The Last Mosbach Lion

    By The Orrs

    The Last Mosbach Lion cover image

    14 Apr, 2024

    a man in a suit and tie sitting at a table with a plate of food in front of him, mannerism, a character portrait, Adam Pijnacker, sophisticated

    Grant Orr had just arrived in Rome for a vacation. He decided to go to a local restaurant for dinner. There, he overheard a waiter sharing a fascinating story about the Mosbach Lion.

    a man sitting at a table with a plate of food in front of him and a glass of wine, mannerism, a stock photo, Enrico Baj, handsome

    The Mosbach Lion, according to the waiter, was a creature larger than a tiger but had been extinct for over 300,000 years. Intrigued, Grant decided to explore this further the following day.

    a man walking through a forest with lots of trees and ferns on the ground and signs on the ground, environmental art, a photorealistic painting, Chris LaBrooy, forest

    Grant found himself in a secluded part of the woods, with a sign warning about endangered animals. Seeing no immediate threat, he decided to venture in, climbing over the fence.

    a path in the woods with leaves on the ground and trees in the background with a few leaves on the ground, environmental art, a storybook illustration, Filip Hodas, award - winning photography

    As he walked deeper into the forest, he noticed something strange. There were huge paw prints on the ground, indicating the presence of a large predator. He felt a chill run down his spine.

    a man is walking in the woods with a bear on his back and a forest scene in the background, furry art, poster art, Alson S. Clark, official art

    Suddenly, he heard a deafening roar echoing from a nearby cave. He froze, his heart pounding. A massive creature pounced out of the shadows, dwarfing even a bear in size.

    a lion standing in a forest with a man in the background looking at it's surroundings with red leaves, fantasy art, a matte painting, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    The creature was a lion, but not just any lion. It was enormous, with a blood-streaked coat, clearly in the middle of a meal. Grant realized, with a shock, it was a Mosbach Lion.

    a lion running through a forest with trees and ferns on the ground and a trail in the foreground, art photography, a photorealistic painting, Chris LaBrooy, wildlife photography

    Fueled by fear and adrenaline, Grant started running. He could hear the heavy footsteps of the lion closing in on him. He pushed himself to run faster, his mind racing for a plan.

    a lion running through a forest with trees and leaves on the ground and a trail in the background with a trail leading to the right, fantasy art, a digital painting, Chris LaBrooy, magic the gathering artwork

    Suddenly, he saw the fence ahead. He sprinted towards it, praying that he would make it in time. The lion was right behind him, its roars echoing in his ears.

    a lion walking through a forest filled with trees and ferns on a path with a forest floor and trees, photorealism, an airbrush painting, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    With a final burst of energy, Grant reached the gate. He clambered over it, stumbling and falling on the other side. Panting heavily, he watched as the lion halted at the fence, unable to cross.

    a man standing in front of a large lion in the woods with a forest background and a man standing next to it, fantastic realism, poster art, Chris LaBrooy, promotional image

    Grant managed to lock the gate, ensuring the lion couldn't escape. He stood there, his heart still pounding, staring at the Mosbach Lion. His fear was replaced with awe and disbelief.

    a man sitting on a bed in a hotel room with a lamp on the side of the bed and a window behind him, arts and crafts movement, a digital rendering, Dan Scott, promotional image

    Grant returned to his hotel, still shaken by the encounter. He knew he had experienced something extraordinary. It was a tale he would tell for years to come, the day he came face-to-face with the last Mosbach Lion.