The Maegaron estate — War Room, Dawn
The first pale light of dawn filtered through the stained-glass windows of the Maegaron estate's war room, painting the walls with fractured colors. Maps and charts cluttered the large oak table, scattered alongside parchments filled with notes in Kaelarys's meticulous handwriting. The room buzzed with a tense energy, a quiet storm before the coming tempest.
Kaelarys stood at the head of the table, eyes sharp and focused. Around him, trusted allies gathered: Lyanna, her dark gaze fierce with determination; a few loyal retainers skilled in both sword and sorcery; and a mysterious figure cloaked in shadows—an expert in espionage known only as Varyn.
"We have the first dragon egg," Kaelarys began, voice steady but charged with purpose. "But the Targaryens won't stop hunting. Other dragonlord families grow restless. The Doom is coming, but so is war."
Lyanna nodded. "The Velaryons and the Velarys houses have also been seen increasing their forces. They'll not let us grow too strong."
Varyn's voice was low, gravelly. "Spies report new alliances forming. Mercenaries and sorcerers alike—each looking to claim what remains of Valyria's power."
Kaelarys's violet eyes swept the room. "We must act before the families unite against us. We need more eggs, more weapons, more power. The system shows new quests unlocking."
He tapped the ring, summoning the glowing interface.
Current Quests:
Acquire 2 More Dragon Eggs (0/2)
Strengthen Fleet and Slave Forces (0/20 Slaves, 0/3 Ships)
Secure Magical Artifacts (3/5)
Master Dragonbinding Ritual (In Progress)
"Tonight, I plan to infiltrate the Velarys estate," Kaelarys continued. "Their guards are fewer, but their magic is strong. I'll need a distraction."
Lyanna smiled slyly. "I can provide one."
Night fell swiftly. As the city of Valyria rested uneasily beneath the looming volcanoes, Kaelarys and Lyanna slipped into the shadows once more. The ash-streaked air crackled faintly with latent magic.
They moved as one — Kaelarys to strike deep, Lyanna to sow chaos.
As flames flickered from distant rooftops and alarms rang out, Kaelarys's Shadowstep carried him through hidden corridors to the heart of the Velarys vault. There, nestled among ancient relics, lay the dragon egg — cold, immense, and humming with latent power.
His fingers closed around it, and the system confirmed:
Quest Update: Dragon Egg Acquired (1/3)EXP Gained: 300Skill Upgrade: Shadowstep (Level 3)
Suddenly, the walls echoed with footsteps. Magic flared — a ward caster sensing intrusion.
Kaelarys muttered an incantation, activating Ward Dispel. The shimmering barrier shattered, but the alarm had been raised.
He dashed into the maze of corridors, the dragon egg safely tucked in his ring's pocket.
Outside, Lyanna's distraction reached its peak — a small explosion erupted, smoke rising like a signal into the night.
Kaelarys slipped past guards distracted by the chaos, retreating toward safety with the pulse of victory pounding in his veins.
Back at the estate, Kaelarys examined the new egg, feeling its warmth pulse in time with his own heartbeat.
One more to go.
He met Lyanna's eyes. "The next will be the hardest. The Velaryons guard theirs with dragons."
She smiled, fierce and certain. "Then we will find a way."
The war to come was no longer distant. It had already begun.