Hunter's Choice

by C E Keene

  "Sounds like fun," the Pruvari said, his expression brightening more than Arheis had seen from him since they set sail.

  "There are five of us," Galen mused. "I'm certainly willing to try."

  With unanimous agreement, Arheis looked at the details of the five most lucrative quests and picked out three that were in roughly the same area--the mountains north of Iskaral.

  > Guild Bounty: The Ice Queen Cometh

  A Stirandi has taken residence in the back of a cave near the Ruins of Aldamir. Residents of the nearby village say it’s stealing the offerings of livestock they've made to the gods. They want it stopped before planting their autumn crops.

  Quest Level: 10

  Reward: 20,000GC in currency and 825 XP.

  > Guild Bounty: Mountain Menace

  The trickster spirit Celir is causing problems again. Travelers have witnessed the beast deliberately kicking rocks down onto the path, ramming mountaineers off of ledges, and being a general nuisance. It must be stopped.

  Quest Level: 8

  Reward: 10,000GC in currency and 600 XP.

  > Guild Bounty: Egg Thieves

  The Bartram Rookery has been set upon by egg thieves that are maliciously breaking Solleo eggs. A nearby clutch of Viduco are the likely culprit. Investigate and eradicate them.

  Quest Level: 9

  Reward: 15,000GC in currency and 713 XP.

  "It's strange that so many beasts are causing problems in the area, but it doesn't sound like any unusual behavior," Galen noted.

  "Good for us, either way." Opening his journal, Arheis sketched a copy of the map that hung next to the bounty board, marking the quest locations on it. "Let's get the supplies we'll need and head out. We have a lot of ground to cover."

  21

  It took them until midday to sufficiently prepare for the hunts ahead, but Arheis wasn't that worried about running out of time. They'd purchased enough potions and other items to make the hunts much easier, in his estimation, and the locations didn't seem too far from one another.

  After getting his ass handed to him by three separate beasts, Arheis was ready for some easy wins. Despite the chill that set in as they climbed into the mountains via the Trader’s Pass, the blood pumped through his veins, his heart pounding as adrenaline kicked in.

  Or maybe that was the Energy Potion he'd taken to increase his Stamina regeneration.

  After about an hour of walking along a strangely-deserted road, Arheis checked the landmarks on his map. To his right, there was a steep cliff with a grove of trees perched atop it. In the distance, a range of mountains and valleys was arranged like a saddle.

  "Most of the activity's happened around here," he said, shielding his eyes from the sun as he looked around. "Have any of you ever seen a Celir?"

  Zindar fiddled with his bracer, the yellow light activating. A far-off look took over his expression before he said, "The images I'm getting are of a four-legged creature that almost looks like a Fulcorn? Except it's got antlers instead of horns, a shaggy body, and a long tail."

  That painted a decent picture of what they were looking for. Something stag-like with the properties Zindar had described. And--from the quest description--something that liked getting up to mischief.

  "Let's fan out and search for clues," he said, nodding toward the path that lay before them.

  They canvassed the mountain, Arheis checking the steep cliffs for any sign of a creature climbing up them, since the quest made it sound like it was mainly wreaking havoc from above.

  Mira was the first to find something, though. "Hoofprints over here."

  He came to look, crouching down as he sketched out the shape of the cloven hooves.

  > Discovered: Celir Tracks

  It's rare to see a Celir track that leaves a full indentation, as the beasts mainly move on their toes. Their leaping gait has oft been described as playful or mischievous.

  The next was from Galen, who observed scrapes on a tree that had been stripped of its bark.

  > Discovered: Celir Antler Marks

  During the rutting season, male Celir keep their antlers sharp by scraping them against trees, rocks, and any other surface they can find. They become very territorial and have been known to outright attack travelers who wander through the area.

  A lot like deer, then. It would've been nice to know when the rutting season was, but Arheis knew he couldn't expect every bit of information from one clue.

  Arheis went back to searching, heading down a path he could now see cart tracks in, and very little else. At a branch in the road, he thought he saw a tuft of silver fur and bent down to inspect it.

  He'd barely managed to take the fur in hand when he heard something snort above him, followed by the sound of rocks dislodging from a cliff-side.

  The quest had given him all the context he needed. Arheis leapt out of the way just in time as an ice-covered rock smashed into the place he'd been. Looking up, he caught a glimpse of a long, silver tail as the Celir bounded away.

  "It's up here!" he called to his companions, taking that moment to briefly examine the rock.

  > Discovered: Fallen Rock

  Ancient people believed the Celir were the manifestation of the trickster spirit Celevardrin. No one knows why the Celir enjoys antagonizing travelers, but their pranks--while harmless in most cases--have turned lethal in the past.

  The others joined him in finding a way up the cliffs that didn't involve climbing their steep, craggy face. A small footpath turned out to be the best route, though the snow and ice covering said path made it difficult to travel with any ease.

  Crazy to think that just weeks ago he'd been complaining about the heat and humidity in Lacerda.

  But snow was the least of their problems. Zindar picked up on the distant sound of something springing about, and Arheis braced behind his shield. Just in time, too, as the Celir sent another rock tumbling down the narrow path.

  > Falling rock strikes you for 12 points of damage. (26 deflected)

  He grit his teeth and shoved the rock away, watching as it rolled harmlessly off the path and down the side of the cliff.

  "There's no way we're going to be able to fight if it can move around freely like this," he said. "Let's get the tripwire set up."

  Unlike the similarly-named wire that might be used to set off an explosive device, this tripwire was literally that. Stakes driven into the ground with wire pulled taut between them, designed to trip a beast and slow it down for a time.

  "It'll have to be at a decent height. The Celir will just jump over it otherwise," Zindar said.

  Arheis found a small pass between the mountains, driving the stakes into the side with Galen's help. They had to crouch low to get back under the wire, and Arheis still wasn't sure how they were going to lure the beast over to it, but he was prepared to improvise.

  Especially when the Celir showed itself at the top of the mountain.

  There was something strangely majestic about it. The snout was long, with a muzzle more akin to a wolf or a fox. White antlers were rimed with ice, flecks of rock and debris clinging to them. The creature's pelt--while shaggy like Zindar had described--fell like fur icicles from a lithe frame.

  "We'll have to work at luring it over here," Arheis said. "Everything we do should be to that end."

  Large, dark eyes observed Arheis from a distance. His fingers flexed as he slowly reached for his spear. The Celir's long ears pivoted, it glanced to the side--where Zindar was moving to flank it--and for a second, Arheis thought the creature might run from them.

  Instead it ran right toward them. Kicking off from the ground with deceptively light steps, it leapt toward Zindar, lowering its antlers to spear him with them. A sound almost like an elk’s call vibrated in its throat and Zindar just barely managed to use his own agility to dodge out of the way.

  A crossbow bolt was loosed from Arheis' right side, perfectly aimed--until the Celir danced to the side and back, kicking up a spray of snow that partially obscured it a
s it went. Knowing the creature was just going to run circles around him if he stood still, Arheis advanced, his shield arm at rest, spear ready to at least clip the beast as it leapt by.

  But the instant it saw him, it let out another snort, nostrils flaring, and charged. Arheis had just enough time to throw his shield out in front of him before the Celir's antlers crashed against it.

  > Celir charges you for 19 points of damage. (43 deflected)

  He was pushed back, having to plant his foot to keep from being completely toppled. Arheis attempted a thrust from behind his shield, but the Celir jumped up, used his shield as a springboard, and soared over his head, landing on a nearby cliff.

  "I can't even get close to this damn thing," Higrem groused.

  He'd chased it initially, but stopped when it became obvious he wasn't going to make any ground. Juggernauts focused on strength and power, not speed and agility.

  At the top of the cliff, Arheis watched as the creature actually dug up a mixture of rock and snow, tossed it into the air, then headbutted it toward them like a professional soccer player.

  He raised his shield to block the projectile, but Galen was already on it. A wave of force emitted from the elf’s extended hands as he took control of the rock and flung it right back at the beast, who was ill-prepared for the impact. It let out a bleat of pain, staggered once, then fell atop the cliff.

  > Celir is stunned!

  "I'm going for the antlers," Higrem announced.

  Arheis was sure the man couldn't get up there in time--not with that huge greatsword in tow--but he used what must have been some kind of leap ability, pushing off from the ground, arcing above the cliff, and coming back down with an overhead swing that cleaved one of the Celir's antlers from its head.

  Arheis felt that impact, and he cringed as the beast cried out. He'd fought countless creatures in Apex, but some of them were harder to kill than others. It was just that coolness bias talking, though, and he knew it was either them or the Celir.

  Case in point, the beast immediately thrust upward, catching Higrem right in the gut and sending him flying off the cliff. The man landed hard on his back, waving off Mira as she approached. He fumbled for a potion at his belt, tore the cork out with his teeth, and drained the thing in one gulp.

  "Alright, you son of a bitch. It's on," he said, throwing the empty bottle to the ground.

  "Good luck getting it up there," Mira said with a smirk.

  Taking one knee, she braced her crossbow, holding the stock of it against her shoulder. A different type of ammo was loaded into it, and when she let it fly, Arheis saw the flash of two metal balls twining around one another. The bola raced toward the Celir, tanging in its long legs and sending it tumbling down the cliff.

  Whether it was the bond or just instinct, Arheis was ready. He leapt toward the beast, spear out, and thrust the tip into its neck. Unlike the Petravor, there was no resistance. He sliced clean through the muscle, blood staining his weapon.

  > You pierce Celir for 60 points of damage.

  He followed it up with a Provoke, pulling the Celir's attention onto him as his companions went to work.

  This mountain range was a playground for Galen. Rocks were sent flying from all directions, biting into the creature's sides. Mira shot another bolt, this one tipped with a sachet that exploded in a sticky yellow substance that reminded him of the Morditul saliva. Sure enough, it had the same effect.

  > Celir's movement speed has decreased!

  The Celir had made it back to its feet now, and steam poured from its nostrils and mouth. An enrage mechanic seemed likely, so Arheis kept his guard up, blocking a powerful ramming move.

  > Celir rams you for 27 points of damage. (43 deflected, +8 enraged)

  He followed that with a Counter-Thrust right as Higrem cleaved off the second antler.

  The smell of ozone marked the arrival of Zindar's spirit, and lightning arced down, striking the tips of the Pruvari's blades as he sliced at the beast's back, springing away with an elegant flip before the creature could kick him.

  The Celir's call rang through the mountains and it used its powerful legs to leap over Arheis. But with the movement speed debuff, it was just slow enough to strike. Holding his shield arm down, Arheis concentrated all of his strength into his right arm, thrusting his spear upward and impaling the beast.

  > You pierce Celir for 88 points of damage.

  > You have learned Skyward Thrust. Commit to a powerful attack above you. Leaves you open, but if this attack lands, it always does critical damage.

  The Celir came crashing down, and Arheis barely had a chance to roll out of the way. Blood rushed from its wounds, painting the snow beneath it a dark, ominous red. It made a pathetic sound, close to death.

  "Finish it," Arheis nodded to Higrem, "it doesn't need to suffer."

  One clean executioner's strike was all it took.

  > You have slain Celir!

  > You have gained 30 XP.

  > Your quest Mountain Menace has updated.

  Collect an antler from the Celir as proof of your kill and bring it back to Matron Ylsa for your reward.

  There was an air of excitement as they finished up with the hunt. Arheis used his hunting knife to carve as many usable pieces as he could, ending up with two Celir Antlers--one of which he tucked away as proof of the kill—5x Hanks of Shaggy Hair, 1x Celir Tail, 4x Celir Springhoof, 1x Celir Pelt, 3x Chunks of Gamey Meat, and 2x Spongy Tissue from the joints.

  "You should just hold onto that," Mira said. "It's all going to the same place anyway."

  Wrapping what needed to be wrapped, Arheis put the items into his pack and dismantled the unused trap before he followed his companions back down the steep footpath.

  "That seemed rather simple, even for five people," Galen remarked once they reached the Trader's Road.

  "I think its main advantage was mobility. Once we figured out how to slow it down, well." Arheis flashed them a grin. "Good job, everyone."

  He knew the other fights might not be that easy. The Mountain Menace bounty had been the lowest level with the smallest reward, after all. But a lot of Apex fights revolved around a gimmick. If they could figure out that gimmick, they'd win. Plain and simple.

  22

  The next bounty on the docket was for the egg-thieving Praedus. The second most difficult quest they'd picked up, it also just happened to be the closest, as the rookery was on a nearby summit.

  No one really needed to rest, so Arheis and his companions set off on a hike to get there, reaching it in a little over an hour. The sun shifted positions in the sky, beginning a more generous descent. By Arheis' reckoning, they had about three hours until sundown. So long as they could finish this and get back down the mountain in that time, he wasn't concerned about it. The last quest was in a cave, after all.

  The owner of the rookery must have seen them coming, because he was standing outside once they crested the last rise.

  "Thank the gods. I don't know how much more of this I can take."

  His voice wavered, like he truly was at the end of his rope. Considering his business was in raising Solleo, maybe he was.

  "We're happy to help," Mira said. "Can you tell us anything about the Praedus?"

  "Disgusting creatures," he spat on the ground, "they swoop in, grab the eggs, and sometimes just drop them right there beside the nest. I can't count how many I've found that they’ve not even touched otherwise."

  "Why wouldn't they eat them?" Zindar asked, his ears pinned back.

  "They're awful wily. I think they're tired of the Solleo taking all their food once they're grown. And I feel for the damn things, but I've got a business to run here."

  After all this time, Arheis still felt a sense of excitement when learning about the different beasts of Apex's world. Even the ones he hated fighting usually had such interesting ecology it was hard to be that salty when he got quests to take them down.

  "Any idea where we can find them?" he asked.

 
The man pointed far into the sky. Arheis shielded his eyes and looked, having to squint to even see the peak that rose above the clouds.

  That… was a problem.

  "You're not going to get up there by climbing," the man said, "not unless you've got the right equipment with you. I'll saddle up a few of my Solleo for the lot of you."

  Arheis' brows rose, that excitement growing into full-on giddiness. Mounts weren't usually a part of Apex, outside of very specific events. Flying mounts were especially off limits--he'd never seen anyone using them.

  "Bit of a problem with that," Mira said, her voice overtaken by nerves. "I've never ridden… any beast, let alone a Solleo."

  "Ach, that's no problem," the man waved off the concern. "They'll do most of the work. All you have to do is hold on."

  He beckoned them inside and Arheis followed up a winding staircase, through the central tower of the rookery. The higher they climbed, the more he heard the sound of gentle cooing, along with the occasional ruffle of feathers.

  A Solleo, as it turned out, was a lot like a griffin. They had a sleek cat's body--some kind of snow cat, from the coloring--with an owlish head and wings. One of them was puffed up and preening when they came to the landing, another stretched just like a housecat, and a third regarded them with an eerie turn of its head.

  "They're beautiful," Mira said in awe.

  Arheis agreed, and their keeper grinned in obvious pride.

  "Fastest in all of Estalia, if I have anything to say about it. Smart, too. You just need to tell them where you want to go, and they'll take care of the rest."

  Like a griffin plane service. Arheis almost laughed. Having one of these beasts as a permanent mount would be insanely useful, but he seriously doubted the game would let them do that. It would utterly break a lot of the exploration.