Chương 41: UNDERCOVER

Roric Thorne's keen eyes, usually alight with the quiet intensity of a hunter, sharpened further. He nodded, his face serious, ready to receive his friend's request. Lord Alaric wasted no time. He recounted the Awakened Beast sighting, the chilling encounter Elias had endured, and the week-long search that had confirmed the creature's immense power and its unsettling ability to vanish without a trace.

He spoke of the threat it posed to the Blackwood region, not just to the wilds, but potentially to the settlements if it decided to turn its attention toward them. Roric listened intently, his gaze unwavering, occasionally offering a terse nod or a thoughtful hum. He, as well as other hunters, had seen more and more knights in the forests searching. They could tell something was up but decided not to pry.

Roric's mind, accustomed to processing complex environmental data and tracking elusive prey, was already piecing together the implications. He knew that the search was done so as not to raise suspicion among the people. He understood the gravity of an Awakened Beast, especially one that could so effectively mask its presence.

"My knights are vigilant, Roric," Alaric concluded, his voice heavy with the weight of his responsibility.

"They patrol the territory and maintain order, standing ready for any large-scale catastrophe. They could help with the search for the beast, but their duties lie primarily in defense and law enforcement. They are not as knowledgeable as you hunters, nor do they have the time to track a beast of this nature deep into the wilds at the detriment of their duties. That is why I come to you. To the Hunter's Bureau."

"And you want me to do a final check to see if this Awakened Beast is still around and possibly eliminate it if i find it?"

"Well thats only part of it." roric raised an eyebrow.

"The thing is I want you to teach my son the ways of a hunter. I want him to learn that there are stronger creatures out there than we earthborn. I could teach him myself but why not put him in the hands of a person whos whole gimmick revolves around beasts?" Roric tilted his head and regarded him for a moment.

"I dont know whether to be offended or surprised at you shirking responsibility"" I'm not shirking responsibility. I want the best for my son thats why im asking the best Hunter in the region to be his teacher." Roric looked at his friend then looked away muttering under his breath. Alaric didnt quite understand what he said but it was no doubt a string of profanity he was intentionally censoring be cause of his daughters prescence."" So is that a yes or...?"

Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

"It's gonna be tough, Al. You know I've been retired for quite a bit and only work as a consultant and instructor for the Bureau." He met Alaric's gaze.

"So is this an order from the Lord of Blackwood?"

"It's a favor from a friend," Alaric said with a grin. Roric smiled back.

"You're gonna owe me for this." He raised his fist and Alaric bumped it with his own. Roric then bowed and excused himself carrying his daughter and walking away. Eddie Gable, standing nearby, nodded approvingly, a rare smile touching his lips.

'These boys never change.' He thought remembering a time when the two of them were young boys He also understood the reason why he involved Roric. If what they were searching for returned the moment the knights stopped thier patrols, it was bound to return. So he got someone to keep an eye out while making it appear as if the incident has been forgotten. He also knew that using the young Lords training was a double edged sword.

It gave Young Lord Elias the opportunity to learn at the same time gave Roric a reason to visit the Keep. There was no one better than Tier One Hunter, Roric Thorne to play this role.'' Let's go back, Eddie," Alaric said, turning to walk away and putting his hands in his pockets.

"Yes, my Lord," Eddie said, following.

'I still remember when the two of them were still boys, oh what trouble they used to cause. Oh how time does fly.' The agreement was struck, a silent pact forged between Lord and Hunter, placing the safety of the Dukker lands in the capable hands of Roric Thorne.