The morning patrol spotted them first—a column of figures moving steadily across the grassland towards Valentra's gates. Maya's sharp eyes counted the approaching force from her position in the eastern watchtower, her hand already reaching for the signal flag.
"20 plus individuals moving together," she called down to the guards below.
The alert spread quickly through the settlement. Ethan emerged from the training grounds where he'd been reviewing defensive positions with his team, while Maria appeared from the administrative building with a grim expression.
The Iron Vanguard had arrived ahead of their estimated timeline.
"So much for having more time to prepare," Walter muttered, making his way towards the gates.
AJ materialized beside them, his human form tense with readiness. "They're maintaining distance, for now."
As the Iron Vanguard force drew closer, their organization became more apparent. These weren't desperate refugees or opportunistic bandits, they moved with the disciplined precision of experienced soldiers, their equipment well-maintained and their formations tight.
The main group halted roughly 200 metres from Valentra's gates. Three figures detached from the group and approached the settlement's entrance.
The lead figure was a man in his early forties with the lean build of someone accustomed to hard living. His bearing and the way the other Iron Vanguard members had deferred to him marked him clearly as their leader.
Beside him walked Rhea, her familiar face providing the only reassurance in an otherwise tense situation. The third member of their delegation was a large man with a muscular frame and calloused hands.
"I'm Captain Marcus Hale of the Iron Vanguard," the leader announced as he reached speaking distance of the gates. "I believe my scouts arranged a meeting with you."
"Captain Hale," Maria replied as the gates opened. "We weren't expecting you so soon."
"Our travel proceeded quicker than anticipated," Marcus replied smoothly. "I hope the change in timing doesn't create difficulties."
"Not at all. Please, come in, we can speak more comfortably inside."
The 3 Iron Vanguard representatives followed Maria, Victor, AJ, and Walter through the settlement's streets, their eyes taking in every detail of Valentra's construction and organization.
The large man—who'd been introduced as Garrett—studied the blacksmith's workshop and the various tools he saw with particular interest.
The administrative building was nearing completion, its main room providing a suitable space for formal discussions. Large windows offered clear views of the settlement's central areas while maintaining privacy for sensitive conversations.
"Please, take a seat," Maria offered, gesturing towards the chairs arranged around a wooden table. "Can we offer you some water?"
"That's very kind," Marcus replied, settling into his chair with relaxed confidence. "Your hospitality is much appreciated."
The opening pleasantries felt genuine enough, though both sides remained alert for hidden meanings and unspoken agendas. AJ positioned himself where he could observe all 3 visitors, while Walter's weathered hands rested casually on his cane as he sat beside him.
"I have to say, Valentra is even more impressive than my scouts reported," Marcus began, his tone carrying what seemed like honest admiration. "The construction quality, the organization, the evidence of prosperity, you've built something remarkable here."
"We've been fortunate," Maria replied with a smile. "Good people working together towards common goals."
"It shows, your people look well-trained and disciplined." Marcus leaned back in his chair, projecting casual interest. "How long did it take to achieve this level of development?"
"Several months of effort," Walter answered. "Though we had some advantages in terms of location and initial resources."
"Good leadership makes all the difference," Marcus observed. "Competent decision-making, clear priorities, effective resource allocation. Not everyone is capable of creating what you have here."
Through the large windows, children's laughter drifted in from the central plaza where Janet was leading an impromptu lesson about plants.
Several youngsters, including Isaac and Noah, clustered around her as she pointed out the differences between edible and dangerous varieties.
Their animated chatter and eager questions created a backdrop that contrasted with the tension building inside the administrative building.
Victor studied Marcus carefully, noting the appreciation in his voice. "What brings the Iron Vanguard to this region, Captain?"
"We're seeking a new base of operations," Marcus replied openly. "We couldn't stay at our previous stronghold due to... changing circumstances. We need a location that can support our operations while providing a defensible for our people."
"What kind of operations?" AJ asked.
"Security services, primarily. Escort duties, settlement defense, clearing dangerous areas. You could call us mercenaries." Marcus's explanation matched what Rhea had told them previously.
"And you're evaluating Valentra as a potential location?" Maria asked directly.
"No, not really," Marcus replied. "We'd prefer to build our own base to operate out of."
The conversation continued for several more minutes, Marcus asking questions about trade relationships, resource management, and regional conditions. His inquiries suggesting genuine interest in understanding the surrounding areas situation.
Marcus's attention briefly turned to the outside as the rhythmic sound of hammering echoed from Robert's forge where he was teaching two apprentices the finer points of metalwork.
The steady clang of hammer on anvil punctuated the air, while nearby, Thomas's construction crew worked on completing another housing unit. Their easy banter and shared jokes carried through the windows.
As Marcus turned back to the others and continued discussing, the focus of the conversation began to shift.
"I should apologize, by the way," Marcus said during a lull in the discussion. "My scouts mentioned that their arrival interrupted some kind of community proceeding. I hope their timing didn't cause any issues or disrespect."
"It wasn't a big issue," Maria replied. "We were conducting a community meeting that had to be postponed."
"Nothing too serious, I hope?" Marcus's tone remained casual, but his attention had sharpened noticeably.
"Internal community matters," Walter said.
Marcus nodded understanding, but his interest was clearly piqued. "Of course. Though my scouts did mention it involved some kind of trial? That sounds like it could have been quite serious."
Maria and the others exchanged subtle glances, their wariness increasing. Marcus's questions were becoming more specific than simple curiosity would justify.
"Community discipline issues," Victor answered shortly.
"Naturally. Though if you don't mind me asking, what kind of discipline issues require formal trial proceedings?" Marcus's smile remained friendly, but there was something persistent in his questioning. "My scouts mentioned overhearing accusations of sabotage."
"Why the interest in our internal affairs?" AJ asked directly, his tone carrying the first hint of challenge.
"Professional curiosity," Marcus replied smoothly. "The Iron Vanguard has dealt with similar situations in other communities. Internal sabotage can be incredibly destructive if not handled properly."
"We're handling it properly," Maria said firmly.
"I'm sure you are. It's just that... well, sabotage cases can be complex. Sometimes the underlying issues aren't immediately obvious, and external perspective can be valuable." Marcus leaned forward slightly, his casual demeanour giving way to something more focused. "What was the outcome of your trial?"
The persistence of his questioning was becoming impossible to ignore. Victor's hand had shifted closer to his dagger, while Walter's grip on his cane had tightened.
"The individuals responsible have been dealt with appropriately," Maria said.
"Dealt with how?" Marcus persisted.
"They've been imprisoned pending further decisions," Walter replied, studying Marcus's reaction closely.
Something flickered across Marcus's expression—relief, perhaps, or satisfaction. "Imprisoned rather than executed. That's... merciful of your community."
"We don't want to resort to killing unless absolutely necessary," Maria said.
Marcus once again looked out the windows, in the distance, Sam could be glimpsed near the water mill, his latest electrical improvements casting a warm glow from several workshop windows.
A group of curious residents had gathered to watch him demonstrate the steady light, their faces bright with excitement. Catherine stood beside him, taking notes, their collaboration representing the kind of knowledge-sharing that drove Valentra's continued development.
"Admirable. Though imprisonment can be a significant burden for a community like yours. Resources, security concerns, the ongoing responsibility of maintaining custody." Marcus paused, as if considering his next words carefully. "What were the names of those involved?"
The question hung in the air like a blade. Victor's eyes narrowed, while AJ shifted position. The casual conversation had become something else entirely.
"Why do you need to know their names?" Maria asked slowly.
Marcus seemed to sense that he'd pushed too far too quickly. His friendly mask slipped back into place, but the damage was done—everyone in the room now understood that this wasn't casual curiosity.
"Forgive me," he said with a slight smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I suppose I'm being overly inquisitive. It's just that the Iron Vanguard has occasionally been able to help communities with... difficult prisoners. Sometimes removing problematic individuals can be beneficial for everyone involved."
"Removing them how?" Walter asked.
"Taking them off your hands entirely. Relieving you of the burden of long-term custody while ensuring they can't cause further problems." Marcus's tone had become carefully neutral. "It's a service we've provided before."
The core team's silence stretched uncomfortably as they processed what amounted to an offer to take their prisoners.
"You're offering to take them?" Victor asked incredulously.
"I'm offering to solve a problem that could become increasingly burdensome," Marcus replied calmly. "Maintaining long-term prisoners requires resources that could be better used elsewhere."
"What do you stand to gain from taking the two prisoners?" AJ spoke.
Marcus met his gaze. "One of them, actually. I have a particular interest in the man named Richard."
The reaction was immediate. Maria's eyes widened, Walter's eyebrow raised, and Victor had grabbed onto the handle of his dagger. Even AJ, usually composed, showed clear surprise.
"A particular interest?" Maria repeated slowly.
"Yes. I'd be willing to take Richard off of your hands, ensuring he never causes you problems again." Marcus's voice remained level, but there was an underlying intensity that left little room for argument. "As for the other prisoner... well, I have no special interest in him but I can take him too if you want."
The silence that followed was deafening. The suspicions the team had harboured about the surname connection was now confirmed by Marcus's specific focus on Richard.
"That's... an unusual request," Walter said carefully.
"Perhaps. But it would solve a problem for your community while serving my purposes as well."
"What purposes would those be?" Victor asked.
"Private ones," Marcus replied, his friendly demeanour finally giving way to something harder. "Suffice it to say that removing Richard from your custody would be mutually beneficial."
Maria exchanged glances with her companions, seeing her own concerns reflected in their expressions.
Marcus's offer was impossible to accept without understanding his true motivations, but it was equally impossible to reject without potentially provoking a confrontation with a well-armed mercenary group.
"That's... something we'd need to discuss with our community," she said.
"Of course," Marcus agreed. "Take whatever time you need to consider the offer. But I hope you'll understand that my interest in resolving this matter is quite... urgent."
"We'll discuss it," Maria repeated, her tone making it clear that the meeting had reached a conclusion.
"Excellent," Marcus replied, rising from his chair with grace. "I look forward to your decision."
As the Iron Vanguard delegation prepared to leave, the team was left with the uncomfortable newly gained knowledge that they were facing demands they couldn't meet.
The community would never agree to release Richard to an unknown mercenary group, but refusing Marcus's request might have consequences that Valentra wasn't yet prepared to handle.