The Targaryens had landed at Crackclaw Point. The Targaryens had occupied Dragonstone. The Targaryens had taken Driftmark. The Targaryens had blockaded the Gullet. The Targaryens had brought dragons-not one, but ten.
Those dragons sometimes circled above Blackwater Bay, their wings blotting out the sky. Even in King's Landing, their roars could faintly be heard.
The news that reached the Red Keep had not been contained-or rather, someone behind the scenes had been fanning the flames. Rumors flew through King's Landing faster than ravens. The Gold Cloaks patrolled the streets, arresting anyone who looked suspicious on sight, but even that could not stop the rumors.
In the markets, bakeries, and taverns, people whispered everywhere. Some said the Targaryens had returned for revenge, and the dragons would burn down the entire city. Others said Robert's bastard had returned to challenge Joffrey for the throne. Still others claimed the Others had breached the Wall, and the dragons had come to save them.
Some were terrified, others excited, but most simply packed their belongings in silence, preparing to flee the city and escape the war. Ships in the harbor weighed anchor overnight, afraid that any delay would leave them trapped. People crowded the docks, fighting over the last few berths, their curses and cries mingling together.
But the gates of King's Landing had already been sealed. By Queen Mother Cersei's command, anyone without permission could enter, but no one could leave.
The ships that sailed out of the harbor were forced back as well. The Targaryen fleet would not let any vessel leave, and one dragon had even destroyed several ships that tried to force their way through. Yet those people did not want to return to King's Landing either. All who had already left the city were fleeing toward the Stormlands and the