journey into the savage realms

God of the Mountain

by Willard Black

Redgar reclined on a pile of silken pillows, his feet stacked on a low table, a flagon of good Ashurian wine in one hand and two Mai Nu girls on either side. He was a giant of a man with a mane of wild hair, broad shoulders and powerful limbs. The other patrons threw curious glances in his direction. Most had never seen a Hathor Before. As remarkable as the man was, his sword was even more impressive. It was a massive weapon, almost as long as Redgar was tall, with a blade two hands wide. Eldritch runes etched in the battle-scarred steel.

   The small playhouse was crowded with Suks, Ashurians and the occasional dark skinned Keshite. It smelled like strong tobacco and stale piss. The show was a better than average rendition of Lillis on the Water and the actors weren’t shy. The crowd cheered at the nude parts.

   A Rhaji man walked in and caught Redgar’s eye. He wasn’t the type normally found in a bawdy playhouse. His grey beard was neatly trimmed, he wore expensive silks and gold rings on every finger. He pressed a handkerchief to his nose and scanned the crowd. His eyes fell on Redgar and he started over.

   Redgar passed silver to his companions and they moved off in search of another dupe with too much coin and drink. The Rhaji man took their place and spoke through the perfumed handkerchief. “They say you are a man skilled at finding lost things and that you have some experience with a blade.”

   Redgar took a swig from his flagon. No sense answering. The Rhaji would get around to what he wanted sooner or later. Redgar waited him out.

   When it was obvious the barbarian wasn’t going to answer, the Rhaji said, “I am Ivashek. I have need of a man such as yourself.”

   “How much?” Redgar asked.

   “One hundred gold sovereigns,” said Ivashek.

   “A princely sum,” Redgar said. “Who do you want killed?”

   Ivashek shook his head. “I have no need of an assassin.”

   “Then what do you want, man?” Redgar thrust his chin at the actors on stage. “It’s getting to the good part.”

   “To the west, beyond the Thygara River, lay the vast and untamed jungle kingdoms of Kesh. There you will find a volcano, called Unmaktu, which the Keshite people regard as sacred. At the foot of the volcano, is an ancient temple to the deity Okah-ha where the pagan Keshites practice all manner of vile deed in service to their dark gods. Until recently, they kept their devilry inside their own borders.”

   Redgar snorted. Here was a Rhaji speaking ill of the Keshite gods when the Rhaji had more gods than you could count on both hands.

  Ivashek signaled a serving girl for wine and continued, “The belly of the great volcano rumbles and the Keshite people must pacify their god with the blood of a virgin.”

  Ivashek paused, waiting for Redgar to express outrage, but he only grunted. He wasn’t particularly impressed. He had heard worse. Hell, he’d done worse.

   “Three days ago,” Ivashek said, “Keshite warriors raided a ship bound for the Tsu Chao Isles. They put the crew to the sword and escaped with twelve prisoners. The captives have been taken into the dark heart of the Kesh jungle to be sacrificed on the night of the new moon in one week’s time.” He leaned forward. “My daughter is among them.”

   “You want me to fetch her for you,” Redgar said.

   He inclined his head.

   “And the other captives?” Redgar asked.

   “Save them if you must, I care only for my daughter,” Ivashek said. “I told her this journey would end in disaster, but she is headstrong and foolish. Still, she is my daughter. Save her, and you will be richly rewarded.”

   Redgar said, “Put half the coin on the table.”

   Ivashek snorted. “How do I know you won’t disappear with my money? I’ll give you ten gold now. The rest you will get after you have saved Natali.” He dropped a purse on the table.

   Redgar heard the satisfying clink of coin. “How will I recognize her?”

  Ivashek took a locket on a gold chain from around his neck and showed Redgar a small painting of a Rhaji girl with dark eyes and white teeth. “My daughter, Natali.”