Beast In The Woods

FIFTEEN YEARS LATER

It was a cold night in the woods. The buzzes of the flys could be heard clearly as it was dead silent. A middle age man probably in his late thirties and a lad not more than seventeen years of age could be seen in the forest. They both were holding a bow and an arrow, and a quiver on their back where other arrows were kept, it's obvious there were here to haunt animals. Seems like the older man is teaching the lad how to haunt.

As they moved further and deeper into the forest they heard a rustling sound, the older man moved forward he wasn't sure what animal it was but he was sure something was there. The lad stood rooted at the spot he was setting his arrow with his gaze fixed on where the rustling sound came from.

The animal must have sensed their presence and hence hide in the leaves. It was obvious it was a small animal, if not it won't be able to hide in the leaves without being noticed.

The man retracted to where the lad was and whispered something into his ear. The lad nodded showing his understanding before the man move forward again, he then signal the lad to do what he had whispered to him.

The lad shot his arrow across the bow to the exact spot the animal was, a white rabbit hopped out of the leaves where it was initially taking shield. The older man released his arrow too immediately after he sighted the rabbit. His instinct was right it was a small animal.

Fortunately for the rabbit, and unfortunately for the hunters, the rabbit was quick enough to dodge the arrow and ran for its dare life. But the man went after it setting his arrow while chasing after it he released his arrow again and this time the rabbit wasn't too lucky.

The man was putting the rabbit in the sack when he heard a loud wail. Fear gripped him as he remembered the lad with him, he thought he was following close behind, but he wasn't. The middle age man quickly ran back to where he had last seen the boy and all he could find was his; arrow, quiver, bow, and....' Blood'

What happened? He thought

******

At The King's Palace

The king, King Dennis sat majestically on his throne, his authoritative aura blazing around him, he sure as something bothering him as he wore a long face. standing before him were Five members of the king's council with one of them the king's son 'Prince Rodman'. All the members of the council looked worried, the hall was silent and there was impatient written all over their faces. They seem to wait for someone.

A few minutes later the door of the hall opened, and an elderly man walked in and bow slightly when he got in, greeting the king.

"Your Grace!" He said. The man wore a black tight robe.

"Welcome, Alon. Again it had been reported someone is missing. Two hunters were hunting in the woods late yesterday one of them is missing and yet to be found." The king quickly explained what the current situation is, not daring to waste time afraid the rumors about the princes of hell returning are true.

"This is the fifth person that would go missing after entering the woods Alon, some say there's a beast in the woods and I'm starting to believe it" One of the members of the council, Lord Chris, buttressed on what the king said.

"I understand your grace, but like I said the last time I was here. This beast or whatever it is is good at what it does and knows how to hide which is not making it easy for me and my colleagues and to find it. I'll enter the woods with my colleagues at dusk, and I'll report whatever information I can gather to you tomorrow morning" Said Alon earnestly.

"Okay Alon we're counting on you"King Dennis replied, a little relieved by what Alon said

"If that's all, I will like to take my leave now to prepare" Said Alon before exiting the hall.