Chapter 56: The Sky King and the Report of Dominion
The air above Noronos Castle vibrated with an ancient power. Maegor stood on the highest battlements, his heart pounding not from fear, but from a profound, exhilarating awe. Before him, settling with a thunderous impact that shook the very foundations of the keep, was Balerion. The Dragon had matured, his transformation astonishing. He was now approximately fifty meters in length, his serpentine neck and tail impossibly long, his body a massive, scaled fortress. His colossal wingspan, stretching to a hundred and ten meters, blocked out the morning sun, casting the castle courtyard in deep shadow. At merely fifty-one years old (in terms of physical development), he was a behemoth, a terrifying force of nature, easily rivalling the dragons of legend.
Balerion lowered his massive head, his obsidian eyes, glittering with ancient intelligence, fixing on Maegor. He let out a low, rumbling chuff, a sound that vibrated through Maegor's chest, a silent invitation. This was it.
Maegor strode forward, his Royal Authority and Commander's Presence amplifying his control. He reached the side of Balerion's immense head, his hand tracing the rough scales. The dragon nudged him gently, a gesture of affection that belied his monstrous size. Maegor found a hold on a thick scale and, with a powerful leap, swung himself onto Balerion's broad, warm back. The sensation was exhilarating, a surge of primal connection unlike any he had ever known.
"To the sky, my son!" Maegor roared in High Valyrian, gripping a spinal ridge.
With a deafening beat of his colossal wings, Balerion launched himself into the air. The ground rushed away beneath them as the great beast ascended with breathtaking speed. Maegor gripped him tightly, the wind tearing at his clothes, the city shrinking to a detailed map below. He felt the sheer power, the raw, untamed might of the Dragon as Balerion wheeled through the clouds.
Maegor directed him south-west. He wanted to see his newly acquired territory, and to send a message. Not with fire, but with presence. Balerion soared over the rolling hills, the scattered villages, the bustling roads. Then, Maegor directed him even further west, across the Narrow Sea. He wanted to see Myr.
The sight of the Great City of Myr, a sprawling metropolis of colorful domes and towering structures, brought a cold smile to Maegor's lips. Balerion circled high above it, a silent, terrifying shadow against the sky. Too high for any ballista to reach, too fast for any arrow. He did not burn. He did not roar. He simply was. A silent, undeniable declaration to Magister Erando Drahar, to the Highest Magister, to every merchant and power-broker in the city: the Dragon lived. And it flew. And it watched. He could almost feel the panic rippling through the city below, a delicious confirmation of his power.
After hours of flight, seeing his domain and sending his unspoken message, Maegor directed Balerion back. The sun was setting as they returned to Noronos Castle, Balerion landing in the sprawling outer courtyard with a practiced grace that belied his monstrous size.
Almost immediately, Ser Kaeto Targaryen descended from the sky. He was mounted on Stormwing, his Gryphon. Kaeto, though still a formidable figure, looked almost dwarfed by the Gryphon, but his mastery was evident in the fluid, confident way he landed. He dismounted, a wide, triumphant grin on his face.
"My King!" Kaeto exclaimed, his voice filled with awe. "Balerion… he is truly magnificent now! And Stormwing and I, we soared over the entire county. It is ours, my King. Truly yours."
Maegor gave a rare, genuine smile. "Excellent work, Ser Kaeto. I trust Stormwing proved his worth?"
"Beyond measure, my King," Kaeto affirmed, stroking Stormwing's feathered neck. "He is as swift as the wind. And his eyes miss nothing."
They entered the newly secured throne room of Noronos Castle. Ser Barristan, Lord-Commander Gareth Blackwood, Khal Drogo, and Hand Aegon Duskryn were already waiting, their faces grim but triumphant. Maegor took his seat on the Magister's throne, Blackfyre across his lap.
"The reports," Maegor commanded, his voice filled with the resonant power of the Dragon Duke. "Give me the full account."
Kaeto began, his voice clear and concise. "My King, the County of Mogho is entirely under your control. Its total population is approximately 25,000 souls, with around 1,500 fighting men available for recruitment into our forces, mostly local militias and former guards. Noronos City, being the capital, accounts for the majority of these. Its specialties are primarily urban crafts, a sizable shipbuilding industry (though not on Myr's scale), and a strategic location for overland trade. The five surrounding baronies, composed solely of villages, are primarily agricultural, producing grain and livestock."
"Casualties on our side during the conquest of Mogho County, including Noronos City, were negligible, perhaps a dozen Myrosh Light Infantry and a handful of Dothraki, a testament to Balerion's fury and the sheer power of the Blood Wyrms. The Magister's forces, Commander Balio's garrison and the city watch, suffered heavy losses, with perhaps eight hundred killed in direct combat and rout. We took three hundred prisoners, those who threw down their arms promptly."
Hand Aegon Duskryn then stepped forward to report on Drasaho County. "My King, the County of Drasaho is also fully under your dominion. Its 30,000 inhabitants have sworn fealty without a single drop of blood shed. Magister Andrio Vallel, seeing the overwhelming display of your power in Mogho and understanding his isolated position, offered full submission without resistance. His personal guard and local levies, totaling around 2,000 men-at-arms, have also sworn oaths to you, My King."
"Drasaho County's specialties," Aegon continued, "are primarily agriculture, particularly fruit orchards and fine olive oil. It also serves as a significant trade hub for overland routes connecting to the Disputed Lands and the other Free Cities. Its small towns also have thriving textile industries."
Maegor listened, a grim satisfaction on his face. The Duchy of Qehes was entirely his. A unified, significant territory, rich in resources and manpower. The immediate threat from Myr had been neutralized, and his power was undeniable.
"Excellent," Maegor finally said, his voice ringing with power. "The Duchy of Qehes is unified. Now, the true work begins. We will integrate these new territories, secure their loyalty, and prepare for the future. The Dragon's reach will continue to expand."