BIRD COLLECTOR - 2

Unlike Finch, who was scared of birds, a man with a broad shoulder and olive tone skin, was very fond of birds. In his mansion, which was located near the border between Easton and Midland, the man had particular place for his birds, a massive space at the rooftop which was designed like a nest with hundred cages that sheltered his birds. The variety of noises from them in the morning was absolutely deafening.

In the evening, the owner of both the mansion and the birds, just arrived at home from his work. The kind of work that had taken half of his lifetime. He worked for the council and was one of the councillors that was assigned to manage Easton land by the head of the council. Each land in the whole region would have one or two councillors assigned to manage the land and report it to the higher ups in the capital, right before everything was passed to the King.

"Master Samuel." The housekeeper of the mansion bowed his head to the man, welcoming him back home. "How was your day been, Sir?"

Samuel gave his coat and his umbrella to the housekeeper. He ran his hand to his dark curly hair that got a little longer to his like. His grey eyes settled at his housekeeper who had been working for him for decades.

"Exhausted, Derek. Something had gotten a little bit… suspicious." The man sighed. He lowered his hand down and pushed it into his pant's pocket. He then smirked at Derek. "But I am looking forward to unfolding the secret."

"Very well, Sir. I'm sure you'd be able to solve the case." Praised the housekeeper to his Master. Such a loyal employee. Derek had spent times at Samuel West's Mansion. He had learned about the nature of his master and known too well to not get into trouble with him. However, it was not fear that got Derek to devote himself to the councillor, it was his graciousness that safe him from a witch that nearly killed him a few years ago. Since then, he had been nothing but a hand and an ear to the councillor.

Samuel laughed, echoing in the whole mansion. He told his housekeeper to not bother serving him dinner as he had no appetite, but to bring him a glass of wine to the rooftop.

"There was a new additional member that I managed to catch today from the forest nearby." Informed Derek. "It has a beautiful plumage, similar to your favourite one that escaped ten years ago."

Samuel chuckled upon hearing this. His bird, his favourite little bird had escaped from its cage few years ago. His one obsession as he saw something unique in the bird, something that enticed him and was able to put his desire towards Marry off for a while.

"I hope it is able to replace my dear one, Derek." He stated as he started to walk upstairs, heading towards the rooftop.

As Samuel stepped into the his own personal nest, he was greeted by various chirping sounds from his collection of birds. Just like he knew each and every one of them, they also knew him very well, looking at him as their saviour. Samuel's eyes swept through the hall cages as he exclaimed, "My dear friends! What a lovely night we have here."

His voice silenced the birds immediately. But a small bird at the far corner of the cage, continue chirping lowly. Its feathers were a mixture of silver and yellow, showing a beautiful gradient colour. A very similar one to Samuel's lost bird, indeed. He came approaching the new member of his collection, admiring it from outside the cage.

Samuel let out a slow-soft whistle at the new bird, hoping to ease the tense it was feeling. "You would get used to staying here. Just like your other friends." He whispered lowly as he bent over in front of it. "What shall I name you, little one?"

The bird chirped again as a response. Its blue eyes now looked at the man outside the cage, studying his feature. He was different from the man that caught it earlier. His look was more dominant yet friendlier than the other man who had yellow skin and impassive expression on his face.

Samuel pulled up one side of his mouth, showing his superiority towards the bird who looked more relaxed than before. "There you go. I am your Master. You are mine now."

The door of the rooftop was opened. The housekeeper came with a glass of wine on the tray he was carrying. He flashed his Master a polite smile on his face as he brought the tray closer to him.

"I see you built connection with the bird already." Derek rejoiced, looking at the new bird who gazed at Samuel intensely.

Samuel grabbed the glass and took a sip from it. His eyes were still on the bird. "Exactly. What should we call this one, Derek?" He turned his head slightly towards the housekeeper.

"I don't think I can pick up a suitable name for your precious, Sir." Answered Derek humbly. "But might I suggest to call the bird Bluey."

That got Samuel to laugh out loud, followed by the loud chirping sound of his birds. "What a name!"

Derek had his eyes on the ground, smiling.

"Did you also admire its blue eyes? Look at them, so captivating." Samuel admired his bird. He had not stopped smiling since his eyes fell onto his new obsession. As dull as it sounded, he agreed with Derek's choice of a name. "Bluey it is then, Derek."

Derek nodded to him, smiling satisfyingly. Samuel returned the smile to him. As Derek bowed to him for his leaving, Samuel asked him to stay. A distress was drawn on his face which was noticed by Derek. "Is something bothering you, Sir?" Derek expressed his concern.

Samuel took another sip of his wine before answering. "I have a job for you that needs to be done as soon as possible." His voice was low but serious.

Derek nodded his head, waiting for Samuel to continue as he listen to his order.

"It would have to be done very carefully, Derek. I don't want to alert the whole kingdom yet."

"I understand, Sir. I will make sure no one knows about it."

"Very well, then." He said as he put his empty glass back onto the tray. "I'll leave it in your hand, Derek. I know you won't disappoint me."

"I will do my best, Sir." Derek replied. He then bowed again to Samuel and left the rooftop, heading to his quarter to retrieve his coat and his gloves.

Derek had been used to do the mission that his master could not complete himself. He would be the only one to help the councillor to accomplish the missions. Even though some of them were normal businesses, most of them were dirty ones.

Just like the one he was assigned tonight.