Zebulun woke before dawn. He picked up his bow.
Sarah wished him luck. "If you get anything, save the heart and liver. We’ll need the strength they’ll give us for the journey."
"How far?" asked Zebulun.
"Not far. Three hours walk or so. I told them we would arrive near dusk."
Zebulun went hunting. Within the hour, he encountered a flock of turkeys: one longbeard tom, several hens, and a few jakes. They stood beneath a great oak, snacking on acorns in the gray light of dawn.
Zebulun stood, back straight, feet shoulder-length apart, and drew. He watched the flock for a full minute before taking a deep breath, releasing it, and loosing his arrow. He shot the tom through the heart at thirty yards.
After field-dressing the fowl, he headed back to camp, plucking feathers as he went.
Quinn was rolling around on the ground when he arrived, wrestling with Kulth-Ing. Davion stared from the far side of the camp, his eyes wide. He looked like he thought Quinn might die at any moment.
The panther rolled on top of Quinn. Quinn fake-growled and made clawing motions at the feline’s face. The cat let out a growl that sounded half like a purr and delivered a savage play-bite to Quinn’s skull. He didn’t even scrape the skin.
Quinn laughed with delight. Kulth-Ing held him down, grooming his face and hair for a few minutes.
Zebulun held up the bird. "Thought we might add this to the morning’s stew."
"A fine catch," said Sarah. They cut it into parts and cooked it with the previous night’s leftover fare.
"I’ve never eaten like this," said Davion, licking his lips. "I tend to eat simply — some bread, some cheese, some meat every couple of days. I’ve had the fanciful dishes enjoyed by the rich, on occasion."
"But never," he said, taking another bite, "have I eaten fresh game that lived but an hour ago. I’m in awe. There’s something visceral about it."
Sarah smiled at Davion. "The stew also contains fresh roots and herbs, picked just this morning. They’re great for health and vigor."
"Delicious," he said.
"So good," said Quinn.
"We should take the last of the stew with us," she said. "The forest folk will appreciate the contribution." Zebulun nodded.
They broke camp and followed Sarah deeper into the wood.