05-05-2011, 06:36 AM
43. Nature's Fury (cont of snow)
The hunt had taken them deep into the wilderness, to the very edges of their territory. Shonasha was further than he had ever been from his home, but such a momentous feat was not even on his mind. As the other member's of the hunting party joked and carried on, Shonasha was serious and went about his task with a sense of duty that was beyond someone his age.
"There they are," Shonasha said, peering through some frosted bushes to where a pair of deer were pawing at the hoarfrost in search of the heather below.
"Good eye, Shonasha," Oscar smiled, patting the younger man on the shoulder. They had been tracking the deer for several days, a welcome sight when so many of the animals had moved to better feeding grounds.
Luck, or perhaps the hunters skill, had cornered the animals against the steep side of the mountain. The hunters had the higher ground. The animals were doomed.
The shots were fired, and the majestic beasts went down with echoing bellows. As the men made to celebrate their victory, the sound of a wolf's call was heard on the wind. Oscar raised a hand to silence them. As they sat listening, the beast and it's partner showed themselves. They jumped down from a low cliff on the mountainside, right into the basin where the deer had fallen.
"They're going to take them," One of the other men cried.
"Hold," Oscar said, "One can see they are only scavengers. They won't take much. When they've had their fill we'll scare them off." He turned to his right, "Shonashsa..." but the young man was not by his side. "Somebody stop him!" But the youth had already disappeared into the basin, dagger in hand. "Maeryn will have my head if something happens to the boy."
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