Chapter Text
A couple days later, Robin showed up holding antlers. He presented them to Tau. “We need to talk.”
Hassian wasn’t quite sure if Robin was saying that to him or to Tau. Either way, he responded, “What is it?”
“Tau left antlers all over the mayor’s house. Stashed them everywhere. Eshe came round my place ranting about him throwing trash around.”
Hassian took an antler from him and examined it. Apart from some little tooth marks, it was pristine. Even the tooth marks were very small. Tau had a soft mouth, and was used to holding things without biting too hard. “This is hardly trash. These must have been shed very recently. They’re in very good condition.” He handed the antler back. “Eshe should be grateful. Antlers like these have many uses.”
Robin shook his head and held out the antlers to Tau again. “Either way, if you get an angry letter from Eshe soon, don’t blame me. Do you know why he’s been messing with her lately?”
“I know there must be a reason. And if she’s too ungrateful to appreciate the gift, then that’s her issue, not his.”
“I know, but I’m worried. With the stuff he’s been pulling lately, it wouldn’t surprise me if she retaliates one of these days. She’s already made threats.”
Hassian started. “What kind of threats?”
“Mostly just to ban him from town, but I don’t know how much she means that, or what else she’d be willing to do. She knows he has a mind of his own, and she thinks he’s being intentionally disobedient.”
Hassian looked at him in disbelief. “Yes, he has a mind of his own. He’s an independent creature. He’s not some pet who misbehaves. He acts how he acts, the same as you or I. She might as well say you are disobedient.”
Robin sighed impatiently. “Either way, can you talk to her about this? Sort it out? I can only do so much to defend him.” He presented the antlers to Tau again.
Tau looked up at Robin in confusion and let out a small whine.
“Keep the antlers,” Hassian said, clearly understanding the hound’s intentions.
Robin shook his head. “They were Tau’s gift to Eshe. By right, they belong to him.”
Hesitantly, Tau took the antlers in his mouth, but then he immediately plopped them back into Robin’s hand. Robin gave a small sigh. “C’mon, buddy.”
“No. They were his gift to Eshe, but now they are his gift to you.”
Robin looked up at Hassian, then down at Tau. Finally, he reached up to scratch behind the dog’s ear. “Thanks, buddy.” He tucked the antlers into his pack, and Tau barked happily. “I could use some sernuk horns, anyway.”
“Then perhaps you’d go hunting with me tomorrow.”
Hassian had intended to invite Robin on a hunt for some time. He’d seen glimpses of the human’s abilities, but he wanted a closer look. Besides, it had been a while since he’d hunted with someone besides Tau.
Robin stared at him for several seconds, and he wondered if he’d offended the man. Then an incredulous smile broke out on his face. “You want me to hunt with you?”
“Yes. It would be an interesting challenge, dealing with an amateur on the hunt.”
Robin burst out laughing. “There’s the Hassian I know!”