Chapter 49: The Dragon's Rescue—

  It was m now, and I was sitting on the edge of the bed with my sword on my p as I polished it with a piece of cloth. A throaty rumble of Viserion gnawing on her breakfast—some poor sheep or what remained of it—brought me out of my focus as I looked up. A m breeze rustled the camp’s tents, carrying the savory-sour smell of ed mutton through the air.

  I locked the sword on my waist and walked out, stepping into the otion that was a war camp. People stared at Viserioing, their eyes full of awe, and I e. I approached her, notig what she was eating. It didn’t look particurly appetizing, but my dragon ehe raw, bloody feast heless. Well, I say it’s not particurly appetizing, but… Somehow, I also felt hungry looking at it.

  This was not a good sign. Was I losing my rationality? Shaking my head, I patted her golden scales, feeling the tension in her body as she tore off another hunk of flesh. She probably wasn’t hungry, she’d feasted yesterday, but she clearly didn’t miing more. I didn’t mind; a well-fed dragon was safer for everyone involved.

  Yawning, I gnced around, the camp, the people, and the burning st of meat. My eyes fell on a small ente that had gathered in the clearing just beyond Viserion.

  Robb Stark stood at the forefront, with his mother and sister not far behind. The older woman’s stance rim and guarded. A few of the important northern lords fhem, reizable from the night’s extended meeting—some with bandaged arms, others with stern, soldierly faces. A cluster of men in thick cloaks li the edge, curious but respectful.

  “You’re up early, Yrace,” Robb said, stepping closer. His hair was tousled in the m sun, and though he tried for a ral expression, he looked curious. “We’ve prepared a feast for you. Well, as much as repare in a war camp.”

  I shrugged lightly. “That won’t be necessary. I pn to leave soon. Well, as soon as she’s done,” I replied, nodding toward Viserion’s current meal. “She’ll be full enough to fly without pining.”

  Behind Robb, I spotted Sansa and Lady Catelyn. Sansa’s gaze was downcast, her lips pressed in a wistful line. I guessed she was sad to see me depart; no surprises there, sidering the closeness we’d developed in such a short time. But her mother’s expression was as formidable as ever—doubtful, protective, and appraising.

  Nearby lords looked on with polite i or mild curiosity as Robb cleared his throat, sighing. “A pity. But I’m sure the soldiers will enjoy the food.”

  I ughed, “That they will. And just call me by doesn't matter even if people are around, Robb. Fellow Kings should have that much liberty. Plus, we’re friends, right?”

  He smiled. “Of course. You saved my sister, so we certainly are. I appreciate everything you’ve done, Viserys. Last night’s talk ended on a good note, and your promises made us look forward to the ing months. My lords are grateful, and we’ll be waiting for when you call.” His voice lowered. “Once you ride out, I trust you’ll send word wheime is ripe? I’ll lead my army into King’s Landing then.”

  I offered him a firm nod, smiling. “t on it. I’ll send a ravehe right moment es. By then, Viserion should also be rge enough to cast a real shadow of fear over King’s Landing. So don’t be te to the game, otherwise I’ll enjoy it all by myself.”

  He chuckled genuinely. “I look forward to that.” Then his gaze flicked to Viserion. The dragon had, by now, devoured the better part of the sheep. Gore staihe grass and her jaws. Still, the sight didn’t seem to unnerve Robb as much as it might have a day earlier.

  I’d say this retty good visit. We made det strides in bridging old animosities. The Starks and Targaryens were historically enemies, yet here we stood—almost real allies. Mutual respect leasant ge from Doran Martell’s doubt to Olenna Tyrell’s desire to take advantage of me.

  By this time, Viserio out a quiet huff, fpping her wings in a zy stretch. Satisfied, apparently. I took that as my cue to mount. With one swift motion, I approached her side and id a hand against the scaled curve of her neck. She grumbled softly but didn’t protest as I hoisted myself onto her babsp;

  The northern lords stiffened, shifting uneasily at the prospee taking flight right before them. Perhaps instinctually, they feared what I could do on top on's back, away from their attacks, and a on of mass destru under my and.

  “Alright then,” I said, patting Viserion. “We’ll see–” Before I could finish my goodbyes, Sansa stepped forward, desperation on her face that hadn’t been there a moment before.

  “Viserys!” she called, her voice almost crag. Then she caught herself, remembering protocol. “A-ah, I mean, Yrace… please, before you go, I— I have o favor to ask.” She stammered, making the lords exge looks.

  Her tone made me pause. Even from my vantage on Viserion’s back, I could see the guilt and fear shining in her eyes. Robb scowled, and Lady Cately out a sigh. Whatever Sansa was about to say clearly wasn’t o the rest of her family.

  “Speak up,” I told her. “If there’s something important, I’d rather not leave with regrets.”

  Sansa swallowed, her voice trembling. “Well… Last night, after I finally felt relief being free, I found out some terrible hat my mother was hiding to spare me more sorrow. It’s about my younger brothers, Bran and Ri. Theon Greyjoy… the imbecile that House Stark raised, has taken Winterfell. My brothers are in his custody.” Her lips quivered. “Please, help us. Save my brothers. Save Winterfell from that traitor!”

  The gathered men fell silent, and even the soldiers nearby watched the se. I detected a note of dismay on Robb’s face. He quickly recovered, turning to Sansa with a pg gesture. “We’ve already seo ha, Sansa. Lord Bolton dispatched his bastard son to recim Winterfell. Just give it some time. Viserys is a guest—an ally, yes—but we ’t impose on him like this.”

  “But it’s the Ironborn,” Lady Catelyn cut in sharply, fists ched. This time, she was on her daughter’s side. “I told you Robb, but you didn’t listen. Theon grew up with you and therayed you. Imagine what those who grew up in the Iron Isnds are like. Who’s to say they’ll spare hostages?! We ’t risk deying. If those filthy men hurt Bran or Ri, then…. I don’t know.”

  Robb exhaled, clearly torn. I hummed momentarily and lightly tapped my fingers on Viserion’s scales. “Your mother is right, Robb. The Ironborn are infamous for cruelty. And we’re allies now, friends, even. Seeing you… especially Sansa… lose her precious brothers would pain me as well.” I said and watched Sansa’s eyes widen in surprise. “And it’s not as if I’m in a hurry to return to King’s Landing. So, I head north and teach the Ironborn men a lesson.”

  Sansa brightened, hope lighting her face. “Then—then I’m ing with you!”

  “No, you’re not,” Catelyn barked, whirling on her daughter with a gre that would’ve withered lesser souls. “I won’t allow such madness. You’re to stay here, with me, and with your brother who’ll keep you safe.”

  Robb pced a hand on his mother’s shoulder. “...Mother, please. Sansa has endured so much. And holy, perhaps she’s more safe with Viserys. He’s on top of a dragon, as you see. Plus, a Stark o go with him to Winterfell. The people of the North would tremble in fear otherwise if they saw a dragon riding Targaryen circle their sky. With Sansa there, they’ll see the alliance is real. Besides, we ’t spare the time or resources to ferry Sansa back here if—”

  Catelyn’s expression colored with anger, but Robb pressed on. “Don’t give me that look, mother. Let’s not pretend any of us here fot what you did. You still haven’t received a verdict for releasing Jaime Lannister. If not, I’d have requested Viserys to take you back to Winterfell, as well. So just stay quiet, and trust that Sansa will be safe with Viserys.”

  She opened her mouth, clearly wishing to object further, but words failed her. Her eyes flicked from Sansa’s pleading expression to me, perched on Viserion, and she let out a frustrated breath. “Fine,” she said at st, voice cold. “But if any harm befalls my daughter—”

  “It won’t,” I assured her, my tone calm and fident. “I delivered her safely. How I let her be harmed when you’re trusting her with me willingly? Fear not, she’ll e to no harm under my watch.”

  Robb stepped closer, me a respectful nod. “Thank you. friend. Keep her safe, and I trust you’ll do whatever you must to free our brothers. Theon… Theon was once my friend, but that friendship is dead now. He chose his path.”

  “Uood,” I murmured. “We’ll leave at once.”

  Sansa wasted no time. She ran forward, hands delicately resting on Viserion’s golden fnk, searg for a foothold. The drago out a soft grunt—whether annoyanere aowledgment, I couldn’t be sure—but didn’t flinch as Sansa cmbered up in front of me. The watchers stared, breath held, as she settled onto the dragon’s babsp;

  They watched as a Stark climbed onton back.

  I offered o g the Starks. Robb raised a hand in silent thanks. Catelyn stood taut, arms folded, eyes brimming with worry. The northern lords surrounding them exged awed whispers.

  Then Viserion spread her wings, stirring gusts of dust and hay in the clearing. Sansa gave a final wave, her hair tumbling in the breeze.

  And then we lifted off. Viserion unched herself into the bright m sky, hoisting us clear of the camp, the men below shrinking to antlike shapes. A swirl of cold air rushed against my cheeks, and Sansa let out a soft gasp, I tightened my verdict around her waist, making her rex. Over the roar of the wind, I heard the distant cheers, the murmurs, and the faint g of steel as the world fell away beh us.

  We soared northward, the horizon wide open. My mind raced, pns for subduing Theon Greyjoy, and perhaps his father, for winning over the North, for everything that might follow if my rescue mission succeeded.

  “Hang on,” I whispered to Sansa’s ears. “The real ride begins now.” Each time Viserion fpped her wings, I felt oep deeper into the game of thrones.

  **

  **

  **