Chapter 55: The Gates of Eredon Keep

The towering walls of Eredon Keep loomed in the distance. Massive stone fortifications, weathered by time, stood as a testament to the strength of House Carlin. Twin banners, bearing the golden stag sigil of the house, fluttered against the pale morning sky.

Dikun's warband approached the gate in disciplined formation. Their steps were steady, their eyes alert. The recent battles had hardened them, but the grandeur of the keep stirred both awe and caution.

Revan rode to Dikun's side, his silver-trimmed cloak swaying slightly. "They've certainly made a show of their strength."

"Lords often do," Dikun replied dryly. "But walls like these only keep the boldest enemies out. The real threats tend to walk right through the gates."

Harlon, astride his massive black horse, scoffed. "And we're about to be those threats, aren't we?"

A smirk tugged at Dikun's lips. "Only if they make us."

---

The Arrival

The gatehouse stood tall, with reinforced iron bars that gleamed in the sunlight. Guards clad in polished steel kept vigilant watch, their halberds resting against the stone walls. At their head, a knight bearing the Carlin crest stepped forward, his armor gleaming under the morning sun.

"Halt!" the knight barked, his voice echoing. "State your name and purpose."

"Captain Dikun Silver," Dikun answered firmly. "Commander of the Silver's Warband. We've been summoned by Lord Carlin."

The knight eyed the warband, his gaze lingering on the battered armor and weathered faces. He clearly noted the scars of battle. There was a flicker of respect beneath his stoic exterior.

"The Lord awaits your arrival," the knight finally said, nodding. "But your men will remain outside the walls. Only you and your chosen officers may enter."

Dikun's jaw tightened. "My men have earned their rest. Denying them the safety of these walls after all they've endured is an insult."

The knight held his ground. "The Lord's orders stand. But the outer courtyard will provide shelter. They will be fed, and their wounds tended to."

Revan gave Dikun a slight nod. "A compromise."

"Very well," Dikun relented. "Harlon, you'll oversee the men. Ensure they get the rest they need."

Harlon grunted. "Aye, Captain. Just don't let those fancy lords try to twist your words."

Dikun smirked. "I wouldn't dream of it."

---

The Great Hall

The interior of Eredon Keep was a vast display of wealth and power. Intricate banners lined the stone walls, depicting the history of House Carlin. Chandeliers cast a warm golden glow over the hall, illuminating the polished marble floor.

A long table stretched across the chamber, adorned with goblets of wine and silver platters of fruit. At its head sat Lord Carlin — a man of broad stature, his graying hair neatly tied back. Though dressed in the finest velvet and gold, there was an air of restrained authority about him.

Beside him, a slender woman in a crimson gown observed the room with calculated interest. Her piercing eyes never strayed far from Dikun.

"You are Dikun Silver," Lord Carlin spoke, his voice low and commanding. "The warrior who crushed Varrin's men at Rithgar."

"I am," Dikun answered evenly.

The Lord studied him, his fingers tapping idly against the wooden table. "You've built quite a name for yourself, Captain. And now you stand before me."

"I stand because you called," Dikun replied. "But I did not come to grovel."

A murmur swept through the nobles lining the hall, but Lord Carlin only chuckled, the sound low and rumbling.

"Good," the Lord said. "Groveling is unbecoming of a man who commands the loyalty of so many. I have need of strong allies, not beggars."

Dikun's gaze remained steady. "Then speak your terms."

---

The Offer

Lord Carlin rose from his seat, his heavy cloak trailing behind him. He paced slowly, his voice measured.

"Varrin grows bolder. His raids threaten my lands. Though your victory at Rithgar wounded him, he will strike again. And when he does, I intend to meet him with overwhelming force."

Dikun's jaw clenched. "And you wish for my warband to stand at your side."

"I wish for more than that," Carlin answered, his eyes narrowing. "Pledge your banner to House Carlin. Swear your loyalty, and I will see your warband properly equipped, your soldiers paid, and your name honored."

The weight of the offer hung in the air.

But Dikun had anticipated this.

"I've no interest in empty titles," Dikun said. "My men are not pawns to be discarded once their usefulness has passed. If we stand with House Carlin, it will be as equals — not as tools."

A tense silence followed. The nobles exchanged wary glances, but Lord Carlin only smiled.

"You speak boldly," he remarked. "And perhaps that is why you stand here now, while so many others lie in the dirt."

He gestured to the map spread across the table. "Prove your worth. Crush Varrin's remaining forces. In return, I will see you and your warband elevated. And should you succeed…" Carlin's eyes gleamed. "You will not merely serve a lord. You will become one."

Dikun's heart pounded. The path to the nobility had begun.

"I accept," he said, his voice unwavering. "But know this — the loyalty of my men is mine to command. No gold nor title will change that."

"Then we are agreed," Lord Carlin said with a satisfied nod.

The hall erupted into murmurs once more, but Dikun cared little for the whispers of nobles. His gaze was already fixed beyond the stone walls of Eredon Keep — to the battles yet to come.

To Be Continued...