Chapter 49: The Hand's Rise and the Dragon's New Court
The migration of the Duskryn family to Dusk Town was swift and efficient, overseen by the disciplined diligence of the Royal Guard. Their vast wealth, converted into easily transportable assets, flowed into Dilora Barony, a welcome boon for Maegor's new treasury. The once-ordinary town now bore the proud name of its new ruling family, a permanent testament to the returned Targaryen blood.
With Ser Aegon Duskryn now settled and establishing his rule in Dusk Town, Maegor summoned the other members of the family to the Balerion Estate. He wanted to meet them personally, to assess their talents, and to bind them directly to his nascent kingdom.
He met first with Alys Duskryn and her husband, Boros. Alys was as Kaeto had described: sharp-witted, pragmatic, with an undeniable talent for numbers and management. Boros, her husband, was a steady, unassuming merchant, clearly devoted to Alys and their two young children. Maegor sensed his practicality and reliability.
Next came Rhaegar Duskryn, his features hinting more strongly at the Valyrian lineage than his father's, especially in the intensity of his violet eyes. He carried himself with the restless energy of a sellsword, his hand often going to an imaginary sword hilt. Maegor noted his volatile temper, but also his fierce honor and his yearning for purpose. His "dragon dreams" were a fascinating, dangerous undercurrent.
Finally, Maella Duskryn. Young, quiet, with an artistic bent, her eyes keenly observed everything. Her affinity for ancient languages and symbols was evident in her questions about the Balerion Estate's older architecture.
Maegor, seated on his improvised throne in the great hall, with Blackfyre leaning against it, laid out his plans for them.
"Ser Aegon Duskryn," Maegor began, his voice resonating with Royal Authority (Uncommon). "Your experience in governance, your understanding of Essosi trade, and your unwavering loyalty have become clear. I require a guiding hand at the very heart of my court. Therefore, I officially name you Hand of the King. You will be my chief advisor, overseeing all county administration, trade, and the integration of new territories. You will advise me on all matters of state, and your wisdom will guide our new kingdom."
Aegon's eyes widened, a profound shock briefly replacing his usual composure. Hand of the King. It was the second most powerful position in any realm, a testament to Maegor's radical trust and his astute understanding of talent. He dropped to one knee, his voice thick with emotion. "My King, I am humbled. I swear to serve you faithfully, with all my mind and all my strength."
"Rise, Hand Aegon," Maegor commanded. "Your expertise will prove invaluable."
Maegor then turned to Alys and Boros. "Alys, Boros. With Hand Aegon serving at my side here in Dilora, Dusk Town will require steady, capable leadership. Alys, your talent for finance and management, combined with Boros's practical acumen, makes you ideal. I appoint you both as the acting rulers of Dusk Town in your father's absence. You will oversee its day-to-day governance, its burgeoning trade, and its integration into the Dilora Barony's administration. You will report directly to Hand Aegon."
Alys and Boros bowed, a mixture of pride and earnest determination on their faces. They understood the importance of the trust being placed in them.
Next, Maegor's gaze fell on Rhaegar. "Rhaegar Duskryn," Maegor stated, "you possess the fire of the Dragon, a warrior's spirit that calls for purpose. I intend to mold you into a weapon worthy of our House." He drew Blackfyre, holding it aloft. Its dark blade hummed, casting ominous shadows. "Kneel, Rhaegar."
Rhaegar, his eyes wide with awe at the legendary sword, knelt without hesitation, a raw excitement burning in his gaze.
"By the power vested in me, by my blood and by this blade," Maegor declared, touching Blackfyre's flat to Rhaegar's shoulder, "I knight you. You are now a Knight of the Dragon, alongside Ser Kaeto and Ser Aelyx Brightflame. Your duty is to fight, to lead, and to bring swift justice to my enemies." He shifted the blade to Rhaegar's other shoulder. "Rise, Ser Rhaegar Duskryn, Knight of the Dragon. Your first command will be the Myrosh Light Cavalry. You will serve under Lord-Commander Gareth Blackwood, and you will forge them into a force that can sweep across the battlefield like fire."
Rhaegar rose, his hand instinctively going to his hip, a fierce grin on his face. This was what he had longed for, a purpose that resonated with his blood.
Finally, Maegor turned to Maella. "Maella Duskryn, your intelligence and your affinity for ancient languages are a rare gift. Chancellor Rylora is building the legal and communication framework for our entire county. You will serve as her assistant, learning from her, contributing your unique talents to the administration. You will help us unravel old texts, understand ancient customs, and formalize our new laws."
Maella, though quiet, beamed. To be given such a role, to delve into learning, was an unexpected delight. "I would be honored, my King."
The integration of the Duskryn family into Maegor's court was swift and impactful. Hand Aegon Duskryn, with his meticulous nature and extensive administrative experience, quickly became an indispensable pillar of the new government. He streamlined the collection of tribute from the conquered baronies, established clear lines of communication between Myrosh, Dilora, Vyrodos, and Paenerion, and began to draft the legal framework for the County of Ergos under Targaryen rule. His network of Essosi traders and contacts also proved invaluable for gathering intelligence and securing resources.
In Dusk Town, Alys and Boros proved capable interim rulers, managing the local population with efficiency and fairness, ensuring the town's prosperity contributed directly to Maegor's coffers. Their stability provided a valuable model for future administrative appointments.
Ser Rhaegar Duskryn, with his volatile temper and fierce fighting spirit, took to commanding the Myrosh Light Cavalry with a natural zeal. He pushed the riders hard, often engaging in fierce sparring matches himself, his intensity pushing his men to new limits. Lord-Commander Gareth Blackwood recognized Rhaegar's raw talent and guided him, channeling his ferocity into disciplined charges. Rhaegar's dragon dreams, once a source of confusion, now seemed to fuel his ambition, making him a relentless, if sometimes reckless, commander.
Maella, under Chancellor Rylora's tutelage, quickly proved her worth. Her quiet diligence and sharp mind, combined with her aptitude for languages, made her an invaluable asset in translating old documents and establishing communication protocols across the diverse populace of Ergos County. Rylora, recognizing Maella's potential, began to train her in the intricate web of Essosi law and diplomacy.
Maegor's vision of expanding the Targaryen bloodline and securing loyalty through strategic elevation of talent was taking tangible form. The Velysarion line was growing within Lyra. The main Targaryen line, through Viserys and Deana, was about to begin its own branch. Kaeto would soon marry a Velaryon. And now, the Duskryns, a newly legitimized branch of Duncan's line, were deeply integrated into his administration and military. He was not merely conquering; he was building a dynasty, piece by meticulous, calculated piece, ensuring loyalty not just through fear, but through shared purpose and self-interest.