Light Of Sanghelios
Chapter Four: Fleeting Seclusion
I walked down the trails looking for my prey. There are many beast that live in my forest, some as dangerous as an enraged Mgalekgolo. A blanket of mist was starting to settle now that the suns had gone down. I stopped noticing tracks of a Runnerbeast, a long-legged and necked creature. A grand prize to find on a night hunt, if you like a long chase. The leaves gently swirled in the breeze, I should have worn something warmer.
Something darted down the path, something small, a Swamphopper perhaps. Small swift hair things, wonderful if roasted with tubers and sweet fruits. I notched an arrow and waited in the brush. Where there was one there were many more, they breed like Unggoy. One hopped into the trail, I pulled back the bow while its back was turned, aimed and let it loose in one swift move. Another hopper, another arrow. After three, no more entered the path, removing the arrows and I placed them into the bag.
I sat under a Kafel tree and listened to the songs of the night creatures. What was Nwahs doing, what are his intentions? That I think I know, he must be looking for a mate besides his duties. I wouldn't mind being his, but sword bearers can not marry, although they may mate with any they chose. Only problem is this law was made for male swordsmen, we females were never to touch the sacred sword. Maybe my new role as counsel may change these former laws, it is a new age and times have changed. I should see the priestess again before I leave and read my cards.
Suddenly the forest grew quite, after a few seconds the harmony of nature continued. Long slender legs moved amongst the trees, its hoofed feet did not even snap the smallest twig. Timing now means everything, I shifted causing a rock to dislodge. A graceful neck swept down from the tender tree shoots, and stood there frozen, looking for the source of sound. I held my breath, the only sound now was the pounding of my heart. My hands trembled slightly, the anticipation of what might come, the same feeling that you get in the field. The Runnerbeast moved on, I was undiscovered.
This was my favorite part of the hunt, stalking until I have that perfect shot. You must stay far enough behind so not to be seen but close so that you will not lose sight of your prey. I followed it around to the road leading into town the first sun rising. It stopped, perfect, I aimed letting the string slip through my fingers. A shrill cry rang out through the forest, the runner easily evaded the arrow as it ran for safety. Another cry was heard followed by a loud roar, a Packscavenger.
I ran to the commotion, this may be a easy hunt if I can take his prey. I rounded a large tree to see that the beast had cornered an Unggoy. I shot it in the back causing it to turn and run away.
"You almost became a snack." I grabbed his arm and pulled him to his feet. "You must be Ru'it."
"Yes, me is." He looked down at the ground. "Drop your armor back down the road. I am sorry."
"Well, lets go get it." I looked behind us, the beast will return soon and I will need that armor.
Not far down the road was a chest. I opened it to find the silver armor unscratched. I tossed down my bag and pulled off my top layer of clothing. Good thing I had left my gel suit on, it was also much easier that Ru'it was helping me get everything in its place. I put my things into the box but withdrew my sword from my bag, this I will need. Ru'it graced the handles and began to carry it down the path.
"Stop!" I yelled to him. A Packscavenger jumped in front of him. "Back up slowly to me."
The beasts massive head emitted a short bark. Five of its pack mates surrounded us, they all vaulted forward.
"Run Ru'it!"
They were all on me, nothing could be seen but fur and teeth. I activated my sword and slashed at the creatures. Two fell dead and one limbed away injured, there were two left. The pack leader stood back and waited, the other charged to which I buried my blade in his chest. The blue-white plasma flickered, then cease to be. Wonderful I now have no weapon and the strongest of the beast to deal with. He jumped on me pinning me onto my back, his weight forcing the air from my lungs. Blackness was creating in on my vision, I could not move. Something warm was trickling down my neck but I could not feel its fangs.
Suddenly the weight was gone, have I begun my trip on the great journey? I opened my eyes to find Ru'it standing over me.
"Are you alright excellency?" He fidgeted.
"Yes. Thanks to you I believe." I sat up slowly to keep my head from spinning.
We went on our way down the road back to my home. I felt my neck to find the extent of my injuries. It will need some attending for sure.
"You are a brave Unggoy to take on such a breast."
"It is my duty to you excellency."
"Well you shall enjoy the spoils of the nights hunt."