Chapter 68: The Griffin's Wings and the Dragon's Court
The arrival of Ser Jon Connington and his loyal contingent from Griffin's Roost marked another pivotal moment in Maegor's consolidation of power. These were not mere mercenaries; they were proud Stormlanders, bound by ancient fealty and a shared longing for Targaryen restoration. Maegor wasted no time in integrating this formidable new asset into his burgeoning kingdom.
He summoned Ser Jon Connington to his solar, where Hand Aegon Duskryn and Ser Kaeto Targaryen were also present. Maegor sat at his strategy table, Blackfyre a dark, silent presence beside him.
"Ser Jon Connington," Maegor began, his voice resonating with Royal Authority (Uncommon). "Your loyalty to my House, and your past service as Hand to King Aerys, are well known. Your experience in the highest echelons of administration and diplomacy is invaluable. Hand Aegon is building a new, efficient governance for the Duchy of Qehes. He requires a capable deputy."
Maegor's gaze fixed on Jon. "I name you Chief Steward to Hand Aegon Duskryn. You will assist him in all diplomatic engagements, in securing resources, and in overseeing recruitment efforts across the Duchy. You will be instrumental in implementing the policies and agendas I set forth. Your work will be second only to the Hand himself in the civil administration of this Duchy."
Jon Connington, a man who had tasted the bitter ashes of defeat, felt a surge of purpose. To serve a true Targaryen king, in a position of such critical importance, was the redemption he had craved. He dropped to one knee. "My King," he said, his voice thick with emotion, "it would be my honor. I will serve you with every fiber of my being."
"Rise, Chief Steward Jon," Maegor commanded. "Your loyalty is already known. Now, show us your skill in peace as you showed it in war."
Next, Maegor turned his attention to the Connington knights. He knew that placing these proud, skilled warriors in key positions would strengthen his forces and further bind their House.
He summoned Ser Raymund Connington to him. "Ser Raymund," Maegor declared, his voice firm, "you are of the blood of a loyal House. You possess the fire of a true knight. I see in you the unwavering dedication required for my personal guard." He then pronounced the greatest honor for a young knight in his service. "I welcome you into my Targaryen Royal Guard. You will serve alongside Ser Barristan, Ser Kaeto, Ser Aelyx, and my other loyal few. You will protect the Dragon itself."
Raymund's face lit up with pride. To be chosen for the Royal Guard was an immense honor. He knelt immediately, pledging his fealty.
Maegor then proceeded with the strategic appointments for the Connington commanders and their men within his armies:
He sent for Ser Bryen Hill. "Ser Bryen," Maegor commanded, "your skill in infantry command is noted. The Southern Qehes Army, under Lord-Commander Gareth Blackwood, is currently training a substantial unit of 750 Riverland-style Infantry. You will take command of these men. You will forge them into a disciplined, adaptable force, capable of fighting in any terrain." Ser Bryen, a grim, determined man, saluted sharply, accepting the responsibility.
Next, Ser Desmond Rivers was called. "Ser Desmond," Maegor stated, "Lord-Commander Jorah Mormont's Northern Qehes Army has a core of 500 Northerner Infantry which Jorah himself has been commanding. Your knowledge of battle and your command presence are well-suited to them. You will take command of these 500 Northerner Infantry. You will ensure their discipline and hardihood remain unmatched." Desmond, a man of quiet strength, bowed.
Finally, Ser Quentyn Flowers was summoned. "Ser Quentyn," Maegor said, "the 500 men-at-arms that House Connington brought are formidable. They are loyal to their own banners, to their own House's style of fighting. I will not break that. You will take command of these 500 Connington men-at-arms. They will retain their identity as a distinct unit within the Northern Qehes Army, under Lord-Commander Jorah's overall command. You will train them in the 'Griffin's Claw' style, their own unique brand of aggression and discipline. They will be my personal shock troops from the Stormlands." Quentyn, a man with a fierce gleam in his eye, readily accepted.
Maegor's calculated appointments had immediate effects. Jon Connington, with his vast administrative experience, quickly proved indispensable to Hand Aegon, streamlining communication between the Duchy's various regions and beginning the intricate process of planning future administrative projects. Raymund Connington, with his youth and eagerness, quickly found his place within the elite Royal Guard, his enthusiasm infectious.
In the training grounds of Noronos and Drasaho, the presence of these new Westerosi commanders brought a fresh wave of discipline and expertise. Bryen Hill, Desmond Rivers, and Quentyn Flowers, each with their distinct regional fighting styles, began to mold their new units. Jorah Mormont, now freed from directly commanding the Northerner Infantry, could focus on the overall strategy and integration of his diverse Northern Qehes Army. Gareth Blackwood, similarly, saw his Southern Qehes Army benefit from the focused leadership of its new commanders.
Maegor watched it all, his Conquest Aura (Epic) subtly enhancing the morale and discipline of his increasingly professional forces. He was not just appointing men; he was weaving them into the fabric of his power, ensuring that every skilled blade and every sharp mind served the Dragon. The Duchy of Daarno awaited, and with each passing day, Maegor's army grew stronger, more diverse, and utterly terrifying.