Heart of the Hunter

Cover Art by Natalie Metzger

Please enjoy Chapter 16

“The Brother Alobar is an excellent teacher.”

“What does that mean?” Shandra asked.

“When you use energy, Shandra, it uses you. If you do not properly go about it, you will find that you are on the bad end of the bargain. Magic always has its cost, but with skill and practice you can minimize that cost. The steps he led you through, the grounding and centering, that was for your benefit.”

“I..I see. There is so much that I do not know. Brother Alobar says that all power eventually comes from the Light. Do you believe that?”

“I believe that if one has gifts, one should use them. That is something that was hard won for me. I have…well, sometimes its a curse, sometimes a blessing. The Sight.”

“How does it manifest?”

“Sometimes I can see that which is, or was, or sometimes even that which will be. It is a gift of my Valisti blood.”

“You see these things as if they were real, there in front of you?”

“I have to find the middle spaces, the shadows, the places in between to look. Then the visions come to me. They rarely, if ever, come unbidden.”

“I see. And you…you saw how Father died that way?”

“That I did.”

“H-how did he die?”

“As I told you when first we met…he was killed by Gnaeltongues. Most likely by the same warband that attacked my people while I was away. Apparently, Uline has been patrolling this land as if it were her own.”

Shandra nodded. “I thought..I thought he was just away. Just delayed. That he would return. We should have left last year, but he thought to wait out the winter. We had enough supplies, and the stone house. It was not difficult to convince the Gnaeltongues to leave us be. But when the snows melted, he had to go for supplies. He wanted to take me with him, but I refused because I knew that would mean we would lose all that we had gained. I didn’t think it would take so long for him to come back. And then it was too late.”

She collapsed into tears of bitter grief, and Auryn drew her into an embrace. Wrapping his arms around her, he held her softly in the dim light of his tent, and her tears stained his threadbare silk shirt.

 

 Heart of the Hunter Chapter 16 [31:14m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

New artwork by Natalie Metzger

“So how far away do you think we are from them?” Peter asked, after handing Raven a mug of beer.

“A day’s travel, maybe two, no more.” Raven said.

“Excuse me,” Jurgen Coalsblood said, getting up suddenly. “I have business to attend to.” He said, moving off quickly to his wagon. Peter got Raven’s attention again with a fire-warmed sydal roll, still sticky from a bit of honey.

“Eh. Troops take longer to get places than individuals do. And you say the River Road is no more?” Peter asked.

Raven chewed and swallowed, washing it down with a swig of beer. “It has been totally eaten by the swamp, I tell you. The river itself flows through it.”

 

 Heart of the Hunter 15 [30:42m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Please enjoy Chapter 14

“You do understand the concept of scouting, right Raven?”

“What? Yeah. Sure. Just um, go see what’s going on. Yanno, look around and stuff.”

“Yes. And there be one vital part of the job ye may be missin’.” PEter said.

“What’s that?”

“Lettin’ us know what ye found. That means comin’ back, ya see? Not gettin’ into it with ‘em. Do you have me?”

“Uh, yeah. I have ya. Do I look crazy?”

Auryn grinned, “You don’t want me to answer that, I’m certain.”

“Silence, Gypsy. I am no fool, Sarge. Tell you what. Pour me a beer. I’ll go out there, I’ll see what’s what, and I’ll make it back here before the head dissolves.”

“It’s a deal, then Raven. See you soon.” Peter said, nodding, and she ran off into the woods, seeming to vanish the moment after she broke through the treeline.

“Auryn, do you go with Shandra. She’s over there with the preacher and the Greenward, they’re gonna do what they can do for this fire.”

“Aye, Sarge.”

Peter rolled his eyes, “Not you, too. Sarge. That woman’s a bad example.”

But Auryn merely swept him a bow and was off.

 

 Heart of the Hunter 14 [36:50m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Please enjoy Chapter 13

Churysk could not stop shaking, as the rage from the shame built up in him. He wanted to launch himself at the swamp witch, wanted to rip her throat out. Instead, he kept silent. He had heard and seen too much of her power to doubt that she could well and truly deal with him should he actually attack.

“What now, then? Am I to be reduced to kilkul, a lowly spear-carrier? Will that motivate your warriors to strive against adversity? I do not think it will, Great Wise One. If standing has no weight in this, all will question their standing, and the warriors’ thoughts will not be in the fight.”

“Do not think to lecture me about motivating Gnael, basetongue. Your time for wisdom was earlier this morning. You will bide here now and wait my pleasure. I have a new champion now.”
The shaman chieftain turned to her left, and addressed someone standing in the all-gloom darkness behind her cypress throne. “Do you come forward, honored one.” She said quietly.

 

 Heart of the Hunter 13 [21:43m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Please Enjoy Chapter 12

He stepped out of the wagon to see if Dav had returned, or if Gar was himself ready for the fight.
Then to his surprise and dismay, all around him in the trees he heard a hissing, the clicking of teeth and the rattling of spears on shields. The Gnael were here, and they were already surrounded.
“Well now. Didn’t ever think I’d hear that sound again.” Peter raised his voice in challenge. “Hello there, Gnaelboys. Did ye come to stare or did ye come to dance?”
A hooting cry came up from the trees, and a mass of Gnael bodies swarmed the camp.

 

 Heart of the Hunter Chapter 12 [21:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Please Enjoy Chapter 11

“The healing sleep lasts quite a while, if that’s what you’re asking.” Alobar said. “What are you getting at?”
“Well, then, she won’t have a problem then.” Auryn said, walking to the front flap of his tent. He wrapped his hand around the strap with the buckle that formed his magical rucksack’s handle.
Alobar held up his hand. “Oh, no. No, no. You did that to me. It gets dark in there when you…when you turn it into a rucksack like that! And I couldn’t get out!”
“Listen, Brother. She’s asleep! The night grows ever shorter. We promised the Sergeant that we would be back to camp before daylight. The Ride of Vela will only take 13 riders and it would take days…literally days…to get back to camp if we did not take the spirit roads. If she is sleeping inside aunt’s rucksack, she should have no trouble at all. Besides, I’ll keep the pocket unzipped so she can have some fresh air.” With one smooth motion, Auryn grabbed the satchel’s strap, and the tent was now a bag again, with Shandra still asleep within.
Alobar winced. “Are you sure it’s safe?”
“Safe as a tadreela in the grass” Auryn said, bowing.
“Whatever that is. ” Raven said.

Music in this Chapter:
Dignity by Green Druid from the Podsafe Music Network

 

 Heart of the Hunter Chapter 11 [25:00m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Natalie Metzger’s lovely art will soon grace the cover of “Heart of the Hunter”!

Her work is wonderful!

Please enjoy Chapter 10

Uline addressed the Tangresh in Gnael. “Go forth from this place and speak to the chiefs of the Blood Wolves and the Death Birds. Let them know that Mother Uline wills them to a war council. The soft ones come, they bring guns. Once again we must fight to preserve Gaikul.

“I hear and obey, Mother Uline.”

“Go.”

She turned away from the rest of the captive Tangresh then, not even noticing them as they looked forlornly after their freed brother, wishing that it could’ve been one of them instead.

She sought comfort in the beautiful snake that was her familiar, and wrapped herself in its strong body. More was coming, the portents said. She would know at nightfall.

Music in this Chapter:
Dignity by Green Druid from the Podsafe Music Network

 

 Heart of the Hunter Chapter 10 [28:55m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Author’s Note: There was a bad bobble in Chapter 9, so I have edited it and uploaded the replacement. Sorry for the inconvenience!

The T’yangaman turned back to the Gypsies. “There, you see? They can be reasonable. Now, I’m sure we can talk about this like Gentle….”

His voice was cut off by a burbling sound, and his red-black blood was seen filling his mouth. Two daggers had appeared in his back by the time he was falling forward, bloody and already dead. Daggers with raven talons on them. Then, suddenly, the daggers vanished, and blood poured from his wounds like wine from a broken cask.

Music in this Chapter:
Dignity by Green Druid from the Podsafe Music Network

 

 Heart of the Hunter Chapter 9 [20:13m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

“There are words that you travel on the Long Ride.” came the voice of the woman in the shadow, who must be Corinne. The redolent scent of honeysuckle danced along the breeze from where she stood. But his eyes made out her ample, curvaceous form, the turn of her leg. And nothing else. She was playing close to the edge of what the Women’s Circle would accept, placing herself in so close proximity to him without a chaperone. But by not identifying herself, or speaking his name, things remained in the realm of the deniable. But just barely.
Auryn nodded, eyes gazing off to the middle distance. “There are those who know the past very well. Some of us have lost brothers to the threat. The threat must be dealt with.”
“And yet, when one’s brother is already lost, is it then time to lose one’s love?” Corinne said.
“There is more at stake than just one person. There is a need. The Fatana have decreed….” Auyrn began.
But she interrupted him. “The Valiste are not marionettes, to dance to the Gods’ tunes. We are the fiddlers, not the throng.”

Music in this Chapter:
Dignity by Green Druid
Crossroads, Mindmixing and Fangorn the Forest by B. Lindner
Krakatoa by Clouseaux
Midnight Wednesday by Dave Howard

 

 Heart of the Hunter Chapter 8 [32:42m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Please enjoy Chapter 7.

Darda closed his eyes, a wave of sadness cresting over him. “Yes, I See it.” he said quietly. When his eyes opened again, they were full of anger. “The Rabid Dog must be put down, Auryn Singer. The blood of Yahn is on his hands, yes. But he threatens us all. You were the last of us both to sense him true. Can you reach out with your Sight and find him? Or have you grown lapsed in your learning, being away from the People for so long?”
“Father. I…I will try.”

Music in this Chapter:
Dignity by Green Druid
Crossroads, Mindmixing and Fangorn the Forest by B. Lindner
Krakatoa by Clouseaux
Midnight Wednesday by Dave Howard

 

 Heart of the Hunter Chapter 7 [27:26m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Please enjoy Chapter 6 of Heart of the Hunter.

The river-hawk gave its cry as it rode the warm morning breeze down to a perch set aside just for his use. His wings ached from the long flight, but his duty had been made clear to him. The hawk settled on the perch, tucking his wings in perfectly, respectfully waiting to be recognized.
…
“I bring news from the Watcher to the South, Greenward.” The raptor sent.
“This one listens to you, brother hawk.” The Greenward sent back.
The hawk’s eyes were clear and penetrating. “The two-legs from the city come, on four-legs riding and pulled, and follow the river path.”
The Warder nodded. “Has the swamp witch noticed them yet?”
“Uncertain. The eaters of the dead have, however.” The Greenward nodded, understanding that the bird meant the Gnaeltongues, who often ate carrion and their own dead.
“And their number grows daily, as their hunting parties plunder further South from the Wastes.” the Greenward said.
“Winds are changing.” The hawk sent.
The Greenward sighed and looked out into the forest. “Yes. And mayhaps now they turn the way we wish them.”

Music in this Chapter:
Dignity by Green Druid
Crossroads, Mindmixing and Fangorn the Forest by B. Lindner
Krakatoa by Clouseaux
Midnight Wednesday by Dave Howard

 

 Heart of the Hunter Chapter 6 [22:48m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Please enjoy Chapter 5.

“How do you know this, Auryn?” Peter said, looking skeptical atop his horse.
“Suffice it that I know, for now Sergeant. It is a certainty.” Auryn said quietly, but very sincerely.
Peter nodded, accepting what he said. “Very well. Miss Shandra, I think it’d be best if…”
The door slammed shut, the sound of a heavy bolt being thrown followed, and the sobbing increased within the stone outpost.
Peter turned to Gar. “Gar, see if Master Factor’s awake. We need to have a talk, he and I.”
The Sydalian nodded and went to fetch the Erendani Factor.
Peter turned back to Alobar. “Brother, could you see if you could get the girl to talk to you, calm her down some?”
“I’ll do what I can, given that she’s now in distress. Was it absolutely necessary to tell her so sharply, wunjo?” Alobar asked, frustration in his voice.
“I thought you Alors were wedded to the truth, Brother. That’s all I gave her.” Auryn said, defensive.
“There is truth, and there is cruelty. And there is no way to tell whether your so-called Second Sight is accurate or no….” Alobar began.
“Don’t belittle my Blood, Brother, and I won’t douse your Light.” Auryn hissed.
“That’s enough, soldiers. Listen to me. It’d be nice to sleep indoors tonight. We have many miles ahead of us.”
Music in this Chapter:
Dignity by Green Druid
Crossroads, Mindmixing and Fangorn the Forest by B. Lindner
Krakatoa by Clouseaux
Midnight Wednesday by Dave Howard

 

 Heart of the Hunter 5 [24:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Welcome to Chapter 4!

The arrow flew past Auryn, wide to the left, and vanished into the darkness. Another followed the first, more narrowly missing the Gypsy.
Auryn had already drawn his pistol; now he futzed the chargestone, and shot back. He knew that none of his people were in that direction, and even if he didn’t hit anyone, the magic-charged gun would make enough noise to start waking the others.
The bullet burned with a white light as it flew into the darkness, illuminating two pair of reptillian eyes and a scaley snout. The sudden illumination made unnatural shadows in the trees until it vanished, burned out.

Music in this Chapter:
Dignity by Green Druid
Crossroads, Mindmixing and Fangorn the Forest by B. Lindner
Krakatoa by Clouseaux
Midnight Wednesday by Dave Howard

 

 Heart of the Hunter Chapter 4 [19:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Welcome to Chapter 3

Peter finished a bite and swallowed some of the Sydalian cider the teamsters had brought out. “Yeah, OK, Jurgen. But here’s the thing. Seems as though we’re dealing with two separate threats here. Gnaeltongues don’t much go in for wine – they’re more for Erendani whiskey if anything. So we’re talking about so-called civilized folk here too. Bandits.” Peter said.
“Mad Jack.” Auryn said simply.
“You think? I thought Jojo Dogface took him out.” Raven said between mouthfuls of Sydal roll.
Auryn turned back to the impression left by the two Sydalian bodies in the courtyard. Focusing on the light between the shadows of the campfire, he stared into the middle distance. Soon an image came to him. A man, covered in tattoos, bald, with a black and silver scabbard at his hip formed in his view.

Music in this Chapter
Dignity by Green Druid
Crossroads, Mindmixing and Fangorn the Forest by B. Lindner
Krakatoa by Clouseaux
Midnight Wednesday by Dave Howard

 

 Heart of the Hunter Chapter 3 [24:59m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

“Master Chief, with all due respect.” Peter began.

“Sergeant, you know how things are. This isn’t any different than, say, the Amishkan run. They’ve got Factors on them, too. You know what is said and what is done are two different things.” Hornboot said.
“I ain’t taking kindly to the idea of following that little wick-nipper’s orders, Master Chief. And I don’t let people second guess who’s in command. It’s gotta be clear. We’re goin’ to be all alone in the middle of nowhere, and whether or not someone obeys…” Peter replied.
“I get ya, I get ya Sarge. Look, it’s like this. The Company doesn’t care at all what happens when you’re out in the bush. We’ll back you up. When push comes to shove, it’s your butt on the line, and we all respect that. The Old Man knows what a pain the Erendani can be …he IS one after all. But on the other hand, these gentlemen have spent a lot of coin on this enterprise….” Hornboot said.
Peter considered. “You couldn’t see it by me. Look at what we have? Three soldiers, a healer. That’s it! If you’re really putting money into this, you gotta do it right.”
Hornboot raised a hand. “I hear you. But you have to realize something. This is the best money could buy. Do you know how many merc companies turned them down before they came to us? And they came to us because we know how to attract the offbeat types. The freebooters. The adventurers. Folks who won’t run off at the first sign of trouble. Folks who have some stones. Not some half-hearted half-wit soldier, or gods forbid, some stuck-up, self-serving Knight…”

Music in this Chapter:
Dignity by Green Druid
Crossroads, Mindmixing and Fangorn the Forest by B. Lindner
Krakatoa by Clouseaux
Midnight Wednesday by Dave Howard

 

 Heart of the Hunter 2 [24:20m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Attached please find a Heart of the Hunter promo! Let me know what you think!

 

 Heart of the Hunter Promo: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This is where it all begins.

Auryn nodded, and declaimed in a strong, clear voice. “But the river is the least of the worries. There be the Gnaeltongues, and some say Mad Jack’s bandits, and worse. The River Road’s the only way North to Irontown, and they ain’t got any real goods since summer last, isn’t that true?”

Graham nearly swore, but instead just looked up at the man and grinned. “You be well informed, that I’ll give ye. As I told the man before ye, I can’t say the nature of the work. But it’s all there on the job card. Danger pay, long round trip. Mercantile guarding. Experienced personnel only. So what have you got?”

 

 Heart of the Hunter Chapter 1 [32:20m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download