Goat Cheese

Winter was almost here and that meant that Úlfr was about to turn one year old. He had the goal of bringing down prey by himself before he hit that mile stone and today was that day. I was true he could've hunted something smaller like rabbit or prairie chickens but he wanted something he could show off to his mother's, something challenging. In Úlfr's mind the perfect prey would be mountain goat and so he worked his way into he mountains of Fenrir's Maw, the range that lay just north of Fireside. The terrain itself was dangerous and would likely be just as much of a challenge as the prey itself. However, that's what would make the hunt worthwhile and a story he could tell later… just as long as he managed to survive. Ideally, he'd also return with prey but either way he'd at least learn something from the experience.

It was a gorgeous autumn day. Úlfr couldn't have asked for nicer weather. The sun was shining and warm and there were only a few fluffy white clouds in the clear blue sky. The air itself was cool but that was a good thing. As Úlfr worked at climbing up the mountainside he was glad for he cooler weather. The physical exertion of climbing the mountain range would get his body temperature running high. Úlfr climbed up onto a ledge and looked out across the rocky terrain of the mountain range. He didn't really see anything yet so he scented the air, relying on his nose to pick up the scent of potential prey. Hmm… nothing quite yet. He continued on his way, hoping he'd find something. If not then he'd just have to try again tomorrow.

Úlfr worked his way down into a narrow valley and at that moment the wind picked up and carried with it the scent of blood, and not just any blood but mountain goat blood. Perfect. Úlfr began to track the scent, looking for the source and then he spied a small herd of mountain goats, their white pelts standing out against the rock when they moved and it became clear they weren't lumps of snow. A young, six month old goat was injured and limping as it followed after the rest of the group. Úlfr settled down and eyed the young male. He watched the herd's movements for a moment and then noted that the wind was in his favor.

Taking advantage of the favorable winds Úlfr stalked forward, carefully placing his paws and drew closer and closer to the small herd. He didn't want to set a bunch of rocks loose and alert the goats to his presence. Soon he felt he was close enough to risk a sprint. Even injured it would be difficult to catch one of the goats but he didn't want to try and get closer for fear he'd startle them and miss getting a head start. That would end the hunt pretty much before it even began. Úlfr positioned himself closer to the injured goat and prepared, his legs coiling beneath him like springs.

Úlfr shot towards the mountain goats, rocks and dirt flying as he raced forward. His legs kicked him forward and across the rocky ledge as he shot toward the injured goat. The herd scattered. A few raced along the edge including his target, while others started scrambling up the steeper mountain side. Úlfr kept pace as the healthy animals pulled ahead and left the injured goat behind. That was just what he wanted and it would give him a chance in this hunt.

Putting on a burst of speed he started to gain ground, moving closer and closer to the goat. As he neared its hind legs he twisted his head to the side and snatched it’s left hind leg in his jaws. He bit down hard and pulled as the mountain goat fell to the ground. It thrashed and kicked wildly, it’s free leg striking Úlfr in the chest but in a way he was lucky. The hind leg the goat struck out with was the injured leg and so it couldn’t quite muster the force to knock him aside completely.

The trick now was now to get at the throat? Úlfr couldn’t end the fight from here, he would need to let go and try for a better grip towards the front of his prey. Releasing his jaws he bounded forward as the goat tried to make a break for it. Úlfr sped up and leapt, twisting his head in to latch around the young goat’s throat. He bit down hard and then thrashed his head. The pair of animals struggled until at last the wolf succeeded. He felt a burst of pride at his accomplishment. His first solo hunt!