Chapter 24: The Calm Before the Storm

Status of Dikun Silver:

Name: Dikun Silver

Age: 21

Rank: Captain of the Silver's Warband

Reputation: Rising Leader, Slayer of Jorvik

Health: Healthy, Minor Fatigue

Equipment: Steel Longsword, Reinforced Chainmail, Leather Cloak

Mount: Brown Destrier

Morale: Steady

Status of Silver's Warband:

Total Soldiers: 100

Ranks:

70 Privates

20 Corporals

8 Sergeants

2 Lieutenants (Revan, Harlon)

Supplies: Moderate (Grain, Meat, Water)

Weapons: Mixed (Spears, Swords, Bows)

Armor: Basic Leather and Chainmail

Morale: High

Current Location: Torver's Hollow

Next Objective: Head Westward, Secure Alliances, Gather Supplies

---

The night passed peacefully. The villagers of Torver's Hollow had provided bread, cheese, and fresh water from the well. In exchange, the warband stood watch, ensuring no bandits dared approach. The faint glow of the morning sun now painted the sky in hues of orange, signaling the start of another march.

Dikun Silver stood at the center of the village, addressing his men. His voice, though calm, held the commanding presence of a leader.

"We march within the hour," Dikun began, his gaze sweeping over the assembled warband. "But not without purpose. Every village we protect strengthens our name. Every soldier we train strengthens our force. Calradia will know that the Silver's Warband stands for those without a voice."

Revan grinned, his arms crossed. "And if the lords decide we're too much trouble?"

"Then we'll become a greater trouble than they can handle," Dikun replied without hesitation.

The soldiers smirked, their spirits lifted by their captain's resolve.

---

Training the Recruits

Before departing, Dikun insisted on morning drills. Discipline had grown, but he knew that the road ahead would demand more.

"Harlon!" Dikun called.

"Aye, Captain!" Harlon's booming voice answered as he strode forward.

"Form the recruits. Shield wall. Spear exercises. And run them through formations. No exceptions."

Harlon's grin widened. "They'll wish they stayed farmers by the time we're done."

Dikun nodded. "Good."

As the sun rose higher, the recruits lined up, their shields clashing together in unison. The warband had begun to resemble a true army, their movements sharper, their discipline unshakable.

---

Conversations by the Campfire

Later, as the warband rested, Dikun found himself seated by the village well. Revan soon joined him, two mugs of weak ale in hand.

"You're building more than an army, you know," Revan remarked, passing a mug to Dikun. "You're building loyalty."

"Loyalty is earned," Dikun replied, taking a sip. "And every choice I make carries the weight of those who follow me."

Revan chuckled. "You sound like a damned lord."

"I sound like someone who knows what's coming," Dikun countered. "The lords will hear of us soon. They'll see a threat."

Revan's smile faded. "And when that day comes?"

"We'll be ready."

The two men sat in silence, the distant hum of the camp serving as a reminder of what they had built.

---

A Visitor in the Night

Just as the warband settled for the evening, a figure approached from the shadows. A rider, clad in a tattered cloak, dismounted at the edge of the camp. The guards tensed, their hands resting on their weapons.

Dikun rose, his eyes narrowing. "State your name."

The stranger pulled back his hood, revealing a weathered face, lined with years of hardship.

"I bring news from the east," the man said, his voice low. "The lords gather. Word of Jorvik's death has spread. And they are not pleased."

Dikun's jaw tightened. He had expected this.

"Which lords?"

"Lord Varrin of Sargoth and Lady Elira of Curaw," the messenger continued. "They see you as a threat. Mercenaries and loyal bannermen march under their banners. War may come sooner than you think."

The warband listened in tense silence.

Dikun's response was firm. "Let them march."

He turned to his men, his voice unwavering. "We do not fear the lords. We stand because no one else will. And when they come for us, they'll find we are no mere band of sellswords. We are the Silver's Warband."

A chorus of approval erupted from the soldiers. The flames of the campfire danced, reflecting the determination in their eyes.

Dikun knew the storm was coming. The path ahead would not be easy. But he welcomed the challenge.

For Calradia was not yet united.

And the Silver's Warband would see to it that no lord held unchecked power.

To be continued...