Yanoku City: Summer of the red moon. One week before the Hunt.

The Administrative District of Yanoku houses two prominent religious figures. The first is the church of Dhobor, the Maker. The second is Ulmir, the Hunter God. During the Festival of the First Hunt, people gather from every corner of the Kozagan Desert to celebrate unity.

One week before Ulmir’s Gate is opened. The city organizes a sacrificial ceremony. The sacrifice is made to quell Ulmir’s anger, to reduce the chances of sentient monsters crossing the Gate. After Zedd brought the star back to Alistair, the former asked him to join him at the celebration.

Zedd stood next to Alistair in the street leading to the house of Ulmir. Most nobles and leaders of factions in the Kozagan Desert assembled at the temple to celebrate the First Hunt. Zedd, being Alistair’s guest, was invited to assist to the Ritual of Sacrifice. Alistair represented the Guild on Viraldo’s behalf. They were both seated in the front row. The Hunters’ Guild was doing Ulmir’s job, ridding the world of the beasts He hunted.

“Your decision to bring the witch along is quite unpopular friend,” Alistair said under his breath. Yanoku’s chancellor was giving his usual long speech about unity and acceptance towards others.

“I don’t care for popularity friend. That witch is my guest. She is under my control. I will take responsibility for whatever she may cause.”

“What would we do with your responsibility if she ends up creating chaos in the city?” Alistair asked.

With a wave of his hand, Zedd dismissed Al’s concerns. “It won’t come to that. I have my ways of controlling her.”

“You’re quite confident in your ability to keep her at bay.”

“It is not about control, but more about intimidation. The witch won’t cause you any problems anymore. You have my word. “

“And what about the mess you caused outside Sendra?” Alistair asked. He looked uptight ever since the two of them met a day back.

“What of it?” Zedd retorted. “They were bandits. They attacked me, I killed them.”

“That’s not what the news said,” Alistair wasn’t going to let go of the matter.

“I may have let one of the bandits escape. I needed some media coverage on this side of the ocean,” Zedd nonchalantly said.

“You’re a strange one friend. Once can’t begin to understand what you really think.” Alistair’s words sounded like a compliment. But they betrayed his mistrust. Zedd wasn’t going to let that detail go unnoticed.

“Why does this chancellor speak on behalf of Gods he never met? Yanoku has gone soft Al,” he said, trying to change the subject. Al had spoken his mind. There was no need for Zedd to pursue the matter any further.

“What do you know about Yanoku? About its Gods?” the hunter asked, intrigued and somewhat irritated.

“I was born here. All these Gods, their blessings and curses, I know all about them.”

Zedd’s answer left Alistair speechless. A man with his capabilities can never go unnoticed in the city of a hundred guilds. “Whose son are you?”

“No one important,” Zedd answered in his usual nonchalant way. “In any case, you won’t know my family even if you spend the entire month reading the city’s archives.”

“You’re a mysterious man Zedd. I have to be honest with you, I don’t like mysterious people.”

“But you like my usefulness.”

“That I do. We would never have retrieved the star if it weren’t for you. I’ll be eternally grateful for the service you’ve done us.”

“Let’s not fool ourselves Al. You did me a kindness, I repaid it. You’ve been taking care of administrative manners in the guild for so long. You’ve gotten used to diplomacy. I don’t like diplomacy. Tell me what’s really bothering you. Why did you invite me to this boring event today?”

As the chancellor’s speech kept hypnotizing its audience, Alistair stared at the young man next to him. The old man fidgeted with his long white robe while thinking of how to phrase his question. “I’m telling you friend,” Zedd broke the silence. “You can’t cause me any offense, no matter what.”

“I’m curious,” Alistair said. “I’m the intelligence officer of the Three Headed Dragon. Yet, I have never heard of someone with your skills being born in this city. Surely, you could be useful to whoever manages to win your services. As far as I can tell, nobody’s ever heard of you. Not even Dismas of the Underworld.”

“I can tell you,” Zedd looked at his friend with a mischievous smile, “for a price.”

The old man raised an eyebrow while casting a side glance at Zedd. He knew of his friend’s habits, how he liked provoking everybody.

“I’m a reasonable man Al. All I want is to take part in the Hunt.”

“Only natives can take part in the hunt,” Alistair had had enough of Zedd’s provocative manners.

“And I am a native, friend. I can prove it to you, as long as you promise to get me access to Ulmir’s Gate.”

“What do you hope to gain from taking part in the Hunt?”

“That’s something I cannot tell you. So what will it be?”

“I can’t guarantee anything. It all depends on master.”

‘You lie!’ Zedd thought. “After I’m done telling you my story, you won’t need to convince the old man.”

“Very well, come to my office after the sacrifice is over. I’ve seen enough of you to get this old man curious. I’ll listen to your story.”

With a triumphant smile, Zedd nodded at Alistair then pretended to listen to the Chancellor’s boring speech. “I have some errands to run after this. I’ll come find you in your office when you’re alone,” he said after a moment’s silence.

The Chancellor’s speech went on: “There are five prominent gods in the Kozagan Desert. Their temples are scattered all around the sandy lands and beyond. The festival of the First Hunt celebrates unity between the gods. According to Athagar’s tales, Ulmir, the Hunter God, saved the other four from a great calamity.

“The mischievous Devil had manipulated the five Gods into waging a destructive war that destroyed lush land of Kozag, reducing it to the desert we know and love today. The war lasted several decades. Life was destroyed. The remaining people hid in caves, in hopes that the war would bring the age of Gods to an end. Abnormal monsters were created to fight on behalf of the Gods in their never-ending war.

“Ulmir, in his wisdom, decided to hunt the Malignant Dragon that threatened all life on earth. It was the first time a God had decided to personally take part in mundane affairs. The dragon’s blood filled the earth, nourishing it. Its flesh was given to the peoples of Kozag, feeding the hungry, offering them salvation.

“From death sprouted life. The Gods realized their error and united against the devil that threatened to destroy the world they worked so hard to build. The devil was subdued and banished to a world between worlds, neither dead nor alive.

“Since that day, we celebrate the First Hunt as a sign of unity and peace. Today, our champions fight to re-enact the First Hunt. The sacrifice represents our gratitude towards Ulmir. As our savior, we acknowledge him as the wise God thanks to whom our land still flourishes.”

After the speech, the ceremonial procession started. All honored guests were led into the city’s arena. Zedd was seated next to his friend in the front row, next to the nobles and other faction leaders. Five champions, representing the Gods, will have to fight to the death. Zedd observed the fighters with keen eyes. “That boy with the axes, who does he represent?” he asked Alistair.

“His name is Cane Mos. He represents Ulmir.”

“So he’s one of your boys then?”

“No he’s not. He’s an outcast,” Alistair bitterly answered.

“Did the Three Headed Dragon lose its place to an outcast?” Zedd was surprised at Alistair’s answer.

Ulmir’s champion always stemmed from the Hunters’ Guild. The fact that a young man could take the Three Headed Dragon’s place at representing the Hunter God was unheard of.

“He was a hunter once, an outcast now. He has a tendency to overdo things. You’ll see soon enough. He personally sought the chancellor to ask for a chance to take part in the sacrificial ritual,” Alistair explained.

“Then who lost their place to this fascinating individual?” Zedd asked.

“The boy worships Ulmir, The house of Ulmir finally accepted to give him their place at the ceremony. Outcast or not, they said that Ulmir loves all his creations. Viraldo didn’t object. The empire is preparing to move west. I think the master was happy to leave his hunters out of this one.”

“Were the hunters as happy as their master I wonder?” Zedd mumbled.

He was finally excited to watch a good show. The young warrior in front of him seemed strong. He had a special knack for sensing individuals with considerable power. ‘If this boy triumphs, I’ll need to recruit him to my cause, no matter the cost.’

“The ceremony will start now. We’ll talk after the Chancellor’s speech.” Alistair turned towards the five champions, observing them with calculating eyes.

“Another one?! This man really loves talking.” Zedd crossed his arms, frustrated at the delay in beginning the battle.

On the arena’s right side, a high structure was built to accommodate the chancellor and his guests of honor. Warriors with war paint on their faces stood behind the guests. They held drums that extended from their hips to their feet. The chancellor got up then raised his right hand.

Drums were beaten, silence fell over the arena. Each warrior came forward, presented his weapon to the statues of the Gods then retreated. First was a man called Gerard, he presented his sword and shield then offered them to the Goddess of Fertility Aella.

A woman called Greta came second, clad in leather armor. On one hand she held a large oblong shield. On the other she held a spear. A red plume was attached to the spear head, a symbol of her affiliation to the God of Fire Na’ar. She didn’t wear a helmet though. Her short black hair couldn’t conceal her missing ears, causing many whispers among the audience.

Third, a halberd wielding man came. He towered over the other champions. His bare torso showed his strong muscles. Like a giant, he presented his weapon to Osimir, the God of Sea, then retreated without a word.

“That’s Gedel,” Alistair said, noticing Zedd’s intrigue. “He’s been Osimir’s champion for almost a decade. Today he removed his armor in hopes of joining Osimir as one of his Fish Folk.”

“I wish Gedel a swift death then,” Zedd commented, still eyeing the young man called Cane.

A young man came next. He held a great sword in his hand which he presented to Adle, the God of Justice. “I offer thee my sword. Let thy servant die in glory, and join thy ranks as an angel of death.”

Cheers filled the arena as the young man spoke. “That’s Herius, a noble’s son. He went to fight without his father’s consent,” Alistair explained.

“Rebellious children are the worst,” Black Eyes commented. “Which family?” he asked.

“He’s the son of Lucius the-“

“Perfume artist, I know. That man has the gods on his side, but not yours.”

“What do you mean?” Alistair asked. “Why do you like speaking in riddles?”

“Not now friend, my favorite champion is about to come forward.”

Cane came forward, an axe in each hand. He wore leather greaves and leather wristbands. His upper torso was also bare, but he wore a bull helmet that concealed his face. The man was as tall as Gedel.

“What a big bear!” Zedd said in admiration. “Do you think he’s fast despite his weight? Please tell me he doesn’t rely just on his brutish force.”

“I’ve seen him fight once. Just you wait, his skills will surprise you.”

“Does that mean that you’ll cheer for him too?” Zedd asked, like an excited child.

“No, my money’s for Gerard. We call him the Jackal. He’s a careful fighter, stings where it hurts then distances himself from his opponent: deadly tactic for tiring big beasts.”

“Will you bet on it?” Zedd asked. “No scratch that. I’ll make a prophecy, for I am good at those.”

“What are you not good at Zedd?” Al asked.

“At getting my prophecies to come true!” he exclaimed. He hurled his head backwards and roared in laughter.

“You’re a funny one,” Alistair said with gritted teeth. “What’s your bet?” he asked, annoyed at his friend’s strange sense of humor.

“Prophecy.”

“What’s your prophecy?” Al asked again, after a long sigh.

“I predict that my friend Cane over there will slice your Jackal’s neck.”

“What would I gain if that doesn’t happen?”

“You set your price friend. You had something to ask me, had you not? If my prophecy comes true, then you’ll do everything in your power to let me join the Hunt.”

“I don’t like gambling, but I have a favor to ask of you. I’ll play along. The Jackal can’t be defeated so easily.”

“Very well then, enjoy the fight and may the better fighter slice the other’s neck.”

After the presentation was done, the chancellor stood up and gave the signal to start the ceremony. Drums were beaten harder. The warriors took place, ready to lunge at each other. The drums stopped then the chancellor’s voice rung throughout the place.

“The rules are simple. You will fight to the death. The first one to die will be our sacrifice to the Gods. Fight well for our Gods are watching you. Death is not the end, it is only the beginning. Our Gods, in their wisdom, will invite you to run wild in their realms, forever free from the worries our mundane world imposes on us. Now, fight!” With a downward motion of his right arm, the chancellor announced the beginning of the ceremony.

Cane was the first one to lunge forward. Axes in both hands, he came at the closest warrior. “Oh boy, I have a feeling the ceremony will be over quickly,” Zedd said, still excited to see what the young man was really capable of.

“Don’t underestimate the Jackal. No one here’s willing to throw their life away so easily,” Alistair was also observing the two warriors. Cane filled him with dread. He was an unpredictable man.

The Jackal had a sword on one hand and a shield on the other. The first swing came from Cane. With a heavy thump, the axe got stuck in the shield. The Jackal brought the shield closer to his body and charged at the unpredictable young man.

“At close range, this kind of charge will throw the boy off-guard. The fight will indeed finish quickly.” Alistair leaned forward to have a better look at the fight.

Cane freed his hand from the stuck axe then stopped his charging opponent.

“What unnatural strength!” Alistair exclaimed. “He managed to stop a charging opponent with one hand!”

The two champions struggled in that position. Their fight was brought to a short halt. Gerard pushed Cane backwards while the latter tried to block the sword swings that came from behind the shield.

Other gasps filled the arena. Another fight was taking place a few feet away. Two champions were ganging up on another while the Jackal and Cane struggled. Gedel, the lone fighter, had managed to evade the other two’s attacks and injured Herius, the noble’s son, in the process.

“Looks like there’s another skilled fighter in there,” Zedd said. “This ceremony brings the best out of people.”

“If we don’t put up a good fight for the Gods, how are we supposed to show that we deserve their company?” Alistair asked, still observing The Jackal and Cane struggling.

“I love religion. People do crazy things in the names of Gods.”

“Don’t let anyone hear you say that friend. People don’t take too kindly to the ones who mock their beliefs.” Alistair’s tone was solemn, almost reprimanding.

“I’m not mocking anyone friend. I admire the strength people acquire when they fight for a cause. But what would remain once that cause dissipates?” Zedd asked.

“That’s the greatest curse the Gods can inflict upon you. May Osimir guide our way,” Alistair commented.

“Gedel is strong. His halberd has the reach and the destructive power Herius’ sword doesn’t. It was wise of those two to team up against him,” Zedd was analyzing the fight.

Gasps filled the arena another time. Herius was knocked unconscious. Cane had managed to strip the Jackal of his shield then flung it aside. The shield hit Herius in the head, knocking him out cold.

“That boy will have to live with the shame of losing consciousness during the ritual,” Alistair commented. “His father won’t be too happy about that.”

“He’ll be happy to have his son return to him alive. Time will erase the shame. Things will move faster now that there are only four champions fighting. I still don’t see your Jackal gaining the upper hand though. Cane is almost toying with your favorite champion. Does he have any ace up his sleeve? It’s now or never.”

“Cane is insanely strong. Everybody knows that. But Gerard is an experienced warrior, he won’t go down easily.”

Zedd, not taking his eyes off the fighting champions, nodded. “He’s also quick on his feet. Cane hasn’t landed a single hit on your Jackal Al. Do you know why?”

Fidgeting with his hands, Alistair looked at the smiling Zedd. “He hasn’t attacked yet. He’s just been running around Gerard to wear him down. Without his shield, Gerard can’t use his hit and run tactics. Has he lost his temper so quickly?”

“Heh…heh… heh… That boy is crazy. I like crazy.” Zedd’s smile expanded. “He used your favorite champion’s tactic against him. He’s as big as a bear but he’s surprisingly agile.”

Cane had been dodging Gerard’s attacks since he took the shield away. Missed attacks drain more energy and stamina. In the end, the Jackal was panting, struggling to hold up his sword.

Just as the unpredictable boy was about to finish his opponent, Greta joined the fight.

“That one wasn’t too happy her friend got knocked out,” Alistair said. “I think your favorite will join Ulmir after all.”

Noticing the opportunity, Gedel charged in.

“Gedel’s angry too, Cane ruined his opportunity to die,” Alistair said. “That doesn’t bode well…”

Cane was surrounded. He had to defend against three skilled fighters. ‘One has a sword. The other has a spear and a buckler. The third has a halberd. How will you get out of this one young man? Don’t disappoint me.’ Zedd was surprised to find himself cheering for a stranger.

In the meantime, the trio had surrounded Cane then slowly backed him up against the circular walls of the arena. ‘Once their offensive starts, the outcome of the fight will be decided,’ Zedd thought. He was anxious to see Cane triumph.

It was the spear wielding woman who made the first step. The other two followed suit. The action happened too fast for ordinary eyes to fully comprehend what happened. What people saw was the Jackal, lying down on the ground while blood poured out of his sliced neck.

“What in Ulmir’s name happened?” Alistair exclaimed.

“I won!” Zedd jumped to his feet, arms outstretched. “I fucking won! My prophecy came true!” He was beside himself with excitement.

“Care to explain?” Alistair asked, annoyed at his friend’s euphoria. “And tone it down a bit will ya? Others are watching.”

“Apologies,” Zedd said loud enough for the audience to hear. After he regained his composure, Zedd sat down and started explaining. “Cane avoided the spear thrust in an ingenious way. The wound on your favorite’s neck was self-inflicted. Look at Cane’s axe.”

Alistair noticed the broken weapon. The axe was completely shattered. “What happened?”

“The boy managed to step on the spear, lodging it in the ground. Then the halberd and the sword came at the same time. Cane hit the halberd with all his strength, shattering his weapon in the process.

“That impact was enough to change the weapon’s course, intercepting your Jackal’s swing. Unfortunately for your friend, the deflected sword hit him right in the neck. That boy is reckless, crazy. I love how he fights.”

Drums were beaten again, announcing that the ceremony had come to an end. The chancellor stood up, thanked the fighters for their spirit then dismissed them.

“Tonight, we shall celebrate peace between our races. Let the mead flow in the streets. Let the music fill our hearts. Let us eat and drink to peace, and to our benevolent Gods who look after us,” The Chancellor said. Cheers filled the arena then people started leaving.

“We shall talk tonight,” Zedd said. “We have a week before the Gate opens. I believe your master will let me participate.”

“That depends on what you’ll tell me tonight friend. I wish you good fortune. May Ulmir keep your head strong.” Alistair extended his hand towards Zedd.

“May Osimir light your darkest nights,” Zedd replied. Both men shook hands before taking leave of each other.