Chapter 184: Rhaegar at the Small Council
Rhaegar Targaryen left King's Landing, traveling along the Kingsroad until he saw the Gods Eye, like a blue eye upon the earth. But Rhaegar also saw Harrenhal, a black scar upon the land, resembling five crooked, burning candles.
Rhaegar felt that the Gods Eye was like a patch of blue hammered out by the sun, occupying half the world. The Gods Eye was beautiful, yet it brought nightmares and dark memories of two bloody dragon duels to the Targaryen family, both of which were mortal struggles between uncle and nephew. The first was the Targaryen family's first civil war, where the cruel King Maegor I Targaryen rode the Black Dread, Balerion, to kill his nephew, Aegon the Uncrowned, and his dragon, Quicksilver. The second was the Dance of the Dragons, where the uncle, Prince Daemon Targaryen, rode the Blood Wyrm, Caraxes, and perished alongside the young Prince Aemond Targaryen, called One-Eye, who rode the old dragon Vhagar.
The dragons of the Targaryen family generally had two naming conventions. The first was to name them after ancient gods of Valyria; the Dragonlords were blasphemers, so this was not surprising. Examples included Balerion, Meraxes, Vhagar, and Syrax. The second naming method was much more casual, based on the dragon's appearance, actions, or a hopeful wish, such as Quicksilver, Silverwing, Dreamfyre, Moondancer, Sunfyre, Seasmoke, and Stormcloud. In truth, there was no strict limitation on how dragons were named.
Rhaegar Targaryen rode his silver dragon, circling over the Gods Eye, becoming a silver speck. Two other dragons followed not far behind him. Rhaegar thought of the dragon that died over the Gods Eye, the Uncrowned's small dragon Quicksilver. It was a pity that this dragon died so early; otherwise, it would surely have been a major force during the Dance of the Dragons. Rhaegar did not know if this dragon also had silver scales, though Meraxes, who died in Dorne, was indeed a silver-scaled dragon.
Rhaegar rode the Silver Emperor around the Gods Eye and past Harrenhal. A grand castle and a great lake—truly a place of strategic importance. Harrenhal was indeed a castle worthy only of a king. Despite its cursed reputation, lords great and small fought ceaselessly for it. Harrenhal represented power and wealth; with those, who cared about curses? This castle was far more imposing than Riverrun of House Tully. House Whent had now become one of the wealthiest families in the Riverlands, with vast holdings and great influence. However, Rhaegar knew that House Whent was also touched by Harrenhal's curse and would likely only prosper for a few more decades before declining. Yet, Rhaegar had suppressed some of Harrenhal's lingering curses, perhaps delaying that fate. Regardless, Harrenhal should always be held by someone reliable.
Rhaegar rode his dragon high above the land. The tragedies of the Gods Eye and Harrenhal, the civil wars of the dragonlords, the fires that consumed the castle—all had become history. The current era should belong to him; the True Dragon had risen again.
Rhaegar resolved to first repair the stretch of the Kingsroad from King's Landing to Harrenhal, completing this section before expanding further. Centralization was the ambition of all great lords, but Rhaegar felt that only the Westerlands and the Crownlands were currently in a position to achieve it efficiently. Whoever integrated their territory first would find it easier to enrich their lands and strengthen their armies. Dorne and the North had sparse populations and constant unrest. The Reach was populous but filled with powerful vassals. House Tyrell still faced challenges to its authority from older noble houses like House Florent. The Stormlands and the Vale were somewhat better, but progress there would still be slow. The Westerlands and Crownlands, however, lacked overly powerful secondary lords, making direct control easier.
Rhaegar had already envisioned that wherever the Kingsroad extended, the banner of the three-headed dragon on a red field would fly. It would not only unify the Crownlands but also secure the lands up to Harrenhal. Cavalry would ride swiftly along it, and resources would flow efficiently toward King's Landing.
With his plans set, Rhaegar rode his silver dragon back toward the camp by the Blackwater Rush.
On the return journey, he observed the Kingsroad again. Though uneven in quality, it remained continuous. This long, silent road symbolized the great achievements of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen, the Conciliator. Even if it could not match the Valyrian roads, it was still a monumental accomplishment in Westerosi history.
Rhaegar deeply admired Jaehaerys I. The king had not even been the primary heir, yet after the deaths of his brothers and the devastation caused by Maegor's rule, he had restored peace, rebuilt the realm, and strengthened the laws. His reign laid the foundation for Targaryen stability.
Returning to camp, Rhaegar summoned Lord Gyles Rosby and Lady Tanda Stokeworth. Their lands lay north of King's Landing and would benefit greatly from improved roads. They agreed to support the project, though they would also contribute financially.
Rhaegar understood that even a modest version of a Valyrian-style road would be revolutionary. However, his resources were limited, so he planned to begin with a shorter section and expand gradually.
After the hunt concluded, Rhaegar returned to King's Landing and presented his proposal to King Jaehaerys II Targaryen: to rebuild and expand the Kingsroad, beginning with the Crownlands and extending toward Harrenhal.
Given the importance of the matter, Rhaegar attended the Small Council.
The Small Council consisted of the Hand of the King, the Master of Coin, the Master of Laws, the Master of Ships, the Master of Whisperers, the Grand Maester, and the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.
At the council table, Rhaegar saw familiar faces: the Hand of the King, Lord Ormund Baratheon; the Master of Coin, Tywin Lannister; the Master of Laws, Lord Simon Staunton; the Master of Ships, Prince Aerys Targaryen; the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Ser Gerold Hightower; and the Grand Maester, Grand Maester Pycelle. The office of Master of Whisperers was currently vacant, its duties handled by the Hand.
These men were among the most powerful figures in King's Landing. Beyond them stood another key figure—the Commander of the City Watch.
Rhaegar assessed them. Ormund and Gerold were experienced veterans, while Tywin, Aerys, and Staunton represented a younger generation. Pycelle, though loyal, was cautious and politically inclined.
"Lords, the Seven Kingdoms are at peace," said King Jaehaerys II. "Now is the time to improve them. I propose we rebuild the roads."
The council members exchanged glances.
"The Kingsroad has indeed fallen into disrepair," the king continued.
"Your Grace," said Tywin Lannister, "the treasury remains strained. The War of the Ninepenny Kings and the campaign in the Stepstones have depleted our funds. Large-scale reconstruction may prove difficult."
"Surely the wealth of the Westerlands could ease such burdens," Prince Aerys said lightly.
Tywin frowned but did not respond immediately.
"We will begin modestly," King Jaehaerys said. "From King's Landing to Rosby, and eventually to Harrenhal. This is a manageable start."
Tywin visibly relaxed at the limited scope.
"There is one more matter," the king added. "To oversee this effort, I intend to establish a new office: Commissioner of Municipal and Transport Affairs of King's Landing. This office will oversee city planning and the reconstruction of the Kingsroad."
The room grew attentive.
"This position shall be held by Prince Aerys, with Prince Rhaegar assisting."
Though frail in body, King Jaehaerys's authority was unmistakable. The royal family would not relinquish control over such an important project.
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