Cynraede crept slowly through the beautiful forest, being watchful where he placed his feet. The small group of rangers had only just made it into the southern Trollshaws, and were not far from Eregion.They had not stopped for food or rest in hopes of catching up with their brethern that were long ahead of them. They had only just now stopped for rest and a quick meal, soon to riding to the south once more.
He watched the trees carefully, eyes darting back and forth as he watched for his prey. There were no animals around that he had seen, thats what alerted him first. At his feet, were a crudely skinned wolf pelt, stained crimson with fresh blood. It had a foul stench about it, not so different from the owner that wore it. Cynraede stopped and took a knee, he knew he was being watched. He looked over his shoulder, just barely seeing him through the brush.
The figure was large, almost beast like. Standing taller than even tall men, yet hunched over and walking upon all fours. Its face was painted with various colors, mostly white and blues. It dropped to a knee, raising his head and peering at the hunter. The crimson colored arrow that had pierced just under his breast, should have been enough to make even the strongest man falter, yet didn't even seem to mind.
Cynraede hunkered down and drew the bowstring back quietly, raising the shortbow up and taking aim. Her soft voice echoed in his mind once more, reminding him to take his time.
"Take a breath, and hold it. The bow is a part of you, the arrow is your reach. When your heart feels it, release, then your aim will be true."
He waited what seemed like hours, those words from Fairlain still lingering in his head. The creature had been staring directly at him, and Cynraede back to him. He realized he had made his mistake, when he heard the twig snap just to his left.
It charged, growling deeper than any beast he had ever seen, not even flinching as the barbed arrow made contact with its thigh. It grabbed the hunter and sent him into a sturdy oak with a crack, ferociously snapping and gnawing at his neck and face. It picked him up, tossing him into the brush.
Cynraede landed hard, trying hard to regain his breath as he struggled to draw his short sword, realizing it mattered not. The creatures fist pummeled his face with enough force to stagger him backwards several steps, not letting him regain himself, the creature continued its vicious assault. Claws and fists battered the hunter, finally stopped as he stood over the hunter. Cynraede laid there for a moment, his chest still as he waited. The creature bent down beside him, looking to the stone that dangled upon his chest piece, coming dislodged from underneath is armor during the fight. It reached for it, taking the stone in its hand before finding a short sword buried deep within his chest, stabbing over and over again as the hunter pushed him off, continuing to stab the flailing creature that continued to try to scratch and bite at his face and neck.
The hunter stood, wiping blood from his face as he stood and tried to catch his breath. He raised his head, noticing feet all around him. He looked up, realizing he was surrounded by a horde of these creatures. He gripped his short sword firmly, he gripped the necklace tightly then placed it under his armor. He opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by what sounded like a horn, echoing loudly off the canyons and ravines.
The creatures turned and bolted on all fours as fast as they could, no longer caring for the hunter. Cynraede chuckled as he looked around, dropping to his knees and sheathing his blade. His chest and ribs burning, crimson leaking from the gashes in his armor. He pressed his hand firmly onto the wounds as he turned and made his way to the camp, raising a brow and looking to Adunabel, who stood before him with arms folded across his shoulders.
"It seems we are not alone in the woods. What were those things, they were no men I've seen."
Adunabel nodded firmly and lowered his head.
"Those, my brother are guaradan. We know not of where they came from, or where they get their power from. You've met one of them before, their priestess."
Cynraede smiled as he went to retrieve his bow, laughing as he did.
"They're hunters, that is for sure."
