Instructions and Return

Viserys's words were like a spark, kindling a fire in the hearts of everyone present. Ser Arthur, Ser Alliser, and even the members of the Naharis family who had sworn allegiance later all had hope for the future burning in their eyes.

"The New Valyrian Empire," Ser Arthur murmured, his words carrying even greater reverence for Viserys. "This will be House Targaryen's greatest undertaking since the Doom, Your Grace. I will do everything in my power to help you see your decision through."

Ser Alliser was even more excited. "Your Grace, we will follow you to the death and restore House Targaryen's glory."

"Good." Viserys raised a hand to quiet them, then began issuing specific instructions. "But we cannot rush this. Founding a nation is not something we can accomplish overnight. Right now, we have fewer than a hundred people in this castle. We need manpower, supplies, and time..." As he spoke, he glanced at King Ghidorah, who lay nearby after eating his fill.

"Although we have an adult Dragon, we are not strong enough. King Ghidorah is still young and needs time to grow before he can become a true deterrent. And the outside world, whether the Usurper's dynasty in Westeros or the Free Cities of Essos that both fear and covet Valyria, will not stand idly by while a new Dragon empire rises. We must be cautious. Until we have enough strength, we must keep as low a profile as possible and avoid alerting our enemies too soon."

In truth, the most important thing was to avoid attracting the attention of those "gods" and "false gods," but he left that unsaid. After all, only he and King Ghidorah could deal with that threat. No one else could offer much help.

He turned to Alliser. "Ser Alliser, I have a task for you. Select thirty of our finest warriors and sail west aboard the Shadow Hunter to Astapor in Slaver's Bay. As for Volantis, do not make contact for now. Our partnership with Naharis has ended, and we cannot let him or the Tiger Party learn our true intentions or what we have gained. Until our foundations are secure, our best choice is to let them believe we have vanished into the Smoking Sea."

"Astapor?" Ser Alliser looked puzzled. "Your Grace, the Good Masters there are notorious, and the vast slave trade makes it a chaotic and dangerous place."

"Precisely because it is chaotic, with so many intertwined factions, it will be easier to conceal your movements and conduct business," Viserys explained. "You need to purchase supplies there, including grain, tools, seeds, livestock, and slaves. We need labor to clear the area and build. Use the Braavosi gold coins we brought, along with some of the less conspicuous jewels we found this time. Remember, do not reveal the true situation in Valyria. Say you belong to a trading company from the Free Cities looking to establish a new outpost. Remember, you must keep a low profile and make your purchases in separate batches."

"Yes, Your Grace," Ser Alliser accepted the order. "We will proceed cautiously."

"As for this place," Viserys said to the others who would remain, "begin the initial clearing and reinforcement work, with Satheryn Castle at its heart. Scholar Marion, you need to organize the ancient books and documents we found earlier, especially the sections on Valyrian architecture and agriculture. We will need them when we draw up our plans."

"Yes, Your Grace," they answered in unison.

Viserys paused and turned his gaze toward Braavos. "As for me, I will return directly to Braavos, then send another group of trustworthy people here. I will also move all our key personnel here."

"Ser Arthur, once I leave, you will be in charge here."

"Your Grace, do you not need me to accompany you back?" Ser Arthur asked, somewhat puzzled.

"I will fly there directly on Blackflame. We will land on the coast far from Braavos, and I will enter the city in secret," Viserys said. "There should be no danger. With so few people here, this place needs you more, Ser."

"And after I return to Braavos, I will not appear in public," Viserys continued outlining his plans. "Some of our people will still need to remain in Braavos to maintain the illusion of the Exiled Targaryen, continuing our usual trade and activities to lull the outside world into complacency. Ser William will have full responsibility until we formally announce the founding of our nation."

He made a rough estimate. "The first group to relocate will number more than five hundred. Braavos will prepare some supplies, but you will need to obtain the rest from Astapor. That should be enough for the early stages."

The steps of the plan were fairly clear. No one had any further objections, and they all accepted their orders.

Over the next few days, Satheryn Castle bustled with activity. Ser Arthur and Ser Alliser selected their men, organized equipment, and divided up some of the treasure's less conspicuous, easily carried jewels to fund the purchases. The Shadow Hunter was overhauled once more, and its exterior was painted black.

Viserys spent his time deepening his bond with Blackflame. Through mental communication and actual rides, he grew familiar with coordinating long-distance flights. He also fitted the Dragon with a saddle he had found earlier in a Dragonlord's treasury. King Ghidorah often watched the two of them curiously. His growth was visible to the naked eye; in just a few days, he had grown larger again.

On the night before his departure, Viserys stood atop the castle's highest tower, gazing at the thin haze in the east that had yet to disperse completely. King Ghidorah lay quietly beside his bed, his three pairs of molten-gold eyes half closed.

Until I return, I leave this place in your care, Viserys conveyed through his mind.

King Ghidorah seemed too lazy to bother with him. Only his middle head nodded a few times, and he gave a low, muffled grunt by way of reply.

Early the next morning, just as dawn began to break, Ser Alliser led his thirty handpicked warriors aboard the Shadow Hunter. They set sail southwest toward Slaver's Bay.

Under everyone's watching eyes, Viserys swung himself up into the saddle secured at the base of Blackflame's neck.

The Black Dragon spread his enormous wings, casting a shadow that covered almost the entire platform before the castle. He let out an earthshaking roar. Then his hind legs drove forward, powerful muscles propelling his massive body into a charge. After a few strides, his huge wings beat hard, whipping up a gale as he rose into the air and flew toward the northern horizon. Before long, he was a black speck beneath the gray-yellow sky.

Flying on a Dragon was a unique experience. The Valyrian Peninsula rapidly shrank below, and powerful currents of air rushed against Viserys's face, but his trait as the Unburnt left him feeling only warmth. Blackflame's flight was steady and powerful. His wings beat rhythmically as he rode the air currents at tremendous speed.

He chose a straight route. To avoid being spotted, Viserys guided Blackflame to remain at an extremely high altitude. At night, they rested in forests or deserts. Blackflame sometimes went hunting, while Viserys ate a simple meal of dry provisions.