Fire and Blood

Chapter 116: Vengeance Burns

The Reach ― Between the route near Starpike and Whitegrove...

With news arriving from their allies at the frontlines, the Caltrops leadership speculated that it wouldn't be long before the battle reached their doorstep. Starpike, lacking the protection of Prince Aemond, Ser Criston, or Vhagar, was now vulnerable to attack. To avoid a prolonged siege, they decided it was time to relocate once again. Queen Dowager Beatrice, accompanied by her father, Lord Unwin, her daughter Helaena, her granddaughter Jaehaera, and Larys Strong, along with a group of their escorts, were en route to Whitegrove. The presence of Dreamfyre provided them a sense of security as they journeyed toward their new destination.

However, to their surprise, Aegon Waters was not among them. Despite Beatrice's repeated inquiries, Larys remained tight-lipped. It was unclear why he was absent. Did Larys have a hand in his disappearance, perhaps having him killed while he was under the influence of milk of the poppy, or did he secretly smuggle him away without their knowledge?

As night fell, darkness enveloped the surroundings, with only the flickering light of torches illuminating the way. The group pressed on, their footsteps echoing through the quiet forest. The sound of rustling leaves and distant hoots of owls added an eerie atmosphere to their journey. Beatrice couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that settled in her chest. She glanced at Larys, who sat silently beside her in the carriage, his face hidden in the shadows.

"Where is Aegon?" Beatrice finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Larys turned his head slightly, his eyes glinting in the torchlight. "He is safe," he replied cryptically, his voice laced with a hint of secrecy.

Beatrice's heart skipped a beat, her mind racing with possibilities. Was her son being held captive? Was he being used as leverage against them? The uncertainty gnawed at her, but she knew better than to press Larys further. His loyalty had always been questionable, and she couldn't risk alienating him now. As they continued their journey, the group's anxiety grew with each passing moment. The forest seemed to close around them, the trees whispering secrets they couldn't decipher. The flickering torches cast eerie shadows on the ground, making it difficult to discern friend from foe. Beatrice clutched her granddaughter Jaehaera's hand tightly, seeking solace in the presence of her family.

Helaena, broken by the murder of her son, was deeply depressed. She became unreliable as a dragonrider, incapable of flying on Dreamfyre. "Black... the color of ash, red... the color of blood," she stared into space, mumbling under her breath. "The dragon dances in the sky... and chases its own tail. But in the end... consumes itself..."

"Hush, girl," Beatrice silently reprimanded her daughter.

As they continued their journey, the tension in the air grew palpable. Each member of the group was acutely aware of the weight of their responsibilities and the dangers that lay ahead. The news from their allies had painted a grim picture of the escalating conflict, and they knew that time was running out. The flickering torches cast long, wavering shadows that seemed to taunt them, playing tricks on their minds. Every rustle of leaves or distant howl of a wolf sent shivers down their spines, reminding them of the ever-present threat that lurked in the night.

Suddenly, a rustling sound came from the underbrush, causing everyone to freeze in their tracks. The escorts tightened their grip on their weapons, ready to defend their queen and her family.

"My lord! Your Grace!" a Peake soldier rushed over, his voice filled with urgency. "Whitegrove is ablaze!"

"WHAT?!" Unwin's reaction was immediate and filled with shock. He forcefully swung open the doors to the royal carriage, his eyes widening as he took in the devastating sight before him.