The Path to Freedom, a HOTD Fanfic

Chapter 2

Criston Cole was never a slow on horseback.  His very first lesson as a child began when his father hit the riding crop a bit too hard, which sent the steed taking off. It leaped over the fence and into the dense woods, running for its life. When it stopped to buck and kick, the young Criston held on, the mix of fear and excitement setting him up for a lifetime of adventure.

When the Cole brothers would race their horses, Criston always the victor. However, until tonight he could never replicate that first ride.

As Syrax soared high into the air, Criston held to the horns of the saddle for dear life. The exposed skin of his face was assaulted by the stabbing chill of the night air; it rushed into his lungs forcefully, robbing him of the ability to breathe. His eyes were shut closed, unable to handle to the high altitude.

After a while, Criston accompanied to the new sensation, and opened his eyes to an amazing sight.  The princess sat in front of him, unbothered. The ends of her long hair barely touched his face, tickling his cheeks. The clouds sat below, thick enough to resemble the ground of a strange, new land. Above them was the clear night sky, illuminated by the bright full moon.

If Criston had finally caught his breath , it was lost again to the beautiful night. He never thought of the life of a dragon rider - It was exhilarating.  How could he return to mere horseback after such an experience?

He wondered how close they were to the stars. He felt tempted to reach out and grab one, were he not cautious of the fall.

Syrax began to descend and he braced himself for the turbulent clouds. When they left the fog, he saw their destination. His jaw tightened, and his gut twisted upon itself.

They had arrived at Dragonstone. ---
Criston dismounted Syrax, knees buckling as he hit the ground. The wonder of the sky had drained from him, and what remained was vertigo. His mind swam in the fog and his chest heaved as he began to retch.

Don't vomit in front of the princess.

He felt a tender hand on his shoulder and Rhaenyra's voice in his ear.

"Stay down. Don't try to get up just yet."

When the buzzing died down and Criston felt his strength regain, he slowly stood back up. Rhaenyra draped his arm over her and walked him slowly up the steps.

"Happens to every first time rider," she said, "I promise it doesn't last."

"Rhae-" Criston sputtered out before he launched another coughing fit.

"Rhae..." she mused, "I haven't heard that name since I was a little girl. My mother called me that.  Father too, before she passed."

They finally reached the top of the steps, and she guided him down to sit. Criston buried his face in his hands and took several deep breaths, thankful for the respite.

He did not want Daemon to view him in such a state.

"Did you have a short  name when you were a child, Ser Criston?"

Criston mused. "Not one fit to escape the lips of a lady.  But I did go by my surname." He ran his fingers through his hair. "Actually, I was not addressed as anything other than Cole before I entered King's Landing."

Rhaenyra placed a hand on his thigh. "I like Cole."

Cole smiled. "I like Rhae."

They sat together in still silence, like they had many years before. For a moment they could forget everything, as if it were a normal eve. Rhaenyra leaned against her shoulder and drew a deep sigh.

"Why did you do try to take your own life?"

Criston's head was still swimming, and the last thing he wanted to discuss was the previous hours. However, he did have questions of his own.