The list was long, a testament to the effort Sebastian and Aslan had invested in its compilation. The two Kingsguard in King's Landing had also been diligent. As Aegon's foster father, Draezell felt a personal responsibility to ensure the right choices were made for his foster son and king.
Draezell carefully reviewed the current state of court politics. Aegon, raised under his care, was surrounded by the "Five Fingers" court of Dragon's Nest, while King's Landing was managed by the regency council led by the Regent, without a Hand of the King. Following the Dance of the Dragons, Daemon had reorganized the Small Council in King's Landing.
Lord Bartimos Celtigar continued to serve as Master of Coin. Despite his controversial Taxes, which drew complaints from the people of King's Landing, his tenure brought financial stability. In the two years since the Dance, the treasury was replenished under his strict and incorruptible management. The funds were sufficient not only to rebuild King's Landing but even left a surplus.
Ser Tyland Lannister, who had defected just in time, retained his previous position as Master of Ships. Previously, Lord Corlys Velaryon had held this role while Tyland served as Master of Laws. It wasn't until Corlys's departure from King's Landing that Tyland assumed responsibility for building a royal fleet for House Targaryen. His former position as Master of Laws was filled by Ser Medrick Manderly, heir to House Manderly, who had marched south with Lord Cregan Stark. Though he did not partake in the war, his presence symbolized the North's reconciliation with the Iron Throne.
The Conclave stationed in King's Landing had elected a new Grand Maester, Mukun, notable for being one of the few Grand Maesters in recent decades not to serve directly alongside the king.
As for the Kingsguard, Dragon's Nest had no immediate need for this small elite force. However, as a symbol of royal authority, it was indispensable. After two years of delay, it was time to reestablish the king's Kingsguard.
Reflecting on this, Draezell marveled at fate and the gods. If Kingsguard Commander Ser Steffon Darklyn and Ser Erryk Cargyll had arrived at Tarth just days later, they might have encountered the dragon thieves' ship, saving Draezell the trouble.
Bringing his thoughts back to the present, Draezell began reviewing the list of White Cloak candidates. Sebastian had sorted the names into three categories: those of noble birth with political significance and exceptional martial skills, those with great martial prowess but humble origins, and those with notable reputations but lacking real substance.
Sebastian helpfully distinguished the first and third categories, making it clear which candidates were worth consideration. Draezell immediately discarded the third category. While these men might stand before the king, they would never don the white cloak.
The first and second categories contained seventeen candidates:
Ser Torrhen Manderly of the North, second son of House Manderly. A formidable warrior, he accompanied Lord Cregan Stark south. Though he did not directly participate in the war, his skill with a long-handled axe and trident had been witnessed by many.
The Vale had nominated five knights:
Ser William Royce of Runestone, a scion of a cadet branch of House Royce. To support this brave young knight, Artis Royce had gifted him a set of bronze rune armor and lent him the Valyrian steel sword Lamentation.
Ser Adrian Redfort of Redfort. Once summoned by Queen Rhaenyra to join her Queensguard, he had been delayed in Gulltown by plague and the long journey. Now, he was sailing south to fulfill his duties.
Ser Tyr Tampleton of Nine Stars. An elder knight and former "Knight of Nine Stars", he had led 2,000 mounted warriors into battle during the Dance. He now traveled to Dragon's Nest with his house's Valyrian steel sword, Starglare, swearing to uphold the highest honor of Westerosi knighthood.
Ser Garon Belmore of Strongsong and Ser Will Hunter of Longbow Hall, both seventeen. These young knights had scouted the Bloody Gate during the Dance. Ser Garon excelled with the lance, while Ser Will was a rare master of mounted archery, earning praise even from Red Robb.
The Riverlands had two candidates:
Ser Willem Blackwood of House Blackwood and Ser Cole Darry of House Darry. Both had fought bravely at the Battle of the Red Fork and earned great renown.
The Reach sent three knights:
Ser Tom Flowers, a bastard of House Caswell from Bitterbridge; Ser Rickard Florent, second son of House Florent of Brightwater Keep; and Ser Renly Rowan of Goldengrove. All three had shown exceptional valor in the Reach's many battles during the Dance.
Finally, three knights from the Crownlands were listed:
Ser Harrold Darke of the Darks of Duskendale, a branch of the Darklyn family, was an esteemed knight who had fought in multiple battles during the Dance of the Dragons. Once a squire to Ser Steffon Darklyn, he had followed his mentor in fleeing to Dragonstone. Later, under Queen Rhaenyra's command, Harrold was sent to defend Duskendale. Even when Ser Criston Cole's forces overran the town, Harrold refused to surrender. He led a guerrilla resistance until Criston's demise and the fall of the dragons, ultimately reuniting with the Riverlands army. For his efforts, he was granted lands near Harrenhal. However, valuing the honor of knighthood above wealth, Harrold sold the land and submitted his candidacy to the White Sword Tower, aspiring to serve the king.
Other candidates included Ser Robin Massey of Stone Dance and Ser Robert Darklyn of Duskendale. While neither had the illustrious record of Ser Harrold, both were well-known knights within the Crownlands and had earned places on Draezell's desk as potential Kingsguard members.
From Dorne, three knights hailed from noble families: Ser Gerrin Dinvatt, Ser Alan Santagar, and Ser Dick Blackmont. All had marched north under Lord Doran Gargalen alongside Aslan Rondell to defend the Stormlands. While they had not seen bloodshed, their presence in a wartime setting made them seasoned candidates.
Draezell examined the list carefully before turning to another set of names. The king's inner circle could not lack loyalists, and among the five new Kingsguard members, Draezell was determined to place his own people. Tigarro Dargaleon had offered several recommendations. Draezell scanned the profiles, pausing at Joffrey Cafferen, the younger son of House Cafferen. A brave lad, but his youth and lack of experience compared to other candidates were evident. Still, Joffrey's potential made him suitable for grooming as a future blood-sworn brother. Draezell set his profile aside for consideration in the future.
Next was Ser Brandon Tarly, a cadet branch member of House Tarly. Draezell vaguely remembered meeting this silent knight at his wedding to Diana. Brandon had fought in the Battle of Flowers and the Siege of Oldtown and was a strong contender. Word had it that young Alan had even gifted him the Valyrian steel blade Orphanmaker to aid his candidacy.
"Alan is a clever boy," Draezell muttered, circling Brandon Tarly's name. "Don't let me down."
Tigarro's list included numerous names, most of whom were unsuitable, such as Jorqo, a fearsome Dothraki bloodrider recommended by Argo. Argo's description implied he would have made the warrior his Ko if not for Draezell's needs, showcasing his regard for the man. Unfortunately, Westerosi traditions would never accept a Dothraki in the white cloak.
Setting aside his loyalists' profiles, Draezell reviewed the broader pool of knights — those of humble origins but great martial prowess. He found that Sebastian's shortlisted names largely overlapped with his, giving him confidence in the list.
Seventeen knights would vie for four spots on the Kingsguard. The thought sparked an idea in Draezell's mind: a grand tourney to determine the Kingsguard through martial skill. Perhaps Aegon himself could decide, as the young king's fiery spirit would likely favor such a method.
As Draezell pondered, the door creaked open. Without needing to look, he recognized the steps of his faceless servant, Kungor Potter.
"Enter," Draezell said.
The Faceless Man stepped in, bowing slightly.
"Your Grace, news from the House of Black and White. A Faceless Man has set sail for Westeros aboard the merchant ship Maiden of the Pearl. Its ports of call include Sisterton, White Harbor, Gulltown, Spicetown, King's Landing, Tarth, Silvercrown City, and Oldtown. Shall we monitor his movements?"
Draezell furrowed his brow. Who would hire a Faceless Man at this time? Though the realm faced minor unrest, it was far from a state of desperation. "Keep an eye on the Faceless Man's movements," Draezell ordered. "Report any anomalies or disembarkations immediately."
"As you command." Kungor bowed deeper before retreating. Left alone, Draezell began calculating the Faceless Man's possible targets. Just as he was lost in thought, he leaned against the cold, black stone wall, listening intently. A sharp sound caught his attention, and he bolted out of the room.
Meanwhile, in the Dragonpit, Vermax returned furiously to his lair, storming toward Vermithor's den. Letting out an enraged roar, he was answered by a long, deep bellow from Vermithor. Vermax growled again, but this time Vermithor's response carried a note of anger. Before Vermax could react, Shadowmane emerged from the lair with a menacing snarl, followed by Silverwing's soothing cry. Only then did Vermax flick his tail in frustration and retreat to his own lair.
After a while, Vermithor extended his head from his lair and let out a roar that shook the entire Dragonpit.
The platform came to a halt, and Draezell hurried toward Vermithor's lair. The dragon craned his neck, bringing his massive head close to Draezell, who leaned against it as Vermithor emitted low growls, one after another.
"I know, I know. I've already sent someone to investigate. Don't worry, don't worry," Draezell said gently, patting Vermithor's head. "When I find out who's behind this, I'll take you there to deal with them. Trust me."
Only then did Vermithor lift his head, roaring once more, this time with satisfaction. Vermax's roar echoed in reply, seemingly pleased with the "ruler" of the Dragonpit's sense of justice.
"I need Rey to record this," Draezell mused. "I hadn't expected the Dragonpit's natural hierarchy to produce a ruler among the dragons who would actually stand up for the younger ones."
As Draezell pondered this, the children were already enjoying the hot springs nearby. On the lower levels of the Laurel Tower, several baths had been built, fed by natural springs from the Red Mountains. Perfect for soaking and relaxation, they offered a serene escape.
Aegon lounged comfortably in the warm water, his silver hair floating lazily in the pool. The muscle soreness from his dragon-riding training melted away, and the spread of food nearby — peeled grapes, blood oranges, slices of sweet melon, tender meat patties, fried eggs, soft white bread drizzled with honey, and a cup of sweet lemon water — only added to the indulgence. A similar feast sat within reach of Rhaegor.
Draezell's eldest son, uncharacteristically relaxed, was entirely nude as he soaked in the spring. He occasionally ducked underwater, blowing bubbles like a carefree boy.
"Where's Viserys?" Aegon asked after waking from a brief nap. He noticed his younger brother was absent despite their plan to bathe together.
Rhaegor kicked his feet in the water and replied, "Don't know. Haven't seen him."
"That rascal must be brooding over his dragon egg again," Aegon mused, stroking his smooth chin as if deep in thought.
"Don't know," Rhaegor said, spearing a piece of fried egg with his fork.
"You're talking about me behind my back again!" came Viserys' voice, full of mock indignation. The boy dashed into the room and, stripping off his clothes, leapt into the pool with a splash. The water nearly hit their food, but Aegon and Rhaegor reacted quickly, saving the meal from disaster.
"You almost wasted our food," Aegon said, feigning anger as he lunged for Viserys' armpit. "Don't run! You owe me fifty gold dragons!"
Viserys quickly hid behind Rhaegor. "Rhaegor, the king's bullying me again!"
What could Rhaegor do? He was only six, powerless to intervene. He simply shrugged helplessly.
"You're nine, Viserys. Isn't it shameful to rely on Rhaegor for protection?" Aegon teased.
Viserys stuck out his tongue and, quick as lightning, snatched a small meat patty from Aegon's plate, stuffing it into his mouth. "My dragon egg hatched," he said, his words muffled.
"What?!" Aegon exclaimed, nearly leaping out of the water in excitement. "What does it look like?"
"Yeah, what's it like?" Rhaegor asked, equally curious.
Viserys hesitated, his expression darkening. "Don't ask," he finally said, his voice tinged with despair.
Reluctantly, he described his dragon, Aegarax, to the others. "When it's near Syrax, it acts like a knight courting a noble lady."
Aegon burst into laughter, while Rhaegor struggled to contain his own amusement. Viserys couldn't hold back any longer and lunged at them. "Stop laughing!"
While life at Dragonstone passed in this lighthearted peace, in Lys, the aftermath of chaos was evident.
The fires left by the Ironborn still smoldered at the port. Standing before heis siblings, children, and a towering ship, Lysandro Rogare spoke gravely. "The survival of Lys depends on us."
He gaze lingered on his daughter, Larra Rogare, a statuesque beauty with Valyrian silver-gold hair and striking purple eyes. Larra was breathtaking, her beauty almost otherworldly.
Perhaps the key to their mission lay with her enchanting daughter. Lysandro couldn't shake the strange premonition that Lara would be instrumental in what was to come.
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