The acrid scent of burnt wood still lingered in the air as the Silver Company moved through the ruined bandit camp. The morning sun crept higher, casting a golden glow over the smoldering remains. Corpses of the fallen lay scattered, a grim reminder of the brutal clash. But amidst the carnage, the victorious stood tall.
Dikun Silver surveyed the scene, his steel-gray eyes cold and calculating. His sword, still smeared with the blood of his enemies, hung loosely by his side. The villagers of Talmberg had begun to arrive, cautiously stepping through the wreckage. Relief mingled with the lingering fear in their expressions.
"You did well," Dikun said, his voice low yet steady. "The Silver Company stands with you, and today that has been proven."
The villagers murmured their thanks, their gazes lingering on the mercenaries — no longer strangers, but saviors.
Elira approached, her bow slung over her shoulder, the faint traces of battle still clinging to her hands. "We counted the dead. Thirty-five bandits, including their leader. The rest fled or surrendered."
"And our losses?" Dikun asked.
"Two wounded. No dead," Elira replied, though a shadow of concern passed over her face. "But not all wounds are on the surface."
Dikun's jaw tightened. He understood well that victory bore its own weight. Even hardened soldiers could only withstand so much before the toll began to show.
---
Spoils and Judgment
A gathering formed near the center of the camp, where the spoils of war were piled — weapons, stolen coin, and supplies looted from the villages. The surviving bandits knelt before them, their hands bound, their faces hollow with defeat.
The Bailiff of Talmberg stood with a stern expression, his eyes flickering over the prisoners. "Justice must be served," he said firmly. "These men have stolen, killed, and brought misery upon these lands."
The villagers murmured in agreement. Some called for swift execution. Others demanded restitution.
Dikun remained silent, his gaze unwavering. He understood the desire for vengeance, but he also saw the desperation in the bandits' eyes. Not all men chose such a path willingly.
"Some of them may yet have value," Dikun said, his voice commanding attention. "Let those who can answer for their crimes stand trial. The rest... offer them a choice."
The Bailiff frowned. "A choice?"
"To rebuild what they destroyed," Dikun explained. "Let them work the fields, restore the homes they burned, and see the faces of those they wronged. It is a heavier burden than death."
The Bailiff's eyes narrowed, but he gave a slow nod. "Very well. But the worst among them will face justice without mercy."
It was a compromise Dikun could accept. Not all men deserved the rope. But those who did would meet it.
---
The Silver Company's Legacy
By midday, the camp had been stripped of its valuables. The Silver Company divided the spoils — a fair share for each man, though a sizable portion was offered to the people of Talmberg.
"Coin won't bring back their dead," Rudric remarked, polishing the edge of his axe. "But it'll help them start anew."
"More than that," Dikun said, watching as villagers hauled the supplies back toward their homes. "It shows them that we're not just mercenaries. We're protectors."
The words lingered. The Silver Company was no longer just a band of hired swords. They were earning a name — one that carried weight.
And that name would spread.
---
A Noble Summons
Days passed, and Talmberg slowly returned to life. The burned fields were cleared, homes were rebuilt, and the Silver Company remained a watchful presence. The villagers treated them with gratitude, offering food and tending to their wounded.
But even as the town healed, Dikun knew that word of their victory had traveled far.
The summons came swiftly. A rider bearing the Bannerman of Rattay arrived at midday, his crimson tabard emblazoned with the golden stag of Lord Berrick. He dismounted, his expression grim.
"Captain Silver," the rider addressed, bowing respectfully. "Lord Berrick summons you to his court. Your deeds have not gone unnoticed."
Dikun exchanged a glance with Elira and Rudric.
"So it begins," Rudric grunted.
Dikun nodded. "We ride at dawn."
---
A Silver Path
That evening, as the fires burned low and the stars glittered above, Dikun sat in quiet contemplation. The weight of leadership was no longer a distant concept. It clung to him, sharpening his resolve.
"You think the noble will offer us more work?" Elira's voice broke the silence as she approached.
"Perhaps," Dikun replied. "But this is more than contracts now. Every victory builds our name. Every act strengthens our claim."
"And when the lords begin to see you not just as a captain, but as a rival?"
Dikun's expression remained unreadable. "Then we'll be ready."
The road ahead was long. From mercenary to knight, from leader to ruler — the world of Kingdom Come Deliverance was one of ambition and blood. But Dikun Silver would walk it without fear.
For he was not merely a sellsword.
He was the rising storm.
Author's Note:
I will update this chapter soon after completing 100 chapters of my other novels. I'm currently managing multiple stories while pursuing my second year of college, majoring in AB Political Science. On top of that, I have to finish my thesis and handle numerous academic papers. Despite the challenges, I'll do my best to balance it all and continue delivering my stories for you, my readers. Thank you for your patience and support!