The Hunt.
He sauntered into town with a large deer slumped across his shoulders. The sun had begun to set and the roads were empty excluding a few patrons shuffling into the local tavern. The hunter ignores the drunks on the street and heads directly to the family hall. As he pushed the door open, he was greeted with a gravely voice.
“Dosh! We were worried the dark would reach us before you returned!”
Dosh drops the deer carcass on the table in front of him and walks towards the head of his family, Tevun-Yon.
“You were worried? That is almost insulting.” Dosh replied in a disappointed tone, “I am not one to get lost beyond the fields.”
“I am only teasing you. Besides boy, I have known you since you were no bigger than my boot,” laughed Yon.
Dosh had fallen into the role of the family hunter after his father had been called to military service for the reigning city of Ert. Ert has been planning an expedition north to claim more land for the Etuno empire. Due to this, the noblemen are calling upon the farming villages of Tevun and Okoun for more bodies. Dosh, however, was too young for the call to arms and was required to stay in Tevun.
“Could a boy smaller than your boot bring in such a large meal?” Dosh retorted with a hint of smugness in his voice.
Yon laughed at the ego Dosh had grown into after being appointed as the family hunter. The door slammed open, interrupting the conversation between Dosh and Yon. The man who entered the hall was clearly not apart of the Tevun family. He had long black hair and a clean shaven face. His clothing was made of fabric rather than hide and had a purse of coin dangling around his neck, jingling with each step he took.
“Tuwatun..” Yon muttered under his breath.
“I come on business of the Council of Ert,” the messenger said in a breathy tone. It was clear he is not used to traveling outside of Ert’s walls.
“We already sent the able bodied men of the village for military service. What more do you want? Are you here to take the elders? The drunks? Or would you rather have a handful of our women and children.” Yon bellowed in a guttural tone of voice.
“I have no use for old men such as yourself to join in our expedition. I am here to provide documentation of a new taxation on food.” the Tuwatun said this with his eyes focused on the carcass in front of him.
“We already send a cartful of grain per field! Do you expect us to feed all of the families?” Yon grunted, clearly annoyed.
The Tuwatun messenger grinned slightly. “Your family is nothing without the Council. It would be wise of you to remain in our favor. The tax will be doubled upon next harvest. We require a greater amount of rations for all the new recruits in our military.”
Yon sighed and turned his back to the messenger and Dosh. “I see our family has no say in the matter. You will get your increased supply.”
“The Council of Ert appreciates your cooperation,” the Tuwatun said in a victorious tone of voice, “Now then, the day has left us and I require a room to rest in before my journey back to Ert.”
Yon motions to Dosh.
“I will take you to your room.” Dosh said to the messenger in an apathetic tone. Dosh was not one to enjoy dealing with outside families, let alone a messenger to the Council of Ert. After taking the messenger to the room, Dosh returned to the main hall to look for Yon. After stepping back into the open room, he noticed Yon sitting with his head in his hands. Dosh had never noticed how old Yon was until now. The skin on Yon’s face was as rigid and beaten as the coastline against Seran. The few remaining hairs on the top of Yon’s head were beginning to gray. Yon could feel Dosh’s gaze and motioned for him to sit.
“How could you so easily-” Dosh could not finish his sentence before Yon interrupted him.
“We cannot dispute a decree issued by the Council,” said Yon is a quick and harsh tone, “You will escort the Tawukun back to Ert as soon as darkness passes.”