Hunting the Hunter (Drammor)

"We never would have gotten this far if we had taken the guards with us."

"I know," replied Mathias in an unsure tone. "But I think I would rather have the numbers than the mobility."

"And let the creature get away?" Sathis asked with a chuckle.

Glaring at both he and Acthiayne, Mathias nodded firmly and said, "Yes. We're not necessarily trying to kill the ting, Sathis. We just need it gone. That hunter in Madon Village said minotaurs usually use Parthian tactics on more difficult prey. Hit and run."

"So they do not want revenge," Acthaiyne stated as he came to understand. "They want security. Would it honestly go this far only to turn back? We are miles away from Madon."

"I cannot know," Mathias said with a sigh. "But it is a standard rule of humanity: if you fear something, kill it."

Looking back to their leader, Sathis replied sardonically, "I thought we were not trying to kill it."

"We aren't. But if it comes back, we may not have a choice."

The three moved quietly through the large woods, drawing nearer to the mountainous elevation in the northwest. This was the path the creature had come-- Mathias was tracking its hoofprints in the moist grass-- which was why the three of them accepted the contract to come this way, and let the soldiers and guards establish a perimiter half a mile back. "In case we cannot stop it," Mathias had reasoned. Everyone complied.

"Fourteen guards dead and three civilians, with six more wounded," Acthaiyne mumbled.

"If it does return, at least it will be unable to make a third pass," inserted Sathis coyly. "There will be no one left."

Mathias reached over and slapped his arm, indicating he did not find it very funny. They heard a loud rustle ahead of them, and instantly all three of them were at the ready; ranged weapons first. Mathias with his pistol, Sathis with his crossbow, Acthaiyne with his magic; it was enough to stop a large skirmish of ordinary soldiers that outnumbered them five to one, but this beast... Mathias had his doubts.

As they stood silently, eyes masterfully peering through the underbrush from their small clearing, Sathis whispered, "Maybe it could be reasoned with?"

No one bothered to call him down for it. It felt like the best hope they had.