94–96 AC – From the Moon of the Heron to the Wolf's Howl
When Fire Meets Will
Between swordplay and scrolls, Prince Aegon of Dragonstone grows under shadow and sun — shaping a future not yet ready to hold him. Friendships deepen, suspicions rise, and dreams of dominion take root in silence.
Brothers of the Blade
From the end of 94 AC to the start of 96 AC, Aegon and his sworn companions — Benjen Stark and Borros Baratheon — sharpen both body and mind.
They split their days between grueling drills under Ser Ryam Redwyne and evenings spent in study, learning history, High Valyrian, and the complex politics of the realm. Ryam notes in his chronicles:
"The prince grows stronger with each moon. He strikes harder, speaks less, and listens more. His hammer is no longer a toy, but a message."
Together, they are becoming more than boys — they are becoming a brotherhood.
The Firebound Brotherhood
Aegon unveils to Ryam and Jocelyn his desire to create a secret order of orphaned boys, chosen from the lowborn but loyal, trained in silence and discipline, and bound by oath only to him.
"They will have no sigils, only fire. They will serve no lord, only my name. My flame will be theirs — and theirs mine."
He calls it a brotherhood of fire and bond, a forge of loyalty beyond blood. Ryam is wary — but sees the seed of command.
Shadows Over King's Landing
Word arrives from the capital: Viserys Targaryen and Queen Aemma Arryn are expecting another child, after the heartbreak of a stillborn son.
But Aegon shows little joy.
"Too many maesters speak of balance and fear when they mean control," he whispers to Benjen. "They do not love dragons — they tolerate them."
Aegon begins to grow suspicious of the citadel-trained minds that surround the royal court, believing they quietly fear the fire that flows in his bloodline.
Wildfire Unleashed
As he trains and observes, Aegon becomes increasingly concerned with the wild dragons of Dragonstone.
He studies their movements. The fiercest among them, the infamous Cannibal, has claimed much of the mountain's height and driven away nesting mothers.
"He devours the future," Aegon declares. "And so one day, I shall remove him."
He begins to sketch ideas for a future where only his royal family, the crown princes, and their consorts will be allowed access to the sanctuary of dragons. Dragonstone, under his reign, shall become a sacred bastion — guarded solely by his future royal guard. No more rogue wings — only bonded fire and sanctioned blood.
Daemon's Discontent
Far from Dragonstone, Prince Daemon Targaryen grows bitter. His marriage to Rhea Royce, arranged by Lady Aemma Arryn — wife to Viserys, not yet queen — weighs heavy on him. Daemon had longed for a match within the Targaryen line — some say he looked toward Gael, the sweet and dreamy daughter of Jaehaerys.
But Gael, now blossoming in Dragonstone's soft light, shows clear affection for Benjen Stark, whose quiet presence and northern heart win her smiles and silences.
Daemon learns of this. And his heart turns colder.
"She gives her song to a wolf," he murmurs. "And they wonder why dragons burn."