The Sea Serpent cut through the waves, leaving the shores of Pentos behind. Below deck, in the dim light of his cabin, Maegor poured over the System interface, its detailed information a roadmap to his rising power. Ser Barristan Selmy's unexpected arrival had solidified his claim in a way gold and dragons alone could not, lending him an aura of legitimate authority.
He focused on the Targaryen Royal Guard unit access. The requirements were clear: oathbound loyalty, exceptional skill, unwavering discipline, and personal vetting. He looked at his current men. They fit the bill.
Maegor gathered his four mercenaries—Ryker, Gor, Kael, and Torr—the ten silent slave guards, Kaeto, and Ser Barristan in the ship's cramped cargo hold. Lyra, ever discreet, remained on watch near the door. The air was heavy with anticipation.
"Men," Maegor began, his voice resonating with his newly enhanced Draconic Persuasion, capturing every man's unwavering attention. "You have seen what I am. You have witnessed my power, and the power I command. You have sworn oaths to me. Now, I offer you a higher purpose. A sacred duty."
He looked directly at Ryker, Gor, Kael, and Torr. "You have proven your skill, your courage, and your loyalty. You have been mercenaries, serving coin. Now, you will serve a destiny. I offer you a place in my Targaryen Royal Guard. You will be the shield of the Dragon, the blade of the King to come. You will swear a personal, unbreakable oath, not just to me, but to House Targaryen, to fire and blood."
The four men exchanged glances, then dropped to one knee without hesitation. Their loyalty, already established by the System, was palpable. "We swear, my lord," Ryker intoned, his voice rough but firm, the others echoing his pledge. "Our lives for House Targaryen. To fire and blood."
Next, Maegor turned to the ten slave guards. They stood impassively, awaiting command. "You served Magister Illyrio by coin and fear," Maegor stated, his voice cutting. "Now, you will serve me by choice, and by honor. I offer you freedom. Your chains are broken. In return, you will swear the same oath as these men. You will be free men, serving the Dragon. Or you can leave now, and take your chances in Essos. Choose."
Their eyes, previously blank, flickered with surprise, then dawning hope. To be free, and to serve a Targaryen with a dragon… It was an unthinkable opportunity. One by one, they knelt, their voices rough with emotion as they swore their fealty. "We swear, my lord. Our lives for House Targaryen. To fire and blood. We are free, and we are yours."
Maegor then turned to Barristan and Kaeto. "Ser Barristan," he stated, his voice carrying the weight of command, "your reputation is unmatched. Your skill, unquestionable. I name you Lord-Captain of my Targaryen Royal Guard. You will train these men, forge them into a unit that will stand against any foe."
Barristan, his white hair flowing, dropped to one knee, a flicker of pride in his old eyes. "It would be my honor, my lord."
"And Ser Kaeto Targaryen," Maegor continued, his gaze warm with approval, "your wisdom, your knowledge of this land, and your loyalty are invaluable. I name you Deputy Captain of the Targaryen Royal Guard. You will assist Ser Barristan, and ensure our intelligence is always sharp."
Kaeto, too, knelt, a genuine smile touching his lips. "I am honored, my lord."
Maegor then looked at Barristan again. "Ser Barristan, allow me to introduce Ser Kaeto properly. He is Kaeto Targaryen, grandson of Prince Duncan the Small, through a hidden line. His true blood flows as strong as my own."
Barristan's eyes widened, a rare surprise on his face. He looked at Kaeto with renewed respect, a flicker of that understanding Maegor had tried to impart about lineage. "Another Targaryen, hidden away," Barristan murmured, a strange sense of providence in his voice. "The gods truly work in mysterious ways, my lord."
Maegor then felt the System update, confirming his successful recruitment. His core guard was formed.
His next focus was the Game of Chance cards. He had three now. He called the interface to mind, the spinning wheel and the shimmering cards appearing before him.
He touched the first card. It spun, then settled.
[ Game of Chance Result: Uncommon Item Acquired! ]
Reward: Sand Steed (Mount - Uncommon)
Description: A magnificent Arabian stallion, bred for speed and endurance in the deserts of Essos. Known for its boundless stamina, surefootedness, and loyalty to a single rider. Ideal for long-distance travel and rapid maneuvers.
Maegor felt a subtle pull. A mount. Excellent. He would need a swift horse for the arduous journeys ahead. He instinctively understood that the Sand Steed would be waiting for him upon their arrival at Myrosh.
He tapped the second card.
[ Game of Chance Result: Common Item Acquired! ]
Reward: Dragon Egg (Common)
Description: A small, unremarkable dragon egg. While less vibrant than others, it is still a true dragon egg. Its appearance is plain, its magical resonance faint. Potential for a smaller, less powerful dragon.
Maegor's lip curled slightly. A "weak dragon egg," as the System described it. Unremarkable. He had three formidable eggs from Illyrio, and Balerion was growing at an astonishing rate. This one felt… secondary. But then, an idea sparked.
He would give this egg to Viserys. A test. A means to give the pathetic pretender a purpose, however small, to keep him engaged and less of a nuisance. If he could hatch it, perhaps even grow fond of it, it might bind him.
He tapped the third card.
[ Game of Chance Result: Common Item Acquired! ]
Reward: Gold Dragons (Common)
Description: A small cache of standard coinage. Contains 100 Gold Dragons.
A minor boon. Every coin counted, but it was hardly significant after Illyrio's generous "gift."
With his rewards claimed, Maegor turned to his ultimate goal: the consolidation of his power and the continuation of his lineage. His father's words echoed in his mind, and the memory of Aegon V, with his many children who had failed to secure the dynasty.
"I will not make that mistake," Maegor vowed silently. His children would be trained to understand loyalty, to serve the true line, to be the pillars of a secure dynasty. Not scattered, not uneducated, not wasted. His Lineage Focus: Progeny Drive (Active) pulsed with renewed intensity. He would have children, many of them, and they would be indoctrinated into his vision from birth.
The System then presented his next major objective.
[ New Quest: ]
Objective: Establish the Dragon's Stronghold
Coordinate with Khal Drogo's Khalasar to conquer the region of Myrosh.Secure and fortify the small castle in the central town of Myrosh, establishing it as your primary seat of power.Raise your banner (the Targaryen sigil) over the castle.
Reward:
Ability Upgrade: Valyrian Insight (Tier 3) - Masterful understanding of Valyrian lore, magic, and bloodline; limited ability to detect ancient Valyrian artifacts/locations.System Rank: Landed Lord5 Game of Chance Cards
Landed Lord. Five more cards. And a masterful understanding of Valyrian lore and artifacts. Myrosh was the first step to the true reconquest.
Maegor returned to the deck, his mind already spinning with plans. The Sea Serpent cut through the waves, Myrosh and the Dothraki waiting. His new Royal Guard stood ready, his cousins were secured, and a legendary knight had pledged his blade. He now had the framework of an army, a loyal personal guard, and the terrifying shadow of a Khalasar. The journey to the Iron Throne had truly begun