Chapter 59: The Armies of the Dragon Duke
The grandeur of Pyrefall Castle's great hall, now firmly Maegor's seat, was transformed into a military command center. Maps of the Duchy of Qehes were spread across a long table, surrounded by Maegor's inner circle: Hand Aegon Duskryn, Lord-Commander Barristan Selmy, Lord-Commander Gareth Blackwood, Ser Kaeto Targaryen, Khal Drogo, and the newly integrated Ser Daemon Velaryon. The air was thick with the scent of strategy and ambition.
Maegor began the meeting with a somber, yet pragmatic, report. "Our conquest of Mogho County and Noronos City was swift and decisive. However, victory always comes at a cost." His gaze swept over his commanders. "Fifteen of our men were lost in the battles. Ten Dothraki, and five of our Myrosh Light Cavalry."
Khal Drogo grunted, "A good death, my King. They rode well." To the Dothraki, death in battle was an achievement, a path to the Night Lands.
"A good death perhaps, Khal," Maegor countered, his voice firm, "but a loss nonetheless. Every life is a resource. A child loses a father, a wife a husband. We will honor them. For those fallen with no younger kin to be taken in, their families will receive three Gold Dragons each as compensation, to ensure they do not fall into destitution. And for those fallen who leave behind children or younger siblings between ten and fifteen years of age, they will be brought into the care of Commander Maenyx and the Blood Wyrms. They will be trained from a young age in the heavy cavalry techniques, in discipline, and in loyalty to the Dragon. They will be the future of our elite." The decision was cold, pragmatic, turning loss into a future gain, but it also offered a tangible benefit and a place for the bereaved.
He then turned to Lord-Commander Gareth Blackwood. "Gareth, you currently command approximately 1,538 men across your various Myrosh units, under four commanders. With the conquest of Mogho and the annexation of Drasaho, we have gained a substantial number of new men-at-arms. Mogho County provides approximately 1,500 men, and Drasaho County provides 2,000 men. That is 3,500 new men-at-arms to integrate into our army."
Maegor paused, letting the number sink in. "My question to you all is this: Will we integrate these 3,500 into Gareth's existing Ergos Army, swelling its ranks further? Or will we form a new, separate army to accommodate them?"
Lord-Commander Blackwood spoke first, his strategist's mind already at work. "My King, integrating such a large number into the existing Ergos Army would create significant logistical and command challenges. Training them, equipping them, ensuring cohesion – it would slow down our overall readiness. While my commanders are capable, the sheer scale of the new recruits would dilute the discipline we've already achieved."
Ser Barristan added, "A single large army can be unwieldy, my King. Two separate commands, strategically placed, could offer greater flexibility, allowing for rapid response across the Duchy and offering distinct specializations."
Hand Aegon Duskryn, ever practical, weighed in. "From an administrative perspective, My King, two distinct armies, each with its own local recruitment base and supply lines, would be easier to manage. Myrosh and Noronos could serve as distinct logistical hubs, lessening the burden on any single supply chain."
Khal Drogo, surprisingly, offered a strategic insight. "Two armies means two hammers, my King. We Dothraki can ride between them, to strike where needed. It will be harder for the Lamb Men to face two separate armies."
Maegor listened to their arguments, which aligned with his own burgeoning strategic thoughts. "It is decided then," Maegor announced. "We will form two distinct armies: the Northern Qehes Army and the Southern Qehes Army."
"The Northern Qehes Army will be primarily stationed here, at Pyrefall Castle in Noronos, its main recruiting base being Mogho County. The Southern Qehes Army will be based in Drasaho County, serving as our southern bulwark." He looked at Khal Drogo. "The main Dothraki Khalasar and the Blood Wyrms will primarily be stationed in Myrosh, serving as our mobile reserve, ready to reinforce either army or deploy for new conquests."
He then laid out the army compositions:
"Lord-Commander Gareth Blackwood, you will command the Southern Qehes Army. Your core forces will consist of 814 Spear-and-Shield Infantry, 100 Myrosh Light Cavalry, and 100 Myrosh Archers from our existing Myrosh and Ergos County recruits. To this, we will add 2,000 men-at-arms from Drasaho County. This will bring your Southern Qehes Army to a total of 3,014 men. Commander Brundo will remain your deputy for the Spear-and-Shield Infantry, and Commander Laenor Waters will serve as your deputy for the Sword-and-Shield Infantry for now. Your immediate task is to train and integrate these Drasaho recruits to the same standard as our Ergos units. As I find capable commanders for every unit, I will assign them."
Gareth Blackwood nodded, his face grimly determined. "It will be done, my King. The South will be secure."
Then, Maegor delivered his most unexpected appointment. He looked directly at Jorah Mormont, who stood among the assembled commanders, his face reflecting a mixture of hope and doubt.
"Jorah Mormont," Maegor stated, his voice ringing with authority that silenced all murmurs in the hall. "You are the son of a Lord Commander. You have proven yourself capable in command, disciplined in recruiting, and loyal to my cause. The Northern style of training you've learned from your father, and imparted to your recruits, is invaluable. It is a strength born of hardship, unmatched in its resilience."
"Therefore, I name you Lord-Commander of the Northern Qehes Army."
A collective gasp went through the hall. Jorah Mormont, an exile, a disinherited son, a man once disgraced, elevated to command an entire army. Jorah himself looked stunned, his eyes wide.
"My King?" Jorah stammered, his gruff demeanor momentarily abandoned.
"You will command a formidable force, Jorah," Maegor continued, ignoring the surprise. "Your core will consist of your existing 95 Northern-trained cavalry, your 430 Myrosh Archers, and your 500 Northern-trained infantry. To this, we will add 1,500 men-at-arms from Mogho County. This will give your Northern Qehes Army a total strength of 2,525 men. Ser Rhaegar Duskryn will serve as your deputy for the Light Cavalry, and Ser Corlys Stone will be your deputy for the Archers for now. Like the Southern Army, as I find capable commanders for every unit, I will assign them. Your immediate task is to integrate these new recruits and train them to the highest standards, in the Northern style you know so well. This army will be the hammer that strikes into the heart of Myr itself, when the time comes."
Jorah Mormont dropped to one knee, a profound sense of purpose filling him. "My King," he rumbled, his voice thick with emotion, "I swear it. The North will ride for you. You will not regret this."
Maegor looked over his re-organized military command. Two distinct armies, geographically placed, led by capable, loyal commanders. He had diversified his fighting force, leveraging various strengths. The Duchy of Qehes was no longer just conquered land; it was a mobilized, ready-to-strike military power.