Encounter On The Cliff (Page 89)

~~~(POV: Raenon Targaryen)~~~

~~~(Location: Overlooking A Road In The Eyrie, Path Leading Up Cliff, Westeros)~~~

~~~(Current Age: 18 Years)~~~

~~~(Date: 302 AC)~~~

It's not been more than two days since I left Dragonstone, and the only thing on my mind is the family I've left behind for this war. Many more problems are present to me, but the way I left was crueler than I wanted.

Rhaenys is resting on the otherside of the cliff wall next to me. She's very well hidden, and I can only assume she's enjoying the rest before we head out again. Sunrise is coming soon, and when it does, we're leaving.

My eyes slowly turn toward the blade in my hand. Fate Breaker is resting on my lap as I look at the blade. The evil red glow that matches my fire greets me.

My abilities in Shadow Magic will prove to be a problem when my rule begins. Many of The Sevens Faith believe magic to be blasphemous, but I'm not an expert, so I can't be entirely sure. There will be those against me, though.

I can't help wondering how Mazzi Mero is doing after all this time. She took me in after I found my way out of the Shadow Lands. Taught me everything I know about Shadow Magic.

She also taught me how to read and write. Taught me how to speak. Living my life alone all the time had many detrimental effects. She healed me from all of them. I doubt I would've made it this far if it weren't for her.

She prepared me for the world beyond what I had known till that point.

"Is she even still alive..."

Asshai was a place not fit to raise a child, and many died. Death was a concept of abstraction in Asshai. It had a different value than the rest of the world.

It's not like Mazzi had friends, either. While she was very powerful, I knew she had enemies. Moments when I'm alone like this are the only times I think about her. Rhaenys could fit in the palm of my hand during that time.

A simple thought and Fate Breaker disappears in a cloud of black smoke and fire. I stare at the marking on my right palm. The tattoo I've had since I dawned Fate Breaker. Where the blade is kept from the rest of the world.

"Why am I so different..."

I'm not unaware of how strange my origins are compared to others. Everything in my early life was aligned perfectly. An outside influence is working my life in a certain direction. I tell the truth when I say I hate it.

But it's not like I have a choice.

A deep breath enters my lungs as I lift my head and feel the sun's heat on my face. It's rising over the horizon. It's colder in Westeros than what I'm used to. Growing up in Asshai and Essos has made me more inclined to the warmer climates.

"Are you sure this is the way, Pod?"

"Yes, it's the quickest way through the Eyrie."

"Then why is it taking so long."

Two voices pull me from my thoughts, and I turn my head toward the approaching people. They're following the trail up the cliff. I'm currently resting on an overlook of the road below. Seems it's also somewhere that cuts through the lands of The Vale.

I don't stand and instead wait for them. I watch the area where they'll come from. Their conversation continues, and after a second, the two round the corner.

They stop and look at me. One of the two is a tall woman. One of the largest I've seen in my life. Taking over me in her height. It's pretty impressive.

"Oh, Greetings. We're on our way through the Eyrie. Is this the path that leads through the cliffs to the castle?"

The woman dawns a smile and cheerful disposition. Either unaware of who I am or not wanting to think about it.

A simple smile graces my features, and I take on a softer expression.

"You'll have to forgive me. I'm unfamiliar with traveling these lands."

As the words leave my lips, the man behind her. Whom I assume is Pod, steps forward and leans closer to the tall woman.

"Brienna... That's Raenon Targaryen..."

The smile on her lips falls, and her hand rests on her sword hilt. Just by looking at it, I can see it's of high quality but nothing terrific.

"You're a wanted criminal."

Her tone changes to one of authority and power. Just from the tone alone, I can tell she's a trained knight. Who she serves is obvious by the gold she adorns. However, she doesn't seem like a terrible person.

"For which crimes am I guilty of?"

The amusement in my voice isn't hidden. She's not a bit amused. Not like I am. I've done a lot of things against Westeros. If there is a list of my crimes, I'd like to know. She turns her head without taking her eyes off me and starts whispering with the one called Pod.

After a few seconds, they stop whatever they're discussing. Pod starts to back away and turn. Making his way down the path the way they came.

"Too many to count, Raenon Targaryen. Far too many."

She slowly unsheathes her weapon, and that's when I get a better look at it. It's Valyrian Steel, and my previous conclusion about her weapon proves to be false.

All I do is turn my head back in the direction of the rising sun and inhale another cold breath of air.

THUUUUUMMM!

THUUUUUUMM!

The sound of a heavy object being moved on the other side of the cliff wall next to me shakes the area. Brienna, the tall Knight, almost loses her footing. I turn my attention back to her, watching her eyes slowly widen.

Looking in the direction off to my right. Turning to look myself, Rhaeny's massive head is there, eyes piercing toward Brienna.

GRRRR!!!!

CRAAAAAAAASSSSHHHH!!!

BRRRRRROOOOOOOMMMM!!!

As Rhaenys growls and moves her large body, it cracks and breaks apart the large natural stone wall.

Rhaeny's head stops next to me. Showing the sheer size difference. She dwarfs most things these days. The only things larger than her are ancient buildings from fallen civilizations. I hold out my hand and gently stroke her chin.

Taking in the widened eyes and battle stance Brienna is in. Her breathing has become heavier, and her eyes are searching for a possible weakness.

She's distracted by the teeth, which are longer than her body.

RRRRRAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Rhaenys lets her fury at the threat of my life known with a sky-cracking and ground-shaking roar. Brienna actually falls down from the force of my she-dragon's action.

The tall woman in her nice armor and sword quickly stands up. As Rhaenys approaches her, she does her best not to panic. However, I simply don't see the point in killing this woman.

"Keligon, Rhaenys."

The simple command for Rhaenys to stop is instantly obeyed. My dragon releases another short growl at the woman before pulling back. Her head hangs next to where I'm sitting down. Eyes locked on the Knight.

Brienna looks at me with confusion. Wondering why I'm sparing her. This single Knight isn't my enemy. The Lannisters are. Killing her seems so low. Beneath me.

"Worry not, Knight Brienna. You'll not be food for my Rhaenys. My war is with The Lannisters. Not some unknown Knight under their employment."

She looks a bit insulted at my words, but nevertheless, she's surprised at my mercy.

"What? Not as mad as I've been portrayed?"

She squints her eyes at my mocking tone. The Lannisters have done a decent job of turning The Smallfolk against me. That was one of the reasons I married Margaery. But seeing this, it's a lesson that it's not going to be easy.

Even with the help of the Tyrells.

"You can't blame me. You burned entire cities in dragon fire."

That's true, so perhaps I am mad.

Just not the type of mad that makes others the same way.

"It's time for me to go, Brienna. Good luck on whatever mission you're on. Surely, it won't make a difference in the coming war."

She frowns deeply at my words. It's obvious she's in the Eyrie on behalf of someone in The Lannister family, but I'll be rejoining my armies soon. And we'll be marching on Kings Landing in time.

Rhaenys lowers her massive body, and I jump onto the saddle's edge. Pulling myself up and getting comfortable. Rhaenys raises her body higher, and I look down from my spot on my dragon's back to the Knight below.

"Tell them Blood and Fire is coming."

RAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!

Rhaenys emphasizes my point to the extreme as she spreads out her wings, and we dive off the cliff edge. She flaps her wings harder, and we ascend into the clouds above Westeros.

I'm less than a day away from Oberyn.

I bet he's eager to proceed with everything.