The Way of the Beast by Gavin Green

Author:Gavin Green
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fantasy, fantasy alternate world

***

Stenhelt and Chohla stood in the oval interior of Duuvinhal's large village hall, illuminated by opened shutters and numerous torches. They stood in the center of the room facing the big, white-haired village elder that went by the name of Berik. Elder Berik was dressed in thick furs and sat in a large fur-lined chair; Sten had trouble separating coat from seat.

Directly in front of Sten was a rough wooden table holding all of his trade-worthy goods. Furs of bear, lynx and hare; bones used for their marrow, and claws for trinkets; cleaned innards filled with animal fat, used for cooking or to make soap; large chunks and slices of dried meats - all laid out for the elder and his two advisors to inspect.

Facing forward, Sten whispered to Chohla at his side, "Will you speak for us?"

The ancient traveler sensed the young hunter's discomfort, but nonetheless replied, "It was not me who brought us here, Khoveyo. Besides, I'm most likely worse at haggling than you are."

"What is your name, hunter?" Elder Berik asked with a scratchy baritone voice.

"I am Stenhelt, second son of Halivik, elder."

"And you hail from... ?" he asked, as if the hunter should have explained that along with his name. Sten was unfamiliar with the custom. It may have been proper etiquette, but his senile elder back home rarely followed formality.

"Oh, um, Bruvaal, elder; It's a village far to the south, in the Cragwood."

"Far, indeed," Berik commented. He leaned back in his chair and put a hand on his chin. "You come to me for trade, and you offer those goods. Well enough - the furs are clean, the fat is soft, and the meat is fresh enough. What do you wish for in return for your fine offering?"

"I seek metal, elder. Uh, I mean metal goods and supplies, hopefully bronze." Berik raised his shaggy eyebrows and waited for Stenhelt to be specific. "I'd wish to have a new griddle, wood ax, knife, spearhead and arrowheads."

Elder Berik shared a glace with his advisors, and then fixed his gaze on Sten once more. "For what you offer, hunter Stenhelt, you ask for many forged items. Too many, I think. The trade would be too far in your favor. However, I have another way for you to earn at least part of the goods you seek. Would you hear my proposal?"

"Yes, of course, elder," Sten replied. He didn't know what Berik had in mind, although from what the smith implied he suspected that some peril would be involved. He was resolved that if the proposal involved Chohla, then it would be refused. Sten would not place his friend in danger.

"The goods you wish for are ones that a highly regarded woodsman would carry. Are you that?" Berik asked rhetorically with a shrug. "Perhaps, or perhaps not; I've not heard of you before. And, truth be told, you look young to be a seasoned hunter. Then again, you've laid proof of your skills on my table. Whether it is luck or talent, you've managed well enough.

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