Garry smiled in satisfaction as he collected the raw beef and leather from the dead cow. This should feed the missus an' kids. Usually he could only bring down a chicken, and barely feed them all. Luckily, he used the feathers to make arrows. He had 126 with him, not counting the ones he shot the bovine with. Heading back home, he hummed a happy tune. Suddenly, a rattling of bones rang through the pine forest. A Skelly, as Garry called them, or the more popular term Skeleton archer. Quickly, Garry set a few ladders against a tree and broke through the leaves to the top of the pine. Laying down in the snow on top of the tree, he notched an arrow to his bow. The clattering came closer, until it was just under the tree, then all was quiet. Peeking around the leaves, Garry saw that the Skelly was wearing leather armor! Drawing back the arrow, he fired his bow and pierced it's skull. Leaping from the tree, Garry quickly salvaged 3 arrows and a leather chest plate. Taking his ladders, he rushed home without delay.
Banging on the door to his house, his wife, Alyx opened it and smiled. But her smile left her face at Garry's worried expression. " Honey, what's wrong, you look-"
"Barricade the door, block the windows and get into the cellar with the children. If any more come, I'll hold them off."
Alyx nodded with understanding. Turning into their sons' bedroom, she called, " James! Michel! Get to the cellar!" Two sleepy-eyed young boys dashed to the hidden door behind the bookcase, looking questioningly at their father.
"I'll explain later. Now get to the cellar. Both of you." Alyx rushed into the cellar, and with one last look at Garry, shut the bookcase door.
