The Potential Impact of Daemon’s Absence

If Daemon Targaryen had accompanied Prince Lucerys Velaryon on his trip to the Stormlands, the outcome of the encounter with Aemond Targaryen and the circumstances surrounding Lucerys's death would likely have been significantly different. This article explores several scenarios and outcomes that could have unfolded.

Increased Protection for Lucerys

Daemon, a seasoned warrior and a formidable dragon rider, would have provided Lucerys with much-needed protection against potential threats, including Aemond and his dragon Vhagar. The presence of such a capable ally would have transformed the encounter from an isolated event into a chaotic battle, with Lucerys more confident and less vulnerable.

Confrontation with Aemond

If Daemon had been present during the encounter, a direct confrontation between the two would have been inevitable. Given Daemon’s aggressive nature and his willingness to fight, he would not have hesitated to defend his nephew. This could have led to an intense aerial battle between Daemon’s dragon, Caraxes, and Aemond’s Vhagar, altering the course of the encounter and potentially ending differently.

Impact on the Targaryen Civil War

Lucerys’s death was a significant catalyst for the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. With Daemon by his side, Lucerys might have returned safely to Dragonstone, potentially delaying or even changing the course of the war. This could have altered the dynamics of the conflict, drawing in different factions and changing alliances in unexpected ways.

Strengthening Alliances

Daemon’s presence might have reinforced the Velaryon claim to the throne and strengthened alliances with other houses. Having a strong figure like Daemon alongside Lucerys could have rallied more support for the Targaryens and potentially deterred other houses from taking sides against them. This could have shifted the balance of power and altered the landscape of the war.

Daemon’s Recklessness

However, Daemon’s impulsive nature could have escalated tensions further. If he had engaged Aemond in a reckless manner, it might have resulted in a larger conflict drawing in more factions and escalating the war significantly sooner than it originally occurred. The unpredictable consequences of such a scenario could have had far-reaching and devastating effects.

Lucerys’s Growth and Leadership

With Daemon as a mentor and protector, Lucerys may have matured more quickly as a leader. His experiences with Daemon could have equipped him with the skills and confidence needed to lead his family and allies more effectively in the future. Although Daemon’s guidance could have contributed to Lucerys’s growth, the ultimate outcome would still depend on the evolving dynamics of the conflict and the actions of other key players.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Daemon accompanying Lucerys to the Stormlands would likely have led to a very different outcome, either preventing Lucerys’s death entirely or significantly altering the immediate consequences of that encounter. The civil war might have played out differently with potential ramifications for the Targaryen dynasty and the realm as a whole. However, the unpredictability of war and the personalities involved mean that any outcome would still carry significant uncertainty.