by David Greer
Chapter 20
“Your friend looks like he's going to be sick.”
Gus, true to his word, had packed the three hunters into his boat and was taking them across the Greenwater river. His boat was small by trade standards – a rowboat is hardly adequate for trading goods - but it was enough to accommodate the four of them. Kane sat at the bow keeping a focused eye on the northern bank. Next was Gus facing the opposite direction. He held an oar in each hand and steadily powered the small boat along. Leo was next in line facing Gus. Grimey sat at the stern halfway hanging over the port side. He clutched the side of the boat with a white-knuckle grip and didn't make a sound or move a muscle. Gus was quick to notice the bearded hunter's condition. It was shocking to see such an imposing figure brought down by a steady current.
“Grimey, we've only been on the water for a minute.” Leo said. “And we'll be off of it in two more. Are you going to make it?”
Grimey didn't move. He didn't even blink.
“Grimey?”
“Shh...shu-” Grimey suddenly clamped his mouth shut. His eyes bulged for a moment and the hunter reeled forward and with a labored face swallowed back whatever was on its way up. He returned to his former statue-like state. Leo turned back to Gus with a smile.
“He'll be fine.”
Gus chuckled to himself. “It's not even choppy today. I'd hate to see him on the open ocean.”
A few moments later the boat docked at the north bank. Grimey darted out, bounding over Kane's head, to get his feet back on solid ground. Leo thanked Gus for taking them across the river as he followed Kane onto the dock. The bartender worked the oars in opposite directions and turned the boat around. He was about to head back but hesitated a moment.
“Hey Grimey.” He called. The color had returned to Grimey's face and he reluctantly walked back toward the boat. “Who's Borland?”
“Lad down in Port. Had some good ale. Pay a visit if you're ever down there. Only tavern in town square. Can't miss it.”
Gus nodded then paused as though something had occurred to him. He shot Grimey a smile before settling back into his rowboat and making his way back to the southern side of Greenwater. Port town, Gus mused to himself. Greenwater flowed east and eventually connected with the Cumberland, which flowed south into Port. He could make the trip, Gus realized. The bartender pondered the idea as he steadily rowed back to his side of town.
The three hunters wanted to spend little time in the northern side of Greenwater. They passed by merchant shops, courtyard fountains, and many large houses. In fact it was the first time Grimey had seen a house rise two floors high. Luxury. Grimey had no use for it. He led the way through town not stopping once to admire the buildings or speak to what few people were on the streets.
With the town behind them the hunters followed a dirt road north. It was much more green on this side of the river. Trees were more abundant and bushes weren't scarce at all. The three weren't on the road for long when Grimey heard a familiar pop come from the nearby trees. Then another pop followed by scrambling footsteps and a cry of frustrated anguish.
A man spilled out of the trees and crashed face down onto the road. He had brown hair past his shoulder and an athletic frame. He wore a sleeveless leather vest, which showed off the definition in his arms. His pants were a fine cotton and pressed. They were very clean save for the bottom part of the left leg where the fabric was covered in bits of gore and frayed apart. The man worked back to his feet and dusted himself off.
“Blasted rats! Ruined my pants!” He said with a scowl. Only then did he look up and notice the three men staring at him. His clean shaven face changed and he put on an easy smile. “One of them got me, it seems. At least it was the last one though.”
Only when the man stood did Grimey notice the blades sheathed around a finely polished leather belt. Grimey's mood immediately darkened but luckily it was hidden behind his beard. The man didn't notice it, but he did take notice of the weapons the three of them carried and instantly recognized his partners in trade.
“Best travel through these parts quickly my friends.” The man said. “There's been an outbreak of rats and you'll need the daylight to spot them. Don't want them sneaking up on you at night. They can be hard to spot in the dark. I'm Reginald by the way, but call me Reggie.”
He spoke with a mild, friendly tone. However his chin seemed to be held a tad higher than it ought.
“We've heard about the rats, friend. How far must we go before the roads are safe?” Leo said. The islander sensed Grimey's mood and felt he should take the lead in this conversation.
“Once you get past this stretch of wood you'll be fine. Well, from the rats at least. I'm sure you know as well as I there's no such thing as a safe road.” Reggie said.
“All too true.” Leo said with a short laugh. Why was he being so friendly to this man, Grimey wondered. A hunter that neglects half of his town deserves a lesson not courtesy.
“Have you encountered our rats before?” Reggie asked. He didn't wait for an answer. “They're wicked things. Once a rat is aggravated it attacks and there's only moments until it explodes.” Leo feinted a look of shock. “That's right, they explode! With quite a bit force I might add.”
“Enough force to launch a man off his feet?” Leo asked with a subtle smirk only Grimey noticed. The bearded hunter shifted with a snort. He didn't appreciate the jab.
“Yes if it gets close enough. Dangerous things. You do not want to get too close -”
“What do you hunt them with?” Grimey cut in not hiding the incredulity in his voice. “Surely not a knife?”
“Oh heavens no. I use this.”
Reggie held out his hand to show his weapon. It was a simple strip of leather with a thin rope attached at each end. One of the ropes had a loop at the end while the other rope ended in a knot. A sling. One of the simplest of weapons for launching projectiles. A small rock fits easily into the leather pouch. One hand holds both ropes but secures the looped rope around the hand or wrist and then spins the sling in quick circles. When ready, the knot-end rope is released and the projectile will be launched with incredible speed. A very simple, yet effective weapon.
“And I launch these.” Reggie opened one of his vest pockets and pulled out a small black marble. It was polished in such a way that the black marble shined bright. “It's a marble with some lead at the center for extra weight.”
Grimey opened his mouth to say something but Leo cut in. “How accurate are you?”
Reggie smiled and pointed to a tree some thirty meters away. He set the marble in the leather pouch spun the sling, letting it complete two full revolutions, and released. The marble shot through the air and struck the tree trunk dead-center. A piece of bark chipped off of the trunk.
“Impressive. And you only needed two revolutions to get it to full speed.” Leo said. Grimey was admittedly impressed but he was already predisposed to dislike Reggie so he didn't let his admiration show.
“Why thank you. Ideally I should be able to launch in just one revolution but I haven't quite gotten there yet. But the best part of the sling is if I run out of marbles any pebble will work just as well.” Reggie said. “I may need to resort to rocks soon too with the recent outbreak of rats. It bewilders me. In the past month or so their numbers have grown exponentially.”
“You know the southern bank of Greenwater has been having problems with rats too. We just crossed the river from that side earlier today.” Leo said.
“The south bank?” Reggie said. “Are you sure it's exploding rats? They cry wolf so much. Besides, all of the monsters in Greenwater are on the northern banks. That's why myself and all the other hunters are on this side. The southern bank is just upset with their, how you say...fiscal condition.”
Grimey started forward but Reggie held up a hand and continued.
“Now let me explain sir. When the town of Greenwater was built both the north and south bank were on equal footing. But those on the northern bank worked h
ard to establish trade and they brought in a lot of wealth. Ever since the south bank has been upset and has been trying to take what the north bank worked so hard to establish. They complain it's not equal, everybody should get a fair share, and whatever other nonsense they can come up with. Simply put, they're mad that we have what they do not. Even when it comes to monsters. Just one of the many things the north bank has that the south bank does not. Trust me, I know they envy us. Therefore, the north bank needs the hunters, the south bank does not. Makes sense doesn't it?”
Again, Grimey started forward but this time it was Leo who halted the hunter with a hand on his shoulder.
“Well perhaps we were mistaken. We are merely passing through after all.” Leo said. Reggie, who had remained calm throughout the entire encounter smiled at Leo's understanding. “But it never hurts to be sure. Might I ask of you to just check up on the south bank later today since you did eliminate the last of the rats over here.” Reggie paused and considered the idea. “Just to be sure. We spoke with Gus at the tavern. He told us there were rats over there. And I know a man of your skill could hunt them or snuff out a false rumor in no time.” Leo sensed Reggie had a high level of self-worth and figured a little flattery would do well to persuade the Greenwater hunter.
“Yes, yes I suppose you are right. I'll be sure to do that then, my friend.” Reggie said. Grimey was slightly taken aback. Perhaps Reggie was all right after all. He seemed skilled with the sling, although the fact that a rat hit his leg suggested he might not be too keen with the eyes and ears. Maybe the long standing division of Greenwater has let the idea sink into the hunter's mind that he only needs to be on the north bank. Maybe Reggie just didn't know any better. But still, Grimey thought, a hunter should watch the entire town. Whatever, his head was starting to hurt from all the conflicting thoughts. It didn't matter. When Reggie got to the south bank he would learn that there really were exploding rats there.
Leo sensed Grimey's returning calm and gave Reggie a smile. “Good then. Well we should be on our way if we're to get past the rats by nightfall.” The islander headed down the road with his two companions following.
“Safe travels my friend.” Reggie called. “But wait, what is your name?”
Leo turned as he continued to walk away. “I'm glad to have met you Reginald. Safe hunting!” Leo turned back around and continued along. The road bent to the left and soon the three hunters were out of sight.
“Do you think he'll actually go to the south bank?” Grimey asked.
“Yes, I believe he will.” Leo said.
“Think he'll discover the rats?”
Leo started to laugh.
“What?”
“With the mess you left behind, absolutely.”
-** --*
