The joust lasted for five days total.
There were no shortages of competitors. Knights from all across Westeros traveled to King's Landing to test their skills in knightly combat. Five out of the seven Kingsguard joined the joust as well, with only Ser Gerold and Ser Harlan not taking part.
There were no deaths during the joust, only injuries, and on the fifth day the final match up was none other than Ser Barristan the Bold versus Lord Yohn Royce. It ended up being a heavily fought final, as both knights broke several lances on the other. However, in the end, it was Ser Barristan who came out on top by unhorsing the lord. Lord Royce accepted the defeat graciously and did not demand a continuation once on the ground. Neither man suffered any serious wounds, but by the end they were pretty winded.
As was customary, with his victory Ser Barristan was able to choose his Queen of Love and Beauty. Having no one specific in mind, the Kingsguard awarded the wreath of white roses to the queen as a sign of respect to the king for hosting the tourney, a gesture which was met with approval by the crowd.
There had been a smaller feast on the final day to close off the celebrations, with the climax of the feast being the knighting of Rhaegal at the Great Sept with the eager approval of the High Septon. After the High Septon's argument with the king, he was eager to restore the public image of the Faith in the realm, and Aerys was more than happy to accommodate that on this occasion. After all, while Rhaegal was not twelve, he was still one of the youngest to ever be knighted in the history of the realm.
To the king, that was another success tied to his name.
It did not help that Rhaegal's match against Arthur was already being sung in taverns and inns all throughout the city. Possibly throughout the Crownlands too. It might reach beyond that eventually. Each song only embellished the details further. If Ashara hadn't been there, then she would think her beloved and her brother had fought for an entire day while heavily wounded, displaying their knightly courage for the realm to see while wielding Brightflame and Dawn respectively.
The king did not discourage these interpretations. It did not help the king's ego any that Prince Rhaegar had won his event as well despite being defeated by Arthur in the melee. To the king, it was a clear sign of the strength of the house of the dragon under his rule.
It made Ashara want to roll her eyes when she thought about it, but she had enough self-control not to.
That night, she and Rhaegal celebrated together in private inside his chamber. Rhaegal had defeated her brother, but that did not lessen her excitement any. She was aware of their private rivalry, but that had little bearing on their relationship. It was frustrating that they were still holding back, but Ashara accepted Rhaegal's reasons. She knew that he was right. She was just being impatient.
Her unique relationship with Rhaegal was still something she was coming to terms with, when he wasn't holding her in his arms. A part of her wondered if she was just letting her own passions get the better of her. It was not like she desired being the queen. She was more than happy to let Shaena take the spotlight in that sense. On the other hand, she was not one to be content to just be a mere lover either. Not forever. Involving herself with Rhaegal carried the expectation that she would have to involve herself with the throne.
It was scary to be honest. Rhaegal's desire to marry both her and Shaena carried the risk of dividing the realm. The Targaryens had a history of breaking tradition throughout history, but Ashara was learned enough to understand that those breaks came with animosity and condemnation. Even back when dragons still roamed the realm, the Targaryens had not dared to take more than one wife after Maegor's disastrous reign. It was part of the compromise that was meant to heal the realm in the wake of the Faith Militant Uprising.
Ashara had been studying more on the history of the Targaryens ever since Rhaegal expressed his desire to keep her at his side. The implications of their situation were daunting, and yet Ashara remained. She knew that he wasn't chasing her for her family name. Her house had no great power in the realm.
Perhaps she just desired Rhaegal too much.
It was the reality that Ashara was living in, and one that she would have to confront very soon. After all, Shaena would have to be told. The king and queen as well.
Another daunting task.
But now, with the celebrations behind them, the lords and the knights and all the others who had come to the capital looking for fame and wine were starting to leave, heading back to where they had come from.
The celebration had been a nice reprieve from all of the tension that had taken over the court, but that would not last. Ashara knew that things were only going to become more complicated in the coming months, especially as Rhaegal was already preparing for his next trip before he retreated back to Dragonstone with his dragons.
Ashara did not know his reasons for wanting to go to Oldtown so soon, but considering what had happened after his last trip Ashara was not going to question it. She was going to question the inclusion of Malora Hightower in court, more specifically her constant presence around him, but all Rhaegal would say was that he'd tell her "some day."
Such a vague answer that inspired little confidence, but Ashara knew she wasn't jealous. Honestly, she was not. She did not get jealous.
Her parents and older brother were soon departing for Starfall as well, but this goodbye was going to be shorter than the last.
"You did well in the melee," their father told Arthur as the family gathered inside his chamber in the royal apartments. "I'm assuming this is not the extent of your ambitions?"
"No, father." Arthur looked resolute as he stood before Lord Beric Dayne. "I will claim Dawn and stand alongside the princes for as long as I can."
Ulrick, their brother, chimed in. "Do you speak of a mere knight or…"
He left the statement hanging.
"The Kingsguard."
Ashara was surprised. Her brother had not spoken to her about this. It was not as though Rhaegar was going to be the next king, so why did Arthur want to become a member of the Kingsguard?
Their father looked less surprised. "I had a feeling this was where your heart was leading you. You never spoke of any desire for marriage or to build something for yourself, but rather you've chosen to remain here."
"It is where I am meant to be."
Their father nodded. "Very well. When you feel like you are ready, return to Starfall. There, you may claim Dawn as your own."
Arthur looked relieved as he returned the nod. "Thank you, father."
Despite his unexpected declaration, Ashara was certain that Arthur would succeed.
"And you, Ashara?" Their mother spoke up, drawing attention to her. "You will soon be thirteen. What do you plan to do? Remain in the capital as one of the queen's ladies? Or do you desire….more?"
Her mother's tone suggested that she knew something, but Ashara kept her face composed. She was certain that she had not let slip her true feelings while in their presence.
"I will remain here. Queen Rhaella and Princess Shaena have been good friends to me. I would not dare abandon them without a plan."
Lady Cassella smiled, but it was a smile that was full of mischief. "Oh, you don't have to worry about that. The queen spoke to me during the tourney. She told me that if we had plans for you that you need not worry about your position in court. She would not keep you tied down when you might build your future elsewhere. Your father has gotten some proposals for your hand already. Did you know that? Lord Yronwood's proposal was most promising."
Of course the queen had done such a thing. Her way of expressing her disapproval no doubt.
Ashara did not budge. "I am quite content where I am, mother. I will not be given away without my consent."
It was a bold statement coming from her, but as the third child Ashara knew that she had more freedom compared to either of her siblings. Otherwise, her parents would have already sent her back to Starfall.
"Mhmm, I'm sure." Rather than react negatively to her answer, her mother just continued to smile.
It did not make Ashara feel any more comfortable.
Her parents did not force the issue, though, and for now that was enough.
Soon, they were sailing back to Starfall with the Princess of Dorne and the other Dornish lords, and life at the Red Keep began to return to normal for Ashara.
---
Rhaegal did not know what to make of Jon Connington.
The young heir to Griffin's Roost was a year younger than Rhaegal, which meant that he was the same age as Arthur. He had participated in the squire's melee but had been defeated pretty decisively by Arthur, so Rhaegal did not have a chance to cross blades with him. Otherwise, he would have remembered the young Stormlander. After all, it was not every day that he met someone with fiery red hair and blue eyes.
Now if only the boy would stop following him around all the time.
After his victory over Arthur, Jon had met up with Rhaegal at the closing feast and declared that he would pledge his sword to him. Rhaegal didn't fully understand the young Connington's reasons for doing so. Something about Rhaegal having the spirit of the Warrior or him being the Warrior in human form. Rhaegal couldn't remember all that well. The redhead had rambled a lot to be frank. The only reason Rhaegal had not dismissed him already was because the young Jon seemed earnest enough. His family, the Conningtons, were influential in the Stormlands. They were well established and controlled a lot of land right next to Storm's End.
In short, it wasn't the worst connection to have.
Jon's father, Lord Armond Connington, was pleased when Rhaegal informed him that he did not mind Jon's desire to spend the remaining years of his squirehood in King's Landing. After all, Ser Barristan needed a new squire now that Rhaegal had been knighted.
He hadn't beaten the Black Dragon's record, but he had fought in one battle before he was knighted, so Rhaegal felt that he had more than earned his in comparison.
Or maybe was just a sore loser.
"Wait here, Jon. I have something to discuss in private with my brother."
Rhaegal did not wait for a response before he entered his father's private solar. He was not worried about Jon trying to listen in to his conversation. Ser Barristan would ensure his privacy.
Inside the solar, Rhaegar was standing by the table. He was finely dressed with Dark Sister hanging from his side. After their performance in the melee, Rhaegar had decided to take some time off from the training yard before resuming with his exercises. This was one of those days.
Right now, their father was probably in the library preparing for another trip to Dragonstone. Now that the tourney was over, Aerys wanted to visit Paarthurnax again and told Tywin to run things in his absence.
It was just as well. Once Rhaegal returned from Oldtown, the real work would begin.
"I see your new fan is not here," Rhaegar joked when Rhaegal entered.
"You're only mad that I won the melee," Rhaegal fired back as he walked up to the table.
The map of Westeros from before was still here, and from the looks of things Rhaegar had been studying it.
"So?" Rhaegal crossed his arms. "What did you want to talk to me about? I'm a very busy person, you know."
"I did not mean to take you from your affairs, brother," Rhaegar apologized. "But this could not wait. It's about Skagos and Crackclaw Point."
"Oh?"
Rhaegal perked up. Had his brother decided?
"You probably noticed that none of the houses from Crackclaw Point attended the tourney."
"Neither did the Skagosi. Nor the mountain clans from the North."
As always, those lords were the most isolated.
"I'm sure you will want to speak to them in due time," Rhaegar said, "but I'm more concerned about the Crackclaws. They are close to the capital, but they too keep to themselves. There is little unity there."
"I know that already. So what's your point, brother?"
"Construction of the new keep on the peninsula will begin right away, while Skagos will take more time. The lords will want a more stable hand once the unification begins. I think that's why I am more suited to make my seat there while Daeron inherits Skagos."
Rhaegal chuckled. "You did not have to say all of that, brother. I am more than happy to give you either for your future."
Rhaegar smiled. "I know. I just wanted to explain my reasoning for my next point."
Oh?
"There's more?"
"Yes. You've noticed it I'm sure. There is a lot of discontent about your actions on Skagos. I'm sure even some of the Northmen still feel cheated despite you returning the Gift to them. I overheard Lord Stark's second son talking to him about it. He did not seem happy."
Yes, there was always going to be discontent with his decision to take over Skagos. No matter what concessions he made, Rhaegal knew that the overgrown pride of the lords would never let them fully accept it. They had been accustomed to having a stronger voice in the realm for over a century now. His family's weakness had created these circumstances that he was now forced to contend with. Rhaegal noticed the most discontent from the Rivermen and the Valemen, although the latter did a better job of trying to hide it. The Lord Jon Arryn was particularly distant with his greetings and gifts.
"What are you trying to say, Rhaegar?" Rhaegal asked his brother.
"Despite our father's wishes for us to marry Valyrian brides, that will not strengthen our house. We cannot just keep to ourselves, even with our dragons. We should seek allies in the realm moving forward, ones that are forged not just through friendship but through blood."
Rhaegal did not answer as Rhaegar pointed at Skagos on the map.
"If Daeron is to rule Skagos, then I suggest we convince father that he should marry a Northerner. That will make Daeron's ascension go more smoothly and many lords will believe that Lord Stark planned this from the beginning. It might take some of the animosity away from us and direct it at the Starks instead, especially if Daeron should marry one of their own."
"You're suggesting that Daeron marry Lyanna Stark?"
"Is that such a bad idea?" Rhaegar said. "They're of similar age. I'm sure Lord Stark would agree. Our father might need some convincing, but it would strengthen our position in the North and bind the Starks to the crown. If we have the Starks, then we have the North."
The Starks were beloved in the North. Some might even say that they were worshiped, so Rhaegar was not wrong with his assessment.
A royal marriage would also bring the North closer to the realm, something that was badly needed. It was also true for the Iron Islands, but Rhaegal had no intention of tying anyone of his family to the Ironborn if he could help it. He wanted to bring them closer to the realm, yes, but he was not blind. More often than not, the Ironborn were more interested in chaos rather than prosperity. Any moves he made there in the future would have to be done with the utmost caution.
That was a topic for another time, though. Right now, he had to consider Rhaegar's suggestion.
"I had not given the matter much thought because I was waiting to see what you might decide," Rhaegal said. "To be honest, I was expecting you to want Skagos over Crackclaw Point."
Skagos was going to be a second Dragonstone, after all. Now that there were more red priests under his control, Rhaegal was positive that he could restore life to the dormant volcano on the island. If everything went according to plan, then Skagos was the perfect staging ground to launch an invasion over the Wall and finally control the entirety of Westeros.
But again, a thought for a different time. After all, what lied beyond the Wall was not just men. The land was also unknown, so any campaign would be met with danger.
"It's more than a little tempting," Rhaegar agreed. "However, Crackclaw Point will need immediate stability. I very much doubt the houses there would accept our younger brother, even if he is a dragon rider. We already have enough to worry about. We do not need potential enemies right in our doorsteps."
Rhaegal would not go that far. The Crackclaws were a quiet and distant people, but they had remained loyal since the Conquest. From what the histories say, the only point of contention was their grudge against house Celtigar and their attempts to assert direct control over the peninsula. There were also talks of old rivalries among the houses, but they probably couldn't be worse than what the Blackwoods had with the Brackens. Then again, offending them too much could sour relations and the stability of the Crownlands, so there was no point in trying to risk it.
"Very well, brother," Rhaegal said after a moment of contemplation. "Once I return from Oldtown, you shall have my answer."
---
"You will love Highgarden, your Grace! There is no other castle like it in all of Westeros! I'm sure you will not want to leave when you get there!"
Rhaegal tried his best to not look bored as Mace raved about Highgarden as he sat next to him inside the carriage. It was not that seeing the heart of the Reach did not interest him. Highgarden was said to be very beautiful. He just had other things in his mind that required more attention than a beautiful and ancient castle.
'There are said to be some interesting sights there at least.'
The Three Singers came to mind.
It was a good thing Melisandre wasn't here with him. The red woman might just go against his wishes and burn the godswood inside Highgarden because of the weirwood trees.
As Mace continued to speak of the incredible beauty of the Reach and Highgarden, Rhaegal glanced out the window of the carriage. They had left King's Landing some hours ago, so his journey to Oldtown was just starting. He was going to have to make some stops along the way in order to maintain decorum. The Roseroad ran right through some important castles. Bitterbridge was one such keep. A modest one supposedly, but a keep that was nonetheless steeped in history. It was where the Roseroad met the river Mander, so it was a very important crossing point.
As the tourney finally came to an end, some in Rhaegal's group began to head back to their respective kingdoms. Mace was one of them. As Lord of Highgarden, the friendly Tyrell was unable to stay in King's Landing indefinitely. There were already rumors that his mother ran his kingdom for him. No doubt the Lady Tyrell did not want those rumors to persist even if they were true. Mace was also now betrothed to Alerie Hightower, a fact that he was very happy with. So Mace needed to return to Highgarden to plan for the wedding.
Rhaegal was invited of course.
Another who had left King's Landing was Tytos. Not because of animosity or disagreements, but because there were some personal matters that he needed to attend to back at Raventree. Tytos' father had been very appreciative of Rhaegal's desire to reconnect with house Blackwood, so Rhaegal knew that he had at least one ally in the Riverlands for the future.
Monford was also taking some time to return to Driftmark in order to learn more about sailing and commanding ships from his cousins. Rhaegal's friend had been most excited about the prospect. Rhaegal could not begrudge him for it. The Velaryon love for ships and sailing was very much alive within Monford.
Oberyn had left with his family too, saying that there were things he still wanted to do, similar to Tytos. But the boisterous prince declared that he would visit soon. After all, his sister remained in King's Landing.
The ones accompanying Rhaegal to Oldtown were Qyburn, Stannis, and Jon. Ser Barristan and Prince Lewyn were also accompanying him by orders from his father, something which Rhaegal did not object to.
Malora Hightower was also coming. As she would be joining Rhaegal on Dragonstone, this trip was her farewell to her family for the foreseeable future.
Rhaegal would admit to feeling surprised at the fact that Stannis would not be returning to Storm's End with his family. When asked, Stannis just said that he would learn more while in King's Landing. The young Baratheon probably did not want to get left behind by his older brother. If Robert was having his own adventures in the Vale, then Stannis wanted his own.
Speaking of Robert, the heir to Storm's End had been furious but also determined about his defeat and declared that he would one day have his revenge on the field before departing with Lord Arryn.
Rhaegal just welcomed the challenge.
"You seem distracted, Prince Rhaegal."
Olenna Tyrell's voice snapped Rhaegal from his thoughts.
At some point, Mace had stopped talking just enough for his mother to speak. She was riding with Rhaegal and Mace. Her youngest child was with them as well. It was her older daughter who had remained in King's Landing with Shaena.
Keeping his face composed, Rhaegal replied, "Not at all. If anything, I suppose I am a bit tired. The last couple of months have been hectic."
"I can imagine. It is not everyday that one is able to bring the dragons back from the dead. A fascinating tale no doubt. Mace has told me a lot about it."
"It was quite the journey, Lady Tyrell. I am glad that Lord Mace was there to accompany me."
Rhaegal's flattery was enough to make Mace look smug while Olenna's mood was more difficult to decipher.
"Indeed." Her dry tone was enough to convey her lack of belief in Rhaegal's words. "I suppose my curiosity has gotten the better of me. The dragons are not something we have experience with. They were more myth than facts"
"Magic is hard to put into words, my lady. If one does not have experience, then understanding can be difficult."
"How very queer. There are houses in the Reach who claim to possess magic, did you know that? Not the Tyrells, though. Even though we share ancestry with Garth Greenhand."
Garth Greenhand. A legendary figure that was myth and history all wrapped in one. Then again, this was true for many figures throughout Westeros. Bran the Builder. Durran Godsgrief. Lann the Clever. And many more.
Rhaegal was particularly curious about Garth Greenhand. The descriptions of the man made him sound like some sort of hybrid. Part man, part something else. In a world where the old gods were real, and possibly the Children of the Forest, who knew what else Westeros was home to.
Even in the Reach, there were rumors of a skinchanging house who could change into cranes. As with many other tales, the accuracy was debated. But with Rhaegal's birth and the resurgence of magic, Rhaegal wondered if wargs and other magically inclined individuals would become more common in the future.
A potential future problem perhaps.
"While magic may be a foreign concept to most, dragons are a more tangible fact to comprehend." Olenna did not seem bothered by Rhaegal's silence and continued to speak. "Now, your entire family has a dragon. The power structure of the realm has shifted, don't you think, Prince Rhaegal?"
This woman was being more direct than Rhaegal would have assumed.
"Some might say that." Rhaegal did not give anything away as he put aside his thoughts for now to give the conversation his focus. "However, as the rulers of Westeros we have a mantle of responsibility to see the realm prosper. When house Targaryen thrives, so too will the kingdoms."
"My, you do have a honeyed tongue." Olenna's tone did not soften. "It's a beautiful ideal, but ideals are rarely seen through. I'm sure many are more likely to fear you than to love you."
"Do you count yourself as one of those people, Lady Tyrell?" While Mace was looking anxious as he glanced between them, Rhaegal did not cow under Olenna's insinuations. He wasn't sure if she was bold or just arrogant.
Olenna smiled. "I consider myself a pragmatist. Especially when it comes to my family."
Rhaegal took the non-answer for what it was.
Before the conversation could continue, the carriage came to an abrupt stop. There was plenty of daylight out, so there was no reason for them to suddenly stop in the middle of the road.
Mace frowned. "What is happening?"
Olenna's eyes narrowed but did not say anything.
Rhaegal reached for Brightflame, which was resting against the door to the carriage. Just in case.
Thankfully, it did not seem that he was going to have to use it as Ser Barristan appeared next to the window of the carriage by Rhaegal's seat.
The Kingsguard did not look worried. Just confused.
Relaxing, Rhaegal opened the carriage door for the knight.
"What has happened, Ser Barristan? Why did we stop?"
"My prince." The older knight hesitated, his brow furrowed. "Someone suddenly appeared in the middle of the road in front of the procession. A woman. Very old. And…of peculiar appearance. She will not move, and she speaks only about wanting to speak with 'the one with the soul of a dragon.' We were considering just pushing her out of the away, but maester Qyburn suggested that you might want to see her first."
Qyburn was riding ahead in one of the other carriages with Stannis and Jon. Rhaegal's carriage was at the back of the group.
"Hm." With a noncommittal hum, Rhaegal stepped out of the carriage with Brightflame in hand.
"Your Grace, are you sure that's wise?" Mace asked, concerned.
"As they say. Nothing ventured, nothing gained."
The descriptor this unknown woman had used was one that not many should know. Since she did know of it, she was someone of interest to Rhaegal.
Olenna just watched him go in silence while her curious daughter stayed by her side.
Out on the road, Prince Lewyn stood with one hand on his sword, seemingly ready to strike at a moment's notice. Jon was out of his carriage while Stannis remained safely inside. The other personal guards that had accompanied Rhaegal, as well as the contingents from Highgarden and Oldtown, were all on guard as they stood at attention.
It might seem overkill for one simple woman, but appearances could be deceiving.
Qyburn was standing beside Prince Lewyn in front of the procession where the woman who had caused this entire commotion was.
When Rhaegal first saw her, he was taken aback. He had expected to see a normal woman, not a dwarf. She had very long white hair that it nearly touched the ground. Her eyes were blood red, and her skin was very pale. She wore tattered and dirty dark robes and had a gnarled black cane in hand. Despite the fact that this was the first time that he was seeing someone like her, Rhaegal was almost certain that he had met her before. But why? And when?
The woman was a few meters away, but Rhaegal could see her lips moving. She was either whispering or just randomly moving her lips.
"My prince." Prince Lewyn glanced at him. "What are your orders? Do we just move her out of the way?"
Qyburn shook his head. "You knights. All you do is think with your sword. Did you not hear what she said?"
"She said many things."
"The ravings of a mad woman no doubt," Barristan chimed in as he joined them.
"You two dismiss the truth too easily," Qyburn said.
Rhaegal was not able to respond as the strange short woman suddenly let out a gasp that was loud enough to be heard.
"It's you." Somehow, her voice was powerful enough to reach them. "Oh, the old gods stir once more. All because of you. They sing of your birth. Your heritage. The sacrifices. So many for your pure blood. Oh, Jenny. It was my dreams that caused your death. Your burning. Sweet Duncan. Poor dragon. Their sacrifices were almost meaningless. But you stand here now, a dragon in human flesh. How? The dreams do not say. The old gods do not know, but they continue to sing. They do not let me sleep. Why do you not go to where the green leaves are? They await you, oh dragonborn. Why do you hesitate?"
Rhaegal was immediately on alert.
'Dragonborn.' The same title Malora had given him. What were the odds?
"Oh my. What is this now?" Right as he thought of her, Malora emerged from her carriage with her father and older brother at her side.
"The maid on the tower," the old woman almost shrieked when she noticed Malora. "I dreamt of you. You are intertwined with the dragons, meddling where you should not. Your family no longer has a connection to the dragon tamers of old. The glass. It reveals much, but you still see with one eye. The other rests, perhaps never to open."
Unlike Rhaegal, Malora did not seem caught off guard by the deranged woman. Rather, she seemed delighted.
"I don't know what you mean, but you must be the one who approached King Jaehaerys and turned the wheels of destiny so many years ago. I did not think that I would ever meet you, yet here you stand. Did you travel here just so that you could meet with my prince? But now you seem defeated. I wonder why that is."
'What?' Rhaegal almost couldn't believe it.
He had heard the stories. His father told him of it once, and he had known of it as soon as he was born. He had seen it as part of his dream. A woods witch had come to court one day, telling of a prophecy that convinced his grandfather to betroth his parents together despite their wishes. She was supposedly a friend of Jenny of Oldstones, the lowborn woman who had bewitched his great uncle into giving up the throne and marrying her instead.
This woman was her?
Why hadn't Rhaegal realized that sooner? She did not look any different from that day.
"Old tales," the woman said with grief in her tone. "My song brought nothing more than death. Summerhall has made me gorged on nothing but grief. I want nothing more of it. I need no more. But the voices. The dreams. They do not stop. There are more now. Too many. Too much time has been lost. Nothing will remain the same. What is right? What is wrong? Where will we go now? I know less now. Too little. But the old gods dream of possibilities. They see new ways to correct the mistakes of the past. They see a future where the seasons no longer struggle. Where the trees no longer bleed red. Where the guardians are no longer trapped. Where the land can return to its natural state before it was meddled with. The arrogance of greenseers has corrupted it all."
She was saying much, but Rhaegal was struggling to understand all of it.
This did not seem to bother the witch any as she looked at him. "Go to where the leaves are green. They will welcome you. They are ready. But when will you be?"
Those were her parting words before leaving as abruptly as she had arrived. No one tried to stop her as she walked away. She did not take the road. No, she left through the hedges. To the trees. After that? It was uncertain.
Malora beamed. "How enlightening!"
Rhaegal's reaction was different. He was starting to wonder if every trip he took through the realm was going to be like this.