Darius led me down a hallway branching off the main meeting room. The hallway was lined with closed doors until we reached his office at the very end. We both entered and Darius took a seat in a wood and leather armchair behind a large wooden desk, cluttered with paperwork.
His office was rather messy yet organised at the same time. There were bookshelves lining the walls, filled with dusty books and interesting-looking trinkets. In one of the corners of the room, there was a small bar shelf with many various bottles of liquor displayed neatly, and glasses stacked beside.
"Take a seat," Darius said as he gestured to another chair. "So, Elias, let's get down to business. The job I have for you is as a bounty hunter which you know. Fleur told you didn’t she?”
“Yes boss, she told me that you guys take down the high-value targets and deal with criminal magic users,”
“That would be correct, what she failed to tell you is that to take down said targets, we utilise this magic also,” Darius replied.
My eyes widened in shock. From the little I knew of this world, wasn’t magic a criminal practice?
He continued, “Us Huntsmen have been tasked with not just taking down those dangerous targets, but leading, and controlling the illegal underworld of magic. You see, it’s not something we can just get rid of, so our job is vital to maintaining peace between the two worlds if you will.”
I was in disbelief, did this mean that I’d be learning magic? “But what about the enforcers, if we’re using magic won’t we be classed as criminals and be executed?”
Darius leaned in and whispered. “And that’s why we have to be careful don’t we.”
This made the job much more exciting yet nervewracking, it was a lot different from what I was used to back behind my desk writing in books and at a computer. This role was much more of an important position than I had realised.
“You said that I could handle it, but are you sure? If you do know me, you’d know that I’m much more suited to working in law or politics. Not as a contracted killer who leads criminals.”
“Well, then it’s up to you to decide if you want out. Oh, and you won’t have to worry about criminals or taking down targets just yet anyway. I’m wouldn't be throwing you into the deep end.”
I guess that’s a good sign, Jean said I should trust him but that’ll come in time. I’m not that easy.
Darius leaned back in his seat and reached up behind his shoulder and pulled a piece of paper out of thin air. I watched in amazement as the contract seemed to materialize out of nowhere. Was this the kind of magic he was talking about, and would that also explain the chilling sensation from the other night and when Lucas came to interrogate me? What kind of magic would I eventually have to learn?
“Since you’re just starting, I’m not going to get you to take out any targets just yet or even touch anything magical.” He placed the contract on the desk and pulled out a pencil from one of his draws. "So this is just to start you off as a regular bounty hunter," he explained. "You'll be working closely with one of your colleagues on smaller assignments like scouting targets, and you’ll work your way up if I see promise."
“That’s more my speed.”
I read through the contract which outlined basically what Darius had just told me about what I’d be doing, detailing my responsibilities and my compensation which is what I was looking for. Just starting out doing jack all, I’d be earning 20 silver a week. Once I start taking on a more prominent role I don’t think I’ll be worrying about money for a while.
After signing the contract I passed it back and Darius handed me a separate document just for the employee, for employment's sake which I shoved in my back pocket.
Feeling relieved that I wouldn't be thrown straight into the deep end, I let out a sigh. Darius continued, "Now that you're contracted, you should be a bit safer out and about. Other parties were interested in recruiting you, but I managed to get to you first."
I furrowed my brow, "Why would anyone go through all that trouble just to get me to work for them, and how can I trust you too? What makes you any different from the other parties? Fleur and Lucas have already lied enough to me."
“Who said you had to trust me? Or anyone for that matter?”
He had a point, and then again he was offering me employment.
Darius leaned forward, "And perhaps someone talked about you too much around town, or maybe they see potential in you. Whatever the reason, just be wary of strangers who approach you with offers. You never know what kind of people are out there"
“Noted,” after he told me about the underworld of magic users, I was definitely going to be more cautious. This town was much more dangerous than it seemed.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
He then handed me an envelope filled with money, "Consider this just your signing bonus. Go buy yourself some new clothes at Savile Row Tailors, something a bit nicer. You smell a bit," he added with a smirk. “Just say D sent you and they’ll probably give you a discount or something.”
I couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed at his comment, I like to keep up my appearance but it was rather difficult with the little clothing I had. I took the envelope nonetheless.
Darius then leaned back in his chair and looked at his watch, "Oh, and before you go, your first mission is to go buy lunch for the crew. The rest of us are having a meeting in about an hour and a half, so you have to get something decent for, about five people."
I nodded, "Sure thing, I'll get on that right away." I guess I have to start somewhere, and if that’s just doing lunch runs I’m all for it. That should give me more leeway and time to prepare for all the harder jobs in the near future.
As I got up to leave, Darius reached over to his private bar and poured himself a small glass of something that smelt alcoholic. “Use some of that signing bonus for our lunch, you should have enough for both that and clothes,” he said, sipping his drink.
I nodded as I left the office. As I walked back down the hall, I passed by Fleur and Lucas who were deep in discussion sitting across from one another at the meeting table. Various papers were spread across the table as they looked to be reviewing some files from a mission.
Fleur looked up and grinned at me, "Hey, new guy. Don't forget to get us something decent for lunch. Lucas almost got canned when he first joined because he only got food for himself."
Lucas's face darkened at the reminder, clearly not pleased that they were laughing at his expense. But he didn't say anything, instead choosing to focus on the papers in front of him.
I nodded, "Yeah, Darius just told me. I'll make sure to get something good for everyone. Be back soon." I walked back out of the lobby, waving to Jean as he was still engrossed in his newspaper.
With that, I headed out to complete my first task as a bounty hunter. It may seem like a small thing not even related to hunting, but I knew that every job counted in the workforce and I wanted to make a good impression on my new colleagues. As I know from experience, making a good first impression can even make or break your entire career.
Walking back down the street I naturally gravitated towards the town centre, back between the library and near the bakery. But I’m not going to get a few bread rolls for lunch when I was asked to get something decent. That's when I noticed Caius walking by with his usual pinstripe pants, brown waistcoat and goggles around his neck.
He managed to notice me before I could say anything, “Oh hey Eli,” he waved towards me. “Are you out for lunch too? I was also planning on getting something from the markets for dinner later if you wanted to join this time?”
“Yeah, I’ve just come out to grab a few things for lunch, but not bakery food today. I was-”
“Didn’t you say you were going out job hunting today, I didn’t manage to catch you this morning. Must’ve been up bright and early heh were you? How’s your luck been so far?”
What do I say? I could just tell him straight up and be honest that I’ve just got a job as a bounty hunter, but from what Fleur had said, it would be best to keep it a secret from him for now. I don’t doubt he’ll find out eventually.
“I’ve just got a job so pretty lucky, I’m out on a lunch rush for my colleagues. Oh, it’s a um,” Fuck, what would be believable? “I got a position as a private investigator, so you better keep quiet about it,” I whispered close to Caius. With the suit and gear I’d be getting as a bounty hunter, a P.I. should be close enough to be convincing.
Caius looked at me with unconvinced eyes but perked back up in an instant, “Hmm, yeah. That would suit you wouldn’t it. I would’ve expected you to be working at that library but for someone as secretive, dark, and mysterious as you, an investigator is rather fitting.” Caius pretended to act mysterious covering the sides of his face with his shirt collar and looking around, clearly trying to mock me. At the very least I’ve convinced him enough.
“Yeah whatever, at least it pays well which is what matters. I was wondering if the markets have anything good to eat, something a bit more than the bakery, and for many people.”
“Have you not even been to the markets yet?” Caius looked baffled, “Of course they do. They have anything and everything. Well, probably not everything, but you get what I’m saying.”
We headed over towards the markets with Caius leading the way. The moment we entered the bustling area, I was hit with an overwhelming sensory overload. The sights and smells were unlike anything I'd experienced before.
“Welcome to the markets,” Caius said with a smile, “Where you can find anything from the freshest seafood to the rarest spices. Just follow me and I’ll show you some of my favourite spots.”
The narrow walkways were lined with stalls on either side, vendors shouting out their wares in an attempt to attract customers. The colourful array of fruits and vegetables, spices, meats, and seafood were displayed in front of me. The smell of grilled meats mixed with the sweet aroma of fresh pastries, while the sound of sizzling pans and chattering people created a lively atmosphere.
From the usual side of town where it was all suits and ties going about their day, I wouldn’t have expected an environment quite like this.
“Over here,” Caius motioned me over to a vendor selling various kinds of seafood. “They have some great fish stew, and I think it’s rather fresh. This should be enough for your worker buddies right?”
“Yeah, I think this will do nicely,” I replied. I approached the vendor, “Can I get some, lobster stew, for about five people? Oh and some of that sourdough bread too?”
The vendor nodded, scooping the stew into a large container and wrapping the bread in a cloth. I handed over some of the money from my signing bonus—about 4 silver and 5 coppers for the five of us—making sure to count it out correctly. I didn't want to mess up on my first task like Lucas.
Caius asked for some of the same from the vendor but just for one. I wonder where he was getting all this money from, someone with what looks to be no job still being able to pay for all these things including paying for me a few times. Well as long as it’s doing me no harm, it should be fine.
“I’ll be off now, don’t want this food to go cold do I,” I said. “I’ll see you after work, later,” I turned away and started back towards The Hunters Den.