Chapter 34

Kane left Alfred and some others to help Chan out with the rest of the plan. Today he would take some soldiers to a cave nearby where a scout had said that an unknown group had made camp. Kane would usually have sent others to take care of this but the scouts had reported that they were strong in number and gear. They were not dressed like bandits but knights with well-made armor and weapons. They had no defining markings or symbols to give him any clue as to who they were.

Kane knew they were nearby for a reason though as no other kingdom was nearby and they were technically in his territory. He also wanted to make sure they weren't scouts sent to check on him. Kane did not want to deal with a big enemy just yet.

He would bring the scouts who had seen them plus 10 Romans, 15 crusaders, and 6 kobold hunters. This should be plenty to deal with the group of 13 knights. He gave the kobold armor and better spears and bows as their old gear were poor quality. The strange knights had old-looking knight armor but it was still plate armor and apparently, they looked like they had seen their share of battles. Kane would be careful in how he approaches them.

They were 15-miles away from the kingdom so it would take 4.5 hours to reach them on horseback. Maybe longer due to the terrain or any unforeseen circumstances. Kane had claimed the forest has his empires as well as the mountains. All the land was his. He had conquered most of the tribes and he was the only big power near it except for the Orcs who lived further away from past the mountain range. He would eventually have to deal with them but for now, he needs strength. He also wanted to make sure his kingdom was safe and not bothered until he was prepared.

Now he must make sure that his land stays safe. He had geared up with crimson plate armor and a gilded close helmet. He grabbed his lance and put it in his storage space with the rest of his weapons. Then he hopped on a warg and met up with his men. "Time to meet the neighbors," said Kane as they headed off into the forest.

15 miles away in a large cave there was a man cooking a stew over a fire. He had brown hair that was starting to grey and a very scruffy beard. He wore rusted armor and had 2 sheathed hunting hangers. There were several other men in the cave either patrolling around or talking to someone else. These were the members of the Pack of Blades mercenary band. The man cooking was their leader Jag Roth. He formed the group with other veterans from his war days and had gone on many missions together sense.

A rumor had spread around the kingdom that he lived in about a kingdom near them being raided and the king being killed. Most people ignored it but Jag was curious about it. His group had been down on their luck recently and Jag had a feeling about the kingdom. It was called the Iron Rose Kingdom and Jag thought that it could bring him a fortune. He always trusted his instincts even if they were random at times.

Jag told his crew and they being the curious bunch they were agreed. Maybe they could finally have the chance at a real living and fight for a purpose. Jag was still going to be cautious as he was not sure whether it was smart to head to this kingdom or not. The forest was also full of dangers and he and the other mercenaries had to stay vigilant. The chance that the rumor was false or the people were just bandits or beasts could be high. He may be heading to his death or disappointment.

"Supper time boys!" said Jag. "Those on patrol will switch with others and eat afterward." The men sat around the fire with cups and bowls while Jag poured stew for them. They would head to the kingdom tomorrow to scout it and see whether they have a chance at a new life or whether the kingdom had fallen. It was possible that the Orcs finally took over the kingdom. If so they could still make money by reporting it and taking part in the aftermath.

The men were enjoying themselves and eating the food until suddenly one of the guards shouted out. "We have company!" Jag stood up fast with the others and they all reader their weapons. They then ran to the front of the cave to see the incoming group.

"Shit," said one of the mercenaries. They looked at a group of what looked to be around thirty people. Some looked to be kobolds which the mercenaries found strange. They all tensed up as the other group looked armed to the teeth. "Prepare to fight!" said Jag. He did not know who these strangers were but he wanted to make sure they would be ready for anything.