The forest was quiet, save for the soft rustling of wind through the branches and the distant chatter of birds. Ayashto moved through the undergrowth like a shadow, each step carefully placed, his breathing shallow. His eyes locked onto the lone traveler ahead who was cloaked with their hood up, walking with the slow confidence of someone who thought themselves alone.
Foolish.
Ayashto had stalked enough prey in his life to know the difference between a hunter and the hunted. This one carried a satchel, its leather worn but well kept. Supplies, perhaps. Gold, if he was lucky. He could not afford to be hesitant. The city had taught him that much.
He nocked an arrow, drawing his bow in a slow, deliberate motion as he stepped between the trees. The figure paused. Ayashto froze, pressing himself low behind a gnarled bush.
Did they hear me? No… just a moment of hesitation.
The traveler continued, their boots crunching lightly against the damp earth. Ayashto exhaled through his nose. His hands did not shake, he had been raised a hunter, after all. He was merely shifting the prey from beast to man.
With one final step, he moved forward, emerging from the bush like a wraith of the wilds. His bowstring was drawn tight, the arrowhead gleaming like a fang in the dappled sunlight.
"Stop where you are!" Ayashto yelled out, his loud voice a startling difference from the gentle sounds of nature around them. He hoped that they would stop, and not give him any problems as this was just a robbery. However, he knew that he needed to be prepared for anything.
