Chapter 96

"I present Lord Maximilian Seaton, of the Seaton family knighthood! Long have they been serving the Kingdom of Kokar and his lordship carries on his family name with dignity, honor, and bravery. Remember to show respect and salute him as you are now all under his employ."

By the way, this servant was talking many of the adventurers assumed this noble was some strong and mighty knight. To their surprise the lord did not look like some legendary knight, no the man who waddled out was overweight and clearly had never been in a battle much less a barfight.

"Wow, so this is someone from a legendary knight family" smirked Helen.

"Haha even a youngling could defeat this man" chuckled Ida referring to her barbarian past.

Samuel was about to get them to be quiet when a harsh and powerful presence appeared behind the lord.

"What? Why is one of the 12 battle masters guarding this noble?" whispered Samuel. He was surprised to see a knight in full plate armor with a long spear decorated with gold engraving in his hand. He knew this noble had money but being guarded by a battle master meant he must have a lot of power in the kingdom. Every other sellsword seemed just as surprised as Samuel.

"It seems this noble is pretty important," said Helen.

"Or maybe just insanely rich" commented Julian.

"Hello, warriors for hire. Welcome to my humble estate. I know why you all are here and let me start by saying you will all leave here incredibly wealthy. As you know we are at war with another kingdom and even though they stand no chance against us I would still like to make sure all my assets are secure. I sadly have to leave on business soon but my servant will make sure everyone here is managed and prepared. You will help protect this estate with your lives if needed and when the war is over you shall all be properly compensated. Housing has been arranged for all of you and food will be brought regularly. Each group will get orders separately and guard certain parts of the estate. Do remember that this is my estate and all rules are law. Do not misbehave or not only will you be fired, but you will also be arrested."

"Charming," said Helen.

"You guys better behave yourself," said Samuel.

"He is no knight," said Akak. "I wonder what he brings to this kingdom."

"Above our pay grade, that's for sure," said Samuel.

The lord finished addressing the adventurers and then left to go back inside the main building with the battle master following behind.

"A servant will lead you to your housing. Your specific jobs will be given individually tomorrow morning. Do not disappoint" said the servant before also leaving.

The groups started to disperse and prepare to head toward the house. Samuel was about to talk to his group when a voice spoke up from behind him. A loathsome and familiar voice.

"So Sammy boy you took this job too?" asked Gunthar who had walked over followed by his Deserted Hogs mercenary group.

"We did Gunthar. How wonderful to see you. Have you showered since our last encounter?"

"So hostile! You need to show some respect boy. How about letting me spend some quality time with one of those ladies you got with ya?"

Ida gripped her weapon and fury showed on her face. Helen looked disgusted.

"How dare you pig!" said Ida. "Do not make me rip your arms out!"

"You better stay away from my team. I am not afraid to lock blades with you" said Samuel.

"You think you could really harm us! Just try! I will gut you" responded Gunthar.

Both groups looked ready to rip each other apart.

"Do not fight on the lord's grounds! Any infighting will lead to harsh disciplinary action!"

A guard had yelled at them to stop. A servant walked up.

"Please dear guests save your violence and brutality for his lordship's enemies."

"I apologize," said Samuel.

"What he said," said Gunthar.

"Please come with me. I will show you to your respective housing" said the servant.

"Let's go," said Samuel. The ground nodded and started walking.

The group arrived in a corner of the estate where a clutter of large buildings sat.

"Wow this housing is nicer than any place I've ever stayed in," said Julian. "This guy's wealth is unfair."

"Yes, His Lordship is extremely wealthy. I suggest only looking as any theft or destruction will be heavily punished," said the servant. "This house is yours," the server pointed toward one in the far back of the clutter.

Samuel thanked the servant and led his group toward the building. The interior was not extravagant but it was still conformable and far nicer than any tavern.

"Wow this job is rather cushy," said Ida.

"I wish all jobs were like this" commented Helen.

"Not bad," said Julian.

"You better not steal anything," said Samuel.

"Yeah, yeah" responded Julian.

"This is the community area where you will have meals and can take your meals. That door to the left leads to your rooms. Each room has four beds. Each house has four rooms. Another group will be here shortly and take the other two rooms."

"Better not be those disgusting hogs," said Helen.

"Luckily his group is rather large and will probably have its own house."

"I wonder who we will get. It could be a group we've worked with before," said Ida

"Seems like we don't have to wait long, look!" said Julian.

The group turned their heads to the door.

Akak and Asice visibly tensed up.

Samuel frowned.

Inside walked a familiar group of five warriors.

"Both your groups will be working together here in the estate. Try to get along. Dinner will be here in a few."

"Uh thank you," said Samuel.

The leader of the Kazaki nomads nodded in acknowledgment.

No words were exchanged and the group of five left toward their rooms.

Still tense Akak and his sister decided to head to their rooms as well. Samuel decided to go clean his gear. The rest also went to do their own thing. Only time would tell whether that mysterious group means harm or not.