Like Father, Like Son | House of the Dragon

Secrets

Dragonstone
114 AC
Aerion Targaryen

Two days had passed since the prince claimed his birthright, and they still remained on Dragonstone awaiting news that their forces had mustered near Runestone.

The library was where Aerion was often found, reading through the treasure trove of Valyrian history and accounts that was still available to them. He looked for anything that may help in understanding his dream further.

He came across many accounts from his ancestors dating back to before the conquest, but none shared anything in relation with his dream, and the only one known was Daenys the Dreamer.

"You are looking in the wrong place."

Aerion clocked his head towards the door to see Daemon leaning against it, he wore a black slim-fitted jacket with golden clasps, and looked to be preparing to leave Dragonstone.

"This is a library, is it not? Our histories or what is left of it should be contained here." Aerion said, holding up a small book.

"What we managed to bring with us, yes. But Dragonstone was an outpost long before we settled here, and with that come many secrets not known to us all." Daemon stated "You will not find anything of significance here, at least what you are looking for."

He picked up a scroll from the closest set of shelves to the door, and dropped it on the floor, with a nonchalant look on his face.

"And with your infinite knowledge, you know where such secrets exist, don't you?" Aerion asked, and pointed the book at him before placing it back on its shelf "I need to know."

"I will show you, but only if you make the journey to Driftmark with me." Daemon straightened his back and turned his heel to leave "You need only follow me."

"Why are you headed to Driftmark, what is there that demands both our attention?" he said, following after him "I am set to leave for Runestone at any moment, if you recall? A cousin steals my land, I claim a dragon to get said lands back."

Daemon didn't answer, only carried on walking with Aerion not far behind him. He reckoned it was to discuss the potential invasion of the Stepstones, but it would be odd for why his father would need him there for that, but he wanted access to these secrets his father knew about, and agreed.

They journeyed for what felt like an hour, Daemon led him from the castle and down the beaten path towards the fishing village, and they began to travel along the beach until they reached the eastern shore, when his father then lowered himself behind a rock.

"What are we waiting for.?" Aerion said, squatting down.

Daemon looked back, placing a finger on his lips and then looking past the rock at a large arch leading into the mountain, big enough that a dragon may make its home there.

"He's gone hunting." Daemon muttered under his breath.

They travelled up the mountain and into the small clearing, there were bones scattered throughout the natural structure, from all types of animal that made Dragonstone their home, to the peasant from the fishing village and beyond, whatever lived here did not like visitors.

"What is this place?" Aerion asked, kneeling down and picking up one of the charred bones "You've brought to a dragon's den. Who would be stupid enough to hide any secrets here?"

Daemon looked back at him as he searched the rocks, with a raised brow "If you have to ask that question, then clearly you are not as smart as you have people believe." he then led it into a chuckle.

He grabbed hold of a lever and pulled it, opening up a secret passageway in between two rocks near to them, causing Aerion to stumble back in disbelief.