Persuasion

"Go to Valyria?" Ser Jon Darry was stunned, his face full of disapproval. "Your Grace, there is nothing left there but ruins, and the place is cursed. The Doom destroyed everything. Smoke, poison gas, lava, and terrible things that are said to still roam there to this day.

"For hundreds of years, countless explorers, treasure hunters, and desperate men have sailed there. Not one in ten thousand ever returned, and even those who did mostly went mad or died soon afterward. It is a land of death, cursed by the gods."

Ser Willem was equally shocked, but more measured. "Your Grace, perhaps the dream has some other, deeper meaning. The risk of venturing rashly into the ruins of Valyria is far too great.

"We have only just established ourselves in Braavos, and the situation remains unclear. Besides, you bear the burden of restoring House Targaryen. You must not put yourself in danger. Perhaps this dream is warning you of some other threat, or symbolizes a difficulty we must overcome."

Ser Arthur looked into Viserys's resolute eyes and knew the young king had made up his mind. He said gravely, "Your Grace, if this dream truly is some kind of guidance, why has it come now, and why Valyria?

"What is there besides destruction and death that could have anything to do with you or House Targaryen's future? If it is dragons, we already have the Dragon Eggs. You said before that dragons would surely return."

"Instinct," he said softly, then repeated it. "Ever since I gained the gift of a dreamwalker, the first thing I learned was to trust that instinct. It led me to the Dragon Eggs.

"Now it has shown me the Valyrian Freehold. I believe there is something there that I need, something that can help restore our house. Ser Arthur, you just mentioned the Dragon Eggs. But how do we hatch them? House Targaryen has gone without dragons for a very long time.

"The ancient records are vague, offering only the words 'Fire and Blood.' Dragonstone has no answers, and neither does Braavos. Valyria is where dragons originated, the source of magic. If there is still one place in this world that might hold the secret to awakening dragons, it can only be Valyria."

His gaze swept over the three loyal knights. "I do not intend to rush blindly to my death. But neither can we remain trapped in Braavos forever. Trade and sellsword work will not win back the Iron Throne.

"Robert, Tywin, and the other rebel lords will not leave us alone. Even the olive branch Dorne has offered comes with thorns. We need sufficient strength to secure their support, or we will be the ones they bleed dry. What we need now is the power to break this deadlock, power that can truly turn the tide. That is why I must see the place my dragon dream has pointed me toward."

"But, Your Grace..." Ser Jon still tried to dissuade him.

"My mind is made up." Viserys raised a hand to stop him, his tone brooking no argument. "But I will proceed cautiously and draw up a thorough plan before entering Valyria. Ser Jon, you are advanced in years, but rich in experience, so I would ask you to stay behind and protect Daenerys and Rhaenys, along with the women and children of all our people. Their safety matters more than my own venture. If anything truly does happen to me, I ask that you continue to support Daenerys."

He turned to Willem Darry. "Ser William, your organizational abilities are second to none. Once I leave, you will have full authority over all our external affairs here in Braavos. Continue dealing with the merchants, expand our trade routes, manage our finances, and have the soldiers who remain take on suitable mercenary work to maintain their discipline and fighting strength. At the same time, keep a close watch on news from all sides in Westeros and Essos. For now, this is where we have put down roots. It must remain stable."

Finally, he looked at Arthur Dayne. "Ser Arthur, you will select the men to accompany me to Valyria. I need a small, capable force, between one hundred and fifty and two hundred men. They must be our bravest and most skilled fighters. We should not take too many ships. Two will suffice. Publicly, we will announce that we are sailing to Volantis to trade. You will command this force and be responsible for my safety."

Viserys's arrangements were clear and orderly, displaying both determination and caution. The three knights exchanged glances, seeing the worry in one another's eyes, but also the unwavering resolve in their young king's gaze.

"Your Grace." Ser Arthur went down on one knee, pressing a hand to his heart. "I will follow you unto death and keep you safe. I will select our finest warriors and make every preparation."

Ser Willem also bowed deeply. "As you command, Your Grace. I will take charge here in Braavos. I will not fail your trust."

Ser Jon looked at Viserys, then finally sighed and bowed his aged head. "May the Seven-no, may the Old Valyrian Gods watch over you, Your Grace. Please, you must be exceedingly careful. I will keep Princess Daenerys and Princess Rhaenys safe."

The plan was settled. In the days that followed, preparations for the journey to Valyria proceeded at a feverish pace. Ser Arthur sifted through the men as though passing them through a sieve, eventually choosing one hundred and eighty warriors. More than one hundred and twenty were soldiers of the Dragonstone Fleet and castle guards who had already weathered many hardships.

The rest were free knights of good reputation who had undergone rigorous scrutiny. Most came from noble houses that had once been loyal to House Targaryen in Westeros. Now marginalized by the Iron Throne, they had crossed the sea to Essos to enter Viserys's service.

The two ships were the fastest and best-built in the fleet. Even so, they were reinforced and modified. After all, this would be a long voyage, and their destination was the dangerous ruins of Valyria.

They also bought nautical charts in Braavos for the voyage to Volantis, as Volantis was the nearest of the Free Cities to Valyria. They would first rest and regroup there, and gather detailed intelligence about Valyria.

When Daenerys and Rhaenys learned that Viserys was going somewhere dangerous, they were naturally worried sick. Daenerys, only seven years old, clung to her brother's sleeve and cried, refusing to let go. Though Rhaenys was a few years older and tried hard to maintain a princess's composure, her pale face and tear-filled eyes betrayed her fear.

Since her birth, Daenerys had known only two family members, Viserys and Rhaenys. She often asked Viserys to sleep beside her at night. Sometimes all three of them slept together, and she would ask him to tell them stories about their house and Westeros.

Now that Viserys would be leaving for a long time, they naturally hated to part with him.

Viserys spent a long time soothing them, promising that there would be little danger on this journey, and that Ser Arthur and the bravest warriors would protect him and bring him home safely. He also stressed once more that while they remained in Braavos, they must listen to Lady Ashara.