Gentleman’s Guide to Fantastic Beasts 59

Gentleman’s Guide to Fantastic Beasts 59

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Wordcount: 2500

Commissioned by Sivantic.

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I assisted in the construction of the new town, as I did with the old one.

First, of course, was the matter of water and shelter.

They chose a wide river valley to make their home. They ventured up and down its length to determine its source and exit and found it led underground, while upstream it flowed through the mountains for days. Life grew along the river banks, small hills, and there even cave systems found in a few mountains, with the sound of water running within them. Traces of river flooding were found, as well, along with small river-formed lakes, many meters deep.

Thankfully, the water was clean, but I insisted on any used for drinking to be boiled and for patrols to be sent upriver to check for any carcasses. The securing of smaller lakes as reservoirs were also important. For waste water, they chose a nearby cave system for disposal, and with it in mind I carved out a simple flowing line of water from the river through the town that carried waste into that cavern. The channel went through a bathhouse and then flowed out into latrines where the water took away the refuse with already dirtied water.

Drinking and cleaning water was taken to be heated first.

That alleviated my concerns and allowed me to move onward to shelter.

They were smart and found an elevated piece of land to construct the town upon, while also working to create walls of stone to guide the river waters away from degrading the foundation. While most lived in the ships, now bereft of their ability to fly, deposits of clay were found close by that were good for making bricks. Combined with abundant limestone in the areas that facilitated the making of mortar with water and sand, long brick houses they called keeps were being constructed.

In the meantime, we bought tents from the As’Kari and wood was used to reinforce them as shelters. After a few days, we learned that rain was common and gutters were needed, as well as covers for the kilns. Still water after the rains was mopped up or whisked away, but in the future gutters would be needed and the town shaped so that the water would flow off with gentle slopes. Since so many ate the flesh of monsters in the village, practically everyone had to in order to survive once cast out by the Empire, they were hardy enough that the rain and labor didn’t cause too much sickness. Beyond some fevers that were overcome with some rest and additional food, the matter was solved, and before the next season we would have the long brick longhouses built with plenty of space for all within it.

Food was the next issue.

The rations in the hulls that we received were good for almost three years under rationing, and trade with the As’Kari for more flesh of monsters brought in even more. However, there was only one eminent monster in our new territory filled with dark clouds and thunderbolts: the wyvern.

Thunder Peaks was home to roosts of Wyverns in the tens of thousands.  They kept to the mountain peaks, and were the true rulers of the land.

Each Wyvern was a great winged lizard with hind legs and wings instead of forelegs, they were reptilian pack animals that flew in packs of up to a dozen. Each one was covered in scales tough enough to be used as armor, but were incredibly light. Capable of casting magics that created lightning or flame, they were also inherently strong, and capable of communicating amongst one another to work together. The great beasts rarely flew, instead they glided through the deep valleys, and they used their strong hind legs to snatch up prey.

Their prey was monsters themselves. They fed upon vast herds of mountain goats. However, unlike the normal, dog-sized mountain goats that I knew, these ones had thick hides and coats capable of turning aside steel. Not only that, but their size was comparable to buffalo rather than goats. They migrated as teaming herds from the river valley to river valley, consuming far too little vegetation to account for their immense bulk, and if their predators were not careful they could crush them in a roaring stampede.

Hunts for the prey monster were successful.
The meat was tough and fibrous with little fat, and everything from the animal could be used, again reminding me of buffalo. The various indigenous tribes of the Great Plains made great use of the animals from my reading. They used every part of the animal and crafted their society around it, and its annihilation destroyed countless centuries of coexistence when the drive westward came forth. Though I could do little to allay what was done to them in my current state, I made use of their knowledge, and moved to find as much use of the creature as possible.

If I were correct, it would not only solve the matter of food, but also allow us to trade before Wyverns could be hunted.

…

Easily more than a thousand pounds, the Lightning Ram was quartered in a large space before me. With my wires, I cut through the beast from head to tail and through its midsection, after removing all the innards from within it. The hide of the creature was already stretched and drying after being thrown into the river to be cleansed by the flowing waters. The fur, I had shorn off and placed in a large bushel, to see if something could be made of the matted material after sufficiently cleaned.

I worked in a very cold environment created by moving heat away from my location, and with my breath frosting, I worked while Gale wrote down my words.

“I estimate over fifty percent of the Lightning Ram is composed of edible meat.” I tested the meat by boiling, grilling, and stewing. Boiling required the meat to be cut in incredibly thin strips and produced a great deal of scum, but was the fastest method. Grilling did not work in the slightest. Their resistance to flame manifested even after death, and meat barely reacted to open flame. Stewing the slowly meat in small chunks proved to be the best course of action. “The remaining fifty percent is usable material.”

“The bones are as strong as tempered iron and after cleaning and bleaching, can be used as fertilizer and a white dye.” While the soil around us was fertile, we had to be mindful of the sunlight being poor here. Root vegetables were the main focus. Potatoes, carrots, beets, and turnips were the main focus, along with some herbs and onions. The As’Kari were interested in pickled vegetables, so any surplus of the crops would serve the settlement well. Therefore, everyone was interested in the bone dust. “The sinews are strong enough to serve as string after being stretched and dried. If twisted and coiled properly, they can be used to make powerful cords for crossbows and bows.”

I moved on to the innards of the animal, some of which were cleansed of their contents and dried.

“The various innards are too tough to eat. Only the liver and kidneys can be consumed. None of the digestive system. However, once dried and treated, they can be used via various methods.” The animal was unquestionably worthwhile to hunt. A few of these creatures supplementing diets through stews and vegetables was more than enough to support the town. “The stomach and bladder are of the most interest. The former can be dried and used to cook stews in with hot rocks. The bladder is usable as a skein to hold liquid. They also produce rennet, which allows for the making of cheese, though they produce no milk themselves.”

Overall, the creature was powerful and dangerous to hunt without the right tactics, but absolutely worthwhile to hunt with them.

So, it was important for Gale to write down my findings.

“The Lightning Ram has three distinct methods of attack. The first is preceded by a bellow, which attracts the attention of all its nearby kin, then a mass-charge occurs. This mass charge is amplified by an unknown force that increases their speed and power.” It was a powerful move. The bellow was a deep shriek that easily echoed through valleys that called upon any close to them. Then, upon hearing the call for attack, they formed like a wall of horns and shaggy, grayish bodies nearly twice as tall as grown man, and charged forward while wreathed in what was seemingly pure force. The charge no only increased their speed, but somehow also made them tougher and more difficult to harm.  “In a mass-charge, they can collide with the mountainside and come out unharmed, while leaving craters on the mountain’s side. This attack must be avoided rather than braved.”

“This can be avoided through the use of surrounding terrain. Climb upward into the mountainside, or take a strong leap back onto a nearby cliff-face and hold on. The strike to the mountainside may cause a landslide. They will be unhurt by this.” Goading the attack into a wall resulted in the creatures simply walking out of a landslide of rocks that would’ve crushed an ordinary buffalo or goat. They brushed aside rocks the size of boulders, and didn’t even seem bruised by the torrential downpour of large stones. I suspected that their matted fur helped in this regard, providing cushioning before hitting hide reinforced by muscle. “If in groups of more than twenty, I suggest climbing higher and watching for the landslide. They cannot crane their necks past their shoulders, and they will lose track. I suggest finding outcast groups of ten or twelve and engaging them with similar numbers. Be mindful that they focus their charge on one individual no matter what.”

I looked at Gale, and she nodded after finishing writing my latest spiel, then I continued.

“The second and third attack is less worrying. They will use their heads and horns to upturn rocks and throw them at high speed. This is far less dangerous around soil, but even upturned mud can cause slippage and obscure vision.” Sufficient armor was enough to overcome the rocks. They didn’t fly particularly fast. A helmet, however, was a necessity. A correct strike to the head is debilitating, if not fatal. A padded leather helmet made from the hide of the creature should be enough. “The third attack that they use is a simple, rushing charge on their own, without a screech to call upon others. In that charge, they are not faster or stronger, and if you make them collide with a wall or another of their own, they will be stunned.”

Gale’s deft hand wrote out my words, and the furrow of her brow drew my attention.

“Something on your mind, Gale?”

She opened her mouth, then closed it, before nodding to herself and speaking. Ever since her trip alone to the resisting lands, she has become quieter and more thoughtful.

“It will be months from now before the normal hunter can use enough strength to pierce their hide, even with you helping fashion spears. Only the As’Kari, yourself, Erucic, and a few others can hunt these creatures without risk. Why do this now?”

“A fine question. Why not bring them to hunt with us, then explain this all thereafter?. Such a practical lesson would indeed be the best, but there is scarcely time now, let alone in the future.” The demands of the town were immense, as I expected. As the interim leader, because I vouched for these lands and supplied everything that they now had, I had a few moments to spare. Administration took the vast majority of my time, and will continue to do so until I find some capable minds to help me. “I expect in the coming months that the number of problems will only increase, and I am making use of the time I have now, so that we can all be spared the excess stress.”

Gale didn’t seem mollified by my answer.

Meaning that she didn’t provide the correct question.

“Ask what you truly desire to ask, Gale. I won’t think less of you.” I told her, and she hesitated, but nodded.

“I fear that you will leave us, as you’ve left the As’Kari. That is why you’re doing this now.” It was a concise statement. What she thought and why she thought that. I approved of her choice with a singular nod. “That is your intention, correct?”

I answered truthfully.

“I do not intend to stay here forever, or lead it forever. My aim is to see the rest of the world, to continue to help others, and make changes where I can. These books and writings I leave behind are indeed my farewells.”  It was not a surprise that she surmised this. Gale was a bright young lady with a bold spirit. With her newfound power and responsibilities, she felt the weight of expectation and the desires of other people, and felt the need to satiate them. She would make for a good physician, in truth. However, she gave no sign of interest in the matter. “But that will be some years yet. At least five, and perhaps even eight. I will take the ship thereafter and explore the world entire.”

“That’s it, then? You’ll spend the rest of your days flying through the land? Leaving only books and lessons?”

“And, the people I save, as well as their own children.” This was why I couldn’t ask Gale to train under me as a physician. She was closer to my father than me. She wished for legacy. To have a family that will inherit her will, her wealth, and her power. That family will grow, will have a history, and rule this land. A powerful people in a harsh environment with strong trade lines with the As’Kari. I could see the future of this place, if it does not fall to infighting. From these lands of storms and wyverns will come forth a rival nation to the As’Kari armed with immense strength and power. They will be the invaders that the rulers of the kingdom fear. “I have chosen my path, and you shall choose your own, Gale. In the end, we are but two individuals whose paths have crossed and we will part ways. Until then, learn from me, and seize your own desires.”

Gale was silent at my words, her brow was furrowed, and she seemed to wish to say something.
But she knew me, and I knew her.

She stood up and placed her writing implements down.

“I’ll return tomorrow. I need time to think.”

“Have a good evening, Gale.’

I bid her farewell, knowing fully that this was likely the last time we would truly speak to one another.