Racing to beat the incoming storm, Christopher gathered rope and some old oiled tarps from his saddlebags. He swiftly built Apollo a makeshift shelter under the cabin's awning, securing him to the post.
When Chris was finished, light rain sprinkled from the darkened sky. Lightning flashed in the woods, and thunder roared across the fields, echoing through Nottinghamshire's trees.
Chris cleaned and dressed the fowl on the cabin's covered porch for the evening meal. From the wood box, he grabbed several large logs and kindling. Afterward, he went inside to prepare dinner.
Christopher entered the room to find Rose still sleeping where he had left her. Using the wood-burning stove, he started a fire. In a Dutch oven, the pheasants were stewed with the mushrooms and wild vegetables he had found during his hunt. While cooking the meal, Chris lay beside Rose, keeping her warm.
