This scene was a critical for me. When we met Inahtuu earlier in Book 1 he almost immediately showed his physical prowess, his willingness to act on his more violent tendencies. I wanted to show that he had another side, a counter balance in his personality.
We get a bit of insight into the types of assignments ro’kitas in the Kavanian navy were given. Imagine them as “hired guns” or experts of extraction. Due to the Kavanian navy’s dominance the Kavanians cast a large net all across Amashik. If you can get a message to them, they can likely aid you… if you can afford it.
As I mention in one of my worldbuilding posts, The Islands of Kavana are in part modeled after the ancient Mali Empire. While the Mali Empire built its wealth through trade, the Kavanians built their’s through military might and naval supremacy. The ro’kitas, the equivalent to special operatives in this fantasy world, are one of the major tools as their disposal collecting taxes at sea as well as huge bounties from nations who find themselves in need of their services.
Inahtuu’s backstory and life as a ro’kita will be revealed piece by piece as The Rule of Nine unfolds so I’ll resist saying too much, but what he etches in that journal is very important. It’s rough translation: “I fear I miss the hunt more than I should.” His actions in the tavern show that although he’s walked way from life as a ro’kita, the urge to live as one is still with him.
Geralt’s facial expression change here is no coincidence. The directions he gives aren’t just to any farmstead, but one of great importance to him and to the Republic Kingdom itself.
Cunningham Estates, just north of Dunport is home to one of the oldest and wealthiest families in Athea. The Cunningham’s played a pivotal role in helping to secure Dunport for the 1st generation of the 1st Ennead and have always been treated with reverence because of it.
Geralt sends Inahtuu here for a very particular reason that we will explore once we dive into Book 2 here in a few months time. Suffice it to say, Geralt owes a lot to the Cunningham family as does the rest of the Republic Kingdom of Athea.
PAGE 16 (3 Panels)
Scene 5 (/1/3 pages/)
*Panel 1*
Inahtuu sits on the edge of his bed, with a quill pen in his hand, tip dipped into a small jar of ink on a chest next to his bed. Across his lap sits a leather bound journal, made of animal hide, the same as his boots.
Inahtuu begins writing. He has a meticulous look on his face. Whatever he is writing, it is very important to him.
*Panel 2*
Geralt stands in the doorway, he leans to one side. He does not interrupt Inahtuu. Inahtuu continues to write as he speaks.
1 INAHTUU Please. Come in.
*Panel 3*
Geralt enters and stands just in front of Inahtuu and leans up against the wall. Inahtuu places his journal, still open, on the chest next to him. He leaves the quill in the ink jar.
1 GERALT I wanted to thank you.
1 INAHTUU No need. I’m *familiar* with men like that. It’s best to act quickly before they have a chance to do too much harm.
PAGE 17 (3 Panels)
Scene 5 (/2/3 pages/)
*Panel 1*
Inahtuu invites Geralt to sit next to him, he does. Inahtuu has a soft look on his face. Geralt doesn’t know it, but he favors Inahtuu’s grandfather. Geralt looks curious.
1 GERALT What was it that you said you did again? If its not asking too much…
1 INAHTUU It isn’t. Where I’m from I spent many years as a Ro’kita.
2 GERALT A “Hunter.” Yes?
2 INAHTUU Yes.
*Panel 2*
Inahtuu and Geralt continue their conversation. Geralt has a soft smile on his face. Inahtuu looks disappointed about having to share the truth of his past.
1 GERALT You mentioned traveling to the Provinces. My guess is you spent a lot of your time on the sea.
1 INAHTUU Almost all of it. On longships. Large enough to carry both cargo and crew. Of that crew, a small contingent were Ro’kitas.
2 GERALT What did you hunt? Boar? Elk? Treasure?
2 INAHTUU Men.
*Panel 3*
Inahtuu cracks a smile. Geralt points to Inahtuu’s Ya’rosa on the wall.
1 GERALT Is that how you learned to use that odd looking thresher like that?
1 INAHTUU It is called a ya’rosa. Or catcher. And yes…
2 INAHTUU …murderers, thieves, rapists, we’d pursue bedswervers if their spouse was wealthy enough to fund our voyage, to us, it was all the same:
*Panel 4*
CLOSE UP ON INAHTUU
Inahtuu looks conflicted by what he says.
1 INAHTUU Hunt. Catch. And transport. That was our- -
PAGE 18 (4 Panels)
Scene 5 (/3/3 pages/)
*Panel 1*
Geralt stands to head back down stairs. A bell was heard off in the distance.
1 SFX ring! ring!
1 GERALT I’m sorry, I’ve got to attend to that. But tonight you sleep for free.
2 GERALT You’re welcome to stay longer if you have the coin.
1 INAHTUU Thank you for the offer. Though I’ll be leaving at first light. I’d like to keep to myself wherever I end up…
2 INAHTUU …that’ll be hard to do after a show like that.
*Panel 2*
Geralt pauses in the doorway. Inahtuu reaches for his quill and journal. Both men smile as they part ways.
1 GERALT If its work you are looking for head towards Portskeep, the castle in Upper Port.
2 GERALT Pass through its northern gate and follow the road until you reach a farm just off the road…
3 GERALT I’m *sure* Lord Cunningham will be happy to have someone like *you* around…
*Panel 3*
Geralt’s grows a bit colder. Barely noticeable, but noticeable.
1 GERALT …just be sure to tell him that *Geralt from Dunport* sent you.
1 SFX ring! *ring*! ring!
1 INAHTUU Thank you Geralt. I won’t forget this kindness.
*Panel 4*
CLOSE UP ON JOURNAL/HAND
Inahtuu is writing in his native tongue in his journal. The quill in his right hand near the right side of the frame. He’s near the bottom of the page.
The following is written in a neat print that resembles old English script:
*”I a’fi I miss the ki’ta more than I should…”*