Chapter 7: On the Prowl

Once everyone has made sure they had their full pack of supplies, Tavr leads the group off. He leads through the village a ways, cutting across the uppermost terraced farms heading southwest rather than going straight into the forest. Tavr explains that the western end of the valley gets more rain, so they are more lush.

Alunya gives an excited glance back at the village as the group reaches the very fringe of the forest, where the dirt footpaths that go to the edge of the cultivated fields end. Then, Alunya looks excitedly over at Antares, who shares his enthusiasm. But Tavr halts, and turns to address the two of them.

“Alright, you two. Your mother tells me you have a bad habit of running off without warning. Well, it should go without saying, but there will be none of that here, you will follow my lead and do exactly as I say, and anyone who thinks they’re above my rules will be getting the back of my hand. I am not about to lose you two in the forest after I took you in.” Tavr dictates.

Alunya stares up at the man, defiantly. It wasn’t that he was planning to run away, exactly, perhaps more that he isn’t used to being threatened. He has half a mind to run off then and there just to prove a point, but ... He had promised his mother to be on extra-extra good behavior. Representing our family, remember? So with that thought, Alunya reluctantly stays put and nods affirmation while Tavr finishes his monologue.

Satisfied with Antares and Alunya’s rapt attention and nodded affirmation, Tavr turns on his heel again. “Alright, now stay close. We want to head up into the foothills, there’s plenty of water but a bit less vegetation there so it will be easier to spot prey. But keep your eyes peeled. If you see any tracks, point them out to me.”

Steadily, the group forges their way into the forest. The vegetation is rather dense on this side of the valley, but Alunya and Antares’ slight frames and flexibility make it pretty easy for them to follow along making minimal noise, ducking below branches and stepping over ferns or other plants. The thickest trousers and boots that still fit the two also help, protecting the legs and feet from stinging plants or insects.

It isn’t long before the sound of rushing water is heard, and the group finds their way to the river. The spring had brought meltwaters pouring down the mountain slopes to join the winding river that cuts through the valley, forming rapids in some areas while others are relatively calm. The slope of the hill is still gentle, but as they head further uphill it picks up, eventually culminating in a waterfall where a cliff rises above in the distance.

Tavr glances back to make sure the two boys are still following along. “We follow along the river- every animal needs to drink, after all. If we find droppings or tracks, then we track our quarry. Otherwise, we’ll camp on the river bank come nightfall.” Tavr explains while they hike along after him. It has been easy enough to keep up so far, but only time will tell if the brothers will eventually grow tired.

“Why do you go hunting so often, sir?” Antares asks curiously. “I never see you at any of the festivals.”