Chapter 16

"They hurt you so badly... It seems time had healed thier fear and they had forgotten what the warth of a dragon reall was," Aerion muttered, fury boiling within him. He was aware of a specific group of individuals who had a keen interest in studying dragons. Recalling his inhertant memories he knew of the last dragons was killed by a mob.

As Targaryen he realized that even if chained, a dragon would be a formidable foe for untrained knights, let alone civilians with stick and farmtools.

Determined to confront those responsible, Aerion mounted Dreamfyre. "Let's go, let catch those rats that hurt you" he said, his voice steely with resolve. Dreamfyre responded with a low rumble, as if understanding his words.

With a powerful flap of her wings, Dreamfyre took to the skies, Aerion holding on tightly. They soared over King's Landing, the city sprawling beneath them. Aerion guided her towards a large Coliseum-like structure, his eyes narrowing as they approached.

With a thunderous roar that startled the Dragonkeepers below, Dreamfyre landed at the center of the Coliseum sending dust to fly all over, her presence commanding immediate attention. Aerion dismounted, his gaze fierce as he looked around at the stunned onlookers.

As Aerion dismounted from Dreamfyre, the massive dragon's warm breath created small clouds of steam in the cool air, a middle-aged Dragonkeeper rushed towards him, bowing deeply.

"Prince Aerion," the Dragonkeeper greeted, his tone respectful yet filled with unease.

Aerion nodded curtly in acknowledgment.

"Have you claimed Dreamfyre, Prince Aerion?" the Dragonkeeper asked, his voice tinged with fear and a hint of trepidation.

Aerion fixed him with a serious gaze, sidestepping the question. "Bring me everyone in charge of Dreamfyre, especially Maester James," he ordered, his voice cold and commanding.

"Maester James!" the Dragonkeeper repeated, his eyes flicking nervously to Dreamfyre, who loomed imposingly behind Aerion his voice filled with fear.

The Dragonkeeper hesitated, seemingly torn between following Aerion's orders and something else suddenly he thought of something as he calmed down "My prince, you haven't answered me. Did you claim Dreamfyre?"

Aerion understood why the Dragonkeeper questioned him the first time but from the other parties reaction since seeing Dreamfyre.

He knew that the question wasn't just about following his great-grandfather's edict; it was about something else entirely. He could see the anxiety in the man's eyes.

"So, what if I did claim Dreamfyre?" Aerion replied, his tone challenging.

The Dragonkeeper immediately took a step back, his face cold. "Then I will have to detain you for judgment and inform the Grand Maester to inform the King of you breaking the ban."

Aerion's eyes narrowed, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "You may think I didn't notice your little change of expression and the glances you've been casting at Dreamfyre, but I did."

Before anyone could react, Aerion's hand shot out, grabbing the Dragonkeeper by the neck. With a swift, brutal motion, he lifted the man and slammed him to the ground face-first. The impact echoed through the stone walls of the pit.

The surrounding Dragonkeepers were stunned and immediately put on a defensive stance.

Aerion ignored them as voiced his demand cold and loud, echoing off the cavernous walls. "I don't have time to play around. Go and get me Maester James and everyone who has been in charge of Dreamfyre. Now."

The Dragonkeeper, clearly terrified by the aura from Aerion and scrambled to their feet and hurried off to carry out Aerion's orders. Aerion surveyed the Coliseum-like structure, his eyes scanning the numerous caves that led into the dragon pit.

The sound of a bell resonated through the pit, and people began to emerge from all directions. Dragonkeepers and those in training came forward, their faces a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

Soon, Aerion recognized two familiar figures approaching. One was an elderly man, Maester Aemond, who was in charge of the dragon pit, and the other was a young man who had guided Aerion to the pits earlier.

"Prince Aerion," Maester Aemond greeted, bowing slightly. The other Dragonkeepers followed suit, their movements stiff with tension.

Maester Aemond's eyes fell on the bloodied Dragonkeeper lying on the ground and then flicked back to Aerion. "Prince Aerion, is something wrong?"

Aerion's eyes flashed with anger. "Maester Aemond, isn't that a question I should be asking you?" His words cut through the air, leaving the elderly maester bewildered.

"As the Maester in charge of the dragon pit, it's your responsibility to ensure the well-being of the dragons," Aerion continued, his voice growing colder. "Look at Dreamfyre. Is this how you care for the dragons?"

Years of knowing Maester Aemond had instilled in Aerion a sense of respect for the old man. He knew Aemond was innocent, his advanced age and infrequent visits to the dragons making him an unlikely culprit. Yet, Aerion was confident that Aemond would help him find the true perpetrator.

The old maester turned to examine Dreamfyre, his eyes widening as he noticed the numerous injuries marring her scales. Unnatural cuts and signs of prolonged shackling were evident, and his expression darkened with realization.

"This... this is terrible," Maester Aemond said, his voice filled with regret. "I apologize, my prince. This happened due to my negligence. I will find the culprit and accept any punishment that comes my way."

Aerion, his voice firm and resolute, responded, "Old man, I'm not here to mete out punishments or rewards. I command you to bring me the scoundrel Maester James who harmed Dreamfyre."

Maester Aemond nodded, turning to scan the crowd. His eyes settled on a middle-aged man attempting to blend into the background. "James, come here," he ordered sharply.

James, a Maester in training at the dragon pit, had been groomed to succeed the aging Aemond. The young man's face turned ashen as he stepped forward, his movements reluctant.

Maester Aemond had held high hopes for James, believing him to be a worthy successor. Never had he anticipated that his trust would be so grievously misplaced. The old maester's eyes filled with disappointment and anger as James approached.

Aerion watched James closely, his eyes like daggers. "You have some explaining to do, Maester James," he said, his voice laced with barely restrained fury. "Dreamfyre's suffering will not go unanswered."

James swallowed hard, his face a mask of fear. "I... I didn't—"

"Save your excuses," Aerion cut him off, his voice thunderous. "You will face the consequences of your actions. And you will tell me everything about who else is involved in this."

The gathered Dragonkeepers and trainees watched in stunned silence, the air thick with tension. Aerion's gaze swept over them, ensuring they understood the gravity of the situation.