Chapter 74
Sophie
Day 62 of First Landing
Kronfeldt
“Surely you’ve got something, a lead, a company. What happened to the last of the Ironclad?” I asked, fixing my gaze on the scarred feline warrior. Bronzeclaw, a weathered relic of his glory days, shifted under my scrutiny despite towering over me by nearly two feet.
“They’ve scattered,” he said, his gravelly voice edged with resignation. “Some signed on with other bands, others headed north. A few drifted to Havenreach, chasing softer coin as pirates or bounty hunters.”
“I need cavalry. I’m not asking for an entire army. Even thirty good men will do,” I said, adjusting my bunny mask, irritation simmering as I scanned the square. Where was she?
“Cavalry?” Bronzeclaw snorted, crossing his arms. “You’ll need a guild sponsor to muster a new company. That’s no simple feat. Why not hire a few haulers down at the docks and call it done?”
“Because you could do it,” I countered, my patience wearing thin.
“I’m out,” he growled, the words slow and deliberate. “Done with blood and iron. And I’ll not tangle with Eldrin magic. I’m tired, woman.”
“Is that so? You want vengeance for your brothers, don’t you? Fight for me, and I’ll help you destroy the Red Scythe.”
“It’s too much. I’m just one man,” he protested, shaking his head as if to banish the idea.
Before he could refuse again, the sound of wheels on cobblestone drew our attention. A lavish carriage pulled by a chestnut mare glided to a halt before the guildhall, driven by a sleek, gray-furred fox draped in sumptuous black robes. The driver dismounted with practiced elegance and swung open the gilded doors.
She stepped out, her presence commanding and enigmatic. Draped in flowing purple silk robes embroidered with silver, the woman wore an exquisite ivory fox mask, its delicate features both alluring and intimidating.
Right on time.
“T-the White Fox,” Bronzeclaw stammered, bowing low enough to look awkward despite his size. “My lady, what brings you to the Mercenary Guild?”
The White Fox extended a silk-gloved hand, her movements graceful yet calculated. The mercenary bent low, kissing the back of her fingers as though he feared doing otherwise.
“Is there a problem here, Lois?” Her voice was crisp, imperious—a blade cloaked in velvet. “Have you failed to secure a contract?”
“My lady, this man claims there are no mercenaries available for your generous offer,” I said timidly, bowing repeatedly in apology.
“Did he, now?” Her judgment settled over him, her annoyance palpable.
“I was explaining to your assistant that… we simply do not have the men available.”
"Spread the word to every blade-for-hire: I am prepared to offer ten shares in the East India Trading Company to any soldier who enters my service—and another ten upon the completion of a year’s contract." The White Fox’s voice rose, cutting through the murmurs of the hall like steel. "Your task is simple: rid the countryside of troglodytes and raiders encroaching on my interests. Surely, even mercenaries can manage that? Or has the quality of this guild fallen so far?"
“Bronzeclaw here says only a senior member can establish a new mercenary company,” I suggested, leaning back, watching the game unfold.
“Is that so? Captain, I’ll offer you double the shares if you lead this new company,” she declared, her gaze sharp on the old veteran.
“I’m no captain, Mistress… just a quartermaster… I cannot,” Bronzeclaw’s stammer betrayed his rising panic.
“Bronzeclaw, Bronzeclaw… hmmm…” The White Fox mused aloud, her tone laced with mockery. “If I recall correctly, you were quite the soldier of legend. They used to call you the Lion of the Ironclad, did they not? Perhaps we should call you the Kitten of the Ledgers from now on.”
Her words hung in the air like a challenge. Bronzeclaw’s scarred face darkened, his golden eyes narrowing dangerously. Straightening to his full height, he glared at her.
“A coward? Fine then. I will not have cowards in my company. You can stick to your ledgers while I hire a real leader,” she sneered, her words cutting deep.
As Bronzeclaw’s pride flared, her barbed words struck a nerve. The promise of shares tempted several ambitious sellswords to step forward, eager to cast aside their current contracts for a shot at leadership. But before anyone could speak, Bronzeclaw found his resolve.
“Fine then. I’ll do it, Mistress,” he declared, his voice steady and firm. “You’ll find no better suitor for the role than me. I’ve served my former company for ten years, and I’ve earned this.”
Gone was the uncertainty from moments before—Bronzeclaw stood ready, determined to reclaim the respect he once commanded.
“Do I have your loyalty?” The White Fox’s asked of the feline warrior.
“My loyalty is to the guild, Mistress.”
“And in all matters outside the guild, do I have your loyalty?”
“Yes, Mistress.” He nodded.
“Good. Lois, prepare the contracts for any men joining this new company. We’ll call it the White Fang Legion.” The White Fox shot a glance in my direction, and I pulled out my Contract card, ready to finalize the agreements.
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White Fang Legion Mercenary Contract
Duration: 1 Year
Parties:
This agreement is between White Fang Legion and [_______ ]
1. TERM & DUTIES:
* The Employee will serve as a mercenary under the White Fang Legion for 1 year, starting on [_____] and ending on [_______].
* Duties include combat, protection, and any tasks assigned by The Company.
2. COMPENSATION:
* Payment of 10 Shares in The East India Trading Company after completion of training (1-month probationary period), 10 Shares After Honorable Discharge
* An additional payment of 10 Thirds per Month is to be paid to each member past their 1-month probationary period. Bonuses for high-risk missions and exceptional performance.
3. CONFIDENTIALITY:
* All sensitive information related to The Company, its clients, or its operations to outsiders is confidential even upon dishonorable discharge
* The Employee agrees to maintain confidentiality for 10 years after the contract ends.
4. NON-COMPETE & LOYALTY:
* The Employee will not work for competitors or engage in conflicting operations during the contract term.
* All Company interests take priority over external conflicts.
5. CONDUCT:
* Honor and professionalism are required to maintain the image of the White Fox and its interests. Dishonorable actions will lead to immediate termination without pay.
6. TERMINATION:
* The Company may terminate the contract for breaches or misconduct.
* The Employee may resign with 30 days' notice but forfeits any bonuses or benefits.
7. INJURY & DEATH:
* Medical care is provided for on-duty injuries.
* A death gratuity of 10 Shares will be paid to the Employee's beneficiary.
8. EQUIPMENT:
* The Company provides standard equipment. Personal gear may be used with approval. Damages caused by negligence may result in deductions from pay.
9. DISPUTE RESOLUTION:
* Any disputes will be resolved through arbitration under [Jurisdiction].
Signatures
Employee: ___________________
Date: _______________
Beneficiary
________________________
________________________
For White Fang Legion: ___________________
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Date: _______________
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It was a total chore getting them to sign one by one, as most couldn’t even read the Void Script it was translated into. Their new commander, Bronzeclaw, had to recite it for them before they could agree to sign.
In total, the new company successfully signed twenty-five recruits. Not only would they serve as a personal guard for the White Fox’s interests, but they were also tasked with patrolling the Southern Crown Duchy—where Thornhill was located—keeping an eye out for potential disturbances along the southern road that led to Thornhill's trading post currently under construction. Bronzeclaw took charge, overseeing the initiation ceremonies, while we provided the company with a modest sum to purchase any additional horses they couldn’t supply themselves. This was to be a cavalry company.
“Have your men ready to ride out within three days,” The White Fox ordered the men who lined up and saluted her. “Prepare to ride south when I give the command.”
Twenty-five riders against maybe five hundred raiders? Not ideal. I didn’t expect this company to bear the brunt of the fighting; I had to rely on Thornhill and Orion to handle the bulk of the killing, while we came in from behind to clean up the deserters and the defenseless like the archers. It was paramount that none of these raiders escaped, as per Orion’s explicit instructions.
After concluding our business with the mercenary company, I joined the White Fox in her carriage as we returned to the East India Company headquarters.
“I apologize for my earlier impertinence, my lady,” the “White Fox” said, watching her shift from her imperious demeanor to her natural, bookish grace—the side of her I’d first noticed.
“Relax. You’re doing great. Eventually, I’ll have to bring in another intermediary, and you’ll need to treat her just the same.” I sighed, collapsing back against the plush leather seating. “How are the supplies coming along?”
“We’ve secured ten more crossbows and about 300 bolts and arrows, my lady. By tomorrow, the Smith Guild assures us they can provide another 200 bolts and arrows. I have to apologize as the Smiths find it difficult to keep up with the demand for crossbows.”
That would bring our total to a thousand bolts and arrows in total. Not bad for such on such short notice.
“More importantly, there’s big news from the mines. They’ve struck a major gold vein in the Northwest mines. It’s significant,” The White Fox gushed.
“Interesting. With the profit from that, buy up every piece of land and property we can with our free funds,” I instructed.
“May I ask why you acquired all those wagons, buckets, and that new property on Queen's Way?” she asked, about a previous order I issued to several runners.
“I’m creating a firefighting company. That pier with its shacks and homeless is such an eyesore, don’t you think? Ruins the property value of the surrounding storefronts. It’d be nice if someone were to take care of it,” I smiled, envisioning the transformation.
“Are you sure about that? Those poor souls will… need homes.” The White Fox said quietly, unsure.
Sigh. Moralists.
“There are plenty of empty buildings they can squat in. I can’t have merchants and traders visit the docks and see all that… refuse. It leaves a terrible impression. Bad for business.” I said, crossing my arms as if I didn’t want to talk or think about it anymore.
“I see… is there anything else?”
“My partner has asked me to check on two kittens that worked at one of the popular food stalls. Nax and Fleetpaw. They have a shack at the docks. Make sure they have proper lodgings and offer them jobs as my new runners.” I said.
“I’ll see it done, my lady.”
Back at the White Fox Exchange & Loans, painters were busy applying a fresh coat of white paint to the bricks. Masons were moving in ionic pillars, and a new iron door, guarded by two boar sentinels, was being installed at the front. Our little empire in Kronfeldt was expanding, but I needed to stay one step ahead of the growing attention.
As the construction crew bowed towards the White Fox, my guards showed me more deference, a fact I noted with a slight frown. I’d need to address that.
Inside, the place was being fitted with granite tiles, and in one of the rooms, two tan leather chairs sat by an ebony table. A red fox—maskless, just a simple male fox—bank employee was in conversation with a client. From my vantage point, I could see the client’s long black ponytail as he explained something to my fox employee, looking utterly flabbergasted.
“Oh, there she is,” the client said, his smarmy expression amplified by a thin-oiled mustache. His wide-set eyes and pointed ears marked him as Halfrin. What struck me was his resemblance to someone of note... Mayor Kaelan, the Mayor of Kronfeldt.
“White Fox, listen here. Your employee won’t give me another loan,” the Halfrin said, thrusting a loan contract into the White Fox’s hands. I quickly glanced it over. “This nitwit says I can only take out a loan of 100 Firsts.”
The employee, Jansen—a red fox I’d poached from another bank—bowed apologetically toward me. Once again, I’d have to remind the staff to show consideration to the real White Fox, not me.
“Mr. Kaeven, you’ve already taken out a loan of 100 Firsts from our company. We cannot extend your line of credit any further. It is our policy,” the White Fox responded, her tone flat, like the kind a manager uses when dealing with an upset Karen.
“This is ridiculous! I’m the mayor’s son! When I get my allowance and when the Dealer’s favor shines on me, I’ll have your money back,” Kaeven said, his entitlement mixing with desperation. “I just need a little coin to get a few lenders off my back and—”
“I believe I can make some arrangements with this young man,” I interrupted.
Both Jansen and Sable, the current White Fox, paused and stared at each other before turning to Kaeven with pity as I stepped in.
We moved into Jansen’s office, where he offered me the seat and stood at my side. The White Fox had other clients to attend to, so I pulled out a Contract and began scribbling the terms. I could do this on autopilot now.
“Jansen, fetch 100 Firsts for this young man while we discuss business,” I said.
“Right away... Miss Lois,” Jansen replied, bowing before quickly leaving the room.
“Where’s the White Fox? I’d rather deal with her,” Kaeven asked, gritting his teeth at the indignity as if he was used to receiving Daddy Mayor and his servant's attention his entire life.
“Your credit’s no good with the White Fox, Mr. Kaeven. You’re too much of a risk. I am in charge of the… high-risk loan department,” I smiled, watching him squirm.
“Look, I’m good for it! Dealer’s balls. My father is the mayor! Just wait—my luck will turn around at the high table,” he said, leaning forward in desperation. “I just need a little more breathing room.”
“Do you own any businesses or property, Mr. Kaeven?” I asked.
“Not much, but I’m in line to become mayor. I’ll have the town’s coffers at my disposal soon enough.”
Unlikely. As much as I’d love to rob this town blind, I couldn’t let a gambling addict like Kaeven take the mayor's seat in Kronfeldt. For Thornhill to grow strong, Kronfeldt needed to thrive as well. It can’t have an incompetent gambling addict deplete the town’s coffers in a throw of a die. Or… maybe we can use him as a puppet. It’ll just depend on how much I can pull his strings and keep him in check.
“Then here’s the deal—you’ll act as an informant for us. You’ll keep us in the loop on the mayor’s dealings and anything related to the White Fox’s interests. I’ll lend you the money, but you’ll report back to me as a… freelance employee working off your debt. Understand?” I asked, tapping my fingers on the desk.
“B-but—”
“Or,” I leaned in, my voice dropping all its pretense of civility, “I could sell your remaining debt to the Silver Tally in Black Bay. I hear they’re quite... efficient at recovering losses.”
“This is extortion,” Kaeven muttered, his face pale. “I’m the mayor’s son.”
He sounded like a parrot. I’m the mayor’s son, I’m the mayor’s son. Ugh.
“It’s not extortion, it’s business. You’re in debt, and I’m offering you a way out.” I smiled, returning to the good guy routine.
A thick silence hung in the air as I slid a Contract card toward him.
“This interest rate is... usury!” Kaeven protested as he skimmed the contract.
“How many lenders did you go to before you came to me, Kaeven? You said it yourself—your luck will turn around. And if it doesn’t... well, there’s already a clause that lets you pay off the interest through other means. No arms or legs required,” I chuckled softly.
Kaeven flinched as my laughter broke the tense atmosphere.
Just then, Jansen returned, carrying a bag of Firsts. He counted out the coins as Kaeven watched greedily, licking his lips. After breathing heavily for a moment, Kaeven finally signed the contract, and I tucked the card away into my palms. Just one of many debts I was waiting to collect.
“End of the week, I’ll be back,” Kaeven muttered, pocketing the coins before leaving.
Jansen shook his head, looking concerned. “That could be trouble, Miss Lois. He’s not likely to pay, and he is the mayor’s son.”
“I know guys like him. He’s too proud to go to his father, and he’s running from debtors all over town. I’m the only oasis he has left.” I smiled. “Speaking of debts... it’s almost the end of the week, Jansen. Tell Stonefist and Manox to start collecting what’s owed.”
“Yes, Miss Lois,” Jansen replied.
“I don’t want them to break any bones or cut off any fingers, got it? Threaten their family, harass, and hurt them, but don’t cripple them. Can’t exactly pay off their debt when they can’t work now, can they? Have them sign over their deeds or take any holdings or property as interest. Jewelry, furniture, livestock, yada yada yada.”
I yawned, stretching out again.
“Of course, Miss Lois.”
“And have Sable lock up early—you both deserve it.”
“Will you be in tomorrow?”
“I’m not sure yet. I’m waiting for a message. If I’m not, make sure to stop all sales of East India and this company’s shares. We’ve spread enough ownership among the nobility. I don’t want to give away too much control.”
“Yes, my lady.”
I stretched as I rose from the comfortable leather chair. After checking in on Hanseatic Limited, the company managing our shipments to Thornhill, I retired to an inn. It wasn’t overly lavish, though it was a slight upgrade from the old one, complete with a marble tub, spermaceti candles, and myrrh incense. A plate of freshly shucked oysters paired with white wine awaited me. A girl’s gotta spoil herself once in a while, and I figured I deserved a little indulgence, so I dipped into my commission for the treat.
The next day, while strolling through the food stalls, a bird’s cry echoed behind me. Looking up, I spotted a blue bird circling above the city. I waved it down but realized it probably didn’t recognize me with my bunny mask on. Finding a secluded spot, I removed the mask and caught its attention. The bird landed on my shoulder, pecking gently at my hand for a treat as I patted its head.
A note was tied to its leg. I untied it and read the message:
“Raiders near Thornhill
5/6 days away
- Rye.”
I smiled, surprised at my relief to find out that he was fine. Warning that idiot about his fate seemed to have only pushed him toward it. I suppose some people were just determined to cling to their martyr complexes. Not for me.
Reaching into my bag, I pulled out a charcoal pencil and began scribbling a reply on the back.
“Back@Hill in 3
with supplies&men
- soph ❤ ”
JD, Rye’s bird, didn’t hesitate. As soon as I tied the note back to his leg, he took off, wings beating swiftly as he disappeared into the sky, eager to return to his master.
With word sent back to the White Fox and the White Fang Legion for their instructions in my absence, I made my final preparations to leave. My Portable Wagon was packed to the brim with supplies and other essentials, and with another level notched on my Merchant class, I was ready. It was time to head back to Thornhill to prepare for a siege.