Story #38: The Forest

The Forest

In the Rocky Mountains there were many creatures however, this particular creature was special. Many have heard of it and yet want to hurt it. Natives of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado seen these beautiful creatures. This creature was the mule deer, known for it's ears that resemble a mule, thus it's name. It was a cool,wet morning with the dew on grass and the sun taking it's place. There in the prairie stands the Buck.

The Buck was the head of herd, keeping watch over all his territory. As other deer lied in the grass eating he waited and watch. This Buck unlike many of his ancestors knew what to watch for and who was coming. Hunters, particularly one that tried to hunt out of season for his own greed. Even in protected areas this hunter could find a way in and kill enough deer to feed a whole family of five. This man was know as saint to hunters and a plague to the deer. For this man was called Farmer Gray. A vile man who was rough in appearance and rude in heart. He was a middle-aged man about forty who knew just as much the Buck.

As the sun finally took his place in the sky, the deer move back into the forest where they thrive. The Buck stays last making sure his herd has all gotten in safely. As he looks he notice that two fawns playing in the prairie, in plain sights. Suddenly, the Buck rushes towards the two and stomps in front of them if as saying, "Get up! A hunter may see you!". The fawns immediately get up, looking down in shame. They know what could happen but what are the chances?

The one fawn knew he had let down the Buck, he was next head of the herd. The fawn was growing antlers, just tiny nubs to most. He was naive but energetic, kind too. He was known to sleep and waste the day away when he could. He tried to like the Buck but he was only a child. Though most of the herd didn't know, the Buck was kind, despite being quiet and tough. But for the fawn he could see what he truly was.

As the fawns got up, the Buck immediately nudged them to get into the forest where it would be safe. The Buck had heard something but what? He was cautious for if he would to die, the herd would all go down with him. He knew what to do, lure the sound away from the others. Like a gun shooting off, he began to ran into the prairie.

Hunter Gray could see that the Buck make such a move from such a distance. Even though he was an old man he still the eyesight of a eagle, making him completely aware of his surroundings. The old man had wanted to hunt this buck for many seasons but it seemed impossible. The Buck was too clever for Hunter Gray even to shoot close to his herd and him. Hunter Gray took caution, for if he were to shout to many bullets off someone may become suspicious. In a way many would call him a pocher, others a great hunter. However now was not the time to think of memories only the hunt he was in now.

Hunter Gray had raised his gun, looking for the perfect time to shoot. The Buck was trying to trick him into thinking he just dancing but the Buck was much smarter. Wasting no time Hunter Gray took his first shoot and missed. The bullet can down and hit the ground next to the Buck, Hunter Gray was learning how the Buck worked. The Buck stayed strong and dashed away from his herd, making sure they were safe.

Gray was not about to leave empty handed once more thus ready to take his second shot. He saw what the Buck was doing and lifted his gun to shoot. The gun went off and as quiet as the forest was a small cry was heard. Something the Buck was to familiar to hear in his lifetime. He ran into the forest only to see that the fawn had been shot, the one to take his place after he passed on. This is what Gray knew to lure the Buck away from his herd.

Saddened by this the herd and the Buck let out a cry but there was no time to hesitate, they must go or Gray will hunt them all. The Buck motion to herd to move deeper into the forest, where it would be safe. He stayed back knowing what he would do to avenge the fawn. Hunter Gray then came down from position to see what he killed and was prepared. He was prepared for what the Buck may do to him.

Without warning the Buck charged, scaring the old man causing him to drop his gun. The Buck then pushed him out the forest as if telling him, "Leave, leave now and never return". Hunter Gray laughed, after all these years he didn't want to kill him just leave. He walked back slowly with his hands in to air and replied, "I'm leaving poor beast, however what will you do? You have no heir to your herd". The Buck had his back to the hunter then turned in a rage by the words, ramming him with his antlers.

Gray looking wide eyed, slowly falling to the ground. The Buck never meant harm but the Hunter had provoked him. The Buck went back to his herd, going to the nearest river to wash his antlers. He was relieved, knowing that Hunter Gray would never harm or disturb the herd or him again.