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The Last Resort

23 August 2024

The howdah pistol became a staple overnight for such pursuits. Named after the basket one sits inside on top of the elephant, the howdah started off in muzzleloading form as simply smaller handheld versions of the double barrel percussion long guns.

The wind is blowing through the trees that morning. In the distance you hear peacocks while the sun beats down on your ivory colored suit. It feels warm, typical for the tropics, you feel the sweat buildup on the brim of your pith helmet. It happens faster than you could ever imagine. Like a flash of orange and golden light shooting up through the bush. That snarl and growl sends chills deep down to your soul as you ready your double rifle. You raise the 450/400 in anticipation, you don’t even remember aiming let alone firing both barrels. He’s climbing up the elephant now. In a split second you make a decision, he’s too close to reload. You drop your rifle, draw your secondary gun and fire into the mass of orange claws and teeth that will soon overtake you. After you fire, the smoke clears and a tiger lays half way in your basket. You take a breath and reload.

Continued ...
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