"Skree!"
Corax circled once, tucked its small hind legs beneath its wing membranes, beat its broad wings, and landed with its body nearly straight.
Boom—!
Daeren turned his head aside, avoiding the blast of wind from the young dragon's landing.
Corax stretched out its neck, its broad wings braced against the ground and standing as tall as a person, then poked its head forward and rubbed against its father's chest.
"In another year or so, I'll be able to ride you through the skies."
Daeren moved gently, lightly scratching beneath Corax's jaw.
Young dragons grew quickly.
The jaw that had once been covered in smooth scales had now sprouted a few sharp spikes. It could no longer be stroked without restraint.
"Skree!"
Corax gave a soft cry, its voice clear and melodious, just like its nimble, graceful body.
Barristan strode over and said in a deep voice, "Prince, Maester Harvey says a raven has arrived from Dragonstone."
"Oh?"
Daeren paused.
By his calculations, his elder brother Rhaegar had been at sea for nearly two months. It was about time he returned.
"We'll discuss it on the way back."
Daeren patted Corax's neck and prepared to return to the Red Keep.
Corax let out a cry, flapped its broad wings twice, kicked off with its small hind legs, and its slender body shot upward almost vertically once more.
This was an innate advantage granted by its unique physiology.
Daeren gave the young dragons frolicking in the sky one last look before leaving with Barristan.
The three young dragons had already passed their fragile infancy.
They could fly and command dragonfire.
Anyone who wanted to harm them would have to taste dragonfire first.
Red Keep.
As Daeren walked, he listened to Barristan's advice.
"Prince, if Prince Rhaegar returns, he may ask