"There is no such thing as freedom. From the moment we are born, we are all bound to something, all fools chained to the world, for some it's drinking, for some it's women, for some it's the king, for some it's the seven, for some its coins, for a brave few its dreams but in the end we are all chianed to something.
A man in chains is not necessarily less free than a man in silks, for freedom is unachievable in this world; no man can claim it, for freedom belongs to the divine. Freedom is independence, and nothing is independent in this world so long as one draws breath; they are bound to the others that walk the world with them. So if freedom is unachievable, why do I free the slaves? Why do I do anything?
That's simple, what do you do when you can't do anything, but there is nothing you can do? You do what you can. I will carve out my name in this world. Immortality isn't reserved solely for the divine; there is more than one way to best the stranger. A man truly dies when he is forgotten, when his name fades from the minds of the people, so long as my name lives on so will I, I will shed my mortal shell and taste the divine, taste freedom. " - King Aemon Targaryen in the sack of Pentos when speaking to Majistrate Elijah the Resolute.
Aemon Pov :
The rain trickled down from the heavens, millions of tiny drops cascading down to the world to bring life to extinguish the fires of mortal strife, coming to wash away the dirt and blood off the world. It gently coated my alabaster skin, washing away the smell of brimstone and dragons, drowning out the pained cries of the queen who never was—isolating me from the world, washing away the fires of Apophis. Giving me some peace.
I did it ... I WON! "HAHAHAHAHA YOU SEE THAT VISERYS I WON. YOU CAN'T STOP ME; NO ONE CAN STOP ME. I ALONE AM WORTHY. THROUGHOUT HEAVEN AND EARTH, I ALONE AND THE HONOURED ONE. I AM THE TRUE KING. I AM THIS WORLD'S MASTER. I AM A TRUE KING – ME, NOT YOU, ME – AND I'M COMING. YOU HEAR ME, YOU OVERGROWN PUS SACK? I AM COMING TO TAKE THE IRON THRONE. JUST TRY AND STOP ME. I'LL BURN YOU ALL!"
The galloping of horses broke through the storm, their cloven hooves hammering the dirt beneath them as they bolted. The earth trembled as they approached. Of course, they only come once the battle is fought and won, useless leeches.
The green banners broke through the misty field, heavily armoured knights rushing towards me. The vanguard was comprised of leele men, so my grandfather and granduncle had chosen to stay at the rear, typical nobility, craven the lot of them.
If I stay on the ground, they will look down on me from their horses. Look down on me! How ercsome I just killed two dragons and they'd look down on me, no I won't allow it, I won't be treated as anything less than the King, from now on no more masks, no more hiding in the shadows, I will show them my true face. I'm done with pretending, I'm done with this, I'm Aemon, rider of Apophis, the dragonslayer, the stormborn. They will all bow or they will all burn.
"Cacacacacay"
Apophis hummed in agreement as he moved his massive frame, extending his wing to me for me to climb him once more so they can look at me how they should by straining their necks I step on his leathery wing and move forward Meleys had submitted stopped thrashing shed accepted her fate beneathe apophis as she should hes my partner my only equal. This battle has been very fortunate. I can feel my bond with him strengthening. I can fully understand his emotions now, I can feel his bloodlust not as a cacophony of demands that I barely controlled before, but now as a harmonious melody, a warm reassurance of power off backing of strength. He doesn't want to be second to anyone; he wants to prove he's the king of dragons in this era, and so do I. Bealearion's crown and Aegon's throne are rightfully ours, and we will have them.
SWISH
The cracking of the winds echoes in my ears as Vhagar kicks off into the sky, circling the field above us restlessly. Leana's lower half was still thrashing around lifelessly as Vhagar flew above. The horses are getting closer and closer, but also getting slower. Vhagar must have scared the reuniet; they are probably too hesitant to come too fast lest they draw her ire.
"Lord Hightower, Grandfather, how good of you to come to assist me in the clean up of this treason", I said a trying not to snort at their panicked faces. They were too scared, of course they are. The realm is now at war. Looking down on them from my mount is a good feeling. I may hold court like this; it seems more fitting than sitting in an uncomfortable chair. Let them know how the realm truly runs.
Otto craned his head upwards to match my eyes. He was the first to gather his composure, as expected of the former lord's hand. "What in the Seven's name happened here, Aemon? Why is Princess Rhaenys screaming and bloodied, and why is her mount pinned below yours?" he said in a neutral tone, not portraying any emotion, always the politician. Yet I had studied him long enough to see the cracks. The tugging at his lips, the slight narrowing of his eyes, the tight grip on the reins of the horse – he was shitting himself, always a man more comfortable spilling ink than he ever was spilling blood.
"Isn't it obvious Viserys sent them to kill me? He should have sent more riders. Regardless, I will be anointed as king, and you shall send letters through the realm declaring his sin and my victory. I will take your oaths of loyalty now!" I said, leaving no room for any debate, Apophis unhinged his jaws to declare the obvious penalty for anyone not swearing his allegiance to me.
They were all smart enough to get the hint and drop to their knees without hesitation. Good, at least they know how to kneel.
-The End-
Sorry guys I honestly wanted this to be longer but I've been swamped at work. I had to work on my days off as well to cover a shift a co worker is going on holiday so I have to pick up his shifts.
I just managed to squeeze this out.
I wanted to make a 4,000 word chapter but I'm way to busy for that hopefully I can next week when I get my days off back.
Anyway enjoy this filler chapter.
I hate capitalism.
Also the only reason you got this chapter is cause a dude reached out to me on TT just saying follow my account and I you can get into contact with me personally.