Game of Thrones: King of Magic

Chapter 54

Solomon. Dragonstone.

Since business in King's Landing was over for the moment, I decided to visit Dragonstone. It was a small rocky island in the Narrow Sea, at the end of Blackwater Bay, with a fortress of the same name. It was here that the Targaryens had moved before the Doom of Valyria happened.

It was bleak and empty, as it had been formed by a volcano, and all that the island had was a small port, a castle, almost no vegetation, and rocks of various sizes and shapes.

The castle that I could see from the harbor looked like something out of a sci-fi movie. Its architecture was different from any castle I had ever seen, that is, it was built of black stone. Triangular with sharp tops, the towers and walls had dragon-like features, and I also caught sight of several stone gargoyles that looked like the same dragons. All of this created a kind of gothic-mysterious picture that looked intimidating, but also stylish and original.

I breathed in a full breath of the smell of the sea and freshness, something I couldn't do in King's Landing.

I loved this place. Although it gave the impression of isolation and loneliness, there was also a sense of peace and freedom. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks, the smell of sea and salt, and the open sky full of clouds blended perfectly with each other. I think I would have stayed here longer, even if there weren't many places to walk.

- I like it here, and I think we'll spend some time here," I said as I surveyed the landscape of rocks and frozen lava around me. - What about you?

- If you like it, so do I, my king. Though, I would add red through vegetation or simple decorations,' Kinvara replied.

- 'Here... well,' Lavena said.

- So we agree on this place," I nodded and looked at the long stone pathway from the shore to the castle. A group of four men were coming down the path, and after a while they appeared before me.

The first was a tall and large middle-aged man with broad shoulders, dark blue eyes, a short trimmed beard, and black hair with slipping gray. And, as I realized, this was Stannis Baratheon, the younger brother of the current king. He struck me as an extremely serious, stern and callous man, but he also reminded me a bit of Ned because of the sense of duty that emanated from him.

Behind him stood two women, one of whom was a red priestess, judging by the dress and the necklace around her neck, and the other of quite ordinary appearance. Hiding behind Stannis was a girl of ten with a disfigured face. And while our two groups looked around at each other, it was she who was the first to say something.

- Why are you barefoot? Aren't you cold? - She asked with childish curiosity and quickly lowered her eyes, still hiding behind her father, causing everyone to stare at her. The guards looked at each other worriedly, Stannis shook his head, the red priestess remained silent, and the last one, who appeared to be her mother....

- Shireen..." she wanted to scold her as I raised my hand to stop her and knelt down, then smiled.

- Don't be afraid, child, come," I said, and Shireen, seeing her father's nod, walked forward slowly and uncertainly with her head down. - How do I look in your eyes?

- You look... magical, my lord," she began uncertainly. - Your clothes are so beautiful and clean, your hair is long and silky, and your eyes seem to shine with golden light... And also... I somehow think that you are good and kind... Just like in fairy tales....

- You're right about something, child," I let out a chuckle, and at that Stannis looked a little worried. - What's your name?

- Shireen. Shireen Baratheon," she introduced herself, pronouncing the surname with a note of affection, then glanced at her group. - This is my father, Stannis Baratheon, Lord of Dragonstone and Master of the Ships. Standing beside him are Lady Melisandre, priestess of the Lord of Light, and my mother, Celisa Baratheon.