Chapter 31: The Weight of Command
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: Moderate (Grain, Dried Meat, Water, and Ale)
Weapons: Mixed (Spears, Swords, Bows)
Armor: Basic Leather and Chainmail
Morale: High
Current Location: West of Torver's Hollow
Next Objective: Investigate Varrin's Influence, Recruit More Soldiers, Expand Reputation
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The Burden of Leadership
The morning mist clung to the hills as the Silver's Warband resumed their march. The rhythmic sound of boots on dirt echoed through the air, accompanied by the occasional jingle of chainmail. Dikun rode at the front, his posture firm, though the weight of responsibility settled heavily on his shoulders.
His men followed without question. They trusted him — but trust was fragile. The victories they had earned so far were merely the beginning. Dikun knew well that as their leader, every decision he made would either strengthen that trust or shatter it.
Revan rode beside him, the leather reins gripped tightly in his gloved hands. "Captain, we'll reach the outskirts of Rithgar Village before midday. Word is the villagers are hesitant to speak of Varrin's men. They fear retaliation."
Dikun's gaze didn't waver. "Fear is a weapon, Revan. But so is hope. We'll give them reason to believe in the latter."
Revan nodded, though a shadow of doubt lingered in his eyes. "And if Varrin has already bought their loyalty?"
Dikun's jaw clenched. "Then we remind them who the real enemy is."
---
A Lesson in Loyalty
The march paused just beyond a small stream, the men eagerly filling their waterskins. Dikun dismounted, taking the opportunity to inspect the ranks. He passed by a cluster of young privates, their movements clumsy but earnest.
"Private Erwin," Dikun called, his voice carrying authority.
The young soldier, barely out of his teenage years, stiffened. "Captain!"
"Your shield work during training. It improved."
Erwin's eyes lit up with pride. "Thank you, sir. I… I learned from the sergeants. They said to think of it as a second skin."
Dikun nodded approvingly. "And your sword arm?"
Erwin faltered. "Still needs work, sir. But I won't disappoint you."
"See that you don't," Dikun replied, though his tone was not unkind. "Loyalty is not just standing in formation. It's knowing that the man beside you will fight as hard as you will. Earn their trust. And yours will be earned in return."
Erwin bowed his head, determination etched into his features.
---
Rithgar's Shadow
By midday, the warband reached the outskirts of Rithgar. The village was modest — thatched-roof cottages lined the muddy paths, smoke curling from the chimneys. Yet the atmosphere was far from welcoming. The villagers averted their eyes, their hands trembling as they hurried past.
A woman tending to a water well paused only long enough to glance at the approaching soldiers before lowering her gaze. Children, who would normally be curious at the sight of armored men, remained hidden behind their mothers.
"They fear us," Harlon muttered.
"No," Dikun corrected. "They fear what will happen if they're seen speaking to us."
Dismounting, Dikun gestured for the warband to remain behind. Only Revan and Harlon followed closely. As he approached the well, the woman froze. Her hands clutched the wooden bucket tightly.
"Peace, madam," Dikun said calmly. "We are not here to harm you."
Her eyes darted between the three men, her voice barely above a whisper. "You shouldn't be here. Lord Varrin has eyes everywhere."
"Then let his eyes see this," Dikun said, his voice steady. "We are not here as conquerors. We are here to protect those who cannot protect themselves. You have my word."
The woman hesitated, but before she could respond, a distant shout echoed from the far side of the village. Several armored figures emerged, their tattered banners bearing Varrin's serpent insignia.
"Riders," Revan growled. "Varrin's men."
Dikun's hand instinctively gripped the hilt of his sword. "No bloodshed unless they draw first. Let's see what they want."
---
A Dangerous Encounter
The riders closed the distance swiftly. Their leader, a burly man with a jagged scar across his cheek, sneered as he approached.
"Well, if it isn't the so-called Captain Silver," the man spat, his voice dripping with disdain. "Your reputation reaches even these parts. But I wonder — are the stories exaggerated?"
Dikun met his gaze without flinching. "That depends. Do you intend to test them?"
The scarred man chuckled darkly. "You think your band of sellswords means anything to Lord Varrin? He's already won. The people here know where their loyalty lies."
"Loyalty?" Dikun's voice was like steel. "Loyalty to a lord who demands tribute and leaves them to starve? You call that loyalty?"
The man's grin faded. "Watch your tongue, Captain. You've yet to learn who truly holds power in Calradia."
"I know enough," Dikun replied coldly. "But I'll give your lord one chance. End the raids. Leave these people in peace. Or the next time we meet, it won't be words we exchange."
The scarred man glared, but Dikun did not waver. For a moment, the tension was thick enough to choke. Then, with a grunt of disgust, the man yanked his reins and turned his horse.
"This village is already lost, Silver," he growled before riding away. His men followed, but not without casting wary glances toward the warband.
---
A Silent Resolve
As the dust settled, the villagers began to emerge cautiously. The woman at the well stepped forward, her trembling hands now steady.
"You stood your ground," she said, her voice filled with cautious hope. "Perhaps… not all who carry steel bring ruin."
Dikun nodded. "We will remain for the night. If Varrin sends more men, we'll face them."
The woman bowed her head. "Thank you, Captain Silver."
Revan clapped Dikun on the shoulder as they returned to the camp. "You made a statement today."
"Not enough," Dikun replied. "But it's a start."
Calradia's lords would soon learn that Dikun Silver was no mere mercenary. The warband's rise had only begun. And with each victory, the shadow of Lord Varrin's tyranny would wane.
To be continued...