Chapter 6
Wolf and the Sheep's Clothing
The sun had nearly disappeared from view along the current where the ferry, which was holding Holo, Ranger and Fabian, was drifting along. The day seemed long and far spent for the lonesome she wolf who found the vexing events to be so heavy upon her mind that she only wished to lay down and rest. However that luxury did not seem within her power, seeing how the black and gold shepherd dog currently occupied the back of the wagon, and the front seat was not designed for the size of a human body length wise.
She glanced around her surroundings to find herself in an odd isolation. She noted Ranger tending to Gallavaun who had become strung out from being hitched to the wagon yet unable to pull it. It was common for beasts of burden to become testy for when being on the verge of performing it's bred purpose only to be delayed would be a cause for great agitation.
Holo approached the man and steed and observed his coagulating injuries. She then pointed and advised, "You really should have someone take a look at that."
Referring to the terrible gash across his back. Yet that was not all of his untreated abrasions. Within his collar (though obscure) was an arrow head that had yet to be removed, while the opposite had a wound (caused by the event's of the day before) which had been stitched but was reopened from aggressive activities. His right forearm had also a great laceration which had been sewn up but was unthreaded for the same reason.
When taking into account the words of Holo, Ranger simply responded, "All will be well with me. We are to dock soon and there I will treat them myself."
"With what?" inquired Holo when taking into consideration the lack of therapeutic remedies.
"Fabian had said that he would able to have his fellow merchants part with some clothing as a method of repayment. I will see if I can barter for some plain cloth and thread."
It was then that the voice of the fair merchant cut through, "Hope the two of you aren't talking of robbing me blind in the night." said he with a hint of humor.
Before Ranger could respond, Holo chose to maintain a somewhat decent relationship and added, "Now that would not be a very decent thing to do to the man whom we owe this ferry ride." said she with a sincere kindness in her voice.
Ranger was silent and chose to continue to ease Gallavaun while the other two decided to make friendly conversation.
"Think nothing of it.' returned Fabian with courteous favor in return, 'the least I can do is secure you some decent attire in return for your assistance."
Tapping the side of her cheek with some contemplation, Holo replied, "How will you convince your compatriots to part with their merchandise without cost?"
The fair merchant made a simple response, "Well I am sure they will want some kind of trade in return, perhaps a simple service?"
"Such as?"
"You seem to have a very keen business sense, and your….companion….seems to be an able bodied chap. Perhaps you could provide them some of your haggling secrets to increase their revenue."
"And what of him?" asked she in reference to the hood.
"One of the merchants deals specifically in furs, perhaps he could hunt down some game and skin them and use them in exchange?"
Turning to the hooded man, Holo inquired of him, "Does that seem agreeable to you?"
Still patting the mane of the shire, Ranger said calmly, "That will depend how fruitful the terrain shall be. However I may spare a moment of my time in being a provider for your cohort."
"He's not one to fill your hopes with confidence is he?" asked Fabian queerly of Holo.
The she wolf was at an impasse on what would be deemed an appropriate response within Ranger's presence. She could only let off a light non offensive shrug.
Fabian, when feeling the odd sensation of awkward intrusion, looked within the wagon and observed the crate and chest, which were the only stocks of cargo within the storage area, and Kaytaff laying next to them. The hound took notice of the unacceptable eyes gazing upon the cargo and gave him a squinting growl in return.
Backing away, Fabian looked over to Ranger who went on as if the air was still and the atmosphere was free of hostility.
"I must say that I'm a little curious as to what are in those crates that's so important to have your dog threaten any who come near it."
The Hood then gave subtle reply in that rare tone of both tranquility and admonishment, "Nothing worth dying over."
Fabian was stunned at the attenuate threat but recollected his cheerful demeanor and replied, "Your right, it's none of my concern anyway. Fortunately you will be able to add to your provisions once we dock and are able to rejoin with my fellow merchant brethren."
"You sound rather eager to introduce us to your associates then, yes?" replied Holo.
"Yes,' responded Fabian, 'it will be a reunion somewhat long overdue."
"If I may ask,' replied the she wolf, 'how long have you been separated from your caravan?"
"Since the start of this day."
"May I ask to where you are headed to?"
Fabian gave off a weak grin, "We don't really have a place to rest our heads in terms of destinations. We plan our routes and stock accordingly to where the best supply and demand would be in certain areas during certain times of the year."
"You do this as a strategy to obtain the most profit do you not?" inquired Holo with a hint that she knew well the answer.
With a sneering analogy, Fabian said, "Can't get the most meat where there's little game."
Holo gave him a rather empathetic grin in return. Then making yet another attempt to be more inclusive, Fabian asked of the duo, "So you are a nun?' then to Ranger, 'what is your profession?"
As tranquil and dismal as ever, Ranger responded, "It is not worth the price to find out."
Fabian sighed, "You know, I've seen men about to be executed more festive than you."
Holo let out a soft giggle who quickly covered her mouth and hid her face as to disguise her charmed hysteria. Ranger took no offense, he carried on in such a way that it almost could be interpreted that he took the jest as compliment.
At long last the pilot called out to all his passengers, "Land ho! We will be disembarking shortly!"
Within the next few moments the ferry drifted up to a small dock on the bank of the river. There the people gathered their things in order and prepared to quit the shuttle. To no surprise our trio was the last to leave, which when they had done so, received understandably uneasy glares from the ferryman.
Ranger only nodded to him and replied, "Thank you for your business."
With a half hearted gesture, the pilot gave a polite wave and smile, then cursed viscously at them under his breath which only Holo could hear, to her displeasure. When they boarded the wagon, Ranger had to pull back hard on the reins, for Gallavaun was attempting to make a jolt forward in excitement to be free from confinement. It was a short yet bumpy ride, and once the beast was under control, the hood turned to Fabian and inquired, "Where is your caravan?"
Fabian motioned in the direction which went deep into the trees, "Only a few miles in that direction."
Ranger attempted to steer the shire, however there was a holdup in the line of wagons as the source of this barricade was that of an elderly man with a jagged beard of white was hailing down some of the travelers with a look of intense worry. Each time he was turned down, his agitation was growing worse.
Eventually he came to the wagon of Holo and Ranger and said with a tone that sounded as more of a beg, "Please if you can spare, any medical supplies or silver to afford them."
With a heart filled with sympathy, Holo asked of the man, "Is something the matter? Did someone get hurt?"
Feeling more pressure as the time to explain himself was time away from solving his own predicament, the elderly responded, "I have a wounded man in my cabin, I found him drifting down the river and he has a terrible slash across his stomach. I need to bind the wound or he will not make it!"
Ranger quickly arose and nearly demanded, "Where is your cabin?"
The elderly pointed down the bank and said, "A hundred yards or so."
The masked man dismounted and said, "Take me to him."
It was unclear exactly what was on the mind of the freelancer, however it was a most shocking surprise for Holo to see such a swift response to aid a stranger from Ranger. Yet it was not totally dismissible to assume that it was not out of the shear goodness of his heart.
The hood was then led the way to the domesticated patient. As Fabian and Holo watched their departing backsides, Kaytaff sat straight up, puffed out his chest and held his head high. As to make clear that when the master was gone he was in charge. His first order of command was to see Holo removed from the driver's box.
He pushed on her shoulder with the top of his head and grunted. The she wolf shifted aggressively which was met with a bark and snarl from the self perceived alpha male. She would have retaliated more, however she wished not to make more of scene as it already was.
"He really doesn't seem to like you." observed Fabian.
Holo dismounted and simply replied, "He is only jealous."
Meanwhile, Ranger and the cockney made their way to the small cabin. The old man opened the door and said, "He is on the bed."
The masked man pushed through the door and requested solitude upon entering the sleeping chamber. He shut the door behind him and was left alone with the unknown sufferer then placed his hand around the hilt of his sword.
The chamber was too dark to see who the man was, therefore Ranger gently turned the knob on the oil lamp on the bed stand next to him to give light unto the room. He saw the patient's face in full view, his chest was still rising and lowering, yet even in the realms of unconsciousness, the man seemed to be suffering. Ranger slowly let off the hilt and quitted the room.
Upon exiting the old man came up to him and inquired, "What was that all about? Do you know him?"
Turning towards him, the hood responded, "Is there a physician nearby?" in total refusal to answer the question.
Rubbing his brow the old man said, "Yes, he's not too far but I don't have the money for a house call. That's why I was asking for help, so I could treat the man myself. I'm afraid though without the medical expertise of a skilled doctor the man will die."
The hood then pulled out his pouch which contained the scanty remains of his profit and asked, "How much does he charge?"
"That depends on the hour in which he stays and the supplies he may use, but the standard service fee is one trenni silver coin. Additional expenses are sure to follow."
With a sigh, Ranger gave the old man three coins and said, "Whatever more is spent, I will repay it."
At a loss for words, the elderly could only stammer a weak expressions of gratitude before the masked man took his leave and returned to the wagon.
As our dark protector returned, Kaytaff forfeited his supervision of the coach and carried on as if to hide in what way he exercised his dominion. Ranger took his spot and gave Holo an interesting look as she retook her place next to him.
Then with a slap of the reins, the brown shire pulled the wagon towards Fabian's camp.
…
The half of an hour had passed since the departure from the ferry. Following the directions of the fair merchant Fabian, Ranger was able to guide Gallavaun to the area where the said merchants were supposedly camped. It was a modest set up with five wagons forming a great circle around a fire, while the horses that drew them were hitched off near the trees that were close by. Complete was the scene with the presence of a few tents that were pitched for the travelers to dwell in.
Upon hearing the clomps and turns of the wheels, the inhabitants of the camp were fore informed of the arrival of a stranger coming with close proximity of their caravansary. One fellow came from on of the tents to see who may be approaching.
He was a tall and slender man with an odd haunch tainting his posture with slanting gray eyes and silver streaked hair that was tied off at the back of his scalp. He wore only a black opened, three quarter vest that left his arms and mid torso bare. He had a blue sash tied around his waist that seemed to hold up white breeches that served as the covering of his loins.
When noticing that the two individuals in the driver's box of the oncoming wagon were personages he did not recognize, he called for another to come out and accompany him in confronting the newcomers.
Holding up his right hand, the head of the welcoming committee addressed, "State your business."
Quickly Fabian arose and put their troubles at ease by declaring, "They're with me Ezekiel."
"Fabian?' replied the man, 'What happened to your wagon?"
With respire that showed his frustration the fair merchant responded, "There were…complications…however these two were kind enough to assist me in getting across. This is Holo and….' Fabian then realized he had never caught the name of Ranger, 'tell me sir, by what name are you formerly addressed by?"
The hood did not respond immediately, then in a quick outburst Holo answered for him, "Alden."
The eyes of the masked man shifted over towards her as to say he was not accustomed to be spoken for, but made no argument nor any displeasure known.
"Well, Holo, Alden. I'm Ezekiel,' then motioning to the man on his side, 'this is Radley."
"It is a pleasure to meet you,' said Holo, 'your counterpart Fabian has been a great help to us as well."
Ranger suddenly spoke, "And that assistance has yet to be fulfilled in it's fullness."
Taken aback, Ezekiel inquired with unease, "Whatever do you mean?"
"This man said that you were merchants, and that our labors would be repaid with provisions and clothing."
Look up at Fabian with some dis interest, Ezekiel concurred, "If that is what he said then I suppose we can make it happen. After all I'm not one to make liars out of friends."
Radley then broke his silence, "By the looks of it, you are in desperate need of decent attire. Don't mind my observance sir, but you look as though you got into a rather vehement scuffle."
"We were attacked." returned Holo with a tone that attempted to close off any further remarks.
"This is bandit territory,' replied Ezekiel, 'Perhaps you should rest here the night, we can pitch an extra tent and it is far too dangerous to travel in the dark. To where are you headed?"
Fabian spoke for them as he leapt from the wagon, "Valenfurt."
"All the more reason to stay here this eventide.' said Radley, 'you are at least a days journey away from that settlement."
"Before we set anything in stone." said Ezekiel with a slight reprimand, "We are glad to accommodate you in which ever way we can, however we are merchants not donors. We cannot simply part with goods and services free of charge."
Fabian quickly replied, "Let's talk about that in private, there were a 'few' things they may be able to help us with."
Giving an austere look upon the duo, Ezekiel nodded and said, "Very well, I am all ears. Radley, why don't you get these two settled in and show them some of the wares, hmmm?"
As the two men left, Radley motioned over to the nearby thicket, "You may tie your horse there and add your wagon to the circle."
"That will not be necessary,' replied Ranger adamantly, 'we will not be staying the night."
Holo bowed her head with frustration, for she was becoming fatigued and wished for a moment to lay her head. Radley was a bit stunned and stammered, "You wish to proceed all night? God speed then."
"It will be alright." returned the masked man.
"Until then…' interjected Holo, 'may we take a look at some of your clothing?"
"Yes,' concurred Radley, who motioned with his hands in a gentlemanly fashion, 'right this way."
As the two disembarked the driver's seat, Radley took an unusually alarmed notice to Ranger's arms.
"I'm sorry,' said he, 'but we need you to leave your sword in your wagon if you are to roam around our camp freely."
With an enduring and penetrating glare, Ranger undid the scabbard that held his blade about his waist and dropped it in the wagon next to Kaytaff who sniffed at it then looked up at his owner. "As you wish." said the swashbuckler.
The two then followed Radley to one of the wagon's, with the Ranger now disarmed and Holo hobbling along the best she could without the protection of shoes upon her bare feet. Radley then went into another tent to round up a few more merchants and inform them of the situation. Holo then peered around and noticed something somewhat odd to her, that she only wished to confide in Ranger when given the chance.
Radley then came through the tarp door with two others behind him. Motioning to one he introduced, "This is Bjorn, our clothing peddler.' then addressing the other, 'come let us set up a new tent for our guests."
Radley and the other man left to pitch another canvas while Bjorn motioned our outlandish looking duo over to his caravan. They were led to the inner circle where the fire blazed with at least two ragged looking men where kneeling by it to keep warm and stir a pot full of stew hanging ore.
Holo could smell the aroma and resisted the urge to ask for a morsel, yet it was apparent her want for food in the way she was looking upon the kettle. At this point, Bjorn opened up his crates and asked kindly, "What do you prefer?"
Ranger responded for them both, "Something made from durable materials that could keep one warm and survive any sort of …rigorous…activities."
Bjorn then dug through his merchandise and pulled out a few articles, yet Ranger was not wholly pleased with what he saw. For he knew the clothing he wore could prove vital in the preserving of his life should the future bring about more encounters.
"Would you have shirt made of wool and a vest of leather?" inquired the hood.
With a sigh Bjorn pulled out a thick black shirt followed by a leather vest. However they seemed to be more prized possessions among his inventory and doubted greatly the means for them to be paid for. Ranger however seemed to be more pleased with this selection.
Holo then made a loud scoff as to notify the men that she was in need of garments as well. Bjorn then smiled and addressed her, "And what would fancy you little lady?"
She pondered a moment, "Something of the like nature, however more appropriate for a woman of course. I have this jacket, but I would need leggings, skirt, blouse, shoes and possibly some kind of head covering."
The eyes of the tailor widened, as Ranger's slanted for how Holo's list far outweighed his own. However the hood could not be too wroth for he was a man of understanding. Holo only requested that which would keep her slender frame warm while also having that which would hide her tail and ears.
"How much money do you have?" asked Bjorn with a hint of aggravation.
"Five silver." said Holo.
"Two silver." corrected Ranger.
She looked up at him with astonished eyes for she had yet to be informed the fate their surplus. However Ranger took it upon himself to throw in the next offer, "We had made an arrangement with Fabian to render any service that would be worth the cost of the clothing."
Rubbing his brow, Bjorn said heavily, "You're lucky I know him, I wouldn't do this for anyone else." He then began sorting through some other garments then pulled out a long skirt that was a deep green, black pants and a sickly yellow blouse. The next items that followed were simple boots then an ushanka, or a winter hat made from fox skin.
Holo's heart sank at the unsightly looking apparel, for though the colors would match with the jacket she wore, it was a rather dismal combination that surely would not sit well with the wise wolf. However she realized that she must conform for they were at the mercy of their hosts.
The clothing was then vacated in place of the silver coins. At this point Radley returned and nodded behind him, "We have a tent set up for the two of you to change in and rest up if needed."
"We need to talk of repayment first." said Ranger.
"Me and Bjorn will track down Fabian and see what he arranged." replied Radley.
Suddenly there was an odd gurgle that sounded among the group. Each looked to Holo who blushed at the attention her empty stomach called upon itself. "I do not suppose we could add a dinner to the debt could we not?" said she with a comedown in her voice.
"Let us talk about it in private first." said a rather irritated Ranger.
Before she could respond the masked man was already moving towards the canvas. In which Holo followed to the awkwardness of all the men gathered around.
Once inside the tent, which was large enough for them to stand in, Ranger drew a tarp from the ceiling which served as a divider. He then left allowing Holo to de robe and change into her newly acquired attire. The most relieving article to remove was the handkerchief around her scalp. Once removed, she flexed the muscles of her ears than began to massage them.
She heard Ranger re enter on the other side, remove his tattered vest, yet held on redressing in his newer clothing. She could then hear some faint gruntings of pain ensuing on the other side of the veil and gently peered over.
From there she could see him shirtless with his back facing her, the hood still on. He had a small knife in hand and was pulling on the arrowhead in his collar. He had done so to get a feel of the shape of the protrusion. When determining the style of arrow it was, he took the knife and began to make small incisions around it so that it could be removed without tearing the skin and muscle.
She cringed at the idea and put her face back as to not see the sight anymore. However there was more she saw as it was once explained to her. The tattoo on his back was a hieroglyphical styled dragon whose wings connected to the front piece at the ribs. Aside from the gash she could notably see multiple scars that were gnarled upon his flesh. It was quiet arguable that over her long span of life she had never met a specimen as this one before.
However a gnawing feeling pulled at her heart strings. A feeling that she may have encountered a being like him possibly once before but the incident was beyond her natural memory.
She then took a moment to examine her clothing, then with a whiff, she chuckled.
"What is it you find amusing?" said Ranger who overheard her lightheartedness.
"It is that these clothes are made from sheep skin and wool. A wolf in sheep's clothing, am I not?" she jested.
Ranger then proceeded to slip on his newly acquired shirt and leather vest, then said as he took down the sheet that divided them, "That was a foolish thing you have done back there."
Stunned, Holo returned with some hurt aggression, "And that would be?"
"The name 'Alden' is one that our pursuers are familiar with. We must be more weary to not leave behind a trail for our enemies to follow."
"Well then, what new name do you wish to go by, or do we call you 'the mysterious stranger?'"
The hood quickly responded, "It no longer matters, the men here think me Alden and that is who I shall be in the time being."
Deciding to change the subject, the fetching girl inquired, "What has become of our five silver?"
"My…Five silver?"
"I did help in obtaining some of that profit so I do believe myself to have some entitlement to it."
"I gave three pieces to the old man in helping him pay for a doctor who might be able to revive his wounded guest."
Holo tilted her head, "That is another thing I wish to ask. Why did you depart and go with him. What would a dying patient have to offer you?"
Raising his eyes the hood returned, "The nature on which he was found would have been copacetic to a possible survivor of this morning's conflict. I feared that perhaps a survivor was found and would have to deal with it if he was."
"He was not though, was he?"
"No, he was not." said Ranger who then began cutting up his tainted vest for the likely purpose of spare rags for future use.
Holo saw the arrow head he had retrieved from his own collar and inquired carefully, "What of your injuries?"
"They have been treated, fear not." said he without taking his eyes off his engagement.
Holo then carefully looked around and said, "You found it strange, did you not?"
He only took a quick glance behind him before resetting his gaze.
Holo then took the moment to explain herself more, "When dealing with Bjorn; Ezekiel and Fabian were nowhere to be found. I only wonder where they could have gone off to…"
"We were only talking business!" came the welcoming chipper air of Fabian's voice from beyond the tent. Holo quickly put on the ushanka to hide her ears as Fabian approached the tent door.
"May I come in?"
"Granted." said Ranger.
The fair merchant then poked his head through before bringing in his body completely. When observing Holo and the masked man he could only comment with praise, "The two of you look much more decent and less threatening now."
"What more do wish of us?" said Ranger with impatience.
"I was able to work out a deal with Ezekiel. Radley is a fur trader and has agreed to have Alden go hunting with him tonight, for food and skins. Atop this, we are in need of fire wood which I'm sure you could hue down with ease. We can make money this way and this service would be good to cover your debt for the clothes."
"Very well,' said Ranger, 'however, I wish to slay one beast for our own benefit the rest he can have."
"Can we not eat what is already here?" said Holo with a slight whine.
Turning towards her, the hood rebuked, "That is more than what was bargained for. We will provide for ourselves."
Fabian chose to stay silent, while Holo attempted to hide her inner lamenting.
"It's agreed then,' said the merchant, 'Radley is awaiting you now."
He then quitted the tent in which Ranger turned to her and instructed, "Kaytaff will guard the wagon, I want you to stay here, do not talk to anyone or leave for any reason, nor should you accept anything more from these men."
Feeling as though she were absurdly being treated as a child, Holo stammered, "I could find the game much quicker with my senses! Plus why force me into this confinement?!"
"I am taking risks with nothing." said the hood as he went to exit.
Throwing her hands up, Holo nearly yelled, "Lawrence would never treat me in such a way…!"
With a quick pivot, the Ranger shot a challenging glare back at her and said sharply, "I am not Lawrence." he then left her alone.
She could hear the men talking about the plans for the hunt. Mainly it would be checking up on the snares that Radley said he had laying about the woods. She folded her arms and let out a huff, and felt tempted to partake of the wheat and abandon the Ranger entirely and look for her husband herself.
Alas, atop of this, her stomach began to make more growls as it was in need of food. It was then that something caught her eye. On the torn and ripped vest was an odd looking blue paste. A residue mind you, of what he used to treat himself.
Holo swabbed it with a finger and sniffed it curiously, her jaw dropped as the stench triggered her memory. It had the very same scent as the mystery elixir she had administered to little Albert. While it had the same texture and look as the ointment given to Jabari the night before when he had been badly burned in the destruction of the inn.
Her thoughts began racing until Bjorn's voice called to her from beyond the canvas.
"Sorry to bother you but…"
"What is it?"
"The stew is ready if you would care to have some."
She was indeed hungry and sat and decided whether or not to nourish her body or abide by the rules and dictates of a man she did not respect. Rationalizing, she thought to herself that he would not need to know and what harm could possibly come from partaking of another's kindness.
…
Through the multiple chirps of the crickets singing their songs to the night, other noises occurred through the forest. Mainly that of human feet venturing through the trees, as Ranger and Radley were making their way deeper into the woods.
Ranger was almost invisible with how well his black shirt blended with the darkness. He was without his sword upon request of the caravan however he did retrieve his bow and a few arrows from the wagon. It was a bow made of very fine steel that had an extremely large draw back strength as it was designed for moderate ranges. While Radley's was made of beautiful oak that could rival the performance of its competitor. Yet he was over encumbered with a large axe for cutting down trees.
"I think we will have an abundance amount of game." said Radley with an effervescent demeanor in his voice.
"And why is it your hopes are thus?" returned Ranger with his usually grim maturity.
"Two master hunters working together."
"What makes you believe that I am a master in this field?"
Stepping over a log, Radley continued, "The way you carry yourself. Bold and confident. I know you are no novice."
"And what of you?" said the hood with a challenge to his claim.
"I've hunted for many years. I could hit a falcon on a cloudy day in a tempest."
"How fortunate for me should I miss." returned Ranger dully.
Radley then pointed yonder to a pine, "I set a snare up there."
As he went to the tree to inspect the trap, Ranger called out, "What creature are you hoping to capture?"
"Prairie dogs,' he replied, 'just trying to catch a few before they nest in the trees for winter."
Ranger stopped and stared at him as an emotionless statue. However Radley was not aware of the eyes upon his backside. He pulled up the snare that was empty and stated, "Darn the luck!"
The hood then came up behind him and stated with a tone of good fortune, "We are not totally without luck." said he when motioning to the other side of the roots.
Radley looked and noticed that in the darkness were a pile of deer pellets that seemed fresh.
"Well what do we have here? Some meadow muffins, good eye, good eye." he praised.
Ranger used the moonlight and his natural adjustment to the darkness as the means to get a keener sense of his surroundings. He kneeled down and gently brushed some dead pine needles aside which showed a fresh imprint of deer hooves.
"He must be close." said Ranger.
"How do you know it's a buck?"
Shaking his head, the hood went on without him.
Carefully moving through the shrubbery, Ranger saw what he sought up ahead and took a prone position on his haunches. Radley came through at such a pace that the Ranger had to turn and put a finger over his mouth to order him to be more silent.
Up ahead was a large buck that was grazing around at it's own leisure. Slowly, Ranger seated an arrow and went to pull the draw string until Radley handed him an arrow of his own and whispered, "Use one of mine, they're cheaper."
His intentions seemed good hearted for the arrows which Ranger had were made of steel and in low numbers. However the hood ignored him, drew and fired.
The arrow snapped forward with a wisp and went clean through the animals side. Startled, the buck leapt away into a run in which Ranger leapt through the bushes and pursued his prey. Radley was left behind in bewilderment who quickly attempted to follow.
The chase did not last long, for the arrow struck true. The heart of the wild beast was penetrated and bleeding profusely, which over time, caused the buck to fall on its side from exhaustion.
Ranger was quickly beside the felled beast, who then pulled a knife and slit the throat to both ensure his victory and exsanguinate the creature.
"Excellent kill!" praised Radley who was panting. "Do you have to drain it now?"
"It is best to do so, the taste and texture of the meat will be more desirable." said Ranger as he was now working quickly to remove the skin and entrails.
"How long does it take you to clean that thing on the spot?" inquired Radley as he was lurking about the nearby trees and keeping a look out.
Ranger paused to look up then said as he continued, "For me, more than five minutes."
"Ah, excellent." said Radley who slowly approached the backside of the masked man, raised the axe and swung.
