Secret Society – Episode 003: Agent Buckle on the Hunt

 

Secret Society – Episode 003: Agent Buckle on the Hunt

Deep in the heart of Transylvania, shadows move where none should.

The legendary Agent Buckle, an elven master of disguise, is on a mission that will take him into the depths of Romania’s ancient secrets.

But tonight, the hunter is being hunted.

Scene: The Streets of Brașov, Transylvania

The cobblestone streets of Brașov glisten under the dim glow of streetlights as Agent Buckle strolls confidently through the city.

Despite being a master of disguise, the elven spy has chosen not to disappear into the crowd tonight.

Instead, he wears a tan suit, bow tie, and polished shoes—a look that stands out just enough.

Because Buckle knows he’s being followed.

And tonight, the hunter is letting the prey think it’s in control.

Inside the Wooden Stakehouse

The pub hums with chatter and the rich scent of ale, packed with locals and travelers alike. Buckle steps in, scanning the room before settling at a mid-table, perfectly positioned to keep an eye on the thug who followed him.

The shadowy figure, careful not to make his presence too obvious, chooses a seat far in the back, but Buckle can feel his gaze lingering on him.

A buxom barmaid approaches. Buckle smiles smoothly, orders an ale, and patiently waits.

His contact will arrive soon.

He checks his watch.

She still has time.

The door swings open—and in walks Sorina Draghici.

Tall, lean, and built for survival, Sorina moves like a wind-swept predator, her dark eyes scanning the room with quiet intensity.

Buckle stands, offering her a warm welcome.

Sorina is fiercely loyal—but only to those who have earned it. And Buckle is about to prove whether he’s worthy of that trust.

The barmaid returns for orders. A martini for Buckle—shaken, not stirred. An ale for Sorina.

The drinks arrive, and as Buckle takes a sip, Sorina leans in, lowering her voice.

SORINA (softly): "It seems we have eyes upon us, sly one."

Buckle leans back, unfazed, flashing a wry smile.

BUCKLE (casually): "Yes, I was followed here—but they don’t know their prey is actually their predator."

Sorina nods knowingly, respecting his confidence.

SORINA (firmly): "Let’s get down to business."

Buckle slides an envelope across the table, revealing a photo inside.

BUCKLE (curious): "Tell me, have you ever met this man?"

Sorina examines the picture, a hint of recognition sparking in her sharp gaze.

SORINA (smiling slightly): "Yes. He’s the old hermit with a cabin deep in the mountains. Secluded. He never liked company."

Buckle leans forward, intrigued.

BUCKLE (serious): "Could you take me to that cabin?"

Sorina hesitates, her survivalist instincts kicking in.

SORINA (thinking aloud): "He’s no longer there. Every month, I’ve delivered supplies to him. But in February, he told me he wouldn’t need any more—said he was going on a trip. I’ve checked in monthly, but he hasn’t returned."

Buckle frowns slightly, realizing he’s missed his subject.

BUCKLE (firmly): "Do you mind if I join you on your next check? If he left any clues, I need to find them."

Sorina studies Buckle carefully, weighing her decision.

SORINA (hesitant): "I don’t know. He valued his privacy, and I respect that. He didn’t want people searching for him."

Buckle meets her gaze, honest and direct.

BUCKLE (steadily): "I understand. But my colleagues and I urgently need his help. If he knew what was happening at the North Pole—he would want to be found."

Sorina searches his face—and in that moment, trust settles between them.

She nods slowly, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

SORINA (smirking): "It’s a three-day trek through the mountains on foot. You think you can handle that?"

Buckle grins, adjusting his cuffs.

BUCKLE (lightly): "I’m much hardier than I look. So—we leave first thing?"

Sorina nods in agreement, but Buckle isn’t finished yet.

BUCKLE (casually, yet deliberate): "But first—we have some business to finish here."

He subtly nods toward the watching thug in the back.

Sorina laughs uproariously, draining the last of her ale.

The Setup

Buckle rises from his seat, seemingly unsteady, gripping the table for support.

Sorina snorts, amused.

SORINA (mocking gently): "It seems the Romanian ale has caught up with you. Take my arm."

Buckle stumbles slightly, playing the drunken fool, taking Sorina’s arm as they exit.

The watching thug follows, his focus locked on them.

Outside, the streets have darkened, shadows swallowing the alley ahead, where two more thugs wait.

Buckle spots them discreetly, then motions subtly to Sorina.

She understands instantly.

But neither shows hesitation—they continue walking straight toward the danger.

The Ambush

The two thugs step forward, blocking their path.

The third thug moves in behind them, his presence dripping with menace.

THUG #3 (low, threatening): "I’m afraid you two aren’t going anywhere until we get some answers."

Buckle staggers convincingly, slurring his words.

BUCKLE (drunkenly): "Excuse me, gentlemen. We’re just heading back to the hotel—for a little fun."

Sorina gives a blush and a coy smile, selling the act perfectly.

Thug #3 glares, unconvinced.

THUG #3 (firmly): "I don’t believe you, elfin spy."

Buckle tilts his head, feigning offense.

BUCKLE (mockingly): "Spy? Me? No, no, my friend—I’ve merely heard of my companion’s great talents, and I had to experience them firsthand."

Sorina flashes Buckle a sharp look of annoyance but keeps her composure.

The thug narrows his eyes.

THUG #3 (coldly): "Let me see the envelope from the pub."

Buckle pulls something from his inside coat pocket—but instead of an envelope, it’s a small card.

The thug hesitates, confused—just long enough for Buckle to flick the card in his face, drop down, and slam a punch into his solar plexus, knocking the breath from him.

Sorina strikes instantly, sending both her elbows smashing into the noses of the two other thugs, breaking them open.

Buckle whirls, spinning mid-motion, landing a brutal kick to their chests, sending them staggering back into the alley.

Sorina pulls her staff free, raising it defensively. The two thugs see their situation—and run.

Buckle turns back to the gasping third thug, grabbing his lapels.

BUCKLE (dangerously low): "Who sent you?"

The thug smirks through his struggling breath.

THUG #3 (softly): "You’ve made a powerful enemy, elf. Leave Romania—before it’s too late."

Buckle reaches into the thug’s torn coat and pulls out a black business card—white fangs and red drippings etched onto its surface.  The thug pulls free and runs off escaping the duo.

Sorina narrows her eyes.

SORINA (curious): "I’ve never seen that before."

Buckle turns the card over, thinking aloud.

BUCKLE (determined): "Nor have I. But I know someone who might."

Tomorrow, the real hunt begins.

To Be Continued in Episode 007

EPILOGUE - The Text Message

Back at the hotel, Agent Buckle texts an ally regarding tonight’s findings.