The sun had not yet risen. The brisk morning air hung on his breath like a shroud. Alone he stalked his prey. He moved through the forest like a ghost. Quietly he made his way to where the morning before he had noticed the fresh indications of grazing deer. He only moved when the wind was up to mask the modest noise that he made. Slowly and inaudibly he climbed the tree he marked the day prior, giving him the best vantage point. He knocked an arrow and waited…
The sun had just begun to rise. His senses were acute, his eyes perceiving the slightest movement. Then he saw him… First his ample rack of antlers came into view, then the whole of his frame. Behind him a trio of fawns and a single doe cautiously followed. Little by little, they approached their favorite grazing spot. Not yet in range…
They were close now. The hunter watched motionless as the stag lead the way. Finally within range, the hunter gradually drew back his bow and took aim. The stag looked up in his direction, their eyes meeting briefly and he let loose his arrow. The sudden twang caused the stag to jump but the hunter anticipated this and the arrow hit home. The other deer darted smartly away as the stag took a single bound and fell motionless. It was a clean kill… an illegal kill…
The hunter still did not move. He observed for a moment his surroundings. The woods were silent. Satisfied, he cautiously made his way down out of the tree and towards his prize.
_________________ Put more trust in nobility of character than in an oath. Solon (638 BC - 559 BC)
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