[Arthur's POV]
Arthur always found the sea refreshing. The spray of the salty water, the continuous sound of the ships clashing against the waves, the united front of the oarsmen, the singing and the new lands on the horizon closing in. Robert's Hammer was, of course, the liveliest of all the vessels. It was like a village of its own with over four hundred people residing in it.
"It's quite a beautiful sky today, don't you think?"
Arthur glanced to the side, seeing Sansa join him in observing the view.
"Yes, it is." He agreed, looking up. No clouds whatsoever. He smiled slightly. "The entire journey will be smooth sailing, doubtlessly."
"How can you be so certain?" She raised an eyebrow.
"In almost every waking hour, Edric has the skies and sea on a leash." Arthur answered simply. "It is no coincidence we have had favourable winds all this time. It is far more difficult to force a storm than to suppress it... though, it truly depends on the weather."
"It makes it hard to despute the claims that he could be a god, don't you think?"
"I'm not too bothered by what other people think or have to say in that regard." Arthur shrugged. "I want to hold faith in the Seven but they have never answered my prayers. Edric is someone I can see, hear - someone who puts the people before himself and accomplishes what no god would lower themselves to."
"Whether he claims the mantle of the Chosen Son of the Seven, walks as the Seven made flesh, rises as Azor Ahai reborn, or defies them all as the Storm God himself..." Arthur smiled, shaking his head. "It doesn't matter. My faith will always rest in him."
"I don't blame you for being so zealous." Sansa smiled. "Edric is all too extraordinary but... so is the knight by his side. He is twice blessed."
"You flatter me, my lady." Arthur chuckled, pausing for a moment. Then it struck him. "I think... I know what he was up to when he allowed you on this vessel. Or rather, more accurately, what you both are up to."
"What would that be?" Sansa's deep blue eyes blinked innocently.
"I am a knight of the Kingsguard." Arthur spoke solemly as he looked at her. "My oath and duty is absolute. If I cannot lead by example-"
"You are digging far too deep, Ser. I simply admire you."
"Oh..." Arthur's expression changed, feeling rather embarrassed. "Forgive me for making such an assumption."
"It's alright." She shrugged. "Though, you are a little too guarded. I'm not going to hurt you."
"Fair enough." Arthur chuckled. "It's just... I'd rather not risk anything."
"Edric wouldn't hold it against you either way."
"It would be a betrayal not only to him, myself but also the Kingsguard of the present, past and future. I know full well Edric can make any exception for me and even encourages such things... but I have received more than enough special treatment from him."
"Is it truly special treatment when you have proven yourself worthy of it?" Sansa questioned. "He just... doesn't want you to be restrained by your oaths from doing what brings you joy and... I agree. A knight as noble as you shouldn't have to face regret."
"I have no regrets," Arthur shook his head. "I fear your heart is misplaced... and I am sorry for that."
He turned his back on her and went to his cabin.
[Edric's POV]
Watching the conversation from a good distance, I could still just about make out what they were saying. Once Arthur walked away, Arya joined me.
"My sister, past her looks, is awfully terrible at charming." Arya noted.
"It runs in the family, huh." I chuckled.
"Very funny." Arya pouted.
"Except you take away the good looks and-" Seeing her face, I laughed. "I'm joking, of course."
"... Mhm." Arya did not look amused. "You know, I always thought your uncle Renly was more handsome than you."
"I wouldn't blame you. He has a far better fashion sense too... buuut, I prefer being myself." I laughed. "I wouldn't trade all the things I have over him just to look better."
"You're quite good at this game."
"The very best. Though, I must say, your sister is anything but subtle." I decided to change the subject back to what it was. "It's like trying to stab into a man's heart who's wearing three layers of thick plate, chainmail and boiled leather underneath it. You have to remove that armour, piece by piece... and then strike when the man is naked."
"I wonder how much armour you're wearing?" Arya questioned, turning to me.
"I am a fortress." I jested, shaking my head. "With a hundred feet wide pure steel walls."
"Quite accurate."
Arya walked towards Sansa, leaving me. Was she on a period or something? I think she's too young for that... or mayhaps I'm overthinking it.
Thinking back on it, Sansa was playing on nightmare realistic deity hall of fame difficulty. Arthur was likely more chaste than any septon in the Seven Kingdoms. Despite showing interest in girls and women before, he doesn't act on it and remains sternly dedicated to his oaths.
Maybe I'm just a horrible friend attempting to force my sense of happiness upon him... and trying to get him to break his oath, which is very important to him. Even if I decided to change it, he would only begrudgingly accept it and likely remain faithful to the original one.
It's a matter of free will, and there's nothing I can do about it.
...
When we met with the Iron Fleet in the Stepstones, it was larger than I had asked. Originally, it was only meant to be a good part of the Iron Fleet to accommodate the six thousand ironborn warriors... but this looked like almost the entire thing.
We landed on Bloodstone, the largest of Stepstones' islands to make some arrangements.
"I didn't expect the entire Iron Fleet," I remarked, looking at the sight of all the ships in the sea. The sailors, the warriors, all the different banners waving in the wind... the Royal Fleet and Iron Fleet in unison;
It was a magnificent sight.
"When we received word of your alliance with the princess and calling of banners, the ironborn smelled war. For all of Lord Harlaw's efforts, he cannot change our traditions within only a few years." Asha Greyjoy, my chosen commander of the Iron Fleet, shook her head. "It's a shame, but it does work in your favour. The rest of the fleet are all volunteers who seek to be on the right side of your fury for once, Your Grace."
"I wished to go to battle as well." Theon, standing beside her, spoke. "I wasn't going to idle on the Iron Islands while my sister fought your war."
"I'll sleep well knowing I have Theon Greyjoy in my ranks." I smiled, trying my best not to sound sarcastic. "And I am glad that the ironborn are all so opportunistic. I'll be certain to reward them for their loyalty and achievements in battle."
"That is all they could ever ask for, Your Grace," Asha replied.
"It's times like these where your traditions and my ambitions align rather well... except for the whole stealing women away part of it."
"I will be sure to let them know your stance."
"If any man conducts such unsightly actions, I'll be sure to cut it off personally." I glanced at Theon briefly, who looked puzzled. "Our goal is victory, to triumph over our foes and take all that they have of value. After we return to the Seven Kingdoms, I shall decide a fair split for the Iron Fleet, and you will distribute the rest amongst your men as you see fit. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Your Grace." Asha Greyjoy nodded.
"Alright, then..."
I observed a white, ethereal, sort of ghost with a crimson outline... walking up to the abandoned wooden fortress of Bloodstone. It caught my eye as it kept walking on. No one else seemed to see the same thing.
"I'm going to take a look inside for a while; you can return to your ship."
"Take a look?" Asha Greyjoy questioned. "There's nothing in that fortress but decayed wood and faded memories of a failed pirate kingdom."
"I'll be the judge of that."
I decided to venture out on my own, following the ghost. It led me to the abandoned halls and then to what used to be a library. I didn't know Racallio Ryndoon was so studious. Then again, what King would he be if he didn't have something as basic as a book collection? Even pirate kings had to have some standards...
The ghost seemed to press his hand against a random spot in the wall... and walked through it.
Seven hells, what was I doing?
Am I going mad?
I decided to press my hand in the exact same way and... a secret entrance opened.
Well, isn't this a little advanced? And... I'm not going mad.
I used my lightning as a light source, going into the darkness. I was met with an exceedingly long circular staircase. The deeper I went, the more I felt that this place... should not exist. I turned to Raiden for affirmation.
"Doesn't this underground cellar seem a little too deep?"
"What even led you here?"
"You didn't see the ghost?" I blinked.
"...?"
"It did look a little like..." I recalled the younger Aerion. "Eh, we'll see."
It took longer than I could have ever imagined - but I did reach the bottom. It had led me to a large empty hall made of black stone reminiscent of Dragonstone's. I felt like it was one big joke played by Aerion to waste my time, but... I walked deeper in.
On the floor, there was an almost luminous set of words. A message in red.
"The blood of Valyria shall light the hall."
Blood of Valyria? I have so little of it... Maybe I should drag Rhaerra down here with me. Regardless, it was worth a try. If I gain something, great... and if I don't, it's just a cut.
I drew my dagger and cut my hand slightly, letting my blood fall onto the black stone. For a long time, nothing happened.
"... Heh." I laughed. "Very funny."
As I turned my back, the entire hall lit up with flames. I looked back and saw the shape of a dragon. What in seven hells was this?
"You are no valyrian..." The authoritative voice behind the flames sounded all too disappointed. Maybe a little angry.
"Can't blame a man for trying, eh?" I shrugged. "Well, what are you?"
"Your thirst for power knows no bounds. You would try anything, it seems. If it was said that you'd gain wings from falling off the world's edge, you would do it."
"Wings would be quite brilliant to have."
Though, I'm not sure I'd risk it to that degree...
"And so, it has led you here... on the off chance that you could gain any advantage you can. It's admirable, if anything. Your desire to dominate your nemesis overrides all else."
"You still didn't answer my initial question, you know."
"And what obligation have I?" The dragon made of flames found my request amusing. "Listen to my words of wisdom, Storm King. It might open the golden path you seek."
"I'm listening." I raised an eyebrow.
"Embrace the flames, burn in them... and you shall be reborn."
"It sounds like you want me to just burn alive."
"You will understand when the time comes."
The flames dispersed, and I was left in the darkness again.
What a strange event...
[Aegon's POV]
After acquiring Viserion, the Golden Company sought allies. Aegon's dragon was still young and far from the kind that had once brought Westeros to heel. Though Aegon himself was eager, he knew that the Seven Kingdoms were mostly united under Edric Storm. An invasion now would be beyond foolish... especially given Edric's fame as someone who had never known defeat in any battle.
They would sail to Volantis, the closest Free City and a very powerful one at that. Though, 'closest' was still quite the journey as they avoided the smoking sea and ruins of Valyria, sailing around it. Once there, they reunited with the rest of the Golden Company.
Viserion would often fly close, occasionally flying off on its own and returning eventually. When they landed in Volantis, it had gone on one of its adventures. Aegon did not mind - after all, a tight leash is the very thing he freed it from.
Once they landed in Volantis, the leading figures of the Golden Company were given an audience by the triarchs of Volantis on the same day. They had recently had an election where two triarchs, Malaqueo Maegyr and Nyessos Vhassar were relected while the only triarch to oppose war against Daenerys lost the vote and had been replaced by Belicho Staegone.
For the first time since the end of the Century of Blood, there were two triarchs from the Tiger party - a party which were known for war and conquest. This... was very telling in regards to Volantis' direction.
"What are the chances that we gain Volantis' favour?" Aegon questioned.
"Rising with every passing moment, it seems." Jon Connington replied. "There is word that Daenerys Targaryen has entered a military alliance with Edric Storm. All her enemies are his enemies. Though, that word comes from Meereen, so it is a disputed source."
"That is ridiculous..." Aegon raised an eyebrow. "Why would he ever ally himself with her? Not to mention, coming to such an agreement from so far away... it must be a desperate attempt at breaking apart the coalition from Daenerys' party."
"The Usurper's bastard is all too unpredictable from what I hear." Jon Connington noted. "Do not forget that the Lord Commander of his Kingsguard is in Daenerys' service... which does not make this alliance entirely improbable."
"If it is true, then we would share a common foe with Volantis..."
"Quite so." Jon Connington smiled. "We also have Nyessis Vhassar in our favour, who has been reelected as triarch. Illyrio Mopatis has paid him enough to own the man eight times over."
"... I like our chances." Aegon smiled.
...
"Welcome, welcome, my good friends." Nyessos Vhassar clapped his hands. "Do seat yourselves. If there's anything specific you require, do speak your minds. It will not be said that the triarchs of Volantis are not hospitable."
Aegon and the highest ranking officers of the Golden Company sat at the table. The triarchs, however, did not sit at the table, each sitting in a lavish foreign sort of palanquin carried by slaves. During their term, the triarchs were forbidden from touching the ground because of their elevated status. In the streets, they would ride elephants as well... Aegon found it a bit much.
The table was filled with food and wine, plenty enough for an army and a testament to their seemingly boundless wealth.
"So, it seems that talks with the dragon queen did not go so well." Malaqueo Maegyr, the oldest of the triarchs and toothless, remarked. "What plans does the Golden Company have now?"
"The conquest of Westeros." Aegon spoke with confidence as Harry Strickland, the Captain-General, glanced at him. "I hear we share the same enemy, no less."
"Our primary focus is Daenerys Targaryen." Malaqueo Maegyr countered, shaking his head. "Once she is taken care of, what alliance does the Storm King have? He is a world away."
"I don't believe Edric Storm would be content with returning empty handed from such a journey." Jon Connington shook his head. "If he has, indeed, entered an alliance with Daenerys, then he stands as your greatest threat and is likely sailing a mighty fleet to support her. If you chase Daenerys, then what defence will you have when he lands in Volantis?"
"Indeed..." Nyessos Vhassar stroked his beard. "Let the rest of the coalition besiege Meereen. Yunkai, New Ghis, Elyria, Tolos and Qarth all share the same cause as us... the city will surely fall even without our involvement. Not to mention the spread of the bloody flux. The defenders will either starve out, die or be forced onto the field where they would be slaughtered."
"I agree." Belicho Staegone spoke for the first time, his cold blue eyes still as a frozen lake. "The wisest course of action would be for us to catch the Storm King offguard and ambush him with the support of our allies. He is a threat not just to the coalition but the freedom of our Free Cities. The arrogance he possesses to oppose our coalition says it all... in his mind, he is unbeatable, and he has good reason to think so."
"If we disregard him now, then Volantis will burn for it... and not just Volantis. Lys, Tyrosh, Myr - all of us. This is a war against the very roots of that which our cities were built upon."
Despite his cold tone, his words were right and enough to sway Malaqueo Maegyr.
"Then... we must form a second coalition. The coalition against the Storm King." Malaqueo Maegyr took a deep breath. "He has already struck Pentos and imposed his will upon their magisters, going so far as to kill one. I believe that our neighbours would be wise enough to see what could happen in two, three or even five years..."
"Yes, the boy has the heart of a conqueror and the power to realise those ambitions. If we rally together as one, then we can crush him before he conquers us one city after the other." Nyessos Vhassar nodded.
It seemed like Illyrio's 'friendship' with the triarch proved very useful... not to mention, Edric's own actions. Attacking a Free City in such a position? It was bold, even for the boy who had never seen defeat. The ruling figures of the other Free Cities would be fools not to jump at the opportunity to join the coalition.
And... it all worked in the Golden Company's favour. With Edric out of the picture, the Seven Kingdoms will soon fall into chaos and likely fight itself.
Then once Viserion grows larger...
Aegon 'Targaryen' saw his golden path to the Iron Throne.
"What of the future - past Edric Storm's defeat?" Harry Strickland questioned.
"We can speak of that when we have the Storm King's head," Belicho Staegone coldly replied.
"You want us to aid in your conquest as well?" Malaqueo Maegyr scoffed. "We have a common foe now, but... the Seven Kingdoms? That is another matter entirely."
"It will not be a favour quickly forgotten." Aegon insisted. "Once I am King, it would be repaid twice over."
"I believe the prince... but it is true that before making such deals, we should truly defeat Edric Storm." Nyessos Vhassar remarked. "It's all for nought if we falter, no?"
"Indeed, that is where all of our current efforts should lie." Jon Connington agreed.
"It is agreed then."