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 Posted: Fri Jan 26, 2018 9:48 pm
Dry, warm wind flicked Kilot's long hair about his face as he slowly and silently moved forward. For being as close to the ocean he and his hunting party were, it was unusual for the air to be this dry- it left his nose feeling itchy and his mouth parched. The group had been on the move since before first light that day, and now with the sun high in the sky there was not a single one of them that wasn't feeling a little bit dehydrated.
Certainly, there was still game upon and close enough to the Great Tree, and they would even have had the benefit of being able to hunt in the shade of its vast canopy. Recently, however, more hunting parties had been reporting a thinning of the flocks and herds that the faun had been so used to having as a reliable food source. It was to be expected, of course; the explosion of the faun population had put a strain on the larders and the once-infinite supply of grains and fruits that had fed them for so many generations now had to be supplemented by the efforts of foragers and farmers away from the tree itself, their harvests coming one cart at a time to help feed the still-growing faun people.
And so it was for the hunters- ranging further afield now to allow the game animals closer to the tree to regain their numbers. Kilot, the leader of their little band, looked upon the situation as an opportunity, familiarising himself with lands beyond those he traditionally called home, and relishing the challenge of hunting new forms of prey.
Today though, challenge did not seem to want to rear its head. After half a day of unsuccessful tracking, the hunting party had finally come across a quarry worth taking back- a huge flock of brush turkeys. A single bird was not terribly impressive for feeding a large number of hungry faun, but several of the birds pecked the ground before them, apparently unaware of the presence of five armed faun carefully stalking forward in the long grass. The birds were relatively easy marks- not terribly aggressive and lacking the massive claws of the cassowary or the sheer power of a boar.
Kilot glanced left and right. The five faun around him had already nocked arrows, although they were at what he considered the maximum distance they might be able to accurately hit a bird with an arrow. With a discreet hand signal, he motioned them a little further forward. Brush turkeys didn't startle easily but if they did, each of them would only get one shot before they crossed the distance over the long grass of the vale to the relative safety of Sylvana's wood. Closer they crept, but not too close. Kilot held up a fist and they all stood ready in place. To his right were Artair, Rab and Camdon, experienced hunters all and Artair in particular was a deadeye shot. To his left were Niven and Edan, a very well-respected tracker and a complete rookie respectively. Niven had been mentoring Edan all morning and the boy seemed to be picking up the basics fairly well. At least he hadn't shot an arrow out of turn.
Now all eyes glanced sidelong at Kilot, waiting for the signal. He himself now raised his bow, trusting his fellows to pick the targets that they'd all prearranged before. The hunters stood line abreast, mostly concealed by long grass and brush. Kilot slowly took aim, drew the string back and took aim at a large bird at the centre of the flock. With a dull-sounding rush of air, he loosed his arrow and heard five other bows around him loose. Six brush turkeys flailed their wings and began flopping around on the ground but Kilot didn't pause to admire their marksmanship. He loosed another arrow at a bird that was just starting to take wing, his second quarry faltering in the air before crashing out of sight behind the long grass. Feathers flew and the entire flock started squawking.
When the remaining birds had disappeared into the forest ahead, the faun finally stood and walked forward to the brush turkeys they had felled. Although concealed by the fairly thick grass and bush at ground level, they managed to count and recover ten birds. Kilot knew he'd hit two, and Artair immediately claimed three, because of course he did. Edan had hit his first but didn't nock quickly enough to aim at a second. Niven had brought down two and while Rab and Camdon had both hit their first, they had also both aimed at the same fleeing bird as a second mark- and both had missed. One lucky feathered beast indeed.
Three of their prey still struggled on the ground, and Niven grabbed Edan by the shoulder. "Best ye learn this part now, boy. Get it over with." The other faun gave each other a knowing look as Niven told the young hunter to draw his knife. They began their business of preparing the fowl for transport, Kilot himself gathering the two birds he'd hit and bending down to tie their legs together. Without having to worry about tracking or keeping a low profile, they could be back at the tree in half the time it took to get here.
As Kilot straightened up and stood as tall as he could to peer over the bushes, he caught sight of the grass some thirty or so yards away rustling and thrashing as though being trampled. At the same time he heard the rapid footfalls of a short-legged creature and a telltale grunt. An angry grunt.
He ran forward and unstrung the spear he carried across his back, getting everyone's attention with his sudden movement. He faced the woods, the direction he'd seen and heard the animal coming from, roaring a command; "Spears!"
The boar burst out from the scrub at full speed, still a good distance away, but coming straight at them. In less than a heartbeat, Rab and Camdon set themselves on either side of Kilot, spears pointed forward. An arrow flew past but it bounced off the boar's thick skull. Artair's bow fell to the ground behind them and Artair himself pressed hard against Kilot and Rab's backs to strengthen their position, his own weapon between and above their shoulders making for four sharpened hunting spears between the clump of faun and the boar.
They were a good team, and well-drilled in Kilot's unique manner of hunting wild pigs. The boar would fall upon them, and although the spears wouldn't kill it as it slammed into them, they would wound and weaken it, and with the support of his fellow hunters Kilot would be able to grapple it, stop it, and hold it long enough for one of the others to deliver a fatal blow. Very few faun had the raw strength to tackle a boar in this fashion, and none but Kilot practised this high-risk method regularly.
It was as though the boar recognized the problem at the same time Kilot did. Several paces to the left, Edan was on his own, fumbling with his spear, still tied to his back. Niven was running to get him, but there was no way they were reaching the others before the boar was upon them. The boar saw the cluster of spikes before it, saw the defenceless young boy isolated and on the verge of panic, and abruptly changed direction. It was uncannily fast for so ungainly-looking an animal. "Niven! Edan! Heads up!"
Niven spun and caught a glancing blow from the boar but it was enough to bowl the hunter over. The creature continued, its pace unaffected by the impact, slamming into the much smaller and younger Edan with full force. Kilot's stomach sank as he watched the boy's body spin a couple feet above the ground then land heavily, tumbling behind the boar. It disappeared behind a bush but then reappeared moments later, now charging once again at Edan. Niven staggered to his hooves, spear in hand, and stood protectively over the motionless Edan.
"With me!" Kilot yelled, charging forward himself. He'd hoped to reform the line alongside Niven, between the boar and Edan, but there was no time. With Artair, Rab and Camdon still catching up, the boar fell upon him and Niven. Kilot's spear dug into the creature's shoulder before he let go and immediately grappled its huge head, just barely avoiding its tusks, while Niven thrust his own spear into its neck.
Niven's spear, damaged in the initial charge, snapped before its tip could find good purchase in the boar's flesh. The boar, already enraged and now possessed by a bloodlust borne out of pain, swung its head so suddenly and forcefully that Kilot lost his grip and was thrown back a couple paces. Niven was cast completely clear, once more winding up on the ground holding half a spear in his hands.
The creature, however, had been stopped just short of Edan's body. Before it could charge again, two spears were rammed into its side followed by an arrow. It squealed in pain, bucking menacingly in the direction of the other three hunters, before turning and running- impossibly fast given its injuries- back toward the wood. Rab and Camdon turned to give chase but Kilot whistled loudly to get their attention. They stopped and turned.
"We don't have time to go after it, gents. Rab, I need you here. Camdon, Artair, eyes open. Yell if it comes back." Kilot was hunched over Edan. The boy was conscious, but his chest was bleeding from a tusk strike, and his arm hung at an odd angle. The scent of blood wafted into the air. Tears streamed down his face yet he didn't sob. From somewhere behind them, Niven grunted. "Ye be a tough lad, no doubts about it." He turned to Kilot, who was checking Edan's wound for any debris as Rab prepared a dressing and some herbs that would help stop infection. "I'm sorry, boss. I tried to get him behind all of you but I lost sight of him right as the boar attacked."
Kilot sighed, stepping back as Rab began to work his magic. He clasped Niven on the shoulder. "Not your fault, Niven. Mine. I didn't call on anyone to keep a lookout as we bagged our game." He sighed ruefully. "I guess we got a little excited we'd finally caught something today." He looked around at the bodies of the birds, the trampled grass, the spears that had been dropped or fallen out of the side of the pig, the young faun on the ground. "Rab, how is he?"
"I'm going to be fine, boss." Edan's voice was strained, but clear. Fighting through the pain. A true faun hunter. "I'll be able to walk." In response, Rab shushed him. "Quit talking, kid. I'm trying to dress the gaping wound in your chest." Kilot rolled his eyes. Rab had healing hands but his mouth rarely had any comforting words to share.
As it happened, Niven's broken spear ended up becoming part of a splint for Edan's broken forearm. True to his word, the boy was on his feet once his arm was slung and his chest was dressed. His spear and bow were passed to Niven, and Kilot carried the extra bird that Edan was supposed to. With the sun high in the sky, the now-ragged looking party began to march back to the Great Tree Laisidhiel. Artair boosted everyone's sprits by assuring Edan that 'chicks dig scars', and that apparently many males did too, if Edan swung that way. Talk of various carnal experiences (with considerable embellishment) then followed, enough conversation to keep morale up all the way back home
It had taken the rest of the day to make it back to the Tree. The rapid pace a group of Faun could travel across the ground had been tempered by Edan's injuries, and Niven was a little worse for wear himself. They had only stopped briefly at the Apple farm, long enough to borrow a cart to help transport the brush turkeys they'd hunted. Kilot had wanted to leave the injured Edan with the Apples so he could rest until he could be picked up, but the youngster kept insisting he could make it to the Tree (and besides his mother would be worried sick until she could lay eyes on him). In the end, they let him stay with the group so long as he agreed to ride on the cart.
Kilot had dragged the cart by himself all the way from the farmlands, across the bridge and all the way to the massive arch that made up Laisidhiel's main entrance. Golden light washed out from within the tree, and in the failing light similar glows had started to appear higher up, in the branches and canopy. Crowds of faun milled around outside, chatting, working; a few had set up stalls and were trading with hunters and travelers coming in. This was where they would part ways.
"Hey, Artair, Camdon… Get these birds to Bronson. I'll catch up later." The pair nodded at him, as he stepped away from the cart, each taking a trace and guiding it into the warm glow of Laisidhiel's main entrance. Artair threw a smirk back at their leader as he moved away, calling out in his lilting voice, "Don't be late, boss. We're not going to wait for you before we start drinking."
"Yeah, yeah."
Kilot accompanied Rab, Niven and Edan to the healing chambers. In the past if he walked in to meet the healers, they would have been immediately ready to aid him or whoever needed help. These days, though, many cots were already occupied and it took a moment before one nurse could pull herself away from an injured faun to see to them. She took one look at Edan and ushered him over to an empty cot and called for a healer. In addition It turned out that Niven had lightly sprained an ankle and hid the pain all the way home. He would be fine, but the nurse had bound it anyway.
While the healer asked Rab about what first aid had been applied to Edan, the nurse asked if Kilot needed any attention. He sighed and shook his head. "No, nothing for me. I got away with barely a scratch."
She rolled her eyes. "For once. You're usually the one getting in all the trouble." Kilot simply shrugged in response.
Now it was her turn to sigh, looking back at Edan. "Another boar attack. Third one this week."
Kilot blinked. "Another? What's that mean?"
The nurse folded her arms. "You haven't heard? Two other hunting teams have come back in recent days with various injuries from a boar attack. Both near Sylvana's Woods."
"Just like us." The burly hunter frowned. "They didn't mention where, specifically, did they?"
"Yes, but I don't really remember the exact location. I do remember that the two attacks occurred far apart from each other. Many miles. Said it was a very fast, very aggressive boar that got them."
"Hm. Something to look out for in the southern hunting grounds." Kilot nodded slowly. "Thank you, nurse..?"
Another eyeroll from the fire-haired nurse. "Athe, even though you'll forget it again."
"Right. Of course. Thank you Athe."
"And you still owe me the dinner and night out from the first time you were here."
"I'll try to remember that too."
Next stop was Mojo's. Artair and Camdon, true to their word, had already drunk several flagons between them. Kilot had wanted to talk to them about rumours of a far-ranging, very angry and vengeful boar, but figured it might not do much good at that stage. Roast fowl was on the menu that night- very gamey, but well spiced. Kilot sat beside his fellow hunters and asked for a plate of it. "Well boys, Niven's going to be ready for the next hunt but the kid won't be."
Camdon looked up from his drink, his gravelly voice slurring already. "S'fine. Five of us is more'n enough."
Perhaps, but still… Kilot grabbed Mojo's attention. "Hey mate, if you're still in the business of spreading rumours and telling stories- let anyone looking for work that there might be a spot for a hunter on my team." The image of the ferocious boar flashed into his mind, and he added; "Stronger and tougher the better. Oh..!" He jerked up as if her had just remembered something important.
"A pint, please. Your Amber special."
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Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2018 4:57 pm
 Alone at a small table, a wolfish faun hunched over his plate, eating leisurely and showing no interest in interacting with anyone else. His thoughts remained distracting enough and besides, it was unlikely anyone else would want anything to do with him anyway. Ever since that incident with his father...
Some faun seemed able to overlook the incident, at least when it came to Ranuin. After all, the actions of the father don't necessarily represent those of the son. There were others, however, that seemed to avoid him, or actively go out of their way to distance themselves from the wolfish faun. Whether it was out of fear of being associated with him and treated the same, or if they legit were disgusted by him, Ranuin didn't know. He tried not to hold it against them, but it had sure made his life more difficult than it already was. As it were, it had been hard enough to find extra work to do to make sure his little half-brothers were taken care of.
Ranuin had always been willing to pitch in where he could, helping out with fetching items or carrying loads of supplies. He liked to be helpful, he liked to feel that he was contributing his part to those who lived within the Tree, and yet...he never really felt like he'd found his place. Maybe it was some portion of the wild part of his mind, but he yearned for structure, for hierarchy, to find his place in the pack, as it were. While he was doing his best to contribute, he still felt like he hadn't found his place yet.
Picking the last of the meat from the roast fowl, he poked at the bones for a moment before sitting back and taking a sip of mulled cordial. He wasn't normally one for drinking, or hadn't been until recently. He still took it easy, but with the onset of cooler weather, Mojo had added some mulled ciders and cordials to the menu and Ranuin had found himself quite fond of a couple of them. They went nicely with a hot evening meal.
With a sigh, he set the wooden cup back on the table and considered taking his leave for the evening. Not much else to do but prep for some sleep and make plans for what work he might find in the morning. Even without his enhanced hearing, it would have been hard to ignore the hunter's voice ringing out over the general din of the bar.
A job? As a hunter?
Ranuin's interest peaked. He frowned, considering the idea. He didn't have much experience hunting as a faun, however...he had other experience to draw on. And if they didn't mind working with him a bit, maybe, just maybe, he could prove to be an asset. Would they want him though? He could use the work...he was strong, at least, others always said he was. He liked to think he could be taught. But would they want him?
After much deliberation, Ranuin pushed back from the table. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. He wasn't going to find work sitting around waiting for it to come to him. At least, it wouldn't come to him any more clearly than this had. Seeking out the source of the voice, recognition flashed in his eyes. He remembered that hunter...they'd worked together once on a different sort of hunt. Crossing to the chatting, drinking team, Ranuin approached the table opposite Kilot and waited for a lull in the conversation to clear his throat and try to catch the squad captain's eye. "Ahem...sir? If the position is still open, I'd like to put my name in. I've been told I'm pretty strong. I've not much experience hunting, at least not with a group, but I'd like to learn." Besides, I need the work, he thought to himself quietly. "If you'd have me, of course."
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Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2018 7:07 pm
Kilot had barely touched the rich ale to his lips when he heard the other faun address him. He turned slightly to see a familiar face- the young son of Faroth, the wanderer. Somewhat less wander-y these days. The boy was well and truly a man now, certainly strong-looking, though still not as burly as Kilot, yet taller than Kilot by a fair margin. Physically impressive, at least, and though Kilot had never seen him hunt, he'd already seen the younger faun track his quarry well enough in the past. It was almost as though the perfect candidate to fill out their team had dropped into his lap. At least as far as young, inexperienced candidates went.
Camdon began to growl something about another liability but Kilot got up from his bar stool and interposed himself between the younger fellow and the grouchy hunter. He laid a heavy hand on Ranuin's shoulder and guided him to the seat next to the one Kilot had just been sitting at. "Don't mind my comrades. They're a little moody right now but they'll get over it once that time of month passes."
Artair slammed his mug down. "Hey! I didn't say anything." He exclaimed, then leaned in towards Camdon, repeating himself in a softer tone. "I didn't say anything."
Kilot ignored him. "I must confess I haven't been able to remember your name. I know we've met before, but I have trouble keeping track of all you youngsters these days." Kilot took his seat again, frowning. "Bloody hell, I need to stop talking like I'm old." He shook it off and (finally) took a long draw from his tankard of ale, following it with an equally long exhale, a contented expression crossing the hunter's face. "Truth be told, we don't badly an extra team member, but it would be helpful, and I'm willing to believe you'd be quite capable."
He leveled his gaze once more upon Ranuin. "So I'm going to say, welcome to the team. For now, anyway. At least until our regular newbie gets better." He scratched the back of his head, realizing how swiftly he seemed to be moving forward on the matter. "Yep, that's right boy. Just like that. Tell me, though, have you ever hunted before? Beyond our borders?" Kilot continued to swig from his drink. "Also, have you ever hunted alongside one of the other teams? See-"
At that time Kilot's meal arrived. Brush turkey, of course.
Kilot tilted his head as though considering something, then shrugged and pulled his plate closer. "All right son, I'm going to eat and talk, if you don't mind." He took hold of the juicy-looking drumstick atop his meal and pulled a healthy bite of meat off it. "Where was I? Oh, the team." He swallowed. "See we here do things mostly the same as other hunting groups but we do have some special techniques we've developed just for ourselves and our own individual talents. Let me know where you're coming from skills and teamwork-wise, what kind of game you've hunted in the past, if any, and I'll fill you in on how we do things our way."
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Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2018 3:52 pm
If nothing else, the constant whispers had taught Ranuin one thing: how to visibly ignore abrasive statements aimed in his direction. Oh, he still heard them well enough, but he'd learned to pretend that he didn't. With no other sign than a slight huff of air through his nostrils, he kept his expression and his posture steady while focusing solely on Kilot who rose to meet him. He was well aware that he was looking to join a group that already had their own bonds and dynamics and that on top of anything else that came with being who he was; at the root of the matter, he was a stranger intruding on that group dynamic. If the invitation hadn't been clear, he may have balked at being so forward and intrusive. However, this wasn't his initiative, so much as responding to an invitation.
Now, he just had to keep confident and sell himself well. Not that he was planning to lie...he just had to make sure he presented his skills in the best light. He knew he wasn't exactly the best candidate likely or what they were looking for, but if he could at least present himself as useful...
"Ranuin, sir," he reminded the hunter gently, quietly reminding himself not to be disappointed that he didn't remember. A lot had happened since that single meeting, and a lot had been happening at the time. Surely the hunter had more important things to worry himself with. Ranuin settled in the offered seat, simultaneously trying to sit strongly, but also appear at ease. As if he belonged there. Yeah, right.
He was mildly surprised to hear the elder hunter entertain the thought already that Ranuin could be a capable addition to the team, even if they didn't particularly need to fill out the ranks. Ranuin had thought to face an uphill battle to convince them of that much, so he tried not to let the relief show that perhaps he had a foot in already. Hoof. Paw. Something. But...of course, he wanted to hear about Ranuin's hunting experience first. That was going to be the tricky part.
Deciding that he wasn't about to be sent away and that he might still be in the bar for a while, and perhaps that he needed it, Ranuin waved to catch the server's attention and quickly ordered another warm spiced cider. He gave the hunter a head shake and a half-shrug as if saying 'no problem' as he began to eat. Don't let a good meal go cold on his account. He listened carefully to the rest of what Kilot had to say, before carefully considering how to respond. In the meantime, his cider was delivered and he gave a nod and murmured thanks to the server before she rushed away to the next table. Alright then, a little liquid courage and here we go.
"I'll be completely up front here, sir," he started, setting the cup down. "I've never been a part of any of the official hunting parties. I'm not without other experience though," he added hurriedly. Don't get yourself booted early, Ranuin. "My father was never much of a hunter." Forager maybe, but not a hunter. His father was vegetarian afterall. "So, he was never really sure what to do with me. He couldn't teach me anything himself about hunting. However, he has a wolf companion and apparently she took an interest in teaching me instead. When I was a child, she taught me about how to move quietly, some basic tracking. Then, when I received Laisidhiel's blessing, well...the lessons got a lot more in depth. I think she told my father once that she wanted to make sure that if I ever had to, that I could take care of and feed myself."
He paused, taking a long slow sip of the warm cider. "So, I learned to hunt as a wolf. I like to think I'm fairly good at sneaking, tracking, and following trails. In my wolf form, I'm fairly decent in a fight, I'd like to say. I've hunted alone, or with another. Sometimes two others. I have another friend who can also shift; we've gone on hunts before. Well, used to go more often because we preferred to hunt in the late evening or after dark, but since the curfew and since we weren't part of any official hunting party..." He trailed off and shrugged. Not so many late hunts these days. He knew the payment was much too steep to risk, and he preferred to try to keep his head down rather than causing a stir.
"The problem, sir, is that no one has ever taught me much by the way of hunting as a Faun...or with weapons." Hopefully this wouldn't get him dismissed on the spot. "I would like to learn, but no one ever offered. I have been across the bridge to the mainland, sometimes for hunting. Early training with Raina had me going after rabbits and squirrels mostly. Nothing dangerous, but fast and tricky. I still do that sometimes if hunting alone away from the Tree. Sometimes something a little bigger; turkeys are a nice treat. One time, the three of us managed to drive and take down a small deer." It had likely been little more than a yearling or so, but the memory brought a ghost of a smile to his face for a moment. Moony had been swift enough to cut off its escape; the little jackal startled the deer, driving it back into the jaws of the waiting wolves.
With another drink and a slow exhale, he turned towards Kilot fully. "I know I'm probably not exactly what you had in mind, sir. If given a chance though, I promise to do my best not to get in the way and do whatever I can to help. I'd like to learn anything you and your team could teach me. I just...I want to be useful, sir." Dark eyes focused on the elder hunter, waiting for a response as Ranuin tried not to hold his breath.
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Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 9:22 pm
Well, the young faun had a lot going for him out of his ability to shape shift all by itself, but Kilot was wary of being too reliant on that, and Ranuin seemed to be somewhat aware of it himself, since he spoke of his power rather matter-of-factly, stating it as the advantage that it was without emphasizing it too much, as well as drawing attention to the fact that he had no experience hunting by traditional means. That likely meant an unfamiliarity with spears and bows.
Kilot's hunting group worked well together. The five of them had always been a solid team, able to anticipate each other's moves and thoughts, each knowing their roles, responsibilities and limitations. They'd had a sixth once- a faun as old as Kilot himself, but he'd been asked to form his own team to help bring in additional meat for the Tree. Thus followed Edan, a promising hunter himself except for the fact that he was now in no condition to hunt. The young faun had been learning quickly, but (clearly) hadn't adapted to the team dynamic as easily. He would have gotten there eventually of course, but for the time being there was another young faun before Kilot, who presented his own unique set of talents and challenges. One common thread carried through- he would have to learn how to be a team player.
Especially with the strange goings-on these days.
The team had a rest day before their next hunt, and this presented an opportunity. Kilot supposed he could train the boy instead of taking the day off, as although Ranuin would be able to assist with just his natural abilities, he'd need to at least be at a basic level of skill before he could truly integrate with the team, even for a short term posting. The spear could be taught quickly enough but the art of archery? The boy could be given the ability to shoot, but whether he could hit anything from more than a few paces away...
Kilot supposed it didn't matter. He stroked his chin. As long as he didn't spook the game and cause them to lose a potential quarry, it wouldn't really hurt to give the boy a bow. Best case he'd bag an animal, worst case they might lose an arrow or two. And the boy's statement of hunting alongside another shapeshifter interested him. He'd heard of her, but didn't believe he'd actually met the girl, much less seen her transform. He mentally stashed that information away for later, if he ever needed to seek out yet another replacement. The experienced hunter took a long swig from his ale.
"Well I appreciate your honesty, kid. That gives me something to work with. Look, I'm not going to beat around the ol' bush. I know your wolf form could be a great help in an unusual situation, which is actually the main reason I'm going to have you come with us on our next hunting trip, the day after tomorrow." Kilot picked up his drumstick and took a bite out of it, only chewing a couple of times before speaking again. "Having said that, we need to make you ready to hunt as a member of a team. Your wolf form is useful, but we don't have any strategies to make use of that to its full potential. Maybe if we had more time we could use that, but for now we leave it as a wildcard. Tomorrow, at dawn, I'll teach you to use the strategies we do have. Our number six is out of action because he..." Kilot paused and sighed. "Because we didn't impress upon him the importance of hunting as a unit. He got caught on his own and was injured by a large, aggressive wild boar. One that's still at large in our hunt area."
Kilot swallowed and let that tidbit of information sink in.
Another gulp of ale, this time draining the tankard. "If you're still interested, we train tomorrow, and leave for the hunt the morning after. That's not enough time to train a hunter, but I know you can take care of yourself, so we can skip the basics of survival in the wilderness and get straight to our own team techniques. Good with you?"
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