Game of Thrones: The Red Dragon Lord

Chapter 96: Chapter 96 Brienne



The guard supported his knees with his hands, panting heavily as he reported to Lord Selwyn in broken phrases:

"Lord... I was on duty at the lighthouse... I saw a huge... dragon... flying toward our island of Tarth... and then... it landed on the island."

Brienne stood quietly by, listening intently to the guard's words.

After hearing this, Lord Selwyn waved his hand slightly and said, "I understand. Go and rest for now." The guard, relieved, was taken away.

Lord Selwyn's face darkened as he paced back and forth in the hall, his mind clearly troubled. Brienne, observing her father's unease, couldn't hold back her question.

"Father, have you guessed something? Is there really a dragon?"

Earl Selwyn paused, looked at his daughter, and replied slowly,

"If my guess is correct, it must be the dragon of Gavin Belleris, the new overlord of the Stepstones. There have been rumors for months that he has acquired a dragon, and now it seems those rumors are true. But why he's come to Tarth is a mystery."

Brienne offered her thoughts.

"Father, Tarth is very close to the Stepstones. Perhaps he's only passing through."

Earl Selwyn sighed, nodding.

"Perhaps. But a new dragon rider complicates things. Who knows what the Iron Throne will think of this? And since he's come to Tarth without visiting the castle, it's clear he wishes to avoid unnecessary trouble. If he doesn't seek us out, we have no reason to interfere."

Brienne's expression turned thoughtful, her mind lingering on the name Gavin Belleris.

She had heard countless tales of Gavin's conquests in the Stepstones—how he drove out bloodthirsty pirates, secured vital trade routes, and expanded his influence. Those stories always filled her with admiration. And now, hearing he had a dragon added an air of mystery she couldn't ignore. For the first time, she found herself wondering what it would be like to see such a creature with her own eyes.

As evening descended, the last rays of the setting sun gave way to twilight, painting the sky in hues of purple and gold. Gavin and Daenerys had found a secluded valley near the sea to make camp.

Gavin swiftly lit a bonfire, its crackling flames dancing as he turned freshly caught fish over the heat. The warm light flickered across their faces, showing both weariness and anticipation.

Not far away, Syndor, Gavin's majestic golden dragon, had flown to the sea in search of its own meal.

The peaceful quiet of the camp was abruptly broken by the faint rustle of movement in the nearby bushes. Gavin's instincts flared. With one smooth motion, he drew Dawnbreaker, the blade gleaming in the firelight, and turned sharply toward the sound, his eyes scanning the shadows with precision.

Daenerys stood quickly, instinctively stepping behind Gavin. Her tone betrayed both concern and urgency.

"Gavin, what is it?"

Viserion, her smaller dragon, growled low, its golden eyes fixed on the bushes, warning of an unseen threat.

From the shadows, a figure slowly emerged. A tall woman, her hair slightly disheveled and her armor dusted from travel, stepped into the firelight. She carried a sword at her waist and moved with the confidence of a seasoned warrior.

Brienne of Tarth surveyed the camp, her gaze lingering briefly on Daenerys before shifting to Viserion and finally to Gavin, who stood poised with Dawnbreaker in hand. Her eyes reflected a hint of surprise—this dragon was far smaller than the one described in the rumors.

She raised her head slightly and addressed Gavin, her tone steady but respectful.

"Excuse me, are you Ser Gavin?"

Gavin's sharp gaze softened slightly as he studied her. After a moment, he sheathed Dawnbreaker.

"I am. And who might you be?"

Brienne straightened, her voice carrying sincerity.

"I am Brienne of Tarth. I've heard tales of your conquest of the Stepstones and came to see for myself the man behind the legend."

Gavin raised an eyebrow, appraising her.

"So, you're the Lady of Tarth. What is it you're really after?"

Brienne spoke earnestly.

"I admire your achievements, Ser Gavin, and I was curious about the dragon you're said to possess. But I admit, I'm puzzled. It's rumored your dragon is golden, yet the one I see here is..." She gestured toward Viserion.

Gavin chuckled lightly and glanced at Viserion.

"This isn't my dragon. Viserion belongs to Daenerys. My dragon, Syndor, is hunting by the sea."

Brienne's expression grew more serious as she turned to Daenerys.

"Are you the Princess Daenerys Targaryen?"

Daenerys stepped forward, her voice calm but commanding.

"I am Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen. Tell me, Brienne of Tarth—are you here to capture me and deliver me to the usurper?"

Her words carried a weight that made even Gavin glance her way in admiration.

Brienne quickly shook her head, her tone resolute.

"Your Highness, you misunderstand. Though my family swears loyalty to Robert Baratheon, I came here not with treachery, but out of admiration for Ser Gavin's deeds—and curiosity about dragons. I would never harm an unarmed woman, royal or otherwise."

Daenerys's expression softened, though her tone remained guarded.

"You speak with honor, Brienne of Tarth. More honor than the usurper who sends assassins after me. He's not even fit to be compared to a woman like you."

Brienne frowned, her voice low but steady.

"Your Highness, do you have proof of these accusations? Robert Baratheon was once a warrior of great honor. I cannot condemn him on words alone."

Before Daenerys could reply, a massive shadow swept over the valley. The ground trembled as Syndor, Gavin's golden dragon, landed with an earth-shaking thud. Its wings spread wide, blotting out the firelight as the powerful gust extinguished the flames.

Brienne instinctively stepped back, her eyes widening in awe. Syndor's shimmering golden scales glowed faintly in the moonlight, and its sheer size and majesty left her momentarily speechless.

Syndor lowered its massive head, nudging Gavin affectionately. Gavin stroked its snout with a quiet familiarity before turning to Brienne.

"This is Syndor, my dragon."

Brienne barely managed to speak, her voice hushed.

"He's... magnificent."

Gavin mounted Syndor with Daenerys close behind. He looked down at Brienne, his tone calm but firm.

"Miss Brienne, I respect your curiosity. The truth about the Iron Throne will reveal itself soon enough. Keep an ear to the news from Braavos. Until we meet again."

Syndor let out a deafening roar, the sound echoing through the valley. With a powerful leap, the dragon launched into the sky, its golden wings cutting through the night. Brienne shielded her eyes from the wind, watching as they vanished into the heavens, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear, awe, and admiration.

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Thx for being patient guys and also motivating me 


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