Chapter 32: Best defence is best Offence sometimes
Volantis, the oldest of the Free Cities, was once a colony of Valyria. Its Black Walls, made of dragonstone, were built by the Valyrian Freehold and had never been breached. The city was divided by the mighty Rhoyne River, with the commoners living outside the Black Walls and the nobles residing within.
The Red Temple of R'hllor stood as a beacon of faith, its flames lighting the night. The High Priestess, known for her prophetic visions, held sway over much of the city's politics.
Despite its grandeur, Volantis was also a city of corruption, with its slave markets and oppressive nobility. In Volantis there is 5 slaves per every single free person.
In Volantis, the heart of the Free City Alliance's preparations, the tension was palpable. The rulers of Volantis,are planning to destroy Alex and reclaim the Free Cities he had taken. Their armies were mobilizing, and their fleet of warships was being outfitted with wildfire.
In the Red Temple of Volantis, the High Priestess whispered prayers to R'hllor, the Lord of Light. Her fire-filled visions hinted at dragons and destruction.
Despite the ominous warning, the alliance believed their numbers and resources would overwhelm the newcomer king. They planned to strike in two weeks, ensuring they had time to gather their forces.
PENTOS
Back in Pentos, Alex stood before a map of Essos in his war room, surrounded by Daenerys, Leon, and his trusted generals. He had received reports of the alliance's growing army and their preparations for an attack. Instead of waiting for them to strike, Alex decided to take the fight to them.
"The best defense is a strong offense," Alex said, pointing to Volantis on the map. "Volantis is the oldest and most powerful of the Free Cities. If we strike at their heart, the alliance will crumble."
Jorah frowned. "From what i heard Their Black Walls are legendary. They're made of dragonstone and nearly indestructible. Even dragons struggled to breach them during the height of Valyria."
Alex smirked. "That's why we have this." He held up a sleek, modern RPG (rocket-propelled grenade launcher) and took out a crate of spare rockets. "This will punch a hole through their gates."
The room fell silent as the others stared at the weapon.
"This mission will be led by Victor," Alex continued. "He'll take two of our small warships and twenty squads of soldiers. The ships will destroy any warships they encounter, and the squads will infiltrate through the docks. The RPGs will be used to breach the gates to the Old Volantis district, where the nobles and leaders reside. The main targets are the Three triarchs that rules the city, after that destroy the Red tower and eliminate all the nobles."
Victor stepped forward, saluting. "It will be done, my king."
Before Victor departed, Alex gathered him and the squads for a final briefing.
"Volantis is a city of two halves," Alex began, pacing before the soldiers. "The lower city is filled with commoners and slaves, while the Old Volantis district behind the Black Walls houses the nobles and leaders. Our target is behind those walls."
He pointed to the RPG. "This weapon is your key to breaching those gates. The Black Walls are made of dragonstone, stronger than steel, but even they can't withstand this. Use it wisely."
Alex's expression darkened. "Be wary of the Red Temple and their High Priestess. She may use magic against us, and her influence runs deep in the city. Trust no one, not even a child. The people of Volantis are loyal to their own, and they will not hesitate to betray you. And I want it to a quick attack, so attack them at the first rays of light, when they will least expect it. Most of their soldiers will be just waking up and nobles probably be drunk and asleep as well."
Victor nodded, his face set with determination. "What of their fleet, my king?"
"The two warships will handle that," Alex replied. "Their wildfire may be a problem, but with our speed and firepower, we'll eliminate them before they can retaliate. You'll have the element of surprise use it to your advantage."
Victor saluted again. "We will not fail."
"Ooh and take Jorah with you. See how he performs. After the battle tell me his report".
"Yes, Your Majesty".
Later that day
The sun was beginning to set over the castle of Pentos, casting a golden hue across the backyard gardens where Alex and Daenerys were seated. The other two dragons, were playfully chasing each other through the air, their wings slicing through the sky like blades. Daenerys watched them with a gentle smile, her hand resting on Alex's arm.
"They're growing quickly," she remarked, her silver hair catching the light. "It's only a matter of time before they're as strong as their ancestors."
Alex chuckled, sipping his wine. "They'll be strong, but I doubt they'll catch up to Ancalagon."
Daenerys nodded. "He's...different. Larger. More intelligent, it seems. Can you make them like Ancalagon as well with your magic" Asked Dani.
"Hmmm...."
"What"
"It's not that simple"he said, it's just Alex didn't know how to explain it to dani that Bloodline upgrade costing freaking shit ton of credits from store and he ain't got those.
"Why is that?".
Before Alex could reply, a massive shadow passed over them, and the air was filled with the sound of thunderous wingbeats. The earth trembled slightly as Ancalagon the Black landed with a powerful thud in the yard.
The dragon had grown tremendously in the past two months, his body now over 25 feet long with a height of nearly 12 feet. His obsidian-black scales glimmered with an almost metallic sheen, and his wings stretched wide, casting an imposing shadow over everyone present. His two sharp horns were longer and more curved, giving him a fearsome yet majestic appearance.
Everyone in the yard froze, their gazes locked on the towering dragon. Even the other two dragons ceased their play, landing nearby to observe their larger sibling. Ancalagon's golden eyes scanned the yard before locking onto Alex and Daenerys.
To everyone's surprise, Ancalagon didn't roar or growl. Instead, he lowered his massive body and walked toward them with surprising grace for a creature of his size.
Alex stood, unfazed, while Daenerys instinctively placed a hand on his arm.
As Ancalagon reached them, he lowered his enormous head, his nostrils flaring as he breathed in their scents. Then, to the astonishment of everyone present, the dragon gently nudged his head against Alex's chest, a deep rumble emanating from within him.
"Ancalagon…" Alex murmured, placing a hand on the dragon's snout.
The dragon turned his head slightly and did the same to Daenerys, pressing his forehead against her chest. Daenerys, though shocked, instinctively placed her hands on his warm, scale-covered head.
Suddenly, the deep rumble in Ancalagon's throat changed. It became rhythmic, almost like a vibration of words. Everyone watched in stunned silence as the dragon pulled back slightly, his golden eyes glowing with intelligence.
And then, he spoke.
"F...Fa...Father...Mother…"
The words were rough and guttural, as though the dragon was struggling to shape them, but they were unmistakable.
Gasps filled the yard as everyone, from the Unsullied guards to the castle staff, stared in disbelief. Even Alex, usually composed, felt his jaw slacken slightly. He knew Dragons from Lord of the rings can speak but he really didn't expect this early.
Daenerys took a step closer, her violet eyes wide with wonder. "He...he spoke," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "A dragon that can speak is unheard off".
Ancalagon nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on the two of them. "Father...Mother," he repeated, the words clearer this time, resonating deeply in the yard.
Alex placed a hand on the dragon's snout again, his expression a mix of amazement and pride. "Ancalagon… how is this possible?"
The dragon tilted his head slightly, as though considering the question. he rumbled, his voice deep and resonant.
Daenerys touched her chest, overwhelmed. "He understands us. He's...he's more than just a dragon."
Ancalagon gave a low rumble, almost like a chuckle. "Always...was. He is our Son just like the other 2 shit heads over there." He said that as he patted the dragon on head.
The other two dragons approached cautiously, their heads tilted as they observed their speaking sibling. Ancalagon glanced at them but made no move, his attention returning to Alex and Daenerys.
Leon, who had been watching from a distance, finally found his voice. "My king… a dragon that can speak."
Alex turned to him, his face serious. "It does. This isn't just a dragon it's a sentient being. He'll be our greatest ally and our greatest weapon."
Ancalagon rumbled again, his golden eyes gleaming. "Fight...together."
Daenerys smiled, tears glistening in her eyes. "Yes, Ancalagon. Together."
He still needs to learn how to speak properly, but the words he learned by himself made Alex and Dani really proud of having a Dragon son like him. Alex knew it's only a matter of time before He grows much more bigger than average GOT dragons, considering he is now in his growing period. He will grow more and more with less and less time needed, means more food and a bigger place is needed for him to live. Another headache for him.
As the dragon spread his massive wings and roared, the sound echoed across Pentos, a signal to the world that the era of dragons was not just returning it was evolving.