Chapter 131

"In all fairness, our losses were manageable until that attack. And with the added injuries I don't dare question his lordship." 

"Neither do I. I just worry that going into this city with only us may pose a risk to King Kane."

"He only wishes to investigate the mercenary guild. Whether it's to find out how many companies the Kokarians hired or to hire some himself I do not know. I doubt he plans on causing trouble." 

"That is true. And if there are issues we are here to ensure his safety." 

"Correct General Fukyo," said Galter. 

"Both of you have nothing to fear. The captives gave us plenty of information. I am just curious about the idea of these mercenary companies joining this war. This city apparently has a large branch of the guild and so hopefully we can learn more about the Kokarian's plans. The reason I only brought you two was that my men need rest. We have many battles ahead and I cannot in good faith let them continue fighting until they recuperate." 

"Yes, Your Highness!" responded both men.

"What exactly is your plan though Sir?" asked Fukyo. 

"I want to see how many companies are on the Kokarians side. They could be quite troublesome in greater numbers. It also gives me the chance to inspect the closest city to ours and maybe even plan an attack from within."

"An attack from within?" 

Fukyos interest was greatly piqued. 

"If there are any more companies available or even individual mercenaries, then I would say it's the perfect chance to prepare an attack. It seems that many lords forget how easy it is to win a siege when there are threats within. This border city is perfect."

"The captives did say that it had a large mercenary presence. I worry though that they could all be under the Kokarian's coin," said Fukyo.

"True but it's worth a shot. I've had luck with using those within the city to help me conquer it. And we have plenty of gold." 

"The captives said this city was used as a trade hub until the war. Apparently, it's mainly a military outpost now.," said Galter. 

"So that makes it a beneficial target for us. I tire of being on the defensive. I instructed the others to try and increase our numbers and heal our injured. When we finish here, I will meet Kellog at the breeding camp. The horde's numbers grow thinner and thinner." 

"How do you plan on doing that?" asked Fukyo with a conflicted expression. 

"I am unsure. We can discuss it later. The city of Dawsbury is near." 

"Alright." 

Inside the Dawsbury Mercenary Guild

"We've waited long for war to strike. Why wait? Most of the other companies are already hunting down the White Sparrow Kingdom."

"Rushing into a war may be profitable but sometimes the profit is not worth the consequences."

Inside the guild sat a large group of warriors of different shapes and sizes. The one thing in common was the armor. The armor seemed to be made of an unknown leather and covered in blood red scales. Although not metal those who looked at it, looked with envy. 

"Sir is there something you're waiting for or do you not intend on having us fight?" asked the woman next to the supposed leader. 

"We better be fighting! I'm running up a rather large tab," said the man next to the woman. He was the one who was complaining earlier. 

"There is plenty of time. I seek only assurance before we pick a side. If you really need the money you can take a few men and do some merchant escorts or something. With war, many seek protection." 

The leader spoke calmly which would surprise all but his mercenaries. Although the man was raising his voice, this leader never minded nor did he retaliate. This seemingly relaxed demeanor is exactly what made others fear Heuon the Bear. Those who saw him in action knew that this was not the real him. His ferocity and bloodlust were well known but so was his lethal intelligence. Generally, he was a likable guy but in battle, he turns into a beast and slaughters without mercy. His mercenary band Pack of Desire was one of the top companies along with the Iron Fangs and several others. 

"Thank you Sir but I cannot just leave. I will stay."

"So stop complaining" restored the woman. 

"Both of you behave. I shall cover the tab then. Shall we order another round?"

These words garnered praise from the surrounding mercenaries. With all the merrymeant no one saw that a new group had entered the building and sat on a table in the far right corner.