Chapter 27: Rhaegar's Barristan Guard
In King Jaehaerys II Targaryen's private council chamber, the King laid out a map of the Seven Kingdoms upon the carved weirwood table. Wooden sigils representing the great Houses of Westeros were placed carefully upon it.
At the center stood the three-headed red dragon of House Targaryen. Nearby were the blue falcon of House Arryn, the grey direwolf of House Stark, the crowned stag of House Baratheon, the golden lion of House Lannister, the golden rose of House Tyrell, and the golden kraken of House Greyjoy.
Aside from House Targaryen itself, these were the great ruling Houses of Westeros, and their sigils were the largest upon the board.
The black dragon of House Blackfyre was notably absent. It had already been removed by royal decree following the defeat of the rebels in the War of the Stepstones. After five Blackfyre Rebellions, the pretender's line had finally been extinguished.
There were also sigils belonging to powerful secondary Houses that could not be ignored—House Royce of the Vale with its bronze runes, House Bolton of the North with its flayed man, House Frey of the Riverlands with its twin towers, and in the Westerlands, the red lion of House Reyne.
In the Reach, House Hightower, House Redwyne, and House Florent stood prominently—one commanding men, one commanding ships, and one boasting ancient blood.
It was these two dozen Houses, great and small, that truly ruled Westeros. Their alliances, rivalries, and hatreds had shaped the continent's history for centuries.
King Jaehaerys II slowly adjusted the pieces, symbolizing the ebb and flow of power. Manipulating the board with his fingertips made him feel younger, as though the weight of years briefly fell away. In that moment, he felt as though the entire realm lay within his grasp.
Prince Rhaegar Targaryen stood quietly beside him, watching. The King's figurines were captivating; the board reflected the true balance of the Seven Kingdoms.
Outside the chamber, Ser Gerold Hightower, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, stood watch. Other white-cloaked knights guarded the entrances, their postures alert and unyielding.
Rhaegar looked at his grandfather and felt the pull of authority. This was power—the kind that drove men mad. A single royal command could move armies, drain treasuries, or plunge regions into chaos.
The reason House Targaryen's internal conflicts had always been so devastating was not merely ambition, but structure. Most royal descendants lacked large personal fiefdoms, and compromises with the great Houses had left the royal family with limited lands of its own.
Beyond Dragonstone and King's Landing, there was little truly under the Iron Throne's direct control. Had Harrenhal been seized in earlier years, it might have eased the crown's burdens and secured the Riverlands more firmly.
Originally, it should have been Prince Aerys, the Crown Prince, standing at the King's side. But Aerys preferred music, dancing, and women. Wine and pleasure had dulled the edge of the Dragon's heir.
"The Westerlands…" Jaehaerys II murmured, his gaze settling on the red lion of House Reyne. "This fire is bound to ignite sooner or later."
The Westerlands had become a powder keg. Lord Tywin Lannister had already dispatched five hundred knights under Ser Kevan Lannister to suppress bandits and mountain clans, while also demanding repayment of long-overdue debts. But House Reyne had grown arrogant over generations—how could they bow to a young lord like Tywin?
Let them fight, Jaehaerys thought grimly. Even a king cannot solve everything.
Since the death of the dragons, House Targaryen had lost its godlike authority. No longer untouchable, the royal family now stood merely at the head of the great Houses. Their resources were formidable, but no longer overwhelming.
In earlier ages, defiance like House Reyne's would have been answered with dragonfire alone.
Rhaegar followed the King's gaze, understanding his concern. Even after victory in the Stepstones, the royal family's security had only improved temporarily.
Prepare for danger in times of peace.
The thought surfaced unbidden, and Rhaegar suddenly understood where his own sense of vigilance was born.
The war had gathered the Wardens of every major region. Bonds forged in blood and battle were stronger than any written pact. This victory would become a grand reunion for the nobility—and not only House Targaryen would benefit from it.
Remain alert, Rhaegar warned himself.
Game of Thrones System Notification:
Little Player, you have grasped the principle of preparing for danger in times of safety. This insight will allow you to grow steadily within the game of thrones.
Jaehaerys II lifted the red lion of House Reyne, turning it slowly in his palm.
Rhaegar knew its fate was sealed. The Iron Throne needed the gold of the Westerlands. Even if Tywin went too far, the crown would choose appeasement—or quiet support. House Reyne had no powerful allies and was rotten within. Against Tywin Lannister, the cold-blooded Golden Lion, they stood no chance.
"Ser Barristan Selmy," Jaehaerys II said suddenly, breaking the silence. "You have only just joined the Kingsguard, yet your valor is already known throughout Westeros. I have a task for you. You are to guard Prince Rhaegar's safety—and, when appropriate, instruct him in the sword."
Barristan stiffened. "Your Grace, I am sworn to protect the King himself. It seems inappropriate that I should be set to watch over a child."
"Guarding the royal family is also part of your oath," Jaehaerys replied calmly. "You will not attend the Prince constantly—only when needed."
A knight of the Kingsguard served wherever the King commanded. Even Aegon IV, infamous for his excesses, had sent white cloaks on scandalous errands.
Before Barristan could speak again, Ser Gerold Hightower intervened. "Ser, this is the King's will. A Kingsguard obeys, not debates."
Ser Gerold was old-fashioned and unyielding—a man who believed obedience defined honor. To him, Barristan training the Prince ensured Rhaegar would not be led astray by foreign sword styles like the flashy Braavosi water dancing, which he deeply disdained.
After a moment's thought, Barristan bowed. "As you command, Your Grace."
Rhaegar felt a flicker of excitement. Though gentle in temperament, he possessed the heart of a warrior. Barristan was reminded of princes from an older age—Maekar the Anvil, Baelor Breakspear, even Daemon Targaryen, the Rogue Prince.
Several Kingsguard glanced at Barristan with envy. Prince Rhaegar was the realm's future. Serving him closely promised honor and renown.
Yet Barristan Selmy felt no joy. He had sought glory all his life, but above all else, he wished to stand before the King and shield him from harm.
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