I needed to move faster. I needed to close the width. Tracking while trying to protect myself takes time. Time I don’t have at the moment. This thing is fast. Big, fast and smart. It tried to lose me by doubling back on two occasions and tried baiting me to go the wrong way near a creek bed with discarded bits of flesh and hair from it’s current victim. Chances are this is how it took advantage of the previous search parties. They followed foot prints and broken branches right into a trap. With any luck it will get tired of running and try to come at me.
As evening beckons the darkness, there comes a new set of obstacles. First being I can’t see in the dark. The full moon in a partly cloudy sky helps of course but short of sparking up a torch and giving away my position, I’ll need to head back soon. I know where I’m at. I can make a shorter trip to this location tomorrow just before day break.
I took the most likely line of travel back to the hamlet knowing I had nothing but adverse news. I knew there would be questions. Questions I didn’t have the answers to… yet. As I get closer to “civilization” the air becomes cooler and a fog creeps in. Everyone will want to stay inside tonight.
Upon entering the hamlet I see only two people, one being Gosha. Since there is no inn, I’m led to a stable for my rest. I guess with me being unknown, armed and not really trusted by anyone, it could make for a difficult pairing for lodging. This is the nature of being a stranger.
Rest doesn’t come easy. I was still amped up for the hunt. I have to play it safe though. I don’t know these people. I didn’t know what to expect from them. What rest I did get was light and incomplete. Every sound of this “new” environment kept me on edge. The dawn couldn’t come soon enough. When it did I didn’t stop for breakfast. I was already on the newer part of the trail by the time the sun began to crest the trees in the east.
This beast had gotten sloppy in it’s retreat. The first solid track I found I thought for sure was going to lead right into a trap. This proved to be false. Another mile in and I had found 4 other fresh tracks clear as day. The bad part was that the trail was heading back to the village. This gave me more questions. And questions need answers like the blade needs a whetstone.
In the distance, a cry out caught the edge of my ears, a cry of sudden fear. I worked my way to the top of the ridge to gain a better view. Two gathers were being herded into a dead-end of three very large stones by my elusive query. I had time to save them if I gave away my position. If I let it take them, I could surprise and slay this beast…
I run down the ridge as fast as I can while keeping my sure footing. The terrain is rocky with scattered brush and trees so cover and concealment are sparse. Stealth is out the window. The field to my front had flattened enough to run wide open, so I did. The beasts ears twitched and I knew it’d only be a moment until it’s focus was on me. I let out war cry that shook even my ears. It had been quite awhile since I had done that. Thankfully it was enough for the beast to turn around, stand and face me.
It’s sheer size was imposing to say the least. Easily between 7 and 8 feet tall with black and grey to silver hair covering most of him. His head and neck seemed have a thicker coat, or mane if you will, than the rest of him. A silver mane. I should have brought back up. I should have at least brought Kieran. Fear and self doubt can be the mind killer. Now was not the time for either.
I close the width between us and lunge aiming for his center mass. For as large as he is, he effortlessly sidesteps my blade and commits to a claw attack to my shield, knocking me to the ground. I rolled to my feet as I hit.
Big. Fast. Strong.
He and I lock eyes for only a moment. Is he grinning?! At least I have his attention. His focus on me means the others can try to get away. Maybe bring help? Maybe. This fight isn’t going to last long. If it does I’m going to take a beating.
The beasts face changed to an frenzied rage as he charged me. It was everything I had to roll to the side as I threw my knives into his back as he passed. His hulking arms tried to reach back to remove my blades from thier target. While he was distracted, I made a charge of my own. I have to play it smart. Think of the long game. With no flourish or flare to my movement I take to barbaric action. I hamstring him. This Silvermane took a knee and glared at me. Measuring me. I did not stop.
I charged again only to find him grasping me by the collar of my garb as he stood. My legs dangling below me. I could tell his leg was healed already. He growled, a deep hollow rumble that I felt through my body. Fear set in as his gaping maw opened to close around my head…