Chapter 20

Hemon followed the maid down the dimly lit hallway, his footsteps echoing off the stone floor.

The maid walked ahead of him, leading him. He found her movements graceful and confident while enjoying the sight of her hips swaying side to side, slightly. She is dressed in a tunic that falls just above her knees. The tunic is belted at the waist, with a decorative metal buckle and leather strap which accentuated her curves rather well.

On her feet are sturdy leather sandals, and her hair is styled in a simple updo, held in place with a metal hairpin.

As they approach the room meant for their meeting, Hemon notices the intricate carvings on the walls, depicting scenes from different wars, of different people, scenery, animals and a few of fighters in an arena. He takes a deep breath, savouring the warm, woody and slightly sweet scent of incense in the air.

They turned a corner and stopped before a wooden door. The maid opened the heavy wooden door and stepped aside, allowing Hemon to enter the room.

His eyes immediately fell on the large, circular table in the centre of the room, surrounded by cushioned benches. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings and paintings, and the floor is covered in brightly coloured rugs. The air is filled with a sense of calm and reverence, as if the room itself is the most serene place in the whole of the city.

He nods in appreciation, then turns to Neja, who greets him with a warm smile. Neja stands at the head of the table, a stack of papers neatly arranged in front of them.

Neja: “Thank you for coming to see me, Hemon, on such a short notice.”

Hemon: “Of course, it’s my pleasure. But before we get down to business, let me take a moment to appreciate this room. It’s truly a work of art.”

Neja: “Indeed, it is a testament to the rich cultures my family has spent decades trading with. Please, take a seat.”

Hemon nods and takes a seat across from Neja, settling in comfortably on the cushioned bench. The maid steps forward, offering them each a cup of steaming tea.

Neja: “Shall we begin?”

Hemon: “Yes, let’s.”

He took a deep breath before speaking.

Hemon: “Actually, there’s something I need to tell you first, Miss Neja.”

Neja leaned forward, eager to hear what he had to say.

Hemon: “I almost didn’t come today. I was very close to outright not turning up to your invitation and to your proposal,but…”

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Neja: “But here you are.”

Hemon: “Here I am.”

He gave a slight nod.

Neja, intrigued by his admission, pressed onwards and asked him.

Neja: “And what made you change your mind?”

Hemon: “Turns out I have a weakness for eyes.”

Neja raised an eyebrow after hearing him.

Neja: ” And who’s eyes might those be, Hemon?”

Hemon gave a sly grin, eyes twinkling with amusement.

Hemon: ” Now, now, Miss Neja, that would be telling. Let’s just say they were the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen and they were the deciding factor in my decision to come today.”

Neja laughed, charmed by Hemon’s coy demeanour.

Neja: ” Well I’m glad that you are here. Now, tell me your answer, Hemon.”

Hemon: “I’m interested in your offer Miss Neja.”

Neja flashed a bright smile and said.

Neja: “Wonderful! Let’s proceed with the contract then.”

And with that, the two of them got down to business, discussing terms of the agreement and finalising the details of Hemon’s sponsorship.

Hemon felt it was the right decision to sign with them and he was especially glad that he came since it gave him the opportunity to see her eyes once more.

Neja: “I think you already know about this part, but still I would like to go over this once just to be clear.

The Order, as you know, has a fixed structure or bands for the fighters. They have also fixed the minimum guaranteed amount to be paid to fighters according to the band they fall in.

They have 5 tiers or bands to classify every fighter in the professional level.