Chapter 34: A Glimpse of Nobility
Status of Dikun Silver:
Name: Dikun Silver
Age: 21
Rank: Captain of the Silver's Warband
Reputation: Defender of Rithgar, Rising Leader, Enemy of Lord Varrin
Health: Healthy
Equipment: Steel Longsword, Reinforced Chainmail, Leather Cloak
Mount: Brown Destrier
Morale: High
Status of Silver's Warband:
Total Soldiers: 98 (Two soldiers still recovering from wounds)
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: Rithgar Village
Next Objective: Gain allies, Fortify the village, Prepare for retaliation from Lord Varrin
---
A Noble's Arrival
The morning fog had begun to lift when the distant sound of hooves echoed through the village. Dikun Silver, standing atop the wooden palisade, narrowed his eyes as a small convoy of riders emerged from the east. Unlike Varrin's men, these were clad in polished steel, bearing crimson banners adorned with a golden stag.
Revan, spotting the riders, spoke up. "Noblemen. But not Varrin's colors."
"No," Dikun agreed, his gaze fixed. "But nobility rarely rides without purpose. Let's see why they're here."
The villagers stirred, watching with cautious curiosity. Dikun motioned for his warband to remain ready, though no weapons were drawn. He descended the palisade and approached the riders as they entered the village square.
At the front rode a woman of striking presence. Her long, dark hair cascaded beneath a silver circlet, and her deep blue eyes studied Dikun with an air of composed authority. She wore a finely embroidered crimson cloak, the fabric fluttering with her every movement.
Dikun's brow furrowed. A noblewoman — yet she rode without fear, flanked by only a handful of guards. It was a deliberate statement.
"Captain Silver, I presume," she said, her voice smooth, though it carried the weight of nobility.
"I am," Dikun replied, his tone guarded. "And you are?"
"Lady Evelyne of House Carlin. I come not as an enemy, but as an observer."
Dikun's grip on his sword hilt loosened slightly. "An observer?"
She dismounted with practiced grace, her gaze unwavering. "Word spreads quickly in Calradia. You stood against Varrin's men and earned the loyalty of this village. Some see you as a threat. Others see you as an opportunity."
"And which are you?" Dikun countered.
A faint smile touched Evelyne's lips. "That remains to be seen."
---
A Conversation of Equals
The villagers resumed their work, though their eyes lingered on the noblewoman. Dikun led Evelyne toward a shaded table near the well. Revan and Harlon remained close, though they kept a respectful distance.
As they sat, Evelyne studied Dikun with open curiosity. "You're not like most mercenary captains," she remarked. "No lord's colors, no sigils. Only the loyalty of your men."
"My men follow because I lead, not because of noble blood," Dikun replied firmly.
"And yet you lead better than most lords I've seen," Evelyne said. "But leadership alone won't protect Rithgar forever. Varrin will return, and next time, he won't send mere riders."
Dikun leaned forward. "Then why are you here, Lady Evelyne? To offer counsel or judgment?"
"Neither," she said, her voice softening. "I offer opportunity. House Carlin has no love for Varrin. He's a blight on these lands, and his ambitions grow bolder with each passing season. But open defiance against him requires strength."
Dikun's jaw clenched. "And what does House Carlin gain from supporting a warband like mine?"
"A future," Evelyne answered without hesitation. "One where the common folk need not fear the whims of a tyrant. But alliances are not built on words alone. I will watch how you lead. If your actions prove your worth, then House Carlin will stand behind you."
It was not the offer of immediate aid Dikun had hoped for. But it was a spark — a potential ally in a world where noble hands rarely extended without demand.
"You'll find I'm not one to shy from proving myself," Dikun said, his voice resolute.
Evelyne's eyes gleamed with interest. "I expect nothing less."
---
A Stirring Among the Men
As Evelyne and her escort departed, the warband gathered near the outskirts of the village. Revan crossed his arms, his brow furrowed.
"Lady Evelyne," Revan muttered. "She's no fool. But nobles rarely involve themselves without expecting something in return."
"True," Dikun replied. "But she represents a chance we can't ignore. House Carlin's support could mean supplies, weapons — even soldiers."
Harlon grinned faintly. "And perhaps more than that."
Dikun shot him a dry look. "You think this is amusing?"
"I think she was watching you closely, Captain," Harlon said with a chuckle. "Perhaps she's not only observing your leadership."
Dikun ignored the remark, though a part of him couldn't shake the memory of Evelyne's piercing gaze. Whatever her motives, he knew one truth — their paths would cross again.
---
The Days Ahead
With the sun sinking low, Dikun returned to the heart of the camp. Training continued. Shields clashed, swords struck dummies, and the men's laughter mingled with the distant hum of crickets.
But even as the camp settled for the night, Dikun's thoughts remained on the road ahead. The weight of leadership pressed heavily, yet so did the flicker of opportunity.
He would rise. From captain to something greater. And when the time came, the name Dikun Silver would echo across Calradia.
To be continued...