Hunting Rogues: Nidings, #4

By R.B. Ashton

On the frontier, death is a given.

But Fraki's ready to fight back.

Close to the Nidings, a land of man-eating monsters, Fraki's town has a deal. Sacrifices are made to ensure their safety. But when Fraki's lover is killed, she realises how fragile that deal is.

She believes things can be better. The giantess that terrorises them must be stopped, and she determines to lead a group of mercenaries to do that.

Going against her parents' wishes, Fraki sets out on a journey into dark and terrible territory.

Can her team of outcast fighters bring down one of the Nidings' most awful monsters, or will they fall prey to the beasts beyond the frontier?

A fast-paced, chilling adventure, Hunting Rogues is a triumphant return to the world of the Nidings that combines Ashton's usual unique blend of fantasy and horror. It can be read as a standalone novella, featuring all-new characters.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Neringa Press
• Release date: Feb 6, 2024
• ISBN: 9798223770244

Book preview

1

FRAKI’S HEART FLUTTERED as she climbed the stone steps to Star Peak, eager with a week’s anticipation to finally see Sudien alone. A half-mile north of town, beyond a thick trail of tall trees and jagged rocks, the peak was the perfect meeting place. The rocky outcrop rose twenty feet higher than the trees to a stubby plateau, overlooking a stream, the fields to the east and the great craggy mess of mountainous borderlands to the west. With a steep climb to get there and sheer drops on three sides, it was a daring place to take in the view. It was also where the townsfolk made sacrificial offerings to Rote. No one came up outside that horrible ritual.

No one would expect Fraki, the daughter of the town leader, to be here.

It was the perfect place to meet the love of her life, the man her parents forbid her to see.

Fraki left the trees to climb the last few steps to the top platform, moving into the moonlight, puffing to catch her breath, and found new energy on seeing Sudien’s slim silhouette against the night sky. He was looking out towards the stars, and for a moment she enjoyed watching him, wondering where his deep thoughts were going. Her mother and father didn’t get that about him: he might’ve been a stable-hand, with few prospects beyond good, honest work, but he liked to read. He liked to think. He was intelligent, and funny, and lovely.

She crept up behind him, careful not to tread on the dry grass and broken twigs that littered the peak, and readied herself to pounce. Just as she was about to leap forward, hands ready to squeeze over his eyes, Sudien turned and smiled, without a hint of surprise.

Fraki gawked, startled herself, and demanded, How did you know?

Lucky guess. He shrugged. He must’ve heard her or seen a shadow. But Fraki’s annoyance at how he predicted her coming faded at his smile, that smooth-skinned face and his lush curtains of sweeping blond hair. She straightened up and smiled back.

How long were you waiting?

Since sundown, he said. As soon as I could get away from work. How could I bear staying in town, knowing I’d see you here?

Fraki read his face for a lie, or a joke, but he kept it expertly blank. She curled her nose and pushed his arm. Liar.

Sudien cracked with a laugh. Course not. I was about two metres ahead of you on the road, I only just beat you!

Fraki shoved him again and he laughed louder, pushing back, and their arms tangled in a mock wrestle – until their faces came close together and Sudien held her there, strong arms around her back, lips just above her own. Sinking in each other’s eyes, they drifted together for a kiss.

When they parted, hungry, breathless, Sudien slid an arm around Fraki’s shoulders and directed her towards the stars, holding her close. Isn’t it beautiful?

It is, Fraki said.

Not just the sky, Sudien added. This. Us. Did you talk to your father again?

I tried. He laughed, pretending I was joking. Easier than daring to disagree with Mother. She’s actually arranged for Lord Ahane’s son to visit next month. Now that the trouble across the Clear Valley’s calming they think we can unite with Ahaneton.

Calming, Sudien scoffed. What’s it matter how calm the Clear Valley is, out here? If trouble came, your mother would wish for my horses instead of wealthy neighbours.

Do we have to talk about them? Fraki sighed. Aren’t we here to avoid town business?

Yes, Sudien agreed, facing her again, smile returning. Of course, leave Lewvon problems to Lewvon. Tonight is for us. He took her hands. But I swear I’ll figure something out. We’ll run away together if we have to. I love you, Fraki. I’ll do anything to be with you.

Fraki’s eyes went so big she thought they might fall out. It was the first time he had said those words, and while not totally unexpected she still found herself unready. He stared at her with rare sincerity, all playfulness put aside.

I – Fraki began, not aware exactly what response she would give.

She didn’t get to find out.

A loud thud echoed down the stream, between the mountain walls and the rocky edges of Star Peak. The couple turned towards the sound as another came, closer. Fraki’s hand found Sudien’s and squeezed. The third step shook the ground under them, and a great shadow swept out from the cliffs upstream. Their first few seconds of stillness were not confusion but disbelief: they knew exactly what was coming, but it shouldn’t have been here.

Go! Sudien said, pulling Fraki away from the edge, towards the steps. He ran across the plateau almost dragging her behind him, his legs that much longer and faster. As they reached the first step, the peak shuddered more violently, the giant footsteps almost upon them. Sudien skidded aside to let Fraki past him, gave her an encouraging push.

We’ll be hidden in the trees! he insisted, plainly trying to keep cool. Ease her nerves with his calm. But they both knew there was no safety out here from her.

Fraki hesitated, two steps down, needing a better plan than that. Or an explanation, at the least; the monster had come just a week ago. She had no business being here, breaking the pact. But as Fraki dwelt on how it couldn’t or shouldn’t be true, she appeared over the tip of Star Peak, a vast shape blocking out the sky beyond Sudien’s shoulder. Unable to stop herself, Fraki screamed. It made Sudien turn back, and he swore with quiet fear.

The giantess was known to everyone in Lewvon, but few saw her up close. She called herself Rote, and had first appeared almost a year ago. She had devoured over a dozen townsfolk since – including, most recently, a young miner who had been staked here after being caught stealing from the tavern’s coffers. He’d been a strong, healthy tribute, better than some that had been offered – why wasn’t it enough?

Fraki wanted to scream at the giant, to demand an answer – how dare she interrupt her one chance to be alone with her love! – but fear rooted her to the spot. It was impossible not to be afraid, staring up at the visage of a savage woman of huge proportions. They said Rote stood sixty feet tall, higher than Star Peak and far higher than any building in Lewvon. Far bigger than any creature had a right to be. The giantess’s head was as