Chapter 52: The Dragon's Son and the Seahorse's Embrace
The four months of preparation for the conquest of Mogho County passed with a relentless intensity. Hand Aegon Duskryn, a tireless administrator, worked ceaselessly from the Balerion Estate. He ensured a steady flow of resources and food to provision the ever-expanding army, leveraging his extensive trade networks and the fertile lands of Ergos County. His meticulous attention to detail ensured that weapons were upgraded and newly trained units were properly equipped.
Under Lord-Commander Gareth Blackwood's unforgiving regime, the Ergos Army was forged into a formidable force. The 713 men from the original Myrosh recruitment, combined with the 830 new men-at-arms from Dilora Barony, swelled the ranks to a total of 1,543 fighting men, excluding the Dothraki, Blood Wyrms, and Royal Guards. The infantry, once merely 'light', was now specialized:
Myrosh Light Cavalry: From the original 100, bolstered by another 100 from Dilora, a swift force of 200 cavalrymen now rode under the command of the fiery Ser Rhaegar Duskryn, who pushed them with a volatile zeal that mirrored his dragon dreams.Myrosh Archers: The original 200 were now joined by 230 archers from Dilora, forming a corps of 430 archers. They drilled daily under the overall command of Gareth Blackwood, their bows a formidable ranged threat.Myrosh Spear-and-Shield Infantry: From the original 413 Light Infantry, 413 men were designated as spear-and-shield infantry, their discipline honed by Commander Brundo, ready to form unyielding defensive lines.Myrosh Sword-and-Shield Infantry: The remaining 400 men from the expanded infantry were trained as sword-and-shield infantry, a versatile shock force that reported directly to Lord-Commander Gareth Blackwood for the time being.
Meanwhile, Commander Vorian relentlessly drilled the 100 new Castle Guards from Dilora alongside the existing garrison at Myrosh Castle, emphasizing defensive strategies. His Valyrian Swordsmen were the unmoving core, setting the standard for all who served within the castle walls.
Hand Aegon's diplomatic efforts in the County of Drasaho yielded fruit. While Magister Andrio Vallel stubbornly refused complete submission, he agreed to a non-aggression pact when the war came to Mogho. He would not send his small army to aid Drahar, recognizing the overwhelming power arrayed against him. It was a crucial, bloodless victory that secured Maegor's southern flank.
In the third month of the preparations, an event of profound personal significance occurred. In her private chambers in Myrosh Castle, under the watchful eyes of the trusted Royal Guards Tymos and Jorno, Lyra gave birth. It was a boy, strong and healthy, with Lyra's northern features but a distinct, pale silver-gold fuzz on his head, hinting at his Targaryen lineage.
Maegor arrived soon after, his stern demeanor momentarily softening as he held his firstborn son. He named him Vaegon, a blend of his own ancestral roots. "Vaegon," Maegor declared, his voice filled with a quiet pride, "the first Velysarion. My son, Lyra. And he will bear the title Prince Vaegon Velysarion of Ergos. He is the first root of the new dynasty, strong and loyal." The decision to grant a princely title to a son of a mistress was audacious, defying Westerosi tradition, but Maegor's word was now law in his burgeoning kingdom. This son, raised in loyalty and strength, would be a pillar of the family.
As the four-month mark approached, a flurry of excitement swept through Myrosh. A delegation had arrived, not from the Free Cities, but from across the Narrow Sea, from the very heart of Westeros. They were the Velaryons, ancient Valyrian blood, Lords of the Tides.
Leading them was Ser Daemon Velaryon, a formidable knight in his mid-fifties, still powerful, with the silver-gold hair and violet eyes of his house. With him were his children: Rhaenys Velaryon, a striking woman of twenty-two, graceful and intelligent; Visenya Velaryon, eighteen, with a quiet intensity that belied her youth; and Aurane Waters, a sharp-eyed young man of twenty, the acknowledged bastard younger brother of the current Lord of Driftmark, a capable sailor. Two additional knights, Ser Corlys Stone and Ser Laenor Waters, accompanied them, men of hardened experience.
They brought a carefully worded message from Lord Manford Velaryon, the current Lord of Driftmark:
To the King beyond the Wall, the Dragon Reborn,
We have heard the whispers, and now, the roar of your dragon. While the currents of Westeros are treacherous, and our House cannot openly declare for you at this time – for even our combined might cannot win the Iron Throne against so many usurpers – know that our loyalty to House Targaryen remains. My King, I send you my uncle, Ser Daemon Velaryon, a knight capable in both land battle and sea campaign, to offer his sword and his counsel. He brings with him others of our house who seek a new purpose. When the time is right, my King, the tides of Westeros will turn for you, and we will let the Seven Kingdoms see the true might of the Dragon. Until then, we prepare. Regards, your humble vassal, Manford Velaryon.
Maegor met with the Velaryon delegation in his solar. Daemon Velaryon, a man of quiet gravitas, knelt before Maegor, pledging his personal fealty. Maegor received them warmly, but his mind was already calculating. He had secured invaluable commanders, and more importantly, more Valyrian blood.
He wasted no time. He immediately appointed Ser Corlys Stone as the Commander of the Myrosh Archers, noting his steady gaze and disciplined demeanor. And Ser Laenor Waters was named Commander of the Myrosh Sword-and-Shield Infantry, his experience with varied weaponry making him ideal for the role. These two appointments filled crucial gaps in his command structure, providing dedicated leadership for those specialized units.
Later, in a private audience with Ser Daemon, Maegor laid out his plans for the marriage alliances.
"Ser Daemon," Maegor began, his voice firm, "your House has always been true. We will strengthen that bond with blood. Your eldest daughter, Rhaenys Velaryon, will be married to Ser Kaeto Targaryen, my Lord-Captain and a grandson of Prince Duncan the Small. Their line will be a testament to loyalty and a strong branch of the Targaryen House."
Daemon's eyes gleamed. To marry his daughter to a true Targaryen, even if of a bastard-turned-legitimate line, was a tremendous honor that solidified his family's position.
"And your second daughter, Visenya Velaryon," Maegor continued, "will be married to Ser Aelyx Brightflame, a Knight of my Royal Guard, and a scion of a powerful Targaryen cadet branch. Their children will bind the Brightflame and Velaryon Houses, creating another formidable pillar of my power."
Daemon bowed, visibly impressed by the strategic pairings.
"Finally," Maegor stated, his gaze fixed on the quiet Aurane Waters, who stood a respectful distance behind his kin, "your younger sister, Aurane Waters. She possesses a sharp mind, and true Valyrian blood, though unacknowledged by Westeros. She will be married to Ser Rhaegar Duskryn, Commander of my Myrosh Light Cavalry, and a Knight of the Dragon. Ser Rhaegar is the grandson of Prince Duncan the Small, recently legitimized, and the head of the newly established Duskryn House, a proud cadet branch of the Targaryens. This marriage will bring her into the true family, elevate her status, and further strengthen the bloodlines loyal to my throne."
Daemon Velaryon, a veteran of countless political intrigues, could only marvel at the young King's foresight and audacity. Three Velaryon descendants, marrying directly into the Targaryen bloodlines Maegor was meticulously cultivating. It was a masterstroke. The Velaryon name, their ships (even if not openly declared yet), and their long-standing loyalty, would be cemented beyond doubt.
"My King," Daemon said, bowing deeply, "these unions honor our House beyond measure. We are truly bound to the Dragon."
Maegor allowed himself a cold, satisfied smile. His bloodlines were proliferating. His alliances were deepening. And the time for the conquest of Mogho County was now at hand.