Tempest Rise (revised edition 10/2013) (Treborel) by Alaina Stanford

side of Lysette , and had grown uncomfortable with the Empathic legends, and decided to take the conversation elsewhere. He said, "Prince Katar, I have never been on a sraeb hunt. Are the compound bows really effective against such huge animals? I would expect a crossbow to have better power and distance."
    "It is the customary weapon; although we do not use the long bows often , they do have excellent distance and penetration. The automatic reload with the crossbow allows for rapid fire, also with as much distance and penetration as the long bow. But the longbow is difficult to use from horseback, due to its size.  The crossbow as well is front heavy, and difficult to use on horseback, or if you want to take your time for the perfect shot. The compound bow is easy to carry, shoots well from horseback, has good penetration, and the draw strength can be high without exhausting your strength. But it does not have quite as much distance as the long bow." Turning back to Lysette, he flashed a dazzling smile and said, "The laser rifles, and pistols are too dangerous to use in the woods during the summer months. Spring and summer are high travel seasons. The chance of injuring someone is much higher, because the blast will continue on to impact, or until the energy blast is completely spent. Also, the pain of a displaced bolt is much less for the beasts, than accidentally blowing the creature's leg off with a high intensity discharge of the rifle."
    "So you must also be an expert with the crossbow?" Ambassador Hannah Airee interjected.
    "The crossbow is easy to learn and use. My choice is the compound bow. I usually hit my mark.” He answered, smiling at the Ambassador seated next to Lord Nolan. “Although, I have been known to miss." Relaxing back into his seat, Katar turned his attention back to Roth. "Prince Roth, have you ever been on a hunt? My friend Lord Taylor tells me you have a slight problem with wolves in the Lon Tesse foothills. My men are preparing to head out in the morning, and give your soldiers a hand in locating them." Katar smiled, remembering Cap's enthusiasm at the opportunity to avoid the boring Summit lectures.
    "I hunt occasionally, when there is a difficulty with a pack of wolves , or the like. Since the sraebs have not crossed the mountains into Lon Tesse, we have no need for a constant summer slaughter program.” Roth answered, casually, "I feel no need to go after a giant beast that turns, and attacks at the least provocation.  Especially not in the middle of the wilderness, armed like an ancient savage."
    "I'd like to join you on a wolf hunt." Katar began, leaning forward, "When the summit is concluded.”
    Studying him in silence for a moment, Roth answered dryly, "Certainly, I'll arrange one for us immediately.”
    "Excellent, perhaps you will allow me to return the favor in the near future, in Treborel.  I promise we will only hunt the younger sraebs, close to the palace."  Katar laughed, as Roth forced a smile.
    Alarmed by the continuing negative rapport between the two future sovereigns, Hanlin turned again to Lysette saying, "Lady Nolan, were you aware  I was a close associate of your grandmother, Lady Moore , before she met your grandfather?”
    "I had no idea. I was very young when she died. You must tell me of her." Lysette answered, elated to have found someone who could tell her about her grandmother's childhood.
    "I would be delighted. Perhaps I could escort you to the luncheon tomorrow, if you would allow me the liberty to dine with you again.” Hanlin answered, entranced by her smile.
    "Perhaps we could trade memories this evening, in the garden?"
    "I apologize, but I'm afraid I must decline. The journey through the mountains has left me weary, and I still have duties to attend to before I retire." He answered, his thoughts moving to the unanswered calls to King William.
    "Of course, forgive my thoughtlessness." Lysette smiled, disappointed. "I'd forgotten you've only just