Chapter 47: The Gathering 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: Slightly Wounded (Minor Cut on Left Arm)

Equipment: Steel Longsword, Reinforced Chainmail, Leather Cloak

Mount: Brown Destrier

Morale: Focused

Status of Silver's Warband:

Total Soldiers: 93 (Three soldiers wounded, one in recovery)

Ranks:

63 Privates (Bronze Triangle Insignia)

20 Corporals (Crossed Triangles Insignia)

8 Sergeants (Crimson Belt and Pyramid Insignia)

2 Lieutenants (Silver-Trimmed Cloak and Silver Star Insignia: Revan, Harlon)

Supplies: Moderate (Grain, Dried Meat, Water, Basic Medical Supplies)

Weapons: Spears, Swords, Bows, and Reinforced Wooden Shields

Armor: Basic Leather and Chainmail

Morale: Steady

Current Location: Rithgar Village

Next Objective: Prepare for possible skirmish; scout the approaching enemy force.

---

Morning Briefing

The crisp morning air carried the scent of damp earth as Dikun Silver stood at the head of his warband. The fires from the night before had long since dwindled, leaving only faint trails of smoke that curled upward into the pale sky.

Revan and Harlon stood by his side, their expressions grim. The scouts' reports had confirmed it — a hostile force had been spotted to the east. They bore no banners, but Dikun suspected Varrin's influence.

"The men are restless," Harlon grunted. "Word of the approaching force has spread. Some fear it's a probing attack."

"They should fear nothing but failure," Dikun replied calmly. "We'll confront this threat — but not without knowing what we're facing."

Revan nodded. "The scouts estimated no more than fifty men. Raiders, most likely. Armed but disorganized."

"That doesn't mean they're harmless." Dikun's tone hardened. "Desperation breeds recklessness."

He turned to his lieutenants, determination flashing in his eyes. "We'll take no chances. Revan, I want you to lead a scouting party. Confirm their numbers and movements."

Revan inclined his head. "Consider it done."

"Harlon," Dikun continued. "Prepare the men for a possible engagement. Make sure the palisade is manned."

"Aye, Captain."

With their orders given, the two lieutenants moved swiftly, their commanding presence rippling through the warband like a steady wave.

---

Conversations Among Brothers

As the preparations continued, Dikun made his rounds. He believed in standing among his men, sharing in their burdens. The captain's presence was a steadying force, and the soldiers respected him for it.

"Captain," Corporal Garlen approached, his face still bearing traces of the stern discipline from the previous day. "The eastern wall is fortified. If it comes to a siege, we'll hold."

Dikun studied the young corporal, noting the newfound confidence in his stance. "Good. But never grow complacent. Walls can only do so much."

Garlen nodded firmly. "Understood, Captain."

Further down the line, Dikun found Harlon inspecting the militia's equipment. The massive sergeant handed a freshly repaired spear to a private.

"Grip it firmly," Harlon instructed. "A loose spear is as good as a broken one."

The private nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. Dikun stepped closer, his voice low. "You're doing well, Harlon."

Harlon gave a gruff chuckle. "They're rough around the edges, but they'll stand. They believe in you, Captain."

Dikun said nothing, but the weight of that belief rested heavily upon him.

---

A Moment of Reflection

That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Dikun retreated to a small overlook beyond the camp. The landscape stretched endlessly, the distant forests bathed in gold.

Thoughts of the approaching enemy lingered, but so did other memories. The noblewoman, Lady Evelyne, remained fresh in his mind. Her fierce spirit and unwavering gaze had stirred something within him.

But there was no place for romance on the battlefield. Not yet.

"Captain," Revan's voice interrupted his thoughts. The lieutenant approached, his expression serious.

"The scouts returned."

Dikun's gaze sharpened. "What did they see?"

"Forty men, perhaps more," Revan reported. "Bandits, by the looks of them. But there was something else — a banner without sigil, black as night."

Dikun's jaw clenched. "Varrin's mark. He sends his dogs to test us."

Revan nodded grimly. "They'll be upon us by dawn."

---

A Call to Arms

The warband assembled beneath the darkening sky, their faces lit only by the glow of torches. Dikun stood before them, his voice steady and resolute.

"Men of Rithgar!" he began, his gaze sweeping across them. "We stand not as beggars or cowards, but as warriors. The enemy believes us weak. They think this village will fall."

He paused, his voice growing in strength. "But they are wrong. The blood of Calradia flows through us. Each one of you has chosen to stand, not for gold or glory, but for the brother beside you."

A murmur of agreement echoed through the ranks.

"Tonight," Dikun continued, "we make our stand. And when the sun rises, let the world know that the Silver's Warband does not yield."

The men roared in unison, their voices carrying through the night.

"Form the shield walls," Dikun commanded. "We fight at dawn."

---

To Be Continued…