Deer and a Surprise

Henri motioned for Astra to have a go, but when she was aiming suddenly put a restraining hand on her arm. When Astra looked questionly at Henri he pointed out movement just beyond the deer. It was a speckled fawn moving unsteadily on its legs. They hadn't noticed it before since it had been laying down behind its mother.

Astra didn't understand. She wasn't naturally callous, but just saw animals as something to be hunted. Henri shook his head, and Astra lowered her crossbow. Moving away, Astra whispered, "Why did you stop me shooting that deer?"

Henri shrugged. "Can't really explain it. Just that I can't bring myself to shoot deer that are suckling young. "

"But you said yourself you're a huntsman. I haven't heard of many that have such qualms."

Henri shrugged again, but didn't reply.

"Okay, we'll try and find elderly deer or stags, then?" Astra said. There was no mockery in her tone. She was certain if there had been he would have picked it up and she didn't really risk alienating the only person in this place she knew she could talk to.

Henri gave a half-smile at her words and nodded.

1. They encounter a majestic stag. Even Henri was impressed.
2. They come to a small clearing where a horrible scene awaits them. A dead grizzly, and two enemy soldiers. One dead, the other badly injured.
3. A creaking noise alerts them to one of their scouts hanging from a tree. A bit further on, they spot another.

Add New Option

Go Back

View Forward Story Tree
View Back Story Tree