Chapter 46: The Governor's Test and the Shadow of War
The weeks that followed the conquest of Dilora were a testament to Maegor's relentless drive and the efficiency of his burgeoning administration. The opulent Magister's Estate, now firmly established as the Balerion Estate, hummed with a new purpose. Maegor had transferred twenty thousand Dothraki (a mix of combatants and non-combatants) to the Dilora Barony and its surrounding villages and towns. Their presence was a constant, undeniable reminder of the Dragon's might, ensuring swift compliance and aiding in the massive undertaking of building new, permanent settlements for the nomadic warriors.
Amidst this whirlwind of activity, a quiet miracle unfolded. Maegor, having secretly administered the Dragon Growth Serum to Viserys's dull, common dragon egg as the prince slept, watched with grim satisfaction as the egg finally cracked. The hatchling that emerged was small, even for a newborn dragon, its scales a mottled, dusty grey, almost blending with the stone. Its eyes, however, were a startling, vibrant violet, mirroring its rider's. It was not a creature of fire and fury like Balerion, but more subtle, almost ethereal. Maegor named it Umbra, a shadow of a dragon, fitting for its muted appearance and for the prince who had lived so long in the shadow of his family. Umbra, though small, was undeniably a dragon, its presence a constant, if quiet, source of both awe and terror for Viserys.
By Lyra's sixth and a half month of pregnancy, her belly was undeniably round, and her quiet strength remained a constant comfort to Maegor. He continued his nightly visits, his Lineage Focus: Progeny Drive (Active) satisfied with the impending arrival of his first child, the first Velysarion.
A week after Lord Aenar Brightflame had settled into his new role as Viscount of Vyrodos and Paenerion, the Balerion Estate prepared for a momentous occasion. The double wedding was a stark, yet powerful affair. In the castle's newly consecrated sept, Ser Barristan Selmy, the legendary White Sword, exchanged vows with Rheanera Brightflame, her silver-gold hair a stark contrast to his white. And then, Viserys Targaryen, pale and subdued but clutching his dragon egg (and now, the small, newly hatched Umbra, hidden in a special pouch), was wed to Deana Brightflame, her lilac eyes wide with a mixture of fear and dawning ambition. The unions, though arranged, were binding, solidifying Maegor's control over key bloodlines and ensuring their proliferation.
A few days after the weddings, Maegor summoned his entire council and key commanders to the grand hall of the Balerion Estate. The room, once a Magister's banquet hall, was now a war council chamber.
Attendees filled the hall:
Lord Aenar Brightflame, Viscount of Vyrodos and Paenerion, and his new son-in-law, Viserys Targaryen, now Governor-designate of Dilora.The newly wed Deana Brightflame, now Princess Deana Targaryen.Lord-Master Costos of Paenerion and Lord-Master Gyran of Vyrodos, representing their respective baronies.Varkos, the Temporary Town Master of Dilora.His core administrative officers: Ammaro (Castellan of Myrosh), Rylora (Chancellor of Ergos), Droseo Greenjoy (Steward of Ergos), and Nemarro (Master of Trade).His military high command: Lord-Commander Barristan Selmy (Lord-Commander of the Targaryen Royal Guards), Lord-Captain Kaeto Targaryen (Deputy of the Royal Guards and Gryphon Knight), and Khal Drogo.And the newest addition to his command structure: Ser Gareth Blackwood.
Maegor began by formally acknowledging Ser Gareth. "Ser Gareth Blackwood," Maegor announced, his voice resonating with Royal Authority (Uncommon). "Your skill, your tactical acumen, and your unwavering loyalty are beyond question. You have proven yourself a Hero. I therefore relieve you of your duties as a Royal Guard." A ripple went through the room, then Maegor continued, "And appoint you Lord-Commander of the Ergos Army."
Gareth Blackwood, his rugged face impassive, dropped to one knee. "My King, I accept this honor. My blade and my mind are yours."
"Under your command, Lord-Commander Blackwood," Maegor continued, "will be the 100 Myrosh Light Cavalry, the 413 Myrosh Light Infantry under Commander Brundo, and the 200 Myrosh Archers. You will forge these disparate forces into a cohesive, disciplined army, ready to fight for the Dragon."
Maegor then clarified the castle's new defensive structure. "Myrosh Castle remains the headquarters for all Castle Guards. Commander Vorian retains overall command of all Castle Guards. However, I am transferring two squads of Myrosh Castle Guards – sixty men – here to the Balerion Estate. They will serve as its primary garrison. Ser Aelyx Brightflame, you will oversee these Castle Guards here at the Estate. You are not their commander, but an officer responsible for their day-to-day deployment and discipline, reporting directly to Lord-Commander Barristan." Aelyx, eager for responsibility, bowed.
(Maegor's silent clarification for his inner circle: The Targaryen Royal Guards, led by Lord-Commander Barristan, hold the highest authority, answering only to Maegor. They are his personal elite. The Valyrian Swordsmen, led by Commander Vorian, are the elite core of the Castle Guards, who are distinct and separate from the Royal Guards. Royal Guards have authority over all Castle Guards, except Commander Vorian in his specific role as head of the overall Castle Guard contingent.)
Maegor then moved to the next, crucial agenda: the expansion of his dominion beyond Ergos County. "Gentlemen," he stated, pointing to a map of the larger Duchy of Qehes. "We have secured Ergos. Now, we look to the rest of the Duchy. The Duchy of Qehes is small, comprised of three counties: Ergos, now ours; Drasaho County to the south, under the minor Magister Andrio Vallel; and the Duchy Capital, Mogho County, which holds Noronos City, the seat of Magister Erando Drahar himself. Noronos is a small city with a medium castle, surrounded by five small towns. Mogho County also has five other baronies, comprised only of villages."
"Our next target," Maegor declared, his voice cold and decisive, "is Mogho County. We will strike at the heart of Magister Drahar's power, seize his capital, Noronos City, and bring the entire Duchy of Qehes under the Dragon's banner."
He then addressed the integration of forces from his newly conquered territory. "The Dilora Barony can provide 830 men-at-arms." He paused, calculating. "From these, I select 100 men to be sent to Myrosh Castle, to be trained by Commander Vorian as new Castle Guards, reinforcing our primary stronghold."
"For the remaining 730 men," Maegor continued, "Lord-Commander Blackwood, you will integrate them into the Ergos Army. 100 men will be trained as Light Cavalry, augmenting our existing mounted forces. 230 men will be trained as Archers, adding to our ranged capabilities. And the remaining 400 men will be trained as Light Infantry, swelling Brundo's ranks."
Next, he addressed the issue of prisoners from the Dilora conquest. "Ser Gor, Ser Ryker," Maegor commanded, looking at the two Royal Guards. "You will oversee the interrogation of the 500 prisoners we took from Dilora. Identify those who can be swayed to loyalty, who possess useful skills, or who can be compelled into labor. We need levies, and we need laborers for our ongoing construction projects."
Finally, Maegor turned to Viserys, a rare, appraising look in his eyes. Viserys, though still nervous, had shown remarkable improvement in his studies and training. He clutched his small dragon, Umbra, who was now a bit larger than a cat, still dull-colored but undeniably a dragon.
"Viserys," Maegor announced, his voice firm, "you have shown diligence in your studies and training. You have begun to understand the responsibilities of our House. Therefore, I appoint you Governor of the Dilora Barony. The Balerion Estate will be your primary residence. You will oversee its administration, its resources, and its people, reporting directly to me and the County administration under Droseo Greenjoy. This is a position of trust, and a test. Prove your ability to govern, to lead, and to truly serve the Dragon. Your training will continue, but now, it will be applied."
Viserys's jaw dropped. Governor? Of Dilora? The largest barony, the county capital? A flicker of pride, mixed with terror, crossed his face. He bowed deeply, Umbra stirring in his arms. "My King! I… I will not fail you!"
Maegor merely nodded, his gaze already moving to the next challenge. The Duchy of Qehes was within his grasp. He had built his army, secured his administration, and now, he was ready to strike at the heart of Myr's power in Essos.