I surveyed the scene for any other signs of attack, but Krougger was looking dumbfounded and angry while his companions writhed on the ground. Thinking things were done, I started backing away so I could keep an eye on Krougger. I figured even he wouldn’t be stupid enough to pull a g*n on a fellow hunter, but I hadn’t made it that long in my line of work by exposing my back to rivals. And it’s good I didn’t, since Krougger was stupid enough to pull a g*n on a fellow hunter.
I guess watching me walk away with what he thought should have been his prize was too much for him. In a rage, he dropped to one knee and pulled a small firearm from a sheath at his boot. I could have pulled the XMR and ended things right then—I probably should have, looking back on it all now—but if I killed him, his
