Chapter 92: Chapter 92 Maester Aemon
Gavin answered calmly, "That's not the case, Lord Commander. I led my fleet to Braavos recently, and our ships docked at Eastwatch. From there, I continued the journey with only my attendants. I wanted to visit the Wall of Despair. I've heard much about its majesty but have never seen it for myself."
Mormont nodded, his expression softening. "In that case, Lord Gavin, you're welcome to stay and visit. Castle Black is in the far north, and the conditions here are harsh. I hope you don't mind. We'll do our best to make you comfortable."
Gavin smiled and bowed slightly. "Thank you, Lord Commander, for your hospitality. The Night's Watch defends the Great Wall for the realm, a duty that commands admiration. I've also brought a shipload of supplies, anchored at Eastwatch, which I wish to contribute to the Night's Watch."
A rare smile crossed Mormont's stern face, and he nodded in gratitude. "Thank you, Lord Gavin, for your generous aid. The Night's Watch will remember this. Supplies are always needed in these cold and trying times." He gestured for a Night's Watchman to come forward. "See to it that Lord Gavin and his attendants are provided with rooms."
Before the Night's Watchman could lead them away, Maester Aemon stepped forward. "Allow me to take our guests. I'll make the arrangements myself."
Mormont gave a nod of approval. "Very well, Maester Aemon. I'll leave it in your hands."
Under Maester Aemon's guidance, Gavin and Daenerys walked toward a modest wooden loft. Along the way, Aemon introduced various aspects of Castle Black's layout and daily routines. Gavin listened attentively, though Daenerys's thoughts seemed elsewhere. Her gaze occasionally lingered on the elderly maester with quiet intensity.
When they reached the loft, Aemon pushed open the creaking wooden door. "Lord Gavin, the accommodations are modest, but I hope this will suffice."
Gavin stepped inside and glanced around. Though the room was sparsely furnished, it was clean and orderly. "Thank you, Maester Aemon. This is more than adequate."
Aemon nodded slightly and turned to leave, but Daenerys suddenly stepped forward, pulling back her hood. Her silver hair shimmered faintly in the dim light, and her violet eyes seemed to glow with emotion.
Maester Aemon froze, his body trembling as recognition dawned. His sightless eyes glistened with tears. "Is it… Daenerys? My child, is it truly you?" His voice trembled with disbelief and a surge of affection.
Daenerys's eyes reddened as she rushed to him. "Uncle Aemon, it's me."
Aemon clasped her hands tightly, his frail fingers trembling. "My child, it is far too dangerous for you to return to Westeros. You must be cautious and keep yourself hidden." His voice was heavy with worry.
Turning to Gavin, Aemon's face darkened slightly with confusion. "Viserys? Have you changed your name and gained a territory?"
Gavin, understanding the misunderstanding, began to explain, but Daenerys interrupted, her voice tinged with sorrow. "Uncle Aemon, my brother Viserys is dead. He was slain by an assassin sent by the usurper. This is Gavin, my fiancé and a Valyrian lord. You're mistaken."
Aemon's expression shifted to one of shock, then sorrow. He turned his gaze back to Daenerys and spoke solemnly. "Child, I pray you'll leave this place soon and live your life quietly, away from the shadows of the Iron Throne. Disguise yourself and stay hidden." He looked at Gavin with hope. "Lord Gavin, I entrust Daenerys's safety to you. Promise me you'll protect her."
Gavin met his gaze firmly. "You have my word, Maester Aemon. I'll protect her with my life."
Daenerys bit her lip, her voice soft yet resolute. "Uncle, I understand your concerns, but…"
Before she could finish, Gavin interjected. "Maester Aemon, we came here for two reasons. First, Daenerys wanted to meet you, her only living family in Westeros. Second, she has hatched a red dragon, and during my expedition to Valyria, I brought back a golden dragon nearly twenty meters long. We know little about dragons and hoped you could offer guidance."
Aemon's face grew somber, his voice measured. "The Targaryens rose to power on the strength of dragons, but their downfall began with the dragons' extinction. If you possess dragons, protect them well, for they are both your greatest asset and your greatest liability. But remember, my child, they may bring you triumph or disaster. Whatever happens, I pray they guide you toward reclaiming the glory of your house."
Daenerys's resolve hardened as she cradled the red dragon in her arms. "Uncle Aemon, I will reclaim the Iron Throne. I have to."
Later that night, Castle Black was cloaked in darkness. Only the flicker of a few torches along the walls lit the cold, desolate landscape. The silence was broken only by the howling wind. A weary guard leaned against the Wall, his head nodding as sleep threatened to overtake him.
High above, the sound of wings cutting through the air signaled Viserion's arrival. The young red dragon glided silently toward the loft where Gavin and Daenerys waited. Passing through the window, it landed in Daenerys's arms with an almost catlike grace. She stroked its warm, gleaming scales tenderly.
Maester Aemon approached cautiously, his fingers outstretched to touch Viserion's scales. His weathered hands trembled as he felt the dragon's warmth and smooth texture. Viserion, sensing the shared bloodline, lowered its head, almost in acknowledgment.
Tears welled in Aemon's eyes. "To see a Targaryen dragon once more… I never thought I would witness such a miracle in my lifetime. It seems fate has decided to give House Targaryen another chance. But beware, Daenerys—dragons are as dangerous as they are powerful. Handle them wisely."
Daenerys hugged Viserion tightly, her voice firm. "I understand, Uncle Aemon. But I will use them to take back what was stolen from our family."
Outside, Gavin kept watch, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. As he listened to their conversation, his thoughts drifted toward the dangers that lay ahead, including the looming mystery of the Three-Eyed Crow.