Fire and Blood

Chapter 79: Coup d'état (Part 2)

Jaehaerys exhaled. "Come with me. There's a secret entrance that leads to the outside. Don't worry; it's not too far from here. Stay close. I'll keep you safe or die trying," he took charge, ready to assume the leadership role. He beckoned for the prisoners and his father's loyal followers to trail behind him as he navigated through the cramped passageway.

As their eyes met, Otto and Jaehaerys found themselves face to face with two vastly different perspectives - one rooted in an unrelenting sense of duty, the other steeped in an unwavering commitment to protecting one's kin. Despite Otto's best efforts to persuade him otherwise, his grandson remained steadfast in his resolve to stand by his side and weather whatever unforgiving circumstances lay ahead.

Jaehaerys assumed a steady and commanding stance; his longsword clutched tightly in his hand as he focused his unwavering gaze upon his grandfather. He cocked his head ever so slightly, sending a silent signal to his elder to accompany him with the others.

Silently, without uttering a single word, Otto motioned towards his grandson, signaling him towards a concealed path that was hidden within the walls of the imposing Red Keep. With a sense of urgency, they made their way down the dimly lit corridor, their hearts pounding in their chests as they tried to escape with the others. Jaehaerys deftly reached for a lever that was cleverly disguised as a torch on a wall sconce and pulled it down. A secret passageway was revealed within moments, leading the way to safety. The captives were quickly ushered down the escape route, with Jaehaerys and Otto following close behind. The prince made sure to seal and conceal the passageway behind them, ensuring that their pursuers could not find it.

As Otto and his grandson made their way along the dimly lit path, illuminated solely by the flickering beam of Otto's torch, he couldn't help but take note of the state of Jaehaerys' clothing - it was tattered and noticeably soiled. It was clear to Otto that his grandson had encountered some of the queen's guards on his journey to reunite with him and had likely fought his way through the Caltrops to get to him. "Are you wounded?" he asked.

Jaehaerys shook his head. "No, grandfather," he replied. "But Ser Criston, he... he killed Lord Lyman."

"He did what?"

"It's true. I saw Ser Criston slamming Lord Lyman's head on the table in the small council chambers so hard that his skull fractured on impact. Lord Commander Harrold and Farrier told me to run, and Ser Erryk helped me find where the queen's men had taken you."

"We'll ensure they're rewarded for their service. Right now, we must leave this place and warn your father."

Jaehaerys was ready with a plan. "I have Vermithor stationed near the Dragonpit, out of sight for now. He can provide us with a more secure means of transportation. Besides, dragons can fly much faster than ravens. Once we reach Vermithor, we'll make for Dragonstone. But we'll need to find another path to the Dragonpit. It's pandemonium out there," he turned to Otto. "I already lost one grandfather to illness, but I do not intend to lose the only one I have left."

Otto couldn't help but feel proud of his grandson's quick thinking and bravery. Together, they made their way toward safety, ready to face whatever lay ahead. He's got your kindness, Viserys. But he'll need to steel himself to be prepared for what's to come.

Red Keep ― Maegor's Holdfast...

"I don't understand! How could you let this happen?!" Beatrice seethed with anger. "How could you all have let a mere boy, an old man, and a lowly peasant slip right through your fingers? They were all right in front of you, and you just let them get away like sewer rats!" The sound of the uproar outside only added to her fury. "Do you hear that? That constant noise is driving me insane. And all because you couldn't do your job properly, our carefully crafted plans are now in utter disarray!"