Chapter 107: Dragons Battle in the Wild
The war in the Stepstones got off to a good start. The demon dragons were unharmed, Rhaegar's fleet suffered minimal losses, while the Myrish fleet was reduced to wreckage, its casualties nearly total.
Black smoke rose into the air like weeping eyes over the sea.
The pot-bellied Tyroshi merchant ships lay across the waters like swaggering wild boars. Soldiers steered small boats through the debris, salvaging valuables and finishing off survivors.
Life and death, victory and defeat—Rhaegar felt war was the cruelest artist.
Rhaegar rode the giant dragon down onto a Tyroshi merchant ship. When the demon dragon spread its wings, the world seemed to darken.
All three dragons landed upon the vessel, their scales gleaming in the sun. They surveyed the surroundings with composure.
Rhaegar removed his black dragon helm, revealing bright silver-gold hair and purple eyes. The silver dragon sigil on his black scale armor shimmered. At his waist hung a great curved blade with a dragonbone hilt, its dark surface rippled like Valyrian steel.
He carried the scent of blood, courage, and victory. His eyes burned like living flame.
"Congratulations, Prince, another great victory!" Ser Thalassar said respectfully.
Rhaegar looked around. The soldiers' gazes were filled with admiration. Victory earned loyalty. In an army, there was one voice. Orders determined life or death.
"Prepare whole cattle and sheep for my companions. They will also take roasted fish. Record those who performed exceptionally well—or poorly. Ser Brynden will judge them. Bring the surviving captives to me," Rhaegar commanded.
"Yes, Prince!"
Rhaegar did not micromanage. Clear rewards and punishments, sufficient supplies, and victory—those were his principles.
The army kept red and black lists: merits and faults. Even small achievements were recorded. Punishments were tracked. Ser Brynden Tully, serving as military judge, oversaw fairness.
Rhaegar stood among knights and heirs.
Among the elder warriors were Ser Barristan Selmy, stern Lord Jason Mallister of Seagard, red-haired Ser Brynden Tully, and Ser Oswell Whent. Younger men included Lord Yohn Royce of Runestone and the heir of House Corbray of Heart's Home.
Mercenary captives were brought forward.
"What is the name of your company, and why are you here?" Rhaegar asked, gesturing toward the dragons feasting on roasted cattle.
The Silver Dragon fixed molten eyes upon the prisoners.
"We are from the Myr Longbow Company, hired by the Lysene exiles and pirate captains. They offered triple pay!" the captives replied.
Triple pay explained much. The Lysene exiles must be desperate.
The most renowned companies—such as the Golden Company or the Second Sons—were not present. Likely too costly.
Myr's stance remained ambiguous. Like Tyrosh, it allowed private recruitment while avoiding open war.
Ser Thalassar asked if the mercenaries possessed relics or heirlooms, aware of Rhaegar's interest in ancient artifacts. They had none.
After questioning them, Rhaegar ordered the prisoners removed.
The smoke rising from the destroyed fleet would attract attention. The Lysene exiles might not have funds for prolonged reinforcement.
"To Prince Rhaegar's wisdom!" Ser Thalassar declared, raising wine.
Cups were raised.
"To victory!"
"Long live King Jaehaerys!"
"Long live the Iron Throne!"
The fleet advanced toward the main royal forces under Lord Tywin Lannister of Casterly Rock, who commanded the western contingent.
After the toast, Rhaegar formed a greater plan.
A dragon has three heads. A crab has two claws.
He had struck in the east. Now he would strike west, using dragons as pincers to carve through the Stepstones.
The first victory succeeded through surprise. Bloodstone would not be so careless again.
Speed was essential.
"Ser Thalassar. Ser Barristan. Ser Brynden. Lord Yohn. My dragons are fed. I will fly west to join Ser Mace Tyrell, heir to Highgarden, and Prince Lewyn Martell of Dorne. You are not to pursue recklessly. Withdraw and unite with Lord Tywin's fleet. Await my signal."
"Understood, Prince!"
Orders spread swiftly.
Rhaegar mounted the Silver Dragon and rose into the sky.
Flame flickered in his palm as he searched for the Redwyne fleet of House Redwyne of the Arbor.
Flying westward, he saw in the flames the combined fleets of the Reach and Dorne.
Ser Mace commanded the Reach banners. Prince Lewyn represented Dorne.
Rhaegar descended to rendezvous.
The Arbor fleet pressed into the obstructed channels, clearing wreckage and barriers.
Pirate vessels moved to intercept.
As battle ignited and the sea roared with chaos, the pirates looked upward—
A vast shadow descended.
"Dragon!"
Silver flame. Purple flame. Black flame.
Fire rose skyward.
Dragons battled in the open wild, their fury scorching sea and sky alike.
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