Redtail Rise High Risk, High Reward

Despite repeating Augur’s command to fall back twice, the others did not heed them this time. Masquerade felt partly if not fully responsible for that, as they’d unwittingly sent mixed signals. They thought about calling out again but so much happened so quickly, there was no harnessing the pack’s chaotic power.

They could only suck in a sharp breath when Wanderer skirted around the adults, deftly dodging a kick as she tore at the gaping wound in the elk’s backside. Perhaps spurred on by the sight, Riley leaped in to lend his assist. Although the Ulfr was impressed by their pack mates’ maneuvers, their tail lashed in consternation.

Masquerade began to lose hope of anyone controlling the hunt, even the Ulfhedinn. They still looked to Augur, keen for his guidance, only for their eye to be drawn by Lilia’s risky move. Then their ears picked up the sound of a hoof making impact.

Their head swiveled sharply back, bouncing among the younger hunters, before realizing it was Riley who’d been struck. They felt a great deal of relief at that. He could take it. Nonetheless, they watched him with concern, though only for a moment. They couldn’t continue standing by, letting others take the risks.

They glanced toward the Ulfhedinn one last time, inspired by the sight of him taking advantage of the Berskerk’s stunt as he leaped for the stumbling stag’s neck. Masque didn’t see him bury his fangs there, already launching in to aid the effort. They found a mouthful near the creature’s fore this time, eager to help drag him to the ground before he could swing his rack again.

Masque felt something sharp brush their upper back, though they held on until the bull collapsed. Quickly they released and leaped clear, ignoring the sting just behind their shoulders. While the others circled, waiting for the prey’s blood and energy to drain and looking for any opportunity to get their teeth to him, the Ulfr fell back to do a visual check on each of their comrades.