270 AC, Riverlands.
Rhaegar rode the Silver Dragon through the sky, drifting like a boat without a mooring, swaying with the wind.
Behind the Silver Dragon, two more dragon shadows streaked across the sky like flames: one deep black, one bright purple.
For the first time in a hundred years, the magic dragons danced here again.
Rhaegar rode his dragons, preparing to return from the Riverlands to the Crownlands.
After leaving Harrenhal, Rhaegar also visited Riverrun. As for other places in the Riverlands, Seagard, the first line of defense against the Ironborn, Blackwood family's Raventree Hall, and Frey family's Twins, there was no time to visit. He had spent too much time training the young dragons at Gods Eye Lake, but it was worth it. However, with the Stepstones war raging, he couldn't stay in the Riverlands for too long.
The Riverlands encompass numerous plains, forests, hills, and countless rivers. It is a fertile land, but also a battleground where blood flows like rivers and wars are frequent.
Rhaegar saw the three charming rivers of the Riverlands; it was their dense network of waterways that nourished the fertile Riverlands.
The Red Fork originates in the mountains of the Westerlands, its waters colored by the silt it carries, and its most famous castle is Riverrun. The Blue Fork springs from a gush, known for its sparkle and transparency, and its most famous origin is Seagard. The moss-covered waters of the Green Fork originate from the Neck swamps, and its most famous castle is The Twins, where the Frey family made a fortune from river tolls.
Rhaegar felt that the Riverlands were severely fragmented. The perfect Riverlands was when Harren the Black occupied it, stretching from the Iron Islands to the Blackwater Rush, with Harrenhal right in the middle. But with Aegon's landing and the establishment of the Crownlands, the eastern and western parts of the Riverlands were lost, leaving it vulnerable on all sides.
Rhaegar would remember the friendliness of the Riverlands; the resilient warriors, peaceful fishermen, and devout commoners all left a deep impression on him. After this war in the Stepstones ends, he will return to the Riverlands to explore Gods Eye Lake and Stone Hedge again.
Rhaegar rode the giant dragons, looking at the scenery below, his heart still surging with emotion.
Rhaegar recruited six hundred more soldiers in the Riverlands, mostly from noble families' second sons, bastards, or well-nourished rich peasant families, which were quite good troops. But the greatest harvest was the runes: the lush Rune of the Tree and the Fire Sight, which could see parts of the enemy's movements and positions, were both priceless and endlessly useful. However, apart from Harrenhal, Rhaegar found no traces of runes in other areas.
The military situation was urgent; the Lyseni and pirates firmly controlled Bloodstone and most of the islands. They also hired Myr mercenaries to occupy other minority islands. The waterways between the islands were all blocked by wooden palisades, with only a few waterways opened by Lysene fugitives and pirates.
The Lysene fugitives had largely abandoned their ambition to return to Lys and began to wholeheartedly become Kings of the Narrow Sea. They demanded money from passing ships, and pretty boys and girls could also be used as payment, causing widespread grievances. King Jaehaerys II also received many petitions.
Rhaegar knew that King Jaehaerys had already dispatched Lord Tywin, Crown Prince Aerys, and Ser Steffon to lead the Royal Navy, but without giant dragons, the war at sea was destined to become a meat grinder, dragging on for a long time.
On the back of the Silver Emperor, Rhaegar moved a finger, and blue flames began to burn, slowly transforming into several shapes.
Longsword, Greatshield, Warhammer, and Tree.
Each rune has its own unique uses.
Especially the Rune of the Tree, it is completely like a wonder. The Rune of the Tree can delay aging and enhance vitality. Rhaegar combined the Rune of the Tree with the kindling of the Fountain of Youth, and the effect was extraordinary.
These runes and kindling, used on young dragons, will be the nightmare of the Lyseni and pirates for a generation.
Originally, Rhaegar was somewhat worried about the Stepstones war, but now with the Rune of the Tree and Fire Sight, this war will surely be resolved swiftly.
But Rhaegar still had one question: the whereabouts of Alys Rivers. The witch might still be alive, and might truly have a dragon's bastard. This person was like a mystery, now completely vanished, disappearing into dust. Rhaegar wondered if Alys Rivers was hiding in Westeros, or if she had crossed the Narrow Sea to the Free Cities on the other side.
Rhaegar opened his Life Tree panel.
Identity: The Last Dragon, Blood of Fire (High-Tier Superior)
Titles: Born at Summer Hall, Lucky Rhaegar, Silver Prince, Victor, spearbreaker, Unburnt, Father of Dragons, Butcher of Maidenpool, Silver Dragon Prince, silver dragon knight.
Qualifications: Dragon King's Aptitude, Courageous and Artistic Heart, Awakened Dragon, Dragon Dreamer.
Charm: Peerless Silver Prince, Precocious, triumphant general, silver dragon knight, Friend of Dragons.
Achievements: fate changer, game of thrones (Player), Commander, lucky one, Explorer, Weapon Mastery, Precision Strike.
Magic Achievements: kindling devourer, Rune Combiner (Shield, Sword, Hammer, Tree), Blood and Fire Chain, dragon pact, Dragon Warrior, Dragon Dreamer, Fire Sight.
Collections: Rhaegar Targaryen's dragon kings ring, heart of fire dragon nest, Fire Sight Magic Stone.
Rhaegar found that the biggest change was in the achievement system, which was divided into ordinary achievements and magic achievements. One corresponded to ordinary people, and the other corresponded to the Valyrian Dragonlords who possessed magic, and the Valyrian Dragonlords were also famous for blood and fire magic. Another change was the updated collections, with an additional Fire Sight Magic Stone from Alys Rivers. With this magic stone, Fire Sight could be better activated.
The magic dragons flew from the Riverlands back to Rhaegar's loyal Crownlands.
Rhaegar did not let the magic dragons land in King's Landing, but rather in Maidenpool, not far north of King's Landing.
Rhaegar looked at the tranquil, beautiful Maidenpool. If there was Black Wall magic, another dragon's lair tower could be built here for the giant dragons to live and rest. Unfortunately, this technique has been lost, and to explore its mysteries, one can only go to Volantis, and then find Marajo, to see if anything useful can be discovered from the huge Black Walls there.
Maidenpool is now controlled by House Lykke. Earl Lykke, grateful for his friendship with Prince Rhaegar, and with Rhaegar's Dragon Lair Three Camps recruiting young men from Maidenpool to join the army, Maidenpool is now Rhaegar's solid electoral base. They will gradually forget the traces of the Darklyn Family.
At Brownstone in Maidenpool, several distant guests were waiting, and Earl Lykke had prepared different rooms for them.
First to appear was Mace Tyrell.
Although Mace Tyrell looked somewhat imposing, with brown hair, large eyes, and dressed in green velvet adorned with a golden rose on his chest, Mace had no outstanding talent and was full of bluster, truly living up to his nickname, Lord Puff Fish.
"It is a great honor to see Your Highness. I am willing to offer my humble strength and utmost loyalty to Your Highness," Mace Tyrell said.
"I am deeply grateful for the kindness of the Ser and House Tyrell," Rhaegar said with a smile.
Mace's talent wasn't important; his behind-the-scenes power was. The key was that he was obedient and could bring him the money of Highgarden and the honorable fleet of House Redwyne.
"With Your Highness in command, I will lead the Arbor fleet along the coast, sweeping through strongholds, and then rendezvous with Crown Prince Aerys and Lord Tywin. With a pincer attack, those damned Lyseni and pirates will surely be wiped out," Ser Mace said proudly.
Now is indeed a great time for the Arbor fleet to go to war. It's rare for the Iron Islands to have a king who doesn't follow the old ways, so House Redwyne has fewer worries.
"Exactly so!" Rhaegar said. "With Ser Mace's cooperation, we are bound to win cleanly and swiftly, gaining honor and laurels. For this naval battle, I have been training the young dragons for a long time."
Upon hearing this, Ser Mace was even more delighted. He imagined himself having already achieved unprecedented honors on the battlefield, riding a white horse, with maidens showering him with flowers in Highgarden. Honor was an ethereal and elusive thing, and he yearned to achieve it and display it to the world.
"However, there is still one problem, Your Highness. If we proceed along Dorne without sea charts, those whirlpools will be difficult to navigate," Ser Mace suddenly said, frowning. He wasn't that foolish after all.
At this moment, a mysterious Dornish envoy entered. The Dornish have always been at odds with The Reach, so Rhaegar had the envoy stay in a different room.
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