Chapter 34: Building the Foundation

A Gang of Misfits

Jarek stood before his new gang, a motley crew of bruisers, cutthroats, and thieves.

Most of them still looked uncertain.

He didn't blame them.

Moments ago, he was just some outsider who had walked in and knocked their leader unconscious. Now? He was calling the shots.

Jarek exhaled. He needed to set the tone—fast.

"Alright, listen up," he began. "I know you don't trust me. That's fine. But let's get one thing straight—I didn't come here to play games."

A few skeptical glances. Some muttered under their breath.

Jarek took a step forward.

"I don't care about your loyalty. I don't care about your past. But if you work for me, you work smart. That means no more sloppy jobs. No more backstabbing. And most importantly?"

His eyes swept across the room.

"No more being Caden's dogs."

That got their attention.

A few men tensed. Others nodded slowly.

Tobias, standing behind Jarek, whispered out of the side of his mouth. "This is either going really well or about to get us killed."

Jarek smirked. "Depends on how stupid they are."

Sylva remained silent, watching the gang's reactions carefully.

Finally, the grizzled man who had spoken earlier—Bran—stepped forward.

"You say no more being Caden's dogs," Bran said. "Fine. But what are we supposed to be, then?"

Jarek's grin widened.

"Something better."

Laying Down the Law

Bran crossed his arms. "Better how?"

Jarek gestured around the warehouse.

"You all have power. You run the Rustyard, control the flow of trade, and know the streets better than anyone."

He leaned in.

"So tell me—why the hell are you taking orders from a noble who sees you as disposable?"

Bran's jaw tightened. Others murmured in agreement.

Jarek pressed on.

"We take control. We run things our way. No more being expendable. No more fighting Caden's wars."

Bran narrowed his eyes. "And what happens when Caden gets pissed?"

Jarek grinned. "Let him. We'll be ready."

Silence.

Then—one by one—the gang started nodding.

Jarek turned to Tobias. "See? That wasn't so hard."

Tobias snorted. "You say that now. Wait 'til they start expecting a plan."

Jarek grimaced.

Shit.

He needed a plan.

First Order of Business

Jarek climbed onto a crate, looking over the group.

"Alright, here's the deal. We need to tighten things up. No more chaos. No more useless fights. We need structure."

Bran raised an eyebrow. "And how do you plan to do that?"

Jarek thought for a second.

Then he pointed at Bran. "You. You're my second-in-command."

Bran blinked. "What?"

Jarek shrugged. "You're the only one with enough brains to question things. I like that."

Tobias whistled. "Oh, this is gonna be fun."

Jarek ignored him.

"Next—we secure our territory."

Sylva finally spoke. "Caden won't like that."

Jarek grinned. "Good."

Claiming the Rustyard

The Rustyard was one of the most important districts in Rookhaven—a sprawling network of warehouses, forges, and smuggler hideouts.

Caden's forces had been using it as a supply hub, funneling weapons, stolen goods, and hired muscle through its streets.

If Jarek wanted to stand a chance, he needed to take control.

Bran scratched his chin. "We've been working under Caden for a while now. If we break away, he'll send enforcers to remind us who's in charge."

Jarek smirked. "Let them come. We'll show them we're not afraid."

Bran shook his head. "You don't get it. Caden doesn't just send threats. He sends people to make examples."

Jarek clenched his fists.

Then we make sure we hit first.

The First Strike

By nightfall, Jarek had the gang ready to move.

They were split into three teams—each with a specific job.

1. Bran's group: Secure key warehouses, cutting off Caden's supply lines.

2. Tobias's group: Spread misinformation—make it seem like another noble faction was moving in.

3. Jarek, Sylva, and a handful of fighters: Take out Caden's enforcers before they realize what's happening.

The Rustyard wasn't just a place of business. It was a battleground.

And Jarek was about to redraw the lines.

The Night War Begins

They struck fast and hard.

Bran's team took over three warehouses before anyone even noticed.

Tobias's crew spread false rumors—whispers of a rival noble funding a coup. It wouldn't fool Caden for long, but it would buy time.

Jarek's group?

They handled the real problem.

Caden's enforcers were scattered, caught off guard by the sudden movement.

One by one, Jarek took them down.

Some fought.

Some ran.

By the time morning came, the Rustyard was theirs.

The Aftermath

Jarek stood in the center of the Rustyard, watching his new empire take shape.

Bran approached. "We did it."

Jarek smirked. "For now."

Sylva sighed. "Caden will retaliate."

Jarek stretched. "Let him."

Tobias clapped his hands. "Alright, boss. What's next?"

Jarek took a deep breath.

This was just the beginning.