Chapter One - Part 3

Seth crept silently toward the great bear. He knew that if he could keep the old predator from hearing him, he could get close enough not to have to use his gun. He didn't like using firearms - especially on animals. He always thought it an unfair advantage.

Muffled growling came from the beast that again had his head buried in the ribcage of the Krigelk. Seth jumped up, taking his advantage, and ran toward the massive beast.

Perfect! Three more strides to go!

The bear lifted his head out of the carcass. His large bloodied ears instinctively twisted behind as he heard Seth's approach. The bear wheeled around and stood to receive the intruder.

His auto-gun in his left hand, his short sword in his right, he buried his blade dead center of the bear's chest. As expected, the bear swatted him away with ease.

Seth rolled onto his feet gun at the ready. He watched the bear writhe as he struggled with the blade. Soon, the struggles were over.

"Now! That's what you get for your trouble! Instead of raiding my smokehouse, you'll be in it." he said as he tried rubbing the pain out of his left arm.