~*~*~*|| Hunted ||*~*~*~
Word Cound: 1462 (2pts)
The moons were well past their zenith when the pair of hunters picked up the tracks of the beast they had been tracking once more. It was proving to be particularly cunning, obscuring its trail in the creek that wound its way through these low foothills. The dense grass is much to hide prints but the seasoned hunters knew how to read the bends in the grass, the tuft of fur caught on bramble bushes... small signs, yes, but after a day of searching up and down the creek it was as much of a reward as they could hope for.
“What do you think it is? It's the biggest predator I've ever seen...” One asked, pulling his hat lower over his brow to block out the chilly night time breeze.
Crouched over a footprint in the muck, a lonely indicator of Seryx's passage, his companion shrugged, “I don't know... I just know that such a beast must be a sign. Its pelt is something our Chieftan should wear. Besides, being able to cash in favour with the Chief is goal enough for me...” He cast a look at the other, questioning.
A cough answered him as Te'an sputtered. Yes, they'd gone forth at the village's behest to bring back supplies like meat and herbs... but they'd been gone a week now. “Is the favour worth the pride? I don't even know if we can eat this thing. What if its meat is bad?”
“That is why we want the pelt. Skin it first, then butcher it for smoking... smoking always makes things edible.” Falsaad chuckled, “Somebody'll be curious enough to eat it.”
“What about your wife?” Te'an asked sharply, frowning. Falsaad had always been manipulative and self-serving but this seemed to be taking it too far in Te'an's opinion. “What if she's the one to try first?”
Falsaad scoffed, standing as he looked off in the direction of Seryx's travel, “She won't. I'll make sure of it. The honour of the kill, however, will be with my – and your – families. Is that not what you want, Te'an? Now c'mon. If we're lucky, it will be sound asleep and we'll be able to catch it unaware.” Without another word, Falsaad started off, the spear in his hand doubling as a walking staff as he followed the subtle signs in the grass, thanking the Elder Ones for the gift of Night Vision. The moons were strong enough this night that their vision was barely impaired, requiring no lantern or glow stick to light their path.
Te'an sighed and followed in the other's footsteps, his own spear clasped tightly before him as his gaze swept the grassland around them. The wind was light but it shifted the grasstops and whistled through, confusing his sight and hearing just enough to make him wonder at the wisdom of their endeavour. Sure, they might catch the beast unaware but didn't cornered animals fight all the harder anyway?
The wuff of a sleeping creature quickly followed by the abrupt halt of Falsaad startled Te'an from his thoughts. Silently, Falsaad motioned for Te'an to take up flanking position, indicating a pincer attack. Te'an nodded and stepped off lightly, leather clad feet making little noise in the grass and soft earth. Their prey was at hand, he was certain – the grass ahead was played out like a bed and the soft, rhythmic wuff reminded him of the hunting dogs at the village. They were lucky!
Eagerness grew in his breast as he sped his step, anxious to see the beast up close and admire it in life before claiming said life for himself. Falsaad might be his senior but he would deal the killing blow and earn himself prestige... they'd never agreed on who would claim the killing blow after all!
Eagerness froze into embarrassment and uncertainty as the shift of his weight caused a rock to clunk against another, loud enough to warrant notice.
Long, tan coloured ears perked immediately, one sweeping around in his direction as Seryx snapped awake with a growl. Hackles raised and the silky mane stood on end, stiff and imposing, as the creature took to it's feet, nose to the air.
Falsaad remained silent as he watched Seryx focus on Te'an, the fool deserved the threat for destroying their chance at an easy victory. Seryx's growl deepened as he spotted Te'an, turning to face the intruder, head low and lips drawn back in a deep snarl, small arcs of electricty snapping between the narrow horns upon his head.
Instinct, they are upon us. Seryx spoke mentally, rousing Ashanti from a sleep so deep he'd missed his host's return to alertness.
Hmm? Run, then, they are not worth our time. Ashanti's mental yawn followed a shake of his faculties as he woke fully to the situation at hand.
Seryx tossed his head, turning to go only to hear the step of the other hunter, his scent strong in Seryx's nose. I cannot. They have flanked me. It was the last to be said by the predator as his defensive instincts took over – the decision had been made, he could not flee so he would fight.
With a roar, he spun and went for Te'an, rearing up enough to deflect the spear aimed for his back with a forepaw. The motion startled Te'an and the pair tumbled down into the grass, the hunter's terrified screams turning to wet tears and garbled pleas. Throat torn out and blood pooling on the soil below him, the body of Te'an went limp as Seryx turned on the other hunter. Rising up on to stand on his haunches, the predator flexed hands and rolled shoulders at the uncomfortable position, his muzzle red and dripping. He growled, taking a step forward.
Falsaad, astounded by the creature's speed and strength, stepped back when it turned on him, brandishing his spear like a shield as he grappled with regaining his calm. This was no dumb beast, it was far too cunning, too purposeful in its motions, to be a simple trophy. He grinned as calm settled into his breast once more. The pelt would imbue much power unto his people.
“Well? Take my life beast!” He clunked the spear against his armor, “If you can!”
Seryx roared at the challenge, a maw full of teeth and a snap of electricity arcing between his fangs leading the way as he dropped to all fours once more and feinted left. The spear came down, piercing then sweeping defensively to parry the feint and force Seryx away again, keeping him at a distance.
Another roar sent the birds from the grass into the sky in a panicked rush. Ashanti, however, sat back calmly, analyzing the situation. Seryx was in no danger, he could tell. His host moved too fast and was too strong to be more than wounded by the foolish hunter... this could only be expected! Seryx, was after all, the proper host for Desert.
The stabbing and parrying continued on for several exchanges as Falsaad held his ground admirably well. It was clear he was a seasoned professional, garnering an appreciative grunt from Ashanti as he very nearly stabbed the youth through the neck, grazing a shoulder. It left an opening, however, and with a powerful leap, Seryx bowled the hunter over to finish him similarly to his friend.
When it was finished, Seryx stood panting over the pair of hunters, tail swishing slowly back and forth from the adrenaline rushing through his veins. They will follow me no longer. Standing as he was, he wiped the blood from his maw with a snort of disgust, They taste terrible... fouled by something.
Falling back to all fours, Seryx inhaled deeply and threw back his head to let out a long, low keen of victory and sorrow. His life had been extended at the cost of two, now, and they weren't even fit to eat. They would return to the soil now, at least.
Well done, Seryx. Your skill is considerable. Ashanti interrupted Seryx's thoughts with his praise, already plotting the next use of his host. Such ability would be most useful...
Thank you, Instinct. Seryx tossed his head and padded away from the scene, knowing the stench of blood would draw scavengers, with the intent to resume his night's rest as weariness settled into his bones.
Remember the forest? Where the corpses were caught in their death poses? Seryx nodded, Good. We should investigate that scene... The non-metal creature had been a Speaker too and I wish vengence for her death. Ashanti's words carried with it a sense of pride and determination that resonated with Seryx.
I will, Instinct. To strike down a Speaker does your honour great injury.
Excellent.