You now understand how interesting these two mercenaries are. The Ladus is a great warrior, but a vain and ridiculous man. They understood this, as they must have understood Hasike’s position as well as the intelligence they had gathered on the border before they approached Hasike and the Ladus. I was struck at that moment by the thought that one hundred and fifty gold pieces was not as preposterous as it initially seemed. Nor did Kailen’s demeanour shift for a moment at this change in the agreement, as though it too had been rehearsed.

The Ladus looked about the room, and I noted Kailen’s satisfaction. He had concluded much as I did, that this gesture indicated Ladus did not have the initiative or command here. He sought the faces of his clan leaders for their view on this offer, though it would have been madness to refuse.

“Explain your plan,” he said.

The Prince continued. “Enfeoff the three clans, at the cost of one quarter of Hasike’s own lands and four of his herds. Make also a gift to each clan of five hundred gold pieces, along with two hundred jars each of cocklebur seeds and the recipes for them. Commit also to fund a war commune there and give them a place on the council. In return…”

There were cries of “Disgrace!” and others much more colourful, but The Prince continued over them.

“In return you have extended your borders, united four clans that Hansike will soon get control of, gained two castles and a number of forts and weakened Turis considerably on this front.”

Though the hubbub continued a moment, the Ladus raised his hand for silence.

“Hasike?” he said.

“I believe with some suitable marriages, the war commune in what remains of my territory and my family’s lineage in respect of these clans, I and my sons after me will take overall control of these lands, though I expect, as The Prince has said, that they will accede to our offer willingly. I can commit from my own men enough, with Kailen’s help, to secure the castles while we secure the lands.”

The Ladus nodded. Hasike had improved his standing immensely. He took some time, looking over the map, lost in thought.

“Return with the agreements and I will have the payments ready, both for those clans and these two mercenaries.”

The territory was duly won, Kailen and The Prince were proved right.

I understand from some of the soldiers that I’d questioned regarding them that Kailen commands only a crew of twenty, and they have been making a name for themselves wherever they’ve signed. They have not yet signed a purse for a general that lost a battle.

I recommend an introduction, we may learn much from this remarkable man.

introducing

If you enjoyed

THE DREAD WYRM,

look out for

A CROWN FOR COLD SILVER

by Alex Marshall