Chapter 36: The Myrosh Forge and the Seeds of Administration
The month and a half flew by in a whirlwind of intense activity within Myrosh. While Khal Drogo and Ser Barristan prepared their forces for the conquest of Vyrodos and Paenerion, Maegor devoted himself fully to consolidating his internal power and establishing a functional administration.
The training fields outside Myrosh Castle became a cacophony of shouts, clashing steel, and the thunder of hooves. The 100 Myrosh Light Cavalry, under Barristan's direct, unforgiving tutelage, transformed from eager recruits into a cohesive mounted force. They learned spear charges, sword drills on horseback, and the coordination necessary for flanking maneuvers. The 113 Myrosh Light Infantry, guided by Ser Kaeto, practiced shield walls, close-quarters combat, and rapid deployment, their discipline visibly improving with each passing day. The 60 Castle Guards (Valyrian Swordsmen and Myrosh recruits) stood as the disciplined core, their presence a constant reminder of the standard expected.
Viserys, subjected to Barristan's brutal mornings and Maegor's demanding evenings, was a walking testament to the regime. He was leaner, harder, and while still prone to fits of petulance, he held his tongue more often, his fear of Maegor now compounded by a grudging respect for the sheer force of will that commanded him. He still tended his egg, a fragile hope in his otherwise miserable existence.
Lyra's pregnancy progressed, her belly growing steadily. Maegor continued his nightly visits, his Lineage Focus: Progeny Drive (Active) satisfied, and his discussions with her often veered towards the future of the Velysarion line, their education, and their absolute loyalty to the Targaryen crown.
On the morning the army departed, a truly impressive sight unfolded. Five thousand Dothraki warriors, a river of horses and steel, thundered out of Myrosh, accompanied by the disciplined ranks of Myrosh Light Cavalry and Infantry, and the sixty Castle Guards, all led by the legendary Ser Barristan and the fearsome Khal Drogo. Balerion soared high above, a black speck against the dawn sky, a silent blessing upon their endeavor.
With the army gone, the castle felt quieter, but no less busy. Maegor turned immediately to Ser Kaeto, the man who would be his right hand in forging the administration of his new dominion. They met in Maegor's solar, the intelligence report spread before them.
"Kaeto," Maegor began, his voice crisp. "Our armies are gone to conquer. Our task is to ensure they conquer a kingdom ready to be governed, not merely plundered. We need to appoint key positions. Who among the people of Myrosh Town can truly assist us in ruling this county, once it's ours?"
Kaeto nodded, always prepared. He had spent the last month quietly observing, gathering information on the local populace. "My King, I have several names for your consideration for key administrative roles. Men and women of competence and influence within Myrosh."
He picked up a scroll. "For Stewards—those who will oversee the day-to-day management of the lands, the collection of taxes, and the distribution of resources for the entire county—I propose three individuals who possess both knowledge and connections:"
Droseo Greenjoy: "A fascinating choice, my King. He is the son of a former Magister family, a once-proud house that fell into disfavor with Myr. He holds a deep understanding of Essosi law and governance, and a personal grudge against Magister Drahar. He is educated, cunning, and ambitious. He would serve you with fierce loyalty, seeing you as his path to regaining lost standing, perhaps even for his family."Drakhos: "A shrewd merchant, my lord. He leads one of the largest trading houses in Myrosh, with connections stretching to Lys and Tyrosh. He understands logistics, supply chains, and the flow of coin. He is immensely practical and values stability above all else, which your rule offers."Master Trombo: "The leader of the largest transport company in Myrosh. His specialty is delivering goods across the region, understanding the roads, the hazards, and the most efficient routes. He is reliable, honest, and utterly indispensable for moving resources and supplies once the county is ours."
Maegor listened intently, his Basic Diplomacy ability subtly enhancing his understanding of their potential allegiances and motives. Droseo, with his ambition and grudge, was a particularly appealing prospect.
"For Castellan—the one who commands the daily functions of the castle, its maintenance, its supplies, and the immediate garrison in your absence—I have two candidates:"
Ammaro: "A learned man, my lord. He served as a scribe and record-keeper under the former garrison commander of Myrosh. He is meticulous, understands castle logistics, and has a keen eye for detail. More importantly, he is a veteran soldier himself, though not a commander, and understands military discipline."Brundo: "A former sergeant of the Myrosh Town Guards. A hardened, practical man. He knows the local men, their families, and the layout of the castle. He is straightforward, utterly loyal once sworn, and pragmatic. He understands what it takes to keep men in line."
Maegor considered the two. Ammaro offered knowledge, Brundo offered practicality and local influence. Both were valuable.
"And finally, for Chancellor—the chief advisor, overseeing legal matters, communications, and acting as your voice in official capacities—I have two names:"
Nemarro: "The respected leader of the largest trade union in Myrosh. He is known for his fairness and his ability to mediate disputes. He understands the grievances of the common folk, and their needs. He could be a strong voice for integration and stability."Rylora: "A surprising choice, perhaps, but a promising one, my lord. She is the granddaughter of the former Master of Myrosh Town, who died before the conquest. She is young, but highly intelligent, educated in the ways of Essosi law and rhetoric. She harbors no love for Myr, blaming them for her grandfather's inability to secure the town. She is articulate, ambitious, and would be a strong, intelligent voice in your counsel. Being a woman, she might also offer a unique perspective."
Maegor leaned back, absorbing the names, weighing their strengths and weaknesses. This was the true art of kingship – identifying talent, harnessing ambition, and binding loyalty. The military might was essential, but the administration would secure his reign. He had a month and a half to make his choices, to interview these individuals, and to begin the meticulous work of building a kingdom from the inside out