Targaryen Who Turned Dragon

Chapter 86 - Slight Detour

Aerion instructed for everyone to depart for the Divine Phoenix Empire, the Divine Phoenix City, to be exact and wait for him to arrive. They were told to remain diligent and make any last-minute improvements to their strength. Considering their talent, it wasn't unlikely for most of them to experience a breakthrough during this time.

Aerion looked at his dungeon ring, its gem began to glow ever so often under his gaze. It was about time he returned to Westeros and observed the state of his Seven Kingdoms. This time he decided to go alone.

Hopefully, Robb doesn't have a few grey hairs when I see him. Ruling Seven Kingdoms can be quite stressful…

Aerion activated the portal and left for the Red Keep.

Aerion was expecting to find himself somewhere in the skies but this was not the case. It would seem that the Gods were kind… or the portal got tired of skydiving. Either way, Aerion stood before the Iron Throne which was currently occupied by Robb. The hall was full of courtiers who gasped in shock upon the sudden appearance of their one true King.

"Did you defeat him, Your Grace?" Robb inquired.

Aerion smirked. "I butchered him."

"That was to be expected… no one can stand over you for too long, Your Grace."

Aerion walked forward, where a person was on his knees. He looked awfully pitiful with many scars all over his body. However, he did have an almost sinister smile. Aerion quickly realized that this was, in fact, a trial. But what was the crime?

"Who is this?"

"Gerald, a murderer. He stands accused of murdering over a dozen locals and a member of the City Watch."

"Such a noble name wasted on a man like yourself… a pity." Aerion's cold gaze froze Gerald's smile, inserting some fear into him.

"I…"

"Hmm? Speak up."

"I was tired of living the same day every day... you must understand, right? The sensation… the thrill of killing another person and having to run away afterwards was truly a thing of wonder. There were a few times where I was almost caught… that one city watch guard was the consequence on one of those occasions."

Aerion didn't look amused. "No, I don't understand."

Robb and everyone else waited for his judgement, after all, the King's word was law. He was already confirmed to be guilty so there was nothing more to state other than his punishment. Aerion sighed. "You are not even worth a single breath of mine, yet I must stain my hands with your blood."

Aerion was about to order his death but Gerald made a rather foolish demand. His last resort, clearly.

"Hahaha, you can't kill me yet! Because I demand a trial by combat!! None but the Gods shall decide my fate…"

"You are a fool, with nothing to your name, a peasant, yet you expect a trial by combat?"

"…"

"Even if I were to be benevolent and decide to grant your demands… your chances of winning would be non-existent. There is only one proper punishment for all your sins and that is... death!"

And so the matter was wrapped up.

"Robb, I leave the execution to you."

"May I ask, what kind of execution?"

Aerion shrugged. "You can decide that. I could care less."

Aerion left in the direction of Maegor's Holdfast. The drawbridge was open with a Kingsguard patrolling at the far end of the corridor. Aerion walked past the bridge and into Maegor's Holdfast. The Kingsguard noticed that it was his Grace, the King, who had passed the bridge.

"Your Grace."

Aerion gave a respectful nod and went past him. He wanted to see a certain child... well, his only child so he walked towards his room. The wet nurse moved aside and Aerion observed little Aurion. His lilac eyes were as large as ever, blinking ever so often. He beamed with joy upon the sight of his father.

"Can he walk?" Aerion asked the wet nurse.

"Yes, and the prince's steps are becoming much more elegant. He rarely ever trips..."

Aerion smiled and lifted Aurion.

"Well, shall we go for a walk?"

Aerion took his little son for a walk and realized that what the wet nurse had stated was, in fact, true. It would seem that Aurion was developing faster than an ordinary child would, which wasn't surprising considering who his father was. Aurion seemed to be very calm and observant, not speaking much. When he did speak, he made very few errors.

Aerion felt that it was safe enough for him to bring Aurion to the Profound Sly Continent. There was no reason for him to remain in the Red Keep, far away from both of his parents, anyway. He could learn the profound way and fulfil his true potential… but he was still a few years too young.

By the time he is seven, it is highly probable that I would already have set a solid foothold in the Realm Of Gods. He will probably grow faster than I by simply being in a far better environment and getting a huge head start.

Eventually, they arrived at one of the gardens. Well, Aurion led the way himself. He seemed to be quite enthusiastic so Aerion obliged. A dragon's roar trembled the land… somewhat. It was Silverfyre, Daenerys' dragon. Silverfyre had grown a bit but was still unable to carry a full-grown a.d.u.l.t. However, this did not mean that the dragon was small.

Silverfyre dived down onto the ground and allowed Aerion to pet it. Aerion did so and the dragon began to dance around him.

It is still a playful child…

"Sil…ver dragon… silver dragon!" Aurion stated as he gently touched the dragon's scales.

Aerion nodded. "It is a silver dragon."

On the balcony sat none other than Princess Daenerys. The scene before her was indeed beautiful, probably one of the best one could find in King's Landing. Aerion walked forward and noticed that she held a cup of wine.

Eh, she has a thirst for wine now?

"So you have returned."

That sounded much colder than it had to be, I have only been away for three months.

"I wonder, where do you truly go?"

"It's complicated…"

"Can I not go with you?"

Aerion thought about it for a second.

I can protect her from any harm easily… no one can even compare to me when it comes to strength in the entire Blue Pole Star. But that would leave the Seven Kingdoms without much Targaryen presence, apart from Viserys. Still, I can trust my small council to keep things running.

"Hmm… sure, if you really want to."

"Then I will."

Well then, can't say I didn't see it coming.

~

Aerion wanted to complete his breakthrough to Sovereign Profound as soon as possible, so he swiftly made arrangements. He started with a Small Council meeting. Everyone gathered but Duncan, who was away in the Stepstones, and Marwyn. Marwyn was apparently away in Dragonstone for some reason, probably magic related.

"Has anything major happened since I left?" Aerion looked in the direction of Varys, who was always the most informed in the Small Council. His main task was gathering information so this was a simple expectation.

"Nothing that would threaten your hold on the Iron Throne, Your Grace. But there is something that may interest you…"

"And that is?"

"Robert Baratheon seems to be taking his exile well by becoming a sell-sword, a well feared and notorious one at that. He has gathered a sizeable force and acc.u.mulated ample wealth from his many battles."

"Good for him. Stannis, what do you think of Robert's new profession?"

"He was always a warrior… I remember when he first heard of your exploits in the Narrow Sea. He found some joy from it because you gave him an excuse to brandish his Warhammer."

"A warrior, indeed. Even I have come to admire his strength and skill… he was never meant to be a King, nor did he want to be one."

"But he was chosen regardless."

Aerion nodded. Robert had the best claim and was the one to lead the Rebellion. By the end of it, he was renowned as the demon of the Trident. Robert was the obvious choice. "Kevan, how is the project moving along?"

"The castle is already complete and the secondary wall is still being built. In the meantime, a few of the less fortunate have been given land in order to farm. A third of their yields are sent directly to the treasury, just as you instructed, Your Grace."

The issue of overpopulation will sort itself about now. "That is good news. Does the city still stink?"

Robb laughed. "Of course it does, it always stank."

Aerion shook his head. "Not always. King's Landing has clearly outgrown the sewers that Jaehaerys, the First of His name, had built which means that some waste isn't disposed of... where do you think this waste goes?"

"It stays in the city."

"You are correct. I intend to expand the sewers so that they may be large enough for the population of King's Landing. But... that will be a difficult task."

Kevan Lannister had an idea. "I know someone who can do just that, a nephew of mine."

"Oh, the Imp?"

Kevan nodded. "He was in charge of the sewers in Casterly Rock. I believe he may be able to solve our little problem, provided that he has enough gold to do so."

By right, Tyrion Lannister is supposed to be the Lord of Casterly Rock and Lord Paramount of the Westerlands. But I'm having Kevan occupy that seat for now... perhaps he can claim what is his if I find him suitable.

"Very well, Merwyn, send a raven to Casterly Rock."

"Right away, Your Grace."

...

After some time, it was over. Aerion ended it with a rather unexpected announcement. "Robb, give me the pin."

"As you command." He took of the Hand's pin and gave it to Aerion.

"I already told Robb, and now it's time for the entire Realm to know of my decision."

Aerion left his seat and walked towards a certain person. Now he felt comfortable with leaving the honour with someone else.

"Stannis, stand."

"Your Grace, could it be that..."

He stood up and Aerion gave him the pin.

"From this day onwards, you shall be my Hand! You have proven your abilities on the small council countless times under Robert and myself and you have slowly gained my trust. The way you handle matters integrates perfectly with the role of Hand, the people need an authoritative figure to rule while I am away."

"I will not fail you, Your Grace."

Aerion smiled. "I know you won't... that was why I chose you."

I will not let my dislike towards Robert cloud my judgement... Stannis is worthy of such an honour.

Robb clapped. "I congratulate you, Stannis."

The rest joined in.

~

A few days later, Aerion left King's Landing through the use of the portal. He had to give up an eye but it would recover in a few days so it was a minor consequence. This time, he brought Robb, Aurion and Daenerys with him. He also postponed his wedding with Margaery, pushing it to next year. That did cause some problems... but Aerion had a few more important things to look towards.

I am only a single step away from Sovereign Profound... just a single step.

He laughed at himself and promised to be a more attentive King once he conquers and loots all of Blue Pole Star's treasures.

"Where to, Your Imperial, Majestic, Grace?" The voice echoed.

The Divine Phoenix City.

"Kekeke, you never said exactly where in the Divine Phoenix City... but I shall be kind and give you a slight detour. You'll thank me for it!"

...

Aerion opened his eyes and quickly observed his surroundings. He was surrounded by mountains from all sides, one of the sides having an absurdly large mountain. There was no Robb, Aurion or Daenerys in sight... Aerion felt slightly nervous but the gem assured him.

"They were sent to the Dragonsguard, you, however, were blessed with a special opportunity. You can thank me later haha haha."

He stood up and noticed a girl. She was walking slowly, yet gracefully towards him. Aerion made eye contact and felt as if his soul had been taken away, just for a second. Her dream-like blue eyes were truly a wonder. She was exceedingly beautiful, no one could doubt that. The girl was one of the most beautiful maidens he had ever laid his eyes upon.

Could she be...

She asked the question first, there was a warm and gentle tone to her voice.

"Who are you...?"

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