"The Queen's gardens are her pride and joy. You can't blame her for wanting them to be at their most beautiful when she had an esteemed guest arriving." Hanlin answered coming to his side to view the spectacle.
"The winters here are long, cold, and full of snow. She knows those fountains will have to be replaced if they’re not drained by dusk. “Katar turned away from the windows releasing the vision of his father from his thoughts.
"The Queen isn't the only member of the Royal Family who charges into spring ventures. Are you sure the sraebs have emerged from hibernation?" Hanlin said.
"I warned Commander Connor, we might have a difficult time finding a large male. He didn't seem concerned. He acted as if sraeb hunting was a national sport instead of a necessary population control device." Katar shook his head in disgust. "You know that I love being deep in those mountains, hunting it is a duty that I enjoy. But it’s more than just the hunt. The enjoyment I receive from being away from civilization is just a great as the necessity to keep the sraeb from reaching a dangerous population level again. I don't want to torture the giant beasts. I just want them to stay few and scattered."
"The odds of killing a female and leaving her cubs to die this time of the year is high." Hanlin's voice reasoned.
"Yes, but too many people have died due to a low food source and overpopulation of sraeb. It’s been 15 years since the plague nearly wiped the out the elk and deer they feed on and the herds are still weak and diseased. I'm afraid they will never recover sufficiently to keep the sraeb satisfied. Even with the assistance of the Healers fifty percent of the herds have still births year after year." Katar said.
"Perhaps it is time to approach the situation from another direction." Hanlin said.
"We've been through this before Hanlin. The female sraeb can have 2 or 3 cubs each spring. Short of slaughtering hundreds of cubs every year, we go in and kill the largest of the males. During mating season the younger males are killed by what larger males have managed to elude us and the situation is rectified." Katar rose frustrated and drained the last of the amber liquid from his glass. "I need to head to the stables and see if Cap's ready with the provisions, we're leaving at dawn.”
"Please inform Commander Taylor that there will be a need for another horse. I will be accompanying you.” Hanlin announced much to Katars dismay.
"You hate the woods.” Katar answered the surprise evident in his voice as he turned to stare at the reserved Advisor.
"I also would hate to explain why my future King was delayed or unable to attend the first Continental Alliance Summit." Following Katar to the double doors of the study he added, "I know you to be a man of your word. But I also know that the mountains tend to transport you to another plane of existence. You become lost in an ancient world, forgetting about your present obligations.”
“The nights are cold and dark under the trees," Katar answered ignoring the reprimand. Hanlin's expression was unwavering. "Alright, pack a week’s worth of warm clothes. We'll clean up when we reach the lodge. You are a man of determination, my friend." Katar smiled amused at the length his mother’s advisor was willing to go to fulfill his promise. Exactly how far Hanlin would go suddenly concerned him. Turning back to Hanlin Katar asked, "Have you approached Lord Nolan about a courtship?"
"No, Your Highness. I merely mentioned that I would like to introduce the young lady to you. I’ve learned not to push you too hard." Hanlin answered cautiously.
"When there are wedding plans to be made Hanlin, I will attend to them myself." Katar sternly ordered.
Insulted by the Princes' demeaning attitude, Hanlin moved past him into the hall announcing, "Very well then, if you will excuse me I shall inform Her Majesty of our travel plans."
Undaunted by the display of injured pride, Katar left Hanlin to his duties and headed for the Palace's main entrance. Descending the large stone steps of the palace, Katar glanced at the usually thick layers of clouds in the sky. The gray swirling mist above continued to struggle with the sun as it attempted to pierce the thick layer. It seemed that only in the deepest of winter, when the frigid temperatures drove the people from the streets in haste was the sky clear of clouds for hours at a time. The brilliant yellow sun danced around the clouds attempting to warm the frozen soil. It was then that he longed to live over a century ago, before the fire storm permanently clouded the sky and the upper atmospheric storms raged. These storms kept all but the most powerful low flying craft from the sky. Working his way through the crowded stone walkways, he headed toward the stables, near the city entrance. Beside the massive gates that opened out into the mountains, Katar stood at the stable entrance, watching the groomsmen exercise the horses in anticipation of their journey.
Cap stood just inside the entrance giving order to the Stable Master. Katar knew his childhood friend well enough not to question his readiness for the excursion. Katar often wondered if he had become too dependent on Cap's penchant for details. Yet that one aspect, combined with Cap's unending humor and high intelligence made him the perfect companion for Katar. Glancing up at Katar's approach, Cap's dark head disappeared quickly in the darkness of the stables.
The tall lanky Commander emerged tossing Katar a small laser rifle. "If we’re going as far as the Western Chasm, we'll need to take a couple of these along. The compound bows are great when you are prepared, but I do not want to have my arms torn off in the middle of the night trying to knock the arrow. Sraeb don't give any warning before they declare dinner is served." His charcoal eyes flashed a quick smile and he disappeared back inside.
"We'll need a couple of pistols too, Lord Wills has decided to join us and he doesn't use the bow anymore." Katar added following him into the stables. Katar surveyed the large pile of supplies recently deposited on the floor, just inside the doors.
"Can’t be trusted, eh?" Cap called over his shoulder.
"I'll check with the Stable Master and see if they can find a horse that will put up with Hanlin's constant chatter." Katar answered, ignoring Cap's remark.
"Too bad Dizzy is about to foal, after she was hit by that muzzle blast, she's as deaf as a rock. “ Cap turned and knocked on the only occupied stall. The chestnut mare snorted in response.
"I'll get the groomsmen to put an extra blanket in his saddle bag. Those old bones will get brittle if the weather turns cold." Cap winked at Katar. His smile quickly turned into a frown as he reconsidered the idea of a sixty plus year old man trekking through the wilderness for such an extended period of time. "Are you sure he's up to this? I can't remember the last time Lord Wills traveled any further than the distance between Borel and the harbor. That is only a day’s ride and we are going deep into the mountains. There won't be any Hostels to rest in overnight."
"He's tougher than you think, Cap" Katar answered, certain that the elderly advisor would not take on more than he could handle.
"Who am I to argue with my future Sovereign?” Cap shrugged surrendering, "I grabbed your bow, Bosen and I have the gear ready to go."
"Bosen's coming along?” Katar glanced across at him grinning, "What a surprise.”
"Eades too, he says those three weeks in the mountains with Commander Connor, means that you will need his services.” The expression on Cap's face changed from amusement to warning.
"What is it I don’t know?" Katar turned his full attention on his friend, intrigued.
"There's been a lot of talk about Connor's reputation." Cap answered soberly.
“He's the Commander of King William's National Defensive Forces. Someone in control of the King's Elite Guard isn't going to have any mysterious past. William is so paranoid that I'm sure he had the man checked inside and out before giving him the position. No one, not even William is stupid enough to hire a mercenary to Command his land forces.” Katar had heard the ridiculous rumors and dismissed them, surprised that Cap hadn't done the same.
"I admit those stories are all very interesting, but that wasn't what I was talking about. “ Cap stood
his ground, determined to make Katar listen. "Connor was up here last fall. He took a group of Bantorians on a hunt in the Northern Mountains. There were ten men in the party, only eight returned.
"That's not so unusual, if you're hard headed enough to take an inexperienced group of hunters deep into the dense wilderness during 'Frenzy'. I'm surprised any of them made it out alive." Shaking his head at the waste of life Katar looked at Caps dark expression, seeing there was more and asked, "Why didn't someone warn them?"
"You'd think the mere fact that every guide in Treborel refused the substantial fee he offered, would have been enough to caution him. Not only did he go in without a guide, they were all carrying Laser Rifles, except Connor who had a crossbow. "
"I guess he wasn't aware of our customary hunting guidelines. I can see I'm going to have to educate Commander Connor on the proper use of weapons in Treborel. Laser Rifles are strictly for emergencies and crossbows are used by children."
"I'd be careful how you approach the subject with the Commander. Thomas Rung's father reported Connor for using snares to capture young sraeb, and taking his time, using a 40 pound draw weight bow to kill the poor creatures." Cap continued disgusted at the thought of torturing the large beasts.
"A forty pound draw is little more than a child’s toy. It would barely penetrate the thick muscle of a sraeb." Katar began to understand what it was the Cap was trying to say. "It would slowly bleed to death . . ."
"Lord Rung intervened before that happened. The next day Connor let a sraeb get a little too close. That's when Lord Rung lost his arm. Connor claimed his cable broke on the bow so he couldn’t draw." Cap's black eyes darkened.
In the shadows of the stable, the two friends faced each other wondering what was in store for the hunting party. Finally Katar spoke with a determined voice, "Alright, he's got a mean temper. I'll keep an eye on him. Just remember who he is, if he gets out of line, I'll handle him."
"Are you trying to tell me something?" Cap's dark mood broke as a suspicious smile appeared.
"Since I have known you Cap, you have become an excellent pilot and a trusted friend. Not to mention the best Air Force Commander I have ever known. But as a diplomat, you stink." Katar smiled back at him.
"So I'm not a good public speaker. . ."
"Public speaking has nothing to do with this. Commander Connor has the ear of King William. I don't want anything to interfere with the new relationship we have achieved with Bantor. Let’s not blow it because the Forces Commander is a little sadistic."
"A little sadistic?"
"When we separate into small groups I'll take Commander Connor with me." Katar ordered, tossing the rifle back to Cap he turned to head back to the palace. "You can have Hanlin."
"Hey!" Cap put the rifle down and pursued him, "He's the dangerous one!"
The light banter continued until they reached the palace. Commander Allen Connor had arrived by the small helijet transport used only when the winds were sufficiently calm enough to permit the small craft to traverse the mountains. This allowed him the luxury of avoiding the long trek on horseback through the Borel Ravine from the harbor.
Queen Sari ordered a lavish dinner to be prepared in honor of their guest.
"I was eager to return to Treborel." The dark haired Commander began as the palace chef brought in a huge platter of steaming meat surrounded by vegetables. "I feel I've been transported back to another time. The tall dark silver palace, its high walls covered in Solar
The silver gems, glistening when the sun chooses to bless its light upon the city. All this sitting high upon a stone bluff, overlooking the dense forest below, surrounded and protected by the majestic mountains on all sides. And the forests that encompass it are prowled by large beasts of world renowned ferocity."
"We do have an abundance of wildlife Commander," Queen Sari smiled, her pale features becoming lovelier. "All of this is due to the strict enforcement of our ecological beliefs. Although I'd hardly label them as placid, the sraeb are no longer a threat to our existence thanks to my son’s efforts at controlling the population."
"Prince Katar and I spoke of that, last evening.” The Commander said, “He explained the difficulty you've been having for so long." The Commander turned his gaze on Katar who was seated across from him. "You've been personally hunting these creatures for over 10 years now. Why haven't you been able to eliminate them?"
"Our goal is not the extinction of the species, Commander. The sraeb have as much right to exist as we do. We are simply trying to control the population.” Katar answered as Cap began to fidget beside him. The mention of hunting caused Cap great difficulty as he struggled to keep his opinions to himself. Not wanting to offend their guest his first night in the city.
Katar continued, “As you stated it has been more than 15 years since the elk population became diseased. Nearly the entire herd perished. The Sraebs being carnivorous only during 'Frenzy', a time of crazed feeding for the beasts, found their main food source gone. The extra layers of fat the animals acquire during this time are necessary for their winter hibernation and survival. So they were forced to come down from the mountains in search of food. We lost hundreds civilians before we were able to push them back into the mountains." Katar glanced at his mother as the memory of his father’s death flared in his mind. He pushed it aside and continued, "Since then the elk population has grown, very slowly. We've had to compensate with the hunting parties."
"I for one am looking forward to the next three weeks." Connor answered, "I understand you're an exceptional woodsman, Your Highness.”
"I suppose I should be. I've been hunting since I was 10 years old.” Katar replied, undaunted by the Commander's disinterest in the background of the hunts. He began to wonder what kind of man Connor truly was.
"I understand that you had quite an experience on your last trip to the Northern Mountains, Commander." Cap challenged, fighting his growing dislike for the Bantorian. "You lost two of your men and almost got yourself killed."
Turning to study the Air Forces Commander, a menacing smile appeared on Commander Connor's face and his brown eyes grew darker as he explained. "It was my mistake, going into the mountains during ‘frenzy’. Although I assure you, my life was never at risk. Unfortunately my companions were not as skilled at self-preservation as I. I was only able to save one of them when the sraeb attacked." His smile grew as their eyes locked.
Amused by the instant dislike between the two large men, Katar decided it could prove to be an interesting journey to the Summit. "Well Commander you don't have to worry about that this time of the year." Katar interrupted, drawing his attention away from Cap. "We will be lucky to find one large male. Most are still in hibernation. The third week of the hunt should bring larger game as we near the Western Chasm."
The conversation turned to the upcoming Summit and continued until the end of the meal. Shortly afterward Cap took his leave, claiming the need for further preparation. Katar knew there was nothing more to be done. He figured his friend had reached his fill of the Bantorian Commander and bid him good night. As the Queer took Commander Connor on twilight a tour of her garden, the pale gray sky turned into a palette of pink and purple hues until it grew dark allowing an occasional star twinkle through its thickness.
Returning to his suite Katar placed a call to Enda's attorney's and advanced them enough money to cover her current debts. As he retired for the night his thoughts went to Cap's warning of the Bantorian. It was unusual for Cap to take an instant dislike to someone. Still, Katar had to admit there was a presence about the Commander. He emanated a sense of supremacy and his answer to Cap's inquiry had been unusual. No one who had experienced a sraeb hunt would ever consider themselves completely exempt from death.
The dawn found the small party leaving the city on horseback. Bosen May the plump blacksmith and Eades Long, the tall, stout Captain of the Queen's Guard brought up the rear of the procession. As the sun rose behind the clouds they headed deep into the mountai
ns. The first few days they concentrated on reaching the lodge deep within the mountains. They were encouraged by the sightings of several females and their cubs searching for berries. Cap was the first to take a large male. In the days following Katar and Commander Connor also killed and butchered a large sraeb.
The butchered meat was sprayed with an ultra-coolant, instantly freezing it solid. Then it was loaded it onto the pack animals for storage at the Lodge, still days away. The early spring weather had continued and with it the animals began to emerge. Making the journey a joy for Katar, who had missed the quiet calm of the mountains, especially at night.
The beginning of the second week found them at the lodge unloading their supplies. Hanlin expressed great pleasure at reaching their half-way point to the Chasm. He was thoroughly intent on spending every available moment in one of the cabin's soft beds. The large log cabin lodge was nestled in a dense grove of evergreens. Directly behind the lodge nestled between two large evergreen trees was a small bathhouse, built over a hot spring. The rest of the week was to have been spent on daily excursions, returning to the warmth and comfort of the lodge at night. Instead, due to Commander Connor's wish to find larger game, they left the lodge and continued on into the more dense areas of the mountains.
As the noon break arrived the company found themselves facing a deep ravine, stretching far into the trees. Separating into two groups, after their meal, they left the horses at base camp and climbed down to the base of the ravine. Katar, Commander Connor and Bosen headed west along its base as Cap took Eades and Hanlin east. The ravine twisted back into itself several times. After several hours Katar worked his way up the side of the steep embankment to find their position. Leaving Bosen and Connor searching a patch of brush covered in berries.
Tempest Rise (Treborel) Page 2
