ADS 37

Chapter 37: The Isle of Faces

Disclaimer: This is a story based on ASOIAF Universe and all recognizable characters, plots belong to GRRM. I have no ownership to it.

Kingslanding

7th Moon, 101AC

Daemon Snow

I was lying in my bed, in my room at one of the higher-end inns in King's Landing. This had become one of my regular haunts during my stay in the city. I had just used my warg scouts in Harrenhal to verify the events unfolding there, and I was satisfied to see that the canon remained intact.

I closed my eyes—it was time to contact Cannibal. Unlike with lesser animals, connecting with him required complete focus. It took some effort, but I finally reached the closed-off mind.

'Cannibal,' I called out.

As usual, the reply was instant.

'Daemon. Is it finally time for the ritual?'

'It is,' I said. 'The night choosen is a full moon, and it's the seventh day of the seventh moon. Gael turns twenty-one, and there will be three participants in the ritual. It's the gods' blessing that all the numerical elements have aligned.'

Still, now that the time was near, I often wondered—how the fuck did it all come together so perfectly. Even if one aspect was not there I could convince myself not to do this ritual, but the opportunity was so perfect that I couldn't risk not going through it. Not in this death world.

'I sense hesitation in you, Daemon. Unlike before', Cannibal noted, his tone filled with complete indifference.

'I have a question—why now?' I asked. 'Why not wait until the natural end of Gael's life and perform the ritual then? Even though twenty-one is the ideal age, the magical strength she'll gain as she grows could compensate.'

'Fool.' His reply was a snarl. 'This kind of idiocy is why Valyria is no more. The ritual demands the sacrifice of her love and the time she wants to spend with you. That's what fuels it—so that Fenrir and I can spend our entire lives with you. Your power-sharing ability is what grants us our immortality through the soul bond. If you wait until Gael's life ends naturally, then there's nothing left to sacrifice.'

'That... surprisingly makes sense,' I said, feeling a stab of sorrow. 'I'll contact you when it's time. Be ready.'

I ended the link and opened my eyes. There was no point expecting empathy from Cannibal. I needed to be alone to prepare myself for what I had to do.

I opened my eyes to the familiar sight of the pristine stone ceiling in Gael's chamber. Gael was lying with her head in my chest. Seeing the sight, something tightened in my chest as the day I had to kill her neared.

Today was the announcement of the Great Council's victor—Prince Viserys. I needed to act soon, to take Gael with me.

Fortunately for me, Alysanne was bedridden due to old age and the latest argument before the Great Council with the king. It amused me very much that, unlike canon, Alysanne survived till now—indirectly due to my meddling and Gael's continued survival. Since Alysanne is bedridden, it would give me almost a day's lead before the fact that Gael is missing would be discovered in the Red Keep.

"Gael," I called lightly, while shaking her slightly with the hand wrapped around her.

After some more prodding, Gael finally awoke and greeted me with a smile.

"Love, it is time," I said with a gentle smile.

For a moment, Gael looked confused, but then gave me the brightest smile. The smile turned into an excited grin, and she hugged me tightly.

"Finally, it is time," Gael exclaimed. "Now, how is it to be done? What shall I do?"

I chuckled softly before shaking my head.

"You have to do nothing, Gael. I will prepare everything. Today the results of the Great Council will be announced, and after that, the lords and your father will be on the road. We will move on the day they start their journey and travel to the Isle of Faces for our marriage. I give them 3–4 days before they leave Harrenhal."

Gael looked surprised.

"Isn't that dangerous? Many lords, and even my father, will be on the roads—even though he will be in a carriage now. By the time we meet on the road, the ravens would have flown."

I just smiled mysteriously, as I had decided to go on Cannibal's back.

"Oh dear Gael, don't worry. I have already arranged transport. Now I just want to collect the generous dowry that your father, the king, would have given for your hand," I said smugly.

Gael laughed initially, but seeing my smugness, she asked,

"Daemon, what are you planning? By Balerion, I swear if you get caught because of your arrogance and ruin my chance to escape, I will kill you."

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the irony of the statement, considering my own plan. I ignored the hard truth and laughed.

"That would be comic gold—you trying to kill me and failing repeatedly. Anyway, don't worry. I'll get my dowry in the form of three dragon eggs without anyone knowing, at least for a week."

"Dragon eggs?" Gael asked with a frown. "Even you would be overwhelmed by others, Daemon, during the time they take to grow before you can claim one of them."

"Well, who said they're for me?" I asked smugly. "Why would I need dragonlings when I already have my own dragon—who, by the way, will be our ride to the God's Eye?"

For a moment, Gael was struck silent in sheer shock, and then a yell of "What?!" echoed around the room.

I shrugged nonchalantly.

"So, back five years ago—I was bored, and I thought Dragonstone was a nice vacation spot. I saw Cannibal flying there. Then a thought hit me—why shouldn't I have a dragon of my own? And thus, I tamed Cannibal," I finished with a mocking grin.

It took some time for Gael to come out of the stupor.

"Daemon, I don't know what to say. You successfully kept the secret that you tamed Cannibal for five years? How did you manage that?"

"Well, it wasn't easy, let me tell you that. The control I needed not to fly during the daytime just to see the world was legendary, in my opinion. The only thing that made it possible is that Cannibal's mountain is abandoned on Dragonstone—that gave me privacy. Also, my abilities allowed us to fly higher than any other dragonriders."

Gael nodded.

"That is your plan of travel to the God's Eye then. I shall be ready when you come for me, Daemon," Gael said while hugging me tighter.

I just smiled and hugged her back, while smothering a small pang of guilt.

I grinned as I saw the sheer shock on Gael's face, seeing me petting Cannibal. It was the day of the elopement, and I had sneaked Gael out of the Red Keep and later, after some disguises, just walked out of King's Landing.

We met Cannibal near Kingswood, by the shore. It was nighttime by the time we reached there.

"Daemon, it's just surprising to see this—even with your boasting. You know I've heard so many horror stories about Cannibal when I was on Dragonstone, and yet here I see you petting it like any other dragon," Gael said in wonder.

I immediately had to calm down Cannibal, as she felt insulted by the comparison to "any other dragon."

"Dear, please don't compare her to any others. I just had to use my entire will to stop her from killing you now. She understands Common Tongue very well, not just Valyrian."

Gael's eyes widened at that, and she looked at Cannibal with some embarrassment.

I smirked at the sight, but it was time to fly. Gael looked at me like I was a madman as I explained my plan of flying to the God's Eye at night with no saddle and on Cannibal's rough scales.

"Do you want to kill me, Daemon? It's insane to fly without a saddle even during the day—and you want to do it at night?" Gael exclaimed.

The question hit me hard, but I managed to keep my grin.

"Believe me, Gael, I don't want you falling from dragonback. Don't worry—I'll use ropes for safety, and I'll even bind you to me with them. You can sit in front of me, and I'll make sure you don't fall off, by holding you"

"Don't think I didn't realize this is just an excuse to grope me, you pervert."

I just shrugged while grinning.

The Isle of Faces

We landed on one of the shores near the lake. Even Cannibal appeared a little miffed by the eerie atmosphere of the island. I had to scout the island personally weeks ago, as even my warging was blocked here. The entire fandom was full of tales of green men, and I'd enjoyed those stories in my last life. I searched for them, but I couldn't find any—or even signs of their presence—on the island. Even my discount mage sight could only see the trees glowing with bright light, showing that magic filled the very air of the isle.

I had chosen the ritual site near the center of the island, where a large clearing allowed even Cannibal to lounge. I liked the simplicity of the ritual as it needed only blood and the sacrifice.

My animal scouts outside the God's Eye lake nudged my mind, and an image of Aethan trying to cross the lake appeared in my mind.

Old friend, I don't want you witnessing this, I thought with sadness, but was immediately interrupted by a shout of alarm from Gael and her leaping to hide behind me. I could feel the sudden mirth from two of my bonds, and I saw the green eyes of my direwolf, Fenrir, approaching through the trees. I couldn't even mock Gael, as any sane person would be terrified at his appearance.

"Gael, don't be afraid. Didn't I already tell you about my direwolf pup I went beyond the Wall to find?"

Gael quickly composed herself and swallowed her embarrassment.

"You did, but you never explained it was this big or its colors."

"Come," I said and tugged her hand. "I'll show you, the size is all for show. He'll be a little pup again if you do this."

I walked toward my oldest companion and petted him on the neck. Fenrir had to lie down for me to reach his ears easily. Gael hesitated for a second, then came forward and petted him.

"He's so soft," Gael whispered as she used both hands to stroke his fur.

I immediately felt Fenrir's approval of Gael—and a question: whether he could keep her. I sent him a mental wave of helplessness in response.

I could also feel indifference—and even a little excitement—from my other bond: Cannibal.

"Daemon, you must start writing the symbols," Cannibal's voice entered my mind.

I nodded. It would take two days to paint the symbols—not because they were long, but because they had to be painted at mid-noon, midnight, and mid-noon again. The ritual itself would be performed at midnight on the second day.

Two days later

Near Midnight.

I spent the last two days in another part of the island, sneaking into the clearing at the center only when it was time to paint the symbol with my blood. Even with my distracted mind, I could sense that Gael was feeling unwell and down that day.

It started with small things. The happiness in her eyes slowly faded into melancholy. Her laughter at my jokes turned into polite chuckles. The only thing that brought out a genuine smile was when Fenrir tackled me from behind and spun around to lick my face when I praised him.

"Daemon, it is time."

Cannibal's hard voice echoed in my mind. Midnight was approaching.

"I know, Cannibal."

I couldn't help but wonder why, even now, I could feel only cold indifference from him. I knew he loved me, and I could feel the strength of our bond—but there was nothing for Gael. Fenrir had liked her instantly because I did. Why couldn't Cannibal feel even a hint of sorrow for what we were about to do?

"Is there any other way to secure what we want? I asked one last time. I don't care if I have to cause another Doom or burn an entire Free City to ash."

"No."

The answer came instantly.

"There is no other path, Daemon. You always have a choice. You can always walk away and be alone forever—which I do not recommend, based on my own existence." Cannibal's response carried a chilling finality.

"Well then, let's get to it."

I had escorted Gael to the clearing by saying I found the center of the island, surrounded by the largest weirwood trees I had ever seen. She showed some curiosity and excitement at the sight, but it was muted. Still, she came with me without any fuss.

I saw her eyes widen in wonder as we finally entered the clearing and saw the heart trees. The faces carved into the trunks bore different expressions, and for the first time, I felt disapproval emanating from them as I entered. All this time, I had felt nothing from the old gods. But now, I could sense their rejection of the sacrifice I was about to make.

As usual, I ignored the supposed will of beings who don't truly care about lesser creatures.

We were walking side by side when we entered, and I was so distracted by my thoughts of the old gods that I didn't realize Gael had stopped walking ten steps behind me.

I stopped and turned around, seeing a sad expression on her face. She was staring at me, and I felt as if I was being judged—my secrets exposed.

"Is that it, Daemon?" Gael finally asked, her voice cold.

"Is what it?" I replied, trying to maintain my usual smirk, though I failed miserably.

"Are you going to kill me without even telling me why?" she asked, and the sheer indifference in her voice felt like a slap.

My mind went into overdrive trying to figure out how she found out. Nothing came up, and the only explanation I could think of was magic. I tried to expand my empathy and warg presence to read Gael, but the Isle blocked me.

I wanted to deny it, but I couldn't voice the words. I sighed in defeat and nodded.

"There's no explanation that justifies this, Gael—at least not to you. I could weave a poetic tale to make you understand, but ultimately, this is pure selfishness on my part. I need a sacrifice to power a ritual, and you are that sacrifice. The powerful take what they want, and the weak suffer. That's the harsh truth of the world. I embraced it long ago."

Gael remained silent for several minutes before she finally nodded.

"At least you're honest about it. Come now, let's get it over with. Where do you want me to stand?"

And for the first time in this life, I was shocked beyond anything I had experienced. My mouth opened in disbelief, and only a mental nudge from Cannibal snapped me out of it.

Swallowing my sorrow, I pointed to the center of the clearing where I had drawn a circle with my blood. Gael walked over and stood in it, offering me a small, welcoming smile.

I closed my eyes, inhaled deeply, and opened them as I regained the will to go through with it. I took the dragonglass knife from my pocket and walked toward the center. Gael's smile was calm, her eyes full of love.

I was only a hand's distance from her when I noticed my hand holding the knife was trembling. I stood there, staring into her eyes, hands still slightly shaking.

I shook my head to clear the hesitation and pulled my arm back, ready to stab her in the heart. Maybe this was my punishment for mocking Jon Snow so much for killing Dany in the end. Here I was, reenacting something similar. But unlike him, I would gain something much more from it.

I was halfway through the motion when a vision of Aethan and our last meeting was forced into my mind from the outside.

'I don't see how a beast oozing that much malice could ever feel the things you just said, Daemon. Anyway, please be careful and thoughtful about whatever you do. This world is not ready to lose you yet, my dear friend.'

'Your warning is noted, friend. I will be wary in my dealings.'

My knife was nearly at her chest when my hand stopped. My mouth moved on its own.

"Why?"

Gael's eyes widened in surprise, and her hands trembled at seeing the knife so close. She swallowed several times before a smile returned to her face.

"I'm glad you asked. Daemon, there is no specific reason. The truth is, I love you. And what is love, if not the willingness to sacrifice everything for it? If you really want to know—the first day you sang for me, I knew you were going to kill me. I was always the useless Gael no one cared about, except for being the daughter of a king. I knew you were using me. I knew you were my nephew. I dreamt of it. I dreamt the change you brought by replacing the filthy bard who cheated on me. I knew you were feeding me your blood to heal my mind and body. As I recovered, I saw you clearly, and I loved you. Why shouldn't I? No one else has ever loved me for me. My mother saw me as a replacement for my sisters. She would've killed my child and me with moon tea. My father and my mother denied me—first Viserys, then Daemon, then every man who proposed to marry me. So why shouldn't I be willing, when one member of my family saw me, even if just to use me? You gave me the greatest days of my life, Daemon. I was never meant to see 100 AC, but you made it possible. Let me return the favor. If your greatest days come from sacrificing me, then so be it. I will do it out of love and respect I have for you, nephew."

I was struck numb by that and I felt my eyes watering slightly. My own muted empathetic sense was back suddenly and I could feel the sheer love she has for me. It was something that I haven't felt since my grandfather died. The only other being who would do so for me is Fenrir and I wouldn't sacrifice him for anything in this world. I know the other persons who love me, but I don't see them sacrificing for me like Gael or Fenrir or my grandfather.

And finally, My iron tight control over my emotions broke for the second time in this life. But unlike before it was not due to Rage and Sadness. It was because of Love and Happiness.

"Oh, for Doom's sake, stab her and let it be done. I can't stand here watching you be so silly and soft." Cannibal's harsh voice snarled in my mind.

My anger rose and my mind lashed out through the bond with Cannibal. Maybe it was due to the place being Isle of Faces or maybe my own emotional state was empowering me or maybe it was finally my own power learning enough and the growth over the years, my mental attack lashed through the defence of Cannibal's mind and I was in his thoughts.

The first thing that hit me was the sheer glee Cannibal was feeling as he watched me standing there with a knife to Gael's heart. The indifference he had been projecting was nowhere to be found. I was stunned—and immediately, I was thrown out of her mind.

I expected anger, cursing, or sadness from Cannibal, but there was nothing. No feeling at all in response to what I had almost done.

By now, I could feel wetness on my face from the tears that had already fallen. I was snapped out of my thoughts by a harsh slap across the face—from Gael.

"Daemon, if you're going to kill me, then do it now. Don't make my heart stop by just standing there with the knife while bleeding from your eyes like the heart trees."

I looked down. The knife was still lightly pressing against her chest, and my thoughts kicked into overdrive again. After a few seconds, I made my decision.

"No. I'm not going to sacrifice you. You don't deserve such a fate after showing me so much love. If I am to be alone centuries from now, then so be it. I'll deal with it then—but it will not be today."

Gael squeaked in surprise, slapped the knife from my hand, and hugged me tightly. Approval and happiness surged into my mind from Fenrir.

"Daemon, are you sure about this?" Cannibal asked immediately in my mind. But unlike before, I couldn't feel him inside it. We could still communicate, but the overwhelming power imbalance was gone. My own mental defenses had grown strong enough to keep him from snooping in uninvited.

"Yes. I'm more certain about this than anything else, Cannibal. I will not betray someone who loves me this deeply. I'd rather cherish her memory centuries from now than spend those years in sadness with you and Fenrir."

"Also—why were you so happy to see me go through with it? Were you trying to trap me? Or was it some kind of test—like those evil dragons from the old tales?" I added, a touch of mirth in my voice. But my muscles had already tensed as my enhanced mind processed the chain of events as said the words.

Cannibal bonding- convenient ritual- casual interest to enact it- indifference projection while feeling so much glee- Aethan's warning.

My hands tightened protectively around Gael's waist as Fenrir jumped in front of us, shielding us with his massive body. A deep growl rumbled from his throat, so fierce that even I felt a chill down my spine.

"You don't have to be wary anymore, Daemon," Cannibal hissed. "The danger has passed. And I approve." There was a finality in which he said the last sentence.

Instantly, I could feel our connection deepening further and I was inside the mind of Cannibal and he was inside mine. But this time, it was different. Every other warg bond I'd made, except for Fenrir's, was forced on lesser beasts. Cannibal had always held the upper hand—until now.

Now, we were equals. Both of us could choose to sever the bond temporarily if we wanted. We could suppress our own memories, block thoughts from bleeding out. There was nothing the other could do to override it.

Warily, I probed deeper, trying to uncover the truth. My eyes widened in fear.

"This was a fake ritual. You wanted to kill me—to usurp my abilities," I said flatly.

There was no hint of shame or regret in Cannibal's answer.

"Yes. This was a test, Daemon. A test to see whether you were worthy of being my bonded—or if you were just my shortcut to power. If you could betray someone who loved you that deeply, so easily, what would stop you from betraying me later? It would have allowed me to break the first-level Pact of Fire we made."

I was speechless, trying to process it.

"How? What? How...?" I sputtered.

"The 'how' is simple enough, Daemon. It answers all your lingering questions. I am a direct descendant of an Elder Dragon. One of the beings this world once worshipped as the Fourteen Valyrian Gods. I am one-quarter Elder Dragon. So was the Black Shadow, though we came from different lines. If you had succeeded in killing your beloved, I could have broken the pact without consequences. You would be the sacrifice then and Your power would have been mine, allowing me to easily grow strong enough to rival a half-Elder Dragon."

His voice carried admiration and longing as he spoke of the Elder Dragons.

The only reason I didn't try to break the bond or escape is I could literally see and feel the emotions of cannibal like an open book now. Before the only thing I could feel from cannibal was love and care for me, but now I could feel everything, just like I could from Fenrir.

"So, you're a quarter Elder Dragon. But how were you still so willful while Balerion obeyed his riders? He even killed another dragon—Quicksilver," I asked.

Cannibal just laughed. "You think Balerion wasn't willful? He was like all of us. It took immense willpower to keep him in line. And do you really think it was that foolish girl's wish to fly into the cursed lands of our ancestors? No, Daemon. It was Balerion who kidnapped her to Valyria—to see if she could open sealed doors with her blood."

I was morbidly amused and wondered what had happened in those cursed lands.

"So the Elder Dragons are still alive—just somewhere else?" I asked.

"Yes," Cannibal replied. "The foolish blood sorcerers—just remnants of old flings between Elder Dragons and humans when we they took mortal form—believed they could sacrifice the Gods themselves to steal their power. An Elder Dragon's fury is a disaster. Fourteen at once? That was the Doom. After the Doom, only I and the Black Shadow remained, the most powerful of our kind. We made a pact to share the volcanic islands, which reminded us of the Fourteen Flames."

I was grateful that our thoughts moved so fast. Even now, Gael had only just realized how tightly I was holding her and that Fenrir had jumped in front of us.

I ignored that for now, focusing on more urgent matters—Cannibal, and how close I had come to death today. I no longer harbored any optimism about surviving a surprise attack from him. Cannibal knew my weaknesses now. If he struck, it would be to kill. And I would have died today.

"Cannibal, what's stopping me from just ignoring you forever and trying to break our bond every day? I know I'll manage it eventually, even if it is the second level Pact of Fire, as you called it."

"As I said, Daemon, you have nothing to fear from me anymore. That foolish girl should've initiated a second-level Pact of Fire before climbing onto the Black Shadow. The magic won't even allow us to harm each other—it actively encourages cooperation. Just like now, I'm compelled to share the true Ritual of Soul Bond with you. There's a reason I told you to bring three dragon eggs. If you had managed to pass my test, then we could go through the actual ritual."

I scoffed. "You think I'd trust you and go through with this, right after you tried to trap me?"

Cannibal looked nonchalant, but I could feel the frustration radiating from him.

"Well, the ritual involves your mate too. You'll have to explain it to her and ask for her opinion—but hurry. The window to perform it is closing," Cannibal finished, and the full ritual showed to me in my mind.

I analyzed the memories he showed me. It was indeed the correct ritual. Even so, I decided to explain the situation to Gael and ask her what she thought.

"So let me get this straight," Gael said. "Cannibal here is a quarter Elder Dragon. He tested you by giving a fake ritual before handing over the real one, which now involves sacrificing three dragon eggs and my virginity as the binding to form a soul bond between me, you, Fenrir and Cannibal. This bond ensures we will be alive as long as you are alive. Even then we will all heal faster because you can share vitality along the bond and because your own ability. And now you want my opinion on whether Cannibal is telling the truth or not?"

​

"Aye," I replied without any humor. "I can feel that Cannibal's being honest, but I wanted to ask you first because you'll be directly affected. Any dragon you bond with in the future will die and won't be ageless like us. Any children we have will age and die, even if they live long lives. I haven't had time to go through all of Cannibal's memories to see if there's a way around this."

Gael thought for a moment before replying. "I think it's safe to proceed. This isn't a trap or a test—without this, even Cannibal will remain mortal." Her voice faltered a bit when she spoke his name.

I nodded in agreement. "Cannibal, Gael is ready. Let's do it. Also, I've looked through your true name as you told me on the first day, but it no longer matters. I've decided to name you Morghul—it means 'death'—to remind myself how close I came to dying because of my arrogance and selfishness."

"Name me whatever you want," Morghul replied quickly. "Now draw the symbols and place the dragon eggs. Let's begin."

Hours Later

I stood at the distant shore, watching Aethan as he tried to warg into his birds to cross into the Isle of Faces. The ritual had ended an hour ago. Gael was asleep, resting deeply atop Fenrir, who acted as her bed. The ritual, and our coupling, had exhausted her completely.

"Thanks, Aethan," I whispered. As always, it was your words that helped me when I needed them most. I was certain his warning was what kept me from falling into Morghul's trap—and being killed by him afterward.

I closed my mind to examine the state of my bonds. I could feel the increased strain in my body as energy was drained from me to both Fenrir and Morghul. And now, slowly, a new connection was forming—with Gael. Her mind brushed mine, faint but growing.

I opened my eyes as I sensed Cannibal—no, Morghul—returning from his flight.

"Daemon," Morghul said, "you'll need to take it slow for the next moon's turn. Your abilities need to grow again to support all three of us. Without your adaptation aspect, the ritual would've failed. And don't bother checking for betrayal anymore. The words of the Soul Bond won't allow it."

I nodded. He was right. The oath spoken by me, Gael, and Morghul bound us too tightly for betrayal.

"Morghul, are you ready to venture into Essos?" I asked.

"All lands under the sky are the same to me, Daemon," he replied casually. "We can go wherever you wish. I'm tired of staying in one place."

"Good. I plan to travel soon. But first, a few things need to be done. I need to marry Gael, and then I must meet my grandfather. If I don't, he might not be alive when we return. I just need to satisfy my curiosity."

Morghul didn't reply, but I felt his acknowledgment.

Peering through Fenrir's senses, I saw that Gael was still fast asleep. She wouldn't wake for at least another hour. That gave me just enough time to bring my friend here—to officiate the marriage.

"Well, that's a long story—and there's no time for it now, Aethan. Come with me. I need an official to conduct my wedding to Princess Gael."

Aethan was struck speechless, left gaping with his mouth wide open.

I grinned smugly. I always enjoyed catching him off guard. Without Aethan, I wouldn't be here. No one else deserved to officiate the wedding more than him.

He finally nodded, still stunned, and looked toward the lake, clearly wondering how we'd cross it.

"Well, this is your golden opportunity, my brother," I said with a smirk.

Just then, Morghul's enormous form erupted from the far side of the lake. With a single leap and a beat of his wings, he glided across and landed beside us. Aethan's jaw dropped even further.

"Daemon, what happened here? I can't feel the dragon's malice anymore. You both... you've changed."

I grimaced. "Some things are better left unknown, my friend. Just know the world owes you a debt for being my friend—and I owe you even more. You can ask me for almost anything, and I'll deliver it."

Aethan bowed his head. "There's nothing I need right now, Daemon. You're my brother in all but blood, and more than that, a man of Winterfell. I'm proud to follow and serve you. Since your blessing, no one in the Neck has died of disease or poison—even in winter. I can't ask for more."

"Well, if you want nothing now, keep it in mind and ask later," I said with a shrug. "Now come, let's cross the lake. I'll tell you the story of the bard and the princess."

Aethan nodded happily, grinning teasingly at me, imagining the tale of seducing a princess even while disguised as a bard. That grin lasted right up until he realized he had to climb onto Morghul's back.

Then it was my turn to laugh loudly.

Authors Note: Now, you readers can decide whether gael forsee this fully or she gambled with what she knew. Was daemon honeypotted from the beginning or was it just luck that made gael stay alive and get rewarded so heavily… entire time from start of the story the plan was this. Daemon going to sacrifice gael, but then backing out because of her love and him getting some more character development in caring for others….

The only thing added later as I was writing chapter 32 was cannibal's trap/test attempt and it nicely added to my planned dragonlore was just cherry on the top.

Chapter 38 : The King and the Bastard. 

 the long expected meeting between grandson and the King.... something that i actually wrote the first thing in this fic and building up to this in last 37 chapters and over 150k words... .. though had to add so many things in chp38 unlike chap 39/40 and 41 where majority of it was already written and only some additions were needed... 

Read, commend and Recommend !!!!!!!! 

To read ahead 4 chapters: My Patreon : search for black wolf

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