This content chronicles the vast history of Westeros and Essos, from the mythical Dawn Age to the breaking of the wheel, detailing the rise and fall of civilizations, the impact of magic and conflict, and the cyclical nature of power struggles.
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Hey guys, tonight we journey through the
complete timeline of Westeros and Essos.
From the very dawn of creation to the
final breaking of the wheel. This is the
story of ice and fire, of dragons and
direwolves, of kings and queens who
shaped the world through blood and
magic. A tale that spans thousands of
years where every crown won was paid for
in fire and every throne built was
carved from the bones of the fallen. But
this story begins in darkness, in a time
when the world was young and terrible
things stirred in the shadows. In the
heart of the furthest north, where the
wind howls through ancient forests and
the very stones remember fear, there
once stood a man. He was no king, no
lord, no hero sung in songs. He was just
a man, but in his hands he held a sword
that burned like the sun itself. The
blade was called Lightbringer, and it
was forged in such agony that the gods
themselves wept at its creation. For to
make this sword, this man had to drive
it through the heart of the woman he
loved most in all the world. Her scream
echoed across the frozen wasteland as
the blade ignited. And with that
terrible sacrifice, the longest night in
history finally came to an end. But who
was this man? Why did the dead walk in
endless winter? And what price did
humanity pay for the dawn? These are the
mysteries that thread through every age
of our world, from the children of the
forest to the final dragon queen. They
are the questions that drove kings to
madness and turned brothers into
enemies. So before you get comfortable,
take a moment to like the video and
subscribe, but only if you genuinely
enjoy what I do here. and let me know in
the comments where you're tuning in from
and what time it is for you. It's always
fascinating to see who's joining us from
around the world. Now, dim the lights,
maybe turn on a fan for that soft
background hum. Get into your blanket
and let's ease into tonight's journey
together. Our story begins in the
deepest mists of time when the world was
darker and stranger than it is today.
when magic flowed like water and
creatures of legend walked openly
beneath the sun. This was the dawn age
when the first men to set foot in
Westeros found it already ancient,
already haunted by powers they could
barely comprehend. In those days, the
children of the forest ruled the land.
They were not men as we know them, but
something older, something that belonged
to the trees and the stones and the deep
places of the earth. They had faces like
carved wood and eyes like golden flames,
and they could speak to the heart trees
in voices that sounded like wind through
leaves. They carved their faces into the
weirwoods so that they might watch over
the world even after death, and their
magic was so strong that they could
shatter the very land itself when
threatened. The children lived in peace
for thousands of years, singing their
songs to the old gods and dancing in
moonlit groves. But peace, as all who
know the game of thrones understand, is
always temporary. Change was coming
across the narrow sea, carried on ships
of wood and ambition. The first men were
sailing westward, and they brought with
them bronze swords and a hunger for land
that would not be satisfied. When the
first men landed on the shores of
Westeros, they found a realm beyond
their wildest dreams. Ancient forests
stretched from coast to coast, so thick
that a man could walk for days without
seeing the sky. Rivers ran clean and
cold, teeming with fish that had never
known the taste of nets. The soil was
rich and black, perfect for growing the
crops that would feed their children.
But the land was not empty. The children
of the forest watched from the shadows
of the weirwoods, and they did not
welcome these bronze armed strangers.
The war that followed shook the very
foundations of the world. The first men
cut down the sacred groves and put
entire forests to flame. They drove the
children back into the deepest woods and
the darkest caves. But the children
fought back with magic that the first
men could not understand. They called
upon the earth itself to be their
weapon, and in their desperation, they
shattered the land bridge that connected
Westeros to Essos. The sea rushed in to
fill the wound, and the arm of dawn was
broken forever. Yet even this was not
enough. The first men were too many, too
determined, and their bronze blades bit
deep into the bark of the sacred trees.
The children began to whisper of a
darker magic, of powers that should not
be awakened. In the deepest places of
the world, where the roots of the heart
trees touched the bones of the earth,
they began to work a spell that would
change everything. They took the body of
a first man captured in battle, and
bound him with dragon glass and ancient
words. They drove the obsidian blade
deep into his heart. And as his blood
ran cold, something new was born,
something that was neither living nor
dead, neither man nor child of the
forest. They had created the first of
the others, the first of the white
walkers. And with that creation, they
had doomed the world to an eternal cycle
of ice and fire. But this is just the
beginning of our tale. The wheel of time
turns, and with each revolution, the
game of thrones claims new players and
new victims. Kings will rise and fall,
dragons will soar and die, and the realm
will be painted red with the blood of
the ambitious. The story of Westeros is
written in fire and written in ice. And
tonight, we will read every terrible,
beautiful word. In the beginning, there
was only darkness and the void. And from
that emptiness came the first light. Not
the light of sun or moon, but something
older, something that pulsed with the
rhythm of creation itself. The world was
young then, unmarked by the footsteps of
men or the scars of war. It was a realm
of endless possibilities, where magic
flowed through every stone and every
blade of grass like blood through veins.
This was the dawn age, and it belonged
to the children of the forest. They were
not children as we understand them, nor
were they entirely of the forest, though
both words held truth. They stood no
taller than a man's chest, with
skin-like bark and eyes that held the
deep wisdom of ancient trees. Their
faces were narrow and pointed, beautiful
in the way that wild things are
beautiful, and their voices carried the
music of wind through leaves and water
over stone. They had walked the earth
for thousands of years before the first
man ever dreamed of crossing the narrow
sea. The children lived in harmony with
the world in ways that men have never
truly understood. They did not build
great castles of stone or forge swords
of steel. Instead, they shaped the very
landscape to their will, coaxing caves
from cliffsides and growing bridges from
the living wood of trees. Their homes
were woven into the branches of the
weirwoods. Those pale giants with faces
carved into their trunks and leaves like
drops of blood. The heart trees were
their gods, their libraries, their
eternal watches, and through them the
children could see across vast distances
and speak to one another in whispers
that traveled on the wind. The magic of
the children was not like the sorcery
that would later come from Valyria, all
fire and domination. Theirs was the
magic of growth and change, of seasons
turning and rivers finding their course.
They could sing to the stones and make
them move. Call fish from the depths of
lakes and speak the old tongue that
trees understand. When they died, their
spirits joined the weirwood network,
becoming part of the eternal song that
flowed through the roots beneath the
earth. For countless generations, the
children knew only peace. They danced in
moonlit groves where the trees grew in
perfect circles, their laughter echoing
off the bark of giants that had watched
the world since its birth. They carved
their histories not in books of
parchment, but in the living memory of
the weirwoods, each face a chapter in
the endless story of the world. The
seasons came and went in their proper
order. Winter followed by spring, summer
by autumn, and the children mark time
not in years, but in the slow growth of
their sacred trees. But the world is
never content to remain unchanged.
Across the narrow sea, on the continent
that would one day be called Essos,
other peoples were stirring. The first
men had learned to work bronze and sail
the treacherous waters between the
lands. They had grown numerous and
restless, their tribes searching for new
territories to claim as their own. The
arm of dawn still stretched across the
narrow sea in those days. A land bridge
that connected the two continents like a
giant's causeway. The first of the first
men to cross into Westeros came not as
conquerors, but as explorers, small
bands of hunters and wanderers who
marveled at the endless forests and the
strange, beautiful beings who dwelt
within them. Some of these early
meetings were peaceful. The children
would watch from the shadows of the
trees as the bronze skinned strangers
made their camps and lit their fires.
They observed how the first men prayed
to gods with no faces. How they buried
their dead instead of giving them to the
trees. How they spoke in harsh guttural
sounds that held no music. For a time
there was cautious coexistence. The
first men established small settlements
along the coasts and rivers while the
children retreated deeper into the
forests. The newcomers were few enough
that the land could support them without
great hardship. And the children were
curious about these strange beings who
had come from across the water. They
watched as the first men planted crops
in cleared fields and domesticated
animals that had once run wild. They saw
how the humans built their homes of wood
and stone, creating permanent
settlements instead of moving with the
seasons as the children did. But the
peace was fragile, built on mutual
ignorance rather than understanding. The
first men saw the vast forests as
obstacles to be cleared, the weirwoods
as valuable timber to be harvested. They
did not understand that every tree they
cut was a sacred being, that every grove
they cleared was a temple destroyed. To
them, the children were just another
obstacle, like wolves or bears, to be
driven away from the lands they wished
to claim. The children, for their part,
could not comprehend the first men's
relationship with the world. These
newcomers took without asking, killed
without ceremony, and changed the land
to suit their needs rather than adapting
to its natural rhythms. They cut down
heart trees to build their halls and
drove away the animals that the children
had lived alongside for millennia. Worse
still, they brought with them the
concept of ownership, marking boundaries
and claiming territory as if the earth
could belong to any one creature. The
breaking point came when the first men
began to fell entire groves of
weirwoods, not just for timber, but to
deny the children their sacred spaces.
They had learned that the pale trees
were important to their strange
neighbors, and some chieftains believed
that by destroying them, they could
break the children's power over the
land. They were right in a way. Each
fallen weirwood was like a voice
silenced in the great song that
connected all living things. And the
children felt every cut like a wound in
their own flesh. As the bronze axes bit
deeper into the sacred groves, the
children began to understand that these
invaders would not be satisfied with a
portion of the land. They wanted it all,
and they would not stop cutting until
every tree was gone and every child was
dead or driven into the deepest caves.
The realization filled them with a
sorrow so profound that it changed the
very nature of their magic. The songs
they had once sung to make flowers bloom
now carried notes of protection and
defiance. The dances they had performed
to celebrate the turning seasons became
rituals of war. The war that followed
would shake the foundations of the world
and unleash powers that neither side
truly understood. But it would also
forge the first bonds between the
children and the first men. Bonds that
would endure long after the fighting
ended. For in their struggle against
each other, both peoples would discover
that there were darker things in the
world than their mutual differences.
Ancient evils that stirred in the cold
places beyond the edge of the map. The
dawn age was ending, and with it the
last echo of the world's childhood
innocence, the game of thrones had
begun. Though none who played it in
those early days could have imagined
where it would lead. The war between the
children of the forest and the first men
raged for centuries. A conflict so
brutal and consuming that it changed the
very shape of the world. Where once
there had been songs of peace echoing
through ancient groves, now there was
only the clash of bronze against bark,
the screams of the dying, and the crash
of falling giants that had stood since
the dawn of time. The first men came in
ever greater numbers, their ships
darkening the horizon like storm clouds.
They brought with them not just weapons
and warriors, but entire families
seeking new homes, driving herds of
cattle and horses, carrying seeds for
crops that would transform the wild
landscape forever. What had begun as
exploration became invasion, and what
had started as settlement became
conquest. The children fought back with
every power at their disposal. They
called upon the earth itself to be their
weapon, singing to the stones until they
cracked and split, opening great chasms
that swallowed entire armies. They
commanded the trees to move. Ancient
oaks and towering pines that walked like
men, their roots serving as feet, and
their branches as grasping arms. Rivers
changed their courses at the children's
bidding, flooding camps and drowning
those who dared to cross into sacred
territory. But their greatest and most
terrible weapon was the magic they
worked upon the land itself. In their
desperation, as the bronze axes
continued to fall and the sacred groves
burned, the children reached for power
that had slumbered since the world's
creation, they broke the arm of dawn.
The great landbridge that connected the
continents, calling up such force from
the depths of the earth that the sea
itself rushed in to fill the wound. The
destruction was absolute. The land
bridge shattered into a thousand
islands, and the narrow sea claimed what
had once been solid ground. Yet even
this catastrophic display of power was
not enough. The first men were already
in Westeros by the millions, and more
came every day across the narrow sea in
their long ships. The children began to
retreat deeper into the forests,
abandoning the coastlands and the river
valleys, making their stand in the heart
of the continent, where the oldest and
most powerful weirwoods grew. It was in
this darkest hour when defeat seemed
inevitable and extinction was a breath
away that the children made their most
fateful decision. In the deepest caverns
beneath the roots of the heart trees,
where the magic of the world pulled like
water in a well, they gathered their
greatest singers and their most powerful
magic. They had captured one of the
first men in battle, a warrior whose
bronze sword had cut down too many of
their kind, and they bound him with
chains forged from dragon glass and
sorrow. The ritual they performed that
night was one that would haunt the world
for thousands of years to come. They
laid the man upon a stone altar that had
been carved from the living rock by the
first of their kind, and they surrounded
him with a circle of weirwood branches
that wept red saplike tears. The songs
they sang were not the gentle melodies
of growth and life that had once filled
their groves, but something darker,
older, more primal. They reached back to
the very beginning of the world, to the
powers that had shaped the first dawn,
and they twisted those forces to their
will. The dragon glass blade went into
the man's heart like a whisper. But the
magic that followed was like a scream
that echoed across all of creation. The
man's eyes changed first, becoming blue
as winter ice, cold as the void between
stars. His skin grew pale and hard. His
breath turned to mist. And when he stood
again, he was no longer human. He was
something new, something that was
neither living nor dead, neither man nor
child of the forest. He was the first of
the others, the first of the white
walkers. And with his creation, the
children had doomed the world to an
eternal cycle of ice and fire. The white
walker rose from the altar with a
silence that was more terrible than any
roar. He looked upon his creators with
eyes that held no recognition, no mercy,
no trace of the humanity that had once
dwelt within that body. The children had
meant to create a weapon that would
drive back the first men, but instead
they had unleashed something that would
threaten all life in the world. The
white walker walked out of the cavern
and into the night, and where his feet
touched the ground, frost spread like a
disease. The children tried to control
their creation, to bind it to their
will, as they had bound the trees and
the stones. But the white walker was
beyond their power now. A force of
nature as unstoppable as winter itself.
He began to gather others to his cause,
not through persuasion or conquest, but
through a darker magic. The dead began
to rise where he walked, their eyes
glowing with the same cold light as
their masters. Warriors who had fallen
in battle stood again, their wounds
forgotten, their swords still sharp,
their loyalty absolute. The war changed
overnight. Where once there had been two
sides fighting for dominance, now there
were three, and the newest was the most
terrible of all. The White Walkers cared
nothing for the ancient grudges between
the children and the first men. They
brought death to both sides equally, and
the dead they raised fought with a fury
that no living army could match. The
cold followed in their wake a winter
that fell like a curtain across the
land, turning summer into endless night.
The first men, who had been winning
their war against the children, suddenly
found themselves facing an enemy that
could not be negotiated with, could not
be bribed or threatened, could not be
defeated by bronze swords and leather
armor. Their dead rose to fight against
them, their own fallen comrades becoming
the most terrible foes of all. The cold
seeped into their bones. Their fires
went out and their crops withered in the
unnatural winter that spread across the
land. The children too found themselves
helpless against the monster they had
created. Their magic, which had once
seemed so powerful, was useless against
the white walkers. The others killed
without malice, without anger, without
any emotion at all. They were
wintergiven form, death given purpose,
and they brought with them a darkness
that swallowed light itself. As the
white walkers multiplied, and their army
of the dead grew larger, the long night
began in earnest. The sun still rose and
set, but its light grew weaker each day,
as if the cold was draining the very
life from the sky. Snow fell in the
middle of summer and the crops failed
across the continent. People began to
starve and the starving began to die and
the dead began to rise again with blue
eyes and cold hearts. The war between
the children and the first men became
irrelevant in the face of this greater
threat. Old enemies found themselves
fighting side by side against the
advancing tide of death. The children's
magic proved crucial in the fight, for
they knew secrets that the first men had
never dreamed of. They could forge
weapons from dragon glass that could
actually wound the white walkers, and
they could weave spells that offered
some protection against the cold. But it
was among the first men that the
greatest heroes of the long night arose.
These were the men and women who would
later be remembered as legends whose
deeds would be sung in songs for
thousands of years. There was Brandon
the builder who raised great
fortifications against the dead. There
was Lander Clever who outwitted the
others with riddles and tricks. There
was G the gardener who kept the seeds of
life safe through the endless winter.
And there was one whose name would
become legend above all others. Though
the truth of his identity would be lost
to time and myth. He was called Azor
Azroy, the prince that was promised. The
warrior of light who would stand against
the darkness. But he was not born a
hero. He was just a man like any other
who loved his wife and wanted to protect
his people from the growing cold. The
forging of Lightbringer, the sword that
would end the long night, was a tale of
sacrifice that would echo through the
ages. Azor Ahai worked for 30 days and
30 nights to create a blade that could
stand against the others, tempering it
in water until it was perfect. But when
he drew it from the forge, the sword
shattered like glass at the first blow.
He began again, working for 50 days and
50 nights, tempering the blade in the
heart of a lion until it glowed like the
sun. But again, when he tested it, the
sword broke. For 100 days and 100
nights, Azor Ahai labored on his third
attempt. He poured all his skill, all
his hope, all his love into the forging.
When the blade was finished, he knew
what he had to do to make it truly
strong. He called his wife to him. Nissa
Nissa, the woman he loved more than life
itself, and he told her what was
required. She wept, but she did not
refuse. She bared her breast and smiled
through her tears, and Azor Ahai drove
the sword into her heart. Her cry of
pain and love and sacrifice echoed
across the frozen world, and the sword
caught fire in her blood. Lightbringer
was born in that moment, a blade that
burned with the light of the sun and the
heat of a loving heart. It was a weapon
that could cut through the darkness,
that could stand against the cold, that
could kill even the deathless white
walkers. But the price of its creation
was more than any man should have to
pay. Azor Ahai emerged from that forge
as a hero, but he was also a man forever
broken by what he had done. The sword in
his hands could save the world, but it
could never bring back the woman who had
died to make it possible. He carried
both the light and the darkness within
him, and that duality would define all
the heroes who came after. The long
night stretched on for a generation, and
children grew to adulthood, never having
seen the sun shine truly bright. But
slowly, gradually, the tide began to
turn. The living learned to fight the
dead. The first men and the children
learned to work together, and heroes
arose who could stand against the
darkness. The final battle when it came
was not a single great clash, but a
thousand smaller victories. Each one
pushing the White Walkers a little
further north. Each one reclaiming a
little more of the world for the living.
When the dawn finally came, it was not
with trumpets and celebration, but with
the quiet relief of a world that had
learned the true value of light. The
white walkers retreated to the far
north, beyond the edge of the known
world, and the long night ended. But it
did not end forever. The children of the
forest knew, and the wisest of the first
men suspected that what had been done
could not be undone. The white walkers
still existed, sleeping in the ice,
waiting for their time to come again.
The long night was over, but the Game of
Thrones had truly begun. The world had
learned that there were worse things
than war between men, and that sometimes
the greatest threats came not from
enemies, but from the unintended
consequences of desperate choices. The
children had created the White Walkers
to save themselves. But in doing so,
they had doomed the world to an eternal
cycle of ice and fire, of life and
death, of light and darkness. The wheel
had begun to turn, and it would never
stop. In the wake of the long night's
ending, the world emerged changed
forever. The dawn that finally broke
across the frozen wasteland revealed a
continent scarred by supernatural war.
Where the very landscape bore witness to
the terrible price of victory. Ancient
forests lay withered and dead, their
bark blackened by unnatural cold. Rivers
had changed their courses, seeking new
paths through land that had been cracked
and broken by forces beyond mortal
understanding. The survivors, both
children of the forest and first men,
looked upon this transformed world, and
knew that nothing would ever be the
same. Yet from this devastation arose
the greatest age in the history of
Westeros. The shared struggle against
the White Walkers had forged bonds
between the former enemies that would
endure for millennia. The children, no
longer seeing the First Men as simple
invaders, recognized in them a strength
and courage that complemented their own
ancient wisdom. The First Men, humbled
by their encounter with powers beyond
their comprehension, gained a new
respect for the magic and knowledge of
the children. Together, they began to
rebuild not just their world, but their
understanding of what it meant to be
alive in a realm where death itself
could walk. The hero who would become
known as Bran the Builder stood at the
center of this new age. He was not born
with a crown upon his head or a sword in
his hand, but with a vision that
stretched beyond the horizon and a mind
that could see patterns in chaos. Where
others saw only destruction, Bran saw
opportunity, where others mourned the
fallen. He planned for the future. His
first great work was also his most
necessary. the mighty wall that would
guard the northern border of the realm
for thousands of years to come. The wall
was not simply a fortification, though
it served that purpose admirably. It was
a monument to the cooperation between
the children and the first men, a fusion
of human ambition and ancient magic that
created something greater than either
could have achieved alone. The children
wo their strongest spells into the ice,
binding it with power that would prevent
it from melting through the hottest
summers. They carved runes into the
frozen surface that would turn away the
white walkers should they ever return
from their exile in the far north. The
first men provided the labor and the
determination, hauling blocks of ice
larger than houses, shaping them with
tools blessed by the old gods. 700 ft
high and 300 m long. The wall rose from
the earth like a frozen mountain range.
Its construction took decades and entire
generations of men dedicated their lives
to its completion. They worked through
blizzards and summer heat alike. Driven
by the memory of the long night and the
knowledge that their children's children
would depend upon their efforts. When it
was finished, it stood as a testament to
what could be achieved when humanity
united against a common threat, a
gleaming barrier between the civilized
world and the wild lands beyond. But
Bran the Builder's vision extended far
beyond the wall. He saw a future where
the great houses of Westeros would need
strong seats from which to rule, castles
that could withstand the storms of war
and the passage of time. Storm's End was
perhaps his greatest architectural
achievement. A fortress so perfectly
designed that it could withstand the
fury of the gods themselves. The castle
seemed to grow from the very stone of
the cliff upon which it stood. Its walls
curving in perfect harmony with the
natural contours of the land. No storm
could shake it. No army could breach it.
No time could erode its foundations. The
secret of Storm's end strength lay not
just in its construction, but in the
magic that had been woven into its very
stones. The children had taught Bran the
old ways of building. How to ask the
Earth's permission before disturbing it.
How to align the walls with the natural
flow of power that ran through the world
like hidden rivers. Each stone was
placed with purpose. Each tower
positioned to catch and channel the
forces that lesser architects never even
knew existed. The result was a castle
that was more than the sum of its parts.
A living thing that breathed with the
rhythm of the sea and stood as solid as
the mountains themselves. Winterfell,
the seat of House Stark, was another of
Bran's masterworks, though it served a
different purpose than Storm's End.
Where the southern castle was built to
withstand external threats, Winterfell
was designed to nurture and protect
those within its walls. The hot springs
that bubbled up from deep within the
earth were channeled through the
castle's foundations, warming the stones
and making even the harshest winter
bearable. The gods wood at the heart of
the castle was left untouched by human
hands, a sacred space where the old gods
could dwell and the ancient ways could
be preserved. The crypts beneath
Winterfell were perhaps the most
mysterious part of Bran's design. Carved
deep into the bedrock, they stretched
farther than any living person had ever
explored. The statues of the Stark kings
and lords that lined the walls were not
mere monuments to the dead, but
guardians that watched over the living.
Iron swords lay across their laps, a
tradition that few understood, but all
honored. Some whispered that the swords
were there to keep the dead in their
tombs. Others that they were there to
arm the dead should they be needed
again. The truth was known only to the
children and to Bran himself, and they
kept their secrets well. As the great
castles rose from the earth, so too did
the great houses that would rule them.
The Starks claimed the north, their
blood mixing with that of the first men
until they became the very embodiment of
the old ways. They kept the old gods and
the old customs, speaking the old tongue
in their private moments and carving
their faces into the heart trees. The
words they chose for their house, winter
is coming, were not a boast or a threat,
but a reminder of the terrible truth
that the survivors of the long night
could never forget. In the western
lands, Lan the Clever wo his way into
legend through wit rather than strength.
Casterly rock had belonged to House
Castasterly for a thousand years, its
halls carved from the living gold that
veained the great stone. But Lan saw
opportunity where others saw only an
impregnable fortress. He entered the
rock not with an army or a siege engine,
but with nothing more than his silver
tongue and his golden hair. The tales of
how he won the castle vary in the
telling, but all agree that he used
cunning rather than force, turning the
castasterly against each other until
they destroyed themselves from within.
Some say he convinced them that the rock
was haunted, filling their dreams with
whispers and their days with mysterious
sounds until they fled in terror. Others
claim he seduced the daughters of the
house and set the sons against their
father, using love and jealousy as
weapons. is more potent than any sword.
The truth may be simpler and more
complex than any of these tales suggest.
Lan understood that the greatest
fortress was meaningless if those within
it could not trust each other. And he
exploited that weakness with the
patience of a spider waiting in its web.
The reach bloomed under the careful hand
of Goth the gardener, who claimed
descent from Goth Greenhand, the
legendary figure who had brought the
gift of agriculture to the first men.
Whether this bloodline was real or
invented mattered less than the results
it produced. Under G's guidance, the
fertile lands of the Reach became the
bread basket of Westeros, feeding not
just their own people, but providing
surplus that could be traded to the less
fortunate regions. High Garden rose from
the earth like a flower made of stone.
Its walls covered in climbing roses and
its gardens filled with the most
beautiful and bountiful plants in all
the known world. The Gardener kings
understood that true power came not from
the sword alone, but from the ability to
feed those who wielded the sword. They
developed new techniques for farming,
new breeds of horses and cattle, new
varieties of grain that could grow in
harsh conditions. Their knights rode out
not to conquer but to protect, ensuring
that the trade routes remained open and
that the farmers could work their fields
in peace. The golden rose of house
gardener became a symbol of prosperity
and growth of life triumphant over
death. In the Stormlands, the Durandon
kings built their power through marriage
and alliance, understanding that the
strongest castle was meaningless without
friends to defend it. Storm's End became
the center of a web of loyalties that
stretched across the eastern coast,
binding the smaller houses together in
mutual defense against the pirates and
raiders who prowled the narrow sea. The
Storm Kings were warriors first and
foremost, but they were also diplomats
and judges, settling disputes between
their vassels and leading them into
battle when necessary. The Iron Islands
presented a different challenge
altogether. The Ironborn had always been
a people apart, shaped by the harsh
environment of their rocky home and the
unforgiving nature of the sea that
surrounded them. They worshiped the
drowned god, a deity as alien to the
first men as the old gods were to the
Andals who would come later. The
Ironborn way of life was built around
the concept of paying the iron price,
taking what they needed through strength
and courage rather than buying it with
gold. Their long ships became the terror
of every coast, swift and silent as
sharks, appearing without warning to
raid and pillage before disappearing
back into the gray green waters. Yet
even among the Ironborn, heroes arose
who would be remembered in song and
story. The Grey King was said to have
lived for a thousand years and ruled the
islands with wisdom and strength. He
made a crown from the teeth of sea
dragons and a throne from the bones of
Krakens. Ruling from a hall built from
the ribs of a Leviathan that had washed
up on the shores of Old Wick, his reign
was marked by great victories at sea and
the establishment of the Ironborn as a
force to be reckoned with throughout the
known world. The Riverlands caught
between the mountains and the sea became
a crossroads where all the great houses
met and mingled. The rivers that gave
the region its name provided highways
for trade and communication, binding the
scattered settlements together in a
network of mutual dependence. The Fisher
kings, who ruled from the confluence of
the rivers, understood that their
strength lay not in isolation, but in
connection, in being the bridge between
the proud Northmen and the wealthy
Southruns. As the great houses
established themselves and the age of
heroes reached its peak, the realm
settled into a pattern that would endure
for thousands of years. The north
remained wild and free, its people hard
as the ice that crowned their mountains.
The south grew fat and prosperous, its
fields golden with grain, and its
coffers heavy with gold. The east and
west looked beyond the borders of
Westeros, the Ironborn to the sea, and
the reach to the distant lands across
the narrow sea. And through it all, the
wall stood sentinel in the north, a
reminder of the darkness that had once
threatened to swallow the world. The
children of the forest began their slow
retreat from the world of men during
this age, not in defeat, but in
recognition that their time was ending.
They had played their part in the great
drama, creating both the threat and
helping to end it. Now it was time for
humanity to take up the burden of
defending the realm. Some of the
children remained, dwelling in the
deepest forests and the most remote
caves, keeping the old knowledge alive
for those who would seek it. Others
joined with the weirwood trees, becoming
part of the great network of watchers
that would observe the world long after
their physical forms had crumbled to
dust. The age of heroes was drawing to a
close, but the heroes themselves had
laid foundations that would endure for
millennia. The great houses they had
founded would rise and fall, conquer,
and be conquered. But their bloodlines
would continue to shape the destiny of
Westeros. The castles they had built
would stand as monuments to their vision
and their skill. The traditions they had
established would be passed down from
father to son, from mother to daughter,
carrying the wisdom of the ages into an
uncertain future. But even as the age of
heroes reached its zenith, change was
coming from across the narrow sea. The
dandels were stirring in the hills and
valleys of Essos. Their eyes turned
westward toward the green shores of
Westeros. They carried with them new
gods and new ways, steel swords and
pointed stars, and a hunger for conquest
that would shake the foundations of the
world the heroes had built. The age of
heroes was ending, and the age of
kingdoms was about to begin. Across the
narrow sea, in the rolling hills and
fertile valleys of what would later be
known as Andelus, a new people were
rising to prominence. The Dandals had
watched the smoke from Valyrian forges
darken the eastern sky. Had seen the
dragon lords carve their empire from the
bones of older civilizations. And they
had learned where the first men had
brought bronze and the Valyrianss
wielded fire. The Andals possessed
something that would prove even more
revolutionary steel. The secret of steel
making had come to them through trade
and conquest. passed down from the
smiths of the Royer and refined in the
forges of their mountain strongholds.
But it was not just the metal itself
that made the Andals formidable. It was
what they did with it. Their swords were
sharper than bronze, their armor
stronger than leather, and their tools
more efficient than anything the first
men had ever conceived. More
importantly, they had learned to
mass-roduce these weapons, arming entire
armies with steel while their enemies
still fought with bronze and stone. Yet,
the Andals brought more than just
superior metallurgy to Westeros. They
carried with them a new religion, the
faith of the seven, which would prove to
be as conquering as any sword. where the
first men worshiped the nameless old
gods in sacred groves. And beside still
pools, the Andals built temples of stone
and crystal, raising spires toward the
heavens in honor of their sevenfaced
deity. The father, the mother, the
warrior, the maiden, the smith, the
crone, and the stranger each represented
different aspects of divine power, and
together they offered a more structured
and organized form of worship than the
shamanistic practices of the first men.
The faith of the seven appealed to many
because it offered certainty in an
uncertain world where the old gods
whispered through wind and leaves
speaking in riddles and omens. The seven
spoke clearly through their septumans
and scepters. They offered written
scriptures, formal ceremonies, and a
promise of eternal life for those who
followed their teachings. The faith
provided not just spiritual guidance,
but practical governance with its own
laws and customs that could unite
disperate tribes under a common banner.
The first Andal ships appeared off the
coast of the fingers in the eastern
reaches of the Veil. Their sails marked
with the seven-pointed star that would
become the symbol of their faith. They
came not as raiders, but as colonizers,
bringing with them entire families,
livestock, and the tools needed to build
permanent settlements. The rocky
coastline of the Veale provided numerous
hidden coves and sheltered harbors where
they could establish beach heads beyond
the reach of the local first men lords.
The Veale of Aaron was ruled in those
days by the bronze kings, descendants of
the first men who had held the region
since the age of heroes. They were proud
rulers, skilled in the old ways of war,
but they were unprepared for the kind of
systematic conquest that the Andals
brought to their shores. The bronze
swords and axes that had served their
ancestors well were no match for Andal
steel, and the tribal warfare they
understood was swept away by the
organized military tactics of the
invaders. The Andals did not simply
conquer territory. They transformed it
where they found scattered tribes living
in hill forts and wooden halls. They
built stone keeps and market towns. They
established new trade routes connecting
their settlements to the wider world
through commerce and communication.
Their knights rode out not just to fight
but to administer justice, collect
taxes, and spread their faith to the
common people. The seven-pointed star
began to appear carved into roadside
shrines and painted on the walls of
taverns, a sign that the old world was
passing away. The conquest of the veil
took generations to complete, but it
established the pattern that would be
repeated throughout the southern
kingdoms. The Andals were patient
conquerors, willing to intermar with the
local population when it served their
purposes. Quick to use force when
diplomacy failed. They offered the first
men lords a choice convert to the faith
of the seven and accept Andal souarainti
or face the consequences of resistance.
Some chose accommodation, finding ways
to blend the old ways with the new.
Others fought to the bitter end. Their
names remembered in song long after
their castles had fallen. The Eerie, the
great castle that would become the seat
of House Aaron, was built during this
period as a symbol of Andal dominance
over the veil. Perched on a mountaintop
so high that clouds often obscured its
towers, the castle was virtually
impregnable to assault. Its builders
incorporated both Andal engineering
techniques and the ancient wisdom of the
first men, creating a structure that was
both beautiful and functional. The
throne room, with its moon door opening
onto a 600 ft drop, became infamous as a
place where the Aarin lords dispensed
their own particular brand of justice.
From the veil, the Andal expansion
spread outward like ripples in a pond.
The Riverlands with their network of
rivers and fertile valleys proved
particularly vulnerable to conquest. The
Fisher kings who had ruled the region
for centuries found themselves
outmaneuvered by enemies who could move
faster and strike harder than any force
they had previously encountered. The
Andals used the rivers as highways,
their ships carrying warriors and
supplies deep into the heart of the
continent. The conquest of the
Riverlands was marked by both great
victories and terrible atrocities. The
Andelas showed little mercy to those who
resisted them, burning the sacred groves
and desecrating the heart trees that the
first men held sacred. They saw the old
religion as a form of demon worship. And
their septumans preached that the faces
carved into the weirwoods were the
visages of devils that needed to be
destroyed. Thousands of years of history
went up in smoke as the Andals
systematically eliminated the religious
sights of their enemies. Yet not all the
first men resisted the Andal advance.
Many saw the writing on the wall and
chose to adapt rather than perish. They
converted to the faith of the seven
learned to speak the Andal tongue and
intermarried with the conquerors. Their
children grew up as Andals in all but
blood, carrying steel swords and praying
to the seven, while their first men
heritage became little more than a
distant memory. This process of cultural
assimilation was perhaps the Andal's
greatest weapon, allowing them to absorb
their enemies rather than simply
defeating them. The Stormlands presented
a different challenge to the Andal
invaders. The descendants of the
Durandon kings were skilled warriors who
had learned much from their conflicts
with the Ironborn and the pirates of the
Narrow Sea. They understood siege
warfare and naval combat, and their
great castle of Storm's End remained
unconquered despite numerous attempts to
take it. The Andals found themselves
fighting a series of bloody campaigns
that lasted for decades, with victory
often proving as costly as defeat. The
breakthrough came when the Tandals
learned to exploit the traditional
rivalries between the Stormlords and
their neighbors. By allying with certain
houses against others, they were able to
divide their enemies and conquer them
peace meal. The faith of the seven
proved particularly effective in this
regard as it offered a new form of
legitimacy that could trump the old
bonds of blood and kinship. Lords who
converted to the new faith found
themselves welcomed into the Andal fold,
while those who remained loyal to the
old gods were branded as heathens and
enemies of civilization. The Reach
presented the most complex challenge of
all. The Gardener kings had built their
power on abundance rather than force,
creating a realm where prosperity
mattered more than military might. Their
knights were skilled fighters, but they
were also farmers and merchants. More
interested in protecting their lands
than expanding their territories, the
Andals found themselves fighting an
enemy that could absorb enormous losses
and still continue to resist, sustained
by the agricultural wealth of the most
fertile region in Westeros. The conquest
of the Reach was ultimately achieved
through a combination of military
pressure and economic warfare. The
Andals established their own settlements
along the coasts and rivers, competing
with the gardeners for trade and
resources. They offered better terms to
merchants and craftsmen, attracting
skilled workers away from the existing
power structure. Slowly but surely, they
undermined the economic foundation of
gardener rule until the old royal house
found itself ruling over a realm that
was increasingly andal in all but name.
The western lands proved to be the most
resistant to andal conquest. The
descendants of Landeran the clever had
learned their ancestors lessons well,
using cunning and deception to frustrate
the invaders at every turn. Casterly
Rock itself was impregnable. Its golden
halls carved too deep into the living
stone for any army to assault. The
Lannisters proved to be master diplomats
playing different Andal factions against
each other while building their own
power base among the local first men
houses. The Ironborn protected by the
sea and their own fierce reputation
remained largely untouched by the Andal
invasion. Their long ships continued to
raid the coasts of both the first men
and the Andals, taking slaves and
plunder without regard for the changing
political landscape. The drowned god
cared nothing for the seven, and the
Ironborn warriors who served him were as
skilled with steel as they were with
bronze. The Andals learned to give the
Iron Islands a wide birth, focusing
their efforts on more vulnerable
targets. The North remained completely
beyond the reach of Andal conquest. The
kings of winter who ruled from
Winterfell had learned the lessons of
the long night well, and they maintained
the wall as a barrier against all
threats from the south as well as the
north. The Stark armies were composed of
men who had faced the White Walkers and
lived to tell the tale. Warriors who
understood that there were worse fates
than death in battle. The Andals found
no foothold in the north. No allies
among the first men lords who remembered
the old ways and honored the old gods.
As the centuries passed, the Andal
conquest transformed the face of
Westeros. Five of the seven kingdoms
fell to the steel swords and pointed
stars of the invaders. Their cultures
and religions largely swept away by the
tide of change. The common tongue spoken
by the Andals became the language of
commerce and government. While the old
tongue of the first men retreated to the
most remote corners of the realm, the
faith of the seven established itself as
the dominant religion, building septs
and septaries throughout the conquered
territories. Yet the conquest was not
complete and would never be complete.
The North remained unconquered, its
people clinging to the old ways with a
stubbornness that no amount of steel
could break. The Iron Islands continued
to follow their own path. Their culture
shaped by the sea and the drowned god
rather than the land and the seven. Even
in the conquered territories, elements
of the old culture persisted, hidden in
the names of places and the customs of
the small folk. The Andul invasion
marked the end of the age of heroes and
the beginning of the age of kingdoms.
The great houses that would rule
Westeros for the next several thousand
years were established during this
period. Their power based on a
combination of Andal military might and
first men legitimacy. The stage was set
for the next great drama in the history
of the realm. As the descendants of both
peoples would soon face new challenges
from across the narrow sea. The wheel of
history continued to turn, and with each
revolution, the game of thrones became
more complex and more deadly. The Andals
had brought order to chaos, but they had
also sewn the seeds of new conflicts
that would shape the destiny of Westeros
for generations to come. The age of
conquest was ending, but the age of
politics was just beginning. While the
Andals carved their kingdom from the
bones of the first men's realm, across
the narrow sea, a civilization even more
ancient and sophisticated was reaching
the height of its power. The Royer had
built their empire not on conquest, but
on the life-giving waters of the great
river from which they took their name.
For 3,000 years, they had dwelt along
the banks of the Roy, creating a culture
that rivaled even the dragon lords of
Valyria in its mastery of art, magic,
and the mysteries of water. The Roin was
more than just a river to the Royer. It
was the source of their power, their
religion, and their very identity. They
called it the mother Roin, and they
worshiped it as a goddess who had given
birth to their civilization. From its
headwaters in the hills of Anderlos to
its mouth at the summer sea, the river
flowed through their lands like a silver
thread connecting a string of pearls.
Each city along its banks was a marvel
of engineering and architecture with
water gardens that seemed to float on
the surface of the river and bridges
that spanned the water like frozen
rainbows. The Royer had learned to work
with water in ways that other peoples
could barely comprehend. Their magic was
not the fire and blood sorcery of the
Valyrianss or the earth and tree magic
of the children of the forest, but
something more subtle and more powerful.
They could command the very flow of
rivers, redirecting the course of
waterways to serve their purposes. They
built great dams and canals, creating
networks of irrigation that turned
deserts into gardens and marshes into
fertile fields. Their cities seemed to
float on the water connected by bridges
and walkways that rose and fell with the
tide. Nisar, the greatest of the Royar
cities, was built on a series of islands
in the middle of the Roy where the river
was widest and deepest. The city was a
marvel of water architecture with towers
that seemed to grow from the river
itself and palaces that reflected the
sky in their walls of polished stone.
The bridges that connected the islands
were works of art as much as
engineering, carved with intricate
patterns that told the story of the
Royar people. At the heart of the city
stood the temple of the mother, a great
dome that seemed to float on the water,
its walls so thin that the light from
within made the entire structure glow
like a jewel. The Royer were not just
builders and engineers. They were also
the greatest traders in the known world.
Their turtle ships, massive vessels that
could carry entire households and all
their possessions, pied the waters of
the roy and the narrow sea, trading with
peoples as distant as the summer
islands, and as exotic as the shadow
lands beyond Ashai. They brought silk
and spices from the east, gold and
silver from the west, and knowledge from
every corner of the world. Their
merchants were welcomed in every port,
their goods prized by kings and princes
throughout the known world. But the
Royer were not merely peaceful traders
and builders. When threatened, they
could call upon the power of the mother
Roin herself to defend their lands.
Their water wizards could summon great
floods to wash away enemy armies,
redirect rivers to isolate enemy cities,
and call up mists so thick that invading
fleets would lose their way and founder
on hidden reefs. The river itself became
their ally, rising to swallow those who
would dare to threaten the children of
the Roy. The magic of the Royer was tied
to the natural cycle of the river,
growing stronger during the spring
floods and weaker during the dry season.
Their greatest water wizards could live
for centuries, their lives sustained by
the eternal flow of the Mother Roin.
They passed down their knowledge through
generations of apprentices, creating a
tradition of learning that stretched
back to the dawn of their civilization.
The secret arts of water magic were
jealously guarded, taught only to those
who had proven themselves worthy through
years of study and devotion. The Royer
princes who ruled the great cities were
chosen not by birth, but by their
mastery of the river's ways. They were
expected to be skilled in both war and
peace, capable of leading their people
in battle and governing them in times of
prosperity. The greatest of these
princes was Garin the Great, who ruled
during the height of Royer power when
their empire stretched from the disputed
lands in the west to the bone mountains
in the east. Under his rule, the Roya
reached heights of culture and learning
that would not be equaled for centuries
after their fall. Yet even as the Royar
reached the peak of their power, a new
threat was rising in the east. The
Valyrian Freehold, the great dragon
empire that had conquered half of Essos,
was expanding westward along the shores
of the narrow sea. The dragon lords had
already crushed the ancient empire of
Gears, reducing its great cities to ash
and slavery. Now they turned their
attention to the rich lands of the
Royar, seeing in their water magic a
challenge to their own supremacy. The
conflict between the Royar and the
Valyrianss was not just a war between
two peoples. It was a clash between two
completely different ways of
understanding the world. The Valyrianss
were masters of fire and blood. Their
power based on domination and conquest.
They rode dragons through the sky and
wielded swords of Valyrian steel. Their
very presence a reminder of the violent
forces that had shaped their empire. The
Royar, by contrast, were masters of
water and wisdom. Their power based on
harmony and balance. They sought to work
with the natural world rather than
dominate it, to find strength in unity
rather than in subjugation. The war
began slowly with minor skirmishes along
the borders of the two empires. The
Valyrianss tested the strength of the
Royar defenses, sending small raiding
parties to probe for weaknesses. The
Royar responded with their traditional
tactics, using their water magic to
flood the approaches to their cities and
their turtle ships to harry the Valyrian
fleets. For a time, it seemed that the
two powers might settle into a long
stalemate, each too strong to be easily
defeated by the other. But the
Valyrianss were not content with mere
raids and skirmishes. They were building
towards something much more ambitious, a
great campaign that would crush the
Royer once and for all. The dragon lords
began to gather their forces, calling
upon all the resources of their vast
empire. Dragons flew in from the
furthest reaches of Valyria. Their
riders eager for the glory that would
come with victory over the water
wizards. The Valyrian fleet grew until
it darkened the waters of the narrow
sea. Hundreds of ships carrying
thousands of warriors and the materials
needed to sustain a long campaign. The
Royar seeing the storm clouds gathering
on the horizon began their own preparations. Prince Garin called upon
preparations. Prince Garin called upon all the cities of the Roy to unite
all the cities of the Roy to unite against the coming threat. And for the
against the coming threat. And for the first time in centuries, the fractious
first time in centuries, the fractious princes put aside their differences to
princes put aside their differences to stand together. The great turtle ships
stand together. The great turtle ships were armed for war. Their peaceful
were armed for war. Their peaceful trading vessels transformed into
trading vessels transformed into floating fortresses bristling with
floating fortresses bristling with weapons. The water wizards began to work
weapons. The water wizards began to work their greatest magic, calling upon the
their greatest magic, calling upon the mother Roin to lend her strength to her
mother Roin to lend her strength to her children in their hour of need. The war
children in their hour of need. The war that followed was unlike anything the
that followed was unlike anything the world had ever seen. The Valyrianss
world had ever seen. The Valyrianss struck first, their dragons raining fire
struck first, their dragons raining fire down upon the runar cities along the
down upon the runar cities along the western reaches of the river. The
western reaches of the river. The ancient settlements of Sarm and
ancient settlements of Sarm and Volenththeris were consumed in dragon
Volenththeris were consumed in dragon fire. Their populations slaughtered or
fire. Their populations slaughtered or enslaved. The runar responded with their
enslaved. The runar responded with their own devastating weapons, calling up
own devastating weapons, calling up great floods that washed away entire
great floods that washed away entire Valyrian armies and summoning mists that
Valyrian armies and summoning mists that brought down dragons from the sky. But
brought down dragons from the sky. But the Valyrianss had learned from their
the Valyrianss had learned from their earlier conflicts, and they adapted
earlier conflicts, and they adapted their tactics to counter the Royar
their tactics to counter the Royar magic. They used their dragons to stay
magic. They used their dragons to stay above the reach of the water wizards,
above the reach of the water wizards, raining fire down from heights that the
raining fire down from heights that the Royar could not match. They struck at
Royar could not match. They struck at the sources of the Royar power,
the sources of the Royar power, targeting the great dams and canals that
targeting the great dams and canals that controlled the flow of the river. Most
controlled the flow of the river. Most devastating of all, they began to poison
devastating of all, they began to poison the waters of the Roy itself, using dark
the waters of the Roy itself, using dark sorcery to corrupt the very source of
sorcery to corrupt the very source of Royar strength. The final battle came
Royar strength. The final battle came when Prince Karin gathered the greatest
when Prince Karin gathered the greatest army in Royar history. A quarter of a
army in Royar history. A quarter of a million warriors supported by the most
million warriors supported by the most powerful water wizards ever assembled.
powerful water wizards ever assembled. They met the Valyrian forces at the
They met the Valyrian forces at the confluence of the Roy and the Little
confluence of the Roy and the Little Roin, where the river was deepest and
Roin, where the river was deepest and the Royar power was strongest. The
the Royar power was strongest. The battle raged for days with dragons
battle raged for days with dragons falling from the sky and Valyrian ships
falling from the sky and Valyrian ships sinking beneath the waves. For a moment,
sinking beneath the waves. For a moment, it seemed that the Royar might actually
it seemed that the Royar might actually win. That their ancient magic might
win. That their ancient magic might prove stronger than Valyrian steel and
prove stronger than Valyrian steel and dragon fire. But the dragons were too
dragon fire. But the dragons were too many and the Valyrian sorcery too
many and the Valyrian sorcery too strong. The Roya army was destroyed.
strong. The Roya army was destroyed. Prince Garin himself taken captive and
Prince Garin himself taken captive and caged in gold to be displayed in the
caged in gold to be displayed in the streets of Valyria. The survivors of the
streets of Valyria. The survivors of the battle fled in whatever ships they could
battle fled in whatever ships they could find, carrying with them the remnants of
find, carrying with them the remnants of their once great civilization. The
their once great civilization. The mother Roin herself seemed to weep for
mother Roin herself seemed to weep for her children, her waters running red
her children, her waters running red with blood and ash. Yet even in defeat,
with blood and ash. Yet even in defeat, the Royer had one final weapon to wield.
the Royer had one final weapon to wield. As Prince Garin was paraded through the
As Prince Garin was paraded through the streets of Valyria in his golden cage,
streets of Valyria in his golden cage, he called upon the mother Roin to curse
he called upon the mother Roin to curse his captives. The curse he laid upon the
his captives. The curse he laid upon the Valyrianss was subtle but terrible. A
Valyrianss was subtle but terrible. A slow poison that would work its way
slow poison that would work its way through their civilization like water
through their civilization like water through stone. The great death, a
through stone. The great death, a creeping plague that turned men to stone
creeping plague that turned men to stone from the inside out, began to spread
from the inside out, began to spread through the dragon lord families. It was
through the dragon lord families. It was a curse that would take centuries to
a curse that would take centuries to fully manifest. But when it did, it
fully manifest. But when it did, it would play its part in the doom that
would play its part in the doom that eventually consumed the Valyrian
eventually consumed the Valyrian Freehold. The defeat of the Roya marked
Freehold. The defeat of the Roya marked the end of one of the greatest
the end of one of the greatest civilizations in the history of Essos.
civilizations in the history of Essos. Their cities were destroyed or
Their cities were destroyed or abandoned. Their knowledge scattered to
abandoned. Their knowledge scattered to the winds. Their people killed or
the winds. Their people killed or enslaved. The great river that had been
enslaved. The great river that had been their source of strength became a
their source of strength became a highway for Valyrian conquest. Its
highway for Valyrian conquest. Its waters carrying the Dragon Lord's ships
waters carrying the Dragon Lord's ships ever deeper into the heart of the
ever deeper into the heart of the continent. The turtle ships that had
continent. The turtle ships that had once carried peaceful traders now
once carried peaceful traders now carried refugees fleeing the destruction
carried refugees fleeing the destruction of their homeland. But the Royar story
of their homeland. But the Royar story was not yet finished. Among the
was not yet finished. Among the survivors of the great defeat, was a
survivors of the great defeat, was a princess named Nimriia, a direct
princess named Nimriia, a direct descendant of the ancient river kings.
descendant of the ancient river kings. She gathered the remnants of her people,
She gathered the remnants of her people, perhaps a 100,000 souls, and loaded them
perhaps a 100,000 souls, and loaded them onto a fleet of 10,000 ships. This great
onto a fleet of 10,000 ships. This great exodus would carry the Royar across the
exodus would carry the Royar across the narrow sea to a new home where they
narrow sea to a new home where they would once again prove their resilience
would once again prove their resilience and their genius for adaptation. The
and their genius for adaptation. The legacy of the Royar would live on in
legacy of the Royar would live on in their descendants who would bring their
their descendants who would bring their knowledge of water and their traditions
knowledge of water and their traditions of wisdom to the distant shores of Dawn,
of wisdom to the distant shores of Dawn, but their homeland along the Mother Roin
but their homeland along the Mother Roin was lost forever. Another casualty in
was lost forever. Another casualty in the endless expansion of the Valyrian
the endless expansion of the Valyrian dragon lords. Meanwhile, in other parts
dragon lords. Meanwhile, in other parts of Essos, different peoples were carving
of Essos, different peoples were carving out their own destinies amid the chaos
out their own destinies amid the chaos of a changing world. The Dothraki had
of a changing world. The Dothraki had emerged from the vast grasslands of the
emerged from the vast grasslands of the eastern continent. Nomadic horsemen
eastern continent. Nomadic horsemen whose way of life was as alien to the
whose way of life was as alien to the settled peoples of the west as the Royar
settled peoples of the west as the Royar had been to the Valyrianss, where the
had been to the Valyrianss, where the riverfolk had built their power on water
riverfolk had built their power on water and wisdom. The Dothraki found their
and wisdom. The Dothraki found their strength in speed and savagery, in the
strength in speed and savagery, in the bond between rider and horse that made
bond between rider and horse that made them the most feared cavalry in the
them the most feared cavalry in the known world. The great grass sea that
known world. The great grass sea that stretched from the forest of Kor to the
stretched from the forest of Kor to the shadowlands beyond Ashai was their
shadowlands beyond Ashai was their domain. A realm without cities or
domain. A realm without cities or borders, where the strongest Kalisars
borders, where the strongest Kalisars claimed the best grazing lands, and the
claimed the best grazing lands, and the weak were swept aside like dust before
weak were swept aside like dust before the wind. The Dulthraki followed no
the wind. The Dulthraki followed no kings and built no castles. Their only
kings and built no castles. Their only law was the strength of the sword and
law was the strength of the sword and the speed of the horse. They worshiped a
the speed of the horse. They worshiped a single god, the great stallion, who
single god, the great stallion, who mounted the world, and they believed
mounted the world, and they believed that their destiny was to ride across
that their destiny was to ride across all the lands under the sky. The rise of
all the lands under the sky. The rise of the Dothraki changed the balance of
the Dothraki changed the balance of power throughout Essos. The great cities
power throughout Essos. The great cities that had grown rich through trade now
that had grown rich through trade now found themselves under constant threat
found themselves under constant threat from the horse lords who could appear on
from the horse lords who could appear on the horizon without warning and
the horizon without warning and disappeared just as quickly after their
disappeared just as quickly after their raids were complete. The settled peoples
raids were complete. The settled peoples learned to build higher walls and
learned to build higher walls and maintain larger armies. But the
maintain larger armies. But the grasslands remained forever beyond their
grasslands remained forever beyond their reach, a wild frontier where only the
reach, a wild frontier where only the strongest and most cunning could
strongest and most cunning could survive. In the east, beyond the bone
survive. In the east, beyond the bone mountains and the shadow lands, other
mountains and the shadow lands, other mysteries stirred in the ancient cities
mysteries stirred in the ancient cities of Yeeti and the distant realms of the
of Yeeti and the distant realms of the Sunrise Kingdoms. These were lands so
Sunrise Kingdoms. These were lands so far from Westeros that they seemed like
far from Westeros that they seemed like myths to the lords of the seven
myths to the lords of the seven kingdoms, places where the very sun rose
kingdoms, places where the very sun rose differently, and the seasons followed
differently, and the seasons followed patterns unknown to Western minds. The
patterns unknown to Western minds. The emperor of Yeeti ruled from his golden
emperor of Yeeti ruled from his golden throne in the city of Yin, commanding
throne in the city of Yin, commanding armies that numbered in the millions and
armies that numbered in the millions and fleets that could darken the Jade Sea.
fleets that could darken the Jade Sea. But these eastern powers remained
But these eastern powers remained focused on their own affairs. Their
focused on their own affairs. Their attention turned inward toward their own
attention turned inward toward their own ancient rivalries and eternal conflicts.
ancient rivalries and eternal conflicts. The free cities that would later
The free cities that would later dominate the western shores of Essos,
dominate the western shores of Essos, were beginning to emerge during this
were beginning to emerge during this period, founded by refugees and exiles
period, founded by refugees and exiles from the various conflicts that swept
from the various conflicts that swept across the continent. Braavos, greatest
across the continent. Braavos, greatest of them all, was still hidden in its
of them all, was still hidden in its secret lagoon. Its founders sworn to
secret lagoon. Its founders sworn to secrecy about the location of their new
secrecy about the location of their new home. The city was built by escaped
home. The city was built by escaped slaves and their descendants, men and
slaves and their descendants, men and women who had fled the chains of Valyria
women who had fled the chains of Valyria and other slaveholding powers to create
and other slaveholding powers to create a new kind of society based on freedom
a new kind of society based on freedom and commerce rather than conquest and
and commerce rather than conquest and domination. The other free cities had
domination. The other free cities had their own origins and their own
their own origins and their own characters. Pentos grew fat on trade,
characters. Pentos grew fat on trade, its merchant princes growing wealthy by
its merchant princes growing wealthy by serving as middlemen between the various
serving as middlemen between the various powers of the continent. Mary became
powers of the continent. Mary became famous for its craftsmen who created
famous for its craftsmen who created goods of such quality that they were
goods of such quality that they were prized throughout the known world. Liz
prized throughout the known world. Liz developed a reputation for both beauty
developed a reputation for both beauty and decadence, its pleasure houses and
and decadence, its pleasure houses and its poisons equally renowned. Each city
its poisons equally renowned. Each city was a world unto itself with its own
was a world unto itself with its own laws and customs, its own alliances and
laws and customs, its own alliances and enemies. Volantis, the first daughter of
enemies. Volantis, the first daughter of Valyria, remained the greatest of the
Valyria, remained the greatest of the free cities throughout this period.
free cities throughout this period. Built on the model of the great dragon
Built on the model of the great dragon capital, it sought to inherit the mantle
capital, it sought to inherit the mantle of Valyrian supremacy over the eastern
of Valyrian supremacy over the eastern continent. The old blood families that
continent. The old blood families that ruled the city claimed descent from the
ruled the city claimed descent from the ancient dragon lords, and they
ancient dragon lords, and they maintained many of the traditions and
maintained many of the traditions and practices of their ancestors. The black
practices of their ancestors. The black walls of Volantis enclosed a district
walls of Volantis enclosed a district where only those of pure Valyrian blood
where only those of pure Valyrian blood were permitted to dwell, while the rest
were permitted to dwell, while the rest of the city housed a vast population of
of the city housed a vast population of slaves and freed men who served their
slaves and freed men who served their Valyrian masters. The slave trade that
Valyrian masters. The slave trade that would define so much of Essos in later
would define so much of Essos in later ages was reaching new heights during
ages was reaching new heights during this period. The constant wars and raids
this period. The constant wars and raids that swept across the continent provided
that swept across the continent provided a steady supply of captives while the
a steady supply of captives while the growing wealth of the free cities
growing wealth of the free cities created an insatiable demand for labor.
created an insatiable demand for labor. Great slave markets arose in Lys and
Great slave markets arose in Lys and Marin Tyros where human beings were
Marin Tyros where human beings were bought and sold like cattle. The profits
bought and sold like cattle. The profits from this trade funded the armies and
from this trade funded the armies and fleets that the free cities used to
fleets that the free cities used to maintain their independence and expand
maintain their independence and expand their influence. Yet, even as some
their influence. Yet, even as some cities grew rich on the misery of
cities grew rich on the misery of others, the seeds of their own
others, the seeds of their own destruction were being sown. The slave
destruction were being sown. The slave revolts that periodically swept through
revolts that periodically swept through the eastern continent grew larger and
the eastern continent grew larger and more organized with each passing
more organized with each passing generation. The gladiator pits of
generation. The gladiator pits of Meereen and the fighting schools of the
Meereen and the fighting schools of the other slavers bay cities produced
other slavers bay cities produced warriors who knew no fear and had
warriors who knew no fear and had nothing left to lose. The Unsullied, the
nothing left to lose. The Unsullied, the elite slave soldiers of Astapor were
elite slave soldiers of Astapor were created during this period. Their brutal
created during this period. Their brutal training methods producing the most
training methods producing the most disciplined and effective infantry in
disciplined and effective infantry in the known world. The religions of Essos
the known world. The religions of Essos were as diverse as its peoples,
were as diverse as its peoples, reflecting the complex tapestry of
reflecting the complex tapestry of cultures that had come together on the
cultures that had come together on the eastern continent. The Lord of Light,
eastern continent. The Lord of Light, whose red priests preached of the
whose red priests preached of the eternal struggle between fire and
eternal struggle between fire and shadow, was gaining followers throughout
shadow, was gaining followers throughout the free cities and beyond. The
the free cities and beyond. The manyfaced god of Braavos offered death
manyfaced god of Braavos offered death as a gift to those who suffered, while
as a gift to those who suffered, while the horse god of the Dothraki demanded
the horse god of the Dothraki demanded blood and victory from his followers. In
blood and victory from his followers. In the far east, the followers of the lion
the far east, the followers of the lion of night and the maiden maid of light
of night and the maiden maid of light engaged in theological debates that had
engaged in theological debates that had raged for thousands of years. The
raged for thousands of years. The Faceless Men, the legendary assassins of
Faceless Men, the legendary assassins of Braavos, were founded during this period
Braavos, were founded during this period by slaves who had learned to worship
by slaves who had learned to worship death as the ultimate escape from
death as the ultimate escape from suffering. They developed their arts in
suffering. They developed their arts in secret, learning to change their faces
secret, learning to change their faces and their identities as easily as other
and their identities as easily as other men change their clothes. The gift they
men change their clothes. The gift they offered was available to all slave and
offered was available to all slave and free alike. But the price they demanded
free alike. But the price they demanded was beyond the reach of most. They
was beyond the reach of most. They served no king and followed no flag. But
served no king and followed no flag. But they shaped the destiny of nations
they shaped the destiny of nations through the careful application of their
through the careful application of their deadly skills. Magic, which had been
deadly skills. Magic, which had been commonplace in the days of old Valyria,
commonplace in the days of old Valyria, was becoming rarer and more mysterious
was becoming rarer and more mysterious as the years passed. The dragon lords
as the years passed. The dragon lords had hoarded their secrets jealously, and
had hoarded their secrets jealously, and much of their knowledge died with them
much of their knowledge died with them in the various wars and disasters that
in the various wars and disasters that befell their empire. The surviving
befell their empire. The surviving sorcerers and magicians found themselves
sorcerers and magicians found themselves increasingly isolated, their powers
increasingly isolated, their powers weakened by the changing nature of the
weakened by the changing nature of the world. Some claimed that magic itself
world. Some claimed that magic itself was fading from the world, that the age
was fading from the world, that the age of wonders was ending, and the age of
of wonders was ending, and the age of mundane reality was beginning. Yet in
mundane reality was beginning. Yet in certain places, the old powers still
certain places, the old powers still stirred. The shadow lands beyond Ashai
stirred. The shadow lands beyond Ashai remained as mysterious and dangerous as
remained as mysterious and dangerous as ever. Their dark cities inhabited by
ever. Their dark cities inhabited by sorcerers and demons whose purposes were
sorcerers and demons whose purposes were known only to themselves. The ruins of
known only to themselves. The ruins of old Giz still echoed with the ghosts of
old Giz still echoed with the ghosts of the harpy queens and the bones of
the harpy queens and the bones of dragons could still be found in the
dragons could still be found in the wastelands where the great beasts had
wastelands where the great beasts had fallen in the wars of conquest. The
fallen in the wars of conquest. The world was changing, but it had not yet
world was changing, but it had not yet forgotten the lessons of its magical
forgotten the lessons of its magical past. The stage was being set for the
past. The stage was being set for the next great drama in the history of the
next great drama in the history of the world. The Valyrian Freehold was
world. The Valyrian Freehold was approaching the height of its power. its
approaching the height of its power. its dragon lords preparing for the conquests
dragon lords preparing for the conquests that would make them the undisputed
that would make them the undisputed masters of the known world. But their
masters of the known world. But their very success was breeding the conditions
very success was breeding the conditions for their eventual downfall. As the
for their eventual downfall. As the curse of the Royer worked its slow
curse of the Royer worked its slow poison through their society and the
poison through their society and the contradictions of their slave-based
contradictions of their slave-based economy grew more and more apparent. The
economy grew more and more apparent. The wheel of history continued to turn,
wheel of history continued to turn, carrying all the peoples of Essos toward
carrying all the peoples of Essos toward a future that none of them could
a future that none of them could foresee. The age of heroes was ending in
foresee. The age of heroes was ending in the east as it had in the west, replaced
the east as it had in the west, replaced by an age of empires and trade, of
by an age of empires and trade, of slavery and freedom, of magic and
slavery and freedom, of magic and mundane reality existing side by side in
mundane reality existing side by side in an uneasy balance. The game of thrones
an uneasy balance. The game of thrones was being played on a larger board than
was being played on a larger board than ever before, with stakes that would
ever before, with stakes that would determine the fate of entire continents.
determine the fate of entire continents. In the eastern reaches of Essos, where
In the eastern reaches of Essos, where the summer sea lapped against volcanic
the summer sea lapped against volcanic shores and the earth itself burned with
shores and the earth itself burned with ancient fire, there arose the greatest
ancient fire, there arose the greatest empire the world had ever known. Valyria
empire the world had ever known. Valyria began as little more than a collection
began as little more than a collection of shepherd villages clustered around
of shepherd villages clustered around the 14 flames. Those great volcanoes
the 14 flames. Those great volcanoes that pierced the sky like spears thrown
that pierced the sky like spears thrown by the gods themselves. The people who
by the gods themselves. The people who would become the dragon lords were
would become the dragon lords were unremarkable in those early days. Just
unremarkable in those early days. Just another tribe among many who scratched
another tribe among many who scratched out a living from the harsh volcanic
out a living from the harsh volcanic soil and the few hardy animals that
soil and the few hardy animals that could survive in that burning landscape.
could survive in that burning landscape. But beneath their feet lay something
But beneath their feet lay something that would change the course of history
that would change the course of history forever. The volcanic activity that made
forever. The volcanic activity that made their homeland so inhospitable also
their homeland so inhospitable also created something unique and precious.
created something unique and precious. dragon glass, the black volcanic rock
dragon glass, the black volcanic rock that could cut through steel and hold an
that could cut through steel and hold an edge sharper than any metal blade. More
edge sharper than any metal blade. More importantly, the constant volcanic
importantly, the constant volcanic activity had awakened something ancient
activity had awakened something ancient in the depths of the earth. Creatures
in the depths of the earth. Creatures that had slumbered since the dawn of the
that had slumbered since the dawn of the world. Dragons, the children of fire and
world. Dragons, the children of fire and stone, began to emerge from the deepest
stone, began to emerge from the deepest caves and the hottest lava flows. The
caves and the hottest lava flows. The first dragon taming was not a conquest,
first dragon taming was not a conquest, but a partnership born of mutual need.
but a partnership born of mutual need. The early Valyrians discovered that the
The early Valyrians discovered that the great beasts were not mindless monsters,
great beasts were not mindless monsters, but intelligent creatures capable of
but intelligent creatures capable of forming bonds with those brave enough to
forming bonds with those brave enough to approach them. The dragons needed the
approach them. The dragons needed the volcanic heat to survive and thrive.
volcanic heat to survive and thrive. While the Valyrians needed protection
While the Valyrians needed protection from the harsh environment and the other
from the harsh environment and the other peoples who coveted their lands. Over
peoples who coveted their lands. Over generations, certain bloodlines
generations, certain bloodlines developed the ability to communicate
developed the ability to communicate with dragons, to understand their needs
with dragons, to understand their needs and desires, and eventually to ride them
and desires, and eventually to ride them through the burning skies. The secret of
through the burning skies. The secret of dragon bonding lay in the blood itself,
dragon bonding lay in the blood itself, a magical heritage that was passed down
a magical heritage that was passed down through the great families that would
through the great families that would come to rule the Valyrian Freehold.
come to rule the Valyrian Freehold. These dragon lord bloodlines guarded
These dragon lord bloodlines guarded their secrets jealously, intermaring
their secrets jealously, intermaring among themselves to keep their magical
among themselves to keep their magical abilities pure and strong. They
abilities pure and strong. They developed elaborate rituals and
developed elaborate rituals and ceremonies around the bonding process,
ceremonies around the bonding process, creating a mystical connection between
creating a mystical connection between rider and dragon that went beyond mere
rider and dragon that went beyond mere training or dominance. The dragon became
training or dominance. The dragon became an extension of the rider's will, while
an extension of the rider's will, while the rider became the embodiment of the
the rider became the embodiment of the dragon's power. As the Valyrianss
dragon's power. As the Valyrianss mastered the art of dragon riding, they
mastered the art of dragon riding, they also developed other magical arts that
also developed other magical arts that would set them apart from every other
would set them apart from every other civilization in the known world. They
civilization in the known world. They learned to work with fire, as the Royer
learned to work with fire, as the Royer had worked with water, bending flame to
had worked with water, bending flame to their will and using it to create
their will and using it to create wonders that defied explanation. Their
wonders that defied explanation. Their smiths discovered the secret of Valyrian
smiths discovered the secret of Valyrian steel, a metal so superior to ordinary
steel, a metal so superior to ordinary steel that a Valyrian blade could cut
steel that a Valyrian blade could cut through armor as if it were cloth. The
through armor as if it were cloth. The forging process required not just skill,
forging process required not just skill, but magic, binding spells into the very
but magic, binding spells into the very metal that made it lighter, stronger,
metal that made it lighter, stronger, and sharper than any weapon that had
and sharper than any weapon that had come before. The roads of the Valyrian
come before. The roads of the Valyrian Freehold were another marvel that
Freehold were another marvel that showcased their mastery over the
showcased their mastery over the elements. Built from fused
elements. Built from fused dragonstoneone, these highways stretched
dragonstoneone, these highways stretched across continents without a single joint
across continents without a single joint or seam as if they had been poured from
or seam as if they had been poured from molten rock in a single continuous
molten rock in a single continuous process. The roads could bear any
process. The roads could bear any weight, withstand any weather, and last
weight, withstand any weather, and last for centuries without maintenance. They
for centuries without maintenance. They became the arteries of empire, allowing
became the arteries of empire, allowing Valyrian armies to move with
Valyrian armies to move with unprecedented speed across vast
unprecedented speed across vast distances, while Valyrian merchants
distances, while Valyrian merchants could transport goods safely through
could transport goods safely through territories that had previously been
territories that had previously been impassible. The architecture of old
impassible. The architecture of old Valyria itself was a testament to the
Valyria itself was a testament to the power and ambition of the Dragon Lords.
power and ambition of the Dragon Lords. Their towers rose like frozen flames
Their towers rose like frozen flames toward the sky, spiraling ever upward in
toward the sky, spiraling ever upward in defiance of gravity and common sense.
defiance of gravity and common sense. The building seemed to grow from the
The building seemed to grow from the volcanic rock itself, shaped by magic as
volcanic rock itself, shaped by magic as much as by mortal hands. Great pyramids
much as by mortal hands. Great pyramids housed the dragon pits where the mighty
housed the dragon pits where the mighty beasts were born and raised, while
beasts were born and raised, while elegant palaces provided homes worthy of
elegant palaces provided homes worthy of those who commanded such power. The very
those who commanded such power. The very air above the city was filled with
air above the city was filled with dragons, their wings casting shadows
dragons, their wings casting shadows over the streets below as they soared
over the streets below as they soared between the towers in an endless aerial
between the towers in an endless aerial dance. The government of the Valyrian
dance. The government of the Valyrian freehold was unlike anything that had
freehold was unlike anything that had come before or would come after. Rather
come before or would come after. Rather than being ruled by a single emperor or
than being ruled by a single emperor or king, the empire was governed by a
king, the empire was governed by a council of dragon lord families, each
council of dragon lord families, each wielding power proportional to the
wielding power proportional to the number and size of the dragons they
number and size of the dragons they commanded. This system created a
commanded. This system created a delicate balance of power that prevented
delicate balance of power that prevented any single family from dominating the
any single family from dominating the others while ensuring that decisions
others while ensuring that decisions were made by those who truly understood
were made by those who truly understood the forces they were dealing with. The
the forces they were dealing with. The great families of Valyria became as
great families of Valyria became as legendary as their dragons, the
legendary as their dragons, the Targaryenss, with their silver gold hair
Targaryenss, with their silver gold hair and purple eyes. The Valyrianss who
and purple eyes. The Valyrianss who commanded the seas, the Seltigars who
commanded the seas, the Seltigars who read the future in flame and smoke. The
read the future in flame and smoke. The expansion of the Valyrian Freehold began
expansion of the Valyrian Freehold began slowly with exploratory flights that
slowly with exploratory flights that mapped the known world from the sky. The
mapped the known world from the sky. The Dragon Lords discovered that their
Dragon Lords discovered that their aerial advantage allowed them to see
aerial advantage allowed them to see patterns and opportunities that
patterns and opportunities that groundbased civilizations had missed.
groundbased civilizations had missed. They could identify weak points in enemy
They could identify weak points in enemy defenses, spot resources, and trade
defenses, spot resources, and trade routes from above, and strike at targets
routes from above, and strike at targets that their enemies thought were safely
that their enemies thought were safely beyond reach. The psychological impact
beyond reach. The psychological impact of dragons was almost as powerful as
of dragons was almost as powerful as their physical capabilities. Entire
their physical capabilities. Entire armies would break and flee at the sight
armies would break and flee at the sight of the great beasts approaching from the
of the great beasts approaching from the sky. The conquest of the Gishcari Empire
sky. The conquest of the Gishcari Empire marked the true beginning of Valyrian
marked the true beginning of Valyrian dominance over the eastern continent.
dominance over the eastern continent. The Gizkari had ruled the shores of
The Gizkari had ruled the shores of Slavers Bay for thousands of years.
Slavers Bay for thousands of years. their harpy queens commanding vast
their harpy queens commanding vast armies of slave soldiers and their great
armies of slave soldiers and their great pyramids standing as monuments to their
pyramids standing as monuments to their ancient power. They had weathered
ancient power. They had weathered countless invasions and survived
countless invasions and survived numerous wars, their civilization
numerous wars, their civilization enduring through adaptability and
enduring through adaptability and cunning, but they had never faced an
cunning, but they had never faced an enemy that could strike from the sky
enemy that could strike from the sky with fire and fury. The war between
with fire and fury. The war between Valyria and Geese lasted for centuries,
Valyria and Geese lasted for centuries, a series of conflicts that became known
a series of conflicts that became known as the Geese Kari Wars. Each side
as the Geese Kari Wars. Each side adapted to the others tactics with the
adapted to the others tactics with the Geesekari developing new weapons and
Geesekari developing new weapons and strategies to counter the dragon threat.
strategies to counter the dragon threat. While the Valyrianss refined their
While the Valyrianss refined their aerial combat techniques and developed
aerial combat techniques and developed new breeds of dragons specialized for
new breeds of dragons specialized for different types of warfare. The great
different types of warfare. The great pyramids of the Geesekari cities were
pyramids of the Geesekari cities were transformed into fortresses designed to
transformed into fortresses designed to withstand dragon fire, while the
withstand dragon fire, while the Valyrianss created dragons bred
Valyrianss created dragons bred specifically for siege warfare, capable
specifically for siege warfare, capable of melting stone and metal with their
of melting stone and metal with their breath. The final victory came not
breath. The final victory came not through a single decisive battle, but
through a single decisive battle, but through the systematic destruction of
through the systematic destruction of the Guscari way of life. The Valyrianss
the Guscari way of life. The Valyrianss used their dragons to destroy the
used their dragons to destroy the irrigation systems that fed the Guscari
irrigation systems that fed the Guscari cities, to burn the slave markets that
cities, to burn the slave markets that were the foundation of their economy,
were the foundation of their economy, and to hunt down the harpy queens who
and to hunt down the harpy queens who had ruled for so long. When the last
had ruled for so long. When the last Guscari city fell, its pyramids were
Guscari city fell, its pyramids were left as empty monuments to a vanished
left as empty monuments to a vanished civilization, while the survivors were
civilization, while the survivors were absorbed into the growing Valyrian
absorbed into the growing Valyrian empire as slaves and servants. The
empire as slaves and servants. The defeat of Jers established the pattern
defeat of Jers established the pattern that would define Valyrian expansion for
that would define Valyrian expansion for the next several centuries. Unlike other
the next several centuries. Unlike other conquerors who sought merely to extract
conquerors who sought merely to extract tribute or established trading posts,
tribute or established trading posts, the Valyrianss completely transformed
the Valyrianss completely transformed the societies they conquered. They
the societies they conquered. They imposed their language, their customs,
imposed their language, their customs, and their system of slavery on the
and their system of slavery on the defeated peoples, creating a uniform
defeated peoples, creating a uniform imperial culture that stretched across
imperial culture that stretched across vast distances. The dragons served not
vast distances. The dragons served not just as weapons of war, but as symbols
just as weapons of war, but as symbols of Valyrian authority, flying patrols
of Valyrian authority, flying patrols over the conquered territories to remind
over the conquered territories to remind the subject peoples of the power that
the subject peoples of the power that held them in bondage. The slave system
held them in bondage. The slave system that supported the Valyrian Empire was
that supported the Valyrian Empire was vast and complex, involving millions of
vast and complex, involving millions of human beings who had been reduced to
human beings who had been reduced to property. The Valyrianss categorized
property. The Valyrianss categorized their slaves according to their
their slaves according to their capabilities and origins, creating
capabilities and origins, creating specialized classes for different types
specialized classes for different types of work. The unsullied warrior unics
of work. The unsullied warrior unics were bred and trained in Slavers Bay to
were bred and trained in Slavers Bay to serve as the Empire's infantry, while
serve as the Empire's infantry, while skilled craftsmen from conquered cities
skilled craftsmen from conquered cities were put to work, creating the luxury
were put to work, creating the luxury goods that the dragon lords demanded.
goods that the dragon lords demanded. The mines beneath the 14 flames consumed
The mines beneath the 14 flames consumed thousands of slaves each year, working
thousands of slaves each year, working them to death in the hellish conditions
them to death in the hellish conditions needed to extract the precious metals
needed to extract the precious metals and gems that funded the imperial
and gems that funded the imperial system. Yet for all its cruelty, the
system. Yet for all its cruelty, the Valyrian system also created
Valyrian system also created unprecedented prosperity for those at
unprecedented prosperity for those at the top of the hierarchy. The Dragon
the top of the hierarchy. The Dragon Lord families lived in luxury that
Lord families lived in luxury that surpassed anything the world had ever
surpassed anything the world had ever seen. Dwelling in palaces that floated
seen. Dwelling in palaces that floated on clouds of magic and feasting on
on clouds of magic and feasting on delicacies brought from the farthest
delicacies brought from the farthest corners of the known world. They
corners of the known world. They commanded not just dragons but entire
commanded not just dragons but entire fleets of ships, vast armies of slaves
fleets of ships, vast armies of slaves and sells words and treasuries that
and sells words and treasuries that could fund wars lasting for decades. The
could fund wars lasting for decades. The wealth that flowed into old Valyria
wealth that flowed into old Valyria transformed the city into a wonder of
transformed the city into a wonder of the world. A place where magic and
the world. A place where magic and technology combined to create marvels
technology combined to create marvels that seemed impossible to outside
that seemed impossible to outside observers. The Valyrian approach to
observers. The Valyrian approach to magic was fundamentally different from
magic was fundamentally different from that of other civilizations where the
that of other civilizations where the children of the forest worked with the
children of the forest worked with the natural world and the Royer sought
natural world and the Royer sought harmony with the flow of water. The
harmony with the flow of water. The Valyrians sought to dominate and control
Valyrians sought to dominate and control the forces of nature. They practiced
the forces of nature. They practiced blood magic and fire magic, arts that
blood magic and fire magic, arts that required sacrifice and suffering to
required sacrifice and suffering to achieve their effects. The great works
achieve their effects. The great works of Valyrian sorcery were paid for in
of Valyrian sorcery were paid for in pain, built on foundations of bones and
pain, built on foundations of bones and watered with tears. This approach to
watered with tears. This approach to magic gave them immense power in the
magic gave them immense power in the short term. But it also created
short term. But it also created instabilities and contradictions that
instabilities and contradictions that would eventually contribute to their
would eventually contribute to their downfall. The religion of the Valyrianss
downfall. The religion of the Valyrianss was as complex and contradictory as
was as complex and contradictory as their approach to magic. They worshiped
their approach to magic. They worshiped dozens of gods. Many of them borrowed
dozens of gods. Many of them borrowed from conquered peoples and adapted to
from conquered peoples and adapted to Valyrian needs. The most important of
Valyrian needs. The most important of these was Valyrian the Black Dread, a
these was Valyrian the Black Dread, a god of fire and death who was said to be
god of fire and death who was said to be the father of all dragons. The
the father of all dragons. The Valyrianss built great temples to their
Valyrianss built great temples to their gods, but they also treated them as
gods, but they also treated them as tools to be used rather than masters to
tools to be used rather than masters to be served. Their priests were as much
be served. Their priests were as much sorcerers as holy men, using their
sorcerers as holy men, using their divine connections to work magic that
divine connections to work magic that enhanced the power of the dragon lord
enhanced the power of the dragon lord families. As the centuries passed, the
families. As the centuries passed, the Valyrian Freehold reached heights of
Valyrian Freehold reached heights of power that no empire before or since has
power that no empire before or since has matched. Their dragons darkened the
matched. Their dragons darkened the skies over three continents. Their roads
skies over three continents. Their roads connected distant lands in a network of
connected distant lands in a network of trade and communication, and their
trade and communication, and their fleets ruled the seas from the summer
fleets ruled the seas from the summer sea to the shivering sea. The dragon
sea to the shivering sea. The dragon lords themselves became like gods,
lords themselves became like gods, wielding power over life and death,
wielding power over life and death, commanding the very elements and living
commanding the very elements and living lives that stretched far beyond the
lives that stretched far beyond the normal span of mortal years. But even at
normal span of mortal years. But even at the height of their power, the seeds of
the height of their power, the seeds of destruction were being sown. The
destruction were being sown. The constant intermarriage among the dragon
constant intermarriage among the dragon lord families was beginning to take its
lord families was beginning to take its toll, creating bloodlines that were
toll, creating bloodlines that were increasingly unstable and prone to
increasingly unstable and prone to madness. The vast slave system that
madness. The vast slave system that supported their civilization was
supported their civilization was becoming more and more difficult to
becoming more and more difficult to maintain, requiring ever more brutal
maintain, requiring ever more brutal methods of control. As the enslaved
methods of control. As the enslaved populations grew larger and more
populations grew larger and more restive, the magic that had given them
restive, the magic that had given them their power was exacting an ever greater
their power was exacting an ever greater price, demanding more blood and more
price, demanding more blood and more pain with each passing generation. The
pain with each passing generation. The curse that Prince Garin had laid upon
curse that Prince Garin had laid upon the Valyrianss during his defeat was
the Valyrianss during his defeat was working its slow poison through their
working its slow poison through their society, manifesting as the gray death
society, manifesting as the gray death that turned men to stone from within.
that turned men to stone from within. The disease spread quietly through the
The disease spread quietly through the Dragon Lord families, killing some and
Dragon Lord families, killing some and weakening others, creating gaps in their
weakening others, creating gaps in their ranks that were filled by younger, less
ranks that were filled by younger, less experienced riders. The bonds between
experienced riders. The bonds between dragons and their riders began to weaken
dragons and their riders began to weaken as the bloodlines became more diluted,
as the bloodlines became more diluted, leading to accidents and rebellions that
leading to accidents and rebellions that had been unthinkable in earlier
had been unthinkable in earlier generations. Most ominously of all, the
generations. Most ominously of all, the 14 flames themselves were beginning to
14 flames themselves were beginning to show signs of instability. The volcanic
show signs of instability. The volcanic activity that had created the dragons
activity that had created the dragons and sustained Valyrian power was growing
and sustained Valyrian power was growing more violent and unpredictable. The
more violent and unpredictable. The earth trembled more frequently. The lava
earth trembled more frequently. The lava flows burned hotter and strange gases
flows burned hotter and strange gases began to seep from cracks in the ground.
began to seep from cracks in the ground. The Valyrian sorcerers assured their
The Valyrian sorcerers assured their lords that all was well, that their
lords that all was well, that their magic could control even the fires of
magic could control even the fires of the earth itself. But some among them
the earth itself. But some among them had begun to sense that forces beyond
had begun to sense that forces beyond their comprehension was stirring in the
their comprehension was stirring in the depths below. The Targaryenss, one of
depths below. The Targaryenss, one of the lesser dragon lord families, were
the lesser dragon lord families, were among the first to sense the coming
among the first to sense the coming doom. Their gift for prophetic dreams
doom. Their gift for prophetic dreams had warned them of disaster. Visions of
had warned them of disaster. Visions of fire and ash that would consume
fire and ash that would consume everything they had built. While other
everything they had built. While other families dismissed these warnings as
families dismissed these warnings as superstition or cowardice, the
superstition or cowardice, the Targaryenss quietly began to prepare for
Targaryenss quietly began to prepare for the worst. They moved their dragons to
the worst. They moved their dragons to their holdings on Dragonstoneone, a
their holdings on Dragonstoneone, a volcanic island in the narrow sea that
volcanic island in the narrow sea that would provide refuge when the homeland
would provide refuge when the homeland burned. The height of Valyrian power was
burned. The height of Valyrian power was also the beginning of its end. Though
also the beginning of its end. Though none, save the Targaryenss suspected
none, save the Targaryenss suspected what was coming. The empire had grown so
what was coming. The empire had grown so vast and complex that it was becoming
vast and complex that it was becoming impossible to govern effectively. While
impossible to govern effectively. While the contradictions inherent in their
the contradictions inherent in their system of magic and slavery were
system of magic and slavery were creating pressures that no amount of
creating pressures that no amount of dragon power could contain, the wheel of
dragon power could contain, the wheel of history was turning once again, carrying
history was turning once again, carrying the greatest empire the world had ever
the greatest empire the world had ever known toward a doom that would reshape
known toward a doom that would reshape the very geography of the eastern
the very geography of the eastern continent. The dragon lords flew through
continent. The dragon lords flew through their burning skies. masters of all they
their burning skies. masters of all they surveyed, unaware that their time was
surveyed, unaware that their time was running out. The doom of Valyria was
running out. The doom of Valyria was approaching, and with it would come the
approaching, and with it would come the end of an age and the scattering of
end of an age and the scattering of power to the far corners of the world.
power to the far corners of the world. The Game of Thrones was about to become
The Game of Thrones was about to become infinitely more complex as the survivors
infinitely more complex as the survivors of the coming catastrophe would carry
of the coming catastrophe would carry their ambitions and their dragons to
their ambitions and their dragons to distant shores where new kingdoms waited
distant shores where new kingdoms waited to be born or conquered. The signs of
to be born or conquered. The signs of the coming catastrophe had been building
the coming catastrophe had been building for years, but the dragon lords of
for years, but the dragon lords of Valyria were too proud and too powerful
Valyria were too proud and too powerful to heed the warnings that whispered
to heed the warnings that whispered through their smoking halls. The 14
through their smoking halls. The 14 flames, those great volcanoes that had
flames, those great volcanoes that had been the source of their strength, began
been the source of their strength, began to rumble with an anger that seemed to
to rumble with an anger that seemed to come from the very heart of the world.
come from the very heart of the world. The earth trembled beneath the feet of
The earth trembled beneath the feet of slaves and masters alike, and the air
slaves and masters alike, and the air itself grew thick with ash and sulfur
itself grew thick with ash and sulfur that burned the lungs and stung the
that burned the lungs and stung the eyes. Strange lights danced in the night
eyes. Strange lights danced in the night sky above old Valyria, auroraike
sky above old Valyria, auroraike phenomena that the court sorcerers
phenomena that the court sorcerers claimed were merely the reflection of
claimed were merely the reflection of dragon fire on the clouds, but which
dragon fire on the clouds, but which filled those who saw them with an
filled those who saw them with an inexplicable dread. The dragons
inexplicable dread. The dragons themselves began to behave strangely in
themselves began to behave strangely in those final years. Beasts that had been
those final years. Beasts that had been docile and obedient for generations
docile and obedient for generations suddenly turned savage, attacking their
suddenly turned savage, attacking their handlers and even their bonded riders.
handlers and even their bonded riders. Some dragons simply disappeared,
Some dragons simply disappeared, vanishing into the volcanic depths from
vanishing into the volcanic depths from which their ancestors had first emerged,
which their ancestors had first emerged, as if they sensed the coming doom and
as if they sensed the coming doom and sought to escape it by returning to the
sought to escape it by returning to the fire that had birthed them. Others grew
fire that had birthed them. Others grew listless and refused to fly, spending
listless and refused to fly, spending their days coiled around the spires of
their days coiled around the spires of their master's towers, keening with
their master's towers, keening with voices that sounded almost human in
voices that sounded almost human in their despair. The dreams came to the
their despair. The dreams came to the Targaryenss with increasing frequency
Targaryenss with increasing frequency and intensity as the end approached.
and intensity as the end approached. Dan's the dreamer, daughter of Lord Anna
Dan's the dreamer, daughter of Lord Anna Targaryen, was plagued by visions of
Targaryen, was plagued by visions of fire and ash, of dragons screaming as
fire and ash, of dragons screaming as they fell from poison skies, of the
they fell from poison skies, of the great city of old Valyria crumbling into
great city of old Valyria crumbling into the sea. Her dreams were so vivid and
the sea. Her dreams were so vivid and terrifying that she would wake
terrifying that she would wake screaming, her bed clothes soaked with
screaming, her bed clothes soaked with sweat and her silver gold hair wild with
sweat and her silver gold hair wild with terror. When she told her father what
terror. When she told her father what she had seen, he listened with the
she had seen, he listened with the gravity that prophetic dreams deserved
gravity that prophetic dreams deserved in a family known for their gift of
in a family known for their gift of foresight. Lord Anna Targaryen faced a
foresight. Lord Anna Targaryen faced a choice that would determine the fate of
choice that would determine the fate of his house for generations to come. He
his house for generations to come. He could dismiss his daughter's dreams as
could dismiss his daughter's dreams as the product of a young mind stressed by
the product of a young mind stressed by the strange events occurring around
the strange events occurring around them, or he could act on what she had
them, or he could act on what she had seen and abandon everything his family
seen and abandon everything his family had built in Valyria. The Targaryenss
had built in Valyria. The Targaryenss were not the greatest of the Dragon Lord
were not the greatest of the Dragon Lord families, but they were far from the
families, but they were far from the least. They commanded five dragons,
least. They commanded five dragons, controlled vast estates worked by
controlled vast estates worked by thousands of slaves, and held positions
thousands of slaves, and held positions of honor and influence in the Freeholds
of honor and influence in the Freeholds governing council. To abandon all of
governing council. To abandon all of this based on dreams would mark them as
this based on dreams would mark them as cowards or madmen in the eyes of their
cowards or madmen in the eyes of their peers. But Andar Targaryen was wise
peers. But Andar Targaryen was wise enough to know that the gift of
enough to know that the gift of prophetic dreams had never been wrong in
prophetic dreams had never been wrong in his family's history. When Dany's
his family's history. When Dany's visions grew stronger and more detailed,
visions grew stronger and more detailed, showing not just the destruction of
showing not just the destruction of Valyria, but the specific mechanisms by
Valyria, but the specific mechanisms by which it would occur, he made the
which it would occur, he made the decision that would save his house from
decision that would save his house from extinction. He began to quietly
extinction. He began to quietly liquidate his family's holdings in
liquidate his family's holdings in Valyria, selling their estates and
Valyria, selling their estates and converting their wealth into portable
converting their wealth into portable forms. He claimed that he was simply
forms. He claimed that he was simply diversifying his investments, exploring
diversifying his investments, exploring opportunities in the western reaches of
opportunities in the western reaches of the empire, but in truth, he was
the empire, but in truth, he was preparing for a permanent exodus. The
preparing for a permanent exodus. The other Dragon Lord families watched the
other Dragon Lord families watched the Targaryen preparations with a mixture of
Targaryen preparations with a mixture of amusement and contempt. They mocked
amusement and contempt. They mocked Aninar for his apparent cowardice,
Aninar for his apparent cowardice, calling him the exile and suggesting
calling him the exile and suggesting that he was fleeing from imaginary
that he was fleeing from imaginary threats. Some made offers to buy his
threats. Some made offers to buy his remaining holdings at prices far below
remaining holdings at prices far below their true value, seeing an opportunity
their true value, seeing an opportunity to profit from what they perceived as
to profit from what they perceived as Targaryen weakness. The great families
Targaryen weakness. The great families of Valyria had grown complacent in their
of Valyria had grown complacent in their power, unable to imagine that anything
power, unable to imagine that anything could threaten the empire they had built
could threaten the empire they had built with fire and blood. Dragonstoneone had
with fire and blood. Dragonstoneone had been a Targaryen holding for centuries,
been a Targaryen holding for centuries, a volcanic island in the narrow sea that
a volcanic island in the narrow sea that served as an outpost for their trading
served as an outpost for their trading ventures and a refuge for their dragons
ventures and a refuge for their dragons during the hottest months of summer. The
during the hottest months of summer. The island's strategic location made it
island's strategic location made it valuable for controlling shipping routes
valuable for controlling shipping routes between Essos and Westeros, while its
between Essos and Westeros, while its volcanic nature provided the heat and
volcanic nature provided the heat and sulfur that dragons needed to thrive. As
sulfur that dragons needed to thrive. As Anarer prepared for his family's
Anarer prepared for his family's departure, he began to fortify
departure, he began to fortify Dragonstone and stock it with supplies,
Dragonstone and stock it with supplies, transforming it from a simple trading
transforming it from a simple trading post into a potential seat of power. The
post into a potential seat of power. The move to Dragonstone was accomplished
move to Dragonstone was accomplished gradually over the course of several
gradually over the course of several years, allowing the Targaryenss to avoid
years, allowing the Targaryenss to avoid drawing too much attention to their
drawing too much attention to their preparations. They transported their
preparations. They transported their most valuable possessions in small
most valuable possessions in small shipments, claiming that they were
shipments, claiming that they were simply sending goods to their western
simply sending goods to their western holdings for safekeeping. Their dragons
holdings for safekeeping. Their dragons were moved one at a time with
were moved one at a time with explanations about needing them for
explanations about needing them for various business ventures or
various business ventures or explorations. By the time the other
explorations. By the time the other dragon lord families realized the full
dragon lord families realized the full extent of the Targaryen exodus, it was
extent of the Targaryen exodus, it was too late to prevent or interfere with
too late to prevent or interfere with their departure. The final year before
their departure. The final year before the doom was marked by increasingly
the doom was marked by increasingly strange and ominous events throughout
strange and ominous events throughout the Valyrian heartland. The very air
the Valyrian heartland. The very air seemed to shimmer with heat, even in the
seemed to shimmer with heat, even in the depths of winter, and the lava flows
depths of winter, and the lava flows from the 14 flames began to glow with
from the 14 flames began to glow with colors that had never been seen before.
colors that had never been seen before. The slaves who worked the mines beneath
The slaves who worked the mines beneath the volcanoes reported hearing voices in
the volcanoes reported hearing voices in the darkness, speaking in languages that
the darkness, speaking in languages that predated human civilization. Many of
predated human civilization. Many of these workers simply disappeared, their
these workers simply disappeared, their bodies never found, leaving only empty
bodies never found, leaving only empty tunnels that echoed with the sound of
tunnels that echoed with the sound of something vast and ancient stirring in
something vast and ancient stirring in the depths. The sorcerers of Valyria had
the depths. The sorcerers of Valyria had always prided themselves on their
always prided themselves on their mastery over the forces of fire and
mastery over the forces of fire and earth, but they found themselves
earth, but they found themselves increasingly unable to control or even
increasingly unable to control or even understand what was happening beneath
understand what was happening beneath their feet. Spells that had worked
their feet. Spells that had worked reliably for centuries began to fail or
reliably for centuries began to fail or produce unexpected results. Rituals that
produce unexpected results. Rituals that had once summoned dragons from the
had once summoned dragons from the depths now brought forth only ash and
depths now brought forth only ash and poisonous gas. The very magic that had
poisonous gas. The very magic that had built the Valyrian Empire seemed to be
built the Valyrian Empire seemed to be turning against its masters, as if the
turning against its masters, as if the forces they had bound and commanded for
forces they had bound and commanded for so long were finally breaking free of
so long were finally breaking free of their constraints. Some of the wiser
their constraints. Some of the wiser sorcerers began to whisper about the
sorcerers began to whisper about the true cost of Valyrian magic, about the
true cost of Valyrian magic, about the sacrifices and suffering that had
sacrifices and suffering that had powered their great works for centuries.
powered their great works for centuries. They spoke of blood debts that could
They spoke of blood debts that could never be repaid, of cosmic balances that
never be repaid, of cosmic balances that had been disturbed beyond repair. The
had been disturbed beyond repair. The Royer curse pronounced by Prince Garin
Royer curse pronounced by Prince Garin centuries earlier as he died in his
centuries earlier as he died in his golden cage was remembered by a few
golden cage was remembered by a few scholars who wondered if the slow
scholars who wondered if the slow working poison of the great death was
working poison of the great death was just the beginning of a greater
just the beginning of a greater reckoning. The common people of Valyria,
reckoning. The common people of Valyria, both slave and free, began to flee the
both slave and free, began to flee the city in growing numbers as the omens
city in growing numbers as the omens multiplied and the very ground beneath
multiplied and the very ground beneath their feet grew hot to the touch. But
their feet grew hot to the touch. But the dragon lords remained either unable
the dragon lords remained either unable to believe that their power could be
to believe that their power could be threatened or unwilling to abandon the
threatened or unwilling to abandon the source of their authority. They convened
source of their authority. They convened emergency sessions of the governing
emergency sessions of the governing council, debating what actions should be
council, debating what actions should be taken to address the growing crisis.
taken to address the growing crisis. Some proposed great rituals of
Some proposed great rituals of appeasement, offering massive sacrifices
appeasement, offering massive sacrifices to whatever forces were causing the
to whatever forces were causing the disturbances. Others suggested military
disturbances. Others suggested military solutions as if dragons and swords could
solutions as if dragons and swords could somehow battle the earth itself. The
somehow battle the earth itself. The night before the doom, the last night
night before the doom, the last night that all Valyria would ever see, the 14
that all Valyria would ever see, the 14 flames fell silent for the first time in
flames fell silent for the first time in recorded history. The constant rumbling
recorded history. The constant rumbling that had been the background music of
that had been the background music of the city for generations simply stopped,
the city for generations simply stopped, leaving an eerie quiet that was somehow
leaving an eerie quiet that was somehow more terrifying than the loudest
more terrifying than the loudest volcanic roar. The dragons throughout
volcanic roar. The dragons throughout the city began to keen in unison, their
the city began to keen in unison, their voices rising in a lament that seemed to
voices rising in a lament that seemed to mourn the passing of an age. Those few
mourn the passing of an age. Those few who survived to tell the tale later said
who survived to tell the tale later said that the silence was the most
that the silence was the most frightening sound they had ever heard.
frightening sound they had ever heard. When the doom came, it came without
When the doom came, it came without warning and beyond all comprehension.
warning and beyond all comprehension. The 14 flames erupted simultaneously
The 14 flames erupted simultaneously with a violence that defied all previous
with a violence that defied all previous understanding of volcanic activity. But
understanding of volcanic activity. But this was more than a natural disaster.
this was more than a natural disaster. It was as if the very fabric of reality
It was as if the very fabric of reality had been torn apart above the Valyrian
had been torn apart above the Valyrian Peninsula. The explosions that followed
Peninsula. The explosions that followed were heard as far away as Old Town and
were heard as far away as Old Town and Ashai great thunderclaps that seemed to
Ashai great thunderclaps that seemed to come from the throat of the world
come from the throat of the world itself. The sky above Valyria turned
itself. The sky above Valyria turned black as night in the space of minutes.
black as night in the space of minutes. filled with ash and fire and things that
filled with ash and fire and things that had no names in any human language. The
had no names in any human language. The dragons died first, their riders
dragons died first, their riders clinging to their backs as the great
clinging to their backs as the great beasts plummeted from poison skies. The
beasts plummeted from poison skies. The magical bonds that had connected the
magical bonds that had connected the dragon lord families to their mounts for
dragon lord families to their mounts for generations were severed in an instant,
generations were severed in an instant, leaving both dragons and riders
leaving both dragons and riders screaming as they fell into the chaos
screaming as they fell into the chaos below. The strongest and largest of the
below. The strongest and largest of the dragons, those ancient beasts that had
dragons, those ancient beasts that had lived for centuries and commanded the
lived for centuries and commanded the respect of nations, simply dissolved
respect of nations, simply dissolved into ash and bone, their forms too
into ash and bone, their forms too fragile to survive in the transformed
fragile to survive in the transformed world that was being born from the
world that was being born from the destruction of the old. The city of old
destruction of the old. The city of old Valyria itself lasted perhaps an hour
Valyria itself lasted perhaps an hour after the initial eruption. Its magical
after the initial eruption. Its magical protections and mighty walls proving
protections and mighty walls proving useless against forces that operated on
useless against forces that operated on a scale beyond mortal comprehension. The
a scale beyond mortal comprehension. The great pyramids that had housed the
great pyramids that had housed the dragon lords crumbled like sand castles
dragon lords crumbled like sand castles before a tide. While the roads of fused
before a tide. While the roads of fused dragonstoneone cracked and shattered,
dragonstoneone cracked and shattered, their magical bindings undone by the raw
their magical bindings undone by the raw chaos that swept across the land. The
chaos that swept across the land. The very geography of the region was
very geography of the region was transformed as mountains sank into the
transformed as mountains sank into the earth and new peaks thrust up from the
earth and new peaks thrust up from the depths to scrape the burning sky. The
depths to scrape the burning sky. The human cost of the doom was beyond
human cost of the doom was beyond calculation. Hundreds of thousands died
calculation. Hundreds of thousands died in the first hour alone, incinerated by
in the first hour alone, incinerated by lava flows that moved faster than a
lava flows that moved faster than a horse could run or crushed beneath
horse could run or crushed beneath falling buildings or simply torn apart
falling buildings or simply torn apart by the magical forces that had been
by the magical forces that had been unleashed. The great dragon lord
unleashed. The great dragon lord families that had ruled an empire
families that had ruled an empire spanning three continents were
spanning three continents were extinguished in a matter of minutes,
extinguished in a matter of minutes, their bloodlines ending in fire and ash.
their bloodlines ending in fire and ash. Centuries of accumulated knowledge and
Centuries of accumulated knowledge and magical law were lost forever, burned in
magical law were lost forever, burned in libraries that had taken generations to
libraries that had taken generations to assemble. But the doom did not end with
assemble. But the doom did not end with the destruction of the city and the
the destruction of the city and the death of its inhabitants. The magical
death of its inhabitants. The magical catastrophe that had been unleashed
catastrophe that had been unleashed continued to spread outward,
continued to spread outward, transforming the very nature of the land
transforming the very nature of the land itself. The volcanic peninsula, where
itself. The volcanic peninsula, where old Valyria had stood, was swallowed by
old Valyria had stood, was swallowed by the sea. But the waters that rushed in
the sea. But the waters that rushed in to fill the void were changed by contact
to fill the void were changed by contact with the magical forces still emanating
with the magical forces still emanating from the ruins. The smoking sea, as it
from the ruins. The smoking sea, as it came to be known, became a place where
came to be known, became a place where the normal laws of nature no longer
the normal laws of nature no longer applied, where ships that ventured too
applied, where ships that ventured too far into its mists were never seen
far into its mists were never seen again, and where things that should not
again, and where things that should not exist sometimes breached the surface of
exist sometimes breached the surface of the poisoned waters. The ash cloud that
the poisoned waters. The ash cloud that rose from the destruction of Valyria
rose from the destruction of Valyria circled the globe, darkening skies as
circled the globe, darkening skies as far away as the summer islands and the
far away as the summer islands and the lands beyond the five forts. The
lands beyond the five forts. The volcanic winter that followed lasted for
volcanic winter that followed lasted for years, destroying crops and causing
years, destroying crops and causing famines that killed millions who had
famines that killed millions who had never even heard of the Valyrian
never even heard of the Valyrian Freehold. The very climate of the world
Freehold. The very climate of the world was changed by the doom as the massive
was changed by the doom as the massive amounts of ash and gas released into the
amounts of ash and gas released into the atmosphere altered weather patterns that
atmosphere altered weather patterns that had been stable for centuries. From
had been stable for centuries. From their refuge on Dragonstoneone, the
their refuge on Dragonstoneone, the Targaryenss watched the sky burn and
Targaryenss watched the sky burn and knew that they had witnessed the end of
knew that they had witnessed the end of the world as they had known it. They
the world as they had known it. They were now the last of the dragon lords,
were now the last of the dragon lords, the sole survivors of a civilization
the sole survivors of a civilization that had once commanded half the known
that had once commanded half the known world. Their five dragons, magnificent
world. Their five dragons, magnificent though they were, represented the last
though they were, represented the last remnant of creatures that had once
remnant of creatures that had once numbered in the thousands. The
numbered in the thousands. The responsibility of preserving what
responsibility of preserving what remained of Valyrian culture and
remained of Valyrian culture and knowledge now rested on their shoulders
knowledge now rested on their shoulders alone. The immediate aftermath of the
alone. The immediate aftermath of the doom was a period of chaos and confusion
doom was a period of chaos and confusion that historians would later call the
that historians would later call the century of blood. With the Valyrian
century of blood. With the Valyrian Empire gone, the subject peoples and
Empire gone, the subject peoples and client states that had depended on
client states that had depended on dragon power for protection and
dragon power for protection and governance suddenly found themselves
governance suddenly found themselves free but vulnerable. Old rivals settled
free but vulnerable. Old rivals settled ancient scores while new powers arose to
ancient scores while new powers arose to fill the vacuum left by the fallen
fill the vacuum left by the fallen empire. The free cities fought among
empire. The free cities fought among themselves for the right to inherit
themselves for the right to inherit Valyrian territories. While the
Valyrian territories. While the surviving dragons, those few that had
surviving dragons, those few that had been away from the homeland when the
been away from the homeland when the doom struck, became prizes worth entire
doom struck, became prizes worth entire kingdoms. The Targaryenss on Dragonstone
kingdoms. The Targaryenss on Dragonstone found themselves in a unique position as
found themselves in a unique position as the only legitimate heirs to the
the only legitimate heirs to the Valyrian legacy. Their dragons gave them
Valyrian legacy. Their dragons gave them power far beyond what their numbers
power far beyond what their numbers would suggest, while their knowledge of
would suggest, while their knowledge of ancient lore and magic made them
ancient lore and magic made them valuable allies or dangerous enemies.
valuable allies or dangerous enemies. But they were also alone and vulnerable,
But they were also alone and vulnerable, cut off from the sources of wealth and
cut off from the sources of wealth and manpower that had sustained their
manpower that had sustained their ancestors. The decision of where to go
ancestors. The decision of where to go and what to do with their remaining
and what to do with their remaining power would shape not just their own
power would shape not just their own destiny, but the fate of continents. As
destiny, but the fate of continents. As the ash settled and the fires burned
the ash settled and the fires burned out, it became clear that the old world
out, it became clear that the old world was gone forever. The doom of Valyria
was gone forever. The doom of Valyria had not just destroyed a city or an
had not just destroyed a city or an empire. It had ended an age. The
empire. It had ended an age. The survivors would have to build something
survivors would have to build something new from the ashes of the old. And in
new from the ashes of the old. And in that building, the Game of Thrones would
that building, the Game of Thrones would take on dimensions that none of the
take on dimensions that none of the ancient players could have imagined. The
ancient players could have imagined. The wheel of history had turned with
wheel of history had turned with devastating finality. And from its
devastating finality. And from its revolution would come new kingdoms, new
revolution would come new kingdoms, new conflicts, and new legends that would
conflicts, and new legends that would echo through the ages. In the wake of
echo through the ages. In the wake of the doom, the known world convulsed like
the doom, the known world convulsed like a body in its death throws. Where once
a body in its death throws. Where once the iron grip of Valyrian authority had
the iron grip of Valyrian authority had maintained a brutal but stable order
maintained a brutal but stable order across three continents, now there was
across three continents, now there was only chaos. The fall of the greatest
only chaos. The fall of the greatest empire in history created a power vacuum
empire in history created a power vacuum so vast that entire civilizations were
so vast that entire civilizations were sucked into the maelstrom that followed.
sucked into the maelstrom that followed. What the chronicers would later call the
What the chronicers would later call the century of blood was not merely a period
century of blood was not merely a period of warfare and upheaval. It was the
of warfare and upheaval. It was the violent birth of a new world order
violent birth of a new world order written in the ashes of the old and paid
written in the ashes of the old and paid for with the lives of millions. The
for with the lives of millions. The immediate aftermath of the doom was a
immediate aftermath of the doom was a communications disaster that multiplied
communications disaster that multiplied the initial catastrophe exponentially.
the initial catastrophe exponentially. News of Valyria's destruction traveled
News of Valyria's destruction traveled slowly in those days, carried by traders
slowly in those days, carried by traders and refugees who themselves could barely
and refugees who themselves could barely comprehend what they had witnessed. For
comprehend what they had witnessed. For months, the governors and client kings
months, the governors and client kings who ruled Valyrian territories in the
who ruled Valyrian territories in the name of the dragon lords continued to
name of the dragon lords continued to send reports and tribute to a capital
send reports and tribute to a capital that no longer existed. When the truth
that no longer existed. When the truth finally spread, it did so like wildfire,
finally spread, it did so like wildfire, igniting rebellions and wars across the
igniting rebellions and wars across the known world. As every ambitious lord and
known world. As every ambitious lord and general saw an opportunity to claim what
general saw an opportunity to claim what had once belonged to the masters of
had once belonged to the masters of dragons, the free cities, those proud
dragons, the free cities, those proud settlements that had grown wealthy under
settlements that had grown wealthy under Valyrian protection, suddenly found
Valyrian protection, suddenly found themselves alone and vulnerable in a
themselves alone and vulnerable in a world that had forgotten the meaning of
world that had forgotten the meaning of mercy. Volantis, the first daughter of
mercy. Volantis, the first daughter of Valyria and the greatest of the free
Valyria and the greatest of the free cities, attempted to step into the
cities, attempted to step into the vacuum left by the dragon lords. The old
vacuum left by the dragon lords. The old blood families that ruled the city
blood families that ruled the city declared themselves the rightful heirs
declared themselves the rightful heirs to the Valyrian legacy, claiming
to the Valyrian legacy, claiming dominion over all the former territories
dominion over all the former territories of the Freehold. They mustered the
of the Freehold. They mustered the largest army that had been seen since
largest army that had been seen since the fall of old Giz. Hundreds of
the fall of old Giz. Hundreds of thousands of slaves and mercenaries
thousands of slaves and mercenaries marching under the black walls of the
marching under the black walls of the ancient city. But Volantis discovered
ancient city. But Volantis discovered that claiming an empire was far easier
that claiming an empire was far easier than conquering one. The other free
than conquering one. The other free cities, each jealous of their
cities, each jealous of their independence and suspicious of Valentine
independence and suspicious of Valentine ambitions, formed alliances to resist
ambitions, formed alliances to resist what they saw as a new form of tyranny.
what they saw as a new form of tyranny. Tyro, Lice, and Mir, the so-called
Tyro, Lice, and Mir, the so-called daughters war participants, put aside
daughters war participants, put aside their traditional rivalries to face the
their traditional rivalries to face the common threat from the east. The wars
common threat from the east. The wars that followed were fought with a
that followed were fought with a savagery that shocked even those who had
savagery that shocked even those who had lived through the collapse of Valyria as
lived through the collapse of Valyria as ancient cities were burned and entire
ancient cities were burned and entire populations were sold into slavery. The
populations were sold into slavery. The disputed lands, those fertile
disputed lands, those fertile territories that had been fought over
territories that had been fought over for centuries became a charal house
for centuries became a charal house where the ambitions of the free cities
where the ambitions of the free cities met and clashed in endless cycles of
met and clashed in endless cycles of violence. Armies marched back and forth
violence. Armies marched back and forth across the blood soaked soil, leaving
across the blood soaked soil, leaving behind a landscape of ruins and mass
behind a landscape of ruins and mass graves. The great city of Norvos
graves. The great city of Norvos attempted to remain neutral in the
attempted to remain neutral in the conflicts, but neutrality was a luxury
conflicts, but neutrality was a luxury that few could afford in those chaotic
that few could afford in those chaotic times. The bearded priests who ruled the
times. The bearded priests who ruled the city found themselves forced to choose
city found themselves forced to choose sides, their ancient isolationism
sides, their ancient isolationism shattered by the realities of a world at
shattered by the realities of a world at war. Braavos, the secret city that had
war. Braavos, the secret city that had been founded by escaped slaves in the
been founded by escaped slaves in the mists of a hidden lagoon, emerged from
mists of a hidden lagoon, emerged from the shadows during this period to claim
the shadows during this period to claim its place among the great powers of the
its place among the great powers of the world. The city's unique position as a
world. The city's unique position as a haven for the oppressed gave it moral
haven for the oppressed gave it moral authority that the other free cities
authority that the other free cities lacked, while its vast wealth
lacked, while its vast wealth accumulated through centuries of careful
accumulated through centuries of careful trade and banking provided the resources
trade and banking provided the resources needed to project power beyond its
needed to project power beyond its borders. The sea lord of Braavos began
borders. The sea lord of Braavos began to play the game of thrones with a skill
to play the game of thrones with a skill that would have impressed even the
that would have impressed even the ancient dragon lords using gold and
ancient dragon lords using gold and diplomacy where others relied on steel
diplomacy where others relied on steel and fire. The Arsenal of Braavos, that
and fire. The Arsenal of Braavos, that great shipyard where the city's fleet
great shipyard where the city's fleet was built and maintained, worked day and
was built and maintained, worked day and night to produce the vessels that would
night to produce the vessels that would carry Braavosi influence across the
carry Braavosi influence across the narrow sea. The purple ships of Braavos
narrow sea. The purple ships of Braavos became a common sight in ports from
became a common sight in ports from Pentos to Oldtown. Their captains
Pentos to Oldtown. Their captains serving as both merchants and spies for
serving as both merchants and spies for the secret city. The Iron Bank, which
the secret city. The Iron Bank, which had begun as a simple repository for the
had begun as a simple repository for the wealth of escaped slaves, grew into the
wealth of escaped slaves, grew into the most powerful financial institution in
most powerful financial institution in the known world. Its loans determining
the known world. Its loans determining the fate of kingdoms and its debt
the fate of kingdoms and its debt collectors becoming figures of legend
collectors becoming figures of legend and terror. On the great grass sea, the
and terror. On the great grass sea, the Dothraki horsemen took advantage of the
Dothraki horsemen took advantage of the chaos to expand their territory far
chaos to expand their territory far beyond its traditional boundaries. The
beyond its traditional boundaries. The nomadic Kalazars, no longer constrained
nomadic Kalazars, no longer constrained by Valyrian military power, swept down
by Valyrian military power, swept down from the steps to raid the settled lands
from the steps to raid the settled lands with unprecedented boldness. The great
with unprecedented boldness. The great Kazars who emerged during this period
Kazars who emerged during this period became the stuff of legend, their names
became the stuff of legend, their names spoken with fear from the bone mountains
spoken with fear from the bone mountains to the free cities. Kalmo, whose Kazar
to the free cities. Kalmo, whose Kazar was said to number a 100,000 riders,
was said to number a 100,000 riders, ravaged the countryside around Kazars
ravaged the countryside around Kazars until the city's defenders were forced
until the city's defenders were forced to hire 3,000 Unsullied to drive him
to hire 3,000 Unsullied to drive him back. The battle between the Dothraki
back. The battle between the Dothraki and the Unsullied outside the walls of
and the Unsullied outside the walls of Kuhor became one of the defining moments
Kuhor became one of the defining moments of the century of blood. The legendary
of the century of blood. The legendary discipline and training of the slave
discipline and training of the slave soldiers of Astapor was tested against
soldiers of Astapor was tested against the wild fury and mobility of the horse
the wild fury and mobility of the horse lords in a contest that lasted from dawn
lords in a contest that lasted from dawn to dusk. When the battle ended, 18
to dusk. When the battle ended, 18 Dothraki lay dead for every fallen
Dothraki lay dead for every fallen unsullied, and Caltemo himself had been
unsullied, and Caltemo himself had been slain by a spear thrust from the ranks
slain by a spear thrust from the ranks of the unic warriors. The victory
of the unic warriors. The victory established the reputation of the
established the reputation of the Unsullied as the finest infantry in the
Unsullied as the finest infantry in the world while demonstrating that even the
world while demonstrating that even the mighty Dothraki could be defeated by
mighty Dothraki could be defeated by disciplined resistance. In Slavers Bay,
disciplined resistance. In Slavers Bay, the ancient cities of Meereen, Yunkai,
the ancient cities of Meereen, Yunkai, and Astapor struggled to maintain their
and Astapor struggled to maintain their independence against waves of invaders
independence against waves of invaders and rebels. The great masters who ruled
and rebels. The great masters who ruled these cities had grown wealthy and
these cities had grown wealthy and complacent under Valyrian protection.
complacent under Valyrian protection. Their power based on the vast slave
Their power based on the vast slave armies that worked their fields and
armies that worked their fields and fought their battles. But the collapse
fought their battles. But the collapse of the freehold had unleashed forces
of the freehold had unleashed forces that even the unsullied could not
that even the unsullied could not contain. Slave revolts erupted across
contain. Slave revolts erupted across the region, led by former gladiators and
the region, led by former gladiators and freed prisoners who had nothing left to
freed prisoners who had nothing left to lose and everything to gain. The most
lose and everything to gain. The most significant of these revolts was led by
significant of these revolts was led by a former pit fighter known only as the
a former pit fighter known only as the harpy's son. A man whose real name was
harpy's son. A man whose real name was lost to history, but whose legacy would
lost to history, but whose legacy would endure for centuries. He united the
endure for centuries. He united the scattered rebel groups under a single
scattered rebel groups under a single banner, promising freedom to all who
banner, promising freedom to all who would follow him and death to any who
would follow him and death to any who stood in his way. The rebellion he led
stood in his way. The rebellion he led came closer to overthrowing the
came closer to overthrowing the institution of slavery in Slavers Bay
institution of slavery in Slavers Bay than any movement before or since.
than any movement before or since. Sweeping across the countryside like
Sweeping across the countryside like wildfire and laying siege to all three
wildfire and laying siege to all three of the great cities simultaneously.
of the great cities simultaneously. The great master's response was as
The great master's response was as brutal as it was effective. They
brutal as it was effective. They unleashed their unsullied against the
unleashed their unsullied against the rebels without mercy. While hiring sells
rebels without mercy. While hiring sells sword companies from across the narrow
sword companies from across the narrow sea to reinforce their own armies, the
sea to reinforce their own armies, the fighting that followed was genocidal in
fighting that followed was genocidal in its scope. As entire populations were
its scope. As entire populations were enslaved or exterminated in the name of
enslaved or exterminated in the name of maintaining order, the harpy's son
maintaining order, the harpy's son himself was eventually captured and
himself was eventually captured and crucified along the road between Meereen
crucified along the road between Meereen and Yunkai. His body left as a warning
and Yunkai. His body left as a warning to any who would challenge the ancient
to any who would challenge the ancient order of things. Yet, even as some
order of things. Yet, even as some regions descended into chaos, others
regions descended into chaos, others used the absence of Valyrian authority
used the absence of Valyrian authority to flourish in ways that had been
to flourish in ways that had been impossible under the Dragon Lords. The
impossible under the Dragon Lords. The Summer Islands, protected by distance in
Summer Islands, protected by distance in the sea, experienced a golden age of art
the sea, experienced a golden age of art and culture as refugees from the
and culture as refugees from the mainland brought new ideas and
mainland brought new ideas and techniques to their tropical paradise.
techniques to their tropical paradise. The princes of the summer Isles, who had
The princes of the summer Isles, who had long chafed under Valyrian demands for
long chafed under Valyrian demands for tribute and trade concessions, found
tribute and trade concessions, found themselves free to develop their own
themselves free to develop their own unique civilization. The Swan ships of
unique civilization. The Swan ships of the Summer Islands became a symbol of
the Summer Islands became a symbol of this newfound freedom. Their elegantly
this newfound freedom. Their elegantly curved hulls and billowing white sails
curved hulls and billowing white sails carrying exotic goods and strange tales
carrying exotic goods and strange tales to ports throughout the known world. The
to ports throughout the known world. The islanders developed new forms of art and
islanders developed new forms of art and music that blended their ancient
music that blended their ancient traditions with influences from the
traditions with influences from the refugees who had fled the destruction of
refugees who had fled the destruction of Valyria. Their golden heart boughs
Valyria. Their golden heart boughs crafted from the sacred trees that grew
crafted from the sacred trees that grew only in their archipelago became prized
only in their archipelago became prized possessions among warriors and hunters
possessions among warriors and hunters across Essos and Westeros. The eastern
across Essos and Westeros. The eastern reaches of the former Valyrian Empire
reaches of the former Valyrian Empire experienced their own unique form of
experienced their own unique form of transformation during the century of
transformation during the century of blood. The ancient cities of Yeeti and
blood. The ancient cities of Yeeti and Lang, which had maintained their
Lang, which had maintained their independence even during the height of
independence even during the height of dragon power, found themselves beset by
dragon power, found themselves beset by refugees and raiders seeking to escape
refugees and raiders seeking to escape the chaos further west. The azure
the chaos further west. The azure emperor of Yeeti closed his borders and
emperor of Yeeti closed his borders and turned inward, focusing on internal
turned inward, focusing on internal conflicts and the eternal struggle
conflicts and the eternal struggle against the demons that plagued his
against the demons that plagued his northern frontiers. The isolation that
northern frontiers. The isolation that resulted allowed Yeeti to preserve its
resulted allowed Yeeti to preserve its ancient culture and traditions, but also
ancient culture and traditions, but also left it increasingly disconnected from
left it increasingly disconnected from the broader currents of world history.
the broader currents of world history. As shy by the shadow, that mysterious
As shy by the shadow, that mysterious city at the edge of the known world
city at the edge of the known world became a magnet for sorcerers and
became a magnet for sorcerers and mystics seeking to understand what had
mystics seeking to understand what had caused the doom of Valyria. The
caused the doom of Valyria. The shadowbinders and red priests who dwelt
shadowbinders and red priests who dwelt in the ancient black stone buildings
in the ancient black stone buildings claimed to possess knowledge that could
claimed to possess knowledge that could prevent future catastrophes, but their
prevent future catastrophes, but their price for sharing such wisdom was always
price for sharing such wisdom was always higher than any sane person would be
higher than any sane person would be willing to pay. Strange lights were seen
willing to pay. Strange lights were seen dancing over the city during this
dancing over the city during this period, and traders who ventured too
period, and traders who ventured too close reported hearing voices speaking
close reported hearing voices speaking in languages that predated human
in languages that predated human civilization. The religious upheavalss
civilization. The religious upheavalss that accompanied the political chaos
that accompanied the political chaos were perhaps even more significant than
were perhaps even more significant than the wars themselves. The old gods of
the wars themselves. The old gods of Valyria had died with their worshippers
Valyria had died with their worshippers in the doom, leaving a spiritual vacuum
in the doom, leaving a spiritual vacuum that competing faiths rushed to fill.
that competing faiths rushed to fill. The Lord of Light, whose red priests had
The Lord of Light, whose red priests had long proclaimed the coming of a great
long proclaimed the coming of a great darkness, saw their influence grow
darkness, saw their influence grow dramatically as people sought
dramatically as people sought explanations for the catastrophe that
explanations for the catastrophe that had befallen the world. The priests of
had befallen the world. The priests of ruler preached that the doom had been a
ruler preached that the doom had been a necessary cleansing, a purification by
necessary cleansing, a purification by fire that would prepare the world for
fire that would prepare the world for the coming of Azor Ahai reborn. The
the coming of Azor Ahai reborn. The faith of the seven, which had spread
faith of the seven, which had spread throughout Westeros during the Andal
throughout Westeros during the Andal invasions, found new converts among the
invasions, found new converts among the refugees who fled across the narrow sea.
refugees who fled across the narrow sea. The promise of salvation and order that
The promise of salvation and order that the faith offered was particularly
the faith offered was particularly appealing to those who had witnessed the
appealing to those who had witnessed the collapse of everything they had once
collapse of everything they had once believed to be permanent and unchanging.
believed to be permanent and unchanging. Septans and scepters traveled the roads
Septans and scepters traveled the roads of Essos, spreading their message of
of Essos, spreading their message of hope and redemption to anyone who would
hope and redemption to anyone who would listen. Even stranger cults emerged from
listen. Even stranger cults emerged from the chaos, worshiping new gods born from
the chaos, worshiping new gods born from the trauma of the doom. The Church of
the trauma of the doom. The Church of Starry Wisdom gained followers among
Starry Wisdom gained followers among former Valyrian colonists who believed
former Valyrian colonists who believed that the destruction of their homeland
that the destruction of their homeland had been caused by stellar influences
had been caused by stellar influences and cosmic forces beyond human
and cosmic forces beyond human comprehension. The cult of the Shrouded
comprehension. The cult of the Shrouded Lord arose in the ruins along the Roin,
Lord arose in the ruins along the Roin, centered around a figure who was said to
centered around a figure who was said to be neither fully alive nor completely
be neither fully alive nor completely dead. a being who ruled over the stone
dead. a being who ruled over the stone men and the mists that haunted the
men and the mists that haunted the river's poisoned waters. The economic
river's poisoned waters. The economic consequences of the century of blood
consequences of the century of blood were as farreaching as the political
were as farreaching as the political ones. Trade routes that had operated
ones. Trade routes that had operated safely for centuries became impassible
safely for centuries became impassible due to war and piracy. The great
due to war and piracy. The great commercial networks that had connected
commercial networks that had connected the far corners of the known world broke
the far corners of the known world broke down as cities were destroyed and
down as cities were destroyed and populations displaced. The value of
populations displaced. The value of Valyrian goods, particularly the
Valyrian goods, particularly the legendary steel weapons and magical
legendary steel weapons and magical artifacts, skyrocketed as supplies
artifacts, skyrocketed as supplies dwindled and demand remained high. A
dwindled and demand remained high. A single Valyrian steel sword became worth
single Valyrian steel sword became worth more than a lordship, while the few
more than a lordship, while the few remaining dragon eggs were beyond price
remaining dragon eggs were beyond price altogether. New trade routes emerged to
altogether. New trade routes emerged to replace the old ones, often following
replace the old ones, often following paths that would have been considered
paths that would have been considered too dangerous or unprofitable in
too dangerous or unprofitable in Valyrian times. The merchants of Braavos
Valyrian times. The merchants of Braavos pioneered shipping lanes that avoided
pioneered shipping lanes that avoided the most wartorrn regions, using their
the most wartorrn regions, using their knowledge of winds and currents to find
knowledge of winds and currents to find safer passages across the narrow sea.
safer passages across the narrow sea. The caravans that still braved the land
The caravans that still braved the land routts grew larger and more heavily
routts grew larger and more heavily guarded, resembling military expeditions
guarded, resembling military expeditions more than commercial ventures. The
more than commercial ventures. The technological innovations that emerged
technological innovations that emerged during this period were largely driven
during this period were largely driven by military necessity. The constant
by military necessity. The constant warfare demanded new weapons and
warfare demanded new weapons and tactics, while the breakdown of
tactics, while the breakdown of established supply chains forced
established supply chains forced craftsmen to develop substitutes for
craftsmen to develop substitutes for materials that were no longer available.
materials that were no longer available. The crossbow, previously considered a
The crossbow, previously considered a crude weapon suitable only for hunting
crude weapon suitable only for hunting and siege work, was refined and improved
and siege work, was refined and improved until it became a battlefield weapon
until it became a battlefield weapon capable of penetrating the finest armor.
capable of penetrating the finest armor. New forms of Greek fire were developed
New forms of Greek fire were developed to replace the dragon fire that was no
to replace the dragon fire that was no longer available for siege warfare. The
longer available for siege warfare. The social changes brought about by the
social changes brought about by the century of blood were perhaps the most
century of blood were perhaps the most profound of all. The rigid hierarchies
profound of all. The rigid hierarchies that had characterized Valyrian society
that had characterized Valyrian society were swept away, replaced by more fluid
were swept away, replaced by more fluid arrangements based on military prowess
arrangements based on military prowess and personal loyalty rather than ancient
and personal loyalty rather than ancient bloodlines. Former slaves found
bloodlines. Former slaves found themselves leading armies while noble
themselves leading armies while noble houses that had ruled for centuries were
houses that had ruled for centuries were reduced to beggory. The very concept of
reduced to beggory. The very concept of legitimacy was called into question as
legitimacy was called into question as self-made warlords carved out kingdoms
self-made warlords carved out kingdoms from the ruins of the old order. Women
from the ruins of the old order. Women traditionally excluded from power in
traditionally excluded from power in most of the free cities found new
most of the free cities found new opportunities in the chaos that followed
opportunities in the chaos that followed the doom. The absence of established
the doom. The absence of established authority created space for capable
authority created space for capable individuals to rise regardless of their
individuals to rise regardless of their birth or gender. Several of the most
birth or gender. Several of the most successful military commanders of the
successful military commanders of the period were women who had seized power
period were women who had seized power through force of arms and held it
through force of arms and held it through cunning and ruthlessness. The
through cunning and ruthlessness. The warrior queen Vessa of Lice became
warrior queen Vessa of Lice became legendary for her victories against both
legendary for her victories against both Valentine armies and Dothraki raiders.
Valentine armies and Dothraki raiders. While the pirate admiral Alisan the
While the pirate admiral Alisan the Black terrorized shipping from the
Black terrorized shipping from the Stepstones to the Summer Sea, the
Stepstones to the Summer Sea, the mercenary companies that had long served
mercenary companies that had long served the various powers of Essos found
the various powers of Essos found themselves in unprecedented demand
themselves in unprecedented demand during the century of blood. The Golden
during the century of blood. The Golden Company, founded by the exiled Targaryen
Company, founded by the exiled Targaryen pretender, Egor Rivers, became one of
pretender, Egor Rivers, became one of the most feared military forces in the
the most feared military forces in the known world. Their motto, beneath the
known world. Their motto, beneath the gold, the bitter steel, reflected both
gold, the bitter steel, reflected both their mercenary nature and their
their mercenary nature and their underlying political ambitions. The
underlying political ambitions. The second sons, the wind blown, and dozens
second sons, the wind blown, and dozens of other companies roamed the continent,
of other companies roamed the continent, selling their services to the highest
selling their services to the highest bidder and changing the course of
bidder and changing the course of history with their bronze and steel. As
history with their bronze and steel. As the decades passed and the initial chaos
the decades passed and the initial chaos began to settle into more stable
began to settle into more stable patterns, new powers emerged to fill the
patterns, new powers emerged to fill the vacuum left by Valyria's fall. The free
vacuum left by Valyria's fall. The free cities, having survived the worst of the
cities, having survived the worst of the warfare, began to establish their own
warfare, began to establish their own spheres of influence. Bravos emerged as
spheres of influence. Bravos emerged as the dominant naval power. Its fleets
the dominant naval power. Its fleets patrolling trade routes from the
patrolling trade routes from the Shivering Sea to the Summer Sea.
Shivering Sea to the Summer Sea. Volantis, despite its failed attempt at
Volantis, despite its failed attempt at empire, remained a major force in the
empire, remained a major force in the east. Its vast slave armies and ancient
east. Its vast slave armies and ancient wealth, allowing it to maintain its
wealth, allowing it to maintain its position among the great powers. The
position among the great powers. The Dothraki, having carved out the largest
Dothraki, having carved out the largest land empire in the known world, settled
land empire in the known world, settled into a pattern of seasonal migration and
into a pattern of seasonal migration and raiding that would define the great
raiding that would define the great grass sea for centuries to come. The
grass sea for centuries to come. The cows who emerged victorious from the
cows who emerged victorious from the conflicts of the century of blood
conflicts of the century of blood established the traditions and customs
established the traditions and customs that would govern Dothraki society,
that would govern Dothraki society, creating a warrior culture that prized
creating a warrior culture that prized strength above all else and viewed the
strength above all else and viewed the settled peoples of the world as sheep to
settled peoples of the world as sheep to be harvested at will. In the Far East,
be harvested at will. In the Far East, the cities of Slavers Bay managed to
the cities of Slavers Bay managed to restore their ancient institutions after
restore their ancient institutions after crushing the various rebellions that had
crushing the various rebellions that had threatened their existence. The great
threatened their existence. The great masters rebuilt their pyramids higher
masters rebuilt their pyramids higher than before, while the training pits of
than before, while the training pits of Astapor resumed producing unsullied
Astapor resumed producing unsullied warriors for sale to the highest bidder.
warriors for sale to the highest bidder. The scars of the slave revolts remained
The scars of the slave revolts remained visible in the increased brutality with
visible in the increased brutality with which the ruling classes maintained
which the ruling classes maintained their control, but the basic structure
their control, but the basic structure of their society proved resilient enough
of their society proved resilient enough to survive even the chaos of the century
to survive even the chaos of the century of blood. As the world slowly stabilized
of blood. As the world slowly stabilized into new patterns of power and
into new patterns of power and authority, the survivors of the great
authority, the survivors of the great catastrophe began to assess what had
catastrophe began to assess what had been lost and what had been gained. The
been lost and what had been gained. The Valyrian Empire, for all its faults, had
Valyrian Empire, for all its faults, had provided a framework of order that had
provided a framework of order that had allowed trade and civilization to
allowed trade and civilization to flourish across vast distances. Its
flourish across vast distances. Its destruction had unleashed forces of
destruction had unleashed forces of chaos and violence that had taken
chaos and violence that had taken generations to contain. But it had also
generations to contain. But it had also created opportunities for peoples and
created opportunities for peoples and cultures that had been suppressed under
cultures that had been suppressed under dragon rule. The century of blood was
dragon rule. The century of blood was drawing to a close, but its legacy would
drawing to a close, but its legacy would endure for thousands of years. The
endure for thousands of years. The political map of the known world had
political map of the known world had been redrawn in blood and fire. While
been redrawn in blood and fire. While new traditions and institutions had
new traditions and institutions had emerged from the ashes of the old, the
emerged from the ashes of the old, the stage was set for the next great drama
stage was set for the next great drama in the history of the world. As the
in the history of the world. As the survivors of the chaos looked westward
survivors of the chaos looked westward across the narrow sea to a land that had
across the narrow sea to a land that had remained largely untouched by the great
remained largely untouched by the great upheavalss, the Targaryenss on
upheavalss, the Targaryenss on Dragonstone, the last of the dragon
Dragonstone, the last of the dragon lords, were beginning to dream of
lords, were beginning to dream of conquest once again, their eyes fixed on
conquest once again, their eyes fixed on the seven kingdoms of Westeros and the
the seven kingdoms of Westeros and the iron throne that awaited whoever was
iron throne that awaited whoever was strong enough to claim it. On the
strong enough to claim it. On the volcanic island of Dragonstone, where
volcanic island of Dragonstone, where the salt winds carried whispers of
the salt winds carried whispers of ancient power and the black stone towers
ancient power and the black stone towers reached towards stormclouded skies, the
reached towards stormclouded skies, the last of the dragon lords prepared to
last of the dragon lords prepared to change the course of history. Aegon
change the course of history. Aegon Targaryen, first of his name, stood on
Targaryen, first of his name, stood on the battlements of his ancestral seat
the battlements of his ancestral seat and gazed westward across the narrow sea
and gazed westward across the narrow sea toward the seven kingdoms of Westeros.
toward the seven kingdoms of Westeros. In his veins flowed the blood of old
In his veins flowed the blood of old Valyria, while behind him, in the
Valyria, while behind him, in the smoking peaks of the island, three
smoking peaks of the island, three dragons rested in the warmth of volcanic
dragons rested in the warmth of volcanic vents, their scales gleaming like
vents, their scales gleaming like polished metal in the firelight. The
polished metal in the firelight. The decision to conquer Westeros had not
decision to conquer Westeros had not come suddenly to Aegon. For years, he
come suddenly to Aegon. For years, he had watched the endless conflicts
had watched the endless conflicts between the kings and queens who ruled
between the kings and queens who ruled the fractured realm across the water.
the fractured realm across the water. The Storm King wared with the Dornish
The Storm King wared with the Dornish princes. The King of the Rock schemed
princes. The King of the Rock schemed against the King of the Reach, and the
against the King of the Reach, and the Ironborn raided the coasts with
Ironborn raided the coasts with impunity. While the river kings proved
impunity. While the river kings proved too weak to unite their scattered
too weak to unite their scattered holdings, Westeros was a realm divided
holdings, Westeros was a realm divided against itself, ripe for conquest by a
against itself, ripe for conquest by a power that could unite its disperate
power that could unite its disperate parts under a single crown. But Aegon
parts under a single crown. But Aegon possessed advantages that no previous
possessed advantages that no previous conqueror had enjoyed, where others
conqueror had enjoyed, where others brought only armies of men. He commanded
brought only armies of men. He commanded the last three dragons in the known
the last three dragons in the known world. Belleran the Black Dread,
world. Belleran the Black Dread, mightiest of the three, was a creature
mightiest of the three, was a creature of legend whose shadow could darken
of legend whose shadow could darken entire towns. His breath could melt
entire towns. His breath could melt stone and steel alike, while his
stone and steel alike, while his presence on the battlefield could break
presence on the battlefield could break the courage of the bravest warriors.
the courage of the bravest warriors. Vigar and Merxes, the two smaller
Vigar and Merxes, the two smaller dragons, were no less formidable. Their
dragons, were no less formidable. Their combined power sufficient to reduce
combined power sufficient to reduce castles to rubble and armies to ash. The
castles to rubble and armies to ash. The Targaryen siblings, who would ride these
Targaryen siblings, who would ride these dragons into history, were as remarkable
dragons into history, were as remarkable as the beasts they commanded. Agen
as the beasts they commanded. Agen himself was a man of 27 years, tall and
himself was a man of 27 years, tall and broad shouldered with the distinctive
broad shouldered with the distinctive silver gold hair and purple eyes of his
silver gold hair and purple eyes of his bloodline. He carried Blackfire, the
bloodline. He carried Blackfire, the Valyrian steel sword that had been his
Valyrian steel sword that had been his family's ancestral weapon, and he wore a
family's ancestral weapon, and he wore a crown of Valyrian steel and rubies that
crown of Valyrian steel and rubies that had been forged in the fires of old
had been forged in the fires of old Valyria itself. His presence commanded
Valyria itself. His presence commanded respect even from hardened warriors. For
respect even from hardened warriors. For there was something about him that spoke
there was something about him that spoke of destiny fulfilled in prophecy made
of destiny fulfilled in prophecy made manifest. His sister wives, Vizena and
manifest. His sister wives, Vizena and Rainees, were queens in their own right,
Rainees, were queens in their own right, each possessing skills and qualities
each possessing skills and qualities that complemented their brothers
that complemented their brothers strengths. Vizenya was the warrior of
strengths. Vizenya was the warrior of the three, stern and fierce with a sword
the three, stern and fierce with a sword that could match any knight in single
that could match any knight in single combat. She rode VGA, the bronzecaled
combat. She rode VGA, the bronzecaled dragon whose temper matched her riders,
dragon whose temper matched her riders, and she carried Dark Sister, a Valyrian
and she carried Dark Sister, a Valyrian steel blade that sang with deadly music
steel blade that sang with deadly music when drawn from its sheath. Rainees was
when drawn from its sheath. Rainees was the diplomat and the dreamer, beautiful
the diplomat and the dreamer, beautiful and charming, where her sister was
and charming, where her sister was austere and marshall. She flew upon
austere and marshall. She flew upon Maraxis, the silverc scaled dragon with
Maraxis, the silverc scaled dragon with golden eyes, and her presence could win
golden eyes, and her presence could win hearts as surely as her dragons fire
hearts as surely as her dragons fire could burn cities. The preparations for
could burn cities. The preparations for conquest had taken years to complete.
conquest had taken years to complete. Dragonstone's harbors filled with ships
Dragonstone's harbors filled with ships gathered from across the narrow sea,
gathered from across the narrow sea, their holds packed with weapons, armor,
their holds packed with weapons, armor, and supplies for the campaign ahead. The
and supplies for the campaign ahead. The Targaryen fleet was modest compared to
Targaryen fleet was modest compared to the great Armadas that had once sailed
the great Armadas that had once sailed from old Valyria, but it was sufficient
from old Valyria, but it was sufficient for the task at hand. More importantly,
for the task at hand. More importantly, Aegon had gathered around him a core of
Aegon had gathered around him a core of loyal followers who shared his vision of
loyal followers who shared his vision of a united Westeros under Targaryen rule.
a united Westeros under Targaryen rule. Coris Baratheon, rumored to be Aen's
Coris Baratheon, rumored to be Aen's bastard brother, though never
bastard brother, though never acknowledged as such, served as the
acknowledged as such, served as the conqueror's hand and closest adviser. A
conqueror's hand and closest adviser. A warrior of proven skill and a general of
warrior of proven skill and a general of considerable ability, Hores had helped
considerable ability, Hores had helped plan the invasion strategy and would
plan the invasion strategy and would lead the ground forces while the
lead the ground forces while the Targaryenss took to the skies on Dragon
Targaryenss took to the skies on Dragon Back. The other lords and knights who
Back. The other lords and knights who had sworn themselves to Achen's cause
had sworn themselves to Achen's cause were a mixture of exiles, younger sons,
were a mixture of exiles, younger sons, and ambitious men who saw opportunity in
and ambitious men who saw opportunity in the coming war. The invasion began not
the coming war. The invasion began not with a great battle, but with a landing
with a great battle, but with a landing so unremarkable that many of the local
so unremarkable that many of the local lords initially dismissed it as just
lords initially dismissed it as just another raid. Igen's forces came ashore
another raid. Igen's forces came ashore at the mouth of the Blackwater Rush,
at the mouth of the Blackwater Rush, where the river met Blackwater Bay in a
where the river met Blackwater Bay in a maze of mud flats and tidal marshes. The
maze of mud flats and tidal marshes. The location had been chosen carefully for
location had been chosen carefully for its strategic value rather than its
its strategic value rather than its defensive strength. From here, Aigen
defensive strength. From here, Aigen could strike north toward the
could strike north toward the Riverlands, south toward the Stormlands,
Riverlands, south toward the Stormlands, or west toward the Crownlands and the
or west toward the Crownlands and the heart of Westeros. The first castle to
heart of Westeros. The first castle to fall was not taken by siege or storm,
fall was not taken by siege or storm, but simply abandoned by its defenders
but simply abandoned by its defenders when they learned that dragons were in
when they learned that dragons were in the field. The sight of Bolyrian
the field. The sight of Bolyrian circling overhead was enough to convince
circling overhead was enough to convince the garrison of a minor keep that
the garrison of a minor keep that resistance was futile and they opened
resistance was futile and they opened their gates without a fight. This
their gates without a fight. This pattern would repeat itself throughout
pattern would repeat itself throughout the early stages of the conquest. As
the early stages of the conquest. As word of the dragon spread faster than
word of the dragon spread faster than the Targaryen army itself, many lords
the Targaryen army itself, many lords chose submission over destruction,
chose submission over destruction, bending the knee to preserve their lands
bending the knee to preserve their lands and their lives. But not all of the
and their lives. But not all of the seven kingdoms rulers were willing to
seven kingdoms rulers were willing to yield without a fight. King Haron the
yield without a fight. King Haron the Black, master of the Iron Islands and
Black, master of the Iron Islands and conqueror of the Riverlands, had just
conqueror of the Riverlands, had just completed the construction of Harrenhal,
completed the construction of Harrenhal, the greatest castle ever built in
the greatest castle ever built in Westeros. Its massive towers and thick
Westeros. Its massive towers and thick walls were designed to withstand any
walls were designed to withstand any conventional siege, and Haron believed
conventional siege, and Haron believed that his stronghold could resist even
that his stronghold could resist even dragon fire. He was wrong, and his error
dragon fire. He was wrong, and his error would cost him everything. The burning
would cost him everything. The burning of Harrenhal became the first great
of Harrenhal became the first great demonstration of dragon power in
demonstration of dragon power in Westeros, a spectacle that would be
Westeros, a spectacle that would be remembered for a thousand years. When
remembered for a thousand years. When Aegon's demands for submission were
Aegon's demands for submission were refused, he simply climbed onto
refused, he simply climbed onto Bolyrian's back and flew to the castle
Bolyrian's back and flew to the castle that Haron had thought impregnable. The
that Haron had thought impregnable. The Black Dreads flames turned the great
Black Dreads flames turned the great towers into vast chimneys, while the
towers into vast chimneys, while the stone walls became furnaces that cooked
stone walls became furnaces that cooked everyone inside. Haron and his sons died
everyone inside. Haron and his sons died in the highest tower of their own
in the highest tower of their own castle. Their bodies found fused to
castle. Their bodies found fused to molten stone and metal. The destruction
molten stone and metal. The destruction of Harrenhal sent shock waves throughout
of Harrenhal sent shock waves throughout Westeros, proving that no castle was
Westeros, proving that no castle was safe from dragon attack, and no king too
safe from dragon attack, and no king too powerful to fall. The river kings who
powerful to fall. The river kings who had chafed under Ironborn rule quickly
had chafed under Ironborn rule quickly declared for Aeen, grateful for
declared for Aeen, grateful for liberation from their harsh masters. The
liberation from their harsh masters. The great houses of the Riverlands, the
great houses of the Riverlands, the Tullies and Malisters and Brackens and
Tullies and Malisters and Brackens and Blackwoods, bent the knee and offered
Blackwoods, bent the knee and offered their swords to the dragon king. In a
their swords to the dragon king. In a single night of fire, Agen had gained
single night of fire, Agen had gained control of the Riverlands and
control of the Riverlands and demonstrated the futility of resistance.
demonstrated the futility of resistance. The kings of Westeros began to realize
The kings of Westeros began to realize that they faced a threat unlike any they
that they faced a threat unlike any they had encountered before. Traditional
had encountered before. Traditional military wisdom was useless against an
military wisdom was useless against an enemy who could strike from the sky
enemy who could strike from the sky without warning, while the strongest
without warning, while the strongest castles offered no protection against
castles offered no protection against dragon fire. Some chose to unite against
dragon fire. Some chose to unite against the common threat, while others sought
the common threat, while others sought to make separate peace with the
to make separate peace with the conqueror. The ancient alliances and
conqueror. The ancient alliances and enmities that had defined Westerosi
enmities that had defined Westerosi politics for centuries were suddenly
politics for centuries were suddenly rendered meaningless by the presence of
rendered meaningless by the presence of dragons. King Moon 9 Gardner of the
dragons. King Moon 9 Gardner of the Reach and King Lauren Nepisces Lannister
Reach and King Lauren Nepisces Lannister of the Rock decided to combine their
of the Rock decided to combine their forces in a great alliance that would
forces in a great alliance that would drive the dragon king back across the
drive the dragon king back across the narrow sea. Their combined army was the
narrow sea. Their combined army was the largest that had ever been assembled in
largest that had ever been assembled in Westeros. 60,000 men marching under the
Westeros. 60,000 men marching under the banners of roses and lions. The flower
banners of roses and lions. The flower of Westerosi chivalry rode with them.
of Westerosi chivalry rode with them. Knights whose ancestors had fought with
Knights whose ancestors had fought with honor for a thousand years. They were
honor for a thousand years. They were confident that no force on earth could
confident that no force on earth could stand against their assembled might. The
stand against their assembled might. The battle of the field of fire proved them
battle of the field of fire proved them tragically wrong. The Allied army had
tragically wrong. The Allied army had chosen their ground carefully, deploying
chosen their ground carefully, deploying on a broad plane where their superior
on a broad plane where their superior numbers would give them maximum
numbers would give them maximum advantage. Their battle lines stretched
advantage. Their battle lines stretched for miles, bristling with spears and
for miles, bristling with spears and banners, while their heavy cavalry
banners, while their heavy cavalry waited in reserve for the decisive
waited in reserve for the decisive charge that would shatter the Targaryen
charge that would shatter the Targaryen forces. It should have been a glorious
forces. It should have been a glorious victory for the ancient ways of warfare,
victory for the ancient ways of warfare, a triumph of courage and steel over
a triumph of courage and steel over sorcery and flame. Instead, it became a
sorcery and flame. Instead, it became a demonstration of how dragons had changed
demonstration of how dragons had changed the nature of war itself. Aegon and his
the nature of war itself. Aegon and his sisters took to the sky. As the battle
sisters took to the sky. As the battle began, their three dragons breathing
began, their three dragons breathing fire down upon the packed formations
fire down upon the packed formations below. The knights, who had looked so
below. The knights, who had looked so magnificent in their polished armor,
magnificent in their polished armor, became torches within their steel
became torches within their steel shells, while the common soldiers broke
shells, while the common soldiers broke and fled in panic as flames swept
and fled in panic as flames swept through their ranks. The charge of the
through their ranks. The charge of the heavy cavalry which had been planned as
heavy cavalry which had been planned as the decisive moment of the battle became
the decisive moment of the battle became a route as horses screamed and refused
a route as horses screamed and refused to advance toward the dragons overhead.
to advance toward the dragons overhead. King M died in that field of fire along
King M died in that field of fire along with his sons and heirs, ending the
with his sons and heirs, ending the ancient line of gardener kings that had
ancient line of gardener kings that had ruled the reach for thousands of years.
ruled the reach for thousands of years. King Lauren managed to escape the
King Lauren managed to escape the slaughter, but his army was broken and
slaughter, but his army was broken and his kingdom lay open to conquest. The
his kingdom lay open to conquest. The great lords of the reach, seeing their
great lords of the reach, seeing their king dead and their forces scattered,
king dead and their forces scattered, had no choice but to submit to Agen's
had no choice but to submit to Agen's rule. House Terrell, the stewards of
rule. House Terrell, the stewards of High Garden, were elevated to lordship
High Garden, were elevated to lordship over the reach in reward for their quick
over the reach in reward for their quick submission. The conquest of the West
submission. The conquest of the West followed a different pattern. As King
followed a different pattern. As King Lauren chose diplomacy over destruction,
Lauren chose diplomacy over destruction, rather than face another field of fire,
rather than face another field of fire, he traveled to Aegon's camp under a
he traveled to Aegon's camp under a banner of truce and bent the knee before
banner of truce and bent the knee before the iron throne that had not yet been
the iron throne that had not yet been forged. His submission preserved his
forged. His submission preserved his family's rule over Castelli Rock and the
family's rule over Castelli Rock and the Western lands, though they would
Western lands, though they would henceforth serve as lords rather than
henceforth serve as lords rather than kings. The gold of Casterly Rock would
kings. The gold of Casterly Rock would prove invaluable in funding the new
prove invaluable in funding the new realm that Aegon was building from the
realm that Aegon was building from the ashes of the old. The Stormlands
ashes of the old. The Stormlands presented their own unique challenges as
presented their own unique challenges as the Storm Kings had fortified their
the Storm Kings had fortified their realm with a network of castles that
realm with a network of castles that commanded every major pass and road.
commanded every major pass and road. Storm's End itself. The great seat of
Storm's End itself. The great seat of House Durandon was considered
House Durandon was considered impregnable even to dragons. Its massive
impregnable even to dragons. Its massive walls curved to deflect both
walls curved to deflect both conventional missiles and dragon fire.
conventional missiles and dragon fire. King Argulac the Arrogant, last of the
King Argulac the Arrogant, last of the Storm Kings, prepared for a siege that
Storm Kings, prepared for a siege that he believed could last for years. But
he believed could last for years. But Aegon had learned from his earlier
Aegon had learned from his earlier campaigns that direct assault was not
campaigns that direct assault was not always the most effective strategy.
always the most effective strategy. Instead of besieging Storm's End, he
Instead of besieging Storm's End, he sent Aris Baratheon to lead a carefully
sent Aris Baratheon to lead a carefully planned campaign that isolated the
planned campaign that isolated the castle from its supporting strongholds.
castle from its supporting strongholds. One by one, the lesser keeps of the
One by one, the lesser keeps of the Stormlands fell to combined assault by
Stormlands fell to combined assault by ground forces and dragons, cutting off
ground forces and dragons, cutting off Storm's End from reinforcement and
Storm's End from reinforcement and supply. When King Argolac finally
supply. When King Argolac finally emerged to give battle, he found himself
emerged to give battle, he found himself outnumbered and outmaneuvered by an
outnumbered and outmaneuvered by an enemy who had learned to use both
enemy who had learned to use both traditional tactics and dragon power
traditional tactics and dragon power with devastating effectiveness. The
with devastating effectiveness. The battle of the last storm saw the end of
battle of the last storm saw the end of the ancient Durandon dynasty and the
the ancient Durandon dynasty and the rise of House Baratheon to lordship over
rise of House Baratheon to lordship over the Stormlands. Oris Baratheon having
the Stormlands. Oris Baratheon having slain King Argalac in single combat took
slain King Argalac in single combat took not only his lands and castle but also
not only his lands and castle but also his daughter and his words. Ours is the
his daughter and his words. Ours is the fury became the motto of the new house
fury became the motto of the new house Baratheon. While the crowned stag
Baratheon. While the crowned stag remained their sigil in honor of the
remained their sigil in honor of the storm kings they had replaced. With four
storm kings they had replaced. With four of the seven kingdoms under his control,
of the seven kingdoms under his control, Agon turned his attention to the
Agon turned his attention to the remaining holdouts. The veil of Aaron
remaining holdouts. The veil of Aaron protected by its mountain passes and the
protected by its mountain passes and the impregnable Erie remained under the rule
impregnable Erie remained under the rule of the boy king Ronald Aaron and his
of the boy king Ronald Aaron and his mother the formidable queen regent
mother the formidable queen regent Shara. The north vast and sparssely
Shara. The north vast and sparssely populated was ruled by King Torren Stark
populated was ruled by King Torren Stark from his seat at Winterfell. Dawn with
from his seat at Winterfell. Dawn with its desert strongholds and tradition of
its desert strongholds and tradition of guerilla warfare prepared for the long
guerilla warfare prepared for the long campaign that its princes knew was
campaign that its princes knew was coming. Each of these remaining kingdoms
coming. Each of these remaining kingdoms would require a different approach. As
would require a different approach. As Aegon had learned that successful
Aegon had learned that successful conquest required more than just
conquest required more than just superior military force, the dragons
superior military force, the dragons gave him the power to destroy any castle
gave him the power to destroy any castle or army. But building a lasting realm
or army. But building a lasting realm required the consent of the governed and
required the consent of the governed and the cooperation of the existing power
the cooperation of the existing power structures. The Game of Thrones had
structures. The Game of Thrones had become more complex than simple
become more complex than simple conquest, evolving into a delicate
conquest, evolving into a delicate balance of diplomacy, intimidation, and
balance of diplomacy, intimidation, and strategic vision. As the first year of
strategic vision. As the first year of conquest drew to a close, Egon
conquest drew to a close, Egon established his court on the hill where
established his court on the hill where he had first landed, the site that would
he had first landed, the site that would become King's Landing. There, amid the
become King's Landing. There, amid the mud and marsh of the Blackwater Rush, he
mud and marsh of the Blackwater Rush, he began to plan not just the completion of
began to plan not just the completion of his conquests, but the creation of a new
his conquests, but the creation of a new kind of kingdom. The iron throne that
kind of kingdom. The iron throne that would become the symbol of his rule was
would become the symbol of his rule was still just a dream, but the realm that
still just a dream, but the realm that would support it was already taking
would support it was already taking shape under the shadow of dragon wings.
shape under the shadow of dragon wings. The wheel of history had turned once
The wheel of history had turned once again, carrying Westeros toward a future
again, carrying Westeros toward a future that none of its ancient kings could
that none of its ancient kings could have imagined. The age of the seven
have imagined. The age of the seven kingdoms was ending, and the age of the
kingdoms was ending, and the age of the iron throne was about to begin. The
iron throne was about to begin. The crown that rested upon Aegon's brow in
crown that rested upon Aegon's brow in the great sept of Balor had been forged
the great sept of Balor had been forged from the melted swords of his enemies.
from the melted swords of his enemies. But the kingdom he ruled was built from
But the kingdom he ruled was built from something far more precious and enduring
something far more precious and enduring the willing submission of those he had
the willing submission of those he had conquered. The transformation of seven
conquered. The transformation of seven independent realms into a single unified
independent realms into a single unified kingdom was perhaps a greater
kingdom was perhaps a greater achievement than the military conquest
achievement than the military conquest that had preceded it. Where the dragons
that had preceded it. Where the dragons had won the throne through fire and
had won the throne through fire and blood, it would be wisdom and statecraft
blood, it would be wisdom and statecraft that would keep it for the Targaryen
that would keep it for the Targaryen dynasty for nearly three centuries.
dynasty for nearly three centuries. King's Landing rose from the mud flats
King's Landing rose from the mud flats of the Blackwater like a flower blooming
of the Blackwater like a flower blooming in ashes. What had begun as Aegon's
in ashes. What had begun as Aegon's military camp evolved with remarkable
military camp evolved with remarkable speed into the greatest city in
speed into the greatest city in Westeros, drawing people from across the
Westeros, drawing people from across the seven kingdoms who sought opportunity in
seven kingdoms who sought opportunity in the new order. Merchants arrived with
the new order. Merchants arrived with goods from across the narrow sea.
goods from across the narrow sea. Craftsmen came to build the palaces and
Craftsmen came to build the palaces and temples that a royal capital required,
temples that a royal capital required, and ambitious lords brought their
and ambitious lords brought their households to court in hopes of winning
households to court in hopes of winning favor with the new dynasty. The hill
favor with the new dynasty. The hill where Aegon had first set foot in
where Aegon had first set foot in Westeros became the site of the Red
Westeros became the site of the Red Keep, a massive fortress that would
Keep, a massive fortress that would serve as both royal residence and seat
serve as both royal residence and seat of government for generations to come.
of government for generations to come. The construction of the Red Keep was a
The construction of the Red Keep was a marvel of engineering and artistry that
marvel of engineering and artistry that rivaled anything built since the fall of
rivaled anything built since the fall of Valyria. Aegon commanded vast resources
Valyria. Aegon commanded vast resources drawn from across his new kingdom, and
drawn from across his new kingdom, and he used them to create a palace worthy
he used them to create a palace worthy of the Iron Throne. The great hall,
of the Iron Throne. The great hall, where the twisted metal seat sat in
where the twisted metal seat sat in brooding splendor, was designed to
brooding splendor, was designed to impress and intimidate visitors. Its
impress and intimidate visitors. Its soaring ceiling decorated with dragons
soaring ceiling decorated with dragons wrought in iron and gold. The throne
wrought in iron and gold. The throne room itself became a stage where the
room itself became a stage where the drama of ruling would be performed for
drama of ruling would be performed for centuries. Each king adding his own
centuries. Each king adding his own character to the ancient seat of power.
character to the ancient seat of power. The Iron Throne itself was Aegon's
The Iron Throne itself was Aegon's master stroke of political symbolism, a
master stroke of political symbolism, a physical manifestation of conquest that
physical manifestation of conquest that reminded everyone who saw it of the
reminded everyone who saw it of the price of rebellion. Forged from the
price of rebellion. Forged from the swords of defeated enemies by Bolyrian's
swords of defeated enemies by Bolyrian's dragonfire, the throne was deliberately
dragonfire, the throne was deliberately uncomfortable, bristling with blades
uncomfortable, bristling with blades that cut any who sat upon it carelessly.
that cut any who sat upon it carelessly. Aegon intended it as a reminder that
Aegon intended it as a reminder that ruling was not a privilege to be enjoyed
ruling was not a privilege to be enjoyed but a responsibility to be endured and
but a responsibility to be endured and that power came with its own inherent
that power came with its own inherent dangers. The administrative system that
dangers. The administrative system that Aegon established to govern his new
Aegon established to govern his new realm was a careful blend of Valyrian
realm was a careful blend of Valyrian efficiency and Westerosi tradition. He
efficiency and Westerosi tradition. He understood that successful rule required
understood that successful rule required more than just the threat of dragon
more than just the threat of dragon fire. It needed the cooperation of the
fire. It needed the cooperation of the existing noble houses and the acceptance
existing noble houses and the acceptance of the common people. The feudal
of the common people. The feudal structure that had governed the seven
structure that had governed the seven kingdoms for centuries was preserved,
kingdoms for centuries was preserved, but it was unified under the authority
but it was unified under the authority of the iron throne. The great lords who
of the iron throne. The great lords who had once been kings became wardens and
had once been kings became wardens and lords paramount, maintaining their
lords paramount, maintaining their traditional authority over their
traditional authority over their ancestral lands while acknowledging the
ancestral lands while acknowledging the supremacy of the Targaryen crown. The
supremacy of the Targaryen crown. The hand of the king, a position that Aegon
hand of the king, a position that Aegon created to serve as his chief minister
created to serve as his chief minister and deputy, became one of the most
and deputy, became one of the most powerful offices in the realm. Oris
powerful offices in the realm. Oris Baratheon, the first to hold this title,
Baratheon, the first to hold this title, established many of the precedents that
established many of the precedents that would govern the position for centuries
would govern the position for centuries to come. The hand spoke with the king's
to come. The hand spoke with the king's voice and ruled in his name when
voice and ruled in his name when necessary, making the office both
necessary, making the office both crucial to effective governance and
crucial to effective governance and potentially dangerous to any king who
potentially dangerous to any king who chose his deputy unwisely. The golden
chose his deputy unwisely. The golden pin that marked the hand's authority,
pin that marked the hand's authority, shaped like a grasping hand, became one
shaped like a grasping hand, became one of the most recognized symbols of power
of the most recognized symbols of power in Westeros. The small council that
in Westeros. The small council that advised the king and administered the
advised the king and administered the realm's day-to-day affairs was another
realm's day-to-day affairs was another Aegon innovation that proved its worth
Aegon innovation that proved its worth over the generations. The master of
over the generations. The master of laws, master of coin, master of ships,
laws, master of coin, master of ships, and other council positions were filled
and other council positions were filled by men chosen for their competence
by men chosen for their competence rather than their birth, creating a
rather than their birth, creating a meritocratic element within the feudal
meritocratic element within the feudal system. This balance between traditional
system. This balance between traditional nobility and administrative efficiency
nobility and administrative efficiency would prove crucial to the Targaryen
would prove crucial to the Targaryen dynasty's longevity, allowing it to
dynasty's longevity, allowing it to adapt to changing circumstances while
adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining the support of the
maintaining the support of the established power structure. The King's
established power structure. The King's Guard, the elite brotherhood of seven
Guard, the elite brotherhood of seven knights sworn to protect the king and
knights sworn to protect the king and his family, represented Aegon's attempt
his family, represented Aegon's attempt to create a new chivalri ideal that
to create a new chivalri ideal that transcended regional loyalties. These
transcended regional loyalties. These knights took vows of celibacy and
knights took vows of celibacy and poverty, dedicating their lives entirely
poverty, dedicating their lives entirely to their royal charges. The white cloaks
to their royal charges. The white cloaks and armor that marked their rank became
and armor that marked their rank became symbols of honor and duty throughout the
symbols of honor and duty throughout the realm. While the stories of their deeds
realm. While the stories of their deeds inspired countless young men to seek
inspired countless young men to seek similar glory. The Lord Commander of the
similar glory. The Lord Commander of the King's Guard, traditionally the greatest
King's Guard, traditionally the greatest knight in the realm, served as both
knight in the realm, served as both military adviser and personal protector
military adviser and personal protector to the king. The faith of the seven
to the king. The faith of the seven which had arrived in Westeros with the
which had arrived in Westeros with the Andal invasions found new prominence
Andal invasions found new prominence under Targaryen rule as Aegon sought to
under Targaryen rule as Aegon sought to create unity among his diverse subjects.
create unity among his diverse subjects. While the Targaryenss themselves
While the Targaryenss themselves maintained many Valyrian customs,
maintained many Valyrian customs, including the practice of sibling
including the practice of sibling marriage that horrified conventional
marriage that horrified conventional Westerosi sensibilities, they publicly
Westerosi sensibilities, they publicly embraced the dominant religion of their
embraced the dominant religion of their new kingdom. The high septan who crowned
new kingdom. The high septan who crowned Aegon in the great sept of Baylor
Aegon in the great sept of Baylor legitimized the conquest in the eyes of
legitimized the conquest in the eyes of the faithful. While the royal patronage
the faithful. While the royal patronage of the faith helped to spread Targaryen
of the faith helped to spread Targaryen authority into every corner of the
authority into every corner of the realm. Yet this alliance between crown
realm. Yet this alliance between crown and faith was not without its tensions.
and faith was not without its tensions. The Targaryen practice of plural
The Targaryen practice of plural marriage and their belief in their own
marriage and their belief in their own divine destiny conflicted with many of
divine destiny conflicted with many of the faith's teachings, creating
the faith's teachings, creating theological controversies that would
theological controversies that would plague the dynasty throughout its rule.
plague the dynasty throughout its rule. The doctrine of Targaryen
The doctrine of Targaryen exceptionalism, which held that the
exceptionalism, which held that the royal family was above the common laws
royal family was above the common laws of men due to their dragon blood, became
of men due to their dragon blood, became a source of ongoing conflict with
a source of ongoing conflict with religious authorities who preached the
religious authorities who preached the equality of all souls before the seven.
equality of all souls before the seven. The economic transformation of Westeros
The economic transformation of Westeros under Targaryen rule was as dramatic as
under Targaryen rule was as dramatic as the political changes. The end of
the political changes. The end of constant warfare between the seven
constant warfare between the seven kingdoms allowed trade to flourish as
kingdoms allowed trade to flourish as never before. While the royal roads that
never before. While the royal roads that connected King's Landing to every corner
connected King's Landing to every corner of the realm facilitated the movement of
of the realm facilitated the movement of goods and people, the Targaryen fleet
goods and people, the Targaryen fleet built around the surviving dragons and
built around the surviving dragons and the ships that had carried Aegon's army
the ships that had carried Aegon's army from Dragonstoneone secured the sealanes
from Dragonstoneone secured the sealanes and protected merchant vessels from
and protected merchant vessels from pirates and raiders. The prosperity that
pirates and raiders. The prosperity that resulted from this newfound security
resulted from this newfound security helped to cement Targaryen rule in the
helped to cement Targaryen rule in the hearts and minds of the common people.
hearts and minds of the common people. The legal system that Aegon established
The legal system that Aegon established represented another crucial element in
represented another crucial element in the transformation of seven kingdoms
the transformation of seven kingdoms into one. While local laws and customs
into one. While local laws and customs were largely preserved, the crown
were largely preserved, the crown created a framework of royal justice
created a framework of royal justice that superseded regional variations when
that superseded regional variations when necessary. The king's justice
necessary. The king's justice administered by royal magistrates and
administered by royal magistrates and enforced by royal troops ensured that
enforced by royal troops ensured that the most serious crimes were punished
the most serious crimes were punished according to uniform standards
according to uniform standards throughout the realm. This legal unity
throughout the realm. This legal unity helped to create a sense of shared
helped to create a sense of shared identity among the diverse peoples of
identity among the diverse peoples of Westeros, gradually transforming them
Westeros, gradually transforming them from subjects of various kings into
from subjects of various kings into citizens of a single kingdom. The
citizens of a single kingdom. The cultural flowering that accompanied
cultural flowering that accompanied political unification was perhaps the
political unification was perhaps the most subtle but enduring legacy of
most subtle but enduring legacy of Aegon's conquest. The mixing of
Aegon's conquest. The mixing of traditions from different regions
traditions from different regions created new forms of art, music, and
created new forms of art, music, and literature that reflected the hybrid
literature that reflected the hybrid nature of the new kingdom. The trouidors
nature of the new kingdom. The trouidors who traveled from castle to castle
who traveled from castle to castle carrying news and entertainment helped
carrying news and entertainment helped to spread stories of Targaryen greatness
to spread stories of Targaryen greatness while also preserving local traditions
while also preserving local traditions and customs. The great tournaments that
and customs. The great tournaments that became a hallmark of Targaryen rule
became a hallmark of Targaryen rule provided venues where knights from
provided venues where knights from different regions could compete and
different regions could compete and mingle, creating bonds of friendship and
mingle, creating bonds of friendship and rivalry that transcended ancient
rivalry that transcended ancient regional boundaries. The dragons
regional boundaries. The dragons themselves became central to the
themselves became central to the cultural identity of the new kingdom,
cultural identity of the new kingdom, inspiring artists and poets while
inspiring artists and poets while serving as powerful symbols of royal
serving as powerful symbols of royal authority. The sight of Balleran flying
authority. The sight of Balleran flying over King's Landing was a daily reminder
over King's Landing was a daily reminder of the power that had united the realm.
of the power that had united the realm. While the smaller dragons ridden by
While the smaller dragons ridden by Vizinia and Rainees became beloved
Vizinia and Rainees became beloved figures in their own right. Children
figures in their own right. Children throughout the kingdom grew up with
throughout the kingdom grew up with dragon stories, while craftsmen created
dragon stories, while craftsmen created countless representations of the great
countless representations of the great beasts in every medium, from tapestry to
beasts in every medium, from tapestry to stained glass. The military reforms that
stained glass. The military reforms that Aegon implemented during his reign laid
Aegon implemented during his reign laid the foundation for centuries of
the foundation for centuries of Targaryen dominance. The royal army,
Targaryen dominance. The royal army, drawn from all seven kingdoms and
drawn from all seven kingdoms and trained to common standards, could be
trained to common standards, could be deployed anywhere in the realm to
deployed anywhere in the realm to maintain order or repel invasion. The
maintain order or repel invasion. The dragon riders themselves formed an elite
dragon riders themselves formed an elite force that could respond to threats with
force that could respond to threats with unprecedented speed, while the growing
unprecedented speed, while the growing Targaryen fleet provided the mobility
Targaryen fleet provided the mobility needed to project power across the
needed to project power across the narrow sea. These military innovations
narrow sea. These military innovations ensured that the unified kingdom could
ensured that the unified kingdom could defend itself against both internal
defend itself against both internal rebellion and external threats. The
rebellion and external threats. The death of Queen Rainees during the
death of Queen Rainees during the conquest of Dawn marked the first great
conquest of Dawn marked the first great tragedy of the Targaryen dynasty,
tragedy of the Targaryen dynasty, demonstrating that even dragons were not
demonstrating that even dragons were not invincible. Her loss at Hellhalt, where
invincible. Her loss at Hellhalt, where Maraxis was brought down by a lucky
Maraxis was brought down by a lucky scorpion bolt, shocked the kingdom and
scorpion bolt, shocked the kingdom and reminded everyone that the royal
reminded everyone that the royal family's power, while great, was not
family's power, while great, was not unlimited. The grief that Aegon
unlimited. The grief that Aegon displayed at his sister wife's death
displayed at his sister wife's death humanized him in the eyes of his
humanized him in the eyes of his subjects, while the terrible vengeance
subjects, while the terrible vengeance he riaked upon Dawn in response reminded
he riaked upon Dawn in response reminded them of the consequences of defying
them of the consequences of defying royal authority. The establishment of
royal authority. The establishment of the Dragon Pit in King's Landing
the Dragon Pit in King's Landing represented Aegon's attempt to ensure
represented Aegon's attempt to ensure the survival of his dynasty's greatest
the survival of his dynasty's greatest advantage. This massive underground
advantage. This massive underground complex carved from the living rock
complex carved from the living rock beneath the city provided a secure home
beneath the city provided a secure home for the royal dragons while also serving
for the royal dragons while also serving as a symbol of Targaryen power. The dome
as a symbol of Targaryen power. The dome that covered the pit became one of the
that covered the pit became one of the most recognizable landmarks in King's
most recognizable landmarks in King's Landing. While the carefully trained
Landing. While the carefully trained dragon keepers who tended the great
dragon keepers who tended the great beasts became legendary figures in their
beasts became legendary figures in their own right, the succession question that
own right, the succession question that would plague the Targaryen dynasty for
would plague the Targaryen dynasty for centuries first arose during Aegon's
centuries first arose during Aegon's reign as the complex relationships
reign as the complex relationships between his sister wives and their
between his sister wives and their children created ambiguities in the line
children created ambiguities in the line of inheritance. The crown's decision to
of inheritance. The crown's decision to favor male heirs over female ones
favor male heirs over female ones despite the crucial role that Vizenya
despite the crucial role that Vizenya and Rainees had played in the conquest
and Rainees had played in the conquest established precedents that would later
established precedents that would later tear the kingdom apart. The great
tear the kingdom apart. The great council that would eventually be
council that would eventually be convened to resolve succession disputes
convened to resolve succession disputes had its origins in the informal
had its origins in the informal consultations that Aegon held with his
consultations that Aegon held with his greatest lords when difficult decisions
greatest lords when difficult decisions needed to be made. The integration of
needed to be made. The integration of the Iron Islands into the new kingdom
the Iron Islands into the new kingdom presented unique challenges that
presented unique challenges that required careful handling. The Ironborn
required careful handling. The Ironborn culture of reeving and raiding
culture of reeving and raiding conflicted with the Targaryen vision of
conflicted with the Targaryen vision of a peaceful realm, while their worship of
a peaceful realm, while their worship of the drowned god set them apart from the
the drowned god set them apart from the mainland's faith of the seven. Aegon's
mainland's faith of the seven. Aegon's decision to allow them to maintain their
decision to allow them to maintain their traditional ways while gradually
traditional ways while gradually encouraging them to seek glory in royal
encouraging them to seek glory in royal service rather than piracy represented a
service rather than piracy represented a masterful example of political
masterful example of political compromise that preserved both royal
compromise that preserved both royal authority and local autonomy. As Aegon's
authority and local autonomy. As Aegon's reign progressed, the transformation of
reign progressed, the transformation of Westeros from a collection of waring
Westeros from a collection of waring kingdoms into a unified realm began to
kingdoms into a unified realm began to seem inevitable and natural. The
seem inevitable and natural. The generation that had known the old kings
generation that had known the old kings died off, replaced by younger lords who
died off, replaced by younger lords who had grown up under Targaryen rule and
had grown up under Targaryen rule and accepted it as the natural order of
accepted it as the natural order of things. The customs and traditions that
things. The customs and traditions that Aegon established during these early
Aegon established during these early years would endure for centuries,
years would endure for centuries, creating the framework within which
creating the framework within which future kings would rule and future
future kings would rule and future crises would be resolved. The legacy of
crises would be resolved. The legacy of Aegon's reign extended far beyond the
Aegon's reign extended far beyond the borders of Westeros itself. The
borders of Westeros itself. The establishment of the Iron Throne as the
establishment of the Iron Throne as the premier seat of power in the known world
premier seat of power in the known world shifted the balance of international
shifted the balance of international politics, making King's Landing a
politics, making King's Landing a destination for ambassadors and
destination for ambassadors and merchants from across the narrow sea.
merchants from across the narrow sea. The Targaryen fleet projected royal
The Targaryen fleet projected royal power into distant waters, while the
power into distant waters, while the threat of dragon retaliation deterred
threat of dragon retaliation deterred potential enemies from threatening the
potential enemies from threatening the kingdom's interests abroad. The wheel of
kingdom's interests abroad. The wheel of history had turned completely,
history had turned completely, transforming a collection of feuding
transforming a collection of feuding kingdoms into the mightiest realm in the
kingdoms into the mightiest realm in the known world. The age of conquest had
known world. The age of conquest had ended, but the age of kings had truly
ended, but the age of kings had truly begun with the Iron Throne standing as
begun with the Iron Throne standing as the ultimate prize in the eternal game
the ultimate prize in the eternal game of thrones. The seeds of the greatest
of thrones. The seeds of the greatest civil war in Westerosi history were
civil war in Westerosi history were planted in love, watered with ambition,
planted in love, watered with ambition, and grew into a tree whose bitter fruit
and grew into a tree whose bitter fruit would poison the Targaryen dynasty for
would poison the Targaryen dynasty for generations. King Viseris the third king
generations. King Viseris the third king of his name to sit the Iron Throne was
of his name to sit the Iron Throne was by all accounts a good man and a
by all accounts a good man and a peaceful ruler who desired nothing more
peaceful ruler who desired nothing more than to preserve the prosperity and
than to preserve the prosperity and unity that his forebears had built. Yet,
unity that his forebears had built. Yet, it was his very kindness, his reluctance
it was his very kindness, his reluctance to make the hard choices that kingship
to make the hard choices that kingship sometimes demanded that would ultimately
sometimes demanded that would ultimately tear his kingdom apart and reduce the
tear his kingdom apart and reduce the number of dragons in the world from
number of dragons in the world from dozens to a mere handful. The tragedy
dozens to a mere handful. The tragedy began with love, as so many great
began with love, as so many great tragedies do. Vzeris had been happily
tragedies do. Vzeris had been happily married to Queen Enma Aarin, a gentle
married to Queen Enma Aarin, a gentle woman who had given him a daughter,
woman who had given him a daughter, Princess Rea, but had struggled to
Princess Rea, but had struggled to provide the male heir that the realm
provide the male heir that the realm expected. When Queen Enma died in
expected. When Queen Enma died in childbirth, along with the son she had
childbirth, along with the son she had tried so desperately to deliver, Vizeris
tried so desperately to deliver, Vizeris was left a widowerower with a daughter
was left a widowerower with a daughter he adored, but whom many believed could
he adored, but whom many believed could never rule in her own right. The king's
never rule in her own right. The king's grief was profound and genuine, but
grief was profound and genuine, but political necessity demanded that he
political necessity demanded that he remarry and attempt to father the son
remarry and attempt to father the son that would secure the succession. His
that would secure the succession. His choice of a second wife would prove
choice of a second wife would prove fateful beyond all imagining. Rather
fateful beyond all imagining. Rather than making a politically advantageous
than making a politically advantageous match with one of the great houses,
match with one of the great houses, Vizeris followed his heart and married
Vizeris followed his heart and married Allison Hightowwer, the young daughter
Allison Hightowwer, the young daughter of his hand Otto High Totower.
of his hand Otto High Totower. Allisonant was beautiful and
Allisonant was beautiful and intelligent, possessed of all the grace
intelligent, possessed of all the grace and wisdom that a queen should have. But
and wisdom that a queen should have. But she was also ambitious, and her family
she was also ambitious, and her family was even more so. The high towers of
was even more so. The high towers of Oldtown were one of the oldest and
Oldtown were one of the oldest and wealthiest houses in Westeros, with
wealthiest houses in Westeros, with connections to the faith of the seven
connections to the faith of the seven that gave them influence throughout the
that gave them influence throughout the realm. They saw in Allison's marriage an
realm. They saw in Allison's marriage an opportunity to place their own blood on
opportunity to place their own blood on the iron throne. Princess Reneira, who
the iron throne. Princess Reneira, who had been her father's beloved heir and
had been her father's beloved heir and the apple of his eye, suddenly found
the apple of his eye, suddenly found herself displaced in the royal household
herself displaced in the royal household by a stepmother only a few years older
by a stepmother only a few years older than herself. The relationship between
than herself. The relationship between the two women began cordially enough.
the two women began cordially enough. But as Allison began bearing sons to
But as Allison began bearing sons to King Viseres, the natural rivalry
King Viseres, the natural rivalry between them grew into something darker
between them grew into something darker and more dangerous. Prince Agen, born in
and more dangerous. Prince Agen, born in the second year of his parents'
the second year of his parents' marriage, was followed by Prince Aemon
marriage, was followed by Prince Aemon and Prince Darren, giving the king the
and Prince Darren, giving the king the male heirs he had longed for, but also
male heirs he had longed for, but also creating a succession crisis that would
creating a succession crisis that would define the remainder of his reign. The
define the remainder of his reign. The question of who should inherit the iron
question of who should inherit the iron throne after Viseris became the central
throne after Viseris became the central political issue of the day. By ancient
political issue of the day. By ancient law and tradition, the crown should pass
law and tradition, the crown should pass to the king's eldest son, which would
to the king's eldest son, which would make Prince Aegon the rightful heir. But
make Prince Aegon the rightful heir. But Viseris had publicly declared Rineer his
Viseris had publicly declared Rineer his successor years before his sons were
successor years before his sons were born, and he had compelled all the great
born, and he had compelled all the great lords of the realm to swear oaths of
lords of the realm to swear oaths of feelalty to her. The king's refusal to
feelalty to her. The king's refusal to change his designation, even after
change his designation, even after fathering male heirs, created a
fathering male heirs, created a constitutional crisis that split the
constitutional crisis that split the court and eventually the kingdom itself.
court and eventually the kingdom itself. The faction that supported Princess
The faction that supported Princess Reineer's claim came to be known as the
Reineer's claim came to be known as the Blacks after the color of her dragons
Blacks after the color of her dragons and the banners carried by her
and the banners carried by her supporters. They argued that the king's
supporters. They argued that the king's word was law and that the oaths sworn to
word was law and that the oaths sworn to Reineer were sacred bonds that could not
Reineer were sacred bonds that could not be broken. The princess herself was a
be broken. The princess herself was a formidable claimment, beautiful and
formidable claimment, beautiful and intelligent like her stepmother, but
intelligent like her stepmother, but with a strength of will that reminded
with a strength of will that reminded many of Queen Vizenya. She had married
many of Queen Vizenya. She had married Cerse Raineer of Valerion, uniting her
Cerse Raineer of Valerion, uniting her cause with the powerful maritime house
cause with the powerful maritime house that controlled the royal fleet, and she
that controlled the royal fleet, and she had borne three sons who would carry
had borne three sons who would carry forward the Targaryen bloodline. The
forward the Targaryen bloodline. The faction supporting Prince Aegon became
faction supporting Prince Aegon became known as the Greens. Taking their name
known as the Greens. Taking their name from the color that Queen Allison had
from the color that Queen Allison had worn to Rea's wedding as a subtle
worn to Rea's wedding as a subtle statement of opposition. They contended
statement of opposition. They contended that no amount of royal proclamations
that no amount of royal proclamations could overturn the natural law that
could overturn the natural law that decreed male heirs took precedence over
decreed male heirs took precedence over female ones. Prince Aegon, though
female ones. Prince Aegon, though younger than his halfsister, was the
younger than his halfsister, was the king's eldest surviving son and
king's eldest surviving son and therefore the rightful heir, according
therefore the rightful heir, according to the precedence established by the
to the precedence established by the great council that had chosen Viseris
great council that had chosen Viseris himself over Princess Rainees decades
himself over Princess Rainees decades earlier. As King Viseris aged and his
earlier. As King Viseris aged and his health declined, the two factions grew
health declined, the two factions grew more entrenched in their positions and
more entrenched in their positions and more willing to contemplate violent
more willing to contemplate violent solutions to the succession dispute. The
solutions to the succession dispute. The court at King's Landing became a nest of
court at King's Landing became a nest of intrigue and conspiracy with lords and
intrigue and conspiracy with lords and ladies choosing sides based on
ladies choosing sides based on calculations of advantage rather than
calculations of advantage rather than principles of law or loyalty. The great
principles of law or loyalty. The great houses of Westeros began to align
houses of Westeros began to align themselves with one claimant or the
themselves with one claimant or the other. Their decisions shaped by old
other. Their decisions shaped by old grievances, marriage alliances, and
grievances, marriage alliances, and promises of reward in the coming
promises of reward in the coming conflict. The death of King Viseris in
conflict. The death of King Viseris in his sleep marked the end of the last
his sleep marked the end of the last peaceful night the realm would know for
peaceful night the realm would know for years to come. Within hours of the
years to come. Within hours of the king's passing, Queen Allison and her
king's passing, Queen Allison and her supporters moved to place Aegon on the
supporters moved to place Aegon on the iron throne, crowning him in the great
iron throne, crowning him in the great sept of Bor before word of his father's
sept of Bor before word of his father's death could reach Princess Rea
death could reach Princess Rea Dragonstone. The Greens had prepared for
Dragonstone. The Greens had prepared for this moment for years, securing the
this moment for years, securing the loyalty of the gold cloaks who guarded
loyalty of the gold cloaks who guarded King's Landing and ensuring that their
King's Landing and ensuring that their allies were ready to act when the time
allies were ready to act when the time came. But Rara had not been idle either.
came. But Rara had not been idle either. And when news of her father's death and
And when news of her father's death and her half-brothers usurpation reached
her half-brothers usurpation reached her, she was ready with her own plans.
her, she was ready with her own plans. at Dragonstone, surrounded by her
at Dragonstone, surrounded by her supporters and with a dozen dragons at
supporters and with a dozen dragons at her command, she held her own coronation
her command, she held her own coronation ceremony and declared Aegon II a usurper
ceremony and declared Aegon II a usurper and traitor. The realm now had two
and traitor. The realm now had two sovereigns, each claiming to be the
sovereigns, each claiming to be the rightful ruler, each commanding dragons
rightful ruler, each commanding dragons and armies, each determined to press
and armies, each determined to press their claim regardless of the cost. The
their claim regardless of the cost. The war that followed was unlike anything
war that followed was unlike anything Westeros had ever seen. Where previous
Westeros had ever seen. Where previous conflicts had been fought between men
conflicts had been fought between men with swords and spears, the dance of
with swords and spears, the dance of dragons was a war fought largely in the
dragons was a war fought largely in the sky with great beasts breathing fire
sky with great beasts breathing fire upon armies and castles alike. The sight
upon armies and castles alike. The sight of dragons fighting other dragons in
of dragons fighting other dragons in aerial combat was both magnificent and
aerial combat was both magnificent and terrible, a spectacle that aed and
terrible, a spectacle that aed and horrified those who witnessed it. The
horrified those who witnessed it. The very air above the battlefield became a
very air above the battlefield became a killing ground where ancient creatures
killing ground where ancient creatures that had survived the doom of Valyria
that had survived the doom of Valyria tore each other apart with tooth and
tore each other apart with tooth and claw. The first great battle of the war
claw. The first great battle of the war took place at Rook's Rest where Queen
took place at Rook's Rest where Queen Rainees and her dragon Mellies attempted
Rainees and her dragon Mellies attempted to break the green siege of the castle.
to break the green siege of the castle. The battle that ensued when Prince Ammon
The battle that ensued when Prince Ammon and his dragon Fragar arrived to contest
and his dragon Fragar arrived to contest her was a preview of the carnage to
her was a preview of the carnage to come. Dragons fell from the sky like
come. Dragons fell from the sky like burning stars. Their riders screams lost
burning stars. Their riders screams lost in the roar of flame and the crash of
in the roar of flame and the crash of their impact with the earth below. Queen
their impact with the earth below. Queen Rainees, the queen who never was, died
Rainees, the queen who never was, died as she had lived, courageously facing
as she had lived, courageously facing overwhelming odds in service to her
overwhelming odds in service to her chosen cause. The death of dragons was
chosen cause. The death of dragons was not just a military loss, but a cultural
not just a military loss, but a cultural catastrophe that diminished the very
catastrophe that diminished the very nature of the world. Each great beast
nature of the world. Each great beast that fell represented centuries of
that fell represented centuries of accumulated wisdom and power. Bloodlines
accumulated wisdom and power. Bloodlines that stretched back to the volcanic
that stretched back to the volcanic peaks of old Valyria. Connections to
peaks of old Valyria. Connections to magic and mystery that could never be
magic and mystery that could never be replaced. The small folk who witnessed
replaced. The small folk who witnessed these aerial battles wept not just for
these aerial battles wept not just for the human casualties, but for the
the human casualties, but for the magnificent creatures whose like would
magnificent creatures whose like would never be seen again. The war spread
never be seen again. The war spread across the continent like wildfire,
across the continent like wildfire, drawing in every great house and turning
drawing in every great house and turning the realm into a patchwork of competing
the realm into a patchwork of competing loyalties and ancient grudges. The
loyalties and ancient grudges. The Starks of Winterfell declared for Queen
Starks of Winterfell declared for Queen Reineer, honoring the oath their lord
Reineer, honoring the oath their lord had sworn to King Viseris, while the
had sworn to King Viseris, while the Baratheonss split between the two
Baratheonss split between the two claimments with Storm's End supporting
claimments with Storm's End supporting the Greens and some of the lesser
the Greens and some of the lesser branches backing the blacks. The
branches backing the blacks. The Lannisters threw their golden weight
Lannisters threw their golden weight behind Aegon II, while the Aarens of the
behind Aegon II, while the Aarens of the Veil remained loyal to Rineer, their
Veil remained loyal to Rineer, their young lord, guided by his mother's
young lord, guided by his mother's fierce determination to see justice
fierce determination to see justice done. The Riverlands became a particular
done. The Riverlands became a particular focus of the conflict as their strategic
focus of the conflict as their strategic location and fertile fields made them
location and fertile fields made them crucial to any military campaign. The
crucial to any military campaign. The great houses of the Trident found
great houses of the Trident found themselves caught between competing
themselves caught between competing armies, their ancient loyalties tested
armies, their ancient loyalties tested by the changing fortunes of war.
by the changing fortunes of war. Harrenhal, the great castle that had
Harrenhal, the great castle that had been built by Haron the Black and
been built by Haron the Black and destroyed by Aegon the Conqueror, became
destroyed by Aegon the Conqueror, became a symbol of the war's futility as it
a symbol of the war's futility as it changed hands multiple times. Each
changed hands multiple times. Each occupation leaving it more ruined than
occupation leaving it more ruined than before. The naval war that raged in the
before. The naval war that raged in the narrow sea and around the coast of
narrow sea and around the coast of Westeros was equally devastating as the
Westeros was equally devastating as the great fleets of House Valeran clashed
great fleets of House Valeran clashed with the Royal Navy and hired cell sails
with the Royal Navy and hired cell sails from across the narrow sea. The
from across the narrow sea. The stepstones, those rocky islands that
stepstones, those rocky islands that controlled the sea lanes between
controlled the sea lanes between Westeros, became a crucial battleground
Westeros, became a crucial battleground where fortunes could be made or lost
where fortunes could be made or lost based on the outcome of a single
based on the outcome of a single engagement. The burning ships that
engagement. The burning ships that littered the waters served as funeral
littered the waters served as funeral pers for thousands of sailors and
pers for thousands of sailors and marines whose only crime had been
marines whose only crime had been choosing the wrong side in a conflict
choosing the wrong side in a conflict they barely understood. The most
they barely understood. The most infamous battle of the entire war took
infamous battle of the entire war took place above the god's eye. That great
place above the god's eye. That great lake in the heart of the riverlands
lake in the heart of the riverlands where legends claimed the children of
where legends claimed the children of the forest had once walked on water.
the forest had once walked on water. Prince Aemon Targaryen and Prince Damon
Prince Aemon Targaryen and Prince Damon Targaryen, uncle and nephew locked in
Targaryen, uncle and nephew locked in mortal combat, fought their final duel
mortal combat, fought their final duel in the sky above the sacred waters. Both
in the sky above the sacred waters. Both dragons, Vaggar and Caraxis, were
dragons, Vaggar and Caraxis, were mortally wounded in the battle, and both
mortally wounded in the battle, and both riders perished in the crash that
riders perished in the crash that followed. Their bodies never recovered
followed. Their bodies never recovered from the depths of the lake that had
from the depths of the lake that had swallowed them. The death of Prince
swallowed them. The death of Prince Damon marked a turning point in the war.
Damon marked a turning point in the war. As Rayara lost not only her husband and
As Rayara lost not only her husband and strongest supporter, but also one of her
strongest supporter, but also one of her most experienced dragon riders. The
most experienced dragon riders. The psychological impact of the battle above
psychological impact of the battle above the gods Eye resonated throughout both
the gods Eye resonated throughout both camps. As lords and common soldiers
camps. As lords and common soldiers alike began to question whether any
alike began to question whether any cause was worth the destruction they
cause was worth the destruction they were witnessing. The very sky seemed
were witnessing. The very sky seemed cursed, filled with the ghosts of
cursed, filled with the ghosts of dragons and the echoes of their dying
dragons and the echoes of their dying screams. As the war dragged on, the
screams. As the war dragged on, the moral authority that both sides claimed,
moral authority that both sides claimed, began to erode under the weight of the
began to erode under the weight of the atrocities committed in pursuit of
atrocities committed in pursuit of victory. The sack of Tumbleton, where
victory. The sack of Tumbleton, where two black dragon riders turned their
two black dragon riders turned their coats and burned the town they had come
coats and burned the town they had come to defend, showed how the conflict had
to defend, showed how the conflict had corrupted even those who flew the
corrupted even those who flew the noblest beasts. The riot in King's
noblest beasts. The riot in King's Landing, where the small folk rose up
Landing, where the small folk rose up against the dragons they blamed for
against the dragons they blamed for their suffering, demonstrated that the
their suffering, demonstrated that the common people had grown weary of being
common people had grown weary of being caught between the ambitions of their
caught between the ambitions of their bettors. The storming of the dragon pit
bettors. The storming of the dragon pit by the mob was perhaps the most symbolic
by the mob was perhaps the most symbolic moment of the entire war. As the
moment of the entire war. As the citizens of King's Landing turned their
citizens of King's Landing turned their fury against the dragons themselves, the
fury against the dragons themselves, the great dome that had housed the royal
great dome that had housed the royal beasts for generations became their tomb
beasts for generations became their tomb as angry crowds armed with spears and
as angry crowds armed with spears and torches drove the creatures into the
torches drove the creatures into the flames. The sight of common blacksmiths
flames. The sight of common blacksmiths and fish mongers killing dragons with
and fish mongers killing dragons with crude weapons was both shocking and
crude weapons was both shocking and strangely liberating, proving that even
strangely liberating, proving that even the mightiest symbols of royal power
the mightiest symbols of royal power could be brought low by popular fury.
could be brought low by popular fury. Queen Rana's brief occupation of King's
Queen Rana's brief occupation of King's Landing and the Iron Throne proved to be
Landing and the Iron Throne proved to be a pirick victory that cost her more than
a pirick victory that cost her more than defeat might have. Her harsh treatment
defeat might have. Her harsh treatment of those who had opposed her, including
of those who had opposed her, including the execution of several lords who had
the execution of several lords who had supported Agen II, turned potential
supported Agen II, turned potential allies into bitter enemies. The common
allies into bitter enemies. The common people who had initially welcomed her as
people who had initially welcomed her as a liberator began to see her as just
a liberator began to see her as just another tyrant. While her remaining
another tyrant. While her remaining supporters started to question whether
supporters started to question whether her cause was truly just or merely
her cause was truly just or merely another expression of royal ambition,
another expression of royal ambition, the poisoning of King Aegon II marked
the poisoning of King Aegon II marked the end of the male line of claimments,
the end of the male line of claimments, but it did not end the war. The children
but it did not end the war. The children of both sides remained, their claims
of both sides remained, their claims passed down like heirlooms of hatred and
passed down like heirlooms of hatred and grief. Prince Aegon the Younger, Renea's
grief. Prince Aegon the Younger, Renea's son by Prince Damon, emerged as the
son by Prince Damon, emerged as the compromised candidate who could unite
compromised candidate who could unite the exhausted factions. But his path to
the exhausted factions. But his path to the throne was paved with the bones of
the throne was paved with the bones of dragons and the ashes of his family's
dragons and the ashes of his family's dreams. The hour of the wolf, when Lord
dreams. The hour of the wolf, when Lord Kregan Stark arrived in King's Landing
Kregan Stark arrived in King's Landing with his northern army to dispense
with his northern army to dispense justice in the name of the dead queen,
justice in the name of the dead queen, represented the final act of the tragic
represented the final act of the tragic drama. The northern lord's determination
drama. The northern lord's determination to see the perpetrators of the war
to see the perpetrators of the war punished regardless of their current
punished regardless of their current allegiances showed that some men still
allegiances showed that some men still believed in honor and justice even after
believed in honor and justice even after years of betrayal and bloodshed. His
years of betrayal and bloodshed. His actions helped to establish the
actions helped to establish the legitimacy of the new king while
legitimacy of the new king while ensuring that the worst criminals of the
ensuring that the worst criminals of the war faced appropriate punishment. The
war faced appropriate punishment. The marriage of King Aegon III to his
marriage of King Aegon III to his halfsister Jihara, daughter of the dead
halfsister Jihara, daughter of the dead Aegon II, was intended to heal the
Aegon II, was intended to heal the wounds of the civil war by uniting the
wounds of the civil war by uniting the claims of both sides. The young king and
claims of both sides. The young king and queen, both children who had lost their
queen, both children who had lost their parents to the conflict, became living
parents to the conflict, became living symbols of reconciliation and hope for a
symbols of reconciliation and hope for a better future. Their wedding was
better future. Their wedding was celebrated throughout the realm as the
celebrated throughout the realm as the beginning of a new era of peace and
beginning of a new era of peace and prosperity. Though the scars of the war
prosperity. Though the scars of the war would take generations to fully heal,
would take generations to fully heal, the dragon pit that had once housed
the dragon pit that had once housed dozens of the great beasts now stood
dozens of the great beasts now stood empty and ruined. Its broken dome a
empty and ruined. Its broken dome a monument to the folly of civil war. The
monument to the folly of civil war. The few surviving dragons were either too
few surviving dragons were either too young to be ridden or too wild to be
young to be ridden or too wild to be controlled. And within a generation,
controlled. And within a generation, even these would be gone. The age of
even these would be gone. The age of dragons was ending not with the glory of
dragons was ending not with the glory of conquest, but with the tragedy of
conquest, but with the tragedy of fratricside, as the Targaryenss had
fratricside, as the Targaryenss had proven that their greatest strength
proven that their greatest strength could also be their greatest weakness.
could also be their greatest weakness. The economic devastation caused by the
The economic devastation caused by the war was perhaps even more lasting than
war was perhaps even more lasting than the political consequences. Entire
the political consequences. Entire regions had been laid waste by
regions had been laid waste by dragonfire, their crops burned, and
dragonfire, their crops burned, and their populations scattered. The royal
their populations scattered. The royal treasury, which had been filled with
treasury, which had been filled with gold at the start of Viseris's reign,
gold at the start of Viseris's reign, was now empty. The crown's debts
was now empty. The crown's debts mounting as the cost of reconstruction
mounting as the cost of reconstruction became clear. The great noble houses
became clear. The great noble houses that had survived the conflict found
that had survived the conflict found themselves impoverished and weakened,
themselves impoverished and weakened, their armies destroyed, and their
their armies destroyed, and their castles damaged. The cultural impact of
castles damaged. The cultural impact of the dance of dragons extended far beyond
the dance of dragons extended far beyond the immediate participants as the common
the immediate participants as the common people who had witnessed the conflict
people who had witnessed the conflict developed a deep suspicion of royal
developed a deep suspicion of royal power and the costs of dynastic
power and the costs of dynastic ambition. The songs and stories that
ambition. The songs and stories that emerged from the war painted a picture
emerged from the war painted a picture of heroism tainted by futility, of noble
of heroism tainted by futility, of noble causes corrupted by base motives, of
causes corrupted by base motives, of great deeds overshadowed by greater
great deeds overshadowed by greater tragedies. The very concept of chivalry
tragedies. The very concept of chivalry was called into question as knights who
was called into question as knights who had sworn to protect the innocent found
had sworn to protect the innocent found themselves burning cities and
themselves burning cities and slaughtering civilians in pursuit of
slaughtering civilians in pursuit of victory. The religious implications of
victory. The religious implications of the war were equally profound as the
the war were equally profound as the faith of the seven struggled to explain
faith of the seven struggled to explain how a just god could allow such
how a just god could allow such devastation to befall the faithful. Some
devastation to befall the faithful. Some septans preached that the war was divine
septans preached that the war was divine punishment for the Targaryens's
punishment for the Targaryens's unnatural practices, while others argued
unnatural practices, while others argued that it was a test of faith that the
that it was a test of faith that the righteous would ultimately pass. The
righteous would ultimately pass. The deaths of so many dragons, creatures
deaths of so many dragons, creatures that many believed to be touched by
that many believed to be touched by divine fire, raised theological
divine fire, raised theological questions that would perplex scholars
questions that would perplex scholars for centuries to come. The diplomatic
for centuries to come. The diplomatic consequences of the civil war
consequences of the civil war reverberated far beyond the borders of
reverberated far beyond the borders of Westeros as the free cities and other
Westeros as the free cities and other powers across the narrow sea watched the
powers across the narrow sea watched the realm tear itself apart with a mixture
realm tear itself apart with a mixture of horror and opportunity. Some offered
of horror and opportunity. Some offered military aid to one side or another,
military aid to one side or another, hoping to gain influence in the eventual
hoping to gain influence in the eventual settlement, while others simply waited
settlement, while others simply waited to see which faction would emerge
to see which faction would emerge victorious. The reputation of House
victorious. The reputation of House Targaryen as an invincible dynasty was
Targaryen as an invincible dynasty was shattered, replaced by an image of
shattered, replaced by an image of internal weakness and self-destructive
internal weakness and self-destructive tendencies. The scientific and scholarly
tendencies. The scientific and scholarly losses caused by the war were perhaps
losses caused by the war were perhaps the most tragic of all, as the
the most tragic of all, as the accumulated knowledge of dragon lore and
accumulated knowledge of dragon lore and Valyrian magic died with the beasts and
Valyrian magic died with the beasts and their riders. The secrets of dragon
their riders. The secrets of dragon breeding, the techniques for forging
breeding, the techniques for forging Valyrian steel, and the ancient wisdom
Valyrian steel, and the ancient wisdom of the dragon lords were lost forever,
of the dragon lords were lost forever, leaving future generations poor in
leaving future generations poor in knowledge and power. The great library
knowledge and power. The great library of Dragonstone, which had contained
of Dragonstone, which had contained texts dating back to old Valyria itself,
texts dating back to old Valyria itself, was burned during one of the many raids
was burned during one of the many raids and counter raids of the conflict. As
and counter raids of the conflict. As the survivors of the dance of dragons
the survivors of the dance of dragons attempted to rebuild their shattered
attempted to rebuild their shattered world, they faced the sobering
world, they faced the sobering realization that some things once broken
realization that some things once broken could never be repaired. The unity that
could never be repaired. The unity that Aegon the Conqueror had forged through
Aegon the Conqueror had forged through fire and blood had been shattered by
fire and blood had been shattered by fire and blood, leaving a kingdom that
fire and blood, leaving a kingdom that was technically whole, but spiritually
was technically whole, but spiritually fractured. The Iron Throne remained, but
fractured. The Iron Throne remained, but the awe and fear that had once
the awe and fear that had once surrounded it were diminished, replaced
surrounded it were diminished, replaced by a more pragmatic understanding of the
by a more pragmatic understanding of the limits of royal power. The lessons of
limits of royal power. The lessons of the dance of dragons would echo through
the dance of dragons would echo through Targaryen history for the remainder of
Targaryen history for the remainder of the dynasty's rule, shaping the
the dynasty's rule, shaping the decisions of future kings and queens who
decisions of future kings and queens who had witnessed the consequences of civil
had witnessed the consequences of civil war firsthand. The knowledge that
war firsthand. The knowledge that dragons could die, that thrones could be
dragons could die, that thrones could be lost, and that even the mightiest
lost, and that even the mightiest dynasties were vulnerable to internal
dynasties were vulnerable to internal strife, became part of the royal
strife, became part of the royal family's collective memory, influencing
family's collective memory, influencing their approach to succession, marriage,
their approach to succession, marriage, and the use of power for generations to
and the use of power for generations to come. The wheel of history had turned
come. The wheel of history had turned with devastating consequence, grinding
with devastating consequence, grinding beneath it the dreams and ambitions of
beneath it the dreams and ambitions of an entire generation. The age of dragons
an entire generation. The age of dragons was ending. But the age of bitter memory
was ending. But the age of bitter memory was just beginning as the survivors of
was just beginning as the survivors of the greatest civil war in Westerosi
the greatest civil war in Westerosi history attempted to build something new
history attempted to build something new from the ashes of what had been lost
from the ashes of what had been lost forever. The reign of Aegon III, known
forever. The reign of Aegon III, known to history as the dragon bane, began
to history as the dragon bane, began with the kingdom united but broken like
with the kingdom united but broken like a sword that had been reforged but
a sword that had been reforged but retained the memory of its shattering.
retained the memory of its shattering. The young king who sat the Iron Throne
The young king who sat the Iron Throne was barely 11 years old when he was
was barely 11 years old when he was crowned. A pale, serious child who had
crowned. A pale, serious child who had witnessed horrors that would have broken
witnessed horrors that would have broken grown men. He had watched his mother,
grown men. He had watched his mother, Queen Rea, fed to a dragon, had seen his
Queen Rea, fed to a dragon, had seen his stepfather, Prince Damon, disappear into
stepfather, Prince Damon, disappear into the waters of the God's Eye, and had
the waters of the God's Eye, and had lived through the destruction of nearly
lived through the destruction of nearly everything his family had built over the
everything his family had built over the past century and a half. The dragons
past century and a half. The dragons that had once filled the skies of
that had once filled the skies of Westeros were gone, save for a few
Westeros were gone, save for a few sickly creatures that grew smaller and
sickly creatures that grew smaller and weaker with each passing year. The great
weaker with each passing year. The great beasts that remained were shadows of
beasts that remained were shadows of their ancestors, unable to fly properly
their ancestors, unable to fly properly or breathe the cleansing fire that had
or breathe the cleansing fire that had once made the Targaryenss masters of the
once made the Targaryenss masters of the known world. The dragon pit, that
known world. The dragon pit, that magnificent dome that had housed dozens
magnificent dome that had housed dozens of the creatures, now echoed with
of the creatures, now echoed with emptiness. its broken stones a monument
emptiness. its broken stones a monument to the folly of civil war. Within a
to the folly of civil war. Within a generation, even these last dragons
generation, even these last dragons would perish, taking with them the magic
would perish, taking with them the magic that had elevated House Targaryen above
that had elevated House Targaryen above all other royal dynasties. The absence
all other royal dynasties. The absence of dragons changed the very nature of
of dragons changed the very nature of Targaryen rule, transforming the royal
Targaryen rule, transforming the royal family from near mythical figures
family from near mythical figures commanding creatures of legend into
commanding creatures of legend into merely the greatest of the great houses,
merely the greatest of the great houses, where once a king could enforce his will
where once a king could enforce his will through the threat of dragonfire. Now he
through the threat of dragonfire. Now he had to rely on the same tools of
had to rely on the same tools of diplomacy, bribery, and military force
diplomacy, bribery, and military force that other rulers used. The awe and
that other rulers used. The awe and terror that had kept the realm united
terror that had kept the realm united under Targaryen rule began to fade,
under Targaryen rule began to fade, replaced by a more pragmatic assessment
replaced by a more pragmatic assessment of royal power and its limitations.
of royal power and its limitations. Aegon II's regency was marked by
Aegon II's regency was marked by political instability and competing
political instability and competing factions vying for control of the young
factions vying for control of the young king and the kingdom he represented. The
king and the kingdom he represented. The hand of the king changed hands multiple
hand of the king changed hands multiple times as different noble houses sought
times as different noble houses sought to influence royal policy for their own
to influence royal policy for their own benefit. The scars of the dance of
benefit. The scars of the dance of dragons remained fresh with survivors on
dragons remained fresh with survivors on both sides harboring grudges and
both sides harboring grudges and suspicions that made effective
suspicions that made effective governance nearly impossible. The realm
governance nearly impossible. The realm that had once been held together by the
that had once been held together by the iron grip of dragon power now had to
iron grip of dragon power now had to learn to function through more
learn to function through more conventional means of statecraft and
conventional means of statecraft and diplomacy. The economic recovery from
diplomacy. The economic recovery from the civil war proved slow and painful as
the civil war proved slow and painful as entire regions struggled to rebuild from
entire regions struggled to rebuild from the devastation of dragonfire and
the devastation of dragonfire and conventional warfare. The royal treasury
conventional warfare. The royal treasury remained empty despite the crown's
remained empty despite the crown's attempts to raise revenues through
attempts to raise revenues through taxation and borrowing. The great noble
taxation and borrowing. The great noble houses that had suffered during the war
houses that had suffered during the war were reluctant to provide the financial
were reluctant to provide the financial support that the crown desperately
support that the crown desperately needed. While the common people who bore
needed. While the common people who bore the burden of increased taxes grew
the burden of increased taxes grew restive under the weight of royal
restive under the weight of royal demands, the prosperity that had
demands, the prosperity that had characterized the early Targaryen period
characterized the early Targaryen period seemed like a distant memory. The
seemed like a distant memory. The Blackfire rebellions began during this
Blackfire rebellions began during this period of weakness as descendants of
period of weakness as descendants of legitimized bastards pressed claims to
legitimized bastards pressed claims to the Iron Throne that found support among
the Iron Throne that found support among lords dissatisfied with Targaryen rule.
lords dissatisfied with Targaryen rule. Damon Blackfire, the great bastard who
Damon Blackfire, the great bastard who had been legitimized by King Aen IVth on
had been legitimized by King Aen IVth on his deathbed, represented everything
his deathbed, represented everything that the legitimate Targaryenss had
that the legitimate Targaryenss had lost. He was tall and strong and
lost. He was tall and strong and charismatic, skilled with sword and
charismatic, skilled with sword and lance, possessed of the silver gold hair
lance, possessed of the silver gold hair and purple eyes that marked true dragon
and purple eyes that marked true dragon blood. When he raised his standard in
blood. When he raised his standard in rebellion, calling himself the rightful
rebellion, calling himself the rightful king, many lords flocked to his banner.
king, many lords flocked to his banner. The first Blackfire Rebellion split the
The first Blackfire Rebellion split the kingdom once again, though thankfully
kingdom once again, though thankfully without the presence of dragons to
without the presence of dragons to multiply the destruction. The battle of
multiply the destruction. The battle of Red Grass Field became the decisive
Red Grass Field became the decisive engagement where Damon Blackfire fell
engagement where Damon Blackfire fell along with his twin sons, their deaths
along with his twin sons, their deaths ending the immediate threat, but not the
ending the immediate threat, but not the underlying causes of discontent. The
underlying causes of discontent. The Blackfire cause would continue to
Blackfire cause would continue to smolder for generations, erupting into
smolder for generations, erupting into open rebellion whenever royal authority
open rebellion whenever royal authority seemed weak or when foreign powers
seemed weak or when foreign powers sought to destabilize the Targaryen
sought to destabilize the Targaryen dynasty. King Darren II, called the
dynasty. King Darren II, called the good, represented a brief return to
good, represented a brief return to effective Targaryen rule through his
effective Targaryen rule through his marriage to Mariah Martell of Dawn. This
marriage to Mariah Martell of Dawn. This union finally brought the last of the
union finally brought the last of the seven kingdoms into the royal fold,
seven kingdoms into the royal fold, ending centuries of Dornish independence
ending centuries of Dornish independence through diplomacy rather than conquest.
through diplomacy rather than conquest. The integration of Dawn required
The integration of Dawn required delicate handling as the proud princes
delicate handling as the proud princes of the desert realm insisted on
of the desert realm insisted on maintaining many of their traditional
maintaining many of their traditional laws and customs. The success of this
laws and customs. The success of this peaceful unification showed that the
peaceful unification showed that the Targaryenss could still achieve great
Targaryenss could still achieve great things when they relied on wisdom rather
things when they relied on wisdom rather than force. Yet even this triumph
than force. Yet even this triumph carried the seeds of future problems as
carried the seeds of future problems as the Dornish marriage brought foreign
the Dornish marriage brought foreign influences into the royal court that
influences into the royal court that many traditional Westerosi lords viewed
many traditional Westerosi lords viewed with suspicion. The customs of Dawn,
with suspicion. The customs of Dawn, including their more egalitarian
including their more egalitarian approach to inheritance, and their
approach to inheritance, and their tolerance for bastards conflicted with
tolerance for bastards conflicted with established Westerosi practices. The
established Westerosi practices. The children born of the royal marriage
children born of the royal marriage carried both Targaryen and Martell
carried both Targaryen and Martell blood, creating new complexities in the
blood, creating new complexities in the succession that would trouble future
succession that would trouble future generations. The reign of Aries marked
generations. The reign of Aries marked another low point in Targaryen fortunes.
another low point in Targaryen fortunes. As the scholarly king proved more
As the scholarly king proved more interested in books and manuscripts than
interested in books and manuscripts than in the practical business of ruling, his
in the practical business of ruling, his neglect of governmental affairs allowed
neglect of governmental affairs allowed ambitious lords to pursue their own
ambitious lords to pursue their own agendas while the crown's authority
agendas while the crown's authority continued to erode. The great spring
continued to erode. The great spring sickness that swept through Westeros
sickness that swept through Westeros during his reign killed tens of
during his reign killed tens of thousands and demonstrated the
thousands and demonstrated the monarchy's inability to protect its
monarchy's inability to protect its subjects from natural disasters. The
subjects from natural disasters. The king's own death from the plague seemed
king's own death from the plague seemed to symbolize the dynasty's helplessness
to symbolize the dynasty's helplessness in the face of forces beyond its
in the face of forces beyond its control. The succession of Maka the
control. The succession of Maka the brought military competence back to the
brought military competence back to the throne. But his reign was marked by
throne. But his reign was marked by continued rebellions and the ongoing
continued rebellions and the ongoing challenge of maintaining royal authority
challenge of maintaining royal authority without dragons. The second Blackfire
without dragons. The second Blackfire rebellion, though unsuccessful, showed
rebellion, though unsuccessful, showed that the underlying tensions in the
that the underlying tensions in the realm remained unresolved. The king's
realm remained unresolved. The king's harsh methods of suppressing disscent
harsh methods of suppressing disscent alienated many lords who might otherwise
alienated many lords who might otherwise have supported the crown while his
have supported the crown while his military campaigns drained the treasury
military campaigns drained the treasury and exhausted the kingdom's resources.
and exhausted the kingdom's resources. The tragedy at Summerhal where King
The tragedy at Summerhal where King Aegon Fe and Prince Duncan perished in
Aegon Fe and Prince Duncan perished in the flames that consumed the royal
the flames that consumed the royal summer palace became a symbol of
summer palace became a symbol of Targaryen hubris and the price of
Targaryen hubris and the price of attempting to restore the family's lost
attempting to restore the family's lost glory. The king's obsession with
glory. The king's obsession with hatching dragon eggs using wildfire and
hatching dragon eggs using wildfire and dark magic in his desperate attempts to
dark magic in his desperate attempts to bring the great beasts back to life
bring the great beasts back to life resulted in a confflgration that killed
resulted in a confflgration that killed much of the royal family and destroyed
much of the royal family and destroyed one of their most beautiful residences.
one of their most beautiful residences. The irony that Targaryenss who had once
The irony that Targaryenss who had once commanded dragon fire should die in
commanded dragon fire should die in flames of their own making was not lost
flames of their own making was not lost on those who chronicled the dynasty's
on those who chronicled the dynasty's decline. The reign of Jiheris II was
decline. The reign of Jiheris II was brief but significant. As the king
brief but significant. As the king attempted to restore royal prestige
attempted to restore royal prestige through traditional means of
through traditional means of statecraftraft and marriage alliances,
statecraftraft and marriage alliances, his efforts to strengthen ties with the
his efforts to strengthen ties with the great houses through carefully arranged
great houses through carefully arranged marriages showed a pragmatic
marriages showed a pragmatic understanding of the new realities of
understanding of the new realities of Targaryen rule. However, his reign was
Targaryen rule. However, his reign was overshadowed by the growing threat from
overshadowed by the growing threat from across the narrow sea, where the exiled
across the narrow sea, where the exiled Blackfire pretenders continued to plot
Blackfire pretenders continued to plot their return with the support of foreign
their return with the support of foreign powers. The war of the nine penny kings
powers. The war of the nine penny kings brought the Blackfire threat to a
brought the Blackfire threat to a climax. As me the monstrous led a
climax. As me the monstrous led a coalition of exiles and sell swords in
coalition of exiles and sell swords in an attempt to conquer Westeros, the
an attempt to conquer Westeros, the royal response led by Prince Aries and
royal response led by Prince Aries and his friends successfully repelled the
his friends successfully repelled the invasion, but at great cost. The victory
invasion, but at great cost. The victory at the Stepstones eliminated the last of
at the Stepstones eliminated the last of the Blackfire male line, but
the Blackfire male line, but demonstrated how vulnerable the kingdom
demonstrated how vulnerable the kingdom remained to external threats. The young
remained to external threats. The young princes who fought in the war, including
princes who fought in the war, including the future Mad King Aries II, were
the future Mad King Aries II, were shaped by the violence they witnessed
shaped by the violence they witnessed and the responsibilities thrust upon
and the responsibilities thrust upon them. The cultural changes that
them. The cultural changes that accompanied the dynasty's political
accompanied the dynasty's political decline were equally significant. As the
decline were equally significant. As the realm gradually adapted to life without
realm gradually adapted to life without dragons, the songs and stories that had
dragons, the songs and stories that had once celebrated Targaryen greatness
once celebrated Targaryen greatness began to take on a more melancholy tone,
began to take on a more melancholy tone, focusing on past glories rather than
focusing on past glories rather than present achievements. The great
present achievements. The great tournaments and festivals that had
tournaments and festivals that had marked the height of royal power became
marked the height of royal power became smaller and less frequent, while the
smaller and less frequent, while the courtly culture that had flourished
courtly culture that had flourished under earlier kings grew more
under earlier kings grew more introspective and pessimistic. The faith
introspective and pessimistic. The faith of the seven, which had been carefully
of the seven, which had been carefully managed by earlier Targaryen kings,
managed by earlier Targaryen kings, began to reassert its independence as
began to reassert its independence as royal power weakened. The high septans
royal power weakened. The high septans of this period were less willing to bend
of this period were less willing to bend to royal will. While the militant orders
to royal will. While the militant orders that had been suppressed after the faith
that had been suppressed after the faith militant uprising began to reorganize in
militant uprising began to reorganize in more subtle forms, the relationship
more subtle forms, the relationship between crown and faith, once a source
between crown and faith, once a source of mutual support, became increasingly
of mutual support, became increasingly strained as religious leaders questioned
strained as religious leaders questioned the divine right of kings who no longer
the divine right of kings who no longer commanded supernatural power. The great
commanded supernatural power. The great noble houses that had once trembled
noble houses that had once trembled before Targaryen dragons now began to
before Targaryen dragons now began to assert their own authority more boldly.
assert their own authority more boldly. The Starks of Winterfell, the Lannisters
The Starks of Winterfell, the Lannisters of Casterly Rock, and the other major
of Casterly Rock, and the other major families started to act more like
families started to act more like independent powers than mere subjects of
independent powers than mere subjects of the Iron Throne. Regional conflicts that
the Iron Throne. Regional conflicts that would once have been quickly suppressed
would once have been quickly suppressed by royal intervention were allowed to
by royal intervention were allowed to fester, creating instability that
fester, creating instability that weakened the kingdom's overall unity and
weakened the kingdom's overall unity and strength. The economic decline that had
strength. The economic decline that had begun with the dance of dragons
begun with the dance of dragons continued throughout this period as the
continued throughout this period as the lack of royal authority made trade more
lack of royal authority made trade more difficult and expensive. Pirates and
difficult and expensive. Pirates and bandits operated with greater impunity.
bandits operated with greater impunity. While the great trading companies that
While the great trading companies that had once flourished under royal
had once flourished under royal protection began to look elsewhere for
protection began to look elsewhere for security and profit. The crown's
security and profit. The crown's attempts to raise revenue through
attempts to raise revenue through increased taxation only made the problem
increased taxation only made the problem worse. As overtaxed merchants and
worse. As overtaxed merchants and farmers had less capital to invest in
farmers had less capital to invest in productive activities, the military
productive activities, the military reforms that had once made the Royal
reforms that had once made the Royal Army the most effective force in
Army the most effective force in Westeros were gradually abandoned as the
Westeros were gradually abandoned as the crown could no longer afford to maintain
crown could no longer afford to maintain professional soldiers. The feudal levies
professional soldiers. The feudal levies that replaced them were less disciplined
that replaced them were less disciplined and less reliable, while the lack of
and less reliable, while the lack of dragons meant that even large armies
dragons meant that even large armies could be challenged by determined
could be challenged by determined opponents. The Royal Navy, once the
opponents. The Royal Navy, once the terror of the narrow sea was reduced to
terror of the narrow sea was reduced to a fraction of its former strength, as
a fraction of its former strength, as the crown could no longer afford to
the crown could no longer afford to build and maintain the great warships
build and maintain the great warships that had projected Targaryen power
that had projected Targaryen power across the known world. The intellectual
across the known world. The intellectual and artistic decline that accompanied
and artistic decline that accompanied the political weakening of the dynasty
the political weakening of the dynasty was perhaps the most subtle but
was perhaps the most subtle but ultimately most damaging aspect of the
ultimately most damaging aspect of the period. The great libraries that had
period. The great libraries that had been accumulated by scholarly kings were
been accumulated by scholarly kings were neglected or destroyed, while the
neglected or destroyed, while the patronage that had supported artists and
patronage that had supported artists and musicians was reduced or eliminated
musicians was reduced or eliminated entirely. The loss of knowledge and
entirely. The loss of knowledge and culture that resulted from this neglect
culture that resulted from this neglect impoverished the entire kingdom,
impoverished the entire kingdom, creating a generation that was less
creating a generation that was less educated and less cultured than their
educated and less cultured than their predecessors. As the Targaryen dynasty
predecessors. As the Targaryen dynasty entered what would prove to be its final
entered what would prove to be its final century of rule, the signs of terminal
century of rule, the signs of terminal decline were visible to anyone willing
decline were visible to anyone willing to see them. The kings who sat the Iron
to see them. The kings who sat the Iron Throne were shadows of their ancestors,
Throne were shadows of their ancestors, lacking both the supernatural power that
lacking both the supernatural power that had elevated their house and the
had elevated their house and the political skills necessary to rule
political skills necessary to rule effectively without it. The kingdom they
effectively without it. The kingdom they governed was increasingly fractured and
governed was increasingly fractured and rebellious, held together more by habit
rebellious, held together more by habit and inertia than by any genuine loyalty
and inertia than by any genuine loyalty to the crown. The wheel of history
to the crown. The wheel of history continued to turn, carrying the once
continued to turn, carrying the once mighty Targaryen dynasty toward a doom
mighty Targaryen dynasty toward a doom that many could sense, but few dared to
that many could sense, but few dared to name. The Game of Thrones was entering a
name. The Game of Thrones was entering a new phase, one in which the ancient
new phase, one in which the ancient rules no longer applied, and new players
rules no longer applied, and new players would soon emerge to challenge the
would soon emerge to challenge the established order. The age of decline
established order. The age of decline was ending, but what would replace it
was ending, but what would replace it remained shrouded in mystery and
remained shrouded in mystery and speculation. The madness that would
speculation. The madness that would define the final years of Targaryen rule
define the final years of Targaryen rule did not descend upon King Aras II all at
did not descend upon King Aras II all at once, but crept into his mind like
once, but crept into his mind like poison seeping through cracked stone,
poison seeping through cracked stone, slowly corrupting everything it touched
slowly corrupting everything it touched until reason itself became the enemy. In
until reason itself became the enemy. In his youth, Aras had been everything a
his youth, Aras had been everything a king should be. Handsome and
king should be. Handsome and charismatic, brave in battle and clever
charismatic, brave in battle and clever in council, beloved by lords and small
in council, beloved by lords and small folk alike. The prince who had fought
folk alike. The prince who had fought valiantly in the war of the Nineny kings
valiantly in the war of the Nineny kings and charmed the court with his wit and
and charmed the court with his wit and wisdom seemed destined for a golden
wisdom seemed destined for a golden reign that would restore the Targaryen
reign that would restore the Targaryen dynasty to its former glory. The
dynasty to its former glory. The transformation began slowly almost
transformation began slowly almost imperceptibly with small eccentricities
imperceptibly with small eccentricities that his friends and advisers dismissed
that his friends and advisers dismissed as the harmless quirks of genius. Aris
as the harmless quirks of genius. Aris became increasingly suspicious of those
became increasingly suspicious of those around him, seeing plots and
around him, seeing plots and conspiracies where none existed,
conspiracies where none existed, interpreting innocent gestures as signs
interpreting innocent gestures as signs of treachery. His famous friendship with
of treachery. His famous friendship with Tywin Lannister, forged in their youth
Tywin Lannister, forged in their youth and strengthened through years of shared
and strengthened through years of shared trials, began to sour as the king's
trials, began to sour as the king's paranoia grew. where once he had trusted
paranoia grew. where once he had trusted Tywin above all others, now he saw his
Tywin above all others, now he saw his hand as a potential rival whose
hand as a potential rival whose competence and popularity threatened the
competence and popularity threatened the royal prerogative. The defiance of
royal prerogative. The defiance of Duskandale marked the true beginning of
Duskandale marked the true beginning of the king's descent into madness, though
the king's descent into madness, though its full extent would not become
its full extent would not become apparent for years to come. When Lord
apparent for years to come. When Lord Darklin of Duskandale refused to pay
Darklin of Duskandale refused to pay certain taxes and imprisoned the king
certain taxes and imprisoned the king during what should have been routine
during what should have been routine negotiations, Aris experienced a terror
negotiations, Aris experienced a terror and helplessness that shattered
and helplessness that shattered something fundamental in his psyche. The
something fundamental in his psyche. The rescue mounted by Sir Barristan Selme
rescue mounted by Sir Barristan Selme saved the king's life, but could not
saved the king's life, but could not repair the damage done to his mind
repair the damage done to his mind during those months of captivity and
during those months of captivity and uncertainty. After Duskondale, the king,
uncertainty. After Duskondale, the king, who had once been known for his easy
who had once been known for his easy laughter and quick wit, became
laughter and quick wit, became increasingly withdrawn and erratic. He
increasingly withdrawn and erratic. He refused to allow his hair or fingernails
refused to allow his hair or fingernails to be cut, believing that steel near his
to be cut, believing that steel near his person invited assassination. His once
person invited assassination. His once handsome appearance deteriorated as he
handsome appearance deteriorated as he grew thin and wildl looking, his silver
grew thin and wildl looking, his silver gold hair becoming a tangled mess that
gold hair becoming a tangled mess that reached nearly to his feet. The purple
reached nearly to his feet. The purple eyes that had once sparkled with
eyes that had once sparkled with intelligence now burned with a feverish
intelligence now burned with a feverish intensity that made even his closest
intensity that made even his closest courtiers uncomfortable.
courtiers uncomfortable. The king's growing obsession with
The king's growing obsession with wildfire became the most visible sign of
wildfire became the most visible sign of his deteriorating mental state. Where
his deteriorating mental state. Where his ancestors had commanded dragons,
his ancestors had commanded dragons, Aries became fascinated with the green
Aries became fascinated with the green flames that burned so hot they could
flames that burned so hot they could melt steel and stone. He spent hours
melt steel and stone. He spent hours watching alchemists prepare their
watching alchemists prepare their volatile substances, delighting in the
volatile substances, delighting in the destructive potential of their
destructive potential of their creations. The guild of Alchemists, long
creations. The guild of Alchemists, long a minor institution in King's Landing,
a minor institution in King's Landing, suddenly found themselves elevated to
suddenly found themselves elevated to positions of influence and importance as
positions of influence and importance as the king sought ever more potent forms
the king sought ever more potent forms of the substance he called his dragon
of the substance he called his dragon fire. The deterioration of Aerys's
fire. The deterioration of Aerys's relationship with his queen Raela
relationship with his queen Raela reflected the broader corruption of his
reflected the broader corruption of his character during this period where once
character during this period where once he had been a loving husband, he became
he had been a loving husband, he became increasingly violent and unpredictable.
increasingly violent and unpredictable. His treatment of his sister wife growing
His treatment of his sister wife growing so harsh that even the court that had
so harsh that even the court that had witnessed decades of Targaryen
witnessed decades of Targaryen eccentricity was shocked. The queen bore
eccentricity was shocked. The queen bore the visible marks of his abuse, while
the visible marks of his abuse, while her miscarriages and still births became
her miscarriages and still births became testament to the dysfunction that had
testament to the dysfunction that had infected the royal household. Only the
infected the royal household. Only the birth of Prince Vizeris offered any hope
birth of Prince Vizeris offered any hope for the future of the dynasty. Tywin
for the future of the dynasty. Tywin Lannister's resignation as hand of the
Lannister's resignation as hand of the king marked a turning point in both the
king marked a turning point in both the reign and the kingdom's history. The man
reign and the kingdom's history. The man who had served the crown faithfully for
who had served the crown faithfully for 20 years, transforming the realm's
20 years, transforming the realm's finances and governance with his
finances and governance with his ruthless efficiency, could no longer
ruthless efficiency, could no longer tolerate the king's increasingly erratic
tolerate the king's increasingly erratic behavior. His departure removed the last
behavior. His departure removed the last check on Heresy's worst impulses, while
check on Heresy's worst impulses, while also depriving the crown of its most
also depriving the crown of its most capable administrator. The insult the
capable administrator. The insult the king delivered at Tywin's farewell,
king delivered at Tywin's farewell, suggesting that he had always been a
suggesting that he had always been a servant rather than a friend, ensured
servant rather than a friend, ensured that the former hand would harbor a
that the former hand would harbor a personal grudge against the Targaryen
personal grudge against the Targaryen dynasty. The king's paranoia reached new
dynasty. The king's paranoia reached new heights with his conviction that enemies
heights with his conviction that enemies surrounded him on all sides, plotting
surrounded him on all sides, plotting his downfall and the destruction of his
his downfall and the destruction of his family. He saw treason in every shadow
family. He saw treason in every shadow and conspiracy in every conversation,
and conspiracy in every conversation, turning the Red Keep into a prison where
turning the Red Keep into a prison where trust was a luxury that no one could
trust was a luxury that no one could afford. The small council meetings that
afford. The small council meetings that had once been forums for serious
had once been forums for serious discussion of policy became exercises in
discussion of policy became exercises in fear management as counselors learned to
fear management as counselors learned to tell the king only what he wanted to
tell the king only what he wanted to hear rather than what he needed to know.
hear rather than what he needed to know. The burning of Lord Rickard Stark and
The burning of Lord Rickard Stark and the strangulation of his heir Brandon
the strangulation of his heir Brandon became the axe that transformed royal
became the axe that transformed royal eccentricity into open tyranny. When the
eccentricity into open tyranny. When the young Stark Lord came to King's Landing
young Stark Lord came to King's Landing demanding justice for his sister's
demanding justice for his sister's alleged abduction by Prince Rhaegar, he
alleged abduction by Prince Rhaegar, he was arrested on charges of plotting
was arrested on charges of plotting against the crown. The trial by combat
against the crown. The trial by combat that followed was a mockery of justice
that followed was a mockery of justice with fire serving as the king's champion
with fire serving as the king's champion while Brandon strangled himself trying
while Brandon strangled himself trying to save his father from the flames. The
to save his father from the flames. The sight of a great lord of the north being
sight of a great lord of the north being burned alive while his son died trying
burned alive while his son died trying to reach him shocked even those who had
to reach him shocked even those who had grown accustomed to royal brutality. The
grown accustomed to royal brutality. The demand for the heads of Robert Baratheon
demand for the heads of Robert Baratheon and Ned Stark was the final straw that
and Ned Stark was the final straw that broke the already strained loyalty of
broke the already strained loyalty of the great houses. John Aaron, the Lord
the great houses. John Aaron, the Lord of the Veil, who had fostered both young
of the Veil, who had fostered both young men, faced an impossible choice between
men, faced an impossible choice between honor and survival. His decision to call
honor and survival. His decision to call his banners in defiance of royal command
his banners in defiance of royal command sparked the rebellion that would bring
sparked the rebellion that would bring down the Targaryen dynasty as three of
down the Targaryen dynasty as three of the most powerful regions of Westeros
the most powerful regions of Westeros united against a king they could no
united against a king they could no longer tolerate or trust. Robert's
longer tolerate or trust. Robert's rebellion, as history would remember it,
rebellion, as history would remember it, was fought not just against a king, but
was fought not just against a king, but against the entire system of absolute
against the entire system of absolute monarchy that had governed Westeros for
monarchy that had governed Westeros for three centuries. The rebels represented
three centuries. The rebels represented a new vision of governance, one where
a new vision of governance, one where the power of kings was limited by law
the power of kings was limited by law and custom rather than merely by their
and custom rather than merely by their own conscience and wisdom. The battles
own conscience and wisdom. The battles that followed would determine not just
that followed would determine not just who sat the Iron Throne, but what kind
who sat the Iron Throne, but what kind of kingdom Westeros would become in the
of kingdom Westeros would become in the future. The Battle of the Trident became
future. The Battle of the Trident became the decisive engagement of the war,
the decisive engagement of the war, where Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, the heir
where Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, the heir to the throne, who had been seen as the
to the throne, who had been seen as the dynasty's best hope for redemption, fell
dynasty's best hope for redemption, fell beneath Robert Baratheon's Warhammer.
beneath Robert Baratheon's Warhammer. The prince's death in the Ruby Ford of
The prince's death in the Ruby Ford of the Trident symbolized the end of the
the Trident symbolized the end of the Targaryen dream of restoration, as their
Targaryen dream of restoration, as their most capable leader perished trying to
most capable leader perished trying to defend a father whose madness had made
defend a father whose madness had made the crown itself a source of instability
the crown itself a source of instability and fear. As news of defeat reached
and fear. As news of defeat reached King's Landing, Aerys's madness reached
King's Landing, Aerys's madness reached its final most destructive phase.
its final most destructive phase. Convinced that enemies were closing in
Convinced that enemies were closing in on all sides and that his reign was
on all sides and that his reign was doomed, he commanded the pyromancers to
doomed, he commanded the pyromancers to place caches of wildfire throughout the
place caches of wildfire throughout the city. His plan was simple and terrible.
city. His plan was simple and terrible. If he could not rule King's Landing,
If he could not rule King's Landing, then no one would, and the entire
then no one would, and the entire population would burn along with him in
population would burn along with him in a final confflgration that would deny
a final confflgration that would deny his enemies the prize they sought. The
his enemies the prize they sought. The king's last words, "Burn them all,"
king's last words, "Burn them all," became the epitap for a dynasty that had
became the epitap for a dynasty that had once commanded dragons and ruled the
once commanded dragons and ruled the known world. spoken to Rosset, the chief
known world. spoken to Rosset, the chief pyromancer who had helped place wildfire
pyromancer who had helped place wildfire throughout the city. They represented
throughout the city. They represented the final surrender of sanity to the
the final surrender of sanity to the madness that had consumed the last
madness that had consumed the last Targaryen king. Only the intervention of
Targaryen king. Only the intervention of Sirime Lannister, who killed both the
Sirime Lannister, who killed both the king and his pyromancer before they
king and his pyromancer before they could ignite the city, prevented the
could ignite the city, prevented the capital from becoming a funeral p for
capital from becoming a funeral p for half a million people. The death of
half a million people. The death of Aries II in the throne room of the Red
Aries II in the throne room of the Red Keep, stabbed in the back by a knight of
Keep, stabbed in the back by a knight of his own king's guard, was as englorious
his own king's guard, was as englorious as his reign had been tragic. The man
as his reign had been tragic. The man who had once seemed destined for
who had once seemed destined for greatness died alone and unmourned. His
greatness died alone and unmourned. His body left on the cold stone floor, while
body left on the cold stone floor, while the city he had tried to destroy
the city he had tried to destroy celebrated its salvation. The golden
celebrated its salvation. The golden hand that had once worn the rings of
hand that had once worn the rings of office was stained with blood, while the
office was stained with blood, while the Iron Throne itself seemed to reject its
Iron Throne itself seemed to reject its last Targaryen occupant. The sack of
last Targaryen occupant. The sack of King's Landing that followed Robert's
King's Landing that followed Robert's victory was brutal and thorough as years
victory was brutal and thorough as years of accumulated resentment against
of accumulated resentment against Targaryen rule found expression in
Targaryen rule found expression in violence and destruction. The royal
violence and destruction. The royal family that had once seemed untouchable
family that had once seemed untouchable was scattered or destroyed with Princess
was scattered or destroyed with Princess Alia and her children murdered by
Alia and her children murdered by Lannister troops eager to prove their
Lannister troops eager to prove their loyalty to the new regime. The wealth
loyalty to the new regime. The wealth that the Targaryenss had accumulated
that the Targaryenss had accumulated over three centuries of rule was looted
over three centuries of rule was looted or destroyed while the symbols of their
or destroyed while the symbols of their power were torn down or defaced. The
power were torn down or defaced. The discovery of the wildfire caches hidden
discovery of the wildfire caches hidden throughout the city served as a final
throughout the city served as a final revelation of how close the kingdom had
revelation of how close the kingdom had come to total destruction. The green
come to total destruction. The green flames that areas had intended as his
flames that areas had intended as his legacy were carefully removed and
legacy were carefully removed and disposed of. But the knowledge of how
disposed of. But the knowledge of how near the city had come to annihilation
near the city had come to annihilation haunted those who learned the truth. The
haunted those who learned the truth. The Mad King's final plan represented the
Mad King's final plan represented the ultimate expression of the Targaryen
ultimate expression of the Targaryen motto, fire and blood, turned not
motto, fire and blood, turned not against enemies, but against the very
against enemies, but against the very people they had sworn to protect. The
people they had sworn to protect. The escape of Prince Vizeris and the
escape of Prince Vizeris and the pregnant Queen Raela to Dragonstone
pregnant Queen Raela to Dragonstone ensured that the Targaryen bloodline
ensured that the Targaryen bloodline would survive, though in exile rather
would survive, though in exile rather than glory. The birth of Princess
than glory. The birth of Princess Daenerys during the storm that gave her
Daenerys during the storm that gave her the nickname Stormbborn provided a final
the nickname Stormbborn provided a final irony. As the dynasty's last hope was
irony. As the dynasty's last hope was born on the ancestral seat that had
born on the ancestral seat that had witnessed its rise to power centuries
witnessed its rise to power centuries earlier, the children who fled across
earlier, the children who fled across the narrow sea carried with them the
the narrow sea carried with them the dreams and ambitions of their ancestors,
dreams and ambitions of their ancestors, but also the burden of their father's
but also the burden of their father's madness and the crimes committed in
madness and the crimes committed in their family's name. The fall of the
their family's name. The fall of the Targaryen dynasty was not just a
Targaryen dynasty was not just a political revolution, but a cultural
political revolution, but a cultural transformation that changed the very
transformation that changed the very nature of Westerosi society. The
nature of Westerosi society. The absolute monarchy that had existed since
absolute monarchy that had existed since Aegon's conquest was replaced by a more
Aegon's conquest was replaced by a more limited form of kingship, where the
limited form of kingship, where the great houses retained significant
great houses retained significant autonomy, and the crown ruled by consent
autonomy, and the crown ruled by consent rather than fear. The age of dragons was
rather than fear. The age of dragons was truly over, replaced by an age where
truly over, replaced by an age where power flowed from loyalty and alliance
power flowed from loyalty and alliance rather than supernatural authority. The
rather than supernatural authority. The economic disruption caused by the
economic disruption caused by the rebellion and its aftermath was severe
rebellion and its aftermath was severe but ultimately liberating as the rigid
but ultimately liberating as the rigid structures that had governed trade and
structures that had governed trade and commerce under Targaryen rule gave way
commerce under Targaryen rule gave way to more flexible arrangements. The great
to more flexible arrangements. The great houses that had once been merely
houses that had once been merely subjects of the Iron Throne now became
subjects of the Iron Throne now became partners in governance. their
partners in governance. their cooperation essential to the stability
cooperation essential to the stability and prosperity of the realm. The
and prosperity of the realm. The merkantile classes that had been
merkantile classes that had been constrained by royal monopolies found
constrained by royal monopolies found new opportunities for profit and
new opportunities for profit and expansion. The religious implications of
expansion. The religious implications of the Targaryen fall were equally
the Targaryen fall were equally significant as the faith of the seven
significant as the faith of the seven was freed from the uncomfortable
was freed from the uncomfortable accommodation it had maintained with a
accommodation it had maintained with a dynasty that practiced incest and
dynasty that practiced incest and claimed divine right. The new royal
claimed divine right. The new royal house, drawn from the ancient Andal
house, drawn from the ancient Andal nobility, represented a return to more
nobility, represented a return to more traditional religious values and
traditional religious values and customs. The Septans, who had once been
customs. The Septans, who had once been forced to justify Targaryen
forced to justify Targaryen exceptionalism, could now preach a
exceptionalism, could now preach a simpler message of moral law and divine
simpler message of moral law and divine justice. As the realm adjusted to life
justice. As the realm adjusted to life under a new dynasty, the legacy of the
under a new dynasty, the legacy of the Mad King served as a constant reminder
Mad King served as a constant reminder of the dangers of absolute power and the
of the dangers of absolute power and the importance of limiting royal authority.
importance of limiting royal authority. The lessons learned from Aras II's reign
The lessons learned from Aras II's reign would influence Westerosi political
would influence Westerosi political thought for generations, shaping the
thought for generations, shaping the relationship between crown and nobility
relationship between crown and nobility in ways that made future tyranny more
in ways that made future tyranny more difficult to establish. The wheel of
difficult to establish. The wheel of history had turned once again, crushing
history had turned once again, crushing beneath it a dynasty that had once
beneath it a dynasty that had once seemed eternal and invincible. The crown
seemed eternal and invincible. The crown that Robert Baratheon claimed through
that Robert Baratheon claimed through right of conquest, sat heavy upon his
right of conquest, sat heavy upon his head, weighed down not by gold and
head, weighed down not by gold and jewels, but by the ghost of the woman he
jewels, but by the ghost of the woman he could never save. And the burden of
could never save. And the burden of ruling a kingdom he had never truly
ruling a kingdom he had never truly wanted. The great warrior who had
wanted. The great warrior who had shattered the Targaryen dynasty with his
shattered the Targaryen dynasty with his Warhammer found that governing was a far
Warhammer found that governing was a far more complex challenge than warfare,
more complex challenge than warfare, requiring patience and attention to
requiring patience and attention to detail that his restless nature could
detail that his restless nature could barely tolerate. The Iron Throne that
barely tolerate. The Iron Throne that had been forged by dragon fire cut him
had been forged by dragon fire cut him as it had cut so many kings before. But
as it had cut so many kings before. But these wounds were nothing compared to
these wounds were nothing compared to the deeper pain that Lyanna Stark's
the deeper pain that Lyanna Stark's memory carved into his heart. The early
memory carved into his heart. The early years of Robert's reign were marked by a
years of Robert's reign were marked by a prosperity that seemed to validate the
prosperity that seemed to validate the rebels decision to overthrow the Mad
rebels decision to overthrow the Mad King. The realm that had been torn apart
King. The realm that had been torn apart by civil war began to heal under the
by civil war began to heal under the steady guidance of capable
steady guidance of capable administrators, while the king's larger
administrators, while the king's larger than-l life personality helped to unite
than-l life personality helped to unite former enemies under a common banner.
former enemies under a common banner. Robert's great feasts and tournaments
Robert's great feasts and tournaments became legendary throughout the seven
became legendary throughout the seven kingdoms. Spectacles of generosity and
kingdoms. Spectacles of generosity and celebration that reminded the people why
celebration that reminded the people why they had welcomed his rule. The sight of
they had welcomed his rule. The sight of their new king laughing and drinking
their new king laughing and drinking with lords who had once been his enemies
with lords who had once been his enemies demonstrated a magnanmity that few
demonstrated a magnanmity that few monarchs could match. Yet beneath the
monarchs could match. Yet beneath the surface of this golden age, problems
surface of this golden age, problems were already beginning to accumulate
were already beginning to accumulate like storm clouds on a distant horizon.
like storm clouds on a distant horizon. The royal treasury, which had been
The royal treasury, which had been replenished by the spoils of victory and
replenished by the spoils of victory and the confiscation of Targaryen wealth,
the confiscation of Targaryen wealth, began to empty as Robert's appetite for
began to empty as Robert's appetite for expensive celebrations grew. The king,
expensive celebrations grew. The king, who had won his throne through careful
who had won his throne through careful planning and strategic thinking in war,
planning and strategic thinking in war, proved remarkably careless about the
proved remarkably careless about the mundane details of governance in peace.
mundane details of governance in peace. He left the running of the kingdom to
He left the running of the kingdom to his hand and small council while he
his hand and small council while he pursued the pleasures that helped him
pursued the pleasures that helped him forget his deeper sorrows. John Aarin,
forget his deeper sorrows. John Aarin, the lord of the veil, who had raised
the lord of the veil, who had raised Robert from boyhood and guided the
Robert from boyhood and guided the rebellion to victory, became the true
rebellion to victory, became the true ruler of Westeros in all but name. His
ruler of Westeros in all but name. His steady hand and careful policies
steady hand and careful policies provided the stability that allowed the
provided the stability that allowed the realm to recover from the trauma of
realm to recover from the trauma of civil war. While his reputation for
civil war. While his reputation for honor and justice helped to legitimize
honor and justice helped to legitimize the new dynasty, the childless lord
the new dynasty, the childless lord treated Robert as the son he had never
treated Robert as the son he had never had, indulging his excesses while
had, indulging his excesses while quietly working to minimize their
quietly working to minimize their harmful effects on the kingdom's
harmful effects on the kingdom's governance. The marriage between Robert
governance. The marriage between Robert and Cersei Lannister, arranged to bind
and Cersei Lannister, arranged to bind the new dynasty to the wealth and power
the new dynasty to the wealth and power of Castelli Rock, represented both the
of Castelli Rock, represented both the political necessities and personal
political necessities and personal tragedies that defined the reign. Robert
tragedies that defined the reign. Robert had loved only one woman in his life,
had loved only one woman in his life, and she was dead, making any subsequent
and she was dead, making any subsequent marriage a matter of duty rather than
marriage a matter of duty rather than affection. Cersei, beautiful and
affection. Cersei, beautiful and intelligent, but proud and ambitious,
intelligent, but proud and ambitious, found herself wed to a man who called
found herself wed to a man who called her by another woman's name in their
her by another woman's name in their marriage bed. The union that should have
marriage bed. The union that should have been a source of strength for both house
been a source of strength for both house and kingdom became instead a wellspring
and kingdom became instead a wellspring of resentment and mutual contempt. The
of resentment and mutual contempt. The children born of this troubled marriage
children born of this troubled marriage inherited both the throne's burdens and
inherited both the throne's burdens and their parents' dysfunction. Growing up
their parents' dysfunction. Growing up in a royal household where love was
in a royal household where love was scarce and trust was even rarer. Prince
scarce and trust was even rarer. Prince Joffrey, goldenhaired and greeneyed like
Joffrey, goldenhaired and greeneyed like his mother, showed early signs of the
his mother, showed early signs of the cruelty that would later define his
cruelty that would later define his character. While Princess Meella and
character. While Princess Meella and Prince Tommen seemed to embody the
Prince Tommen seemed to embody the gentler virtues that their elder brother
gentler virtues that their elder brother lacked. The royal family that should
lacked. The royal family that should have provided stability and continuity
have provided stability and continuity for the new dynasty instead became a
for the new dynasty instead became a source of weakness and future conflict.
source of weakness and future conflict. The Greyjoy rebellion that erupted
The Greyjoy rebellion that erupted during the 10th year of Robert's reign
during the 10th year of Robert's reign provided the king with a welcome
provided the king with a welcome opportunity to return to the battlefield
opportunity to return to the battlefield where he felt most at home. The Ironborn
where he felt most at home. The Ironborn Lord Balon Greyjoyy's attempt to restore
Lord Balon Greyjoyy's attempt to restore the independence of the Iron Islands was
the independence of the Iron Islands was crushed with swift efficiency,
crushed with swift efficiency, demonstrating that the new royal house
demonstrating that the new royal house could project military power as
could project military power as effectively as its predecessor. The
effectively as its predecessor. The siege of Pike became the last great
siege of Pike became the last great military triumph of Robert's reign,
military triumph of Robert's reign, showing the kingdom that their warrior
showing the kingdom that their warrior king had lost none of his prowess with
king had lost none of his prowess with hammer and sword. The fostering of Theon
hammer and sword. The fostering of Theon Greyjoy at Winterfell following his
Greyjoy at Winterfell following his father's defeat represented the kind of
father's defeat represented the kind of wise policy that characterized the best
wise policy that characterized the best aspects of Robert's reign. Rather than
aspects of Robert's reign. Rather than simply executing the rebels or ruling
simply executing the rebels or ruling through fear, the crown chose to bind
through fear, the crown chose to bind former enemies through personal
former enemies through personal relationships and shared interests. The
relationships and shared interests. The young Ironborn Lord grew up among the
young Ironborn Lord grew up among the Starks, learning the values of honor and
Starks, learning the values of honor and loyalty that had made the North the
loyalty that had made the North the backbone of Robert's rebellion while
backbone of Robert's rebellion while serving as a living reminder of the
serving as a living reminder of the costs of defying royal authority. The
costs of defying royal authority. The peace that settled over Westeros during
peace that settled over Westeros during the middle years of Robert's reign was
the middle years of Robert's reign was deeper and more enduring than anything
deeper and more enduring than anything the realm had known since the early days
the realm had known since the early days of Targaryen rule. The great houses that
of Targaryen rule. The great houses that had spent centuries feuding with their
had spent centuries feuding with their neighbors found common cause in
neighbors found common cause in supporting a monarchy that respected
supporting a monarchy that respected their traditional rights while providing
their traditional rights while providing effective central authority. Trade
effective central authority. Trade flourished as never before, while the
flourished as never before, while the arts and learning experienced a
arts and learning experienced a renaissance that rivaled the greatest
renaissance that rivaled the greatest periods of the past. The tournaments
periods of the past. The tournaments that Robert loved became venues where
that Robert loved became venues where the kingdom's elite could compete and
the kingdom's elite could compete and mingle, forging relationships that
mingle, forging relationships that strengthened the realm's unity. Yet,
strengthened the realm's unity. Yet, even as the kingdom prospered, the king
even as the kingdom prospered, the king himself grew increasingly dissatisfied
himself grew increasingly dissatisfied with the constraints of rule and the
with the constraints of rule and the burdens of responsibility. The young
burdens of responsibility. The young warrior who had dreamed of glory on the
warrior who had dreamed of glory on the battlefield found himself trapped behind
battlefield found himself trapped behind a desk, forced to listen to endless
a desk, forced to listen to endless discussions of trade agreements and tax
discussions of trade agreements and tax policy when he longed to be hunting in
policy when he longed to be hunting in the forests of the Stormlands. His
the forests of the Stormlands. His weight increased along with his
weight increased along with his drinking, while his legendary strength
drinking, while his legendary strength began to fade as years of excess took
began to fade as years of excess took their toll on his once magnificent
their toll on his once magnificent physique. The death of John Aaron in the
physique. The death of John Aaron in the final year of Robert's reign marked the
final year of Robert's reign marked the end of an era and the beginning of the
end of an era and the beginning of the crisis that would ultimately destroy the
crisis that would ultimately destroy the kingdom's hard one piece. The hand who
kingdom's hard one piece. The hand who had served as father figure, chief
had served as father figure, chief minister, and wise counselor left behind
minister, and wise counselor left behind a vacuum that no one seemed capable of
a vacuum that no one seemed capable of filling. His final words muttered on his
filling. His final words muttered on his deathbed about the seed being strong
deathbed about the seed being strong hinted at the dangerous secrets he had
hinted at the dangerous secrets he had uncovered in his final months. Knowledge
uncovered in his final months. Knowledge that would die with him and leave the
that would die with him and leave the realm vulnerable to the chaos that was
realm vulnerable to the chaos that was coming. Robert's decision to travel
coming. Robert's decision to travel north to Winterfell and offer the
north to Winterfell and offer the position of hand to his old friend Ned
position of hand to his old friend Ned Stark represented both his instinctive
Stark represented both his instinctive wisdom in choosing capable advisers and
wisdom in choosing capable advisers and his tragic inability to see the larger
his tragic inability to see the larger forces that were already in motion. The
forces that were already in motion. The reunion between the two men who had been
reunion between the two men who had been closer than brothers during the
closer than brothers during the rebellion was bittersweet, marked by the
rebellion was bittersweet, marked by the passage of time and the weight of
passage of time and the weight of accumulated sorrows. Neither man could
accumulated sorrows. Neither man could have imagined that their meeting would
have imagined that their meeting would set in motion the events that would tear
set in motion the events that would tear the kingdom apart and bring an end to
the kingdom apart and bring an end to the peace they had both worked so hard
the peace they had both worked so hard to build. The hunt that would claim
to build. The hunt that would claim Robert's life began as a celebration of
Robert's life began as a celebration of friendship and a brief escape from the
friendship and a brief escape from the burdens of kingship. But it became
burdens of kingship. But it became instead the final chapter in the story
instead the final chapter in the story of a man who had won everything he
of a man who had won everything he thought he wanted only to discover that
thought he wanted only to discover that victory brought its own forms of
victory brought its own forms of suffering. The boar that gored him in
suffering. The boar that gored him in the woods near King's Landing was just
the woods near King's Landing was just an animal following its instincts. But
an animal following its instincts. But the wounds it inflicted would prove
the wounds it inflicted would prove fatal not just to the king, but to the
fatal not just to the king, but to the stability of the entire realm. As Robert
stability of the entire realm. As Robert lay dying in the Red Keep, surrounded by
lay dying in the Red Keep, surrounded by the symbols of power he had never truly
the symbols of power he had never truly wanted, the kingdom he had built through
wanted, the kingdom he had built through force of arms and strength of character
force of arms and strength of character began to fracture along the fault lines
began to fracture along the fault lines that had always existed beneath its
that had always existed beneath its peaceful surface. The great lords who
peaceful surface. The great lords who had united to overthrow one dynasty now
had united to overthrow one dynasty now prepared to fight each other for control
prepared to fight each other for control of the crown. While the common people
of the crown. While the common people who had prospered under his rule faced
who had prospered under his rule faced the prospect of another devastating
the prospect of another devastating civil war, the reign that had begun with
civil war, the reign that had begun with such promise ended in tragedy and
such promise ended in tragedy and forboding as the wheel of history
forboding as the wheel of history prepared to turn once again. The peace
prepared to turn once again. The peace that Robert had given Westeros was about
that Robert had given Westeros was about to be shattered, replaced by a conflict
to be shattered, replaced by a conflict that would make the wars of his youth
that would make the wars of his youth seem small by comparison. The Game of
seem small by comparison. The Game of Thrones was entering a new and more
Thrones was entering a new and more deadly phase, one where the stakes would
deadly phase, one where the stakes would be higher and the costs more terrible
be higher and the costs more terrible than any previous generation had
than any previous generation had imagined. The execution of Edard Stark
imagined. The execution of Edard Stark in the shadow of the great Sept of Bor
in the shadow of the great Sept of Bor was the spark that ignited a
was the spark that ignited a confflration across the seven kingdoms,
confflration across the seven kingdoms, transforming political maneuvering into
transforming political maneuvering into open warfare that would consume a
open warfare that would consume a generation and leave the realm forever
generation and leave the realm forever changed. The sight of ice, the ancient
changed. The sight of ice, the ancient Valyrian steel sword of House Stark,
Valyrian steel sword of House Stark, falling upon the neck of the most
falling upon the neck of the most honorable man in Westeros, sent shock
honorable man in Westeros, sent shock waves through every corner of the
waves through every corner of the kingdom. Lords who had been content to
kingdom. Lords who had been content to play the game of thrones through
play the game of thrones through whispers and alliances suddenly found
whispers and alliances suddenly found themselves forced to choose sides in a
themselves forced to choose sides in a conflict that would demand everything
conflict that would demand everything they possessed. King Joffrey's decision
they possessed. King Joffrey's decision to order the execution against the
to order the execution against the advice of his mother and the small
advice of his mother and the small council revealed the dangerous
council revealed the dangerous unpredictability that would characterize
unpredictability that would characterize his brief reign. The boy king who
his brief reign. The boy king who ascended the Iron Throne at 13 possessed
ascended the Iron Throne at 13 possessed all of his mother's cruelty and none of
all of his mother's cruelty and none of her cunning, making decisions based on
her cunning, making decisions based on impulse and spite rather than political
impulse and spite rather than political calculation. His golden crown sat at top
calculation. His golden crown sat at top a head filled with sadistic fantasies
a head filled with sadistic fantasies and delusions of absolute power, while
and delusions of absolute power, while his green eyes reflected the madness
his green eyes reflected the madness that seemed to run in both sides of his
that seemed to run in both sides of his true heritage. The North's response was
true heritage. The North's response was swift and devastating. as Rob Stark
swift and devastating. as Rob Stark called his banners and marched south
called his banners and marched south with an army of 30,000 men seeking
with an army of 30,000 men seeking justice for his father's murder. The
justice for his father's murder. The young Wolf King, barely 16 years old,
young Wolf King, barely 16 years old, proved to possess a natural genius for
proved to possess a natural genius for military strategy that reminded veterans
military strategy that reminded veterans of battles long past. His victories at
of battles long past. His victories at Oxcross and the Whispering Wood
Oxcross and the Whispering Wood demonstrated that the old ways of
demonstrated that the old ways of warfare still had power when wielded by
warfare still had power when wielded by someone who understood both honor and
someone who understood both honor and necessity. The sight of his direwolf
necessity. The sight of his direwolf grey wind fighting alongside northern
grey wind fighting alongside northern soldiers became the stuff of legend,
soldiers became the stuff of legend, inspiring his own troops while striking
inspiring his own troops while striking terror into his enemies. Stannis
terror into his enemies. Stannis Baratheon's claim to the Iron Throne was
Baratheon's claim to the Iron Throne was based on the iron certainty of law and
based on the iron certainty of law and legitimacy. As Robert's younger brother
legitimacy. As Robert's younger brother possessed the strongest legal right to
possessed the strongest legal right to the crown after Joffrey's true parentage
the crown after Joffrey's true parentage was revealed. The master of Dragonstone
was revealed. The master of Dragonstone had spent years in his brother's shadow,
had spent years in his brother's shadow, serving faithfully but without
serving faithfully but without recognition, his rigid sense of duty
recognition, his rigid sense of duty earning him respect but not love. His
earning him respect but not love. His alliance with the red priestess
alliance with the red priestess Melisandre brought him power beyond
Melisandre brought him power beyond anything he had previously commanded,
anything he had previously commanded, but at a price that would corrupt both
but at a price that would corrupt both his cause and his soul. The shadow that
his cause and his soul. The shadow that Melisandre birthed in the caves beneath
Melisandre birthed in the caves beneath Storm's End, was an abomination that
Storm's End, was an abomination that violated the natural order of life and
violated the natural order of life and death. Yet, it achieved what
death. Yet, it achieved what conventional siege warfare could not.
conventional siege warfare could not. The murder of Renley Baratheon by his
The murder of Renley Baratheon by his brother's dark magic eliminated the most
brother's dark magic eliminated the most charismatic claimment to the throne
charismatic claimment to the throne while demonstrating the terrible forces
while demonstrating the terrible forces that the red god's servants could
that the red god's servants could unleash. The sight of Renley's corpse
unleash. The sight of Renley's corpse bearing wounds that no earthly weapon
bearing wounds that no earthly weapon could have inflicted, shattered his
could have inflicted, shattered his great army, and sent thousands of
great army, and sent thousands of knights fleeing into the night. Renley's
knights fleeing into the night. Renley's death was perhaps the greatest tragedy
death was perhaps the greatest tragedy of the war's early phase, as the Lord of
of the war's early phase, as the Lord of Storm's End possessed the combination of
Storm's End possessed the combination of political skill, personal charm, and
political skill, personal charm, and military resources that might have ended
military resources that might have ended the conflict quickly and bloodlessly.
the conflict quickly and bloodlessly. His vision of a realm ruled through
His vision of a realm ruled through consensus rather than fear, represented
consensus rather than fear, represented a different path for Westeros, one where
a different path for Westeros, one where the lessons of Robert's rebellion could
the lessons of Robert's rebellion could have been applied to create a more just
have been applied to create a more just and stable form of government. His
and stable form of government. His murder by supernatural means showed that
murder by supernatural means showed that the Game of Thrones had entered a new
the Game of Thrones had entered a new phase where ancient powers and forgotten
phase where ancient powers and forgotten magics would play increasingly important
magics would play increasingly important roles. The battle of Blackwater Bay
roles. The battle of Blackwater Bay became the decisive engagement of the
became the decisive engagement of the war's first phase as Stannis's attempt
war's first phase as Stannis's attempt to take King's Landing by storm met the
to take King's Landing by storm met the wildfire trap that Tyrion Lannister had
wildfire trap that Tyrion Lannister had prepared with the help of the
prepared with the help of the pyromancer's guild. The green flames
pyromancer's guild. The green flames that consumed half of Stannis's fleet
that consumed half of Stannis's fleet were a deliberate echo of the Mad King's
were a deliberate echo of the Mad King's final plot, turning the Baratheon
final plot, turning the Baratheon pretender's strength against him in a
pretender's strength against him in a spectacular conflration. The sight of
spectacular conflration. The sight of ships burning on the river with an
ships burning on the river with an unnatural fire reminded everyone present
unnatural fire reminded everyone present of the dangerous legacy that the
of the dangerous legacy that the Targaryenss had left behind. The arrival
Targaryenss had left behind. The arrival of Tywin Lannister and his Tyrell allies
of Tywin Lannister and his Tyrell allies at the battle's climax saved the capital
at the battle's climax saved the capital and the young king, but it also
and the young king, but it also demonstrated the political realignments
demonstrated the political realignments that were reshaping the kingdom's power
that were reshaping the kingdom's power structure. The alliance between Lion and
structure. The alliance between Lion and Rose, sealed by the betroal of Joffrey
Rose, sealed by the betroal of Joffrey to Marjgery Tyrell, brought together the
to Marjgery Tyrell, brought together the wealth of Castasterly Rock and the
wealth of Castasterly Rock and the agricultural abundance of the Reach in a
agricultural abundance of the Reach in a combination that no other faction could
combination that no other faction could match. The hands chain that stretched
match. The hands chain that stretched across Blackwater Bay became a symbol of
across Blackwater Bay became a symbol of Lannister ingenuity, while the broken
Lannister ingenuity, while the broken ships that littered the river bottom
ships that littered the river bottom testified to the costs of challenging
testified to the costs of challenging their authority. The red wedding at the
their authority. The red wedding at the twins represented the nether of honor in
twins represented the nether of honor in Westerosce politics as guest right and
Westerosce politics as guest right and sacred hospitality were violated in
sacred hospitality were violated in service of political expediency. The
service of political expediency. The murder of Rob Stark, his mother Catelyn,
murder of Rob Stark, his mother Catelyn, and most of the northern leadership
and most of the northern leadership under Walder Freys roof was orchestrated
under Walder Freys roof was orchestrated by Tywin Lannister, but carried out by
by Tywin Lannister, but carried out by men who valued revenge above honor. The
men who valued revenge above honor. The sight of Grey Wind's head sewn onto his
sight of Grey Wind's head sewn onto his master's body became a symbol of the
master's body became a symbol of the war's brutality and the death of the old
war's brutality and the death of the old codes that had once governed noble
codes that had once governed noble behavior. The psychological impact of
behavior. The psychological impact of the Red Wedding extended far beyond its
the Red Wedding extended far beyond its immediate military consequences as the
immediate military consequences as the violation of guest right sent shock
violation of guest right sent shock waves through every corner of Westerosi
waves through every corner of Westerosi society. The common people who had
society. The common people who had witnessed the breakdown of honor among
witnessed the breakdown of honor among their betters began to question all
their betters began to question all forms of authority, while the great
forms of authority, while the great houses realized that the old rules no
houses realized that the old rules no longer protected anyone from the
longer protected anyone from the consequences of political
consequences of political miscalculation. The songs that emerged
miscalculation. The songs that emerged from the massacre were not celebrations
from the massacre were not celebrations of victory, but laments for a lost age
of victory, but laments for a lost age of chivalry and honor. King Joffrey's
of chivalry and honor. King Joffrey's death at his own wedding feast provided
death at his own wedding feast provided a moment of poetic justice that
a moment of poetic justice that satisfied few and solved nothing. As the
satisfied few and solved nothing. As the boy king's cruelty was replaced by the
boy king's cruelty was replaced by the more subtle but equally dangerous
more subtle but equally dangerous ambitions of those who had orchestrated
ambitions of those who had orchestrated his demise, the strangler poison that
his demise, the strangler poison that killed him worked slowly and publicly,
killed him worked slowly and publicly, ensuring that his final moments were as
ensuring that his final moments were as undignified as his brief reign had been
undignified as his brief reign had been brutal. The crown passed to his younger
brutal. The crown passed to his younger brother Tommen, a gentle boy who would
brother Tommen, a gentle boy who would serve as a puppet for the various
serve as a puppet for the various factions seeking to control the Iron
factions seeking to control the Iron Throne. The rise of the faith militant
Throne. The rise of the faith militant during this period represented a
during this period represented a response to the chaos and moral decay
response to the chaos and moral decay that had infected the realm's leadership
that had infected the realm's leadership as the common people sought spiritual
as the common people sought spiritual authority to replace the failed secular
authority to replace the failed secular powers. The High Sparrow who led this
powers. The High Sparrow who led this movement was a man of genuine piety
movement was a man of genuine piety whose simple message of justice and
whose simple message of justice and redemption resonated with those who had
redemption resonated with those who had suffered under the nobles wars. The
suffered under the nobles wars. The armed Septans who enforced his will
armed Septans who enforced his will represented a return to an earlier era
represented a return to an earlier era when the faith had possessed its own
when the faith had possessed its own military power and political
military power and political independence. Stannis Baratheon's march
independence. Stannis Baratheon's march north to the wall demonstrated both his
north to the wall demonstrated both his strategic vision and his growing
strategic vision and his growing desperation as the self-proclaimed king
desperation as the self-proclaimed king sought new allies among the outcasts and
sought new allies among the outcasts and misfits of the Night's Watch. His
misfits of the Night's Watch. His intervention in the battle against the
intervention in the battle against the Wildling army showed that he still
Wildling army showed that he still possessed the military skills that had
possessed the military skills that had made him Robert's most trusted general.
made him Robert's most trusted general. While his recognition of the threat
While his recognition of the threat beyond the wall revealed an
beyond the wall revealed an understanding of larger forces that his
understanding of larger forces that his rivals lacked, the burning of his
rivals lacked, the burning of his daughter Shireen as a sacrifice to the
daughter Shireen as a sacrifice to the Red God marked the complete corruption
Red God marked the complete corruption of his cause and the abandonment of
of his cause and the abandonment of everything he had once claimed to
everything he had once claimed to represent. The liberation of Slavers Bay
represent. The liberation of Slavers Bay by Daenerys Targaryen across the narrow
by Daenerys Targaryen across the narrow sea added a new dimension to the
sea added a new dimension to the conflict as the last scion of the dragon
conflict as the last scion of the dragon kings began her own campaign to reclaim
kings began her own campaign to reclaim her birthright. Her dragons, the first
her birthright. Her dragons, the first scene in the world for over a century,
scene in the world for over a century, represented both a return to the old
represented both a return to the old Targaryen power and a new form of
Targaryen power and a new form of warfare that could reshape the balance
warfare that could reshape the balance of forces across both continents. The
of forces across both continents. The sight of Drogon, Rhaegal, and Vizerian
sight of Drogon, Rhaegal, and Vizerian soaring over the pyramids of Meereen
soaring over the pyramids of Meereen served notice that the age of dragons
served notice that the age of dragons was returning, whether the current
was returning, whether the current occupants of the Iron Throne were ready
occupants of the Iron Throne were ready or not. The northern resistance that
or not. The northern resistance that emerged from the ashes of Stark defeat
emerged from the ashes of Stark defeat showed that some flames could not be
showed that some flames could not be easily extinguished as loyal Banammen
easily extinguished as loyal Banammen like the Mormonts and Umbers continued
like the Mormonts and Umbers continued to fight in the name of their fallen
to fight in the name of their fallen kings. The phrase the North remembers
kings. The phrase the North remembers became a rallying cry for those who
became a rallying cry for those who refused to accept southern rule. While
refused to accept southern rule. While the prospect of Jon Snow's return from
the prospect of Jon Snow's return from the wall offered hope for eventual
the wall offered hope for eventual revenge against those who had
revenge against those who had orchestrated the Red Wedding. As the war
orchestrated the Red Wedding. As the war entered its final phase, the realm lay
entered its final phase, the realm lay broken and exhausted. Its population
broken and exhausted. Its population decimated by years of conflict and its
decimated by years of conflict and its institutions corrupted by the moral
institutions corrupted by the moral compromises that survival had demanded.
compromises that survival had demanded. The Game of Thrones had claimed kings
The Game of Thrones had claimed kings and commoners alike, leaving behind a
and commoners alike, leaving behind a kingdom that bore little resemblance to
kingdom that bore little resemblance to the peaceful realm that Robert Baratheon
the peaceful realm that Robert Baratheon had once ruled. The wheel of history was
had once ruled. The wheel of history was grinding toward another turn, carrying
grinding toward another turn, carrying with it the promise of either redemption
with it the promise of either redemption or final destruction for the seven
or final destruction for the seven kingdoms of Westeros. The p that burned
kingdoms of Westeros. The p that burned on the Dothraki sea under the red
on the Dothraki sea under the red comet's baleful light was meant to honor
comet's baleful light was meant to honor a fallen hell. But it became instead the
a fallen hell. But it became instead the crucible that would forge a new age of
crucible that would forge a new age of fire and blood. Daenerys Targaryen, the
fire and blood. Daenerys Targaryen, the exiled princess who had lost everything
exiled princess who had lost everything but her name and her dragon eggs, walked
but her name and her dragon eggs, walked into those flames as a grieving widow
into those flames as a grieving widow and emerged as the mother of dragons.
and emerged as the mother of dragons. The three petrified eggs that had been
The three petrified eggs that had been wedding gifts became living creatures of
wedding gifts became living creatures of legend. their wings casting shadows that
legend. their wings casting shadows that would eventually darken the skies over
would eventually darken the skies over two continents. The dragons that hatched
two continents. The dragons that hatched from stone and flame were small at
from stone and flame were small at first, no larger than cats, their scales
first, no larger than cats, their scales soft and their fire weak. Drogan, black
soft and their fire weak. Drogan, black as night with scarlet eyes and wings,
as night with scarlet eyes and wings, was named for the Klesi's dead husband,
was named for the Klesi's dead husband, and would grow to become the largest and
and would grow to become the largest and most willful of the three. Regal, green
most willful of the three. Regal, green and bronze with golden eyes, carried the
and bronze with golden eyes, carried the name of Prince Rhaegar, and possessed a
name of Prince Rhaegar, and possessed a temperament as complex as the brother
temperament as complex as the brother Daenerys had never known. Vizerian cream
Daenerys had never known. Vizerian cream and gold with the disposition closest to
and gold with the disposition closest to his namesake's cruelty, completed the
his namesake's cruelty, completed the trinity that would restore dragon fire
trinity that would restore dragon fire to a world that had forgotten its power.
to a world that had forgotten its power. The miracle of their birth was witnessed
The miracle of their birth was witnessed by only a handful of survivors from Kal
by only a handful of survivors from Kal Drogo's Kalisar. But word of the dragon
Drogo's Kalisar. But word of the dragon spread across the Dothraki sea like
spread across the Dothraki sea like wildfire. The horse lords who had once
wildfire. The horse lords who had once dismissed the pale queen as just another
dismissed the pale queen as just another conquered prize now spoke her name with
conquered prize now spoke her name with reverence and fear. She was no longer
reverence and fear. She was no longer merely Daenerys Stormbborn of House
merely Daenerys Stormbborn of House Targaryen, but Daenerys unburnt, the
Targaryen, but Daenerys unburnt, the silver queen whose children breathed
silver queen whose children breathed fire and whose destiny stretched beyond
fire and whose destiny stretched beyond the grasslands to the great cities of
the grasslands to the great cities of the east. The long journey across the
the east. The long journey across the red waste that followed tested both the
red waste that followed tested both the dragons and their mother. As the small
dragons and their mother. As the small band of survivors sought refuge in lands
band of survivors sought refuge in lands that few Dothraki had ever seen, the
that few Dothraki had ever seen, the desert that had swallowed countless
desert that had swallowed countless caravans and armies welcomed the dragon
caravans and armies welcomed the dragon queen, perhaps recognizing in her
queen, perhaps recognizing in her something that belonged to an older and
something that belonged to an older and more dangerous world. The dragons
more dangerous world. The dragons learned to hunt in those harsh lands,
learned to hunt in those harsh lands, their prey ranging from lizards and
their prey ranging from lizards and snakes to the occasional trader who
snakes to the occasional trader who wandered too far from the established
wandered too far from the established roots. Cor, the greatest city that ever
roots. Cor, the greatest city that ever was or will be according to its
was or will be according to its inhabitants, opened its gates to the
inhabitants, opened its gates to the mother of dragons with the mixture of
mother of dragons with the mixture of avarice and curiosity that characterized
avarice and curiosity that characterized all merchant princes. The Corine had
all merchant princes. The Corine had heard rumors of the dragons, but seeing
heard rumors of the dragons, but seeing them in person was a revelation that
them in person was a revelation that sent tremors through their council
sent tremors through their council chambers and counting houses. The
chambers and counting houses. The creatures that had once brought old
creatures that had once brought old Valyria to the height of its power, were
Valyria to the height of its power, were walking through their gardens and
walking through their gardens and perching on their balconies, turning
perching on their balconies, turning legend into reality with every beat of
legend into reality with every beat of their wings. The House of the Undying,
their wings. The House of the Undying, that sinister tower where the Warlocks
that sinister tower where the Warlocks of K practiced their ancient arts,
of K practiced their ancient arts, became the site of Daenerys's first
became the site of Daenerys's first great trial as a dragon queen. The
great trial as a dragon queen. The visions that assaulted her in those
visions that assaulted her in those twisted halls showed her glimpses of
twisted halls showed her glimpses of past and future, of the Iron Throne she
past and future, of the Iron Throne she had never seen, and the burning throne
had never seen, and the burning throne room where her father had died. The
room where her father had died. The dragons that rescued her from the
dragons that rescued her from the warlock's trap announced to the world
warlock's trap announced to the world that the age of magic was returning, and
that the age of magic was returning, and that those who sought to use the mother
that those who sought to use the mother of dragons for their own purposes did so
of dragons for their own purposes did so at their peril. The conquest of Slavers
at their peril. The conquest of Slavers Bay began not with grand strategy, but
Bay began not with grand strategy, but with a simple moral imperative, as
with a simple moral imperative, as Daenerys found herself unable to ignore
Daenerys found herself unable to ignore the suffering of those who toiled in
the suffering of those who toiled in chains while their masters lived in
chains while their masters lived in luxury. The city of Astapor, with its
luxury. The city of Astapor, with its pyramid topped temples and its fighting
pyramid topped temples and its fighting pits filled with unsullied warriors,
pits filled with unsullied warriors, represented everything that was wrong
represented everything that was wrong with the old order. The dragons that had
with the old order. The dragons that had seemed like mere curiosities in Cth
seemed like mere curiosities in Cth revealed their true power when Drogon
revealed their true power when Drogon bathed the good masters in dragonfire,
bathed the good masters in dragonfire, turning their golden pyramids into
turning their golden pyramids into furnaces and their slave pens into ash.
furnaces and their slave pens into ash. The liberation of the unsullied was
The liberation of the unsullied was achieved through cunning as much as
achieved through cunning as much as force as Daenerys traded one of her
force as Daenerys traded one of her dragons for an army only to reveal that
dragons for an army only to reveal that the bond between dragon and dragon rider
the bond between dragon and dragon rider could not be bought or sold. The sight
could not be bought or sold. The sight of 8,000 Unic warriors kneeling before
of 8,000 Unic warriors kneeling before their new queen while Astiple burned
their new queen while Astiple burned behind them announced that a new power
behind them announced that a new power had risen in the east. One that combined
had risen in the east. One that combined the legendary might of old Valyria with
the legendary might of old Valyria with a revolutionary vision of justice and
a revolutionary vision of justice and freedom. Yonkai and Meereen fell in turn
freedom. Yonkai and Meereen fell in turn as the dragons grew larger and more
as the dragons grew larger and more formidable. Their wingspans expanding as
formidable. Their wingspans expanding as their hunger for flesh and fire
their hunger for flesh and fire increased. The yellow city's surrender
increased. The yellow city's surrender without a siege showed that the
without a siege showed that the reputation of dragon fire could be as
reputation of dragon fire could be as effective as the flames themselves.
effective as the flames themselves. While Marine's determined resistance
While Marine's determined resistance required all three dragons working in
required all three dragons working in concert to breach its walls. The sight
concert to breach its walls. The sight of the great pyramid of Meereen crowned
of the great pyramid of Meereen crowned with Targaryen banners marked the
with Targaryen banners marked the establishment of the first Targaryen
establishment of the first Targaryen seat of power since the fall of the
seat of power since the fall of the dynasty in Westeros. The challenges of
dynasty in Westeros. The challenges of ruling proved more complex than the
ruling proved more complex than the conquest itself. As Daenerys discovered
conquest itself. As Daenerys discovered that liberating slaves was easier than
that liberating slaves was easier than integrating them into a functioning
integrating them into a functioning society. The freed men who looked to her
society. The freed men who looked to her as their mother and protector had spent
as their mother and protector had spent their lives in bondage, knowing only how
their lives in bondage, knowing only how to serve and obey. The former masters
to serve and obey. The former masters who remained in the city chafed under
who remained in the city chafed under the new order while plotting its
the new order while plotting its overthrow. Their hatred burning as hot
overthrow. Their hatred burning as hot as dragon fire. but far more subtle in
as dragon fire. but far more subtle in its expression. The dragons themselves
its expression. The dragons themselves became both a source of strength and a
became both a source of strength and a growing problem as they matured beyond
growing problem as they matured beyond their mother's ability to fully control
their mother's ability to fully control them. Drogon's attack on a shepherd's
them. Drogon's attack on a shepherd's child forced Daenerys to confront the
child forced Daenerys to confront the reality that her children were predators
reality that her children were predators as well as symbols of liberation,
as well as symbols of liberation, creatures of instinct and appetite that
creatures of instinct and appetite that could not be reasoned with or restrained
could not be reasoned with or restrained by moral considerations. The decision to
by moral considerations. The decision to chain Regel and Vizerion in the depths
chain Regel and Vizerion in the depths of the Great Pyramid was perhaps the
of the Great Pyramid was perhaps the most painful choice she had ever made,
most painful choice she had ever made, trading their freedom for the safety of
trading their freedom for the safety of her people. The Sons of the Harpy
her people. The Sons of the Harpy insurgency that plagued marine streets
insurgency that plagued marine streets showed that dragon fire could destroy an
showed that dragon fire could destroy an army in open battle, but could not root
army in open battle, but could not root out enemies who hid among the civilian
out enemies who hid among the civilian population. The former masters and their
population. The former masters and their supporters waged a campaign of terror
supporters waged a campaign of terror and assassination that turned every
and assassination that turned every shadow into a potential threat and every
shadow into a potential threat and every freedman into a possible collaborator.
freedman into a possible collaborator. The dragons that had conquered cities
The dragons that had conquered cities proved less effective against opponents
proved less effective against opponents who struck in darkness and melted away
who struck in darkness and melted away before retribution could find them. The
before retribution could find them. The fighting pits that Daenerys had closed
fighting pits that Daenerys had closed in her campaign against slavery became a
in her campaign against slavery became a symbol of the compromises that ruling
symbol of the compromises that ruling required as political necessity forced
required as political necessity forced her to reopen institutions she found
her to reopen institutions she found morally repugnant. The gladiatorial
morally repugnant. The gladiatorial combat that the Marinese elite demanded
combat that the Marinese elite demanded as their price for cooperation
as their price for cooperation represented everything the dragon queen
represented everything the dragon queen opposed. Yet her advisers convinced her
opposed. Yet her advisers convinced her that some concessions were necessary to
that some concessions were necessary to maintain peace. The decision to attend
maintain peace. The decision to attend the great games herself was intended as
the great games herself was intended as a gesture of reconciliation, but became
a gesture of reconciliation, but became instead the stage for her most dramatic
instead the stage for her most dramatic demonstration of power. Drogan's return
demonstration of power. Drogan's return to the fighting pit, drawn by the scent
to the fighting pit, drawn by the scent of blood and the roar of the crowd
of blood and the roar of the crowd marked a turning point in both
marked a turning point in both Daenerys's reign and her relationship
Daenerys's reign and her relationship with her children. The Black Dragon's
with her children. The Black Dragon's rampage through the arena and his
rampage through the arena and his subsequent flight with his mother
subsequent flight with his mother clinging to his back showed the world
clinging to his back showed the world that the bond between Targaryen and
that the bond between Targaryen and Dragon was stronger than chains or
Dragon was stronger than chains or political considerations. The image of
political considerations. The image of the Silver Queen disappearing into the
the Silver Queen disappearing into the sky on Dragon Bend
sky on Dragon Bend before she had even landed, inspiring
before she had even landed, inspiring songs and stories that would spread
songs and stories that would spread across both continents. The Dothraki
across both continents. The Dothraki Kalisar that found Daenerys alone in the
Kalisar that found Daenerys alone in the grass sea after Drogon's flight could
grass sea after Drogon's flight could not have known they were witnessing the
not have known they were witnessing the beginning of their own conquest. The
beginning of their own conquest. The widow of Kala Drogo who returned to
widow of Kala Drogo who returned to claim leadership of all the horse tribes
claim leadership of all the horse tribes brought with her powers that no Kaled
brought with her powers that no Kaled had ever possessed and a vision that
had ever possessed and a vision that stretched far beyond the traditional
stretched far beyond the traditional boundaries of Dothraki ambition. The
boundaries of Dothraki ambition. The burning of the D'H Kali and the Kalaju
burning of the D'H Kali and the Kalaju would have enslaved her marked the
would have enslaved her marked the beginning of a new kind of horde. One
beginning of a new kind of horde. One united not just by strength but by
united not just by strength but by loyalty to the dragon queen. The sight
loyalty to the dragon queen. The sight of Daenerys emerging unburnt from the
of Daenerys emerging unburnt from the flames that consumed the sacred city of
flames that consumed the sacred city of Vey Dothrak with every Dothraki warrior
Vey Dothrak with every Dothraki warrior kneeling before her in the firelight
kneeling before her in the firelight announced that the most dangerous phase
announced that the most dangerous phase of her campaign was about to begin. The
of her campaign was about to begin. The 100,000 horsemen who now called her Kesi
100,000 horsemen who now called her Kesi represented the largest army that had
represented the largest army that had ever been assembled under a single
ever been assembled under a single banner. While the dragons that had grown
banner. While the dragons that had grown to full size during her absence in the
to full size during her absence in the east were ready to carry fire and blood
east were ready to carry fire and blood across the narrow sea. The ships that
across the narrow sea. The ships that would carry this great host westward
would carry this great host westward were already gathering in the harbors of
were already gathering in the harbors of Meereen and Volantis, their holds
Meereen and Volantis, their holds prepared for horses and dragons alike.
prepared for horses and dragons alike. The wheel of history was turning once
The wheel of history was turning once again, carrying the last Targaryen back
again, carrying the last Targaryen back toward the Iron Throne that her
toward the Iron Throne that her ancestors had forged and her father had
ancestors had forged and her father had lost. The Game of Thrones was about to
lost. The Game of Thrones was about to enter its final phase, where fire and
enter its final phase, where fire and blood would determine not just who
blood would determine not just who ruled, but what kind of world would
ruled, but what kind of world would emerge from the ashes of the old. The
emerge from the ashes of the old. The wall that had stood for 8,000 years as
wall that had stood for 8,000 years as humanity's shield against the darkness
humanity's shield against the darkness finally fell, not to siege engines or
finally fell, not to siege engines or dragon fire, but to the very power it
dragon fire, but to the very power it had been built to contain. The ancient
had been built to contain. The ancient barrier of ice and magic raised by Bran
barrier of ice and magic raised by Bran the Builder with the help of giants and
the Builder with the help of giants and the children of the forest crumbled
the children of the forest crumbled before the blue flames of an undead
before the blue flames of an undead dragon. Its destruction marking the end
dragon. Its destruction marking the end of the longest piece the world had ever
of the longest piece the world had ever known. The collapse sent tremors through
known. The collapse sent tremors through the earth that were felt as far south as
the earth that were felt as far south as Winterfell, while the roar of falling
Winterfell, while the roar of falling ice echoed across the frozen wasteland
ice echoed across the frozen wasteland like the death cry of hope itself. The
like the death cry of hope itself. The Zerion, the dragon that had once soared
Zerion, the dragon that had once soared through warm skies above the pyramids of
through warm skies above the pyramids of Meereen, now flew on rotting wings
Meereen, now flew on rotting wings through the perpetual winter that
through the perpetual winter that followed the Night King's army. The blue
followed the Night King's army. The blue fire that poured from his throat was
fire that poured from his throat was cold as the void between stars, a
cold as the void between stars, a corruption of dragon flame that burned
corruption of dragon flame that burned away life itself rather than merely
away life itself rather than merely destroying flesh and stone. The sight of
destroying flesh and stone. The sight of a dragon serving the forces of death was
a dragon serving the forces of death was an abomination that violated the natural
an abomination that violated the natural order. Yet, it was also a terrible
order. Yet, it was also a terrible demonstration of the Night King's power
demonstration of the Night King's power to corrupt and command even the
to corrupt and command even the mightiest creatures. The Night King
mightiest creatures. The Night King himself rode upon the undead dragon's
himself rode upon the undead dragon's back. a figure of crystalline ice and
back. a figure of crystalline ice and ancient malice whose very presence
ancient malice whose very presence turned the air to frost and the ground
turned the air to frost and the ground to perafrost. He was the first of the
to perafrost. He was the first of the white walkers, the original weapon that
white walkers, the original weapon that the children of the forest had created
the children of the forest had created in their desperation to defeat the first
in their desperation to defeat the first men. But he had long since transcended
men. But he had long since transcended his creators intentions. The crown of
his creators intentions. The crown of ice that adorned his head was not a
ice that adorned his head was not a symbol of earthly kingship, but a mark
symbol of earthly kingship, but a mark of dominion over death itself, authority
of dominion over death itself, authority that extended to every corpse that had
that extended to every corpse that had ever drawn breath. The army that poured
ever drawn breath. The army that poured through the broken wall was beyond
through the broken wall was beyond counting a tide of the dead that
counting a tide of the dead that stretched from horizon to horizon under
stretched from horizon to horizon under the green glow of the aurora that danced
the green glow of the aurora that danced perpetually in the northern sky. Whites
perpetually in the northern sky. Whites that had once been men, women, and
that had once been men, women, and children stumbled forward with blue
children stumbled forward with blue flames burning in their empty sockets,
flames burning in their empty sockets, while fallen horses carried skeletal
while fallen horses carried skeletal riders whose spears dripped with ice.
riders whose spears dripped with ice. Giants moved among them like walking
Giants moved among them like walking mountains, their massive forms animated
mountains, their massive forms animated by the same cold magic that gave purpose
by the same cold magic that gave purpose to the smallest reanimated child.
to the smallest reanimated child. Winterfell, the ancient seat of House
Winterfell, the ancient seat of House Stark and the heart of the north, became
Stark and the heart of the north, became the last bastion of the living. As the
the last bastion of the living. As the great and small houses of Westeros
great and small houses of Westeros united in the face of extinction, the
united in the face of extinction, the castle's walls, which had been built to
castle's walls, which had been built to withstand human enemies, offered little
withstand human enemies, offered little protection against foes who felt no pain
protection against foes who felt no pain and knew no fear. The crypts beneath the
and knew no fear. The crypts beneath the castle, where generations of Stark Lords
castle, where generations of Stark Lords lay in stone tombs with iron swords
lay in stone tombs with iron swords across their laps, became battlegrounds
across their laps, became battlegrounds as the dead rose to fight the living in
as the dead rose to fight the living in the very heart of the stronghold. Jon
the very heart of the stronghold. Jon Snow, revealed at last as Aegon
Snow, revealed at last as Aegon Targaryen and rightful heir to the Iron
Targaryen and rightful heir to the Iron Throne, stood with Longclaw in his hand
Throne, stood with Longclaw in his hand as the forces of ice and fire prepared
as the forces of ice and fire prepared for their final confrontation. The
for their final confrontation. The bastard of Winterfell, who had found his
bastard of Winterfell, who had found his true heritage in the shadow of the wall,
true heritage in the shadow of the wall, now faced the enemy that had haunted his
now faced the enemy that had haunted his dreams since childhood. Beside him stood
dreams since childhood. Beside him stood Daenerys Targaryen, the aunt he had
Daenerys Targaryen, the aunt he had unknowingly loved, her surviving dragons
unknowingly loved, her surviving dragons breathing true fire against the tide of
breathing true fire against the tide of unnatural cold that swept down from the
unnatural cold that swept down from the north. The battle of Winterfell raged
north. The battle of Winterfell raged through the longest night since the age
through the longest night since the age of heroes as living fought dead in a
of heroes as living fought dead in a struggle that would determine the fate
struggle that would determine the fate of all humanity. The dragon glass
of all humanity. The dragon glass weapons that had been forged in the
weapons that had been forged in the fires of dragonstoneone cut through
fires of dragonstoneone cut through whites like scythe through wheat while
whites like scythe through wheat while Valyrian steel sang as it cleaved
Valyrian steel sang as it cleaved through the supernatural ice that
through the supernatural ice that armored the white walkers. The sight of
armored the white walkers. The sight of Sarah Jorah Mormont falling while
Sarah Jorah Mormont falling while defending his queen of Theon Greyjoy
defending his queen of Theon Greyjoy dying to protect Bran Stark. Of Lyanna
dying to protect Bran Stark. Of Lyanna Mormont bringing down a white giant with
Mormont bringing down a white giant with her final breath became the stuff of
her final breath became the stuff of legend. Even as the battle raged, the
legend. Even as the battle raged, the dead seemed endless, rising again and
dead seemed endless, rising again and again. No matter how many times they
again. No matter how many times they were cut down, their numbers swelling
were cut down, their numbers swelling with each fallen defender who joined
with each fallen defender who joined their ranks. The living found themselves
their ranks. The living found themselves fighting not just the army of the dead,
fighting not just the army of the dead, but their own fallen friends and family
but their own fallen friends and family members forced to destroy beloved faces
members forced to destroy beloved faces that had been animated by malevolent
that had been animated by malevolent purpose. The psychological toll of this
purpose. The psychological toll of this horror was almost as devastating as the
horror was almost as devastating as the physical carnage as hardened warriors
physical carnage as hardened warriors broke under the strain of killing those
broke under the strain of killing those they had once loved. Bran Stark, the
they had once loved. Bran Stark, the three-eyed raven who held the memory of
three-eyed raven who held the memory of the world within his consciousness,
the world within his consciousness, served as bait to draw the Night King
served as bait to draw the Night King into the open. The young man who had
into the open. The young man who had once climbed the walls of Winterfell now
once climbed the walls of Winterfell now sat motionless in his wheeled chair, his
sat motionless in his wheeled chair, his consciousness soaring through time and
consciousness soaring through time and space, while his body remained
space, while his body remained vulnerable to the approaching darkness.
vulnerable to the approaching darkness. The ancient grudge between the Night
The ancient grudge between the Night King and the three-eyed raven stretched
King and the three-eyed raven stretched back to the dawn of the world when the
back to the dawn of the world when the children of the forest had first created
children of the forest had first created their terrible weapon. Arya Stark, the
their terrible weapon. Arya Stark, the girl who had become no one before
girl who had become no one before reclaiming her identity, struck the blow
reclaiming her identity, struck the blow that saved humanity from eternal
that saved humanity from eternal darkness. The Valyrian steel dagger that
darkness. The Valyrian steel dagger that had once been used in an attempt to
had once been used in an attempt to murder Bran became the instrument of the
murder Bran became the instrument of the Night King's destruction. As the trained
Night King's destruction. As the trained assassin materialized from shadow to
assassin materialized from shadow to drive the blade into the ancient evil's
drive the blade into the ancient evil's heart, the Night King's destruction sent
heart, the Night King's destruction sent shock waves through his entire army. As
shock waves through his entire army. As every white and white walker crumbled to
every white and white walker crumbled to dust in the space of heartbeats, the
dust in the space of heartbeats, the silence that followed the collapse of
silence that followed the collapse of the army of the dead was perhaps more
the army of the dead was perhaps more profound than the noise of battle that
profound than the noise of battle that had preceded it. The aurora that had
had preceded it. The aurora that had danced in the northern sky faded away.
danced in the northern sky faded away. While the unnatural cold that had
While the unnatural cold that had gripped the land began to lift for the
gripped the land began to lift for the first time in months, the survivors who
first time in months, the survivors who stood among the piles of bones and
stood among the piles of bones and rusted weapons could hardly believe that
rusted weapons could hardly believe that the threat that had hung over humanity
the threat that had hung over humanity for 8,000 years had been ended by a
for 8,000 years had been ended by a single thrust of Valyrian steel. The
single thrust of Valyrian steel. The cost of victory was staggering, as half
cost of victory was staggering, as half the defenders of Winterfell lay dead in
the defenders of Winterfell lay dead in the castle's yards and halls. The great
the castle's yards and halls. The great houses of the north had been decimated.
houses of the north had been decimated. Their proud banners torn and bloodied.
Their proud banners torn and bloodied. Their ancient lineages ended in a single
Their ancient lineages ended in a single night of horror. The common soldiers who
night of horror. The common soldiers who had stood against the tide of death were
had stood against the tide of death were mourned alongside the great lords. Their
mourned alongside the great lords. Their sacrifice recognized as equal to any
sacrifice recognized as equal to any noble deed in the long history of
noble deed in the long history of Westeros. The crypts of Winterfell,
Westeros. The crypts of Winterfell, where the dead Starks had risen to fight
where the dead Starks had risen to fight their own descendants, were blessed and
their own descendants, were blessed and sealed by the surviving septans and red
sealed by the surviving septans and red priests who had witnessed the battle.
priests who had witnessed the battle. The iron swords that had been displaced
The iron swords that had been displaced from the stone hands of ancient lords
from the stone hands of ancient lords were reforged into commemorative
were reforged into commemorative weapons, while new tombs were prepared
weapons, while new tombs were prepared for those who had fallen in humanity's
for those who had fallen in humanity's final victory over the darkness. The
final victory over the darkness. The dragons that had survived the battle,
dragons that had survived the battle, scarred and wounded, but still
scarred and wounded, but still magnificent, became symbols of the
magnificent, became symbols of the triumph of fire over ice. Drogan and
triumph of fire over ice. Drogan and Regel had proven that the flame of life
Regel had proven that the flame of life could overcome even the cold of death.
could overcome even the cold of death. Their dragon fire serving as the light
Their dragon fire serving as the light that held back the darkness during the
that held back the darkness during the realm's darkest hour. The bond between
realm's darkest hour. The bond between Dragon and Ryder had been tested in the
Dragon and Ryder had been tested in the Ultimate Crucible and emerged stronger
Ultimate Crucible and emerged stronger than ever. The Night Watch, whose
than ever. The Night Watch, whose purpose had been fulfilled with the
purpose had been fulfilled with the destruction of the threat they had been
destruction of the threat they had been founded to guard against, faced an
founded to guard against, faced an uncertain future as the wall lay broken,
uncertain future as the wall lay broken, and their ancient enemy was no more. The
and their ancient enemy was no more. The men in black, who had taken vows to
men in black, who had taken vows to defend the realm until death could now
defend the realm until death could now consider whether their duty had been
consider whether their duty had been completed, or whether new threats would
completed, or whether new threats would emerge to take the place of the old
emerge to take the place of the old ones. As dawn finally broke over the
ones. As dawn finally broke over the battlefield, painting the snow-covered
battlefield, painting the snow-covered ground in shades of gold and crimson,
ground in shades of gold and crimson, the survivors began the long process of
the survivors began the long process of mourning their dead and rebuilding their
mourning their dead and rebuilding their world. The long night had ended, not
world. The long night had ended, not with the coming of a prophesied hero,
with the coming of a prophesied hero, but with the courage of a young woman
but with the courage of a young woman who had learned that even the mightiest
who had learned that even the mightiest enemies could fall to a well-placed
enemies could fall to a well-placed blade wielded by someone willing to risk
blade wielded by someone willing to risk everything for those they loved. The
everything for those they loved. The wheel of history had turned once more,
wheel of history had turned once more, grinding beneath it an evil that had
grinding beneath it an evil that had existed since the dawn of time. The age
existed since the dawn of time. The age of ice was ending, but the age of fire
of ice was ending, but the age of fire was about to begin. As the survivors of
was about to begin. As the survivors of humanity's greatest victory prepared to
humanity's greatest victory prepared to face the more mundane, but no less
face the more mundane, but no less dangerous challenges of determining who
dangerous challenges of determining who would rule the world they had saved. The
would rule the world they had saved. The victory over the Night King should have
victory over the Night King should have united the realm in celebration and
united the realm in celebration and gratitude. but instead it merely cleared
gratitude. but instead it merely cleared the stage for a more intimate and
the stage for a more intimate and perhaps more tragic conflict. The great
perhaps more tragic conflict. The great enemy that had threatened all humanity
enemy that had threatened all humanity was gone, leaving behind the smaller but
was gone, leaving behind the smaller but no less destructive ambitions of those
no less destructive ambitions of those who had survived to claim dominion over
who had survived to claim dominion over the living. The bonds forged in the
the living. The bonds forged in the crucible of the long night proved
crucible of the long night proved fragile when tested against the ancient
fragile when tested against the ancient hunger for power that had driven the
hunger for power that had driven the game of thrones for centuries. Daenerys
game of thrones for centuries. Daenerys Targaryen, who had sacrificed so much to
Targaryen, who had sacrificed so much to save a world that had never welcomed
save a world that had never welcomed her, found herself increasingly isolated
her, found herself increasingly isolated as the euphoria of victory faded into
as the euphoria of victory faded into the cold reality of politics. The dragon
the cold reality of politics. The dragon queen, who had broken chains across
queen, who had broken chains across Slavers Bay, discovered that the lords
Slavers Bay, discovered that the lords of Westeros viewed her not as a
of Westeros viewed her not as a liberator, but as a foreign conqueror
liberator, but as a foreign conqueror whose dragons and Dowriki followers
whose dragons and Dowriki followers threatened their traditional way of
threatened their traditional way of life. The love she had hoped to find in
life. The love she had hoped to find in her ancestral homeland remained elusive,
her ancestral homeland remained elusive, replaced by fear and resentment that no
replaced by fear and resentment that no amount of heroism could overcome. The
amount of heroism could overcome. The revelation of Jon Snow's true parentage
revelation of Jon Snow's true parentage as Aegon Targaryen created a crisis that
as Aegon Targaryen created a crisis that neither he nor Daenerys could resolve
neither he nor Daenerys could resolve through compromise or negotiation. The
through compromise or negotiation. The bastard of Winterfell, who had never
bastard of Winterfell, who had never wanted power, found himself the rightful
wanted power, found himself the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. While the woman
heir to the Iron Throne. While the woman who had spent her life preparing to rule
who had spent her life preparing to rule discovered that her claim was secondary
discovered that her claim was secondary to that of the nephew she had come to
to that of the nephew she had come to love. The irony that the Targaryen
love. The irony that the Targaryen dynasty's salvation lay in the union of
dynasty's salvation lay in the union of its last two members was overshadowed by
its last two members was overshadowed by the political reality that only one
the political reality that only one could rule. The march south toward
could rule. The march south toward King's Landing became a procession of
King's Landing became a procession of mounting tension and growing despair as
mounting tension and growing despair as Daenerys felt the tide of loyalty
Daenerys felt the tide of loyalty turning against her with each passing
turning against her with each passing mile. The death of Missande, her closest
mile. The death of Missande, her closest friend and adviser at the hands of
friend and adviser at the hands of Cersei Lannister's headsman was a
Cersei Lannister's headsman was a personal blow that struck deeper than
personal blow that struck deeper than any military defeat. The sight of her
any military defeat. The sight of her friend's severed head falling from the
friend's severed head falling from the walls of the red keep filled the dragon
walls of the red keep filled the dragon queen with a fury that burned hotter
queen with a fury that burned hotter than dragon fire and consumed what
than dragon fire and consumed what remained of her mercy. King's Landing,
remained of her mercy. King's Landing, the greatest city in Westeros and the
the greatest city in Westeros and the seat of Targaryen power for three
seat of Targaryen power for three centuries, had become a fortress held by
centuries, had become a fortress held by enemies who showed no intention of
enemies who showed no intention of yielding to the rightful queen's
yielding to the rightful queen's demands. Cersei Lannister, the lioness
demands. Cersei Lannister, the lioness who had clawed her way to power through
who had clawed her way to power through cunning and ruthlessness, prepared for a
cunning and ruthlessness, prepared for a siege that she hoped would break the
siege that she hoped would break the dragon queen's resolve. The city's
dragon queen's resolve. The city's million inhabitants became unwilling
million inhabitants became unwilling pawns in a game where their lives
pawns in a game where their lives mattered less than the political
mattered less than the political advantage their suffering might provide.
advantage their suffering might provide. The bells of surrender that rang across
The bells of surrender that rang across King's Landing as Drogon circled
King's Landing as Drogon circled overhead should have marked the end of
overhead should have marked the end of the war and the beginning of Daenerys's
the war and the beginning of Daenerys's reign. The golden sound that echoed from
reign. The golden sound that echoed from every septant tower announced that the
every septant tower announced that the city was ready to yield, that the
city was ready to yield, that the bloodshed could end without further loss
bloodshed could end without further loss of life. For a moment, it seemed that
of life. For a moment, it seemed that wisdom and mercy might prevail over
wisdom and mercy might prevail over vengeance and fury, that the cycle of
vengeance and fury, that the cycle of violence that had plagued Westeros for
violence that had plagued Westeros for generations might finally be broken. But
generations might finally be broken. But the bells that promised peace became
the bells that promised peace became instead the signal for destruction. As
instead the signal for destruction. As something snapped in the mind of the
something snapped in the mind of the dragon queen who had lost too much and
dragon queen who had lost too much and suffered too long. The madness that had
suffered too long. The madness that had claimed her father found new expression
claimed her father found new expression in dragon fire turned against innocence.
in dragon fire turned against innocence. As Drogon's flames swept through streets
As Drogon's flames swept through streets filled with civilians who had played no
filled with civilians who had played no part in the wars of kings and queens.
part in the wars of kings and queens. The liberation that Daenerys had
The liberation that Daenerys had promised became a holocaust that reduced
promised became a holocaust that reduced the ancient city to ash and bone. The
the ancient city to ash and bone. The destruction of King's Landing was both a
destruction of King's Landing was both a strategic triumph and a moral
strategic triumph and a moral catastrophe as the dragon queen's
catastrophe as the dragon queen's victory came at the cost of everything
victory came at the cost of everything she had claimed to represent. The former
she had claimed to represent. The former slaves who had called her mother watched
slaves who had called her mother watched in horror as their liberator became the
in horror as their liberator became the destroyer of innocence. While the
destroyer of innocence. While the Westerosi lords, who had grudgingly
Westerosi lords, who had grudgingly accepted her claim, now saw confirmed
accepted her claim, now saw confirmed their worst fears about Targaryen
their worst fears about Targaryen madness. The Iron Throne sat in a throne
madness. The Iron Throne sat in a throne room filled with ash, ruling over a
room filled with ash, ruling over a capital that had become a graveyard. Jon
capital that had become a graveyard. Jon Snow's discovery of the true extent of
Snow's discovery of the true extent of Daenerys's destruction forced him to
Daenerys's destruction forced him to confront the terrible choice between
confront the terrible choice between love and duty that had defined the
love and duty that had defined the Targaryen dynasty's relationship with
Targaryen dynasty's relationship with power. The woman he loved had become a
power. The woman he loved had become a tyrant whose vision of liberation
tyrant whose vision of liberation required the enslavement or elimination
required the enslavement or elimination of all who opposed her will. The man who
of all who opposed her will. The man who had been raised on honor and duty found
had been raised on honor and duty found himself facing the same impossible
himself facing the same impossible decision that had once confronted
decision that had once confronted Lannister in this very throne room. The
Lannister in this very throne room. The death of Daenerys Targaryen came not in
death of Daenerys Targaryen came not in battle against enemies, but through the
battle against enemies, but through the blade of the man who loved her most as
blade of the man who loved her most as Jon Snow drove a dagger into her heart
Jon Snow drove a dagger into her heart while she spoke of the glorious future
while she spoke of the glorious future they would build together. The kiss that
they would build together. The kiss that preceded the killing was both an act of
preceded the killing was both an act of love and a moment of profound betrayal.
love and a moment of profound betrayal. As the last Targaryen king took the life
As the last Targaryen king took the life of the last Targaryen queen to save the
of the last Targaryen queen to save the world from her vision of perfect
world from her vision of perfect tyranny. Drogon's grief at his mother's
tyranny. Drogon's grief at his mother's death was perhaps the most human moment
death was perhaps the most human moment in the entire tragedy. as the last
in the entire tragedy. as the last dragon in the world nudged his fallen
dragon in the world nudged his fallen rider with his great head before turning
rider with his great head before turning his fury upon the iron throne itself.
his fury upon the iron throne itself. The seat of power that had been forged
The seat of power that had been forged by his ancestors fire was melted by his
by his ancestors fire was melted by his flames. The twisted metal running like
flames. The twisted metal running like water as the symbol of absolute monarchy
water as the symbol of absolute monarchy was destroyed by the very force that had
was destroyed by the very force that had created it. The dragon's departure,
created it. The dragon's departure, carrying his mother's body toward the
carrying his mother's body toward the sunrise, marked the end of the age of
sunrise, marked the end of the age of dragons and the beginning of something
dragons and the beginning of something new. The great council that assembled in
new. The great council that assembled in the ruins of King's Landing faced the
the ruins of King's Landing faced the monumental task of rebuilding not just a
monumental task of rebuilding not just a city, but an entire system of government
city, but an entire system of government from the ashes of the old order. The
from the ashes of the old order. The lords and ladies who had survived the
lords and ladies who had survived the wars of the past generation looked upon
wars of the past generation looked upon the melted remains of the Iron Throne
the melted remains of the Iron Throne and understood that the old ways of
and understood that the old ways of ruling were as dead as the dynasty that
ruling were as dead as the dynasty that had once commanded dragons. The time had
had once commanded dragons. The time had come to forge something new from the
come to forge something new from the ruins of the past. Brandon Stark, the
ruins of the past. Brandon Stark, the three-eyed raven who had sacrificed his
three-eyed raven who had sacrificed his humanity to become the living memory of
humanity to become the living memory of the world, was chosen to rule, not
the world, was chosen to rule, not because of his bloodline or his
because of his bloodline or his conquests, but because of his unique
conquests, but because of his unique ability to see beyond the petty
ability to see beyond the petty ambitions that had driven so much
ambitions that had driven so much suffering. The broken boy who had once
suffering. The broken boy who had once climbed the walls of Winterfell would
climbed the walls of Winterfell would sit upon a throne of his own making,
sit upon a throne of his own making, ruling through wisdom rather than fear,
ruling through wisdom rather than fear, through knowledge rather than force. The
through knowledge rather than force. The decision to grant independence to the
decision to grant independence to the north with Sansa Stark as its queen,
north with Sansa Stark as its queen, recognized the reality that some bonds
recognized the reality that some bonds could not be rebuilt, and some wounds
could not be rebuilt, and some wounds ran too deep to heal. The kingdom that
ran too deep to heal. The kingdom that had bled most heavily in the wars of the
had bled most heavily in the wars of the past generation would go its own way.
past generation would go its own way. Following the old gods and the old ways
Following the old gods and the old ways under the rule of a queen who had
under the rule of a queen who had learned statecraft in the hardest
learned statecraft in the hardest possible school, the white dire wolf
possible school, the white dire wolf banners that flew from Winterfell's
banners that flew from Winterfell's towers proclaimed that the north
towers proclaimed that the north remembered and that it would never again
remembered and that it would never again kneel to southern kings. Darius Stark's
kneel to southern kings. Darius Stark's decision to sail west of Westeros
decision to sail west of Westeros represented the adventurous spirit that
represented the adventurous spirit that had survived all the horrors of war and
had survived all the horrors of war and politics. As the young woman who had
politics. As the young woman who had been forged into a weapon chose to
been forged into a weapon chose to become an explorer instead, the ships
become an explorer instead, the ships that carried her beyond the sunset
that carried her beyond the sunset sailed toward unknown lands where new
sailed toward unknown lands where new stories waited to be written, where the
stories waited to be written, where the game of thrones was replaced by the
game of thrones was replaced by the simple human desire to discover what lay
simple human desire to discover what lay beyond the horizon. The small council
beyond the horizon. The small council that gathered in the rebuilt Red Keep to
that gathered in the rebuilt Red Keep to advise the new king represented a new
advise the new king represented a new generation of leaders who had been
generation of leaders who had been tempered by war and loss but not broken
tempered by war and loss but not broken by it. Tyrion Lannister as Hand, Samuel
by it. Tyrion Lannister as Hand, Samuel Tarly as Grand Maester, Sir Davos
Tarly as Grand Maester, Sir Davos Seaworth as master of ships, each
Seaworth as master of ships, each brought their own hardearned wisdom to
brought their own hardearned wisdom to the task of rebuilding a kingdom that
the task of rebuilding a kingdom that had nearly destroyed itself in pursuit
had nearly destroyed itself in pursuit of power. The wheel that Daenerys had
of power. The wheel that Daenerys had promised to break had indeed been
promised to break had indeed been shattered, but not in the way she had
shattered, but not in the way she had envisioned. The Game of Thrones had
envisioned. The Game of Thrones had ended not with the triumph of good over
ended not with the triumph of good over evil, but with the recognition that
evil, but with the recognition that power itself was the true enemy, that
power itself was the true enemy, that the pursuit of absolute authority
the pursuit of absolute authority inevitably corrupted those who sought
inevitably corrupted those who sought it. The new realm that emerged from the
it. The new realm that emerged from the ashes would be built on different
ashes would be built on different foundations where the lessons of the
foundations where the lessons of the past would guide rather than condemn the
past would guide rather than condemn the future. As spring returned to Westeros
future. As spring returned to Westeros for the first time in years, bringing
for the first time in years, bringing green shoots through the blackened earth
green shoots through the blackened earth of King's Landing and melting the last
of King's Landing and melting the last snows of an endless winter. The
snows of an endless winter. The survivors of the great game began the
survivors of the great game began the long work of healing. The songs that
long work of healing. The songs that would be sung of their deeds would tell
would be sung of their deeds would tell of heroes and villains, of love and
of heroes and villains, of love and betrayal, of the price that power
betrayal, of the price that power extracted from all who sought it, and
extracted from all who sought it, and the hope that could emerge even from the
the hope that could emerge even from the darkest tragedy. In the years that
darkest tragedy. In the years that followed the breaking of the wheel,
followed the breaking of the wheel, Westeros began to heal from wounds that
Westeros began to heal from wounds that had seemed too deep to mend. The
had seemed too deep to mend. The scattered stones of King's Landing were
scattered stones of King's Landing were rebuilt not as monuments to royal power,
rebuilt not as monuments to royal power, but as homes for the common people, who
but as homes for the common people, who had always been the true foundation of
had always been the true foundation of the realm. Where once the Red Keep had
the realm. Where once the Red Keep had loomed over the city like a crimson
loomed over the city like a crimson crown, now gardens bloomed in
crown, now gardens bloomed in courtyards, where children played among
courtyards, where children played among flowers that grew from soil enriched by
flowers that grew from soil enriched by ash and memory. King Bran the Broken
ash and memory. King Bran the Broken ruled from a throne carved not from the
ruled from a throne carved not from the swords of enemies, but from the ironwood
swords of enemies, but from the ironwood of the north, its branches reaching
of the north, its branches reaching upward like the heart trees that had
upward like the heart trees that had watched over the realm since the dawn of
watched over the realm since the dawn of time. His reign was marked not by
time. His reign was marked not by conquest or grandeur, but by the quiet
conquest or grandeur, but by the quiet work of justice and reconstruction, as
work of justice and reconstruction, as the realm learned to govern itself
the realm learned to govern itself through councils and compromise rather
through councils and compromise rather than the will of a single monarch. The
than the will of a single monarch. The ravens that carried his messages across
ravens that carried his messages across the seven kingdoms bore words of
the seven kingdoms bore words of reconciliation rather than commands of
reconciliation rather than commands of war. The great houses that had once
war. The great houses that had once schemed and fought for centuries of
schemed and fought for centuries of advantage now found themselves partners
advantage now found themselves partners in the greater work of rebuilding
in the greater work of rebuilding civilization from its foundations. The
civilization from its foundations. The Starks ruled the independent north with
Starks ruled the independent north with wisdom gained through suffering, while
wisdom gained through suffering, while the Lannisters sought to redeem their
the Lannisters sought to redeem their legacy through service rather than
legacy through service rather than dominance. The Tyrells planted new roses
dominance. The Tyrells planted new roses in the fertile fields of the Reach,
in the fertile fields of the Reach, while the Baratheians learned that true
while the Baratheians learned that true strength lay in protection rather than
strength lay in protection rather than conquest. In the north, Queen Sansa
conquest. In the north, Queen Sansa presided over a realm that had chosen
presided over a realm that had chosen its own path, where the old gods watched
its own path, where the old gods watched over their children from the heart
over their children from the heart trees, and the long winters no longer
trees, and the long winters no longer brought terror, but simply the turning
brought terror, but simply the turning of seasons in their proper order.
of seasons in their proper order. Winterfell's halls echoed with laughter
Winterfell's halls echoed with laughter instead of the clash of swords. While
instead of the clash of swords. While the crypts below held their honored dead
the crypts below held their honored dead in peaceful rest, their iron swords no
in peaceful rest, their iron swords no longer needed to guard against the
longer needed to guard against the darkness. The wall, though broken, was
darkness. The wall, though broken, was not abandoned, but transformed into
not abandoned, but transformed into something new. The Knights Watch evolved
something new. The Knights Watch evolved from a military order into a brotherhood
from a military order into a brotherhood of scholars and healers who tended to
of scholars and healers who tended to the needs of the free folk who had
the needs of the free folk who had settled the lands beyond. The castles
settled the lands beyond. The castles that had once been fortresses became
that had once been fortresses became schools and libraries, while the ranging
schools and libraries, while the ranging that had once sought enemies now
that had once sought enemies now explored the mysteries of lands that
explored the mysteries of lands that were no longer forbidden. Beyond the
were no longer forbidden. Beyond the narrow sea, the cities that Daenerys had
narrow sea, the cities that Daenerys had liberated continued the work she had
liberated continued the work she had begun. Though they chose their own paths
begun. Though they chose their own paths toward freedom, the former slaves of
toward freedom, the former slaves of Slavers Bay built new lives as free
Slavers Bay built new lives as free citizens, while the pyramids that had
citizens, while the pyramids that had once housed masters now served as
once housed masters now served as schools and hospitals. The dragons were
schools and hospitals. The dragons were gone, but the memory of liberation lived
gone, but the memory of liberation lived on in the hearts of those who had broken
on in the hearts of those who had broken their own chains. Arya Stark's voyages
their own chains. Arya Stark's voyages to the lands west of Westeros brought
to the lands west of Westeros brought back tales of wonders that reminded the
back tales of wonders that reminded the realm that there were still mysteries to
realm that there were still mysteries to be solved and adventures to be found
be solved and adventures to be found that did not require conquest or
that did not require conquest or bloodshed. Her ships returned laden not
bloodshed. Her ships returned laden not with gold or slaves, but with knowledge
with gold or slaves, but with knowledge and stories, new crops and healing
and stories, new crops and healing herbs, proving that exploration could
herbs, proving that exploration could enrich the world without impoverishing
enrich the world without impoverishing others. The faith of the seven found new
others. The faith of the seven found new purpose in healing rather than judgment.
purpose in healing rather than judgment. As the septumans and scepters who had
As the septumans and scepters who had once preached about divine justice
once preached about divine justice learned to tend to the earthly needs of
learned to tend to the earthly needs of their flocks, the great sept of Balor
their flocks, the great sept of Balor was rebuilt as a hospital and place of
was rebuilt as a hospital and place of learning, where the wounded could heal
learning, where the wounded could heal and the ignorant could learn, where the
and the ignorant could learn, where the seven faces of God smiled down upon
seven faces of God smiled down upon works of mercy rather than acts of war.
works of mercy rather than acts of war. The songs that the bards sang in taverns
The songs that the bards sang in taverns and great halls told stories of the
and great halls told stories of the heroes who had saved the world from
heroes who had saved the world from darkness. But they also celebrated the
darkness. But they also celebrated the smaller victories of farmers who fed the
smaller victories of farmers who fed the hungry, of merchants who traded fairly,
hungry, of merchants who traded fairly, of parents who raised their children in
of parents who raised their children in peace. The great game that had consumed
peace. The great game that had consumed so many lives gave way to countless
so many lives gave way to countless smaller games where the stakes were
smaller games where the stakes were happiness rather than power, love rather
happiness rather than power, love rather than dominance. To Rian Lannister, the
than dominance. To Rian Lannister, the dwarf who had survived through wit when
dwarf who had survived through wit when strength would have failed him, found
strength would have failed him, found his greatest satisfaction not in the
his greatest satisfaction not in the cleverness of his schemes, but in the
cleverness of his schemes, but in the simple pleasure of governance that
simple pleasure of governance that served the people rather than the
served the people rather than the powerful. His reforms to the law codes
powerful. His reforms to the law codes ensured that justice was available to
ensured that justice was available to all rather than just to those who could
all rather than just to those who could afford it. While his management of the
afford it. While his management of the royal finances proved that prosperity
royal finances proved that prosperity could be built through trade and
could be built through trade and taxation rather than conquest and
taxation rather than conquest and plunder. The children who grew up in
plunder. The children who grew up in this new world knew the stories of
this new world knew the stories of dragons and white walkers as legends
dragons and white walkers as legends rather than memories. tales told by the
rather than memories. tales told by the fireside to entertain rather than
fireside to entertain rather than warnings of real dangers that might
warnings of real dangers that might return. They played at being knights and
return. They played at being knights and queens, but their games ended with
queens, but their games ended with laughter rather than tears, with
laughter rather than tears, with embraces rather than funerals. The
embraces rather than funerals. The seasons turned in their ancient pattern,
seasons turned in their ancient pattern, unmarked by human interference or
unmarked by human interference or supernatural threat. Spring brought new
supernatural threat. Spring brought new growth to lands that had been scorched
growth to lands that had been scorched by dragonfire. Summer blessed the realm
by dragonfire. Summer blessed the realm with abundance that was shared rather
with abundance that was shared rather than hoarded. Autumn prepared the people
than hoarded. Autumn prepared the people for winters that were measured in months
for winters that were measured in months rather than years. And winter itself was
rather than years. And winter itself was welcomed as a time of rest and
welcomed as a time of rest and reflection rather than feared as a
reflection rather than feared as a harbinger of death. The misters who had
harbinger of death. The misters who had once served individual lords now work
once served individual lords now work together to preserve and expand human
together to preserve and expand human knowledge. Their chains no longer
knowledge. Their chains no longer symbols of servitude, but of connection
symbols of servitude, but of connection to the great work of understanding the
to the great work of understanding the world. Their ravens carried not just
world. Their ravens carried not just messages between castles, but news of
messages between castles, but news of discoveries and innovations that
discoveries and innovations that enriched all the realm rather than just
enriched all the realm rather than just their immediate masters. Magic, which
their immediate masters. Magic, which had returned to the world in fire and
had returned to the world in fire and ice, settled into gentler forms that
ice, settled into gentler forms that healed rather than destroyed. The red
healed rather than destroyed. The red priests still tendered their flames, but
priests still tendered their flames, but they burned for warmth and light rather
they burned for warmth and light rather than as weapons of war. The children of
than as weapons of war. The children of the forest emerged from their hiding
the forest emerged from their hiding places to share their ancient wisdom
places to share their ancient wisdom with those who would listen, teaching
with those who would listen, teaching new ways to live in harmony with the
new ways to live in harmony with the natural world. The Iron Throne was gone,
natural world. The Iron Throne was gone, melted by dragon fire, and replaced by
melted by dragon fire, and replaced by something that could not be conquered
something that could not be conquered because it existed in the hearts and
because it existed in the hearts and minds of free people rather than as a
minds of free people rather than as a physical object to be seized. The crown
physical object to be seized. The crown passed not through inheritance or
passed not through inheritance or conquest, but through the choice of
conquest, but through the choice of those who understood that true authority
those who understood that true authority came from service rather than dominance.
came from service rather than dominance. And in the godswood of King's Landing,
And in the godswood of King's Landing, where a harsh tree had been planted in
where a harsh tree had been planted in soil that remembered both sorrow and
soil that remembered both sorrow and joy, the faces carved in the white bark
joy, the faces carved in the white bark seemed to smile as they watched over a
seemed to smile as they watched over a realm finally at peace. The old gods and
realm finally at peace. The old gods and the new had found common purpose in
the new had found common purpose in protecting rather than conquering, in
protecting rather than conquering, in nurturing rather than commanding. The
nurturing rather than commanding. The game of thrones was ended, but the
game of thrones was ended, but the greater game of life continued. Played
greater game of life continued. Played not for crowns and castles, but for love
not for crowns and castles, but for love and laughter, for the simple joy of
and laughter, for the simple joy of watching children grow in safety and
watching children grow in safety and prosperity. The wheel that had crushed
prosperity. The wheel that had crushed so many beneath it was broken at last,
so many beneath it was broken at last, replaced by the turning of seasons, and
replaced by the turning of seasons, and the cycle of generations, where each new
the cycle of generations, where each new day brought the possibility of wonder
day brought the possibility of wonder rather than the certainty of sorrow. In
rather than the certainty of sorrow. In the end, it was not fire and blood that
the end, it was not fire and blood that saved the realm, but the recognition
saved the realm, but the recognition that some victories were worth more than
that some victories were worth more than all the Iron Thrones that could ever be
all the Iron Thrones that could ever be forged. The long night was over, the
forged. The long night was over, the dawn had come, and the world was ready
dawn had come, and the world was ready to begin again. Thank you for joining me
to begin again. Thank you for joining me on this journey through the complete
on this journey through the complete timeline of Westeros and Essos. If
timeline of Westeros and Essos. If you've enjoyed these stories of ice and
you've enjoyed these stories of ice and fire, of dragons and dire wolves, of the
fire, of dragons and dire wolves, of the rise and fall of dynasties, and the
rise and fall of dynasties, and the eternal human struggle for power and
eternal human struggle for power and meaning, please consider subscribing for
meaning, please consider subscribing for more deep dives into the worlds we love.
more deep dives into the worlds we love. Until next time, may your dreams be
Until next time, may your dreams be filled with the gentle turning of wheels
filled with the gentle turning of wheels that lift rather than crush, and may you
that lift rather than crush, and may you wake to dawns that promise hope rather
wake to dawns that promise hope rather than fear.
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