Chapter 92: Celtigar
Dyre Den Castle
Within its walls, the formidable figure of Cannibal rested, his massive form sprawled on the ground, his breath sending waves of heat.
Approaching the dragon, Rhaegar's gaze met its closed pupils and he reached out to stroke the creature's muzzle.
Doubtfully, he addressed the dragon, his words fraught with uncertainty, "Cannibal, are you feeling depressed today?"
In response, a low roar escaped the dragon's throat, its massive frame shifting slightly as it conveyed its feelings.
"It feels its own strength," Rhaegar interpreted, a wry smile gracing his lips. "It's disappointed it didn't get a chance to fully unleash it last night."
Chuckling softly, Rhaegar reassured the dragon, "Fear not, my friend. When we return to Dragonstone Island, we can find those two dragons and take our frustration out on them."
Their bond strengthened with each passing day, and Rhaegar had no doubt that with Cannibal at his side, they would emerge victorious against Vermithor and the wounded Silverwing.
As their conversation continued, a group of figures approached, their presence drawing Rhaegar's attention.
Turning to face them, he recognized Sam, Bart, and Skylar, their expressions a mixture of caution and reverence for the black dragon beside him.
As they approached, they knelt before him.
Rhaegar was taken aback by their display. "What are you doing?" he asked, his voice tinged with surprise.
Sam spoke first, his words filled with loyalty. "Prince, you led us to defeat the curse. We hope you will continue to lead us in the future."
Bart echoed his sentiments, his tone repentant. "My brother has made serious mistakes. While I dare not hope for the King's forgiveness, I ask only that you accept the loyal service of House Brune and allow us to atone for our sins by your side."
As Rhaegar's gaze settled on Skylar, he couldn't help but admire her bravery in the battle the night before.
After a moment of reflection, Rhaegar replied softly, "I promised Falcon that I would take care of his tribe. I will bring what remains of the Falcon tribe with me. But what do you want?"
Skylar raised her head, determination in her eyes as she spoke boldly, "Prince, you have worked tirelessly for the Peninsula. You should not abandon the fruits of your labor and leave."
"The fruits of my labor?" Rhaegar asked, confused by her words.
Skylar calmly explained, "You broke the curse and saved the people of the Peninsula. You were to gather them all and accept their allegiance."
"And then?" Rhaegar inquired further.
"You can unite the nobles and wildlings of the peninsula and become the first hero to unite the region in nearly a hundred years. You will return to your family with honor," Skylar continued.
Rhaegar hesitated, considering her words carefully. Before he could answer, Sam offered his advice. "Prince, the people of the peninsula are eagerly awaiting your presence. You should meet with them."
With a slight frown, Rhaegar nodded in agreement and let them lead him to the city walls.
Outside the wall, a diverse gathering had gathered: House Brune, House Crabb, the wildling army, and numerous small noble families they had encountered before.
As Rhaegar stepped onto the city wall, the entire assembly fell to their knees, heads bowed in reverence. Despite the silence, the intensity of their gazes was deafening.
Watching this display, Rhaegar was taken aback. He turned to Sam and the others. "Do they swear allegiance to me?" he asked.
"Yes, hero of the peninsula, prince of Targaryen," Sam and the others replied in unison, affirming their loyalty with bowed heads and kneeling forms.
Rhaegar sighed softly, a sense of resignation coloring his words. "Let them rise. I am about to leave."
"Prince, I implore you to accept the loyalty of the nobles," one of them urged.
"Prince, the crab claws you appointed to fight for you are still following your orders," another added.
The air was thick with anticipation as Rhaegar pondered their pleas. After a long silence, he relented. "Alright. Raise your heads, I accept your allegiance."
Reflecting on the previous night's victory, Rhaegar couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment. The admiration and respect in the eyes of these people was unfamiliar, yet gratifying.
Surveying the scene before him, Rhaegar realized that this hospitality was hard to resist.
Upon hearing the prince's acceptance, the gathering erupted in joyous celebration.
Under Bart's coordination, the nobles of the peninsula gathered in the waiting room of Dyre Den, where they knelt before Rhaegar and pledged their allegiance.
They won the wager.
Skylar, accompanied by Trangle, the representative of the Crab Claws, sought an audience with Rhaegar. Trangle, tall and bear-like, spoke in a mumbled tone, "Prince, some of the free folk wish to return to the wilderness, while a thousand wish to go with you.
Rhaegar nodded in acknowledgement and issued a command, "Calculate the total number of free men, including the remnants of the Hawk tribe and their families.
Despite his reservations about their naivety, he acknowledged their loyalty and sacrifice.
"About two thousand, mostly women and children," Skylar reported.
Rhaegar then considered the logistics of accommodating such a group. "Transporting two thousand will require a large ship."
Skylar interjected confidently, "The nobles of the peninsula may lack large ships, but I know where we can find one."
"Tell me more," Rhaegar demanded.
Skylar hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice muffled, "The Celtigar House of Claw Isle. They've been loyal to the Targaryen dynasty for generations and have a formidable fleet."
"Are you related to the Celtigars?" Rhaegar inquired, intrigued by her reluctance.
Skylar bowed her head even lower, her teeth clenched in frustration. "Yes, Bartimos Celtigar. He's my father, but I'm just a bastard, born to a fisherman's daughter."
"Then why did you end up here at Crackclaw Point?" Rhaegar inquired quietly.
There was resentment in Skylar's answer. "Bartimos despises bastards, regardless of our circumstances. I was born to a different woman than Tormund, and fate led us to work together on a ship."
"After a shipwreck, Tormund and I were washed ashore at Crackclaw Point, where we were taken in by Uncle Falcon."
Skylar's hands clenched, her voice filled with resentment at their circumstances. "It's unfair."
Rhaegar sighed, understanding her plight. "I'll go to Claw Isle and borrow a boat. Meanwhile, you organize the free folk to leave with us."
Despite the lingering prejudice they faced, Rhaegar chose not to dwell on their past; he had no desire to reopen old wounds or add to their pain.
...
Rhaegar led Cannibal to Claw Isle, which lay east of Crackclaw Point and near the Whispers. With Cannibal's impressive speed, they crossed the mid-sea in a matter of minutes and quickly reached the island.
Claw Isle, under the leadership of House Celtigar, is a large island in the sea.
Much like House Velaryon, House Celtigar traces its lineage back to the days of Old Valyria and accompanied the Targaryens on their journey to Westeros.
Members of House Celtigar boast Valyrian ancestry and are characterized by their distinctive silver hair and piercing purple eyes.
Known for their unwavering loyalty, the Celtigars have served the Targaryens faithfully for generations to the present day.
As they approached Claw Isle, Rhaegar surveyed the sprawling city below Cannibal Mountain. A towering castle graced the rolling hills.
"It's here," Rhaegar murmured, giving Cannibal a reassuring pat before signaling him to land outside the castle walls.
"Roar..." Cannibal circled the castle, releasing a burst of dragon flame as if to announce the arrival of the strongest wild dragon.
Cannibal landed, creating a gust of wind. The dragon's imposing figure loomed over the castle walls, dwarfing the soldiers and horses inside.
The sudden appearance of the dragon sent shockwaves through Claw Isle. Though the guards on the city walls trembled with fear, they held their ground and refused to flee.
Mounted on Cannibal, Rhaegar stood almost eye to eye with the guards. In a calm tone he addressed them, "Go and summon your lord. Tell him the Targaryen prince has arrived."
(Word count: 1345)