Game of Dragonborn. [BOOK 1/2]

Chapter 193 - The Sentence for the North 03.

[Chapter Size: 2900 Words.]

Third Person POV.

Winterfell.

...

...

"I accept," Daemon said. "Three days from now, when the sun reaches its highest point, we will meet in the courtyard. Before dusk we will decide what the gods will accept."

With those words, Daemon determined Lord Stark's future, and it would be decided in that duel.

"You may walk around the castle as you always have, as long as you commit no crimes. You will be treated here as a guest. And I would recommend that you train. And if this satisfies you, I swear by all the gods of this world that I will not use magic during our combat." He spoke.

This surprised the Northern nobles, given Daemon's rather patient treatment of the uncle who had turned his childhood into hell; whispers spread among them about what would happen. Remarks about Lord Stark's death and about Daemon—despite seeming kind—perhaps wishing to taste the sight and feeling of Lord Stark perishing by Daemon's sword, were heard. Daemon almost laughed when he heard that he must have arranged this just for the chance to kill him himself.

But the king simply ignored it while he waited for the men to absorb some of this information before continuing. He raised his hand and everyone quickly stopped their conversations and looked at the king.

"Let us continue," he said after a moment.

Daemon opened his right hand and a book appeared, with him gripping the tome of the records of High Septon Maynard.

He heard a few gasps at him using a bit of magic — something most were already accustomed to, but there were always people to impress with tricks.

"Ser Barristan Selmy, I want you to read this aloud and pass it to all the guests. It is time for me to prove my claim to the Iron Throne, upon which I already sit." Jon did not fail to mock as Barristan approached and opened the book where Daemon had already indicated. He then took the tome and, before his voice roared through the hall, he began to read:

"... So that afternoon I wed Prince Rhaegar to his second wife, Queen Lyanna Targaryen, formerly Stark. From then on, she was declared the second rightful queen of the Seven Kingdoms once Rhaegar would take the crown after his father's death. And all of her children shall have claim to the throne, after the children of Elia Targaryen, formerly Martell." He said, as the place grew agitated with all sorts of gossip about it. However, Barristan Selmy continued.

"Some moons passed and Queen Lyanna began to show her first signs of pregnancy. Prince Rhaegar declared it would be a girl and that her name would be Visenya Targaryen, while the future Queen Lyanna herself declared it would be a boy and said his name would be Daemon Targaryen."

The place fell silent after that. All eyes were fixed on the old knight.

"Tell me, Ser Barristan Selmy, is this legitimate?" Daemon asked.

"Most certainly, my king. I swear upon my honor that I have read some letters from High Septon Maynard and I recognize his handwriting. This is legitimate, a legitimate document that no one could question the origin of, like a true Targaryen prince." He filled his lungs to say this. In fact, the knight was telling the truth and was truly moved by such a document.

"Well, I never believed that your mother had truly run away. I don't need a high septon's book to believe that," Maege Mormont broke the silence of the hall.

"Your words are very welcome, Lady Mormont," Daemon said and continued with a small pause. "Although it is impossible to rely solely on the kindness of my lords. I know my strength is already known, my powers are recognized, and I know that almost all of you fear me. However, even so, I am here to claim fairly. I will bring fire and blood to the enemies of my house and gladly accept the allies who come to drink with me. But I still need to prove, above all, that I fight for something that is my birthright; otherwise, I would not have a chance to make some good men follow me."