Chapter 1: The Hunt

The forest was quiet except for the occasional song of a bird during which a boy of about 15 years of age was creeping through the underbrush.

Oren crept forward as quickly as he could. His palm tingled with anticipation of the hunt. Today he would prove his strength and skill to his clan by hunting and killing a grizzly bear! Oren drew his bow and strung it in one swift, fluid motion. Just as he had done so many times before. Then silently stalking across the forest floor he spots his prey: A large female bear.

Oren would have liked to have to not have to hunt the female bear as especially if they have a cub hiding, the females are the most ferocious bears and he didn't want to have to hurt any cub. But he must put that behind him now, this is just about him and his prey.

He calmed himself and drew in three deep breaths and shivered in the autumn chill.

This is it he thought. He then drew three arrows and knocked one and kept the other two ready in his hand. He took one last deep breath, raised the bow and fired!

"It is time!" The words were spoken by a short, muscular woman known as the healer and magician of the forest clan.

"It is time" repeated Angela "for the boy to know his fate, he must perform The Test late this afternoon after he has returned from the hunt of going into manhood" she finished.

"I guess you're right" replied a fierce, muscular man wearily.

"We will prepare for the test as soon as possible. But until he gets back from his hunt we can do nothing else."

"When he comes back make sure he is ready"

"I will" replied Talon

The arrow flew across the clearing and buried itself in the bears back. The bear reared back roaring. But before it had time to react Oren had knocked his second arrow and sent it flying across the clearing but missing the bear it buries into the soft bark of a tree. The bear was now charging him as Oren shot a third arrow at the bear and hit her square in the chest. Oren had just enough time to throw himself aside as the bear hurled herself, claws flashing at the spot where he once occupied. Breaking his fall with a roll Oren leaped up and stowed his bow. Picking up his spear, he advanced on the bear and started to circle her. The bear bared its teeth and followed his movements through blood shot eyes. Blood oozed from her arrow wounds. Keeping his eyes on the bear and with his spear at the ready, Oren contemplated his options. Should he charge the bear with the spear or he could hurl it like a javelin or just wait for the bear to make her move. In his mind he narrowed down the options and chose one and he took it. So, without any more hesitation Oren aimed the spear and hurled it at the bear. The bear, caught off her guard didn't have any time to react and roared in pain as the spear pierced her stomach. The bear snarling swept the spear out of her flesh. Oren acting fast drawed his 12 inch hunting knife and charged the bear, he lashed out and cut the bears side. Bellowing with rage the bear slashed Oren's shoulder, ripping his skin and muscle and gushing out blood. Oren cried out, falling back. The bear reared back, prepared to make the kill, plunged down on Oren. Oren rolled aside and felt a searing pain in his back as one of the bear's claws snagged the back of his tunic cutting his back. Jumping up he dodged the bears snapping jaws. Then jabbing up, he stabbed the bears flesh. Retreating quickly he surveyed the bears wounds.

I almost got her he thought. Snarling, and with her eyes ablaze the bear charged. Oren, tired at this point, wasn't fast enough and the bear smashed into him, but not before Oren slashed her neck killing her. With a final grunt she slumped onto the ground. Dead.

It is done thought Oren. The task is complete. But for some reason he felt no joy for his great kill. A bush rustled, startled Oren looked up and saw two fierce eyes staring at him from a bush. He saw fear in those eyes. No wonder she was so fierce and desperate he thought she was protecting her cub. Then suddenly waves of guilt washed over him with a little feeling of remorse. He shook his head to clear his mind, and he set about the task of carrying home the bear.

The preparations are done thought Talon. So now we wait Talon casted his eyes towards the edge of the forest. He should be back by now, I hope he is OK. He saw movement at the edge of the tree line. Straining his eyes to see better, Talon saw a small dark figure dragging something large behind him. "Oren's back!" hollered Talon. He rushed forward to help Oren with his load. "Good job" exclaimed Talon as he saw the big bear Oren was half carrying, half dragging. "There's something special that's going to happen later today" Told Talon.

"What's happening?" queried Oren

"Ah, I cannot tell you" replied Talon.

"Probably some more warrior training" reasoned Oren

"No" replied Talon. He then observed Oren's wounds and said "Go see Angela about those wounds. I'll see to bringing this beast to camp"

"Yes Master" said Oren before dashing off into the camp. Talon watched him go hoping he wasn't the Chosen One. He is such a nice boy he thought Only the Test will tell.

Oren was lying on his good side in Angelina's medicine hut. Listening to her muttering and wincing as she slathers salves and poultice pastes on his wounds. "There" she exclaimed. "All done. A good thing to that I was able to heal your wounds. It just wouldn't do for you to be injured for The Test!" She announced.

"The Test! I'm doing the Test!" cried Oren happily.

"Yes" replied Angela. Oren without hesitation leaped up bursting with energy, excitement and as well some nervousness he stampeded out of the hut. (The Test is a test of magical powers and skill. It also is a contest and way to know who the Chosen One is. Usually all adolescences have the Test at ages 17 – 19. But if you show great potential and skill or show any signs of being the chosen one than there is an exception for being younger.) As Oren came out of the tent he saw some of his friends practice fighting with wooden staffs with a group of girls crowded around.

"Hey guys" called Oren bounding up to them. "What did you guys kill on your hunt to manhood?"

"I caught a buffalo boasted Kani, winking at the girls.

"Well I got a deer" said Yakama.

One of the girls, Eva, called "what did you kill Oren?"

Oren felt his face go hot as he regarded the girl whom he had liked for years.

"I killed a Karmas Grizzly mother bear protecting her cub!"

Everyone gasped.

Kani speaking up said scoffing "yeah right and you expect us to believe you!"

"I believe him" spoke up Eva

"And so you should' said a gruff voice from behind Oren. Oren wheeled around saw Talon. Talon said "Oren, it is time for you to get ready for the Test!