The Last Ereph and Other Stories by JD Byrne

Author:JD Byrne
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fantasy, science fiction, short story, dragon, memory, UFOs, Ghosts
Publisher: JD Byrne
Published: 2015-03-02T00:00:00+00:00

The Missing Legion

TAIMAN HADN’T ANTICIPATED this. The army camp stretched across most of the open ground between the deep forest of the Arbor and the slowly flowing current of the Water Road. It would have been foolish for him to try and slip past.

“Halt!” called out one of the sentries at the edge of the camp. The other two aimed their muskets at Taiman, looking as if they desperately wanted to use them.

Taiman did as he was told, bringing his horse to a stop and raising his hands. “I want no trouble.”

The one who appeared to be in charge wore a uniform of deep green to match the dense forests of the Arbor, not to mention his skin. The white and grey piping on the cuffs and collars meant he was from Durlandala. He was a corporal, based on the insignia on his shoulders. “Identify yourself.”

“Taiman Innis of the Guild of Hunters,” he said, slowly and clearly. “I want no part of your business. I only need to pass by.”

“Just on maneuvers,” said one of the others, a little defensively. The corporal shot him a quick look to keep him from saying anything more. Perhaps the eternal clashes between the cities of the Arbor were about to flare up once again.

“What’s your business here, Guildsman?” the corporal asked.

“Tracking a great red wood ape,” Taiman said. “It’s gone into these woods, I’m certain. You can check my papers.”

The corporal nodded. “Papers?”

Taiman pulled a sheet of paper from his saddlebag and held it out for the corporal. He took it then stepped back quickly. When it was clear the corporal could not read it, Taiman said, “That is my Guild certification. It says I am a hunter by profession and training. Check my weapons, if you have any doubt. They are not suitable for your work.”

The corporal motioned for Taiman to dismount, which he did. Then the corporal stepped over to Taiman’s horse and inspected the neatly packed weapons. He passed quickly over the long rifle and the cache of knives, but stopped when he found the bow and quiver. “What’s this?”

“Neldathi short bow,” Taiman said. “Bought it on a trip to Port Orford, down south. Ever been there?”

The corporal shook his head.

“Never seen anything like it. A city full of Altrerian traders, sailors from the Slaisal Islands, and looming over all of them are clutches of Neldathi wandering around. Ever seen one in person?”

“In a zoo!” cracked one of the others, which prompted laughter from them, but not the corporal.

“I don’t mean those poor souls,” Taiman said, turning to the other soldiers. “I’m talking about real Neldathi in their own land. Two feet taller than any of you, blue all over, and those long braids with the clan colors hanging down their backs. “Quite a sight.” He shifted his attention back to the corporal. “And they are skilled craftsmen. If I need a bow, I want a Neldathi one.”

The corporal turned away and motioned for Taiman to get back on his horse.

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