House of The Dragon-A God Amongst Men: Chapter 522: Path to Redemption II

(Third Person POV)

[Stepstones]

"Preparations are about to be completed." a Duskguard Knight told Riktor, "My Lord...." 

They were in the main outpost of the Duskguard, where Riktor was residing. After preparations to invade Tyrosh had started, Riktor had taken several days to plan out an assault to hit the Tyroshi hard. He had warned the Triarchy about his plans and even gave them a chance to surrender. 

They refused to surrender and told him they were not going to be defeated, as they had the grace of the gods on their side. That clearly told Riktor that they had something backing them up, something that gave them the confidence to stand up to the Duskguard and himself. 

"Craghas Drahar." Riktor said as he was standing to the side, looking up

"What of him, My Lord?" the Knight asked

"What's his deal?" Riktor asked him

"Well, he's a Myrish Prince." the Knight said, "They call him the Crabfeeder due to his exploits. He led the Triarchy so far when seizing the Stepstones. They call him that due to him capturing his enemies and staking them on beaches, waiting for the crabs to feast on their flesh." 

"Interesting." Riktor said seriously, "It appears he will be an interesting opponent to go up against." 

"He retreated, My Lord." the Knight said, "Do you think he is worth your attention?" 

"He must've retreated for a reason." Riktor turned to look at him, "The Triarchy seem rather confident in standing their ground. They might have a plan to counterattack, which is rather ballsy for someone who is facing us, The Duskguard." 

"What are you thinking?" The Knight asked

"They have reached out to the Dragonriders." Riktor said seriously, "The same ones that Maegor has been struggling with this whole time." 

"According to the reports, Maegor has been chasing them all over Essos." The Knight said, "He says they're employing hit-and-run tactics and hiding, avoiding his wrath entirely." 

"Maegor is a fool." Riktor said, "It is his temperament that allows them to do such things. He is initiating the chase, exactly what they want. That is the most idiotic thing anyone could do against an enemy that wishes to tire you out. The best way to deal with them is to lure them out into your grasp." 

"Is that..." The Knight started, "What you have planned?" 

"Obviously, the Triarchy will try to use Dragons against us." Riktor turned back around, "After attacking Tyrosh and devastating their army.....they will bring out the dragons. That is what I want. After they are in the open, easily targeted, I will bring them down and destroy them. For that is my purpose." 

"Of course." the Knight said, "When do we set out?" 

"In two days." Riktor said, "Make sure that Brutus is well fed." 

"As you wish." the Knight bowed slightly, 

"We'll get it done." 

**************

[Harrenhal]

"Another child, Mother?" Maekar asked as he sat next to Maegelle, "There's already plenty." 

Maegelle chuckled and patted his head, "That may be true." She said, "But that is what your father desires. I cannot refuse him, you know. The way he wishes for more children, I find to be amazing." 

They were sitting down in a couch in her chambers, she had just told her sons that she was with child. Maekar was rather surprised by this, while Maelor seemed not to mind it one bit. 

Maelor was sitting down in front of them, playing on his lute, "I do wonder what it will be." he said, "Another son.....or another daughter......" 

Maegelle gave him a smile, "Whatever it is, I will love the child." She said, "Just as I love the two of you and your sister. And of course, your siblings." 

"So many kids...." Maekar said, "All Father is doing is adding more responsibility to Sylas and Riktor. They're going to be stressed out if they have to deal with so many siblings." 

"That may be true." Maegelle squished his cheek, "But when you grow up, you can help out with that, can you? Be a good brother and help them out." 

"Eh....." Maekar frowned as he crossed his arms, "I guess....." 

"Mother." Maelor spoke, "I wish for a weapon. May you tell Father to craft me one?" 

"Oh." Maegelle looked at him with surprise, "S-Sure.....I am quite surprised by this, Maelor. I didn't think you'd want a weapon already." 

"Yea, I want one too." Maekar said, "I will inform Father of this." 

"Well, your Father is busy these days." Maegelle said, "I will make sure to let him know after he's done with his work." 

"What is he working on?" Maekar asked, "He keeps saying something about Talis. But he's been working on that for years, no?" 

"I don't know, my son." Maegelle said, "It takes a long time for him to complete a being of such power. He delays his completion due to several other thing. Perhaps......he's working on your own mounts, have you thought of that?" 

Maelor stopped playing his lute, "Our own mounts?" He looked at his mother, "Are you speaking the truth?" 

"He worked on Astorias's Veldas for a bit." Maegelle gave him a smile, "I'm sure he's working on other mounts. But don't tell him I told you that, okay? Keep it a secret." 

"Hm....." Maekar said with a frown

The doors opened and Saera walked in, "Oh, my dear sister~~" She said with a bright smile, "To be with child again, it is such wonderful news!" 

She walked towards her and hugged her tightly, taking Maegelle off-guard. 

"Oh....thank you...." Maegelle said

Saera pulled away and immediately hugged Maekar, "Oh my precious boy, I missed hugging you!" She said as she pressed her cheeks against his, "Maekar, my little grumpy one~!" 

"You're crushing me....." Maekar scowled

"Don't be so mean!" Saera pulled away and ruffled his head, "I love you so much~! And you, my sweet Maelor..." 

She crouched down in front of Maelor and patted his cheek as the boy looked at her. 

"What happened? You're in a good mood, Mama Saera...." Maelor said

"Well....." Saera blushed, "Your Father and I had a nice time~~" 

"Gross." Maekar said

"Don't say things like that, sister." Maegelle frowned, "Not in front of the boys." 

"I didn't say anything." Saera chuckled as she stood up, "Boys, why don't you go join your sisters in the library?" 

"I must speak to my sister alone."