Chapter 22: Wheels & Bull hunting
Chapter 22: Wheels & Bull hunting
In the heart of a lush, untamed wilderness of the primitive forest, where towering trees whispered secrets to the wind, two companions named Garnt and Ayra were about to embark on a new adventure.
Garnt had toiled tirelessly for an entire week to bring his latest creation to life – a sturdy cart fitted with remarkable wooden wheels of his own making with the help of a blueprint.
As the sun's golden rays danced through the leaves, Ayra stumbled upon Garnt's creation. Her eyes widened in astonishment as she realized the potential of this ingenious creation. With this cart, they could transport heavy loads across the rugged terrain without being slaves to their own strength.
"Garnt, you're a genius!" Ayra exclaimed, a mixture of awe and gratitude colouring her voice. "This tool will change everything for us. No more struggling to carry supplies or game back to our camp."
Garnt scratched his head bashfully, a modest smile tugging at his lips. "Well, I just thought it might make our lives a bit easier."
"Easier?" Ayra chuckled, giving him a playful nudge. "You've given us a whole new world of possibilities! I can already see the amount of uses this tool has"
On the other side of the cave, Gundo was smiling as she heard Ayra's impression of her son and she couldn't help but feel like a prideful mother.
"Haha~ he never stops surprising us, as expected of Garnt," Gundo said, but this time she had someone who was listening to her.
"Brother is really amazing! I want to be like him," Kara's face lit up with a smile as she complimented Garnt. Her interactions with Garnt and Gundo had infused her with newfound energy, leading her to become significantly more lively and open in her demeanour.
Gundo patted Kara's head affectionately, her smile widening. "You know, Kara, you have your own unique qualities that make you amazing too. Just like Garnt, you'll find your path and achieve incredible things."
The little girl smiled upon hearing her second mother's words and quickly went to Ayra and Garnt to say goodbye to them leaving her rope-making work to Gundo.
After Kara's bright goodbye both Ayra and Garnt with their spirits soaring and determination burning bright hatched a bold plan. The nearby hills were home to a herd of formidable bulls, their hides a coveted source of material for sturdy clothing.
However, bringing down one of these majestic creatures had always been a gruelling challenge – until now.
"We'll use the cart and the wheels you've crafted to help us hunt those bulls," Ayra declared with a fire in her eyes. "No more dragging heavy carcasses back to camp. With your invention, we'll have the advantage."
Garnt could tell that Ayra was very enthusiastic about showing him how to hunt, since she's really good at it. They followed the signs they had set up the day before and easily found where the bulls were resting.
As soon as they arrived at the place, Ayra and Garnt crouched amidst the tall green grass, their eyes fixed on the magnificent herd of bulls grazing lazily in the distance.
The air was filled with anticipation as they waited for the perfect moment to strike. Ayra, a seasoned hunter with a gaze as sharp as an eagle's, leaned in to impart her wisdom to the younger Garnt.
"Patience is our greatest ally here, Garnt," Ayra whispered, her voice carrying a blend of authority and reverence for the task at hand. "Primal Bulls are powerful creatures, and to face them, we must understand their ways. Watch closely."
Garnt nodded, his eyes wide with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "I'm ready, Aunt. But how do we know which bull to target?"
"Ah, that's the trick," Ayra replied, her lips curling into a knowing smile. "We look for the signs. See how the herd moves together, grazing peacefully? But keep your eyes on their leader—the dominant bull.
He's the one we're after."
As if on cue, a massive bull, its muscular form adorned with imposing horns, stepped forward from the group. Its movements were deliberate, its gaze commanding respect from the rest of the herd.
"Notice how he carries himself," Ayra continued, her voice a gentle murmur. "Confidence oozes from every step. He's the protector of this herd, the one who ensures its safety. But that duty also makes him vulnerable."
Garnt's brows furrowed in confusion. "Vulnerable? He looks anything but that-"
Ayra's eyes gleamed with wisdom. "Exactly. Bulls are intelligent, but they can be predictable in their instincts. The dominant bull will often investigate disturbances or potential threats.
And that's when we strike. When he ventures away from the safety of the herd."
"If we attack some minor bull, the dominant bull will alarm the others and then we will have to face the whole herd at once." She continues showing her knowledge. "But when the dominant bull is being attacked, the minor bulls won't come to help because they don't understand what to do,"
"Interesting," Hearing Ayra's advice, Garnt said with a new respect for his aunt.
As they talked about the plan, the dominant bull's head snapped up, its nostrils flaring as it caught wind of something amiss. Slowly, purposefully, it began to move away from the herd, its muscles rippling beneath its hide.
"Now, Garnt," Ayra's voice was a mere breath. "This is our moment. When he's far enough, we move swiftly and quietly, ensuring we stay downwind. Bulls have keen senses."
The tension in the air was palpable as Garnt nodded, his fingers gripping his hunting bone dagger with newfound determination. With Ayra in the lead, they advanced with the grace of shadows, every step calculated to avoid even the slightest rustle.
Finally, they were within striking distance. Ayra's eyes met Garnt's, a silent affirmation passing between them. With a primal roar, they lunged forward, dagger tips gleaming in the sunlight.
The bull turned, its eyes wide with a mix of surprise and fury. Muscles bunched, and it prepared to charge, but Ayra and Garnt were already closing in, their years of training guiding every motion.
"Now it's time to enjoy some bull meat," Ayra shouted with her excitement oozing from her way of talking, but hidden behind all of that was a proud woman who wanted to help her nephew.
At this moment, Ayra truly felt like she was the adult here helping Garnt and nothing could make her happier more than that.