The Half-Orc and The Mage

The Collector Is Back.

Leora's POV

A week after I struggled with that spell, I managed it, and decided to head over to the library to refocus.

I was walking home from the libary when I felt eyes on me, I turned to see to human men lent against the wall talking. I ignored them and carried on but went a longer route. I stopped at the market and turned to see them again. I paid for the herbs I was looking at and started walking towards an ally way. I turned when I felt them close behind me and kicked one, the other came after me but I punched him.

I turned to run, but another man stopped me. "Ah, Ms. Leora. It has been so long." It was the Collector. He wanted to kidnap me and keep me in his collection since I was a rare species. I went to push past him, but his henchmen got a hold of me. "Let go of me, you piece of shit!" I yelled, hoping someone would hear. "Ah ah, that's no way to talk to your new daddy. Now come quietly, and we don't have to hurt you." He said and tapped me on the head. I tried to kick him, but the henchman was too strong.

I went to yell again, but the henchman covered my mouth. I tried to do a spell, but I couldn't move my wrist. I was just about ready to give up when I heard two henchmen fall down and groan before the other was attacked by an Elf. He fought them hand to hand before nocking them out. The henchman holding me let go and fought the Elf but was nocked out, too. The Collector ran with two other henchmen.

"Are you okay, miss?" The Elf asked. "Yes, thank you...?" The Elf bowed. "I am Vel, at your service. What did they want from you, if you don't mind me asking?" I laughed and started to pick up my books, which had been scattered on the floor during the attack. "He wants me, that is THE Collector. He thinks I'm a rare collectable because I'm a Mage." Vel laughed, too. "Wow, that guy is crazy." Let me call a guard to get these guys into custody, then I'll walk you home."

I smiled and went to thank them. "Actually, I'd like to go to my girlfriend. I need to know she is safe from him, he will come back." Vel nodded and had two guards take our story before putting the henchmen in a carriage.

Vel and I then walked to the brothel and entered through the staff entrance. Mr Hikks welcomed me. "Ah, Leora, my girl, Girsha, is almost done fixing a bed board for me. Sit down, who is your friend?" I smiled and sat down. "Thank you, Mr Hikks. This is Vel. We actually came to tell Girsha something that happened today."

Just as I was about to explain. Girsha came down the stairs. "What happened?" She asked. I rushed over to her and hugged her. "Oh Girsha. I am so glad you are safe." I said, feeling a little shaken up now. "Why wouldn't I be my love?" Girsha asked before kissing my head. "The Collector is here." I said just about ready to cry. I didn't think he would try in a heavily guarded place.

"Hey, it's okay. You're safe now, I won't let him get you." Girsha cuddled me close and whispered in my ear. "Neither will I." Vel said as they stood up. "Who are you?" Girsha asked, growling. I looked up and answered her. "This is Vel they saved me from the Collector." Girsha sighed and relaxed before stretching out her hand. "Thank you. Vel. You don't know what this means to us."

"It was no problem, Girsha. I am glad Leora is safe, I will post some guards outside of your home to keep you both safe and to hopefully catch this man." Girsha and I looked at each other confused. "How can you do that?" I asked, which made Vel chuckle. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mention, I am the captain of the guard."

"Oh! That makes sense." I said, smiling at Vel. "Yes well thankyou Captain. You must join us for dinner. It is customary for Orcs to thank people with food." Girsha asked, which Vel nodded to and agreed. "I would love that, thankyou."

We all headed back home, and Vel had multiple guards stand around the building. We headed inside, and Girsha started to cook dinner.

Once it was ready we ate and Vel got a detailed list of everything we knew about the Collector including our story of how Girsha was paid to steal from him something he stole and how we got caught due to us bickering and the Collector found out I was a Mage. I also explained why Mages are rare.

"Well, that sorts the report out. I promised as soon as we get news of his where abouts I will inform you. Please stay home so he doesn't catch you off guard again. Just until he is located." We both nodded at Vel as they stood up to leave.

We walked them to the door, and they added. "We will also question the henchmen to see if he is staying anywhere specific." Girsha nodded and said. "Thank you for everything, Captain." They shook hands again, and Vel smiled. "Call me Vel." We all said goodnight, and Vel was gone.

We sat back down in silence before we said in unison. "They are cute." We both blushed, and Girsha shook her head. "They are on duty. This is serious." I nodded in agreement." Yes, of course."

We sat for a moment before Girsha asked. "Bath?" I nodded, and we headed for the bathroom.