The New World: Crimson Winter by Andy Skrzynski

Author:Andy Skrzynski [Skrzynski, Andy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-11-05T22:00:00+00:00

Porcupine Forest

Tradulka carefully lifted his bow and nocked the arrow. The buck’s hindquarter twitched before jerking its head to the rear and releasing a shrill snort.

A blue spruce rustled no more than 15 feet behind it. The deer spun in its direction and lowered its antlers with the sharp tines pointed at its hidden stalker.

Slowly sucking a breath, Tradulka drew the string partway. His heart hammered his chest.

His curious side begged him to wait and see if two bucks were about to battle, but he’d never forgive himself if some Skalag or stupid varmint scared off his prize. From the corner of his eye, he noticed his buddy staring at him.

Tradulka pulled the string back as far as he could. With his numb hands trembling a bit, he held his breath to steady his aim. It’s now or never.

When he released his grip, something leapt from the brush and spooked his buck. The arrow struck the massive whitetail’s rump.

In a flash, a six-legged monster galloped toward its prey before rising and crashing its forelegs down across the startled deer’s back. A loud crack spiked the air, and the victim’s spine cratered as it crumpled to the ground.

Tradulka’s gut roiled while he watched in disbelief. The snatcher harvested the organs with blazing speed.

Bartuk nudged him and smeared Hoot’s mushroom concoction across his arrowhead. Tradulka did likewise.

His buddy whispered. “I’ll take the heart to the fore, you go for the rear. Fire on my signal.” Tradulka nodded as he lifted his bow and located his target.

As the beast maneuvered to mount the carcass, Bartuk whistled. When the vicious snatcher turned, he hollered. “Now!”

Tradulka let go of the shaft. Both arrows streaked through the air and struck the monster. The creature screeched while it hopped and jerked in agony before racing into the thicket.

Sharp chirps and horrific cries trailed its zig-zagging course through the forest. A bright, bluish-white beam streaked from the upper reaches of the sky, and a moment later, nothing but an eerie silence filled the air.

Bartuk’s weathered face remained solemn. “Got it good but don’t think we killed it. Looks like that molecular transference thing must have scooped it up. Hoot called it a moletran.”

A small smile cracked his lips. “I’m starting to feel a little better.”

“About time.” Tradulka set his bow against a pine. “We’ll have to let Hoot know her concoction worked — sorta.”

“Yep, and we better tell Thoruk what we found.” Bartuk’s wry grin grew wider. “And maybe, I won’t mention you butt-shot your trophy.”

Not amused in the slightest, Tradulka snapped. “You must be feelin’ okay.” He shot a glare. “Better not tell a soul.”

His buddy winked. “I’ll do my best.”

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