We Are Dragons (Daemon Targaryen)

Chapter Ten

Deep in the Stepstones, the Velaryon forces took refuge on Dwarfstone. Across the bay, their battlefield lay. Ships were burning, the world was on fire, and the smoke was rising. It was visible for miles at the height of the day.

Lord Corlys was gathered with his son, Laenor, his son's knight, Joffrey, and younger brother Vaemond at a table as they stared down at the map, discussing their battle plans. They'd suffered heavy losses. They were losing this war.

"We have 16, perhaps 18, seaworthy ships. Seven hundred foot, some 60 knights. Our food quickly dwindles, save for what we can fish from the sea. I would say we have a fortnight, mayhaps a bit longer with strict rationing. I've made call for Driftmark to send more ships, but they will be weeks away. We are faltering and the Triarchy knows it." Lord Corlys was saying to his men. "We must press the attack, continue sending the dragons. Viserion is negotiating with Pentos, but I'm not sure he can sway them for aid."

"It's pointless, father." Laenor said in defeat, shaking his head. "The Crabfeeder has created a choke point here, beyond these dunes. Archers hold the high positions, foot soldiers hold the ground. We've strafed them on dragon back again and again, but they just retreat within the caves."

The men were gathered, listening and watching. They were tired, hungry, wounded. They were dying, losing hope. "Dragons can circle Bloodstone until they fall out of the sky." Vaemond told his nephew. "The Crabfeeder and his men have no reason to leave those caves."

"We must give them one, an offering of flesh to bait the crab." Laenor replied.

"Who?" Corlys questioned.

"Dragon returning!" Joffrey shouted, as Caraxes flew overhead, landing. The men watched Daemon arrive with heavy minds. He had ridden them too hard. They were done with him.

"Yes. Who?" Vaemon demanded. "Which man here will happily go to his death? Show me the knight who will march into that hell pit, nephew, and I will show you a madman." Vaemond said to his nephew.

"Daemon." Laenor said.

"Daemon is why we are losing!" Vaemond spat in anger, the Sea Snake's younger brother losing his temper.

"He at least is fighting this war. What role have you played in his council, uncle, other than Master of Complaints?" Laenor shot back.

"Enough, Laenor." Corlys said, trying to stop a fight.

"If King's Landing will not support Daemon, why should any of us?!" Vaemond shouted loudly, turning to look at the men. Corlys stormed over to him and grabbed him by the nice cloak he had strapped to his body, pulling him close.

"Blood or no, Vaemond, I will not have you stoke mutiny." The Sea Snake warned dangerously.

"You wasted our resources going after the Targaryen Princess. We lost too many men." Vaemond spat.

"Well then it's a good thing she was not on the ship you raided, because I remember you telling my men that she was dead, and ordering them to fire the catapults." Corlys hissed back dangerously.

Daemon made his way down to the men. Vaemond wisely kept his arrogant mouth shut about the Princess once the Rogue Prince was within earshot.

"If you do not seize control of this war, my lord, the crabs will soon dine on all of us." Vaemond said to Lord Corlys. Daemon removed his helmet, sharing a look with Laenor. One silent exchange between the young man and the older one told the latter everything he needed to know about the words that had been shared.

Daemon stared out at the men. Mercenaries, sellswords and Velaryon forces all stared at him in resignation.

"Prince Daemon." All heads turned as the King's messenger, Ser Addams, approached. He was with other men, all Targaryen soldiers. "I bring word from His Grace, Viserys Targaryen, first of his name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm." Ser Addams said, offering Daemon a letter.