Chapter 2: Chapter 2- The hunt
***Tyler's pov.****
I awoke to a sense of serenity that was nothing short of heavenly. The calm and soothing atmosphere enveloped me like a gentle breeze, bringing a sense of peace I hadn't experienced in over four decades of life on this earth. Typically, my days were filled with turmoil and struggle, making it a rare luxury to bask in such tranquility. However, my moment of bliss was short-lived, as it was abruptly shattered by the sound of a bucket of water being splashed over me.
As the icy water drenched me, I realized with a jolt that I had been dreaming. The cruel awakening left me feeling deflated and regretful, my heart heavy with the weight of my reality. In the pack, I held little value or worth, and my inability to discover my unique power left me feeling powerless and vulnerable. With no leverage to protest or stand up for myself, I was forced to endure the mistreatment.
Without hesitation, I scrambled to my feet, the sting of the punch still resonating on my skin. I hastily exited the room, my movements driven by a mix of emotions – anger, frustration, and a deep-seated sadness. The harsh reality of my situation weighed heavily on me, and I couldn't help but wonder if things would ever change. As I emerged into the outside world, I was left to ponder my place in the pack and the uncertain future that lay ahead.
With a clear understanding of my responsibilities, I proceeded to the kitchen, a task that had become an ingrained part of my daily routine. Completing my chores was a necessity, driven by the desire to avoid the unpleasant consequences of not doing so. The threat of physical punishment hung over me like a specter, a constant reminder of the importance of diligence and obedience.
As I entered the kitchen, I was met with the familiar sights and smells of cooking and food preparation. The task ahead of me was clear: to prepare breakfast for the household, a duty I had grown accustomed to performing. With a sense of resignation, I began my work, moving with a practiced efficiency as I went about my tasks.
The kitchen was a place of drudgery, but also of quiet reflection. As I worked, my mind wandered to the events of the morning, and the harsh awakening that had greeted me. I couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration and helplessness, trapped as I was in a life that seemed to offer little in the way of autonomy or freedom.
Despite the monotony of my tasks, I worked steadily, driven by the need to avoid punishment and maintain a semblance of order in my life. As I labored, I wondered what the day might bring, and whether there would be any respite from the routine that seemed to suffocate me.
As the evening drew near, I prepared myself for the solo journey into the forest, a part of my daily routine that I looked forward to with great anticipation. Despite the weight of responsibility and the pressure to deliver results, I cherished this time alone, free from the constant scrutiny and demands of the royal family.
My role as a hunter was crucial, as I was the primary provider of meat for the entire household. The pressure to succeed was palpable, and I knew that failure would result in severe consequences. Yet, I took pride in my work, and the skills I had honed over the years. With a sense of purpose, I gathered my equipment: a sturdy rope, a trusty bow, and two quivers filled with arrows. These were my tools of the trade, and I had grown adept at using them.
As I set off towards the forest, I felt a sense of excitement and freedom. I hummed softly to myself, my footsteps light on the path. The forest was my domain, and I knew its secrets and rhythms intimately. As I entered the woods, the air thickened with the scent of damp earth and green life. The trees towered above me, their branches swaying gently in the breeze like nature's own symphony. The rustle of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the distant roar of a waterfall created a cacophony of sounds that enveloped me.
The forest floor, carpeted with a soft layer of leaves and ferns, muffled my footsteps as I walked. The canopy above filtered the sunlight, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. I breathed in deeply, feeling the cool, damp air fill my lungs. It was a blissful place, teeming with life and filled with the sounds of different species.
As I walked deeper into the forest, I felt a sense of connection to the land, to the trees, to the very essence of nature. I raised my face to the sky, and let out a primal yell:
"I... am... BACK!" My voice echoed through the trees, a challenge to the forest and its creatures. The sound resonated deep within me, and I felt a surge of power and freedom. The trees seemed to reverberate with my voice, and the creatures of the forest fell silent, as if acknowledging my presence. I smiled, feeling a sense of belonging and connection to this world.
As I ventured deeper into the forest's heart, the landscape shifted, and I found myself in a clearing surrounded by a sea of lush, green grass. The trees parted ways, allowing the warm sunlight to bathe the area in a golden glow. I had been tracking this spot, and my instincts proved correct as I caught sight of the majestic creatures I had been seeking – a formidable troop of bulls.
A smile spread across my face as I realized that these were the primary targets for my hunt today. With calculated precision, I carefully positioned myself, taking into account the wind direction, the terrain, and the bulls' alertness. My focus narrowed to the largest and most impressive specimen, its muscles rippling beneath its sleek coat.
With a deep breath, I drew my bowstring back, feeling the familiar tension build in the wooden limbs. I took aim, my eyes locked onto the target, and released the arrow with a smooth, practiced motion. Time seemed to slow as the arrow soared through the air, its trajectory precise and deadly.
The arrow struck its mark with a satisfying thud, and I felt a rush of excitement and satisfaction. I had done it – I had successfully hit my target. A sense of pride and accomplishment washed over me as I approached the fallen bull, its majesty now humbled in death. I felt a deep respect for the creature, and a sense of gratitude for the sustenance it would provide for my people.
As I began the process of preparing the carcass for transport, I couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment. This was what I was born to do – to hunt, to provide, and to live in harmony with nature. The thrill of the hunt coursed through my veins, and I knew that this was just the beginning of a successful day.