This time the commission came straight from the Mercenary Guild, sealed with a crest familiar to Leonidas: House Corvin.
Baron Corvin found himself plagued by pirates. Trade routes were being disrupted by a ruthless crew of pirates, their tactics were brutal, and so far, efforts to locate their base of operations have come up short.
The Guild authorized a joint operation with the Imperial Police Force. The Lion's Gaze was to rendezvous with the lead vessel of the task force at the edge of the Varnis Expanse.
Leonidas stood at the bridge. His heart skipped a beat when he read the mission report. A name had caught his eye.
Captain Leofric Lionhart.
Ezran leaned over his shoulder. "Your elder brother. It's been some time since I've seen him."
Leonidas nodded. "Yes, it has. He was not pleased when I left the Force."
Titus grunted. "He is a born and bred soldier. My record pales in comparison to his: Twice decorated. Leader of the Suppression of the Korran Uprising. Your Lord father must be pleased."
Leonidas looked upon all the listed accomplishments tied to his brother's name, but it all meant nothing to him. All he could think of was seeing him again. The brother who, despite having seperate mothers, despite him being a halfling, never treated him as anything less.
Leonidas smiled. "We could ask for no better Captain to fly beside. Picture the perfect soldier in your mind. Know that he does not measure up to my elder brother."
The Lion's Gaze arrived at the meeting point hours later. The Imperial flagship Vigilant Flame hovered in the void, a blade drawn in silence - silver, sleek and armed with the finest weaponry.
'Leofric was never one for subtlety' thought Leonidas.
A shuttle crossed the void, and docked to the Gaze.
Minutes later, Leofric stepped aboard.
He was taller than Leonidas, broader in the shoulders, his uniform crisp, his bearing regal. Yet the moment he saw his little brother, his eyes softened.
"Little brother," he said, smiling. "When you left the force, I did not think that fate would bring us back together like this."
"Fate has nothing to do about this. Pirate scum that need dealing with have. Otherwise I am pleased to see you well brother."
They clasped forearms and said their greetings, as is the tradition of House Lionhart.
First spoke the elder brother. "I greet you, son of Seraphine. Son of Aleric. The Goddess still sings your song."
Leonidas acknowledged the greetings with his own. "I greet you, son of Celine. Son of Aleric. It gladdens me, that the Goddess still sings your song."
They embraced, brief and firm. A hug that spoke the words they would not say aloud. Years of brotherhood joins them, even now when they walk different paths.
Ezran and Titus looked on with approval, not used to seeing their young captain in such a positive mood.
Leofric turned to the crew. "I have read reports of your exploits. You have done good. I am glad my brother has found himself a good crew."
Ezran shrugged. "We do what we can."
Leonidas's tone shifted. "Tell me of this crew."
"They call themselves: The Black Maw. They have taken hostages. Merchants. Some even off-duty officers. They then demand payment. We have reason to believe they are operating out of a derelict mining station, somewhere in the Korran Drift. I know the place better than anyone; if they are hiding in there, I will find them."
Leonidas nodded. "You mean. We, will find them."
Leofric hesitated. "There is a minor issue. The Emperor and Prime Minister will have eyes on this one, looking for a mistake from you. Step out of line..."
Leonidas raised a brow. "You would arrest me?"
Leofric smiled faintly. "I would stall the paperwork."
They gazed upon each other, sealing a silent vow of loyalty.
Leonidas placed a hand upon Leofric's shoulder. "Now, let us do what father raised us to do. Be soldiers."