Fire And Blood

On The Dragon Road

Daenerys VII

The fact that they had made it out of the city without further incidents was nothing short of a miracle.

Prince Oberyn did have little time to object when they brought their new guests with them, the old man, the giant Essosi and the poor woman hugging the cloak tight around herself. The Essosi, the woman and Feraya were sitting on the cart among a lot more supplies than she had expected, as the old man steered the horses leading the cart. Prince Oberyn, Ser Jorah, Rhaenys, Aegon and she were riding their own steeds.

She was glad when the City was far behind them, not visible anymore. They were following the Dragon Road to arrive in Qohor as fast as possible; a marvel of her Valyrian ancestors. After all these years, the Dragon Road still appeared as if it had just been built.

"So, Your Graces," Oberyn finally spoke up, breaking the silence, "I would appreciate it if you could enlighten me about the circumstances leading to us taking in Ser Barristan Selmy –" Daenerys heard Rhaenys gasp, "– a whore and a giant."

"I was quite surprised to see you as well, Prince Oberyn Martell," the old man – Ser Barristan Selmy, apparently – said. "The beard made it impossible to be sure, however."

"You are Ser Barristan?" Aegon asked, sounding surprised. "I thought you were the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard."

"Forgive me, but...may we stop for a moment?"

The horses slowed down and came to a halt. Ser Barristan got off the cart's seat and looked expectantly at her, Rhaenys and Aegon. They glanced at each other, then dismounted their steeds to stand in front of the knight.

"I have to ask...are you Princess Rhaenys?"

Her niece looked him up and down, her eyes squinted. "I am Queen Rhaenys, Ser. I can barely remember you anymore."

He heaved a sob and got down on a knee, his eyes on the ground. "I am begging for your forgiveness, Your Grace. I...I could neither protect your father, nor your mother or brother. For this, I am begging for your forgiveness."

"I do not remember much anymore from that day, Ser Barristan, and what I do remember, I wish I did not. Ser Jaime saved me." Ser Barristan looked startled. Rhaenys sighed, then smiled at her and Aegon. "I still have Targaryen family, however. I have my aunt and another brother."

Ser Barristan looked utterly baffled now. "Another – forgive me, but –"

"I am sure you have heard of Lord Eddard Stark's bastard son," Aegon said, rather coolly.

"I have indeed. Everyone has." The old man was visibly confused. "I do not understand."

"Lord Stark has lied to protect me and to protect his sister's honour. I am Prince Rhaegar's and Lady Lyanna Stark's son." He took a breath as Ser Barristan's eyes widened impossibly. "I am Jon Aegon Targaryen."

The knight gasped.

"I know," Rhaenys said, massaging her temple. "My father appears to have had a cruel sense of humour, but I got used to the name."

Ser Barristan chuckled and stared at him intently as if to search for any signs, any marks that could prove him to be her brother's son. "Do you speak truly?"

"I have documents signed by the sept who witnessed their marriage as proof. I have a letter written by my mother during her pregnancy."

"May I see them? I need to see them with my own eyes to believe it."

Aegon nodded. "When we rest for the night, I will show them to you, Ser."

"Me believing him should be proof enough, Ser Barristan," Prince Oberyn said with a raised brow.