Beast Tamer

Claiming the Bounty

The crisp night air felt heavy as Ethan and Orion continued their trek through the forest. The bodies of the assassins lay far behind them, but the tension clung to the pair like a dark cloud. Ethan couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling. Who had sent those killers? Why would someone target him before he even arrived at the Academy?

The silence was broken only by the soft padding of Tyros beside them. The beast’s keen eyes scanned their surroundings, sensing the same invisible threat that lurked in the darkness. Ethan's mind raced, replaying the fight, the assassins’ quick, lethal strikes, and their chilling words.

Orion’s face was hard to read, but Ethan could see the concern etched in his instructor’s brow. They weren’t safe, not yet.

"How many more do you think will come after us?" Ethan finally asked, breaking the silence.

Orion’s gaze remained forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "It doesn’t matter. You must be prepared for anything now. You've made enemies, Ethan, powerful ones."

Ethan frowned. “But why me? Why now?”

Orion slowed his pace, turning to face Ethan. His eyes were steely, filled with a gravity that Ethan hadn’t seen before. "There are those who fear your potential, who know what you could become. The Academy of Sanctum produces legends, and you—whether you know it or not—are meant for something much greater."

Before Ethan could respond, the sound of rustling in the bushes caught their attention. Tyros growled low, his body tensing as he turned his head toward the sound.

Out of the shadows emerged a figure, clad in dark, weathered armor, a hood obscuring their face. The figure raised their hands, palms open in a gesture of peace, but Ethan could sense the tension radiating from the stranger.

"I’m not here to fight," the figure said, their voice calm but sharp. "I’m here for something else."

Orion stepped forward, his hand never leaving his weapon. "Who are you?"

The figure let out a low chuckle. "Just a simple bounty hunter. I’ve been tracking those assassins for days. Seems you saved me the trouble of dealing with them."

Ethan tensed. A bounty hunter? He had heard of these mercenaries—sellswords who would kill for the right price, with no loyalty to anyone but gold. His hand instinctively moved toward his dagger.

The bounty hunter pulled back their hood, revealing a face that was surprisingly young, with sharp, calculating eyes and a mischievous grin. “Name’s Kiera. Those three assassins you took down were carrying a hefty bounty. I’m here to collect.”

Ethan’s brow furrowed. “Collect? They’re dead.”

Kiera’s grin widened. “Exactly. Which means their contracts are open for the taking. I don’t need to bring them back alive. Just their heads will do.”

Ethan’s stomach churned at the thought. He glanced at Orion, unsure of what to make of this new arrival. Could they trust her?

Orion’s gaze was locked on Kiera, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. “You’re not here for the bounty. What do you really want?”

Kiera’s grin faded slightly, but her eyes remained sharp. “You’re right. The bounty is just a bonus. What I’m really interested in is him.” She pointed a gloved finger at Ethan.

Ethan’s hand tightened around the hilt of his dagger. “Me?”

Kiera nodded, stepping closer. “Word travels fast in my line of work. There’s a price on your head, kid. A big one. Someone wants you dead before you reach the Academy, and I’ve been sent to find out why.”

Orion’s hand flashed to his sword, drawing it in one swift motion. “Stay back.”

But Kiera didn’t flinch. She raised her hands again in a gesture of surrender. “Easy there. I’m not looking for a fight. I’ve already turned down the contract on him. It’s not my style to kill a kid.”

Ethan’s eyes narrowed. “Then why follow us?”

Kiera smirked. “Curiosity, mostly. I wanted to see the kid who’s causing all this fuss. Seems you’ve got powerful enemies, and I like to know the players in the game.”

Orion’s sword remained raised, but he didn’t strike. “You’ve made your point. Now leave.”

Kiera’s grin faded completely, and her tone grew more serious. “You don’t get it, do you? The contract on his life isn’t just some random hit. There’s something big going on here. Bigger than any of us. You need to be ready for what’s coming.”

Orion lowered his sword, but his expression remained hard. “What do you know?”

Kiera hesitated, as if weighing her next words carefully. “There’s a name whispered among the mercenaries. The Shadow King. They say he’s pulling the strings behind this contract. If he’s involved, then you’re in more danger than you realize.”

Ethan’s heart pounded in his chest. The Shadow King? He had heard rumors, but no one knew if the figure was real or just a myth—a name spoken in hushed tones in the darkest corners of the world.

Orion’s eyes darkened. “The Shadow King... If that’s true, we need to move faster.”

Kiera nodded. “You’re not safe here. I suggest you reach the Academy as quickly as possible. There will be more assassins, and they’ll keep coming until you’re dead.”

Ethan exchanged a glance with Orion, who nodded. They had to keep moving.

Kiera turned to leave, but paused. “One last thing. If you ever need help, find me. I don’t work for free, but I’m good at what I do.”

And with that, she vanished into the shadows, leaving Ethan and Orion alone once more.

Ethan’s mind was racing. The Shadow King. Assassins. A bounty on his head. This was far bigger than he had imagined. But one thing was clear: if he wanted to survive, he needed to reach the Academy—and fast.

“We move at first light,” Orion said, his voice grim. “No more delays.”

Ethan nodded, gripping his dagger tightly. The road ahead was growing darker, and the stakes had just been raised.