The sun set in a soft orange glow across the plains, lighting the tall grass like golden fire. Rina and her brother Hako walked quietly through the field, their spears held low. Their clan had been following a herd of giant deer—also known as Megaloceros—for several days, hoping to find one separated from the group. These deer were massive, with enormous antlers spread wide like the branches of an ancient tree. They were swift, alert, and difficult to hunt.
Rina had never seen a giant deer up close. She had only heard stories told around the fire: stories of deer so tall their antlers brushed the lower branches of trees, and so strong they could outrun even the fastest hunters. But now she had a chance to see one with her own eyes.
As they walked, Hako raised his hand, signaling Rina to stop. He pointed toward a patch of nearby trees. There, grazing calmly, stood a lone giant deer. Its antlers stretched nearly three meters across, casting shadows over its body. Its coat glowed reddish-brown in the fading sunlight. It looked peaceful—but also powerful.
Rina’s heart beat faster. This was the opportunity the clan had waited for. But a giant deer was dangerous. One kick could break a hunter’s ribs, and its antlers could easily lift a person off the ground.
The siblings approached carefully. The deer lifted its head, ears turning toward them. It snorted, sensing danger. Hako signaled Rina to circle left while he moved right. They had practiced this technique many times—one hunter distracts the animal while the other moves in for a clean strike.
As Rina crept through the grass, she stepped on a branch. Crack.
The deer’s head snapped toward her. Its eyes widened, and in an instant, it leaped forward, charging toward her with incredible speed.
Rina froze. The deer was only seconds away.
Suddenly, Hako shouted and waved his spear. The deer turned sharply, swerving to avoid him. Its hooves dug into the soil, sending clumps of dirt flying. Rina regained her breath and steadied her spear.
The deer bolted toward the open plains. Hako ran after it, shouting for Rina to follow. They sprinted together, their legs burning with effort. The giant deer was fast, but its heavy antlers slowed it just enough.
As they neared a narrow rocky pass, Hako pointed ahead. “There! We can trap it between the rocks!”
They ran harder. The deer reached the narrow passage, realizing too late it had cornered itself. It turned, lowering its antlers to defend itself.
Hako moved in from the left. Rina approached from the right. For a moment, time seemed to freeze—the great deer standing tall, its breath steaming in the cool air.
With a final coordinated strike, the siblings thrust their spears forward. The deer staggered, then slowly sank to the ground.
Rina knelt beside it, placing her hand on its warm fur. “Thank you,” she whispered.
They knew this hunt would feed the whole clan. But more importantly, Rina realized something: in the Stone Age, even the greatest creatures could fall—but not without honor and respect.
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