Edric stood in the heart of the dense forest, blindfolded, his pointed ears twitching at the faintest sound.
The world around him was alive with whispers of leaves, the snap of twigs, and the subtle hum of arrows cutting through the air. His chest rose and fell steadily, his steel knuckles clenched tight, ready to strike.
**WHOOSH**
The first arrow zipped past, its sound sharp and clear. Edric shifted his weight, leaning just enough for the projectile to miss his ear by a hair's breadth.
His head tilted slightly, listening, sensing. Another arrow came from his left. He ducked, the shaft slicing through the space where his head had been.
**Thump!**
His boot pressed into the soft earth as he twisted to the side, avoiding two more arrows fired in quick succession.
The shooters were good, but Edric's heightened senses were better. The faint stretch of bowstrings, the creak of wood under pressure, even the ragged breathing of his enemies gave them away.
