The Smoke Jumper

The elk emerged from the burning trees and stopped on the ridge above him. Its coat was scorched black and its antlers flamed like a torch.

It stood there staring down at him and he felt like a pagan summoned before some ancient deity or devil from a world beyond.

The suddenly, it was gone, as if it had never been.

But Connor knew it was an omen, though of what, as yet, he had no idea.