"The Canyon" by Alex Popkin

Alex Popkin

Governor Banron met Father Varrenaz at the outskirts of Steedham Junction. A good sign, Varrenaz said to himself. On previous visits, I've had to await his pleasure at the ranch.

Banron gave a warm greeting. "Father," he said with a smile, "it is so good of you to come! I trust you had a pleasant journey."

"A man of my years seldom has pleasant journeys," Varrenaz said, "but the worst of my aches and pains stayed at bay today."

Banron's face hardened. "You chose to spend your life in the wilderness preaching to beasts. If you chose to move to Steedham Junction permanently, the townsfolk would give you a warm welcome."

Varrenaz eyed him carefully. A man in his late forties, Governor Banron sat straight and tall atop his magnificent roan. He looked like a hero with a heart of gold, but that last comment clearly indicated that he hadn't changed his views.

"I did not decide to spend my life saving the souls of the beasts," Varrenaz said. "The Lord commanded and I obeyed."

Varrenaz saw a trace of frustration in the governor's face. "Aye," Banron said. "Now you may have a chance to save some of their lives as well. That would surely please the Lord."

"Surely," Varrenaz said.

Banron wheeled his horse around, leading Varrenaz through the dusty streets of Steedham Junction. The town bustled with activity. Men labored at the wagons that lined the streets, loading and unloading. Varrenaz noticed dozens of new buildings: houses, stores, a depot and a post office. The sound of hammering announced more construction on the north side of town.

"Your town is growing by leaps and bounds, Governor," he said.

"It is indeed," Banron replied. "Population has doubled in just five years. Ever since they found silver in the Redcrown Mountains, folks from the South can't get here fast enough. And of course they'll arrive faster still once the railroad comes through."

Banron slipped the last sentence in casually, but Varrenaz didn't miss the implication. "From what I've heard, the railroad may not come through."

"You heard wrong," Banron said without missing a beat. "The railroad will be completed by next year. The beasts can wail and gnash their teeth all they want, but they can't stop progress. Not while I'm governor."

Varrenaz decided to let that comment pass. No sense starting a fight now. His task was to negotiate a compromise. They rode in silence to the edge of town.

The Governor's ranch stretched for miles along the southern end of Steedham Junction. The ranch house served as both private residence and headquarters of local government. Varrenaz noticed new construction here as well: an eight-foot fence surrounded the property, with an elaborate contraption of wires and bells along the top.

"The latest technology," the Governor said. "Nobody can get past that fence without triggering an alarm, and my guards are always ready. The system cost a pretty penny, but it's well worth it in a place like this."

Varrenaz bit his lip. The implication that the beasts might attack was clear, but disputing the point would accomplish nothing. He decided to change the subject. "How are Alice and Rebecca?" he asked as they rode through the gate. Banron loved his twin daughters more than life; they would be fourteen this year.

"They're doing wonderfully," Banron said. "Came back from boarding school at the start of June. You won't see them tonight, I'm afraid. They've gone to visit friends in Caulford Town. Won't be back for another couple days."

They dismounted in front of the manor house. A groom appeared to take their horses. "The beast ambassadors arrive tomorrow morning," Governor Banron said. "We'll hold our meeting at two in the afternoon. Get a good night's rest. It's likely to be a long, tough day."

Banron was right. The beast ambassadors, Krex and Grun, arrived late. They were surly and combative, and Governor Banron responded in kind. To make matters worse, the small meeting room used for the session boiled in the summer heat. Varrenaz's shoulders and back ached, and the beginning of a headache touched at his skull. He offered a quick, silent prayer for the ability to persevere, then returned his attention to the negotiations.

"Let me emphasize again that our request is small," Governor Banron said, pointing to the map on the table. "To complete the railroad, all we need is this thin strip of land at the bottom of Hayden Canyon. The property we are requesting is only a thousand yards wide. We are willing to pay a fair price for it."

Krex looked up, squinted and snarled. "It is our land," he said.

Krex was a physically intimidating beast, eight feet tall, with a grim vulpine face and a broad chest and arms as thick as aspen trunks. A patchwork of black and white fur covered his face, and stripes ran down his torso. When he bared his teeth, they stuck out from his mouth like knives.

Grun, Krex's younger brother, was perhaps half a foot shorter. He had mottled grey fur and striking brown eyes. Unlike most beasts, Grun had consented to wear a shirt while in town. This small concession paired up with a slightly more moderate attitude. Grun was the best hope of negotiating a compromise; Father Varrenaz felt sure of that. But it was a slim hope. Krex and Grun were here as representatives of their father, Raka, the nabob of all the beasts in this region. Raka had grown notoriously recalcitrant during the past couple years.

"You have plenty of land," Banron said. "The handful of beasts living in Hayden Canyon could move elsewhere."

Krex snorted. "You could build your railroad elsewhere, man."

Banron clenched his hands into fists, his patience obviously fraying. "The engineers can't build a railroad over the mountains. Hayden Canyon is the only break in the mountains, for five hundred miles in either direction. The railroad must go through there."

Varrenaz spoke up for the first time: "Since the location of the railroad can't be changed, perhaps we could arrange a trade. The beast folk would give up Hayden Canyon. In exchange, you would return some of the land further west to them."

"I believe that Raka would accept this plan," Grun said.

"But I wouldn't," Banron said. "The beasts agreed to permanently give up that land. Most of it has already been distributed to ranchers. The rest will be needed for the next generation of settlers."

Varrenaz took a deep breath. "Governor, we are trying to reach a compromise here. If you expect the beast folk to abandon Hayden Canyon, you must be willing to surrender something in return."

"I have already offered to pay for the land in question," Banron said. "A very generous amount, I might add."

"What good is money to us, man?" Krex said.

Governor Banron pulled a piece of paper from his vest pocket and slammed it furiously on the table in front of Krex. "Look! Do you see this document? This is an executive order from the national government, authorizing me to seize whatever land is necessary to build the railroad. I could take your land by force, and not pay you one penny. I have enough troops at my disposal to push you ugly brutes off. Now I wanted to acquire this land peacefully, and I made you a very charitable offer out of the goodness of my heart. But if you won't accept it, I have other means to fall back on."

Krex snatched up the document and ripped it to shreds. "I care nothing for your stupid paper, foolish man. Do not think to threaten us. Raka's supporters are strong and many in number."

"Is that so?" Banron said. He gave an ugly grin. "In that case, I shall have to use plan B." He drew a bell from his pocket and rang it. At the sound, the doors to the meeting room burst open. Soldiers rushed in, guns at the ready. They surrounded the two beasts.

"Governor, stop this at once," Varrenaz said. "Do you have any idea—"

"I know exactly what I'm doing," Banron said. "Surrender," he ordered the two beasts.

Grun knelt swiftly, raising his front paws above his head. Krex made to do likewise. Then he sprang forward. One paw shot out, claws extended, and slashed a soldier across the throat. Krex kicked with his leg and another soldier crumpled to the floor. Several gunshots sounded in quick succession and Krex fell, blood flowing from multiple wounds.

Governor Banron disdainfully kicked the fallen beast in the ribs. "I never liked negotiation anyway."

One day had passed since the disastrous negotiations. Krex had been shot three times, but he was a huge and healthy beast. Despite spilling a puddle of blood, he continued to fight for survival. Father Varrenaz had stayed up all night and through the day, tending the beast's wounds in the prison cell beneath the ranch. Once he was sure of Krex's immediate safety, he had emerged and tracked down the governor.

Now it was dusk. The sun had died behind the mountains to the west. A few last rays of light lit the clouds with brilliant orange. Varrenaz and Banron sat on a patio behind the ranch house, while one of the governor's deputies stood discreetly behind them, arms folded.

"Governor, you have made a mistake."

"No, I have not," Banron said. He looked calmer than he had earlier in the day, remarkably so for a man who had just betrayed two guests in his own home. "I hoped the beasts would take my money and give us Hayden Canyon. Since they chose not to, I was forced into this course of action. The Beasts may be barbaric, but they value family. Raka will do whatever is necessary to keep his sons alive. He will give me Hayden Canyon, and then I will release Krex and Grun."

Father Varrenaz rubbed his eyes. His head was pounding now, but this wasn't the time to give up. A nagging premonition told him that an even bigger disaster loomed on the horizon. He needed to resolve this situation quickly.

"You should not underestimate Raka," Varrenaz said. "I know you see him as a mindless brute, but he is both strong and clever, and his followers are fiercely loyal."

"Unquestionably," Banron answered. "You need not lecture me about Raka. I know all about him. He has caused all my troubles these past few years, and I am aware of the threat he poses. But he cannot start a war now. I am holding all the cards. I have his sons, I have proper legal authority, and I have the entire national army to back me up if need be. His only choice is to negotiate."

Varrenaz frowned. As usual, Banron failed to grasp the larger impact of his actions. Varrenaz decided to change his plan of attack.

"Governor, look at this in the big picture. Right now the North is still thinly populated by people, while there are millions of beast folk living out here. Now it may be true that the national army could eventually defeat any beast uprising, but the cost would be too high in both money and blood. Regardless of how you personally feel about the beasts, you have to learn to live with them. Treating them in this manner, betraying their trust, abusing them: it's the wrong approach. That only builds resentment, and someday it will explode in your face."

Governor Banron took a sip of brandy, then slowly returned the glass to a nearby end table. "And what would you suggest, Father? More negotiation?"

"Yes."

The deputy standing behind them barked a harsh laugh. "Old man," he said, "all those years of living in the wilderness have fuddled your head. You can't negotiate with beasts. They're animals."

Father Varrenaz folded his arms on his chest. He had encountered such attitudes before and he knew he could rarely change them, but he had to try. "The Lord called upon me to preach to the beast folk," he said. "They are not animals. They have souls, and they are God's creatures just like you and me."

"Don't be ridiculous," the deputy said. "Sure, they can talk and walk upright and wear clothes, but they've no more brains than a horse. They'd tear us all to pieces in a minute, if we didn't have the guns."

Father Varrenaz started to reply, but Governor Banron held up a hand to stop him. "Colson, leave us." The deputy sneered, but he obeyed.

"Charming fellow," Varrenaz said, once the deputy was gone. He wasn't normally sarcastic, but the stress of the situation and his own pains were wearing on him.

"I brought him out here for a reason," Banron said. "I wanted you to see what you—and I—are up against. You see, Father Varrenaz, I am on your side in this debate. I do believe that the beasts have souls, and I do believe that the Lord wishes for us to help them."

Varrenaz regarded the governor coolly. "If you love the beast folk in the Lord's name, you have the most curious ways of showing it."

"So it may seem, Father, but I have my reasons. Now as I recall, you have lived among the beasts for the last thirty years. You have preached to them, tended to their needs, and earned their trust. What have you observed during that time? Are the beasts happy? Healthy? Safe?"

Father Varrenaz considered the question. "Obviously life is not as good for them as for men. They are born to live in the wilderness, rather than to accept civilization."

"That, Father, is where we disagree. I say that the way the beasts live now is a travesty. They live nasty and dangerous lives, many of them die young and many suffer greatly before they go. The benefits of civilization are precisely what they need. You see, Father, the beasts need more than just sermons. They need reliable food sources. They need medical care. The young ones deserve an education. And none of that can happen as long as they continue to live in caves and eat raw meat. The Lord called on me to work with the beasts, just like He called on you. But I've answered that call in a different way. I intend to change the entire North to make it better for men and beasts alike. I intend to bring government, technology and progress to this region."

Banron paused to take a deep breath, then continued. "And as you well know, it's a hard job. The maddening part is that the beasts themselves resist the very efforts that will better their own lives, and the lives of their children. They are my greatest obstacle. To do what needs to be done, I have to defeat the very creatures I'm trying to help. And yes, sometimes I have to be ruthless and violent to accomplish my goals, but such is life."

Banron wrapped up his speech and rested his head on his chin. Varrenaz stared, contemplating the governor in a whole new light. Could this man, who had so frequently seemed like an enemy, actually be an ally? Would he work for reconciliation between the settlers and the beast folk?

Panicked shouts and hoof beats came from the front gate, interrupting his introspection. Varrenaz and Banron dashed through the house and out the front door, where a rider had just arrived. He sagged in the saddle, and two soldiers helped him to the ground. Then the rider saw Governor Banron. "Governor," he said, "it was Raka."

Varrenaz walked forward, noting that the rider had suffered wounds on his arms and legs. "How did this happen? Who is this man?"

"This is John Presley, the Captain of my personal guards," Banron said blankly. "He was sent to escort Alice and Rebecca back from Caulford town."

"I did..." Presley said, his breath coming with difficulty. "I tried...Raka and his brutes...ambushed us...at Trapper's Bend. ...attacked from all sides. ...killed the other guards...took your girls...carried them off..."

Another beast, a brown-and-white-striped individual named Bhar, arrived at the ranch the following morning, to tell them that Raka had captured Alice and Rebecca on the road to Caulford and taken them to a secret base in the mountains. He threatened to kill them unless Krex and Grun were released.

Banron shook with such rage that Varrenaz feared he might attack Bhar. "I ought to hunt down and kill every last one of you! How dare you beasts drag my daughters into this?"

Bhar gave an indifferent shrug. "You started this, governor."

Banron looked ready for another explosive attack, but Varrenaz quickly stepped between them. "We will negotiate for the release of the hostages."

"Like Hell we will!" Governor Banron shouted. "I ought to go shoot Raka's sons right now! We can't negotiate with Raka. He's a born liar. For all we know, he may have killed the girls already."

"Raka is not so foolish," Varrenaz said in what he hoped was a soothing voice. "He abducted your daughters because he wants a prisoner exchange. We'll offer him what he wants."

Bhar nodded. "Your girls are all right. They are not hurt, but also they are unhappy."

Banron still looked apoplectic, but he managed to calm his voice. "All right. I will accept a visit from Raka to negotiate an exchange of hostages."

"No," Bhar said. "Your negotiator must come to Raka's cave to mediate. It must be one man only, and that man must be Father Varrenaz."

Banron's eyes traveled to Varrenaz and then back to Bhar. He plainly disliked letting someone else handle the arbitration, but he had no choice. "Very well. Father Varrenaz will return with you to Raka's hideout, and the sooner you leave, the better."

"One thing, man," Bhar said. "Before I return, I must see Krex and Grun to be sure they are alive."

Banron gave him an ugly frown. "They are alive. You know you can trust me."

"Wrong, man," Bhar said. "We know that we can't trust you."

Father Varrenaz and Bhar rode northward, through the dark pine forests of Sevarin Valley. Bhar picked out a path between the trees and rode in silence, which suited Varrenaz just fine. He had much to ponder, and little of it was happy. Aside from minor altercations, settlers and beasts had lived in peace in this region thus far, but no one could ignore the building tension. Varrenaz knew that better than anyone. He heard a stream of complaints from both the beasts and the townsfolk and ranchers whenever he met them. The entire situation was a powder keg ready to explode.

And the fuse was burning quickly now. If Raka had limited himself to picking fights with soldiers and guards, that would be one thing. By dragging the governor's daughters into the conflict, he had set himself on the wrong path. If Alice and Rebecca should die, war would be inevitable. It would confirm the worst stereotypes about the beasts. Nobody would allow the murder of two children to go unavenged, least of all Governor Banron.

They reached the foothills of the Redcrown Mountains by afternoon. Bhar lead him up the slopes of Meravvion, the tallest mountain in the range. Varrenaz saw no traces of civilization; they had left the forest far behind and entered a harsh landscape of barren rock. Crags and spires jutted from the slope, while massive boulders dotted the ground like some giant's abandoned toys. Eventually they dismounted and proceeded on foot, scrambling up a slope of loose scree. Varrenaz's legs ached and his breath came in short gasps. He wondered whether he would have the strength to reach Raka's hideout. It would be quite embarrassing if he reached Raka while leaning on Bhar's shoulder. Just then the mouth of a cave yawned in front of them.

Two beasts stood guard at the front entrance. Their position commanded a view of the entire mountainside. No one could sneak up on this hideout without being seen. The guards smiled and shouted a greeting to Bhar, but their faces turned grim when they saw Father Varrenaz. No man would be welcome here, for reasons that were all too obvious. Nevertheless, they motioned for the pair to proceed. "Raka's in the planning room," one said. Bhar led him into the mouth of the cave, grabbing and lighting a torch as he did so.

Bhar led him down a corridor, through a low doorway and down a staircase to a chamber that stretched farther than the torchlight could reveal. Raka was waiting.

Father Varrenaz had seen the great beast leader only once before, but there was no mistaking him for anyone else. A full eight and a half feet, Raka towered over everyone. Black patches of fur ringed his eyes in an otherwise white face, and thick black stripes ran in circles around his body.

"I have brought Varrenaz," Bhar said, "and I have seen your sons. Both live, though Krex has bad wounds." Raka nodded at him, and Bhar silently departed.

When Raka spoke, a deep rumble sounded in his chest. Even when he whispered, there was no ignoring his tremendous size and strength. "Father Varrenaz, I sent my sons to negotiate with you. Instead they were shot and put in prison. But fear not. I will give you more respect than you gave us."

Father Varrenaz refused to be intimidated. "I do not give the commands at Banron Ranch, and you know that. You have nothing to gain from insulting me. We both wish to see this situation resolve peacefully."

"Perhaps you do," Raka said. "I am not so sure."

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

"I mean what I say," Raka answered. "Perhaps I will get my sons back alive, and return Banron's children. If so, we would have gone nowhere. Back to square one, as you men like to say. Banron is determined to steal my land for his railroad. If we beast folk must fight to protect what is ours, then we will."

"You would risk a war over Hayden Canyon?" Father Varrenaz said. "It would be a high price for such a small strip of land."

"Small, you say," Raka said, his voice rising to a growl. "Yes it is small, but many smalls add up to large. When men first came here, they lived only in the river bottom and we let them have it. Then they wanted ranch property, and we agreed to give them some. Then they forced us to surrender other valleys farther west. Piece by piece, they are taking the land that belongs to us. If we do not take a stand, eventually we will have nothing. So do not talk to me about small strips of land."

Varrenaz reminded himself about the virtue of patience. "The case of Hayden Canyon is special," he said. "Men need that land to build the railroad."

"Yes," Raka said with a shrug. "We will give up Hayden Canyon. Then men will leave us alone, until they have another special case, and need to steal another small patch of land. And again. And again. Father Varrenaz, you have been good to my folk, but you are blind to your own. Men are cruel, greedy and dishonest. Their only desires are money and power, and we beast folk are only an obstacle to that goal. In the eyes of Banron and his type, we are mere animals. Men have no reason to respect us, when they can simply shoot us instead."

"Banron is not as cruel and callous as you think," Varrenaz said. "He wants to improve your lives. He views you as equals."

"Did he capture my sons to demonstrate that?"

Varrenaz laid his hands on the crude wooden table in front of Raka. "What Banron did was wrong. Very wrong. But he did it as part of a strategy to build the railroad, which he thinks is necessary for your welfare. I don't want that incident to spiral out of control and start a war. Neither does Banron and neither do you. That's why I'm here to negotiate."

Raka sat contemplating for a minute. "Very well then," he said. "Let us negotiate."

Father Varrenaz silently gave thanks, but he knew that the arbitration would be difficult. "First I must see the girls."

Raka nodded silently and picked up a torch. He led Father Varrenaz further into the mountainside. Varrenaz could smell dank and musty air and hear water trickling around his feet. How far did this cave system extend?

Finally, they reached a small wooden door. Raka produced a key and opened it; he had to duck to enter. It led to a tiny chamber jammed with dripping stalactites. Alice and Rebecca lay on the floor at the far end. Their wrists were tied and they were gagged. Iron chains held their ankles to a ring on the floor.

"You haven't hurt them, I assume?" Varrenaz said.

"Since we brought them here, none of my folk has touched them," Raka said. "Though Banron might accede to our demands more readily if we did."

Father Varrenaz held a finger in Raka's face. "Listen! If you allow your grunts to hurt these girls, then I guarantee you will never see your sons alive again." The two stared each other in the eye for a moment. Raka's face flickered red and black in the torchlight. At last the beast turned away, and Varrenaz knew he had won this point.

"There's no need to keep them tied up," Varrenaz said. "There's no chance of escape from here."

"At least I have not shot them," Raka said caustically.

Varrenaz ignored that comment. He knelt on the ground and started to untie Alice's wrists. "You have nothing to gain and much to lose by being cruel, Raka." The ropes fell away, and Varrenaz pulled the strip of cloth from her mouth. "Are you all right?" he asked the girl.

Alice at first said nothing and only rubbed at her wrists where the ropes had cut through her skin. "No," she finally whispered. "Oh, my shoulders hurt, and I'm so thirsty."

"Raka, bring us some water," Varrenaz said. The beast leader frowned, clearly not used to being commanded, but he stepped out and returned with a canteen. Meanwhile Varrenaz untied Rebecca's hands. She was in even worse shape than Alice. Her dress was torn and she had suffered cuts and bruises when the beasts captured her.

"Are you taking us home?" Alice asked hopefully, while Varrenaz held the canteen to Rebecca's lips.

"Not yet, I'm afraid. I'm working to set you free as fast as I can." He gave the water bottle to Alice.

Rebecca moaned as she pushed herself up to a sitting position. "I can't stand it here. I feel like I'm suffocating in this cave, and last night I froze." Varrenaz could see her shivering.

Varrenaz laid a hand on each girl's shoulder. "Listen. Your father sent me to negotiate with Raka for your release, and we all hope to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. I don't know how many days it will take. You will have to be strong until then. Have faith, and the Lord will protect you." Varrenaz wished that he could believe it.

He rose and went to the doorway, while Raka waited outside. "Listen to me, Raka," Varrenaz spoke loud enough that Alice and Rebecca could hear him. "For as long as you hold them, I want you to give them food, water, and blankets at night."

"It will be done," Raka said. He pulled the door shut and locked it.

"Governor Banron is willing to begin the prisoner exchange," Varrenaz said. "He will release Grun first, on your promise to send the girls back to Steedham Junction. Once they're returned safely, he'll release Krex as well."

"Then Banron thinks me a fool," Raka said. "That plan would leave me with no hostage while he still held one of my sons. No. He releases Grun, and I will send one girl back. Then he must release Krex before I let go of the other."

Varrenaz disliked that response. "Governor Banron would never agree to release his last hostage while one of his daughters was held captive. He does not trust you."

"I do not trust him."

"One of you will have to bend on this issue," Varrenaz said.

"It will not be me," Raka said with finality. "You have seen the girls. Now let me show you something else." He led Father Varrenaz into a side passage and down a ladder that descended through a trap door. They arrived in another chamber, this one larger than any other that Varrenaz had entered. Racks of rifles stood along one wall, stretching into the darkness. Varrenaz estimated at least five hundred guns. Crates and boxes filled a corner, and Varrenaz didn't need to be told that they held gunpowder and ammunition. He guessed that other crates and barrels held supplies of various kinds. Raka even had two cannons among his armaments.

"So you see, Father Varrenaz, we beast folk have not been idle," Raka said. "While men have slowly stripped away our land and humiliated us, we have planned and prepared. This is but one of our many supply caches. We have a network of hideouts extending across the entire North. Thousands of my folk are armed and ready to fight. Many believe that war is inevitable. Man's arrogance knows no bounds; conflict must come sooner or later. If one of my sons should die, it will come sooner. Go and tell your governor this."

"Raka said no."

"A foregone conclusion," Governor Banron said. They sat on the patio again, and the sun was setting, but it wasn't the same as last time. Banron had changed. His confidence was gone. Instead, Father Varrenaz heard a cold desperation in Banron's voice, and it frightened him.

"Raka wants his sons returned alive," Varrenaz said. "You want to see your daughters. Don't give up hope. We will solve this somehow."

"You always had more faith than sense, Father," Banron said. "It would be sheerest insanity if I released Krex and Grun without having Alice and Rebecca safe first. Raka would only use my daughters as hostages to block the railroad."

"If you set Grun free, Raka will at least return one of your daughters."

"One," Banron said. "You expect me to accept getting back one of my daughters, while the other is abandoned to death or worse? Deputy Colson was right. You are an idiot." Banron rose to his feet. "Your attempt to negotiate has failed. I'm the governor here, and I'll handle this situation with the means at my disposal. And I vow right now that if those beasts dare to lay a finger on Alice or Rebecca, I will pay them back a thousand times over, and a thousand times again. I swear it in the name of the Lord." Banron stormed off, leaving Varrenaz alone on the patio.

Varrenaz sat motionless, gazing at the mountains. The sun's last rays painted the peaks a vivid, bloody red. Indeed, the entire spreading landscape would run with blood if either of these two leaders didn't get his children back.

Varrenaz rose. His back complained ferociously, still sore from the ride up the mountain. His head pounded. He wanted rest, a soft bed and a few days of leisure. He would not get it, not until this situation was resolved. The Lord has done much for us. Sometimes He asks much in return.

But what? What could be done with two rulers who were so intractable, so untrusting, and so overconfident in their own power? Varrenaz slowly dropped his gaze from the mountains until it rested on the fence that surrounded the Governor's ranch. And then he knew.

Father Varrenaz stood outside the doorway, waiting for full darkness. The first star appeared in the heavens, and he offered a quick prayer. If there was one night in all his life when he needed God at his side, this was it.

As he waited, his fingers strayed down towards his belt, resting on the handle of his revolver. Father Varrenaz disliked guns. Nevertheless, he couldn't have lived in the wilderness all these years without protection from bandits and wild animals. He had bought the revolver when he first ventured north and kept it at his bedside all these years, using it only once to drive off a bear that wanted his food stores. Tonight he might need it for a much more direct purpose. He lifted his fingers and pulled the fringe of his shirt over the gun.

Darkness came. Varrenaz knocked on the door, and the prison warden opened it. "I've come to look at Krex's wounds," Varrenaz said. The warden nodded and led him to the end of the cell block, unlocking the door and locking it again after Varrenaz entered.

"How are you feeling?" Varrenaz asked.

"Like death," Krex answered. He lay on his side. Some of his bandages had fallen off, and patches of fresh blood had clotted on his arms and legs.

"He is recovering, but slow," Grun said. "His pain is still great, though somewhat less than yesterday. He can move arms and legs, but it makes him hurt worse."

Varrenaz inspected the injuries carefully and didn't like what he saw. Despite his best efforts, infections had started at several places. Krex needed a long rest and treatment by a proper doctor. Right now, those weren't options. The great beast would need to move tonight.

Varrenaz bandaged the injuries again, then called out for the warden. He was unsuspecting, almost casual as he unlocked the cell. He swung the door open. Varrenaz reached for his gun, pointing it in the warden's face. "Quiet now. Don't move."

The warden's eyes widened, but he didn't call out. Varrenaz motioned to Grun and Krex, and they got to their feet. They left the cell. As Krex stumbled through the doorway, the warden reached for his gun. The warden was fast, but Grun was faster. He clobbered the man solidly on the jaw, then dragged the unconscious body into the cell and locked him in. They left the jail.

Krex groaned in pain. "Quiet," Varrenaz whispered. He scanned the darkness, half expecting soldiers to arise from the shadows. None did. "To the stables." The three of them ran to the barn behind the ranch house. Varrenaz shuddered as the barn door creaked alarmingly loud, but no one was about.

Grun set about saddling horses. Krex, groaning and clutching his side in pain, did not help out. "I know it hurts," Varrenaz said to the beast. "But I also know you're tough enough to make it." Krex grunted, but made no comment as he climbed into the saddle.

"How will we get out?" Grun asked. "Banron must have guards."

"He depends on his security fence to keep intruders out," Varrenaz said, "but it can't keep us in." He drew a small saw from his pocket. "We'll cut through the fence. The alarm will sound, but we'll already be gone when the guards are alerted."

"They'll give chase," Grun said.

Varrenaz smiled grimly. "A little sport can do a body good."

They galloped out of the barn. Grun dismounted to cut through the fence, then jumped back into the saddle, and soon they left Banron's ranch behind. The alarm sounded, and shouts of surprise echoed across the plain. Lights came on behind them. Grun turned around, looking for pursuers. "No time to watch, only time to run," Varrenaz said.

They ran in a circle around Steedham Junction, then headed northwest. They heard galloping hooves behind them, soon joined by the deep baying of hounds. Banron was tracking them. The hunt was on.

Father Varrenaz took the lead, hurtling through the forest at breathtaking speed. Branches whipped his face and arms. Grun followed, and Krex brought up the rear. Varrenaz could hear Krex's labored breathing and groans of pain, but they couldn't stop now. The forest grew darker, until they rode through near-perfect black. Grun took the lead; the beasts could see in the dark. He took them on a zigzag trail, cutting through patches of briar.

Grun abruptly halted his horse. Varrenaz gasped to see a ravine opening beneath them, steep walls rising on either side. Grun carefully picked out a trail down the gorge. Varrenaz heard the hounds getting closer. They rode their horses into the water, wading the stream for a quarter mile and emerging on a gravel bank. Varrenaz smiled at Grun's good sense; the hounds would have trouble picking up the trail.

They rode up the far bank and headed deeper into the woods, finally stopping in a small clearing.

While the horses rested, Varrenaz took another look at Krex's injuries. A tree branch had smashed into the cut on his right arm, opening the wound even wider. Much as it must have hurt, the great beast remained keen and alert.

Grun joined them. "Where are we going?" he asked.

"To my cabin," Varrenaz said. "You know where it is?"

Grun nodded. "By Lake Solitude. But once the hounds pick up our trail, they'll follow us straight there. We'll have to take a roundabout route to throw them."

Varrenaz looked up at the Grun. "You lead, we'll follow."

They mounted again. Grun led them west, into the highlands. A thin sliver of moon lit the scene with an eerie white glow. Small, stunted trees dotted the landscape, while pits and rock pillars loomed everywhere. Grun rode along the rim of a narrow canyon for a ways, then turned onto a spur that jutted into the void. Varrenaz gasped as Grun's horse didn't stop. It reached the end of the spur and took a leap, seeming to hang suspended in the air for a moment, then landed safely on the other side.

Varrenaz and Krex stopped their horses, staring at the canyon and the ten-foot gap. It looked suicidal, but Varrenaz knew he had no choice. Banron and his hounds would eventually track them here. Varrenaz steeled himself, then kicked his horse forward. He ran along the spur, sending a trickle of rocks over the edge, then made the jump. Varrenaz knew a moment of exhilaration mixed with sheer terror as the canyon yawned below him. Then he reached the far side, the horse scrambling briefly for footing mere inches from the rim. Krex followed.

"Few men will have the guts to do that," Grun said. "Certainly not that coward Banron."

Varrenaz nodded. "I think we've shaken them for good.

They trotted through the hills, reaching Lake Solitude while the moon was still low. Father Varrenaz's cabin stood a lonely vigil on the shore. They tied up the horses, and Krex all but collapsed on the cabin floor. Grun dragged his brother to a cot in the corner, and Krex fell immediately into a sound sleep. Varrenaz wished he could do the same. But not yet, not while work remained.

"It is too bad you have only one cot, Father," Grun said. "I, too, would like a comfortable place to rest, but I suppose the floor will be good enough."

"It will not," Varrenaz said firmly. "Your brother may rest to heal, but for you and me, the night's work is only half done."

"What do you mean?"

Varrenaz reminded himself that Grun knew nothing about the events of the past two days. "Big things happened while you were held prisoner. Your father struck back at Banron by kidnapping his daughters. He holds them hostage at Meravvion."

Grun snorted a laugh. "Good for him. It's nice that Banron tasted his own medicine."

"It is good for no one," Varrenaz said. "Raka no longer needs Alice and Rebecca to bargain for your release. What do you suppose he'll do with them now?"

"He might use them for negotiation still, to stop Banron from stealing our land. Though if my father's temper is up, he might kill the governor's daughters out of spite. If so, it would be no less than what Banron deserves. He has proven himself to be a scoundrel and liar of the worst sort. He has no honor."

"Governor Banron is many bad things," Father Varrenaz said, "but Alice and Rebecca are only children, and they have done no wrong. Is there honor in killing them?"

"What do you ask of me?" Grun said.

"You will help me rescue Alice and Rebecca, and bring them back here," Father Varrenaz said.

"No," Grun said. He stomped out of the cabin.

Varrenaz followed him out. He found Grun standing by the lakeshore, staring out across the water. "You must aid me, Grun," Varrenaz said. "You owe it to me."

"Banron has all but declared war on us," Grun said. "We have tried to be friendly, to accommodate the needs of men, but they only betrayed us time after time. What do I owe to any man?"

"I helped you escape from prison. Without me, you might well have died at Steedham Junction. Is that not enough?"

Grun turned away. "You are asking me to betray my father and my king."

"I am asking you to serve the Father of all and the King of kings. The events unfolding here are larger than your petty desires for revenge. The region is on the verge of war. If Alice and Rebecca die, we'll all go over the brink together."

Grun turned back to face Father Varrenaz. "Perhaps you are right. So then we will have war. Banron clearly refuses to live side-by-side with us. Perhaps war is the only way for us to remain free."

"War is not the way," Varrenaz said. "War means killing, not just of soldiers, but women and children too. It means disrupted lives, ruined towns and villages, disease and hunger. Listen to me, Grun. I know you. You want peace. You're well aware that your father and brother are too militant, and that their path will lead your folk to disaster in the end. Governor Banron did one stupid thing, but that doesn't make it okay for you to forget what's right and what's wrong."

Grun looked at his feet and took a deep breath, then faced Varrenaz again, with acceptance in his eyes. "Very well, Father, I will aid you tonight. What do we do?"

"We sneak into your father's hideout, rescue Alice and Rebecca and bring them here."

"The entrance is guarded well," Grun said. "There's no sneaking in."

"We take the back entrance," Varrenaz said.

"Back entrance?"

"Don't look so surprised; I know there must be one. Raka wouldn't create a base without an escape hatch. He's too smart for that. The cave has another entrance. I just need you to show me where it is."

Grun sighed deeply. "Only Raka, Krex and I are supposed to know. You must not tell anyone else. The back tunnel crosses under the spur of the mountain and emerges on the west side. The door stands atop the cliffs of Meravvion, five hundred feet above the ground. An old man like you cannot make that climb."

"Then you must rescue the girls," Father Varrenaz said. "I will wait at the base of the cliff."

They headed west by moonlight, moving on foot as the horses were spent. The crescent moon shone above the mountain's peak as they approached the cliff. Varrenaz sat on a boulder at the base, concealed behind thick scrub. Grun nodded silently to him and started upward.

Father Varrenaz waited many hours. The moon vanished, the stars circled. Doubt gnawed at his mind. Grun might be seen. Grun might be captured. Grun might betray him. How terrible to come this far only to be defeated at the very end. He knelt on the ground, praying for the safety of Banron's daughters.

The first hints of dawn appeared in the east. Varrenaz looked up towards the mountaintop, where rays of golden light struck the highest snow-capped crags. He squinted. His eyes could just barely make out three figures on the cliff face, climbing slowly downward.

They reached the ground just as the sun burst above the mountaintop. The four of them made the journey to the cabin in silence until they arrived at the lakeshore.

"This is Lake Solitude?" Alice said.

Varrenaz nodded.

"Aptly named," Alice said, gazing at the forests, which ringed it on all sides.

"Not today it won't be," Varrenaz said. "It won't take Raka long to figure out what happened. The beast folk are excellent trackers. They'll follow us here soon enough."

Alice frowned. "Will we have to run away again? I've had about enough of wilderness hospitality."

"I imagine your father will arrive to pick you up soon enough. I left a note in his liquor cabinet, telling him that I'd bring you here. I imagine he found it shortly after returning home last night."

They arrived in early afternoon. Raka came first, leading a band of about ten heavily armed followers. Krex and Grun intercepted him in the woods and explained what had transpired.

Banron showed up an hour later, riding with a dozen soldiers at his back. He looked haggard and disheveled, but his face lit up when he saw Alice and Rebecca. He hugged them both tightly. His face darkened again when he saw Father Varrenaz waiting in the cabin doorway.

"A confident pose for a man who betrayed my hospitality and broke two prisoners from jail," Banron said.

"That's not the greeting I would expect, considering that I just saved your daughters from death or worse, as you put it," Varrenaz said. "Aren't you at least going to thank me?"

Banron looked taken aback at the priest's boldness, but after a minute agreement settled on his face. "Very well. Father Varrenaz, I thank you for your role in bringing my girls home safely. However, don't think that you've single-handedly solved all our problems. The issue of Hayden Canyon is still unresolved. With Raka's sons gone, we're deadlocked again."

"Maybe, maybe not," Father Varrenaz said with a smile. "I instructed Raka to return to my cabin in a couple hours. I hope that you'll wait until then, and listen to my proposal for a compromise on Hayden Canyon."

"A compromise?" Banron said. "How do you intend to pull that off?"

"The same way I resolved the hostage situation," Varrenaz said, "by giving both sides what they want."

Governor Banron and his delegation stood on the left, near the water. Raka and his followers had the right, in the shadow of the forest. Palpable tension sizzled in the air between them, but that was probably unavoidable. Healing the mistrust from these events would require time and effort. Hopefully they would take the first step tonight.

"Hayden Canyon," Father Varrenaz said. "It's been on everyone's mind for months. The beast folk view it as theirs. The human settlers need it for a railroad. Since the beginning, we've assumed that these two claims are irreconcilable. I suggest that they aren't.

"My proposal is simple. The railroad will be built, and the beast folks will maintain ownership of the land. The portion of the railroad running through their land will be entirely under their control. They will be responsible for maintaining the track and the bridges and tunnels, operating way stations and switches, and keeping that entire stretch of railroad in working order."

Varrenaz stopped and scanned the two groups of listeners. This was the moment of truth. Muttering arose from both camps, but it was Governor Banron who spoke first. "A ridiculous idea," he said. "Raka could simply shut down the railroad whenever he chose."

"Exactly right," Father Varrenaz said. "You would have to ensure that he didn't make that choice."

"And how I am supposed to do that?" Banron said.

"The old-fashioned way," Varrenaz said. "Respect and cooperation. Learn to work together with Raka and his folk, and then your railroad will run smoothly."

"Hah," Raka said, "them cooperating with us? Banron has already shown that he won't do that. I see no reason to accept this plan. The railroad will only bring more men to steal more of our land."

"If you don't see the reason, it's because you haven't looked far enough ahead," Varrenaz said. "Men will continue pouring into this region no matter what you do. Both folk will have to learn to live and work with each other. This agreement will give your folk a chance to promote that, and to become an integral part of the world of men. If you're in control, men will have to give you the respect that you so dearly want."

The two leaders looked at each other; Varrenaz could see them weighing their options carefully, but at last realization came to both of them. "It's not the best option, but perhaps it's the best we can get," Banron said. He approached Raka's group.

"I suppose respect always comes with a price," Raka said. He took the Banron's offered hand in his own enormous paw. "We have an agreement."

Dusk came, painting the lake and forest in somber colors. Raka had long since departed, heading for his cave to explain the agreement to his followers. Now Banron gathered his troops, preparing for the return to Steedham Junction. They had retrieved the three horses that Varrenaz had taken from the stables. Alice and Rebecca would ride two of them.

Father Varrenaz took one last look at the landscape, then entered his cabin. Rebecca was still inside, sitting on the cot where she had rested for most of the afternoon. She glanced up as Father Varrenaz came through the door. "Why did you do it?" she asked.

"Do what?"

"Why did you get involved in the mess between my father and Raka? Why did you agree to be a negotiator? Why did you work yourself past the point of exhaustion trying to straighten things out? Obviously everyone is grateful to you, and no one more so than me. But you look like you're about ready to fall over. You could have just stayed out here in the woods if you wanted. It really wasn't any of your business. Why did you do it?"

Father Varrenaz straightened, rubbing at his neck. "Why? Well Rebecca, a man my age knows that the end is approaching. When your father called me to be a negotiator, I saw a chance to make the world a better place, and that, after all, is the only thing worth doing. I may not get many more such chances, so I decided to take the opportunity regardless of the cost."

Rebecca seemed to think that explanation over as she rose and headed for the door. "And what are you going to do now?"

"Now?" Varrenaz took a deep breath and sat down on the cot. "Now I'm going to rest."

I am a math student, fanatical reader, sporadic writer, and all-around book person. I currently live in Tennessee, where I attend Vanderbilt University. I am a grad student and teaching assistant, and much of my life is gobbled up by classes and seminars. Spare time gets spent on cycling and other outdoor sports, and on watching the basketball team get crushed by SEC competitors.

I have been writing for many years, but only started taking it seriously within the last three years. This will be my first publication in a paying market, but hopefully not my last. I have ten completed stories with several more in progress, and I've also written 40,000 words of a high fantasy novel.

Cover: "Jupiter Rising"

The Canyon

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