Taste of the Hunt

by Matt Mememaro

  “The runes, they light up when Vampires are near,” Abner said.

  “Correct again. Did you also happen to notice how easily you cleaved one of their heads off? Fyndfire is the answer. Both your sword and these daggers are coated in it. Now what happens if stabbing a Vampire doesn’t work with a Fyndfire weapon?”

  “Go straight for the heart,” Lois said.

  “No, wrong. Not all Vampires have hearts and that is in fact one of the areas where their skin is the toughest. There’s something else you go for,” Barros said.

  “Cut off its head?” Abner asked.

  “Naturally,” Barros said. “A clean strike through the neck with a Fyndfire blade will do the trick one hundred percent of the time. If you’re using a normal blade I wish you luck. It won’t happen. Has Remer told you the saying?”

  “Never trust a Vampire unless it’s without its head,” both novices said.

  “Good, good. Your first week here and you’re already learning. Now come, let’s see how well you can incorporate these daggers into your fighting style against someone as wild as a Vampire.”

  Abner collapsed onto his bed a short time later with fresh welts and bruises prevalent all over his body. He closed his eyes and rest for a brief moment before rising and lifting his shirt over his head. Barros had left marks everywhere in the most painful places he got the butts of his daggers into. The Hunter was methodical and dangerous in his execution.

  Picking up a soothing balm from the bedside table, Abner only had time to lather one small area before the front door slammed someone. Abner dropped the balm and walked out to find Alexander throwing his gear down on the table.

  “Rough day?”

  “Don’t even talk to me,” Alexander said.

  “Why what happened to you? Get bored in politics and logistics?” Abner asked.

  Alexander turned and glared at Abner, his skewered nose standing out like a sore thumb on his face. “Don’t talk to me.”

  “Look I don’t know why you’re so hostile,” Abner said. “Yeah I broke your nose. You attacked me first and that was the only way I was taught how to deal with a threat. But look, if you’re going to be like this the whole time you’re here, I’ll get Rowan to move you. Look at the bruises I’ve got. That was from a man who’s meant to be my teacher. Life is hard enough here without any friends. That’s all I’m saying.”

  “You want be my friend?” Alexander asked. “Why? You’re beneath me.”

  “Alex, I’m going to say this one more time. You really need to get over this class thing. Everyone is equal here and I can give you a beat down like you haven’t seen before,” Abner said.

  “Threatening me again?”

  “No, I’m telling you the truth. But listen if you need to relax, go to number fourteen and find the girl called Elizabeth. Tell her I sent you so she could help you. You need friends Alex, let this gesture be the first in our friendship.”

  20

  Transformations

  Over the course of the next few weeks, Abner found himself pushed to the limits time and time again. Every night he fell asleep with his head full of Vampire knowledge and his body covered in a fresh set of welts. The knowledge of the Hand and the amulets were never far from his mind, just as Lois was never far from him.

  With the introduction to Elizabeth, Alexander was beginning to become friendly towards both Lois and Abner and the four of them often spent nights together, the memories of a few weeks ago long past. The latter often gave the former instruction in weapon and swordplay in the afternoons while their nights were spent tending to their wounds occasionally kissing on the floor by the fire. Elizabeth and Alexander would often return to her cabin for other activities.

  One morning, Barros woke Abner earlier than usual. He rolled out of bed and geared up sliding the long white shirt over his bed garments and pulling on his working pants and boots. Once he was ready, Barros led him to the stables where they found Rowan and Lois already waiting for them.

  “Morning,” Rowan said. “Took you bloody long enough. Had I known you two were going to take so long I wouldn’t have gotten Lois up for another half an hour.”

  “Yeah well, I bet you would have been the same as a novice. I know I sure was. Always used to take forever to get out of bed,” Barros said.

  “You’re lucky you can remember back that far,” Rowan said. “Alright, come quickly Abner, we have a lot of work to do today.”

  The four Hunters moved inside the stables just as a morning shower began to pass overhead sprinkling rain onto the grass and mud below. Hunters sparring with each other barely gave pause, continuing to fight on as the rain grew heavier. Inside Nagor and Mirabel were waiting for their master, a gentle neigh greeting their ears.

  Another Hunter was busy packing rations onto his modified horse, the animal’s leg muscles tensing ready to launch out of the stables as soon as its master was ready. The novices both grabbed and allowed the horses to snatch them off their outstretched hands.

  “Why are we here?” Lois asked.

  “You’ve been here long enough now to begin the next stage in your training as a Hunter. Quicker than most, but apart from the theory we both believe you are ready for the process,” Rowan said.

  “And what process is this? The one in which we become more long you?” Abner asked.

  “Exactly right. But first before we move to your personal transformation, your horses must be attended to,” Barros said.

  “What are you going to do?”

  “Well because humans are close to Vampires biologically and structurally speaking, the alignment to become like them doesn’t take anywhere near as long as it does for your horses. They need to be ready to go before you have passed your final test. Now first, take these,” Barros said. He held out two Vampire fangs in the palm of his hand. “You’ll need to cut your horse. Not too deeply, only so they bleed a little.”

  Both novices took the fangs from Barros, soothing their horses before taking the knives to their flesh. Abner held Nagor’s nose down as he ripped through the outer layer of flesh. Rowan caught the blood that trickled down in a small vial. It only took several drops before the glass container was full.

  “That’ll do, now keep him calm,” Rowan said.

  Barros had a vial full of Mirabel’s blood and now took it to a small table full of strange instruments at the back of the stable well away from the rain. Rowan placed Nagor’s blood on the table and watched Barros do his work. Steam rose from within glass tubes while the blood was poured into a bowl and fed down into a tube filled with black liquid that looked like Vampire’s blood. Minutes later, the steam had settled and Barros removed the two vials from the bench handing them to the two novices.

  “Here you go, Rowan and I will hold their mouths open. Pour the contents inside and get the fuck away!” Barros said.

  Using their strength, the Hunters forced open the horses mouths allowing Abner and Lois to spill the contents of the vials into their mouths. The horses resisted at first before they began to shudder. Rowan gathered his cloak around Abner turning the novice away. Barros mirrored him.

  “You best not see this. The process is disturbing even to the most hardened of Hunters. Your horses will be fine, but they will never be the same again. Now come.”

  Nagor’s screams filled Abner’s ears as they left the stable.

  The Hunters entered another small cabin held away from all the others, just beside the tannery and armory. From the outside the cabin looked warm and inviting, a very suitable homestead for one or two Hunters. As the group approached an old withered man appeared, dressed in the typical garb of the Hunters. At first, Abner thought it was Remer, but on closer inspection this man was looked to be broken.

  His hunched back and frizzy hair gave the impression he was much older. A long beard covered most of his neck and the walking stick he held in his hand was bent from years of use.

  “Ah, Rowan, Barros, what a pleasant surprise to see you here!”

&nb
sp; “Ordaris, you know why we have come. We need the full kit today for both Abner and Lois. No beginners set, the real deal,” Barros said.

  “I understand,” Ordaris said. “I’m surprised you’re letting these two get out there so early. They’ve only been here for a few weeks. What makes them different?”

  “Abner spent a year serving in the Black Shards while Lois spent time with the Blood Brotherhood. They’ve taken on board all of our theory within a few weeks and here we stand,” Rowan said. “They’re ready.”

  “If you believe they are then my hands are at your command. Come inside, come inside,” Ordaris said. “But Barros, you seem so sure in these two. They’re the ones that helped you kill Reiner and Graytooth, am I correct?”

  “You’ve always kept an ear to the ground, Ordaris,” Rowan said.

  “That’s how I’ve stayed alive all these years. You young ones should take a note out of my book. I’ve noticed in recent years a lot of Hunters are dying younger. Are you up to the task?” Ordaris asked.

  “Of course,” Abner and Lois said.

  “Good, good. Come and I’ll get you sized up. I’ll also need to check to see what we have in stock. Hopefully nobody’s taken parts of what I had lying around. That chain and plate you’re wearing won’t go too well with anything I have to offer you,” Ordaris said. “The durability and your balance will be all thrown off center. You’ll be trying to be fast on your feet but at the same time you’ll be slowed down overall. When you hunt Vampires you need to have no restrictions.”

  “Are you going to show us what you have in stock sometime in the next century, Ordaris? We need to get our new novices out in the field,” Rowan said.

  “Of course,” Ordaris said. “Come quickly, let’s get them sorted.”

  The Hunters entered the cabin and the novices looked around at the generous amounts of wares that Ordaris had on offer. The walls were covered with weapons, crossbows to broadswords. Rugged leather and cloaks identical to what Barros and Rowan wore held a wall to themselves while the cowls and other accessories that were essential to the Hunter’s survival rested upon the third wall.

  “It appears you’re well supplied,” Barros said.

  “Yes as always, it’s just the sizes.” Ordaris fussed about pulling a measuring tape from inside his cloak.

  He moved to Abner first directing him to raise his arms in order to get the measurements. As the old Hunter moved around Abner’s thighs he looked up onto the shelf behind the novice, eyeing a particular set. Once he removed the measuring tape, Ordaris rose slowly, relying heavily on his walking stick and pointed at the Hunters uniform that had a red glow around the trim.

  “That will fit you perfectly. Find the matching hood over on the other shelf,” Ordaris said. “Now, girl if you’re anything like our friend here you should be just a tad below him, but we can’t be too sure.”

  “What makes you say I’m anything like him?” Lois said.

  “I’m under the assumption you both trained with Malvrok during your younger days,” Ordaris said, his old grey eyes bearing into her bright green ones. “What’s your preferred weapon to swing in close combat?”

  “A broadsword,” Lois said.

  “Ah, the Aksah in your hair reflects that. You must be a bold one to not only have such an accomplishment, but also to think a broadsword will be your friend against Vampires,” Ordaris said.

  “I swing it fast enough. They won’t be a problem.”

  “Your girl has nerves, Barros. I think she’ll make a fine Hunter.” Ordaris smiled as he packed away the measuring tape again. “You’ll want that set there, just like Abner’s. I long to see you on the field of combat against many Vampires.”

  “You’ll be dead before that day comes, Ordaris, I can assure you,” Barros said.

  “I outlived your father, your mother and your brothers, Barros. Don’t be surprised if I outlast you as well,” Ordaris said. “Besides, I still have one fight left in me before death comes knocking on my door.”

  “What do we owe you, Ordaris?” Rowan asked.

  “Oh... let me think. If they take me a week to make by hand that’s ten gold, plus the added extras you two still need to choose I will say fifteen percent of all hunting fees for the next year,” Ordaris said.

  “You’ve got to be taking the piss,” Barros said.

  “Of course I am, Barros. I can tell you don’t come in here often. Just my little joke.” Ordaris wheezed. “Oh dear, this laughing is no good for my health. Rowan, it’ll be fifty for a set. These things aren’t cheap you know.”

  “No, of course. I understand,” Rowan said. “Is your apprentice taking to the work as you’d expected?”

  “Yes, yes of course,” Ordaris said. “Young Baldric is coming along just fine. He’s made a few designs of his own that I’m excited to see in the flesh.”

  “Good, good, well how ready will you have the spare outfits ready?” Rowan asked. “I say we’d need five for each of these two.”

  “The red ones? We can have them ready in a day. Should have plenty outback since nobody is rich enough to grab them anymore. I’ll have them sent over, not to worry!”

  “Thank you kindly, Ordaris. Your services have once again been of great value,” Rowan said. “I’ll have a word with you later.”

  Ordaris took a low bow. “A pleasure as always.”

  21

  Deer Stalking

  True to his word, the delivery Ordaris had promised was dropped on Abner’s door at first light. Alexander brought the package inside that contained spare uniforms and half a dozen ammunition drums for Abner’s crossbow. As he pulled out each beautifully tailored piece of equipment Alexander let out a sigh.

  “You should see the shit my money paid for. It’s like I’ve got nothing but rags. Obviously pays to be paired with someone like Barros.”

  “I have a feeling I’ll be hunting soon. Take one. You can pay me back when you’re earning some decent money from the hunts,” Abner said.

  “How much are we going to get paid?” Alexander asked.

  “Depends on how many kills you make. Haven’t they been telling you in your classes? Each dead Vampire is worth a bounty that we collect, and a percentage goes to the Huntrey. That’s how we make our money,” Abner said.

  “Of course. My family used to be a large donor to the Huntrey in days past. I wondered where the money went,” Alexander said.

  “You seem to be forgetting your roots. Every day you seem more and more like a Hunter,” Abner said. “You’ve come a long way.”

  “Thanks Ab, I appreciate it.” Alexander smiled at his friend.

  “What about a deer hunt? I mean it’s too dangerous for us to go out tracking a Vampire by ourselves, but I’d like to see what you can do against a real target,” Abner said.

  Alexander raised an eyebrow in concern. “Why not? Won’t you have to ask Rowan for permission first?”

  Abner nodded. “I suppose so. We all know what happens when someone goes outside the walls without permission.”

  It was well known throughout the Huntrey that the Head had to give permission for any novice to leave the Huntrey walls. Nine times out of ten, each novice that managed to sneak past the sentries headed to Trawln in order to spend a night within one of its many brothels. The one in ten would be found by the end of the following day, dead and labeled as a deserter. It still wasn’t enough to deter them.

  “Alright, so how does now sound?” Abner asked.

  “Good, I’ll go grab the gear we need. I don’t have any classes today so we should go as soon as we can,” Alexander said. “Go see Rowan.”

  The hardest part, Abner found would be convincing Rowan to let them go on a hunt. He sat opposite the Highlander in the mess hall while he chewed on a large bone.

  “You’re sure about this? A hunt this early on in both your careers? Do you have a death wish, boy?” He paused to take a drink. In the same breath, Rowan had raised a leg of meat to his mouth and torn a piece of the bo
ne. “You should at least go with another Hunter to provide supervision.”

  “No, not a Vampire hunt. Something like a deer hunt,” Abner said. “We just want to do something together outside the Huntrey for once.”

  “Are you sure about this?” Rowan asked. “How long do you expect to be gone for?”

  “If we set out now we can be back by mid-afternoon,” Alexander said appearing with two fully loaded crossbow slung over his shoulders.

  “Are you two sure you won’t get lost? I’d feel better if you took Lois with you. It appears the skills she’s learning within the Seeker’s advanced classes would surely help,” Rowan said.

  “Rowan, please. Abner trained with the Sword Lord Malvrok. Even I’ve heard about him and if Abner is half as good as he says he is, there’s no chance he’s getting lost,” Alexander said.

  “Alright, if you say so. I’ll clear give you clearance until sundown. If you’re not back by then we’ll come find you. Bring back what you kill,” Rowan said. “I hear the Blackmire is good for game at this time of year.”

  “We will, don’t worry and thanks for the advice,” Abner said.

  As they left the tower, Alexander lugged Abner’s bag at him and the crossbow a second later. It was filled with food and water in case they didn’t return. The two novices’ jogged across the open plain, leaving the walls of the Huntrey far behind and embracing the open arms of the Blackmire that stretched before them.

  “Don’t venture any more than fifty meters away from me,” Abner said. “We can’t afford to get lost in here.”

  “Gotcha, I didn’t see anything on the way in. We should have bought Lois. It’d help to have another set of eyes,” Alexander said.

  “There’s some tracks, nothing major only squirrels and I can hear an insect buzzing around,” Abner said. “Spread out and keep your eyes peeled. I’ll follow this trail and hopefully it goes somewhere.”