Chapter 16: Unspoken Bonds
The camp settled into an uneasy quiet as the final hours before dawn ticked away. Most of the Black Company's mercenaries rested, sharpening their blades or murmuring prayers to old gods, while others lay in their bedrolls, feigning sleep. Among the planning and preparations, there were a few moments of raw humanity—moments where the weight of what was to come pressed down on each of them.
Kael and Garrick
Kael sat near the fire, his massive frame illuminated by the flickering light. He was wrapping the hilt of his greatsword with a fresh strip of leather when Garrick approached, his sharp eyes glinting in the low light.
"Still fussing over that old blade?" Garrick asked, crouching beside him.
Kael glanced up. "It's seen more battles than you, Garrick. Treat your weapon well, and it won't fail you."
Garrick chuckled, leaning back on his hands. "You've always been sentimental about your gear. Never thought I'd see the day you'd come knocking on my door again, though. Times must be rough."
Kael didn't rise to the bait. Instead, he continued his task, his movements steady and deliberate. "I came because I know you can fight. Because you owe me. And because this battle will take more than strength—it'll take resolve."
Garrick's smirk faltered for a moment, and he looked into the fire. "You think this Shard really is as bad as they say?"
"It's worse," Kael said quietly. He met Garrick's gaze, his dark eyes unflinching. "You'll see it for yourself soon enough. Just remember why you agreed to this."
Garrick nodded slowly, his usual bravado muted. "Fair enough, old friend. I'll see it through."
Mira and Lira
At the edge of the camp, Lira sat cross-legged, inspecting a small blade. The weapon wasn't particularly special, but she sharpened it with care. Mira approached quietly, her cloak whispering against the ground.
"You don't have to do this," Mira said softly, sitting down beside her.
Lira didn't look up. "Yes, I do."
Mira tilted her head, studying the younger woman. "You've already done more than enough. Stealing that data shard and leading us here—that took courage. No one would blame you if you sat this part out."
Lira finally looked up, her green eyes blazing with determination. "The Iron Order took everything from me. My home, my family, my friends. If I can stop them from doing that to someone else, then it's worth it."
Mira nodded, her expression softening. "Just be careful. Thorn's reckless, and the depot won't be easy to take."
Lira smiled faintly. "I'll manage. I'm not as fragile as I look."
Mira chuckled. "I've noticed. Just remember—there's no shame in retreating if it means living to fight another day."
Lira's smile faded, replaced by a look of quiet resolve. "I'll fight as long as I have to."
Thorn's Past
Thorn lounged against a tree, twirling a dagger between his fingers. He seemed at ease, but there was a restless energy to him, like a coiled spring waiting to snap. Kael approached, towering over him, but Thorn didn't flinch.
"You don't seem worried," Kael said, crossing his arms.
Thorn shrugged. "Worry doesn't change anything. Besides, this isn't my first suicide mission."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "I've heard whispers about you. That you used to be with the Order."
Thorn's playful grin faded, his eyes narrowing. "Used to be. That's the key phrase."
Kael didn't press, but his silence was heavy, expectant.
Thorn sighed, sheathing his dagger. "Fine. You want the story? I joined the Order when I was young and stupid. Thought their promises of power and order sounded better than the chaos I grew up in. But then I saw what they really stood for. Control. Fear. They didn't care about people—just domination."
"Why leave?" Kael asked.
"Because I couldn't stomach it anymore," Thorn said, his voice low. "I walked away and swore I'd never let them pull me back. Now I see they've only gotten worse."
Kael nodded, his expression unreadable. "Then use that anger. Fight like your life depends on it—because it does."
Thorn smirked, but there was no humor in it. "Don't worry, big guy. I've got plenty of anger to go around."
Kael and Mira
Later that night, as the camp grew quiet, Kael found Mira sitting atop a rocky outcrop, staring out at the moonlit peaks of the Obsidian Range. He climbed up to join her, the rock groaning slightly under his weight.
"Couldn't sleep?" Kael asked, sitting beside her.
Mira shook her head. "Too much to think about."
They sat in silence for a while, the cold wind brushing against their faces.
"You've changed," Mira said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kael glanced at her, his brow furrowing. "How so?"
"When we first met, you were… I don't know. More closed off. Like the weight of the world was yours to bear alone," Mira said. She smiled faintly. "Now you let people in. You trust us. It's… surprising."
Kael looked down at his hands, the calloused skin a testament to years of battle. "I've learned that no one can fight alone forever. I've tried, and it doesn't work."
Mira nodded, her smile fading. "And what happens if we fail?"
Kael's voice was steady. "We won't."
Mira sighed, leaning back against the rock. "Sometimes I wish I had your confidence."
"It's not confidence," Kael said quietly. "It's necessity."
They sat in silence again, watching the stars. The bond between them was unspoken but strong, forged through countless battles and shared sacrifices.
Morning's Resolve
As the first light of dawn broke over the camp, Kael stood and looked out at his assembled team. Their faces reflected the same determination he felt in his chest.
Today, they would face the Iron Order and their cursed Shard. Today, they would defy the impossible.
And win or lose, they would do it together.