Lucerys the Menace: Reborn

Chapter 9: Black Council 2

In the grand chamber of Dragonstone, the tension crackled like the air before a storm. Daemon stood before Queen Rhaenyra, projecting both urgency and strength. "Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, First of Her Name, Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men. Lady of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm," he declared, his voice imbued with fervor.

"Your Grace," Baela offered, her tone respectful but edged with a flicker of anxiousness."Wine, my queen," Rhaena interjected, pouring a goblet of deep crimson liquid for Rhaenyra. "Thank you, Rhaena," Rhaenyra replied, clutching the goblet tightly as she steeled herself for the conversation ahead.

"Come. What is our standing?" she asked, her voice firm."We have thirty knights, a hundred crossbowmen, and three hundred men-at-arms," Daemon reported. 

"Dragonstone is relatively easy to defend; however, as an instrument of conquest, our army leaves a lot to be desired." He paused, weighing his next words. "We have sent word to my loyal men in the City Watch. I'll have some support there, but I cannot speak to the numbers. We already have declarations from Celtigar, Staunton, Massey, Darklyn, and Bar Emmon."

"My lady mother was an Arryn," Rhaenyra reminded the council as she listened carefully.Lord Lyman nodded, offering his insight. "The Vale will not turn cloak against their own kin. Riverrun was always a close friend to your father, Your Grace."

Lord Celtigar leaned forward, eyes filled with purpose. "With Prince Daemon's acquiescence, I've already sent ravens to Lord Grover. Lord Grover is fickle and easily swayed. He will need to be convinced of the strength of our position and that we will support him should it come to war. I'm going to treat with him myself."

"What of Storm's End and Winterfell?" a man asked from the side."There has never lived a Stark who forgot an oath," another man replied. "And with House Stark, the North will follow. Lord Borros Baratheon will need to be reminded of his father's promises."Daemon inhaled deeply, his expression serene yet filled with the intensity of battle. "What news from Driftmark?" rhaenyra inquired, focusing on the pulse of their cause.

Daemon replied"Lord Corlys sails for Dragonstone to declare for his Queen," Rhaenys replied. "The Velaryon fleet is in my husband's yoke. He decides where they sail."Rhaenyra pressed her lips together, her brow furrowing. "We shall pray for both you and your husband's support. Just as we prayed nightly for the Sea Snake's return to good health. There's no port on the Narrow Sea that would dare make an enemy of the Velaryon fleet."

"And our enemies?" Lord Lyman's keen gaze sharpened. "We have no friends among the Lannisters. Tyland has served the Hand too long to turn against him. And Otto Hightower needs the Lannister fleet. Without the Lannisters, we are not likely to find any allies west of the Golden Tooth."

"No," Rhaenyra affirmed, her voice laced with resolve." lord celtigar responded "The Riverlands are essential, but pray forgive my bluntness, Your Grace, talk of men is moot. Your cause owns a power that has not been seen in this world since the days of Old Valyria.""Dragons," Daemon interjected. "We have numbers, yes, but with dragons, we control the skies. The Greens have dragons as well. They have three adults, by my count. We have Syrax, Caraxes, and Meleys. Your sons have Vermax, Arrax, and Tyraxes. Baela has Moondancer."

"Yet none of our dragons have been to war," Rhaenyra warned. "There are also unclaimed dragons. Seasmoke still resides on Driftmark. Vermithor and Silverwing dwell on the Dragonmont, still riderless. Then there are the three wild dragons, all of whom nest here.""And who is to ride them?" Rhaenyra questioned, concern etched in her features.