It is dark, it is cold, and I am holding a small wooden pole with some dull metal at the end. So, yes I am scared. Not that I would ever admit that to Devin. The large spruce trees tower over my head. Glaring down at me as I walk among the shrubs and bushes. I stick close to Devin as he whacks away at vines. He is holding a sharp, sleek, silver looking sword. The iron easily cuts through the forest's pathetic attempts to keep us out. I keep to myself and only use my spear to nod some low hanging branches. It gets darker with every step and my blood starts pumping twice as much. Will I actually see a Greken? It's all I can focus on as we tread upon the muddy ground. I look up and the stars are barely visible through the canopy.
A twig snaps behind me and I jump out holding my spear at the ready. Prepared for anything. "Little jumpy are we?" I jump back around spooked by Devin's voice.
"Maybe a little, sir." We continue through the night. "Do we have any particular destination?"
"No, and yes. The Grekens get pushed farther back every two months that we have to hike farther and farther. Soon there will be none left, but until then we go on. Hey, that stick isn't goin' to do much. Take this," He hands an iron knife with a sheath. "Wrap the sheath around your waist. At least in close combat you'll have a better chance." I wrap the leather around my waist and fasten it on tightly. We walk for what seems like hours. I haven't any water with me, but I don't want to ask Devin in case I am a nuisance. Devin breaks into a slow jog. I follow, not knowing why. I don't want to get lost in this forbidden place. He jogs faster and faster. Soon we're in an all-out sprint!
I call out. "Why are we running faster?" Almost tripping on a stump.
"Because we are already behind the pack. They've been running since the entered the forest. I figured we should start too. Hurry up lad!" He encourages me to go faster. I look to the ground watching for stumps and twigs. I look up and suddenly Devin is gone.
"Devin?" I say "DEVIN" I yell louder. Where the heck could've he gone? "This isn't very funny" I continue to jog at the same pace. Thinking, maybe he just started to run faster. I sprint even faster. My breath becomes uneven and I have to slow down. "Devin! Where the heck are you!" Spit out. I come to a complete stop and take several deep breaths. Well, let's face reality. I lost in the forbidden dark hug woods, with vicious aliens and friends that disappear. Boy, am I doomed or what?
YOU ARE READING
The Handle of the Knife
General FictionA man's path to find himself, only to discover that was never what he intended to do.
