Chapter 174: Prohibiting the Outflow of Dragonglass
Rhaegar quietly observed the lords gathered within the council chamber—the core pillars of power now aligned with the Iron Throne. Chief among them stood House Lannister and House Baratheon. The Baratheons were as ever fierce and warlike, while Tywin Lannister remained cold, calculating, and ruthlessly pragmatic. So long as this alliance held firm, few would dare question the will of House Targaryen—especially now that dragons had returned to the world.
In truth, the alliance of the great houses under the Iron Throne remained relatively stable. Generations of intermarriage and political ties had strengthened their foundation. Though tensions occasionally surfaced, the structure endured. The Targaryens were bound to the Baratheons and Martells by blood, while other houses remained more distant—House Stark aloof as always, and House Tully comparatively weak.
King Aegon V's grand marriage alliances had once aimed to bind the realm together through shared blood, but that vision had ended in failure. Now, with dragons reborn, such strategies mattered far less.
"We shall achieve victories greater than those of our forebears," King Jaehaerys II declared. "Lys, Myr—even Braavos—will bow before us."
War was feared, yet its rewards were undeniable. The conquest of the Stepstones had already brought wealth, prestige, and control of vital trade routes. Tariffs flowed steadily into the royal treasury, and the people of Westeros saw tangible benefits.
Rhaegar, however, thought beyond mere conquest.
The realm could not grow stronger if its resources remained fixed. If the "cake" of Westeros did not expand, then eventually even the Targaryens' share would be diminished. Growth—true growth—required transformation.
"Prince Rhaegar has proven himself as Guardian of the Narrow Sea," Lord Ormund Baratheon said. "Let him also oversee the founding of the Royal Military Academy."
No one objected.
Rhaegar accepted the responsibility without hesitation. For now, the academy would be established within King's Landing. In time, perhaps, a grand complex could rise along the southern banks of the Blackwater Rush—built of black stone and marble, serving both as a center of learning and a defensive bastion.
To reshape Westeros into a realm of absolute strength, Rhaegar understood that both systems and technology must evolve.
The Iron Throne must seize:
Financial power
Military organization
Judicial authority
Control over knowledge
Banks, professional armies, institutions of learning—these were not luxuries, but necessities.
"My lords," Rhaegar said calmly, "I have one additional request. I propose that the export of dragonglass be strictly prohibited."
A murmur spread through the chamber.
"Dragonglass?" King Jaehaerys frowned. "Dragonstone is filled with it. Why restrict something so common?"
"It is brittle," Lord Ormund added. "Useful, perhaps—but hardly rare."
Rhaegar shook his head.
"While traveling in Essos, I uncovered knowledge—methods once used by the Valyrians. The Black Walls of cities like Volantis were not built by hammer and chisel, but shaped by dragonfire… and dragonglass."
Silence fell.
Even Tywin Lannister's eyes sharpened with interest.
"You mean," the king said slowly, "walls like those of Volantis?"
"Yes," Rhaegar replied. "Though I lack the power to recreate such wonders in full, I can replicate a lesser version. Even so, the implications are immense."
The lords exchanged glances. No one questioned how Rhaegar had obtained such knowledge. A prince who rode dragons was already a being of miracles.
"If this is true," Tywin said, "then dragonglass is far more valuable than we believed."
"Exactly," Rhaegar said. "We must begin stockpiling it now. When the time comes, we will need vast quantities."
He paused before continuing.
"And there is another reason. When winter comes—true winter—dragonglass may prove essential against enemies far greater than mortal men."
The room grew colder at his words, though no one spoke of it openly.
King Jaehaerys leaned forward, his expression firm.
"Very well. Two decrees shall be issued. First: the export of dragonglass from Dragonstone is hereby forbidden. Second: we will begin purchasing all available dragonglass from Asshai and beyond."
He swept his gaze across the chamber.
"And this matter is to remain secret. Any who reveal it will be treated as traitors to the realm."
The lords nodded solemnly.
Rhaegar allowed himself a faint smile.
The pieces were moving into place.
The Black Walls of old Valyria had once reshaped the world.
Soon… they would rise again.
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