The city of Jade Reaches woke beneath a sky streaked with violet and gold, the early morning light filtering through drifting mists that clung to the towering spires and winding streets. Kaelarys stood in his study, fingers tracing the intricate carvings on the hilt of a newly forged Valyrian steel sword. The weight of it was comforting — a symbol of his growing power and the long road ahead.
His system pulsed softly at his wrist, updating the status of his many plans.
Quest: Negotiate marriage alliance with House Velys — 10%Quest: Recruit expert enchanters for weapon crafting — 5%Quest: Unveil source of dark magic poisoning trade caravans — New
Kaelarys sighed, knowing these threads were tangled tightly. Each move risked unraveling another part of his carefully crafted web.
At the grand hall, adorned with banners of his house and flickering braziers, Kaelarys awaited his guest. The envoy from House Velys, a tall woman with sharp features and a commanding presence, entered with graceful confidence.
"Lord Kaelarys," she greeted, her voice smooth yet laced with steel. "Your reputation for strength and cunning precedes you."
Kaelarys inclined his head, eyes meeting hers with equal measure. "Lady Serissa, your arrival honors us. Let us speak plainly — what terms would you seek to bind our houses?"
Serissa smiled, the faintest curve that suggested both warmth and wariness. "Unity in blood and power. My brother seeks a bride, and a union would fortify both our claims."
Kaelarys's mind raced, calculating risks and advantages. "A marriage alliance would be wise. But I must know — can we trust House Velys to stand with us against the coming storm?"
The evening deepened as they discussed terms, the flickering torchlight casting long shadows that mirrored the subtle dance of words. Negotiations were punctuated by moments of laughter and veiled threats, each probing the other's intentions.
At one point, Serissa's voice dropped, eyes glinting. "There are dark forces poisoning the trade routes. Merchants fall ill, caravans vanish. This threatens us all."
Kaelarys leaned in, his voice low and resolute. "Then this plague must be rooted out. I will dispatch my best agents to uncover the source."
Later, in the war room, Kaelarys shared the news with his council.
Varyn frowned. "If dark magic is involved, this is no ordinary enemy. It will take more than swords to defeat."
Lyanna's eyes gleamed with resolve. "I have contacts among the enchanters in the southern isles. I will send word to summon their aid."
Kaelarys nodded. "We need every advantage. The Doom grows nearer, and the darkness spreads."
That night, Kaelarys stood alone on the balcony, the wind tugging at his cloak. He gazed toward the horizon, where the first stars pierced the velvet sky.
His mind wandered to the four wishes that had shaped his destiny: reborn as a Valyrian in one of the noble dragonlord families; master of arms with the system guiding his skill; the magic space ring holding his treasures and tools; and the dark magic of Voldemort fueling his power.
He whispered to the night, "I will not be a footnote in history. I will carve my name into legend."
The system chimed, alerting him to a new quest.
Quest: Investigate the poisoned caravans — Infiltrate the southern trade routes
Kaelarys's fingers tightened around the ring. The game was changing, and every step forward was shadowed by danger.
End of Chapter 39