Amaro stood shoulder to shoulder with Kaara, Tulos, and Arik. The four of them stood in front of Septis, having packed up their belongings.
“Ah, so you four will be traveling together? That is good. A party of four provides a good balance between speed and safety.” Septis waved his hand through the air as four bronze bands materialized from nothing. They hummed with magical power before clinking together into his palm. He held out his hand, “These bands will denote each of you as hunters in training. You will represent the Tibur in our affairs, and should you meet any other hunters they will know where you stand. Wear them around your horns and do not lose them.”
“Jeeze, he’s just casually making Arc bronze from thin air like it’s nothing,” Tulos muttered.
“Arc bronze?” Amaro said.
Tulos waved his hand dismissively, gesturing for Amaro to pay attention. He turned to see Septis hovering his hand out waiting to give him a band, “Oh, sorry.” he said as accepted it, and affixed it to his horn. He felt the magical band readjust its size and lock itself down.
“These bands will also provide moderate defense against Malaki and their powers,” Septis said, “So long as these bands remain on your horns, they will have a more difficult time speaking in your mind.”
He looked among the four of them, “Shiira and I have decided that we will personally oversee this group in addition to a few others who have accepted the challenge. We will provide you with contracts, rations, and a bit of money for which you will be indebted.”
“How are these contracts going to work? It’s first come first served right?” Tulos said.
Septis nodded, “Anyone of your rank or higher can accept the contract. They range anywhere from investigation and study to extermination and relocation. You likely won’t find any contracts dealing with Malaki in particular, but there will be plenty of Magakos to hunt and relocate.”
“And what if we run into Malaki?” Arik said.
Amaro noticed Septis glance at Kaara before answering, “If you run into Malaki, those bands will react and alert higher level hunters in the area. After the night you’ve had I don’t think it needs to be said that Malaki are a different level of danger you are not yet prepared to face. Do what you can to survive.”
The four of them nodded.
“In any case,” Septis continued, “As your overseers we may also provide guidance. Be it through training, connecting you with hunters out in the field, or advice. Do not hesitate to make use of us.”
“Actually I have a question,” Amaro said, raising his hand.
“What is it, young Xirxus?”
If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.
“There was a Venator Knight by the name of Ixtal. They are related to my late brother and I would like to get in contact with them if possible.”
“Ixtal? He’s one of the captains for the knights. He serves under King Jormunuk in the land of Kixtahl northeast of the Great Ingen Tree neighboring Yvian and Punuuk. I’m sure as a Xirxus you will be welcomed by the king himself as a distinguished guest. He could likely get you in contact with Ixtal.”
“How far is it?” Arik asked.
“Depending on how well you navigate, it can take a month or more traveling on foot.”
“Would we be able to take Wulviir with us?”
Septis shook his head, “We are not allowed to provide mounts unless they are paid for through completed contracts. I can show you which contracts are not too far out of your way, though. You may be able to purchase mounts of your own in neighboring cities.”
Kaara started to bounce, “A mount of my own? That sounds awesome!”
Septis smiled before returning to his poker face, “The road will be dangerous, especially in the winter, but I am confident the four of you will thrive together. As your overseer I will provide you with a list of contracts on the road to your destination.”
“What stops people from lying about completed contracts? Also, how will we turn in contracts without having to return here?” Tulos asked.
“Good question. As your overseers, I and Shiira will be sending elementals to act as couriers. When a contract is completed, the contractee will validate its success and submit their payment to our tribe. Our elementals will carry any messages and payment between our parties wherever we might be. It will normally take about a week or so depending on the distance.”
“How do they find us?” Amaro asked.
Septis tapped his horn, “The bronze bands will also help our elementals find you.”
“These bands do everything, huh?” Arik muttered, “Well if we’re heading north of the Great Tree, we can visit Kix Falls.”
Kaara jump up, “Oh yeah! That’ll be fun!”
“What’s Kix Falls?” Amaro asked.
“It’s a really massive waterfall along the Kix river. They say young dragons will swim up its stream as a rite of passage.”
“Really?” Tulos said with a surprising jolt of excitement before clearing his throat, “I’d be interested in visiting a place like that, yeah.”
Amaro laughed, “It sounds like fun. Let’s do it.”
“I would advise caution around those lands,” Septis said, “Dragons are powerful, and they can be rather unpredictable at times, especially young ones. Since the Kix Falls are sacred grounds, there are often a great variety of Magakos who wander nearby too. Be vigilant, and if possible, give the dragons an offering so that they may offer protection in return. Even if young dragons are unpredictable, they will not harm you if you offer them gifts.”
Amaro noticed a flick of Tulos’s tail, “Excited to meet a dragon?”
Tulos nodded, “You could say it’s a dream of mine to meet one, yes.”
“Then let’s not waste any more time. We can head out right?”
Septis nodded, “I will notify Shiira, but the four of you may gather your supplies and leave whenever you desire.”
Kaara lurched forward, wrapping her father in a hug, “I’ll be back soon, so try not to worry about me too much.”
Septis pat her head, “Be sure to visit your mother on your way out. She has a gift for you.”
“A gift? What is it?”
Septis winked at her, “It’s a secret.”