Of Rocks and Stones

An ever so slight rustle of leaves and the faintest of footfalls were the only indications of Melthun's presence. Every movement he made was considered and cautious. He was aware of the pull of each of his muscles as he stalked his target in the washed-out sunset colors of a verdant rainforest. The shaft of his heavy spear felt good in his hands. The weight was a constant reminder of his goal, of his vengeance.

Melthun's mind was working just as meticulously as his body. He would not allow the traitorous odor of fear to enter his mind, lest his target should smell it. However, there was no mistake -- Melthun was afraid. Never before had anyone tried to slay a Monlith. Never before had anyone dared to even think a Monlith could be slain.

"Steady," Melthun thought to himself. He mastered his fear, as he had mastered everything in his life. From a young age, it was clear to the others of his tribe that Melthun was destined to be the Trium, leader of the tribe and uniter of all Nekkarians. "Well," thought Melthun, "they were all wrong. Now there will be no Trium" Before Melthun had even reached the age of ascension, the Monlith he was now stalking had entered his village and slaughtered everyone there. Only those who were away from the village were spared.

The unbelievably large hunk of rock and biomass which stood before him had become Melthun's only reason for living. He had hunted the creature for months, trying to kill it and exact vengeance in every way he could think of. His attempts had proven ineffective and dangerous. The Monlith had nearly killed him twice already. The last time, Melthun had been seriously injured. But it had been worth it. He had found a way to wound the rocky behemoth.

Melthun was, in a way, lucky. At only four times the height of an average Nek, this Monlith was relatively small. Its small size also meant it was much faster than the larger Monliths Melthun had seen. This had lead to his various injuries. Melthun would not underestimate the massive creature again. This time, his trap would work.