Chapter 15: Old Debts and New Alliances
The winding trail leading away from the Obsidian Range was treacherous, but Kael strode through it with ease. Mira and Lira followed close behind, their packs heavy with supplies. They had agreed to split up—Mira and Lira would scout the Iron Order's supply routes while Kael sought allies from his past.
"Are you sure about this?" Mira asked, her green eyes narrowing. "We're in a race against time, and you're off chasing old ghosts."
Kael paused, turning to face her. "You said it yourself—we can't take the Bastion alone. If I can convince them to help, we'll have a chance. Besides, they owe me."
Mira sighed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Just don't take too long. We'll keep an eye on the Order until you get back."
Kael nodded, resting a massive hand on Mira's shoulder. "You'll know where to find me."
The Black Company
Kael's destination lay deep within the Bonewood, a cursed forest on the edge of the eastern territories. Few ventured into its twisted expanse willingly, but Kael knew it was the perfect hiding place for the Black Company—a group of mercenaries who operated outside the law.
Years ago, Kael had fought alongside the Black Company during the Siege of Arden. Their leader, a cunning and ruthless man named Garrick, had promised Kael a favor in return for saving his life. Kael intended to collect on that promise.
The Bonewood's dark canopy blotted out the sun, casting the forest floor in eerie twilight. Kael's footsteps were muffled by the thick layer of dead leaves beneath him, and the distant howls of predators echoed through the trees.
As he approached a clearing, he spotted movement ahead—shadows flitting between the trees, accompanied by the faint clink of weapons.
"Still skulking in the dark, Garrick?" Kael called out, his deep voice cutting through the silence.
A figure emerged from the shadows, clad in black leather armor adorned with a tattered crimson sash. Garrick's sharp features twisted into a smirk, his dark eyes glinting with recognition.
"Well, well," Garrick said, spreading his arms wide. "The titan returns. I thought you'd retired to some forgotten corner of the world."
Kael stepped into the clearing, towering over the mercenary. "I could say the same about you. But I didn't come here to reminisce. I need your help."
Bargaining for Blood
Garrick led Kael to the Black Company's camp, a hidden enclave of tents and makeshift fortifications nestled deep within the Bonewood. The air smelled of smoke and damp earth, and mercenaries moved about, sharpening blades and tending to their gear.
Inside Garrick's tent, the two men sat across from each other at a crude wooden table.
"You don't ask for help lightly," Garrick said, pouring a measure of dark liquor into two battered cups. "What's the job?"
Kael leaned forward, his voice low. "The Iron Order. They've taken something powerful—an artifact called the Shard of Dominion. If we don't stop them, they'll use it to conquer everything in their path."
Garrick whistled softly. "Bold claims. And you expect us to take on the Order? Their numbers dwarf ours, Kael. Even for us, that's suicide."
Kael's expression hardened. "The Order isn't invincible. I've seen their weaknesses, and I have a plan to exploit them. But I need fighters—your fighters."
Garrick studied him for a long moment, then leaned back in his chair. "You saved my life once, Kael. That means something. But loyalty doesn't pay the bills. What's in it for us?"
Kael's jaw tightened. He had expected this. Garrick was many things, but selfless wasn't one of them.
"I'll pay," Kael said, sliding a heavy pouch of coins across the table. "And when the Order falls, their resources are yours to loot. Weapons, supplies, tech—everything."
Garrick picked up the pouch, weighing it in his hand. "Not bad," he admitted. "But we'll need more than coin to fight the Iron Order. We'll need assurances."
Kael stood, his massive frame casting a long shadow across the tent. "You have my word. When this is over, you and your company will be richer than you've ever dreamed. But I need your answer now, Garrick. Lives are at stake."
Garrick smirked, tossing the pouch back onto the table. "Fine. You've got yourself a deal. But if this goes sideways, don't expect us to stick around."
An Unexpected Addition
As Kael prepared to leave the camp with a contingent of Black Company fighters, he was approached by a tall, wiry man with a tattooed face and piercing blue eyes.
"You're Kael, aren't you?" the man asked, his voice smooth.
Kael frowned. "Who's asking?"
"Name's Thorn," the man said. "I've heard about you. Word travels fast in the Bonewood."
Kael crossed his arms. "And?"
Thorn grinned. "And I want in. The Iron Order's been sniffing around these parts for months, taking what they want, killing anyone who gets in their way. I've got a score to settle."
Kael studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Fine. But you follow my orders. No improvising."
"Deal," Thorn said, slapping Kael on the shoulder. "This is going to be fun."
Returning to Mira and Lira
With the Black Company at his back, Kael made his way back toward the Obsidian Range. The journey was grueling, but he felt a renewed sense of purpose. For the first time, they had a real chance of taking down the Iron Order.
When he reunited with Mira and Lira at their hidden camp, Mira's eyes widened at the sight of the mercenaries.
"Looks like you brought an army," she said, her tone half-teasing.
"An army's exactly what we'll need," Kael replied. He turned to Garrick and Thorn. "This is Mira and Lira. They'll brief you on the Order's supply routes and defenses."
As the group gathered to plan their next move, Kael felt a flicker of hope. The odds were still against them, but they weren't alone anymore. Together, they would strike at the heart of the Iron Order and take back the Shard.