Daeron landed Caraxes at Ironwood.
The red dragon beat his wings, body nearly vertical, and touched down on his hind legs. Dust billowed as the rest of his massive frame settled.
Lord Anders had heard the dragon's roar and waited in the castle courtyard with most of his family and sworn knights. They watched in awe as the crimson beast landed.
Daeron slid to the ground and helped Melisandre down. She was still shaky from the flight and could barely stand on her own.
"Good boy, Caraxes."
Daeron stroked the dragon's jaw until the great beast curled up, rested his head on his tail, and closed his molten-gold eyes.
Lord Anders stepped forward, voice booming. "Prince, welcome to Ironwood. Your arrival brings honor to my house and light to our halls."
Daeron kept it simple. "I came on short notice. I hope the raven was enough warning."
"More than enough," Anders laughed. "Having you here is the greatest honor House Yronwood could ask for."
The visit carried weight. Daeron was the new heir, and choosing Ironwood as his first stop sent a clear message.
He asked for two goats for Caraxes, then followed the castellan into the main keep while the red dragon rested.
---
The great hall was loud with celebration.
Anders slammed a fist on the table. "Two pieces of good news today, Prince!"
Daeron raised an eyebrow. He had only been here a week. What else could count as good news?
Moments later he saw the answer.
Ser Arthur Dayne stood in the hall in silver armor and white cloak. The Sword of the Morning turned, walked forward, and dropped to one knee.
"Prince, Ser Arthur Dayne of the Kingsguard offers his sword and loyalty."
He looked up with clear, steady eyes, studying Daeron's reaction.
Daeron frowned slightly. "Ser Arthur, you were with Rhaegar. Why are you here?"
Anders opened his mouth to explain, then shut it. This was Arthur's story to tell.
Arthur spoke plainly. "After the Great Council, you became the rightful heir. Prince Rhaegar chose to stay in Lys and start a new branch of House Targaryen. Ser Gerold recalled me to King's Landing. I came at once. When I heard you were at Ironwood, I rode here to serve as your guide and guard."
The words were honest, but blunt. Anders tried to soften them.
Arthur had waited at Planky Town for a ship after parting with Rhaegar. When none came, he learned of the feast at Ironwood and decided to join the new heir instead.
Daeron studied him for a long moment, then smiled and pulled him to his feet. "I believe you, Ser Arthur."
The Sword of the Morning's reputation was enough.
Arthur rose to his full height, nearly six-foot-four, silver armor gleaming under the white cloak. He placed a hand on the hilt of Dawn.
"I will protect you with everything I have, Prince."
Daeron felt a rush of satisfaction. Three legendary knights now stood with him—Barristan, the Blackfish, and now Arthur Dayne.
Anders grinned. "There's more good news, Prince."
He gestured to a map. Thanks to Melisandre's vision and Yronwood scouts, they had found the hidden desert oasis—exactly one hundred and fifty miles east of Ironwood. A vast green island in the sea of sand, complete with an underground river and a freshwater lake.
Daeron didn't hesitate. "We leave at first light."
---
The desert oasis.
Daeron circled low on Caraxes, scanning the terrain.
To the north rose rocky cliffs. A lake glittered to the northwest. Three ancient pillars stood half-buried in sand near a grove of tall palms. To the south a river flowed from an underground spring.
"Land here, Caraxes."
Daeron dismounted near the three pillars and pulled five Rainbow Shards from his inventory.
Light exploded outward. When it faded, the shards were gone. In his hands rested a sleek purple longsword covered in glowing starlight patterns.
Panel notification:
[You have obtained the Galaxy Sword.]
Galaxy Sword (Level 13): Damage 60–80, Speed +4.
Description: "None can match it!"
Daeron tested the blade against Red Rain. One clean strike left a deep dent in the Valyrian steel. He switched to Dark Sister and felt the perfect balance of two single-handed blades.
A slow, satisfied smile spread across his face.
"Now this is a real pair of swords."