Unlike the frenzied lesser and mid-ranking nobles, the three lords and several major liege lords were quietly contemplating what the issuance of the Conquest Law might mean for their families and their authority.
In Westeros, noble society is structured like a pyramid, built on the foundations of feudal loyalty and protection. Aegon's Conquest Law had undoubtedly struck at the heart of the great lords' power. There's an old saying from the Middle Ages: "My vassal's vassal is not my vassal."
Now that this law had been enacted, the Targaryen dynasty could bypass the high lords and directly reward minor nobles based on their military achievements. This posed a real threat to the power balance within the lords' own territories and, in more serious cases, could even undermine the authority of the liege lords themselves.
If not for Aegon's commanding presence, his three dragons, and the firm support of Lord Torrhen and the Lady of Storms, such a radical law would never have been enforceable.
Aegon naturally noticed the stark contrast in expression between the high lords and great liege lords and that of the smaller nobles in the royal hall. He sighed inwardly: If I want to change the cultural system of Westeros, I can't be too hasty. If these key supporters among the great lords become disillusioned, ruling will only become more difficult later. It's best to take things step by step.
Once the initial excitement among the minor nobles began to settle...
"All right, the oath ceremony will end here for now." Aegon waved a hand. "The three lords and the army generals, remain behind. We need to continue discussing military strategy."
"Lord Hightower, you too," Aegon called out to Lord Manfred Hightower, who had just turned to leave.
"As you command, Your Grace," Lord Hightower replied.
Just as the other nobles were bowing and taking their leave, a white-robed Septon came hurrying into the hall from outside.
He stopped at the base of the throne steps, bowed low, then looked up at Aegon and said, "Your Grace, the High Septon has arrived at the Great Sept of Highgarden. He awaits your summons—or for you to come meet him there."
The nobles who had been leaving froze mid-step. They first looked at the Septon, then turned to their king, Aegon, quietly awaiting his response. Everyone present understood one thing: Aegon had repeatedly mentioned during the military council his intent to disband the two militant orders of the Faith of the Seven.
Now that the Targaryen dynasty—the new power from across the sea—was preparing to confront the entrenched Faith of the Seven, how could the lords who relished turmoil not be brimming with anticipation?
Aegon stared coldly at the Septon who dared meet his gaze and said calmly, "Tell the High Septon to come to the Hall of the Oak King. I will wait for him here."
"Yes, Your Grace," the Septon replied before withdrawing.
None of the hundreds of nobles left. Instead, they returned to the Hall of the Oak King.
In this coming clash between royal authority and divine power, they were ready to be witnesses, supporters, opponents—or silent observers.
Although Aegon had once indirectly faced a true god who could manifest miracles, he knew in his heart that these human-centric, godless faiths were just as difficult to deal with.
The Faith of the Seven's moral codes and doctrines shaped the secular culture of Westeros.
And House Targaryen, descended from the Valyrian Freehold, was fundamentally at odds with the Faith of the Seven—two forces inherently incompatible.
Aegon sat firmly upon the Oakenseat, with his two queens seated to either side. The Oakenseat was massive, spacious enough for all three to sit without feeling crowded. Aegon quietly speculated that when this throne was forged during the Age of Heroes, it might have been made for demigods—not mere mortals.
The High Septon took far longer to arrive than Aegon had expected.
Only after nearly ten full bells had passed did a man, over a hundred years old, slowly enter the great hall. Dressed in an opulent white robe trimmed with golden embroidery, he leaned heavily on a staff set with seven gemstones and shuffled to the base of the throne steps.
Aegon remained seated, his expression unreadable as he silently studied the old man.
The High Septon scrutinized Aegon in turn. He looked impossibly ancient, like a crumbling piece of deadwood—something that could fall apart at any moment...
"Your Grace, did you summon me just to let these old bones stand here?" the High Septon said slowly. His voice was so faint that if one didn't listen closely, it was almost impossible to make out what he was saying.
Maester Gawen stood at the very back among the other Septons, appearing to have arrived with the High Septon. He gave Aegon a subtle wink. Aegon glanced at him but couldn't tell what Gawen meant by it.
Aegon rose and walked to the steps, looking down at the High Septon.
"The Seven have always been the gods I revere. When my house migrated from the Valyrian Peninsula to Dragonstone, the Seven Shrine was the only temple on the island not dedicated to Valyrian deities..."
The old High Septon gave a slight nod and tapped his cane before speaking. "If that's the case, then I proposed to crown you. Why did you never respond to my letter?"
Many of the lesser nobles turned to look at Aegon. It was the first time they realized that the Church had already been in contact with King Aegon—and had even extended goodwill. So why was King Aegon still moving against the Church and targeting the Faith Militant?
"Your Grace, the High Septon crowning you is a blessing. It will benefit your reign and allow most of the people of Westeros to embrace you as one of the faithful," a minor noble, devoted to the Seven, fell to his knees and couldn't help but offer counsel.
Selder, the Evenstar of House Tarth, also knelt and added, "Ser Maet speaks true. I do not wish to see conflict between you and the Faith. Such a clash would sow fear across the realm. Westeros has only just glimpsed the dawn of peace—we must not let it descend into chaos again."
House Tarth is one of the great lords of the Stormlands. Their family upholds the honor of knighthood, and the traditions of knighthood are a core part of the Faith of the Seven's moral doctrine.
The head of House Manderly of White Harbor also knelt and pleaded sincerely, "Your Grace Aegon, I've heard your ideals. You unified Westeros to end the wars between the Seven Kingdoms. That vision is what drives me to follow you into battle.
Are you now going to be the one to spark new conflict?
The Faith of the Seven has already accepted you as Westeros's ruler—what more do you seek?"
The Manderlys of White Harbor are also one of the major lords of the North.
"Your Grace, though I am a lord of the Vale, I believe Lord Manderly speaks wisely... please..." The head of House Grafton of Gulltown also knelt in plea. Their family descends from pure-blooded Andals, and it was the Andals who brought the Faith of the Seven to Westeros. For that reason, their entire house remains devout.
"Your Grace!" another noble dropped to his knees with a thud.
"Please, Your Grace, don't force this..." another fell to his knees.
"This must not happen, Your Grace!" yet another noble dropped to the floor.
Aegon stood atop the throne steps, his brows slightly furrowed.
In the hall were more than seven hundred lords, and over half of them were kneeling—many of them powerful high lords—pleading on behalf of the Faith of the Seven.
In that moment, Aegon felt as if he wasn't the one looking down at the High Septon from above, but rather that the High Septon, standing below, was somehow looking down on him.
Aegon's hand instinctively tightened around the hilt of Blackfyre. A surge of violent emotion flooded his chest.
He suddenly wanted to draw his blade and cut down every lord pressuring him, to reduce them to ashes with the Black Dread's flame for defying his will. But in the span of a single breath, he snapped out of it, realizing that his palm was slick with cold sweat.
What had come over him just now?
Why had he felt such an extreme impulse?
Could it be that he too was affected by the negative effects of the [True Dragon Bloodline]? He had always believed himself immune to its side effects.
At that moment, a soft, slender hand grasped the one clutching his sword. Aegon turned slightly and saw his sister, Rhaenys, standing beside him, offering a gentle, encouraging smile.
Queen Visenya also stepped to his left, resting lightly against his shoulder.
The three siblings stood shoulder to shoulder, facing the immense pressure that hundreds of lords were now placing on House Targaryen.
Aegon gripped the Blackfyre sword with both hands and slammed it hard into the ground, but it did nothing to halt the swelling tide of protests echoing through the throne hall—until the sound of dragon wings filled the air.
From the leaf-covered, drafty canopy of the Oak King's Hall, a black dragon's head—massive as a small mountain—poked through.
Balerion opened his enormous jaws and let out a thunderous roar, unleashing his fury at the lords who dared disrespect his master.
Roar—roar!~~~
The devastating soundwaves of the extended roar forced the lords to clutch their ears in pain.
As the deafening roar finally ceased after several seconds, Aegon, bracing himself on Blackfyre, lifted his chin slightly and stared down at the lords prostrated before him.
Some of the nobles, terrified by the Dragonlord's wrath, trembled as they scrambled to their feet. Heads bowed, they retreated to the edges of the hall, trying to make themselves invisible, not daring to utter a word.
Yet nearly two hundred lords remained kneeling before Aegon, their heads still bowed.
Torrhen's brow furrowed. He shouted at one of the kneeling lords, "Lord Manderly, as your liege, I command you to rise!"
Lord Manderly slowly lifted his head, his eyes fixed on the massive dragon head looming above them like a small mountain. The Black Dread's maw was slightly open, pointed directly at the gathering of nobles who had spoken up.
Trembling, he replied, "Prince Torrhen, I... I cannot rise. I cannot betray my faith. I... I will not stand by and watch injustice done to my gods."
With that, Lord Manderly lifted his head fully and shut his eyes, as if bracing for death.
Many of the kneeling lords were moved by his fearless resolve. When forced to choose between loyalty and faith, they too chose faith. Just like Lord Manderly, they lifted their heads and closed their eyes, waiting for death to come.
Torrhen was touched by Lord Manderly's devotion and no longer tried to compel him.
In Westerosi values, to willingly lay down one's life for one's gods was an act of honor—something worthy of praise.
Torrhen turned his head toward Aegon, his expression filled with a trace of unease.
Many Northern lords looked to Aegon with the same troubled gaze as Torrhen. They, too, were believers in the Old Gods. If one day Aegon demanded they betray the Old Gods or violate their doctrines, what choice would they have?
A shared sense of dread swept through the lords—as if watching a fellow creature fall into the hunter's trap.
Just then, the High Septon gave a soft cough and, leaning on his cane, shuffled over to a kneeling noble. He extended a hand to help him up, gently motioning for the man to rise.
"High Septon, you...?" the minor noble asked, puzzled.
The old Septon waved a hand lightly and spoke with calm warmth, "Stand. His Grace Aegon merely wishes to disband the Faith Militant—not extinguish the faith of our gods."
Aegon stood on the steps of the throne, silently watching as the old Septon helped the lords to their feet one by one. He did not interfere. After all, the last thing he wanted was open conflict with the very lords who had just sworn allegiance to him. From both the High Septon's actions and Maester Gawen's earlier signal, it seemed there was no hostility behind their visit.
After the High Septon helped more than ten nobles to their feet, the rest began rising on their own, not wanting to tire the old man any further.
Once all the faithful had stood, the High Septon gave a small nod in acknowledgment, then walked once more to the base of the throne steps.
He looked up at Aegon and said, "When I first received word at the Starry Sept that you had landed at Blackwater Bay, I locked myself inside and prayed for seven days and seven nights, seeking guidance from the gods. During that time, I ate only bread and drank only water, devoting every waking moment to prayer—moving from one altar to the next in the name of the Seven.
On the seventh day, the Crone raised a golden lamp and showed me the path. She revealed that you, Aegon, are the true king of Westeros.
That is the will of the Seven.
To defy your will is to defy divine decree.
You wish the Church to disband the Warrior's Sons? Then I have defied the vote of the Seven-Seated Council.
I've brought every last Warrior's Son with me. They await your command just outside the gates of Highgarden."
Aegon gave a slight nod. He could already sense that the High Septon harbored no ill intent. Maester Gawen's father had indeed supported the Targaryen cause—though Aegon still wondered whether that loyalty had deeper ties to his own father, Aerion.
He gestured to Raedelle to bring a chair for the High Septon, so the old man wouldn't strain himself standing for too long.
The High Septon sat calmly at the base of the throne, leaning on his cane with both hands. He continued speaking.
"The Warrior's Sons of the Faith are the martial arm that defends the sacred moral covenant of the Seven. If they are disbanded—who then shall safeguard the teachings of the Seven?
Please, Your Grace, answer me."
Aegon answered solemnly, "The Targaryen dynasty, of course, will uphold the moral covenant of the people of Westeros."
"And what if the Targaryens violate that covenant?" the High Septon asked, smiling faintly as he nodded.
The Seven's moral covenant clearly dictates monogamy, forbids incest, prohibits bearing bastards through lovers, and bans slavery—yet the Valyrian traditions upheld by House Targaryen violate nearly all of these tenets.
All the lords within the Oak King's Hall stared wide-eyed at the High Septon. None of them had expected the old man to be bolder than they were—daring to strike directly at the Dragonlord's most vulnerable truths. House Targaryen had always upheld the customs of the Valyrian Dragonlords: marriage between kin, multiple wives and lovers, and the practice of slavery within their territories.
Aegon's eyes narrowed, a cold gleam flashing within them as he stared at the High Septon. Sensing his master's rising tension, Balerion let out a deep, rumbling growl—low and continuous, like a big cat issuing a warning.
"High Septon, you—" Maester Gawen stepped forward, placing a hand on his father's shoulder, his face filled with concern as he tried to stop him from going any further.
But the High Septon swept his staff to the side, knocking away Gawen's hand. Calmly and deliberately, he said, "Your Grace, please do not be angered. The traditions and doctrines of the Faith of the Seven have been preached across Westeros for thousands of years. They cannot be erased with a single royal decree.
I came here today to help reconcile the customs of the Valyrian Dragonlords with the teachings of the Seven.
If we can peacefully resolve this fundamental contradiction, then the Warrior's Sons will naturally have no further reason to exist.
I truly believe that under unification, the Targaryen dynasty will uphold virtue more effectively than the Warrior's Sons ever could. That is why I came to see you—despite the objections of every Septon on the Seven-Seated Council.
You are the chosen of divine destiny.
You and the Faith should not be enemies. That is the wish of these old bones. What say you, Your Grace?"
Only now did Aegon fully believe that the High Septon bore him no ill will—that he sincerely wanted to help resolve the hidden dangers threatening Targaryen rule. The Faith of the Seven was, after all, a human-born faith. Without a true god at its core, there remained a chance it could be brought under Targaryen influence.
Aegon descended from the throne steps and approached the High Septon.
Raedelle brought over a chair, and Aegon sat down before him, ready to discuss the matter of House Targaryen and the traditional moral codes of Westeros.
The High Septon nodded in approval at Aegon's gesture.
Before the eyes of hundreds of lords and dozens of Septons, the two men began their negotiations.
Indeed, it was less a debate than a formal negotiation.
Throughout the discussion, Aegon's two sisters occasionally spoke up, the great lords of Westeros contributed a few suggestions, and several Septons from the Faith offered their own perspectives.
In the end, the Crown, the Church, and the realm's secular lords all reached a compromise.
This moral debate lasted for nearly half an hour before Aegon, on behalf of House Targaryen, formally reached an agreement with the Faith of the Seven and all the lords of Westeros:
The [Targaryen Royal Family Moral Exception Treaty]
In light of the need to preserve the Dragonlord bloodline, the Targaryen Dragonlords shall be exempt from the prohibition on marriage between close kin.
The Dragonlords of House Targaryen shall abolish polygamy and, like all people of Westeros, may take only one wife and one queen. As Aegon the Conqueror has already married two wives, this clause does not apply to him.
The Targaryen dynasty shall abolish slavery. This restriction shall not apply to lands outside the continent of Westeros.
[...]
Aegon signed his name at the bottom of the [Targaryen Royal Family Moral Exception Treaty]. The High Septon of the Faith of the Seven followed, along with the signatures of the three great lords, serving as official witnesses.
With the treaty's ratification, the Warrior's Sons and the Poor Fellows were immediately disbanded.
Should the Targaryen royal family violate the terms of this treaty, the Faith of the Seven shall have the right to reestablish both the Warrior's Sons and the Poor Fellows.
...
This momentous moral negotiation, held within the Hall of the Oak King, was recorded in full by the Maesters present, immortalized in paintings by court artists, and echoed through generations in the songs of wandering bards.
For further details on the [Targaryen Royal Family Moral Exception Treaty], please refer to the annals: Blood and Fire: A History of the Targaryen Dynasty (Volume I), page 56, line 23.