Coral Blue

Chapter 3

Coral POV

It is the beginning of fall, so I take my time to admire all of the beautiful different colored leaves and listen to the satisfying soft crunch of leaves under my worn-out boots. Even while enjoying this pleasant walk, I am cautious. I lean over with my crossbow armed and ready while advancing forward, knowing that anything could happen at any moment. Ross, copying my movements, is low to the ground with his ears perked up in the hope of hearing our prey. We both keep a look out for any deer or wild boars wandering around. They are our main targets, but on rare occasion when there are none to be found, we turn to hunting birds or going fishing in the stream. As we continue walking through the forest, my thoughts drift off, focusing on the list of chores needed to be done today. I was too engrossed in my thoughts to notice the pair of eyes following me and my dog as we walked. After a few minutes of walking, Ross barked softly, snapping me out of my thoughts and re-alerting myself to my surrounding.

We hear the soft sounds of walking hooves on the dry leaves, and immediately get ready to attack. We peer through a small clearing to see one lone doe grazing on a sliver of green grass. I carefully aim my crossbow at the doe to deliver the death shot, so it will die right away. I couldn't stand the death of animals, but I needed to eat meat in order to be strong enough to defend myself. I was about to shoot when Ross let out a low gruff bark. The doe turned in our direction for a split second before dashing away in the opposite direction of us. I turn toward Ross about to scold him, but stop short when I see he is facing the opposite direction, letting out a low growl, and baring his teeth.

I then hear the rustle of bushes in the direction Ross is pointing, a flash of fear flitting through my mind. I quietly sneak behind a big oak tree and peek around it. I nearly gasp out loud when I see the sight in front of me. I see the most beautiful horse I have ever seen. It is a light shade of brown with a long black mane. It is currently oblivious to my awe for it and my dog's caution. I look around to see if it's owner is nearby, due to the obviously groomed coat and horseshoed-feet. When I see no one around it, I slowly edge out from behind my hiding place, lowering my crossbow, and start walking toward it. It looks up from its grazing position and eyes me cautiously. I continue walking toward it in a none threatening way, so it doesn't see me as an enemy. When I reach it, I set my crossbow down in front of it and lift my hand to its nose for it to sniff. It warily sniffs it for a few minutes, then allows me start petting its snout and neck. Little did I know that the owner of the horse was sneaking up on me from behind, out of the view of Ross, who was still in the same position glancing warily at the horse. I immediately freeze when I feel the sharp tip of a sword against my neck, my hand still resting on the horse's neck. Ross immediately prepares to attack when he sees the person behind me.

"Call your dog off or I won't hesitate to cut your pretty little head off."

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Author's Note:
Hey guys!
Sorry for the long pause in between chapters and for the cliff hanger at the end of this one. I have been extremely busy with school and sports and haven't gotten around to updating. I'll try to have more consistent updates. Thanks for your support!!!
-Megan