The hall had a scent of iron to it, filling the air making Cadin put his hand on his mouth, scoffing at the smell.
The walls were covered with canvas and weapons of fair quality, from longswords to short swords and axes. Doors littered both sides, leading to other rooms. In the end of the hallway was the stairwell, Cadin stepped onto the first board, beginning to creak as he continued up.
On the next floor was a thinner and shorter hall with a window in the end, sunshine shone through giving light to the entire area.
On the left and right were doors reaching the end of the hallway, one of which with a sword hanging on top of it.
A guard overtook them, reaching to the door and knocking a few times, awaiting a response.
He quickly opened the door after a muffled shout replied to him, the guard gestured his hand to Cadin and his escort, motioning them to enter inside.
He stepped inside, the strong smell of fresh wood mixing in with the scent of iron managed to seep through into Cadin's nose.
The room was small, drawers and desks lined both sides, littered with rolled scrolls and maps of different locations and a few scattered statuettes resembling soldiers, carved in wood.
In front, Cadin's old leader sat on a tough wooden chair, his hands resting on a personal desk with a large map unfurled on top of it.
"Cadin, I remember when you and I were still at the mercy of other tribes in this camp. Now, we own this forest." He laughed, slapping his palm onto the desk. Light shined from a large window behind him, one that oversaw the entire camp. Cadin took a seat on one of the chairs, facing the leader, clasping his hands in his lap.
"You have made so many improvements over the past few days, greatly benefiting us as a whole. This camp is far greater than before. All fixed and improved after that attack from before. So, what does my old subordinate require?" He leaned back on his chair, placing his hands on his lap.
Cadin cleared his throat, "We have lost many men during an expedition out of the forest and past the plains. Due to this and the lack of manpower we could bring to our ranks. We request soldiers from you." The leader nodded his head after Cadin finished.
"You require soldiers, very well. It is the least that could be done. How does 25 sound?"
"That is more than enough…My lord." Cadin quickly replied.
"You still call me lord," He laughed louder. " We are on equal footing now. Leading our own set of camps. Titles aside, with the help that you have given us, from expanding, to dealing with those threats outside the forest, and making this camp far stronger than before. Sending a few soldiers is little concern, even after the attack. Around 25 or 30 then?"
"Yes, thank you."
"We do not need much payment anymore, the rising amount of fishes we get is payment enough now. Show those soldiers an adventure will you? They shall be sent to your camp later." The man stood up from his chair and extended his hand, waiting for Cadin.
Cadin stood up and shook his hand.
"Continue bringing us that fish." Nodding his head in reply, Cadin along with his escorts who stood behind him, walked out.
They descended down the stairs, followed by the guards until they reached the exit. More walked around in the camp center with chests or baskets in their hands,
The smell of fish quickly flew inside Cadin's nose, briefly dominating the iron smell of the area.
'This place's aura is making me sick. What is it?" Cadin walked faster than earlier, racing to the entrance to leave the camp as soon as possible.
Cadin jumped on top of his horse upon exiting the camp gate. The four soldiers continued standing by, stoic and silent.
Taking one more look at his old home, Cadin tugged on the lead and his horse began running off down the path, his escorts following from the rear and on the sides.
Getting farther from the area, the scent of iron and feeling of discomfort Cadin once felt had left.
Their horses sped down the built pathway, slipping in and out of shade and light from the sun.
After a few minutes, Cadin arrived at the camp, hearing the sound of river currents get louder and louder in his arrival. He dismounted his horse, placing it inside the horse pen before walking inside. His escorts followed suit, bringing their horses inside the pen, periodically shaking and smacking their heads as if lost in confusion.
Cadin was greeted by the sound of a bustling camp center as the smell of fish filled the air. Fishermen walked in groups away from the river and into a wooden building to store their food, all waiting to be eaten quickly or sent to the other camps.
'I should focus on fishing more once this battle fiasco is over. Perhaps teach salting and such from what I could remember from before.' He thought before walking inside his home and smelling the scent of candles in his nostrils.
Cadin walked to the stairwell, regaining what energy he had lost to prepare for the battle ahead.
At the top it was calm and peaceful, with a little noise piercing its small atmosphere. His body lay down on the bed, waiting and planning.
As his eyes wandered around the room, he caught a glimpse of a black figure standing next to the stairwell, his demon.
"Just a quick reminder to my candidate. Warriors under MY authority are rather….Unpredictable. Best of luck nevertheless and gain more land." The figure vanished as quickly as it had manifested. Cadin returned to lying back down on the bed, remembering what the demon had said and returning to his thoughts & plans.
What seemed to be an hour passing, a knock interrupted Cadin's silent session to himself. Running downstairs he opened the door. Hoflin was standing with a face of confusion.
"My lord, there is quite a large army of soldiers waiting for you outside. They are looking for you."
"Ah excellent." Without another word, Cadin made his way to the gate.
Past the guards and the camp entrance, rows of soldiers stood in front, all awaiting Cadin's orders. Their faces stood emotionless, similar to what Cadin had seen.