Lightingclaw: Trial by Fang

By Mikal Norton
Lightingclaw took in a deep breath, filling his long snout with the
scents of the world around him. The scent of fauna was the most dominating
smell, the thick bush he hid in engulfed him almost entirely except for a
small space where he could clearly see the small clearing ahead of him. He
could smell and hear a flock of chattering birds in a tree not too far from him.
Then, for a moment though he thought he could smell something else.
Carnage, by the smell of it. His mind whirled with excited, it could be some
extra meat to take back, that would make everyone impressed. Here they
are, five young Raptas that went out to hunt the expected measly feathery
poultry and they return to the Nest with a haul of meat. Thats bound to
prove theyre worth in the Hunt!
Another whiff of the carnage immediately dispelled that idea. It
smelled too spoiled, whatever it was its probably been dead for too long
now. It was mostly likely fit for only scavengers to pick at. Lightingclaw
sighed, so much for that grand idea. No way to get around it, their prey was
their only hope of passing the trial.
Suddenly a loud squawk caught his attention. His crest quills went
ridged in alert, the sickle shaped claws on his inner toes went up, and his
right hand immediately drew the tooth blade knife that had been strapped to
his thigh.
They cant be moving yet, its too early he hissed to himself, Broken
fangs! Did they give themselves away already? This test means everything
to us. Come on brother, dont let us down. Youve always been a great
leader.
Lightingclaw held his breath, ready to react if anything came in the
open. After ten heart beats of waiting he relaxed. They hadnt been spotted
yet. Thundertooths strategy still had a chance.
Even though Lightingclaw hatched first, he always looked up to
Thundertooth as the elder. Thundertooth had a natural talent for leadership
and a strong mind for tactic. Despite this, his brother would as times infuriate
him. Even when they were very young Thundertooth displayed strange views
of the world around them and how to deal with it. He would make comments
and voice ideas that bordered on insanity in Rapta culture; try to reach out to
the other tribes, make friends with the Dilocc (the sworn enemy of the
Rapta), or, journey outside of the valley to find possible other lands to hunt
in.

Because of this strange personality quirk Lightingclaw took upon

himself the role of his brothers bodyguard. Thundertooth got a lot of
mockery from the other young claws while growing up, yet he avoided
conflict and anger like no other. Lightingclaw on the other hand was always
one who was quick to anger and took every chance to fight anyone who even
whisper ill of his brother. Of course, Thundertooth would always be the one to
hold him back and make amends for his brothers behavior. That infuriated
him even more.
Now that they were at twelve seasons Lightingclaw was a little wiser at
keeping his temper, Thundertooth however seemed to get worse with his
strange ideas. That was why Lightingclaw was so intent on making sure they
pass this trial. By completing the Trial of the Fang, named so due to the fang
knifes they carry, they earn the right to become a hunter and the respect
that comes with it.
If they fail to kill their assigned quarry by sunset, they would have to
wait a whole season to try again. Which would not only be a season of
humiliation and ridicule for Lightingclaw and Thundertooth, but the three
others hunting with them as well. Bushtail, Floodscream, and Fernteeth, the
only female in the group.
There was another sharp squawk in the distance, then a shrill cry rang
out and the whole undergrowth became alive. Theyre on the move!
Lightningclaw stood stock still as all the rustling and squawking came
crashing closer to him. Within seconds a flock of flightless birds came
stampeding out of the undergrowth into the open.
There were about twenty birds, each two feet tall or less, half
lightningclaws size, with fat feathery bodies, short lean legs, stubby wings,
and hook-faced beaks, Groundscratchers. Running right behind the flock
were Lightningclaws four comrades. They were spread out in a uniform
pattern, so as to keep the flock from scattering. Thundertooths strategy was
working so far, now it was up to Lightningclaw to make the kill.
Ancestors guide my blade Lightningclaw whispered.