The Great Melrathi Wilds (Part 3)

[Brent Forrester]

The Great Melrathi Wilds (Part 3)
106 – 112 Ashan 720 - Continued from here

“Stand with your feet spread apart and hold your bow like this.”

Brent adjusted his feet so he was facing sideways and he outstretched he left arm with the bow in it. Looking down the length of his arm, which was inline with how his feet were planted, he waited for Gustav’s next instruction.

“Now when you draw your bow, you’ll be using your first two fingers to pull back the string. Try it without an arrow first.”

The cartographer nodded and used his two fingers to pull at the string. There was more resistance than he first thought, especially as the string got closer to his face with Gustav’s constant encouragement. “Further, further, almost to your ear…”

Brent released the string with a loud twang that shook his arm more than he would have thought. How, by the spirits, was he supposed to have any accuracy with this if they came across some sort of feral beast? But that was just the reason why Gustav was spending the early morning with him while the scouts were out searching for the next ribbon on their trail. The team was no longer in the Myrkvior woods and instead approaching the Melrathi Mountains. While the woods had dangers of their own, both Gustav and Byjorn, the hunters of the team, had assured Brent that it was the creatures that dwelt in the mountains that they should be worried about. Brent had never properly learned to use a bow or any weapon, really, so the two hunters had assigned him a short bow and a dagger to keep him out of the fray should something happen but at least have some means to defend himself.

“Alright, this time with an arrow,” Gustav instructed. “And I’d like you to aim at that oak tree over there.”

The oak tree?? That must be thirty or forty paces away! Brent tried to keep a straight face but there was definitely a moment when it was clear that his confidence had slipped.

“Make sure when you nock your arrow that there are two feathers up top and one on the bottom. This will help it fly. And keep it steady as you draw.”

Brent made a face as he fiddled with the arrow to get it in place on the string. Then he realized it was too high and not level with the bow so he had to adjust some more before he could pull back. Finally, it was in position and he pulled back. With the sudden increase in tension, he released early and the arrow went up and smack into the ground only halfway to the tree.

“Try again with the next arrow.”

Brent was about to retrieve the first one, but then he nodded and drew his next arrow. It was easier this time but not by much. He was still clumsy with nocking the arrow but this time he made sure to draw far back, almost to his ear. When he released, the arrow went much higher and much further, but veered to the right of the tree where it plunged into some bushes. Better, definitely. He had at least gotten the distance this time.

With more confidence, he nocked the third arrow and this time tried to aim more directly for the tree. It landed short, diving into the ground, and he took note of its location to adjust his aim for the next. As he prepared the forth arrow, he focused on the aim and also pointed it a little higher so it wouldn’t go into the ground. With a loud twang, the arrow sprung into the air and thudded sharply against… it hit the tree!

It was embedded high, rather high, in the trunk of the tree, but he got it to hit. He wasn’t exactly sure how he was going to retrieve it, but that he could sort out later. Emboldened by the success, he readied the next arrow, pulled back and let it fly.

There was thud and a sudden yelp. Brent looked over and saw Vern, one of the scouts, cursing at the arrow that had landed hardly an arm’s length away from him. “Ymir’s foot! Careful where you’re aiming those things Brent!” The scout yelled and picked up the arrow that had sunk into the ground. “We found the next ribbon, so you might as well pack up your archery lesson.”

Brent grinned, eager to get on their way, but also pleased that he had managed to at least land one arrow in the tree. As he began collecting up the arrows he was reminded that the one in the tree was too high for him to reach. But Vern was not only a scout, he was their resident climber.

“Oy Vern, do you think you could grab that arrow in the tree?” Brent called out to him.

“After you nearly pierced my foot with your ‘practice’?”

“Oh come on. I’ll take your shift on night watch if you want.”

The scout considered the offer then made a running start for the tree and shimmied up the trunk. Grasping the arrow, he plucked it out and tossed it to the ground.

“So long as you promise to get better, Mr. Mapper!” He shouted back. “Now let’s get on our way!”

✕✕✕

Template Credit: Navyri

[Brent Forrester]

The team were well within the Melrathi Mountains now and the simple forest trails had been replaced by steep rocky inclines. It was hard enough finding routes that the scouts could follow let alone the horses, and they were worried about falling behind in the long distance race. It didn’t help matters that Brent’s cartography got substantially more complicated with the mountainous terrain. Although he could see much longer distances, for example at outlooks, he was now faced with the challenge to accurately represent the slopes and elevations of the land.

Brent relied on his spyglass heavily and alternated between drawing his conventional map and doing up small sketches of certain views he had. He had a good eye for drawing, and it helped later on to connect the dots when looking at a couple of the mountain views. When they were climbing a steep trail, the cartographer would look through his spyglass at various intervals of height and keep it level so he could estimate where other places in the terrain were at that same elevation. It wasn’t the most accurate, but they were in a time crunch, and at least it would help them find potential passes through the mountains.

Fortunately it was late in Ashan, and most of the snow had gone, but high up in the mountains there were the occasional spring that still had some icy edges to it. By creating multiple perspective views with his drawing sketches, and keeping a good track record of where each view had been taken relative to his map, there were a couple times he was able to identify a hidden pass or trail that even the two scouts had missed. And the views of the Melrathi valley below were breathtaking, which aided him further in the detailed map.

Later that afternoon, Brent had stopped to sketch a jutting out of rock high up above. If he could somehow reach that outlook, it would do him and his maps a lot of good. A tap on his shoulder made him jump a little, but Bjorn quickly followed up with some quiet words.

“Don’t look around or make any sudden moves,” said the hunter. “We’re being followed, and by a mountain lion by the looks of it. If Gustav and I can get the timing just right, we might be able to take it down and claim it as our hunting prize.”

The hairs on the back of Brent’s neck prickled. A mountain lion. They were known to easily take down livestock and were the source of many stories to keep children from wandering off. Although he had his bow and quiver slung over his back, they brought him little reassurance. Brent tried to follow the hunter’s instruction to remain calm and proceed as normal, but he certainly had no more interest in continuing his map, not while he was being stalked. Carefully, he put away the papers and writing implements into his bag. Could he take out his bow? No, it was still too early.

The two scouts were now both back within the group. Gustav was at the head of the group and Bjorn was at the back. Everyone was on edge. Despite trying not to look around too obviously, Brent did manage to catch a glimpse of tan fur behind a rock, and for a moment he thought he saw a flick of a tail. Surely it wouldn’t attack a whole group of five people. Would it? Didn’t they hunt on their own?

As the rocky mountain trail narrowed with high stone walls on either side, Brent saw both hunters with bows in their hands and an arrow nocked at the ready. The close quarters were suffocating and they had to go single file. Brent could see it starting to open up into a wide ledge, but then there was the soft sound of paw prints and a snarl.

“Bjorn, it’s here! Get to the front!” Gustav cried as he loosed his arrow with a definite yowl from the feline.

Meanwhile Bjorn, the much broader hunter, was trying to push through the cramped space to get to his partner. But even as Brent tried to get out his own bow, he caught sight of movement from the back.

“Watch out!”

There was a sudden snapping of jaws and a flash of red. One of the horses that was cramped in with them gave a frenzied neigh. It was complete chaos as Brent tried to get to Bjorn with his bow awkwardly out. For a moment, the cartographer froze as he saw the brilliant white teeth snapping as the hunter tried to fend off the cougar with a short sword. Brent pulled back the bow and aimed directly over Bjorn’s shoulder, hardly a foot away. At such close range, the arrow sunk into the beast’s chest. Much of its initial energy fled the mountain lion but Bjorn wasn’t in much better shape even though he was still holding up.

By the time Brent had fitted the next arrow into the string, the fight was over. Bjorn was bleeding heavily but he had managed to get his short sword into the cat’s side. Whereas on the other side, it seemed as though after Gustav had gotten an arrow in the other cougar, it had run off, no longer looking for a fight.

It had all happened so fast, but once Brent was out of his daze, he immediately started checking on Bjorn and looking for something to wrap his wounds. The hunter would be okay, but he was certainly going to spend most of his time riding at walking pace rather than at a trot or even walking alongside his horse.

Still, they had managed to come out with the hunter’s prize, even though it had not been the cougar they had originally been tracking.

✕✕✕

Template Credit: Navyri

[Brent Forrester]

After the combat in the mountains, the group moved more slowly and cautiously. Yet it was frequently Bjorn who berated them for the slow pace. Most of them insisted that he ride, even when he complained about his legs getting stiff. It was only once they were out of the mountains and into the lower lands towards Lake Svariella did they let him take a few walking breaks between redressing of the wounds.

Their trail of tri-coloured ribbons was kind enough to take them to the budding settlement of Svartown and Brent asked if Bjorn could sleep next to the multi-coloured stone that was known for its healing properties. It was their first real day of rest after the mountain fight and they were all glad to get something resembling a bed from the kind villagers. Brent was able to take a break from his mapping, since he had already drawn a map of the small settlement back in Cylus.

Finally, it was the homestretch of the journey. Although it had a bit of a detour as the ribbons led them the long way around Lake Svariella. Even though it was wooded, the banks of the lake made it easier to map and they hugged the shoreline for most of the journey.

But as they rounded the lake towards Fensalir, Bjorn’s condition worsened and some of his injuries got infected. Brent fashioned a makeshift hammock that was attached to two pieces of wood and fastened to a pair of horses. Even though the horses could only move at a slow walk while supporting Bjorn, at least the hunter could sleep, even though his dreams were restless and feverish. They were all anxious to get back, so that their friend could get some proper care. Some days they continued traveling long into the night just to get a couple more miles in.

When at last the team made it to Fensalir, Brent sought out medical attention immediately for the hunter. He knew a couple medics in the old city and it didn’t take long to find some proper care. They all groaned when they realized that they hadn’t even made it to the top three to finish the race. Yet even though they were fourth to have made it back to Fensalir, they had detailed accounts of the trail, a polished map of Melrath and the landmarks they came across, and the head of the mountain lion that Bjorn had slain.

That night, the first wave of contestants to have returned would be judged. Brent nervously added small aesthetic improvements to the map, but it was more to keep his hands busy rather than any impactful change. When the team was called up by the Ydalir, they presented their findings. The large gathering was quiet as one of the head Rangers looked inspected their work.

“It is my pleasure to announce that each member of the team is invited to join the Ydalir at the Scout ranking.” The ranger said solemnly and a roar of applause ensued. “Including the hunter who killed this beast.”

Bjorn was not at the ceremony, but was being tended to at the house of healing. Brent was both surprised and startled at the declaration. Did he really want to become part of the Ydalir? While he enjoyed roaming the wilds, he was a far cry from being a scout or a hunter. And what was an Ydalir who desired to build great temples of stone?

Brent coughed awkwardly and spoke softly to the ranger. “I am honored, Ranger, truly. But I cannot dedicate my life to roaming the forests and protecting them. I seek to understand the land, become one with it, and then create human life and civilization from it.”

The lead ranger seemed a little surprised at the simple yet direct rejection of what many aspired to. “Then what is it that you would like, cartographer?”

Now it was Brent’s turn to go silent. What did he want? He wanted to excel in his craft, perhaps go beyond Melrath and explore new lands. But how could he possibly cover such vast ground without… And then he recalled Navyri’s words. She had wanted to make him great by mapping from the skies. But some promises were not meant to be kept. Perhaps this one could be transformed.

“Well, first I would want Bjorn to safely recover,” Brent said slightly flustered as he had forgotten his own humility due to his aspirations. “But if that is now within the hands of the spirits… then I would like to be able to fly during my next mapping expedition.”

As if realizing his steep request, Brent’s face reddened and he quickly added, “But I’ll understand if that is not possible. As I believe it is the Ragnari, not the Ydalir who breed and tame the Sleipnir of Melrath. And I am certainly no warrior.”

✕✕✕

Template Credit: Navyri

[Pig Boy]

The lead ranger lifted a brow at the cartographer's request. Certainly, many people coveted the mighty and majestic sleipnir, a symbol of Melrathi pride, and particularly a representation of the power of the Ragnari. Yet, before Brent could finish his thought, he spotted one of the creatures among the Rangers gathered there. It was anything but the picture of majesty. Missing several legs, and with scarred hide and downcast posture, it didn't do its species much credit by continuing to live.

The lead ranger turned his head, and nodded toward the creature, then turned to face Brent again. "That creature was set to be put down by the Ragnari, as they do not tolerate the propagation of 'lesser' specimens of Sleipnir. It took quite some convincing to let them take it under our protection." The ranger sighed, "We had to invoke the authority of the circle, in order to save its life. Its rider died in battle, you see, and the creature itself isn't without its scars. The family wished to bury the warrior's mount with him, whether it was alive or dead.
Laukr wouldn't allow it, though..."

The lead ranger beckoned for Brent to follow him, then began walking over toward the sleipnir and its Ydalir handler, Laukr Grammersson. He looked up, and smiled at the cartographer, then gave the lead ranger a crisp salute. "How goes, friends?"

"I might ask the same. Has the sleipnir calmed down...?"

"Aye, we just got done gelding him the other week, and his spirits have been much improved since." Laukr responded, nodding to the Sleipnir. "His temper has calmed, and I think it only a matter of time before he'll allow a new rider."

"Hah..." The lead ranger breathed in amazement. "You truly are a miracle worker, Laukr. For a sleipnir to accept a new rider, that would be unheard of.. would it not?"

"Aye, but as they say... ' to believe a thing impossilbe is to make it so.'" Laukr smiled and laughed. The Lead ranger joined his laughter.

"Ah, but let me introduce you to the cartographer who completed the Great Journey!" The lead ranger stood between Laukr and Brent, extending an arm to both, "This is Brent Forester, a great mapmaker and budding architect of our people!"

"Brent, this is Laukr, one of the finest tamers of beasts that the Yldalir have at our disposal..."

[Brent Forrester]

When the lead ranger directed his focus to the disfigured sleipnir, Brent turned his attention avidly towards the creature. How he could have missed it, was surprising, but with the hung head and the folded wings, the sleipnir could have easily been overlooked for a mere horse. It was not just physically mutilated, with both a front leg and a back leg missing and most likely amputated, but its whole demeanor was downcast. Brent’s heart went out to the creature as it took a few unstable steps, still clearly unused to the three legs at the front and back. In many ways the sleipnir reminded him of his own troubles in his past and present, as he tried to overcome the lasting limp his injured right leg had left him with.

The idea of the Ragnari deciding to put it down and bury or cremate the sleipnir along with its dead rider was repulsive. To let a creature of beauty be sacrificed because it had outlived its rider?

Brent nodded silently as the lead ranger beckoned him over to the winged horse. Brent was especially aware of his own limping gait, despite his attempts to even it out. He always landed more heavily on his right foot because his left leg was straighter having never been broken.

Despite wanting to reach out to the injured beast, Brent forced himself to keep his hands away. The sleipnir snorted at the increased company and pawed at the ground. Although he wasn’t very familiar with the sleipnir anatomy, it appeared that both amputated legs were from the left side of the beast. Additionally, there were some vivid red scars on the beast’s face and what might have been a couple of scorch marks where the brown fur was still growing back.

Brent was a little anxious that it was rare, no, unheard of for sleipnir to accept a new rider. Was he in over his head? After the brief introduction of the animal handler, Brent held out his hand to the man. “Good to meet you, Laukr. It appears that you do wonders here.” They shook hands and Brent returned his attention to the winged horse.

“It was my hope to expand my maps to cover larger and larger regions. And for that, I would either need a standing army of apprentices or the unique opportunity to chart from the skies.” Brent explained.

He reached out tentatively to the sleipnir and was rewarded by a sudden and surprising nip. The cartographer jumped back and snatched his hand away. Meanwhile Laukr laughed heartily.

“They don’t call him Sinir for nothing!” The animal handler chortled. “But I’m afraid a sleipnir can’t trust you if he can’t respect you. And this one will be having a lot of trust issues.”

Brent turned his attention back to the sleipnir, walking around it more cautiously. Sinir would turn every now and then, not sure what to think of the cartographer. The sleipnir then gave a pretty forceful bump with its dominant front foot, causing Brent to stagger a bit. So you want to play that game, eh? With a bit more purpose, the cartographer began pacing around the winged horse and noticed that the sleipnir rarely allowed its left side to be unguarded. This time when Brent reached out a hand, he was ready for the coming nip, and moved his hand away sharply. Although his limp hindered his agility, it was also clear that Sinir was not yet used to moving about on six legs. With a combination of distractions with his hands, and moving purposefully to get to the sleipnir’s left side that was not so dominant, Brent finally managed to get fully around and get his arm wrapped around the beast’s midsection. There was a lot of hoof action and he was almost certain he would get knocked off, but he managed to hang on until Sinir calmed down. It was a far cry from taming a fully capable sleipnir, as Laukr had surely done wonders on the beast, but it was something and Brent hoped that he had gained at least the smallest respect from Sinir.

While still keeping the sleipnir’s wings pinned, Brent delicately stroked the brown feathers. The action differed so drastically from their earlier maneuvering and attempts to outperform that it strangely seemed to sooth the beast. After finally releasing the winged horse, Sinir gave another bump to the cartographer, yet this time it seemed almost friendly compared to before.

“I’ll wager that this isn’t the end of it, but maybe, maybe Sinir will let me fly with him someday. I’ll give you whatever coin it takes for compensation.”

Sinir Image

Price Calculations

1 average+ exotic mount (9 WP), average condition (due to injuries), good training

✕✕✕

Template Credit: Navyri

[Pig Boy]

Brent

Experience: 20 xp no magic

Knowledge: 5x Navigation
5x Cartography
5x Negotiation
Combat Ranged: Proper archery stance
Combat Ranged: Nocking an arrow to a bow
Combat Ranged: Drawing an arrow to one's ear
Combat Ranged: Aiming slightly higher than the target
Cartography: Marking contours of the same elevation using spyglass
Cartography: Using multiple perspective drawings to create more accurate map

Renown: 15 for earning the right to ride a glorious Sleipnir.

Skill Usage: Appropriate to level.

Loot/Losses: 1 Sleipnir, as described in above posts. Deduct 9 wp from your ledger, and it's yours! Masterwork quality of map for Melrath Region (Parts 1 & 2 supplement the destinations covered).

Injuries/Conditions: none

Consequences: The Rangers will watch how Brent looks after his animal. They may be disinclined toward his aid if he treats it poorly.

Comments: I'm so very sorry for the lateness of this review. Anyway, this was a great series that I thoroughly enjoyed and it was a pleasure to post a small mod bomb there at the end. Congrats on getting your new ride, I look forward to seeing how Brent uses it.

Great writing and enjoy it!

If you have any concerns about this review, please PM me about them.