Dusk Falling (Book 1) Read Free

before to no avail and that by Hunters of renowned experience within the Circuit. Sureshots failed yet they succeeded. They were building quite the reputation for themselves.
    “Alright. Ye’ve been cautioned and know the Rules. The Chase must be brought to a Circuit Hold alive. The Client did not specify condition so do what ye must.
    “Half pay now, half upon return. The other Circuit Holds will be notified of yer acceptance of this warrant,” he droned on, having said such many a time. But rules were rules within the Circuit and they were to be followed at all times. If the rules were omitted, the Circuit would be no better than a mercenary guild. “Deposit can be made any Hold and pay given therein. Failure to bring in the warranted individual without contacting the Circuit within the standard period of three months will result in the immediate warranting of ye yerself- therefore it is advised to check in every month. New information may come available through the Client. I don’t believe I need to tell ye how the other Hunters feel about deserters.” Through the window, the Bounty Master slid the documents over. “Here’s the warrant assigned to the Hunter- it is official and may help in attaining information. There are no special orders from the Client beyond a quick quiet arrest and that the warranted individual must be brought backalive. Name-dropping is not permitted in this case. They are a private organization and will remain anonymous. We have been informed the warranted individual will more than likely be alone but the utmost caution should be employed in apprehension. Description and leads are on the warrant. Any questions?”
    “Hmm, a bit shady to me.” Serrtin said, commenting on the Client as she took up the papers. “Did they checkout with you?”
    “Ye know it’s my job. All I am permitted to say in this case is that they are a private organization that very much wishes to maintain their anonymity but need a small amount of outside help in this situation. They came to the Circuit instead of simply hiring mercenaries because of our reliability and proven record. It is, as ye are aware of, not a Hunters place to know anything beyond what will help them apprehend and subdue the warranted individual or individuals.” He scratched under his knit cap before running a gnarled hand over his single eye. “But I understand the reasons why ye ask. We of the Circuit are, technically, mercenaries when it comes down to it- albeit the top of its class- hiring out to those who can afford our fees by way of contract. But that doesn’t mean we hire out to just anyone or for any cause. As Bounty Master, I must pass judgment on potential Clients to make sure their mission for our Hunters is legitimate and not for an ill or underhanded cause. We must all uphold the virtue of the Circuit in the ways we conduct business under its name.
    “A word of advice, though- watch yerselves on this one. We’ve lost Hunters. Good ones.”
    Serrtin snorted impertinently, reaching over her right shoulder to touch the hilt of her flamberge. Mostly used by heavily-armored footmen against mounted opponents due to the weapons long blade and two-handed grip, it was perfect for stealing under (or in most cases, through) armor plating and inflicting wounds no ordinary healer could mend, unseating the enemy in the process. Hers was a heavy breed of sword, unwieldable by most Larren swordsman due to its sheer weight and necessary skill level. But to a Yarcka who stood over seven feet in height and towered over most races, it was nothing more unwieldy than a broadsword. “No man can beat a Yarcka. And especially not this one.”
    It was the Bounty Master’s turn to snort his opinion though not out of disbelief or mockery. He failed to give further comment less that particular Yarcka attempt to make the Cage’s metal bars all whole lot less secure. He rose from his seat and returned a moment later.
    Joln slid over to them through