5. Brats, Books, and Hunters #8
"Now," Skender rumbled. "Think back to the Terrible Hunt. Imagine what would have happened had Hunters struggled with each other instead of the fell beasts?"
Mistress Cimbrissa took her turn. The white-haired Healer glared at everyone in the group.
"Only twenty-nine full Hunters stand ready to do their duty.
Should another such as the one who caused the Terrible Hunt come forth, we might not have the strength to stop him.
Every Hunter is valuable, too valuable to lose to foolishness and arrogance. "
Before Ladislu could speak, one of the puppies called, "What about the shadow mages and sorcerer of shadow? They can stop him." A large gap appeared around Villi.
"Two of the mages of shadow cannot partake of the Fruits of the Hunt," Leopold snarled before anyone else could.
"They age and slow in body for all that their power continues to grow.
Likewise the sorcerer of shadow. Meister Gruenewald has returned to the courts of the Great God, may the Lady give him rest. Magic alone could not have stopped the one who caused the Terrible Hunt. "
The silence that followed his growl stretched for a near eternity, or so it seemed. Good. They needed to wake up and grow up. Arthur nodded, then asked, "How does a Hunter become leader of the Hunters, or senior Hunter, the one who cares for the needs of all members of the clan?"
"He's the strongest, the one who takes the most challenges and wins," Villi declared. The open space around him grew larger.
"You are in error," Skender replied. He spoke quietly, cool despite his obvious anger.
"He is the Hunter who shows the greatest service to the rest of the clan, doing the tasks needed for the benefit of all, Hunters and others.
He works with his hands and his mind, Hunts well, shows proper honor and devotion to the Great God, His Lady, and His Son, and displays wisdom and judgement, putting the needs of the clan before personal gain.
" He stared at Villi, then at the others.
"He is chosen by the entire clan," Ladislu said, continuing the senior Hunter's words.
"Men and women, Elders and common clansmen, and he may be removed by them as well should he fail his duties after being cautioned by the council and others.
The senior Hunter has some privileges, that is true, because of his greater duties.
He is also expected to give the most, to be an example for all in his service to the clan and the Great God. "
"Not in that order," the priestess murmured, so quiet only he and Cimbrissa heard. He bit his tongue against any sign of agreement.
Several of the Hunters glared at Villi. He shrank, withering in his isolation in the midst of the group. That was very good.
Arthur looked left and right, then leaned forward. "The Defender's Peace exists so that we live long enough to do our duty. It has been many years since a Hunter who refused to abide by the laws of the clan was ... dealt with. Do not make that necessary."
"Indeed." Raj lifted on paw and flashed her claws. "Do you care to watch a woman violated by abyssal beasts because attacking a fellow Hunter was more important?" Two more puppies lost their stomachs. Perhaps the lesson would abide with them.
"The Great God and His Lady gave us the Fruits of the Hunt and other blessings for one reason only—to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
If we fail that duty, then we forfeit any right to those blessings, and deserve to have those around us turn their hands against us.
It has happened in the past, in the Old Lands.
" Arthur looked to Corava, who gestured "emphatic agreement," as did Raj and Leopold.
The bats and owl outside the barn made more sound than did the Hunters and youngsters. He heard a car door thud closed, then another. The Hunt had concluded. Silence continued within the barn.
At last Nikolai spoke, words cracking like a whip in the night.
"Enough pushing those who seek to teach you how to live long enough to earn the right to call yourselves Hunters.
Enough breaching the Defender's Peace in the armory and elsewhere.
Enough needling each other past the bounds, especially in the circle.
You endanger more than just yourselves with your stupidity, blindness, and disrespect. "
"Enough," Skender and the others declared in unison. He continued, "You have seen and heard the reasons for the discipline under which we must live. Are there any questions or challenges?" A faint rustling but no voices came from the dark-clad mass. Skender too turned to Arthur and bowed.
He raised his right hand, and the men and boys bowed. "Go now, with the blessing of the Great God. May the Lady hold her mantle over you, and the Defender be with you on your Hunt."
"Amén" came a ragged chorus, and a flurry of crossing. The Hunters and youngsters hurried out of the gathering barn.
Once all had departed, the Elders clustered together, joined by Florian, Mistress Urshla, Marius, and Vladi. "The Hunt?" Skender inquired.
"As we feared, sir, someone tried a summoning based on the game," Marius said, shaking his head. His twin face palmed, as did Ladislu.