Menolyrical - Final Friday Fiction

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From “Unto Him”; CCMT Publications.

 8)  Practices

12) Fervour

16) Keep smiling for me.

IN HINDERTWIG ONCE

The herd gathered by the central tree to bid farewell to Vidge and his youthful entourage. He had often taken bucks away for short periods of time to show them the territory and teach them some practices and traditions of Hindertwig. Everyone in the herd knew, however, that there was something a little different about this departure. It wasn’t something which could be voiced, only felt. It was there to be smelled in the air. Their leader of the past eight seasons was paying extra attention to each of the lineages, making it known this would be a longer separation and that tests would be tough.

The does muzzled their offspring, sisters nibbled brothers. Hooves were stamped softly upon the velveteen grass and mounds of froth moss. The chosen bucks, of which there were seven including Pal Sun and Rooper, held their heads just that little more stiffly and had about them a fervour, a keenness to get going.

At last, Vidge came to his second and third. He spoke, not loudly, yet in such a manner that the words would carry and there could be no mistake of the intention in them.

“Low Sooz, keep smiling for me. I leave you with heavy heart but in the knowledge that you and the herd will fare well under the care of my proxy, Hill Bert.” Vidge hesitated only briefly at the slight murmuring which arose in the gathering. “You know him of old and I honour the bond you have had. I depart with lighter mind knowing the herd has you to watch and guide them.” Thus saying, their leader had not only indicated to the herd that Hill Bert was in charge in his absence, but that he gave permission for the second and third to once again build their bond without fear of reprisal from him. This, in its turn, hinted at the chance of his not returning. He turned and headed North, the bucks falling quickly into line behind him, buffeting each other in competition for placement. Rooper was at the head of them before they disappeared into the forest.

Hill Bert now took his turn of visiting each of the heads of lineage to comfort and settle the slight disturbance which had arisen. Low Sooz followed him and reassured the lower ranks. It was not too long before they were all grazing and attending their normal routines again.

Things continued quietly, until the eighth cycle of the moon, when there was panic among them. Pal Sun, with five others, pounded up to the centre tree and bellowed for Hill Bert. When he arrived, Pal Sun told how Rooper had challenged Vidge whilst they were on the West border, near the Great Twig Cliffs. They had watched in horror as Vidge’s antlers hooked onto Rooper’s prongs and, in a breath, they were over.

The herd, including Hill Bert and Low Sooz, stood in shock at this news. Then muzzles were raised and the cry of loss began.

(500 words)

© Yamini Ali MacLean 2018