It took the group almost another two full days to make it back to town. Similar to the beginning of their journey, they were unmolested by beasts. The closer they came to town, the safer it became. All of the smaller monsters learned where human territory was and stayed away from it. Sometimes a hungry behemoth of some kind would descend upon a town, but a well outfitted town was usually safe. Usually was the key word. Any town which found itself getting lazy in their defenses had a habit of being overrun.

“Success!” said Mekov as they entered the city limits. The days of walking had been long, and they were all exhausted. They’d taken turns dragging the wagon, and they almost never rested. They were all too tired to rest, too done with the wilds. They walked until they fell asleep where they stood. Everyone just wanted to make it back to town.

Ruba was nothing more than a large oasis out in the middle of the desert turned trading post. Its main importance was that of many towns in the kingdom of Omagadesh, a supply route. The streets were always filled with merchants swapping their goods before they went onto the next town. Wherever there was business and money to be had, a town sprang up.

Most of its buildings were made of white washed stones kept together by a grayish mortar. Wood was a rarity so most things had to be made of stone or sand. If a building had a wooden door then it meant it was in high standing. Most businesses and homes kept thin cloths over their entryways instead of expensive lumber.

“Good, I’m tired of lugging this thing,” said Sakien. He had one of the wagon’s handles in hand, and Dezzlin had the other.

“I hear that,” said Dezzlin.

A few more minutes in town brought them to the guild street. Every town had a guild street, but the town of Ruba was too small to have more than the hunter’s and merchant’s guild. They stopped next to the Hunter’s Guild and sighed with happiness. It was a good place to rest as well as dump their heavy supplies safely. As they headed to the door, Kira pulled her pack out of the wagon.

“Thanks for everything guys. I’m going to go to the armorer to see about getting a suit made.”

“Good, you can show me where it is,” said Mekov as he grabbed his bag. It was filled considerably more than Kira’s, and it wasn’t the only one he had. “Can I leave the lance with you Sakien?”

“Yeah. Going to see about getting a new shield?” Mekov held up his brutalized shield sadly.

“Or see what can be done for this. I’ll catch up with you later at camp.”

“I’ll see you there.”

Kira started away from the group with Mekov following her. Diake watched her hasty retreat and guessed she wasn’t an official hunter like she said. The guild would’ve been a good place to stop, but only hunters could come in. There was a story to this girl he’d have to find out.

*

The Hunter’s Guild, like many things, had sprung up out of necessity. There were too many enormous monstrosities out there which the average warrior could not fight. A specialized and mobile type of guard was created to defend mankind’s few cities and towns. When people began to use the beast’s hides, bones, and fangs for weapons, a lucrative business aspect appeared. The guards soon turned guild.

Hunters held some of the highest positions in society. Their duty was so important that it was rare for them to suffer ill treatment or poverty. Most hunters were the wealthiest members in their towns and ranked just below powerful merchants. The system balanced itself out with most hunters being unable to maintain their profession for life. It wasn’t uncommon for hunters to not survive past their first year of fighting. It was luxurious to a few; a short end to existence for most.

The Hunter’s Guild in Ruba was a large building with two floors. The first floor was a greeting area and exclusive bar for the hunters. The top floor was reserved for jobs and collections. They had a stable reserved next to the building as well. Sakien and Dezzlin dropped the wagon in there and headed for the entrance. They passed the burly guard without a word. A large hand came up in front of Sakien however.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“In for my pay and a drink.”

“Sorry buddy, hunters only.” Sakien glared at the guard.

“What do I look like to you, a damn baker?”

“Well I don’t know you,” said the guard. “Never seen you around these parts and nobody has spoken up for you.” Diake and Dezzlin were coming back to talk to the guard, but Sakien was too tired for this. His arms hurt, he was hungry, thirsty, and not ready for this man’s stupidity.

“I’m going past you even if I have to stab you in the eye first.” The guard grinned.

“With an axe?”

“Let’s find out,” said Sakien as he hefted his axe into both hands. The guard smiled and waved him in.

“I just had to be sure.” Sakien growled and moved past the guard. Diake led him upstairs to speak with a representative of the guild about the mission. Dezzlin stopped to have a word with the guard.

“Just so you know, he’s good.”

“Oh I know,” said the guard.

“You knew he was a hunter?”

“Not at all.” The guard looked to where Sakien had disappeared. “After that I know he’s either a hunter or a crazy person with a big axe. Either way I wasn’t going to stand in front of some barbarian.” Dezzlin sighed and headed inside.

“You’re such a reliable guard.”

“You get what you pay for,” muttered the guard. Dezzlin laughed and headed upstairs.

“Welcome back Dezzlin!” said a loud voice as soon as he entered the room. The guild representative was a small but hyper man named Trendle. He shook Dezzlin’s hand and then went back to his desk. “Where’s Mekov?” he asked hesitantly.

“Seeing the armorer,” said Sakien. With all four alive, it was straight to business.

“So you found the caravan?” They all nodded. “I’m hoping that wagon you brought back is filled with its best goods.”

“They are,” said Diake.

“Excellent news! The guild will pay you all highly for this. I sense an extra bonus for actually bringing home the town’s supplies. Did you happen to uncover what did it?” Dezzlin tapped his armor.

“Riktor.”

“Nasty things. Happen to see it?” asked Trendle.

“Happened to kill it,” said Sakien. The representative started clapping.

“Very impressive boys. Not only do you bring back the goods but slay the beast as well. This is the kind of thing which gives us a good reputation with the town. They’ll be very pleased.”

“And our pockets…” said Diake. The representative smiled.

“Will be heavier for it.”

“How much heavier?” asked Sakien. The representative shrugged.

“That all depends what you brought back and are willing to share. Seph!” The door opened to another room and a teenage boy came out. “Follow these fine men downstairs to the stable. Check that wagon of theirs and find whatever belongs to the guild, put it in the storage room, and report back to me what it is.” He looked back to the hunters. “I’ll work out its worth with the town and have an answer for you tomorrow.”

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“Just get us some good bargains, and we should be having a good day,” said Diake.

“Oh I think we’ll all be happier tomorrow. Now go get some drinks, a warm bath, and relax.”

“Sounds good to me,” said Dezzlin. “We’ll be back tomorrow.” They started for the stairs when the representative called out to Sakien.

“Your cloak has lost its shine.”

“A week’s worth of travel and fights will do that.”

“Yes it can. May I suggest Mrs. Singe down the street? Phenomenal washer. It’ll cost you a few coins, but she’ll make it look as good as new.” Sakien nodded.

“I’ll look her up. Thank you.”

“Always a pleasure.”

*

“So where’s the armorer?” asked Mekov as they headed down the street. Kira pointed ahead.

“Just look for the rising smoke. The blacksmith always has something to do.”

“Blacksmith and armorer aren’t always the same thing,” said Mekov.

“Ruba isn’t that big of a town,” said Kira with a shrug. “You’ll find most people around here do more than just one thing.” Mekov conceded to her point and looked for smoke in the sky. He spotted the small smoke trail and followed it down the street. The shop sunk into the ground a bit and smelled of steel and fire. The smell alone told Mekov he was in the right place.

“Mr. Horner!” shouted Kira. “Are you in?”

“Where else would I be?” called a voice from the back. “Keep at it boy, I’ll be right back.” A man covered in dark leather came out of the back and took Kira’s hand. Kira shook violently under Mr. Horner’s grasp. He pounded so much steel his arms were bigger than most people’s legs.

“Good to see you again Kira. How can I help you?” Kira opened her sack and pulled out the scav hides.

“I’m looking to make some armor out of this. Can you help me?” Mr. Horner looked the skins over with a keen eye.

“I’m not much of a tailor, but you’ve got some quality hide on you. I’m sure I can make you something suitable. Guess you’re getting more serious about this hunting and fighting business.”

“We found her almost dead in the desert,” said Mekov. “Suggested some armor might not be a bad idea.”

“A very good idea. My name is Horner, and you are...”

“Mekov.” The two shook hands, but Mekov did not shake like Kira did. Kira noticed Mr. Horner seemed to be wary of Mekov.

“You just escorting the little lady in here Mekov or did you need something yourself?” Mekov held out his shield for Horner to take.

“I can fix a lot of things, but I’m not good enough to fix this.” Horner took the shield and looked at it sadly.

“This shield has seen some better days. Good craftsmanship, what’s it made out of?”

“Sipi hide and bone.” Horner nodded and moved the shield around.

“Never heard of a sipi, but to be honest with you I don’t think it much matters. I’m not sure if this is fixable. Bone isn’t like steel; I can’t just smash it back into place. If you want me to try I will, but this shield may have seen its last days.” Mekov sighed.

“I was afraid you’d say that.”

“What hit you so hard it managed to do this?”

“Riktor head smash,” said Kira. “I watched him take the hit dead on.” Horner raised an eye and handed the shield back.

“I’m impressed you and your shield are in one piece. Better yet, I’m surprised you and your shield aren’t one and the same now.” Mekov smiled ruefully.

“It wasn’t fun. Can you make me a new shield then?”

“Of course. I’ve only got the normal supplies here, but if you have anything custom you want, I can do it. I just need the raw materials.”

“What about these?” Mekov pulled a large riktor plate out of his bag and handed it over. Horner held it with awe.

“Now this is armor. If you’ve got enough of these, I could truly make you a shield worthy of your profession.” Mekov nudged his bag.

“I’ve got it.”

“Then we have some business to discuss,” said Horner.

“Are those plates worth much?” asked Kira curiously.

“Oh yes,” said Mr. Horner. “Riktor isn’t too great for weapons, but it makes some excellent armor. Mekov’s shield here will be able to take some incredible damage without a worry, which makes it very valuable to him.”

“I see. I’ll be right back for my order Mr. Horner,” said Kira as she headed out of the shop. She’d seen his eyes on her ever since she’d entered town. She held her bag tightly and headed around the corner. The shop was only down a few streets from Mr. Horner’s. Kira couldn’t help but think there was always a shadow over this place.

“Well well well, if it isn’t Kira,” sneered a man standing behind a counter. “You took a long time getting back to town.”

“Shut it, Viktor. I’m waiting for Sheen.” A door opened on the second floor, and a man came down the stairs. He was a thin man covered in heavy cloth, woven with vibrant colors. It was a hot and useless outfit, but it showed that he was wealthy and didn’t care to go outside. His dark eyes fell on Kira and his lip curled. Viktor waved her over.

“And there he is.”

“Come back with the feathers?” asked Sheen forcefully. Kira scowled.

“No I didn’t. Stupid bird wouldn’t stay still.”

“That’s very bad for business Kira. Very bad for you.” Kira quickly opened her bag and pulled out one of the riktor’s plates.

“I found something better. I have pieces of riktor armor. Very valuable.” Sheen took the large plate and looked it over.

“You have more of this?” Kira nodded quickly. “It’s good, but it’s not what we asked you to bring us.”

“It’s better!” snapped Kira. She heard a heavy string being stretched behind her and saw Viktor had brought up a crossbow.

“Careful now,” whispered Viktor. Kira frowned and kept her eyes on Sheen. Sheen held the plate carefully and looked at Kira.

“I’ll tell you what I’m going to do for you, Kira. I should be mad at you for not bringing back the feathers, but since you did bring back something valuable, I’m going to give you an extension.”

“An extension?”

“Yes. I’ll take these and give you one more week. It seems like a lot of extra time to make your payment to me.”

“These are worth twice that!”

“This is not up for negotiation,” said Sheen calmly, “Unlike you. I’m giving you another chance. I suggest you take it.” Kira lowered her head and nodded. She had no choice in the matter.

Later that day, Kira headed out of town with a small pouch of firen attached to her belt. She’d sharpened her sword, and her shield was barely holding together. Mr. Horner had said her new armor wouldn’t be ready for a week, and that was a week longer than she had to waste sitting around. She’d barely spared the time for a good meal and a nap. She had to go out and find that sanpaco now. It was the only way to stop the inevitable.

“You know you can’t win.”

Kira drew her sword and pointed at the man waiting for her on the other side of a giant rock. She eased herself around to see who it was, only to find Sakien leaning against it. She almost didn’t recognize him out of his white cloak.

“What do you want?” He took a step forward and pointed behind him.

“We’re camped out here, and I saw you heading out of town again. I know you’re hunting that bird.”

“So what?”

“Nothing. I’m just saying you’ll die out there.” Kira saw Mekov coming over to join them. His cloak was also missing.

“Food is ready.” He nodded to Kira. “You tell her?”

“I did. She doesn’t believe me.”

“Oh, well he’s right,” said Mekov. “That bird will kill you.”

“I’ll take my chances,” said Kira in a determined voice. “Now are you going to stop me?” They both shook their heads.

“You can’t stop a fool from drowning himself,” said Mekov. Sakien nodded. Kira tried to storm past the two but found for some reason she couldn’t. Their eyes were cold and serious, and they frightened her. The northerners spoke with absolute confidence that she would die, and they would do nothing about it. If she walked away, they would never give her disappearance a second thought.

“What would you have me do?!” she asked.

“Go back to town,” said Sakien. Kira tightened her hold on her sword.

“I can’t do that.”

“Why not?” asked Mekov. It was Kira’s turn for her eyes to be angry. She brought her sword low unconsciously and clenched her jaw shut. Sakien held up his hand.

“Some stories are better not told.” Kira relaxed a little and nodded. “So you can’t go back to town, but you can’t go after the bird. What can you do?” Kira looked at both of them with pleading eyes.

“I can ask for help.” The two looked at each other and back to her.

“Why should we help you?” Kira didn’t know what to say. She couldn’t offer them any of the kill as she needed everything she could get. Coming back with only a third of her promised kill wouldn’t do her any good.

“I’m sorry, but we aren’t here for charity,” said Sakien as if he’d read her mind.

“Then I’m on my own.”

“Exactly,” said Mekov. “Let’s eat.” He slapped Sakien’s arm and headed back to their fire. Sakien turned and moved to follow him.

“What do you want me to do?” cried Kira. “I’m not strong enough to win either way I go. I can’t just lie down and die. Do you want me to admit I’m too weak to win?” Sakien stopped and turned to her.

“So you know you’re not strong enough?”

“Of course I know that. I’m not skilled enough to do this, but I won’t give up. I refuse to give up. I’ll do whatever it takes to move forward and survive. If you won’t help me kill it then will you at least teach me?” Mekov stopped and turned around.

“What?”

“I’m asking for someone to teach me how to survive.” Mekov shot Sakien a serious look. Sakien took a step forward.

“What did you just say?”

“I know I’m not strong enough to do this alone. Will you teach me what I need to know to survive?” Sakien took a deep breath and stood a little taller.

“Don’t do it Sakien,” said Mekov. “She’s not one of ours.”

“We leave no one to the ice,” said Sakien angrily. Mekov looked away and Kira saw a combination of shame and anger on his face. Sakien moved to stand in front of Kira.

“Kira, I will teach you to survive. I will teach you how to fight the wilderness. I will teach you how to fight beast and man alike.

“Thank you,” said Kira quickly.

“If you ask for my help then from this day on, I’m your Kien’koro, and you shall be my Kien’karin. You will listen to what I have to say and follow it. You shall not leave my side until I have granted you the right to do so. You may leave only when I feel you have grown enough to stand on your own two feet. Do you accept?” Kira had no idea what he was talking about. She didn’t want to follow him around, only learn how to fight. But he had the skills she needed and she didn’t see any other way.

“I accept.” Sakien nodded.

“I’ll put the final touches to your initiation later. Come and eat dinner.” Kira looked at the expanse outside of town.

“But the paco…”

“The paco will wait, dinner will not. Come and eat,” said Sakien. Mekov sighed and took a seat.

“You’re in for it now girl. Good luck and welcome to the group.”