Continued…

Off to my left, something large and lumbering headed toward me. Branches cracked when broken in half. Grunts were followed by deep intakes of breath. Its tusks were short, but sharp. Beady eyes, set within a layer of thick, dark hide displayed a fury I’d never before sensed in a beast of the woods.

It approached me, slowing its pace. A large arrow protruded from its shoulder. Tall for a wild boar, its back almost matched the height of my collarbone. I felt around the wound with my fingers. I did not sense poison. By their design, arrowheads were not meant to be extracted without causing extensive damage, but I had no choice.

The beast sensed what I meant to do next and braced itself against a tree. I stood on the opposite side. I called on the ageless ones for their strength and wisdom. The strangely-shaped arrowhead exited the beast’s body in one piece, leaving a large opening in its shoulder. The arrow's shaft was not made of wood, but cold-to-the-touch metal. I placed both of my hands over the wound to staunch the bleeding and begin the healing.

Beneath my fingers, I felt the boar’s heartbeat slow to its normal rhythm.

After a few more minutes, I climbed upon the beast’s back. Leaning forward, I whispered, “As Goddess of the Shadow Forest, I must find these makers of metal arrows. My wrath is quickening and shall soon overflow.”