As I rode up to the manor house of the Countess of Fiamari, I swore under my breath. Who made a driveway this long anymore? Didn't she know that most people who wanted to come to her house simply didn't come because of this ridiculous driveway?
"What the hell."
I could fair smell my prey from here, as I closed in, in a swift gallop towards the manor house. I had been on his tail for months, but he'd disappeared for close to a week.
I had found him again, and now, he was almost mine.
All I could do was shiver at the prospect.
I had been hunting the world's delinquents down for only a few years, but I lived for it. At the age of twenty-two, it was hard for people to believe I was as successful as I am; I am young, beautiful, and intelligent.
But oh, I lead such different lives than anyone else could ever know.
Most know me as the Guardess to the Doyenne, one of the few who can keep a hold on the political intrigue and assassination plots the Doyenne is threatened with every week.
I know myself more so as the Head of the Order of the Zeain Diat, a top political mercenary agency that covertly takes out those who menace society.
I started young, while still in school. At first, I was a message carrier, but I quickly progressed up through the ranks when it was proven that I could operate covertly, and that I could beat up those who bothered me at school.
Now, I was after just another prey of mine. Known only by the name Marsoi, he was a notorious pickpocket.
Enough so that I could barely control my rage towards him.
He knows too much, and therefore, needs to be taken into custody; maybe even exterminated.
"Let's do this." I said to no one in particular.
I saw a gate with guards by it up ahead. "Damn, these f--kers." Seeing them spot me, I flung my hair back so it was blowing back in the wind, taking advantage of how the hair, and the long women's riding cape I was wearing could conceal my weaponry until I really needed them.
"State your business with the Countess." The first one tried to keep his composure as well as he could, and I must admit; he did better than most when confronted with me on horseback.
"I have to see the Countess; special message from the Doyenne." Reaching down the front of my bosom, I pulled out my badge indicated I was the Guardess.
Both guards gaped at me; so much for what initially thought to be good composure, the damn fools. "Go on through, please."
I winked at the second one while riding through the gate. "Thank you, gentlemen. Shall I put a word in with the Doyenne for you?" I giggled girlishly, and as I rode away, I heard them arguing.
"She clearly preferred me!" The pudgy one was saying, gesticulating crudely.
"But I was the one she was pretty much flashing! That counts for something, right?"
As I rounded a bend, out of sight, I kicked my mount into high gear, racing towards the house, no longer caring if I was heard by whoever was inside. I'd have him tonight, or I'd put him in hell when I did.
Reaching the door, I could hear activity inside, a struggle of sorts. I jumped off my mount.
"Stri, stay here girl."
Pulling out my sword, I walked up the steps, and, after a moment of prayer, I kicked the door as hard as I could. It went flying off its hinges, and I made my way inside, towards the sound of conflict.
