[ IP ] Flame Bound

`` I'm going to hit it from 50 yards, square in the eyes!'' 
 
 `` You could n't hit an Earth Cow from 50 yards. I'm going to chop off it's head!'' 
 
 `` You'll both by cinders if not for my Healing Slugs.'' 
 
 `` **ENOUGH! **'' Alister tried to sound as menacing as possible, but he really could n't fault the boys. Everyone boasted with their packmates on first hunt, it was a natural defense against fear. But while Flame Cats were n't especially dangerous in battle, they did spook easily, and the town had already lost three fields to the damn thing. `` If none of you are going to take this seriously, you can make your way home and I'll take care of this myself.'' 
 
 `` Sorry, sir.'' Bigsby, The Defender and oldest among the boys, naturally took the lead. Alister noted the ease with which he hefted his tower shield to clear some bramble: a shield Alister had procured for him from the main armory, when the training shields had looked like a toy in his hands. A couple more years of growing, and Bigsby was going to be one of the finest Defenders the town had ever had. 
 
 `` Do n't be sorry, Bigsby, be quiet. Now then, Trevor, give us our bearings.'' 
 
 Trevor, The Archer lifted his nose in the air and gave a sniff. He looked over the horizon, closed his eyes and sniffed again. `` I smell burning leaves to the north... maybe half a mile.'' Alister had learned that Trevor's senses could be trusted even above his own. If it had not been for the trees, he was certain Trevor could spot the feline outright. 
 
 `` Very well. Likely the beast has bedded down for a rest, or perhaps has found a den of Metal Mice. If it's stationary... the wind is in our favor... now is the time to make ready. Cary?'' 
 
 Cary, The Shaman, dug into his knapsack and produced four small boxes. `` These are Whisper Crickets. Put him in your mouth, and the noise of our approach will be muffled greatly. Use the tip of your tongue to pin the cricket to the roof of your mouth, at his abdomen, and he wo n't squirm. Please try not to eat them, they're very hard to find.'' 
 
 `` Gross.'' 
 
 `` You've trained with these before, Trevor.'' Trevor, The Archer, and also The Complainer. One in every pack. 
 
 `` I know, but... I mean come on, this is terrible.'' 
 
 `` Well the next time a Mountain Goat wanders into the valley, I'm sure Bigsby will lend you his armor, and you can go charging at it like a screaming barbarian, if you'd like. Now, enough griping, are you all ready?'' 
 
 `` **Yes, sir**'' in unison. 
 
 `` Now then, Bigby, you're on point. Unless someone eats their cricket, it will see us before it hears us, at which point it will do one of two things. If it rears back and becomes defensive, the kill is yours, Trevor, do not hesitate a moment. If it bolts, Cary will throw his Ice Flies, and it will be Bigsby's sword that finishes the hunt. Remember, boys, a Flame Cat running for it's life will light even these damp woods afire, so we must be quick and sure, lest you want to be on bucket brigade all night. Good Hunt, boys, For the People.'' 
 
 `` **For the People. **''
