The sound of the fire crackling against the cave as the sound of stomping feet clashed with the sound of the waves. At a moment like this, she is reminded of her mother, and a slight shiver runs through her body in protest. She does not want to remember her during her final moments. Yet, her mind wandered, wondering how the ground she now stood on had become her mother's burial ground, cemented in grass between rocks and moss. Every time they screeched, she remembered that during this painful rendition, her focus clung to the flames.
They looked out towards the waters, watching the men row towards the ship. The waves were powerful. It beat against the wood, making them row twice as hard. Torches lit the path. Vhaera was genuinely beginning to hate the cold. The fire resembled an ember, a blazing warmth of the setting sun. It contrasted with the sea, which was grey and harsh upon the blackened rocks. She watched her people endure horrendous hardships, betrayals, and loss. Now, as she watched them enter the rough terrain, battling against the waves of salt and sand, she gained a new sense of strength she did not realize she had.
"I thank you for your succor, Alys. I am afraid to admit that I am clearly frightened of my own village. They are not the men who gave me shelter or the ones who sang sweet praises of my father. It is a fault of my own for feigning ignorance." Vhaera looked upon him in a way that a daughter would to a father in hopes of praise.
"I have no desire to commend you. Nor should your gaze be so wanting. I had a wife, and she bore me no children; therefore, I should not be seen as such. I may not indulge you as a father, but I do have urges like any man. I yield to you only because of the vow I made to myself."
This not only surprised Vhaera but also Aerion. "It is known that a child of three, an old saying among those in the east whispered by the old wives when they were not only three themselves; daughter of death, slayer of lies, bride of fire. So many threes. Three fires, three mounts to ride, three treasons. The dragon has three heads, she sighed, but I have only one." (G.R.R.M Quote)
"Are you implying that you see me as a potential suitor?" Alys asked, unsettled by the matter. He had no wish to lie with a child. He saw her as a figure of great esteem, nothing more. If she were to give him a punishment for the crime he committed, this would be a death sentence in itself.
"It is up to you to decide whether you wish to continue as a lonely dragon. I myself will always be attentive to your whims regarding that of my brother. His view of men's urges, as you call it, is somewhat of an unsightly act against women. However, I find his interest in marriage to be more frightening than anything. To make matters worse, I intend to agree with his proposal once he returns. I hope that I am not too late. My past discouragement was rooted in safety and, mostly, fear of the nature of our bond. Though if I were able, this would not be the answer to our dilemma."
"I suggest you change your mindset to that of a queen rather than a sheep. If the enemy sees you as weak-minded, then what are those who follow behind you? Blood has a crippling effect on those who wield it and those who prophesied its benefits. They alone wield a terrible fate defined by the gods alone."
"Forgive me, Alys. It was poor judgment on my part. You are no father in any child's eye. Nor am I a normal child in theirs. I do not know how to lead without another to point the way."
"Then perhaps it's time you learn before the men get a wisp of the fear you hold," Aerion said nothing; he himself tried to warn her, but Alys's hands were placed at her back as his presence lingered. She watched him as he retreated to Valeanna's side. Her stance became unsteady with just Aerion at her side. Her breath was uneven as though her strength had left her, yet the boy's hold was not weak; his hands were firm, but they held a twinge of softness between them that reminded her of his age. They were only three years apart, and that alone made her long to see her brother. When the winds would blow too strongly, it was her body that covered him from the harsh sand. He would not thank her for her shelter, but he would hold her closer if she were to become unsteady.
"Our path has become more dire," Alys whispers to Valeanna. "I sometimes wonder if you only preach of other warnings; these words are not your own. What other false teachings do you slither behind? It is a foul game you play. My brother may see you as his guiding savior, but you use us as a copper does to a flame. Regardless of what occurred between us, she will break once the truth is known."
"A regrettable choice, I assure you, will not happen so long as you remember what is at stake."
"It is not I you should be worrying about, but the men who wanted her head; they, too, saw the body as well as the dead." He watched her walk away in amusement as his frame adjusted.
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing for a dragon." (G.R.R.M quote) Perhaps the gods punish those they find worthy; above the guilt, stricken thieves, murderers, and raper's. It is the unholy ones who commit a single act that receive all their glory, reforming them into a mold that they themselves cannot fit. Once seated upon a high trolley themselves, a man who has already sought life's riches will beg even a commoner for a simple blessing. Out of my rambling, which one am I to be discovered once the price for my freedom is shown? It hangs upon a frightened, war-torn boy.
Alys held no fear for he knew of they're future.
"You may let go, Alys. I intend to walk with Valeanna near the banks of the water." Alys could not refuse her will, but his gaze lingered upon Valeanna's back. They could hear the men shouting from afar. The air was cold, and the sand was wet. Vhaera clung to Valeanna not only for support but for the warmth she ignited. Her bones gave her a chill, rustling her blood, as the fog left her lips.
Once they were at a distance where they could speak, Vhaera carefully sat down on one of the rocks. Valeanna stalks the sand in search of old shells. She found a small one, with the help of her knife and a rock to balance its weight. She made a comb, using the rocks as best she could to smooth out the tips and edges. Vhaera had already loosened her hair from its braid.
"I needed a moment to myself away from prying ears. "It feels so good to be out in the open, no longer having to watch our backs constantly. I have missed this..." Valeanna paused midway in part of the fact that they both had to be mindful of their speech.
"Is it truly my fault what happened in Asshai? Your brother seems to place all the blame upon one action caused by a thousand others." Valeanna mumbled in reply. "I cannot speak gibberish, though I do find it fitting after the confrontation of our men. You have been far too quiet. Has it been so long that you no longer wish to confide or share your thoughts on my actions? I have no council of old wives to support me; I believe two remain in our company."
"I see no fault in your actions. I am here, am I not? It is simply because I worry. Though you may not hear my voice amongst you as the loudest, it shares your pain. I have learned that not all men are the cause of women's plight."
"You mean Alys. I have no one else, with my brother and Vaemond gone, it is him I look to for aid."
"It was not Alys I was referring to. He does not truly hate you. He is afraid of what you might do."
"Is that why you clutch your hand in my presence?"
"I do not wish to fight."
"Then speak plainly. What are you hiding from me?"
"It is a secret amongst siblings, surely you can respect my hesitance in acknowledging the subject of which you speak." Vhaera sighed.
"Very well. I won't broach the subject. I should understand the secrets that we kept when my mother was alive. I would sneak out of the house at night to visit my father's grave. It was the only time I had to myself. During the day, I had chores around the farm and a little brother to watch. So, of course, I wasn't allowed outside due to the raids and thieves that lurked in the trails. Yet, before the moon turned full, I would go. My brother would follow, and I would tell him stories in return for his silence. Everything I have done is for Daemond; without him, their legacy means nothing. I mean nothing. Dragons once protected the gates of the great empire of the dawn, and they, too, were snuffed out by greed and envy. Ambition alone is not enough for me. Our conquest began due to the strife with the east; now it seems we are facing a similar predicament to the old empire. I don't want to be snuffed out by our very own people."
"There is no fault in your decision, only regret. You are right to be hesitant, but to remain distant will only bring you pain and suffering. To be wise is a difficult thing; ambition alone will not truly allow one to prosper. I do not say this as a guise, and neither should you take it as such". Valeanna wanted nothing more than to beg for mercy, but her legs would not let her.
"What wrongs have you embraced from the past?" Vhaera asked.
"Forgiveness is not an easy feat for an enslaved person. There were days when I hungered for more than food. The scars are too light to be seen upon my back yet; I was given each for my lack of passion."
"Though our situation is different, I understand the unsettling feeling of a watchful gaze. While asleep, I was taken to a dark place where the dead may speak. Amongst them was a living man. His gaze was one of hunger and ambition, for what I still do not know; he told me to be aware of the children. I see no children here, but sometimes I feel there is a great abatement amongst us. A duality of sorts. Now it seems there is always a hesitant sigh before you speak." Valeanna deciphered her meanings gradually.
"Forgive me," she said, saying nothing more after this, but the silence that lingered made Vhaera wonder what exactly Valeanna hungered for that she had chosen to be silent. I suppose we must each play our part, according to our gift. For hands of gold are always cold, but a woman's hands are warm when treachery lurks behind the sweetest of faces. Doubt preceded her mind like the flame that grew ever so closer as the men returned. She could not see them as clearly as she would have liked, but from the sounds they made, she could tell they were tired.
Vhaera was beginning to doubt herself; they had yet to climb the cliffs. The moki steps that were embedded into the rocks were on the other side of the small ravine, with the tide so high it was impossible to make the journey without falling to your death. The water showed her reflection, and for the first time, she could see her mother.
"You are most beautiful."
"You are very kind. I did not hear you coming. Can you tell me your name? It appears all that I know of you is that you are a cripple."
"To some, I am known plainly as Stump, but for you, my lady, it would be my pleasure if you could call me Aelor Targaryen."
"I see, people can be so cruel. You must have endured so much." She held his hand that was in the shape of a stump badly stuck together as though it had healed the wrong way. He had two small fingers lingering on the outside. The blood from the flask must have tried to recover something that was far too gone with age. It made her sick to her stomach thinking about the notion of something like that happening to her. Aelor noticed her unease and removed himself from her warmth. The other men were not far behind; each was attentive to whatever Alys was saying. The only whiff of the conversation she could strain to hear was someone saying, "Do yourself a favor".
They walked towards her with haste before she could greet them, one of the men near Alys spoke. "We were able to gather most of what you asked for. The only issue is the rope. We have only two, and I fear they will not be strong enough. It is best that we stay here, using the tools and weapons we have gathered from the dead to maneuver our surroundings and catch our prey."
"And your name?"
"You may call me the Mound."
"A pleasure". She recalled his face as the man who rallied against her. Forcing her claims as unjust, placing the blame upon her for the dead they had lost—a man so willing to abandon her if this did not bring about an outcome in their favor.
"For you maybe." He was hostile towards her. She could tell he was hungry, and the way his body was giving off such heat, he was freezing, too.
"I was worried to begin with. My plan was risky; yours, however, was even more so. If we were able to reach the plateau, our chances for shelter would be higher if the wyverns hunted in packs. Some of us have to stay hidden in the caverns for this to work."
"Alys, how many among us have died recently?"
"Only three."
"Someone go fetch the bodies. Also, we need wood for a fire, and whoever can sing among you, let it be known that you must attract these creatures through noise and smell alone. Those who have the strength will spellbind the creatures to limit the damage. We only need four of them: two female and two male, whatever is left will be used as supper."
"So, who will you choose to be our peacock?" He looks among them.
"I will be your scapegoat, and perhaps when I secure our safety, your tongue will not wag so pitifully." The scowl on the Mound's face was harsh, and the men around him seemed to simmer down.
"That will not be necessary. If you are with us, we will lose more men trying to protect you from harm. During our journey, some of the men spoke of your ability with herbs. Do you have any that is capable of making a giant sleep?"
"Not on hand, no, but up there, yes." She had to point. "What if we combined the rope and tied it around our hips, as we slowly climbed the cliffs? Would that work in our favor?"
"Our biggest worry is the wind; one wrong step, and we would tumble." He was unsure. "What are you suggesting?
"If two of your men who are willing to join me venture on a quest that may lead to our death, I would be able to gather the herbs that we need while those below organize the structure to cast the spell." She watched as the Mound gathered the men around him. They nodded amongst each other.
"The climb will be hard and strenuous on your body. It is already so frail." Vhaera could not disagree. "May I present to you Vaemon he has sturdy body, and a grip that could kill if need be. If you were to fall, he would come to your aid. As for our second volunteer, this is Naerys. The quickest one amongst us, if trouble were to arise, he would bring you to safety."
"Are you sure they will not be needed here?"
"We have enough." The air around them soon turned thick with discomfort. The men who brought the bodies seemed just as uneasy. A small child was among two women in the cot. Vhaera could only let out a small gasp as her tears fell.
"Spare the child this indignity. Find another."
"Who here can butcher a dead body?" The silence was deafening. It must be done if you don't want to witness another child die in the night or hear the sound of a weeping man or woman who calls upon the gods."
Finally, when she began to give up hope, someone stepped forward. "You may call me Baelys."
"Thank you, Baelys, for your sacrifice." She paused slowly, taking a deep breath. "It does not matter how the proportions are made. We need just enough to create an aroma. We are still in need of minstrels, singers, mad pipers, a jester or storyteller, anyone will do."
"Do yourself a favor", the Mound repeats this phrase over and over each time he beckons the men.
"You are ever the contentment", a young lad that goes by the name of Daerion, she overhears him snickering behind five others. She swallows shyly, with a comely face, as she tries to hide her distress—a weakness she can exploit. "I believe the puppets you surround yourself with lack any wit. You use favors as though they are a second meal. An advertisement to the masses on public display, all chanting your praises. How does one coerce a man to heel? I'm sure they, too, grew bored of these mind games. Don't you?"
"Yet, you wish for us to flock to you as mindless sheep. We are not worshippers of the flesh to be kept in chains, doing as you bid without consequence." The men could not look at her when he spoke, for they were unsure where their loyalty lay. Valeanna stood beside her, fearing the worst. Her brother watched from the sideline as Alys clasped his hands in prayer. He was enjoying this as tho he were watching a play.
"If I wanted to be seen in such revery, I would have no need for you. You play yourself as a figurehead, but without me, they would all bow down to a bronze bitch, with the torso of a bird and the tail of a scorpion, surrounded by gold and lust as they watch you slave away, using your children as playthings. You have nothing, and what hope you cling to, I have provided. I neither asked nor begged for anyone to bend the knee."
"Even if it's under a false god, your pretentious nature is one I do not approve of."
"Says the man who takes pride in himself as a sword-swaller.
"Do you even know the meaning of a wanton whore.
"If I am a whore then you are a cunt full of cesspit vipers and lickspittles in your bed. Spare me the indignity of a subpar excuse, a depraved affront to the Gods themselves. All of you are required to pay obeisance to the Gods, and they so happen to bring about their will through me. Go ahead and enact your plan to leave me stranded. I wonder how long you would last without a shepherd to flock the herd." (ao3 quote)
"There is more ambition in you than the water in the seas." (ao3 quote)
"Perhaps the sea knows more about contempt and contention, striking when there is just cause rather than leading the blind. Steady hands bred strong men. I may not have the familiar love you all long for, but I will not do what my forebearers failed to accomplish, who chose to play into these very discrepancies. We have seen how kingdoms fall under the leadership of Queens and Kings. Let us be different. You kneel to no one, least of all me. (quote (a03) by the wrath of the dawn) We must govern amongst ourselves."
"A freehold", one of the men whispers.
He did not allow them to be swayed. "Heavy is the head that wears the crown". (Quote from Toxic Town, written by William Shakespeare)
"I suppose you would know that since yourtruth is woven from lies and flesh; apologies do not reverse deeds or intents." (ao3)
"And, how do you intend to stop a war from brewing. How can you possibly stop this storm that is dissipating even further? I doubt you had any inkling of resentment left in you to do what is needed. (ao3 quote)
"Haven't I given enough. I lost an eye, and both parents sacrificed to the lambs in the betterment of this peninsula. What more must I sacrifice to be taken kindly?" Before the Mound had any chance of replying, Alys stepped forward.
"I believe it's up to them to decide whether they wish to pamper behind a man who uses good deeds instead of a Queen who chooses lineancy as a sharp contrast to that of the blade. As I recall, three lives were snatched from a god. Three lives must be repaid for the dragon has only three heads, and one of them is treacherous. So, whosoever wishes to brand themselves with a hidden dagger, I implore you to be steadfast in your approach, for what lurks behind is a dragon, and she will show you no mercy when the tide is changing." (G.R.R.M quote)
They were still hesitant in their approach, but they believed Alys and his teachings were enough to know better than to forsake his words as mere hearsay. When they flocked towards her side, they took with them the fire, and it blazed ever hotter. He stood alone, and though she was able to find common ground with her people, she had to refrain from flinching as they stood behind her. Valeanna seemed to understand and turned her back towards her.
He was standing alone, without the support of his men; he seemed much smaller than she realized. What she feared was no more than a helpless byproduct of his own surroundings, mused together with those of dim-witted men who want to prove they were more than what life had dealt them. As he previously said, he was a former farmer and smuggler before he stood against the crown.
What she did not expect was for the man to kneel. Most could not see her face, but she was in disbelief. "Your word is law. Whatever may befall us, we will take it as a punishment from the Gods for enacting a revolt against someone they have chosen to be their heir; but whatever course you take, we take it as one, to be governed amongst ourselves as the Gods intended."
"A man can change his words when cornered, but it is his actions that speak for him during a siege. If we are all in favor of the Mound, he should not be the only one kneeling. So few are willing to bend to Queens." Aerion and Alys followed suit, and by the time she looked to her side, they had all found their way to the dirt. Valeanna chose to bow with her bandaged hand clutching her chest, and it gave her ease to know that she was not in the wrong. As they rose, Vhaera returned their goodwill with a curtsy, showing that she truly was not above them, but in their eyes, she was more than a common servant among smallfolk. Alys ensured that for the sake of her survival.