Chapter 4: The Game of Houses
The marble courtyard was dressed in banners. Crimson, gold, onyx, and silver fluttered from every balustrade as noble houses gathered for the once-a-decade Valyrian Conclave — a political summit hosted this year in the shadow of the Skarion Volcano, home of House Vaelorys.
Aerion Vórenyx stood beside his father, clad in ceremonial robes trimmed with black silk and copper thread. His hair had grown long enough to braid, tied back with a silver clasp in the shape of their sigil. Around them loomed the families of flame — dragons in human form.
Here walked the heirs of House Maelys, with serpentine tattoos upon their necks. There strutted the envoys of House Xeraxys, armored in shimmering scale-mail, their faces veiled with transparent obsidian masks. Among them, whispers traveled fast — about dragons, magic, marriage, war.
Lord Vaelar spoke quietly. "Watch their eyes, Aerion. The Freehold is not ruled by fire or sword. It's ruled by what you can make others believe."
[Persuasion Skill +1]Trait Gained: Watchful Tongue
The conclave was not merely ceremonial. Treaties would be made. Alliances tested. And Aerion, at just six years of age, had plans to test his tongue.
The Marriage Game
House Vórenyx, though lesser in rank, held a key trading post between the obsidian-rich southern ridges and the great river valleys of Essaria. Their influence was growing, and several suitors eyed them.
Aerion, sharp beyond his years, noticed the sly glances of Lady Ysera Rhaenal, daughter of a minor dragonlord. She was eleven and cold-eyed, with a silver circlet that held a sapphire burning faintly with enchantment.
"She wants your name," his mother whispered. "Or your dragonblood."
Aerion bowed when approached but said little. Behind his mask of politeness, he watched. Calculated.
That night, he reviewed the political map in his system.
[Diplomatic Overview Unlocked]House Standing: Neutral
Influence: 12/100
Rival Houses Identified: 2 (Morlaen, Xeraxys)
Potential Allies: 3 (Vaelorys, Qelarys, Rhaenal)
He selected a new quest.
QUEST ACCEPTED: Game of Houses
Objective 1: Gain favor with one High House (0/1)
Objective 2: Expose a rival's scheme (0/1)
He would not marry for blood. He would conquer with mind and myth.
The Dragonkin Duel
On the third day, a challenge was issued. The young scion of House Xeraxys, Lord Voryn, called for a duel of skill — a public test of arms between heirs.
To everyone's shock, Aerion stepped forward.
"You are six," Voryn sneered. "Do you play with wooden swords, little smith?"
"I forged my own blade," Aerion said. "I wonder if your House even remembers how."
Gasps. Laughter.
The duel was allowed.
Aerion chose Wyrmshear.
Voryn wielded a short saber enchanted to crackle with lightning.
The crowd circled. Dragons perched on distant cliffs roared as if to mark the moment.
The duel began.
Voryn was fast. Brutal. But arrogant.
Aerion was focused. Silent. He read the rhythm, stepped inside the wild swing, and raked Wyrmshear across the exposed armor gap.
Sparks. Screams.
Voryn fell, arm bleeding, pride shattered.
Aerion bowed.
[Combat +1]Trait Gained: Duelist's Nerve
Lady Rhaelyra of House Morlaen watched him with sharp interest.
That night, a raven landed on his window with a sealed scroll.
"You are more dangerous than you seem. We should speak. - R.M."
End of Chapter 4