Practice1

Chapter 1

The
creature that sat astride a black horse amidst the flurrying snows
was of average build and height for a full-grown human, though tall
and thin; yet no one but a foreigner would mistake this khoron
for a man––nor would they dare approach him. The only
physical features that clearly distinguished him from a man were an
unnaturally long, straight nose and large, round ears. Brown spots
all over every inch of his skin added to his ugliness. Few would get
close enough to see him however, for the khoronu were skilled
archers. Across his back was an un-strung, re-curved short bow, as
well as a quiver of cruelly barbed arrows.

Kreev, for thus was
the khoron’s name among his people, sniffed the cold,
snowy air and glanced about through narrowed eyes. The khoronu
could sense danger in the air, as well as strong emotions; and Kreev
indeed sensed danger. Snarling and showing crooked, yellow teeth, the
khoron un-slung his bow and strung it with practiced ease.
Thumbing through his arrows, he selected one and drew it, nocking it
on his bowstring.

Suddenly, Kreev
heard hoof beats. It was a heavy horse, not like the light, sinewy
mounts of the khoronu; Kreev’s glare deepened. Through
the veil of falling snow, he saw: a cyngyr. The cyngyrs
were the most hated foes of the khoronu––though
simple country folk, they were also brave warriors. Instantly Kreev’s
bowstring twanged as he released the arrow and turned his horse
about, riding back towards the khoron war camp he had come
from.

There was a gasp
from behind him, but Kreev knew it would take more than one arrow to
kill a cyngyr. He also knew, though, that it would not be wise
to stay and finish him off, for more would come, and they could
overpower him by sheer numbers, even if not by superior strategy.
Besides, he should gather more khoronu so they could return
and kill these cursed cyngyrs.