How do you think?

Chapter 11: "Chains of Fate"

"I can’t believe I agreed to this," I muttered approaching the Golden Company camp. The horse’s hooves crunch softly against the dirt as I pat its neck. "Let’s just hope Ikaro’s plan works, right buddy?" Sereno, our cargo horse, snorts softly as if in agreement, his saddlebags loaded with spare weapons.

____
Flashback to Ikaro explaining the plan.

"It’s pretty simple. We use Kayn as bait," Ikaro declares with a grin, his confidence palpable.

"Why would you even do that? And why do you think it will work?" Iris’s brows furrow, her tone laced with skepticism, though her trust in her brother keeped her from outright dismissing the idea.

"Because Kayn has that good guy face, and I’ve seen him barter like a master merchant back in Helos. He’s perfect," He replied, leaning back with a triumphant air.

"Yeah, but what if they don’t even speak our language?" She countered. "And we can’t send him with Dawn."

"Can I have an opinion on this plan?" I interjectef, attempting to assert some authority.

"No," both siblings said in unison, their synchronized response leaving me momentarily speechless.

"You’re right, though. We can’t send him with that sword; it’ll be too obvious." Ikaro began pacing, pondering his next move. "Alright, here’s the plan. Kayn, you’ll take Sereno. He’s the most convincing cargo horse we have, so they’ll believe you’re a trader. We’ll load him up with some spare weapons from the cache to make it look legit. Meanwhile, Iris and I will sneak into position. She’ll provide cover with her bow while I get close enough to charge in and pass you Dawn. We take them down, free the slaves, and get out."

"Just like that?" Iris smirked, one brow raised at Ikaro’s unshakeable confidence.

"Just like that," he said, flashing a grin.

"So, I’m basically bait?" I asked, trying to piece together the plan’s finer points and my unfortunate role in it.

"Yep. We’re going to make you nice and fat for the sharks," She teased with a grin, her smirk sharp as a blade.

"Damn it... Alright, I’ll do it," In the end I conceded, though my tone betrayed a hint of ****.

"Excellent! I’ll get Sereno ready," Ikaro said, bounding off toward the horses with palpable enthusiasm.

Minutes later, Sereno was saddled and ready. I was focused on adjusting the straps when Iris approached me, her hands on her hips and an almost playful smirk softening her face.

"Stay safe out there, will you?" she sais, her voice steady but tinged with genuine concern.

"Hmm, I don’t know. I kind of like being the center of danger," I replied with a grin, leaning into the banter.

"Of course you do. Always charging headfirst with your head up your ass into the worst situations possible," she shot back, rolling her eyes. Then her expression shifted, becoming softer. "Just… be safe. Please?"

For a moment, the teasing faded, and I met her gaze, nodding earnestly. "I will."

"Good," she added, turning on her heel. "Because I’ll be really pissed if our chosen-by-the-gods dies to a Persian blade."

As she walked away, her hips swayed in a way that draw my attention despite the gravity of the moment. "Well," I murmured to myself with a wry grin, "at least if I die, I had one final good sight at that ass.”

I Climbed onto Sereno, giving the reins a light tug and began the slow, deliberate approach towards the Persian camp, my heart pounded fast in my chest with dread at the task at hand.
____
End of flashback.

“Athena, if you’re listening, forgive me for my stupidity,” I muttered under my breath, guiding Sereno closer to the camp. The sight of smoke curling into the air from their fire only made my stomach tighten further.

I squared my shoulders and **** a grin, raising my voice in a cheery, exaggerated tone. “HELLO THERE, FELLOW TRAVELERS!” I called out with my best attempt at sounding like a jovial merchant. “HOW ARE YOU ALL DOING ON THIS FINE MORNING?”

The reaction was immediate. All five mercenaries sprang to their feet, their curved swords drawn in a flash of steel. Their gazes were sharp and suspicious, their postures tense.

“Whoa, easy there!” I said with a shocked expression , holding my hands up in mock surrender. “I’m not here to cause any trouble.” Despite my attempt at confidence, my thoughts betrayed me. “IKARO IF I FUCKING DIE LIKE THIS I’M GOING TO HAUNT YOU FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.”.

The leader of the group took a step forward. He was tall, with broad shoulders and a distinct, polished armor that set him apart from the others, clearly marking him as someone of higher rank within the Golden Company. His expression was anything but welcoming.

“What are you doing here?” he demanded, his voice low and edged with menace. His thick Persian accent lingering on every word, dripping with suspicion. “You’d better have a damn good reason for disturbing our lunch.”

“Please, I mean no harm,” I replied quickly, my tone light and non-threatening. My gaze flickered to the cage nearby, where the group of slaves huddle together, their eyes hollow with exhaustion and fear. Every fiber of my being wanted to free them immediately, but I couldn't risk it, not yet.
“I saw a group of fine gentlemen like yourselves,” I continued, forcing a wide smile, “and thought you might be interested in some trade.”

The leader’s eyes narrowed. “No, we’re not,” he snapped, his distrustful glare cut into me like a blade.

I felt the air grow heavier as the swords inched closer at my throat. My mind raced, searching for anything to keep this charade going. Then I noticed it, mercenary standing to the side, his weapon catched the light. The blade was dull, its edge chipped and worn. That's my opening.

“But gentlemen,” I began, my voice took on a conspiratorial tone, “I couldn’t help but notice… some of you might be in need of an upgrade.”

The leader’s expression darkened, but I pressed on, nodding toward the mercenary with the rusty sword. “That blade of yours,” I said, addressing him directly, “looks like it’s seen better days.”

The mercenary stiffened, his posture betraying his embarrassment as the leader’s eyes shifted towards him.

“What about it?” the mercenary growled defensively, gripping the hilt of his weapon tighter. “It can still kill.”

“Of course it can,” I said smoothly, nodding in agreement. “But for how long? Another year? A month? …A day? I can fix that.”

The words hang in the air, I noticed a flicker of interest in the mercenaries’ eyes, though the leader’s scowl remained unmoved.

“I have some excellent swords and wares,” I gestured towards Sereno’s saddlebags. “High quality, fit for warriors like yourselves. But I’ll only show them to you if you lower those swords and trust that I’m here as a trader, not an enemy.”

The leader took a step closer, his blade hovering dangerously close to my throat. The cold steel sent chills down my spine, but I **** myself to hold his gaze, refusing to flinch.

One of the mercenaries approached him, whispering something in their native language. The leader’s jaw tightened as he considered the suggestion. After a tense moment, he exhaled sharply through his nose and lowered his weapon slightly.

“Very well,” he said grudgingly. “You’ll get your chance to trade, Greek. But make no mistake, one false move, and I’ll chop your head off myself.”

“I promise,” I replied with a quick nod, raising my hands in a gesture of peace. “A trader always keeps his word.”

As I lowered my hands and started unstrapping the bags from Sereno, I felt the weight of their stares. The slaves in the cage watched silently, their hope so faint it was barely there. But I knew, if this plan worked, that hope wouldn't die today.

I lead the mercenaries to Sereno, opening the saddlebags and displaying the weapons. Their eyes gleam with greed as they inspect the steel, running their fingers along the blades and weighing them in their hands. For a moment, the scene almost felt calm, almost.

“You have some good steel here,” the leader finally talked again, his tone grudging but tinged with approval.

“Thank you. I aim to please,” I answered, forcing a polite smile while my fists clench at my sides. My gaze flicked towards the cage. The slaves inside look frail and terrified, their chains rattled faintly as they shift nervously. My stomach churned, but I couldn't act. Not yet.

“But…” The leader turned sharply, his hand on his sword. He pulled it free in one smooth motion, the blade glinting menacingly in the sunlight. “I still don’t trust you.”

My heart pounded as I raised my hands in a mock gesture of surrender. “Seriously? What was it—my hat?” I quipped, masking my nerves with a smirk.

“No,” the leader growled, stepping closer. “I just don’t like paying.” His gaze drifted to the cage as his lips curled into a cruel grin. “I prefer taking what I want.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I catched a glimpse of movement...an arrow nocked, drawn, and ready. Iris. She was in position, her eyes were steady and full of fire.

“You know,” I began, my smirk widening despite the blade inches away from my throat, “I tried giving you the benefit of the doubt. Maybe you weren’t just another worthless piece of trash. But nope, slavers are always the same. Pieces of shit.”
The leader snarled, his knuckles whitening on the hilt of his sword. “Anyhow… IRIS!” I shouted
The twang of her bowstring was followed by the sickening thunk of an arrow finding its mark. One of the mercenaries dropped instantly, clutching at the shaft protruding from his neck before collapsing in a heap.

Chaos erupted like a war of mount Olympus.

“CHARGE!” Ikaro’s voice bellow from the treeline as he sprinted towards the remaining mercenaries, his spear glistening in the sunlight.

“شرکت نگهبان! (Company on guard!)” the leader roar, rallying his men as they scramble to respond.

“Kayn, catch!” Ikaro shouted, tossing my sword at me.

I snatched Dawn from the air, the familiar weight of the blade settling in my hand like an old friend. I whirled myself in offensive stance towards the leader, meeting his furious glare with a grin. “Shall we dance?” I said, raising my sword.

The leader roar in rage as he charged at me with his curved blade. Our swords clashed in a spray of sparks, the **** of the impact reverberating up my arm. He was very skilled, every strike was precise, every movement calculated. But I’ve danced this dance before. I parry, dodge, and counter everything he sent at me. The rhythm of battle was as natural to me as breathing.

Meanwhile, Ikaro throwed himself into the fray, wielding his father's shield and spear with practiced precision. He blocked a downward strike from one mercenary, deflecting the blow with his shield before driving his spear into the man’s throat. Blood sprayed as the mercenary collapsed, leaving Ikaro to turned and face the remaining two.

Iris, perched high above, providing cover with deadly efficiency. Her arrows flew true, one after another. The first volley found it's mark, a mercenary in the shoulder, the second in the leg, and the third a clean headshot. Ending him instantly.

The last mercenary hesitated, his courage faltering as he glanced around at the bodies of his comrades. He dropped his sword and turned to flee, but he didn't got far. Ikaro threw his spear with a shout, the weapon sail through the air and landed square in the back. He fall lifeless, pinned to the ground and motionless.

“Looks like it’s just you and me,” I circled him as the battlefield fall silent.

“Bastard!” he barked, his voice thick with rage. He lunges at me with renewed fury, his strikes faster and more **** than before.

I dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding a slash aimed at my head. His movements grew sloppier with each attack, frustration clouding his judgment. I awaited for the opening, the moment his guard drops. It came in a heartbeat. I sidestepped his next swing and pivot behind him, thrusting Dawn forward in a single, decisive motion. The blade pierced his back, sinking deep into his flesh. He gasped, the sound he made was wet and ragged, before collapsing to his knees.

I stepped back, pulling dawn free as he fell forward, blood pooling beneath him. His chest heaved once, twice, and then no more.

The battlefield fell quiet, save for the distant crackle of the mercenaries’ dying fire. I turned towards the cage, where the slaves stared in stunned silence, their chains clinking faintly as they shifted. It’s over. For now.

My breath came in short, ragged gasps, as I took a moment to steady myself. Dawn hung heavy in my hand, its steel still slick with blood. I planted it into the dirt and leaned on it slightly, letting the adrenaline ebb away.

Ikaro and Iris approached me, their faces flushed from the fight. Ikaro, of course, was the first to speak.

“I think someone should thank my brilliant mind,” he said, flashing a wide grin at his sister.

Iris rolles her eyes, though there was the faintest hint of a smile on her lips. “I think you should thank Kayn,” she countered. “He managed to give us enough time and provided the perfect distraction.”

“And I took down this asshole,” I added, giving the leader’s corpse a solid kick for good measure.

“Oh, come on! It was a good plan,” He retorted, crossing his arms and pouting slightly, though there was no malice in his tone.

“Yeah, it was,” I admitted with a smirk, “but next time, you’re the bait.”

I wiped the blood from Dawn’s, the metal catched the sunlight once again. I slid it back into its sheath as turned towards the **** cage. The sight of their sunken faces and trembling forms twisted something deep in my chest. Without another word, I strode over, grabbing the lock, and breaking it with a swift strike from the hilt of my sword.

The door creaked open, gesturing for them to come out. “Go on,” I said, my voice soft and caring. “You’re free.”

For a moment, they didn't move... They were too shocked or too scared to believe it. Then a man took a step forward, his chains clinked faintly. He was older compared to the rest, his hands tremble as he reached out towards me.

“Thank you, kind sir. Thank you,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

I offered him a small smile and helped him down from the cage. One by one, the others follow, their movements hesitant at first but growing more confident with each step.

As the group gathered, I knelt beside the leader’s corpse, rummaging through his belongings. My fingers close around a heavy pouch, I pulled it free. It jingled with the unmistakable sound of coins.

“Here,” I sais, handing the bag of gold to the older man. “It’s not much, but it’ll help you get started.”

His eyes widen as he accepted it, holding it as if it’s the most precious thing in the world. “Zeus bless you,” he said, his voice trembling with gratitude. “You are too kind.”

I watched as he turned to the others, calling them to follow. The group bega to move, their steps quicker, their shoulders lighter. One by one, they disappeared into the forest, the older man carried a young girl in his arms. She clinged to him tightly, her small hands wrapped around his neck.

Beside me, Iris watched them go, her expression unreadable. After a long moment, she spoke.

“We did good here,” she said quietly. Her voice was steady, but there’s a note of hope, perhaps even pride, in her words. Her gaze lingered on the father and daughter until they vanished from sight.

I nodded, glancing at her. “Yeah, we did,” I said softly.

“I just hope they’ll be okay,” She added, her brows furrowed slightly.

“They will,” Ikaro said with confidence, clapping a hand on his sister’s shoulder. His grin as wide as ever. “They’re free now. That’s what matters.”

As the last of the freed slaves disappeared into the forest, I turned back to the camp, my eyes catched a faint glint of metal behind the now-empty cage. Something was there, something we hadn’t seen from our hiding spot earlier.

Curiosity piqued, we approached the second cage, and my grip instinctively tightened around Dawn’s hilt.

Unlike the crude **** cage, this one was different. The bars were thicker, the craftsmanship more refined. It seemed almost out of place in a camp like this, as though it belonged to a far wealthier or more organized group.

Inside sat a young woman. Her dark, short hair framed a face that was calm, eerily so, given the chaos that had erupted around her moments ago. She didn’t flinch, didn’t cry for help. She simply sat there, watching us with an air of quiet composure.

“A cage for a single person?” Iris asked, her voice laced with suspicion. “That’s... weird.”

“Look at the quality,” Ikaro added, running his fingers along the edge of the bars. “It’s a lot better than the other cage. Like... Way ahead.” His tone darkened as he stepped back. “This isn’t just any prisoner.”

“I don’t understand” she said trying to fit it all together “Why are they carrying her separately?”
My eyes stayed fixed on the woman. There was something about her something unsettling and yet... familiar.

Then she moved. Slowly, she stood, brushing the dust from her tunic as though this were the most ordinary moment in the world. Her gaze swept over each of us before settling on me.

A small, knowing smile tugged at her lips.
“I was wondering when you’d show up,” she said, her voice calm yet resonant, each word laced with confidence. Her dark eyes locked with mine, and I felt a chill run down my spine.

“Kayn.”