The sun climbed higher over Myrosh, casting the newly arrived Valyrian Swordsmen in a gleaming, almost ethereal light. Their captain, a man of imposing stature and grave demeanor, stepped forward, his eyes burning with an ancient fire.
"King Maegor," the captain intoned, his voice deep and resonant in the High Valyrian that now flowed effortlessly from Maegor's lips, "I am Vorian. I am the appointed commander of these Blades of Valyria. We have been summoned to serve the true Dragon. Command us, my King."
Maegor met Vorian's gaze, a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. This man exuded competence and an innate, unyielding loyalty. "Welcome, Commander Vorian," Maegor replied, his own voice resonating with Draconic Persuasion, cementing the bond. "Your arrival is precisely what is needed. Your skill and discipline are evident. You and your men will prove invaluable."
He turned to his assembled Royal Guard, and the still-nervous Myrosh Castle Guards. "Commander Vorian, you and your Valyrian Swordsmen will be instrumental in consolidating this castle and region. You will be based within the castle walls. You will act as senior soldiers, each of your men commanding and overseeing two of our newly trained Castle Guards. You will raise their standard. Commander Vorian, you will hold the position of Castle Guard Commander, overseeing all 150 Castle Guards, in addition to your own fifty Valyrian Swordsmen. You will have the authority to appoint captains for every thirty-man squad within the Castle Guard."
Vorian bowed deeply. "As you command, my King. The castle will be a bastion."
Maegor then addressed Ser Barristan and Ser Kaeto. He knew the delicate balance of hierarchy was crucial, especially with a legendary knight and a newly-revealed Targaryen.
"Now, let us reconstruct the chain of command here in this castle," Maegor declared, his gaze sweeping over all his forces, including the Myrosh Castle Guards who listened intently. "With 166 men within these walls, clarity is paramount."
He fixed his gaze on Ser Barristan. "Ser Barristan Selmy. You are the finest knight in Westeros, a loyal blade whose renown precedes him. You will now formally hold the rank of Lord-Commander of the Targaryen Royal Guard. You are my direct vassal in all military matters concerning my personal guard, and your counsel will be paramount." Barristan bowed, a flicker of pride in his aged eyes, recognizing the ultimate authority vested in him.
"Ser Kaeto Targaryen," Maegor continued, turning to his kinsman. "Your knowledge of Essos, your discretion, and your unwavering loyalty have proven invaluable. You will now formally hold the rank of Lord-Captain of the Targaryen Royal Guard. You will be Ser Barristan's direct second-in-command, overseeing the daily operations and ensuring the Royal Guard's readiness." Kaeto, too, bowed, his expression solemn and committed.
Maegor then looked at Ryker. "Ryker, your combat skill and pragmatic thinking are well-proven. You will be Deputy Captain of the Targaryen Royal Guard, second only to Ser Kaeto in the direct command of the guard units." Ryker, looking surprised but pleased, quickly dropped to a knee.
"For now," Maegor explained, "there will be only one Lord-Captain of the Royal Guard. But my plan is to have a full complement of fifty Royal Guards, organized into five teams of ten. In the future, there will be four more Captains, each commanding a team of nine Royal Guards alongside themselves." He looked at the former slave guards, a silent promise in his eyes for future advancement.
"So, these are your new ranks and roles for today," Maegor concluded. "Now, for assignments."
He pointed to two of his Royal Guards, the twins Kael and Torr. "Kael and Torr, you are assigned to the personal protection of my sister, Daenerys. Your duty is to ensure her safety, her comfort, and her well-being at all times. You will not leave her side." The twins, grim and professional, nodded.
Next, he selected two more of the former slave guards, Sylo and Halen, whose quiet competence he had noted. "Sylo and Halen, your duty is to my brother, Viserys. He needs constant vigilance. Ensure his safety, but also ensure he adheres to his training and his studies. Do not let him stray from his path." Sylo and Halen, disciplined and strong, saluted.
Maegor then turned to two more of the former slave guards, Tymos and Jorno. "Tymos and Jorno, your duty is of the utmost importance. You will be the personal guards of Lyra, and by extension, the child she carries. Her safety, and the safety of my heir within her, is paramount. You will not leave her side, day or night." The two men nodded, a newfound reverence in their eyes as they grasped the significance of their task.
"As for the rest of you," Maegor concluded, looking at the remaining Royal Guard and then to Commander Vorian and his Valyrian Swordsmen, "your primary duty will be directly at my command. You will be my extended shadow, my blades in the dark. Commander Vorian, integrate your men swiftly. Begin their patrols, begin their command over the castle guards. Ser Barristan, ensure the training continues, rigorous and unyielding."
He looked at his assembled forces, a chilling satisfaction on his face. "We are no longer merely survivors. We are a force. And Myrosh, from this day forward, will be a fortress for the Dragon."