Free The New World: A Step Backward by Andy Skrzynski Page B

loud the jittery pups scattered into the forest.  With the friskiness of the young acrobats subsiding, he headed back toward the campfire.
    Before he got there, a thunderous splash broke the silence over the lake.  "Stunning!  Did you hear that?"  Turning around, he noticed the ripples drifting away from where the large bass broke the glassy surface.  "THAT has to get your blood churning!  Look, there's another one!"
    Moving much quicker with the haze of sleep melting away, Tradulka hopped to his feet.  "Now I'm pumped!  Let's drink that coffee of yours and be on our way."
    After tightly rolling his bedding and putting it in the tent, the two of them sat around, sharing a few jokes while they finished off the last drop of their brew.
    Bartuk grabbed their aquaflasks.  "Why don't you take a handful of your tasty jerky for the trip.  I'll get some water."  He strolled to the nearby spring and topped off both of the containers designed to insulate the cold water and keep it cool most of the day.
    His partner kicked dirt over the fire, stomped it out, and got the jerky.  Each snatched their bows and quivers, and off they went along the wildlife path.
    As usual, Bartuk led the way.  "Did you hear the wolves howling last night?  They were whooping it up in the mountains."
    "Naw, not me.  I was sound asleep."
    Bartuk rolled his eyes.  "I swear, you could snooze through a buffalo herd stampeding through the camp."  He stretched his arms high.  "What a great morning — nice and cool for August.  Perfect for trouncing around in the woods, searching for four-headed mutants."
    "Yea, but I could have used a few more winks before you interrupted my beauty rest."
    "What do you mean?  I saved your butt.  If you'd gotten any prettier, some bear would have lugged you off into the woods.  The way I see it, you owe me."
    Bartuk stopped and pointed at a spot near his feet.  "Let's start here today.  We'll use the same technique as yesterday.  This time don't be startled if I peg a tree with an arrow to let you know to come."
    As they continued their scouting mission over the next couple of miles, Bartuk recalled lessons he received when younger.
    His father had reminded him that their ancestors believed in fending for themselves.  He stressed the importance of being respectful of nature and to kill only for: food, hides for warmth, and protection from attacks or imminent threats to life.
    Wolfuk had emphasized the necessity of patience and practice to successfully master the techniques for hunting and fishing.  He explained that woodsmen should constantly hone their skills and learn the most effective kill spots to minimize suffering of the targeted game.
    Scampering over a shallow brook nearby, two rabbits broke Bartuk's train of thoughts, returning his attention to his mission at hand.  I'm going to protect Ukkiville from imminent threats by killing a freakish beast today.
    After spending much of the day investigating noises and movement to little avail, he and his fellow hunter approached the edge of the forest by a grassy opening.  A lone, massive oak stood in the green meadow nearby.  Those whitetail sure love acorns.
    Bartuk glanced as his friend.  "Remember the herd of deer munching on those extra large acorns beneath that tree last year?"
    Nodding, a big grin formed across Tradulka's face.  "Yea, I'll never forget that massive, 12-point buck standing on its hind legs to stretch into the branches for some choice morsels."
    Bartuk motioned to continue toward the glade at the fringe of the woods.  We can't afford any rustling leaves or snapped twigs this close.   He raised his finger to his lips.  "Shhh, hide behind the brush for cover."
    Before they reached the clearing, Bartuk carefully looked around the edge of a cluster of red-tipped sumac and mouthed.  "There it is."  He pointed toward the tree in the meadow about 60 yards off.
    A towering stag with a gigantic rack stood calm under its shade.  As