Chapter 55: The Seat of the Duchy and the Dragon's Full Might
Noronos City fell swiftly. The initial breach by Balerion had shattered the defenders' will, and the relentless advance of Maegor's combined forces had completed the rout. By midday, the main streets were secured, and the remaining resistance was cornered within the city's central keep, the Magister's Castle.
Maegor gave no quarter. Commander Maenyx and his Blood Wyrms, augmented by Ser Rhaegar Duskryn's Myrosh Light Cavalry, launched a devastating charge against the inner castle gates. The defenders, already demoralized, crumbled under the weight of the Valyrian steel cavalry. The gate was breached, and Maegor's forces poured inside. Magister Erando Drahar, found cowering in his chambers, was quickly secured, his face pale with terror.
Hours later, as the last pockets of resistance were quashed and the city's populace had largely surrendered, Maegor strode into the Magister's throne room within the castle. It was a lavish chamber, adorned with golden tapestries and an ornate throne carved from a single piece of polished jet. He approached it, Blackfyre a dark, humming presence at his hip. He looked at the trembling Magister Erando Drahar, now bound and kneeling before him.
Maegor seated himself upon the throne, the cold, hard jet feeling utterly natural beneath him. Blackfyre, resting across his lap, seemed to hum in satisfaction. This was his, the seat of the Duchy of Qehes.
As the echoes of conquest faded and the reality of his new dominion settled, a triumphant chime resonated within Maegor's mind.
[ System Rank Up! ]
[ Host has successfully conquered a Border County! ]
[ System Rank: Marquess ]
Reward Granted:
2 Epic Game of Chance Cards
Maegor felt an immense surge of power, a deeper connection to the very land he now controlled. Marquess. He was no longer merely a Count; he commanded a significant territory, positioned directly against the might of Myr. The Epic Cards were a welcome bonus, promising even greater advantages.
He would deal with Erando Drahar later. For now, he had a more pressing matter. Alone in the throne room, waiting for his commanders' full reports, Maegor decided to play his new Game of Chance cards. His anticipation for the potential rewards, especially a Divine draw, was immense.
He touched the first Epic card. It spun, then settled, revealing an outcome that sent a jolt of raw power through him.
[ Game of Chance Result: Divine Item Acquired! ]
Reward: Dragon Growth (Epic) - Accelerated Growth (50 Years)
Description: A concentrated surge of ancient Valyrian magic channeled directly into a designated dragon. Bestows the equivalent of 50 years of natural growth and maturation, dramatically increasing size, strength, and fire-power.
Maegor's breath caught. Fifty years of growth for Balerion. Not just a serum, but a massive, instantaneous leap in his dragon's development. This would transform Balerion into a true monster, a beast of legendary proportions, rivalling the dragons of old. This was the key to conquering Westeros.
He focused his will, directing the immense energy from the reward towards Balerion, who was likely still circling high above Noronos. A raw, visceral connection formed, and Maegor could feel the surge of power coursing through his dragon, a rapid, almost violent transformation.
High above Noronos, a shadow expanded. Balerion, who had moments before been the size of three adult elephants, suddenly dwarfed them. His scales deepened in color, becoming an even more abyssal black, reflecting no light. His wings spread wider, blocking out the sun. His head elongated, horns sharpened, and teeth grew into formidable daggers. His roaring growl became a thunder that shook the very foundations of the city, a sound that carried the weight of ages. He was now a true adult dragon, comparable to the mighty beasts of Aegon's conquest, a living, flying mountain of scales and fire. The sheer terror and awe he inspired were palpable, even from within the castle.
Maegor felt the feedback, the immense power of his dragon, now truly unleashed. This was a force that no army, no city, no kingdom in Westeros could withstand.
He then touched the second Epic card, almost as an afterthought, still reeling from the Dragon Growth.
[ Game of Chance Result: Rare Item Acquired! ]
Reward: Gold Dragons (Rare)
Description: A substantial cache of standard coinage. Contains 1,000 Gold Dragons.
A thousand Gold Dragons. A nice sum, but utterly insignificant compared to the monstrous power he had just acquired. Maegor simply smiled. His coffers were already overflowing with Myr's tribute and Dilora's wealth, and soon, the entire Duchy of Qehes would fill them further.
Now, he simply waited. The reports would come. The city would be secured. His new domain would be organized. Magister Erando Drahar, bound and waiting, would learn the true meaning of the Dragon's justice. The Duchy of Qehes was his. And soon, Westeros would follow.