Raif had woken that day in the same anxious mood he always exhibited on the dawn of a hunt. Rising just before Syna‘s promising warmth had stretched across Kalea‘s scabrous borders, he’d checked and then rechecked his supplies, making sure that Zibas was cared for and tacked properly, and that his own blades were sharp and his arrows many. An Endal could not afford to make mistakes when venturing out into the Unforgiving, and the more rehearsed the trip became without incident, the more likely one was to relax and let their guard down.
That was one risk, perhaps the only risk, the hunter was simply not willing to take.
Now, soaring midst gossamer clouds on their way to a forward camp whose location had been days in the planning, Zibas and his rider drifted lazily along the thermals with nerves steadily tightening. The giant bird’s watchful eyes skittered across the landscape, catching everything within their magnified field of vision in a manner that was truly impressive. Traces of movement could be found between bristled boughs of alpine forests and the skies above the canopy where life flourished. It gave his rider a reconnaissance of the surrounding area he was all too proud to relay across their intrinsic link to one another.
A pack of Takan heading to the west away from the camp. Two miles, Zibas chirped as though overly pleased with his find.
Number? Raif peered over and beyond his feathered friend’s gliding charcoal wing to the earth below, thighs pressed firmly against the warm leather of the saddle, wind cracking through his fiery hair.
Three dozen at least.
Then that will do. Give me, Raif’s head tilting to where Syna could be found, two days for a haul.
How many do you plan to kill?
As many as I have arrows to fill their hides with.
A trilling warble came across as amusement to the Endal who showed nothing but a softened glare to the back of Zibas’ feathery crowned head. You mean as many as your arrows actually hit.
The mountain beasts are dull-witted and sluggish like you, so I think my chances are good that...
Sluggish?!
Catching one last updraft, Zibas’ wings effortlessly hooked around the warmer current, lifting his body up several stories in the matter of a tick before collapsing them against his sides and dipping his slate gray beak towards the earth below. Raif could feel his stomach lurch against external pressures, hands tightening around the pommels of his saddle before the wind eagle nosed his way into a dive, effectively cutting off their line of communication.
The mountainous terrain consumed all that the eye narrowed to see, a den of spikes rising up hungrily from the earth to greet them. Zibas may have not held a distinct size advantage compared to other wind eagles, but where he lacked in brute strength, the creature more than made up for in raw speed. Raif was forced to press his torso as close to the bird’s back to avoid the air currents from ripping him apart from his saddle, fleshy cheeks undulating against the tremendous speeds they quickly reached.
Screaming down from the sky, the wind eagle broke through a sparse cloud barrier and into sight over the camp, nothing more than a black pinprick against a mighty blue and white ocean at first. It did not take long for the dot to become larger, however, as both eagle and rider joined in an adrenaline fueled battle cry that was swallowed by the winds tearing past them. Testing the laws of physics and fate combined, Zibas dared not to stall their harrowing descent until he felt a slice of fear cut through him. Then, rather than fully apply each feather he possessed into increasing their drag, gradually bottomed out until he was swooping just above the tree line, his massive shadow breaking across the grass swept earth.
Circling around the small open field where the camp lay, Raif quickly noticed another of his kind with what appeared to be a crossbow taking careful aim at a target along the tree line. Her presence alone left a purse-lipped expression blanketing his countenance, with a soft hint of annoyance clouding his eyes. He’d hoped to be alone when he came here. Now it seemed company was to be an addendum to the plans he’d so meticulously crafted.
Touching down effortlessly, Zibas felt his rider slide from his back and land onto the earthen floor with a dry thud. With little time wasted, Raif unhitched the pack and wool wrapped bundle he’d brought along before unhooking the saddle from his friend entirely. Freed of constraint, the wind eagle ruffled his feathers and stretched the ache from his wings.
Two days? Zibas’ head turned as he thoughtfully eyed the Inartan at an askew angle.
Should be enough. You headed for the bay? Peering up to the feathered creature who blocked a large portion of the sky, the Endal's face bore its usual expressionless tone.
Been awhile since I’ve had tuna. A behavior he’d picked up from observing others of Raif's species, Zibas’ tongue stretched out from his beak and slid slowly along its razor-like edge. It prompted a reflexive smirk from the one who possessed the capability to do so.
Then safe journeys, my friend. I hope you enjoy our time apart as much as I will. A maliciously teasing grin ensued.
The eagle squawked testily as the crown of feathers atop his scalp plumed to display the displeasure his deafening cry needed no words in explaining. With that, great wings unfolded, beating powerfully against the earth as the tips of his primary feathers slapped and unsettled Raif’s balance, forcing him to step back. Taking to the air, the great bird eventually disappeared from the Endal‘s trailing eyes, heading south where the scent of the sea grew stronger.
Reaching down to retrieve his belongings, Raif hauled his equipment past where the girl was training and took note of her weapon of choice once more. Spitting off to the side as though disgusted by its mere presence, the Endal spoke softly enough where it seemed no more than a passing thought reserved for himself, but loudly enough so she might hear.
”Pfeh. Who goes hunting with a crossbow? Might as well have brought a club. Get more use out of it…”