The Way of the Beast

***

  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. Your current supplies and weapons have served you well thus far, have they not?"

  "Yes, elder - my brother Tullgar made this," Sten answered, gripping his bow. "I've not yet seen its equal. My spear and arrows are sturdy and true, but tips other than bone or stone would be better served for a hunt and swift kill."

  Elder Berik nodded his head in agreement, and then said, "Then I put an offer to you, hunter Stenhelt of Bruvaal. Prove to me your courage and skill. Use the weapons and gear you've done well with so far. Go out south into the Den and gather wolf furs for me. In doing so, you'll make your name worthy of mention."

  Sten knew the offer was more than simply a test of skill and some furs. From what he'd learned about Duuvinhal, he would be doing a great service for the safety of the village. The elder didn't mention that, but rather challenged his pride in smooth fashion. Sten would have responded better to a plain request, but he supposed the elder had his own dignity to uphold. "How many furs will satisfy you, elder?" he asked.

  After listening to the whisper of an advisor - of which Sten heard every word - Berik said, "One dozen wolf furs; do you know that number?" The young hunter nodded, so the elder continued. "One dozen furs and your current offerings will earn you what you ask for. As of the morn, I give you five days to return. Do you accept my proposal, hunter?"

  Knowing at least some proper etiquette, Sten stepped around the table and walked over the elder. When Berik stood, they gripped each other's right forearms to signify a bargain struck. "I accept," Sten answered, confirming the pact.

  As the two travelers walked back to The Grinning Wolf, Chohla said, "You could have asked for more, Khoveyo. Counting on what this place has to lose if a hungry pack raids unchecked, that man Berik would have most likely agreed to it."

  "But he wouldn't admit that, master Chohla. Elder Berik leads by respect and cunning, so he knew accepting a higher demand would've shown his desperation. I don't wish to test his pride, and I don't want any more than what I asked for."

  "Good," Chohla said while they walked along the muddy road, weaving around ox-pulled carts and groups of villagers. "Greed casts a shadow over the heart."

  "Then Berik is in a dark place. Twelve wolf furs..."

  "Is that greed, or is it for the good of his people to know a threat is being removed?"

  "Half as many killed, and a pack would know it didn't have the numbers to attack this place," Sten replied with a surly tone. "Not that it matters. I had the sense that Berik and his advisors don't expect me to return."