Laurenz pushed past the people that littered the streets of Rabael. 

He was running late on the occasion where he couldn't risk tardiness at any cost. The ferry was set to arrive at any minute and he was still a significant distance away.

He couldn't risk running, though. Not here.

He knew he couldn't draw attention to himself, especially when he was about to murder someone. He had to bide his time, moving stealthily in the shadows. But then he heard the ferry's horn, and cursed under his breath. I can't let him get away, he thought to himself.

So he ran, ignoring the irritated outbursts from every person he shoved.

Laurenz made it in time to catch the people disembarking from the ferry. There were people, young and old, sporting different skin colours and identities. Although there was a vast variety of people coming off the boat, none of them fit whom he was looking for. He growled in frustration, searching the faces for his quarry.

How could I have missed him? He scolded himself, trying to rationalize his situation. Maybe my spies gave me the wrong time. Those little crooks - I bet they set me up. He's probably not even here.

Laurenz spat out a curse, hammering his fist sideways into the lamp post he paused beside.

The image of his target was emblazoned in his mind, he knew who he was looking for, and it would be the eyes that would be the giveaway. The target's eyes were the brightest of blues, and they were like nothing that Laurenz had ever encountered.

He continued to search the crowd for who he was looking for, his patience wearing thin. There were only a few patrons left on board, all of which were making their way to the gangway to exit.

Decius Cavlacanti was not among them.

Laurenz was raging inside. He had never before felt the cold sting of defeat. He was a master hunter with razor-sharp instincts, cunning and contacts to complement his physical prowess. Had he been cheated by his associates or by his eyes? He felt a fleeting moment of doubt in his abilities, before reminding himself who he was. I am the best bounty hunter in Azeri and I have time up my sleeve.

He searched the dissipating crowd once more, swallowing down his resolve. I'm going to find him or die trying. I will not return to Ashte empty handed.

Laurenz turned around on his heel, ready to make his return journey. He began to stalk his way along the sidewalk, shadowed by the towers that stood on either side of the streets. His eyes fell on a huge clock, mounted on a building. 10:49 AM, it read. Laurenz's eyes widened in shock.

He'd got the time wrong. He was early.

His spies had said 11:30AM, not 10:30AM, as he began to remember clearly now. A satisfied grin painted itself onto his lips. He turned around again, heading back to the wharf where he would wait for his prey.

If this man truly did wield magic, he probably already knew what was coming. A tactical plan formed in his mind on the premise that Decius would know his life was in danger. Laurenz instinctively knew his initial positioning, timing and approach were crucial, blending in until the vital moment. Normally his methods were elegant and discrete, but this time, he settled on the idea of going straight for him. To hell with the authorities in this city, Laurenz knew he would never come back.

Laurenz positioned himself directly across from where the gangway would be lowered. From where he stood, he could see the next ferry approaching in the distance.

Soon, he will be dead.