Game of Thrones: The Red Dragon Lord

Gavin's eyes swept over the myriad treasures in the treasury before his gaze locked on the shelf displaying weapons. Slowly, he approached, his hand brushing lightly over the Valyrian steel swords that glinted with an otherworldly sheen.

He carefully examined each blade, his movements deliberate, until his eyes caught a faint but unmistakable emblem etched into the hilt of one sword—a sigil of the Bellerys family. His breath caught. This was no ordinary sword. It was Dawn, the ancestral blade of the Bellerys family, lost for generations.

Gavin's expression flickered with surprise, then softened into quiet reverence. He picked up the sword with both hands, feeling its weight. The blade was long, slender, and perfectly straight, its surface gleaming with a silver-white brilliance. The edge was impossibly thin, razor-sharp, and imbued with an aura of power that made the air around it hum.

The hilt, crafted from dragon bone, was simple yet elegant. Its slightly curved guard was designed for both function and form, offering protection without sacrificing balance.

As he held Dawn, Gavin felt a flood of emotions—pride, longing, and resolution. His thoughts drifted to his late mother, who often spoke of the lost sword with sadness in her voice. "At last," he murmured, "your regret is no more."

Sliding the sword into a scabbard he found nearby, Gavin continued to explore the treasury, his steps lighter now. His eyes scanned the treasures until they fell upon a central pedestal where six dragon egg fossils were neatly arranged.

Carefully, he lifted one of the eggs, its shell a mottled mixture of crimson and black. Using his magic, he probed its surface, expecting only the cold stillness of fossilized stone. Instead, he froze, startled. Deep within, a faint but undeniable pulse of life stirred.

Excitement surged through him. He checked the other eggs, hoping to find similar signs of vitality, but each one remained lifeless.

His decision was immediate. With care, he cradled the living dragon egg and turned toward the water dancer standing at the vault's entrance. "I've made my choice," he called.

The water dancer inclined his head. "Sir Gavin, please follow me."

Outside the Palace

Instead of leading Gavin back to the Sea King, the water dancer escorted him directly outside the Neptune Palace. Gavin glanced back but shrugged off the slight. He had gained more than he'd hoped for.

Handing the dragon egg to one of his Blood Dragon Guards, Gavin walked calmly toward the port, his mind already turning toward their next destination.

In the Throne Room

Back in the palace, the water dancer stood before the Sea King. Rego Antalian, seated regally on his ornate throne, looked down with a piercing gaze. "What did he choose?"

The water dancer bowed low. "A Valyrian steel sword and a dragon egg fossil."

The Sea King frowned, his face darkening. "A dragon egg fossil? Which one?"

The water dancer described the egg, and the Sea King's frown deepened. "Could it have been intact?" he muttered, his voice barely audible.

He leaned back, rubbing his temples as a pang of regret washed over him. "No," he reassured himself, "the odds are too slim. It's probably just a useless relic."

Still, the loss gnawed at him. Two priceless treasures, gone. Yet, the Sea King consoled himself with one thought—Gavin was gone, and Braavos was spared further trouble.

The Bellerys

When Gavin returned to the ship, Daenerys was waiting anxiously at the gangplank. The moment she saw him, she rushed forward, throwing her arms around him.

"Gavin! You're safe!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with relief.

Gavin smiled, stroking her hair gently. "I'm fine. The Sea King wouldn't dare act rashly against me."

She pulled back slightly, her eyes glistening with emotion. "I was so worried. Promise me you won't take such risks again."

He cupped her face tenderly. "I promise to always return to you."

She nodded, leaning into his embrace. After a moment, she looked up. "Where are we going now?"

Gavin turned toward the sea, his expression thoughtful. "The Sea King has permitted us to leave. But before we return to the Stepstones, there's something I need. We'll sail north to the lands beyond the Wall. There's timber there—great woods perfect for crafting the keels of warships. I'll need them for what's coming."

Daenerys smiled softly. "Wherever you go, I'll follow."

Departure

With Gavin's orders, the fleet sprang into action. Sailors untied ropes and raised sails, the wind snapping them taut as the ships set out. The Bellerys led the way, gliding steadily toward the canyon's mouth.

Gavin stood at the bow, Daenerys by his side. She glanced back at Braavos, watching the city of her childhood fade into the distance. The once-familiar streets, bustling markets, and friendly faces became nothing more than blurred memories. A mix of sadness and relief filled her heart.

"You'll miss it, won't you?" Gavin asked gently, noticing her expression.

She nodded, meeting his gaze with a small smile. "A part of me will. But I know I'm where I'm meant to be."

They exchanged a quiet smile as the fleet passed through the Titan's shadow, leaving Braavos behind. The vast sea stretched before them, full of promise and danger.

A Gift

Back in the cabin, Gavin set a small box on the table and motioned for Daenerys to join him. "The Sea King allowed me to take something as compensation for you. I think you'll like it."

Daenerys leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "What is it?"

Gavin smiled and opened the box, revealing the crimson dragon egg nestled inside. Its shell seemed to glow faintly, veins of fiery red streaking across its surface.

Daenerys gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. "A dragon egg? Is this real?"

Gavin nodded. "Not just real—it's alive. I felt its vitality with my magic."

Her eyes filled with wonder as she reached out to touch the egg. Her fingers traced its surface delicately, as though afraid to harm it. "It's beautiful," she whispered. "Viserys always spoke of the dragon eggs on Dragonstone, but I never thought I'd see one with my own eyes."

Gavin watched her reaction with quiet satisfaction before asking, "Did Viserys ever tell you how the Targaryens hatched dragons?"

Daenerys looked up, her face alight with excitement. "He said it was a closely guarded secret of our house, but... maybe I can figure it out."

Gavin smiled. "Then let this be the beginning of something new for House Targaryen."

The dragon egg glimmered under the cabin's lantern light, a symbol of hope and the future, as the fleet sailed toward its next chapter.