Chapter 74: The Blackfish's Return and the Crimson Cloaks
Two months melted into the intricate rhythm of Maegor's reign. The Duchy of Qehes was humming with a newfound purpose. Jorah Mormont and Gareth Blackwood's armies were nearing their peak, the varied units now moving with a seamless, terrifying cohesion. The civilian administration under Hand Aegon Duskryn had established a functioning system of tax collection and trade. Maegor's personal life, too, had been fruitful. Malora Celtigar, with her Valyrian blood, was confirmed to be pregnant, the first mother of the Aegryon line. Allyne Connington, with her fiery Stormlander spirit, was also with child, the soon-to-be mother of the Grypharys line. The future of the dynasty was being meticulously secured.
Then, one morning, a chorus of chimes resonated in Maegor's solar, the System announcing his gains.
[ System Notification: Pregnant Mistress (Malora Celtigar)! ]
Reward Granted:
1 Legendary Game of Chance Card
[ System Notification: Pregnant Mistress (Allyne Connington)! ]
Reward Granted:
1 Epic Game of Chance Card
Maegor allowed himself a moment of quiet satisfaction. His dynasty was not just growing; it was being rewarded. The promise of a Legendary and an Epic card was a testament to his successful consolidation of power and his relentless focus on lineage.
He dismissed the notifications and immediately brought forth the Game of Chance. He touched the Legendary card first, his ambition alight. The card spun, blinding him with a golden light, then settled.
[ Game of Chance Result: Divine Hero Acquired! ]
Reward: Recruit Human Hero (Divine)
Name:Ser Brynden "The Blackfish" TullyAge: Approximately late 50s. Origin: The Riverlands, Westeros. Uncle to Catelyn Stark and Lysa Arryn. Life Background: A renowned knight and military commander, a veteran of countless battles and skirmishes. Known for his tactical genius, particularly in defense and ambushes. Unyielding loyalty to his family and oaths. Fled Westeros after the Red Wedding, becoming an elusive exile. Spent years wandering Essos, honing his skills, deeply disillusioned with the state of Westeros and its "game of thrones." Skills:
Master Strategist (Exceptional): Unparalleled ability to plan and execute complex military campaigns, especially defensive and flanking maneuvers.Master Swordsman (Exceptional): Formidable personal combatant, swift and precise.Inspiring Commander (Master): Commands absolute loyalty and discipline from his men, capable of rallying forces against overwhelming odds.Siege Craft (Advanced): Highly experienced in both defending and prosecuting sieges. Talents:Unyielding Resolve: Unbreakable morale and willpower.Keen Instincts: Highly perceptive, rarely surprised.Network (Minor - Essos/Westeros Exiles): Discreet contacts among disillusioned Westerosi exiles and Essosi sellswords. What he brings to Maegor: A tactical genius, an incorruptible commander, and a symbol of old Westerosi honor. His experience is unmatched, and his presence will elevate the professionalism and strategic depth of Maegor's entire army.
Maegor stared at the description, his mind reeling. Ser Brynden Tully. The Blackfish. A living legend, a name synonymous with unwavering honor and tactical genius. The sheer improbability of this draw left him stunned. He felt a new, powerful presence, somewhere in the castle, a quiet strength that emanated from a man who had seen it all and lost it all. This was not merely a reward; this was destiny.
He then tapped the Epic card, its reward now seeming mundane in comparison.
[ Game of Chance Result: Uncommon Unit Acquired! ]
Reward: Recruitable Infantry (System Summoned) - Uncommon
Unit Type:Crimson CloaksSkill Level: Seasoned Number: 500 men Equipment: Full plate armor (lightweight, enameled red), crimson cloaks, large shields, short swords. Special Trait:Urban Warfare: Proficient in fighting in confined spaces, house-to-house combat, and riot control. Loyalty: Oathbound to Host.
Five hundred infantrymen. The Crimson Cloaks. Maegor's mind immediately went back to his father's stories of Daemon Targaryen, the Rogue Prince, and his reforms of the City Watch of King's Landing. He had envisioned his own City Watch, a force of law and order that was also a formidable fighting unit. The name "Crimson Cloaks" was a perfect nod to his own colors, a distinct and symbolic force of authority.
He rose from his seat, a sense of immense satisfaction settling over him. He had his tactical mastermind, and he had his capital's security.
He found Ser Jon Connington in the great hall, reviewing maps with Hand Aegon Duskryn.
"Chief Steward Jon," Maegor commanded, "you have a new task. I have summoned a new unit to Noronos. Five hundred men, highly disciplined, trained for urban warfare. They will form the core of our city's watch, our first true police force. They will be called the Crimson Cloaks."
Jon's eyes lit up with interest. "An excellent idea, my King. A city needs its own guardians, distinct from the army."
"You, Jon," Maegor continued, "will take temporary command of them. You will ensure their duties are clear, their discipline absolute, and their presence a symbol of our authority in Noronos. It will be a test of your command, and a prelude to their permanent structure."
"I am honored, my King," Jon replied, bowing.
As for the Blackfish, Maegor felt no need for haste. He knew the man would reveal himself in due time, when he had assessed the situation for himself. A man of that caliber would not be summoned; he would simply arrive. And Maegor would be ready.
He had a hero of Westeros in his midst, a force for law in his capital, a full invasion army, and the unyielding loyalty of his blood and allies. The Duchy of Daarno was not merely about to be conquered; it was about to be obliterated by a king who now held all the cards.