A tale: Reborn in Westeros

Chapter 32

Daenerys Targaryen

Three men in golden-colored armor approach us. The man in the middle has hair turning gray and it is brushed to the side. I assume to cover up some of his bald spots. It is also noticeable that does not exude the looks of a warrior. His two companions on the other hand do. Both of them wield a sword, the same golden-hued armor, and helmet.

When they come close enough, the man in the middle looks at both me and Aegon with a critical eye. "Your Grace, welcome to our camp. I have to admit, this is a strange turn of events. Two Targaryens come to us, a group of exiles or descendants of exiles that were exiled by your ancestor. And now here we are. The last two Targaryens come to us in the hope to get our support," he says. I believe he is the Captain-General, Harry Strickland. According to Jorah, they call him homeless Harry. The men have little respect for him it seems.

"Yes, it is. But the past is the past. We are not here as enemies. If you decide to follow us, we will lift your exile and forget all crimes," I say to the man. "Hmm, a good offer. Those of Dragon Blood has a special place in our history. The Blackfyres and Bittersteel shared your blood. One with the blood can gain control but must prove its worth. We do not follow blindly, Your Grace," he explains.

Alex takes a deep breath. "Very well, what must be done?" He asks. "The Golden Rite, Your Grace. A special rite for those of your blood. We have chosen our champion who you need to defeat. That's all. To prove your prowess in battle. To prove yourself worthy," he says. Alex nods as a deep breath leaves him. "Alright," he says and turns to look at me. My face is full of worry and fear. I rather not have him face this alone.

Alex sends me a reassuring smile. "Do not fear, my dear wife. I will be done in a few minutes, as promised," he chuckles while his hands stroke my cheeks affectionately. I nod with a weak smile. "Don't lose," I say and at the same time, I feel a kick coming from our unborn child. "Even our child is supporting you. You better make him proud!" Alex chuckles. "Oh, I will." Before he walks away, he leaves a kiss on my lips. I smile as I watch him.

One of the men that came with Harry walks with Alex to the middle of the space. He looked with a smirk at Alex and at our group. It seems he is arrogant and very confident in his victory. For some reason, I feel a sliver of fear going through me. What if he is better? Harry walks a bit forwards looking at both. "The challenger has the right to determine the rules. Aron Brightwater, when will the rite be over?" The Captain-General asks with a clear and loud voice.

I look around the space. Many of the men of the Golden Company have come to watch the event play out. In some corners, I even spot people betting on who would win. Some of the voices reached me and what I hear angers me. They laugh at the chances of my dragon. If it wasn't for Alex's influence I would burn them. My gaze snaps back at Aron when he uttered one word. "Death." Harry sighs a bit but nods. "Very well. Pray to whatever god or gods for guidance and may the best man win."

Alex mutters a few words to himself before he takes a stance. It closely resembles that of Grey Worm and the Unsullied stance. Aron takes a more traditional knight's stance with his sword. Two hands on the hilt and pointing the tip at Alex. Harry looks at both for a few seconds before he claps twice. Alex bends his knees to brace himself. Aron takes a few aggressive steps forwards for a downward swing with his sword.

As the duel rages, it is clear that Aron is more of an emotional fighter. His swings are precise and strong but aggressive and energy draining. Alex is more minimalistic and conservative with his movements. Only makes the necessary movements to defend himself. His attacks are only when Aron makes a slight miscalculation. For now, both men are equal, from what I can tell at least. I lean slightly to Barristan.

"How is Alex doing?" I ask him. Barristan thinks for a few moments as he looks with a sharp and critical eye. "It's even for now, but it's only a matter of time. Aron wastes his strength while Alex bides his time. If it continues like this he will be victorious," he answers. I smile as I nod. "I expected nothing less." It is just as Barristan said. Aron was becoming tired and frustrated. It is clear he was not expecting such a flawless defense. As he took stock of his situation and a few breaths to gain some energy, he tried to feint an attack.

In response, Alex for the first time attacked. His shield pushed the sword away with great force. His spear pushed toward Aron like an angry snake. To say Aron was surprised and shocked would be an understatement. Aron's gaze slowly went down to his stomach where the spear has punctured his armor. His eyes slowly closed as he fell to the ground dead.

I felt a kick and I couldn't help but softly chuckle. This one will be fierce, I can already tell. As Alex releases his spear, he starts to walk to me again. I glance at Harry. A sigh leaves him and turns to me. "We are at your service, Your Grace."

—

The Golden Company makes ready to board the ships. Tents are broken up and supplies are put on carts to be moved. After the duel and the finalization of the agreement with the Golden Company, we moved to Yara's ship to plan our invasion. As all those of importance are present, Margaery speaks up.

"I have news regarding Euron, Your Majesties. He has attacked our lands with his fleets," she says. Alex looks at her with surprise. I assume that is not as he remembers. "How is the defense holding?" I ask. Margaery sighs. "The Shield Islands have already fallen, and much of coastal areas are under attack. The Redwyen fleet is mobilizing, but this Ironborn fleet is the largest we have ever seen before," she explains. "I see. Alex, what would be best? We can't afford to lose the Reach."

Alex pinches the bridge of his nose as he thinks for a moment. "I will go with our fleet to help against the Ironborn. The extra ships and Viserion should tip the scales in our favor," he says. My brows furrowed. "And I will watch from the sidelines?" I ask with irritation. "Love, you are not in the condition to go into battle. We will split our forces in two. Yara's Ironborn fleet will go with the Golden Company to the Reach while you take the Unsullied to Dragonstone. We need a base of operations and Dragonstone is the best for that," he says. I let out a frustrated groan. "Fine," I begrudgingly agree. "Will our help be enough, lady Margaery?"

She nods. "It will, Your Grace. Our fleet is large, but Euron would have known about our fleet. He won't expect a dragon or Yara to appear," she says. I sigh and nod. "Very well, Captain-General, prepare your men to board Yara's ships. Grey Worm, make sure the Unsullied are ready to sail to Dragonstone. Our war for the Iron Throne starts now, my lords and ladies. Let's free Westeros of tyranny."

~ Authors Note ~

After deleting the chapter, here it is :p. Have a good week and see you in the next chapter.

Winter