I was hobbling my way through the forest, leaning heavily on a crutch I’d cut from a tree branch, when I heard a rustling to my right. It was soft, barely loud enough for me to hear over the other ambient sounds of the foliage, but I spun brandishing my crossbow.
I didn’t see anything.
I held my position for a moment longer, scanning the thick leaves around me for any sign of disturbance. When I didn’t find anything after a moment, I turned to continue limping on my way. Then another bush rustled behind me and there was no mistaking the sound.
Someone or something was tracking me.
I spun, pulling the crossbow to my shoulder, ready to fire. But again, I saw nothing. I lingered longer this time, continuing to scan. And slowly, slowly, realized I was being watched.
There were a pair of e
