Southern Bandits

The forge was in good shape. There was one furnace and four anvils made of wrought iron. Blacksmithing tools were neatly lined up. However, it was bare of any recently made items and bars.

"Who was the previous master of the forge?" Kain asked.

"It was old Han, My Lord," Said the blacksmith,

"He died in the fight against the bandits. I am his last apprentice."

If he was still alive, Kain would have praised him. The state of the forge and the tools shows that he was a good blacksmith.

"How many mines are there in our territory, Gerard," Asked Kain.

"Two iron mines, My Lord," Said Gerard,"but both have small veins."

"Even so, there must be a steady supply of ores,right," said Kain.

"I am afraid not, My Lord," said Gerard," Both are in the Southern territory. Due to increasing bandits activities, operation had ceased."

"What is wrong with these bandits?" Kain shouted, bursting into anger," Ser Roland, ready the army. We set out to quell the South tomorrow.''

"My Lord,you are being hasty," Said Roland, fear written over his face,"We cannot afford to lose you too."

"I don't care,"Said Kain, as he stomps out of the forge,"get the army ready."

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"Argh, What the hel is wrong with everything?'' Kain complaint, clutching his hair as he read through the files and reports regarding the southern bandits.

*Knock. Knock. knock*

"Who is it,'' asked Kain.

"Steward Robert, Young Master," Came the familiar voice.

"Come in." The door open and the wizened steward came in. There was concern written all over his face."They sent you, did they? Gerard and Roland?"

"Yes, young master," said Robert in a calm voice,"forgive me for saying this, Young master but what you are doing is akin to a child tantrum. Have you learnt nothing from your father's mistake? They did the same mistake."

"I know, uncle," Said Kain,"that's why I am changing the plan."

"That's good to hear," Said Robert,"what's the plan?"

"Tell Gerard to bring out a thousand galleon from the treasury," said Kain," and select two warriors from the garrison, ones that can be trusted. Tomorrow, the two of us will go to the City state of Crimia to get the service of some mercenaries."

"Understood, Young master," Said Robert, bowing low,"anyway, your presence is required at the dining hall for dinner, Young master."

"Alright, I will be down shortly," Said Kain,"You can go."

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The next morning, four riders rode out of the Castle to the South. It was Kain's party. Much to the distress and opposition from Gerard and Ser Roland, Kain set out on the journey.

They rode on South at full speed. The journey to Crimia will take atleast two weeks but Kain didn't mind because it wasn't Crimia where he was headed. It was the iron mine.

Dyke territory was a low lying landform surrounded by higher land on all sides. Along the east and north ran the tall Azerock mountain range, to the west was the High Tor hills and to the South was the Notting hills.

The East was a wetland, the North was forested, the west and central were deciduous plain and the South was a moorland. The Viscounty was large for a mere Viscount territory, even rivaling the territory of a Marquis. The reason was because the land was not given to the Dyke family by the King but the first lord carve the territory by subjugating the basin from various tribes and hostile villages.

As the four riders made their way into the moor, the uneasy feeling of someone watching them with full of malice and evil intent creep upon Kain. He could sense movement creeping around them. He look at his companions. Everyone were on their edge and alert. They could sense the bandits as well.

It was only when they came to an old stone bridge when the bandits show up, around a twenty of them led by a burly red haired man in his late thirties. They were poorly equipped and had their face masked. They were surrounded. Another ten bandits had came up behind them.

"Ah, Soldiers of the Viscount, welcome to my toll bridge," Said the leader, putting his axe on his shoulder,"pay your fee or die."

"Move," Said Kain in an authoritative demeanor,"or you will be move, brigands."

"You jest, Ser," replied the bandit,"you are surrounded by my men. There are archers hidden among the trees and bushes. You have np chance to escape or winning this fight."

"Move or die, brigands," Said Kain, growling a little."Don't underestimate us. We are from the Lord's army.''

"You think we are afraid of the Dyke soldiers, brat," Said leader of the brigand,"I, Dervock the Black dog will slew you like Alwen Khyne kill the Visc..."

The man never finished his sentence as a throwing axe landed on his forehead, killing him instantly. It was Kain who threw it. His face was brimming with anger.

"Kill them all," Said Kain, taking out his glaive. Robert and the two warriors, Tonmen and Jonmen drew their swords as well.

"Ha," Shout Kain, kicking the stirrup, willing his warhorse to go forth.

All of them charge towards the bridge. No arrows came from the bushes or trees. It was just a bluff.

The brigands also charged against them. It seems that the dead bandit was not their true leader.

With one Slash of his glaive, Kain beheaded two bandits. He charged and stab another with the weapon. The others were doing as well as him. The twins were fighting the bandits attacking from the rear while Kain and Robert handle the frontal assault.

A few moments later, the bridge was covered in red as most of the bandits lay dead on it, blood dripping from their body into the stony bridge and to the river. Seeing that they have lost, the surviving bandits had ran away, so the twins had rode chasing after them.

"My Lord, we have caught one alive,'' Said Tonmen, arriving with his brother and a bandit walking behind their horses tied to a rope.