Viserys did not land immediately. Instead, he had King Ghidorah circle the castle three times. He wanted everyone to see the dragon.
He spotted a crowd gathered on the Main Keep's balcony. Among them stood a plump, red-haired woman in an extravagant gown, her expression panicked. Clutched tightly in her arms was a frail little boy who was still suckling at her breast.
The sight was enough to tell him that these were Lysa Tully and her son Robert Arryn, the rulers of the Vale-at least in name.
"I am Viserys Targaryen." Amplified by magic, Viserys's voice rang throughout the castle. "Open your gates willingly and let the allied army below enter, then hand over Lysa Tully and her son. I can guarantee everyone else's safety. Those who resist will die."
His only answer was a sparse volley of arrows. The Vale, and the Eyrie in particular, would always have its diehards. But the arrows merely struck the dragon's scales and bounced off harmlessly.
Viserys sighed. He had hoped this would be a little simpler.
He gently stroked King Ghidorah's neck. "Show them your strength. Use that tower on the right." Most of the arrows had come from there.
King Ghidorah's middle head lifted slightly, golden light surging in her throat. A dazzling Golden Ray burst forth, striking precisely the tower Viserys had pointed at.
The instant the ray struck the tower of massive white stones, it blasted a gaping hole through it. The remaining half still stood for a moment, as though it had yet to register the blow.
Then, before the eyes of everyone in the Eyrie, the remaining tower began to tilt and collapse. It tumbled down the mountainside and plunged into Eagle's Gorge below. The guards still on it went down as well, leaving only their