Chapter 10 From Hunter to Hunted
The forest was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird calls as he moved cautiously through the underbrush, with Flicker and his zombie bird summons to aid in tracking. Their heightened senses made locating the hunter only a matter of time. Flicker floated silently above, his incorporeal form allowing him to scout without making a sound.
As they closed in, the figure of the hunter came into view—a middle-aged man with a weathered face and keen eyes, scanning the surroundings. He stood unaware of the danger lurking nearby, preoccupied with his search for game. The main character noted the hunter's equipment: a well-crafted bow slung across his back, a hunting knife at his side, and various animal pelts draped over his shoulder.
With a swift mental command, he directed Flicker to charge at the hunter. The incorporeal summon flickered in and out of visibility, causing the hunter to glance nervously toward the source of the disturbance. Seizing the opportunity, Flicker lunged forward, slamming into the man with an energy that was palpable in the air. The hunter staggered, attempting to reach for his bow, but the ambush was too sudden. Flicker's ethereal form, though unable to physically harm, disrupted the hunter's focus enough to create an opening.
With the hunter momentarily disoriented, he rushed in, his heart pounding as he struck swiftly. The confrontation was brief, but the energy required for Flicker to sustain the attack left him feeling drained. The hunter collapsed to the ground, lifeless.
After confirming the hunter was dead, he began to loot the body. Rather than stripping the man of his armor and weapons, he left them intact, knowing they would be essential for the resurrection ritual he planned for the morning. Instead, he collected the following valuable items:
Loot
Coin Purse containing 15 silver coins and a few copper pieces
Animal Pelts
Compass
Water Skin
Small Pendant
Satisfied with his haul, he hoisted the hunter's body over his shoulder, feeling the weight of the lifeless form as he retraced his steps back to the designated drop-off point deep within the forest. The sun began to set, casting long shadows that danced through the trees, creating an eerie atmosphere that both thrilled and unnerved him.
Upon reaching his campsite, he carefully laid the hunter's body down and set to work making a small campfire. He rummaged through his supplies and prepared a modest meal, warming some rations as he listened to the forest come alive with nocturnal creatures.
As he ate, he contemplated the upcoming resurrection ritual. The hunter would make a formidable ally. Once the sun fully set and the moon began to rise, he would perform the ritual, bringing the hunter into his service as an undead minion.
After finishing his meal, he settled down beside the flickering flames, his thoughts swirling with anticipation and ambition. He would gain strength and knowledge from this newfound ally, furthering his own power in a world fraught with danger.
With the night's cool air wrapping around him, he closed his eyes, envisioning the hunter rising again at dawn, ready to follow his commands.