Bitter rejection

The crash of the broad sword into the thicket echoed as thunder into the creeping dusk.....The muscles of this imposing warrior rippled...much as wheat in the soft breeze of a midsummer's eve...but no foothold was gained...the  thicket seemed to consume him....he paused...peering into the mist just beyond...was that the flutter of wings...it filled his nostrils....the soft scent of lavender...her fragile frame as she moved....he sighed...then paused again...a soft whisper.. As if the air around him had softly been pulled away...a small grin crossed his face....he spoke without turning..."Lord Jackal...has Fang sent you to collect my bones after the hounds pick them clean of flesh."....he chuckled to himself..he turned as two soft grey eyes appeared from the mist....The Jackal grinned in response... A glimpse of a long white fang shown between his lips.....""Not at all M'Lord...i come on my own accord...to offer some words in regard to your hunt...that you may consider a more subtle approach...and as for your bones...it is well known that the hounds of these woods survive by staying quite clear of The Slayers blade."....The Slayer chuckled a bit...this was The Jackal..an assassin with no equal...yet he was a friend...and one of the few he trusted...The Slayer turned slowly as he spoke....""You may always speak my friend...as of late i know not that I have the sense to listen.""....Jackal nodded in agreement...then spoke...the respect he held for this warrior of legend shown in each word he spoke...."In the early days M' Lord...i watched as time and again you led us in battle...and we destroyed armies many times our number... And each night...your wise words were the same...and it is these words i now say to you....Become your prey."'