Sam wanted to reach out and grab the antlers, but didn't, with difficulty he kept his hands down.
"I heard stories of a beast that lived in a forest not far from my home. A beast almost no one has ever seen. 
It was the perfect monster, large as a hill and faster than lightning. The forest was old and dark and the beast was just as old and dark, all of the other creatures had formed camouflages or speed. Surviving in this forest meant not being near the Apex Predator. And there was this curse, or blessing, depends. It was possible to meet the monster and live, sometimes he'd let you live, no one knows why. Survivors, human and animal alike would grow antlers and gain heightened intelligence. They could commune with any other infected creature like they were the same race. Many called these witches or cursed and they were always hunted and feared alike. My school teacher used to believe that the curse may have been one of the old magics." Sam spoke fast and without taking breaths. His eyes glimmering and fixated on the horns. "Is there a chance you are from there?"

---

Horace looked puzzled. "Cows? Cookies?"