Ghost in the Hunt by Moeller Jonathan

Author:Moeller, Jonathan [Moeller, Jonathan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Azure Flame Media, LLC
Published: 2014-08-26T06:00:00+00:00

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Four days after leaving Istarinmul, they came to a three-pronged fork in the road.

The Great Southern Road proper continued southeast, cutting across the Trabazon Steppes to the Vale of Fallen Stars and then on to Anshan. The southwestern fork of the road went through the fertile fields of Akasar and then to Istarish Cyrica and Imperial Cyrica.

The southern road itself went to the Kaltari Highlands, a dark mass spreading away across the horizon.

All of the merchant caravans went southwest or southeast.

None of them went to the Kaltari Highlands.

“That is an ominous sign,” said Claudia, watching as the caravans rolled away in clouds of dust. Claudia had forgotten how much she preferred to travel via ship. A ship might sink, but at least on a ship she did not have to contend with the endless dust and a thousand pounds of hot, sweaty horseflesh beneath her. Right now she wanted to find a bath and soak for a week, but she knew such luxuries were a long way off.

Did the Kaltari even have baths in their Highlands?

“Alas, my lady Claudia,” said Nasser. Claudia was not sure he was trustworthy, but he was unfailingly polite and quite charming. “The Kaltari Highlands have something of an evil reputation.”

“Entirely deserved,” muttered Laertes.

“Why is that?” said Martin, who had started relying upon Nasser as a local guide. “Are not the Kaltari of Caerish descent?”

“They are,” said Nasser. “Originally. During the Second Empire, when the Caerish barbarians warred against the Empire, a confederation of Caerish tribes migrated south, rampaged through Cyrica, and came to Istarinmul. Rather than attack the walls of Istarinmul, they drove off the original inhabitants of the Highlands and settled there. Ever since they have been known as the Kaltari Highlands.” He shrugged. “The Caers of the Empire have, for the most part, accepted the gods and culture of the Empire. The Kaltari keep many of their ancient practices.”

“Like headhunting,” said Caina. Claudia flinched. She had not heard Caina approach. “Like the ancient Caerish, the Kaltari believe the head is the seat of the soul, and so keep the skulls of their foes as trophies.”

“They form warbands in the ancient tradition as well,” said Nasser, “and sometimes go raiding.”

Martin frowned. “Are they not subjects of the Padishah? Does not his law run here?”

Nasser smiled. “It does, but creating the law and enforcing it are different matters entirely. The Kaltari have formed the backbone of the Padishah’s infantry for years. They regard war as a high honor and hold hardship in scorn. And when there are no wars for them, they turn to raiding their neighbors.”

“Eighty Imperial Guards ought to go a long way to encourage neighborly behavior from the Kaltari,” said Martin.

“I quite agree,” said Nasser. “I have some friends among the headmen of the Kaltari. Though there is one other matter we should guard against.”

“Isn’t there always?” said Caina.

“The faith of the Living Flame is prominent among the Kaltari,” said Nasser. “But a minority among the Kaltari hold to the…old ways, the old religion.

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