House of The Dragon: The blind warrior

Hey everyone!

The new chapter is finally out! Apologies for the delay—I've been pretty busy this week, but as I've said before, I won't disappoint.

This was a really interesting chapter to write. It introduces some new elements, and you'll get to see more of Vealor's extensive knowledge of dragon lore—or Drakenys in Valyrian.

I hope you enjoy the chapter! As always, your comments are greatly appreciated. Let me know what you'd like to see in the future—who knows, it might spark some inspiration, and I could do something cool with it. But for now, I hope you enjoy the story!

For those who want to read ahead, I've got 10+ chapters available on my Patreon, so feel free to check them out and read to your heart's content.

I'll catch you all in the next one!

PATREON: patreon.com/Magicauthorarchive

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I was in my chamber, pacing from one end of the room to the other.

It had been a couple of hours since that failure of a council meeting, and my mind had been going through every variable, hoping to prevent my grandmother's demise.

I had already decided that it would be I who would be flying Abraxas to Rook's Rest, yet it was still preferred that it did not come to that.

Because for the fight in Rook's Rest to happen, many key figures in the Crownlands would have to fall for Cole's army to grow to that point.

And that is what I was trying to prevent. But it seems my mother was adamant in not making a move, which is foolishness, if you ask me.

"AUGH!" I grunted in frustration, as I took my mask off and slammed it onto the table.

This will only make the Greens more confident and bold in their schemes, which on one side is beneficial, but on the other, could be catastrophic. Because when the lords hear that Cole, alone with a handful of men, was able to take control of the Crownlands, the fear alone would make them kneel to the other side.

That is why a move is needed.

"I'm sorry, Mother, but it seems I'm going to have to undermine you once again," I said, tapping my fingers rhythmically on the table as I thought of what I could do to keep the Greens from succeeding in this endeavor, or better yet, crippling them in a way that would make them fear us even more.

I was pulled from my thoughts as I heard the screeching of Seasmoak outside.

Hearing the sorrowful screeches of Seasmoak made me walk toward the balcony so I could observe the beast that was the last remnant of my father.

What would he do in this situation? I thought.

My father was a good man and an even better military mind, but where he excelled in those fields, he was horrible at politics, if the way he made us flee King's Landing was anything to go by. But nonetheless, he was a good military strategist, and at the times we did speak about strategy, he would teach me things that had saved me many times in Essos when I was in a pickle.

So, as I listened to the screeching dragon and the crashing waves, one afternoon came to mind when I and my father had gone to play civase close to the shore of Blackwater Bay.

I had beaten my father many times in the game, considering I played against my grandfather Corlys, who had a much greater mind than I and Father combined at the time. But on occasion, Father would surprise me with maneuvers I had yet to learn or seen from my grandfather.

On this particular day, while we were playing, I was under the impression that I had captured most, if not all, of his strongholds. Yet he surprised me by blindsiding me and sacrificing his own men to win the game.

From the moment I had started capturing his strongholds, I was under the impression that I was winning before he dealt a decisive and strong blow that made all of my plays nigh irrelevant.

I will never forget the words he said that day.

"To win, sometimes you have to make your enemy believe they have won before you cut their legs from under them, and they come crumbling down." I spoke the words he had spoken that day, as I looked at the screeching dragon and felt the warmth of the sun disappearing behind the horizon.

"My lord?" I heard Ignis speak from behind me, having heard him enter with both Yue and Meredyth.

But I did not pay them mind yet, opting to immerse myself in my thoughts. I stood facing the sea as all three of my generals stepped behind me, knowing I was deep in thought.

After a moment longer, I turned around to face them before speaking.

"Ignis?" I addressed my first general, who saluted upon seeing my serious face.

"My lord," he said, waiting for his orders, which he knew I was about to give.

"Take the men you have gathered and set sail for Duskendale. I will correspond with you by letters, but your mission for now will be to crush any and all attempts on House Darklyn," I said, my tone leaving no space for argument.

"It will be done, my lord," he saluted, turning on his heel to leave. But before he left the room, I said, "Go, Ignis, with honor and might," before bringing my fist to my chest.

Ignis, who heard me, turned around and, brought his closed fist to his chest. "Honor and might, my lord," he said, before he was off to his duty.

Yue, who had a worried look on his face, spoke from where he stood. "Won't the queen be furious with you, my lord?" he asked, worry laced in his voice, as I turned to him.

"She will, yes, when she finds out. But for the time being, this stays between us. Am I clear?" I said, to which the couple nodded, before Meredyth slapped Yue on the back hard.

"Come on, dear, you know our lord. He won't crack easily. I've tried. Literally," she said, laughing at the memory, talking about our days as slaves in the fighting pits.

"That's enough out of you. Aren't you supposed to be with my betrothed?" I asked in confusion, wondering why she was here. Meredyth, whose eyes widened in realization, saluted me and kissed Yue on the cheek before saying, "I'll be on my way," disappearing as fast as I reminded her of her duties.

Leaving Yue and me alone on the balcony, I turned around to observe the scene before me, which I'm sure looked beautiful to the sight I did not possess.

I heard Yue's footsteps closing in before he stood to the left of me. He remained silent and did not ask the questions I knew were piling up in his mind.

There was only the sound of the howling wind and the crashing waves as the silence continued between us, Yue shifting ever so slightly as Seasmoak let out one of his sorrow-filled roars.

"He craves a rider," I finally spoke, feeling Yue turn his gaze toward me. "A dragon, especially one that was born in a cradle, yearns for human companionship," I explained to him, feeling him nod next to me.

"How long has Seasmoak been without a rider, my lord?" Yue asked curiously, as the memory of my grandmother's agonizing scream rang in my ears when my father died.

"It has been ten years," I spoke, not having much else to say pertaining to the situation.

Yue, who saw my mood, did not dwell on the matter. Yet his mind was abuzz with questions about my actions that contradicted what I had promised my mother, and as he finally turned to ask me, I made sure to turn with attentiveness.

"Why, my lord?" he asked, confusion marking his face, as we both turned to each other. "I understand that you had to act, my lord. By the Jade Emperor, I'm sure I would have done the same," he said, but I felt an additional question coming.

"Yet?" I asked, as he shook his head in confusion.

"Yet, this does not serve you, my lord. It will only make the queen less trusting of you. She is your mother, yes, but she is the ruling authority. You undermining her serves you no purpose," he said in a frustrated manner.

I observed the man who I knew only gave me unbiased counsel and looked out for me in my many years in Essos—my friend and my confidant, who always worried for me even in the most outrageous situations. And as I heard his worries, I could only shake my head in resignation.

"You do not understand, Yue," I said, extending my hand and placing it on his shoulder. "Your mind is still back in Essos," I continued, locking my pale eyes with his.

"There, we had to be careful because it was a land we were trying to make something of, even though we did not belong, so survival was absolutely paramount," I said to him, squeezing his shoulder lightly.

"Do you know why that was, Yue? Why I and all of you absolutely had to survive?" I said, as he looked at me with a light frown, indicating that he did not understand.

"Because ever since I was a child, I knew this day would come. The day where my family would ride into battle to face each other," I said, getting a wide-eyed reaction from him.

He knew of my dreams. I had on many occasions asked him to decipher them with me, so he knew the weight of what I was telling him.

"So, if me getting the ire of my own mother protects her and the family I have here on Dragonstone, then I would make her my enemy ten times over, if it meant she was safe. Do you understand me, Yue?" I revealed my drive, as he stood there, heart pounding and sweat forming on his forehead.

Yue took a moment to digest what I had said, before he finally steeled himself and, with a powerful motion, brought his fist to his chest and inclined his head.

"I apologize, my lord!" he shouted, as the sun hung on the horizon, casting orange rays all around us.

"I should never have questioned you," he said with a regretful tone. "I only meant to protect you," he added, as I squeezed the hand on his shoulder lightly in support.

"I know, Yue, and that is why I trust you the most

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"My prince, please, she has already attempted claiming many dragons. She cannot try again lest she lose her life," said the old dragon keeper, who was worried for Rheana, who stood behind me, listening to the conversation we were having.

"I understand, elder, but dragon lore is not that simple. You and I know some dragons take time to form a bond with; they need..." I explained my understanding as I observed the large cavern beyond the entrance of the Dragonmont, where the landing platform was situated to be coaxed.

The elder, who was speaking to me, huffed in frustration before saying, "I understand, my prince. If you do not wish to heed my warning, then I will have no part in this." He said this in resignation while inclining his head. I turned my head to observe the old man with a hard will.

Yet, a very skewed view of dragon lore, but I did not dwell on his hesitation, for he may as well have witnessed Rheana almost die in trying to tame a dragon.

"Well then, I will not hold it against you, elder," I said to the dragon keeper, who only seemed worried for my cousin's safety. I turned my head halfway to get Rheana's attention. "Let's proceed," I said before walking into the Dragonmont, Rheana closely behind me.

Though I did not miss the departing footsteps of the dragon keepers, who I was sure would make a small visit to my mother's chambers.

As I got closer to the edge of the platform, I connected with my companion, who was in slumber, before speaking through our connection.

"Approach, Abraxas," I told him, as I stopped just at the edge, Rheana approaching to stand next to me.

"What now, cousin?" Rheana spoke next to me, as Abraxas approached slowly from the darkness of the cavern, Rheana not seeing him until he was right in front of us.

"Now, we bond you to a dragon," I said while extending my hand to Abraxas, who made guttural sounds that I had come to associate with greetings.

I pressed my head against his as Rheana slowly stepped back, intimidated by the large and ghostly form of Abraxas. He was not called the Night Fury for no reason—he was as silent as the wind when he moved in the darkness and as deadly as a thunder strike.

"How are you, my friend?" I asked Abraxas, who hummed in contentment as we stayed that way for a moment. Rheana, who moved farther away from us, watched in awe.

Abraxas puffed hot smoke from his nose to signify he was happy to see me. Chuckling at his antics, I said, "I'm happy to see you as well." Before I turned to Rheana, who was looking wide-eyed at Abraxas.

"Come greet him," I said to her, getting her out of her stupor as she pointed at herself.

"Yes, Abraxas is friendly to family," I said to her, extending my hand in reassurance.

Rheana took a hesitating step before she slowly approached, step by step, until she was close enough that I could grab her hand and guide it to Abraxas.

She flinched back as I finally connected her hand to Abraxas's nostril and let her feel his coarse, scaly skin.

Before slowly letting my hand fall as I watched Rheana enjoy petting the beast I had come to call a friend.

"Amazing, right?" I asked her as I observed the smile bloom on her face and the happiness radiating from her.

"Yes," she whispered under her breath, too distracted by Abraxas, which I would have to cut short. "Tell me something, Rheana," I started, as the girl in question turned to look at me, not letting her hand fall from Abraxas.

"W-what is it?" She asked, stuttering as she saw the serious tone I took.

"There's no need to be nervous, I just want to know, what is it you think of when you try and bond with a dragon?" I asked her as she finally stepped away from Abraxas, fully turning to look at me as she thought about my question.

"Well..." She started, pausing to give her answer some thought as I waited for her patiently, Abraxas bringing his face closer to mine and nudging me a little so he could get my attention.

"Not now," I said to him lightly as Rheana finally looked up with an unsure face before answering.

"Serve," she said, as I raised a brow under my mask, humming audibly as I thought of her answer, but not understanding it well.

"Elaborate, what 'serve' means to you," I asked, knowing the word itself has a meaning, but with dragons, the implication of the word matters.

Rheana, who heard my question, did not take long to answer this time as she went on to explain. "I guess for it to bend to my will and serve me as its master," she said, and alarms went off in my mind.

"Rheana," I started, shaking my head, because I knew one of the reasons she was not successful with dragons. "Dragons are not like horses. You cannot strong-arm them into submitting and serving you. That's not how the bonding of dragons works," I started explaining before continuing. "For a dragon to even consider listening to your instructions and bending to your will, a form of understanding needs to be formed between the potential rider and the dragon," I explained.

Rheana, who heard my explanation, made a confused sound before she went on ahead and said, "But that's not what I read in the books," she said, confusing me.

"What books?" I asked, confused if there were books here in Westeros similar to the ones I read when I found myself in the ruins of Valyria.

"The ones from the Citadel, of course." As I heard her answer, there was a moment where my temper flared enough to get a reaction from Abraxas, who lashed out enough to scare Rheana a little.

Calming myself down, I sighed before saying, "The books from the Citadel don't have the full picture, Rheana. They know nothing of dragon lore," I explained softly to her. "So trust me when I say a dragon is not a horse to be tamed. It is an intelligent creature, and a prideful one," I added, glancing at Abraxas, who seemed to be taking his time to calm himself.

"What do you think will happen when you try to make a prideful creature submit to you?" I said to her, getting a reaction from her.

"Yes, exactly. They lash out, or worse, they burn you where you stand," I told her as she approached slowly, seeing Abraxas calming down.

"So, what do you suggest I do?" she asked me in a desperate manner as I observed the girl, who presented herself meekly but deep inside was a raging dragon.

"Well, how do you think you form a bond with a dragon who you haven't interacted with?" I asked her to try and gauge her thinking process. The girl in question went silent so she could contemplate the question.

"Bond with a dragon who's similar to me," she asked, as I nodded in confirmation.

"Precisely, that alone will take you far, because a dragon is the extension of his or her rider, and the rider is the manifestation of the dragon's will. So for a dragon to accept you," I said, pausing to give her time to digest. "They have to see some of their traits in you. Does that make sense?" I finished explaining in simple terms as she nodded unsure, looking between me and Abraxas, who were side by side.

"Yes, it does?" She confirmed, but the way she hesitated revealed that she had more thoughts on the matter.

"But?" I asked, my voice echoing through the large cavern that was the entrance to the Dragonmont.

"But I already did," she revealed, looking down at her legs. A wave of shame poured out of her, which surprised me to no end. Before I slowly approached and closed the gap between us, grabbing her chin gently before raising it.

"You did what?" I pried gently, feeling her turbulent emotions as the tears that were threatening to pour from her eyes slowly started trickling.

"I already tried with every dragon possible," she began, her breathing erratic from her emotional state. "And if what you say is true... then... the dragon that most suits my temper is Silverwing... and... I almost died the last time... I..." she said emotionally, trying to keep herself in check before she broke down.

Seeing my younger cousin in such a state made my stomach churn. I understood her pain enough to sympathize, and yet, it strengthened my resolve for what I was about to attempt.

So as I slowly brought my hands around her in comfort and let her feel her emotions, I spoke clearly and slowly so she understood my every word.

"That's just it, Rheana. Silverwing isn't the one..." I started, holding her crying form, which was calming down.

Rheana, who heard what I said, slowly revealed her face from where she hid it on my chest as she looked at my masked face, hiccups leaving her throat. "What do you mean?" She asked, her emotions slowly calming to control as I gave her time to calm herself.

"Like I said, Silverwing isn't the one for you, far from it, actually..." I started, Rheana making a confused sound. Before Abraxas, who was watching our interaction, approached Rheana and nudged her in comfort, the girl in question hesitating to touch the dragon.

"You don't know it," I started, as she finally committed to petting Abraxas, who seemed to like her touch if the way he was making guttural noises was any indication.

"But I can see it. Just under the emotional surface you've built... the fire of a true Targaryen right there, waiting to be unleashed," I explained to her, as she turned to face me with what I could only decipher as both shock and disbelief.

"You may not believe it, but I saw it, remember, that night when I lost my eyes," I said to her, getting a gasp from her lips.

"The way you fought for your sister and my brothers, that wasn't a girl who Silverwing would bond with. That right there was the fury of a terrifying dragon," I said to her, smiling under my mask, which I'm sure Rheana heard from the way I spoke.

"Then if not Silverwing... which dragon would suit me?" she finally asked after a moment of silence between us, hearing her heartbeat starting to pick up in excitement as she wiped her tearful eyes.

"The bronze fury, Vermithor," I told her, turning around and taking a step closer to the edge of the landing platform, Abraxas's long neck trailing next to me, as he stood menacingly in the cave.

"Wait, cousin... Vermithor? I don't think..." Rheana, who had sobered up after hearing the name of the bronze fury, started following after me as I stopped on the edge, connecting with Abraxas. I felt the familiar sensation of shared sight.

"You may think that fire has diminished after all these years, but I see it. The frustration of seeing Lucearys in that state, the anger of feeling helpless, and the passion to do something about it—even if it costs you your life," I told her, as she came to a halt next to me, gently grabbing my hand.

"No... cousin, you're wrong. That's not who I am. So please, let's just call Silverwing and..." I didn't let her finish as I interrupted her.

"You're here, aren't you?" I asked her.

"You are here in spite of almost dying to a dragon, time and time again... why do you think that is?" I asked her, looking through the eyes of Abraxas as he started making almost siren-like sounds, which vibrated through the whole of the cave, traveling to get the attention of the dragon known as the bronze fury.

"I... I don't know, but it's not because I'm hiding some emotion or..." I interrupted her once again as I turned to her and grabbed her shoulder, a little too rough, hearing her raging heartbeat.

"Then why does your heartbeat race in excitement?" I asked her. Rheana, who was confused by the question, brought her hand to her chest and widened her eyes.

"You don't know it yourself," I told her, shaking my head. "That's impossible now, but when you build that confidence back, after you have bonded with Vermithor, you may come to me and thank me," I finished, finally seeing the silhouette of a large dragon, which was a little smaller than Abraxas, approaching.

The ground trembled with each step it took.

Rheana, hearing the tremor, tightened her hold on me as I turned around to where the dragon would reveal itself.

Abraxas, who saw the approaching dragon with our shared vision, came closer to us as he growled at the approaching figure so that it knew not to approach without thought.

"He's here," I said, the dragon in question slowly revealing himself from the shadows, as his reddish-bronze skin came into view and his jagged teeth, as sharp and long as swords, became visible.

"The bronze fury," I said in awe, seeing him from the eyes of Abraxas for the first time.

And the only thought that rang through my mind as I stared at its form was: How the girl next to me and the dragon in front of us are a perfect match.

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(Darkenys: Dragon lore)