Chapter 26: Bonds of Brotherhood
Status of Dikun Silver:
Name: Dikun Silver
Age: 21
Rank: Captain of the Silver's Warband
Reputation: Rising Leader, Slayer of Jorvik
Health: Healthy, Slight 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: Expand Warband, Secure Resources, Scout Lord Varrin's Movement
---
The first light of dawn broke through the mist, painting the fields of Calradia in hues of gold and amber. The Silver's Warband stirred to life, the sounds of soldiers breaking camp filling the crisp air. Dikun Silver stood at the edge of the encampment, his gaze set on the distant horizon.
The weight of responsibility bore heavily on his shoulders. Though he carried it well, the burden grew with every passing day. His men followed him not just for coin, but out of loyalty — loyalty he could not afford to betray.
Revan approached, his usual grin softened by the morning light. "You always brood this early, Captain?"
Dikun smirked. "Only when the day ahead demands it."
"Then you'll be brooding a lot more," Revan replied, handing Dikun a small leather flask. "A little honeyed mead. Keeps the spirits high."
Dikun took a sip, the warmth of the drink spreading through him. "We'll need more than mead for what's coming."
---
Morning Assembly
The soldiers gathered in the clearing, their armor gleaming despite its wear. Rows of disciplined men stood shoulder to shoulder, their spears resting against their shoulders. It was a sight that stirred both pride and resolve.
"Silver's Warband!" Dikun's voice rang clear. "We march today, but not without purpose. Calradia stands fractured. Lords rule through fear. Villages are left defenseless. But we are not lords. We are brothers-in-arms."
The men listened intently, their eyes locked on their captain.
"We do not fight for empty titles," Dikun continued. "We fight for those who cannot defend themselves. And every step we take strengthens our name. Let the lords tremble, for the Silver's Warband will not break!"
A resounding cheer echoed through the air.
"Lieutenants!" Dikun called. "Form your men. We ride west."
Revan and Harlon exchanged a glance, their respect for Dikun evident in their nods.
---
On the March
The warband moved in disciplined columns, banners fluttering above them. Dikun rode at the head, his destrier's hooves kicking up dust along the dirt road. The rhythmic clatter of armor and the creak of leather formed a steady cadence.
Conversations among the men brought a sense of ease. Revan, ever the lively one, rode alongside a group of privates, regaling them with exaggerated tales of past battles. Harlon, on the other hand, remained stern, correcting formations and ensuring the soldiers held their lines.
"I heard you cut down Jorvik with one swing!" one soldier exclaimed.
Revan laughed. "One swing? It was more like ten! And by the time Dikun was done, the man barely had a face left!"
"Enough tales," Dikun interrupted, though a slight grin betrayed his amusement. "Let's not turn victories into myths just yet."
Revan leaned closer. "But myths are how legends are born, Captain."
---
Campfire Bonds
By nightfall, the warband settled near a small grove. Fires flickered across the camp as soldiers shared meals and laughter. Despite the looming threats, these moments of camaraderie strengthened the bond they shared.
Dikun sat among them, forgoing the isolation of a captain's tent. It was a deliberate choice — one that reminded his men that he stood with them, not above them.
"Captain," a young corporal named Erwin spoke hesitantly. "May I ask something?"
Dikun nodded. "Speak freely."
"Why do you fight?" Erwin's question lingered. "You're not like the lords. You could've claimed a title by now."
Dikun's gaze hardened. "Titles mean nothing without purpose. I fight because I've seen what the lords' greed has done. I've seen villages burned, children left orphaned. If no one stands for them, then who will?"
The soldiers listened in silence, the weight of Dikun's words sinking deep.
"You've given us a reason to fight," Erwin said, his voice steady. "And we'll follow you to the end."
Dikun met his gaze. "Then we'll ensure that end is one of victory."
---
The First Test
Morning came swiftly. As the warband continued westward, a distant column of smoke rose on the horizon. Dikun's jaw tightened.
"Bandits," Revan muttered. "Or worse."
"We move swiftly," Dikun commanded. "But no reckless charges. I want scouts ahead. We don't fight blind."
Harlon motioned to a group of riders. "You heard the captain. Move!"
The scouts galloped ahead, disappearing into the haze. The tension among the men grew with every step. They knew what lay ahead — blood, battle, and the test of their resolve.
Minutes felt like hours before the scouts returned, their faces grim.
"Small village, Captain," one reported. "Burning. Bandits fled just before we arrived. But there are survivors."
Dikun's fists clenched. "Prepare the warband. We ride now."
---
The Aftermath
Torched homes lined the village. The air was thick with the stench of smoke and charred wood. Ash fell like snow, clinging to the ground in a suffocating blanket.
The villagers who remained bore hollow expressions, their eyes reflecting the horror they had witnessed.
Dikun dismounted, his heart heavy. "Tend to the wounded. Rebuild what you can."
As his soldiers dispersed, Dikun approached an elderly woman kneeling by the remains of her home. She clutched a scorched bundle of fabric — all that remained of her belongings.
"I'm sorry," Dikun said softly. "We came too late."
The woman's tearful gaze met his. "But you came."
The words struck deep. Even in despair, the people clung to hope. And that hope now rested on Dikun's shoulders.
"We'll ensure this never happens again," he vowed.
Revan stood beside him, his usual grin gone. "The lords will hear of this. And when they do?"
Dikun's gaze burned with determination. "Then we show them that the Silver's Warband stands for more than just survival. We stand for justice."
The road ahead would not be easy. The lords would come. Battles would be fought. Blood would be spilled.
But Dikun Silver would face it all.
To be continued...