I spent most of my next day training and sharpening my weapons. I fixed my crossbow, made some new arrows and coated them in poison. I was working, when someone came at my door. It was Adam. I welcomed him inside and served him some tea.
"Got a job for me?" I asked.
"Big time." Adam answered. "Good money but it ain't easy."
"Is it ever?" I answered.
"Believe me kid, this is something that you haven't dealt with yet." Adam said.
"Then why did you come here?" I asked.
"Because I don't know where else to go." Adam answered.
"Fine. Out with it." I said as I was examining my crossbow.
"I think it is better that you meet the client yourself. He is in Carseville." Adam said.
I turned towards him and saw tension on his face. It meant, that the job really was something serious. So without saying another word, I prepared for the journey. After a few minutes, we left my home and we were off to Carseville. An hour later, we arrived at a huge mansion in the outskirts of the city. Adam led me in. We were welcomed by a servant who led us to the main hall where a blonde young man was waiting for us. As he saw Adam, his face enlightened with joy.
"I knew you will comeback. Cassandra was doubting you but I assured her that you will find a way to help us." The man said.
"Thanks for believing in me." Adam said. "Now let me introduce you to someone. This is Case." Adam said while pointing at me. "He is the hunter I told you about."
The man looked at me with questionable eyes. Then he turned to Adam and spoke.
"This must a joke old friend. He is very young. How can he be that strong?" The man asked.
"I assure you, Case here will takecare of the matter. He is one of the best in the business. Please give him a chance Jeffery" Adam said.
The man then turned to me. "Jeffry Cosmeir. Nice to meet you Case." Jeffery said while bringing forward his right hand for a handshake. I did not shake his hand and chose to get straight to business.
"So why do you require my sevices?" I said.
Jeffer pulled back his hand in disappointment.
"She is asleep. She was feeling sick. Since she came to me, her health is not so good. She is getting weak day by day. I have called so many doctors but none of them could help her." Jeffery said while facing Adam.
"Maybe you should let Case have a look." Adam said.
Jeffery looked at Adam in shock and then nodded. He then led us to a room. As Jeffery opened the door, a strange dark aura came out. Something evil was at work. However neither Jeffery nor Adam could sense it. This was a gift that only hunters had. We have the ability to sense the dark and even see certain creatures that humans cannot. Jeffery went inside and called the lady's name while placing a hand on her shoulder. The lady had brown hair, dry black lips and dark circles under her eyes. There were dark patches on her skin. This sure was the work of a dark spell. I went forward to examine. I held her wrist while Jeffery watched. The lady could barely open her eyes.
"She has gotten even worse since I last saw her." Adam whispered.
Jeffery nodded in agreement. From her condition, I could tell that her life force was being sucked out of her. But I did not have the neccesary knowledge to break the spell causing this. I discussed the matter with Jeffery and told him that there was a person I knew, who might be able to help her, but before I could leave I needed to know how she got into this mess.
Jeffery led us to the dinning where hot food was waiting for us. He insisted that we ate somehting first.
While we were having the meal, Jeffery told us about the situation.
"She came to me three days ago. She was injured and sick. Dark creatures were after her. I protected her." Jeffery said.
"Why were they after her?" I asked.
Jeffery sighed.
"Her name is Cassandra Miller." Jeffery said.
"She is the grand daughter of the high priest at Saint Kivler's Church in Bolville. Cassandra lost her parents when she was young. My informants told me that two weeks ago, the city was attacked by a warlock. He decimated all the knights and warriors and made the people of Bolville his slaves. Word was sent to the premier, but no help came. Cassandra somehow managed to escape and came to me."
"Who is this warlock?" I asked.
"She did not tell me. She was really sick and since then she hasn't left the room." Jeffery said.
"She is under a dark spell." I said. Jeffery raised his head in shock.
"No wonder the medications were not working. Her condition just kept getting worse." Jeffery said.
"And it won't stop. Her life force is being sucked out. If this continues she will die." I said.
"So what do we do?" Jeffery asked.
" As I said earlier, I know someone who can help her. I have to bring him here." I said.
"How long will it take?" Jeffery asked.
"Two days at most." I said.
"Very well." Jeffery nodded.
Two hours later, I left Jeffery's mansion and rode for Kreephill. It was a one day Journey. My master had an aquaintance by the name of Jade Burnhyme. He was once an evil warlock until my master saved his life. Since then, he dedicated himself to helping others using his magic. Jade is a skilled magician and a doctor. So right now, he was the only best option for Cassandra. I stayed at an inn for the night and reached Kreephill by the afternoon. Jade's house was in the middle of the forest . The whole forest was under Jade's spell. He knew who was coming and protected him against intruders. After a while, I finally reached Jade's house. I came down and tied Schnieder to a pole. As I was about to knock the door, it swung open and a voice spoke.
"Come in, come in Case." Jade said.
I went inside and found Jade standing on a ladder reading a book. He closed it and came down.
"It has been a long time my boy. Good to see you." Jade greeted me.
"It is good to see you too." I spoke while bowing.
Jade was not very tall. He wore a shirt with a waistcoat, black pants, brown boats. Jade had long grey hair with a grey beard and green eyes.
"As humble as ever." Jade said.
Jade then waved his hand in air. A teapot along with two cups was levitating in the air and then landed infront of me at the table.
"Have a seat." Jade said as he poured the tea.
"Heard about your tales. Your master would be proud of you. May his soul rest in peace."
"I guess." I answered.
"So what brings you to my door?" Jade asked.
"There is a matter in hand that needs your attention." I answered. "There is this young lady under a dark spell. I believe her life force is being drained. I need your assistance to break that spell."
"I see." Jade said while raising his eyebrows.
"Where is she?"
"Carseville." I answered.
Jade sighed and stood up. "Give me sometime to pack. Been a while since I last went out of Kreephill." He said.
As Jade walked away from the table, suddenly he turned and swung the door open. Outside a man was running towards his entrance. He was breathing heavily and had blood dripping from his forehead.
"Carl what's the matter? How did you get injured?" Jade asked.
"Goblins, Jade. Five of them. They are ripping the village apart. Please help or they will kill us all." The man begged.
Jade faced me. I nodded and we moved out. The man rode with Jade, while I followed them to his village. As we reached we saw people in a state of panic. They were running around, screaming in fear. We went ahead and saw four goblins destroying the houses with their huge axes and clubs. Goblins are huge creatures at least seven feet tall, with a massive bodies. These creatures feed on humans. One goblin can eat atleast four humans. Normal humans are no match against their monstrous strength. I saw one goblin who dragged a woman out of the rumble. She was holding a baby in her hands. She kicked in fear trying to escape, but the goblin single handedly lifted her in air. I immediately took out my crossbow and shot at the goblin. The arrow hit his right shoulder and he let go of the lady. The lady fell on her back but immediately got up and ran away.
Meanwhile the other goblins also took notice of us. They marched forward and stood in a line infront of us. The goblin I shot, took out the arrow as if, it did not bother him. However, a second later he went to his knees, breathing heavily. Then suddenly a goblin appeared from behind. He swung his axe and beheaded the goblin on the ground. Yellow liquid was gushing out of the headless body. The other goblins lowered their heads. Then the leader faced us. He was wearing bear skin and had a huge scar on his right eye.
"You dare stand against us hunter. I will tear your flesh and drink your sweet blood. Been a while since I last feasted on one." The goblin spoke pointing his axe at me.
"Can you handle the others if they interfere?" I asked Jade.
"Yes I can. But you better take him down." Jade answered.
"I will." I answered.
I dismounted Schneider and stood on the path. I put back my crossbow in my cloak and unsheethed my sword.
"You want me. Come get me." I said while pointing my sword at the goblin.