Chapter 37: The Calm Before the Storm
Status of Dikun Silver:
Name: Dikun Silver
Age: 21
Rank: Captain of the Silver's Warband
Reputation: Defender of Rithgar, Rising Leader, Potential Ally of House Carlin
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: Fortify the defenses, Prepare for the battle against Lord Varrin's forces
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Fortifying Rithgar
Dikun stood at the base of the village palisade, surveying the defenses with a calculating eye. The wooden walls, though sturdy, would not hold against a proper siege. But this wasn't a castle — it was a village of farmers and craftsmen. What they lacked in stone, they would make up for in grit and determination.
"Revan," Dikun called, beckoning the lieutenant over. "I want stakes and barricades set along the outer perimeter. Force Varrin's cavalry to dismount before they reach the gate."
Revan nodded. "We'll sharpen every branch we can find."
"Harlon," Dikun continued, his voice resolute. "Gather the villagers. They'll assist the men in reinforcing the palisade. And ensure the archers have proper positions."
"Aye, Captain," Harlon replied, already turning to rally the workers.
Dikun's orders carried swiftly, the warband falling into disciplined motion. The air buzzed with the sharp clatter of hammers against wood, the rhythmic scraping of whetstones on steel. Some of the villagers, though weary, worked tirelessly alongside the soldiers.
"You think it will be enough?" Revan asked as he returned.
"It has to be," Dikun replied. "But the walls won't hold forever. We'll fight them in the fields if necessary."
Revan's jaw tightened. "And if Varrin brings more men than we expect?"
Dikun met his gaze, determination burning in his eyes. "Then we'll show him why the name Silver is not one to be forgotten."
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A Lesson in Leadership
The midday sun hung low as Dikun stood before a group of young villagers — most barely old enough to wield a spear. Despite their lack of training, determination shone in their eyes. Fear lingered too, but Dikun had learned that fear was a weapon of its own.
"Why do you fight?" Dikun's voice was steady, his eyes scanning the gathered men.
A silence hung over them until one boy, no older than sixteen, stepped forward. "To protect our families."
Dikun nodded. "And that is why you will win. The enemy fights for silver and power. But you fight for the people behind these walls. Never forget that."
He raised his wooden training sword. "Again!"
The young soldiers lunged, their movements clumsy but earnest. Dikun corrected their stances, adjusted their grips, and drilled them until the sweat poured from their brows. Slowly, they began to move with greater purpose.
Revan, observing from a distance, spoke quietly to Harlon. "He's not just training soldiers. He's giving them something to believe in."
Harlon nodded, a trace of admiration in his voice. "And that makes all the difference."
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A Moment of Reflection
Nightfall descended upon Rithgar. The fires burned low, casting flickering shadows along the palisade. Dikun sat near the edge of the village, his back against a rough-hewn post. The distant hoot of an owl was the only sound that disturbed the stillness.
"Can't sleep?"
Revan's voice broke the quiet. He approached, settling down beside Dikun.
"Too much on my mind," Dikun admitted. "The men, the villagers — they trust me. But every decision I make could mean life or death."
Revan nodded thoughtfully. "Leadership is a burden. But it's one you carry well."
Dikun was silent for a moment, the weight of his choices pressing heavily upon him. "My father used to say that a man's worth is not measured by the battles he wins, but by those he protects."
"And you've done that," Revan said firmly. "You gave these people hope when they had none. Whatever happens, they'll remember that."
Dikun gave a faint smile. "Then let's make sure they have more than just memories."
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The Unseen Threat
As the dawn broke, the mist clung heavily to the fields. Scouts had been sent to monitor Varrin's movements, but no word had yet returned. The uncertainty gnawed at Dikun's thoughts.
It wasn't until midday that a lone rider appeared on the horizon. The man, clad in dust-covered leather, spurred his horse forward with urgency.
"Captain!" the scout called, barely pausing as he dismounted. "Varrin's forces march. Two days at most."
Dikun's expression remained unreadable. "How many?"
"Close to a hundred riders, with footmen following behind."
A wave of tension rippled through the gathered warband. They were outnumbered.
Revan stepped forward. "We'll hold."
Harlon grinned, though the worry in his eyes was clear. "A hundred riders? They'll learn soon enough that numbers mean nothing when courage stands against them."
Dikun nodded. "Then we prepare. Double the watch. Keep the men sharp. Varrin will come thinking us weak."
He drew his sword, the polished steel gleaming in the morning light.
"But we will prove him wrong."
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To be continued...