Chapter 38: Shadows on the Horizon
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: Steady
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: Cautious but Resolute
Current Location: Rithgar Village
Next Objective: Hold position, Prepare for Lord Varrin's impending assault
---
The Morning After the Warning
The sun peeked over the horizon, casting a golden hue over Rithgar. The villagers stirred awake, the crisp air thick with anticipation. Dikun Silver stood at the edge of the palisade, his sharp gaze fixed on the distant tree line. The memory of the scout's words haunted him. Two days — perhaps less.
The enemy would come. And they would come to destroy.
Revan approached, his boots crunching against the dirt. "The men are readying the stakes along the fields. Harlon's overseeing the barricades."
"Good." Dikun's voice was calm, though the weight of command rested heavily on his shoulders. "And the villagers?"
"Some are frightened," Revan admitted. "But they're determined. They know what's at stake."
Dikun nodded. "Fear is natural. But courage… that's what will keep them standing."
Revan studied his captain, the lines of worry etched faintly across Dikun's face. "You lead well, Dikun. The men trust you. So do I."
"I won't fail them," Dikun replied firmly. "No matter what comes."
---
The Village's Resolve
By midday, the village square bustled with determined activity. Makeshift barricades were being assembled at key points. Spears lined the outer wall, their sharpened tips gleaming under the sun.
Dikun made his rounds, offering a steadying presence. He adjusted the grip of a young boy trembling as he held his spear, his eyes wide with fear.
"What's your name?" Dikun asked, his voice calm.
"L-Lorin, Captain," the boy stammered.
"Lorin," Dikun repeated. "Your hands shake because you fear what may come. That's not weakness. That's proof you understand what's at risk."
The boy swallowed hard, his knuckles tightening on the spear.
"But fear can be shaped," Dikun continued, his tone unwavering. "Let it sharpen your focus. Let it remind you why you stand — for your home, your family, your freedom."
Lorin's trembling eased. He nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. "I won't run."
"That's all I ask," Dikun said, placing a firm hand on the boy's shoulder. "Stand with your brothers. You're not alone."
---
A Conversation by the Fire
As night fell, the warband gathered around the central fire. The air was thick with anticipation, but laughter and conversation still mingled through the camp. Dikun sat with Revan and Harlon, the three men reflecting on the battle yet to come.
"I've faced bandits and raiders," Harlon said, breaking the silence. "But Varrin's soldiers… they're different. Trained killers."
"We are no less," Revan countered. "A sword does not care for a noble's banner. It only strikes where it is wielded."
Dikun listened, his thoughts heavy. "And we wield ours with purpose. Varrin's men fight for silver. We fight for something greater."
Harlon's grin widened. "Aye. And there's no better leader to follow into battle."
Dikun shook his head, though a faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "I'm no king, Harlon."
"Not yet," Harlon quipped, earning a laugh from the others.
The laughter faded, leaving only the crackling of the fire. Dikun's gaze drifted to the distant darkened fields. Tomorrow would test them. But for now, they had the warmth of the flames — and the company of brothers.
---
An Unexpected Visitor
Just as the flames burned low, a rider emerged from the shadows. The figure, clad in a dark cloak, approached the village with careful purpose. The guards on the wall tensed, but Dikun raised his hand to halt them.
"State your purpose," Dikun called, stepping forward.
The rider lowered their hood, revealing a woman with long auburn hair and striking green eyes. Her presence was commanding, though weary.
"I come bearing a message," she said, her voice unwavering. "From Lady Evelyne Carlin."
Dikun's eyes narrowed. "Speak."
"House Carlin will not stand idle," the messenger continued. "Lady Evelyne has petitioned for support, though the council is divided. She urges you to hold Rithgar until she can secure aid."
A flicker of hope stirred in Dikun's chest. But hope alone would not win battles.
"We will hold," Dikun said firmly. "Tell Lady Evelyne that Rithgar will not fall."
The messenger bowed slightly. "Then may the gods watch over you, Captain Silver."
---
The Final Preparations
As the messenger rode away, Dikun turned to his men.
"Rest while you can," he commanded. "Tomorrow, we fight."
The soldiers nodded, their faces set with resolve. They understood what awaited them. Some whispered prayers to the old gods, while others cleaned their blades in silence.
Dikun stood before his tent, the weight of command settling heavily upon him. He thought of his father, of the countless battles that had shaped him. But most of all, he thought of the people he now swore to protect.
"Captain?"
Revan approached once more, his expression calm despite the storm ahead.
"Sleep will come hard tonight," Dikun said.
"Aye," Revan replied. "But we'll meet the dawn together."
Dikun's gaze flickered to the night sky. The stars glimmered above, indifferent to the blood that would stain the earth below.
"Tomorrow," Dikun whispered. "We stand."
To be continued...