Chapter 64: The Whispers of Ancient Power and the Summoning of Elves
With the strategic outline for the Duchy of Daarno conquest firmly set, Maegor granted his commanders a generous six months to fully prepare. This period, he knew, would be crucial. It would allow Lord-Commander Jorah Mormont to truly forge the disparate units of the Northern Qehes Army into a cohesive force, and Lord-Commander Gareth Blackwood to solidify the Southern Qehes Army. Hand Aegon Duskryn would oversee the integration of all new resources and populations, ensuring the Duchy was a unified, functioning entity.
In the quiet solitude of his solar within Pyrefall Castle, Maegor chose this moment to unlock his newest rewards. He had three Epic Game of Chance Cards, the fruits of his relentless conquests and meticulous governance. His ambition stirred, eager for any new power that could aid his destiny.
He touched the first Epic card. It shimmered with an intense light, then revealed its astonishing reward.
[ Game of Chance Result: Epic Hero Acquired! ]
Reward: Hero Class Summoned (Epic)
Name:Aerion LightstepOrigin: A reclusive, nomadic Elven clan from the ancient, forested mountain ranges of Eastern Essos, long thought to be mythical. Skills:
Master Archer (Exceptional): Unparalleled skill with the longbow, capable of precision shots at extreme ranges.Shadowmeld (Master): Exceptional stealth and camouflage, allowing near-total invisibility in natural environments and deep shadows.Wilderness Survival (Expert): Master of tracking, foraging, and enduring harsh natural conditions.Tactical Scout (Advanced): Expert in reconnaissance, infiltration, and leading stealth operations. Talents:Aura of Calm (Minor): Presence subtly calms and focuses allies, boosting morale in tense situations.Uncanny Aim: Rarely misses a target, even under pressure.Deep Forest Knowledge: Innate understanding of forest warfare and hidden paths. What he brings to Maegor: An elite, discreet reconnaissance and assassination asset. Unparalleled long-range combat capabilities. Expert in unconventional warfare.
Maegor felt a profound, almost ethereal presence materialize in the corner of his solar. A figure, impossibly graceful, stood silent amidst the shadows, its movement so fluid it seemed to ripple. This was Aerion Lightstep, the Elven Hero. He was tall, lithe, with sharp features, long, dark hair, and eyes that glowed faintly with an inner light. He carried a longbow that seemed an extension of his arm. He was utterly silent, unseen until he chose to be.
Aerion bowed with a quiet dignity, his movements economical. "King Maegor," his voice was a soft, melodic whisper, yet perfectly clear, "I have answered your summons. My life, my bow, my shadows are yours. Command me."
Maegor felt an immense satisfaction. This was beyond his expectations. An elven hero. An asset for discreet, surgical strikes.
He then touched the second Epic card.
[ Game of Chance Result: Rare Unit Acquired! ]
Reward: Recruitable Units (Summoned) - Rare
Unit Type: 50 Elves Shadow ArchersSkill Level: Veteran Equipment: Elven Longbows (superior range/power), poisoned arrows (minor effect), light, camouflaged leather armor. Special Trait:Whisper Shot: High accuracy, arrows move with minimal sound. Special Trait:Shadow Veil: Enhanced stealth and ability to blend into natural surroundings. Loyalty: Oathbound to Host.
As the notification appeared, the shadows in the solar seemed to deepen and shift. From them, fifty figures detached themselves, moving with the same uncanny grace as Aerion. These were the Elves Shadow Archers, their forms slender, their bows long and elegant. They stood in perfect, silent formation behind Aerion, utterly unnoticed by anyone not actively looking for them. Their presence in the small chamber was a testament to their incredible stealth.
Maegor felt the thrill of having such an elite, specialized force. They would be the eyes in the deep forests, the unseen hand that struck from afar.
He touched the third Epic card.
[ Game of Chance Result: Uncommon Unit Acquired! ]
Reward: Recruitable Units (Summoned) - Uncommon
Unit Type: 100 Essosi Nomadic CavalrySkill Level: Seasoned Equipment: Light, functional armor (leather, chainmail), scimitars, short bows. Special Trait:Swift Pursuit: Enhanced chase speed and endurance over long distances. Loyalty: Oathbound to Host.
One hundred Essosi Nomadic Cavalry. Not as grand as the Blood Wyrms, but fast, seasonable, and perfect for light engagements, scouting, or augmenting existing cavalry. They would add flexibility and numbers. Maegor immediately felt their presence, waiting somewhere in his outer domains, ready to be deployed. He knew precisely where they would go.
Maegor looked at Aerion Lightstep and his silent Shadow Archers. "Aerion," Maegor commanded, his voice holding absolute authority. "You and your Shadow Archers are a direct unit under my personal command. You will scout, you will gather intelligence, and you will strike from the shadows when I deem it necessary. Your presence will be known only to me, to Ser Barristan, and to Ser Kaeto. The rest of my army will know you as ghosts, if they know you at all."
Aerion bowed again. "As you command, my King. We are the King's shadows."
The Essosi Nomadic Cavalry, meanwhile, would be immediately assigned to Commander Maenyx and the Blood Wyrms. Their speed would complement the heavy cavalry's overwhelming charge, providing rapid flank security and pursuit capabilities.
Maegor now had four elite units under his direct, personal command, units that answered to him alone, outside the standard military hierarchy:
The Blood Wyrms (250 heavy cavalry) under Commander Maenyx.The Shadow Assassins (10 expert stealth operatives), unseen and lethal.The Elves Shadow Archers (50 elite ranged stealth units) under Aerion Lightstep.The Essosi Nomadic Cavalry (100 light cavalry), augmenting the Blood Wyrms.
This formidable, specialized force, combined with his formidable armies and the terrifying presence of Balerion, made Maegor an unstoppable force. He was ready for Daarno. He was ready for Myr. He was ready for anything. The world was his to take.