The hunt lasted far longer than expected, stretching well into the afternoon before their small group finally caught sight of a decent-sized animal, which was odd for these parts of the forest, which were usually teeming with wildlife.
Bringing the stag down proved far easier than tracking it. Ragnar was the one who dealt the killing blow, ending the creature's struggle swiftly.
"You should have let Hairan have the final shot," Jayran said lightly. He moved to crouch beside the stream where Ragnar was already kneeling, rinsing dirt and blood from his hands. Clear water rushed over his fingers, staining red before carrying it away. "He has a betrothed to impress, after all."
A few of the nobles lingered nearby, chatting idly as they prepared to haul the stag back to the clearing.
"Why would I let him have anything?" Ragnar replied flatly.
