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I positioned my bow, pulled back on the string, but my hands were shaking. The pain in my head had increased but in the commotion I hadn’t noticed. Now it threatened to overwhelm me. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my trembling hands and my queasy stomach, then pulled the bowstring back, letting the arrow fly towards the boar.
It hit the animal on the back but bounced harmlessly off its thick hide. I let loose a string of curses under my breath, and quickly notched a second arrow.
The boar was relentless, charging back and forth, looking for a new opening for attack.
More arrows ricocheted off the boar’s hide. I saw the woman who led the prayer shoot one after another, shaking her tawny head in frustration.
Finally, Baudwin lifted a deadly-sharp-looking spear, threw with all his might, and it struck true.
The boar let out a furious shriek and turned to see its attacker. I watched frozen as Baudwin’s eyes widened and he began to turn. But the boar was too quick. It lunged, delivering a vicious blow to the hunter’s leg.
The black-bearded man went down, blood streaming from the wound as he sank onto the grass. He shouted to us, refusing to give in, insisting we close the circle again.
We did so, and from the corner of my eye I spotted Kaye moving covertly through the trees to where Baudwin sat, his face a mask of pain. Kaye put his arms beneath the man’s armpits and began to pull him away. When he caught my eye, he gave a small smile. Clearly, he was pleased at being useful. I nodded to him, hoping the gesture conveyed my pride.
The other hunters continued to attack the beast, but it seemed almost invincible. Murmurs began to arise amongst the group. I could sense our spirits waning.
I was determined not to give up. There was already so little I could do for our people. Surely a princess of the realm could at least help to feed those who starved.
I gave my head a little shake, refusing to let the pain get the better of me, and quickly notched another arrow, my fingers moving quicker and more surely this time.
My heart was racing.
This time my focus didn’t waver. My hands didn’t shake. I looked at my target and let the arrow fly towards the boar.
The arrow pierced through the air and found its mark. Right on the boar’s hindquarters. The animal let out a squeal of fury.
I’d drawn the animal’s attention, no doubt.
As it turned to face me, I set another arrow to the string. My hands trembled slightly, but I held steadfast, waiting as long as I could.
The boar was turned to me now. Preparing to charge.
Would I go down like the two men? Bloody wounds gaping to the night?
It ran straight towards me. It took all my restraint to wait.
I loosed the arrow.
I watched, holding my breath, as it found its mark, striking the boar deep in the throat.
Rich red blood began to spurt and I breathed a sigh of relief and lowered my bow thinking this must be the end.
The boar stumbled, staggered, and then did the unthinkable–it tried to charge again.
I fumbled for another arrow but my hands were shaking so badly I knew I was out of time.
The hunters around me were shouting. A young woman a few feet away from me darted in with her spear, trying to stab the boar and distract its attention, but as soon as she came near, it swung its deadly tusks and she fell back, looking at me with sympathy.
I was frozen, numb. Everything was happening too quickly.
And then a large figure broke through the circle, splitting apart the two hunters to my right.
There were shouts and gasps, but the newcomer ignored them.
With a roar, he charged forward, a sharpened spear held high.
The boar stopped in its tracks, inches away from me, and swung its dark head to face the stranger, its eyes blazing with bloodlust and rage.
