The three women all signalled their understanding and made to get ready, but Erikal had concern. Shahar listened, and then nodded in acknowledgement of his worry.
They might run, however, “Our striders are fast.” Faster than them, able to outrun. Then, to Naiya and Ife, possibility of charge, “If you are threatened, run.” Your lives have more value, don’t risk unnecessarily.
That would have to serve as enough of an explanation; the herd was stirring, and there was no more time to spare.
Shahar took up the lead, urging Akaidras into a steady canter that both Tuka and Snow could keep up with. Their target had placed itself at somewhat of a distance to the herd, so it should be possible to unnerve him without agitating the others.
The Dawnwhisper could feel his strider’s uneasiness; this was not the first time they had cornered an animal away from a group, but it was the first time they had faced something so large. Shahar had to swallow down his own doubt, because he couldn’t afford any of his companions questioning their path; he had to at least appear like he was absolutely confident in what they were about to do. That also meant being the first one to place himself in danger.
The bull heard the thunder of hooves approaching and looked up, still confused by sleep and not expecting the company of horses and riders. Shahar angled cautiously to the side, drawing a javelin as he cut in between the bull and the herd. This managed to at least get the bull awake; it let out a great, low whuffing noise and shook itself, rolling to its feet and flicking its tail nervously. Shahar urged more speed out of his horse and put some distance between himself and the bull; he didn’t want to appear as any threat to rest of the herd, and so he took the chance to circle back around to the front.
The bull followed him with its head, although it hadn’t decided what it wanted to do yet. Frowning momentarily, Shahar cut another full circle around the animal, forcing it to take heavy steps to remain facing him. Snow barked in nervous excitement, but Shahar’s firm confidence kept her at heel; he just needed to get the bull’s blood moving, then they could begin prodding it into actually going somewhere.
With its attention focused on the Shahar, the bull’s backside came around to face the open plains; it was occupied with the male Dawnwhisper for now, which could prove an opportunity for anyone else looking to start prodding.
They might run, however, “Our striders are fast.” Faster than them, able to outrun. Then, to Naiya and Ife, possibility of charge, “If you are threatened, run.” Your lives have more value, don’t risk unnecessarily.
That would have to serve as enough of an explanation; the herd was stirring, and there was no more time to spare.
Shahar took up the lead, urging Akaidras into a steady canter that both Tuka and Snow could keep up with. Their target had placed itself at somewhat of a distance to the herd, so it should be possible to unnerve him without agitating the others.
The Dawnwhisper could feel his strider’s uneasiness; this was not the first time they had cornered an animal away from a group, but it was the first time they had faced something so large. Shahar had to swallow down his own doubt, because he couldn’t afford any of his companions questioning their path; he had to at least appear like he was absolutely confident in what they were about to do. That also meant being the first one to place himself in danger.
The bull heard the thunder of hooves approaching and looked up, still confused by sleep and not expecting the company of horses and riders. Shahar angled cautiously to the side, drawing a javelin as he cut in between the bull and the herd. This managed to at least get the bull awake; it let out a great, low whuffing noise and shook itself, rolling to its feet and flicking its tail nervously. Shahar urged more speed out of his horse and put some distance between himself and the bull; he didn’t want to appear as any threat to rest of the herd, and so he took the chance to circle back around to the front.
The bull followed him with its head, although it hadn’t decided what it wanted to do yet. Frowning momentarily, Shahar cut another full circle around the animal, forcing it to take heavy steps to remain facing him. Snow barked in nervous excitement, but Shahar’s firm confidence kept her at heel; he just needed to get the bull’s blood moving, then they could begin prodding it into actually going somewhere.
With its attention focused on the Shahar, the bull’s backside came around to face the open plains; it was occupied with the male Dawnwhisper for now, which could prove an opportunity for anyone else looking to start prodding.
