The Way of the Beast

***

  A number of large and irregular shapes had been drawn on the walls. Within each shape were apparently random dots of paint, and next to each of them was a symbol. Staring at the first drawing he came to, Sten asked, "What is all of this, master Chohla?"

  "Well, the map in front of you is the country of Seotan. The fingertip dots are hallowed places, with their travel symbols beside them. Ah," he pointed to one. "I haven't been there before."

  "This is a map?" Sten asked, surprised. "There are no markings for rivers or mountain ranges. And I'd wager Seotan has cities, but none of them are shown here, either."

  "My people were never concerned about such things, Khoveyo. We've always been much more interested in exploring than reaching a journey's end. We'd remember a sight if it was thought to be worthwhile, and pass it along when we gathered from time to time. My people have a talent for recalling such things. What we've marked here are the important places to us." Chohla walked a few paces, held his glowing totem to the wall again and said, "Here we are."

  Sten joined him and looked at the outline. He'd never seen a full map of his country, and so couldn't verify that the shape he was looking at was it. "This is Kaldevarr?" he asked. Chohla nodded. Sten studied the map for a long moment and then commented, "There are seven hallowed places marked on this map. You once told me you knew of the place in the Cragwood plus four others. You've a talent for recalling, eh?"

  "The others must have been boring," Chohla replied lightly. "Here," he pointed, "this is the cave in your Cragwood where we first departed from. The first symbol I showed you is up near the top, where we arrived. Over here is where we are now."

  "All of these symbols have a half-circle in the center, so that must be the common mark for Kaldevarr, yes?"

  "Yes, just as Seotan has three wavy lines, and over here," Chohla moved to the map drawn next to Kaldevarr's, "you see that the main symbol for Ferrenis is an X. Every area of land has its own core symbol, or else hallowed travel would become very confusing."

  Excited to learn about distant lands, Sten asked about all of the maps and what was known of each place. Chohla began by pointing out that only the countries of Ethion were drawn there, and that maps of other lands even further away were in a different hallowed place. Still, there were many things to be learned about Ethion alone.

  The nearest countries to Kaldevarr - Ormyra to the south, Seotan to the southwest, and Ferrenis to the west - were spoken of first. Ormyra was a land of long beaches, rich farming land and pleasant folk. Seotan was vast with mostly barren regions, and high plains that took over a season to trek across. The educated folk there were aloof, while the nomadic plains people were friendlier. As for Ferrenis, Chohla said it was still a barbaric, clannish land with crude customs - as Sten had most likely been taught - but nonetheless had places of great natural beauty.

  Other lands were mentioned, although without much detail. Nivall and Lubrea, countries divided by a great forest, often warred against each other. Calagano, far to the south and west, was a land of seafaring folk and exotic fauna. Grenlor was a powerful kingdom of iron, fortresses and clashing nobles. Utvanza was actually a large island with only two hallowed places, made near to each other as a way to depart quickly; Untvanzans were a superstitious and volatile people who didn't like strangers.

  As they moved from map to map, Chohla also mentioned a significant cultural event for each land. Standing at the last map, Utvanza, he said, "Warriors of this land test their courage by throwing spears at each other. Then the people have a celebration for the bravest one, who happens to be dead."

  Shocked by the outlandish custom, Sten asked, "Honestly?"

  "Oh, quite so - some folks are strange. Remember that when you go to a new place; you are the visitor, and should not tamper with their traditions." Chohla then stepped back into the center of the cave tunnel. "I've said enough about other lands. You can learn more about them on your own. Step closer so I can show you how to handle a bone totem for each of its purposes."

  Sten mirrored Chohla's gestures for each totem use; as there were only a few to learn, he did not need much correcting. "I'm surprised that such simple movements can create magic," Sten said while practicing a motion in the air.

  "Having the blood of my people is the key. While many of the bone totem's uses have been discovered, you should try other movements and grips besides what I've shown you. Something new might be found, and I'd wager no harm will come from it. That's how my people learned to begin with."

  "I will, master Chohla. Thank you."

  "I'll be traveling on now," he said with a casual air, "but not back to your Cragwood forest. I'm of a mood to visit warmer places for a change. I suppose that means you and I won't cross paths again for a while."

  "I suppose not," Sten agreed with a sigh, his tone melancholy.

  "Rather than sitting in this damp cave for days trying to learn all of these symbols, I have a better idea." Chohla dug into his bag and pulled out a stoppered wooden flask and a thin scroll case. "Here's some paint and a roll of parchment. The paint is black; I haven't used that color in a long while. On one side of the parchment is an old map I drew long ago that I don't need anymore. Write down what you'd like and take it with you."

  "Thank you, but... Is it safe to do so?"

  "Safe? You mean if your parchment was lost or stolen?" Chohla said as he began painting purple symbols on his face, starting with three wavy lines. "Who else could make heads or tails of country names and strange symbols, Khoveyo?"

  "I see your point, but I - I also meant... Am I allowed?"

  "Oh, I understand. You wonder if creating proof of my people's gathered knowledge - no matter how vague - would cause anger in us or the fates." He shook his head. "You are not desecrating this place or insulting the elements by doing so. I'd wager some of my people have made notes to help their memories before. This place is sacred, but what's on these walls is not. I wouldn't offer you the choice to do this otherwise."

  "I know you'd never mean to lead me into trouble, master Chohla," Sten said hesitantly, "but this knowledge is important. I just - I just want to be sure..."

  "Khoveyo, listen to me. Every single thing has a story to tell. If I brought a fallen birch leaf with me when I traveled from here, it does no harm. If I took a river rock and brought it to an arid land, then what? Its story will either remain a mystery, or be explained away with a logical guess by those who cannot let questions go unanswered. The same is true for a scroll with paint on it. The collected knowledge on these walls is for travelers, and you are one."

  Unsure of how to respond, Sten only mumbled another "Thank you". With Chohla as his only comparison, he felt unworthy of the title.

  Chohla smiled and said, "I'm going now, and you should go gather some firewood. Take care drawing your symbols, but be quick about it or the cave will fill with smoke and run you out." Glowing totem still in hand, he turned and began walking back into the curving tunnel. Just before stepping out of sight, the traveler looked back at Sten. "I never thanked you for the snowshoes. And our trek was memorable."

  "That it was," Sten agreed with a small smile.

  With a simple touch, Chohla caused the glow of his totem to die. In the inky darkness, he spoke his echoed words of parting. "Leaving is not forgetting, Khoveyo. I will remember our times and travels together until we cross paths again. Be well and do well, kinsman."

  Sten listened to the sound of Chohla's soft footsteps until only silence remained. He sighed with sadness for his friend's departure, but at the same time was enthused for the journey home.

  Feeling his way out of the cave, Sten's mind whirled with ideas and hopes of the future. He would build his cabin, if only as a place to return to between travels. He wished that Annori could fit into his plans somehow, but that was a fool's dream. He knew she'd be unhappy with him gone more often than at home. She was impatient, and would move on. Who wouldn't?

  Ultimately, taking a wife didn't matter much to him; thoughts of that p
retty girl were quickly replaced with visions of exploring and hunting and being truly alive.