Chapter 39: The March of Conquest and the Divine Summoning
The weeks following the dispatch of Maegor's audacious letters were a period of intense anticipation. While ravens flew across the Narrow Sea and discreet inquiries began for Kaeto's scattered kin, Maegor and his council were immersed in the intricate work of governance. The Myrosh administration, under the diligent guidance of Droseo Greenjoy, Rylora, Ammaro, Brundo, and Nemarro, began to function with remarkable efficiency. Taxes were levied, resources managed, and the Dothraki settlement expanded daily, its mud-brick houses reaching further across the plains.
One month after their departure, the conquering army returned. The dust cloud on the horizon stretched for miles, announcing their approach long before the thundering hooves could be heard. Khal Drogo, a grim, triumphant figure, led the Dothraki hordes, their braids heavy with fresh victories. Following them, in disciplined ranks, came the Myrosh Light Cavalry and Infantry, their banners now bearing the three-headed dragon, a symbol of their new allegiance. At the head of the non-Dothraki forces rode Ser Barristan Selmy, his armor gleaming, his face a testament to hard-won success.
Maegor met them at the castle gates, Balerion soaring majestically overhead, letting out a series of triumphant roars that echoed the Dothraki war cries. The sight of the combined forces, the victorious generals, and the powerful dragon filled Maegor with grim satisfaction.
Ser Barristan dismounted and approached Maegor, dropping to one knee. "My King," he announced, his voice carrying clearly over the clamor, "Vyrodos and Paenerion are yours. They have bent the knee. The remaining loyalists of Magister Drahar have been broken or fled. The lands are secured."
He then proceeded to give a precise, comprehensive report, detailing the conquered baronies:
Vyrodos Barony (East): Its 3 villages and 1 large village now swore fealty to Maegor. Barristan estimated their combined population at approximately 4,500 residents, with roughly 300 men-at-arms available for local defense. Their specialty lay in wine production and olive groves, providing valuable trade goods.Paenerion Barony (North): Its 2 villages and 1 big village were also secured. These settlements contributed an estimated 3,000 residents and around 200 men-at-arms. Their primary resources were timber and sheep farming, essential for construction and provisions.
"I have already appointed interim leaders, my King," Barristan continued. "From the local populace, men of known influence and pragmatic loyalties. For Paenerion, I appointed Lord-Master Costos, a shrewd timber merchant who quickly swore fealty. For Vyrodos, Lord-Master Gyran, a respected wine producer who proved cooperative. Both understand that their families' continued prosperity rests entirely on their unwavering loyalty to you."
Maegor nodded, pleased with Barristan's initiative and efficiency. The decentralization of power, tied directly to his rule, was effective.
Just then, a familiar chime resonated in Maegor's mind, followed by a triumphant System notification.
[ System Rank Up! ]
[ Host has successfully consolidated control over a County Barony! ]
[ System Rank: Viscount ]
Reward Granted:
3 Uncommon Game of Chance Cards
Maegor felt a subtle shift in his aura, a deeper sense of gravitas and influence. Viscount. Not yet the full County, but a significant step. He dismissed Barristan and the victorious army, granting them a well-deserved day of rest and allowing the Dothraki to feast and celebrate their conquests.
Later, in the quiet solitude of his solar, with Blackfyre lying on his table, Maegor indulged in his favorite game. The anticipation for the Legendary Card had been immense, but now he had three new Uncommon Cards.
He touched the first card. It spun, then revealed itself with a flash of light.
[ Game of Chance Result: Divine Item Acquired! ]
Reward: Recruitable Units (Summoned) - Divine
Unit Type: 250 Blood Wyrms (Valyrian Heavy Cavalry)Skill Level: Elite Equipment: Full Valyrian Steel Plate Armor (for rider and mount), Valyrian Steel Lances and Longswords. Special Trait:Dragonblooded Riders: Innate connection to dragons, granting enhanced courage and morale when fighting alongside dragons or other dragonblooded individuals. Special Trait:Unbreakable Will: Immune to fear and morale breaks in combat.
Maegor stared at the glowing description, his heart hammering against his ribs. Divine. Two hundred and fifty Blood Wyrms. Elite. Full Valyrian steel armor, for both rider and mount! Dragonblooded! Unbreakable! This wasn't merely a unit; this was a legion of walking, fighting legends, an unstoppable force. The sheer audacity of the System's gift left him speechless. The ancient Maegor within him roared in primal satisfaction. This was the true steel, the core of his conquest. This was what would truly break Westeros.
He could feel their presence, summoned, waiting for his command. A formidable, silent army ready to be unleashed.
He tapped the second card, still reeling from the first.
[ Game of Chance Result: Epic Item Acquired! ]
Reward: Tools (Epic)
Description: An epic-tier forging hammer, imbued with ancient Valyrian enchantments. Capable of forging epic-level weapons and armor with vastly reduced time and resource cost. Also enhances the skill of any wielder.
A forging hammer. Epic. Maegor's mind immediately connected it to the iron ore deposits in the Myrosh region, and the raw potential it offered. This meant he could equip his growing armies with far superior gear, perhaps even rivaling Valyrian steel given enough time and resources. This tool would transform Myrosh from a mere agricultural hub into a true military-industrial base.
He touched the third and final card.
[ Game of Chance Result: Common Item Acquired! ]
Reward: Short Sword (Common)
Description: A standard, functional short sword.
After the previous two earth-shattering rewards, a common short sword felt almost laughable, but Maegor simply smiled. He had Blackfyre. He had the Blood Wyrms. The rest was mere noise.
He looked at Blackfyre, then at the mental image of his new, divine cavalry. His original plan to slowly absorb the County of Ergos now seemed… too slow. With the Blood Wyrms, the timing had changed. He had a weapon now that Magister Drahar could not even conceive of. The County of Ergos was not merely to be conquered; it was to be utterly subdued, swiftly and decisively.
The final phase of his Essosi consolidation would be a brutal, dazzling display of power. The return of the Dragon had truly begun.