laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

William spun in the saddle.  He was shocked to see a scorpion, at least six feet long, grasping his poor pack mule. William watched helplessly as the monster's tail delivered the death blow. William thanked Arhus that he had split the supplies between the two animals that morning. Suddenly, the lead rope went taunt and began to drag horse and rider back toward the doomed beast. With the practiced ease of a seasoned fighter, William drew his dagger and severed the rope. The horse bolted and even with his horsemanship skill, it took a full minute to bring his mount back under control.

Willam turned back to the scene only to spot two more smaller scorpions emerging from the sand. William drew, nocked, and fired an arrow in one fluid motion. He watched as it found its mark, striking the creature on its left side, then bouncing harmlessly off. The only thing it did was gain the beast's attention. The scorpion turned and charged. Again William loosed an arrow. Again it found its mark, and again bounced off. William noticed that the other two were now charging. William recalled his father's words, "Know when to fight, but most of all, know when to retreat." William was no coward, but three to one odds were not good. He turned his mount away from the oncoming horde. The horse needed little encourgement to flee.