Chapter 35

Looking at this group in front of him Kane thought that they were impressive fighters. They may have looked like common bandits with better equipment but Kane could feel their battle intent. A feeling that only someone else who had been through countless battles could see. In fact, just by looking into their eyes, Kane knew that they were worth 5 men.

As Kane lead his troops to where the men were he could tell that they were wary of him. They were in fighting stances and the man who looked to be in charge warned them not to get closer. Looks like it's time to negotiate.

Kane sent a man to the group at the entrance of the cave. He hoped that they would listen to the man or Kane would have to fight these men and it would be tough even with the number of men he had and the better gear. He watched as the Roman he sent went unarmed to the group and delivered his message.

"His majesty of the United Deus Empire and the Iron Rose Kingdom asks why you have entered his territory. Are you scouts sent to gather info on the kingdom? Do you wish harm on his majesty?" asked the legionnaire.

The opposite group looked shocked. Apparently, they did not expect to be found out by the kingdom and that the king and his men would show up.

"We did not wish harm on your king," said the leader. "We only wished to see if the rumors of a new force taking the kingdom were true. We are a mercenary group and seek a new road and hoped that the Iron Rose Kingdom would lead us down it. I wish an audience with your king so we may discuss something. My men and I are all veterans and I bet we can offer a lot to your king."

After talking to the mercenaries the legionnaire went back to Kane to report what the leader had said. Kane was surprised and pleased about it. It would be very helpful to have these warriors as they were very strong. And with the proper equipment, Kane would be able to make good use of them. The one thing that Kane was worried about was the rumors that had spread. It was just in one kingdom so far but it could spread in others. He had already gotten reports about it from his men in other kingdoms. This would make things difficult and he would have to be extra careful. It was already suspicious as he had already stopped merchants and travelers from coming to the kingdom but he would soon need to open it back up.

Kane also had a looming orc threat to deal with. So far he had seen no signs from them which are good. Hogar said that it was always possible that they wanted to attack and to be careful of them. Kane was still unsure if he could deal with them yet. They had 2000 troops and he may be able to protect his kingdom from them but that would only be a temporary fix. He would need to defeat them fully.

As for these warriors, they would become useful soldiers for Kane but he would need to trust them first. He ordered his men to bring the mercenaries back to the kingdom to make a final decision. He made sure to have them disaremed and watched. He would personally talk to them to see if they would join him.

The mercenaries were starting to complain but their leader Jag got them to calm down. On his way back Kane got to know Jag a bit better. He came from a far away kingdom where he had served with the rest of his group as knights. The kingdom had fallen during wartime and they left to become a mercenary group. Kane found that he had a lot in common with Jag as they both loved to fight and were both veterans. Jag admitted his plans to Kane and told the truth. He wanted to become a proper knight again but also needed money. He even said he would serve Kane if given a home and lived comfortably when not fighting. A better life in and out of the battlefield. Kane thought this was acceptable and he decided that he would not wait to make them part of his troops.

When they all arrived at the castle Kane announced everything which made the other mercenaries happy. Kane would have them watched for now until fully trusted but for now, Kane had a good feeling about them. He even sparred Jag.

He brought them to the dwarves to have them fitted for armor. For now, they would wear crimson plate armor until Kane figured out where to place them. He was unsure whether to have them a part of the main forces or their own. He would probably split them up for the time being to teach new recruits.

Kane also decided to bring Jag, Hogar, Annius, and some other troops to go scout the orcs. He wanted to make sure he would be ready for them. They would leave the next morning.