Chapter 94: The Curse of the Iron Throne
King Jaehaerys II said loudly from the Iron Throne, "The matter of Prince Rhaegar riding a dragon into battle will not be considered for now. We will first consider the candidates for the army and its generals. Dragons are not omnipotent, and the current pirate situation is still controllable."
Seeing the King's decision, the lords and nobles stopped arguing.
They also considered that the appearance of a dragon would bring a huge psychological shock to the Stepstones pirates, accelerating the victory of the war. Moreover, Prince Rhaegar's martial prowess was exceptional, and he had great talent for combat. War cannot be watered down, and Rhaegar might even be more ferocious than Maegor. The only comparison was the cruel Maegor, who at twelve years old could continuously defeat youths four or five years older than himself in jousting tournaments and mercilessly discipline experienced veterans on the training grounds.
But the ministers also knew that King Jaehaerys II had his own difficulties; among three generations, there were currently no backup warriors. King Jaehaerys II was not born with the talents of a warrior, and his brothers had all died or were severely injured. Prince Daeron died in battle in his twenties, and Prince Duncan, a famous general, died in the tragedy at Summerhall. Crown Prince Aerys had no brothers, and currently, the only usable grandson, Prince Rhaegar, was the sole dragonrider, so he absolutely could not take too many risks.
King Jaehaerys II's eyes revealed his determination. In the Stepstones war, he dared not let Rhaegar take risks. Rhaegar and his dragon were both young and represented the future of House Targaryen. The people of Lys and Myr had both shed Targaryen blood; they were a group of vicious assassins, killers, and poison masters, with no regard for the blood of dragonlords.
Seeing his grandfather like this, Rhaegar did not insist on going to war. Naval warfare was too dangerous, and the shadow left by the Triarchy weighed heavily on House Targaryen. Prince Aemon was ambushed and killed by a Myrish crossbow, and Prince Jacaerys Velaryon and his dragon died at the Battle of the Gullet.
Before the war, Rhaegar also needed to practice dodging scorpion bolts with his young dragons. The tides of war were fierce, and Rhaegar felt he would eventually have a chance to act. He possessed the Rune of the Shield and the Dragon–Human Pact, so he was not necessarily afraid of scorpions.
"House Baratheon is willing to clear out those pirates and rats for the Iron Throne!"
"House Lannister is also willing to fight for the Iron Throne!"
With the declarations from Lord Mond of the Stormlands and Lord Tywin Lannister of the Westerlands, the composition of the army was easily determined: the Crownlands, Stormlands, and Westerlands would form the main force, while the Iron Islands would not contribute men or ships this time.
Other lords, such as minor nobles of the Crownlands, also voiced their support. House Rosby and House Lykke of Maidenpool were all loyal to the Iron Throne. House Lykke, in particular, had successfully taken control of Maidenpool and was in high spirits.
"First, I must tell you all about the disadvantages of our expedition. Lord Quellon Greyjoy will no longer support us. He is old, and his sons are constantly urging him to return to the Old Way. Even if Lord Quellon prefers peace, he will no longer provide ships," Lord Mond said.
"As long as the Ironborn do not raid, that is enough. We still have the Royal Fleet, all of them elite warships," Crown Prince Aerys declared loudly.
Rhaegar felt helpless. Crown Prince Aerys's vision would always be limited—fond of appearances, boastful, and fickle. Still, it was already benevolent of Lord Quellon Greyjoy not to raid the Westerlands and the Riverlands. His attempts to restrain the Old Way had caused discontent among the Ironborn for years.
Rhaegar knew the kingdom's naval power was divided into several forces. Since the decline of House Velaryon, the strongest were three fleets: the Redwyne Fleet of the Reach, the Royal Fleet of King's Landing and Dragonstone, and the Ironborn Fleet of the Iron Islands. Though less refined, the Ironborn lived by the sea. The Redwyne Fleet was vast—over two hundred warships, with many more merchant and trade vessels.
The North and Dorne had little naval strength. The Vale and the Westerlands still maintained fleets of their own, not to be underestimated.
This war would be fought at sea, and winning the support of House Redwyne was crucial. Rhaegar remembered the grape banner of House Redwyne. Their fleet had made House Tyrell powerful through marriage ties. If House Velaryon were still strong, or if Brynden Tully had married a Redwyne, this war would have been far easier.
"Lord Quellon Greyjoy's desire for peace benefits the realm. We will send gifts to remind him of the friendship forged during the War of the Ninepenny Kings," King Jaehaerys II said. "This matter will be discussed by Lord Mond, Lord Tywin, and you, Aerys."
Many lords suppressed their smiles. Peace-loving Ironborn were rare, but Lord Quellon was indeed different.
"Yes, Your Grace," the ministers replied.
"Send letters to the Princess of Dorne, Lord Jon Arryn of the Vale, and Lord Hoster Tully of the Riverlands, to ask whether they can provide assistance," King Jaehaerys II continued. "As for the North, a courtesy inquiry will suffice."
Rhaegar felt this campaign closely resembled the War of the Ninepenny Kings. Dragon, Lion, and Stag once again formed the core.
"Gentlemen, we must secure a swift victory. The treasury cannot endure a prolonged war. The realm has only just recovered from the Ninepenny Kings," King Jaehaerys II concluded.
Rhaegar saw the fatigue on his grandfather's face. The debt to the Iron Bank had only recently been paid, and another war had begun.
After the council ended, King Jaehaerys II asked Prince Rhaegar to remain.
The vast Throne Room emptied, leaving only grandfather, grandson, and a few guards.
"Come forward, child," King Jaehaerys II said as he descended from the Iron Throne.
Rhaegar looked at the twisted mass of blades. The Iron Throne was forged from the swords of Aegon the Conqueror's defeated foes.
"I hope that one day you may sit here safely—and have children of your own," King Jaehaerys II said softly. "Promise me you will restrain your recklessness."
Rhaegar nodded.
"May I touch it, Grandfather?" he asked.
After a pause, Jaehaerys II nodded. "Be careful. It is the hardest seat in the realm."
Rhaegar ran his fingers over the blades. Legends spoke of a curse. Maegor died upon it. Rhaenyra was cut by it. King Viserys I lost fingers to it in his later years.
Black light seeped from the steel, coalescing into a chilling flame—cold, viscous, and full of malice.
Rhaegar ignited a blue flame at his fingertip. The black flame surged toward it, writhing like a living thing.
Steel, fear, and blood.
With effort, Rhaegar suppressed it, sealing the curse away.
Explorer: Congratulations on discovering the curse of the Iron Throne. Steel, fire, and fear forged it. Only the fire of a true king can command it. Be cautious.
Rhaegar understood. A king without strength would be devoured by the throne.
He carefully contained the black flame, ensuring it would never harm his grandfather again.
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