97 Hunt part-3

Suddenly there was a fierce squeal as a massive boar, the biggest even Jason had seen charged out from the thick brush. It rivalled the size of Gregor in bulk and length, along with having massive gnarled tusks that could gore muscle and rip leather with ease. Lancel yelped out in shock as he leapt aside into the bushes, while Robert and Renly turned about, spears aimed low in a bracing stance.

"Come on you old pig!" Robert growled out while Barristan and Jasondodged aside, knowing the boar spears to be more effective than their swords. The boar blindly rushed into the two spears, Renly's being knocked aside by the thrashing head, nicking across the boar's muscular neck while staggering the young man away. The king, however, had his spear drive into the beast's chest, the spear sinking deep into thick muscle and flesh.

Despite the deep wound, the boar was unyielding as it struggles and pushes forward, making Robert slide back as he put all his heavyweight against the beast. The rough terrain made it hard for the large man to keep his footing as a thick overgrown root had him tumble back, cursing out as he landed roughly onto his back. With the spear still stuck in, the boar squealed as it rushed at Robert, who quickly drew out a large hunting knife to defend himself.

At this point, Jason acted as he drew and fired his crossbow in one fluid move, the bolt flying right into the beast's left eye. The overgrown animal squealed in pain as it was blinded, disrupting its charge as it turned away from Robert. Renly had recovered as he gave a yell, stabbing into the boar's side, slowing the animal even more as he twisted the spear about. The boar thrashed about, trying to get at Renly who was barely keeping his footing.

Robert took this chance to pull himself up and lunge at the boar, giving a fierce battle cry as he grabbed at one of the gnarled tusks, showing a shocking burst of strength as he yanked the beast's head about. With a roar, he drove his knife into the boar's skull. It was a lethal wound, but the mindless beast seemed dead set on trying to take the King down with it. Jason fired another shot at the gashed wound Renly had left earlier across the neck, piercing through the thick fur and hide. The boar recoiling in pain, giving Robert the chance to stab again and twist the knife about. The boar gives a mournful groan before it, at last, slumped down dead at last. Robert shuffled back panting, leaving his knife embedded in the boar's skull while everyone gathered up around the massive beast.

For a long moment, no one said anything as they glanced between each other and the slain beast until Robert gave a deep laugh and victorious cry. "Hah! I still got it. Haven't stared death in the eye for so long…" Taking a deep breath, he rubbed his sweaty face and gruff beard as before glancing at Renly. "Renly…you're damn soft at times but you saved my ass there. Consider us even over that argument, just don't do that again." His gaze then shifted to Jason. "Thank you as well. Damn good shot going for the eye and neck. Seems you are full of tricks Surgebinder."

Renly shook his head, smirking a bit as he seemed a bit amused with his brother's remark. Whatever tension that had built up from their earlier argument was gone for the moment. "Fine…even then." He muttered, taking a deep sigh as he caught his breath.

"Crazy of you to grapple a boar-like that, much less with one hand," Jason remarked. "Guess you got some fire left in you sire."

"Heh, under a layer of fat and sagging muscle." The Robert chuckled as he stepped up to yank his knife out of the boar's skull with a bit of effort. "Either I need to thin down or hang up the spear. Been any slower that thing would have gored my guts out."

"It was a close call, your grace," Barristan remarked. "I feel I should have intervened at the least."

"Bah don't worry yourself Barristan. Your job is to fight off assassins, not old boars." By now Lancel would peek out from his hiding spot, quickly being noticed by Robert. "And you boy. Best hope you got strong arms and a sturdy back because you'll be helping drag this thing all the way back to camp."

Jason couldn't help but smirk in amusement as the squire give such a troubled look from the order, although he nodded his head as he'd rejoin the group. "As you wish sire…" He offered up the wineskin which the King snatched up before taking a deep gulp from, giving a pleased sigh as he savoured the drink and his victorious kill.