Feline raids

Writers: Devin, Paula
Date Posted: 30th April 2008

Characters: Alrog, Zanen
Description: Alrog asks Zanens help, because his mining camp has been raided by wild felines.
Location: Garnet Valley Hold
Date: month 9, day 23 of Turn 4

"Are you Zanen, the hunter?" the young mineholder asked from the older man.

"Yes, I am."

"Good, then you're just the man I needed to talk to. You're still interested in felines? Alrog said.

"Yes." Zanen's eyes widened slightly with interest.

"Good," Alrog grinned. "I have a mining camp up in the mountains, and they have had problems with felines," the young holder told him.

"Ahh. A new camp, or an old one?" Zanen asked.

"Old one, it's been there for two turns now. The mountain path there is steep and they rely on their draftbeasts as only mean of transportation. But felines also like their draftbeasts, as a food source.
They are miners, not hunters, they don't know what to do."

"Ah." Zanen nodded. "Then it might be a case of the felines moving in, instead of the miners moving into feline territory. Like the other problems we've been having.

"I can go take a look at the camp whenever you have time to take me up there," Zanen said.

"That would be greatly appreciated," Alrog said gratefully.

~~*~~

The path thru mountains was steep and narrow but the bests that carry them towards the mining camp were surefooted and used to it. Snow still blocked the higher passages.
"It not long now," Alrog said and pulled his scarf tighter against the cold mountain wind. "Just around the bend and we come to the valley were the mine is."

"Alright." Zanen looked around, taking note of the landscape. It was a good area for felines to make an attack. He glanced back to check on Fang and Silver, trotting along behind the runners. They were curious, but not wary. There was no sign of danger.

The path turned and took them past the mountain side. Below them was narrow valley, almost a mere ravine. A river, still cover with ice, run thru the bottom. The miner's lived in a cave, their beast were held on a fenced pasture on the river's shore. A miner spotted them and yelled a greeting, Alrog replied to it.

Zanen held up his hand in greeting. "How many live here?" he asked Alrog.

"About a dozen miners. The exact number varies a bit, based on who gets tired of rough camping," Alrog replied with a small smile. "Nine at the moment," he continued.

"Small group, then. I can see why you're concerned. Losing even one beast would be taking a hard hit," Zanen said.

Alrog nodded and introduced the hunter to the journeyman who led the mining operation. An apprentice appeared and took their beasts.

"How many beasts have you lost so far, and where and how were they taken?"
the hunter asked.

"Two, plus one injured. They were taken at night, and the fence didn't seem to stop them," the journeyman replied. "The rest of the herd was spooked and skittish."

Zanen put a hand to his chin and nodded. "Could you show me the place where they were attacked? The more details I have, the better I'll be able to figure out if one or more felines are involved and what their hunting habits are. It might take a few days, or even sevendays, but I'll take care of this feline."

The journeyman nodded and let them to the river bank, and the fenced pasture. Someone had tried to raise then fence with thorned branches.
About here," the journeyman pointed the corner next to river. "The track's been lost by snow and trampling feet, I'm afraid. We think they come across the river."

Zanen called his canines over and had them sniff around the area trying to pick up a scent. "If you don't mind, I'll sit out here tonight and see if we can catch it in the act."

"I have work to do at the hold, so I have to get back now. But I'm sure the miners are more than happy to offer you their hospitality," Alrog said.

"Aye,you're welcome to stay with us as long as it's needed," thejourneyman cracked into a big smile. "The cave where we live may be bit rough but it's warm."

"As long as my canines can stay with me, I've got no problem at all,"
Zanen said.

"Hey, if your canines can keep those pesky felines away, we'll give them a treat," the miner promised.

Last updated on the May 1st 2008

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Feline raids