Apache has just left his village heading towards the lake.  He originally wanted to go for a stroll through the wilderness. He knew these forests like the back of his hand, after all he spent his whole childhood here.  He learned how to protect hunt, fish, harvest and build right here in these woods.  While on his way to the lake he realized how hungry he really was and decided he needed to catch some grub. He quickly snapped a branch off of a tree and began to shave the branches bark off, making the stick smooth as silk.  Reaching down into his well prepared satchel he pulled out a spear head and some twine.  Once he bonded the tip to the stick he decided to test the tool out. Launching the spear straight through the air about 25 feet away it stuck straight into the tree. Apache though to himself:

It could use a little more binding with twine, the stick came a little loose off of impact!

Making changes to the weapon Apache decided it would serve its purpose.  He ran the rest of the way to the lake and approached the shore.  The Native American stood on a boulder in a shallow spot of the water. Snapping the spear down into the water pulling decent size fish up on the spear almost every time.  Using more of the twine he put the string through the mouth and out of the gills. After filling the string with about 6 fish Apache figures it was time to get back to the village.

Crack, Crack

Apache heard someone walking up on the trail. He must have stepped on some sticks making the sound.  Apache caught a glimpse through the heavy brush. He seen a lot of shiny steel or iron.  Apache tried to jump off of the rock leaving one of his feet splashing through the water.  He tried to get low down into the bush that was by the shore but it was to late. The shiny man had already noticed him and was now approaching the Native American warrior.

BudKnight had been making his way through the woods following some tips he had received from a man in Seattle about where to possibly find an old artifact. The description he was given made is sound like it must have been a sword. As a swordsman he was quite into collecting swords of all rarities. 

The further into the forest he went, the more he felt that he had lost his way a bit. This was not a landscape he had ever really traversed before. As he continued onward he caught some signs of wild beasts and possibly other humans that had been through the area before him. The sun was beating down on him in his armor and causing him to definitely feel the heat. He was hoping that he may find a source of water soon to drink and splash some on his face. 

Eventually he was walking and he was certain he could hear some water nearby. Bud was walking and accidentally stepped on a few sticks causing some loud cracking noises that would most certainly alert all animals in the area to his presence. There was a glimmer of water, but then also some movement and a splashing noise. 

Not far off from him he spotted what seemed to be a Native American who must have been hunting for a meal. He could feel his stomach grumble at the thought of nourishment. So he figured it might be a good idea to go see if this hunter would possibly want to share with him or even help him catch something of his own. 

"Why hello! How are you? My name is Bud Knight. I have come to these lands in order to seek out an ancient artifact which I had heard of from another. But I have noticed you, your fish, and this water. I was hoping that not only could I get a drink of water, but maybe you would be willing to share or trade one of those fish with me?" He smiled hoping he had found a generous and friendly man along his journey. 

When the knight spotted the Native man and started heading towards him, Apache went into survival mode grabbing his bow from his back and pulled a row back pointing it directly at the knight.  Before he knew it the knight fully exposed himself form the brush. He looked like a threat but acted completely different. He had his hands open ensuring he didn’t mean any harm.  After BudKnight explained that he was on a journey for a accent artifact and was feeling really hungry, Apache lowered his bow and put the arrow back in its case.  

“I would love to share with my fellow explorers, I can most likely help you navigate around these forests.  You know what’s better than sharing is teaching.  If you give a man a fish he eats for a day, If you show a man how to fish he eats for a lifetime.”

Apache walks over to the brush and pulled out a decent sized branch.  Shaved it down to bare wood and cut a notch on one end.  Apache pulled out a spear tip from his satchel and attached it to the stick with twine.  Handing The quickly made weapon to the knight and showing him over to the boulders in the water near the shore.

”Okay so you put the tip of the spear just into the water. Not the whole tip just a tiny bit.  The fish see the shiny tip of the spear and come to you.  Then you thrust down when the fish is directly under the spear.”

Then a fish came at the perfect time for Apache to lead by example. He thrusted down stabbing directly through the gills of the fish.  BudKnight looked surprise lad that the Native Mans theory’s worked. Apache pulled the fish off the spear and slid it down the rope with the rest of the fish.

BudKnight watched in amazement as the Native displayed great skill in using the spear to get himself a fish on the first try. He took the spear and attempted to follow his advice...

The tip of the spear in the water....

The fish approaching.....

*sploosh*

With a splash of water, Bud thrusted the spear and then pulled it back just as quickly. There was no fish on the end and just another growl of his stomach as he continued to miss out on food. He was determined though to make sure he could catch something for himself though rather than making this man do all the work himself. 

Again, he place the spear into the water. The fish came closer and was eventually right below the spear. 

*sploosh*

This time the spear came back out of the water with a fish on the end. Although it was quite small in comparison to some of the other fish that were around the rock, it was still a success. So he quickly turned with an excited expression to his new compatriot. 

"I have done it! Your tutelage was quite good. I agree with your statement before. I can now use this new knowledge whenever I find myself in this sort of situation." He smiled and patted Apache on the shoulder.

"So, what now? I follow your lead!" He motioned for him to show him their next step. 

Apache was excited to see his new friend pull a fish out of the water with the spear.  He always got the greatest pleasure teaching others survival tactics or spiritual ceremonies.  He could tell by BudKnight face that he was dying to get some food in his stomach, so Apache decided to go to the next step of survival.  The two walked over to the bank of the lake. Apache pulled his fillet knife made from deer bone out of his waist band, and removed a fish from the rope holding them all.  

“So first you chop the head off right above the gills.  Then try to slice as much of the scales off as you can, try not to take off the meat.  Then cut down to the bone turn the blade and fillet. Like this!”

Apache followed his own instructions he had told to Bud.  Then did the same with the other side.  Apache piles the remainder of the fish off to his left, and pulls a clay pan out of his satchel.  

“How about you fillet the rest of the fish and I’ll get the fire going so we can cook?  Make sure you put the remainder parts of the fish in a pile, us Native Americans use every part of anything we kill.  I will use the bones for something!”

Apache handed the knife over to BudKnight and then went to go collect brush and logs for the fire.  Once he collected the materials needed he came back to the bank and dig out a small hole in the dirt. Piling up timber and leaves in the center of the hole.  Taking a log and a small oak branch he began to twist the wood together.  Before long the fire was starting up. Apache lit s leaf on fire and threw it in the pit of brush.  The fire rose and Apache put bigger branches on top to ensure the fire stayed long enough to cook with.

”Now place a fillet or two in the pan and hold it over the flame, don’t let it touch the pan just keep it right above!”

The skill with a knife was commendable as Bud watched Apache take care of that fish with ease. Not long and it was left with Bud to be finished so that they could get a fire started to cook their meal. The fire was quite warm and very welcomed as it started to cool off now that the day was slowly turning to night. 

He listened to Apache's words and digested every bit of them so not to mess up any instructions. The hands on learning of these skills was invaluable for BudKnight with all of his quests he usually went on. So he held the pan over the flame as instructed and sat there watching the fillets begin to sizzle and cook. The smell that began to rise from them was intense and made his stomach hunger for nourishment even more, but he was happy to know that it would soon feel content with the food they were cooking....

*crack*

Bud watched as Apache quickly rose to his feet to look out into the darkness. To him it was just another tree branch snapping, but due to Apache's response he could tell it must be something more. Although it was difficult to know since when they first met Apache was quick to get into a defensive position.

Just as Bud was about to speak Apache was nocking an arrow and just as soon as he did a shadow launched out of the woods and straight for Apache. 

*thwack*

The arrow flew so fast it wasn't seen by Bud till the shadow hit the ground hard and was sticking out of it's side. Quickly he grabbed a branch the was lit on the end of lifted it to see what Apache had just shot. What lay on the ground in front of them was a wolf...

"Why would the beast take such a chance? To attack two men by itself?" Bud asked with confusion.

Apached quickly gave him a look and then motioned to the woods. He realized that his question was based upon incorrect information.....the wolf was not alone and they were going to need more arrows....

After Apache sent the first arrow in between the eyes of the first wolf he knew there were more to come. Wolves never come alone they are normally in packs of at least 7 wolves. With one down there was at least 6 to go. Apache looked down and seen only three more arrow. He grabbed one and loaded it into the bow. Unable to see the other wolves he scooted closer to BudKnight considering he had the flame that would scare them.

”We gotta get out of here man, the way out is that way!”

Apache pointed to the right. And the two started fast paced walking towards the way out. That’s when you could hear a huge numbers of paws running behind them. Apache flips around and sends another arrow into the hind leg of another wolf, leaving him temporarily disabled. The two new friends began to run as fast as they could, but could not outrun the pack of wild animals behind them.

In mid stride Apache felt a sharp pain behind his right thigh. The wolf had sunk his teeth into his thigh ripping through every tendon in its path. Apache hit the ground screaming in pain. The wolf released his grip and was headed straight for Apaches neck. The knight notice that his new friend had fell. When he turned around he seen the wolf aiming to strike at the neck of the native man. Bud pulled out his mighty sword and swung fiercely. The wolf dropped instantly with its head almost severed from its body. The knight helped Apache back to his feet.

”Thank you man, you saved my life!”

The two started walking as fast as they could towards the only known exit of the forest. Apache took a look around, a feeling of fright came over him as he began to see eyes of wolves circling them. Apache pulled another arrow out and loaded it into the bow. The two looked at one another then to the wolves.

The wolves were closing in, Apache was hurt quite badly, the arrows were running out, and BudKnight wasn't sure how many wolves he could fight at once if they attacked as a group. This seemed like unusual behavior for these beasts since they had fire and even struck down or injured some of the wolves. Were they being vengeful or were they just that hungry?

He shook his head to get rid of those thoughts, they would do nothing for him as he could not ask the wolves themselves. All he could do was fight until these beasts were either dead or gave up...

Just then a wolf lunged in at them attempting to finish off Apache, "Die foul beast!"

He swung and sliced off the wolves front right leg causing it to land whimpering before Apache put an arrow into it putting it out of it's misery. Apache yanked the arrow out of the wolf as to conserve his ammo. Although it was violent, it was necessary to save their lives while also being humane. 

Apache saw one wolf circling and about to lunge when he fired an arrow into it's hind leg causing it to turn and run off into the darkness. He fired another shot that wizzed past one of the wolves heads and landed in a tree. Unlucky, but something they'd have to just move past if they wanted to survive. 

"We have to keep moving. The second that there is an opening in the direction we wish to go, we need to go for it. I shall use my sword to try to guard us as best I can." He was a bit fatigued at this point and he could see the concern on Apache's face. 

There it was!

They began to move as quickly as possible....

Three wolves closed in from the left, right, and behind them. Apache fired his last arrow fending off one of the wolves who let out a howl of pain. One wolf lunged for Bud's right arm and he swung the sword just barely catching the wolf on it's side as it changed directions at the last second....it was a good maneuver. Opening him up for attack by the wolf from behind while he brought the sword back to an attacking position.

The wolf hit him like a ton of bricks from behind sending him tumbling down a large hill to their right. He smashed through the brush snapping branches and crushing bushes. When he landed at the bottom the wolf lunged at him from only a couple feet away. He caught it by the throat as it snarled and snapped at him. He flung it to his left and then got to his feet with his hands raised in a boxing position since he sword was nowhere to be seen...

Another lunge...

*woosh*

Bud swung his fist as hard as he could and connected with the wolf's jaw. He took a few steps backwards as the wolf collected itself. Again it came for him, this time Bud swung too early and the wolf latched onto his right arm's armor. The beast had a mighty powerful jaw as it began to dent and crush the armor around his forearm. One of the teeth broke through and punctured his arm causing Bud to yell out in pain....

"Arrghhhh!" He began punching the wolf in the head over and over until they both fell to the ground. 

The fatigue was becoming too much for him between running, fighting, wounds, and lack of sleep. As he rolled onto his side, the wolf rose and snarled. Just as it was about to lunge for one final attack a sword came down right between it's shoulder blades causing it to slump to the ground lifeless...

He looked up and there stood Apache....

Apache was very grateful that Bud had saved his life yet again. He was able to get back to his feet and the adrenaline from trying to escape just started to kick in.  When the duo seen their opening they went for it, but the pack of beasts already had them surrounded. All of a sudden one of the wolves tackled bud down the hill sending his sword into the air. The sword landed right next to Apache. He picked it up and tried to catch up with BudKnight and the wolf who were tumbling fast.  By the time he had got to the bottom of the hill the Knight was in the middle of a struggling fight with the wolf that had sent him down. The wolf was on top of the honorable knight ready to chomp.  Apache finally caught up to the brawl and sent Buds sword right into the spine of the beast dropping him lifeless instantly.  Apache rips the sword from the wolves back and kicks the beast off of his friend. Helping Bud back to his feet and handing him back his mighty sword.

”Are you okay my friend?  I think we lost the rest of them during the fall!”

But Apache spoke too soon.  He could here rustling coming from on top of the hill they had just went down.  Apache looks down to his leather arrow holder and realized he had none left.  He tossed the bow and the leather pack in order to lose some of the weight.  He had to be able to run as fast as possible especially now that range attacking was out of the question.  Apache looked down to his waistband pulling out two handmade deer bone tomahawks.  

“Let’s keep moving brother,  hopefully there is not to many more of them!”

The two decided not to head back up the hill but instead walk around it. Yes it would take longer but they would be more likely to see any animal coming down towards them if they were at the bottom.  All of a sudden at least three more wolves were burrowing down the hill at full speed.  Apache noticed them first, and decided to throw one of the tomahawks to even the playing field.  The axe stuck straight into the animals skull leaving him in a howl of pain.  Apache the looked over to Bud and then got in fighting stance with his last tomahawk.

BudKnight was very happy to see his new found friend Apache as he pushed the wolf off of him and took back his sword. They were on their way around the hill when three wolves came bounding down and Apache took one out with his tomahawk. They were now in a two versus two fight for their lives with just one sword, one tomahawk, and a plethora of injuries.

As the wolves got closer they slowed and began to circle the two men. They must have been debating on how to best attack. As they stood there, Bud almost collapsed to one knee as he felt a shooting pain in his left ankle he had not noticed before. Although the adrenaline was still pumping he realized he must have severely injured it during his tumble down the hill.

The wolves must have noticed and they sprung into action as Bud was recovering....

Apache saw this as well and lunged in front of Bud to take on the first wolf. They went rolling together in a heap of viciously moving limbs. While the second one hit Bud and again sent him to the ground with razor sharp teeth attempting to get at his throat for the kill....

He saw Apache struggling with the handle of his tomahawk in the wolf's mouth as it too pushed down to try to snatch the life out of him. Bud reached down to his leg, now struggling twice as much to hold off the foul beast with one hand. His finger tips found it, the small blade he had there. He pulled it free and with one quick motion plunged it into the side of the wolf. It howled in pain as it rolled off of Bud, it began to limp off. The second wolf noticed this and finally decided to relent and head after it's final pack mate. 

Bud slowly rose to his feet using his sword as a cane...

"Well my friend, I think our fight is over finally. I suppose it might not be the best time to continue my quest for the sword. Maybe we can find a place to rest and recover a bit. I'd sure appreciate any help in finishing my quest." Bud felt exhausted and it clearly showed through his voice.

He looked at Apache to see what he thought....

It was really dark out by now and Apache felt the same as BudKnight, it was time for some rest. They had to regain energy if they wanted to continue the journey for the mysterious sword.  Apache was just glad to have a friend out in the wilderness, he is normally alone.  These kind of nights were regular for the Native man, not so much the wolf fight but the quiet darkness.  He nods to the Knight.

”Lets go find shelter my brother!”

The two headed for the cliff side.  Finding a little cave like place to call it a night.  BudKnight plopped next to the wall on the inside of the cave removing a little bit of his armor to get comfortable.  Apache knee that a fire must be lit in order to get a quick bite to eat and scare the animals off.  He quickly gathered a few things needed and got the fire blazing.  Reaching back to his satchel he pulled out his last clay pan, and to his surprise still had one fish inside as well.  He quickly fillets the fish and gets it over the fire to cook.  Once it was done the duo ate a fillet each.

”So tomorrow we head out on your quest.  I know these woods fairly well and I believe I can help you!”

With the Fire still blazing the two fell asleep sitting up. Apache has his tomahawk and Bud had his sword both in hand.