Chapter 14: Foundations of a Warband

The sun crept lazily over the horizon, casting golden light across the dew-kissed grass. Dikun Silver stood at the center of the clearing, the remnants of last night's fire crackling softly at his feet. Around him, the men of his warband stirred awake — some stretching stiff limbs, others already tending to their weapons.

Thirty-five men.

They were no longer a band of frightened villagers or opportunistic mercenaries. They were fighters. Warriors forged in the flames of battle. And now, Dikun intended to turn them into something greater.

As the men assembled, Harlon stood beside him — the old warrior's watchful gaze scanning the group. Revan, Tova, Luthar, and Edric lingered nearby, all now well aware that the next steps would determine the fate of this fledgling force.

Dikun's voice cut through the morning stillness.

"Form up!"

The warband scrambled to obey, some quicker than others. Shieldmaidens, former soldiers, ex-bandits, and farmers stood shoulder to shoulder. The formation was rough, uncoordinated — a rabble trying to stand like an army.

But it was a start.

Dikun's steel-gray eyes swept over them. "You are no longer commoners with swords," he said. "You are soldiers. Warriors of Silver's Warband. But a warband is more than men with weapons. It is discipline. Unity. Strength."

The murmuring ceased. Every pair of eyes locked onto Dikun, the weight of his words sinking in.

"I have fought beside you. I have seen your courage. But courage alone will not save you when steel meets steel." He pointed toward the distant woods. "Jorvik's men are still out there. The lords of Calradia will not ignore us forever. And when that day comes, we will stand together — not as scattered blades, but as one."

He stepped forward, letting the silence linger before speaking again.

"From this day forth, we will have structure. Rank. Discipline."

---

The Military Structure

Dikun's voice was steady as he began to lay out the ranks.

"Every man begins as a Private. You follow orders, train hard, and learn. Prove yourself, and you will rise."

The men exchanged glances, some nodding with determination.

"Above the privates, there will be Corporals. Five men to a corporal — those who show the ability to lead, to keep their comrades alive, will earn this rank."

He continued, his tone firm.

"Two corporals form a squad under a Sergeant, commanding ten. The sergeants will be the backbone of this warband. They will lead the charge, ensure order in the ranks, and see that no man breaks formation."

"And above them?" Revan asked, his voice low but steady.

"Cornets," Dikun answered. "Two sergeants and their squads will form a unit of twenty under a Cornet. From there, we'll rise to Lieutenants and Captains."

"Lieutenants will command forty, with Cornets beneath them. Captains will lead eighty, overseeing the entire warband in battle."

The air seemed to shift as the men absorbed the gravity of what Dikun proposed. Gone were the days of fighting in chaos. What stood before them now was the foundation of a true force.

---

First Appointments

Dikun's gaze settled on those who had already proven their worth. The choice was clear.

"Revan," he called. "You've stood against the worst and refused to fall. You will lead as a Corporal."

Revan stepped forward, his scarred face unreadable. He bowed his head in acknowledgment.

"Tova," Dikun continued. "Your axe has shielded your kin, and your courage has inspired us all. You will command as a Sergeant."

Tova nodded firmly, her icy gaze reflecting her resolve.

"Edric. You've faced death and stood your ground. Take the rank of Corporal and teach these men the discipline of a true soldier."

Edric smirked, though there was respect in his eyes. "Aye, Captain."

"And finally," Dikun's voice softened, "Luthar. You may be a rogue, but you know how to lead. Your cunning has saved more lives than your blade alone. Take up the mantle of Sergeant."

Luthar grinned, offering a mock salute. "I'll try not to gamble away my squad, Captain."

Laughter rippled through the ranks, but beneath it was a palpable sense of pride.

---

Lessons in Discipline

With the ranks established, training began in earnest.

At dawn, Harlon barked orders as the men formed into crude lines. Shield walls creaked and staggered as they attempted to lock into place. Spears thrust, swords swung, and the sound of grunts and clashing wood filled the air.

"Again!" Dikun commanded, his voice sharp. "Hold your ground!"

Revan's squad struggled, but with each repetition, they grew steadier. Tova's warriors, though fierce, needed patience. Luthar's men, despite their playful bravado, showed promise.

Harlon paced alongside Dikun. "They'll break the first time they face a true charge," he muttered.

"Then we'll make sure they don't," Dikun replied. "They'll learn what it means to stand as one."

Day by day, the warband improved. Men who had once fought alone now moved in unison. The shield walls held firm. Spears struck with deadly precision. And beneath the bruises and exhaustion, a sense of pride grew.

---

An Unexpected Test

One evening, as the last rays of sunlight bathed the camp, a merchant caravan approached. A dozen guards flanked the heavily laden wagons, their armor gleaming. At their lead rode a stout man draped in fine silks.

The merchant dismounted, his gaze flicking nervously between the rows of disciplined fighters.

"You're the Silver's Warband?" he asked.

Dikun stepped forward. "We are."

The merchant's eyes lingered on the formation of soldiers. "I was told you were little more than bandits with banners. But this…" He shook his head. "This is an army."

"Not yet," Dikun said. "But soon."

The merchant's respect was evident. "Perhaps it would be wise to hire such an army. Bandits plague the roads, and I hear Jorvik's men grow bolder."

Dikun nodded. "We'll see your goods safely to their destination. But know this — the Silver's Warband fights with honor. We do not serve tyrants."

The merchant grinned. "Then it seems I've made the right choice."

As the caravan guards mingled with the soldiers, admiration flickered in their eyes. Men from other bands of mercenaries watched with awe as the warband moved like a well-oiled machine.

And for the first time, Dikun saw it too.

They were no longer a rabble.

They were the beginning of something far greater.

The Silver's Warband.