"Hiss—screech…"
The Glutton let out an unceasing cry as its massive body weaved through the peak of the Giant's Lance, green dragonfire occasionally flickering from its maw.
Compared to the narrow confines of a dragon lair, the towering mountains were a true playground for a dragon to unleash its power.
Rhaegar didn't stop the Glutton from enjoying itself while waiting for Rhaenyra and her companion to catch up.
Syrax and Seasmoke had only recently come of age, so their speed and stamina were far inferior to the Glutton's.
If not for slowing down to accommodate them along the way, Rhaegar would have reached the Eyrie long ago.
He looked down at the Giant's Lance below.
From the mountain peak to the valley floor, the depth seemed endless, shrouded in the twilight hues cast by the setting sun.
The Eyrie stood tall atop the peaks of the Moon Mountains, spanning across the Giant's Lance.
Due to its precarious location, the Eyrie was not vast in size.
It was composed of seven slender white towers, tightly clustered together.
At this moment, the Glutton's roar echoed throughout the Giant's Lance, naturally alarming those within the Eyrie.
Guards streamed out of the castle, forming two lines on either side to protect a tall, noble-looking woman with long hair.
"Hiss—screech…"
The cries of Syrax and Seasmoke followed as the two dragons carried their riders over the Giant's Lance.
Under the watchful eyes of the gathered onlookers, the three dragons circled once before descending into the courtyard of the Eyrie.
Boom—
Three waves of force surged through the air as the guards quickly moved into position, shielding the long-haired woman.
"Jeyne!!"
Rhaenyra called out joyfully as she was the first to dismount.
"Rhaenyra!"
As the dust settled, the long-haired woman gestured for the guards to stand down, her face lighting up with delight at the sight of Rhaenyra.
Dressed in a black dragon-rider's outfit, Rhaenyra ran forward lightly.
The long-haired woman, wearing a flowing gown, lifted her skirts slightly and walked briskly to meet her.
Before long, the two met in the middle and embraced joyfully.
"It's been so long, Rhaenyra."
Jeyne beamed, wrapping her arms around Rhaenyra's waist and placing affectionate kisses on her cheeks.
Rhaenyra giggled playfully, giving Jeyne's back a light pat before teasing, "It's been half a year, and you're still so slim."
"Hmph, but you're getting more and more indulgent."
Jeyne playfully pinched Rhaenyra's waist, mocking her for not watching her diet.
As they laughed and chatted, Rhaegar and Laenor dismounted and approached.
Jeyne paused briefly before whispering in Rhaenyra's ear, "Let go, I need to greet them properly."
When they were about two meters apart, Rhaegar placed both hands in front of his abdomen and smiled warmly.
"The Targaryens greet you, cousin Jeyne."
Jeyne gently pulled away from Rhaenyra, smoothed out her dress, and performed a formal curtsy.
"The Eyrie welcomes you, my prince."
Since they had not met often, they maintained proper courtesies.
Laenor placed a hand over his chest in a respectful salute.
"Laenor of Driftmark greets Lady Jeyne."
"Please send my regards to your parents, Ser Laenor."
Jeyne responded with a graceful smile, her demeanor composed and elegant.
"Well, now that the greetings are done," Rhaenyra interjected, taking Jeyne's hand and then pulling Rhaegar's over as well, smiling.
"We're family; there's no need for so much formality."
Hearing this, Rhaegar understood that his sister was trying to foster closeness between him and Jeyne. He took the initiative and said, "Forgive our sudden visit, cousin."
"Not at all. The raven arrived with news long ago—I've been eagerly awaiting your arrival these past few days."
Jeyne maintained her ladylike poise and gracefully gestured to invite them inside.
"You've traveled far, and I've prepared a welcome feast for you."
"Much appreciated."
With Rhaenyra acting as a bridge, the group entered the castle, the atmosphere growing increasingly warm and harmonious.
The great hall occupied the first level of the castle.
A long table was positioned at the center, and at Jeyne's command, maids began serving dish after dish of food.
Before long, all the guests were seated.
"Greetings, my prince."
The last dish was brought out by a striking woman with dark curls, who curtsied to Rhaegar.
Rhaegar glanced at her.
She had fair skin, defined features, and a pair of dark, luminous eyes.
Jeyne introduced her from the side.
"Cousin, this is Lady Jessyva of House Redwyne, a dear friend of mine."
Rhaegar smiled in recognition.
"A pleasure to meet you, Lady Jessyva."
---
"You are just as handsome as the rumors say, and quite charming as well."
Jensiff smiled brightly and opened her arms to give Rhaegar a brief hug, placing a light kiss on his cheek.
Rhaegar stiffened slightly, turning his head awkwardly.
"Jensiff, you're too enthusiastic."
Janny scolded her friend with a hint of exasperation before pulling Rhaegar to sit beside her at the long table.
Rhaegar sighed inwardly, feeling helpless, and glanced at Rhaenyra.
Rhaenyra happened to be looking at him as well, flashing a mischievous smile.
She had heard some rumors.
Janny and Jensiff were inseparable—they ate together, lived together, and were as close as one person.
Their relationship had long surpassed that of ordinary friends.
Because of this, she had no concerns about Janny and Jensiff getting close to Rhaegar.
Lannino observed the entire scene but showed no interest in the ladies.
Instead, he glanced around at the guards stationed at the door, looking for a like-minded companion.
Once the dishes were served, everyone took their seats, and the feast began.
After taking a couple of bites of the food Rhaenyra had placed on his plate, Rhaegar asked with curiosity, "Cousin, why isn't Lord Yobert here?"
Yobert's full name was Yobert Royce.
He was the former Earl of Runestone and the current Warden of the Vale.
When Janny was three years old, he resigned from his title as Earl of Runestone and traveled to the Eyrie to mentor and assist young Janny in governing.
During the Great Council of 101 AC, Janny was still too young, so Yobert represented the Vale and cast their vote.
Janny set down her knife and fork, wiped the cream from the corner of her lips, and spoke with a slightly serious expression: "I assume you've already heard about the Mountain Clans' rebellion."
"Not long ago, the Mountain Clans gathered a large force and attacked House Hunter's Longbow Hall."
"Upon hearing the news, Lord Yobert summoned his vassals and led an army to aid Longbow Hall."
Rhaegar frowned slightly. "Is the Mountain Clans' influence really that serious?"
He had initially thought they were just a band of wildlings raiding here and there.
He hadn't expected them to be bold enough to attack a noble castle.
A trace of concern flickered in Janny's eyes, though it quickly disappeared as she smiled lightly. "Don't worry. Lord Yobert is skilled in archery and horseback riding. The Mountain Clans are nothing more than scattered sand—they won't last long before they're defeated."
Rhaegar's eyes gleamed subtly, acknowledging her words without pressing further.
It was clear that Janny wasn't entirely at ease.
However, since she wasn't willing to elaborate, and he was a guest, it wouldn't be appropriate for him to pry.
Rhaenyra, on the other hand, had grown up with Janny and had no such reservations.
Her eyes twinkled as she asked, "Janny, with the war between the Kingdom and the Three Daughters approaching, how many knights from the Vale can be mustered?"
"This…"
Janny hesitated for a moment before replying uncertainly, "Rhaenyra, most of the Vale's forces are currently concentrated at Longbow Hall. If we're to send reinforcements to the Stepstones, we'll have to seek aid from the noble families of Gulltown."
She was well aware of the reason her cousins had come to visit.
But the Vale had its own troubles, making it difficult to spare additional forces.
"Cousin, since the Mountain Clans have gathered in one place, why not let me ride my dragon to assist Lord Yobert and crush the rebellion in one swift strike?"
Rhaegar didn't bother with any roundabout diplomacy and offered his help directly.
After all, it was just a group of wildlings.
Under dragonfire, all were equal.
Janny's eyes lit up at his words. She opened her mouth, about to agree—
But the expression of Jensiff, seated beside her, remained unchanged as she subtly nudged Janny's leg under the table.
Janny immediately stopped speaking, as if she had just remembered something.
(End of Chapter)