The birds circled overhead. Great ugly vultures which served as nature’s janitors. Aside from showing where an animal had been recently killed, they cleaned up the carcass and prevented the spread of disease. Darius watched them, intent on avoiding their feast in case there were still predators lurking nearby. As he scouted the countryside in the hot sun, his dark skin dripping with sweat, he tried to keep well away from dangerous animals.

He was armed, carrying a spear and a bow, but the best defense is to not get into a fight at all. Stealth was paramount when one infringed upon enemy territory, and Darius dared not disturb the natural order when he crossed the landscape. The only friend he had among these enemies was a kestrel named Noah who was ready in an instant to carry a message to the captain.

Walking with intent to reach a nearby camp, Darius spoke in a low whisper to Noah “Just over the next rise,” he explained to the small raptor perched on his shoulder, “we should see their encampment.”

Noah, as usual, made no reply. His hooded head turned around as he listened to the sounds of the forest. They crested the hill and a massive bivouac came into view, covering the entire valley with tents and soldiers. “I don’t-“ Darius was cut off abruptly by an arrow sailing past his face and sticking fast into a thick oak. The thump of the head burying itself deep in the wood alerted Noah, who cried out just before amhis hood was removed.

Darius dove for cover and quickly scrawled a message to his commander, then releasing Noah’s leash and watching him soar high into the air. Missiles continued to fall around him as he loaded his own weapon to fight back as he attempted to retreat.

He peeked over the fallen tree which was his cover and marked the enemy archers. He drew his own heavy bow and rolled over the cover, loosing one arrow before hiding once again. The dart found its mark and blasted an archer from his feet with the shaft piercing his heart.

Load, roll, fire.

Load, roll, fire.

He continued for another minute or more before taking a hit. Three archers met their ends by his arrows before they landed one. The arrow sunk between his shoulder and his neck and nestled itself snugly in his chest cavity. Struggling to draw breath, Darius lay behind his chosen cover knowing that his task was complete.

The birds circled overhead.