He looked up at stars that glistened like diamonds. The blackness beyond beckoned him as it always did. A longing deep inside stirred at the vista before him. The hilltop he was on gave him the perfect vantage to gaze up at the stars. He imagined them forming rivers and patterns of animals. He cherished the moment and held it for as long as he could. Feeling the loam sink softly as he shifted his weight, the leaves on the trees rustling in the slight breeze, the cool crisp breeze itself bringing tantalizing fragrances of the forest. Small creatures went about their nightly rituals, seemingly oblivious to his presence.
Down in the valley, he spied movement. His quarry was finally bedding down for the night. He breathed in deeply filling his lungs, and expelled it in a small but almost explosive force. He crouched as close to the ground as he could and began inching downhill, careful not to step on any branches or create a shadow against the skyline. All across the hill other figures moved in unison. A silent avalanche of shadows flowing down the hillside in eerie silence. He had brought only his best hunters with him tonight. Hunters with the most strength, stamina and speed. Killers each one and also a danger. One day they would try for his position as leader. He didn't mind, even relished the challenge. It was the way of things. It would never happen on a hunt, too much was at stake. Risking the loss of the prey would be an unforgivable act. After though ... He always had to be careful after the hunt. Blood would be pumping and excitement would fill the air. Young hunters would be full of themselves and over confident. If any injuries were taken, it would be seen as a sign of weakness. The grass at the bottom of the rise was tall enough that crouching was no longer a necessity and speed became the critical aspect of his plan. He launched himself forward like an arrow, knowing that each of his hunters did the same. His chest was filling and expelling air in perfect rhythm to the pounding of his steps. The slight breeze was in his face as he rushed across the field. His prey's only warning would be the crickets going silent as he passed. Perhaps a cloud of insects stirred up from his hunters quick passage. These were things he and his hunters could not control.
(to be continued ... )
