The Fortress is founded by Emmaline Fort. Despite being tainted, she is one of the people who fought her fate and succeeded very well. She created the Fortress as a refuge for Elysians--but a price must be paid on behalf of the protection she offers.

    We swore our allegiance to Madam Emma and her fortress, and in return, we must work as her mercenaries.

    As I have said, not everyone can be part of the Fortress.

    “No hex hunting this time.” The smoke from the madam’s lips puff as she tells us our new task. She pushes a scroll towards us. “I need you to retrieve a girl.”

    No rubies, no thievery, not even lost trinkets.

    A girl.

    “A Miss Enne Scythe.” She says. “My informant tells me she is set for trial in Elysia and now needs an escape.” 

    Elysia? 

    This couldn't be. Elysia is a dead kingdom, almost all of the Roine Isles are ruled by Hiraia now. Before I can protest, Inna cuts in, “Is this some sort of test, madam? Elysia has been nothing but ruins—for ages. We can’t possibly—“ 

    “120, 000 hyalt.” My sister and I are stunned. It’s worth more than what we’ve earned in hex hunting, years combined. “Bring the girl to me.”

    Satisfied with her explanation, the madam indulges her cigarette.

     I think of all the ways on why the madam would hand us a seemingly impossible task. Whether the reward we get in return is worth it or not. And if the price that comes with failing the bounty is worth facing for.

    To rescue a transport from Elysia.

     Elysia, as old as the ancient tales go, being almost nonexistent if not for the ruins and the remainder of its people. Its people, who are either part of the Fortress or captives in the cities of Hiraia.

    No one disobeys the madam, no matter how difficult the task ahead is.

    If Inna and I succeed, we get the money. If we don't, our lives may be at risk. If we deny the task, it will be no different from suicide. The madam can easily dispose of us and choose another mercenary. But she chose us.

    Conclusion, we will take the risk either way. I may as well ask for more, no? 

    “A 150, 000 hyalt.” I demand.

   My sister is suddenly still and ill-looking, she shakes her head slightly. Don’t, she signals. But I’ve already blurted out my petty demand. Inna holds out my arm, her eyes giving me a warning. I pat her hand gently, assure her of what I am doing even though I really have no clue what.

    I step forward, “If the retrieval turns dangerous, an additional 30,000 would not hurt your pockets.”

    The madam taps her fingers lightly. And seconds pass by. Cold sweat forms in the back of my head. If the madam does not pardon my request, our reward might go lower. Maybe I should have waited for Inna to answer first. I sure know the madam favors her more.

    “Very well.” 

    The tension in my jaw disappears. I remember to breathe and stay calm. She pours herself a drink and points to the scroll she pushed forward. “Every information you need lies there. You have two days, figure out how to retrieve her.”

    “Bring the girl here. To me.”

    The girl better be worth the damned money.