Dangerous Territory

by Lindsay Schopfer

  “I think we can help you, but we’ll need some time to discuss how to handle it. Are you staying in town?

  “I’m planning on leaving on the Jackson stagecoach tomorrow morning. Until then, I’m at the Pembroke Hotel.”

  “Fine,” said Keltin. “We’ll have someone come by later this evening to give you the particulars.”

  Clemmons rose, a look of relief evident in his features.

  “Thank you so much! I’m glad I saw that article. By the way, do you have any idea how much this will cost?”

  “That’s one of the things we’ll need to discuss.”

  “That’s fair. In truth, I’m just so glad that you’re willing to help me, I’ll pay whatever it takes to get that thing off my land.”

  “Don’t worry, Mr. Clemmons, we’ll do all we can to get rid of that beast for you.”

  The farmer left and Keltin turned to his two partners.

  “Well, we have our first customer.”

  “And he’s got a beauty of a first bounty for us,” said Jaylocke grimly. He turned to Bor’ve’tai. “I suppose you’ll be going. We’ll need a Sky Talker to bring down a smoke beast.”

  “Will you be able to handle it?” asked Keltin. “I remember the one we faced in Krendaria being a real challenge for you.”

  “I’ve grown stronger since then,” said Bor’ve’tai. “A single smoke beast shouldn’t be a problem, provided I can find it.”

  “That won’t be a problem for our expert tracker,” said Jaylocke, throwing an arm around Keltin’s shoulders, “though I’m not sure how you’d track a cloud of smoke. No matter. I’m sure you two will figure it out.”

  “You’re not coming with us?” asked Bor’ve’tai.

  “Someone has to mind the store, don’t they? Besides, I don’t think this sounds like a three man job. Do you, Keltin?”

  “No, two sounds right. But I think you should be the one to go with Bor’ve’tai, Jaylocke.”

  The wayfarer’s eyes widened. “Me? Why? You’re The Beast Hunter, after all.”

  Keltin shook his head. “That doesn’t mean I need to go on every hunt. Besides, you took charge of that hunt in Brakersville last month, remember?”

  Jaylocke frowned. “I do remember, and I didn’t enjoy it. I’d feel much better if you lead the way as always, Keltin.”

  “That’s why you need to do this. Jaylocke, you can’t be an apprentice forever. If you’re ever going to prove to your people that you’ve learned a new trade and are ready to become a man, you need to start taking charge of hunts. Besides, Bor’ve’tai will likely end up doing the lion’s share of the actual hunting. You just need to be there to deal with the people, make decisions of where to make camp, decide how to hunt the beast, make sure you and Bor’ve’tai stay safe, all of that. Things that you can’t really do if I’m there.”

  Jaylocke squirmed. “I’d still rather be with you.”

  Keltin returned his look silently. Jaylocke finally sighed and nodded.

  “I know you’re right. I suppose I have no excuse. Besides, I won’t be alone. My ancestors are with me again. And I’ve got a great shaggy mountain to keep me safe.”

  Bor’ve’tai ignored the wayfarer and turned to Keltin.

  “Have you given any thought as to what we should charge Clemmons for this?”

  “We’ll know better once we’ve had a chance to go over what gear you’ll be taking and what funds you’ll need for expenses.”

  “That sounds fair to me.”

  “Fine. In that case, Jaylocke, you should probably go start sorting your gear. Once you’re done, we can figure out what to charge him, and you can go tell Mr. Clemmons the details.”

  “What if Clemmons isn’t happy that you won’t be coming with us?” asked Jaylocke.

  “Then you’ll just have to convince him that you can do just as good a job as I can. You were an actor for years, Jaylocke. I’m sure you can manage it.”

  Jaylocke grumbled as he left the office in the direction of the gear room. Bor’ve’tai watched him go, then gently closed the door and turned to Keltin.

  “You’re becoming much better at that,” he said.

  “At what?”

  “Being a leader.”

  Keltin shrugged. “I never really asked to lead anyone. I just fell into it.”

  “There’s a lot of people I could name that are grateful you did.” Bor’ve’tai tilted his head slightly. “So why are you sending Jaylocke and I on this hunt?”

  “I told you. You need to go because it sounds like we’re dealing with a smoke beast, and you’re the only one who can handle it.”

  “So why send Jaylocke along?”

  “He needs the experience.”

  “Is that all?”

  “Are you expecting that there’s something more behind it?”

  Bor’ve’tai’s expression was impassive as a statue.

  “Is there something more?” he asked.

  “Not that I know of.”

  “All right.”

  Keltin heaved a sigh and turned towards the window. “It isn’t that I don’t want either of you around, if that’s what you’re thinking. It’s for Jaylocke’s sake. His girl Ameldi is still waiting for him, along with the rest of his people. He can’t go home until he’s fully learned the trade of being a beast hunter.”

  “Do you think he’s done that?”

  “He’s getting close. His aim has gotten better, and he was always good at moving carefully through the woods. His tracking still needs some work.”

  “Is that all?”

  “No. He needs to learn responsibility. Jaylocke is too comfortable following my lead. He can’t afford to get lazy. That’s what got him into this fix in the first place. Do me a favor? While you’re on this hunt, don’t let him charm or wheedle you into making decisions for him.”

  “Don’t worry. I should be able to resist him.” Bor’ve’tai gave the ghost of a smile before going serious again. “How about you? Will you be all right here by yourself?”

  “I should be. I was on my own for years before meeting you two in Krendaria. If anything, I’ll probably struggle most with the tediousness of waiting for you.”

  “Mmm, perhaps. But I worry that you may have to deal with something terrible, and we won’t be there to support you.”

  Keltin turned away from the window towards his Loopi friend. “Why would you worry about that?”

  Bor’ve’tai shook his head.

  “I’m not sure. It’s just... a feeling I have.” He took a deep breath and opened the office door again. “Be careful, Keltin.”

  Bor’ve’tai stepped out of the room, leaving Keltin to sit alone and ponder his friend’s words. Was there a greater significance to his concern than friendly worry? Bor’ve’tai was a Sky Talker, after all. Keltin still understood very little of the Sky Talkers’ power, despite seeing them in action during his time in Krendaria and Drutchland. He knew they had some sort of influence on the natural world, and he’d seen Grel’zi’tael, Bor’ve’tai’s teacher, show insight verging on precognition more than once. But beyond that, the power of these gifted Loopi remained a mystery to him.

  Keltin kept himself busy by helping his friends make their preparations for the upcoming hunt. Despite his obvious reluctance, Jaylocke had faithfully gone to Clemmons with their proposal, returning soon after to report that the farmer had accepted both their plan and their proposed fee. The rest of the day was spent planning the logistics of the trip. Evening had fallen by the time they had finished, and Bor’ve’tai volunteered to fetch them something for supper. Keltin was surprised when he heard the door open again only moments after the Loopi had left. He turned to see Bor’ve’tai come back upstairs, a pensive look on his face.

  “That was quick,” quipped Jaylocke. “I suppose you’re planning on a light supper?”

  Bor’ve’tai ignored the wayfarer and turned to Keltin.

  “I found someone standing outside our door. I think she was trying to decide wheth
er to knock or not. She says that she knows you.”

  “Really? I wonder who it is.”

  “She didn’t give a name, and I didn’t ask. She seems... troubled.”

  Keltin gave the Loopi a questioning look. Bor’ve’tai could only shrug slightly. Keltin got up from his chair.

  “Well, I’ll go see what it’s about.”

  Keltin went downstairs to find the young woman standing in the front room near the door. She was thin, too thin, with sunken cheeks and an overabundance of rouge. When she looked up at him, he felt her sunken eyes pierce deep into his heart to find memories that had long been hidden safely away.

  “Hello Keltin,” she said.

  It took a moment for him to find him voice.

  “Hello, Angela.” His mouth worked for a moment before he managed the next few words. “I... didn’t expect you. How are you?”

  “Fine. Thank you. And you?”

  “Fine.”

  Silence. Keltin turned to see if perhaps Bor’ve’tai and Jaylocke had come downstairs to give him an excuse to introduce them, but they had respectfully remained out of sight. Keltin turned back to see Angela watching him, her eyes full of uncertainty.

  “Would you like to sit down?” he said.

  “Yes, thank you.”

  Keltin led Angela to his office and opened the door for her. She stepped past, leaving a wake of sickly sweet scent in the air behind her. She sat in one of the chairs facing his desk. He hesitated for a moment, deciding whether he should sit on the other side of the great expanse of empty oak. He decided it best to sit on the same side of the room as her, though he made sure to keep his distance.

  “You’re looking well,” she said.

  Keltin tried to return the compliment, but knew he couldn’t make it sound believable. The truth was that she looked worse than the last time he had seen her nearly a year ago. It had been a brief, painful visit as he had been passing through town on his way to Krendaria. He had reluctantly stopped by the home of ill-repute where she lived and worked, delivering a small bundle of letters from Mrs. Galloway, his landlady and Angela’s mother.

  Angela shifted uncomfortably and Keltin realized that he’d been lost in thought without responding to her. She spoke again.

  “I wrote to you. Did you ever get any of my letters?”

  “Yes.” Keltin considered making an excuse, then decided against it. “I’m sorry I didn’t write back.”

  Angela nodded, her narrow shoulders sagging slightly. Keltin felt a pang of guilt at the thought that he had hurt her, then wondered how similar Elaine’s reaction may have been when he had stopped writing to her. He quickly pushed thoughts of Elaine aside however, surprised at himself for somehow feeling unfaithful just by sitting next to Angela.

  “So, what brings you here?” he asked.

  Angela sighed, as if she had been expecting something, and was disappointed.

  “I saw the article in the Gazette saying that you were in town. I thought I’d come visit you.” Her eyes rose to meet him, her gaze unfriendly. “I knew you wouldn’t come visit me.”

  Her voice carried a touch of bitterness, but Keltin felt no guilt this time. He felt affronted, and a little angry. Why should he come visit her? She was firmly in his past, something she should have accepted when he didn’t respond to any of her letters. He’d moved on. Besides, he’d never step foot into the Blue Rose again, if he could help it. If that made her feel indignant, then so be it. Nobody was forcing her to stay there.

  “Have you heard from your mother?” he asked.

  “Not recently. We stopped writing.”

  Keltin nodded without speaking. She was still as stubborn as she ever had been.

  “I’m sure she’d still like to hear from you.”

  “I don’t think so.”

  There was another long silence. Angela let out a long breath and stood up.

  “I suppose I shouldn’t have come. Sorry.”

  Keltin stood just as her hand was on the door.

  “Angela,” he said. “I’m sorry.”

  He said it reflexively, but he meant it. She paused.

  “I’m sorry too,” she said, though he couldn’t tell if it was an apology or an observation. “Goodbye, Keltin.”

  She left the room. Keltin could hear the front door open and close. He sat back down in his chair. He heard Jaylocke and Bor’ve’tai moving around above him, but he didn’t go up to them. He sat and watched the candle on his desk until it burned out, then sat in the darkness, continuing to think of what might have been.

  Chapter 3 – A Call to Action

  Keltin was in the act of emptying one of the rattraps into the rubbish bin behind The Beast Hunter when he heard the bell ring at the front door. Eager for something to break the monotony of sitting around the office, he rushed back inside and into the front room. He was surprised to see Severn Destov waiting for him. Elaine’s father gave him a polite, if not pleasant smile.

  “Mr. Moore. Good afternoon. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

  “Not at all. I’m actually grateful for the visit. It’s painfully boring just sitting around here. I didn’t realize that you were in town.”

  “Mr. Whitt has given me charge of overseeing his business interests in eastern Riltvin and neighboring counties. Collinsworth is a good center of operations for that purpose. In fact, I’m here on his behalf. You see, he has some investments that are under risk, and was hoping that you could help him.”

  “I’m not sure what I could do. I’m only a beast hunter.”

  “That’s why he needs you. How do you feel about going back to Krendaria?”

  Keltin felt a sudden pit in his stomach. He didn’t have many pleasant memories of his time in Krendaria. It had been his first time away from his home country and the first time that he had hunted with companions. Of course, he’d met some fine people, and made some lasting friendships including Bor’ve’tai and Jaylocke. And, of course, it was in Krendaria that he had first met Elaine. But there had been a great deal of loss as well. Good men had died, some of them under Keltin’s reluctant leadership. Krendaria had pushed Keltin, tested him, and while he had grown a great deal while there, there were things that had happened that were better left in the past.

  Mr. Destov waited patiently. Keltin took a deep breath.

  “Krendaria isn’t a place someone goes to lightly,” he said.

  Mr. Destov nodded, his face somber. “That’s a fair answer. But Mr. Whitt needs you there. And... I may need you there.”

  “Maybe we should go into my office so you can tell me everything.”

  “That would be best.”

  Destov started to explain the moment they sat down.

  “The collapse of the Krendarian government was a terrible tragedy, but it also created opportunities for some shrewd businessmen and their investors. Mr. Whitt and a few partners have managed to buy a great deal of the farmland that was abandoned during the incursion of beasts last year. They’ve sent skilled laborers into Dhalma Province to organize and hire the local population to cultivate its rich farmland.”

  “I hope they aren’t planning on planting now. It’s far too late in the season.”

  Mr. Destov shook his head. “This endeavor was initiated while most eyes were turned north towards Drutchland and the gold strike. There was hardly any competition when purchasing the farmlands, and Mr. Whitt and his partners snatched up a good chunk of Dhalma Province for a song. It was a shrewd, long-thinking move that will pay dividends down the road, as long as things go according to plan.”

  “In my experience, most things rarely go according to plan.”

  “True. There’s a great deal still to overcome before the first harvest is safely in. Carvalen’s hold on the populace is tenuous at best. Minister Erickson likely won’t hold his throne through the season, and Parliament has even less power than he does. And even if the government does hold together, there’s the seasonal influx of beasts to consider.”

 
Keltin shook his head. “After last year’s campaign, I would expect the beast population in the area to be drastically depleted for at least another year or two. Trust me, we killed an entire hell’s worth of the boils.”

  “I don’t doubt you, but without an organized Krendarian military, any number of beasts is a potentially disastrous problem.”

  “Aren’t there any local freelancers that the new owners can hire?”

  “Very few. Those that survived the campaign either fled Krendaria during the chaos or left to find gold in Drutchland. So far, we’ve only been able to find one experienced hunter that’s local to the region, but he’s overtaxed with the amount of land he’s responsible for and recently sent an urgent message requesting support. As soon as the message reached Mr. Whitt he remembered our conversation at dinner several months ago and thought to hire the services of your new beast hunting company. I’m just glad I found you in business, although I was under the impression that you had some additional partners in this venture. Mr. Whitt was interested in hiring the full services of your company.”

  “I’m sorry, but my other two partners are currently on a hunt.”

  “Do you know when they might return?”

  Keltin shrugged. “That’s hard to say. They won’t arrive in Jackson until tomorrow at the earliest, and then they have the hunt to do and the trip back. It may be two or more weeks before they return.”

  “That’s... unfortunate. Mr. Ross, our current beast hunter, sounded most desperate in his request for aid. I’m not sure we can afford to wait for your partners to return.”

  Keltin shook his head. “I’m sorry, but Dhalma Province is not an easy place to work in, even with partners. On my own, I’m not sure it’d be worth the risk.”

  Mr. Destov let out a long sigh and looked up, his eyes showing a sudden emotion and vulnerability that surprised Keltin.

  “Mr. Moore, I understand your position, and I wouldn’t ask you to take any unnecessary risk for a purely financial venture, but... well... I have a personal reason to ask you to make this trip. It concerns my family.”

  Keltin’s heart clenched inside him. He leaned forward.

  “Is something wrong?”