Encounter at Massey's Hook

Laenor Longwaters

Jacaerys Targaryen

Cyrax, the Leviathan's Spawn

**The Encounter at Massey's Hook** was an event that took place after a failed attempt to tame the dragon Rhaegal, resulting in the deaths of Laenor Longwaters, Berena Tully, and Prince Jacaerys Targaryen, as well as the dragon Cyrax.

The encounter took place during the 12th Day of the Ninth Moon of 407 AC.

## Background

Selenya Targaryen, since arriving in Westeros, had been inquiring as to the whereabouts and abilities of Rhaegal, formerly ridden by Prince Aemon Targaryen, who went missing two years prior. Her inquiries led her to the Grand Maester Selwyn, as well as many texts regarding the dragon's behaviour. Selenya made many inquiries as to how the dragon might be tamed, and when the Ninth Moon dawned of 407 AC, sightings were made around Massey's Hook detailing the great dragon in the skies, riderless, having made his roost atop a large hill in one of the many plains of the region.

Departing King's Landing on the first day of the moon with an entourage of her closest friends, advisers and attendants, most notable among those including the peasant Benn, Denya of Braavos, Maro, Laenor Longwaters, Berena Tully, Saera Targaryen, and her deep-seated lover Rhaegar Targaryen, the group arrived at Massey's Hook on the third day of the Ninth Moon.

Further inquiries were made, this time in person, as Selenya Targaryen routinely left Rhaegal venison to feast on, oft risking her own life in the process. On the eleventh day of the ninth moon, Jacaerys Targaryen appeared as well atop his dragon Cyrax. The formidable dragon was a sight for sore eyes in the regards of many, but Rhaegar warned that he was taking a great risk in being there.

During that same evening, Jacaerys sought to formulate a plan with the other present dragonriders, should something go awry. He warned not to approach Rhaegal should the worst occur, and that his own dragon Cyrax, and Rhaegar's own Nightwing, would be able to fell the beast, or at least force him away.

## The Encounter

The day began as Selenya Targaryen and her entourage ascended the hill. Of the six who joined her, only three would live to tell the tale. Berena Tully followed far behind the main group, hiding behind a series of boulders for the majority of the encounter. Benn and Denya remained shortly behind Selenya, while Saera, Rhaegar, and Jacaerys had taken to the skies.

Selenya's attempt to tame Rhaegal had been aided by several key factors, but the beast would have none of it. As Selenya knelt before him in the midst of his roost, Rhaegal bathed the Lady Selenya in flame, then whipped his tail towards her, knocking her unconcious.

Rhaegar Targaryen flew down on Nightwing almost immediately after, in hopes of distracting the great beast. Denya also made attempts to distract him, but failed. In the end, it was Jacaerys Targaryen atop Cyrax that landed directly before Rhaegal, taunting him with his great beast.

   Though both dragons were of formidable size, it should be stated that Cyrax was almost half the size of Rhaegal, so when the encounter began, Jacaerys spurring Cyrax forward, he was going in with an immediate disadvantage. Rhaegal took to flight against Cyrax, and the two locked fangs and jaws and blasted bouts of flame at one another that eventually ended in Cyrax's death, his head being torn from his shoulders.

During this time, Saera Targaryen managed to save Selenya, propping her onto dragonback shortly before leaving for Stonedance.

## What Followed

After the brutal death of Cyrax, Rhaegal went on a rampage. First inspecting the body of Cyrax, then taking to flight once more. Jacaerys managed to survive the fall, hiding underneath the body of his slain dragon while Rhaegal went about hunting.

The dragon successfully managed to kill two members of Selenya's party. Laenor Longwaters was the first to die, caught by a bout of dragonflame as he tried to lay his sister, Laena, to rest. Berena Tully followed, the girl who fled down the hillside also caught by a bout of flame, though it is not what caused her death. The girl suffocated, her airways scorched.

Shortly following Berena's death, Rhaegal returned to his lair, leaving Benn and Denya alive. Jacaerys attempted to crawl his way to safety, but failed, dying of wounds sustained during the battle against Rhaegal.

## Aftermath

Selenya Targaryen was healed successfuly, and survived, however painfully maimed by Maester Eldred of Stonedance. Saera Targaryen left for Essos for almost a month before returning, due to the death of Jacaerys, and the House of Longwaters went extinct. Berena's death directly led to the rise of Lord Damion as Lord of the Riverlands and Paramount of the Trident, and rumours of Jacaerys' death sent ripples echoing across Westeros.

Selenya remained pregnant, and after news of what happened reached the capitol, Damion beseeched Lord Gwayne Baratheon to search the area for the bones of the dead.