The great head beneath the rack of massively splayed, moss-draped antlers pivoted regally on its shaggy neck, scanning the glade behind for danger. But the narrow expanse of grass was empty, and the farther border of trees and underbrush contained no hint of motion.Abruptly, somewhere beyond the green curtain, came a movement. Through the leafy screen a long wooden shaft hurtled, shearing off leaves with its razory stone point, skimming low to strike the forest loam between the elk’s broad hooves. With a simultaneous spring-taut motion, the animal launched itself into air and vanished, its departure signalled only by the thudding snap of twigs from forest beyond.“A poor cast, Conan!” Jad called out as he loped forward through the thicket. “You have not yet gained the knack of using the spear-thrower.”“Aye, River-man.” Aklak spread his comments out between short breaths as he ran alongside his now-weaponless hunt-mate. “The trees did not allow you enough loft for such range.
