It's been a while. I had never guess how much time had passed. everyday growing stronger. Everyday working towards my goal. Winters flew past, I had almost forgotten about my mother. My mind fixed on my training. My antlers were now showing and though I did not have a full crown the two points were sharp.

The day came one frost covered morning. I was to be tested, It seems so long ago even now. They called it the test of darkness. I was given no warning. For all my training was preparing me for this. Risk and Mortis has explained that the whole herd stags and hinds would hunt for me. The hunt would start before the sun rose. Their aim, to kill me. My job was to stay alive until the sun set and the test was over. I stood resting in the dusky forest not asleep but drifting when they came. Stags and hinds racing through the shadows at me. Outnumbered I turned and ran. But not in panic I paced myself as Mortis had taught me. I turned and headed towards higher ground where the rocks broke through the earth and tree roots made ledges. I no longer felt the branches batter and slash my form. These things did not matter, I had to focus on the task ahead.. I let my ears fall back allowing me to gage the herds distance. Not yet......I would need them closer….

I ran on and soon came to the place I was looking for to turn the tables. A face of rock, old as the wood and taller than the trees. Covered with ferns, and mosses, Pitted with cracks and bat caves. The test was of brains and not so much brawn I would only pass if I lived and to live was possible if the plan worked. I stood waiting for the first Deer to break through the foliage infront of me. I stood holding my ground making as if to fight.

NOW! I spun around my back legs powering me upwards as I lept I sprinted up bounding over jutting rocks I leaped like a mountain goat along juts of the rock. Not daring to look down as I scales the face of rock. Some followed others filtered to the sides. BUT many where directly below me.. Without warning I dug my hooves in to the rock side and kicked out. Pushing my body from the ledge and flying out over them. I felt the coldness of the dawn’s air. I was surrounded by darkness then the forest came up to me. I felt the ground and leaped, then rolled. Holding my breath. I came straight up, knowing the herd would be on my tail. I push forward head first, and my new antlers crashed in to another’s..

I had not realised the monster still lived. No one thought it mad enough to enter the dark territory. In front of my stood the Rotting White Heart. I felt like my heart had stopped my breath caught in my throat.

I gasped and was nearly caught off guard as he threw himself at me our antlers locked. Head twisting. He almost knelt twisting his neck, in an effort to throw me or break my own neck. I staggered under the power. I knew the herd had scattered and where watching from a distance. I was alone. I had to disengage, or I would fall. I could see his tres-tine by my left eye.... Mortis's words echoed in my mind. "We all must sacrifice are selves some time...." I closed my left eye and reaching up and back unlocked my antlers. I felt burning through my eye, wetness ran down my cheek. I wanted to scream in pain, but my lungs were like ice. The monster stepped back shaking his head. He leaped again. Using a stag’s greatest power which is the muscles in the back legs to bring him nearer. Trying to close on my smaller frame, I dodged and rolled to the side. I shot up forward staying low. My antlers stabbing at him hitting his brisket. They suck deep. He did not back up though instead pushed forward and to the side trying to use his weight to smother me and break my new antlers. I was trapped. His body’s weight was making it hard to breath. I tried to stand, but could not. He began to tear at my side with his hooves. I pushed up with what I thought was the last of my strength, twisting the other way from him.
The weight lifted and my ears where filled with a roaring scream. I felt him pull off of my antlers. I struggled gasping to my feet. My legs felt like they had no power. Coloured spots danced in my eyes. In front of me stood the monster blooded and gasping. It’s foul smell wafting to me. With a snort, It looked as though it would charge. Then stopped. I thought it was looking at me. But its eyes went passed me. I was no longer alone! On either side stood stags and hinds. Heads down ready to charge. Not a word was spoken. The monster turned and limped off in to the night. None followed it. The scouts would watch.

I stood still. The herd formed a circle around me. A voice of the head stag echoed in the darkness
"The test of Darkness has be disturbed. Thus you have not passed this task" I gasped. How!! "BUT his voice boomed you have proven though your battle your strength and skill, you have shown courage and understanding. A level head and control." "These are the things we wish to see you have lived through the darkness and so are part of our herd" Your old name is no more." "From now on you shall be EyeStrike. For your sacrifice"

I was lead to the river to wash and then to a glade to rest.. My dreams where clear and the world seemed better. I was a Night Stalker a stag of darkness.


Part 8
http://endlessforest.org/community/part-8-anothers-tale-begins-and-overl...