NOVEL WEB Chapter 11: The Price of Allegiance - 11
11 – The Price of Allegiance
The streets of Veltheris were alive with movement, filled with the scent of freshly baked bread, the clang of blacksmiths' hammers, and the occasional hum of Ethrion-infused artifacts being tested by merchants. The capital of Valzariya was a place where power shifted hands in many ways—not just through politics but through the guilds that formed the backbone of the kingdom's military.
Lucian and Seraphina walked with purpose toward the Grand Guild Hall, a fortress-like structure that served as the heart of Valzariya's independent military forces.
The Holy Dominion had power, but its influence was not absolute. War required soldiers. And soldiers required loyalty—or payment.
---
Inside the Guild Hall, warriors, mercenaries, and magic-wielders moved in small groups, discussing contracts and upcoming battles. At the far end of the chamber sat Garret Voskar, leader of Emberfang Legion—a guild known for its ruthless efficiency in battle.
The man was built like a war machine, his crimson armor reflecting the torchlight. He grinned as Lucian and Seraphina approached.
"The Dominion seeks warriors?" Garret mused. "Never thought I'd see the day."
Seraphina remained composed. "We require skilled fighters to suppress the rebellion. Your guild has a reputation for efficiency."
"Efficiency, yes," Garret said, leaning forward. "But we don't fight for free."
He slid a scroll across the table. Lucian picked it up, scanning the contents.
A massive sum of gold for every warrior deployed.
Unrestricted trade rights in Dominion-controlled regions.
A seat at the war council of Valzariya.
Seraphina barely glanced at the scroll before pushing it back.
"You demand too much," she said coldly.
Garret smirked. "And you ask too much. You need us more than we need you."
Lucian could see it—Seraphina's restraint. She would not allow herself to show anger, but he could feel the tension in her stance.
"Then we look elsewhere," she said, turning away.
Garret laughed as they left.
---
The next guild was Obsidian Crows, a group known for their espionage, assassinations, and underground operations. Their leader, Selene Myrris, met them in a private chamber dimly lit by enchanted crystals.
"You waste your time," Selene said, her tone almost bored. "The Dominion's affairs do not concern us."
"You would ignore a rebellion that threatens this kingdom?" Lucian asked.
Selene smiled faintly. "Threats are opportunities. And we prefer to choose our own opportunities."
"You side with the rebellion, then?" Seraphina pressed.
"We side with profit," Selene corrected.
Lucian exchanged glances with Seraphina. The Obsidian Crows had already made their choice.
"Then we waste no more time," Seraphina said, leading Lucian out.
Two guilds, two failures. Their options were dwindling.
---
As they walked through the marketplace, Lucian noticed a man standing alone near a weapons stall, his silver-lined cloak catching the breeze.
It was Dain Irvath, the Captain of the Silver Hawks.
Nearby, several Silver Hawks members moved through the city, but Dain remained still, his gaze casually following the streets as if waiting for something.
Lucian and Seraphina exchanged a glance before approaching.
"You're gathering allies," Dain said before they even spoke.
"We are securing victory," Seraphina corrected.
Dain smirked. "Yet, Emberfang Legion demands too much, and Obsidian Crows refuse outright. That leaves you standing here, speaking to me."
Lucian crossed his arms. "Are you willing to listen?"
Dain tilted his head slightly. "That depends. What exactly does the Dominion want from us?"
"Your warriors. Your expertise," Seraphina said.
"And in return?"
"Compensation and the recognition of the Dominion's favor."
Dain chuckled. "Honor means little when bodies pile up in a war few understand."
Seraphina frowned. "You would turn your back on a rebellion that threatens Valzariya?"
Dain's sharp gaze met hers. "The question is whether it truly threatens Valzariya… or just the Dominion's hold over it."
Lucian observed the exchange. Dain was testing them.
"The rebellion stands against order," Seraphina insisted. "They defy divine law."
Dain sighed. "And you, Lucian? Do you believe that?"
Lucian hesitated for only a moment. "The rebellion will spread if not stopped. That is fact."
Dain studied him for a second longer than necessary, as if weighing his conviction.
Finally, he exhaled.
"The Silver Hawks are not your servants. We do not fight for faith—we fight for what we believe in. If we fight, it will be under our own terms."
Seraphina's lips pressed together slightly. "And what are those terms?"
"We fight alongside you, but we answer to no priest. We remain independent."
Lucian expected Seraphina to object, but after a long pause, she nodded.
"Agreed."
Dain smirked. "Then you have the Silver Hawks at your side."
---
As Lucian and Seraphina left the marketplace, the weight of their mission settled on them.
The Silver Hawks were strong, but was it enough?
Lucian exhaled. The next time they rode into battle, it would not just be the Order of the Dawn—it would be a force of warriors bound not by faith, but by survival.
The rebellion had no idea what was coming.