The point swam in and out of focus as he centered it on the elk. It was slippery on his fingers he had coated it in goose fat to protect it from the moisture in the air. He took a shallow breath and drew back on the bowstring.

It was his best arrow, the shaft straight and true, the fletching from good goose feathers rather than the cheap turkey feathers he bought in the market. He unslung his bow and nocked an arrow to it. Now he barely allowed himself to breathe. Normally the wind rattled the branches, allowing him to stalk through the undergrowth unheard. It was the meat he craved the most, gamy red venison that would drip sizzling fat into his cooking fire.Ī thick mist hung heavy in the air, coating Fletcher in a thin layer of dew. The antlers were in good condition, if a little small, they might fetch four shillings if he was lucky. It would probably make at least five shillings. The thick coat would do well when the fur traders came by, especially as it was now winter. It was a fine specimen, with glossy fur and bright, intelligent eyes.įletcher felt almost ashamed to hunt such a majestic creature, yet he was already adding up its value in his head. From its small size and stature, Fletcher could tell it was a juvenile, sporting its first set of antlers. The young elk had just finished rubbing its antlers against a tall pine, scraping the soft velvet that coated them to leave the sharp tines beneath. If that happened, he would either have to bribe the guards with money he didn't have or take his chances in the woods overnight. He needed to make his way back to the village soon, or the gates would close. Dusk was fast approaching and he was already running late. If Fletcher didn't make this kill, he would go hungry tonight.

The summoner trilogy series the novice