Chapter 44: The Spring Party

Detrick had begun taking Sebastian out hunting with him during the winter. Despite his size, he was well muscled and could move about the forest stealthily.

He caught on quickly to bow hunting. Detrick explained to Sebastian that he could teach him trapping, but if you were a really good bow hunter, that was all you needed.

Detrick explained tracking, including how to spot a trap and disable it. He explained how to find edible plants, how the animals lived, and how to handle threats. They would speak at a barely audible whisper to one another while they stalked wild game.

“The smartest thing you can do,” Detrick said, warm vapor puffing out of his mouth with every word. “Is to avoid danger in the first place. Learn the patterns of creatures. And how to spot signs of them, and then avoid them entirely.”