A GAME OF FIRE AND GOLD

chapter 5

I opened my eyes to see myself surrounded by a black abyss. It was silent. I looked down at my hands and realized I was no longer holding an egg, but a baby dragon. It had jet-black scales with tints of obsidian and glowing red eyes. The baby dragon stared me in the eyes with its glowing red ones and suddenly a lifelong bond filled a hole in my heart that I never knew I had. This dragon and I were family until the day we left this world. "Your name shall be Aegarax," I decided. "That is a good name for a dragon, young Valyrian," said a voice. "Who's there?" I shouted as all my muscles tensed. Aegarax must have sensed my unease as he let out shrill little hisses and shrieks. "That is quite remarkable, young Valyrian. Your dragon has only just formed a bond with you, yet it has become stronger than that of most ancient dragon riders. I am also surprised that you have not recognized who I am, considering you are the one who stepped into my sacred flame," said the gruff voice. "Oh, fuck! I stepped into one of the 14 flames," I exclaimed. "Yes, young dragon rider, you did. And I believe I am going to claim you." Suddenly, emerging from thick black smoke, a figure materialized. No, wait. Calling him a man would be an insult to this majestic being standing before me.

"My name is Balarion the Valyrian god of Death, young Valyrian," voiced the being. "My name is Daemon Targaryen," I reply.

Balarion smiled at me, revealing his sharp teeth. He was a handsome man, with long black hair, a strong jaw, and a piercing gaze. He wore a simple black robe, but I could sense the power radiating from him. He was a god, and I was his chosen one.

"Daemon Targaryen," he repeated with unwavering conviction. "You, the bearer of the blood of the dragon and the recipient of the favor of the gods, possess the unique capability to withstand my sacred flame and emerge unscathed. Only you have the ability to form an unbreakable bond with the last dragon of the Dance, my son. It is you and only you who can bring the prophecy to fruition."

"What prophecy?" I inquired, feeling both awe and fear. Aegarax nestled against my chest, emitting a soft purring sound. He appeared to trust Balarion, and somehow, so did I.

"The prophecy of the dragon reborn," Balarion said. "The one who will restore the glory of Valyria, the one who will unite the world under the banner of fire and blood, the one who will bring a new dawn to the realm of men. You, Daemon Targaryen, are the dragon reborn."

Balarion's words echoed in my mind, filling me with a sense of destiny and purpose. "But how?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly. "How can I fulfill this prophecy?"

Balarion's intense gaze softened, revealing a deep sense of compassion as he placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "You must fully embrace your heritage, Daemon. Within you lies the potent power of the dragon, waiting to be harnessed. The gods will watch over you, but the path ahead will be fraught with challenges and require great sacrifices."

I nodded, determination replacing my fear. "I will do whatever it takes," I vowed.

Balarion smiled once more, a proud and approving look in his eyes. "Good. Your journey begins now, Daemon Targaryen. Embrace your destiny and let the flames of Valyria guide you. Remember, you only need to call, and I will answer."

With those words, Balarion stepped back, and the world around me began to shift. The sacred flame roared to life, and I felt its heat envelop me. Aegarax's purring grew louder, and I could feel his strength merging with mine as well as another being's. Together, we would face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As the flames engulfed us, I felt an overwhelming surge of power. I was no longer just Daemon Targaryen; I was the dragon reborn, and my destiny awaited.