Selhorys, the town, for that was what it was, despite its size, was a vibrant hub of activity. Outside the walls of the garrison, Aegon could hear shop vendors hawking their wares, he could hear people having conversations and he could feel the heat of summer. He hadn't been to Selhorys for a year and a half, the last time had been when he'd finally been told about the company that resided here.
He said company, what he really meant was that they were a small army, or rather a regiment. Roughly one thousand to two thousand men, based in this garrison. Under an agreement that had been struck between Jon Connington and the Magister of Selhorys, the regiment served as the defenders of the town, alongside the town watch. There had been a scuffle between the regiment and the Dothraki-one of the lesser Khalasars-about a year and a half ago, and the regiment had won.
That had been when Aegon had finally been told about their presence and how they had come to be. It had taken roughly six years, after the rebellion for Connington and Ser Arthur and their supporters to form this regiment, they needed the attention of the usurper to be elsewhere, and the Greyjoy uprising had been exactly what was needed.
After the uprising, those who wanted to continue to serve, and were unhappy with the way Robert Baratheon had acted, had been sent a message. Come here and serve. Many had come, not all at once, but in drips and drabs, and over time they had spread the word. No one ever said exactly where they were or who they were serving, but people came. Those seeking adventure, or those wanting to serve something greater than themselves. They came.
The Dragon's Companions, they were his army, and they would grow. He knew they would. Especially once he got to Volantis and found a way to hatch the eggs that the cheesemonger had given him.
But for now, he contented himself with walking up and down the lines of the regiment. Inspecting them. Ser Richard Lonmouth as the commander of the regiment, walked at his side and introduced him to those they met. One man, big as an ox was a Crakehall-that made Aegon pause- another was from the lands near Summerhall, a third was a Velaryon cousin, a fourth was from the north, from one of the Stark cadet lines that had escaped punishment, due to the favour that the Starks showed one another.
All seemed determined and well done. They all seemed like they were ready for the fight to come. When the inspection was finished, Aegon stood before them, and took them all in. These were the men who would make up the core of his army. They were the ones who were his most loyal soldiers.
"Gentlemen," he began. "we all know why we are here. The time is coming for when the usurper shall be removed and order shall be restored."
"For fifteen years, Westeros has been under grip of an usurper. A man who gives himself over to nothing but pleasure and gluttony. For fifteen years, Westeros has been in the grip of the corrupt and the diabolical."
There were murmurs at that, some of the men had recently joined the regiment, Aegon knew, and he also knew they brought tales of peace from the wider Kingdom, but also of growing discontent, due to the lack of chances at court.
"I promise you, before the Seven, that when we set sail, we shall remove the taint that has blighted Westeros. We shall restore order and certainty. Westeros, for it is Westeros, not Seven Kingdoms, but one, shall live again!"
There were cheers at that, which encouraged Aegon to finish with.
"Will you stand with me?"
"YES!" Came the cry.
"Will you stand with me?" He asked again.
"YES!" Came the roar.
Aegon drew his sword and raised it high. "Then together, we shall reclaim what was taken, and we shall unite Westeros once more!"
"Long Live King Aegon!" came the roar.
"Long Live King Aegon!"
"The Seven Shine Upon King Aegon!"
Aegon basked in the cheers for a time, until, deciding that it was enough, he sheathed his sword, and turned and walked inside. His advisors accompanied him, walking in silence until they reached the commander's rooms. Ser Arthur, Rolly and Ser Richard entered first, to secure it, then when they were happy, Aegon and Lord Connington entered.
Aegon took the chair at the head of the table, Connington sat to his right, Ser Arthur to his left, Ser Richard in front of him, whilst Rolly stood.
Aegon took a breath then spoke. "All looks in order, Ser Richard, you have done well."
"Thank you, Your Grace." Ser Richard said.
Ser Richard Lonmouth had been one of his father's squires and closest friends. He had fought in the war against the usurper, before retreating with the remnants of his father's host after the Trident. He'd then been sent into exile alongside Lord Connington, and both of them had arrived in Pentos, at the same time.
Unlike Connington, Lonmouth laughed and jested, and made Aegon smile. He was also one of the finest warriors Aegon had ever seen.
"How do provisions look for the next few months?" Aegon asked. He was not naïve; he knew that war would not come immediately. Especially if the usurper had chosen Stark as his hand.
"We have enough food, drink and other amenities to last us for another year or two, Sire. The Magister has been most generous." Ser Richard answered.
"Good." Aegon said. "When we move to Volantis, I will make sure the triarchs send more." He knew he'd need to give those bastards something, but he'd find a way to wriggle out of it before it got too costly.
Ser Richard nodded his thanks.
"So, tell me about the latest recruits." Aegon commanded, he'd seen some of them, one or two looked as if they'd just started shaving, whilst others looked as if they were closer to death.
"There are two Freys present in the new recruits." Lonmouth said. "Olyver and Perwyn Frey."
"Freys?" Jon exclaimed.
"Why did they come?" Aegon asked. Given the Freys ties to Casterly Rock, Aegon had been wary about allowing any of them of joining the regiment, the only exception had been Walder Rivers, and that had been granted because the man had saved Duck's life once.
"To seek opportunity, it seems our recruiters have advanced as far as the Riverlands and there is still a lot of loyalty to Your Grace's family in the region." Ser Richard answered.
"As there should be, the Riverlands would still be under Ironborn rule were it not for House Targaryen." Connington muttered.
Aegon ignored that comment, and instead asked. "And, how have they settled in?"
"Reasonably well, Sire. The new recruits are determined to make a good impression, which given what is happening to our west, is not a bad thing." Ser Richard said.
"You mean the conflict in the Disputed Lands?" Aegon asked. There was always some fight or the other going on in that region.
"Yes, Sire." Ser Richard said. "I believe we will receive an approach sooner or later asking us to get involved."
Aegon nodded, he could see that. "And, what would you recommend?"
"I believe we should accept, Sire. The men need the experience." Ser Richard said.
Jon Connington spoke then. "I think there should be some caution exercised, Sire. We do not want there to be too much exposure."
Aegon snorted. "I cannot hide who I am forever." That was the fact of the matter, he wasn't going to hide who he was either. Not when things were getting interesting.
Connington looked as if he wanted to protest further, so, Aegon raised an eyebrow and the man fell silent. He turned to look at Ser Richard. "When you receive the emissary, send him onto Volantis."
"Yes, Your Grace." Ser Richard said.
Satisfied, Aegon rose and said. "I will spar with some of the soldiers, let's see how good they are."
