Chapter 28: Shadows of Calradia
Status of Dikun Silver:
Name: Dikun Silver
Age: 21
Rank: Captain of the Silver's Warband
Reputation: Rising Leader, Slayer of Jorvik, Defender of the Innocent
Health: Healthy
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: Low (Grain, Meat, Water)
Weapons: Mixed (Spears, Swords, Bows)
Armor: Basic Leather and Chainmail
Morale: Moderate
Current Location: West of Torver's Hollow
Next Objective: Track Bandits, Secure Supplies, Scout Enemy Movements
---
The Calm Before the Hunt
The mist clung to the ground like a silent shroud. The warband moved cautiously through the lowlands, their footsteps muffled by the damp soil. Dikun rode at the front, his eyes scanning the distant tree line. The scars of the previous raid still haunted the air — the faint scent of burnt wood, the echoes of distant cries.
But this time, Dikun wouldn't arrive too late.
The scouts had returned just before dawn, bringing word of the bandits' trail. Tracks led northwest, winding through narrow paths and wooded clearings. The bandits, careless in their arrogance, hadn't bothered to cover their movements.
"They're leading us to something," Revan muttered, riding beside Dikun. "No sane group would leave a trail this obvious."
Dikun nodded. "Desperation breeds mistakes. But it could also be a trap."
"Then let's spring it on our terms," Revan grinned.
---
Camp Strategy
By midday, the Silver's Warband set camp near a small brook. The water flowed clear, offering a moment of respite for both men and horses.
Dikun stood over a crude map etched into the dirt. Harlon, Revan, and a handful of sergeants gathered around, the air thick with anticipation.
"The bandits number between forty and fifty," Dikun began, his finger tracing the enemy's likely path. "They're fast, but they're not organized. If they're retreating to a hideout, it'll be well-guarded."
"Ambush?" Harlon suggested.
Dikun shook his head. "Not yet. We don't know the terrain well enough. We'll tail them, force them into the open, and strike when they least expect it."
Revan cracked his knuckles. "And if they expect us?"
"Then we'll remind them why the Silver's Warband is feared," Dikun replied, his voice steady. "Formations will hold. No unnecessary risks."
The men nodded in unison, determination etched across their faces.
---
Marching Under the Stars
Nightfall brought a silver glow across the land. The warband moved in silence, their torches extinguished. Only the faint light of the stars illuminated their path. Dikun's senses remained sharp, every rustle of leaves sending his hand instinctively toward his sword.
Revan rode just ahead, scanning the shadows. "This reminds me of the old days."
"The old days?" Dikun questioned.
"Back when I thought mercenary work was all glory and gold," Revan chuckled. "Then I met you."
"And I ruined your dreams?"
"You gave me better ones." Revan's grin softened. "Now I fight for something worth bleeding for."
Dikun didn't respond, but the unspoken understanding between them lingered in the air.
---
The Bandit's Mistake
Hours passed. At last, the scouts returned, their faces lit with urgency.
"Captain!" one called. "We found them."
Dikun leaned forward. "How far?"
"Two miles west. A clearing near the cliffs. They're camped, no sign of a watch."
Revan spat. "Arrogant fools."
Harlon stepped closer. "Orders, Captain?"
Dikun's gaze hardened. "We strike before dawn. Revan, take twenty men and circle north. Cut off their escape. Harlon, the rest will advance with me."
The men saluted, determination gleaming in their eyes.
"Tonight," Dikun said, his voice low, "we end this."
---
The Attack
The bandit camp lay in disarray. Rusted weapons leaned against makeshift tents. The thieves, drunk and sluggish, gathered around the dying embers of their fire. Their laughter rang hollow against the silent woods.
Dikun's heart pounded as he crouched low, his men fanning out in disciplined formation. Revan's silhouette flickered in the distance — the northern flank in position.
A single nod from Dikun, and the warband surged forward.
The first clash was brutal. Dikun's sword struck true, cutting down a bandit before the man could cry out. Steel met steel as the camp erupted into chaos.
Revan's men struck from the rear, trapping the bandits like cornered beasts. Harlon's booming voice rang through the night, commanding the soldiers to maintain formation.
"Shield wall!" Dikun shouted.
The warband responded instantly, shields locking together as arrows flew harmlessly against their line. Dikun's sword danced with deadly precision, his movements swift and calculated.
A bandit lunged — a wild, desperate strike. Dikun parried effortlessly, driving his blade into the man's chest. Blood stained the earth, but Dikun's resolve never wavered.
---
Aftermath
By dawn, the camp lay silent. The bandits who had not fallen fled into the woods, their resolve shattered. Dikun surveyed the aftermath, his soldiers tending to the wounded.
Harlon approached, wiping the blood from his axe. "A clean victory, Captain."
"Too clean," Dikun replied, his brow furrowed. "They fought like men who had nothing to lose. Someone sent them."
Revan nodded grimly. "And they'll send more."
Dikun's gaze hardened. "Then we'll be ready."
---
Words of Loyalty
As the sun rose, the Silver's Warband gathered once more. Though wearied, their spirits remained unbroken. Dikun stood before them, his voice steady.
"Today, you proved your strength," he declared. "Not as mercenaries. Not as wanderers. But as soldiers. The Silver's Warband stands united. And as long as I draw breath, I will lead you — through victory, through loss, and to whatever end awaits us."
A resounding cheer erupted, echoing across the clearing.
Revan grinned. "You do have a way with words, Captain."
Dikun's expression softened. "Words are easy. It's the deeds that follow that matter."
"And what's our next deed?" Harlon asked.
Dikun gazed westward, where the shadows of Calradia awaited. "We find who sent those bandits. And we remind them why the Silver's Warband is not to be trifled with."
The march resumed, but now the men moved with a newfound pride. They were no longer just soldiers. They were a brotherhood.
And under Dikun's banner, Calradia would remember their name.
To be continued...