To secure their trade routes the Establish the order of mercenaries to guard the merchant routes known as the 'Sovereign Knights of the Dragon Order', more commonly known as The Road Knights First established in the trade port of Aldrheim the order has set up outposts all across Falanar and in every major city where they are welcome.
The Road Knights are not sworn to one lord, rather a Road Knight addresses every traveler under their charge as "Lord" regardless of social standing. While a modest tax is required for the operation of the order the four Merchant kings of First City pay the keep the North South East and West Roads secured for all travelers in and out of the city. They have so far managed to stay out of major political conflicts to keep their autonomy however, today they are faced with having to act as a standing army in the wake of the encroaching Lizardfolk of Dankhold.
Though these Knights are closer in function to mercenaries than Knights they maintain a strict code:
It is my duty as a Road Knight to protect life and property of those who travel the road
The road is the life blood all kingdoms
The bandit and highwayman will be punished by my hand
I will always aid the weary and injured on my path
The widow, urchin, and crippled WILL NOT be taxed
I will never desert a perilous path until the way is clear
I shall never abandon a traveler or merchant in need of aid
I shall defend the road until death
Having built their reputation of martial prowess and code of honor. They have amassed large amounts of donations which they have invested into large swaths of farmland, they currently act as the major financier of lords of all ilk including sometimes providing loans to opposing sides of conflicts all while keeping their neutrality.