Caught by a Hunter

Chapter 20

Once the ship set sail, their journey was actually quite peaceful. There were many other passengers heading towards Maglaice Town too, but they kept their distance from them, just in case. Mostly just to make sure no one would pay too much attention towards Alderoth.

Hassian especially was nervous because of that exact reason, but he did his best to hide it. He knew how important it was for them all to stay calm and collected, otherwise there was no way for them to actually manage to keep the fact that Alderoth was a human as a secret.

He let his green eyes wander, checking their surroundings in a casual manner but he was constantly aware of who was close to them and what they were doing. He didn't mind that others seemed a lot more relaxed, it was better that way.

Once the ship finally stopped and they could step on the dock, Hassian was glad. They all looked up, seeing the big town in front of them.

It was built very... interestingly. Like a platform after platform, rising up and the center of the town was like a huge pedestal. On top of it, high up in the sky it looked like there was yet another town, separated from the town below it.

"Fanciest part of this town?" Hassian guessed and Reth nodded.

"That part is only for those who have money and connections", the cook explained as they started walking. There were so many people around, the whole area was just bustling with all sorts of people who were out doing their own things. They were checking the fish market or waiting for their ship or things like that. There were constantly fishermen and sailors moving, working hard and the area was just filled with constant chatting.

All in all, Maglaice Town didn't really look like a bad place. It actually looked very nice with blue and golden painted round tile roofs, stone paved streets, markets, shops, those colossal columns that supported the platforms and a huge amount of flush bushes, flowers and tall yet thin cypresses.

But they knew that under all that nice surface there was a hidden underworld, a place where anything could become merchandise. It was the ugly, dangerous and dark side some of the people visiting here might not even know about. Most people knew about that sad fact, but not all and they could only hope that those who had no idea what happened under those platforms could keep themselves safe.

"I suddenly feel really nervous", Jel confessed, staying very close to them as the tall man was looking around. At least for now, no one had actually paid any attention towards them. Everyone was too busy doing their own things.

"Don't think too much", Reth told him, smiling but there was a hint of worry behind that calm expression. "We're here just to buy some regular things, there is no reason for us to get jumpy."

"Yeah, sure, what was it again that you're looking for?" Hassian asked looking at Reth who tried to laugh, but it did sound worried now.

"It's... Nothing dangerous", he assured.

"Sounds fishy to me."

"It's nothing illegal! Just very hard to find from just anywhere."

"It's okay, we're going to find everything needed", Alderoth assured before Hassian could continue.

They got up large stairs that took them to the platform above docks.

"It must be very dark down there", Alderoth hummed as they saw how there were big, sort of like holes here and there, surrounded by tall fences to make sure no one would fall in. When they got near one, they could see people walking around below them. There was less greenery there, but a lot more street lamps.