ASOIAF: The Dragon Seed

Second of His Name

Second of His Name

The war in the Stepstones dragged on, and after three long years, Daemon and Lord Corlys Velaryon found themselves locked in a seemingly endless battle against Craghas "The Crabfeeder" Drahar. The enemy's relentless guerilla tactics — night raids, sabotage, and retreats into labyrinthine caves — frustrated every attempt Daemon made to engage in open battle. Victory seemed elusive, slipping away each time they drew close.

Annatar, now thirteen, had become Daemon's loyal squire and was adjusting to life in the war-torn Stepstones. The youth had witnessed the toll the war took, both on Daemon's resolve and the morale of Corlys's troops.

[Scene: Stepstones – Daemon's War Camp]

Annatar was working to repair Daemon's armor in the camp, the sounds of hammer and anvil ringing through the tense silence of the evening. Lord Corlys approached, observing him with a calculating gaze.

Corlys:
"Annatar, you handle that blade well. You may yet prove useful in battle."

Annatar looked up, a glimmer of pride in his eyes.

Annatar:
"Thank you, my lord. I'm doing all I can to support Prince Daemon and the men. I only wish I could do more."

Corlys's expression softened slightly as he put a hand on Annatar's shoulder.

Corlys:
"Sometimes, holding steady and carrying on is more than enough. You'll have your time to fight. Just watch and learn for now."

Annatar nodded, feeling the weight of Corlys's words. Though young, he took his duties seriously, seeing himself as a small but vital piece in the larger scheme of the war.

[Scene: Later in Camp – Annatar and Laenor]

As night settled over the camp, Annatar spotted Laenor Velaryon, Corlys's son, preparing Seasmoke, his dragon. The silver-scaled beast stirred restlessly, and Annatar found himself drawn to the sight.

Annatar:
"Seasmoke is magnificent. You're lucky, you know — having a dragon to ride into battle."

Laenor chuckled, looking over his shoulder at Annatar.

Laenor:
"It's not always so lucky when you're being shot at by a dozen archers, or when Craghas's men hide themselves deep in those cursed caves."

Annatar laughed, feeling a sense of camaraderie with Laenor despite their difference in station.

Annatar:
"Still, you must feel powerful up there. Like a god among men."

Laenor's eyes darkened, his smile fading slightly.

Laenor:
"Powerful, maybe, but it's a lonely place too, Annatar. Up there, it's just you and the fire. You learn to be brave, but you also learn fear."

Annatar listened intently, realizing there was a depth to Laenor he hadn't considered before. It gave him a new respect for the young Velaryon.

[Scene: Stepstones – War Tent]

Daemon, Corlys, and a few advisors huddled around a map, their expressions grim. Annatar stood close by, watching as Daemon clenched his fists in frustration.

Corlys:
"Our forces can't take much more of this, Daemon. Every night we lose men to ambushes. And every day, we're no closer to drawing Drahar out."

Daemon glanced at Annatar, who had been silent, absorbing the war council's deliberations.

Daemon:
"Annatar, what would you do if you were in my position?"

Annatar hesitated, surprised by the question, but Daemon's expectant gaze pushed him to answer.

Annatar:
"I... I'd lure Drahar out, my prince. Maybe make him think we're weaker than we are, let him believe he has the upper hand."

Corlys arched an eyebrow, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Corlys:
"The boy has the mind of a tactician."

Daemon gave Annatar an approving nod, clearly pleased.

Daemon:
"Indeed. A good mind, sharpened by war."

[Scene: The Stepstones – Daemon's War Camp, Night]

Annatar was tending to Daemon's gear when a royal messenger arrived, bearing word from King's Landing. Annatar stepped back as the messenger relayed the message, watching Daemon's expression darken as he heard that his brother, King Viserys, had refused to send aid.

Daemon's frustration reached a breaking point, and he struck the messenger, who fell to the ground. Annatar stepped forward as the messenger retreated, feeling both admiration and trepidation at the prince's anger.

Annatar (quietly):
"Prince Daemon... What now?"

Daemon looked at him, and for a moment, his expression softened. He placed a hand on Annatar's shoulder.

Daemon:
"We fight, Annatar. We make them regret every slight, every night of suffering they've caused us. And we end this war ourselves."

[Scene: Stepstones – The Final Assault]

The next day, Daemon prepared to lure the Crabfeeder's forces into open combat. Annatar helped him don his armor, the weight of it symbolic of the final push Daemon intended to make.

Annatar watched as Daemon strode out toward the enemy with a white flag, his heart pounding as he realized the risk Daemon was taking. Nearby, Corlys gave orders to his infantry, and Laenor mounted Seasmoke, ready to strike at Daemon's signal.

Laenor (to Annatar):
"Watch closely, Annatar. This is how we turn the tide."

Annatar nodded, feeling the tension building as he glanced between Daemon and the enemy forces that were beginning to emerge from the caves.

Daemon discarded the white flag, launching the ambush as planned. Velaryon soldiers surged forward, while Seasmoke took to the air, unleashing a storm of fire upon the enemy ranks. Annatar watched in awe as the battle unfolded, the skies filled with fire and smoke.

When he could bear it no longer, Annatar joined the fray, fighting beside the Velaryon soldiers. He was young, but his blade found its mark, striking down corsairs and proving his worth among the hardened warriors.

[Scene: The Caves – Daemon's Confrontation with the Crabfeeder]

As the battle raged on, Daemon pursued Drahar into the caves. Annatar stood outside, breath held as he watched his prince disappear into the darkness. Minutes stretched into what felt like hours, until finally, Daemon emerged, dragging the mutilated body of the Crabfeeder behind him.

The soldiers erupted into cheers, and Annatar felt a surge of pride and relief, knowing that this hard-won victory was their own.

[Scene: Stepstones – Aftermath of the Battle]

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the blood-soaked battlefield in shadow, Annatar looked at Daemon, seeing the fire of triumph still burning in his eyes. Daemon had won, not with the help of the king, but by his own strength and the loyalty of those who followed him.

Daemon met Annatar's gaze, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he clapped the boy on the shoulder.

Daemon (to Annatar):
"You have proven yourself, Annatar. Bravery, loyalty, strength... you have them all."

Annatar stood straighter, pride swelling in his chest as he nodded.

Annatar:
"And I'll keep serving you, my prince. Until every battle is won."

With Daemon, Corlys, and Laenor by his side, Annatar felt ready for whatever came next, bound to them by fire, blood, and the unbreakable bonds of war.