Power went out due to a storm, and wrote this out of boredom. Figure I'll post the first part of it here, hope you all enjoy. Part Two will come soon.
In the land of Velis Brum, there lived many races of people; humans. dwarves, orcs, elves, and other. There were dragons, Mols, witches, hagravens, giant bears, wolves, Lizars, Rattars, Lycans, Vampires, and many more.
It was a land of knights, damsels, Peace Keepers, Bandits, Legions, Necromancers, Outlaws, and Mercenaries.
This story focuses on one of the most notorious professions. Whether they work for better or ill, good or wicked....few would want to cross paths with the Bounty Hunters!
It was a hot summers day when he rode into the hold of Berkon. Perhaps his reputation preceded him, maybe it was the armor that he wore or the hammer at his saddle, but villagers all around exchanged nervous whispers and glances. Guards stared him down while their hands found the hilts of their blades. Others hefted their claymores or war hammers onto their shoulders.
It was clear that if anyone was looking for trouble, they'd be foolish to start it here.
The massive orc kept a face of indifference as the town guards eyed him. He kept on riding down the road a ways, when a heavily armored man stands in the way, a hefty poleaxe rests in hand. Two nervous looking men with longbows flank him.
"Stop traveler! I am Captain Gauf the Crusader. Who are you? And what business do you have here?" He boldly shouts.
The orc eyes the three men, straightening up and mightily roaring.
"I am Tumble, Bounty Hunter, Hero of the War of Scourge. I'm here to lend my hammer to Lord Far'Wey."
"I've heard of you," Gauf says," You personally defeated Scourge himself. An impressive feat."
The Captain thinks for a moment.
"Alright, we'll escort you to Lord Far'Wey. Once we reach the city walls you'll have to surrender your weapons, security first."
"Fine," Tumble grunts.
Gauf and his men find their horses. The Crusader leads the way, followed by Tumble. The two longbow men take the rear, no doubt to shoot Tumble dead if he makes the wrong move.
It doesn't bother the battle hardened orc, his line of work has put him in danger countless times. Besides, most guards wouldn't bother someone of Tumble's repute without provocation.
Who knows, if he lives long enough he may even take up work as a town guard some day.
The ride is mostly silent while Tumble muses about his future.
The group eventually comes up to massive stone walls, while guards patrol the top and stand in large watch towers. Some towns people and guards watch the group from the stone works outside of the city.
Soon they cross a bridge flanked by trenches and stone walls, they are mostly empty but would be heavily occupied if the city came under siege.
Gauf signals the group to stop, and several guards come out of one of the outer stone watch towers.
"Who is this?" Their apparent leader asks.
"Tumble the Bounty Hunter," Gauf replies,"here to see Lord Far'Wey."
"Very well, we need to confiscate his weapons."
"I've informed him, carry on." Gauf says.
Three of the guards approach Tumble. He slowly hands his war hammer to the weakest one, watching in amusement as he struggles to bring it into the tower. Next he unclips his sword sheath and hands it to the next guard. The third takes the initiative and unstraps the bow and quiver from the back of the saddle. The Lead Guard writes and inventory of all Tumble's things.
"All set to go." He says.
As the gates open and the group rides on, Tumble slightly grins. They never found the dagger in his boot.
The streets and markets are crowded today, as merchants and travelers from all over trade their goods. A few rough looking men and a Lizar (humanoid lizard) stand scowling around one merchants stand. Hired protection it looks like, or he's being extorted, either way it's no business of Tumbles.
Once the group passes the market area the crowd thins out dramatically. It doesn't take long before they cross a stone walkway and arrive at the castle gates. They dismount their horses and embark up the large stone steps. At the entryway are two guards, and three armed with bows on what appears to be a balcony above them.
One of the guards at the door exchanges nods with Gauf before opening the door.
