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this?” she said in a firm, but pleasant tone. The war maiden took a piece of parchment from one of the soldiers and placed it on the wooden table.
    The parchment read:
    Captured just north of Badek. Female Giant Panther. Cubs expected by winter. Offspring to highest bidder.
    ~ Your humble servant
    “Perhaps, but who, from the blessed lands of Cordale wants to know?” said the Warden.
    “My superior; I come on his behalf. He gave me the parchment and instructed that I should seek you out. This is all you need know,” answered the woman.
    “A long way to travel, from Cordale to the ranges of Badek. And into disputed territory, no less. Passing through the borderlands is dangerous task in this age. Though I hear Draghone and his barbarian horde are far to the north. But then again, I may be misinformed. Such whisperings are rarely accurate” said the Warden.
    The woman slammed a small pouch of coins onto the table. Two platinum coins tumbled out and rolled onto the table until wobbling to a stop. “I did not travel through sun and storm on some useless errand or whim. Do you have the beasts or not?” she asked, her eyes flooded with intensity.
    The Warden tried not to reveal his excitement at seeing the highly valuable coins in front of him. He paused, then leaned over, picked up the two coins, and examined them. After a moment he placed both back inside the pouch and handed it back to the woman. “Excellent. Business it is then. But first I require your name, and then I will show you your prize.”
    The woman hesitated. “I am Kitra, eldest daughter and keeper of the house of Duke Rowan of Cordale. And what is your name… humble servant?” she asked, her voice dripping in sarcasm.
    “Well met, my lady. My apologies, but I have no name. No given name, but I am called by many. Captor. Predator. Master of the Hunt. But for this transaction, I am a simple game warden. You may call me the Warden for short. Will that be sufficient?” he asked in a well-rehearsed manner.
    Kitra was annoyed, but let it pass. “No, but it will do for now.”
    “Very well. Perhaps some refreshment and a dry cloth before we conduct our business?” he asked.
    She nodded.
    Dox handed Kitra a cloth and distributed more to each of the company. The Minotaur waited as they wiped the mud and filth from their faces, necks and hands as best they could. He retrieved the soiled towels while another attendant poured ale into the mugs. Dox handed everyone mugs, including the Warden.
    “To the panther,” Kitra said while holding up her mug.
    “The first of its kind to be captured alive… and the first to bear young while in captivity,” added the Warden, holding up his own mug.
    “To the panther,” said the soldiers in unison, and then each took a deep swig of the ale.
    The Warden took one sip and placed his mug onto the table. He walked to the side entrance of the tent and waited as Kitra and her companions finished their drinks. Great. Royalty, he thought. They have more coin than any in all the land, yet they bargain as if they have none. I may be able to put an end to her and her armed escorts, but sooner or later the Duke would come looking. And he would be leading more than a half-dozen men. Yes, I would be hunted by an army. Better do this the hard way, old man, with your wits.
    A few moments passed and the ale took effect. The color in the traveler’s faces returned, and they all felt a great deal better. Even Kitra’s cautious and sour mood lightened somewhat. But that did not negate the fact that they were still heavily armed and wearing full armor.
    With one hand the Warden held open the flap to the tent and gestured for them to enter the side chamber with the other. Kitra, however, stopped before ducking inside the next room.
    “Your reputation is impressive, but the panther has no equal on Illyia. How did you manage the beast’s capture when all others have failed?” Kitra asked.
    A broad smile spread across the Warden’s