Dragons over King's Landing, crimson flames searing the heart
The dragon King's Landing, the crimson flames scorch the heart.
The morning light in Rosby carried a sticky warmth, turning the castle's stone walls a honey color.
The procession had assembled in the courtyard, the steady, orderly sound of horses' hooves clashing on the stone slabs, the crisp clinking of armor and the fluttering of banners all indicating that their destination, King's King's Landing, was just around the corner.
Daemon had just mounted his horse, his fingertips barely touching the reins, when he heard Earl Rosby's voice behind him.
The old Earl, whose steps were slightly unsteady due to illness over the past two years, still stood tall, his dark brown robe gleaming softly in the morning light, his eyes carrying a kind of insightful understanding and reverence for the world.
"Your Highness, please wait."
Daemon reined in his horse and turned to look.
The Earl of Rosby approached him, bowed, and said in a solemn and dignified tone, "Your Highness, you are now vastly different from when you first arrived in Rosby during your tour."
He raised his head, his gaze fixed intently on Daemon, and said, word by word, "Your Highness back then, your heart was as pure and ardent as that of a child who matched your appearance and age."
But now, this sincerity remains undiminished, yet it has gained an unfathomable depth.
I was blind to your greatness; I failed to see then that Your Highness's magnanimity and spirit far surpass those of your father, the late Crown Prince Aemon, and your uncle, Crown Prince Baelon.
It even surpasses your grandfather, His Majesty Jaehaerys, the "the Conciliator" currently on the Iron Throne, and His Majesty's deceased brother, His Highness Aegon the Uncrowned.
Even your great-uncle in the past, whom the world sees as cruel; Maegor Majesty.
The old Earl paused, his tone now tinged with an unbelievable fervor. "And the burning flame in Your Highness's heart, I fear even if His Majesty Aemon the the Conqueror were truly reborn, he might not be able to compare with you, the ' the Conqueror Reborn'."
These words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirring up a tidal wave in Daemon's heart.
The followers in the group also stopped to watch. Even Larys, who had been joking around, put away his usual cunning and narrowed his eyes slightly, as if to confirm the old Earl's words.
Daemon remained silent, offering no response. He looked at the undisguised awe in Earl Rosby's eyes, and a similar remark Earl Crabb had made to him in Dragon's Roost Port before his departure flashed through his mind.
The old Earl, with his frosty white hair, grasped his hand, his voice heavy yet resolute. "Your Highness, you are no ordinary man. Crab Claw Peninsula is merely your starting point. The world in your heart is far broader than those of us confined to this peninsula, with our limited perspectives, can imagine. The future of Westeros will ultimately be changed because of you."
At the time, he took it as the old Earl's expectation, but now the Earl of Rosby's words were exactly the same as the Earl of Crabb's assessment, even more direct and shocking.
This nobleman, who had been rooted in the Crownlands for many years, had seen too many members of the royal family, yet he saw in him a potential and ambition far exceeding that of Targaryen before him.
"You flatter me, Earl." Daemon's voice was slightly hoarse. He rolled over and helped the old Earl to his feet. "The achievements of our ancestors are as clear as the sun and the moon. I am merely standing on the shoulders of Giants, doing my duty."
Earl Rosby stubbornly shook his head. "Your Highness, there is no need for such modesty. I have lived most of my life and have seen countless nobles and royalty, but none of them have possessed such a combination of iron-fisted methods, magnanimous spirit, and raging ambition at such a young age as you."
Your future is destined to be brilliant.
Daemon didn't argue further, but simply gave the old Earl a deep look before turning and mounting his horse.
The caravan set off again, and the sound of hooves gradually faded into the distance. Earl Rosby remained standing, gazing in the direction the caravan had disappeared, motionless for a long time.
The scenery along the way gradually changed, with farmland and villages becoming increasingly dense. The shimmering waves of Blackwater Bay were faintly visible in the distance, and the outline of King's Landing's Landing gradually became clear on the horizon. The towers of the Red Keep pierced the sky like swords, and the outline of the Dragonpit's Lair was faintly discernible. The docks of Blackwater Bay were filled with a dense array of ships, and the entire city resembled a lurking behemoth, coiled on the shores of Blackwater Bay.
As they approached King's Landing, Daemon reined in his horse and dismounted.
He looked up at the sky. The Glutton had already sensed his intentions and was circling high in the air, emitting a deep dragon roar. Its dark dragon scales gleamed with a dark golden luster in the sunlight.
Dreamfyre also unfurled its pale blue dragon wings, flying alongside the Glutton and responding with a clear, melodious call.
"For the rest of the journey, I will ride the dragon ahead."
Daemon instructed Lyonel Corbray, who was closest to him, "You proceed to Blackwater Bay as planned, rendezvous with the fleet, and then enter King's Landing."
"Yes, Your Highness!" Lyonel quickly bowed and replied, his eyes filled with awe.
As Daemon landed steadily on the Glutton's dragon saddle, the Grey Ghost flew into his arms, then eagerly poked its head out, expertly and affectionately nuzzling his neck, emitting soft purring.
He raised his hand to stroke the Glutton scales protruding from the side of the Glutton's saddle, and whispered, "Let's go."
The Glutton let out a dragon roar that shook the heavens and earth, flapped its wings and soared into the sky, with Dreamfyre following closely behind. The two dragon shadows tore through the sky and sped toward King's Landing.
As he ascended into the sky, Daemon looked down and saw Rosby gradually shrinking, like a jewel set in a field, while King's Landing in the distance became increasingly clear.
The red sandstone walls of the Red Keep glowed a warm red in the sunlight, the dome of the Dragonpit's Lair was faintly visible, the waters of Blackwater Bay were as blue as jewels, the boats on the dock were as dense as ants, and the crowds on the streets were bustling. The whole city was full of vitality, but also concealed turbulent undercurrents.
The wind whistled past his ears, making his cloak flutter loudly. Daemon gazed down at King's King's Landing, his heart filled with turmoil.
Rosby 'Earl words echoed repeatedly in his mind, intertwining with Earl Crabb's expectations and stirring up his memories of Rook's Rest.
That was the first stop after leaving Crab Claw Peninsula. At that time, the group had just left Crab Claw Peninsula the road conditions were still unrepaired. In order to keep up with the group's speed, he dismounted from the Glutton's dragon back and rode on horseback to reach Rook's Rest.
That was the House Staunton's castle, situated on the hills on the north shore of Blackwater Bay, resembling a folded-wing raven from afar.
The House Staunton's black and gray checkered flag fluttered atop the tower, its white coat of arms with black wings rustling in the wind.
At that time, he had just led everyone away from the Crab Claw Peninsula on his dragon, and in order to avoid causing unnecessary commotion, he landed near Rook's Rest and switched to riding horses.
Earl Simon House Staunton was already waiting at the city gate.
At only thirty-five years old, he looked older than Daemon remembered, yet his back remained straight, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes were as deep as if carved by a knife, and his eyes were as sharp as a hawk's, as if they could see through people's hearts.
His wife, Mrs. House Staunton, still stood beside him, dressed in a neat grey dress, with a gentle smile on her face, looking almost exactly the same as when he was seen on the tour years ago.
"Your Highness Daemon, it's been a long time." Earl Simon's voice was still a little hoarse, but it carried more reverence than before. "I never imagined that in just a few years, you would have become the Prince Blackfyre, a figure of renown Seven Kingdoms."
Daemon dismounted, the scabbard of his Blackfyre tapping softly on the stone slab. "My Earl, how have you been? I was honored by your hospitality during my tour years ago, and I have never had the chance to thank you."
Upon entering the castle, Earl Simon took him on a special trip back to the room where he and Gael had stayed years ago.
The faded brocade on the wall still hangs there, depicting an ancient story of servants and maidens, exactly as I remembered it from years ago.
"Princess Daenella, who was also Lady Aemma's mother, stayed here before she married into the Vale."
Earl Simon's voice lowered, tinged with a hint of melancholy, as he continued the story Daemon knew well, one he had told before, "When I was young, I was His Majesty's attendant, and I would often sneak Princess Daenella into drinking. Once, His Majesty discovered us and punished us by making us copy the ' Prayer to the Seven ' a hundred times. That time, the princess almost broke off all ties with me."
He smiled, tears welling in his eyes involuntarily. "I was so young and ignorant. Back then, I always thought Princess Daenella was a star in the sky, unattainable."
He turned to look at Daemon, a complex tenderness flashing in his eyes. "You and Gael Gerald remind me of us back then, except you're so much better than this 'coward' me."
At the banquet, Earl Simon brought up the changes on Crab Claw Peninsula, his tone full of admiration. "Who could have imagined that Crab Claw Peninsula, once the most chaotic place, would become one of the wealthiest territories of the Seven Kingdoms in just six months? Your Highness's methods are truly admirable."
He poured Daemon a full glass of wine, then changed the subject, his tone becoming serious, "Your Highness, even I, a servant who has served His Majesty for several years, can see your boundless ambition."
But King's Landing is not like Dragon's Roost Port. Otto Hightower is incredibly arrogant, and the royal family is rife with intrigue. You must be careful on this journey."
Daemon nodded his thanks, recalling how Earl Simon had warned him about the chaos on Crab Claw Peninsula during his tour years ago. Now things had changed, but the other man's advice still sounded true.
Before his departure, Earl Simon gave him a dagger inlaid with rubies, which would make a perfect pair with the one he had been given during his tour years ago. "These daggers can ward off evil spirits. Now I am giving the other one to Your Highness as a farewell to the past. May Your Highness carry it with you and turn misfortune into good fortune."
Having lived for over thirty years, I can see that you are no ordinary person. Your future will likely be even more glorious than that of your grandfather, the current "the Conciliator."
At the time, Daemon took it as mere politeness from the Earl, but now, looking back, he realizes that this recognition from his elders revealed his deep-seated ambition.
Looking back now, the look in Earl Simon's eyes back then was exactly the same as that of Earl Crabb and Earl Rosby.
These nobles, who had seen many storms and met countless people in their lives, all saw in Daemon Blackfyre a composure and ambition far beyond their years, qualities that even their Targaryen might not have possessed.
The Glutton flew steadily over King's Landing's Landing, while Daemon looked down toward the Iron Throne of the Red Keep, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him.
He thought of his "grandfather" Jaehaerys, the old king known as the "the Conciliator," who had quelled rebellions and consolidated the unity of the Seven Kingdoms throughout his life, achieving remarkable feats.
He recalled his father, Crown Prince Aemon, whom the world considered his "deceased father," who had come to this place a hundred years ago. He was gentle and refined, but died young.
He recalled his "uncle," Crown Prince Baelon, a brave and skilled warrior, a solid pillar of the Iron Throne;
And then there are those historical ancestors: Aegon the the Conqueror conquered Westeros and established the Iron Throne Targaryen Dynasty; Maegor the Cruel ruled the Seven Kingdoms with an iron fist and waged war against the Faith; Aegon the Uncrowned rose in rebellion for the right of succession and perished at Gods Eye—
These ancestors, whether brilliant and ambitious, ruthless and merciless, or tragically ended their lives, all left an indelible mark on the history of Westeros.
Now, Earl Crabb, Earl Rosby, and Earl Simon all believe that his ambition and potential even surpass those of these legendary ancestors.
He couldn't help but ask himself, was this ambition, which was recognized by everyone, a good thing or a bad thing?
He came from a century in the future, and through his memories, he knew the rise and fall of the Targaryen Dynasty and the horrors of the Dance of the Dragons.
A hundred years before his rebirth, through the illusions he foresaw on Isle of Faces, he knew that the White Walkers had been awakened prematurely because of his arrival, and he was well aware of the terror of the White Walkers invasion.
He traveled through time, and his initial wish was simply to prevent the tragedy and protect the people he cared about: his "aunt" wife, Gael, his "sister" Rhaenys and her family, his adopted mother Jocelyn, his "cousin" Viserys and his family, and those who loyally followed him.
However, with the rise of Dragon's Roost Port, the consolidation of Crab Claw Peninsula, the expansion of the fleet, and the growing recognition and following of him—
This ambition hidden deep in his heart, that rebellious and aspirational desire that Daemon Blackfyre had been concealing for a century, gradually awakened and spread like wildfire.
He was no longer content with merely preventing tragedy; he wanted to build a stronger and more stable empire, to let the Targaryen Dragonfire illuminate a wider world, and to make his name a legend on the Westeros and throughout the entire world.
But will this ambition cause him to lose his existing family ties?
His grandfather Jaehaerys and grandmother Queen Alysanne had high hopes for him; his uncle Baelon valued him highly and treated him like his youngest son; his cousins Viserys and Daemon Targaryen regarded him as a brother and younger brother; and even his aunt and wife Gael were devoted to him.
He cherished this hard-won family bond, whether it was a hundred years later or a hundred years ago, and was unwilling to let his own ambition create a rift between them.
But he couldn't suppress the fire in his heart.
Because he is Daemon Blackfyre, the greatest traitor to the Targaryen Dynasty a century later, and now, he once again holds the true dragon bloodline of Blackfyre and rides the "King of the Wild Dragons," Glutton, just as he did a century ago.
He had experienced failure and death, and he knew the importance of power, and that only by being strong enough could he protect everything he wanted to protect.
He is no longer the "noble bastard" of a century later, but the Targaryen Lineage, the Prince Blackfyre of the Iron Throne, who owned his own territory, fleet, army, and followers a century ago.
He has the ability to pursue greater goals, the ability to rewrite the course of history, and the ability to live up to the praise of being "the reincarnation of the the Conqueror."
The Glutton seemed to sense his agitation, letting out a deep dragon roar, its wings fluttering slightly, and its flight becoming increasingly stable.
Dreamfyre flew alongside, its pale blue Dragonfire occasionally escaping from its mouth, drawing a beautiful arc in the sky.
The Grey Ghost curled up in his arms, whimpering softly, as if trying to comfort him.
Daemon took a deep breath; the fresh air from the high altitude dispelled the confusion in his heart. He looked down at King's King's Landing, at the iconic spire of the Red Keep, and his eyes gradually hardened.
He recalled Earl Crabb's parting words to him, "Your Highness, the path to power is always fraught with thorns, but as long as you remain true to yourself and never forget your original intentions, you will not lose your way."
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Yes, his ambition is not for personal gain, but for protecting and creating a better future.
He can be ambitious, and he can cherish family ties, as long as he stays true to himself and always remembers why he started.
He is Daemon Blackfyre, now a true dragon of the Targaryen Lineage, the unruly "King of the Wild Dragons," the Glutton Dragon Rider, the founder of Prince Blackfyre Dragon's Roost Port in Crab Claw Peninsula, and the leader of the allied forces about to conquer the Iron Islands.
He possesses both the memories and wisdom from a century later, as well as the passion and ambition of this era.
The era of Aemon the the Conqueror has long passed, but his era is just beginning.
Daemon gripped the hilt of the Blackfyre, the cold touch of Valyrian steel making him even more alert. He raised his head, his gaze sharp as an eagle's, looking towards King's Landing's Landing.
The outline of the Red Keep became clearer, and the Bittersteel spikes of the Iron Throne seemed to be in sight. Otto Hightower's schemes, the games of the Small Council, and the conquest of the Iron Islands all awaited him ahead.
But he was fearless.
The burning passion within him had already ignited, and ambition and family ties were no longer contradictory, but rather gradually transformed into the driving force for his progress.
He will protect those he cares for, pursue his dreams, and make Blackfyre's fame resound throughout the Seven Kingdoms.
The Dragonfire of the Grelian illuminates the entire world.
The Glutton let out a deafening dragon roar, carrying Daemon, and slowly descended towards the Red Keep.
Dreamfyre followed closely behind, and the dragon's shadow swept across the towers of the Red Keep, causing the people of the city to stop and watch, their faces filled with awe and shock.
Daemon knew that Storm was brewing in King's Landing's Landing, and he was prepared.
His legend is about to begin a new chapter in this center of power.