The Bronze Dragon-A House of the Dragon fanfic

Chapter 49

After the Battle of Ironoaks, the campaign in the Vale became one of taking castles. Eldric Arryn would not attempt another major stand in the future; I strongly suspect he had already fled the Vale for Dragonstone, but we may never know what he truly did after the battle.

As the year began to enter its final days, more and more houses of the Vale shifted their allegiances from Rhaenyra to my father, who accepted those who did swear to him and stripped the lands of those who didn't. Entrusting the mopping up of the Vale to his subordinates, he made his return to my mother at the Eyrie. Of course, this decision was to later haunt him with the death of Ser Gerold . . .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Returning to the Eyrie almost felt alien to Daevar. He had seen much of war already, and seeing a place that was so peaceful made it seem like it was from another world. No matter, he would finally be able to see Helaena and Rhea again after months of campaigning. With the war in the rest of the Vale in hand, he would have to see to his next moves as well now that the snows were beginning to fall.

The ascent up to the Eyrie was made more difficult by the snow as it crunched under his feet, but it was one that he had done before, and the reward waiting at the top was one he had been looking forward to for a long time. Arriving at the top, he tethered his horse to the stables and finally entered the Eyrie. He was immediately ushered through to the High Hall, and found himself set upon by his wife straight away.

"Daevar!" Helaena exclaimed, running up and hugging him as tightly as she could. He kissed her deeply before pulling back, holding their foreheads together. "You're here . . ." She said, feeling her eyes well up with relief. Her husband was here, in front of her, unwounded and alive.

"I'm here." He said before kissing her again. "At least for a short time while I plan what to do next. The others have the mopping up in hand."

"Please don't leave too soon . . ." She said, kissing him through her tears. Daevar just hugged her again in response; he couldn't make a promise that he couldn't keep.

"The conquering hero returns to us." Jeyne said as she entered the Hall. "Are you here to grace us with stories of your great victory, Your Grace? I can't imagine you'd be here if things weren't in hand."

"Eldric tried to make a stand near Longbow Hall, but the Hunters attacked him before he'd readied his position." Daevar replied. "His army's all but gone."

"So I've heard." Jeyne smiled. "I'm getting more and more ravens every day rescinding their recognition of Arnold as Lord of the Eyrie and pleading themselves to me. I in turn pledge their loyalty to you."

"You have my thanks, My Lady." Daevar replied. He had suspected his victories had improved Lady Jeyne's position as well, but didn't want to assume, especially given the risings she had faced in the past had been without the backing of a claimant for the Iron Throne. "I would like some time with my wife before anything else, My Lady."

Jeyne nodded. "Of course; I suspected as much. I expect Her Grace to lead you to your chambers. After you've been with your family, we must talk about the strategic situation; it's all rather confused."

Daevar nodded. He did recall Gerold once saying that anyone who wasn't confused in war did not truly understand the situation, but he had mostly written that off. He was starting to see what his mentor meant now; managing an entire war was a confusing business, especially when you were chasing the enemy all over the Vale. "Of course, My Lady."

"Well, let's go." Helaena said, taking his hand and leading him through the hallways of the Eyrie to the chambers that she had been given on her arrival. In the corner of one of the rooms, Rhea lay sleeping in her cot. She was growing hair now, that of the classic Targaryen silver-blonde; though she had inherited Daevar's brown eyes as opposed to Helaena's violet.