Drake’s boots scuffed along the cobblestones as he made his way to the town hall. The dagger on his hip clicked in its sheath. Hastily, he made his way through the morning crowds, eager to arrive at his destination. The streets of Farvale were always busy this time of day.
He pushed open the double doors to the town hall. Inside was a large room with a checkerboard floor. At the end of the room sat a clerk at a desk.
Drake approached the desk. “I completed a bounty last night, and I’d like to cash it in,” he said, fishing in his bag for the bounty.
He pulled out the paper, placing it on the desk in front of the clerk. On the paper was a detailed sketch of a notorious thief who had been causing problems for local citizens. In the corner of the paper was the stamped seal of the Farvale guard station, verifying that the bounty was complete.
“Wonderful,” said the clerk, reaching under the desk. “Here’s your reward, sir. Twenty aurum for your service!” She pulled out a small handful of aurum, holding it out in her palm.
Drake accepted the money. “Thanks,” he said, pocketing it.
He left the town hall, satisfied with himself. Bounty hunting was one of the few ways he could afford to make ends meet. Most days, he could barely afford food for himself, much less a room at the inn. He was forced to sleep in a tent in the woods surrounding Farvale. It wasn’t the most comfortable, but he’d grown accustomed to it.
Since he now had some aurum, he decided today would be a good day to go into town. The familiar cobblestones moved under his feet as he made his way to the shops. A bounty’s worth of aurum meant food for the day, and he was eager to fill his stomach, which was now violently purring.
Suddenly, Drake felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around to see an older man stand behind him. His face was a sight to behold, being covered in thick stubble and a plethora of scars.
“Pardon me?” Drake said, raising an eyebrow at the stranger.
The man gave a light smirk. “Come with me for a sec, kid.” The man said, gesturing towards a nearby alleyway.
Hesitantly, Drake followed the man, keeping a hand firmly grasped around the hilt of his dagger. The stranger examined the alleyway, assuring that nobody would overhear their conversation.
The man let out a sigh. “I’ve got a quick job I need someone to do for me.”
Drake raised an eyebrow in question. “And what might that be?” He said, tapping his foot anxiously. His stomach continued to roar as he stood there.
The man gave Drake a hearty smirk. “I’ve got someone I need to track down, and I’m willing to pay a good bit of aurum for em’.”
Drake’s eyes lit up upon hearing those words. “How much aurum exactly?” He asked excitedly, suddenly forgetting about his hunger.
The man produced forth a large black pouch, revealing it to be filled with copious amounts of aurum. “I’ve got a thousand in it for you if you catch em’.”
Drake’s jaw dropped. He’d never seen so much aurum in his entire life. He thought of all the things he’d be able to afford with money like that.
The man smiled, causing the scars to shift on his stubbled face. “I’ll assume you’re interested?” He said, half chuckling.
Drake’s amazed expression soon faded to a determined smirk. “Who exactly am I supposed to track down?” He said, his eyes focused intently on the stranger.
The man reached into his pocket, producing forth a crumpled piece of paper. Drawn on the paper was a detailed sketch of a man in a suit. “This kid’s name is Zaifed.” Said the man, his smile having now changed into a distasteful frown.
Drake examined the paper, memorizing Zaifed’s appearance down to every feature.
“Where do you want me to bring him?” He said, his eyes still analyzing the paper.
“I’ve written the address on the page. It’s a warehouse a little ways across town.” Said the man, pointing at the corner of the paper. Written in crude handwriting was an address.
Drake nodded. “I’ll have him there in a few hours.” He said, his expression determined and cold.
The man nodded and outstretched his hand. Drake met his grip, and shook.
Comments (0)
See all