Chapter 176: Reviewing the Battle of the Blackwater
Rhaegar looked at the three young attendants before him: Myles Mooton, Jaime Lannister, and Jon Connington.
As he studied them, he suddenly realized who was missing—his close friend, Ser Arthur Dayne. If Arthur were here in King's Landing, he could form a perfect four-man circle. Men like Oberyn Martell, Robert Baratheon, and Brandon Stark were too strong-willed to serve as attendants. Eddard Stark was loyal, but as a second son, he still lived in his brother's shadow—much like Stannis Baratheon.
Although warriors like Ser Barristan Selmy, Ser Brynden Tully, Ser Larys Velaryon, Ser Joffrey Arryn, and Ser Yohn Royce were his allies, they were not his peers. A proper inner circle should consist of companions his own age.
Myles Mooton, from Maidenpool, was the eldest—already in his mid-teens. Jon Connington was slightly younger than Rhaegar, while Jaime Lannister was still a child. They wore fine but informal noble clothing, clearly different from the soldiers, and still carried the air of youth.
Jaime, with his golden hair and green eyes, was already strikingly handsome. Jon Connington, with auburn hair, looked proud and intense. Myles Mooton appeared steady and dependable. All three were promising young nobles.
Jon looked at Rhaegar with deep admiration, while Rhaegar remained polite but distant. He knew Jon's loyalty would be unwavering—but also remembered certain… complications about his personality.
Most noble children matured early. With private tutors in etiquette and warfare, they had advantages commoners could never match. Even if Rhaegar preferred merit over birth, the reality of Westeros remained: cavalry and professional soldiers were mostly drawn from noble or wealthy families.
These attendants were not chosen randomly. Lords competed fiercely for such positions. Serving a prince was both an honor and an investment in the future. The royal court used these roles to strengthen political ties.
King Jaehaerys II Targaryen had selected Myles Mooton and Jon Connington for their character and suitability. Suitable candidates were scarce—House Stark remained distant, the heirs of House Tyrell, House Martell, and House Tully were not of age, and Robert Baratheon was far too unruly.
Jaime's position came through King Aerys II and Lord Tywin Lannister, who had strongly pushed for his son's placement. Rhaegar had accepted—after all, granting one position in exchange for Tywin's support was a fair trade.
Jaime, meanwhile, quietly observed Rhaegar.
As the heir to the wealthiest house in Westeros, Jaime had always been praised. But standing before Rhaegar—the famed Silver Prince—he felt an overwhelming gap. Rhaegar seemed like something beyond human, like a blazing flame no one could approach.
Rhaegar paid little mind to a child's thoughts. He knew well that at the peak, no one could truly stand beside him. He was a dragonlord, a wielder of ancient power—far beyond ordinary men.
"You must take good care of these boys," Rhaegar said to Ser Cesar, commander of the Dragon Guards. "They will become great knights one day."
"Rest assured, my prince," Cesar replied. "Ser Joffrey Arryn has arranged everything. They are housed in the central barracks."
Rhaegar nodded and looked at Ser Joffrey Arryn, who was clearly eager to please the powerful houses behind the boys.
"Will you accompany me on an inspection?" Rhaegar asked.
"We will!" Jaime and Jon answered eagerly.
Rhaegar toured the Dragonpit camp with Cesar, Joffrey Arryn, and the three attendants.
He inspected training, discipline, and—most importantly—sanitation. He rewarded excellence and punished laziness. Disease was as dangerous as any enemy.
"The army's morale is strong," Rhaegar said.
"Our goal," he continued, "is not just innovation, but mastery of fundamentals. Every soldier must first be versatile before specializing."
The Eagle Guards focused on archery
The Spear Guards trained in spear combat
The Dragon Guards formed the elite core
"Warriors hunger for glory," said Joffrey Arryn.
"And they will have it," Rhaegar replied confidently.
That night, after a feast, Rhaegar returned to his tent and summoned Cesar.
Inside was a detailed sand table of King's Landing.
"I trust you and Joffrey to manage the camp," Rhaegar began.
Cesar smiled. "I can manage—but I'd rather be on the battlefield. I was once a Braavosi water dancer, after all."
"You will have your chance," Rhaegar said. "But I need you here. Reliable commanders are rare. Right now, I only have you, Barristan, and Brynden capable of leading independently."
Cesar nodded. "Then war is coming?"
"Bigger than ever," Rhaegar replied. "The Dothraki, Braavos, and the Free Cities—none will remain idle."
"Are you afraid?" Rhaegar asked.
"I was once a wandering swordsman with nothing," Cesar said calmly. "Now I place my dreams in you."
Rhaegar then turned serious.
"What are the weaknesses of King's Landing?"
Cesar answered without hesitation:
"Externally, the city is vulnerable to combined land and naval assault—especially from the river. Internally, the population is unstable. Hunger leads to riots. And the Gold Cloaks are unreliable."
"To defend the city, we must rely on Dragonstone as the outer shield. Internally, control the main roads and monitor the Kingswood."
Rhaegar nodded.
"Our thoughts align," he said. "Now imagine this…"
"Dragonstone falls. The enemy fleet sails up the Blackwater Rush. Their army lands on the southern bank."
Rhaegar looked at the sand table.
"This," he said quietly, "is how the Battle of the Blackwater begins."
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