New Venture Optimism

Writers: AL, Miriah
Date Posted: 17th February 2013

Characters: Zathris, Karhal
Description: Zathris and Karhal meet to discuss the demonstration
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 12, day 12 of Turn 6
Notes: Mentioned: Benani, Zelanka, Wirnan

Zathris

Karhal

"Ah, Karhal, come in." Zathris had taken a couple of days to think
over what he had seen in the demonstration. Frankly, he'd liked it.
Canines could be good guards and they were less expensive than
watchwhers and they wouldn't be as limited. The more he thought about
it, the more he liked the idea. He smiled at the guard as he entered
and motioned to a chair. "Please, sit."

Dutifully, Karhal sat. Livie sat and waited at the door patiently, her
eyes intent on both men in the office.

"I've thought this over." Zathris finished writing something on a piece
of parchment then set it aside so he could concentrate on the man in
front of him. "I'd like to take up your suggestion and begin training
canines. I'd like you to head this up."

Many men would have whooped in triumph, but Karhal was far more
restrained. His eyes showed his warmth as he sat straighter
and inclined his head. "Thank you, my Lord. I will do my best. And it
won't interfere with my other duties. I've spoken to Wirnan about
finding some pups and other canines to examine for breeding."

"Good. I have one request, however." It hadn't surprised him at all
that Karhal had taken such intiative. In Zathris' mind, that was a good
thing to have.

Karhal blinked and one brow quirked up in askance. "Anything of
course."

"I'd like two of the canines to be trained specifically for my wife and
children." Zathris knew that since they had children now, they would be
more of a target. There hadn't been any threats, but he was protective
of his family.

"Two?" Karhal blinked and arched a brow. "One would most likely be
sufficient. It's not an issue of course, but a matter of practicality."
Remembering Benani's reaction to the display he had given them,
Karhal rubbed his chin. "Is your Lady willing to learn how to handle
a canine trained thus? It's more than the animal, you understand.
Your family would have to bond with it as a pet, but remember that
it is in fact a guard as well. And she would have to learn the proper
commands."

"Two." Zathris insisted. "The boys are not always with their mother. I
would have their foster mother trained as well." When they got older
and did more things separately...well, Zathris would deal with that when
the time came.

Making a mental note, Karhal nodded. "Understood." He stroked his chin,
his eyes going distant. "One of Livie's get? She'll be ready to
breed soon, and I think I have a decent mate found for her. They'll
be big, you understand and the training will start as soon as they are
weaned." He paused, "the basics, that is. They have to mature before
we begin the guard training for them."

Zathris nodded. "I know it's not an immediate project and I don't
want to overbreed her." That would be detrimental to the health of a
perfectly good working canine. "If all goes with with her first
brood, I'd also like you to look into acquiring more canines from
other holds, pups to start training, ones you think would breed well
also." The Lord Holder leaned forward. "Perhaps I'm getting ahead of
myself, but I must say I was quite impressed with the display."

Karhal shook his head. "Oh, no. I wasn't planning on over breeding
her. But her line would be my first pick of pups to train for your
family. Wirnan will work with me as a contact with other holds, but I
am planning on looking at what we have here. I've see some servicable
canines here that would be good breeding stock." He finally smiled at
the praise and though it was a restrained lifting of the lips, it was
warm. "Thank you.Thanks needs to also go to Veyter. He's always been
willing to get under the padding for training. It's not easy on the
lad; Livie's got a strong bite."

"So I saw. Give him my thanks as well." Zathris chuckled and
wondered if the man had volunteered or been roped into it. And if he
had volunteered, had he really known what he was getting into? "Keep
in touch with Wirnan and with me. I want to know of your progress -
and don't hesitate to speak with me if there's anything you need."

"There is something we will need in time and if at all possible.
We will need a private area for training purposes. I'd like the
training not to be well known. Not only because it can be misused, but
for less distractions to begin with. And someone to speak to Zelanka
about the fact that the canines will have to live with their handlers
as they are trained. They will need to be around the people of the
hold."

"Look for somewhere that will suit you and isn't already in use."
Zathris made a note and then set the quill in the inkwell. "Then
speak with Wirnan. If it's not completely suitable but has potential,
we'll work something out. As for Zelanka, I will speak to her."

"Thank you." Karhal was already going through a mental list of
everything that needed to be done, sorting them into priorities of
what needed to be done first. "I'll send you regular updates on the
progress."

"Good. I look forward to your reports." Zathris leaned back and spread
his hands apart. "Is there anything else you'd like to discuss before we
adjourn?"

"No, not that comes immediately to mind." He gave a slight upturn to his
lips. "Do you have any concerns?"

"Not currently, but I will talk to you if I do." It was too early to
tell how successful the venture would be, but Zathris had to admit, he
was optimistic about it.

Last updated on the March 17th 2013

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