The next day.
Daeren rose early and summoned his men before heading straight for Dragon Mountain.
"Prince, shouldn't you reconsider?"
Barristan, acting as his personal guard, could not help but try to persuade him.
Dragon Mountain was unlike any other place.
The depths of Dragon Mountain were scorching hot. Aside from Targaryens and Dragonseeds with concentrated bloodlines, outsiders simply could not endure it.
If anything happened to the prince while he was alone, the King would surely have his head.
He might even take his anger out on Crown Prince Rhaegar.
"Ser, I brought you here to help me deter the others on the island, not to listen to you lecture me."
Daeren stopped and said seriously, "I won't hide it from you. I already have two Dragon Eggs."
"Based on my speculation, Dragon Mountain contains more Dragon Eggs, perhaps even treasures that can help them hatch."
"All you need to do is support me."
At those words, Barristan stood frozen, wondering if he had misheard.
Two Dragon Eggs? Something that could help Dragon Eggs hatch?
The prince was exploring Dragon Mountain not to search for the shadow suspected to be a wild dragon?
Ser Jon and Davos remained remarkably calm.
They had long known of the prince's plans. Since persuasion had failed, they had no intention of stopping him.
The two prided themselves on knowing Daeren inside and out and understood that the prince possessed secrets.
"Since none of you object, then let's go!"
Daeren's gaze swept across them one by one.
No one raised objections, and the journey proceeded smoothly.
Deep within Dragon Mountain.
Through the entrance of a naturally formed lava cave, the interior glowed crimson, as though magma itself were casting light.
Daeren took a deep breath and plunged inside.
"Prince..."
Barristan stretched out a hand,