Dark Sister.
Even though he was seeing the legendary sword for the first time, Rhaegal recognized it right away. How could he not? He had spent much time admiring the artistic illustrations of the sword in the Red Keep, a reminder of the history that they had lost when Bloodraven had taken the sword with him to the Wall.
It was shorter than his Brightflame but still no less impressive. Age had not dulled the blade, marking it as one of the great treasures of Valyria. The pommel was carved into the shape of a dragon's head with elegant ruby eyes that seemed to glow in the dark.
This was one of the two swords that had carved a dynasty. And it was finally back in Rhaegal's hands.
Words could not describe the joy in Rhaegal's heart as he held the sword in his hands for the first time.
Rhaegar was in awe as he inspected the sword next to him.
"How is this possible?"
"I had a dream a couple of nights ago," Aemon explained softly. "A vision. Of a hidden treasure hidden within the walls of this castle. Of course, in my dream I saw a little dragon emerging from the stones, but I suppose this is also a good alternative."
A couple of days ago?
Of course. Bloodraven.
The old bastard must have sent Aemon a vision of the sword's location after his meeting with Rhaegal.
To think that it was hidden inside the stones of Castle Black all this time. Bloodraven must have hidden it inside the loose foundation before he left the castle for the final time.
But for what purpose? Who was meant to find the sword if not Rhaegal? That supposed hero of his?
'T'ch, how annoying.'
Imagining how the sword would have continued to be lost to his family just because of Bloodraven's whims really ticked him off.
So far, his ancestor was proving to be the biggest annoyance in Rhaegal's life.
What a twist.
"I always assumed Brynden took it with him," Aemon said, snapping Rhaegal from his thoughts. "He always carried it with him, alongside that bow of his. I thought it must have been the same when he left Castle Black. Of course, I didn't see him off that day. I didn't think anything of it. He had gone on many rangings and always returned. He was always thinking about the future, so maybe I shouldn't be surprised that he left the sword behind for safekeeping."
Rhaegal didn't know what to say to that. He hadn't known the man. Now, he was just an annoyance at his side, so his opinion was more biased than his uncle's.
"Now, it can return to where it belongs." Aemon's face was full of pride as he looked at Rhaegal and Rhaegar. "I may be too old to help you directly, but I'm glad I was able to deliver this safely to your hands, nephew."
"You shouldn't discount yourself too much, uncle." Rhaegal replied with a small smile. "I may have some use for you, if you're willing."
He had assumed that his great uncle wouldn't be as active in his old age, but he was still healthy and mobile. The man's mind was sharp. These facts changed things for Rhaegal.
Aemon looked surprised by Rhaegal's words. "Me? What use could an old man such as myself be to you, my boy?"
"All in due time, uncle. But first." Rhaegal removed Dark Sister from its wrapping and turned to face Rhaegar. "Brother, I have a very important task for you. Are you ready to bear it?"
"Task?" While still mesmerized by the beauty of Dark Sister, Rhaegar had enough willpower to give Rhaegal his attention. "What task?"
Rhaegal looked down at Dark Sister. The sword felt light but also strong. He was certain that it could accept his flames well enough, but Brightflame's runes suited him better.
"Throughout our history, Dark Sister has belonged to second sons so that they could protect our house from our enemies. Baelon the Brave. Daemon the Rogue Prince. Aemon the Dragonknight. For we have many enemies, and only united can we repel them."
In the back of his mind, Rhaegal knew that this time things were backwards, but neither he nor Rhaegar brought it up as the realization of what was happening settled on his brother's face.
"Brother. You mean-"
"Kneel."
Rhaegal didn't give him a chance to finish.
Rhaegar looked unsure but for a moment before doing as ordered, dropping to one knee while bowing his head.
Rhaegal placed the tip of Dark Sister on Rhaegar's shoulder.
"Rhaegar Targaryen. Do you swear to bear this sword with honor, to protect our house against its many enemies? To safeguard your brother from all dangers, no matter the cost?"
"With all my heart, I do."
There was no hesitation from Rhaegar this time.
Rhaegal smiled as he pulled Dark Sister back. "Then stand, brother, and take hold of your new weapon."
It was funny watching his usual stoic brother look giddy as Rhaegal handed him Dark Sister. Not that Rhaegal could fault him for it.
Nothing could compare to a Valyrian steel sword. And this wasn't just any Valyrian steel sword either. It was one of the two legendary swords that had defined their house.
Now Rhaegar was both a dragon rider and wielder of Dark Sister. His transformation was complete.
"Well." Aemon's voice snapped them out of their moment. He was smiling. "I don't believe that such a vow was ever made before, but considering these momentous times perhaps it is appropriate."
Rhaegal chuckled somewhat sheepishly. "My father likes to be dramatic. Sometimes I fear I am too much like him."
"I don't think your brother is going to complain."
True. Rhaegar was still busy admiring Dark Sister while the five dragons watched them with curiosity.
"Not many would give away such a treasure, not even to their family, but I suppose you have little need for it." Aemon's eyes looked down at Brightflame which hung at Rhaegal's side.
"Dark Sister will be better looked after in my brother's hands," Rhaegal said simply.
A sword was meant to be used. It was no mere decoration.
Aemon just nodded, still smiling. "I shall trust your judgement, nephew."
Rhaegal appreciated that.
"Now then." Rhaegal turned his full attention to his great uncle, leaving Rhaegar to continue to drool over Dark Sister. "Uncle, I believe it's time you and I talked about the future."
Aemon just looked on with curiosity.
---
Standing atop of the Wall was quite a unique experience. Even for someone like Euron, who had grown to find most things mundane, including most people, found himself momentarily speechless as he gazed out onto the frozen world that stood beyond the Seven Kingdoms.
Here was the edge of the world. What most people knew and understood. On the other side was the unknown. A land full of dangers and mysteries.
Euron fancied himself an explorer. Like his ancestors, he wanted nothing more than to just go out into the world and uncover its mysteries. To carve out a place for himself. However, for the first time in his life, as he looked at the world that stretched beyond the known maps, something akin to apprehension settled in Euron's heart. It wasn't just from the cold, but something more raw that hit him at his very being.
And he did not appreciate it.
'I guess I'm still just a brat,' he thought, both amused and irritated.
For him to feel such emotions while just standing on top of the Wall was proof that he still had some growing up to do before he tackled his heart's desires.
"Enjoying yourself, Euron Greyjoy?"
A soft but sharp voice caught his attention from behind. Looking back, Euron found the red priestess staring at him with curiosity in those red eyes of hers.
He allowed his eyes to roam her body. Even with that coat of hers, she did little to cover herself up. She still wore that silk gown that clung to her body like a second skin. It warranted attention, and Euron had little shame in admitting that, if she weren't Rhaegal's woman, then he would have asked her to warm his bed by now. Sure, she could burn him to a crisp with those weird powers of hers in response, but there was a small chance that she would say yes. And Euron wasn't one to not take risks.
His eyes wandered back to her face, where she was now looking at him with amusement. No doubt she could tell that he had practically been undressing her with his eyes, but it mattered little to Euron either way.
"I'm just taking in the sights." He finally answered her question as he turned his head back toward the cold wilderness that seemed to stretch on forever. "I think I might be the first Ironborn in history that's come here as a guest rather than a recruit."
"So sure about that are you?" Her laughter was a treat on his ears as she came to stand beside him, her arms folded in front of her. "The Wall is said to have been erected thousands of years ago. That is a very long time."
"It is, but so is the Ironborn way of life."
"Which inevitably leads you to end up here, correct? That, or dead."
"For a foreigner, you catch on quickly."
The red woman smiled. "It does not take long for one to understand your people's way of life, Euron Greyjoy."
"Oh yeah?" There was a challenge in his tone. He wasn't sure why. "No one else seems to understand us. They just underestimate us, and that's come back to haunt them many times."
"For a time, perhaps," she said. "But you have always been pushed back. I'm sure you know your history. When there were seven kingdoms, division and mistrust kept you alive. A united Westeros would see your people perish if you tried returning to your old ways."
Euron snorted. "Is this a lecture?"
He wasn't interested in one. On the other hand, it gave him more time to ogle her tits.
"Merely a warning." She stared at him, her smile disappearing. "Out of my prince's companions, you are the most volatile. I have seen your path diverge in many different ways. None end well for you."
Euron's good nature changed. His eyes hardened as he leveled a glare on her. Not that it seem to deter her any.
"What do you think you know about me?"
"Much." She tilted her head just a tad. "Your people are quite fascinating to me. Despite your common ancestry with the North, you diverged quite a bit when you arrived on your islands. Why is that I wonder? The rest of the continent was infested with the old gods. But not you. You found a new religion with your own separate beliefs. I find that more than a little interesting."
Euron snorted at that. "What, you're interested in our god now? Is that it?"
"You don't care for them?"
"I think they're more useless than people care to admit." Euron wasn't sure why he was telling her this. The words were just coming out of him, and he wasn't stopping them. "I had a dream once, where I could fly. It felt so real. I knew then that it was not impossible for humans to reach that height. To become a god ourselves. Some have done it before. Seeing Rhaegal has made me more sure of it. Humans can become gods. It's just a matter of will."
There was admiration in his voice, because he had come to admire the Targaryen. There was also envy mixed in, because Euron wanted to reach similar heights. No, even greater ones.
There were many ways to go about it.
"Hmm. You have drive." She didn't sound impressed, however. "You could accomplish much, this is true. But only if you continue to know your place."
What?
Anger began to rise in his chest. "What the hell does that mean?"
"That you and your people have been tools in someone else's game for a very long time." Her tone was calm, like she was discussing what she was going to have for dinner.
That just angered him further. "What do you think you know about me?" he asked her again.
"Enough." She flashed him another smile. "My prince took time to bring you with him, and I would prefer that such effort does not go to waste. So let me be frank with you. Your dream was nothing more than a fabrication in someone else's design. You have gifts, Euron Greyjoy. This is why I pray that you heed my words. Do not waste them. Or else you might find yourself flying too close to my flames."
Her soft smile remained even as she offered him a small bow before walking away.
Euron was too busy stewing in his own thoughts to care.
---
When Rhaegal found the Lord Commander in his private chambers, the man was on his third cup which he downed almost immediately after his eyes landed on him. More specifically, his dragons.
It seemed the shock had not worn off yet.
Rhaegal wasn't alone as he stepped inside. Rhaegar and Aemon were with him. But so were Ser Gerold and Ser Barristan. The two knights were doing their best to keep their composure, but they had been shocked and amazed when they noticed Dark Sister hanging from Rhaegar's side. His brother had removed his normal steel sword, well forged but utterly dull by comparison, and replaced it with Dark Sister with zero hesitation, giving his previous weapon to a random recruit from the Night's Watch without a second glance.
Monford and his father had come to join them as well, and their reaction mirrored that of the two knights'. Monford had been able to crack a joke about Rhaegal stumbling upon lost treasures every time Monford turned his back on him.
Funny.
However, as festive as the mood was after the discovery of Dark Sister, Rhaegal still had one more matter to attend to while he was here. And that was to negotiate with the Night's Watch.
Not that it was going to be much of a negotiation. Rhaegal held all the cards. The Night's Watch was a failing institution. They couldn't put much of a fight no matter how much they might want to.
Fortunately for the Lord Commander, the Night's Watch still held a purpose, and it was for that reason alone that he was going to throw them some favors.
Thankfully Rickard Stark wasn't here. Rhaegal didn't want to deal with the wolf trying to meddle in the negotiations.
"Prince Rhaegal. Prince Rhaegar. To what do I owe this pleasure?" The man rose from his seat with a small bow proper enough for respect.
The man had yet to notice Dark Sister. The dragons had all his attention.
"Lord Commander. I apologize for not greeting you properly earlier. I wanted to meet with my uncle as soon as possible you see. There are very few dragons left in Westeros now, so my emotions got the best of me."
Rhaegal took one of the seats in front of the man's table while the others remained standing.
Lord Commander Qorgyle just nodded as he sat back down.
"It is no problem, my prince. I can understand the desire to want to see one's family again, especially one as well regarded as your uncle."
High praise.
Rhaegal accepted it. "Thank you. There is something that I want to talk about in regards to him, but that can wait. Right now, there is something more prudent for us to discuss."
The Lord Commander looked weary but resigned. "There is no need to dance around the subject, my prince. Lord Stark shared the reason for this talk."
Crafty wolf. While Rhaegal was caught up with his uncle and Dark Sister, the man had taken the opportunity to have a talk with the Lord Commander.
He really was a meddler, wasn't he?
"Unfortunately, your desire to remove the Gift from the Night's Watch would cripple us, my prince," The Lord Commander said with a shake of his head. "The men are already underfed as it is. Taking more from us right now would spell our end."
"At this rate, you're already dying anyway." Rhaegal easily dismissed the man's concerns. "You don't have enough men to properly look after the land. You barely have enough men to perform your duties well. And that's only with three active castles. Tell me, how much longer do you think that you have before the Night's Watch ceases to exist entirely?"
The man's teeth clenched, and his frustration was obvious for anyone to see. As the Lord Commander, he knew better than anyone just how dire the situation was for the Night's Watch.
"We may be in a bad situation, but that does not justify turning a bad situation into a worse one. Do you mean to disband the Night's Watch, Prince Rhaegal?"
As if. Rhaegal had no authority to legally or appropriately do such a thing, not as long as the Night's Watch kept to their vows. And even if he could do it, Rhaegal wouldn't. For he was one of the few people alive who understood how important their role was.
That being said, the current status quo could not remain.
"There is no need to be so pessimistic about this, Lord Commander." Once again Rhaegal dismissed the man's words. "Once the North retakes control of the Gift, do you think that they will turn their backs on you? They are the one kingdom that still respects you. You'll be better fed without having to lift a finger. Not only that, but I've had a talk with my uncle. Once I return to King's Landing, I'll make sure that my father sends coin and supplies up here as well. That'll see your suffering lessened. Of course, this depends on your cooperation."
The Lord Commander did not look wholly pleased, but the mention of aid from the Iron Throne did soften the blow. After all, the man was not stupid. He had led the Night's Watch for some time now. He understood how much of a difference all of this would make for his order, especially because he knew that the North would not turn their back on them.
However, as his eyes kept darting to the dragons, Rhaegal knew what the man was really afraid of now. Why the North had allowed Queen Alysanne to take the Gift away from them without a rebellion all those years ago.
Dragons really made men more fearful.
This suited Rhaegal just fine.
"Do we have terms for this arrangement, Lord Commander?"
Lord Commander Qorgyle swallowed hard before he started pouring himself another drink into his cup.
"Do I have much of a choice, Prince Rhaegal?"
Was the man sulking now? Such a strange thing to see a grown man feel like he had lost something important when he had not.
Rhaegal nevertheless took the victory with a growing smile. "I appreciate your understanding. Furthermore, I propose two new changes moving forward."
The Lord Commander stopped pouring, his eyes sharp. "There is more?"
Rickard Stark didn't know about this, so of course the man was caught off guard.
"I believe I mentioned something about my uncle already."
The Lord Commander did not respond, just observing him.
"I wish to bring him back to King's Landing with me."
"Impossible." The Lord Commander didn't bother entertaining the idea. "He has sworn his oath to the Watch. Maester Aemon is trusted by everyone here. You would deprive us of our most trusted maester?"
"The Citadel can send another just fine," Rhaegal replied. "After I return to King's Landing, I will be heading down to Oldtown. I will pass the matter to them. I'm sure there are many in the Citadel who would be eager to come to the Wall and serve. One that will be just as experienced with matters concerning the Wall and the Night's Watch. As I've said, there are few Targaryens left in the world now. I would prefer us to stand united."
Was Rhaegal doing this on a whim? Perhaps. But it would work just fine for his future ambitions.
"As for his vow, my uncle has also made a vow to the Citadel. You can release him from yours if his presence becomes needed elsewhere."
Despite how reasonable he might sound, he knew that the Lord Commander would fight him on this to the end. This was different from the Gift. It was far more personal.
"How can I be certain that you will keep your word?"
"You'll see the validity of my claims in the coming years. Besides, it's not as though I can just take my uncle away from the Watch right now. Preparations will need to be made. You'll have time to come to terms with this change."
The Lord Commander just stared at him.
Rhaegal knew. There was no friendship here. Not when the man felt insulted over silly reasons.
"What say you, maester Aemon?" He turned the question over to Aemon instead.
"I have no reason to disagree with the prince," Aemon answered. "If he feels my skills are needed elsewhere, then I'm more than happy to oblige. Especially if it ensures that my brothers in the Watch will be well taken care of."
Using aid as a bargaining chip. Did Rhaegal feel bad about that? In this case, no. Not when most of these men were criminals who had chosen to come here rather than face execution or remain in the dungeons. They were already enjoying a fate better than they deserved.
"This is a very big move, Prince Rhaegal." Seeing that his uncle had chosen to side with him, the Lord Commander finally turned to him directly. "Releasing a brother of the Night's Watch from his vows has never been done before."
"The crown can pardon criminals, not that my uncle has committed any. Besides, circumstances in the future will make this a necessity. You needn't worry about that."
The Lord Commander finally sighed as he looked down at his cup. "As you say."
It was as much of an endorsement as Rhaegal would get from the man.
It was enough.
"Now." Rhaegal leaned in closer, his eyes gleaming with intent. "How about you and I discuss ways for the Night's Watch to strengthen its numbers?"
---
Aemon Targaryen felt like he was in a dream as he joined his two great nephews atop the Wall. When he had awoken this morning, he had felt a great sense of accomplishment, a feeling that had not left him since discovering Dark Sister within Castle Black. Despite his old age and his vows to the Night's Watch, he could be of use to his family during these uncertain times.
As a maester and a member of the Night's Watch, Aemon was supposed to have given up his loyalty to his old family. He was not longer meant to be a Targaryen. It was expected of everyone who joined the Citadel, as it was expected of the brothers of the Night's Watch.
Reality was never that simple. For Aemon knew that he would always be a Targaryen. He had found a new family in the Night's Watch, but he could never forget his old one.
Aemon knew that he was not alone feeling this way. Old feelings of loyalty toward their past families always lingered inside every maester. It was more complicated for the Night's Watch, many of whom had no family to speak of. Circumstances had forced them to become criminals, and many of them were good people deep down. Aemon had seen it for himself many times during his service at the Wall.
Unfortunately, this was probably something that his great nephew could not understand, and Aemon did not expect him to.
His great nephew's plan for him was ambitious, and apparently it was only something that he decided on after meeting him. He claimed that Aemon still had the Targaryen fire burning inside of him, and it was something he could use in King's Landing. Aemon appreciated the kind words, but he still considered himself to be nothing more than an old man past his prime.
Yes, Aemon's greatest regret right now was having been born too early to stand beside his nephew as he forged a new future for their family, especially now that the dragons had returned. The hatchlings had shown some interest in him, but no bond had formed. Aemon was satisfied with this. He was too old to become a dragon rider now. He could not be one of the three heads of the dragon.
His greatest regret indeed.
All that said, Rhaegal did not seem to agree, and Aemon was willing to follow his lead on this. Apparently there were very few people that Rhaegal was willing to trust, and his family was one of them. And there were so little of them left.
When Aemon's father became king, he had chosen to not take up a second wife to become his queen and rule beside him. In those times, there had been many more Targaryens, and King Maekar feared an uncertain succession should he sire more children. This was what he told others at least.
Honestly, that always felt like an excuse to Aemon. His father had been a difficult man to befriend or even get close to. Somehow his mother had been able to do it, and the two had loved one another. As the fourth son, Maekar had been given more freedom when choosing his partner in life when compared to his brothers. It had resulted in a happier marriage. After Dyanna Dayne died, his father might have been too scared to replace her. Or too stubborn. Either or.
If only he had known how diminished House Targaryen would become after him.
"It's beautiful," Rhaegar said, causing Aemon to come out of his somewhat depressive thoughts as his nephews took in the sight from on top of the Wall for the first time.
"It makes you feel small," Aemon said with a chuckle. This was a sight that he had grown accustomed to after many years in the Watch, but he always felt the same every time he came. "There's a whole other world out there that we do not know."
"With people living in it." Rhaegal glanced at the dragons who were also studying their surroundings. "Hm. I had expected them to not want to come up here. I heard that Queen Alysanne was unable to make her dragon cross the Wall."
"We're only on top of the Wall," Rhaegar pointed out. "Maybe if we tried to cross it-"
"We'll save that for a different day." Rhaegal shot the idea down quickly. "Right now we're only here to enjoy ourselves."
Monford snorted as he shivered from the cold. "You mean after doing so much work?"
Lucerys didn't look happy with his son's words, but he was smart enough to hold his tongue while in the presence of the two princes.
Aemon found it amusing. Was he that afraid of Rhaegal taking offense? His nephew wasn't so petty.
"Precisely so." Rhaegal smiled. "After dealing with so much work, we can finally relax before heading back down south."
"I suppose all the hunts and feasts up until now counted for nothing," Rhaegar said with a soft chuckle.
Rhaegal rolled his eyes. "I swear. You two are always finding fault in everything that I say."
"It's fun," Monford said with a smile.
Rhaegar just nodded.
Rhaegal just rolled his eyes again, but the small smile on his face was evident.
It was a pleasant moment.
Aemon was pleased to see this. Better for his nephew to have these bonds than to remain isolated. Maegor was a great example of what happened when one became cut off from the rest of the world. There were also the others who had joined Rhaegal on this trip, many of whom belonged to great houses. Yes, his nephew was building quite a powerful group of connections. Very powerful indeed.
They took a few minutes to enjoy the sights while taking a stroll on top of the Wall while Monford nearly froze the entire time.
It was a pleasant time, and Aemon felt more at ease than he had in a very long time.
That mood soured a little when the red priestess came to join them. Aemon knew how dangerous people from her faith were, and he didn't want to see her leading his nephew down a dangerous road that he might never come back from.
For now, he would keep these thoughts to himself. But he would be watching.
"There is much to be learned from this place, my prince," she said as she stopped next to Rhaegal.
"I'll trust you on that."
She smiled. "Oh? Are you annoyed that you cannot sense the magic in this place? All of its protections? Its foundations?" Her eyes darted to the cold and unforgiving expanse before them. "You cannot sense them?"
Them?
Aemon's brow furrowed. He had exchanged many letters with his nephews and niece, even sharing the prophecy of the promised prince, which he now knew was Rhaegal, with them. It was the same prophecy that had captivated many in their family over the years.
But this conversation was different.
Could Rhaegal know more about what was going on? There were always whispers of strange happenings here at the Wall. Men claiming they've seen things. It was something Aemon had not touched on yet as it was a mystery that he did not have an answer to.
Rhaegal followed the priestess' eyes with his own. With his back facing Aemon, he was unable to see Rhaegal's face. But he heard his words well enough.
"They're cold."
---
Thoros didn't know why he had been summoned to the inner chambers of the temple today. At eight and ten, he was one of the youngest red priests active in Myr. It was not a life that he had chosen on his own, and so it was a life that he did not take very seriously.
R'hllor provided him with clothes and wine, though. And for him, that was more than enough. Plus, the red robes always helped to hide all the stains from the wine. Truly, what more could a man ask for?
Many at the temple didn't take him seriously as Thoros did the bare minimum to earn his priesthood, but that suited him just fine. Expectations would mean more work, and there was plenty of that to go around.
In recent years, the red temples throughout Myr had become more active. Thoros still remembered how quiet the temple had first been during his early childhood.
All of that suddenly changed more than a decade ago. Thoros didn't know why of course. He was still undergoing his training at the time, so there was no way he would be told about important stuff. Even now, after officially joining the ranks of the temple, he was not deemed important enough for any kind of serious information. However, even someone like him had understood something crucial: the fires throughout the temples had become stronger. And this was without the usage of any blood sacrifices.
Thoros had no way of knowing if this was true for the rest of the red temples in Essos, but the red priests in Myr had welcomed the change with open arms. Blood sacrifices were still conducted from time to time, but now it was done more as a formality rather than practicality.
Thoros didn't care enough to find out the reason for this abrupt change. By the standards of R'hllor, he just wasn't an overly pious man.
And yet, despite his indifference, Thoros still found himself walking into the most sacred of chambers in the temple. Here, a fire was always continuously burning. Supposedly it was to help them keep communion with R'hllor at all times. Not that Thoros had ever felt the god's presence in his life, but he kept such heresy to himself.
Inside the chamber standing around the fire were the head priests of the temple. However, there were also leaders from the other red temples in Myr. It was quite the gathering.
This looked to be an important meeting. So why was Thoros here?
He dared not speak as he knelt in front of the red priests and priestesses.
"Priest Thoros. This is your first time in these chambers, correct?"
Thoros wasn't sure who was speaking, so he just nodded. "It is."
"You have only recently completed your training, but R'hllor already has need of you."
What?
"The flames have guided us to you, for you will be our messenger."
"You will inform the Lord of Light's chosen of our willingness to serve. And you shall deliver our gifts to him."
Gifts?
Thoros heard movement, and only then did he bother to raise his head. When he did, he spotted two red priests carrying a chest into the room. They placed the chest in front of him.
"These are the gifts?" he asked, unsure.
A red priestess walked forward. She placed a hand on the chest while smiling.
"R'hllor tasked us with procuring these, and it is finally done. Now we may finally serve alongside his chosen."
As she said this, she opened the chest for Thoros to see inside.
And what was inside were none other than three dragon eggs.