Gaemon had barely settled into the saddle when a deep, rumbling roar echoed from the other side of the city.
"Ooooh… ROAR!"
The moment he heard it, Gaemon knew it was time to leave.
He patted Bahamut's back lightly and sent his intent through their bond.
The platinum dragon responded instantly. Despite his massive size, Bahamut moved with surprising grace. He planted his powerful hind legs and pushed off the tower roof with a single, explosive leap.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
His enormous wings beat hard, generating powerful gusts that whipped across the rooftop. With that thrust, Bahamut launched himself into the sky.
Once airborne, he executed a smooth, elegant turn at Gaemon's mental command and headed straight for the Dragonpit.
High above King's Landing, Bahamut's platinum scales caught the morning sun, gleaming like living gold and drawing every eye in the city below.
Before Bahamut could reach the Dragonpit, a mountain-like shadow burst from the pit's entrance and climbed into the sky. Its deep cyan-green scales looked like moss from the bottom of an ancient well—absorbing the sunlight rather than reflecting it.
It was Vhagar, the largest living dragon in House Targaryen besides the long-dead Balerion the Black Dread.
Under her rider's guidance, Vhagar beat her wings—each one like a vast curtain—slowly but with unstoppable power. The wind she generated was far beyond anything the still-growing Bahamut could produce.
As Vhagar rose, the downdraft slammed into the ground like a hurricane, strong enough to knock a man off his feet.
Fortunately, Gaemon was already high in the air on Bahamut, so the turbulence barely affected them. He hovered in place, waiting for Vhagar to join him.
Soon Vhagar cleared the ground and climbed steadily into the sky. Though she looked slow, she covered the distance quickly.
When Vhagar drew level, Gaemon waved at Baelon in the saddle and signaled: We're ready.
Baelon understood at once.
Gaemon had never visited Dragonstone before. As a member of the royal family raised in King's Landing, this would be his first time seeing the ancient Targaryen seat. Baelon would lead the way.
Without hesitation, Baelon urged Vhagar forward. The colossal she-dragon surged past Bahamut like a storm front, her massive body generating winds that buffeted Gaemon and his dragon.
Vhagar's passage whipped Gaemon's long silver hair across his face, momentarily blinding him.
He brushed the strands back, clearing his vision, then guided Bahamut to follow Vhagar as both dragons dove toward Dragonstone.
As if on cue, the two dragons let out mighty roars the moment they cleared the city—farewells that rolled across the sky like thunder.
From the window of his solar in Maegor's Holdfast, King Jaehaerys watched the two dragons shrink into distant specks. He stood in silence, mouth set in a thin line, saying nothing.
Behind him, Hand of the King Septon Barth spoke quietly. "Your Grace, sending all three princes away from King's Landing at once… is that entirely wise?"
He understood the reason for the journey was no military matter, yet removing the realm's only three male dragonriders from the capital would leave the Crown temporarily weakened. Even if no one dared open rebellion, certain factions might still test the waters.
Jaehaerys answered calmly, without turning. "Barth, do not worry. I am not so old that I cannot still mount Vermithor if needed."
"That is not what I meant, Your Grace," Barth replied carefully. "I only suggest that some risks are better avoided. The realm appears peaceful now, but without the princes' presence to deter them, certain men and houses may feel bold enough to stir trouble. It may amount to little, but it could still prove annoying."
Jaehaerys's reply carried the faint ring of iron. "Let them stir if they wish. Keeping them forever pinned down may only make the eventual outburst worse."
The words hung in the air like a warning. Barth said nothing more. He had delivered his counsel; the rest was for the King to decide.
High above the city, Gaemon knew nothing of the conversation in Maegor's Holdfast. The two dragons flew in formation, Bahamut leading with his smaller, more agile body while the much larger Vhagar followed behind.
Though Bahamut was barely a sixth Vhagar's size, his compact frame gave him superior speed and maneuverability. For now, the ancient she-dragon could not overtake him.
Less than two and a half hours later, the white plumes of Dragonstone appeared on the horizon—the island's volcanic steam serving as the perfect beacon.
Seeing their destination, Gaemon slowed Bahamut and waited for Vhagar to catch up. He waved to Baelon once more: Lead the way.
Baelon understood. He urged Vhagar forward, and the massive dragon surged ahead, her vast wings stirring winds that rocked Bahamut slightly.
Gaemon brushed his hair back again and followed closely as both dragons began their descent toward Dragonstone.
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