The Maidenpool incident was handled swiftly and ruthlessly.
Apart from the annihilation of House Darklyn, everything felt like a dream.
"The Butcher of Maidenpool"—this was the name some smallfolk whispered behind Rhaegar's back. Because he was the youngest, yet brilliantly talented and far more ruthless than any adult.
But no one dared say these things to Rhaegar's face. Violence is a form of power, and four hundred soldiers were like wolves and tigers. It is hard to criticize a man capable of crushing others.
Amidst cheers of victory, the army marched toward King's Landing, having achieved a glorious triumph.
Generals like Rhaegar, Tywin, and Lord Mooton chatted and laughed. However, Crown Prince Aerys had achieved nothing; there was no merit to speak of. His only "achievement" was perhaps providing an opportunity for others to make a name for themselves, which once again exposed his incompetence.
The soldiers were happy too. The Darklyn castle was temporarily managed by the Small Council. All the fine horses, clothing, furniture, and servants of House Darklyn that could be looted were packed up and distributed. The wealth of House Darklyn and its allies was thoroughly stripped; besides filling the national treasury, every soldier received a small gift. We came a long way to fight; getting some reward isn't excessive.
"Rhaegar the Victor!"
"Fearless Ser Barristan!" The soldiers chanted the names of Rhaegar and Ser Barristan. Soldiers love victory, especially quick, total victories. People might do business that involves beheading, but never business that loses money.
This war lasted only two or three days—easy work that brought Gold Dragons. Everyone was full of praise for Rhaegar and Ser Barristan. Had it been a quagmire of a victory, the soldiers' love for their commander would soon have turned to anger and hatred.
Rhaegar heard that many soldiers wanted to transfer to his unit. Although discipline was strict, victory was the best guarantee; following the Prince meant a bright future and a halo of triumph.
Rhaegar watched the soldiers' bright smiles. Commanding an army is like riding a beast; the army itself is full of danger. Only victory brings greater influence and trust. A commander's goal is to achieve a perfect victory while protecting his soldiers as much as possible.
Rhaegar soon discovered a new sycophant in the camp: Ser Jaremy Rykker, whose temperament was likely similar to Ser Laris Velaryon. Ser Jaremy was restless; the seat of the Lord of Maidenpool had a bright future, and he coveted it. Especially after his old rivals, the Darklyns, were completely wiped out, who else could become Lord of Maidenpool?
Ser Jaremy flattered every important person he could reach, especially Lord Mooton, Lord Tywin, Crown Prince Aerys, and Prince Rhaegar.
"Ser, you act more like a servant than a warrior. It was Prince Rhaegar who personally went to the front as bait, and Ser Barristan who launched the raid to rescue the Crown Prince. Apart from passing intelligence, what role did you play in this battle?" Lord Tywin had mocked Ser Jaremy, but the man remained consistent. Despite the rebuke, coordination was still vital.
"Prince Rhaegar, to be honest, I have a pair of ancestral warhammers, said to be handed down from the Age of Heroes. If Your Grace doesn't mind, please examine them. Actually, our family history is also very long, and these black warhammers were inherited from ancient ancestors." Ser Jaremy spoke enthusiastically, then pointed to his family banner: two crossed black warhammers on a blue field, with a white saltire in the middle.
Rhaegar was somewhat moved; Ser Jaremy was indeed a generous man.
Rhaegar's reputation for loving ancient artifacts had spread far and wide. Everyone knew he had admired House Royce's bronze armor and House Corbray's Lady Forlorn. These two black warhammers were also worth investigating. Many families claimed thousands of years of history, but how many precious artifacts they actually possessed was hard to say.
"I also have a residence in King's Landing. If Your Grace doesn't mind, I will personally deliver the warhammers to your camp," Ser Jaremy continued.
Rhaegar thought this was feasible. Crony lords like those of Rosby and Maidenpool all had mansions in King's Landing. Ser Jaremy could indeed help, especially with the experimental construction of Dragon Towers in Maidenpool, which required local coordination.
"Our support is only one aspect; the satisfaction of the people is also crucial," Rhaegar suggested. Ser Jaremy had a sudden flash of insight, looking thoughtful. Even a broken ship has three pounds of nails; the Rykkers and Darklyns had vied for power in Maidenpool for years, and each had their loyal supporters. Sometimes, public opinion was a form of support too.
The group returned to King's Landing to a warm welcome. Peacetime is the best time. We have Prince Rhaegar; the Prince is invincible, winning the hearts of the people and public support. No one challenges a victor.
Aegon the Conqueror and Jaehaerys the Conciliator were the two greatest kings in Targaryen history. Daeron the Good lacked military talent, while the Young Dragon Daeron was strong but brittle. People looked forward to the birth of a third great Dragon King, a victor, a triumphant monarch.
King Jaehaerys led the nobles and officials in praising everyone's triumph, especially Ser Barristan and Prince Rhaegar, who were hailed as the saviors of Maidenpool. A single victory is worth a thousand words; those despicable lords should take the fate of the Darklyns of Maidenpool as a warning.
However, the scene was indeed somewhat awkward: a glorious son and a father reduced to a laughingstock. The cause of the war was also quite comical.
Many would say Aerys was handsome and graceful. But the Crown Prince's son, Rhaegar, was even more outstanding. Prince Rhaegar combined an iron will with gentle sentiment, proficient in both literature and martial arts, a harpist and a born warrior.
Uncharacteristically, King Jaehaerys did not scold his son but comforted him to rest well, which made Crown Prince Aerys feel incredibly humiliated. Prince Aerys truly had no political achievements to speak of, and his big mouth had made him the butt of jokes—this latest embarrassment in Maidenpool being the biggest of all.
The crowd left the Throne Room. King Jaehaerys called Rhaegar to the Small Council chamber, where only the two of them remained.
"Do not despise your father's incompetence, and even if you do, do not show it. When your father ascends the throne, you will become the Prince of Dragonstone. You must be united; only then can you hold power. Once you show cracks, those who seek to divide you will swarm in, and the rift between you will grow, just like Aegon II and his son Daeron II in the past," King Jaehaerys suddenly said seriously. (Note: He likely means Aegon IV and Daeron II, as per the context of "The Unworthy" and "Dragonknight" mentioned later).
Rhaegar was surprised his grandfather would say such a thing. The last time House Targaryen had father-son discord was back in the time of Aegon IV the Unworthy, the "King of Mistresses" in King's Landing. Their relationship was terrible. After the Queen and his brother, Aemon the Dragonknight, died, Aegon even wanted to attack Dorne to disinherit Daeron. Fortunately, it didn't happen, but it planted the seeds for the Daemon Blackfyre rebellion.
Prince Aerys's "jokes" had indeed sparked many rumors in King's Landing—like wanting to rebuild the Wall or build a massive fleet to make the Titan of Braavos kneel—none of which seemed like the actions of a ruler. Coupled with the recent fiasco in Maidenpool, his remaining prestige was further damaged.
Meanwhile, Prince Rhaegar had shown extraordinary charisma: brave, witty, skilled in martial arts, spirited, and incredibly lucky. Young people would like him; soldiers would worship him.
King Jaehaerys worried that this estrangement between father and son would become reality.
Rhaegar was speechless for a moment. In the world of power, no one can escape.
But Rhaegar would alleviate his grandfather's worries. He would gain greater influence, making his will supreme. Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. Power flows from the bottom up; the more supporters he controlled, the stronger he would be.
King Jaehaerys II continued: "There has been much talk about you in King's Landing lately: the Battle of the High Road, your demand to rebuild the Dragonpit, your excessive killing during the charge at Maidenpool, and so on. Not all of it is good words. Some criticize you for misusing national wealth, being warlike and too adventurous. They even say you dislike living in the Red Keep and prefer the barracks, claiming you will be a tyrannical monarch. I have suppressed these discussions for you, but you must beware of these detractors in the future. Be vigilant. Especially do not be as reckless as your father. A true monarch needs courage and strategy."
"Grandfather doesn't know how much longer he can protect you. One day, you must face those enemies yourself."
King Jaehaerys spoke earnestly. His memory of past royal events was far deeper than Rhaegar's, for his father, Aegon the Unlikely, had told him many things.
"Grandfather, my risks were worth it," Rhaegar suddenly said to King Jaehaerys. His grandfather was a great king.
A look of surprise appeared in King Jaehaerys's eyes.
"We have dragons here again."
An even more shocked expression appeared on King Jaehaerys's face. Dragons had hatched once more—he could hardly believe Rhaegar had performed a miracle.