The morning sun cast a golden hue over Sasau as the newly formed Silver Company prepared to depart. The town stirred with the usual chatter of merchants and townsfolk, but a lingering gaze followed the small band of warriors.
The sight of Dikun Silver, standing at the head of his company, left an impression. Though young, he carried himself with the confidence of a leader who had already tasted victory.
"Seven of us remain," Elira said, adjusting the string of her bow. "But we are no less than we were yesterday."
"No," Dikun agreed. "We are more."
His words carried weight. Those who stayed had made their choice, binding themselves to the Silver Company not for coin alone but for purpose. Rudric stood tall, his axe slung over his back. Lorin's grip on his spear was steadier now, his resolve growing with each passing day. Bran, Saria, and Elira completed the company — a force of determination, if not yet of numbers.
"Where to first, Captain?" Lorin asked, his voice tinged with the slightest pride.
Captain. It was the first time any had addressed Dikun by a title. It felt foreign — but not unwelcome.
"There are always contracts," Dikun answered. "Bandits still plague the roads. Merchants seek protection. And where there is chaos, opportunity follows."
But as he spoke, another thought lingered. Contracts would only carry them so far. To grow, the Silver Company needed more than battle experience — they needed recognition.
"The bailiff mentioned the lords often seek reliable swords," Elira reminded him. "If we make enough noise, they'll come to us."
Dikun nodded. "Then we make our mark. One village, one victory at a time."
---
A New Contract
By midday, the Silver Company approached the familiar wooden walls of Sasau's small garrison. A dull-eyed guard waved them through, barely paying attention. Inside, the bailiff waited.
"Back so soon?" the man sneered. "What is it now, Silver?"
Dikun ignored the tone. "We seek work. Something more than simple bandit-hunting."
The bailiff leaned back in his chair, amused. "Ambitious, aren't we? Fine. There is a merchant in need of protection. Caravans traveling from Rattay to Sasau have been ambushed lately. The merchants are paying well for escort service."
"Bandits again?" Rudric grumbled.
"Likely," the bailiff shrugged. "Or deserters. Not that it matters. The coin spends the same."
Dikun considered it. Escorting a caravan would build their reputation. Merchants talked. If the Silver Company proved themselves reliable, more opportunities would follow.
"We'll take it," Dikun said firmly.
"Good. The merchant departs tomorrow at dawn." The bailiff tossed a rolled parchment across the table. "Terms are listed. Don't get yourselves killed."
Dikun snatched the contract without a word. The bailiff's disrespect no longer concerned him. Soon, the Silver Company would rise beyond his petty mockery.
---
Preparations
The Silver Company spent the afternoon preparing. Supplies were gathered — dried meats, fresh water, and whatever little medical supplies they could afford. The weight of silver earned from the last contract was enough to keep them afloat, but just barely.
Dikun watched as Rudric sharpened his axe, the rhythmic scrape of steel against stone echoing through the small camp they had set just outside the town. Lorin practiced his thrusts under Saria's watchful gaze, each movement gaining confidence.
"Faster," she barked. "The moment you hesitate in battle is the moment you die."
Lorin gritted his teeth, his spear cutting through the air. Though the memory of his first kill still haunted him, it also fueled him.
Nearby, Bran examined his newly acquired bow — the fine yew wood a clear upgrade from the crude weapon he'd once wielded. Elira, too, prepared her bowstring with practiced ease. Her sharp gaze caught Dikun's as he passed.
"Do you think we're ready?" she asked.
Dikun's answer came without hesitation. "We will be."
But deep down, he knew the truth. Readiness was an illusion. Battle would always be chaos. The only certainty was the resolve to face it.
---
A Captain's Burden
That night, beneath a sky scattered with stars, Dikun sat alone by the campfire. The others had long since retired, but the weight of leadership refused to let him rest.
He traced the edge of his sword, its steel gleaming faintly in the firelight. It was no noble weapon, nor did it bear the markings of a famed blacksmith. Yet it had served him well — a reflection of his own rise from nothing.
"You'll carry more than a sword now," a voice broke through the quiet.
It was Elira. She stepped closer, her face partially illuminated by the glow of the flames.
"You're their captain," she continued. "Every decision you make will weigh on you. Every victory, every loss."
"I know," Dikun murmured. "But I chose this path."
"And we chose to follow you." Her gaze was steady. "That burden isn't yours alone. The Silver Company stands with you — remember that."
For the first time in days, the tension in Dikun's chest eased. He gave a small nod.
"Thank you."
Elira smirked. "Don't thank me yet. Tomorrow, we'll see how well your leadership holds up."
Dikun chuckled, though the truth of her words lingered. Tomorrow would be another test.
But no matter what awaited, the Silver Company would face it together.
---
The Road Ahead
At dawn, the Silver Company rode out of Sasau. The caravan awaited them just beyond the town walls — a line of sturdy wagons laden with crates of goods. The merchant, a rotund man with a nervous disposition, eyed them warily.
"Are these the sellswords the bailiff sent?" he muttered.
"We're the Silver Company," Dikun replied firmly. "You're under our protection now."
The merchant hesitated, then nodded. "So be it. The road to Rattay is dangerous. Bandits strike without warning."
"Then let them try," Rudric growled.
The Silver Company took formation, flanking the caravan as it began its slow journey along the worn dirt road. The sun climbed higher, casting long shadows across the hills. Every rustle in the bushes, every distant crow's cry, kept the warband on edge.
But Dikun rode at the front, his gaze sharp and unyielding.
The road ahead would be perilous.
But the Silver Company would endure.
And in time, the world would remember their name.