Chapter 16: Free Companies
Summary: A few years later Damon has found something new to occupy his time.
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"Men this operation is simple." Damon said with a smile, "We simply walk inside Senor Braccio da Montone's party as though we own it and then Senor Muzio Sforza, our trusted leader, has ordered us to capture Braccio and then ransack the place. And I'm sure that I do not have to explain what do from then on out."
The year was 1424 and Damon had joined one of the Free Companies. He had been apart of this for the last five years serving Muzio Sforza, one of the wealthiest men in Italy. Sforza was rivaled only by Braccio da Montone. Sforza wanted Montone's land and he would get it whether through negotiation or force. That was the purpose of capturing Montone. Sforza wanted to attempt and negotiate, but Damon knew the outcome of that. The two men were bitter rivals and both of them were as stubborn, if not more stubborn than mules.
Damon lead his group to the door.
A guard stood before it, holding invitations to the party.
As they walked up he eyed them suspiciously, "I'll have to see your invitations." he replied gruffly.
"Invitations?" Damon asked calmly. He turned to face his men, "Guys, do any of you have an invitation?"
They all shook their heads, some snickering.
"Well, then we have a problem." Damon smiled, "because we don't have any invitations."
"No invitation, you don't come in." The guard crossed his arms.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Then I guess we'll be on our way." Damon grinned, he turned as though he was leaving, but faster than the guard could react, Damon had head butt him and knocked him to the ground.
"Alright, men." Damon turned and faced them, "I'll meet you inside."
They all walked past him, heading to the dining room where the party was active.
Damon smiled down at the guard.
Dinner was served.
He grabbed the man by the arms of his coat and pulled him to his feet. Then just as quickly as he had knocked him out, Damon drained him.
Once done, he licked his lips and walked inside.
Before he reached the dining room, he heard the sounds of distraught guests, at the interruption. He pulled open the door and looked around.
What was once, he was sure, an elegantly decorated room, was now completely smashed.
Damon saw Senor Braccio da Montone. He sat in his seat at the table. Two of Damon's men held swords to his throat.
"Senor," Damon smiled, "So sorry to have interrupted your little celebration, but it is the orders of my leader that you be brought to his home for some wine and friendly negotiations."
