Snippet #2348903

Maul's legs were on fire and his breath was coming in shallow gasps. He could feel the eyes of the wolf on his back. His tired legs tripped over a rock and he crashed against a boulder. "I must get up on the ledge!" Scrambling with all his remaining strength Maul reached the ledge and started pulling himself up. If only his arms were not so weak! He felt totally drained. A few pebbles fell to the ground behind him. The wolf was getting closer. He must get on the ledge. Maul saw the eyes of the beast first. They were cold and bored into him. The wolf was huge. It bore a light grey coat which gradually darkened at its tail. As the beast approached Maul noticed several deep scars on its face. He could smell the wolf's breath, it reeked of rotten flesh. "Phup...Phup" two arrows quickly embedded themselves in the animal's side!

Maul woke with a start! It's been a while since he last had this particular nightmare. It brought back memories of the actual event. It was about eighteen years ago, and he was nine. Maul had recklessly followed his father and the other Banns into Sundara Gorge, where they were involved in the annual Highland Hunt. It was always a week long festival, where the Banns of Highland and other invited guests camped out next to Sundara Gorge. The event culminated in the Hunt, where the men went to kill wild boar and bear. The warrior who brought back the largest boar would be crowned victor of the Highland Hunt, and allowed to take half of the bear skins hunted that day as bounty. It was great honour and also a very valuable reward, as the bear skins sold for quite a sum in Langsmerth. Maul had secretly followed the men into the hunt and gotten lost. He soon discovered that a wolf was on his trail, and in desperation he ran himself to exhaustion. Qunten Edddermarch was was the hunter who saved Maul at the last moment. His father remained forever thankful to Qunten for saving the young boy.

Maul got of his bed and walked to the window. It was still dark outside but the sun was approaching. It will be dawn soon. He grabbed a fur coat and and some leather sandals and made his rounds to inspect his castle. It was something his men are accustomed to by now. They rarely fall asleep on duty! In the parlour a messenger was waiting for him with a young squire. He handed Maul a letter bearing the royal seal. It was an invitation to attend the royal coronation of the new king.