Chapter 121: Fire of Dawn
On the balcony of the Water Gardens, the nobles of Dorne watched the battle with the intense focus of falcons.
They watched the duel between two handsome youths on the pale pink marble floor, beneath the shadows cast by the blood orange trees. Both were young and dashing. Many lords and nobles wanted to get closer to watch, but Dawn and the shadow cleaver were too sharp, and it was unwise to disturb the iron dance of the two warriors.
Rhaegar Targaryen and Ser Arthur Dayne.
The duel between two legendary blades and two warriors was truly spectacular.
Though Dawn was not a Valyrian steel weapon, its sharpness and legendary status were comparable to Valyrian steel. Many also guessed the origin of Prince Rhaegar's saber: it came from the mute giant guard of House Rogare of Lys, "Shadow" Sandor. Although the saber was not as famous as the royal sword Blackfyre or the warrior's sword Dark Sister, it was still a Valyrian steel blade, extremely rare and valuable.
Although Ser Arthur Dayne was young, many Dornishmen knew that he possessed the soul of a sword. Lord Dayne of Starfall was already prepared to pass on the title of Sword of the Morning to his son, as he firmly believed Ser Arthur could become the most legendary Sword of the Morning. In this regard, House Dayne and House Corbray were somewhat similar; the famous Valyrian sword Lady Forlorn belonged to House Corbray, and by tradition, it was borne by the greatest knight of the house.
Prince Rhaegar was even more legendary. Prince Rhaegar had won more battles in just one or two years than many had in a long twenty-year military career. He was invincible in the Battle of the Kingswood, slew three knights at Maidenpool, achieved three victories in one day in the battles of the Narrow Sea, and personally killed a self-styled king of the Stepstones. Not to mention, the prince also possessed the traditional inhuman beauty of House Targaryen, was skilled in the harp, proficient in both letters and arms—a warrior and a musician, seemingly omnipotent.
"I am Arthur Dayne, of House Dayne of Starfall. Prince, be careful!" Ser Arthur Dayne gripped the pale greatsword, its blade milky as white glass.
"Rhaegar Targaryen, of House Targaryen of King's Landing. Ser, please enlighten me!" Rhaegar raised his dragonbone-hilted great curved Valyrian steel saber, its blade shimmering with the unique ripples of Valyrian steel.
Rhaegar watched Ser Arthur make his move. Arthur's dark brown hair flashed, and his purple eyes revealed determination. For his age, he was quite tall; though not as tall as Rhaegar, the difference wasn't significant.
For some reason, Rhaegar always felt a sense of familiarity when he saw the violet eyes of House Dayne.
Both figures moved, colliding like two raging fires.
Ser Arthur swung Dawn, but Rhaegar did not retreat.
The two weapons clashed, emitting a harsh metallic clang, but neither the greatsword nor the saber was damaged. Though Dawn was not Valyrian steel, its sharpness and strength rivaled it.
Cold light danced wildly in the air, and two whirlwinds seemed to form. The pale storm was unleashed by the dark-haired Ser Arthur Dayne, and the black-rippled whirlwind by Rhaegar. Arthur had decided on a swift assault; Prince Rhaegar had fought many bouts already, making a fierce attack the best opportunity.
Rhaegar gripped his saber tightly; it roared, waves pressing one after another. The precious blade had been covered in dust for too long; the shadow cleaver, too, seemed to long for a worthy battle.
Ser Arthur's expression was solemn. He wielded Dawn in a dazzling display, creating gusts of whistling wind, and the pale storm pressed toward the silver-haired prince. The two exchanged blows, and Arthur was continuously buffeted by immense force; he even felt his arms begin to ache, yet Prince Rhaegar remained at ease.
House Dayne had always prided itself on producing great warriors, and Ser Arthur was confident. First-rate warriors, more or less, possessed a degree of arrogance. Arthur often practiced swordsmanship with his father, Lord Dayne, and the time it took his father to defeat him had grown longer and longer. Even if there was still some distance between them, Arthur believed the gap wasn't significant, and among his peers, he considered himself a swordmaster. He truly hadn't expected there to be someone greater still. Prince Rhaegar's moves were simple, yet often struck first despite initiating later. In terms of stamina, the prince far surpassed him. The same techniques produced wholly different effects when performed by warriors of unequal endurance.
Rhaegar began to enjoy the match. He allowed Ser Arthur to attack, while he defended and countered. Arthur's arms were already sore from the earlier fierce exchanges, and coupled with the stamina expended from long periods of greatsword strikes, his speed and rhythm slowed.
"My son has lost," Lord Dayne sighed. He was an expert; Arthur appeared to be attacking, but all his efforts were being turned aside, and his strength was draining quickly. Even if he continued, defeat was inevitable. That he had lasted this long was due to Prince Rhaegar's restraint.
Blade and sword light danced, and the applause from the crowd never ceased. They cheered and shouted for the warriors' renowned skill.
Ser Arthur's offensive speed visibly slowed, but his opponent remained calm and composed. Arthur's eyes filled with confusion, bewilderment, and admiration. He felt an immense sense of powerlessness—greater even than when facing his father. Could there truly be a summit beyond the highest mountain?
After a crisp clang, Ser Arthur retreated several steps, finally letting Dawn strike the marble to absorb the impact.
"I lost," Ser Arthur Dayne said bitterly.
"No. Ser Arthur, you have the makings of a great knight and are destined to become the finest Sword of the Morning," Rhaegar said, stepping forward to help him up.
Rhaegar and Ser Arthur admired one another. They were of similar age, both noble-born and striking in appearance.
"A bet is a bet. I am willing to let the prince wield Dawn for a day," Ser Arthur said, handing the blade to Rhaegar.
"Then I'll enjoy being the Sword of the Morning for a night. Ser, you may also admire my treasured saber, Shadow. I will not go back on my word." Rhaegar smiled brightly. He took Dawn, and the two exchanged weapons.
"Long live Prince Rhaegar! Long live Ser Arthur Dayne!"
"Long live King's Landing! Long live Dorne!" The lords and guests were moved by the scene; nothing was more stirring than the fellowship of two golden youths, both legendary warriors.
"The Seven Kingdoms boast many heroes, but only one stands supreme!" someone in the crowd shouted, and many joined in. Though it was a common phrase, this day at the Water Gardens was destined to belong to Prince Rhaegar.
Rhaegar and Ser Arthur, amidst the cheers, walked together toward the balcony. The scene reached its height; applause and cries rolled like thunder. Rhaegar felt slightly embarrassed. Though there was flattery in the cheers, he truly had fought the entire match—on land and sea, in open battle and daring strikes.
Oberyn watched Rhaegar with displeasure, more concerned with his sister's gaze. Some Dornish maidens were nearly frantic, eager for the prince's favor, forgetting Oberyn entirely. Fortunately, he noted that his sister did not behave so wildly. Rhaegar was noble-born, handsome, talented, and fearless, unmatched in battle. In wealth, power, skill, and appearance, he excelled. Most men would be celebrated for possessing even one of those qualities—let alone all of them.
The banquet continued, but there were no more grand displays.
As night fell, Rhaegar began to examine the greatsword Dawn closely. He studied it again and again, yet found nothing outwardly unusual. Dawn still held too many mysteries.
At last, flames coiled from Rhaegar's fingers around the pale blade.
The milk-white sword did not change within the fire.
.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you like the story please give it some power stones and reviews. And if you want to read 40+ advance chapters or just want to support me please join my patreon at [email protected]/Translatingfanfics