3. Hunters

Hunters

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    Login: wonderloss
    Character name: Lanthan

    The hunters walked tall as they headed back to the circle. Many of them now carried fresh wounds from the struggles of the prey, but they bore them proudly as badges of their success. Lanthan carried the heart of the bear in a leather pouch, and a waterskin contained its blood. Though they worked as a pack, Lanthan had struck the killing blow and had the honor of first taste when they feasted. The carcass of the beast was dragged behind them on a sledge crafted from some sturdy limbs. It was Lanthan's first time leading a hunt, and for the others, it was their first hunt, and it was a success.

    As they neared the circle, Lanthan had a sense of unease. He gestured for silence, and their hymn to the Render faded to silence. But that was the problem: silence. The sounds of prayer from those waiting in the circle we absent. Leaving behind the carcass, the hunters crept silently to the circle and froze. Before them lay the bodies of the rest of the Hunt. The priests, the hunters, and even the Huntmaster all were dead. A low growl formed in Lanthan's throat, erupting in an angry howl.

    Focusing his rage he turned to the others, holding up the heart and skin full of the bear's blood. "First we feast," he began, "for it is right. Then, we hunt again." His lips parted in a viscious grin, baring teeth.

    "This Hunt has stalked these woods for decades. Before there was a town, there was a Hunt. This hunt has brought them meat in winter when their crops were barren. We have slain beasts that would have left the town little more than a place of ghosts, even though their place of walls is an affront to life. Even tonight, we have killed this bear, sick with madness, that has killed more than one of them.

    "We have let them be, as long the town did not grow any larger. But now! Now they kill us, hidden with bows in the forests. They seek to drive us out. They wish us gone. Well, they will have their wish. We will leave this place, for I know of a better one. We will be gone. The beast of the forest will rise up and devour their children. The men will hide in their houses, or they will become prey for the wolves that will take our place. We will leave, but before we do we have one more hunt."

    Lanthan took a large bite of the heart, and a large draught of the blood. The young cleric who had joined in the hunt led the bloodsong. They feasted, their anger growing. When the feast was finished, they crept into the darkness.

    The next day, the people of the town woke to find their livestock dead. Every last horse, cattle, goat and pig lay on the ground, throats slit. What was left of the pack was on the way to new hunting grounds, to a place where it was rumored one of their own helped govern the town.


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