Chapter 325 The Wolfsblood Company (2/2)
”A lie?” A frown crossed Arran's face as he looked the mercenary in the eyes ”How so?”
The ht noe're under the care of the Ih the I if not fair”
A wry smile crossed his face, and he continued, ”But the nobles are a differentfor to become Darians Especially for us Body Refiners, that poses a problem”
”The nobles?” Arran furrowed his brow ”We won't be working for the Iiven the choice of which noble house to follow, but after that, they will be the ones who decide e've done enough to earn our citizenshi+p And while they can be generous to coifted workers”
At this, an ugly expression appeared on Arran's face ”You ive us our citizenshi+p? To keep us working for them?”
”Exactly,” the captain replied ”And even if you do win your freedoht as well be a slave”
The neas unwelcome, and Arran could not help but wonder whether it was true — and, if so, how the man had learned so much about the Imperium
Supposedly, the I learned little about it despite centuries of war Yet somehow, it seemed this mercenary captain had achieved what the Ninth Valley could not
”How do you know all this?” Arran asked
The rin ”Unlike you, I did not coested he would reveal no more than that, and for some moments, Arran looked at the camp, several hundreds of paces from where they stood If the mercenary was correct, then it was little more than a trap — and one he'd already entered
He had a way out, of course, in the for But he couldn't fully trust that, either The truth was that he still knew too little about the Imperium to predict the consequences of his decisions
With some hesitation, he turned his eyes back to the ht,” he asked in a cautious tone, ”would that help in gaining one's freedom?”
Captain Kalesh se one set of chains for another Above each Knight, you will find a Lord or Lady And accepting a Knight's favor will put you in debt with their master”
”So what do you have to offer?” Arran asked
He did not believe for a moment that the mercenary captain had shared the inforoodness of his heart Rather, he orking up to so — an offer
”Not one for subtlety, are you?” The man looked at Arran in amusement ”Very well I did not come here to flee the war Rather, I came here to learn the Darians' methods Which I suspect is the reason you came here, as well”
”Perhaps,” Arran replied ”But even if that were true, how could you help me with that?”
”I have connections,” Kalesh replied ”Ones that will help me and my men earn our citizenshi+p in months, rather than years And once we do, ill travel to the far end of the Iain the secrets we desire Without any oaths or masters to hold us back”
Thelook Then, in a sly tone, he continued, ”If you wish, I would invite you to join us”
A frown crossed Arran's face ”What do you have to gain froth,” thehere, I've found only a handful of worthy recruits, and none of the as you If you join the Wolfsblood Company, you will be free to leave when you wish, but until you do, your sword is mine to command”
Arran considered the offer for some moments Then, slowly, he nodded ”I'll accept your offer,” he said ”For now”
Trusting the e his own path And although he was reluctant to rely on the help of a stranger, he was painfully aware of just how little he knew about the Imperiu Arran a bright ser by the day But we should return to the ca to look worried”
With a glance at the cauards were now looking at thely unsure of how to handle the blatant disregard for their rules
”But I alot,” Kaleesh suddenly said ”I still owe you your winnings!” He reached into his coat and produced a handful of gold, which he carelessly handed to Arran ”Though you should know that in the Iold is only barely more valuable than copper”
”It is?” Arran looked at the large handful of gold he'd been handed so casually It was enough to represent a fortune in the Empire ”Then what do they use?”
”Shadowmetal,” the man replied He reached into his coat and took out a small coin, then held it up for Arran to inspect
Arran saw that the coin was jet black and polished to a shi+ne And almost at once, he realized he had seen the round city near Amydon, he'd found numerous coins exactly like this one