Chapter 48: 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: Slightly Wounded (Healing)
Equipment: Steel Longsword, Reinforced Chainmail, Leather Cloak
Mount: Brown Destrier
Morale: Unyielding
Status of Silver's Warband:
Total Soldiers: 93 (Two 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: Determined
Current Location: Rithgar Village
Next Objective: Prepare for battle; maintain morale and discipline.
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Nightfall in Rithgar
The village of Rithgar was cloaked in shadows as the last traces of daylight faded beyond the horizon. Torches lined the walls, their flames flickering in the cold breeze. The looming presence of an imminent battle weighed heavily on the soldiers. Yet amidst the tension, the warband stood resolute.
Dikun Silver paced along the half-finished palisade, the rough wood scraping beneath his gloves. His mind raced with strategies and contingencies. Every decision mattered. Every life entrusted to him depended on his leadership.
"Captain," Revan's voice broke through the silence as he approached. "The scouts confirm the enemy will be upon us by sunrise. Fifty men, perhaps more. They move without banners — like common raiders."
Dikun nodded, his expression unreadable. "But we both know they're no mere raiders. Varrin's hand is behind this."
"Cowards," Harlon spat, joining them. "Too afraid to face us with banners held high. They slink like wolves in the dark."
"Which is why we'll strike them like lions," Dikun replied firmly. "The walls will hold, but I will not let Rithgar cower behind them."
Revan's brow furrowed. "What's your plan, Captain?"
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A Plan of Action
Dikun stepped closer to the small table bearing a rough map of Rithgar and the surrounding terrain. He pointed to the eastern approach — a narrow path that snaked between the hills.
"They'll come from here. No room for cavalry, only infantry. We'll use that to our advantage."
He traced a second mark on the map. "We'll fortify the gate with a spear wall. The corporals will form two staggered lines. The first line will bear shields and spears, the second line will brace and thrust over them."
Revan nodded. "A layered defense. They won't break through easily."
"Harlon," Dikun continued, "your sergeants will lead the flanking squads. If the enemy commits to the gate, take your men through the side and strike. Hit them hard. Hit them fast."
Harlon's grin was fierce. "They won't know what hit 'em."
"And the archers?" Revan inquired.
"They'll rain hell from above," Dikun said without hesitation. "But hold your shots. Let the enemy believe they have the upper hand before unleashing the volleys."
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Conversations Before Battle
With the plan set, Dikun walked the camp. The fires burned low, casting shadows on the soldiers who sat in small groups. Some sharpened their blades, others whispered prayers to whatever gods they believed in.
"Captain," a voice called from the edge of the camp. It was Garlen, the young corporal who had struggled in training. The bruises from his past failures had yet to fade, but the resolve in his eyes had grown.
"Corporal," Dikun greeted, crossing his arms. "Are your men prepared?"
Garlen nodded. "Aye, Captain. They'll hold the line."
"Good," Dikun said, his voice steady. "But remember, it's not strength alone that wins a battle. Trust your brothers. Stand firm, and they will stand with you."
"I will not fail, Captain," Garlen declared.
Dikun clasped his shoulder. "None of us will."
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The Calm Before the Storm
Night deepened, and a stillness fell upon the village. The only sound was the distant howl of the wind, carrying with it the scent of damp earth. Dikun stood alone atop the eastern watchtower, his gaze fixed on the darkened horizon.
Lady Evelyne's face flickered in his thoughts — her words, her presence. There had been something undeniably captivating about her. But now was not the time for distractions. He pushed the thoughts away, anchoring his resolve.
Revan joined him, the lieutenant's expression calm yet expectant.
"Do you ever wonder," Revan asked, "if we were meant for something greater than this?"
Dikun's gaze didn't waver. "Every man wonders that. But it's not destiny that shapes us. It's the choices we make."
Revan nodded slowly. "Then may our choices tomorrow bring us victory."
"They will," Dikun replied firmly. "Because we stand together."
The two men stood in silence, the weight of the coming battle heavy upon them. The sky, dark and endless, seemed to watch — as if bearing witness to the storm that would soon follow.
To Be Continued…