Steel and Sorrow: Rise of the Mercenary king

Chapter 34: Looking for employment(3)

"He speaks and acts like a nobleman," Asag thought quietly to himself as he observed Alpheo, the only person who had ever called him brother in all his life. To most people, Asag appeared simple-minded, and they tended to avoid conversing with him any more than necessary. He was often overlooked and underestimated, but he had learned to observe, to read between the lines, and learn people like a book.

After Asag saved Alpheo's life , he had introduced his savior to his close circle of friends, who had been kind to him. But even among them, Asag felt like an outsider, like a rat hiding in his hole, observing from the shadows. He watched them closely, studying their mannerisms and behaviors. Jarza, for example, was stoic and reserved, rarely showing emotion except for the fierce loyalty that burned in his eyes whenever he looked at Alpheo. Alpheo had a knack for raising loyalty in others, perhaps a gift from the gods, they were supposed to bless men, yet Asag always felt more cursed than blessed in any way.

As the wind whipped around him, Asag felt a twinge of pain from the burn scar on his face. It stung like a cat's scratch.He tried to distract himself

Then there was Egil, a mystery to Asag. At times, he appeared jovial and lighthearted, but there was a darkness lurking beneath the surface, a readiness to wield his sword at a moment's notice. Asag couldn't help but realise that the life of a mercenary suited Egil the best.

Clio, the final member of their group, was absent at the moment. Asag couldn't quite see how Alpheo could make use of him, aside from being a loyal follower who obeyed orders without question. Unlike Jarva, who possessed great strength, or Egil, who was skilled with horses, Clio didn't seem to have any remarkable qualities. He did not know how to read, nor to count and was not even a great warrior. Yet, despite his lack of obvious talents, Asag knew that Clio was fiercely loyal, so at least there was a silver lining.

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Alpheo remained a mystery to Asag, a complex mix of kindness and cruelty. He seemed to take pleasure in the suffering of others, particularly when it came to watching the soldiers and cooks deaths . Though he never participated directly, Alpheo would watch with a sense of satisfaction, as if reveling in the chaos he had orchestrated.He was like a man dancing in humankind's shadow, weaving strings and observing the results from afar. If Asag had to choose a word to describe him, it would be charismatic. Alpheo had a way with words, able to charm and manipulate those around him effortlessly. Despite leading 530 people out of the camp, only 20 left after reaching imperial land , while taking their share of the loot. If that was not proof of silver tongue, than Asag was at a loss.

Even now, as he observed Alpheo engaging in negotiations with Robert, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. Despite his reservations and doubts, there was something undeniably captivating about the way Alpheo acted , talked and behaved, as if everything was just a dice waiting to be thrown by him.As if men, wars, plots were nothing more than a plaything for him to fight off boredom. It was scary , yet also enticing and Asag could not help but listen to another one of Alpheo tricks.

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"Two months," Alpheo stated firmly, raising two fingers. "We want to be paid two months in advance."

Robert's forehead creased in frustration, his expression teetering on the edge of explosion. "What are you talking about?" he blurted out, clearly taken aback by Alpheo's demand.

"As I said, we want to be paid partially in advance," Alpheo repeated, nonchalantly inspecting his nails as if the matter was of little consequence. "I have a hunch that your lord's treasury is quite empty after two years of war. Such prolonged conflict tends to have dire consequences on the coffers."

'How does he know that?' Robert's mind raced, baffled by how a mercenary leader could have such detailed insight into their financial affairs. Unbeknownst to him, Alpheo was simply making an educated guess based on the state of the prince's army and the duration of the war.In short , he shot at the dark hoping to hit a bird and he did... Nevertheless, Alpheo's boldness left Robert feeling uneasy.

"This is unheard of!" Robert exclaimed, his frustration evident as his fist pounded against the table, his guards inching closer in a show of force.

Alpheo remained unfazed, his gaze steady as he addressed Robert. "Sir Robert, I suggest you remain calm and instruct your guards to step back. I won't tolerate threats, so I advise caution in their behavior," he warned, his tone carrying a subtle edge.'' I have many more guards than you, and I fear that they may not be so welcoming as I am''

Robert reluctantly gestured for his guards to retreat, his apprehension palpable. "I suppose you're concerned about us absconding with the payment," he acknowledged.

Alpheo nodded knowingly. "Indeed, just as you fear us fleeing with the money, I fear that your prince may be unable to fulfill his end of the bargain. Consider things from our perspective, Sir Robert. We are newcomers to these lands, and I'm hesitant to embark on a risky venture without some assurance of payment," he explained, his smile faint but confident. "Therefore, it seems only fair that we receive some upfront compensation to ensure that we fulfill our obligations."

Robert's growl tapered off into a heavy sigh as he brought his hands to his chest, a solemn oath escaping his lips. "I swear by the gods that my prince shall pay his due. May hell take my soul if I lie," he declared, almost satisfied at his own intelligence.

For a brief moment, Alpheo fell silent, his mind drifting away 'I should have anticipated this,' he mused inwardly, 'I should have known that for these mongrels that swearing to the gods means absolute truths .For them it may be good enough but for me it is not'

Returning his focus to the present, Alpheo mirrored Robert's gesture, placing his hand over his chest in a solemn gesture of reciprocity. "Well, in that case," he began, his tone measured and deliberate, "I swear by the gods that I shall not renege on our agreement nor abscond with the prepayment," he pledged, his words infused with a mocking tone

As he concluded his oath, Alpheo turned his gaze towards Robert, his expression expectant. "Now that we have both sworn our allegiance, I see no reason why a partial payment cannot be arranged," he proposed, a hint of satisfaction tugging at the corners of his lips.

Robert looked uneasy as he shifted in his seat, he pursued his lips but said nothing. Alpheo observed his movement and understood he had hit the nail 'The bastards do not have the coin to pay us!They don't have coins nor men , how do they think they are going to win their wars?Or are they thinking that we will fight their losing battle and then kindly await their leisure to pay us our due?'