The Reborn King

The warship docked at Far Mile. Alfred looked at the large port city with a great smile on his face. The Unyielding organised themselves. With a synchronised echo, they marched off the boats onto the large port. The people watched from afar, cheering at the arrival of their king. Alfred looked at them, smiling and waving.

He knew they were afraid, and his arrival with an army was the thing they needed. He made sure to build a good image in their hearts, putting a fatherly smile on. The woman watched with blushed faces at the handsome king, whilst the men looked at the marching soldiers with pride. Charles walked up behind Alfred. "I suggest we rest My King. The soldiers could do with a rest on fresh land."

Alfred looked at it and gave a silent nod. He also had things to do before they left the city. Turning to the deck, he looked at Sasha calling her over. "Unload the boats. I'll have Desmond give you an address to store the grain and supplies." Sasha gave a deep bow, leaving to make preparations.

Alfred looked down at the Desmond. He was a lanky man, with jet-black hair, obsidian eyes and thin sliver sliver-framed glasses. His clean suit, stuck to his body, being tailor-made for him. Alfred walked down the plank of the boat, his armour glistening in the sun. Desmond fell to his knee, not caring about dirtying his suit. Alfred flicked his finger, quietly telling him to rise. 

"I must commend you mayor for the defence of the city. Your rapid preparation have saved thousands of lives." Alfred spoke with a proud voice, getting the bow of a head from Desmond.

"You honour me, Your Highness. I simply did my job." Desmond raised his head. "Please follow me, I'll lead you to my estate." 

"Of course. But first, please may you provide a warehouse for my men to store their provisions in. If so, please give the details to Admiral Godwin." Alfred followed the lanky mayor. The man nodded, calling his assistant over. Speaking into his ear, the assistant ran off, to follow the order.

Alfred got in the carriage. Down the streets, he looked at Far Mile. The streets were kept unnaturally clean for a city without modern industry. The buildings were old, stone and wood structures averaging double stories. But one building stood out. A large, four-story building. His eye lingered on it, not escaping Desmond's eye.

"It's the guild building. Far Mile is a city that sees numerous travellers and mercenaries come through its port. My predecessor saw it fit for those who had skills to go there to display and offer them. Blacksmiths, artisans, warriors, alchemists and healers. Through it, we can find good talents. Mercenaries also provide their services there. If you wish to hire, go there and see. They put up a contract, anyone can accept." Desmond explained the towering building.

It stood out. Unlike most of the buildings in the city which were stone and wood, this one was entirely stone, having large pillars at its front entrance. A large clocktower in front giving the time for the entire city.

Alfred looked at the guild building. He honestly considered having one in the capital like it. Using it to scout potential talent that could be used for the future of the kingdom was something that could see the technological advancement of his Empire when he was gone. He had already set up the academy and university to help with this but, many people either had skills that couldn't properly be displayed in an academy or missed the chance to attend, being too old. Whilst he had tried to make it accessible for people of all social standings if they had the skill, he knew that prejudice still existed in it, being something that he would never be able to truly solve.

A guild building like this was something that would appeal to the lower class much more than a form academy under the crown. "How many mercenary companies are in the town right now?" Looking at Desmond he asked the question. He knew that his army was still small and was willing to spend the money to make up the numbers.

"Single mercenaries, too many to count, full companies, maybe three," Desmond said. Seeing Alfred's face drop, he smiled. "That being said, there is one from the company from the Chent Free Cities. Not just any but a renowned one."

His words got Alfred's attention. The Chent Free Cities was a place established for merchants and mercenaries. A city of merchants and mercenaries who came together to form their own nation, free from the control of nobility and imperial law. Despite its small size, the surrounding nations refused to invade it, due to its military and economic power, always hosting at least seven mercenary companies and housing many heads of merchant empires.

A mercenary company that was renowned in the Chent Cities was something hard to achieve with every company viewing to one-up the other and have a place in the Chent Council. "Who is it?" 

"The Ashed Brotherhood. The Gotic king cancelled his services with them. Hearing about the unrest here they decided to come." Desmond explained as the carriage pulled alongside his manor. "If you wish to hire them, the guild will know where to find the head." Alfred nodded following the man into his manor. He still had a few things to discuss before meeting the Company head.

 The night rolled around and Alfred found himself standing in front of the large Guild building. Charles stood behind him as his personal escort. The first floor was entirely dedicated to the mercenaries. Taking a step in, many eyes fell on Alfred. Those trying to see if he was worth any money or if to make a connection with him.

Many quickly turned away, realising who he was. Everyone knew the King at arrived at the city. Seeing him walk through the guild, they all knew they weren't worth his attention. Walking to the counter the worker quickly bowed, getting a smile from Alfred. "Please rise, I'm just here to make an inquiry. Where can I find the Ashed Brotherhood?"

With a kind voice, he asked the question. The worker nodded frantically. Going through a couple of documents to their side, she quickly pulled out a note. Telling Alfred to follow behind, she led him and Charles to a private room.

It was a room given only to those who could afford it. Knocking on the door, the voice that sounded like a whisper of a dead man cleared their entrance. It was a strange thing. A voice so quiet yet could be heard through the door. Opening the door for Alfred, the worker left, not interfering in the negotiation with a head of state.

Alfred saw the company head. He was a deathly pale man, white like paper. His hair was grey, almost platinum. His eyes a black abyss. Sitting in his black amour he looked up at the young King. Alfred couldn't guess how old the man was. Standing up the man walked in front of Alfred. He towered over Alfred standing at 6'5. Reaching his hand, Alfred smiled taking it. 

"I am Alfred, King of the Kingdom of Ammar. I can assume you are Brotherhood head."

"Ash." With his whispering voice, he spoke. Alfred finally understood where the name came from and couldn't help but think it was unimaginative, but didn't say anything. 

"I'll cut to the chase. You know an invasion has begun in the south. I wish to hire your company to help deal with this. Name your price." Alfred said in a frank voice. 

Ash gave a singular nod. Walking back to where he sat, he took a book from the man who sat next to him. He had golden hair, with green eyes. He had a charming smile showing his white teeth when he did. Giving the small book to Alfred, he opened it seeing a list of numbers. 

'1000 gold for 5 months.' The price was expensive but affordable. The mercenaries of the Chent Cities had a great reputation and he knew that he would be getting his worth from every piece of gold. "Five months. We have a deal." Alfred said placing the book on the table. Ash gave another singular nod getting a handshake from Alfred. Leaving the room, he went to write up a contract.

Ash took his seat again. "We got a king again." The blonde man said with a light laugh. His voice was charming. Ask looked at him with his bottomless black eyes.

"It matters not who hires us." Like distant ghosts talking, the voice caused anyone who heard it to have goosebumps. The blonde-haired man smiled at Ash's words. He was one of the few people unbothered by the eerie nature of it.

"I know. But have you heard about this King? He's a funny one. Approved by the pope himself. Not bad to make a connection." 

"As long as he pays." Unbothered by the comment, gold was the only thing that stayed on Ash's mind. The blonde man just sighed, not knowing where Ash's obsession for gold came from.