The Witcher.

"Later it was said that the man came from the north from the Powroznicza gate. He walked on foot, and led his horse, which was laden, by the bridle. It was late afternoon and the stalls of the ropemakers and saddlers were already closed, and the street was empty. It was warm, and the man was wearing a black cloak thrown over his shoulders. He was drawing attention." - So begins the short story "The Witcher" by Andrzej Sapkowski, which gave rise to a seven-volume series.