Act 1-3

Inside the woods, two men were following a trail. The shorter one had white hair and was carrying a bow. The other had dark hair and was pacing himself with the hunter.

Will moved swiftly along hoofed tracks, brushing past low hanging branches. Chad remained silent behind Will, checking the surroundings in case of an ambush.

The ground was blanketed white, littered with trees encased in ice. Mounds of snow hanged on evergreens and icicles decorated their broken branches.

No monsters were in sight. The ones from the night he awoken were quiet and the chirping of birds gave off a calm atmosphere.

However, suspense grew inside his mind, causing him to flinch from every gust of wind.

With uneasy steps, he can only put his trust into Will. Hoping the kid knew his way through the Icy Woods.

Slowing their pace, the crunching snow muffled all noise. Signaling for a stop, Will raises his bow, before drawing an arrow.

In the distance a rugged beast was digging at a base of a tree. A meter thick boar proceeded to rip apart the tree roots with ease. Clawing at something unseen.

The creature was a Tuska.

Whining in excitement it scattered the dirt. Littering the white ground with splotches of black.

Unaware of its surroundings, Will releases an arrow towards it.

Swishing threw the air, the delighted squeals were disrupted when a thud echoed out. An arrow splintered into the boars thigh, spraying blood onto the ground.

Whimpering, the beast stumbles out of the pit. Struggling to its feet, it turns to them.

“Fire Chad.”

On cue, he releases his own arrow.

Another arc was created, followed by another thumb echoing out. An arrow was drilled into the Tuska’s stomach. Spilling more blood on to the frozen ground.

In pain, it yelps from pained agitation. With a lowered head, it begins to sway as it made a dash.

Being pulled by Will, Chad leaves the frenzied beast’s path.

Attempting to correct its trajectory, the Tuska grinds to a halt. However, the arrow from Will caused the beast to capsize, rolling across the floor.

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The boar flails its limbs into the sky. Pain was everywhere. It’s stomach was burning. Glancing down, it could see the arrow fired by Chad has vanished. Grunting in agony, the beast can only wait for death.

“It stopped.” Feeling uneasy. “D,do you want to do it?”

Will pushes a dagger towards him. Confused, Chad has another headache. However, he now knows what is about to come. Grasping the weapon from shaking hands, he nods.

His unhurried steps were firm as he approached the dying animal. The boar was larger than the wolf he fought. Its tusks were an abnormal two feet long. They curled up slightly and would’ve penetrated either of them, if the Tuska landed a hit.

The beast’s eyes glazed over and the terror it felt was starting to build. An unnatural presence was drawing near. It had to escape.

However, only bloody foam came from its lips and tears trickling down its face. It couldn’t do anything when a dagger plunged into its chest. Casting its life into the abyss to come.

Death came silently to the suffering boar. Then a familiar coldness came over Chad. With the same eeriness as the graveyard. However, it quickly vanished as the labored breathing of the animal stopped.

Snapping out of his trance, he noticed Will tugging on his fur coat.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine Will. Just overexerted myself is all.”

Trying to pry the dagger out of his hands, Will grew nervous.

“My sister shouldn’t have made you come out here. You’re still recovering...”

Feeling his senses coming back to him, Chad releases his grip.

“I’m fine. I was having a small headache.”

Sheathing the dagger, Will nods. Moving over to the boar, he beckons for Chad.

“Make a cut here and follow along the center.”

“Okay now what?”

“Now remove the organs and set them over there.”

“Why? Won’t that attract the monsters?”

“Yes.” Holding the carcass open. “It’ll distract them while we move the body back home.”

Not trying to argue with Will, he followed the directions. Placing all the entrails in a pile, he came back to find Will making a sled from branches. Helping him drag the Tuska onto the sled, they secured it with some twin.

Holding a pair of ropes, Will handed one over. Following his lead, they began to drag the body, retracing their steps back to the wooden cabin.

Their journey was short and the entrance of the house came into view. The door opens and Liz came out to greet them.

“So how was it Chad? I see you hunted one of the pigs.”

“It was chilly, but more relaxing than being inside. Will and I also manage to find some tracks of this boar before killing it.”

Pointing towards the Tuska, Liz stepped towards it. Rubbing the fur, she checks the tusks.

“We can make you a better jacket with its fur. And for the tusks, we’ll remove them and sell it to the next merchant in town.”

Feeling out of place, Will speaks up.

“Sister, do you want me to drag it to the shed?”

“Go ahead.” Nudging Will away. “Chad will keep me company.”

A few deeps breaths later, Will disappears behind the building.

“So, there’s a merchant?”

“Yeah. He comes by every month by ship.” Noticing Chad’s expression. “If you’re planning to leave, he could help you.”

“I see.” Warming his hands. “Is their anything else you need help with?”

“Its your turn to make dinner. I bet you haven’t had Tuska before.”

After a short discussion, Will appears.

After dinner, Chad decided to leave the island on the next ship.

***