Here ya go. As always thank you so much for your reviews and support. I hope everyone is enjoying
R&R
Jumping down off his horse and stooping low to the ground, Arthur searched for the tell tale signs of the animal he was tracking. He didn't have to look hard. The cat was badly injured and it was clearly getting worse. Blood and broken branches littered the forest floor but Arthur could still decipher where it was going. They would have him soon, Arthur just hoped it didn't die before it reached the pack.
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Merlin had been riding for two days straight. He did attempt to get a few hours rest but no sooner had he fallen asleep did the dream assail his thoughts again. Watching the crowned prince of Camelot being mauled to death by an overgrown house cat was a truly terrifying image. If that hadn't been enough, this time the dream ended with Merlin himself crying full force over Arthur's mangled body.
The memory caused Merlin to spur the horse on faster. He felt sorry for the tired animal but he couldn't waste a single moment. He just hoped he would make it time.
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The fearsome gatori was dead, or at least the one Arthur had stabbed was. It lay sprawled on the forest floor, its face twisted in a distorted expression of agony. Beyond it stood nothing but trees as far as the eye could see. The pack was close, however, Arthur could sense it. From his left came a low growl, a warning. Then another came from his right. Growls permeated the surrounding area which made it all too clear that the gatori had surrounded the hunting party. There was nothing left for Arthur and his knights to do but brace themselves for the attack that was sure to come.
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Faster and faster Merlin road, pushing the horse to give it all she had. He could hear faint growls in the distance and he knew the battle had begun. Arthur's life was now in serious jeopardy and as usual Merlin was the only one who could save him. Without warning the horse pitched forward tossing Merlin to the ground like a rag doll. He quickly scrambled to his feet and inspected the horse. Her front right leg had a sizable gash in it that was slowly beginning to ooze blood. The horse herself was panting heavily from exhaustion. She had given it her all and Merlin could ask for nothing more, so after taking a quick moment to calm the horse, the warlock grabbed his sword and took off running. His chances of saving Arthur were growing slimmer by the second but he had to try. He had to succeed!
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Arthur had his feet planted firmly on the ground as he stood face to face with his quarry. The gatori attacked in unison and the one closest to the prince had latched onto the back of his horse forcing Arthur to jump off lest he be swallowed up by that sinister grin.
He executed a perfect roll and swiftly regained his footing but he was fully aware that he had become more vulnerable. The gatori leapt toward him and Arthur was barely able to dodge it. He could see the other knights trying desperately to reach their prince but their effort was all in vain. They were being drawn further and further to the left while Arthur was being pushed to the right.
The prince and the cat danced around each other, both unable to land a good hit. Glancing to his right Arthur caught sight of a large boulder and was struck by an idea. If he could get on top of the boulder he could strike at the blasted cat from the air and plunge his sword into its back.
He made a break for it but the gatori was apparently more agile than their demented appearance let on. The creature bounded from tree to tree before landing directly in front of the prince. Arthur attempted to step back but before he could a monstrous tree branch broken loose by the cat plummeted down on top of him. He tried to get out of the way but his leg was caught and became trapped beneath the heavy limb as his sword flew from his hand and far out of reach. The gatori's eyes grew wide and his mouth even wider with the delight of capturing his prey. That's the moment that Arthur finally saw it. This was his end. He had been in danger before, even near the brink of death but he always felt that he would somehow survive. This time was different. The certainty of death was upon him and all he could do was watch.
I'm so bad aren't I? I hadn't intended to end this one on a cliffhanger but I think it works better that way. Anyway I think the last chapter will be the last. Thanks for sticking with me. The last chapter should be up soon.