The Fox, Red

081 - The Hunt Begins

I get to see the place where I've been locked up for what I imagine to be days. The stone floor is as cold as it has been for the past few days. I hear the men carrying me laughing as they nearly carry me down the hallway. I see the door that I've been dreading hearing. It's a solid wood door with iron around the frame. I can only see it when I'm close. My eyes are still stuck where they cannot focus. I feel horrid as they move me. I'm aware of everything but not focused enough to make sense of it.

One more stone hallway before there's light from outside. I can hear more voices as we get closer. They're having a good time. I hear some singing, some talking, and some just making noise. The men carrying me knock on the door and the room goes quiet as someone calls for their attention. The person on the other side is loud enough that I can hear them.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! The hunt you have been waiting for is about to begin!"

I hear a round of shouting and clapping. The words ring clearly in my ears. "The hunt you have been waiting for." I questioned what would happen for days. I wondered what was going to happen to me. I'm sad to say that the greater of my fears have been realized. I have no way to fight back. I hear him shout "Bring him out!" before the door opens. I'm dragged in barely able to keep my feet under me.

I'm dragged around what appears to be a large hunting lodge. Solid wood floors with tall wooden pillars that stretch beyond where I can focus. I know there's a second floor. I see a few faces that are looking down on me. The murmurs that do reach my ears are concerning. A few are excited mentioning that "if I'm able to bag him, it's well worth the money" while a few others are excited at just the opportunity.

I'm paraded around a little bit longer before they stop and let me fall. They're going over the rules;

Only approved weapons can be used.

Traps are allowed but cannot be used against other hunters.

Live captures are allowed but probably not recommended.

Humane kills only...

That last one is not comforting. I'm dragged around one last time. I feel the wind hit my face as the light from the sun nearly blinds me. I'm outside at least. Someone gets up in my face with a twisted smile. "Listen here fox, you'd better give us a good show. You have 30 minutes to run before they start coming after you. Make it count." They jab something into my neck again and almost instantly, the world becomes clear.

I can see. I can focus. I cannot use my magic. They still have it blocked somehow. Someone behind me yells, "30 minutes, Fox! Better run! Hahahahaha!" It's followed by more howling and hollering as they antagonize me. I'm able to stand once again. If I was able to use my magic, I could end this hear. For now, I have to play their game. But I have to play it smart.

They're shouting for me to run. I will not give them that satisfaction. I turn and walk down the path that leads into the forest. Once I am out of eyesight, I will make a break for it. I have to use the time to collect myself. Get my bearings. The first thing I notice, which I hadn't been aware enough to realize for the past few days, is that they took everything from me. Any tools I had in my pockets are gone along with my clothes. I'm left bare to the world. I can still hear them behind me yelling for me to run. I refuse. I will not give them that satisfaction. I am terrified but will not let them see that.

Once the voices turn into a murmur, I take a left and go off the beaten path. They're hidden from view and now I can run. I pick up my feet and start moving inward and off to the side. I have to assume the worst. That the cards are stacked against me. I assume these people are experienced hunters so they know how to track my movements. I know that I'll be leaving a trail behind while I move fast. I need distance right now and can work on hiding myself later.