Coller had not slept the night before. He had stayed awake and watched the man-wolves all night. Actually he really hadn't stayed up all night watching man-wolves. There are no more man-wolves. He stayed up all night to watch humans. They moved like humans, talked, walked, and slept like humans. In every sense the hundred or so inhabitants that were now camped outside of the village of Veros were human. The only real difference is that until last night they had been bloodthirsty man-wolves. Now they ate among humans and in the coming years would farm and celebrate with the humans. It was a new day. Coller spit out the piece of grass he had been chewing on since yesterday and stood up to stretch his stiff muscles. He looked around and saw the vast amount of tents that the man-wolves now lived and saw that none of them had awakened yet. He decided that he would report to the village leaders that the man-wolves seemed sincere in the decision to remain human. Coller began to walk the road that led back to the village. The sound of his footsteps kicking leaves out the way was the only sound. Nevertheless Coller knew he was being watched. He walked a little further and then stopped in his tracks. He looked a little to his left and then to his right. Before the shadowy figure even jumped out of the bushes, Coller had already pulled his guns from their holsters. The figure that had jumped out was of medium height and had short white hair. Blue eyes stared at Coller from a cold face that hid behind white hair that was long in the front and hung over to cover his features. Despite the hair color, the man appeared to be young looking and well built. The shirt he wore left most of his chest and neck bare so his level of strength was apparent. The designs on his garments and the red sash around his waist were like something a gypsy might wear. Around his neck was a shiny blue necklace. This was the one they called Cornell. Coller had seen him lead the man-wolves in the peace meetings. If there was to be any peace in the coming years, it was all due to Cornell. Even though Coller knew this, he thought it wise to be cautious anyway.
"Staying in shape?" he asked Cornell.
"You spent the night watching us," he said in a completely human voice.
"Yes," Coller confessed.
"I spent the night watching you."
"You must be sleepy then."
"Not really." Cornell looked at into Coller's eyes. "I know peace between us will be hard, but I want you to remember that we took the first step to make peace."
"I know. I'll remember too."
"Good," Cornell said, his stare never leaving his. "I was wondering," he said and finally Cornell turned and looked in the direction of Veros, "will you be staying long?"
"No. Why?"
"My people have never hunted before. At least not the way you do. Our old ways might not be the best way to hunt animals, considering."
Coller let out a laugh and rubbed his beard. "Let me guess, you want me to teach you people how to hunt?"
"Yes."
"I never thought I'd hear that one."
"You are reputed to be the greatest hunter in these parts. Indeed, you are the only man to have killed a man-wolf and live to tell about it. You are the likely choice."
"Aye. That I am."
Cornell then gestured towards the two pistols that Coller had replaced in the appropriate holsters. "May I see them?"
"Me guns?"
"Yes."
Coller considered for a moment and then removed his gun belt and handed it to Cornell. "How's this for a gesture. You can try it on for size and carry it the rest of the way. Since you're not sleepy, would you fancy a drink on me?"
"Thank you," Cornell said taking the gun belt and putting it on.
"Heh. A mighty fine fit Cornell."
Together they began to walk towards town. Cornell toyed with the pistol in his hand. Coller warned him not accidentally fire it off. Finally Cornell questioned him about the origin of the pistol.
"The gun you are holding in your hand is one of a kind. I made it myself along with a few other gadgets that I use."
"Remarkable."
"Why thank you laddie. It means a lot coming from someone I figured for prey not a few months ago."
"Where will you go?"
"Ach. I don't really know. I do know I am not needed here. And anyway, my presence might be a nuisance to your peace. If you were to call our feud a war, then I would be the only war criminal still that needs a trial. At least according to your lot."
"Coller. My 'lot' is now your lot. I don't want you to feel as though you are being forced out of here. We could use you here. We need someone to teach us your ways."
"Cornell, you people do not need a hunter to teach them how to kill. Your people need a farmer to teach you how to survive, to grow food for your fellow man. At any rate, I think your people can put up a good fight on their own."
"Perhaps you are right."
"I plan on just wandering about for awhile. See what happens. I'm a strong believer that the Lord has a plan for all his children."
They had finally reached the edge of town and Coller turned to face Cornell. "Will you be joining me for that drink?"
"No. Some other time," Cornell said as he handed the guns back to their owner.
"In that case, I suppose I'll be off."
"If you ever come by here again, you shall be welcome in my home."
"Mighty glad to hear it. Goodbye Cornell. I wish your people luck. And take good care of that little sister of yours. What was her name?"
Cornell smiled, "Ada, yes, I will. Although in the past we have been on opposite sides, I hope when next we meet, we will fight along side each other."
"Me too, Cornell, me too." With one last smile and a big strong slap on the shoulder, Coller was off. He mounted his horse and rode off into the wilderness beyond Veros. Cornell stood there for a moment pondering whether or not he would see the hunter again. In his mind he hoped so. The world needed more like him. Not so many humans had been as eager to bring peace as Coller. Cornell stood there not suspecting that one day they would indeed stand together for a common cause.