He took his time reading the letter. I waited patiently, gazing at the lines of emerald light that extended from the crystals, snaking their way into the walls and floor of the great hall. It was fascinating to witness his magic at work; my own power paled in comparison, yet it remained a formidable tool I never derided.
"A dragon is presently stationed in the hills near the Darkwash. This certainly adds a variable I did not account for in this war" father said, a shadow of concern crossing his features. "What are your thoughts?"
"I do not think the dragon will have any influence on the war or any battle." I expressed firmly. "It would be a folly of the highest order for the Iron Throne to throw its strongest weapon into an Essosi conflict. Jaehaerys is old not senile"
"Right you are, but our primary concern lies elsewhere," he said, prompting me to voice the conclusion we had both already surmised.
"Any danger to its rider will certainly force the dragon to join the fray which is an ingredient for chaos neither side would appreciate. Regardless we are not at liberty to halt the invasion until the dragon or its rider leaves." I concluded. "The alternative we have left is to carry on with the planned attack. I should also make my way to the battlefield in case I am needed to halt the rampaging dragon" Never a day where all things go as per the plan, I thought with a heavy sigh.
Father caught my reaction. He chuckled, rising from the throne. Immediately, the deep thrumming of the crystals ceased. The blazing glow settled into a muted simmer, and the great hall darkened as the evening shadows stretched across the marble.
"This need not be as unfavourable as you think. he said, a conspiring grin forming on his face. "A Dragonlord in our midst offers us numerous avenues to exploit."
I grasped his intent. "You mean to capture him. And then what? Hold him for ransom?"
"An opportunity to study a Dragonlord and his mount has long eluded my experiments," father mused, his grin turning wicked. "It would be a highly worthwhile endeavor to dissect the magics bound within Targaryen blood. It will grant us a true understanding of a living dragon's anatomy. The Blood Wyrm's status as a mutant among his own kind makes the prospect utterly irresistible."
I was beginning to understand "Tread carefully, pater. This marks our first direct conflict with a thriving magical bloodline. Unseen gods or ancient creatures may yet protect them. We must remain vigilant, especially when the hour of the Inquisition draws near." I cautioned him even still.
Father shook his head "Ye of little faith Octavian, you think your father so weak as to cower in the face of overgrown lizards and their riders" father said with amusement.
"I know you can do almost anything but it is concerning that magic is in decline while the House of the Dragon continues to ascend higher." I pressed my concerns. "They have now seven dragons and still growing younglings. Balerion may be dead but his kind thrives."
"Be that as it may we need to take the risk. Another chance such as this may be decades after. Better to pluck the ripe fruit presented to us than a rotten one in the future" father reasoned. I recognized the wisdom in his strategy, though my apprehension lingered.
"You need not worry for me. I will take the necessary precautions and you may attend to me if you wish during the time" he offered.
This was exactly the concession I had been fishing for. It allowed me to protect him while simultaneously learning from his craft. I nodded. "A fair arrangement."
"I almost did not catch it. You are getting better at masking them Octavian. Still you are decades too young to escape my sight" he said before flicking my head which oddly seemed to pain me.
"Oww father that was uncalled for" I groaned while massaging my forehead.
"A punishment for your failed attempt to mislead me" he said chuckling to himself as he went back and sat on the throne. "Order Agrippa to monitor the situation and safeguard the Valyrian from lethal danger. Brief Claudius on these developments and the actions you and Agrippa will take. I will dispatch you to the Western Front when the hour draws near. Now, leave me."
I bowed and turned, descending the marble stairs.
"Oh, and one final errand for you, Octavian," his voice echoed behind me.
I stopped and looked back.
"Dispatch an owl to Jaehaerys detailing this entire debacle. I am eager to observe his reaction to a wayward grandson risking his life for a cheap thrill," he said, smiling from atop the glowing throne.
I chuckled "You never let the opportunity to sow chaos go away do you father"
"Never"