The ranger had led them into the border between Bergwald Forest and Alberi Forest.
Apparently, Maxwell used to commit crimes with another archer before she decided to go solo since she wanted to be more independent.
She used to be a slave, like Maxwell, but for a different noble. Maxwell found her during his first years as a thief. Filled with empathy for her situation, Maxwell decided to kill the noble and free her from the shackles of slavery.
Her "hunting grounds" were usually at Alberi Forest or the border near Bergwald Forest, which is why Maxwell decided to take the whole party to the bottom of the mountain, in hopes of finding his old friend.
Maxwell stopped under one of the trees.
"We're here."
Jaxon looked around the area, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
"Are you sure this is the place?" the dragonborn asked, as he walked a few steps forward, "I don't see any traps-"
Just then, he stepped on a pile of leaves.
A net unexpectedly came out from under the leaves and yanked the red-haired dragonborn up into the air.
Jaxon dangled helplessly, trapped inside the net.
Johann and Maxwell cackled, while Jaxon pouted at them from above.
"Not funny, you guys!"
The branches beside Jaxon began to rustle, and suddenly a person appeared, dangling beside Jaxon, upside down.
Jaxon let out a surprised squeal.
The woman beside him raised an eyebrow, her emerald eyes staring blankly at her prey.
"Well, aren't you a catch," the woman said, her rough voice startling Jaxon in the process.
"And a hello to you too, Maeve," Maxwell greeted, "I see you still remember the lessons I've taught you."
Maxwell then gestured at the trap that Jaxon had gotten himself into.
The woman laughed before swinging her body up the branch, her leather armour squeaked alongside her movements.
She rested both of her arms on the side, sitting on the branch with a smirk. Strands of her short, silky chestnut hair began to fall on her face.
"Friend of yours?" Maeve asked, pointing at the trapped dragonborn.
Maxwell nodded.
"I would appreciate it if you let him down."
Maeve pulled out a crossbow from her back, firing an arrow at the rope that hung the net on the tree.
Jaxon fell to the ground seconds later.
"Thanks..."
With one swoop, Maeve jumped down from the tree, landing right next to the dishevelled dragonborn.
"So, what brings you-"
She gestured to the other party members.
"-and your acquaintances here?"
"A commission," Johann answered, "Some kid got lost in the mountains, we're trying to get him back."
"Ah, so you're a part of the Söldner's Guild."
Maeve crossed her arms before looking at Maxwell with an amused stare.
"I thought you didn't do parties."
Maxwell shrugged.
"I owe them my services."
Maeve hummed.
YOU ARE READING
Before There Was Braveheart
FantasyA highly skilled assassin found himself dealing with an impossible commission from a high-ranking commissioner. He was tasked to find the Long-Lost Princess, preferably alive, with the promise that he would receive the payment of a lifetime. Disguis...
