90th-Summer-514
Peace and quiet. Kvist knew he was being a bit selfish heading into the woods surrounding Sunberth like this, but he needed some time away from all the fighting and drama of the city. Always did people seek reasons to kill their fellow men, either for better status, for a petty sum of gold – sometimes even silver – the wilderness was better. Simpler. He took a deep breath as he stepped between a pair of close standing trees. He was wearing his steel chainmail, left hand upon the composite shortbow, the other holding the string and a nocked arrow. He might enjoy the relative freedom and quiet out here, but he was still out hunting. Putting an arrow in a prey would do him good. Though he was realistic – he had never been a hunter. Nor would he ever make a particularly good one. But it was only a handy excuse to get out of the city.
The quiver hung loosely on his back. The pair of blades were on his hips. The Peacekeeper on the left and the smaller cold iron dagger on the right. He had been out prowling for prey in the past several bells. He could tell by Syna's treck across the sky that it was well past midday and nearing evening. Kvist felt peaceful, face relaxed and although eyes still threw a guarded glance from side to side, this was the calmest he had been all season. He carried a backpack with the bare necessities – emergency food-supplies. Survival kit with tools to create a makeshift camp. But that was it. And of course a large leather skin for water.
The knight stopped midstep. Heard a rustle of leaves. Prey? He lowered his mass low. Shifted his balance to favour the backleg. Got ready to draw the bow and make the creature in question regret making noise. Lumbering out from behind bushes came a large boar. Its tusks long and ragged from years of wear and tear. Kvist drew a deep breath and looked at the animal. If he could take that down they would have food for a while. Better yet, might endear them to some of the locals through charity. The animal seemed to not have noticed him. Kvist slowly drew the bow and rose to his full height again. Calmed himself as he aimed at the animal. The wind was neglible, no need factoring in that for this shot.
He released the arrow. It burrowed itself into the creatures left hindleg and is squealed loudly as it panicked. Unfortunately for Kvist, it panicked in his direction. Kvist made no assumption that he could take on a boar in a charge at him, so he pivoted in the spot and sprinted away from the enraged creature. He could hear the thundering hooves behind him and he threw a glance over his shoulder. His face swung about again in time to realize that the ground he had assumed was level suddenly had a steep drop.
”Shyke!” Was the first word as he realized it was too late to stop. Rather than fight it, he embraced the situation and jumped to clear himself of the edge. For he had seen the glimmer of water on the bottom. His only hope was that it was deep enough to break his fall. His adrenaline peaked at that moment. Felt a rush of life and fear as he was in free fall. Spread his arms to give himself the illusion of control. Feet first as he didn't want to hit head first. Too late he realized that perhaps he should have gone for a full body splash. Though that was too late now. He let out a primal shout as he descended.
The feet broke the calm surface of the water. Cut through it like a knife. Twohundred and sixty pounds of man and equipment thrust through the serene water. Broke his fall almost before he reached the bottom of the water. Left foot was not as lucky. Slapped against the bottom. He let out of thick cascade of bubbles in sheer agony. Right foot pushed away and he emerged from the water.
The knight blinked as he broke the surface again. Turned to see the boar tumble down the steep edge of the cliff. Land on the ground with a sickening thud. Even in his confused state, Kvist could see that the creature had been torn open several places. Bleeding profusely near the water's edge. Poor creature would not have long to live as it trashed there on the ground. He should put it out of its misery. The knight tried to move but winced as his left leg exploded in pain. He gasped and lights danced before his eyes.
”Petch...” He grit his teeth together as he dragged himself to the edge of the water. The pain biting into his ankle. As he finally cleared himself he was breathing quickly. Bit his teeth together and swung about and suppressed a loud yell of misery. Still, the sound escaped muffled through his teeth.
Petching typical.