The early morning mist clung to the fields of Brynstead as the Silver Company readied themselves. The crimson glow of the rising sun barely touched the horizon, casting long shadows over the half-built palisade. Blackened timbers from the last bandit raid still lay scattered, a constant reminder of what had been lost.
Dikun Silver stood at the head of his company, clad in a simple steel breastplate that bore no sigil. His cloak billowed in the breeze, the fabric darkened with the dirt and sweat of a life lived on the road. He had no family crest, no ancestral house — only the silver streak in his hair and the name he had earned.
"Rudric," Dikun called, his voice low and firm. "How many ride with us?"
"Twenty-three, counting the wounded who can still hold a blade," Rudric grunted, tightening the straps of his axe holster. "The villagers are staying behind to man the defenses. They'll fight if they have to."
"They won't have to," Dikun said. "We end this before the bandits reach Brynstead."
---
The Road to Harrow's Hollow
The Silver Company moved swiftly. Hooves pounded against the dirt road as they galloped south, the cool morning air biting at their faces. Elira rode just behind Dikun, her bow slung across her back. The sharp-eyed huntress scanned the distant tree line, ever watchful.
"I don't like this," Elira murmured. "If the bandits burned Harrow's Hollow, why linger? Raiders don't often wait to be hunted."
"Unless they're not done," Dikun said grimly. "The villages in this region are isolated. Burn one, and fear spreads. The next village might surrender without a fight."
"Cowards would," Rudric growled. "But not the people of Brynstead. Not with us standing guard."
Dikun nodded, though the weight of uncertainty gnawed at him. He knew all too well that war was never predictable.
Hours passed. The faint scent of smoke reached them long before the ruined village came into view. Harrow's Hollow had been reduced to little more than blackened rubble. The scorched frames of cottages stood like skeletal remains, and the once-thriving fields were trampled and lifeless.
But there were no bodies.
"No resistance," Elira said softly, dismounting to examine the ground. "They didn't stand a chance."
Dikun knelt beside her, his hand brushing over the bloodstained soil. Tracks — dozens of them — led away from the ruins.
"They took prisoners," Dikun murmured.
---
The Hunt Begins
The Silver Company gave no time for rest. The trail was clear, the bandits making little effort to conceal their path. Broken branches and discarded loot marked their passing.
By midday, the forest began to thicken, the sunlight barely breaking through the twisted canopy. Dikun raised his hand, signaling a halt. The men obeyed, their horses restless beneath them.
"They're close," Elira whispered, her eyes narrowing. "The trail splits here. Half went east, the rest continued south."
"A diversion," Rudric spat. "They're trying to throw us off."
Dikun considered the choice. Chasing both groups was impossible — splitting the company would weaken them.
"We follow the southern trail," Dikun decided. "They'll expect us to hesitate. We won't give them the chance."
---
An Ambush Unfolds
The forest grew deathly silent as they rode on. Dikun's fingers tightened around his reins. Every snap of a branch, every rustle of leaves, heightened his awareness.
And then it came.
A whistling arrow struck one of the riders, sending him tumbling from his horse. The Silver Company reacted instantly, shields raised as more arrows rained down from the treetops. Bandits burst from the underbrush, their crude weapons gleaming in the dim light.
"To me!" Dikun roared, drawing his sword.
The clash erupted in an instant. Steel met steel, the savage cries of bandits mingling with the disciplined shouts of the Silver Company. Rudric's axe cleaved through the chaos, while Elira loosed arrow after arrow with deadly precision.
Dikun fought like a man possessed. His sword moved in sharp, controlled arcs, striking down those who dared stand before him. The memories of his training echoed in his movements — the lessons of discipline, the value of patience. He parried a desperate swing, driving his blade into the attacker's chest.
"Hold the line!" he commanded, his voice carrying above the fray. "Push them back!"
The Silver Company rallied, their formation tightening. The bandits, unorganized and reckless, faltered under the disciplined assault.
And then, amidst the blood and mud, Dikun saw him — the bandit leader.
A towering brute, clad in tattered leather and wielding a rusted two-handed axe. The gleam in his eyes spoke of arrogance, of a man who believed himself untouchable.
Dikun broke through the fray, his sword raised.
"Face me!" he bellowed.
The bandit leader sneered, accepting the challenge. Their weapons met in a thunderous clash. Sparks flew as steel ground against steel. The sheer force of the blows sent vibrations up Dikun's arms, but he did not relent.
The bandit swung wide, aiming to cleave Dikun in two. But Dikun sidestepped, his blade striking true — a deep gash across the leader's thigh. The brute roared in pain, staggering.
Seizing the moment, Dikun drove his sword forward, piercing through the bandit's chest. The leader collapsed, the defiance in his eyes fading.
The battle was over.
---
The Aftermath
The surviving bandits threw down their weapons, begging for mercy. Dikun's gaze swept over them, his breath still ragged. He knew what justice demanded. But he also knew that fear alone would not break the cycle of violence.
"Bind them," Dikun ordered. "They'll stand trial in Rattay."
The Silver Company obeyed, though Rudric grumbled in dissatisfaction.
"And the prisoners?" Elira asked.
"We find them," Dikun said firmly. "And we bring them home."
The Silver Company had won a victory that day, but Dikun knew the road ahead remained long. His enemies would grow bolder. The burdens of leadership would only grow heavier.
But with every battle, every choice, Dikun Silver's name carved deeper into the annals of history.
He was no longer merely a knight.
He was a leader.
And soon, the world would know the rise of the Silver King.
---
Next Chapter: Bonds of Blood and Ash
Dikun rescues the captured villagers.
The Silver Company returns to Brynstead as heroes.
Political tension grows as Lord Berrick hears of Dikun's rising influence.
A fateful decision awaits — one that will change Dikun's path forever.