the city that Oberyn hadn’t showed them two days ago, they were also joined by Daeron, his wife Shiera Rogare and two children latter in the day to watch a play in the amphitheater. Overall it was an enjoyable day for Rhaella and certainly something that helped take her mind off the politics of the day before.

But the day after, was the day they sailed away from Lys with their two new passengers Naerys and Helaena, and as Rhaella looked at the slowly disappearing city of Lys in the horizon, she only thought one thing.

One alliance done; Two more to go.