The dawn broke over the ash-gray sky as Kaerys stood in the ancient ruins outside Volantis, the words of the Valyrian incantation burning on her tongue. The air shimmered with unseen power, vibrating with the pulse of a magic long thought lost.
Jaro knelt beside her, eyes wide. "If this works... we could bend dragons to our will."
Kaerys's gaze hardened. "Not just dragons. The fate of Valyria itself."
Tensions Among Allies
Back in the city, tensions boiled between Lord Daven and the Merchant Queen's emissaries. Trust was a fragile thread, fraying with every whispered suspicion.
"You play a dangerous game," one emissary warned.
Daven smiled, his voice low and cold. "I'm the one holding the dagger. And I always strike first."
The Battle Begins
On the plains beyond the city, the armies clashed. Steel rang against steel, banners stained with blood and dust.
Neron led the charge, his sword blazing in the rising sun. Aelthara's voice rose above the roar of battle, commanding the archers to rain death on the enemy ranks.
Kaerys watched from a distant hill, the Valyrian magic swirling around her like a storm ready to break.
A Moment of Doubt
In the chaos, Kaerys felt a flicker of uncertainty. The power was intoxicating — but dangerous.
"Is this who I am now?" she whispered to the wind. "A queen of fire and shadows... or a monster?"
Victory and Loss
The day ended with the enemy broken, but at a heavy cost. The fields were littered with the fallen, and the cries of the wounded filled the air.
Neron approached Kaerys, his expression grim. "This war will test us all. But we have taken the first step."
End of Chapter 36