Part II

This wasn't a city, rather a town with one main street filled with few shops and a big tavern. Some people were on the street shutting down their stalls as the street market was apparently over. The plump guy next to him became quiet after asking him a few questions and Joel wasn't sure if the job offer was still valid or not. He didn't want to come as desperate so he was thinking hard whether to say something or not. The coachman turned left and stopped the carriage in front of an impressive looking town house. It was made of red brick with ornaments around windows and huge main gate that was now being opened by a servant.

"I told you before I will have a job offer for you, so lest get inside and have a talk." - he said patting Joel's knee.

"Great" – Joel's face went gloom. Fuck, he hoped that the plump guy didn't expect him to do any private services.

"Logan bring the horses to the stable and take care of the saddle." - he ordered swiftly while stepping out of the carriage.

They went inside through the door from the backyard. The narrow corridor led to a spacious hall decorated with crystal chandelier. On the right there were doors and wide stairs leading upstairs. In the middle on a marble floor there was a small table with a vase full of white flowers. On the left another two doors and one of them was just opening.

"Oh honey you're back" - a female voice broke the silence. A fine looking woman in her forties stormed out of the opened door greeted the noble man. Joel looked carefully at the voice's owner. The woman wore an elegant yellow dress, her brown hair were tight in a bun. She was staring back at him with displeased look. "Who is she?" she finally asked.

Joel clenched his teeth, for fuck's sake what's wrong with these people?!

"This is Joel and he is … a man." - the nobleman clarified – "Florence please wait a moment Joel and I need to talk.

Joel bowed slightly and sent her his most charming smile, that usually melted every woman's heart.

"My lady please excuse us."

Florence blushed and bobbed. Nice to know he still has it. Joel followed the plump guy behind the door on the right next to the stairs. The room behind it appeared to be a cabinet. Walls were covered with wood panels and shelves were filled with books. In the middle there was a big desk and his benefactor placed himself behind that desk pointing with his hand to an opposite upholstered chair. Joel sat down feeling totally out of place.

"The matter is very gentle and requires your discretion." – he started looking carefully at Joel's face.

"You want me to kill somebody?" Joel asked straightforward.

"No, no – he contradicted quickly – just the opposite. My name is William Herford. I'm not a nobleman, I'm simply a rich merchant, half of this town belongs to me. So money is not a problem, I will make you rich if you help me." This man seemed to be desperate, that was good news.

"Sir, I'm all ears."

"This town just like five others along with Brickfield city and a few villages belong to the duke. For many years there was no problem, we all payed taxes just like other places, but after the old duke sir Elijah died, his son stepped in. Ever since he has been requesting to send him, along with taxes, two young women and four men every two years."- Mr. Herford paused for a moment and poured himself a glass of wine and another one for Joel. He took a sip and continued. "As the president of the town council I agreed to make such decision based on drawing lots, you know white and black stones. It all went well and smooth for four years. Unfortunately two years ago my poor daughter Francine pulled out the black stone out of a bucket. - his voice broke down for a little and William drank some more wine. - that was the last time I saw her. She is in the Blackwood Castle and I don't have a clue what's going on with her."

"I'm sorry for you Sir." Joel expressed his compassion after draining the glass of wine. Mr Herford poured him some more.

"In two days time we will be drawing lots again. I want you to take part in it and get to the Blackwood Castle to find my Francine and bring her back."

"I have to get a closer look at the castle but that's manageable." Joel said with confidence.

"I'm glad to hear it. There is one last thing ... hmm you will have to be dressed as a woman."