The town leaders of Vlastarus have requested that I kill a giant bear that they accuse of harassing travellers and townsfolk wandering in the lands to the north. To be honest I am loath to kill such a noble creature as a bear without good reason, even for a handful of gold coin. Especially as it is probably only defending its territory from the encroachment of the townsfolk; for all I know it could have cubs nearby. Besides, I remember as a child my grandfather, who was considered a most skilled hunter, boasting before heading out on a trip that he would bring us home fresh meat for a month and a nice new rug. My father brought him home on a stretcher, battered and missing an arm, but all wrapped up in a fresh bear skin. That day I learnt that some victories are just not worth the price you pay for them.

I have met many people who claim we share a natural affinity with bears. Like us they are opportunistic and resourceful. They dig their dens in hillsides or shelter in caves, hollow logs and dense vegetation. They are hunters capable of bringing down much larger prey, but they are also foragers, pillaging crops, picking fruit and berries, digging up anthills. And they are capable of unexpected feats of dexterity for their size, from climbing trees to reach beehives, to catching elusive fish in rapid waters. There are many who see them as spiritual creatures, envisioning them as some kind of protective nature spirits. Indeed it cannot be a coincidence that many of the worshippers of Y’ffre who have returned from the wilderness in these dark days have chosen the bear as their companion. And I have witnessed first hand the fearful sight of the warriors of Wrothgar riding into battle atop their armoured war bears.

Whilst I sat under a tree contemplating greed over conscience, the giant bear the locals nicknamed “Gaping Maw” attacked, thus settling my mercenaries dilemma for me. 

Oh well, bears will be bears.

S.K