Chapter 535: The Fall of the Iron Fang

For nearly twenty years, the Iron Fang Mercenary Company had been one of the most recognizable armed organizations operating around the Royal Capital.

Its members had escorted wealthy merchants, guarded noble estates, hunted dangerous beasts, and participated in conflicts where ordinary soldiers were unwilling to intervene. At its height, the company employed hundreds of fighters and maintained profitable arrangements with some of the region’s most influential commercial families.

Now, its headquarters stood almost deserted.

The courtyard that once echoed with the clashing of practice swords was silent. Empty weapon racks lined the training grounds, while abandoned equipment lay scattered near the barracks.

A handful of mercenaries remained near the entrance, discussing unpaid wages and the possibility of finding employment elsewhere.

Inside the commander’s office, Gideon Marholt stared at a collection of contracts spread across his desk.

Every document bore the same terrible message.

Cancellation.

The company’s principal clients had withdrawn their support, and several remaining agreements were being examined by the authorities.

Gideon clenched his fists.

He had survived battlefield defeats, rival mercenary companies, and years of dangerous contracts.

Yet his organization was collapsing without anyone laying siege to its headquarters.

---

Corwin , one of Iron Fang’s longest-serving officers, entered the office carrying another bundle of documents.

"Commander, the Westbridge Merchant Association has terminated its escort agreement," Corwin reported, placing the papers upon the desk. "They’ve already submitted their next shipment request through the Adventurer Guild."

Gideon looked up sharply. "Another one? We protected their caravans for eleven years!"

Corwin’s expression remained weary. "Their representatives claim they can no longer justify employing us while the investigation continues."

Gideon struck the desk with his fist. "And what about the northern contracts? Surely those merchants haven’t forgotten everything we’ve done for them."

Corwin hesitated before answering. "Three have already withdrawn. The remaining two are requesting guarantees we cannot provide."

The commander stared at him.

Corwin continued quietly. "Our financial reserves are nearly exhausted, Gideon. Without new contracts, we cannot pay the men or maintain the headquarters."

For the first time, Gideon struggled to find an answer.

---

The company’s troubles extended far beyond lost contracts.

Its reputation had suffered a devastating blow after evidence connected its recruitment network to the attack upon the Guild’s supply caravan.

Merchants who had previously tolerated Iron Fang’s aggressive negotiating practices were suddenly unwilling to associate themselves with the company.

Even clients who doubted Gideon’s personal involvement feared becoming entangled in the investigation.

Meanwhile, the disappearance of Edmund Krail had removed another important source of financial support.

Several payments expected through his commercial network had failed to arrive, leaving Iron Fang unable to meet its obligations.

Creditors began demanding repayment.

Suppliers refused further deliveries without advance payment.

And the mercenaries themselves were losing patience.

Corwin examined the remaining accounts before looking toward Gideon. "The officers have agreed that we cannot continue operating under the present circumstances. Most have already accepted the dissolution arrangements."

Gideon’s expression darkened. "So that’s it? After everything we’ve built, you’re simply walking away?"

Corwin met his gaze. "We’re trying to ensure the men receive whatever wages can still be recovered. There’s nothing left to preserve by pretending otherwise."

---

By midday, the final departures had begun.

Mercenaries carried their belongings through the courtyard, some leaving in small groups while others departed alone.

Several had spent more than a decade serving under Iron Fang’s banner.

Now they avoided looking toward the commander’s office.

One veteran stopped beside Corwin near the gates.

"Is it true the company is finished?" the man asked, gripping the strap of his travel bag.

Corwin glanced toward the empty barracks. "The remaining officers have agreed to dissolve the organization. The outstanding accounts will be settled as far as the available funds permit."

The veteran lowered his head. "I never thought I’d see this place empty."

Corwin rested a hand upon his shoulder. "Neither did I. Find honest work somewhere else, and don’t let this business follow you."

The man nodded before departing.

By evening, the Iron Fang banner had been lowered from its place above the headquarters.

No enemy army had stormed the gates.

No rival commander had defeated its Warriors in battle.

The company had simply lost the means to continue existing.

---

News of Iron Fang’s collapse reached the Adventurer Guild Headquarters the following morning.

Boren delivered the report while Sage Alistair was reviewing the latest figures from Greyfen.

"The dissolution is effectively complete, Guildmaster," Boren explained. "Most of their fighters have departed, their principal contracts are terminated, and the remaining officers are arranging the settlement of outstanding obligations."

Sage set aside his documents. "And Gideon?"

"Still at the headquarters, according to our information," Boren replied. "The authorities haven’t concluded their investigation, but his company is finished."

Sage considered the news quietly.

Iron Fang had possessed considerable military strength, yet that strength had ultimately depended upon a network of clients willing to pay for its services.

Once those relationships disappeared, its fighters could no longer be maintained.

Boren examined the report before adding, "Several former Iron Fang mercenaries have already approached the Guild about registering as Adventurers."

Sage raised an eyebrow. "Have they?"

"Yes, Guildmaster. They’re looking for work."

---

Sage leaned back in his chair.

"Allow them to apply through the ordinary procedures," he instructed. "But anyone implicated in the caravan attack must be referred to the authorities. We won’t punish innocent fighters simply because their former commander made disastrous decisions."

Boren nodded. "I’ll inform Registration and Mission Administration."

Sage returned his attention to the report.

The collapse of Iron Fang would undoubtedly become a subject of discussion throughout the Royal Capital.

Some would regard it as proof of the Guild’s growing commercial influence.

Others might interpret it as a warning against challenging Sage Alistair.

Neither conclusion troubled him particularly.

What mattered was that the Guild had protected its interests through lawful arrangements, reliable services, and evidence presented to the proper authorities.

Its opponents had attempted to force the conflict into violence.

Sage had instead attacked the foundations that allowed their organizations to function.

And the results spoke for themselves.

---

At the Grand Guild Hall, the consequences were already becoming visible.

Several former Iron Fang clients stood before the mission counters, discussing escort arrangements with Guild clerks.

Garran Holt personally supervised the preparation of several substantial assignments, ensuring that the requested protection matched the dangers involved.

One merchant, an elderly man named Osbert Fenley, examined the mission conditions before speaking.

"I employed Iron Fang for years," Osbert admitted, looking toward Garran. "Their fees became increasingly difficult to justify, but I believed changing arrangements would expose my caravans to unnecessary danger."

Garran nodded. "You’re free to examine the qualifications of registered Adventurers before accepting an arrangement. The Guild records verified accomplishments, although no escort can guarantee that every journey will be without danger."

Osbert studied the available information.

"That’s considerably more useful than being told I must accept whichever fighters a commander chooses to send."

Garran offered a faint smile. "Then I hope you’ll find a suitable party."

Across the hall, similar discussions continued throughout the morning.

---

Not everyone welcomed the Guild’s growing influence.

Among the remaining mercenary companies, several commanders watched the situation with concern.

They understood that Iron Fang’s collapse had resulted partly from its involvement in the attack, but they also recognized how easily merchants could now find alternative protection.

The Adventurer Guild offered a growing network of registered Warriors, verified mission records, and established procedures for resolving disputes.

Mercenary companies that depended upon restrictive contracts and intimidation were discovering that their methods were becoming less effective.

Some commanders began considering cooperation with the Guild.

Others chose to improve their services rather than risk losing clients.

And a few regarded Sage Alistair as a dangerous rival.

One man, in particular, had no intention of adapting.

---

Roderick Halbrecht stood inside the training courtyard of the Black Banner Mercenary Company, watching his remaining fighters practice.

The sound of steel striking steel echoed between the surrounding buildings.

Unlike Iron Fang, Black Banner had not dissolved.

Its contracts had suffered, and several members had departed, but Roderick still commanded a substantial force of experienced mercenaries.

Many were hardened Warriors who had followed him through years of dangerous assignments.

They respected strength above everything else.

And Roderick intended to remind them why they had chosen to serve him.

His lieutenant, a scarred Knight named Ulric Dane, approached carrying the latest reports.

"Iron Fang has officially disbanded," Ulric informed him. "Gideon’s remaining officers have lowered their banner."

Roderick watched two Warriors exchange blows before answering. "Then Marholt was weaker than I thought."

Ulric frowned. "The Guild destroyed his finances and took his clients. The same pressure is affecting us."

Roderick turned toward him.

"Do I look like Gideon Marholt?"

---

Ulric hesitated before shaking his head.

"No, Commander. But we can’t ignore what happened."

Roderick walked toward the center of the courtyard, where several mercenaries stopped training to acknowledge him.

"Marholt believed money and contracts made him powerful," Roderick declared, raising his voice. "He forgot that a mercenary company’s true strength lies in the Warriors willing to fight beneath its banner."

The gathered fighters listened attentively.

Roderick drew his sword, its polished blade catching the afternoon sunlight.

"Sage Alistair can persuade merchants to abandon us. He can offer missions, build facilities, and hide behind officials who believe parchment makes them powerful. But none of those things changes what happens when steel is drawn."

Ulric watched his commander carefully.

The speech was clearly intended to strengthen the men’s confidence.

Unfortunately, Roderick appeared to believe every word.

---

Later that evening, Ulric accompanied Roderick into his private chamber.

"Commander, what exactly are you planning?" Ulric asked once the door had closed. "The authorities are already investigating the caravan attack. Another incident could destroy what’s left of Black Banner."

Roderick placed his sword upon the table.

"I’m not going to sit here while Alistair strips away everything I’ve built," he replied.

Ulric folded his arms. "Then we need a plan that doesn’t give the Guild more evidence against us."

Roderick looked toward the window overlooking the courtyard.

For several moments, he remained silent.

Then his expression hardened.

"Sage Alistair believes he can defeat men like us without ever facing us," Roderick said. "I intend to prove him wrong."

Ulric felt an unpleasant chill.

He had served Roderick long enough to recognize that expression.

The commander had made his decision.

And arguments about contracts or finances were unlikely to change it.

---

That night, Sage received another report concerning Black Banner.

Pax Riven had learned that Roderick was gathering his most loyal fighters and increasing training within the company’s headquarters.

There was no confirmed evidence of an immediate attack, but the mercenary commander’s behavior suggested that he was preparing for a confrontation.

Sage examined the information while Cassian stood beside his desk.

"Increase security around our facilities and transport arrangements," Sage instructed. "I want our people protected, but nobody is to provoke Black Banner or interfere with lawful activities."

Cassian nodded. "Understood, Guildmaster. I’ll also coordinate with the city guards regarding any credible threats."

After Cassian departed, Sage remained seated, considering the situation.

Gideon Marholt had lost Iron Fang because he could no longer sustain it.

Roderick Halbrecht, however, appeared determined to settle the conflict through force.

Sage glanced toward the reports documenting the Guild’s continued growth.

He had demonstrated that an organization could be defeated without armies or duels.

Now he suspected he would have to demonstrate something else.

The Adventurer Guild might prefer peaceful competition, but that did not mean it was incapable of defending itself.