Unnaturally Natural

Neith - A Special Assignment

There he was, sleeping in front of his cave, not a care in the world. Why would he have to care? He was, after all, a lion amongst men. None would challenge his might; he was free to do what he wanted when he wanted. But his confidence would be his downfall because he was unaware of the predatory eyes that watched him.

 She had been tracking him for the past week. Carefully following every lead and listening to every tale, and it finally brought her to him. The opportunity to strike down this evil was in her hands, but she couldn't, not yet. She was waiting for something, someone. If she killed him now, her time spent tracking him down would have been for nothing.

  She lay waiting patiently in the tall grass. Her whole body was covered in dark leather clothing, and she wore a hood over her head. Dried mud covered her face, hiding her porcelain skin. In front of her laid a longsword, its gleaming blade coated with a thin layer of soft clay. She did not want her prey to see her, so she had taken every measure to keep herself concealed.

 Her patience was growing thin. She has been waiting for hours, but there was no sign of him. Where can he be? I told him to meet me here. Without him, I can't go in for the kill. She thought. Almost as if answering her unspoken question, there came a rustle from behind, followed by a familiar voice.

 "Have you been waiting long?" came a whisper.

  She did not bother to answer him.

  "Is that the one? The Wolf of Eldergroth?" He asked.

  "Yes, I am certain. I followed the trail of wives' tales and bodies all the way here,"

  "Then, you may proceed. But know that I am f*******n to intervene. This will be life or death."

 She nodded and took her blade. The surrounding area had become eerily quiet. All she heard was her heart beating and her own breathing. This was her first task; this was her initiation.

 "Neith, be careful," came the barely audible whisper from her spectator.

  "I will, Duard,"

This was it, the moment she had been training for. She approached slowly, with her sword at the ready. Her whole arms were shivering, but not from the cold. She was scared. Only once before had she come face to face with such a beast. Being so close to another brought back many foul memories.

Its fur was a faded brown, and it was easily twice her size. As she approached, she saw one hand ending in five sharp claws. Its monstrous head was facing away, assuring her it hadn't noticed her. She slowly moved one foot in front of the other, with her eyes fixed on the creature before her.

A sudden snap broke the silence surrounding her. She had stepped on a twig. Immediately she froze in her tracks. Her eyes scanned the beast; it seemed he didn't notice. After she was sure, she pushed forward. The closer she came to him, the larger he became. When she finally came within striking distance, her whole body was shaking. Something was not right. There was an uneasy tension in the air.

Neith slowly raised her sword with both hands. This is it. Your rain of terror ends here. A fraction of a second before Neith brought her blade down on the beast's neck; she saw the hairs on his back rise. She, reacting on instinct, leaped backward and narrowly avoided a clawed hand.

The beast was now on his hind legs, with a snarl that bared his fangs. Upon seeing that he was faced with a girl, his snarl turned to a toothy grin. 

"Are you lost, little lady," the beast said in a hoarse voice.

Neith did not reply but instead took up a defensive stance. She prepared herself for the werewolf's speed and its powerful strikes.

"So, it be a dance you fancy?" The creature said, lowering his bulk.

Without warning, he lept at her in an attempt to knock her down. But Neith was able to evade the large wolf hurtling toward her and managed a shallow cut on his arm. He spun around to face her.

"Where does a little girl like you get silver toys?" 

  Neith didn't answer. She knew he was trying to distract her. It was clear he had lost his confidence the moment he realized she had a silver sword. He was visibly more tense and alert.

The beast started circling Neith, looking for an opening. She stood stagnant, listening to his movements. It was a talent she had honed throughout her training. She heard his heart beating, his quickening breath, and every step he took. When he was directly behind her, he charged.

Neith moved quickly to her left. She swung her sword in a half-circle, turning her torso with the arc of the blade. She felt the edge of her sword gliding through flesh and met the resistance of bone. She intended to sever his forearm at the elbow, but her cut was off by a hair. The wolf's arm was still attached; However, the wound had rendered it useless.

“You little b***h. I'll skin you alive," He roared.

The wolf was blinded by anger and charged at her with frighting speed. Slashing at her with his unwounded arm. She managed to evade each of his attacks, but she would not be able to do so for long. A werewolf's speed far surpassed her own. It had to end, or she would not survive. She waited for the perfect opening to deal the finishing blow.

When the wolf slashed down at her with his enormous claw, she stepped to the side. The dangerous claw missed by a hair. She took her sword in both hands and cut upwards, severing the beast's head. It fell to the ground with a thud and was soon followed by the lifeless body.

Sheathing her sword, she turned to her former hiding spot. Duard had stood up and was approaching her. He seemed to be delighted with the outcome. Neith, on the other hand, felt quite disappointed.

"Exceptionally well done. I saw you shaking when you first started. I was worried you would be unable to deliver. But it seems after you managed your first cut, you grew much more confident and handled the situation quite well," Duard said, congratulating her.

"It wasn't perfect, though. I missed the elbow joint by a fraction and failed to sever his arm. After six years of training, it should have been perfect,"

"No one is perfect on their first test, Neith. Every one of my students has struggled with their first. Even my first task was a challenge."

"That's not true. Callan's first task was perfect."

"I have told you before, Neith, do not compare yourself to him. There is much about that brute you do not know."

Neith ignored his comment and looked at the wolf's head " We should head back to Sanctuary. I have no doubt the Grandmaster is waiting for us."

"You're right. Bring the head; we will need it as evidence of your success," Duard said, looking at the severed head.

Duard brought two fingers to his lips and whistled loudly. After a few moments, they could hear hooves in the distance. They did not have to wait long before two large stallions galloped through the bushes. One was raven black and stood a head taller than the other. The second stallion was also black but had three white stripes on his head, almost resembling claw marks.

Duard climbed on the big stallion and waited for Neith. She had to fasten the wolf's head to her saddle. After securing the hideous head, she climbed the horse. 

 The two of them rode back into the town of Eldergroth. The people praised them and showered them with gifts they could not accept. One farmer even offered his daughter to Duard. However, as Huntsman, he was not allowed to accept any form of payment. They had gone back to the town to speak with the alderman. 

After Duard concluded the business with the alderman, he and Neith rode to Sanctuary in Kiro. It was there where Neith would complete the final steps of her initiation.

The road to Kiro was a busy one. Because it was located in the geographical center of Boddica, it was a popular location for merchants to visit. On their way to Kiro, Duard and Neith passed many merchants. Many of which, after noticing the werewolf's head fastened to Neith's saddle, offered to purchase it. The road was otherwise a comfortable journey. It was one of the few places they didn't have to worry about being attacked by supernatural monsters.

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The great city was bubbling with activity. Merchants were selling their wares in the city center. They were joined by bards and entertainers, who sang and put on shows for the citizens who passed by. Even though she had never lived anywhere outside of Kiro, Neith was sure it was the most magnificent city in Boddica. There was no worry about danger, no feeling of impending doom.

They were surrounded by laughter and song. The crisp spring breeze spread the aroma of freshly cooked pork. It was a refreshing change to the irritating sound of crickets and the stale smell of mud.

Neith's raven black hair, blue eyes, and fair complexion caught the eyes of many men. But when they saw the werewolf's head fastened to her saddle, they immediately looked the other way. To her, it was almost comical how the men feared a strong woman.

They rode to the castle at the center of the city. Their destination, Sanctuary, lay within the inner ward. They had to pass through the large outer gate and the smaller inner gate before they finally arrived at Sanctuary. Even after six years, Neith still marveled at the magnificent building's size; it rivaled the king's palace.

Upon entering the second gate, they were halted by the king's guard and underwent the usual inspection and questioning.

"What be your business here?" The head guard asked.

"We are Mystic Huntsmen, returning from our latest assignment," Duard answered casually.

The guards looked at each other for a few moments and exchanged nods.

"Very well, you may pass."

The guards moved aside, forming a path for Neith and Duard. They rode to the stables and handed their horses to the stable hand. Duard looked back to the guards at the gate and scoffed.

"You would think after years of watching over the gate, they would recognize some of us," He said, clearly annoyed.

At Sanctuary's door, they were greeted by the Grandmaster himself. He wore pure white hoodless robes that hid his figure. Only his hands and face could be seen. 

When Neith first started training with the Huntsman, she saw the Grandmaster multiple times. At first, she was intimidated by him but quickly realized that he was a kind and patient man. He had set an honorable example for her and other recruits to follow. He was not selfish or self-centered because of his position. He often joined many recruits in training and would always be the first to provide guidance.

"Welcome back," the Grandmaster greeted them cheerfully. "I trust your task was a success."

"Indeed it was, master. You will be pleased to hear it was quite exceptional," Duard replied, bowing to the Grandmaster.

"Come inside, and we shall discuss the details while we wait for the others."

Neith and Duard had been the first to return from their task. They joined the Grandmaster in Sanctuary's great hall. Duard was greeted by another Huntsman and exchanged polite nonsensical greetings. Neith, on the other hand, sat alone at a large round dining table, waiting for her fellow students to return.

Because she had spent more time training than any of the other students, the Grandmaster had suggested she leave for her task on a later day. Neith was not too thrilled by the idea, but she knew the Grandmaster had his reasons. After leaving an entire week later than the other students, she was the first to return. 

She started to grow bored after two hours of waiting. It wasn't until the third hour had passed that another student and his teacher showed up. His name was Anthony, and he was one of the older students, thirty-eight from what Neith could remember. He was one of the more capable students, always mastering techniques quicker; however, he lacked mental capacity.

He joined Neith at the table when his teacher permitted him.

"Ah, the golden child. Have you been waiting long?" He said mockingly. 

"I was starting to think I would be the golden elder, waiting for you," she mocked back.

They both laughed. It was what their relationship was like. They were not really friends, but they had a mutual liking for each other, and they didn't mind each other's company. Neith felt the same way about many of her other fellow students. There weren't many she liked enough to be her friends, considering they were men and older than her.

"Always have something to say, don't you?" Anthony laughed.

For the next few hours, Neith and Anthony shared the experiences they had on their tasks. As more students returned, they included them in their conversation. After four hours, all the students had returned and sat at the table with Neith.

Everyone at the table was in deep conversation with one another, sharing stories and laughing at crude humor. The students at the table's age ranged from twenty to forty-six. Neith was the youngest at eighteen, but the other students treated her no differently than they treated each other.

A booming voice silenced the loud chatter of the group.

"Listen up, new blood. The Grandmaster has reviewed your assignment with your teachers. He is here now to give his final word. So show some respect and shut your holes!" 

The voice belonged to Callan, the Huntsman's Beast, as he was called. He was a massive man, carrying a giant ax on his back. He was seven feet tall, with red hair and fiery green eyes. He had a long scar that trailed over his left eye to his chin. His bulk alone seemed to intimidate Neith's fellow students. But she was sure the rumors surrounding him played a big part as well.

"Thank you for that introduction, Callan; I will take it from her."

"Yes, of course, Master," Callan bowed.

The Grandmaster stepped forth to the table and put his hands behind his back. Neith tried her best to read him, but his face did not betray him, and his robes concealed his body movement if there were any.

"I have reviewed the details of your tasks with your teachers," He started. "I must say I am pleased with the results. Even though there were initial problems with each of your tasks, you overcame them and strived to fulfill your duty."

The students whispered among themselves, proud of the work they had done. Neith was the only one who sat silent.

"To me, you are all already Huntsmen," the Grandmaster continued, " however, tradition dictates that we celebrate our new members. So, we shall have a feast. During which, I will call on you, one-by-one, and personally give you your permanent placement."

The excitement was bubbling among the students. This was what they have been waiting for. The day they would become official Huntsmen. Neith was also excited, but not for the same reason. She wanted to be a Huntsman; however, she was more excited about her permanent placement.

Permanent placement would dictate the work they had to do. Many wanted quiet cities like Urmari and Soregem; others wanted cities like Collimito and Terrapones, with no work shortage. Neith was of the latter. She didn't want the boredom of Urmari; she wanted excitement.

The dining hall was soon crowded by servants carrying large platters of food and barrels of ale. As more people drank, the hall quickly filled with cheer. Even Neith drank a few pints, unable to avoid the lure of its pleasant aroma and the promise of joy.

Soon after Neith started drinking, the main course was set on the large center table. It took seven servants to carry the gigantic carcass. Neith had witnessed five initiation celebrations before her own, so she recognized the massive carcass. She had waited long to experience the taste of a blood elk.

It was the most difficult meat to find. Not only because the elk itself was rare, but also because of its hostile nature. It inhabits the highest and most difficult to reach plateaus. Its hide is thick enough to dull any blade, and its horns strong enough to pierce any armor. It is those very features that make it stand out from any other elk. Aside from being much larger than any regular elk, its hide is a faded red, and its horns are a dark red, which is why it was dubbed the blood elk.

Because of its scarcity, the elk's hide was worth its weight in gold, and its horns were the most magnificent trophy a king could display. Its meat could fetch a hefty price at any market. Having the opportunity to eat from such a magnificent beast was an honor even for a king.

This particular blood elk was particularly large. Its meat could feed all twenty-two students. When the large platter holding the beast was set on the table, the supports audibly creaked. A gasp swept through the room as the students gazed at the carcass in awe.

 Harrold, a muscular student in his forties, stood up and broke the silence.

"What are we waiting for? Let us feast!" He shouted cheerfully.

The whole table erupted in cheer as everyone stood up and took part in the feast. Neith sat back and waited for the other students. There is no need to push and shove; there is more than enough for everyone. She thought, sitting back in her chair. She was the last one to cut from the elk's meat.

The aroma alone was enough to make her hungry. When she bit into a large piece, it erupted in flavor. It was the most delicious thing she had ever tasted. In the past, Neith was not allowed to eat with the other students; only graduates were permitted to eat from the elk. After her second bite, she decided it was well worth the wait.

Neith had become so distracted; she overlooked the Grandmaster at the head of the table.

"May I have your attention please," he said just loud enough to draw everyone's attention.

"I will now start calling each of you by name and give you your permanent assignment. Listen well, for I will only say it once. After you have your placement, you may continue to eat. Tomorrow, you will be shipped to each of your individual assignment locations. Before you leave, however, speak with your teacher about the specifics. They will have valuable information about your assignment."

The room fell silent when the Grandmaster reached in his coat. He pulled out a folded parchment and read from it.

"Nathanial, Jaques, and Wiliam, you three will be stationed at Adelfouno."

The three brothers sat closest to the Grandmaster, hugging each other with joy. In training, each one was a dangerous opponent, but as a team, they were unstoppable.

"Harrold, Anthony, and Samuel, you will be stationed in Soregem."

The Grandmaster continued to call out three names at a time, assigning each trio to a different city. Next came, Desolo, Lupgelos, Collimito, Urmari, and Terrapones. None of the students were ever stationed in Kiro, and the two cities which were left were the cities in which Huntsmen were not welcome; Urbemontis and Adelfentro.

Neith quickly realized she was the only one who hasn't received a placement. She started worrying, wondering if she was inadequate or if the Grandmaster thought she was too young.

"Neith, I must have a word with you in private; it is in regards to your assignment. As for the rest of you, enjoy the feast, for tomorrow you will depart," the Grandmaster finished.

He walked around the table to Neith's side. "Come with me," He whispered. She was terrified. Have I done something wrong? Am I not eligible to receive placement? She thought as she followed the Grandmaster. She was visibly shaking and sweating. In the five initiations she had seen before, this had never happened.

The Grandmaster took Neith down a hallway. She immediately recognized where they were going, to the Grandmaster's personal quarters. Her worry only grew more, but the Grandmaster seemed to realize.

"Don't worry, Neith, you are not in trouble. I must discuss a matter which I cannot speak of in front of the other students."

His assurance did little to quell the fear in Neith's mind. She had only been to his chambers once; when she nearly beat a new student to death.  No one is ever taken to his quarters for any good reason. She thought.

The Grandmaster opened the door to his quarters and told Neith to be seated at the fireplace. She reluctantly entered and sat in one of the two chairs. The room was unusually small for someone in a high position. It was roughly the size of her own quarters but was made smaller by the many bookshelves lining the wall. At the foot of his bed stood his wardrobe, almost hiding the bed from sight.

Neith's focus was drawn back to the Grandmaster when he sat in the chair opposite her. She struggled reading him; his face didn't show any disappointment or approval, and there were no hints of emotion in his eyes. 

After a tense moment, the Grandmaster finally gave a smile. "Don't worry, Neith, I have not called you here because you are inadequate, quite the opposite actually."

Neith did not speak.

"I have asked you here because you are the most skilled student I have seen. Granted, you had six years of training," He started, "But even in your first year, you showed more promise than any other student."

Neith, no longer afraid, struggled to hide her pride. She was being praised by the head of the Huntsmen; there was no greater honor. Before she could ask what he wanted to discuss, he answered the unasked question.

"This meeting is in regards to your placement. I will be assigning you a special placement; that is if you accept. It is no easy task, and I will understand if you refuse."

"What is the task, master?" She eagerly questioned.

"I have been in contact with the lord of Urbemontis. Three months ago, he became the new lord, overthrowing his father. He does not hold the same tolerance for supernaturals as his father. He has asked us to aid him with eliminating the supernaturals in his city."

Neith, realizing what he was insinuating, could not help but feel honored. She did not want to be one of the first to be sent to Urbemontis. It was considered a haven for any supernaturals, and there was no doubt they would defend it. It would fulfill her desire for excitement, but she would have to be on alert continuously.

"You have chosen me to go to Urbemontis, but who will accompany me? The other students have been given their assignments," Neith questioned.

"That is why I have asked you here. Traditionally, I would be required to send two huntsmen to occupy a city; however, it will be different under these circumstances. As I mentioned earlier, the new ruler has no love for supernaturals; however, his subjects are not very eager to welcome a pair of Huntsmen into their city."

Neith sat in silence for a moment. When she finally realized what he meant, she was shocked. She wanted to refuse, but it would not be wise to turn down an offer from the Grandmaster himself. 

"You want me to go to Urbemontis alone?!"