Astel

  ***

  Hearing wings fpping, I opened my eyes and saw Raven fly back from the thin trails of smoke in the distance. I quietly sighed to myself, trying to forget that strange dream.

  “It’s a small vilge.” Raven said, nding on my shoulder. “It’s got wood walls, three gates, and a small river on the north side of it with some fields near it.”

  “Did you see any fgs?” I asked.

  “None that I could see.” She said. “But it looks different from vilges in the Empire.”

  “I did make the base kind of far.” I nodded.

  “Considering that this is the closest settlement is this pce, and it was a week's walk day and night, yeah. You did.” She said. “Seriously you need to find a pce to sleep.”

  “I was sleeping when you were checking this pce out.” I said. “Anything else I should know?”

  “I can’t tell if it’s just because this is a vilge, but your weapons are definitely going to stick out.” She said. “You got anything less fshy?”

  “What’s less fshy than a spear?” I asked.

  “Just use one of your swords. Your least decorated one and don’t draw it unless you have to.” She said. “And maybe hide that crossbow.”

  “Seriously?” I sighed annoyed doing as she said. “I really want to use it.”

  “If you come across a demon maybe but just py it safe for now.” She said.

  “Yeah yeah.” I said. “There’s no use drawing this out. Let’s get it over with.”

  After putting away my crossbow and spear in my magic bag, I attached the simple looking orichalcum sword on my belt. Obviously it was in its scabbard, but still. This sword alone could probably buy a mansion bigger than mine in the capital. Heck, it could probably buy an entire town if I found one for sale. Despite that, it was much easier to hide than a spear, so whatever.

  Walking through the woods, which were looking more and more managed, I eventually managed to spot the vilge. It seems like Raven was being generous when she said “wooden walls,” at best, they were fences. Still, unless I wanted to knock them down, I followed them to one of the gates. I don’t see anyone through the gaps in the fence, so what’s up? Arriving at the gate, I saw that this pce was locked up tight. And there wasn’t much noise inside.

  “Hello?” I called out, knocking on the sad excuse door.

  “Is this pce abandoned?” I asked.

  “No, I saw kids inside.” Raven said.

  “Well, this pce probably isn’t full of bandits than…” I said.

  “Ah!” I heard from somewhere inside.

  Through the gaps, I saw an elderly looking man exit a house and head towards the gates with two guys in tow. The two guys carried pitchforks, and some given the frightened looks on their faces, it was clear that something was wrong.

  “Keep watch.” I instructed, putting my hand on my sword.

  “Got it.” Raven said flying off.

  Arriving at the door, the old man opened up some sort of viewing window and looked at me. Given that I was wearing a cloak and hood, I must have looked suspicious.

  “Who are you?” He asked.

  “I’m Astel, a hunter.” I said, starting to recite my pre-prepared backstory. “I-”

  “A hunter!?” He said joyfully. “Come in! Come in!”

  Opening up the door, he quickly gestured for me to enter. Those two men behind him looked relieved. Still with my hand on my sword hilt, I entered. Right, well it seems that these guys aren’t the trouble, but are in trouble. Still, they could be trying to trick me, so let’s not get too comfortable…

  With the door quickly closing behind me, I heard a stirring in the vilge.

  “A hunter?” A voice asked.

  “A hunter!?” Another asked, in a less than hushed whisper.

  “We are so very gd you are here.” The old man said. “You must be from the guild. Follow me and I’ll expin what’s happening.”

  The guild? What’s this guy talking about? What does a hunter’s guild have to do with this small vilge? Do they have a bear or wolf problem? Wondering that, I was guided through the vilge. As we walked, men, women, and children peeked out of their houses, through doors and windows.

  “A hunter!” A woman said.

  “We’re saved!” A child hugged who looked to be their mother.

  “A hunter is here!” Another person quietly cheered.

  “I think I just got pulled into something troublesome.” I said.

  “Hopefully it’s not a bear.” Raven said, flying above us.

  Still, if this pce is in trouble, I should help them. Given how desperate they were however, it might be too big for me alone to deal with. After all I can’t transform into Melody yet.

  Walking through the gathering vilgers, we came across a house rger than all the other ones. This must be the old man’s house, and given how he took charge, he’s probably the vilge leader. As we entered, the two guys leaned their pitchforks against the outside walls, and I switched my hand, which was still concealed, to my dagger.

  “I would ask you to leave your sword outside, but you hunters aren’t like that.” The old man said.

  “Not many that I know at least.” I said.

  My sword wasn’t exactly hidden by my cloak, so I’m not exactly surprised that he noticed it. Still, it’s construction and more importantly my hand on my dagger, should be unknown to him.

  “So, what’s the situation?” I asked, being led to a table.

  “Straight to business.” He nodded approvingly. “Our vilge is in quite the trouble.”

  Given how everyone looked relieved at the sight of me, I can’t say that I’m surprised. Still, why so relieved at a lone hunter? Taking a seat, we were joined by a pale, young man who looked much different from the locals. A city slicker, by the looks of him. His neat clothes aside, he looked official. As I wondered his identity, the old man began his expnation.

  “Just about two weeks ago as we were preparing to harvest our crops and right after Philip arrived, one of our field workers was attacked by a demon.” He said darkly.

  “Oh?” I said.

  This might be worse than a bear.

  “He managed to escape with minor injuries, and he and the others made it inside the walls.” He expined. “It was a small one, so at first we thought we could deal with it, but before we could, we saw more of them. There were at least six of them. Those small gray beasts, those horned rabbits.”

  “They are dangerous in groups.” I nodded.

  Okay, so this isn't nearly as bad as I thought, but given how fast they reproduce and eat crops, I can see why they were concerned. Also why they are grateful for a hunter. I want to get back to the Empire as soon as possible, so let’s go ahead and deal with this.

  “And where do they appear?” I asked.

  “Down by the river, although they’ve been traveling across the path so we couldn’t send someone out to the guild for help without risk.” He said. “We’re very gd that you’ve come here. We’ve gathered as much money as we can for the request, but we’ll pay you right now if you help us.”

  “I see.” I nodded.

  Seeing me seeming to agree, the old man looked relieved. Horned rabbits aren’t too difficult to deal with, and given how aggressive they are, they won’t run when confronted, so I likely won’t need to chase them down. Well, unless one of them is pregnant that is. Still, this isn’t bad for me. I’ll get some money, that might tell me what kingdom I’m in, and I might get to rest in a bed for the night.

  “I’ll see what I can do.” I said.

  “Thank you.” He gratefully said.

  “Although I hate to say it, the sun is setting so I don’t think I’ll be able to do much today.” I pointed out.

  “Yes of course. I have an extra room you can use here. The tax collector, ah-” He gnced at Philip.

  A tax man. Well, that answers that question. Does he not have any guards?

  “Forgive me it’s actually occupied…” He said awkwardly. “I can-”

  “A warm pce by the fire will be good enough for me.” I said. “There’s no need to worry about that.”

  “Thank you, and I’m sorry for that.” He said.

  “No worries.” I said.

  It’s not like he can kick an official, let alone the tax man, out of his room for a hunter after all.

  “I’ll be in your care for the night.” I said.

  “Thank you.” He said. “And we’ll give you your pay tomorrow as well. Although we typically use the guild, so I’m not sure how it works in person.”

  That makes two of us.

  “To make things simple, how about half up front and half upon completion?” I suggested.

  “That will work for us.” He said. “Once again, thank you. It won’t be much, but would you care to join us for dinner?”

  “I’ll be your guest.” I nodded.

  With the stress fading from his body, he dismissed the two men, who were probably his guards. Given how many holes were in the fences, I wouldn’t be surprised if they thought the horned rabbits might be able to get in here. And it would expin why everyone was inside or near their houses. Now, as for Philip, he seemed to regain some of his color. With the old man leaving to check on dinner, I decided to introduce myself to maybe help calm this guy down.

  “I’m not sure if you hear, but I’m Astel, a hunter.” I said, holding my hand out to shake his.

  “Ah, forgive me.” He said, shaking my hand with a somewhat weak grip. “I’m Philip Coleman, the tax collector for this area. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  “Likewise.” I said. “I didn’t think tax collectors would wander without any guards.”

  “Yes, well, normally people don’t mess with us, although Demons don’t discriminate.” He said.

  “I take it they haven’t been a problem tely?” I asked.

  “Not since Melody first appeared.” He said. “She got rid of most of them in the kingdom, although there were still small pockets that managed to survive. I would thank her if I could, but she never stays in one pce, does she?”

  “I can’t say she does.” I said.

  “Having said that, after this is all done, would you escort me back to town? I promise I’ll make it worth your while.” He said.

  “That I can do.” I nodded.

  “Thank you.” He said, greatly relieved.

  Not long after, dinner was served. And thanks to Philip, I don’t need to worry about poison, or any sort of sleeping potion. Still, I did keep an eye out and my dagger was within reach. With nothing happening, and the sun quickly setting, I leaned against the wall by the firepce for the night. Because I had dirty clothes, I used my cloak as a bnket. It was enchanted, and I was by the fire so I was plenty warm. Also, Raven quietly flew in and kept watch in a dark corner so I could sleep. After all, I was a lone woman traveling by myself. I couldn’t be too careful. Leaned up against a wall, I fell asleep with my hand on my dagger.

  …

  Waking up in the morning, after another strange dream and normal breakfast, I was led outside the walls to the st sighting of the horned rabbits. Given that it was early in the morning, they should already be out. Although I may have to wait just a little…

  Being left out here, as my escorts went back to guard the vilge, I took a look at the coins. “King Foday of Arymay.” Okay, yeah I’m far away from the Empire. It’s probably a two to three month journey so is it worth even trying to get back before I can use my powers? Maybe I can at least find a way to send a letter telling people that I’m alive. Luckily I have a signet ring that I can use to prove that I’m me. Although I’m reluctant to show it off as I would be a valuable hostage, and the Empire would have to pass through at least three kingdoms if they wanted to get me back by force. So, let’s not risk starting anything and keep that hidden. Maybe if I could buy a horse I’ll think about it again.

  Some time ter, I heard small sounds of something moving in the grass. Turning I saw a family of horned rabbits drawing near. Looks like they have a bunch of small guys with them, so maybe they recently had babies? Whatever, let’s get rid of them since they are here. Seeing me, one of them let out a cute but hostile squeak, and jumped towards me. It was moving kind of slowly, so as it hopped at me, I grabbed it right behind the head and swung its body like a whip. With its neck successfully broken, I dropped it and walked towards the next brave little rabbit. A minute ter and six more snaps, there were seven in total, my job was done. Just to be safe, I walked around the area as Raven flew, but we found no sign of any more. After tying them up by their feet, I slung them over my shoulder and headed back in time for lunch.

  “I’m back.” I called out as I approached the gate.

  “What already!?” Someone from inside shouted. “Is there a problem?”

  “No, I got them all.” I said.

  “Already!?” The voice once more shouted.

  Throwing open the door, one of the men who escorted the old man yesterday looked at me in surprise. To prove myself, I showed off the rabbits.

  “You did it!” He said.

  “I did it.” I nodded.

  Walking past the surprised man, I headed to the old man to give him my report. Along the way, many people looked at them in disbelief. Some kids even ran up to poke them. Demons were much less scary when dead. Especially the ones that looked like rabbits. With a small crowd gathered, I arrived in front of the old man and Philip who were sitting in neighboring chairs. Their conversation, whatever it may have been paused as I drew near.

  Also, they gave two very different reactions. Philip looked as pale as a ghost at the sight of them, and the old man was nothing but smiles. I guess one of us isn’t used to seeing dead things.

  “Seven of them in such a short time!” The old man said. “You hunters are made of something else!”

  “They’re small and aggressive, but that’s all.” I said. “When you know how to take care of one, you can deal with ten.”

  “I see!” He said. “And what do you pn to do with these?”

  “Do with them as you like. I got paid to get rid of them and I did.” I said.

  I do want these, but I’d rather leave before something else comes up.

  “Wait, um forgive me.” Philip said. “I would like to bring these with me and submit them as the reason for my dey. Well, just the horns if it’s no trouble.”

  “We can separate them for you.” The old man nodded. “Until then, please rest here. I would love to treat you for saving our harvest, but we’ll be much too busy for anything grand.”

  “That is understandable.” Philip said. “We don’t want to get in your way.”

  “We’ll be sure to extract them as soon as possible.” He said.

  “Thank you. If possible, I would like to leave tomorrow, before my absence becomes too long.” Philip said. “And our friend here will be looking after me in case any more of those things appear.”

  “They’re rare, but not rare enough.” He nodded. “They will be ready for you.”

  “Thank you.” Philip once more said.

  “And thank you for dealing with this issue quickly.” The old man said to me.

  “With any luck you won’t be bothered for some time.” I said.

  “I hope to the Goddess we don’t.” He agreed.

  With that the vilgers dispersed to tend to the fields and begin their harvest. As for me and Philip, we prepared for tomorrow’s departure…

  Grayburne