PROLOGUE
The moon's shining bright... good... this will light the ground well, easier to see the prey. But that little voice in my head speaks up "The prey can see you". Hate to admit it, but that little voice is right. Bastard. Shouldn't be a problem though, I'll just have to take it slower... stealthier. Less fun that way.
The spear I'm holding is hard and rough as I grip it tightly. I've sharpened the point well, spent all morning making sure it was ready. Ready for the killing stroke. If all goes well, that's all I'll need – one strike, a quick kill and a good hunt. Rarely works out that way though. Most things in life rarely go the way you plan it.
There's a sound in the distance. Twigs under feet? Branches being jumped on? Can't see more than a few metres in front of where I'm waiting, this forest is too dam dense. Can hardly move without having to step around a tree trunk or climb over a log. But it's the same for the prey, and that's how I'll get it.
The sound is closer now. Definitely something. Does it know I'm here, waiting for it? No time to doubt my actions, it's closer than ever now. Have to be totally silent, soon it'll come into view and I'll see what it is. Slow my breathing down, not my heart though... I'll need the adrenaline.
The leaves in front of me are pushed aside... there's nothing there.
Found it.
I throw my spear with all my strength, unable to control my battle cry. The spear is propelled through the air like a rocket punching it's way out of the atmosphere. It lands where the leaves were... green luminous blood spray out and a monster cry of pain bellows. It's cloaking device fails and I see my prey. It's large, muscle-ridden humanoid figure is covered in it's stinking blood. With tremendous strength and will power, the monster pulls my spear out of it's body... I witness this and I can't help admiring the sheer power that shines from this fellow hunter. It sees me, and now I realise that I've waited too long... crap.
It charges, so do I but I know I stand no chance going face to face with my opponent. At the last moment I side step the oncoming charger, I've bought a matter of seconds... what to do with it? Obvious, get the spear. The monster threw it to the ground, with my side step I opened a clear path to my weapon. I grab, roll down on the ground and now I'm facing the threat full on and armed.
But it's gone. I can't believe it. How could I forget the first rule of combat? Never turn your back on your opponent. Instinctively I go straight into the standard defensive stance. My hearts beating so fast it feels like it's going to punch through my rib cage. My breathing won't slow down. I feel sweat rain down my face, it ain't that hot.
A twig snaps. I turn. Too late...