/lit/ - Literature

>>19240143

(3/3)

She saw the stag splash into the bog. She would be at the mercy of his branches if she must swim, but he underestimated her jump.

The Earl could hear the hounds grow louder, and then the splashing in the boggy stream he knew would be just ahead. In a flash, the young Lord pulled back on the string with all his strength.

Before he turned to make his stand, she made a great leap over the water and sunk her teeth into the beasts neck. The taste of it’s blood and stiff hairs in her mouth was glorious!

He did not expect the beasts could fly, but he was confident he could shake it off. More concerning was the smell of men close by and the sound of a barb being readied.

Bowstring locked back, he knew he had to let it go now or he’d never be able to draw it again. Just as a his hand began to strain he saw the stag’s antlers come into view and he released, far too high.

The stag knew he must to dodge to avoid the barb, but the small beast on his neck restricted his movements. He reared up onto his hind legs to cast the beast off and—

“Oh ho! Incredible shot! Gentlemen, let us drink to young Cecil here - a prodigy who has made two hits with a single bolt!”

“Two, my Lord?”

“Remarkable…two clean kills, both right through the chest! Men, there’s an extra shilling if we make it back before the Duke retires, I’m certain he would desire to hearing our squire recount the day’s events.”

“Sorry, my Lord, you wish that <it> I </it> address the Duke?”

“Of course, lad, the glory is all yours! And besides, I wouldn’t dare to be the one to tell my father his favorite dog has been killed.”

>New prompt: You reap what you sow