The sun dipped low behind the jagged peaks of the Valyrian peninsula, casting long shadows across the bustling port of Velarya. The salty tang of the sea mingled with the acrid scent of smoldering forge fires, where craftsmen hammered steel beneath soaring arches of blackened stone. Amidst the clamor, Kaerys strode with purpose, the heavy cloak of her station swirling behind her like a banner proclaiming defiance.
Her thoughts churned as fiercely as the winds off the Narrow Sea. The web of politics had tightened around her, but her recent victory had revealed yet deeper dangers — whispers of ancient bloodlines stirring, forgotten rivalries rekindling beneath the surface.
"Lady Kaerys," came a voice, steady and respectful. It was Edran, her trusted captain of the guard, his dark eyes sharp as a hawk's. "The northern families grow restless. They have begun gathering arms in secret."
Kaerys halted, gaze sharpening. "The last thing Valyria needs is open rebellion. We must strike before their ambitions flare into war."
Edran nodded. "There are rumors of a cache of dragon eggs hidden in the ruins of the old city — those could tip the balance."
Her heart quickened. Dragon eggs. The very essence of power, coveted by all who dreamed of command. The thought of claiming even one sent a pulse of exhilaration through her veins.
The Hunt Begins
That night, beneath a crescent moon, Kaerys convened her closest allies in a secluded chamber lit only by flickering candlelight. Maps of the old Valyrian ruins lay sprawled before them, marked with cryptic symbols and ancient runes.
"We move at dawn," she declared. "The eggs must not fall into the hands of those who would use them to destroy what we build."
Mirana, ever pragmatic, raised an eyebrow. "Do you trust the rumors? The ruins are treacherous, and no one who's ventured there has returned."
Kaerys smiled grimly. "Trust is a luxury we cannot afford. But I have a system — and a dragon — that few can match."
Serenthis stirred nearby, scales glinting faintly in the candlelight. The dragon's deep growl was a promise and a warning.
Into the Ruins
The next day, Kaerys and her small contingent ventured into the ruins, ancient stones worn by time and littered with the bones of forgotten beasts. The air was thick with the scent of ash and old magic, the ground beneath their feet rumbling faintly as if the land itself remembered the cataclysm.
Hours passed in tense silence until, deep within a collapsed temple, they found the nest — a hollowed chamber where three eggs lay nestled among charred bones and shimmering embers.
Kaerys knelt beside them, the Arcain system flaring to life:
Mission: Secure Dragon Eggs from Valyrian RuinsExperience Gained: +5200 XPLevel Up: 48 — Dragon's Flame WardenNew Skill Unlocked: Ember's Grace — Ability to shield self and allies with protective fireDragon Bond Level: 22/20Inventory Update:
Three Pristine Dragon Eggs
Ancient Valyrian Fireproof Satchel
A Whisper of Warning
As she secured the last egg, a chill ran down Kaerys's spine. Footsteps echoed behind them, heavy and purposeful. Turning swiftly, she faced a figure cloaked in shadow — Lord Vaelrin, leader of the northern faction.
"So predictable," he sneered. "Did you think you could claim Valyria's future alone?"
Kaerys's eyes flashed. "I do not claim it alone — but I will defend it with every breath."
The tension coiled like a spring, ready to snap.
The battle for power deepened, the flames of war flickering ever closer.