Chapter 4:
Chapter Four: A Bandit's Test
The night was quiet, the faint chirp of crickets filling the air as the village settled into a peaceful rhythm. The newly constructed wall loomed in the moonlight, a symbol of hope for the villagers who had toiled to see it rise.
Dorian stood atop one of the watchtowers, his hands resting on the wooden railing as he surveyed the surrounding forest. The cool breeze brushed against his face, but he couldn't shake the unease that had settled in his chest.
It had been only three days since the wall's completion, yet Dorian knew the peace wouldn't last. The bandits who had tested the kingdom before wouldn't ignore the challenge the wall presented.
"They'll come soon," Dorian muttered under his breath.
As if on cue, the faint sound of snapping twigs reached his ears.
---
"Bandits!" the guard stationed at the northern tower shouted, his voice cutting through the stillness of the night.
The village erupted into motion. Garrick, the captain of the guard, was the first to respond, rallying the defenders as they rushed to their positions.
"Get to the walls!" Garrick barked, his voice firm but calm. "Archers, ready your bows! Everyone else, grab a weapon!"
Dorian descended the tower, his heart pounding as he approached Garrick near the main gate. The captain was strapping on his leather armor, his sword already drawn.
"How many?" Dorian asked.
"Two dozen, maybe more," Garrick replied, his eyes scanning the treeline. "They're attacking us."
Dorian nodded. "Let's show them they chose the wrong kingdom to test."
---
The bandits emerged from the shadows of the forest, their torches flickering like fireflies in the night. There were at least twenty of them, clad in mismatched armor and wielding crude weapons. At their head was a tall, burly man with a scar running down his cheek.
"Alright, boys," the leader called out, his voice carrying across the field. "They think a pile of wood will stop us. Let's show them how wrong they are!"
The bandits roared, charging toward the wall.
---
"Focus fire on the ladders!" Dorian ordered, taking position atop the wall near the north gate. "Don't let them climb!"
The defenders followed his command, loosing arrows at the bandits carrying makeshift ladders. Two bandits fell, their ladders crashing to the ground.
Garrick, positioned near the gate, led a small group of guards armed with spears. As the bandits reached the base of the wall, they thrust their weapons through the gaps in the wooden beams, keeping the attackers at bay.
"They're probing for weaknesses," Garrick shouted over the din of battle. "They'll find none!"
Dorian kept his focus on the tactical map provided by the Kingdom System, which displayed a glowing layout of the battlefield.
> Kingdom Status:
Attack Detected
Enemy Forces: 24 Bandits
Defenders: 15 Guards, 10 Villagers
---
The bandits shifted their attack to the western side of the wall, where the defenses were less fortified.
"They're moving west!" a guard shouted.
Dorian turned to Garrick. "Take a team and reinforce the western section. I'll handle the archers here."
Garrick nodded, signaling for a group of guards to follow him. They sprinted toward the western wall, where the bandits were trying to breach the defenses with battering rams and ladders.
The clash was brutal. Garrick's sword flashed in the moonlight as he cut down one bandit and parried another's strike. His men fought with determination, their spears thrusting through the gaps in the wall to keep the attackers at bay.
---
On the northern wall, Dorian directed the archers with precision.
"Fire at the ones with torches!" he called. "They're trying to burn the gate!"
The archers shifted their aim, and a volley of arrows rained down on the bandits. Two torch-bearers fell, their flames snuffed out before they could reach the gate.
The bandits' morale began to falter as their numbers dwindled.
"They're breaking!" one of the guards shouted, his voice tinged with excitement.
"Hold your ground," Dorian ordered. "Don't let up until they retreat."
---
The bandit leader, seeing the tide turn against him, roared in frustration.
"Fall back!" he bellowed. "We'll be back for you, you bastards!"
The remaining bandits retreated into the forest, their torches disappearing into the darkness.
A cheer erupted from the defenders as the last of the attackers vanished.
"We did it!" a villager shouted, raising his pitchfork in triumph.
Dorian allowed himself a small smile, but his relief was tempered by the sight of the fallen.
---
The aftermath was grim.
Three guards and five villagers had been killed in the attack, their bodies laid out in the village square. The survivors gathered around, their faces solemn as they paid their respects.
Dorian stood before them, his heart heavy with guilt.
"They gave their lives to protect this kingdom," he said, his voice steady. "Their bravery will not be forgotten. We owe it to them to keep building, to keep fighting for the future they believed in."
The villagers bowed their heads, their silent mourning a solemn vow to honor the fallen.
---
Later that night, Dorian met with Garrick and Calder in the great hall.
"The wall held, but it's clear we need to strengthen it," Dorian said, pulling up the Kingdom System interface in his mind.
> Upgrade Available:
Wall (Level 1 → Level 2)
Cost: 250 Wood, 200 Stone
"We'll need more resources," Calder said. "But if we start now, we can reinforce the wall before the bandits regroup."
"Do it," Dorian said. "And Garrick—"
The captain looked up from sharpening his sword.
"You fought well tonight," Dorian said. "Your leadership on the western wall made the difference."
Garrick inclined his head. "Just doing my duty, Your Majesty."
"No," Dorian said firmly. "You've earned more than that. I'm promoting you to Commander of the Guard. This kingdom needs someone like you."
Garrick hesitated, then nodded. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I won't let you down."
---
As the village settled back into an uneasy peace, Dorian stood atop the wall once more, staring out at the dark forest.
The bandits would return. That much was certain. But so would he—stronger, smarter, and more prepared than ever.
This was only the beginning.
---
End-of-Day Stats:
> Kingdom Level: 2
Population: 39
Structures:
Farm (Level 10)
Wall (Level 1, Durability: Moderate, Defense Bonus: +25%)
Resources:
Food: 180/200
Wood: 100/300
Stone: 90/250
---
End of Chapter Four