Game of Thrones: I am Dothraki, not a barbarian

Chapter 149 Artillery Research Group
“A sign! A sign from God!” Cassio cried out, then knelt down. “The Black Goat God has appeared! Lahalokao is the chosen ruler!”

In an instant, everyone in the square knelt down. The elders who had just been full of doubt and disdain were now filled with awe, and some even shed tears of emotion.

“A miracle…it really is a miracle…” The blacksmith guild leader’s voice trembled.

“I have never seen such a clear omen!” The noble representative knelt on the ground, not daring to raise his head. “The Black Goat God has truly accepted this Dothraki!”

Lahalo stood beside Cassio, facing the kneeling crowd, and spread his hands. "Rise, people of Kohor. The Black Goat God has appeared, and from this day forward, I will rule this city as the Black Goat God's representative on earth!"

The elders stood up tremblingly, not daring to look Rahalo in the eye. They had been conquered by the miracle, and any resistance they had felt had completely vanished.

After a long while, the crowd dispersed, still reluctant to leave, leaving only Rahalo and the High Priest Cassio.

“Great Kao,” Casio immediately rubbed his hands together ingratiatingly, “I haven’t let you down, have I?”

Rahalo raised an eyebrow and asked, "Hill sheep?"

Casio whispered, “Although I don’t know what you mean by argali, that black goat was definitely a different breed. It climbed higher than a goat and even spent its entire life living on cliffs. There are still some living near Loras, but they are almost extinct. They were all white, but I dyed them black.”

I placed their favorite moss on each level of the tower, and the sheep naturally climbed upwards. Priests have been using this trick for centuries, but few people know about it.

Lahalo laughed and patted Casio's shoulder hard, making him wince in pain.

"You're so sensible! Your position as High Priestess is secure!"

...

Over the next few days, Lajalo delved into the skills of the Kohol artisans and discovered that their craftsmanship was far more refined than he had imagined.

A middle-aged man named Corvo, with a gray beard, tall stature, thick arms, and hands covered with calluses and small burn scars, was said to be an ancestor of craftsmen who had fled from Valyria.

Although he cannot smelt Valyrian steel, he can reforge existing Valyrian steel products into the desired shape.

For example, a Valyrian steel sword can be reforged into two daggers, or several small weapons can be combined into one large weapon.

There was also a craftsman named Tolus, with long, slender fingers, a tall and thin build, and sharp eyes. He was an expert in precision mechanical manufacturing, and the catapults, ballistae, and siege equipment he worked on far surpassed those of ordinary craftsmen in both quality and precision.

He presented Rahalo with a small crossbow, only the size of a palm, but complete with all the necessary mechanisms. It had no crossbow arm, but was cocked by hand.

It is said that this is just a model; real ballistae can fire giant bolts as thick as an arm, which can easily penetrate city walls and ship hulls.

Rahalo played with the little toy and asked, "Can you make things like horse-drawn catapults or horse-drawn ballistae, as well as detachable siege weapons like siege ladders, with parts mounted on carts so they can be quickly assembled when needed?"

Upon hearing this idea, Tolus's eyes lit up. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Give me a month and enough materials, and I can design some detachable modular components."

Although the Dothraki are brave and skilled in battle, they have always been at a disadvantage in siege warfare. With these mechanics, they can make up for this weakness.

Lahalo summoned Corvo, Tolus, and several other craftsmen to the Black Oak Palace, the former residence of the High Priest, which he had now taken over and turned into Lahalo's mansion.

“I have a special project that requires absolute secrecy,” Lajalo said bluntly. “I want to prototype a batch of brand-new, powerful weapons. Would you be willing to participate? However, this work needs to be kept strictly confidential. If the manufacturing method of this weapon were to be leaked, the consequences would be unimaginable.”

The craftsmen exchanged bewildered glances, and after a short while, Corvo cautiously asked, "What do you need us to do?"

Lahalo took out a roll of parchment that he had prepared beforehand from his bosom: "If you agree, I will sign a five-year contract with you, with a reward of one hundred gold dragons per year, and ten for each assistant."

For the next five years, you will be working in a completely closed environment, focusing on the research and development and production of this weapon.

Corvo hesitated, then said, "Isn't this imprisonment?"

“No,” Rahalo shook his head, “this is to protect you and this technology. If the news leaks out, other city-states will stop at nothing to acquire this technology, and your lives will be in danger. Under my protection, you can work in peace without worrying about external threats.”

"What about our families?"

"They can enter the sealed zone together and enjoy the same treatment, or they can stay in the city and be protected by my people, receiving regular messages and generous rewards from you."

Tolus exchanged glances with the other craftsmen and asked, "Where do we work?"

Lahalo pointed west: "It's right there in Gedho. There's a secret camp nearby where a complete, enclosed community will be built, including workshops, residences, a canteen, gardens, and even a small market and recreational areas. You won't lack anything you need for living."

The craftsmen began to discuss it in hushed tones.

On the one hand, five years of confinement meant the loss of freedom. On the other hand, it was a hundred gold dragons—a fortune that several generations couldn't spend!
Finally, Corvo took a deep breath: "I'm at your service!"

Tolus nodded in agreement, and the other craftsmen followed suit. In the end, everyone agreed to Lahallo's terms.

Rahalo smiled with satisfaction. "Very good. From today onwards, you will select reliable assistants to join the team. Remember, once selected, there is no turning back. I demand absolute loyalty and confidentiality."

These artisans are Kohol's true wealth, far more valuable than gold and silver.

With their help, firearms development was finally put on the agenda.

...

The atmosphere in the Iron Treasury council chamber was somber.

Twenty-three iron cups were placed on the long table, symbolizing that all twenty-three key keepers of the Iron Treasury were present.

Besaro Ryan tapped the table, and the meeting room immediately fell silent.

"Please give us an update on the latest developments, Lord Thormo?"

"According to the intelligence report, Lajalo has acquired a 15% stake in Roger Bank, and... the Pentos subversion plan has failed."

Thormo Frega was deathly pale, his hands trembling uncontrollably, and he dared not look directly at the other watchmen present.

(End of this chapter)