Chapter 51: The Duke's Proclamation and the March to Mogho
With the new rank of Count and the incredible boon of the Myr property firmly in hand, Maegor's gaze was now fixed on the ultimate prize in Essos: the entire Duchy of Qehes. His strategy was clear. Drasaho County, to the south, would fall without bloodshed, its integration a quiet victory orchestrated by the newly appointed Hand Aegon Duskryn. But Mogho County, the seat of the arrogant Magister Erando Drahar, would be taken by force, a decisive blow to solidify his dominion.
Maegor returned to Myrosh Castle, its familiar walls now feeling more like the beating heart of his burgeoning power. He immediately summoned his top council and military commanders to the throne hall. Gathered before him were Hand Aegon Duskryn, his shrewd gaze already assessing the challenges; Ser Barristan Selmy, Lord-Commander of the Royal Guard; Ser Kaeto Targaryen, Lord-Captain of the Royal Guard and the emerging Gryphon Knight; Khal Drogo, a silent mountain of raw power; and Lord-Commander Gareth Blackwood, his tactical mind already at work.
Maegor stood before the map of Qehes, Blackfyre a dark, silent presence at his hip. "Gentlemen," he began, his voice resonating with the full force of his Royal Authority (Uncommon) and Commander's Presence (Uncommon), "the County of Ergos is secured. Our next objective is the final annexation of the Duchy of Qehes. Drasaho County will come under our control through more subtle means, overseen by Hand Aegon and Ser Kaeto. But Mogho County, the seat of Magister Erando Drahar in Noronos City, will be conquered by force. We will strike directly at the capital."
A ripple of anticipation went through the assembled commanders. Khal Drogo let out a low grunt of satisfaction. This was the true war he craved.
"This will be our most significant military undertaking to date," Maegor continued, his gaze piercing. "Noronos City is defended by a medium castle and Magister Drahar's personal forces. He may also call upon other vassals from across the Duchy. We will give ourselves four months to fully prepare. Four months to forge our disparate forces into an unyielding instrument of conquest."
He looked directly at Lord-Commander Gareth Blackwood. "Lord-Commander Blackwood, you are charged with the overall command of our ground forces in this preparation. Your priority is to train. Drill the Myrosh Light Cavalry, the Myrosh Light Infantry, and the Myrosh Archers relentlessly. Integrate the new recruits from Dilora. I want them moving as one, disciplined and utterly reliant on their commanders."
Gareth Blackwood nodded, his eyes alight with professional zeal. "It will be done, my King. They will be ready."
"Khal Drogo," Maegor then addressed the Dothraki Khal, "your Khalasar provides the overwhelming numbers, the flanking force, and the shock and awe. While your warriors require little more training in their own ways, I want you to integrate elements of our Light Cavalry with your screamers. Teach them to ride together, to adapt to each other's strengths."
Drogo grunted his affirmation, a fierce smile on his face.
"Commander Maenyx," Maegor added, though Maenyx was not present in the war council, "your Blood Wyrms will continue their rigorous training. They are my ultimate weapon, and they must be prepared for the most crucial moments of the assault."
Maegor's gaze hardened. "We will attack Mogho County after a specific event: after Lyra gives birth. This allows for maximum preparation time, and ensures the continuation of the Velysarion line is secure before we embark on this final, decisive push in Essos."
He then looked to Hand Aegon Duskryn. "Hand Aegon, while our armies prepare, you will oversee the full integration of the conquered baronies into our administration. Solidify the tax base, formalize the trade routes under Master Nemarro and Caravan Master Trombo, and establish our presence in every corner of Ergos County. You will also oversee the subtle, diplomatic annexation of Drasaho County. Leverage your family's connections, your trade consortium. Offer Magister Andrio Vallel favorable terms of surrender, a place in our new order, and protection from Drahar's wrath. Make it clear that resistance is futile, and submission guarantees prosperity. This is to be a bloodless victory."
Aegon bowed deeply. "It shall be done, my King. Drasaho will be yours."
"Ser Kaeto," Maegor continued, "while you continue to bond with Stormwing and train as our Gryphon Knight, you will also assist Hand Aegon in the Drasaho annexation. Your knowledge of the Essosi underworld and your discerning eye for potential loyalties will be invaluable. Also, ensure our lines of communication with Captain Jorah in Myr are secure and discreet. He will provide us with vital intelligence from within the heart of our enemy."
Kaeto nodded, his expression resolute.
"Ser Barristan," Maegor concluded, "your wisdom and unwavering presence will remain vital. You will oversee the overall discipline of the Castle Guards across all holdings, ensuring Myrosh Castle and Balerion Estate remain impregnable. Your counsel on strategy and military matters will be highly valued."
The four months ahead would be a crucible. Forces would be forged, alliances cemented, and a new strategy for Duchy-wide governance implemented. Maegor, now the undeniable Count of Ergos, was setting his sights on becoming the Duke of Qehes. His reign in Essos would be absolute, a terrifying demonstration of the Dragon's return before he ever turned his gaze back to Westeros.