The sun rose as Kailen made his way towards the Carth family mansion, after spending a few hours recovering his mind was still pretty taxed even with the rest. He hoped that this event would go smoothly as he has plans to leave the city with Celia in the morning.
As he arrived at the Carth family gates, multiple groups were stood inside the grounds, all armed with a variety of different weaponry. There must be around sixty or seventy men all standing chatting leisurely in the garden.
The guard at the gate must have recognized him as he opened the gate and showed him inside, he was led to where William, Kenneth and also a man with silver hair and a large ugly scar running down the left side of his face. The man stood tall with his shoulders back, holding onto a large spear in his hands. The man gave off a strong impression, a worthy opponent Kailen judged.
"Ah, Kailen you're here!"
"Hey Kenneth, your wounds look better."
"Yeah."
All that remained from last night were a few minor bruises underneath his eyes, it seems he didn't have much rest either considering his lack of energy. Turning his attention back to William, Kailen asked while observing the many men in the gardens.
"So, William what's the plan with this lot here?"
"Well, we'll come onto that. First off, this man here is Eli Brookes the commander of this mercenary group."
"Nice to meet you."
Kailen offered to shake his hand, but the man gave him a disdainful glance before turning back to William.
"Why are we taking these boys with us, this will be dangerous and no place for kids."
Kailen was angered with attitude but didn't let it show, he inwardly sneered as the 'kid' he'd talked about was slightly taller than himself.
"Well, from what I've heard Kailen here can handle himself just fine. As for Kenneth, as the next head, he needs the experience."
"Hm, fine. So, are we really just going to go there and demand justice at their gates? Sounds stupid to me."
Kailen contemplated the plan and agreed a different approach would be more suitable, though William quickly dismissed it.
"No this is fine, by doing it publicly like this word will spread as us as the righteous party. I can't afford to hinder my reputation by breaking trust so easily."
It made sense to Kailen as he pondered his words, though the life of a merchant sure seemed hard.
"So, we are just going to march up the gates? Are you sure these men will suffice? How do you know Steve Stanly hasn't got men of his own?"
"Yes we will march soon, and yes Steve has hired men though not nearly enough. I know this as I have someone inside providing me information."
William was assured all was within expectations, though most of the mercenaries were fairly weak from what Kailen could judge. There were a few individuals that seemed strong, one being Eli standing next to him.
"Now then, shall we move?"
William asked with an eager smile, Kenneth seemed half asleep and Eli nodded indifferently. Kailen couldn't help but become excited by the prospect of a small scale battlefield, his hands ever so faintly shook in excitement.
***
Kailen stood at the front of the large group of mercenaries together with William, Kenneth, and Eli. They approached the large Stanly mansion, which appeared to be very similar to the Carth mansion with high walls and a large gate.
It seems that Steve Stanly had anticipated William's action as numerous guards and mercenaries filled the courtyard beyond the gate. Though William's information seemed to hold true as their numbers were probably around forty men or so.
"Tell Steve to get his ass out here!"
William yelled loudly through the gate, his voice carried a strong pressure that seemed to silence the entire courtyard. After a few tense moments, the door to the mansion opened where Steve together with his son Nilen emerged.
As Kailen was observing the surroundings he noticed a bunch of onlookers, it seemed odd to him they'd be waiting here. Kailen came to the conclusion that William had invited them to spread the word about events, after all, he did emphasize the importance of maintaining his respectable reputation.
Kailen's first impression of Steve Stanly was stern and cruel, the deep frown ever-present didn't help mind you. Steve gave the opposing forces a look before focussing on William.
"Hello William, what is it I can do for you today?"
"I am here to demand justice! Surely you've heard by now what you're son has done?"
"I'm sorry to disappoint, but you'll have to enlighten me."
William glowered at Steve with a fierce look, he spoke forcefully while pointing at Nilen.
"Your useless son attacked my own, well more like attempted murder. After all, the thugs your son hired had drawn a knife."
Steve Stanly waved his hand dismissively while replying.
"Foolish, what is the evidence of these accusations."
William smiled brightly in response.
"Well I'm glad you asked, we captured some of the thugs that were disabled by Kailen here. Bring him down."
A man was dragged forward, bruises marring his face. Kailen recognized the man as Macky from last nights fight, he seemed to be in bad shape...
Steve's attitude changed as he looked at his son fiercely before turning back to William.
"Isn't that Macky?"
"Yeah it is, him and Nilen are always causing problems..."
"Seems like it really happened then huh..."
Kailen could hear the onlookers mention how Macky seemed to be quite close with Nilen.
"This again proves nothing, you could've taken him for all we know."
"Well, I'm sure people will believe me. There were a few witnesses to last night's fight as well, hand over your son and we can end this peacefully."
From what Kailen had heard, Nilen was the only heir to the Stanly house so that request was almost impossible. It seemed everybody came to the same conclusion as everyone eagerly adjusted their grips on their weapons.
After silence greeted him, William sighed deeply before raising his hand high in the air and spoke.
"You leave me no choice then, Steve."