The Hunt

Part 2

The human screamed and spun in place, ripping a sword from its sheath at his side. Three Claws clicked to himself. A fighter. Good. This would be a worthy prey. The human, hearing the sound, glanced up into the trees, scanning for some sign of his pursuer. He froze in place as he spotted Three Claws where he crouched on a stout limb. The hunter's presence was betrayed by the falling snow that had begun to accumulate on his cloaked head and shoulders.

Three Claws leapt from the tree, uncloaking in mid-air, and landing with a muffled crash and an explosion of freshly fallen snow.

The human brought his sword up in a guard position. His eyes were wide in terror. Sweat ran down his forehead despite the freezing temperatures. The man crossed himself as he stared across the clearing at the towering hunter.

Three Claws had hunted humans for many seasons and he'd seen many of his prey make such gestures before combat. Before death. A plea to their deity perhaps? A thought for a later time, Three Claws decided.