Chapter 63: The Dragon's Gaze and the Shifting Map
The reorganization of Maegor's armies concluded with a shared sense of purpose and renewed determination. Lord-Commander Jorah Mormont departed for Noronos City, eager to mold his diverse Northern Qehes Army into a cohesive fighting force. Lord-Commander Gareth Blackwood returned to Drasaho, equally intent on honing the Southern Qehes Army into a formidable southern bulwark. With his military machine now meticulously structured and commanded, Maegor turned his gaze to the broader strategic landscape of Essos.
He summoned his inner council once more to Pyrefall Castle: Hand Aegon Duskryn, Ser Barristan Selmy, and Ser Kaeto Targaryen. Spread across the large map table were detailed charts of the lands bordering the newly consolidated Duchy of Qehes.
"Gentlemen," Maegor began, his voice calm but with an undeniable edge of ambition, "the Duchy of Qehes is unified. Our armies are being forged. But our strength lies not just in what we hold, but in what we could hold."
He pointed north of Mogho County. "To our north lies the Duchy of Daarno. It is a small Duchy, but strategically important. It consists of three counties. Qapys and Sweetpale Counties are under the direct rule of Magister Ghazaro, a Myrish man. And then there's Aenoris County, which is under a minor Magister, Peyos Freyna, a Rhoynish man. They are weaker, perhaps, but a foothold north of us."
Next, his finger traced east of Qehes. "To our east lies the March of Erintys. It encompasses two counties, Illiros and Erintys, both under the rule of the Tresslos family, led by Magister Ragono, another Myrish man. These lands offer access to the eastern plains and potential trade routes."
Finally, Maegor's gaze swept west of Qehes. "And to our west, along the coast, is the Duchy of Lotyr Bay. This is a significant territory, comprising four counties: Lotyr Bay County itself and Naques Embar County, both under the rule of the Naelor family, led by Magister Errio. Then there's Thaeros County, under Minor Magister Erala Phalar, and Lerysha County, under Minor Magister Ammaro Qarel. All of these Magisters are Myrish."
Maegor paused, letting the vastness of the geopolitical situation sink in. "All of these Duchies and Marches—Daarno, Erintys, Lotyr Bay—are direct vassals of the Free City of Myr, specifically reporting to Highest Magister Eliate Errio Deorel. This is the heart of our true enemy's power in Essos, the one who ruled the Duchy of Qehes before we took it."
He looked at his commanders, his purple eyes burning with an unyielding ambition. "The question now is not if we expand, but where. Which direction offers us the best strategic advantage? What is the most advantageous next target for our armies, to further strengthen our position and prepare for the inevitable confrontation with Myr?"
Ser Barristan Selmy spoke first, his voice grave. "My King, the Duchy of Daarno to the north seems the most logical immediate target. Its relatively smaller size and the presence of a Rhoynish Magister in Aenoris, potentially less loyal to Myr, could make for an easier conquest. Controlling it would secure our northern flank and give us a direct land route to the center of Essos, bypassing coastal defenses."
Ser Kaeto Targaryen, ever the pragmatist with his knowledge of Essosi politics, weighed in. "I agree with Lord-Commander Barristan. Daarno is the path of least resistance initially. Furthermore, the Rhoynish people in Aenoris might be more amenable to your rule, my King, especially if you present yourself as a liberator from Myrish overlordship. Establishing a stable northern border is crucial before attempting anything more ambitious."
Hand Aegon Duskryn, his administrative mind already calculating the resources, nodded. "From a logistical perspective, My King, Daarno is directly adjacent and offers clear supply lines from Noronos. It would be easier to integrate administratively compared to a distant coastal duchy or a more heavily fortified march. Its resources, though perhaps not as rich, would directly support our northern army's expansion."
Maegor listened, considering their points. Daarno offered a swift, likely less costly, expansion, securing his northern flank. Erintys might offer trade routes but was geographically more exposed to Myr's sea power. Lotyr Bay, with its four counties and direct coastal access to Myr, was a massive prize, but would undoubtedly trigger a full-scale naval and land war with Myr, a conflict he was not yet fully prepared for.
The strategy was clear. Secure. Consolidate. Expand. And then, crush.
The System chimed, signaling the completion of an overarching quest, confirming Maegor's administrative dominance.
[ Mission Complete: Establish Duchy Governance ]
Objectives Fulfilled:
Formalize administration across the entire Duchy of Qehes, appointing permanent governors for Mogho and Drasaho Counties, and their respective baronies. (✓)Integrate Noronos City and its industries into your central administration, leveraging its strategic importance and resources. (✓)Consolidate and expand recruitment of local forces (Myrish Spearmen, Myrosh Light Cavalry/Infantry/Archers) from all new territories, swelling your standing armies. (✓)
Reward Granted:
Special Unit Access: Qehesese Heavy Infantry (Major Unit - Requires Recruitment)Reputation Gain: +1500 (The Dukedom Builder) - Total Reputation: 41003 Epic Game of Chance Cards! (plus 6% chance to get non-common items)
Maegor felt another surge of power. Qehesese Heavy Infantry. A major unit. More Epic cards. His influence, his Reputation as "The Dukedom Builder," solidified. He had truly built a kingdom from nothing.
"Daarno it is," Maegor declared, his voice firm, confirming the consensus. "Lord-Commander Jorah, prepare the Northern Qehes Army. Lord-Commander Blackwood, prepare the Southern Qehes Army for any defensive maneuvers or to hold newly acquired territories. Hand Aegon, begin the logistical planning. We will take Daarno. And from there, the reach of the Dragon will only grow."