The World of Rhune

Two Days Before Kari and Zay's Landing

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Trei hadn't even entered the forest before he turned back, deciding he'd rather spend a couple of nights beneath a canopy of trees then going off for a short hunting trip. He had stocked himself with only a small amount of water and snack, not enough to last him a week, which was the amount of time he decided to camp. He wheeled the Cavalli Volanti around and headed towards the palace kitchen, luckily he hadn't exited any of the walls so it was a quick trip back. He dismounted Nocte and entered through the back door of the kitchen. The servants who saw him bowed down immediately but he quickly indicated for them to rise. Turning towards the nearest chef he said, "I need food for about a week's time. Choose what you may, just pack it lightly. I will be back in a few minutes time." The chef bowed towards Trei and he swept out of the room, his cloak billowing. Mounting Nocte he headed towards his rooms. Upon reaching them he took a back door into his bedroom. He quickly went through the closet, packing his saddle bags with breeches, tunics, and a spare cloak, as well as stocking and gloves. He pulled down blankets and rolled those up as well. Going into the armory he pulled out a number of blades as well as a set of butchering tools. Packing those away, he went to the bathroom and grabbed a number of bandages and cleansing tools so he could redress his wounds as needed. When finally finished, he hoisted the saddlebags over his shoulders and picked up the rolled blanket. Attaching the saddle bags to Nocte's saddle and tying the blankets down he mounted and headed back towards the kitchens.

Upon reaching him the chef scurried out and handed the hefty bag to him, which he placed in one of the saddle bags, and a large container of water which he also tied onto the saddle. The chef bowed to him and Trei nodded his thanks, clicking his tongue he wheeled Nocte around and started at a canter for the palace gates, the Howlers close to his heels. To the west he could see the sun just beginning to go over the horizon. At the gates he didn't stop to talk to the guards, he merely indicated for them to raise the gates, and, on recognition of who he was, they obliged to do so. Out into the town a crowd of people were everywhere, the streets crowded with carriages, and common horses. Even in the Land of the Flying Horses, if not living at the palace, seeing an actual Cavalli Volanti is rare, especially one fully armored. Many of the commoners stopped to look but many were watching the howlers with frightened expressions. The howlers would never hurt one of them without their handler, Trei's, command but they often frightened people with there look and ability to kill so gruesomely. Trei was required to slow down on the crowded street to a walk, he would take off if it wasn't so crowded. He had no doubt the howlers could keep up it was that they would frighten people into a panic if they had no visible handler.

Trei loved the city, enjoying the warm atmosphere of the people trying to sell their goods. In the slow traffic merchants wove through the lines, offering their merchandise to everyone. These merchants seemed to avoid him, it was probably considered disrespectful to approach the prince for such common reasons. Watching these merchants he beckoned towards one of the merchants selling apples. The portly man hurried towards him and gave a bow. Atop Nocte Trei had a clear view of his receding hair line and was touched with love for his people. “Three apples, kind sir,” Trei said. The man picked the three most delectable looking apples are offered them up to Trei. Trei took out his money bag and placed a silver coin in the man’s hand. He was stowing away the apples in the saddle bag just as the man was looking in awe at him, “Prince Trei del Sol, a silver is too much for three of my apples.” “As a merchant who supports this country I think you deserve, thank you.” Trei clicked his tongue and Nocte continued to walk forward with the traffic, the howlers close to his side. After a while Trei tired of the traffic though and began to weave his way through the carriages and carts. In good time he reached the second wall, whose portcullis was already raised.

The cobbled road turned into dirt as he entered the third ring and he drove Nocte to a gallop. The third ring was the largest and was quite beautiful with sprawling hills of pastures, populated with white sheep, cows, and grazing horses, as well as several other livestock. To the other side, freshly cultivated ground and large stalks of vegetables and orchards were prominent. Well run irrigation systems from a river allowed the farms to work even in the driest of seasons. Reaching the third gate he waved to the guards standing in position atop the wall as he passed through the open gate.

It was already well into dusk as he reached the forest’s canopy. He decided that he rather just make camp for tonight than actually go hunting. He went well into the forest, nearing its center, and reached a small clearing that suited him by the time it was dark. On the edges ran a brook that would be suitable for water and towards the edges of the clearing thick clusters of grasses grew for Nocte to feed on. Most remarkably though was the small cabin that centered itself in the clearing. Upon entering it Trei noticed it was clearly abandoned but in good repair. A thick layer of dust covered most of it but it was even had a sparse amount of furniture. It was compromised of three rooms, a kitchen, which also seemed to serve as a dining area, a living room, which included a fireplace, the two of which were conjoined, and to the back a door led into a bedroom. Trei recognized it as a place in which he could make his haven, it even had a small indoor bathroom and sewage system. At the back of cabin was a small fenced in yard overgrown with grasses and a small stable built up in it.

Trei led Nocte into the stable and dismounted him. He removed the armor and carried it back inside the cabin where he set it on a simple wooden table in the kitchen, which was surrounded by four chairs. He returned to Nocte and removed the saddle and bridle which he decided to leave in the stable. He gave him a rubdown after the days ride took an apple out of the saddle bags. He allowed Nocte to munch on it while he untied a blanket a laid it over the winged horse. In a small trough he filled it with water from his jug and Nocte drank thirstily. Allowing him to retire Trei led the howlers back into the cabin with him and the saddle bags and blanket slung over his shoulder.

In the pack bedroom there was a bed with a mattress and he found some sheets in the cabin. He made the bed and took his own blankets and laid them in the kitchen for the howlers to sleep on. Setting the saddle bags on the kitchen table beside the counter he pulled out the bag of food. Sorting through it he found three jars of honey, a bag of sixteen rolls, dried beef, dried berries, several oranges and plums, and a sack of nuts. He sorted it away into the cabins cabinets and placed the jug of water on the counter Taking several pieces of the dried beef he fed his howlers and took a piece for himself as well as a roll and orange. He washed it down with water and then spoke to the howlers, “Guardia, silenzioso.”

He walked to the bedroom and removed his armor and placed it beside his bed, as well as laid his sword and blades beside him in case someone surprised him He removed his boots and slipped beneath the covers, still in his clothes, he curled into a ball and fell into a sleep immediately.

(Continued)

One Day Before Kari and Zay’s Landing

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He awoke the next morning refreshed and in a good mood. He donned a new tunic and breeches and latched on his cloak. He picked up his sword and placed his blades beneath his sleeves and in his boots. Walking out into the kitchen the howlers rose from their beds and greeted him with nuzzles. He petted them all and took them with him as he went to check on Nocte. The morning air was clear and crisp and indicator of good weather. At the small yard Nocte was grazing on the plentiful grass. He stroked Nocte’s head and opened the gate so that he could leave if he wished, he could of anyways by leaping over the fence, large enough for a horse but an easy thing for a winged horse, but it was out of respect of the rider that Nocte stayed in the enclosure. Heading back inside Trei searched the cabinets for bowls and found quite a few small wooden ones accompanied with wood utensils. He filled them with water for the howlers and allowed them free rein in the small yard. He left them for a little while as he explored the trees in search of wild eggs. He collected quite a few, seventeen to be exact, from a number of nests, all seemingly quail eggs. He brought them back into the cabin and pulled out four more bowls. He cracked an egg into each and placed a couple of strips of beef with them. He mixed them quickly and brought them out into the yard for the howlers. Upon reentering the cabin he pulled out a couple of rolls which he spread some honey on and pulled out a plum. He brought them outside with him and sat in the shade of an oak as he ate.

He finished quickly and returned to the cabin and donned his armor. Picking up the lances he brought them outside and stood them up against the stable. He whistled softly to Nocte and he approached at a trot. He stopped in front of him and Trei checked to make sure his hooves were okay. At his approval he equipped the flying horse with the armor and saddle. Trei debated about taking his things with him but they would only slow down the hunt and it was unlikely anyone should find the cabin. He decided against it and placed the lances in their position. Trei regretted not having brought a horse or mule to help carry whatever they should kill but he thought now that it wouldn’t be able to keep anyways. He swung himself into the saddle and said to the howlers, “Caccia, no uccidere.” They fell into position in front on either side of him. He clicked his tongue and he they started off at a trot, winding their way quietly through the forest.

A few hours later the rider and his animal hid behind the shrubs watching the mule deer quietly. It was large for his species, probably weighing four hundred pounds with a very large rack. At the moment the howlers lay in wait for the command to give chase. Freeing one of the lances from its position and readied his arm. The deer’s head was lowered to the ground as it nibbled on the undergrowth of the forest Trei was pulling back his arm and the wind suddenly changed direction, with no time to spare, he began the motion. The deer’s head rose, his ears pricked and front foot raised in the alert position. He was turning to run as the lance was released and it caught him in the shoulder. It penetrated deeply but cleanly and it was off at a run. The lance was equipped with barbs so as to stay in place and heavy to weigh the animal down. The deer was significantly slower and the barbs hurt as they began to pull out. Something that rarely happened was good luck for the deer, though excruciatingly painful, the barb was torn out by a Y-shaped branch. It wasn’t to helpful however because Trei had already given the command for the howlers to give chase.

It was exhilarating, the wind whipping across his face and the branches hitting him at speeds that caused him to suffer several cuts. Nocte kept up and amazing speed as he wove through the trees, leaped over obstacles, and kept up with the fast paced howlers The let out terrible howls of the chase, each a different note that harmonized with the others to form a wild song. He watched as the first howler latched onto the rear of the beast, its laws locking in their lethal way. It was terrible and awesome at the same time, another left for the throat but the deer lowered its head and it caught on the antlers, sustaining severe injuries. The howler was persistent though and kept at the heels of the animal, nipping at them, looking for a hold. Third howler lunged for a front leg and gained a grip on it and was rewarded with a hoof to the side, but locked jaws held steady. The final howler was actually ahead of the creature and using strategy he slowed slightly so that when he leaped the deer was passing him and he gained position atop its back. It bit into the top of the neck and its claws left great wounds as they scrambled to keep a purchase. Trei came up on its side and lifting another lance from its position he readied to put the beast out of its memory. He no longer needed to throw and was close enough to thrust it into the chest, Nocte skilled enough to match the pace, which was greatly slowed now. The creature died quickly and crumpled to the floor, the howlers released their jaws and one bit into the neck, to assure it was finished.

“Well the hide is useless,” Trei said to himself, he thought he would have to remember to next time to command the howlers to do minimal damage so he would be able to use it as clothing. At least he would be able to use it to create beds for the howlers. He jumped down lightly from Nocte’s back and looked at the beast. It was truly large for its species and a good prize. He would definitely keep him stocked for the rest of the week. He pulled out his lance and placed it back in its position on the saddle. With a regular horse he would have needed to bring back the kill in pieces as it would weigh to much with the combined weight of himself, but he trusted the winged horse. However it would prove somewhat of a challenge for himself. He braced his feet and thrust his arms under the animal, he set his jaw as he hoisted it onto the back of Nocte. Using some rope he packed he secured his quarry to the Cavalli Volanti’s back His tunic was thoroughly bloody now and he hoped it would come out, sure he was prince but it didn’t mean he enjoyed wasting things.

He turned towards the severely injured howler and knelt down next to it. He stroked its back and assessed its wounds. It had a pretty bad hole in its side where it was speared by the antlers. Trei didn’t want to put even more stress on Nocte with a two hundred pound canine, it weighed more than himself. He picked up the howler and placed it slung over the saddle, not the most comfortable but now he wouldn’t have to walk. Trei himself started on the way back on foot, Nocte directly behind him and the howlers trailing.

Trei reached the cabin two hours later, having to walk. The sun was just beginning to go over the horizon so Trei busied himself with cleaning the meat of the deer. He disposed of the entrails by burying them and hung the hide against the cabin walls in the late sun, deciding it would take a couple of days to dry entirely. Trei realized the meat wouldn’t keep very long so he collected wood from the surrounding forests and quickly built up a fire in the fireplace. He roasted the meat in the coals until they were well cooked, at which point he stored them away It was a lot of good meat to go through so he was up well into night. Upon finishing he returned outside where he had left Nocte in the yard. He had previously removed the armor and saddle but now gave him a rubdown and brushed his coat. He gave him another apple and retired inside. He checked over each howler for wounds but the only one that had received anything serious was the one that had been speared by the antlers which now lay, cleaned, on the kitchen table. He cleaned and wrapped the wound and then he himself went off to sleep.

Day of Kari and Zay’s Landing

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Trei woke later than usual, tired from the night before He rose and decided he would enjoy a bath, so he collected his things and headed towards the brook. The howlers followed him and he allowed Nocte out to graze. He swam in gratefully, unclothed, and scrubbed himself clean of the grime and blood from the day before. He was contented for the time and dried off. He dressed himself in a pair of brown breeches and green tunic, letting out a laugh upon realizing how well he blended into the forest. He though if he painted his skin with mud and a mixture of greens he would be entirely invisible. He decided it would be a fun thing to do for the day and humored himself with the idea of doing so later.

Returning to the cabin he busied himself with preparing food for the howlers and himself. He again used eggs but instead of dried beef he added in some fresh venison. The howlers ate happily and he was content to watch them as he ate his own breakfast of a fried egg, orange, and rolls with ham. He felt warm and full and decided a good of time as any to do some painting. He went to the brook and smashed some plants to create a green paint and mixing this with mud he coated himself in it, leaving his brown hair. “Well the bath was pretty useless,” He said to Nocte who was grazing on the banks of the brook. When finished he tested his camouflage by stalking small creatures and surprising them. He thought it worked relatively well.

During one of these games he noticed two small specks in the sky. He quickly climbed to the top of the tallest trees to get a better look. At first it wasn’t quite clear what they were but it was obvious they were flying at a great speed by the rate of their increasing size. Soon Trei could distinguish two Cavali Volanti. Something was off about them, they were definitely not wild by the looks of them and there was something about them that made Trei feel as if they were not one of the country’s domesticated winged horses. Trei decided it was on how they carried themselves, closer to a horse than the proud stubbornness of a real winged horse. As they neared Trei could make out two riders on top of them, though by the looks they weren’t very experienced at all. As he watched they flew into a dive and were heading into the trees at an alarming speed and not at all the right angle for one of them.

His curiosity aroused he decided to track these two as he lost them to the forest He climbed steadily down from his perch and hurried towards Nocte. “Soggiorno,” He commanded to the howlers. He mounted Nocte bareback and decided it would be better not to fly, in case the two were hostile. They didn’t appear to have landed far and, still in his camouflage, Trei clicked his tongue to a quick gallop. The made steady time as the darted between the trees at incredible speed. Trei slowed Nocte to a trot as they neared the place of the landing. He could see the two winged horses up ahead, and their rides conversation rode to him in the wind though he didn’t receive their full words and most sounded like groans. He approached for a closer look but remained hidden in the trees, the idea of camouflage seemed so good now. He soon realized the two had to be around his age and one was in terrible condition.

Not one to be shy Trei steered Nocte toward the two and out of the trees. The two other flying horses became startled, something that also indicated they were not part of the tamed herd in his country. He nearly laughed at the thought of the site of him, so masterly camouflaged riding bareback atop the black Cavalli Volant, even if he wasn’t in armor. He spoke to them in his native tongue, not thinking of using the common language of the rest of the world though he was fluidly trained in it, “Che cosa ci fai qui straniero, come ti ho chiamata così dal momento che non assomiglianoalla mia gente. Che più sappiamo di non salutare quelli che rubano sono cavalli alati.Sicuramente anche chi, come voi dovete sapere che è un crimine punibile con la morte.Anche se mi viene da ridere una risata crudele per vedere come il destino ha disprezzato tida così male volontariamente il vostro partner. La mia natura di solito dispiace ma come posso essere misericordiosi gli uni come voi.”

(Last Part of Trei's Entry is Italian, you can translate it to see what he says.)