The dry wind howled through the ravaged fields as Gareth rode at the head of his small force. Ten riders followed him, their cloaks trailing like shadows in the dawn light. The weight of responsibility bore heavily on his chest. Every decision from here would mean life or death — not just for him, but for the men under his command.
The enemy's supply train had been spotted only hours before, winding along the dirt road like a wounded serpent. Food, weapons, and horses. A lifeline to the Black Sun's war machine.
"This is your chance, Gareth," Dikun's voice echoed in his mind. "Lead with resolve. Strike with purpose."
"Form up!" Gareth called, his voice steady. The riders obeyed without question, splitting into two flanks. The plan was simple. Hit the enemy hard. Break their formation. Destroy the supplies. And live to ride another day.
The squire's knuckles whitened around the shaft of his spear. "For the Silver Company."
The hunt had begun.
---
The Ambush
The enemy caravan moved slowly, its heavy carts burdened with stolen goods. A handful of guards rode alongside — hardened brigands, their armor blackened and rusted. The emblem of the Black Sun fluttered defiantly in the breeze.
"There," Gareth whispered, signaling to the others. The riders spread out, their hooves muffled against the dry earth. The element of surprise would be their greatest weapon.
A single nod. That was all it took.
"Charge!"
The Silver Company surged forward. Gareth led the assault, his spear glinting in the morning sun. The bandits barely had time to react before the riders crashed into them like a wave of steel.
His spear struck first, piercing through the chest of a brigand. Blood spattered across the dirt, and the man crumpled. But there was no time to dwell. Another enemy lunged, a curved blade swinging for Gareth's head.
He ducked low, the wind of the strike brushing past his ear. With a swift thrust, his spear found its mark once more.
"Press them!" Gareth roared. "Cut them down!"
The enemy ranks buckled. The guards, though fierce, were unprepared for the onslaught. Cart horses reared in panic. Supplies spilled onto the road, trampled beneath the chaos.
"Burn the wagons!" one of the riders shouted.
Flames roared to life, devouring the stolen goods. The enemy's precious supplies were lost to the inferno.
Victory was within reach.
But Gareth's triumph was short-lived.
From the ridge above, black-clad riders emerged — their banners unmistakable. Reinforcements. The Black Sun had been waiting.
"They knew," Gareth's heart pounded. "They knew we would come."
"Fall back!" he bellowed. "To the trees!"
The Silver Company obeyed, their horses kicking up dust as they galloped for cover. Arrows rained down, striking the earth in deadly bursts. But Gareth did not look back. He had no time for fear. Only survival.
---
A Squire's Resolve
Hours passed before the riders regrouped in the shelter of the forest. The enemy had not pursued. Whether it was out of fear or arrogance, Gareth did not know.
The wounded were tended to in silence. Among the ten riders, three had fallen. Their names were spoken with reverence, their bodies wrapped in cloaks of silver and laid beneath the trees.
"We destroyed their supplies," one of the men murmured. "But at what cost?"
"The cost we pay so others won't," Gareth answered, though the words tasted bitter. "We ride back to Dikun. He needs to know what we've seen."
As they mounted once more, Gareth's grip tightened on his reins. He had failed to anticipate the enemy's trap. But failure was not the end. Dikun had taught him that.
"Learn from it. Grow stronger."
And so he would.
---
The Court of Shadows
While the Silver Company clashed with the Black Sun, the halls of Rattay buzzed with whispers. Lords and ladies moved like serpents, weaving their schemes beneath the gleam of gold chandeliers. But none moved as deftly as Selina Valtoris.
The daughter of a wealthy merchant, Selina possessed a beauty that left men weak. Raven-black hair cascaded down her back, and her emerald eyes gleamed with intelligence. But beneath her flawless exterior lay a mind as sharp as any blade.
"You've heard, haven't you?" a noble whispered as she passed. "The Silver Company struck again. Burned the Black Sun's supplies."
"And lost men for it," another added with a sneer. "Dikun Silver's fame grows, but so does his list of enemies."
Selina said nothing. She merely smiled — a smile that revealed nothing and yet spoke volumes.
In the shadows of the court, alliances shifted like sand. Dikun's rise unnerved the powerful. A knight without noble blood. A warrior who commanded the loyalty of his people through deeds, not titles.
But Selina saw what they did not. She saw the man behind the name.
"Sir Dikun Silver," she murmured beneath her breath, her thoughts lingering. "You are not so easily broken."
A messenger approached, bowing deeply. "My lady, word from the Silver Company. They ride for Rattay."
Selina's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Good. Let the court see him."
The storm was gathering. And Selina Valtoris would ensure she stood at its center.
---
Next Chapter: The Gathering Storm
Gareth returns to Dikun, bearing news of the Black Sun's trap.
Dikun prepares to face the growing threats — both from the enemy and the court.
Selina and Dikun cross paths, setting the wheels of fate into motion.
Loyalties are tested as Rattay's nobles move against the rising knight.
Shall I proceed with the next chapter?