Haven Keep (Book 1) by R. David Bell

than the tales of men older than I.  Still...”
    “You’ll scare the boy,” Jordy said.  “Wait until he leaves.”
    “Never mind Von’s ears,” instructed Baiden.  “This is not a secret war council and he is old enough not to be afraid of the wind.  What we decide here will soon be known by all.”  Baiden was still poking at the fire.  He turned to Von, “Maybe you could get this fire going again.”  He dropped the poker and returned to his seat at the table.
    Von placed the tray on the table and went over to the fire.  Two massive dark  shapes walked over to him from the corner of the room.
    Baiden’s laugh was low and rumbling.  “I swear those two mongrels think they belong to you,” he chuckled.  “Why don’t you brush their coats while you are here?”  Turning to his councilors he continued, “There is no reason why this discussion can’t proceed during dinner.  Recent events seem to have increased my appetite.”
    Von threw a couple of logs on the fire and turned his attention to the dogs.  Isk and Jen were two of the largest wolfhounds Von had ever laid eyes on and they were definitely not mongrels.  Wolfhounds were prized for their obedience, loyalty, and hunting skill.  These two had exceptional abilities.  Von was privileged to help train them from the time they were weaned and had grown attached to them.  Most of the hounds were kept in the kennels, but Isk and Jen were given the run of Baiden’s apartments.  They stood watch over their master like sentinels.  Von sat down on a stool and began to brush out Jen’s thick dark coat while Isk waited patiently for his turn.
    “A hunting party,” Flenn offered.  “That was what we planned before.  I don’t see why anything should change now, except maybe an earlier start is needed.”
    “Yes, but who should we send?”  Baiden asked.  “If Kenn hadn’t have gotten himself killed, things would be much calmer in Azmark.  I think I shall need you here Flenn.  Kaiden will still be going.  He can lead the party.”  Baiden paused his gaze resting on Von.  “I want grown men.  This hunt is not for fun.”
    Von’s shoulders sank.  He was stunned.  What Timm said must be true.  Kenn had been killed by the bear.  Hopes of going along vanished.  There was little chance before Kenn had died.  Now there was none.  Poor Kenn.  What happened to him?
    “They should leave in the morning,” advised Jordy.  “The sooner this beast is killed the better.”
    Beast.  What beast?  Not an icebear and probably not a snowcat.  Something far more dangerous.  Only Von could think of nothing that was.
    “Flenn,” Baiden spoke with authority, his decision made.  “You and Kaiden go and organize this party.  I don’t want Hal to go.  Keep the party small.  Woodsmen and dog handlers.  No fools.  Best remember I said grown men.  Have them ready to leave at dawn.”
    Flenn stood and left, probably not wanting to wait to carry out Baiden’s orders.  Jordy and Roren finished their meals and were soon also on their way out.  Roren paused at the door to offer one last comment to Baiden.  “When Wellen returns we shall know if we made the correct choice.”  His eyes flickered almost unnoticeably towards Von.  “I shall see you in the morning, unless you require me sooner.”
    Von was left alone with Baiden.  He wondered what the clan cleric, Wellen, had to do with this business or why Roren had given him that look.  Von felt  he should also leave.  Baiden probably wanted to be alone.
    “Sir,” he said.  “If you don’t need me, I think I  will also go.”
    “No, Von,” Baiden answered.  “Sit down with me for awhile.  Have you eaten yet?”
    Von sat at the table.  “No, I haven’t.”
    “Well, then help yourself.  There is more than enough for a growing boy like you.  I hope it is still warm.”
    Von rarely sat at the same table with Baiden.  On occasion Baiden would eat dinner up here when