Chapter 1 - Rein the Bounty Hunter

Alright here's the first chapter of this fantasy novel. It's kinda long but hope you like it. Special thanks to Kay for proofreading.

Chapter 1 - Rein the bounty hunter

Rein sat at a local tavern in the kingdom of Corcente. He was recruited as a bounty hunter by the current King to hunt down some bandits who had been ravaging the countryside for months. Rein didn't do it because he wanted to....he needed the money to continue his travels.

As he sat at the corner, he overheard a group of mercenaries discussing about the recent request from the king to stop the bandits.

"Corcente sure is getting chaotic this year. Heard that them bandits only appeared just recently and already, they've been causin' trouble", said one of the mercenary with a large sword as he gulped down an entire jug of beer.

"That's because they aren't just any ordinary bandits. From what I heard, they are well organized and were deserters..." replied one of his female acquaintances.

"Deserters eh? Then that make sense why the King is worried about them."remarked a veteran warrior as he gave out a hearty
laugh "From what I heard, soldiers of Corcente are skilled with the sword. Good thing the King is payin' use huge sums to quell them. Else I wouldn't have dreamed of fighting 'em."

The group started to laugh together. Rein watched each and every one of them...and sighed. They may be experienced mercenaries but they seemed to be too confident for their own good.

A loud slam, which sounded very much like someone slamming one's fist on the table caught Rein's attention. As he looked around, he noticed a woman wearing a light armor sitting in the far corner of the tavern. Sure enough, she had slammed her beer jug on the table. She then quickly paid the bill and left the tavern as though in a rush. Rein too decided to leave the tavern for the castle. Time is of the essence.

He paid his bill and left the tavern for the Corcente palace to gather more information about the bandits.The palace is located in the center of the kingdom and is the symbol of the kingdom's power. Corcente is known for their skilled mounted knights. It is also rumored that the mysterious assassin's guild is located here.

As Rein appraoched the palace gates, he noticed two knights, both donning heavy armor, guarding the entrance.

"Halt, stranger." said one of the guards, "What business do you have here?"

"I would like to request an audience with the King." Rein said calmly.

"Do you have an appointment with His Majesty?"

"I believe I do."

"What is your authorization to ask of such from His Majesty?" asked the second guard.

"......The bandits" replied Rein.

Both guards fell silent listening to his explanation, exchanging serious looks. One of the two promptly left, most probably to speak with the King. Before long, he reappeared.

"Very well, you may pass," the guard said as he gave way. "Please wait in the Audience Hall, the Regent will see you
shortly."

Regent? Rein thought, So Corcente is currently ruled by a Regent huh?

Rein proceeded towards the Audience Hall. There, the regent was waiting for him.

"Oh? You must be the one who wishes an audience with the King." the Regent said as he stroked his beard.

"Indeed I am."

"You don't seem to be a local..." the Regent said as he examined Rein's clothing. " Let me welcome you to Corcente then. You are here for the bounty on the bandits are you not, traveller?"

"Yes I am...I am in need of money to further my travels and with the reward, it should be able to sustain my journey for months."

"Ah, so you are a bounty hunter..."

"In trade, yes." Rein replied. "I wish to know more of these bandits and their whereabouts before I begin."

"....Not exactly an ordinary man, are you...?" the Regent smiled. "Well then, I suppose..."

"That's enough, Regent!" shouted a young man as he storms into the hall.

"...Prince Jedge...the doctor has requested you to stay in your chambers, have they not?" the Regent said non-chalantly.

So this is Prince Jedge of Corcente eh?, Rein thought, from the looks of things he doesn't seem to be in good health.

"Leave my health out of this, I'm fit as a fiddle." the Prince exclaims boldly as he walks up to the throne and gave Rein a pointed look, "Just like all the rest that have come... Money-starved vagabonds..."

Rein didn't reply. He knew it was partly true. These are the sacrifices one must make if they are to be bounty hunters.Bounty hunters rely on bounty rewards as their source of income, without it they are as good as starved wolves.

"This is His Highness Prince Jegde of Corcente" the Regent said apologetically "As he is not of age, I hold the throne for him--"

"I'm old enough to take the throne for myself, and I've heard quite enough from you! I told you, I will deal with those bandits myself!"

"It's not that simple, Your Highness..." the Regent sighs.

"Let me talk to them, Grell! I know I can--"

The Regent turned to the nearest maids and orders them to lead the prince back to his chambers. Of course, he struggled quite a bit as he was dragged away.

"GRELL!!"

Then, there was silence in the hall.

"I see the household is......in disarray..." Rein said.

"The prince is very determined to resolve the bandit issue by himself... but as you and I both know very well, it isn't as simple as gathering them all up and speaking to them."

"I heard that they were former soldiers?"

"Indeed. That is one reason why the prince refuses to give any information about those soldiers." the Regent said as he sighs again. "You see, he's quite fond of them, and they in turn are fond of him."

"Hmmm...Then why the desertion? Surely they have their reasons..."

"...While it is true that the soldiers are fond of the Prince, not much so His Majesty.... or myself for that matter." he said as he lowered his head "And the fact that we've lost people when we attempted to explore the Shadowlands made matters worse."

"...You...what?" Rein couldn't believe what he was hearing." How could you do such a reckless thing?!"

The Shadowlands. A large piece of continent where no life exist. Legends say that the land was struck by a meteor centuries ago. Ever since then, the once lush land turned onto a wasteland. Anyone crazy enough to journey into Shadowlands would either be killed or injured heavily. It is also said to be the birth place of monsters.

"I know it was reckless..." the Regent raised a hand in defense "But do bear in mind that I was not in power when that happened."

"Hmph....and that was the reason for the desertions?"

"I'm afraid so..." then he said in a hushed voice "You didn't hear this from me... but His Majesty the King apparently did not want people spreading the news... this is why he wants those deserters silenced..."

"And that's where we mercenaries and bounty hunters come in...eh?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

"I see.....well, it can't be helped then. I'll be able to do it...so long as I get the gold."

"The rewards...are always ready..."

"Good...All I require now is the location of their hideout.."

The Regent then reveals the location of the deserter's hideout. They were situated deep inside a forest called the Forest of the Moon. Getting to the forest isn't all that hard but trying to maneuver through the forest is another thing.

"Heh...seems like the deserters aren't foes to be underestimated..."

To be able to find such a strategic location as their hideout...they must have a good leader with them.

"Well, one of the King's most trusted general is amongst the deserters..."

"Hmm....interesting....guess this won't be just a walk in the park then." Rein grinned. He hasn't taken up a challenging job for quite some time now...He was looking forward to this a little more than he had initially thought he would. In fact, it was making his blood boil even before the 'hunt' began.

"Anyway, I have prepared for you a horse and some supplies for your journey." the Regent said "Go with the Goddess's blessings, traveller."

Rein then left the Hall for the Royal stables where he is to get the horse and supplies. As he reached the entrance, he met the guard stationed there.

"You are the bounty hunter Rein, right?" the guard asked but before Rein could reply, he continued, "Please wait here while I get the requested horse."

The guard disappeared into the stables and within a few minutes, emerged along with a brown horse with a black patch on its left chest. He handed the reins to Rein and also a small pouch containing 5000 gold and a day's supply of army rations.

With that, Rein took the horse and left the palace. His next destination is the castle gates to the north where the Forest of the Moon is located.

Just as he left the palace, he heard someone shouting to him.

"YOU! WAIT!"

Rein turned around and saw a hooded figure approaching him. As the figure got closer, Rein realized that it was Prince Jedge.

"...You are..."

"You're taking me to the bandits." the prince said bluntly, eyes burning with determination.

For a moment, Rein inwardly sighed and could almost tell that he was about to engage in a conversation that he simply can't win.

-To be continued-