Chapter 43: Summer Dragon

Prince Viserys Targaryen

Winter, a time when the common folk prayed for spring, and food became a treasure not a commodity. Winter, a time when the game of thrones truly came to life, as the lords both great and minor came to court to petition the king. The first few years that he had been at court, Viserys had watched intrigued by how his older brother King Valarr handled all the people who came to speak with him and those who sought some sort of favour. His brother handled them admirably well, Viserys had to admit. Where there was a need for it, Valarr would offer soothing reassurances and would often bring the matter up in front of the council were it a pressing one, if it was some dispute about land or crops Valarr would announce his decision almost immediately, and more of than not those who had brought the issue before him would go away happier than they had been when coming.

His brother was superb at that, and Viserys knew that the smallfolk loved his brother, he heard in the way they all bowed their heads more reverently than they had bowed their heads for even Viserys' father. The singers often sung of Valarr's bravery and his good patience with a realm that had been beleaguered by wars started by power hungry nobles who did not know their place. Viserys knew the singers and the small folk loved his brother, as well as Aegon and himself, as well as their children. It was an odd feeling for Viserys, after the Dance of Dragons, he had spent most of his time on the Driftmark coming to King's Landing when he had come of age and then staying there when he had wed Aleana.

That was how he had seen court politics, he knew the games the nobles of court played even if his brothers did not. Aegon had no time for the games, having adopted his wife's words for his own. Valarr himself was far too intimidating for anyone to truly try and undermine, especially now. Viserys however, oh they had underestimated Viserys, most of the nobles of the court had only seen a green boy, someone who had been too young to fight in the Dance, and someone who the King did not regard highly enough to wed to a noble lady other than his sister. They did not know that Viserys had been watching and learning from the moment he had come to court, seeing what the lords and ladies motives were, learning how to take advantage of that, and use it to further both his own gains as well as those of his family's.

Viserys had been taught the game by a master of it, Lord Corlys Velaryon the former lord of the Driftmark; he had been taught how to read between the lines of what people said, to find the hidden meanings in what they did not say. For instance, he knew that when Lord Simon Toyne had spoken up during a small council session when Valarr had been talking about the rebuilding of Gulltown castle, and had said that the royal treasury could not afford such a heavy burden and that it would be better for them to take a loan from the Iron Bank, Viserys knew that the man was lying through his teeth, his sources in the treasury knew that the coffers were full to bursting, but Toyne was hoping to siphon of some of that wealth to pay for his own debts. Viserys had brought the proof to his brothers and together they had worked to have Toyne removed, Cregan Stark had been summoned from Winterfell to serve as master of coin, and so far had been doing a good job.

Viserys also knew of the rumours that were floating around about Princess Jaehara, Lord Larys had his sources, and Viserys had his, men who were boyhood companions of his growing up in King's Landing whom he had 'distanced' himself from after returning to court. They told him that someone was putting herbs into the Princesses drink to make sure she could not conceive, who it was though Viserys was still not sure, yet he was determined to find out, it would not do to have Matarys ascend the throne without an heir of his own body. Valarr's second son Orys had joined the Kingsguard some three years ago when the Queen Sylvia had died from fever. Jacaerys was still a lad, and Laenor was Lord of Storm's End. No Viserys needed to find out whom it was who was killing the chance for Matarys to sire an heir with the admittedly lack witted Princess.

This was why he was meeting with one of his sources now, in the bowels of the Dragon Pit; it had fallen to him to take up the duty for the week. His source was dressed in a plain black doublet, for all accounts, with the snow and the dragons above, no one could chance to hear them, still Viserys knew to be careful. "What news do you have for me?" he asked quietly.

The man was silent for a moment before he said. "The princess is with child my prince. But her maids conspire to remove this one as well."

Viserys cursed under his breath and somewhere above he heard his dragon Silverbeam let loose a low pitched growl. "From where did these maids come from?" Viserys had told his brother to dismiss the princesses last set of maids, they had come from some noble house in the Reach who wished for their daughter to be Queen, the King had complied, and it was rumoured the maids had been fed to Vermithor.

The man seemed hesitant but spoke anyway. "From House Stonefyre my prince."

Now Viserys was truly shocked, why would Aunt Heleana try to harm her own daughter? "How sure are you of this?" He asked trying to keep the surprise from his voice.

"Very my prince. My lady heard the maids discussing the tea the princess drinks in the evening, and how they had orders to mix it up." The man replied.

Viserys cursed once more. "That is circumstantial, I need more evidence. Get your lady in to serve the princess instead. And I will want names.

The man ducked his head. "Yes my prince."

"Good," Viserys said. "Now go, we shall meet in two days time." With that he waited for the man to leave, before speaking into the silence. "You can come out now. I know you're there." And sure enough a little boy, no older than Lord Laenor's own son five year old Mychel came out of the shadows and stood before Viserys shaking with fear. Viserys sighed. "Whom do you serve boy?" The boy continued shaking and did not answer. Viserys sighed once more. "Do you work for Lord Strong? Or for Ser Lannister?"

At the mention of Lannister's name the boy shook with fear, and his head slowly moved forward in confirmation. Viserys sighed. "Very well, you will not tell him what you heard here, and I will not inform your mother that you were spying on me is that understood." The boy nodded and then ran away. Viserys remained where he was for a few moments, trying to figure out he was going to explain to his brother, that their aunt was trying to remove a child from Jaehara womb? He himself did not fully believe it thinking it might have something more to do with Ser Bryce Lannister more than anything, that man was far too ambitious by half.

The days rolled by, and winter continued, there was more for Viserys to do before the council next met, and he planned to have all of it done by then. He met with his source once more, and found out that the maids had been dealt with- he did not ask how, nor did he want to know- and that the Princess had drunk the tea that she normally did, hence meaning that with any sort of luck, her womb would quicken and a child would be on the way soon. Viserys also returned to Summerhall briefly- the seat Valarr had give him upon his marriage to Aleana, it was on the border between the Stormlands, Dorne and the Reach, and Valarr had told him on the day the castle had been completed. "Should Dorne try to attack any of the kingdoms, you shall be the first bastion of defence Viserys, the defender of the old gods." And Viserys had worked hard to make sure he never let his brother down, the castle was strongly garrisoned, the men always alert and ready for any potential battle. His wife, was as beautiful to him now as she had been on the day of their wedding so many years ago, Aemon and Naerys were the same delightful children they always were, and he was mightily impressed by Aemon's swordsmanship. Aegon though, Viserys found Aegon a large disappointment. The boy was fourteen and yet seemed not to care about anything other than drinking and trying to charm women. Frankly Viserys could not understand how such a child could be his or Aleana's.

His visit to Summerhall lasted two weeks, in which time a raven arrived from the Citadel announcing that winter would soon end, the stars the letter said pointed to it ending in a week or two. Good news as far as Viserys was concerned for it meant that the crops around Summerhall would grow and prosper as they would around the land, meaning a decline in lawlessness and more peace, enabling him time to prepare to speak with his brothers. He arrived back in King's Landing the day the snows on the ground began to melt, greeted by Ser Tom Costayne of the Kingsguard, a rather solemn man who greets him formally. "My prince, welcome back to King's Landing. The king requests your presence in the small council chamber at once." Viserys nods, whatever it is that has Valarr summoning him must be important.

As such when he enters the chamber, he finds both his brothers sat close by discussing something of grave importance if the looks on their faces are anything to go by, whilst Grand Maester Godrick speaks with Lord Cregan Stark both with grave expressions on their own two faces. Viserys clears his throat and they all look up. "Ah brother, come join us. Sorry for summoning you now at such short notice, especially when you have just returned. But there are some things that require all of our attentions."

"Not a problem Your Grace," Viserys says. "After all it is my duty to obey." He sits down in the seat next to Lord Cregan Stark and waits for his brother to begin speaking.

Valarr is silent for a moment and then he speaks in one great measured tone. "A raven arrived from Volantis today. As you all know King Baelon Volcarys has died, and his son Aenar has ascended the throne alongside his sister Rhaenys. The boy writes that he hopes to continue the good relationship that our two kingdoms have established, and he also wonders if we would give him some sort of aid, should he look to conquer Bravos and Lorath in the coming years. I would hear your views on this matter my lords."

Aegon is the first to speak, as Viserys knew he would be. "I believe such a move now, after the peace has finally been established would be a risky move. Though the throne is not in debt to the Iron Bank, it would not do to alienate them so thoroughly by siding with Volcarys in his attempt to complete Valyria."

Lord Cregan Stark speaks then. "I agree with Prince Aegon Your Grace. Westeros has done more than enough to help secure House Volcarys' control over Valyria for the time being. Our men will want to remain at home for now, for the citadel reports that spring shall soon be upon us. Let Aenar Volcarys conquer Bravos and Lorath on his own."

Maester Godrick concurs with both Aegon and Lord Stark. "I too believe that we should stay out of this Your Grace. We have given as much aid as we can to House Volcarys. Now is the time for Westeros to have lasting peace. Spring is coming sure enough, and the people will grow weary of fighting."

Both Lord Larys and Prince Matarys agree, and then Valarr turns to look at Ser Bryce Lannister, whom Viserys notes has a snarl on his face and a displeased look to him. Ser Bryce, a blustering oaf of a man, who always harps on about the royal fleet. "I believe we should help House Volcarys Your Grace. House Targaryen and House Volcarys are allies; would it not be frowned upon to not assist the son, where we once helped the father?"

Viserys snorts then and when all turn to look at him, he says calmly. "Of course you would say such a thing Ser Bryce. Since I have been on the council, you have always demanded that the royal fleet be put into action, even in causes such as this that would not serve Westeros any purpose. I say we leave Aenar to his own devices and continue working for our own good."

Viserys sees his brother smile slightly, and then he hears confirmation in his brother's words when the king says. "Very well then. Maester Godrick, write to Aenar Volcarys and tell him that we shall not be aiding him, not for lack of wanting to, but because the spring is approaching, and war has had its due already in Westeros."

After that the meeting returns to discussing the various things that Valarr deems of import, the rebuilding of Gulltown castle, which according to Aegon is coming along quite well, discussions over whom will be given the seat of Gulltown once the castle is rebuilt, this leads to a heavy argument, when eventually the king decides that the Arryns of Gulltown- lesser cousins of the main line- for their loyalty shall be rewarded with the lordship of the city. And so it goes, meetings are held and things are discussed for the next few moons, until late one night just as the New Year is dawning and Valarr summons the small council to inform them that Lorath and Ibben had fallen to Aenar Volcarys. "The boy sought to bring Bravos to heal but his wife and mother counselled him against it." Valarr says, and soon enough the talk of the court is of how House Volcarys are slowly rebuilding an ancient empire, and how they wonder what will happen when the King dies, and his son takes over. For though Valarr is mature and calm most of the time, there can be a fury in him that Viserys has never seen. Matarys however, even at twenty four still exhibits the same tendencies of a youth of seventeen, brashness and impatience. Though somewhat tempered Viserys has noted whenever he is around his younger siblings.

The rumours of the princess' fertility start up once more when she miscarries yet another child, the third one to have carried to term only to be dealt a killing blow before life could come to it. Viserys is summoned to the Tower of the hand a few days afterwards, to find his brothers sat in two chairs, a fire roaring in the hearth. Valarr seems distraught, and Viserys does not have to think hard as to why that could be. "Brother, you sent for me." Viserys says.

It is Aegon who speaks then, Valarr having not taken note of his appearance yet. "Sit down Viserys."

And so Viserys does sit down, pulling his chair close to his brothers, like they used to do when they were little, before nightmares became reality. Aegon sighs and says. "You know why you are here brother?"

Viserys nods. "Because the princess miscarried once more brother."

Aegon nods and still Valarr has not said anything. "That is correct. That is the third child Princess Jaehara has miscarried in eight years of marriage to Prince Matarys, the commons are speaking, the lords are speaking, the whole court is speaking about it and why it could be. We know you have your spies everywhere, people that even Larys knows not, we must know what is being said."

Viserys looks at Valarr then, and yet the king does not look away from the fire. He swallows and then says. "The last two attempts that the Princess was pregnant, her maids filled her drink with some sort of herb that killed the child within her. This time I know not what could have caused her to miscarry."

Aegon sighs. "We had feared as much. The maids that were dismissed, they worked for a house in the Reach yes? Did your sources ever say which house?"

Viserys thinks for a moment and then says. "Strickland Aegon. House Strickland."

Aegon sighs once more. "Of course. It would be, wouldn't it? The Stricklands are far too ambitious, now the Hightowers have fallen out of favour."

"Should Larys not have already informed you of this all?" Viserys asks curiously.

"Larys is old now brother. He is not as good as he used to be, and yet to dismiss him would be to alienate House Strong, who has always been the staunchest of allies." Aegon says, and Viserys is surprised slightly by how adept his brother is at reading the situation, he had not thought so.

"I spoke with Grand Maester Godrick after a suitable period of time."Aegon says. "And he said that trying to give birth to another child; even a stillborn could kill Jaehara."

It is then that Viserys realises why he has been summoned to the Tower, not to discuss the Princess's problems with carrying a child to term, but to see whether or not there are other options available. "Whom do you think could make a suitable Queen for Matarys then brothers?"

It is then that Valarr speaks, finally, breaking his silence which had had Viserys so worried. " Naerys could be one option. Or perhaps Daena. My son wed that insipid little girl to ensure peace was brought to the realm and the Hightowers never rose up in rebellion again. Well there have been wars since then, and the girl still has not birthed a child. And I will not wed my heir to one of these noble houses that cavort for opinion and favour like light to the flies. No my grandchild will be blood of the dragon."

Viserys feels something within him shudder at the thought of Naerys, sweet Naerys as Queen, she would not survive the viper's nest that is King's Landing. "True enough Your Grace, but perhaps not Naerys. My daughter is of a fragile health, and would not survive the changing weather King's Landing experiences on a daily business, perhaps Daena would be of a more suitable match?"

He sees Aegon nod, clearly that is the option his brother preferred and for a moment he feels anger boil up inside of him at that, but then it disappears when Valarr turns to look at him, and his brother seems so tired and weary that Viserys is surprised he has not collapsed. "Very well, then the papers shall be drawn up soon enough. The Princess is unwell at the moment, it seems as if the last pregnancy has in itself drained her energy, we shall not need to wait long."

Sure enough, three moons later Princess Jaehara dies and though Viserys knows Matarys is grief stricken by the loss of his wife, he cannot but help noticing that the prince soon enough takes a much keener interest in Daena Arryn, his little spitfire of a cousin whom Aegon brings back with him from the Vale. In order to make sure that Valarr does not change his mind, Viserys has Aemon and Naerys wed each other on the eighth moon of the 154th year after Aegon's Landing, a son Daeron they name him is born nine moons later. And he soon finds himself thinking over whom to his son and heir Aegon to when the fever hits Westeros. Brought to the kingdoms by sailors fleeing Bravos, it sweeps up and down the kingdoms, killing Lord Tyland Lannister, Lord Bedrick Reyne as well as thousands more in the Westerlands, House Bracken is brought to their knees and soon enough the fever now known as the white fever finds its way to King's Landing where it claims Lord Larys Strong, Jacaerys Targaryen the son of the King, and then eventually strikes the hand and the king.

In later years Viserys will be haunted by the sight of his brothers' weak bodies and voices as they said their farewells, Aegon going first on the fourth day of the fifth moon of the 156th year After Aegon's landing. Valarr manages to hold onto life for some more time, before he too eventually succumbs. Before he goes though, he summons Viserys and Matarys and speaks to them. His voice no louder than a whisper, his skin pale and clammy. "You know what is happening, I shall be dead soon enough. This fever, it is painful. See to it that the maesters stop it, and make sure the dragons do not get it. We… we cannot lose them, not now. Make sure the kingdoms heal properly, bring Dorne in. Make sure to take care of the family Matarys, wed Daena and be a true king, better than me. Protect Alysanne and Daenys."

"I will father." Matarys says, sounding close to tears.

"Viserys," Valarr whispers urgently, and Viserys leans in to hear what his brother has to say. "When this is done, burn the bodies and give them to the sea. Bury me… bury me in Dragonstone, with father and mother, and Sylvia."

"Yes brother." Viserys says.

"Good, now let me die." Valarr says faintly.

Viserys goes to the door and calls in Baela and the King's children all of them, come streaming in to stand by his bed. Valarr holds Baela's hand and then closes his eyes, and King Valarr Targaryen, Valarr the Vindicated the Bronze Fury, dies at the age of Forty Four on the fourth day of the third moon of the 157th year after Aegon's Landing. An era has come to an end.