sraeb are no longer a threat to our existence thanks to my son’s efforts at controlling the population."
"Prince Katar and I spoke of that, last evening.” The Commander said, “He explained the difficulty you've been having for so long." The Commander turned his gaze on Katar who was seated across from him. "You've been personally hunting these creatures for over 10 years now. Why haven't you been able to eliminate them?"
"Our goal is not the extinction of the species, Commander. The sraeb have as much right to exist as we do. We are simply trying to control the population.” Katar answered as Cap began to fidget beside him. The mention of hunting caused Cap great difficulty as he struggled to keep his opinions to himself. Not wanting to offend their guest his first night in the city.
Katar continued, “As you stated it has been more than 15 years since the elk population became diseased. Nearly the entire herd perished. The Sraebs being carnivorous only during 'Frenzy', a time of crazed feeding for the beasts, found their main food source gone. The extra layers of fat the animals acquire during this time are necessary for their winter hibernation and survival. So they were forced to come down from the mountains in search of food. We lost hundreds civilians before we were able to push them back into the mountains." Katar glanced at his mother as the memory of his father’s death flared in his mind. He pushed it aside and continued, "Since then the elk population has grown, very slowly. We've had to compensate with the hunting parties."
"I for one am looking forward to the next three weeks." Connor answered, "I understand you're an exceptional woodsman, Your Highness.”
"I suppose I should be. I've been hunting since I was 10 years old.” Katar replied, undaunted by the Commander's disinterest in the background of the hunts. He began to wonder what kind of man Connor truly was.
"I understand that you had quite an experience on your last trip to the Northern Mountains, Commander." Cap challenged, fighting his growing dislike for the Bantorian. "You lost two of your men and almost got yourself killed."
Turning to study the Air Forces Commander, a menacing smile appeared on Commander Connor's face and his brown eyes grew darker as he explained. "It was my mistake, going into the mountains during ‘frenzy’. Although I assure you, my life was never at risk. Unfortunately my companions were not as skilled at self-preservation as I. I was only able to save one of them when the sraeb attacked." His smile grew as their eyes locked.
Amused by the instant dislike between the two large men, Katar decided it could prove to be an interesting journey to the Summit. "Well Commander you don't have to worry about that this time of the year." Katar interrupted, drawing his attention away from Cap. "We will be lucky to find one large male. Most are still in hibernation. The third week of the hunt should bring larger game as we near the Western Chasm."
The conversation turned to the upcoming Summit and continued until the end of the meal. Shortly afterward Cap took his leave, claiming the need for further preparation. Katar knew there was nothing more to be done. He figured his friend had reached his fill of the Bantorian Commander and bid him good night. As the Queer took Commander Connor on twilight a tour of her garden, the pale gray sky turned into a palette of pink and purple hues until it grew dark allowing an occasional star twinkle through its thickness.
Returning to his suite Katar placed a call to Enda's attorney's and advanced them enough money to cover her current debts. As he retired for the night his thoughts went to Cap's warning of the Bantorian. It was unusual for Cap to take an instant dislike to someone. Still, Katar had to admit there was a presence about the Commander. He emanated a sense of supremacy and his answer to Cap's inquiry had been unusual. No one who had experienced a sraeb hunt would ever consider themselves completely exempt from death.
The dawn found the small party leaving the city on horseback. Bosen May the plump blacksmith and Eades Long, the tall, stout Captain of the Queen's Guard brought up the rear of the procession. As the sun rose behind the clouds they headed deep into the mountains. The first few days they concentrated on reaching the lodge deep within the mountains. They were