Asmuth, or as it had come to be known “The City of Walls”, was a city of extremes. There was extreme wealth and opulence, but there was also extreme poverty. This was not because the rich were preying on the poor. Instead, it was a result of the policies that governed the city.

  Asmuth offered three forms of business permits to its citizens, class one, two and class three licenses. Class three licenses were the most commonly issued permits in the city and were limited to small shops and stands. The permits restricted business owners by only allowing local services and goods to be sold. As long as a citizen had the initial startup funds, getting a class three license was not hard.

  A class two license was required for any business that imported goods from other cities. Citizens who wished to procure a class two license needed to prove they had lived in Asmuth for at least five years and get approval by the Business Administration Department.

  Class one licenses were the most difficult to procure and allowed the holder to form large business groups. In order to get a class one license a citizen would need to be a landowner within the city of Asmuth for at least five years. Because property within the city was so expensive, most citizens were forced to rent. As a result, class one licenses were normally only obtainable by wealthy families.

  Using the connections her family had built over time, Lady Eleanor was able to gain citizenship for everyone in her party. She was able to purchase a modest estate in a wealthy neighborhood. And after bribing a few local officials, she procured a class one business license.

  Although she was able to bring a large amount of wealth with her, it would not last forever, so she decided to purchase a small trading company. The trading company primarily dealt with coal, ores, and minerals but did a small amount of trade in produce as well.

  The company had the potential to be quite profitable, but due to poor management it had lost a number of trade deals. Lady Eleanor placed her son-in-law in charge and within just a few weeks he had signed a large contract with a coal provider. The contract was for three years and had the potential to net over 50 thousand gold coins profit.

  She also decided to create a small company that provided loans for small businesses and placed Gerard as the head of the company. Although this required an additional license, it was not difficult to obtain. Many people wanted to start a business, but most lacked the funds to do so.

  When Lady Eleanor saw that there were so few options for loans she immediately decided to invest there. Within the first week they had approved six proposals. By the end of the third week they had handed out 28 small loans. In total, a little less than three-thousand gold coins were lent out in less than a month.

  With Gerard and her son-in-law handling the day to day issues of the companies, Lady Eleanor was able to focus on the larger issues. This also gave her more time to focus on her health. However, there was one person she was worried about, and that was Jayce.

  Jayce had come to her from the mercenary guild originally and had already spoken of his desire to travel. She did not want to hinder him, but she also did not want to lose her ties to him. Asmuth did not have a mercenary’s guild, and Jayce was having a hard time deciding what he wanted to do. Speaking with Gerard on the topic they had come up with a plan.

***

  “Jayce please enter, I would like to discuss something with you.”

  Throughout the several months of interacting with each other Lady Eleanor no longer spoke to Jayce formally. She had begun referring to him as Jayce instead of Mr. Jayce.

  “Lady Eleanor, your office is becoming quite cluttered. Your businesses must be doing well.”

  Looking around at the log books and stacks of papers Lady Eleanor let out a small sigh and rolled her eyes in exasperation.

  “Yes, it’s becoming a bit messy in here. Even though I am not involved in the minor details I still find myself surrounded by paper. I had hoped Belle would be able to help but the girl has no talent in that area or any area to be honest. I really do need to find a competent secretary soon. Interested Jayce?”

  “Ah no, Haha, I don’t believe I would be very good keeping track of papers and staring at numbers all day.”

  Looking at the squirming boy in front of her Lady Eleanor couldn’t help but be amused. Did he really think I wanted to hire him as a secretary?

  “I was just joking, of course, Jayce. However, I do have a job I would like you to take. I understand you have been having difficulties finding work, is that correct?”

  “Yes, unfortunately there is no mercenary guild here and I’m not much of a businessman. I’m not really sure there is much for me here. What type of job did you have in mind Lady Eleanor?”

  Jayce had a large amount of money he had received for helping Lady Eleanor and Lord Weston. If he was frugal, he could possibly live the rest of his life without working. He could travel as much as he wanted to if he wished for it. But doing nothing felt wrong to him, he needed a sense of purpose, and he was unable to find it in Asmuth.

  “I am looking to start a security company Jayce. Crime in the Corinth Alliance is lower than most of the Territories, but it still exists. I wish to start a company that provides protection for traveling merchants. With your strength I do not believe you will have any issues, and it will give you an opportunity to travel as well. What do you say?”

  This was the plan Lady Eleanor had come up with after speaking with Gerard. They would not force Jayce to sign any contracts; he would be able to choose which jobs he wanted to take, and they were willing to operate at a loss if necessary. She would not admit it to Gerard, but she had grown fond of Jayce during the time she had spent with him.

  It was not something she could explain well. It was not the same fondness she felt towards her son, but perhaps if she had to describe it, it would be similar to how an aunt looks at a nephew. Originally Jayce was just a powerful person that offered protection, but now she no longer looked at him like a tool or an employee. He had grown on her, and she wanted to help him in any way possible.

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  “So it would almost be the same as mercenary work would it not?”

  “Yes, the work will be essentially the same. However, as a private business, we will be able to set our own terms during negotiations so there will be a little more freedom for you.”

  “Will the missions be mandatory?”

  “No, you will choose what jobs you wish to take. You’ll have complete control over pricing, and you can choose who will work for you.”

  It was a tempting offer. Originally this was the type of work he had hoped for when he joined the mercenary guild. If he was able to choose which jobs to take and maintained his freedom, then it would be ideal. Although he held reservations of leading a group as he had no experience he would rather lead than follow. There was one thing though he was very uncomfortable with.

  “Then in a way I will be creating my own mercenary group. But I have no experience running a business. I wouldn’t know what to charge or how to create contracts. I also don’t want to end up losing money for the business.”

  “For now I will help out with certain aspects until you are more comfortable. In the future we will hire someone to handle these things for you and allow you to focus on the work itself. What do you say Jayce? The work should be very fitting for you.”

  “Then can I tentatively accept?”

  The question had surprised Lady Eleanor and caused her to uncharacteristically chuckle.

  “Jayce, you can leave at any time. No one is forcing you.”

  Though he had built a fairly close relationship with Lady Eleanor, he was still a bit wary of accepting the job she was offering. It was hard to believe she would not want him to sign some form of agreement binding him to the company. But if he really did not need to sign a contract, there would be little reason for him to refuse any further.

  “Is that so? Then if that is the case, please allow me to accept this offer, Lady Eleanor.”

  “Good, I think you will come to enjoy the work Jayce. We actually have an opportunity coming up that I believe you will be very interested in.”

  “Oh? What would that be?”

  “Have you heard of Naefir Jayce?”

  “Yes, it’s the Fae capital. It is one of the places I would like to visit.”

  “Well, it looks like the Alliance has signed an agreement with the Fae which gives mining rights in certain areas of the Birac Mountains. A limited number of permits will be issued, and it looks like our coal provider will be traveling to Naefir to obtain one. He is planning to leave in two weeks and is looking to hire guards for protection. What do you think about setting up a meeting with him for tomorrow?”

  The thought of visiting the Fae almost caused Jayce’s eyes to fall out. He had seen a few Halflings and even a few half-elves during his time in Asmuth. However, he had not seen a full-blooded elf or any of the more exotic races. He wanted to visit the Zualf Forest, but crossing into the forest without permission was prohibited and for an unlucky few the trespass had resulted in death.

  The coal provider would certainly know this and must have obtained permission to travel. It was an opportunity he did not want to miss.

  “That sounds like a good idea Lady Eleanor, I would like that.”

  “Good, then after tomorrow’s meeting if you decide to take the job you should probably begin recruiting personnel. We’ll know more after tomorrow’s meeting, but you will probably need more than just a few members. It would be best if we can learn a bit about their backgrounds before they are hired, but that may be difficult. There are still a few things to discuss, but how about you join me for lunch? It seems like it has been ages since my entire afternoon has been clear.”

  With his acceptance, Lady Eleanor’s mood brightened considerably and the nausea she had been feeling earlier had gone away. There were still things she wished to discuss with Jayce, but for now, she was happy he would not be leaving anytime soon.

***

  A city of walls. It’s what Asmuth is. We’re told it was built that way to make invasions difficult. But everyone can see the truth. The closer you are to the center the wealthier you are. Most halves like us will never leave the outer wall for as long as we live in Asmuth.

  How many times have I looked towards the central spire and dreamed of what it would be like to live in the inner circle? I doubt a day has gone by where I haven’t ever since learning about the differences. I think it’s hitting me now more than ever.

  I wish I could go back to being 16 again. I miss my little sisters at the orphanage and that little room that was home for 17 years.

  “Lily come on, hurry up! There’s a full-blood here that said he’s looking for people that can do magic. I told him about you, and he wants to meet you!”

  A full-blood? Why would he bother coming here to look for a magic user? It’s true that there are half-bloods that can use magic, but most of us who can use magic are forced to join the military. It’s probably where I’m going as well. He must know halves need work permits to enter other sections of the city right?

  “What kind of work did he say it was for Darren? Don’t tell me it’s another one of those old perverts.”

  If it’s another one of those sicko’s I’d rather not know about it. Why is it that the only people who care about my talents are the military and people with sick fantasies?

  “No, he said he runs some kind of security company that protects merchants, and he wants to hire people that can use magic. Come on, hurry up before he loses interest in you!”

  “A security company? What’s that?”

  “I don’t really know, but he said he’s going to Naefir. Didn’t you say you wanted to go there?”

  Naefir!? What half Fae wouldn’t want to travel to Naefir? I heard in Naefir halves do not need to join the military to become citizens. But to go to Naefir you need special permissions. If I went, would I be able to find my father?

  I don’t know anything about him other than he's an Elf. But they say that elves can sense blood bonds, so would I be able to find him that way? Or could he find me? Would he even want to find me?

  “Darren let’s go, bring me there.”

  If he really is going to Naefir, then I must go. I can’t stay here using my gift for people and receiving payment in soup or bread. Most full-bloods don’t want halves touching them so it’s hard to use my gift on them to earn money. My only other options are the brothels or the military. Neither of which are appealing.

  I don’t know if I can protect anyone, but maybe I can convince him to hire Darren as well. As a Northsmen mix, Darren is strong. Stronger than anyone I know. He would be perfect for that type of job.

  “That’s him, let me do the talking all right?”

  What? He doesn't look any older than us. And is he really a full-blood human? He’s tall, even taller than me, which is pretty rare for full-blood human males. And his eyes… I’ve never seen golden colored eyes before.

  “This is Lily, the one I told you about earlier. She can use healing magic.”

  “Lily, that's an interesting name, where have I heard that name before?”

  Ah, my stupid name. It’s just a name given to me at the orphanage. If it wasn't for the fact that everyone calls me that I would change it.

  “She was named after those weeds that grow around the dumps and in ditches. It’s because she’s tall and skinny with orange hair and freckles just like the flowers.”

  Did Darren really just tell him I was named after a weed!?

  “That’s where I’ve heard it. Now I remember, Orange Day Lilies. That’s the name of those pretty flowers everywhere, the name is very fitting. So, is it true that you can use mystic magic? Can you really heal people?”

  Golden eyes, golden eyes. I’ve heard something about golden eyes before, but what was it? I can't remember, but I think it has something to do with magic. Is he a mage?

  “Hey, what are you spacing out for? Answer him.”

  “Huh? Ah, sorry, I mean yes I can use healing magic on people.”

  “To be able to find a mage who can use healing magic, what a stroke of luck. Lily, my name is Jayce and I would like to hire you. What do you say? Are you willing to work for me?"