Notes on Monster Hunting

by Chad Retterath

  Year 544

  We crossed the border into a new kingdom a few days ago. Jelohorn, or something of a similar name. Nothing of any significance happened until we came into a town of tall log buildings with many people sitting on the streets. The whole atmosphere of the community was terrible. Nobody greeted us or asked us for anything other than spare money. My company stopped at the inn and had dinner and drinks and I talked to the innkeep. He said Jelohorn and Yulokin, the kingdom in the north, just made peace after two years of war. A war started purely between the infidelity of the princes and princesses.

  A large man approached us as we prepared to leave town. He introduced himself as Palon, a veteran of the recent war. He was in the role of sergeant and commanded a whole squad. He asked who we were and if we had any work. I told him our philosophy and our goals as a company,

  He immediately agreed and said he’d follow any orders given. He just wanted work and a reason to leave Jelohorn. Cremn pulled him aside and talked to him for hours. Cremn came back to me and said he’d like to take Palon on in Fourth squad. I trusted Cremn and welcomed Palon into the company.

  I don’t remember much of that time, but I remember when Palon first came up and introduced himself. He was warm and polite and we all liked him right away. He’s one of my closest friends and I hope he recovers from this low point soon.

  Day 139

  Rain rain rain rain rain.

  Palm trees with coconuts are everywhere. They look so different than the trees back home. Arecaopods that look like big flying plants passed us some time ago. Teke said they eat coconuts that fall from the trees. I called them flying plants, but Teke corrected me and spelled their names out for me. I’d never heard of them before. He said they are basically flying plants, but also animals. Skrale just nodded.

  Murky puddles fill every hole and divot on the road. It’s all muddy and some splashed on me earlier from the wagon wheel. I hope the next town we stay in has a great place to wash everything. We all smell and our clothes are in terrible shape. Our supply of bandages is starting to run out from changing mine, Ralet’s, and Groose’s all the time. We should have enough if we clean a few, but it’ll be close.

  Day 143

  Tall grasses grew along the slopes beside, running down to the rocky shores. Soft breezes coming from the ocean kept us cool and caused the grasses to wave, almost like they were dancing. The paved path we were on was sunken in the middle and made my ankles ache from walking at an angle. Constant noises of crunching and grinding came from the wagon’s wooden wheels behind me running over sand and pebbles. The noise had grown into a buzz in my ears throughout the day. Slowly becoming less irritating as my mind learned to ignore it.

  After a short time, cliffs rose in the distance and the path started to turn back and forth like a slithering snake. High walls of red rock rose above us with green grasses and small trees growing out the sides. The roots covered the surface, running wildly over the rocks and disappearing into thin cracks. A cave with rounded walls was dug into the side, continuing the path into the absolute darkness within.

  “Wait here. Let’s check it first. Orkin, with me,” said Skrale.

  We all stopped and watched the two of them disappear into the darkness of the cave. With the wagons and horses stationary, the sound of the waves crashing and climbing on the beach finally filled the air. I had my eyes closed with my head lowered. My hair was down to cover my neck and forehead from the sun. When I touched the top of my head, it felt like I touched something on fire.

  “It runs to the other end,” Skrale said.

  The company looked tired. We had chapped lips and burnt skin. Days of rain finally led to a warm day, but the breeze wasn’t enough to stop the sun’s burning gaze. Skrale looked directly at me. I tried to smile, but my reddened cheeks hurt to move.

  “Let’s get inside and break for a meal.” Sighs of relief passed over the company. “Get the horses food and water first so we can all relax.”

  We sat just inside. Close enough to see, but far enough in that the air was cool and damp. Moisture along the walls reflected the tiniest bit of sunlight and it wet my hand when I ran it against the stone.

  “Beatrice?”

  I was standing with my hand still pressed against the cave wall. The voice scared me and nearly made me fall over. Teke stood nearby with the sunlight shining on the side of his face.

  “What’s going on?”

  His bright eyes held onto my face without blinking.

  “Come with me for a moment, please.”

  I looked around at the others. Everyone in the company was busy passing out bowls and food, apart from Kully and Ralet who were leaning against a wagon.

  “You two,” I said. They looked at me. They knew they were being lazy. “Get moving. Ralet pass the food out.” I turned back to Teke. “Okay. Lead on.”

  Teke walked silently out of the cave and down to the shore along the cliff face. There was some shade near the edge of the rocky beach, underneath a small overhang of the cliff.

  “Mind if we sit?” he asked.

  I shrugged and sat myself down. He sat beside me and looked out at the water.

  “Have you sailed before?” Teke was relaxed. His back arched in bad posture and he spoke easily. His voice was still louder than the waves, but none of his usual attitude emanated from him.

  “I haven’t. There were some rivers back home, but nothing like this.” White birds moved through the air over the water, sometimes diving into the waves. I watched them and kept my eyes from Teke’s burned face.

  “My father was a fisherman. I would spend some mornings with him out on the water. I haven’t been on a boat since I left home. Imagine if we were a company of fisherman,” he said while smiling.

  “I imagine it wouldn’t pay as well.”

  Teke nodded and leaned back on his elbows. “It wouldn’t pay at all. We would just eat our own fish everyday.”

  The salt and fish smell drifting in from the ocean soaked into my nostrils. “I wouldn’t last more than a day or two. Fish reeks.”

  “It really does, yet there is something calming about the smell.”

  “Maybe to you. It reminds me of the last time I vomited.”

  Teke turned his head to me and lowered his eyebrows. “Did you eat fish before you vomited last?”

  I shrugged and he turned his head back to the ocean. My stomach rumbled and the hunger clawed at me. I was a little uneasy, but not enough to calm the outrageous appetite I built.

  “Should we go back to eat with the company?” I asked.

  Teke sat back up and turned to face me. “How are you doing?”

  I closely examined his face. “I’m fine. Why?”

  “We lose people with this type of career. It’s bound to happen when we hunt these creatures. But Cremn was more than just a friend to all of us. He was my brother, just like Skrale. I know you really looked up to him.”

  “Who asked you to talk to me?”

  Teke sighed. “Nobody. Skrale and I have just been watching. I was worried you might falter and your squad really needs you. They lost him too and your leadership is keeping them going. Fill Cremn’s role like he was training you to.”

  “I will.”

  He placed his hand on my elbow and gently ran his hand over my forearm. I pulled away from the pain, so Teke carefully rolled my sleeve past the break.

  “It’s healing,” he said. “Still need to be careful with it.” Teke pulled some long, thin leaves from his bag and carefully wrapped them around my arm, then covered them with a bandage. The slight pain faded and a cool, tingling feeling spread through my arm.

  “What is that?”

  “Hulveer leaves. Pain relievers. Many people learn that they heal wounds through some mystical ability. I learned that they help stop bleeding, reduce swelling, and calm pain. I haven’t seen any for years, but I found these just the other day.” Teke stood up. His loose-fitting shirt billowed in the breeze. “Remember, everyone in this com
pany cares about you and wants to help.” He reached a hand out and helped me to my feet.

  “Thank you.”

  “Let’s go eat.”

  We ate our fill of ham and salted fish. Teke raised his fish to me and smiled. I stuck my middle finger up at him. Immediately after eating, Kully checked my side and applied something to the scarring skin. It’s healing fast. My skin was cool when we finally left the cave. There was only a slight bend to maneuver through, so the sunlight at the other end was visible after only minutes of walking in darkness. The path on the other side looked the same, but the beach to our right was made of red sand. It looked smooth and the beach stretched along the path as far as we could see. Some small cliffs and hills rose in the distance and the walls of the city rose just above, far off on the horizon. Far less than a day’s travel until we will be in the city.

  Day 144

  We’ve almost reached Geziksan. We made it to the top of the hills, leaving only a small downhill path and a bridge over a river left before we can relax. The walls of the city are incredible. Grey stone, so light it looks almost white, and taller than anything else I’ve ever seen. A whole group of armored guards are standing in front of the bridge at this gate. Beautiful red and blue banners, taller than two men, hang on both sides of the gate. From here, it almost looks like a fortress rather than a city.

  Guards stopped us at the gate. One scurried off right away while the others started looking through our carts. One man just asked to see my weapons and didn’t believe me when I said I had none. He patted me down until Skrale made him back off.

  We’re waiting for the one to return and I’ve seen a couple armed people enter without a second glance. We’re not criminals. I don’t get it.

  The group of guards continually whisper to each other and look over all of us. My legs ache. I just want to sit.

  “The governor would like to speak to you,” said the guard who had left earlier. There was sweat visible on his forehead.

  “We can enter?” asked Skrale.

  The man nodded. “My apologies for the search. We’ve been asked to store your belongings and horses, should you permit it, until you depart. Free of charge.”

  “Okay, but why?”

  “Governor’s orders.”

  Skrale and Teke exchanged looks.

  “Beatrice, Teke, with me. Heff and Lekk, take the company to find an inn. Send someone to let us know where.”

  “Follow me, please,” said the messenger.

  We left the rest of the company and entered the gatehouse. The street was made from perfectly fitted cobblestones. Right through the gate was a fork with a path uphill and one down. He brought us up, walking at a swift pace, without saying anything. The soles on the stewards slippers audibly slapped against the stone with each quick step he took. There were only a few people walking uphill, and they smiled and nodded when we passed. Each building we walked past was built upon its own tiny plot of land that was flat. Each property ascended like enormous stairs as we climbed. The street twisted and slithered up the hill until we reached a metal fence. A huge brick building stood behind a vibrant green lawn with trimmed hedges and a metal fence lining the property.

  “The governor’s house,” said the steward.

  A silent, bald man opened one side of the gate and stood aside as we walked past.

  The steward led us through the groomed lawn and inside the ornate double doors at the front of the house. He immediately turned into a side room.

  A man with long white hair and a shining bald spot on the top of his head sat in a leather armchair. He was dressed nicely, as I would expect a governor to be dressed. The governor smiled, stood, and performed a small bow.

  “Greetings. Thank you for visiting. I’m Governor Strauster.”

  “Hello,” I said while returning the bow.

  “I’m pleased you’ve joined me today. I believe we have much to discuss.”

  “We’re just trying to figure out what’s happening. I don’t wish to be rude, but my company needs some time to relax and recover from our recent hunts,” said Skrale.

  “We’ve,” he gestured to the messenger, “heard a great bit of news about your hunts in the kingdom. Even more about what you’ve managed to do in my province.”

  “What have you heard?” asked Skrale.

  “Please,” the governor walked to a wooden table and pulled out a chair. “Let’s sit to discuss such matters.”

  Skrale looked at me and I nodded very quickly. My feet did not enjoy the stones we had been walking on all morning.

  “Is there anything I can get you? A drink perhaps?”asked the steward.

  “We’d prefer to get to the discussion,” said Skrale.

  “Of course. My apologies.” The governor straightened his posture and quietly cleared his throat. “I received some quick reports about your hunts of the clay mason and dreck sliders, and I was told in detail about the big bug. I’m very impressed.”

  “You missed a couple,” I said.

  The governor looked at me with one eyebrow slightly askew.

  “We’re glad we can be of service to your people,” said Skrale.

  “Yes, yes. Service and all that. If I may, where has your group come from?”

  “North. We’ve just been traveling south or east. To where we can find some work.”

  The governor and his steward exchanged glances. “Are you looking for work right now?”

  Skrale looked to me. I slightly shrugged.

  “What do you have?” Skrale asked.”We’re a bit weak at the moment, so the whole company wouldn’t be involved.”

  “Have you heard of gaulmites?” asked the steward.

  We all shook our heads.

  “Creatures about the size of dogs. They glow yellow and have sharp teeth. Every year they infest our sewers, so we usually send guards down,” said the steward.

  “But you’re here, so we want to send you instead.” Strauster smiled, which caused his bulbous nose to wrinkle.

  “Are these gaulmites dangerous?” I asked.

  “Of course, but only as much as a hungry dog.”

  “Excuse me,” said Teke. He cleared his throat and placed his hands on the table. “I would be fascinated to know what kind of dogs you’ve seen. These comparisons seem ridiculous.”

  Skrale smiled, but did not acknowledge Teke’s comment. “How much does it pay?”

  The steward and governor blankly looked at each other. “How much should it pay?” asked the governor.

  “We can discuss that when the job is done, but we need your assurance that you’ll pay,’ said Teke.

  “Absolutely. My word,” said the governor. “Now, gentlemen and lady, please stay for a drink and some biscuits if you will. I’d love to talk about your adventures in greater detail. I did not intend to discuss business or anything of the sort so soon in our conversation.”

  The steward scurried out of the room and quickly returned carrying a tray with two carafes and plates of food. He set it all on the table and handed each of us a small, ornate glass.

  “Help yourselves, please.” The governor poured himself a glass and leaned back in his cushioned chair.

  Skrale and Teke both picked up a carafe, sniffed, exchanged looks, passed the bottle, and sniffed the new one.

  “Just pour one,” I said quietly.

  Skrale poured a drink for me and himself. He smiled like he was thinking of some secret.

  I picked up the drink and sniffed it. It smelled like trees and burned my nostrils. The three of us fumbled around until we had a variety of biscuits in front of us. We weren’t graceful, and we really didn’t act like we should in a place so elegant.

  The biscuits had a layer of near melting chocolate in the middle and they were incredible. The drink was dry and burned my throat, but Teke and Skrale seemed to enjoy it.

  After some time of sipping his drink and watching us stuff our faces, the governor cleared his throat and set his drink on the table.

  “W
hat are your plans once you leave the city?”

  “Keeping going east,” said Teke with his mouth partially full. They weren’t even trying to impress the governor. I had melted chocolate on my fingers and face, so I wasn’t putting in much effort either. I often went against the noble manners I was taught as a child.

  “How long do you plan to do that? You can’t go east forever.”

  Skrale and Teke both swallowed and lowered their eyebrows.

  “Why not?” asked Skrale.

  Strauster leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table. “You’re serious? You must know something about it. You can’t be that ignorant.”

  “Let’s not play around,” said Teke. His voice was low. Any humor from before had left his eyes.

  The governor seemed to notice Teke’s attitude change. “There’s a war, gentlemen.” He sniffled. “Oh, and miss.”

  I rolled my eyes.

  Skrale waved his hand. “Politics don’t involve us. We’re independent.”

  “Not this time,” said the steward.

  “Excuse me?” Teke stared right into the steward’s eyes.

  “Begone,” the governor waved off the steward. “Which kingdom do you originate from?”

  “We’ve come from all around. Like I said, we’re independent,” said Skrale.

  “Of course. But the Etikstan Empire won’t care who you are. They’re evil.”

  Teke snorted and poured himself another drink. “Nothing is evil, governor.”

  “Keep traveling east and you’ll think differently.”

  “This seems like a conversation for another time, sir. Was there anything specific you’d like to ask or discuss?” Skrale took a long drink then coughed. “This is strong.”

  Strauster smirked and sipped from his own glass. “It is gin from Holdirk, a kingdom far north. An old friend, a merchant, would bring a crate of bottles back when he traveled. Unfortunately, he left us a year ago. I like to think of his friendship when I pour a drink.”

  Teke raised his glass. “Thanks to your friend.” He lowered the glass and finished his gin.

  “What is the most horrific beast you’ve hunted?” asked Strauster.