Ed Drury Wins Flash Fiction Challenge

Winter Ghost knows what a hunter is and this human is no hunter. He puts out bait, paints himself up to look like the surrounding brush, and then hides like a coward in a hutch he has fashioned out of branches and straw. Only when his prey is fully unsuspecting does he release his arrow, often not resulting in a clean kill. Then our brave “hunter” finally shows himself as he stalks the wounded deer down flowing a blood trail and finally finishes it off. Then he posses with the carcass while his admiring fellows take photos to document his “victory” over the wild.

“Not on this day,” thought Winter Ghost. Though the bobcat and he were not exactly friends, there was a measure of respect built up over the seasons of their game of cat and mouse. Likewise the eagle and Winter Ghost had a relationship of sorts. So when the Winter Ghost thought of his ever present deadly companions, they often showed up. “Come forth Sky Stalker and Tree Pouncer,” thought Winter Ghost. “Come forth and hunt with me for a change!”

From high above, the hunter heard a unworldly screech causing him to lower his bow. As he looked up, he was swept from the earth by sharp claws, his neck pierce by long white fangs. The last thing he heard was the triumphant scream of Winter Ghost as he fled back to his den.