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Correspondence from the Oldtown Motherhouse to King’s Landing, 84-85 AC (Oldtown Museum Archives)
To King Jaehaerys of House Targaryen, First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm,
We write to inform You that the Motherhouse of Oldtown has received Your daughter, Princess Saera Targaryen, at the hour of the bat on the day that this letter was written. She will be henceforth known and addressed as Novice Saera. Please be assured that she will not be allowed entrance to our Dragonpit - we understand that she attempted to steal a dragon in King’s Landing. We have only dragon eggs at our disposal but with the will of the Seven, none shall hatch and Novice Saera will remain firmly on the ground.
With Seven Blessings,
Mother Rietta
To King Jaehaerys of House Targaryen, First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm,
We write with a report on Novice Saera. Under the tutelage of Septa Maegelle, she has been serving the Silent Sisters. She is unused to silence and complains often of our pious ways. She enjoys not our meals nor our clothing, and cried loudly when her hair was shorn, though we imparted that as hair grows, so too can we as servants of the Seven.
Unfortunately, we have had to perform punishment upon her, having decided that Septa Maegelle continues to hold sororal affection for her younger sister and Septa Rhaella’s attention is devoted to areas more important than that of ill-behaved novices. Novice Saera thus received seventy-seven lashes with the cane by myself. Usually, we would not warrant such details, but her wickedness knows no bounds. She spoke - itself requiring discipline - of how she wished for a dragon so that she could follow in the footsteps of the tyrant King Maegor the Cruel and bring destruction upon the Citadel and the Faith itself! We may only pray to the Seven that such discipline may bring her into the light, but she continues to act as such, and so it is my recommendation that she remains under our care, with Your consent.
With Seven Blessings,
Mother Rietta
To King Jaehaerys of House Targaryen, First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm,
We write to inform You that Novice Saera has been shown to disregard the teachings of the Faith, as expected. Within the last moon, she has somehow been able to procure wine and attended Sept quite drunk - be assured that we are investigating how she came to be in possession of this drink despite her confinement to the Motherhouse under constant watch.
It is with a heavy heart to write that she has attempted at far-too-friendly gestures towards Archmaester Vaegon when he was called to the Motherhouse for his expertise. With whole-hearted respect towards the Doctrine of Exceptionalism, this was inexcusable behaviour on Novice Saera’s part. Whilst Archmaester Vaegon was not as composed as the Father would will it, his response was more than proportionate to Novice Saera’s actions. We will ensure that the two are not in contact and that she is constantly supervised by Septas Rhaella and Maegelle, or other members of the Motherhouse should these two be indisposed.
With Seven Blessings,
Mother Rietta
To King Jaehaerys of House Targaryen, First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm,
We write that Novice Saera’s behaviour has improved as of late. As she is sworn to silence, she is limited in externalising her discontentedness, but she seems to have accepted that her life will be within the Motherhouse amongst the septas and novices. Her last complaint was that she wishes for her dragon egg but we imparted that it remains in King’s Landing at Your command.
We find it pertinent to report that Septa Rhaella’s health has deteriorated in the past few days. She appears to be fevered, heating from the bones whilst insisting that she will die of the cold. We have moved her to our sick chambers so that any infection may not spread. Of course, we have the finest minds and healers at our disposal, but will inform You with any further news.
With Seven Blessings,
Mother Rietta
To King Jaehaerys of House Targaryen, First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm,
With our deepest sorrows, Your niece Septa Rhaella met with the Stranger at the hour of the owl in the hour past. We tried every cure available to us in the Citadel on offer by learned men and women. These conventional methods did not work and Archmaester Vaegon recalled that the bond between dragon and dragonrider is beyond our extensive knowledge. He suggested that we bring Septa Rhaella to Sevenstar, but the journey proved too strenuous and she passed before we left Oldtown proper. We will, of course, inform You of further plans, but wished to inform You as soon as a raven could leave the rookery. It was suggested that Septa Maegelle or Archmaester Vaegon fly to You in King’s Landing with this message, but we admit that neither are in a fit position for such a journey.
May she rest amongst the Seven.
With Seven Blessings,
Mother Rietta
To King Jaehaerys of House Targaryen, First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm,
Once again, may we offer the Faith’s condolences. We write to inform You primarily of the plans for Septa Rhaella’s funeral. We understand that tradition dictates that the body of the deceased be transported to their home for burial rites. However, a discussion amongst the upper circles of the Motherhouse brought to light a peculiarity. It is known that Septa Rhaella and her sister Aerea were born at Casterly Rock, but Septa Rhaella entered the Faith at a young age. Thus, it was unclear where her true home was.
Discussions with her bloodkin have been most enlightening, aside from Novice Saera who made unsavoury comments regarding ashes and where to put them. Septa Maegelle and Archmaester Vaegon have concluded that a compromise be struck. Whilst Septa Rhaella forwent her family name, she was still a dragonrider, and her identity as both rider of Sevenstar and of Targaryen blood cannot be forgotten. Thus, it has been proposed that Septa Rhaella’s body be cremated by Sevenstar in Oldtown’s Dragonpit, a third of her ashes interned in the Starry Sept, the second third given to Casterly Rock, with the remaining third sent to You for internment at Dragonstone with her bloodkin. We humbly ask for Your assent to this plan, so that Septa Rhaella may find peace in whichever world exists after this one.
With Seven Blessings,
Mother Rietta
To King Jaehaerys of House Targaryen, First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm,
Thank You for Your assent to the proposed plan for Septa Rhaella’s funeral. We feel it best that Novice Saera not be excluded from her funeral. Though her behaviour has not been ideal as of late, the Mother teaches us empathy and forgiveness, and as bloodkin, Novice Saera will be present for her cousin’s funeral alongside her sister and brother.
With Seven Blessings,
Mother Rietta
To King Jaehaerys of House Targaryen, First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm,
May You forgive us for our sins. Our own carelessness, along with the sinful nature of Novice Saera, have shamed not only the Motherhouse, but the Faith itself. What follows is a report collated by myself, the High Septon, numerous Dragonkeepers, Septa Maegelle and Archmaester Vaegon, as to ascertain the truth of the matter.
Septa Rhaella’s funeral proceeded as planned. Both myself and the High Septon were present, though we stood by the entrance to the Dragonpit, as advised by the Dragonkeepers. Septa Rhaella’s body had been prepared by our Silent Sisters and was laid on a pyre, where the three dragons had gathered. Septa Maegelle and Archmaester Vaegon commanded Sykunsȳndor and Skysong respectively to cremate Septa Rhaella’s body. Novice Saera was present but unusually was silent without the promise of discipline. Sevenstar, without command, also let forth dragonfire, perhaps recognising the death of its rider.
Once Septa Rhaella’s body was cremated, Septa Maegelle began to pray, inviting Novice Saera to join, but Novice Saera seemed entranced by Sevenstar. At this point, myself and the High Septon tried to enter the chamber but were barred from doing so by the Dragonkeepers who spoke High Valyrian too quickly for myself to understand, which I apologise for.
Novice Saera stood before Sevenstar with more stillness and calm than we have ever seen of her. It was at that point that Novice Saera spoke, which has been confirmed to us that she uttered the command to serve. With each step she took, we tried to get past the Dragonkeepers, but they were insistent that we leave. Eventually Septa Maegelle and Archmaester Vaegon informed us that we could do nothing. Novice Saera had begun the process of bonding with Sevenstar, possibly since the beginning of the funeral. In particular, they emphasised that to appear to threaten either Novice Saera or the dragon would lead to further calamities. We abided by their extensive knowledge on the matter.
It soon became evident that the bond had solidified between Novice Saera and Sevenstar. Like in a trance, Novice Saera began climbing into the saddle and quickly commanded Sevenstar, presumably to fly, as that is what they did. Once they were gone, myself and the High Septon urged Septa Maegelle and Archmaester Vaegon to leave the Dragonpit so that we might talk. Naturally, we were concerned about our promise to You that Novice Saera stay firmly on the ground, but we were advised that the first flight is a monumental moment in a dragonrider’s life. In particular, Archmaester Vaegon persuaded us that whilst Sevenstar was a mature dragon, Novice Saera was well into womanhood and had not grown as a dragonrider. Importantly, she would not have the stamina to fly for long. They estimated perhaps an hour before she would return to the Dragonpit on the understanding that it was Sevenstar’s nest and she would want to return to it.
After two hours had passed, it was more than evident to the four of us waiting by the Dragonpit that Novice Saera was not returning. It was a mistake on our part to not conduct searches immediately, but we deferred to those who knew dragons best. You will be at ease to know that Lord Hightower has begun searches, both within and without Oldtown. The High Septon too has given Septa Maegelle and Archmaester Vaegon leave from their duties so that they may partake in the search upon Sykunsȳndor and Skysong - dragons may be better at hunting dragons. As we write, they have likely just begun their searches. In the name of the Seven, may they find Novice Saera and may she repent for her sins, against not only the Faith but against You. May the Father judge her fairly.
With Seven Blessings,
Mother Rietta
To King Jaehaerys of House Targaryen, First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm,
On behalf of the Motherhouse, the Citadel and the Faith of the Seven, may we offer our condolences that neither Your daughter nor Sevenstar have been found. May the Warrior gift You courage and strength during these tribulations.
It has come to our attention that the Citadel perhaps lacks in wisdom about dragons, or more so the practical elements thereof. In conversation with the Dragonkeepers, we have learnt a lot, some of which You have already expanded upon. In particular, we were intrigued by Your statement that to antagonise Novice Saera and Sevenstar could be akin to suicide. It is only newly known to us that dragons have no conniptions against kinslaying, and that it is at the behest of their riders that they do not kill either their own kin or the kin of their rider. We were under the impression that Your uncle’s murder of Your brother was an unfortunate anomaly motivated solely by Maegor’s wickedness. From academic curiosity, this may be worth further research, but we leave this to Archmaester Vaegon who has considerably more background knowledge on dragons, as well as practical experience
Novice Saera’s presence in the Motherhouse provided many challenges that we still must work on and we therefore may be slow at responding to Your letters. We hope that You may forgive this of us.
With Seven Blessings,
Mother Rietta.
Explanatory Note:
Princess Saera Targaryen was eventually found a half-year later in a Lysene pleasure garden (a type of brothel), allegedly still clad in the clothes of a Novice of the Faith that she escaped the Motherhouse from. Accounts about her escape differ depending upon their sources and agenda, but the compilation of her children’s interviews are most cited. According to their accounts, their mother flew on Sevenstar outside of Oldtown’s walls throughout the night, where she disembarked and made her way to the docks, finding a ship that would take her across the Narrow Sea and outside of her parents’ jurisdiction. Most stories emphasise that Princess Saera did not have any way to pay for the journey, particularly Archmaester Glydayn’s history of the Targaryens. However, this ignores the fact that Princess Saera had little power or resources to escape her situation. Allegedly, despite bonding with Sevenstar only then, the bond between the Princess and her dragon was so strong that Sevenstar could feel its rider’s emotions and intentions - how else can it be explained that Sevenstar not only manage to follow the ship out of sight, but was never seen by anyone during the necessary stops to sleep and feed? It can only be that Princess Saera was able to communicate through their bond that Sevenstar remain hidden for the safety of both of them.
Additionally, Princess Saera was able to hide and suppress her bond with her dragon until that fateful night at the brothel, whose name is lost to history. It is speculated that a procurer of her services did not adhere to the few boundaries she could set and Sevenstar landed in the nearest clear space within the space of a scream, ready to protect its rider with no verbal call or command, only its rider’s visceral fear of sexual assault or rape. This incident is often cited as the lit beacon that indicated where the missing Princess had been hiding from her parents and their control. As the last letter in this particular collection indicates, there was a very real chance that Sevenstar, either under the direction of Princess Saera or of her own free will, may have attacked anyone who seemed to attack her rider - King Jaehaerys on Vermithor and Queen Alysanne on Silverwing included. This is likely the major reason why Princess Saera never returned to Westeros, and why no other Targaryen attempted to make any real contact with her outside of occasional written correspondence (see later collections for Prince Daemon Targaryen’s letters to his aunt whilst living in Pentos during the early days of his second marriage to Lady Laena Velaryon).