The banners of the Silver Company rippled in the wind as the procession rode through the outskirts of Brynstead. Despite the weight of the court's judgment, Dikun Silver held his head high. The eyes of Lord Berrick may have been watchful, but his people — his true people — greeted him not with suspicion, but with pride.
Children ran alongside the riders, waving with gleeful shouts. Farmers straightened from their fields, offering respectful nods. Even the wounded villagers, those who had been freed from the bandits' grasp, stood at the edge of the road in solemn gratitude.
"Welcome home, Sir Dikun!"
The words rang out like a song of triumph, though Dikun felt little ease. There was much to be done. The burned homes still stood as charred skeletons. The fields, though cleared of bodies, bore the scars of war. Yet, amid the ruin, there was hope.
The Silver Company had returned. And with them, the promise of renewal.
---
A Company United
In the courtyard of Brynstead Keep, the company dismounted. Elira slung her bow across her back, her sharp gaze scanning the gathered crowd. Rudric cracked his neck, the grizzled warrior already eager to return to training.
But it was the sight of a familiar young man that caught Dikun's attention.
"Gareth," Dikun called.
The young spearman stood near the stables, his face brightening at the sound of his name. His short, unkempt hair had grown slightly, and though still lean, his posture was straighter — the mark of a soldier.
"Sir Dikun," Gareth greeted, bowing respectfully. "Welcome back."
"I hear you've done well in my absence," Dikun said, his voice warm. "Rudric speaks highly of your training. And I see the spear no longer wavers in your grip."
Gareth flushed slightly but held his ground. "I've learned from the best. And I'll keep learning — if you'll have me."
Dikun nodded, placing a firm hand on the young man's shoulder. "You're Silver Company now, Gareth. That means your learning never ends."
The lad grinned, the pride in his eyes evident. Yet beneath it, Dikun saw something more. Determination. A hunger to prove himself.
And Dikun would give him that chance.
---
A Leader's Burden
The council chamber of Brynstead was far from grand, its wooden walls bearing the scars of past raids. Yet it served its purpose well enough. Maps and reports were spread across the table, and the soft glow of candlelight cast flickering shadows.
Eldric, the village reeve, stood alongside Rudric and Elira. Gareth lingered near the door, though Dikun gestured for him to stay. It was time the young spearman learned the responsibilities that came with leadership.
"The fields will need replanting," Eldric began, tracing a finger along the marked plots on the map. "We lost much, but with the villagers' hands and the supplies salvaged from the bandit camp, we can begin anew."
"The defenses too," Rudric added, his gruff voice unwavering. "The walls are patched for now, but we need proper fortifications. Stone, not wood. Brynstead won't survive another siege without it."
Dikun nodded. "And the prisoners?"
"They remain in the stockade," Elira replied. "A few tried to escape, but they were swiftly dealt with. The villagers are divided. Some demand their execution, others... suggest labor as penance."
Dikun's jaw tightened. "We'll see to it that justice is done. But I will not order slaughter without thought."
"Nor should you," Eldric said with a nod. "But the people will look to you for a decision."
Dikun's gaze swept over the chamber. The burden of command was one he bore willingly, but every choice now held greater weight. The safety of Brynstead, the honor of the Silver Company, and the ever-growing scrutiny of Lord Berrick — all balanced precariously.
"Let the people see the prisoners work," Dikun decided. "They will rebuild what they destroyed. Let them know the weight of the lives they shattered. And those beyond redemption…" His voice lowered. "They will face the consequences."
There was no argument. Only silent agreement.
---
A Rising Name
The days passed swiftly. Brynstead stirred with renewed vigor as fields were tilled and homes rebuilt. The Silver Company, though fewer in number than some armies, moved as a single, disciplined force. Under Dikun's watchful eye, the wounded trained, and the inexperienced grew hardened.
Yet it was Gareth who stood out.
Each morning, the young spearman joined the drills with unwavering resolve. Rudric tested him relentlessly, his gruff barks pushing Gareth to the brink. But the lad never faltered. His spear struck true, his footwork steady. And with each passing day, whispers of his growth spread through the ranks.
"The boy fights like a wolf pup — fierce, but learning quickly."
It was a compliment few received from Rudric.
And so, the name of Gareth of the Silver Company began to take root.
---
A Letter Unsealed
One evening, as the last rays of sunlight bathed the keep in gold, a rider arrived bearing the seal of Lord Berrick. Dikun broke the wax with steady hands, his eyes scanning the letter's contents.
The words were carefully chosen, yet their meaning was clear.
"Sir Dikun Silver,
Your actions in Brynstead have not gone unnoticed. The Silver Company stands as a symbol of strength, but strength invites challenge. Others whisper of your rise — some in admiration, others in fear. You are summoned once more to the court of Rattay. Choose your words well. The realm watches."
Dikun's lips pressed into a thin line. Lord Berrick's summons had returned, but this time, it was not merely a recognition of valor. It was a warning.
"Prepare the company," Dikun said, folding the letter with care. "We ride for Rattay."
The path to power was never without its shadows. But Dikun Silver had never feared the dark.
---
Next Chapter: Shadows at Court
Dikun faces mounting suspicion from the nobility.
Gareth is put to the test as the Silver Company navigates political intrigue.
A hidden enemy moves against Dikun, threatening the fragile peace of Brynstead.