Nightfire Chronicles 12

Chapter 12: The Mayor's Request

The next day came and as Cross woke up to prepare their food, Sheena still sleeps with Daniel on the latter's bed. "I hope we will be able to continue travelling. I need to earn by now and not to just wait for Alex to help us financially. I wonder if there is anybody would give me work here..." he said to himself, when he heard knock on the door. "Who could it be this early?" saying to himself as he opened the door. There, soldiers greeted him.

"Good morning sir. The mayor wants to see you at the office." one soldier told him. "He wants to thank your group on what you have done for the town yesterday..." he trailed.

"I see. Would you mind waiting for a bit? I would just like to prepare myself. Let's meet outside." he replied and the soldiers agreed. After that, Cross arranged himself and before he left he asked the nurse to take care of the children as the latter agreed. He strode out of the hospital and the soldiers took him at the mayor's office.

Meanwhile on the other hand, Alex was looking far beyond the mountains at the veranda of the inn's room where she and Alfredo stayed for the night. She was thinking of the challenge Cross gave to her yesterday. "This is my first time to be challenged by a demon. He is not even of any position but his words weigh deep inside. This will be my toughest challenge ever. Don't worry Cross, I will make sure I will know everything about you, and you will be sorry that you challenged me for that." she said to herself, not noticing Alfredo beside her as he served her breakfast.

"Looks like you are indeed happy now Your Highness. Is there something that made you smile today?" he asked as he arranged the flowers on the vase just beside the window.

"I'm just thinking of something Alfredo. Anyway, have you checked on the hospital? How's Daniel?" she replied as she began to eat.

"Daniel is recovering fast from his wounds, and Cross was called by the Mayor in his office according to the nurses. I suppose they want to thank him on their heroic act yesterday." he replied.

"I see. I wish I can do that too, so other people will think highly about me not just being a princess but being a human being that cares for them. Even though, but this will stay as a dream..." she said. Alfredo felt a hint of sadness on her voice. It was Alessandra's dream to experience an adventure that would make her realize her worth for the people around her. Being a princess makes her life an easy one, but as most people envy her place in society she thinks of being free from the castle protocols that dictate her.

"Hmm, in that case why not ask Cross to be your mentor and partner Your Highness? I believe you can learn more a lot on the trade. And as you can know more on the trade, you can know more about him in the process, am I right?" he smiled.

Hearing that, Alex gave a sigh. "I cannot really hide any secret to you Alfredo. Alright, I will talk Cross about that plan later. I will do my best, so Father and Mother along with the people around are proud of me." she concluded.

At that time at the Mayor's office, Cross was talking with the latter about the incident yesterday. "Mr. Nightfire I would like to thank you and the kid for your heroism yesterday. The kid were now reunited with her parents and are very happy to have her safe and sound. I heard that the lad who saved the girl were now resting and I would again like to express my humble thanks to you and your group." he said and placed a leather bag on the table and pushed it towards Cross.

"What's this Sir? I don't understand..." Cross said as the Mayor leaned on his chair.

"A humble gift from this town. It may be small but please take it." he replied and motioned Cross to open the bag. Gold coins were inside and Cross smiled, closing the bag and placing it back on the table. The latter were puzzled. "Is it not enough?"

"We just passed by here, we have no intention on make your town pay for what we've done yesterday. It was purely by accident I suppose. Making us stay here and accepting us are enough for us." he replied.

              The Mayor smiled on what he has heared. He has found the perfect one for the job. "Well then, please take the gold still. Consider it not a payment but a token of appreciation from us. Anyway, I called you here to offer a job. I knew that you are hunter by your looks and I need you to exterminate the bandits that are pestering the trade of this city for months now. Not even a team of hunters can defeat them and their leader was known to be a powerful demon. I knew you and your group can defeat them. Don't worry; we will pay you handsomely for that job."

               "I see. Where are they located?" he asked.

               "They are situated beyond the Great Mountain some kilometers from here. They are reported to be most active by night and most merchants are forced to take the long route going here, costing them money and delayed deliveries. Anyway, the townsoldiers will escort your group going there and will be helping your group too. Just tell me what you need for the attack." the Mayor replied.

               "Daniel will not be fit to do the job because of his wounds. I'll be bringing Alfredo instead. Kindly look after Sheena and Alessandra for us along with the lad I mentioned a while ago. Our equipments are enough, probably some bullets for Alfredo will do." he said as the Mayor stood up.

               "Granted then Mr. Nightfire. When will you be attacking then?"

               "Tonight. Have our soldier companion ready and I'll talk with my group about this. We'll do our best to end this matter for your town. I hope we can end this without senseless bloodshed." and Cross excused and left the office.

               The Mayor sat down as Cross left the place. He gave out a sigh, and leaned back to his chair. That conversation means a lot for him and also for the safety of the town, and his daughter. If he has not accepted it, this will be a big problem. "I need to believe on them, they are my town's only hope..." he said to himself.