The morning sun filtered weakly through heavy clouds as Kaerys convened her advisors in the war room of the Ashen Keep. Though the battle at Ashen Fields was won, the war was far from over. The shadows of betrayal lurked deeper than the enemy's blades.
Mirana, ever vigilant, unfurled a sealed letter stamped with the emblem of House Velorys. "This arrived overnight. A plea from one of their captains — warning of a plot to undermine our alliance."
Kaerys scanned the message, eyes narrowing. The captain spoke of spies within their own ranks, agents loyal to a mysterious figure known only as 'The Serpent'.
The Poison Within
Kaerys leaned forward, her voice low but fierce. "We must root out this serpent before it strikes."
Sylas, her shadowmaster, spoke next, his eyes glinting in the dim light. "The web is tangled, but I have ways to uncover its threads."
"Send your agents," Kaerys commanded. "No one is above suspicion."
Intrigue in the Court
That evening, beneath flickering candlelight, Kaerys met with Lord Vaelrin's captured envoy. His eyes held defiance, but fear too.
"You think this ends with your victories?" the envoy spat. "Valyria's fate will be decided by darker powers than you can control."
Kaerys smiled coldly. "Then I will be the darkness they fear."
System Update
Mission Complete: Uncovered Enemy Spy NetworkExperience Gained: +4800 XPLevel Up: 53 — Mistress of ShadowsNew Skill Unlocked: Serpent's Veil — Conceals presence and intercepts enemy communicationsDragon Bond Level: 27/20Inventory Update:
Dragon Eggs (3)
Breath of Valyria (Mystic Vial)
Valyrian Flameblade
The true war was no longer just fought with swords and dragons, but with secrets and lies woven in the very heart of power.
To be continued in Chapter 79 — The Serpent's Strike