Mercenary

A mercenary is like a hired hand for a fight. They join a battle or war not because they believe in the cause, but because they are paid to. Think of them as special fighters for hire.

They aren't part of a country's regular army, like soldiers you see in parades. They are outsiders who come in to fight for money or other rewards. It's like hiring a super-strong friend to help you win a game, but instead of a game, it's a real conflict.

People have been hiring fighters for a very, very long time. Even ancient kings and rulers would hire soldiers from other lands to help them win wars. These hired warriors were often very skilled and brave.

They traveled from place to place, offering their fighting abilities to whoever could pay them the most. It was a way for leaders to get extra help without using only their own people, who might be needed at home.

Mercenaries are treated differently than regular soldiers. If a regular soldier is captured during a war, they are usually treated well and can be exchanged later. But if a mercenary is captured, they might not get the same protections. This is because they are seen as fighting only for money, not for a country or a belief. It's a serious rule that makes being a mercenary a risky choice.

The main thing that makes a mercenary a mercenary is the payment. They fight for money, or sometimes for other things they can trade, like supplies or land. They don't usually care about the reasons for the war, like protecting a country or fighting for freedom. Their main goal is to get paid for their work. This makes them different from soldiers who fight for their country and its people.