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| The Hunter and the Hunted October 9 2001 at 9:35 AM |
Harbinger of Death |
| Zeus drummed his fingers in thought. “Are
you sure about this?” “Yes, sir,” said the Harbinger politely. “It’s a tradition. I just need this one thing, and then I can continue with my business.” “Do let it be done, darling,” said Hera sweetly, brushing her husband’s hand. “They do so enjoy it.” He regarded them both for a moment, then shrugged. “All right, then. All immortal Debaucherettes shall be stripped of their immortality until next month, effective immediately.” “Thank you, sir.” Harbinger bowed, and left the temple. Hera intercepted him on the way out. “Make it as painful as possible for them,” she hissed. “Just doing my job, ma’am.” Harbinger exited hastily. ***************************** Beck narrowed her eyes, peering through the foliage. “All right,” she whispered. “Come on.” “Are you sure this is such a good idea?” whispered Euterpe. “It seems like we’re begging for trouble here.” “Shh. You’ll scare off the herd.” Beck crouched in silence. “I think she’s right. I think this is a really bad time to be going on safari,” Amyrlin said. “Come on, you guys. Have you no sense of adventure?” KhanMan watched beside Beck. “Besides, we’ve had this trip planned for months.” “But you know what time of year it is!” said Amyrlin. “Yeah, we might as well stand around with a bullseye on our foreheads,” muttered Euterpe. “Shh!” Beck shushed them again. “There’s a beauty, and it’s wandered off from the pack. Let’s go.” She led them through the greenery to a small clearing where they had a particularly good view of a wildebeast. It was indeed a large specimen. “Take aim, mates,” Beck whispered, and they raised their crossbows. Suddenly the wildebeast lifted its head and looked straight at them. However, it did not run. In fact, what they saw froze them all where they were. Beck tried to fire, but found that she could not. The beast’s eyes were black…a heavy black that seemed to suck the light from the air around it. Suddenly it stood on its hind feet, like a human, and in its hooves a crossbow materialized, one so massive that it held four shafts all across. With a click, the shafts released, and each found its target in the hearts of its would-be hunters. |
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