Chapter 29: Whispers of Treachery
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: High
Status of Silver's Warband:
Total Soldiers: 98 (Two soldiers wounded from the last battle)
Ranks:
68 Privates
20 Corporals
8 Sergeants
2 Lieutenants (Revan, Harlon)
Supplies: Low (Remaining Grain, Dried Meat, and Water)
Weapons: Mixed (Spears, Swords, Bows)
Armor: Basic Leather and Chainmail
Morale: High
Current Location: West of Torver's Hollow
Next Objective: Track Source of Bandit Attacks, Secure Supplies, Establish Stronger Reputation
---
The Road Forward
The day after the battle brought a grim silence. The stench of burnt wood and blood still clung to the air. Dikun Silver stood amidst the ruins of the bandit camp, his mind sharp despite the exhaustion. The enemy had been defeated, but the questions remained.
Why had they attacked the village? Who gave the order?
"Captain," Harlon called, his voice gruff. "We've checked the corpses. No sigils, no identifying marks. But we found this."
He handed Dikun a small, tattered scrap of parchment. Dried blood smeared its edges, but the crimson wax seal was still visible — a serpent coiled around a broken sword.
"House Varrin," Dikun muttered, his jaw tightening. "A minor lord with a bitter ambition."
"Think he's testing you?" Revan asked, crossing his arms. "Trying to break your reputation before it grows too large?"
"Perhaps," Dikun replied. "But Varrin doesn't act alone. If he's bold enough to fund bandit raids, then he's likely secured allies."
Revan snorted. "Then we cut the head off the snake before it coils further."
---
Rations and Resolve
The Silver's Warband rode onward, their destination set for the nearest trading post. Supplies had dwindled. While the men celebrated victory, their empty stomachs reminded them of the harsh realities of war.
"We're short on grain," Harlon reported. "The men can stretch it for another day, maybe two."
Dikun's mind raced. "No use in starving our own. Once we reach the post, we'll barter for supplies. If they refuse…"
Revan grinned. "We persuade them otherwise?"
"I'll ensure it doesn't come to that," Dikun said, though he knew well that force often spoke louder than gold in Calradia.
---
Arrival at the Trading Post
By mid-afternoon, the warband approached a modest trading outpost. Weathered wooden stalls lined the muddy streets, merchants calling out their wares. Most turned their heads as the armored warband approached, the gleam of steel unsettling the townsfolk.
Dikun rode at the front, his presence commanding without words. The Silver's Warband halted at his signal.
"We're here to trade," Dikun announced firmly, his eyes meeting those of a wiry merchant. "Grain, meat, and water. Name your price."
The merchant, clearly unnerved, stammered. "S-Supplies are scarce, good sir. Lord Varrin's men have taken most of what we had."
Dikun's gaze darkened. "Varrin?"
"Aye. Demanded a 'tribute' for our safety. Not much left to sell."
Revan spat to the side. "Cowards. They strip these people bare while their own bellies grow fat."
Dikun stepped forward, his voice steady but commanding. "Then we'll see to it that Varrin's reach ends here. For now, we will pay fairly for what remains. Double the market price."
Gasps echoed among the villagers. The merchant's eyes widened in disbelief. "T-Truly?"
Dikun nodded. "But mark my words — no more tributes. The Silver's Warband will stand for those who cannot stand for themselves."
---
A Call to Arms
The men rested for the night, their bellies full for the first time in days. Dikun sat by the fire, sharpening his blade. Harlon and Revan joined him, their faces shadowed by the flickering flames.
"Varrin won't stay idle," Harlon warned. "He'll hear of this soon enough."
"Let him," Dikun replied. "But we'll need more than bravado. We'll need alliances."
Revan raised a brow. "You plan to play politics now, Captain?"
"I plan to survive," Dikun answered. "A warband without allies is no different from the bandits we slew. If we're to rise, we'll need friends. Lords, merchants, even common folk — anyone willing to stand with us."
"Then we start tomorrow," Harlon declared. "Every town we pass, we spread the word. The Silver's Warband is not just a name — it's a shield."
Dikun's gaze hardened. "And one day, it will be a sword."
---
Nightfall Conversations
As the men laughed and shared stories, Dikun took a moment to wander the camp. He stopped near a small group of privates gathered around a flickering lantern. Young Erwin, still clad in worn leather, perked up at the sight of his captain.
"Captain Silver!" he greeted, his face lit with admiration. "Will we truly face a lord's army?"
Dikun crouched, his gaze steady. "If it comes to that, yes. But war is never the first choice. We fight only when we must."
Erwin nodded, though his hands trembled. "And if we lose?"
Dikun's voice softened. "Then we rise again. Fear is natural, Erwin. But courage is choosing to stand despite it."
The young soldier swallowed hard, determination flickering in his eyes. "Then I'll stand, Captain."
Dikun clasped his shoulder firmly. "And I'll stand with you."
---
To Be Continued...
The Silver's Warband marched once more, their banners swaying in the wind. Dikun Silver rode at the head, his resolve unwavering. Lord Varrin's schemes would not go unanswered. And Calradia would soon learn that the rise of the Silver's Warband had only just begun.