Calbat woke just as the sun began to warm and wake the world outside.
The portly mouse snuck past the other sleeping mice in their room, crept into the hallway, and carefully made his way into the long straight passageway that led all the way outdoors.
As a general rule, he despised all forms of exercise, but his morning walk was the lone exception.
Mawroi was the only home he’d ever known, and he loved it, but the one thing it wasn’t was quiet.
From sunup to sundown it was a cacophonous city, covered in movement and humming with noise and activity.
Calbat liked to get away from all of this for a few minutes every morning.
He knew his friend Eshak did not approve. He’d told Calbat time and again that it was too dangerous. He said the rewards weren’t worth the risks.
Eshak always made a point of telling Cal that he had no idea what kinds of evil things lived and lurked in even the nicest of places on the outside.
However, Calbat was stubborn and decided these morning walks wouldn’t hurt anybody. He told himself they didn’t take long so what could possibly happen?
Walking slowly, he breathed the fresh morning air deep into his lungs. He meandered down the lush green path, listening to birdsong and insect noises and ignoring everything but the beauty and peace all around him.
On a low ridge near Calbat’s path, Marth watched the fat tikmo with a mix of feral hunger and curiosity.
Why was this pudgy morsel wandering all by himself away from shelter or anyone who could help him?
Marth’s curiosity quickly gave way to his desire for the hunt and the kill.
Without making a sound, he drew his bow and nocked an wicked-looking jet black arrow tipped with a garish red tip. He took a moment to line up on the spot he wanted ahead of the tik and sent the shaft flying.
Calbat hummed to himself and peered ahead on the trail to see what looked worth exploring.
Deep down, He knew he’d already been out too long and was too far away from the place where he first joined the path, but he was too blissful to care.
Then he felt a sharp stab, and his right leg erupted in agony.
He squealed in pain and confusion. One paw reached to inspect his leg and came back sticky with fresh blood.
Calbat gasped, gurgled, and fell to the ground. For a moment, he lay motionless.
Then he shot up again, squeaking and hissing in his pain and fear. He moved unsteadily as the world around him shifted and buckled.
Quickly losing blood and consciousness, he stumbled and dragged himself to the edge of the path, falling headlong into thick foliage and disappearing from view altogether.
Fask! Marth muttered to himself as he ran towards the place where the tikmo fell. There was no sign the creature had ever been there.
The thrill of the hunt still pulsed in his veins as he dove headfirst into the leaves where the tikmo vanished.
You won’t get away from me that easily.
Exciting chapter! I could vividly imagine this scene. Great work 👏