Chapter 19: Conquest

Eighth Moon, 90 AC

Viserra

Dreamfyre beat her wings gently, relaxed but alert and ready. Beneath them, the Velaryon fleet sailed, larger than Viserra had ever seen it. Their masts were like a forest upon the sea. Every ship was full to the brim with supplies, weapons, marines, and mercenaries.

A lot of effort and planning was needed to wage a war of conquest, so much so that it had taken them over a year to prepare for it, and that was with the neighboring Stepstones as a basing ground to make their preparations and launch their invasion from.

It was far more work than Viserra remembered for the Fourth Dornish War. Then again, if she recalled correctly, House Velaryon had been preparing for that annexation for years, building forts, ports, naval bases, and other such infrastructure in the Stepstones. Infrastructure that had been further expanded in the past year, on the Crown's funding too, and put to use aiding them in their preparations for war once again.

If all went according to plan, they would have control of a great city that dominated the Stepstones region economically with its dyes and strategic port. Tyrosh also had claims to a great part of the Disputed Lands, claims which could allow them a narrow corridor along the mainland coast by which to bypass the tolls in the Stepstones, should they ever lose them to a rival. Tyrosh even had its own claims to the Stepstones that might be used to pressure said rivals.

They had meticulously planned out everything about the war, and yet still Viserra worried about what the consequences might be. How would the world react? Rhaekar's words were still on her mind. She thought back to that conversation in the solar of Castle Driftmark, well over a year ago now, when Corlys had revealed his daring plan.

Corlys's hand remained on the dagger he had thrust into the map as he explained his plan passionately. Once he had finished, he removed the dagger and sheathed it, sitting back into his seat as he waited for their response.

Rhaekar spoke first. "Corlys, this sounds exceedingly risky. I'm not sure it's a good idea."

"Why not?" Viserra asked, curious. For her own part, she thought the plan was excellent. It was bold, daring, a proper response to her father's betrayal and a way to secure her sons' and house's future in one fell swoop. But if Rhaekar was concerned, perhaps there was something she had missed?

With all of them looking at him, Rhaekar continued. "In short, what you are proposing brother, is that we ally with Volantis in their war with the Triarchy yes? With most of the Triarchy's forces occupied in the east, we will strike them from behind and seize Tyrosh and its hinterlands on the continent.

"Militarily I am confident in our ability to take the city. Dreamfyre ensures that. In the long term however, can we really hold it? Tyrosh has over eight times the population of Spicetown! Near four hundred thousand souls! And that is in Tyrosh alone, to say nothing of its hinterlands. Dragons are powerful yes, but I find myself wondering if we can hold it with only the might of Driftmark and Massey's Hook behind us."

"Aegon the Conqueror did it," Viserra noted.

Rhaekar shook his head. "It is not that simple, the Conqueror planned his war years in advance, he knew the political landscape of Westeros and how to insert himself on top with minimal difficulty. The system of governance is different in Tyrosh compared to Westeros, we will not be able to so easily replicate what Aegon did. Not unless we are to trust in the local elites and nobles…"

Corlys interjected, "There will have to be some level of collaboration between us and the more amenable local elites. That is inevitable. However, the majority of the population of Tyrosh, is slaves Rhaekar. Freeborn are outnumbered by slaves three to one. If we free the slaves, we will gain the devotion and loyalty of the majority of the populace. That should make it easier for us to hold the city."

"Abolishing slavery will be a massive challenge! The Tyroshi economy is built on it! There would be a great deal of economic turmoil in the city, compromising its industries, and reducing our profits, maybe even resulting in a net loss in our incomes until Tyrosh is stabilized and that could take years! It is easier said than done Corlys!" Rhaekar protested.

Her husband did not relent. "I know, which is why I would trust only you to handle it. You have served admirably as Driftmark's steward for decades Rhaekar. Under your administration, the island has prospered. If anyone is capable of stabilizing Tyrosh, it is you. And with you by my side, I believe we will be able to hold the city."

That gave Rhaekar pause. He seemed to be torn between preening from the praise and slamming his hand into his forehead. "That…" He sighed. "Even if we were to be able the hold the city and not lose our entire fortune in the process, have you even considered the consequences? The world is not just us and Tyrosh Corlys, everyone will react to our conquest, likely badly. The Free Cities are not likely to look kindly on our conquest of one of them. They will despise the precedent, and may fear they would be next. They are not our main trading partners but we trade with them in no small amount either. They could embargo us or apply economic and political pressure on the Iron Throne to rein us in. Which brings me to my next point! You say the King fears our power and wealth, do you think he will let us get away with conquering a foreign kingdom for ourselves with zero consequences!?"

Corlys was calm, confident. "The Free Cities can be appeased. Volantis would naturally have allied with us to take their own spoils from the Triarchy. They would have little reason to act against us. Pentos too can be mollified with lands from Myr. Braavos may be an issue, but some concessions and negotiations can sort that out. Norvos, Qohor, and Lorath, are quite irrelevant to us and not that likely to care with how far away they are."

"And the King?" Rhaekar demanded.

"We are still his kin. We will be safe from the worst possible reprisals. I anticipate that at most, he will revoke the Stepstones governorate from us. That is also only a possibility. At the moment every soldier on those islands, every fort, every port, they are all ours. He dismisses us and he could potentially lose the Stepstones entirely."

Rhaekar did not seem satisfied, but before he could say anything more, Corlys said, "I know there are risks involved, but I genuinely believe with all my heart, that Tyrosh is the future of House Velaryon. Will you all trust me, and follow my lead?"

"Of course Corlys," Viserra said quickly. Rhaekar raised good points, but her faith and trust was in her husband first and foremost, and he had defended his plan well.

"You've had some stupid and utterly reckless and harebrained ideas in the past, but this does not sound like one of them. You've never led us astray Corlys, I will always trust in you," Aurane said, giving his support as well.

"Rhaekar?" Irina asked her husband.

He sighed heavily. "I'm not sure about this, but you are my lord, my brother. For all your past recklessness, Aurane is right. This plan is thought out. It's just… unpredictable, we might bite off more than we can chew, start something we cannot finish, face a consequence we did not predict and cannot escape from…"

"We'll face it all, together," Corlys said firmly.

"We might lose everything," Rhaekar said, distraught.

"Then we'll do that together too… but I do not think it will come to that."

A thousand emotions ran through Rhaekar's face before he grew determined. "Very well. If we're to do this, we do it properly."

Tyrosh was in sight now. Over a year's worth of preparation, planning, and worrying. It all culminated in this moment. Dreamfyre surged forward toward the city at full speed, beating her wings furiously.

The bells tolled. People ran in panic and stunned surprise at the docks as the Velaryon fleet approached the city. Tyrosh had been taken completely by surprise, its fleet and army were all away fighting the war against Volantis. The battle was decided before it even began.

At her command, Dreamfyre descended upon the gates separating the docks from the rest of the city and destroyed them. She then had Dreamfyre bathe the battlements in flame, killing any defenders that were gathering there. The way had been cleared for the Velaryon fleet to land its army without opposition.

Viserra scouted over the city as the fleet disembarked its marines and sellswords. Resistance was futile and limited. Few dared to face the Velaryon soldiers with Dreamfyre flying overhead.

By noon, the Velaryon army was before the black walls of Tyrosh. The Black Fortress, the innermost and oldest part of the city, built millennia ago by the Valyrian Freehold as a fort to control the Stepstones. Within the fortress was a complex of palaces, manses, government buildings, gardens, fountains, libraries, and so much more, almost like a city within a city. Not even dragonfire could melt the black dragonstone walls that guarded this complex. But it would not need to. Once again, Dreamfyre blew open the gates, allowing their army to storm the fortress.

A short while later, Viserra landed Dreamfyre in the courtyard of the Archon's Palace, dismounting from her dragon as her husband strolled into the courtyard, his Tide Guard around him and a company of Driftmark Marines following behind. Watching her surroundings carefully, she stepped quickly into the escort of bluecloaks and stood beside Corlys.

While it was unlikely the Tyroshi were foolish enough to do anything with Dreamfyre so close, it was best to be cautious. Better safe than sorry… or dead. Viserra was wearing armor, like she had when she had flown against Morion Martell's fleet. Corlys had made her promise to not take unnecessary risks. Staying in her dragon's saddle when they were on the ground left her exposed to archers and Viserra was not going to let herself die stupidly because she was overconfident.

Protected by the shields and swords of their elite guard, and the great dragon by their side, the Lord and Lady of the Tides stood secure and safe. As safe as they could be in a battle at least.

At Corlys's order, their marines made to march in to secure the palace but before they could, the Archon of Tyrosh himself emerged. His hair and beard were dyed an extravagant deep blue and his robes were a rich Tyroshi purple. A platoon of Unsullied escorted him.

In a fit of rage and bravado, the Archon marched up to them. "What is the meaning of this unprovoked invasion Lord Velaryon?" he demanded, full of bravado.

Viserra did not like his tone. Dreamfyre roared and the Archon's mask shattered as he cowered. Even his Unsullied, said to have no fear, took a step back as the dragon continued to growl softly, dangerously.

Her husband spoke then. "There was an incident in the Stepstones. Ships flying the Tyroshi banner attacked my fleet's patrols. This outrage could not go unanswered."

The Archon protested, a sliver of courage in his voice once again. "Where is your evidence! I ordered no such attack! Even if what you claim is true, where was the complaint? Why did you not seek redress? It could have been settled diplomatically!"

"This is our redress," Viserra announced coldly. Her voice was low, a promise of retribution. If the Archon remained stubborn, perhaps a demonstration was in order?

"Dreamfyre!" she called. Her dragon obeyed, sensing her thoughts and will. The courtyard shook as she crawled forward, stalking up to the Archon. The back of her throat and maw glowed with azure flame.

"A word is all it would take," Viserra warned.

Terror filled the Archon's face, his eyes clouded in fear. All but whimpering, he turned to Corlys. "What are your terms Lord Velaryon?"

"Unconditional surrender. Of this city, this palace, and yourself, to me. Furthermore, you will order all your warships and soldiers on the continent to stand down and return home to surrender themselves to the custody of my fleet and my army," Corlys declared.

Despair and anger warred on the Archon's face before he grew resigned to his fate. "Tyrosh is yours my lord," he said before ordering his Unsullied to throw down their weapons.

Viserra looked to her husband, their eyes meeting briefly before he stepped forward to receive the Archon's surrender. Tyrosh was theirs. Now they had to hold it.

_____________________________________________

Ninth Moon, 90 AC

Aemon

 "Much has happened in Essos in the past moon," Lord Quentyn Qoherys, the Master of Whisperers said.

His father leaned forward, giving Lord Qoherys his full attention. The rest of the council was alert as well.

"As this council has been before informed, Lord Corlys and Princess Viserra have waged war on the Free City of Tyrosh, with the justification of an incident in the Tyroshi Straits near the Stepstones where supposedly, Tyroshi ships attacked Velaryon patrols.

"House Velaryon used infrastructure funded by the Crown in the Stepstones to supply their fleet and launch their retaliation. However, I have been informed by reliable sources that the Velaryons had been building up military preparations on the islands for well over a year, so the validity of their war against Tyrosh is also called into question.

"The Velaryons did not just stop at the city of Tyrosh, but pushed onto the mainland, securing the hinterlands of the city. They also destroyed or captured the Tyroshi fleet and army, alongside that of Lys and Myr. They actively aided Volantene forces as well, going out of their way to destroy Triarchy forces in the east away from Tyrosh. Princess Viserra and Dreamfyre have shed much blood the past moon."

"We have heard this all before Lord Qoherys," his mother said, annoyed by his stalling. "What new information do you have for us?"

"Of course my queen, I was merely recollecting, so that all present here would remember the context of the situation in the east, for a greater understanding of the direness of this new information."

Lord Quentyn looked to his father before continuing, "His Grace called this unscheduled meeting to discuss rumours that I brought to him. Rumours saying that Lord Corlys has declared himself Archon of Tyrosh. I am here to inform this council, that further investigation has verified these rumours. My informants in the city have confirmed them."

His mother looked stricken, as did Baelon. Aemon himself was angered. What were Viserra and Corlys doing? Was this their response to the whole mess with the governorate in the Stepstones? Because if so, they had chosen the worst possible response.

"Continue Lord Quentyn," his father ordered. Aemon could see a cool fury in his purple eyes, a rage he was barely restraining.

Ser Aurane, Corlys's brother and deputy as Master of Ships, was looking more and more nervous.

"The Archon of Tyrosh is elected from amongst a conclave of the city's wealthy and noble families. The Velaryons had this conclave remove the former Archon of Tyrosh from power, 'elect' Lord Corlys Archon in his stead, make the position hereditary, and then vote it absolute powers. I am told Princess Viserra's Dreamfyre was rather coincidentally in the room when the conclave voted.

"In effect, Lord Corlys Velaryon has become an independent ruler with absolute and hereditary control over the city of Tyrosh and its hinterlands. He has also enacted a series of sweeping reforms and other changes, the most notable of which is the abolition of slavery in Tyrosh and all its dominions. Another is the transfer of ownership of many of the Dye Guilds and other businesses to either the Velaryons, or local elites that are believed to have allied with them."

"There has also been a treaty signed in Tyrosh. This 'Treaty of Tyrosh' has the signatures of Lord Corlys himself, the Triarchs of Volantis, the Prince of Pentos, the deposed former Archon of Tyrosh, and the leaders of Myr and Lys. The treaty formally outlines all the territorial and political changes in the area.

"Lord Corlys has been formally recognized by all other signatories as the hereditary Archon of Tyrosh. All other signatories have also relinquished their claims on Tyrosh and its dominions, which now include lands which were disputed with Myr and Lys before the formation of the Triarchy.

"Volantis has annexed Lys and the remainder of the Disputed Lands, including all Myrish claims south of the River Myrllu. They have also annexed the Golden Fields north of the Lhorulu River which Myr had claimed. Pentos was given most of Myr's northern territories and Myr itself has effectively been made a vassal of Pentos and Volantis, both of which were given great economic and political concessions there."

"Is that all Lord Quentyn?" his father asked.

"For now Your Grace, but I am sure new developments will arise soon. I will continue reporting on them as they come to my knowledge."

"Thank you. Do you have any explanation for the actions of your house Ser Aurane?" Jaehaerys asked, finally turning his attention onto the Velaryon present.

In all the previous meetings, Aurane had successfully given excuses or deflected attention but there would be no such success this time.

"House Velaryon has only acted according to the laws of the realm Your Grace. A foreign power attacked us, we asked for leave to act and were given it. We were attacked, we retaliated," he said, staring meaningfully at his father. "That the Tyroshi conclave elected my brother as Archon was not our intention, but we had no reason to reject their generous offer."

"A likely story," his father said, his tone mocking and dangerous. "Tell your brother the next time you see him that he is no longer my Master of Ships or the Governor of the Stepstones. You may consider yourself dismissed from this council meeting Ser."

"May I ask the reason Your Grace?" Aurane asked, confused, though Aemon wondered if he truly did not know or was simply pretending.

"For abusing his positions to help him wage a foreign war without my leave. Perhaps your memory is faulty Ser Aurane, I gave my leave for your house to seek redress concerning the supposed attack on your ships. Not to conquer Tyrosh for personal gain! I care not one whit for the excuses and justifications and pretensions you have cloaked yourself in. Now get out of my city!"

Ser Ryam of the Kingsguard dragged Ser Aurane to his feet. The Velaryon brushed him off. "There will be no need for that Ser Redwyne, I know the way to the docks."

"Your Grace," he said to his father with a curt bow before he promptly walked out of the room.

Once Aurane had left, the mood in the room was dark. Most of the councilors did not know what to say while his father brooded on his seat in anger. His mother spoke finally, breaking the awkward silence.

"Did Ser Aurane speak truly? Has House Velaryon broken the King's Peace or not?" she asked.

Aemon was chosen as the Master of Laws for a reason. He had long studied the customs and laws of the realm in preparation for his eventual reign. It was a private ambition of his, to continue and surpass his father's work in unifying and codifying the law of the realm, much of which remained vague, unclear, and contradictory, despite his father's law code. This question was well inside his field of expertise.

"That is a difficult question to answer. In reference to his law of peace, Aegon the Conqueror once declared, 'The first law of the land shall be the King's Peace and any lord who goes to war without my leave shall be considered a rebel and an enemy to the Iron Throne.'

"This seems to imply that it refers to war in general, foreign and internal, but in the actual wording and context of the law itself, no reference is ever made to foreign wars beyond Westeros. The law has primarily always been used to maintain internal stability and prevent private war between the nobility, as existed before the Conquest.

"In terms of precedent, that too is mixed and confusing. Lord Rogar Baratheon asked permission of the King in 61 AC, to wage the Third Dornish War against the second Vulture King. This would indicate that foreign war requires the leave of the King, however in the decades since Lord Rogar's War, there has continued to be intermittent raiding on the Dornish border, between the Reach and Stormlands on one side and Dorne on the other. No leave is ever asked by the Marchers for this, nor has it ever been expected. There is also the matter of the ironmen who were forbidden to raid the shores of Westeros and instead reave foreign ships and lands. This too the Iron Throne usually turns a blind eye too, disavowing them to any complaints from the Essosi or Summer Islanders, but not taking action against them either."

"As for the Velaryons and the situation in Tyrosh, there is no precedent in the history of the realm since the Conquest for such an event. Before Aegon's Conquest, such a thing was disapproved of by many kings, but they could not outlaw it. It was considered a breach of the rights of the nobility. Aegon's own laws are not clear on it, and the precedents are confusing and contradictory. The only thing we can really conclude is that the Velaryons have broken the spirit of the law, if not its letter. Frankly the only person that can decide if they broke the King's Peace or not is the King himself," Aemon finished.

All eyes turned to his father then. A thousand emotions warred on his father's face. "If I declare that House Velaryon has broken the King's Peace… I will be branding my own daughter a traitor to the realm. She is an active accomplice in their actions, if not the main contributor."

Aemon's nerves grew taut and tense in anticipation. "Jaehaerys," his mother said. A warning? Or a plea?

His father gritted his teeth and clenched his fists before slamming them onto the table. "The Velaryons should consider themselves fortunate that I still value the bonds of kinship. That terrible proclamation shall be averted, so long as they do not continue to provoke the Iron Throne's wrath."

His mother and Baelon breathed loud sighs of relief. For his own part, Aemon felt immensely relieved as well. For all his anger at Viserra and Corlys, to declare them traitors and very possibly have to kill them would break his heart.

"Yet that does not mean I can let them go unpunished. This is a slight to House Targaryen, a challenge to our authority. We cannot allow our vassals to conquer foreign lands and make themselves independent rulers as they please," his father continued.

Aemon's voice was neutral. "One might argue that the revocation of the Stepstones and their removal from the Small Council is already punishment."

"It is not enough," his father barked. "That is the bare minimum for an overreach like this."

"What are you considering Your Grace?" Lord Martyn Tyrell inquired.

"I am not sure myself. Any proposals?"

"Is it necessary Father?" Baelon asked. "The Velaryons asked for the Crown's support in the conquest of the Stepstones. Can they really hold Tyrosh without our aid? The expense would be incredible. They may very well be forced to abandon Tyrosh within a few years and the embarrassment and humiliation from that would be punishment enough after the loss of the Stepstones and the Master of Ships."

Lady Florence shook her head. "House Velaryon is the richest house in the realm my prince. No matter how great the expense is, they are likely to be able to weather the storm."

"That's it!" his father exclaimed. "Lord Martyn, Lady Florence, I want a report by the next meeting on every option the Iron Throne has to cripple the finances of House Velaryon. Tariffs, tolls, taxes, trade policies, anything and everything you can think of. I also want it impressed on the Velaryons' allies, that any support given, monetarily or militarily, to their occupation of Tyrosh, will be met with the Iron Throne's displeasure. With the example we will make of the Velaryons, they will understand what we mean."

The Tyrells nodded at the King's command.

"Tariffs and trade policies are well within the Iron Throne's right, but would it be legal for the Crown to raise tolls and taxes on just one house if no crime or grievance has been officially committed?" Grand Maester Elysar asked.

"There should be many ways for the Iron Throne to punish and cripple the Velaryons that are well within the bounds of the law," his father said. "And if there aren't any, I will make it legal."

The Small Council stared at his father as he continued to speak. "I want the Velaryons broken and chastised for this outrage. Punished for this overreach! I want Corlys Velaryon on his knees before the Iron Throne, humbled and ruined! Begging for my mercy. Only then will I relent. Until that day comes, he and his are barred from this court."

It was beyond Aemon's ability to aid Viserra and Corlys now. Beyond his desire even. Though he did not have his father's fury, he was still angry at them. Their conquest of Tyrosh was foolish, reckless, and a complete insult and challenge to the authority of House Targaryen. How could their vassal dare to conquer a foreign land and proclaim themselves an independent ruler? They had inadvertently proven all of his father's fears, given weight to his justifications, and made themselves a threat like never before.

One day perhaps, when he was King and tempers had cooled, when the Velaryons had been humbled, he might reach out to them and reconcile. But now? There was nothing he could or would do. His father was going to do everything he could to ruin them, and Aemon would not protest.

You reap what you sow.