NOVEL NEXT Chapter 23: 23. Talk about The First Men Runes
Our meal was served, and then we all began to eat. If I recall correctly, it was around this time that Laena was betrothed to the son of the current Sealord in Braavos. So, it could be that my presence altered something, or this was one of the minor changes that ROB made. Alternatively, Corlys might be prepared to sacrifice his relationship with Braavos, breaking the already established betrothal for the benefits his House would gain by allying with me.
"Is Vezofina with you when I had gone to Dragon-riding?" I asked Aemma as Vezofina has not even come to dimension at night. It could be problem because she is not fully grown till now. And there are many who wouldn't hesitate to kill or capture her.
"Yes, she was here. But just as I was about to come here for a meal, she began flying towards the Kingswood. I tried to call her back, even mentioned your name, but she didn't return. I think she doesn't like the castle much because she only comes to me when I'm out in the garden," said Aemma. It seems that now, with the vast forest of King's wood, Vezofina has no intention of returning to the dimension. I hope she doesn't encounter any problems in the King's wood, as many hunters roam those woods.
"I understand you've told us that you created her. However, I wish to know if birds like her existed in Valyria, as there are no gargoyles or similar artwork in Dragonstone. If not, then I am eager to learn how you created her, Lord Drakonar," said Viserys, giving me a curious glance. The others also appeared interested in discovering the creation of Vezofina.
"No bird like her existed in the Valyrian Freehold. As I've mentioned before, I created her with magic. If you're curious about how? The answer lies in runes and various magical ingredients, such as dragon eggs and weirwood. Valyrian glyphs, used in Valyria for many purposes like the Old Tongue, were said to be First Man runes," I explained, omitting the fact that human sacrifices were also part of the ritual. Their interest piqued when I brought up Valyrian glyphs, and Viserys nearly interrupted me, eager to learn. As if I would divulge all my knowledge. True, I have assisted them in many ways thus far, but there are certain things I will not teach them.
"What! The rune armor that my 'bronze bitch' wears and parades in is actually magical. I've been thinking they are delusional to don bronze when steel is the superior choice. Does this mean the First Men wielded magic, Lord Drakonar? I had assumed their tales of Wargs and such were mere stories. Yet, considering the runes on their armour, it aligns with the name of House Royce's castle, Runestone. Could it be that my 'bronze bitch' is clad in armour enchanted with the runes of the First Men?" Daemon exclaimed with loud laugh, but his expression one of revelation as he spoke of Runestone. This is why I bring up runes; House Royce is renowned for them, and through Daemon, I seek to learn the Runes of the First Men from a house celebrated for its mastery. If this means I must teach a few others these same runes, so be it.
Why would I teach them about runes when I could learn the same from elsewhere? Since my arrival, I've been studying the magic of this world. I've concluded that the magic here is the wild opposite of the HP world's more tame magic. This world's magic is also much more potent, likely because it is ancient. The Starks alone boast an 8,000-year history, and the Children of the Forest (CoTF) predate them by ten thousand years. Magic that has such a lengthy history and is seldom wielded by many tends to be untamed and powerful. Hence, the Dragons and Vezofina here are mightier than their HP world equivalents.
That's why I am eager to teach and disseminate magic; as the number of magic users grows, magic will gradually become accustomed to human use. To build an empire surpassing the Dawn Empire, I would need numerous magical families as my vassals. Moreover, they could not surpass me in magic, as I will never cease my quest to understand it fully.
"Do not address Lady Royce in such a manner, Daemon. She deserves your respect as your lady wife. And you were the only one ignorant of her enchanted armor. House Royce's history is so extensive that even Valyria pales in comparison. They are of noble First Men descent, but when the Arryns conquered their lands, they gradually forsook the Old Gods they once worshipped." Aemma scolded Daemon fiercely. She shared all her knowledge about House Royce, gleaned from the few visits to her family's library. Daemon seemed poised to retort, but a single glance from Viserys silenced him. Viserys' gesture towards my presence suggested that a family quarrel in front of a guest was unseemly.
"The long history that they spend on fucking ships on their mountain. What's the use of such a long history if they couldn't even remove a wildling from their own home? " Viserys' efforts were in vain as Daemon muttered these words, but everyone in the room could hear him. Before Aemma could reply, Viserys' hand gripped hers, and she relented.
"I'm not certain if your lady wife's armour is enchanted because I myself have never met her. However, it is known that the First Men wielded magic before Valyria, as evidenced by the numerous Valyrian sorcerers who travelled here to study their craft and visit the Wall. Moreover, Warg magic was inherent in their bloodline. And no Valyrian wanted to breed with what they considered barbarians. I personally find their ability to be of some use, at the very least. I would like to learn their runes to expand my understanding of the subject," I said, directing the last sentence towards Daemon. He returned my gaze with a nod. The ability of Wargs could be a godsend for the Targaryens. Should they unite their line with the Starks, they could preserve the magic in their lineage and possibly pass warging onto their bloodline too, deepening their connection with their Dragons far beyond what any other means could achieve. However, it remains a gamble for them. As for me, I could always endeavour to make the ability permanent in my bloodline. Not that I'm not going to try.
"House Royce would be eager to share their knowledge of runes if commanded by His Grace. Perhaps, they might even rediscover their use through your guidance," said Corlys, turning his gaze to Viserys.
"Of course. If you wish to learn the runes of the First Men from House Royce, just let me know. I'll send a raven, and I'm confident Lady Royce will grant your request. It's been quite some time since Daemon visited his Lady wife at Runestone. He could also learn about the runes from you there, alongside Lady Royce. Wouldn't you agree, Daemon?" Viserys inquired. Daemon's facial expression suggested he was about to refuse, especially when Viserys mentioned visiting his Lady wife. However, the prospect of learning the Runes made him relent, albeit with a glare directed at Viserys.
"I will go to Father, and this time you will not deny me," Rhaenyra stated. "You can appoint someone else as your cupbearer. Father, may Alicent accompany me to Runestone?" She had already resolved to join us. Viserys appeared as if someone had snatched food from his mouth, while Aemma smiled upon seeing Viserys's expression.
"If you ever visit Runestone, Rhaenyra, be sure to see the Eyrie. And take Lord Drakonar with you; it's a beautiful castle that you would appreciate," Aemma said, a nostalgic look in her eyes. "It was my home before I married Viserys." Rhaenyra seemed pleased to have her mother's support. Daemon snorted when Aemma mentioned the Eyrie, but only Corlys and I noticed.
"Princess, please understand that I would not instruct your friend in runes. I am willing to teach Targaryens the use of First Men runes once I have learned them. However, I would not impart any knowledge of magic to any lord or lady of the Seven Kingdoms. The choice of her accompanying you is not mine to decide, and I would not wish to part two friends. But it was necessary to inform you beforehand, so you would not find yourself embarrassed by failing to keep your promise," I said.
Although I bear no animosity towards Alicent, I am aware that her father could easily manipulate her. It would be foolish to impart knowledge of the runes to her. Rhaenyra might be able to teach herself after learning from me, but I am certain Daemon would prevent this. Even the kind Viserys would not allow it. Teaching Rhaea Royce is a different matter since she is connected to them through her marriage to Daemon. Moreover, no one in this realm would share power with others, so she would likely keep the knowledge of her family's runes to herself.
Rhaenyra seemed poised to sway my decision, but Viserys promptly informed her that I had the freedom to teach whomever I wished, and that was not up for debate. Moreover, he added that it would not benefit House Targaryen if she were to teach Alicent the magical language. Turning to Daemon for support, she found none; realizing she was without allies, she then turned her attention back to the food on her plate.
"Speaking of the Vale, I recently visited those mountains to learn about a fight between two dragons that occurred there. I spoke with the peasents who witnessed the dragons. And from their descriptions, one of the dragons closely resembles your dragon, Lord Drakonar. Are you the one who killed Sheepstealer?" Daemon inquired, gazing into my eyes. Simultaneously, every gaze in the room turned towards me, filled with curiosity.
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