Death Seeker - Horizon: Zero Dawn

Chapter 12

Tufanah stood at the base of the sandstone steps. Her long, brunette strands rolling in the gentle breeze, as she looked up at the imposing sun-bleached building ahead of her. The Hunters Lodge was a huge, square-shaped building.

The solitary ground-floor entrance was an open gate, with ornamentally carved oak fencing of the same height restricting access around the sides. She stood in awe of the great hall within, visually exploring the wonderfully painted murals that clung to walls and pillars throughout. A number of hunters sat at small, elaborate tables, drinking and sharing tales of merriment. They were loud, but respectful.

"You do know you have to enter...right?" Stated Ahvis, perched on an adjacent step.

"How can I?" She held her hands up. "This place is...huge."

"Ahh dither, dother." He pointed a sharp finger at the girl. "You'll own this place, Tuf. It was built for hunters like you." He stood, offering his hand. "Come on, I'll take you in."

"No." She shook her head, taking a deep breath. "I have to do this...alone."

"Fair enough," Ahvis ran the rejected hand through his short hair. "I'll be around, they'd be fools to shun you."

"Okay," she nodded, "here I go." She straightened her body, and walked as rigid as a machine, barely registering Ahvis' wishing of good luck. She waved a nonchalant hand, dismissing his gesture.

Inside, she felt like every pair of eyes landing on her at once, scrutinising this low-born girl who'd clearly walked into the wrong establishment. She knew it was against Carja tradition to accept anyone other than male nobility into the guild, but she was determined to show them that women could hunt just aswell. It was her dream to become a recognised hunter, and she was really good at it. To the left was a long bar with a single server, hunters congregated, leaning on elbows.

"Where can I find the Sunhawk?" She asked politely. The grizzly bartender gestured to the balcony above, then returned to his duties. Tufanah nodded her thanks and continued, walking towards the beautifully crafted, dual staircase that curved gracefully to the first floor balcony.

"Where do you think you're going, girl?" Sneered a man with five bushy tails hanging from his chin, lazing against a pillar.

"I'm looking for the Sunhawk."

His face twisted in disgust. "Why?" He mocked. "What do you want with him?"

Tufanah sighed. "I would like to speak to him. Find out more about...joining the lodge." She shrugged her shoulders. The man snorted with laughter.

"By the Sun, girl, just look at you!" The man's beard tails bobbed and bounced as he glanced contemptuously. "Shouldn't you be picking crops or something?"

"That's enough, Ahsis." Tufanah's head swung around, observing a young hunter halfway on the stairwell. "My father welcomes everyone to the Hunters Lodge," the young hunter continued, "you would do well to remember that." He glared at Ahsis, before turning his attention to Tufanah. "May the Sun protect and preserve you." He bowed warmly. "My name is Brativin. Please, follow me."

Tufanah joined him on the steps, not glancing back at Ahsis. "May the Sun bless you, Brativin. I am Tufanah."

"A blessing of the Sun to meet you, Tufanah." He smiled happily.

At the top of the stairs Tufanah was hit by a rich, peppery aroma, which receded as they sauntered past a giant bookcase, shelves bursting with ancient, rolled-up scrolls.

"Have you come far?"

"Not far," she replied, fighting the impulse to explain her terrible history.