The Dragon in the North

Family Time and a Discovery

'Jace, Luke where are you going?' 'Oh, hi Daenys, we're going to the Dragonmont to train with Arrax and Vermax. Would you like to come with us?' 'I'd love to.' The three siblings made their way to the Dragonmont, where Dragonkeepers were already waiting for them.

'Princess Daenys, it's nice to have you here too. Would you like to train as well?' 'Oh, no. I just want to watch.' 'Okay, but stay back a little, so nothing will happen.' Daenys stood still and watched her two brothers train their dragons. One thing struck her immediately, even though the two boys had been training with their dragons for years, there was still a lot for both of them to learn. Lost in thought, she began to analyse the connection between her brothers and their dragons. The longer the training went on, the more Daenys realised how close the bond between them was. After the training was finished and the dragons returned, Jace and Luke approached Daenys. 'So, what did you think?' 'To be honest, very interesting, but more for a different reason. I got a good look at you two and I noticed one or two things. There's an interesting connection between you, Jace and Vermax and he reacts more to your own emotional world. Vermax is like your mirror. You just have to learn to control your emotions when you train with him, and you will achieve great things. You, Luke and Arrax are like puppies, learning and growing together. Arrax trusts you and you trust him, build on that and nothing should go wrong. But you both have to be aware that it doesn't happen overnight. I was just incredibly lucky. What do you think about going flying together? You on Vermax and Arrax and me on Silverwing?' 'Thanks, Daenys, those are great tips. We'd both love to go flying with you. But why Silverwing and not Meraxes or Vermithor?' Luke nodded in agreement.

'Silverwing is the friendlier of the three. Meraxes doesn't have much patience with young dragons and she's much too big. Vermithor and I haven't been a rider-dragon duo that long and I'd like to deepen our bond first. What do you think of tomorrow morning?' Jace and Luke both agreed and were looking forward to going flying with their big sister.

Once Daenys was back in the castle, she walked to the room where Joffrey, Aegon and Viserys were. 'You're welcome to take a break. I'll look after the three of them.' 'Thank you, Princess.' With a bow, the maids left the room. 'Well, what do we want to play?' As soon as she said it, Aegon held out his wooden dragon to her. 'Let's play dragon catching then?' Aegon nodded in agreement and the four of them began to play, giggling. Quite a while passed as the four of them played together.

'You look a bit tired. Shall I read something to put you to sleep?' Waiting for the affirmative nod, Daenys took her youngest brothers to their beds and began to read them their favourite story. 'Princess? Is everything all right?' 'Yes, the three of them are asleep. You don't need to worry.' With a smile on her lips, Daenys continued her way through the castle until she arrived at the Chamber of the Painted Table and stepped through the door.

'Muña, are you here?' 'No, Rhaenyra isn't here. Just Baela and me.' 'Hello, you two. Do you fancy going for a walk?' 'I'd love to get out of these stuffy walls.' Rhaena, Baela and Daenys wandered through the castle together until they set off in the direction of the beach. 'How's your training with Moondancer going, Baela?' 'Really well. Moondancer is a great dragon and I'm always happy to be able to train with her again.' 'That sounds great. How is it for you Rhaena? I always feel bad when we all talk about our dragons, and you don't get a chance to have your say.' 'Don't worry about that. I enjoy listening to you and trying to learn about it. When I have my own dragon one day, I'll know what to expect.' The three girls walked on until they stood in front of a huge cave.

'Whose cave is this? Baela, Daenys do you have any ideas?' 'Rhaena, this is the Cannibal's cave. It already smells rotten here.' Daenys looked around carefully but didn't see any black dragon nearby. 'Let's turn round, we don't know what awaits us here. Come Rhaena, before he comes back.' Baela and Daenys were already making their way back when Rhaena suddenly screamed. Both girls turned round and saw Cannibal standing in the cave entrance. 'RHAENA!!! Get away from there! RUN!' Baela and Daenys shouted at her, but Rhaena was frozen to the spot. Daenys, who was also watching the dragon, knew what was about to happen and ran towards Rhaena. When she reached her, Daenys pushed Rhaena out of the way.

Then Daenys only saw the open mouth of Cannibal and flames made their way in her direction...